Graduation is definitely one of those big accomplishments.
Shepherds College celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2012 on Saturday, June 9. Friends, family, students, residents, and staff all gathered to honor the seven graduates.
Before they could graduate, the students had to get ready. The few hours before the afternoon ceremony were filled with fussing, primping, and prepping. Gowns needed to be wrinkle-free. Hats had to be pinned on straight. Tassels needed to be in the right place. The students were looking very nice.
Once the students were ready, there was some time to wind down and relax before the ceremony. Laughs and a few more memories were shared before the class headed to their graduation.
Prior to the ceremony, the audience was able to view a PowerPoint presentation which featured pictures of the graduates and faculty from the last three years. It was a beautiful way to honor the students and show their personalities, both professionally and personally.
At 1:00 p.m., commencement began with a flag processional. Seven flags were featured in the processional, including the American flag, the Christian flag, and a flag representing each state or country a graduate is from. The flag bearers also symbolized different areas of Shepherds Ministries, including a resident from Shepherds and an alum from the first graduating class of Shepherds College. It was an exciting and meaningful portion of the ceremony.
Shepherds College students and faculty followed the processional. I wonder if the first and second year students were imagining what it will be like to walk down the aisle on their graduation day.
Then, it was time for the Class of 2012 to make their debut. Their silver caps and gowns shone as they walked slowly toward the front of the gymnasium. Despite the nerves and excitement, the graduates looked confident and poised. It was a moment that everyone in the audience will remember.
After the welcome, opening prayer, and congregational song, graduate Brett read a scripture passage chosen by the graduating class. The class chose Proverbs 3:1-6. Brett read these verses that encouraged the students to follow the right path in their life.
Residential Life Staff Daniel Gaschke directed the Shepherds College Student Choir as they recited Bible verses and sang a song. The song was fun and energetic with a spiritual foundation, and it was easy to see that the students enjoyed singing it. The words encouraged the graduates to become more and more like Jesus every day.
Melissa was chosen to represent the Class of 2012 by presenting a speech. She thanked her teachers, family, friends, and internship supervisor. She shared the things she had learned at Shepherds College and explained how her life had changed during her time at Shepherds. Melissa truly had a life-changing experience at Shepherds College when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior.
"I learned to control my emotions, I learned to work as a team, and I learned in Bible class that God has a plan for me," Melissa said.
She concluded her speech with a challenge to her classmates.
"I encourage you to remember that God is always with you. Keep following God's plan for your life, even when it seems difficult," Melissa said.
Dr. Jim Pierson, Adjunct Professor of Special Education at Johnson University, delivered the commencement address. He used the class' selected scripture passage as the basis for his message. Pierson used personal stories to encourage the students to stay on the right path, maintain good reputations, trust in the Lord, and hide God's Word in their hearts.
"All of you have decided that you're going to honor God with your lives, and there is nothing more important than that," Pierson said.
He also presented the graduates with a special gift to remember this day. He gave them a wooden heart to remind them to always put God first in their lives.
Then, the moment that everyone had been waiting for arrived. As Angela Houk, the Dean of Shepherds College, read the student's names, they stepped onto the platform and received their certificates of completion from Executive Director of Shepherds College Tracy Terrill and President of Shepherds Ministries Dr. Bill Amstutz. The smiles on the students' faces easily revealed what they were feeling.
The Class of 2012 turned to face the crowd - this crowd of people who has cheered them on, helped them along, or prayed for them during their journey. It was a moment of accomplishment for everyone in the room. Terrill instructed the students to turn their tassels, and seven new graduates joined the Shepherds College alumni.
As the audience applauded, the graduates made their way back down the aisle and out the door. Friends, family, students, and staff gathered outside the Bolthouse Center to congratulate the Class of 2012. It was a time for hugs, laughter, smiles, maybe a few tears, and lots and lots of pictures.
Congratulations to the Class of 2012! You made goals, you worked hard, and you didn't give up. You have reached a wonderful achievement, and Shepherds College feels blessed to have seen you learn and grow. We will miss you, but we know that God has great things planned for your life. Remember to follow Him in all that you do because following after God is the only thing that brings you real success.
Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.org.
It dawned on me just now that i only have to sing in the student choir one more time then they will be singing to me!
ReplyDeleteFun thought, isn't it?! Do you have any musical requests?
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