GCA graduates 19 ‘faith-full’ 6th grade students

Grace Christian School recognized its sixth grade class in a graduation ceremony on May 28 inside the GCA church. GCA’s class of 2015 was made up of about 19 students.

Principal Beth Ann Nunez delivered the ceremony’s message that afternoon, urging students to “shine on!”

Nunez, who was quoting Paul the Apostle, urged students to stay away from complaining and arguing and to learn to love each other despite their differences.

Grace Christian Academy graduated about 19 sixth graders on Thursday last week. (Contributed Photo)

ELIJAH JOSHUA PAJARILLAGA,
Valedictorian

NA LEE LEE,
Salutatorian

Young as they are, she said, there is a divine plan intended for them.

She urged the students to be “beacons” of light in a world and even island with places of darkness.

A crowd of parents, friends, and school members attended Thursday’s program. Students were awarded diplomas and special awards recognizing certain students were given out.

Valedictorian Elijah Joshua Pajarillaga thanked teacher Mrs. Rowena, for being a “blessing” to their class.

“You are very patient with use even though we make many mistakes and do not always perfect our wrongdoings,” he said in his valedictory address.

To a “Mr. C,” he called this teacher a “grandfather I never had.”

“Since I don’t live in the Philippines, I don’t always get to meet and talk to my grandfather, and you show me what a grandfather is like. You are very funny, yet you are still wise and focused,” he said.

To his parents, he thanked his mother for teaching him how to work hard, which is “the only reason I can and do get academic awards.”

To his father, Pajarillaga said, “You are the only one with jokes” in their family.

“My competitive spirit is yours and will always be. My understanding and love of technology is also yours,” he said.

He also gave a shoutout to his best friend, Arvin, for revealing his skills in computer games. “I hope I will one day beat you,” he said.

To his fellow classmates, he quoted former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, “The only use of an obstacle is to be overcome. All that an obstacle does with brave men is not to frighten them, but to challenge them.”

He urged his classmates to continue with whatever challenges they may face in life and to do so with faith.

Salutatorian was Na Lee Lee, who was also the recipient of the Eagle Award, the school’s most prestigious award. The Eagle Award is given to students who demonstrate excellence in academics, citizenship, and Christian character.

In his salutatory address, he gave thanks to his parents, his teachers, pastors, and fellow classmates.

“I thank each one of my fellow classmates for their help and care. Each one of you are talented, unique, and are awesome! And always that each one of you were born with a special purpose from God. So never give up and let’s try our best in everything!” he said.

Justin Laurence Del Rosario was a runner-up for the Eagle Award.