Nine Greater Houlton Christian Academy graduates walked the traditional farewell graduation walk during the school’s 34th annual commencement ceremony on May 31 at the Military Street Baptist Church in Houlton.
As part of the ceremony, each of the graduates shared stories of their many years together, thanking teachers, classmates, families and parents for their guidance, humor, compassion, teaching and love of Christian values.
“I will use the life lessons, the Bible verses, the hours in class with a certain teacher, the memories with my peers, and memories with my mentors to help me face new challenges and decisions in the future so that I can build myself up into a better person,” Salutatorian Emery Nightengale said.
Many of the students have been together at the school for 14 years and as they move on to further their education, join the military or enter the workforce, they said it was the friendships and shared love of God they experienced at GHCA that will guide them forward.
“Just being there for certain seasons or longer or for a lifetime,” said James Brady. “Thank you for teaching me the important things and make me want to be a better person for myself, for you and for Jesus.”
Brady, who went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, said that GHCA has taught him many things, much more than science and math.
“I’m glad I grew up in a small town and went to a private school where you know everyone and become friends,” he said.
Senior Stephanie Tuttle praised science teacher Allison Whitaker for all she does for the students.
“Miss Whit is the glue that holds the upstairs classes of GHCA together. Without her I can’t even begin to imagine what would have happened but I can say for certain it would have been complete chaos,” Tuttle said. “Miss Whit is a giver and that’s all there is to it. We are truly blessed to have her as a teacher and she has touched so many lives mine included.”
The class presented her with a $1,000 check for the science department.
“So, class, when we leave this school, when we move on to our next adventure, let us not forget the people that shaped us and the times that we have had together,” Nightengale said.
