Shedding tears of joy and happiness, 18 seniors graduated from Faith Baptist Christian Academy in Ludowici on Friday.

Pastor Terry Sellars kicked off the ceremony by welcoming everyone and talking about how special this year’s class is. 
As a slideshow displayed images of the seniors at different points in their lives, he told the graduates and their families and friends how quickly time had passed. 

Sellars told the students that God had made each of them a very special person and that he was extremely proud of all of them.

Sellars also told the graduates that each of them has unique abilities and talents. He said it’s their time to go forward for the cause of Christ.

Valedictorian Jonathan David Dance had a perfect GPA and a 97 average for all of his classes. The class salutatorian was Amy Bipin Patel, who finished her high school career with a 4.0 grade point average.

Sellars, along with Principal Earl Kicklighter and Athletic Director Jared Sellars, presented diplomas to the graduating seniors.

In addition to Dance and Patel, the class also had 13 others distinguished with honors: Caitland Christensen, Davonte Norfus, Taylor Knight, Jennifer Deen, Zachary Miller, Jaree Mayweather, Katelyn Abrahamson, Shavon Stoves, Mallory Jones, Khiry James, Jasmine Pegues, Tracy Jester and Samuel Brooks.

Rounding out the 2011 graduating class were David Glisson, LaNiqua Fowler and Guyvie Beasley.

The scripture verse for the 2011 class was from 2 Timothy 2:14: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.”