Calvary Christian School observed a decade of high school graduations as the class of 2025 accepted their diplomas in the new school building just outside of Bellefontaine on Thursday, May 29.
In his opening remarks, Ryan Hyde, school superintendent, said, “How awesome to do this here in the new gym for the first time.”
The evening started with a school tradition: recognizing three students with special honor. This year’s recipients of the Solomon, Daniel and Joshua awards were:
Kari Gantz, senior class president, earned the Solomon award for demonstrating wisdom through diligence in academic endeavors.
Daniel Young, salutatorian, accepted the Daniel award for exemplifying bold faith through consistent spiritual growth and discipline.
And Ezekial Wylie, valedictorian, received the Joshua award for consistently displaying positive participation and leadership in student activities and student government.
Coincidentally, those three students were also the first three speakers for the night, starting with Gantz, who focused on leadership. She urged the audience to set Jesus as their true example and to “follow in His footsteps.”
Young spoke next, encouraging his classmates to pursue a humble mindset, which doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.
“Let’s walk into the future not with pride but with humility; not with entitlement but with gratitude,” Young concluded.
For his part, Wylie spoke about the importance of authenticity and grit. The latter especially rang true for Wylie as he plans to attend Spring Arbor University in Michigan.
With a smile, he admitted, “I will be one Buckeye in a land of blue.” He then said it’s important to stick it out through the hard times, remembering “God’s got you.”
The class invited Ben Vollrath, Logan County Chamber of Commerce president, as their keynote speaker.
“This is a really big deal, celebrating the completion of 13 years of school,” Vollrath began. He reminded them they hadn’t only been growing academically but in their faith.
Vollrath also spoke about the quality of humility.
In closing, he stated: “Go out with confidence, not in your ability but in what He’s given you.”
Calvary had 16 graduating seniors, with six entering the workforce and 10 moving on to higher education. The latter earned $375,000 in scholarships. This year’s graduates and their plans are:
- Elizabeth Bump—cosmetology
- Joshua Carnes—apprenticeship at RnR Electric
- Preston Carnes—Missouri Welding Institute
- Nate Davis—University of Northwestern Ohio, medium/heavy duty diesel, automotive studies and bowling
- Kari Gantz—Rhodes State College, medical imaging
- Leland Henry—paraprofessional
- Jeremiah Hermiller—waiting for God’s calling on his life
- KayLee Hurley—The Ohio State University Lima, early childhood education
- Nicolas James—Columbus State Community College, financial accounting
- Noah James—The Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, EMT certification toward becoming a firefighter/paramedic
- Abigail Rogers—Rhodes College in Lima, dental hygiene
- Ian Schmidt—residential construction and remodeling
- Nora Thornton—The Ohio State University Lima, secondary English education
- Lila Wilson—farm internship in Norwich, England
- Ezekiel Wylie—Spring Arbor University, Michigan, mechanical engineering, worship music and basketball
- Daniel Young—Cedarville University, finance and Bible
