Long County ended its 2012 graduation season Friday with Faith Baptist Christian Academy’s ceremony in Ludowici.  

This year, the school graduated its largest class ever with 22 seniors. Another first was made as there was a tie for valedictorian. Identical twins Olivia and Elena Ceballos each graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average and were selected as co-valedictorians. The class also had a fifth-year valedictorian as Lehua Fa’anofo Itaua Barrett carried a 4.00 GPA.  Katherine Rodgers was selected as the salutatorian with a 3.99 GPA.

Elena Ceballos told her classmates that it is important to serve others in the time that is available.  

“Our life is short, and what we do with it, that precious time that God has given us, will either benefit us or benefit others,” she said. “When we do something to benefit others, it makes the world or just the world of that person a better place.”

Olivia Ceballos thanked God on behalf of the graduating class, saying that it was only through God that they were able to achieve this milestone.  

“First and foremost, we would like to give thanks to God for allowing all of us to be here together as we celebrate this special occasion,” she said. “Without Him, we can do nothing, but with His strength, all things are possible.”

Rodgers told the underclassmen that how they carried themselves as Christians carried more weight than anything else.

“Ten years from now, it won’t matter how popular you were, but what will matter is the kind of testimony you had,” Rodgers said.
Also giving testimonies on their faith were Barrett, Alexis Shealey and Derek Massey.

Diplomas were presented by Pastor Terry Sellars and Principal Earl Kicklighter.

“This class has a bright future. God has a special plan for every one of them … I challenge them to go out and make an impact on other’s lives,” Kicklighter said.

Other honor graduates were Christian Pye, Ebuka Ezeanaka, Alexis Shealey, Tallie Wells, Arlyn Brannen, Haley Reddish, Derek Massey, Keldon McCrary and Earnest Bennett Jr.

Also graduating were A’nyssa James, Jade Mayweather, Mary Alexander, Timothy Brooks, Cody Riedel, Colton Hughes, Devyn Klymshyn and Kadeshia Frazier.