The 2023 Commencement Ceremony for Seniors at Clinton Christian Academy was held on Saturday, May 20 at 2:00 pm in the CCA gym. The processional (Pomp & Circumstance) was played as six graduates entered to celebrate the culmination of their high school careers. The Star-Spangled Banner was sung by fifth grade students Mayme Hyke and Arianna Ramirez. Upper School Principal, Becky Hyke, gave the opening prayer and welcomed a large crowd in attendance for this special ceremony.
Don Patterson, CCA Bible & Social Studies teacher, gave the keynote address entitled “Choosing Off-Ramps on the Road of Life” with the text coming from Joshua 1:6 and Matthew 7:13-14. Mr. Patterson challenged the Seniors to face future challenges by receiving the same admonition that Joshua received: (1) Be strong physically for battles; (2) Be strong spiritually by knowing the Word of God; (3) Be strong mentally so that you can prepare to meet the enemy of their own terms. Mr. Patterson encouraged Seniors that no matter what goals they pursued among the many they may legitimately choose from, to choose Jesus’ road first. Choose “The Narrow Way” that leads to life. Mr. Patterson reminded the graduates that “if Jesus Christ is your priority, you will find that everything else will fall properly into place.”
CCA Administrator, Robin Ritchie, read scripture from Joshua 1:7-9. Mrs. Ritchie reminded the Seniors of four takeaways from these verses from the book of Joshua were perfect as these graduates embark upon these next steps in their journey out into the world: (1) Be strong and courageous by reading and obeying the Bible; (2) Speak and live by what is contained in God’s word. (3)Living for the Lord will result in you being prosperous and successful. and (4) You are never alone—so you don’t have to worry—GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO!
This year’s Senior Addresses were given by Valedictorian Angelina Chavez-Walter and Salutatorian Audrey Higgins. Angelina is the daughter of Edgar & Brandy Mendoza, Windsor, MO and Audrey is the daughter of Casey & Dawn Higgins, Deepwater, MO. Angelina and Audrey encouraged and inspired their classmates as well as everyone in attendance.
Angelina shared the following remarks: “I would like to share my favorite Bible verse. Jeremiah 29:11, which says ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ Though we all will go our separate ways, and will have different career choices, we will make it. We will make it through all we put our minds to. As we grow up, we will face several hardships and challenges in our life. As we close this chapter of our life, we will be opening a new one. We all will be going our own directions, but we will never forget where we came from.”
Audrey shared the following remarks: “There is a verse from the book of Psalms that I would like to share. Psalms 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” The Lord has a wonderful plan for each one of us. I hope that as we step into the real world as adults, you choose to have a firm foundation in Him and let Him guide your paths. My advice to the Class of 2023 is to take the step of faith, even if it feels uncomfortable. Try new things. Try something you have never done before. I encourage all of you to stay focused on the Lord as He will guide you and lead you.”
This was followed by a “Senior Picture Show” that featured photos throughout the lives of all six Seniors. Following the picture show, Seniors presented flowers to family and friends that have supported them throughout their lives thus far. Senior awards and scholarships were then presented. Mrs. Hyke and Mrs. Ritchie presented diplomas to each graduating senior.
The 2023 Commencement Ceremony concluded with remarks from Roger Bancroft and the turning of the tassels led by Senior Audrey Higgins. Board President Allen Huff gave the Closing Prayer. Graduating Seniors danced out of the CCA gym to the processional, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and tossed their caps into the air at the back of the gym before visiting with their many guests in attendance. Photographer Kelly Griffey took photos throughout the ceremony and provided a time with each graduate and their families for graduation portraits after the ceremony. Congratulations CCA Class of 2023!
