Staff Writer
HOULTON, Maine — Friends and family packed into the Houlton Wesleyan Church May 29 for Greater Houlton Christian Academy’s commencement exercises. After the processional and a Scripture reading, Leah Bates sang “Completely” and Gail Scovill awarded scholarships to the students, expressing appreciation to all those who contributed. More than $12,000 was awarded in scholarships.
Headmaster Mark Jago presented awards for Academic Excellence, Christian Character and Christian Service.
“These three awards exemplify what we look for in all our students, but especially in our graduating seniors,” he added.
Jordan McGuire, valedictorian of the Class of 2008, received the Academic Excellence and Christian Character awards; Jennifer Holcombe received the Christian Service Award.
Class leadership was transferred by 2008 Class President Hannah Hiscoe to Kari Brewer, representing the Class of 2009.
Guest speaker Stan Harris, a teacher at GHCA, was introduced by Jeromy Nevers.
“Mr. Harris has helped us in so many ways,” said Nevers. “I think I can speak for the whole class when I say, Mr. Harris is not just a teacher, but a friend to us all.”
Harris echoed that sentiment in his address to the graduates, joking about their quirks and saying he had become close friends with the graduates.
“Last year, when I came to GHCA no one could have prepared me for the Class of 2008,” he said with a smile.
In his speech, which also included a musical interlude, he went to encourage the graduates to be their best.
“I want to encourage you all to remain strong in Christ. Don’t settle for second best; you’re all above that,” he said. “And remember: I’m always here to pray for you. I’m always only a call, e-mail or text message away.”
McGuire, who followed with his valedictory address, had the audience laughing with his anecdotes on different types of graduation speeches. In the end, McGuire wrapped up his address by admonishing his classmates to stay focused on their faith.
“Turning your entire life over to God is the most important thing you can do,” he said. “We all need to share our faith … and, above all, live it. … Jesus focused on meeting the needs of the people around him and we need to do the same.”
The ceremony also included homage to long-time board member and former chairman Wayne Watson, who recently retired from the board. Jago and current chair Gregg Swallow presented Watson with a plaque for his years of service.
Before a slide show of the graduates and presentation of diplomas, Rick Carver, pastor at County Road Baptist Church, shared some insights with the students.
He told the students to keep their faith through studying the Scriptures, staying faithful to church and honoring their family. Holding fast to their faith will give them a firmly established lifeline, he said.
“At this juncture, it probably feels like a chapter in your life is closing, and it is, but it’s the start of another,” said Carver.
Living life is like writing a story, he added.
“You’re going to a write a story. Write a classic,” he said.
