GBHS class of '07 proves good things come in small packages
By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn

Photos by BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers WE MADE IT- Cynthia Cordon, left, and Nick Smith, right, celebrate with friends after graduation ceremonies for Grace Brethren High School last Thursday. Some of the school's 47 graduates began at Grace Brethren in kindergarten.

More than 700 family members and friends gathered for Grace Brethren High School's commencement exercise last Saturday evening.

In the spacious church located on Sycamore Avenue, the audience stood as the private Christian school's 47 graduates entered to the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance."

Principal John Hynes welcomed the students and Reiley McClendon, class of 2007 student, gave the scripture reading.

Hynes conferred the diplomas along with Dennis Deutsch, the school's vice principal, and Ray Blackwell, executive director of the school.

"The students have achieved a lot academically, spiritually and physically- they competed successfully in athletics. They are going on to some very prestigious colleges," Blackwell said. "The graduates have a wide range of career interests from teaching to military to business to politics."

Blackwell presented the school's Daniel Award for leadership, character and academic achievement to Leslie Windham and Gunnar Ohmie.

The prayer of invocation by the Rev. John McIntosh was followed by a performance of the Beatles song "Blackbird" by graduating students Leslie Windham, Andrew Ruiz, Landon Beck and Kelsey Lloyd.

The class valedictorian Mark Sweeney, 18, has been a student at Grace Brethren since kindergarten.

In his keynote speech, Sweeney recalled those early years as prime for mischief-making. Sweeney said after being "the terror of the playground" it was ironic that he is now the class's highest achiever. Along with the lighthearted moments, his address had some serious notes.

"Greatness comes in different ways. Never doubt the opportunity that has been bestowed on us," Sweeney said. "We are ready to establish our own identities. We are confronted with a mission to build our own lives."

The class salutatorian Andrew Ruiz, 18, told his classmates they were a few moments away from finishing this chapter of their lives.

"Reflecting on the past will help us prepare for the future," Ruiz said. "Our class was about compassion and being there for each other."

In her commencement address, Assemblymember Audra Strickland talked about perseverance and doing what's right. She told the students to celebrate this time of transition.

"You will set up the rules to guide your life," Strickland said. "Your parents and teachers have laid the foundations upon which you will build the rest of your lives."