The 2022 Commencement Ceremony for Seniors at Clinton Christian Academy was held on Saturday, May 14 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 JROTC Color Guard composed of Levi Robinette, Jared Wisniewski, Corban Dody, & Hunter Foley opened the ceremony with the presentation of colors and the Star-Spangled Banner was sang by freshman, Kennedy Vaughn. 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 “Choose” with the text coming from Joshua 24:15. Mr. Patterson’s message to Seniors focused upon several key points including the following: (1) Your faith is revealed through your character. Beware of passively going with the flow as a Christian in this world. (2) Your faith must be exercised BEFORE the crisis. (3) If we have not stood for our convictions and allow life’s events to form our decisions for us, we fail to exercise our faith. and (4) What good is life if you should gain the whole world and lose your very soul? Mr. Patterson challenged the Seniors to “Make your choice! Stand your ground! Live your convictions!”
CCA Administrator, Robin Ritchie, read two specific passages of scripture—Philippians 2:12-13 and Luke 12:48. Mrs. Ritchie reminded Seniors that the Philippians verses instructs us that we are “a work in progress” and that the Seniors should strive to continue to work on their own salvation and seek God first by reading God’s Word, praying without ceasing, and attending a Bible believing church. Seniors were told that the verse in Luke is a reminder that they have been “given much” with the opportunity for a Christian education and that in return, much will be expected by God. Mrs. Ritchie told Seniors that they were now prepared to fulfill the mission of CCA by “Sharing the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and are now equipped to change the world for Him!”
This year’s Senior Address was given by Valedictorian Lauren Ferry-Sullentrop and Salutatorian Jessica Steward. Lauren is the daughter of Lance and Lori Sullentrop, Lincoln, MO and Jessica is the daughter of Bill and Sue Steward, Montrose, MO. Lauren and Jessica encouraged and inspired their classmates and well as everyone in attendance.
Lauren shared: "Joshua 1:9; “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Deuteronomy 31:6 states, “Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” We are all going to be doing different things with our lives and some of us are not even sure what we’re going to be doing. I just want to remind you that God is always with you and that you shouldn’t be afraid of the new changes that you are about to go through."
Jessica shared: "Proverbs 16:3; “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” The first line of this verse appeals to me because it says “whatever you do”. I know because of this verse I can trust God to reveal and establish my future no matter what career path I follow. I hope this will also settle your uneasy feelings as you are leaving high school and starting a brand-new chapter in your life. The final verse I have for you today comes from Proverbs 12:24. “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor”. So always work hard at whatever you do."
Junior classmates Kylie Bateman, Angelina Chavez-Walter, Audrey Higgins and Maddie Mosely shared “Classmates’ Reflections” by highlighting some humorous experiences about each graduating Senior that occurred during high school. This was followed by a “Senior Picture Show” created by Senior Jessica Steward that featured photos throughout the lives of all six Seniors as well as a video of Senior comments recorded during the senior trip to Branson. 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 2022 Commencement Ceremony concluded with remarks from Roger Bancroft and the turning of the tassels led by Senior Jon Ferguson. Board President Allen Huff gave the Closing Prayer. Graduating Seniors danced out of the CCA gym to the Beach Boys processional, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and tossed their caps into the air at the back of the gym before visiting with their many guests in attendance. Photographer and Art Teacher, Kelly Griffey took photos throughout the ceremony and provided a time with each graduate and their families for graduation portraits after the ceremony.
SCHOLARSHIPS
& AWARDS
Graduating Seniors were presented with many awards and scholarships at the 2022 Commencement held at 2 pm on Saturday, May 20. Mikhail Ake received a $200 Scholarship from Aviation Fabricators. Jonathon Ferguson received the following: United States Constitution and History Award from Mr. Patterson, Career and Technical Education Certificate, CCA Academic Letter, CCA Patriot Honor Roll, Chamber Academic Excellence Award, Marines Delayed Entry Program Certificate, A+ Scholarship, & $2000 Scholarship from Aviation Fabricators. Lauren Ferry-Sullentrop received the following: Precalculus Award from Mr. Stevens, Career and Technical Education Certificate, CCA Academic Letter, CCA Patriot Honor Roll, & Chamber Academic Excellence Award. Hailey Scott received the following: 12th Grade Bible Award from Mr. Patterson, Career and Technical Education Certificate, CCA Academic Letter, CCA Patriot Honor Roll, Chamber Academic Excellence Award, A+ Scholarship, $500 Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare Scholarship, $500 Chamber of Commerce Academic Excellence Scholarship, & $2000 Scholarship from Aviation Fabricators. Jessica Steward received the following: Spanish II Award from Mrs. Ramirez, Career and Technical Education Certificate, CCA Academic Letter, CCA Patriot Honor Roll, Chamber Academic Excellence Award, A+ Scholarship, $500 Alumni Basketball Scholarship, $250 Davis R-12 CTA Scholarship, $500 Fellowship of Christian Athletes Scholarship, $1000 Dody-Young Scholarship, & $2000 Scholarship from Aviation Fabricators. Jack Wright received the Chamber Academic Excellence Award. Clinton Christian Academy applauds the efforts and accomplishments of the graduating Class of 2022! May God bless the many sponsors who made these awards and scholarships possible!
