Graduation - Consecration

Friday evening’s program at Village Adventist Church, Consecration (May 28, 2021), was the graduate’s opportunity to commit and consecrate their lives to Christ as they leave the Academy and begin their place in society as an adult.   

Mr. Joseph Njau had the opening prayer for this program. This was followed by a musical selection by Bethany Maydole and Ryleigh Snow. 

Giancarlo Leonor introduced the guest speaker, his father, Mr. Giovanni Leonor. The purpose of his homily was to try to plant a seed like the mustard seed found in their class text, Matthew 13:32. The mustard plant can thrive in poor, dry soil conditions because of its water-seeking root system. Too often, distractions of our world prevent us from developing our life-seeking root system with Jesus. Mr. Leonor stressed the importance of managing your time, energy, patience, and resources so you can develop a deep rooted relationship with Jesus. As you enter your next phase of life, graduates, please remember this and Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

On behalf of the class, Sofia Oudri, the class pastor, accepted this challenge and challenged the class to get to know God’s voice, sharing James 1:22. Natalie McArthur & Nathaniel Miller presented a second musical selection.

It is always meaningful when a senior decides to be baptized during Consecration Service. Blake Shelley was baptized by Pastor Mario Ferguson, AA Principal. Bible teacher, Pastor Alvin Glassford, had the prayer of consecration following the baptism. Ileana McArthur had the benediction.

Graduation - Sabbath School

Sabbath School was held in the Andrews Academy chapel (May 29, 2021). This experience gave the parents of the seniors the opportunity to return in a creative manner their views of the senior’s childhood and to admonish, advise, and to assist seniors as they make the transition from Academy into adulthood. The Snow family led in song service. The Galarza family had the welcome. Each senior introduced their parent before their part in the service. Scripture and prayer was also led by the Galarza family. Special music was presented by the Reid family. The Hamstra, Rivas, and Swackhamer families each had parent tributes and shared words of wisdom and blessings on the seniors. The call for offering was led by the Oudri Family, who also had the offertory. The Radivojevic family concluded the program with the benediction.

This program is always such a personal time of sharing together. We find it interesting to discover how many families move to the Berrien Springs area or refuse job offers elsewhere for the purpose of having their children attend Andrews Academy. It is often during programs like this that parents share how pleased they are for making this choice and for the wonderful experiences their children have had at Andrews Academy.

Graduation - Baccalaureate

Sabbath morning of Graduation Weekend (May 29, 2021) was the Baccalaureate Service, a worship experience where we can praise our Creator and thank Him for the wonderful things He has done for us.  

The service began with a call to worship by Pastor Lindsey Pratt followed by the congregational hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness. This was followed with prayer by Julius Everett. Andrew Lubbert called for the offering, and a string quartet presented the offertory. Sara Hildebrant had the scripture reading. Giancarlo Leonor presented special music, You Know Better Than I. The organist for the entire weekend was Dr. Logan.

Mrs. Keila Sanchez, former AA Spanish teacher and former sponsor of the class, presented the sermon, Grow in Faith: Challenge Accepted. She personalized the story of Joseph shared some tools that will help grow our faith. Joseph’s dreams predicted his rise to power and leadership, but he was not ready to lead. He was planted into slavery where God helped him learn the lessons he needed to be a good leader…to grow in God. As he grew, he was slowly given responsibility, leading to the managing of his master's household and eventually the country. Graduates, you may find yourself far from home like Joseph, but stay close to Him and God will grow you. She encouraged each to say a prayer that she learned at PMC over twenty years ago, “Lord, what mountain will I be climbing today? I can climb that mountain because you are here with me.”

The sermon was followed by congregational singing and the benediction by Sean Parker. Everyone sang The Lord Bless You and Keep You, and the recessional was Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.

Graduation - Commencement

Sunday morning of graduation weekend was Commencement (May 30, 2021). After the class marched in, the AA board chair, Fares Magesa, began the program with the invocation, followed by class president, Zachary Seifert, who gave the final address to the class. Special music was presented by a string ensemble conducted by Dr. Elsy M. Gallardo-Diaz.

Pastor Eric Bell presented the address to the class beginning with James 2:14-17: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? …faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” He asked graduates what type of faith they have. He told of the African impala that can leap more than ten feet high. However, it can be kept in captivity with a four foot fence because it will not jump if it cannot see where it will land. He encouraged the graduates to trust their training as they enter into the “real” world and move forward in faith with God. To live a faith-filled life, trust God that HE knows where your feet will land!

The Silhouettes presented the second special music, Goodbye My Friend, which was conducted by Mr. Marcelo Martins, as well as a debut song Consecration by Ryleigh Snow & Mr. Martins. Mr. David Sherman, senior class sponsor, presented the Class of 2021. Pastor Mario Ferguson then gave the Charge to the Class and the conferring of diplomas. Seniors also received the book Steps to Christ from the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
   
After all the seniors received their diplomas, they transferred their tassel to the other side, and were introduced as the new alumni the class of 2021. Mr. David VanDenburgh then introduced the new senior class of 2022. We all then sang the commencement hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah. This was followed by benediction by Ms. Linda Sanford.

Congratulations, graduates, on your accomplishments. May each of you keep God first as you venture out in your next phase of life.

Throughout the weekend, numerous open houses were held. These are always a fun time to share stories, congratulate, and encourage each other. Thank you to the many families who generously shared for these occasions.

It was a fun and spiritually inspiring graduation weekend. 

For many more photos of this event and a photo of each graduate receiving their diploma, please go to Facebook.

P.S. In a few weeks, graduates will be able to stop by the Academy to pick up their graduation packets. This is when they will receive a professional picture of them receiving their diploma, and a class picture, as well as other important documents.

Office Hours &
Contact Information

June 2-3: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
 

Summer hours will resume on Monday, June 7:

Monday - Thursday:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Friday: Closed

June 11-25: Closed

Pictures must adhere to the following requirements:

• In color
• Picture from waist up (not entire body)
• Portrait/vertical mode (not landscape/horizontal)
• Modest attire, no sleeveless shirts or bare shoulders, no low cut or cropped tops
• No jewelry
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academy@andrews.edu