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HCS graduates celebrate high school completion

Four grads took the stage before proud family and friends at the Houston Christian School graduation last Wednesday.
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Proud parents gather with Houston Christian School graduates Kelly Ewald

Four grads took the stage before proud family and friends at the Houston Christian School graduation last Wednesday.

Joining her three male classmates, graduate Kelly Ewald strode to the stage escorted by her proud dad and three brothers.

The four sharp-dressed grads sat in a row of rocking chairs beside a cozy fireplace, on the stage decorated as a rustic cabin.

"HCS is not like most schools," said Valedictorian Kelly Ewald, going on to joke about a teacher standing on their desk, another one sharpening a chainsaw in class, and one taking a math class to cut up bear meat to feed a fox.

"A little strange, right? But through it all, [our teachers] were influencing us and teaching us. Their Christian example and teaching was giving us our roots of faith… I think it is fair to say that HCS is home to some of the greatest teachers in the world," said Kelly.

She added that her class is "overflowing in thankfulness" to God, teachers and parents who helped them and taught them all the way through.

Sjoukje Warren, mother of graduate Kyle Warren, sang "Jesus be the Centre" for the grads. "It is my prayer that this would be your prayer wherever you go from here," she told them.

Sentimental tears turned to tears of laughter as graduate Kyle Warren shared a bit of class history, reading first grade journals of what grads had wanted to be when they grew up and cracking jokes about old crushes.

Scholarships brought each of the four students to their feet in turn, with Kelly Ewald taking ten awards including the Governor Generals Award.

Kyle Thomson, owner of Monster Industries handed out a new award called the "Randomness of Life," award.

Thomson threw grad names into a hat and randomly pulled one out, awarding Kyle Warren with $500.

Thomson said he made the award because when he graduated, his class was larger and there were several students who did not receive an award - he wanted to balance things out.

Principal John Siebenga and School Board President Keith Jaarsma presented grads with Bibles and their graduation certificates.

"I and the board want to encourage you to spend time in the Word daily and to listen for God's call in your day to day life," Jaarsma said.

"May God bless you as you continue your journey outside these walls.

May he be your guide and may you listen for His voice in all your decisions and future plans."