First Presbyterian Christian Academy had 13 seniors graduate during a ceremony held at First Presbyterian Church May 25 in the morning.
Matthais Brown, Dea’Shon Carmon, Mariana Foster, Dustine Greene, Cameron Lamb, Horace Morman, Cameron Nunn, Alex Pagan, Aesha Patel, Jerryan Richard, Caleb Sarpong, Haley Stuart and Steven Young all crossed the stage receiving their diplomas from Head of School Lauren Hale and Board Chairman Jerry Kicklighter.
During the ceremony former educator and football coach and owner of the Chick Fil-A Hinesville. Nick Westbrook addressed the graduates with an inspirational message.
“What does God want from you?” Westbrook asked and noting
that it was an important question to ponder as they venture into the next chapter
of their lives.
Westbrook then recounted a Bible story from Luke, Chapter 21 and read the first four verses.
“Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box,” he read. “And he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And He said truly I tell you this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance. But she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Westbrook said most people place the focus of the story to be about the money. But he said there is a much deeper meaning he hoped the students would take to heart.
“The main idea of this story is that this woman gave up all she had,” he said. “She gave it her very best. So, when we ask the question what does God want from us? What does he want from you? What does he want from me? I would say that God wants us to give all we have…to give our very best.”
Lady Highlander Valedictorian Haley Stuart addressed her peers and said that the future is now.
“Every day you have opportunities to make strides toward your greatest aspirations,” she said. “You are the author of your own story.”
Hale then introduced the outgoing group of seniors who promptly tossed their caps into the air and gathered with friends and family outside the church for photos, selfies and celebration.