Photos by IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers YEP, IT'S MINE- Grace Brethren High School graduating senior Hayden Strombeck can't believe he's really holding his diploma at the end of last Saturday's ceremony. A total of 48 seniors graduated, 19 with honors including athletic, music, church, and academic scholarships and student awards. One by one, the seniors of Grace Brethren High School's class of 2008 marched proudly down the center aisle as their closest family and friends waited in anticipation of the Christian school's commencement.

The graduation ceremony, which took place at Grace Brethren Church on Sycamore Avenue, began with the 48 graduates entering the church in a traditional march to "Pomp and Circumstance."

Principal John Hynes welcomed the audience and thanked parents for their support.

"You have made a major commitment to put your kids in this school," Hynes said. "We have been very, very blessed by that."

The ceremony included a scripture reading by senior class president Garrett Henry, addresses by salutatorian Jeffrey Ostrich and valedictorian Garret Manley, and a commencement address by guest speaker Grant Horner.

ONE GLEEFUL GRAD- New graduate Candice Windham embraces a friend after receiving her diploma. During his speech, Ostrich said he was extremely proud to be standing with his fellow graduates on the church stage, each one decked out in their graduation caps and gowns.

He recalled memories of the senior retreat in Catalina and a certain "chemical burning incident" in honors chemistry.

"This class has always been known for its humor," Ostrich said. "We were always united by our wit, even when we probably should've kept quiet."

Manley, in his address, told his fellow classmates that he had high hopes for them.

"This class has always had a habit of influencing those around us," Manley said. "Now, we've been accepted to over 20 colleges, in over 20 majors, and we'll be spreading our influences even more. I have no doubt that we will affect countless numbers of people with our intellect and our Christian character."

Manley expressed his appreciation for being part of such a closeknit school.

"It's all one big group," Manley said. "How many schools are there where the valedictorian- the nerdiest of nerds- could hang out with the football jocks or the cheerleaders?

"We make friends with everyone, even if the rest of the world doesn't."

Horner, an associate professor of Renaissance and Reformation studies at The Master's College, urged the class of 2008 to enter the world as a group of young leaders and to keep their minds inhabited by God.

"Keep your minds saturated with scripture," Horner said. "It changes everything. You will have the peace, joy, happiness, love and care that only Christians can exude.

"That's how you change the world- know what God says and do it no matter what cost, consequence, or what people say to you."

After the addresses and a choral presentation of "For Good," Hynes joined executive director Ray Blackwell and vice principal Dennis Deutsch to confer the diplomas.

Each senior approached the front of the stage in their moment of achievement, and their families cheered to celebrate the new phase in their lives as high school graduates.