Chestertown Christian Academy graduates demonstrate 'faith, growth, perseverance'

CHESTERTOWN — The Chestertown Christian Academy held their commencement ceremony for the class of 2024, on Friday evening, May 24. The church pews were full to celebrate their nine graduates, the young men in blue, and the young women in white gowns.

A slide show played showing the graduates from when they were their littlest to now as they prepare for their newest adventure.

“Slow Down,” from Christian artist Nichole Nordeman and “Never Grow Up,” by Taylor Swift played as a slideshow highlighted warm moments in school history.

Guided by principal Lynn Poore, they then made three pledges, one to the U.S. flag, the other to the Christian flag, and the other to the Bible.

Pastor Rudy Draper said along with the families and friends gathered, the school staff had the honor to share their lives with the graduates.

“We get to witness a powerful reminder that God uses a community of believers to raise up a child to serve Jesus and live out their calling.”

Poore presented the awards, saying a Christian education is more than memorizing verses — they train young people to know and love the truth of God’s word and boldly proclaim it publicly — through rigorous academics and character development as their students “strive to follow their unique God-given calling.”

Poore thanked those in attendance, and for those who gave scholarships.

Philip Clark was presented as class valedictorian and Maggie Kelly, salutatorian.

Other awards, Mr. CCA, was presented to Nathan Frain, and Mrs. CCA to Julie Clark.

The Christian Character Award was also presented to Frain.

There were also four seniors this year recognized for their academic excellence and given the Presidential Education Award, signed by President Joe Biden. This award was given to students who got 90% or higher on course work from grades nine-12. Those students were Clark, Frain, Kelly and Bethany McLaughlin.

The Sergeant Preston Ashley Scholarship given by Larry Crouch of the Rock Hall Legion post 228 went to Clark.

Another notable scholarship was the Rachel and Sarah Baugher Scholarship in memory of the late Rachel Baugher. Julie Clark was the $1,000 recipient to a loud applause.

The scripture the seniors spoke on this year was Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Frain as Mr. CCA said he saw that in suffering...that suffering builds endurance by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Julie Clark added to that, exclaiming suffering tests the faith which establishes perseverance. Trials, she said, helps build trust in God, and allows to build empathy towards others.

As salutatorian, Kelly talked about the importance of having a longterm perspective...and not seeing God as a wish-granter, but a father with a divine plan.

Valedictorian Philip Clark told the audience and his fellow classmates he sees love as God’s master plan. He said through his teachers and other influences, he witnessed that plan in motion.

“God’s grand design can be seen everywhere we go,” he said.

Pastor of State Line Baptist Church Jimmy Reeves then highlighted how to stay on that plan through the Word of God. The Bible is three things in a Christian’s life, he said, it’s a light, a sword, and it’s food ( sustenance).

He provided examples of suffering even during his first year in preaching, but used that as a way that he could endure, and see God’s ultimate plan.

His advice to the students was to follow what the school has been teaching them ever since they were young.

“As you grow in life you’ll find all things work for good when you know God’s purpose,” he said in closing.

The seniors were then given their diplomas and, as tradition follows, the class of 24, handed the torch to the class of 25.

“May you fill this position of leadership with faithfulness and a desire to keep these traditions strong,” the seniors pronounced.

And as tradition dictates, in the middle of the ceremony, each senior handed roses to those who have influenced their walk these past years.

Of the seniors, Poore wrote, “As we stand on the threshold of the Academy’s 45th Commencement, I am filled with profound gratitude and admiration for each and every one of you. Your journey through our halls has been marked by faith, growth, perseverance, and now we celebrate the culmination of your hard work and dedication.”