Sixty-two seniors graduated during Whitefield Academy’s 16th Commencement Services held at Mount Paran Church this past Saturday. Led by Headmaster Dr. Kevin Bracher, Upper School Principal Dr. Susan Banke, and Board of Trustees Chair Marsha Burke, these superlative seniors were handed their diplomas as proud parents, family members, and friends looked on.
“Our faculty has prepared our graduate for this as evidence in over four million in scholarships, 29 members of the National Honor Society, 158 individual academic honors, and 93 college acceptances from schools all across the U.S.,” said Dr. Bracher.
During the ceremony Morgan Landers, 2013 salutatorian and Holt Merkle, 2013 valedictorian, shared their thoughts about graduation and moving into a new phase of life. Morgan remembered highlights of the year and spotlighted the wide array of talents represented in the senior class. Holt thanked his classmates for challenging him to push himself academically and encouraged them to meet college with determination and grit.
“Perseverance produces character,” he said. “God created us to face challenges boldly and without fear.”
R.V. Brown, the keynote speaker, energized the crowd with his passionate and insightful directives to the senior class.
“In the word American the last four letters are I-C-A-N,” said Brown, president of Outreach to America’s Youth. “Today is about inspiring our students to run the race before them, to lean on their peers and never compromise their faith.”
Brown then highlighted the 10 commandments of graduation through the following acronym:
1. God guides you.
2. Respond to your call of righteousness.
3. Acknowledge God in all your actions.
4. Determined to make a difference in your generation.
5. Understand that you cannot compromise your values.
6. Attitude is everything.
7. Trust Him.
8. Influence your generation to be the best.
9. Obedience is better than sacrifice, obedience breeds success.
10. Nothing should stop you from serving God.
“R.V’s keynote address reminded us that this generation of graduates stands ready to serve, and is equipped to lead,” said Dr. Bracher.