Michael's Graduation-May 21, 2010

Michael graduated from
Cornerstone Christian Academy at 10:00, May 21, 2010.
Clarissa Hubler was the one other student in the graduating class.

As the children filed in to their places, Michael and Clarissa came to the front and began to sing along with the soundtrack music of 'Be Thou My Vision.' Clarissa sang the first verse, Michael sang the second, and they sang the third together. The other students came up during the third verse and musical interlude and all joined in singing, 'High King of Heaven..' It was thrilling.

The Kindergarten children came to the front at one point and Michael recited, 'If' by Rudyard Kipling. He did so well and he brought the youngest children into the recitation as well as the congregation. Then the K's were robed and given certificates of graduation from Kindergarten to first grade.

Clarissa gave a fine speech about our school and I loved the part where she said that Cornerstone was in a place of small beginnings. What a joy to be part of the school from it's very beginning. These days may be our finest.

The eighth graders also graduated into high school
and some other awards were acknowledged.

The commencement speaker was General Jerry Boykin.
Phil introduced him.
He said, "Ladies and gentlemen, students and faculty, patrons, family, and friends of this school-we are honored today to have as our commencement speaker the man who wrote the US military playbook on counter terrorist operations, and was the commander of all US Army Special Forces. As a nation we are blessed to have such a great man influencing our national leaders in Washington, as well as students and future leaders at Hampton Sydney College where he is a professor. Help me welcome General Jerry Boykin."

General Boykin told several jokes and had a great speech and before we knew it, 30 min. was gone, and he received a standing ovation. He made five points during his speech and they were as follows:

1-Know your values. Take a personal assessment. Live your values; do not compromise. You hurt a lot of people when you compromise your values.

2-Get involved. Live for a cause bigger than yourself. Vote. Help someone else win. Run for office. Get involved with the PTA and the school board.

3-Read. There is nothing more important than reading. Read American History in order to have an identity. Read current events in the US and the world. Last thing at night-read your Bible.

4-Make a stand. When you know your values, are involved, read, and know who you are, then make a stand, regardless of the consequences. When you are persecuted, you will have opportunity to be a witness.

5-Pray for America. I challenge you to pray for America 10 min. a day. Be part of taking your country back. 100 people in 1 million can change that society.

"In Christ Alone" was the final song of graduation. The students were standing around the congregation because of their seating arrangement and I could hear their voices surrounding us with words of truth. What a blessing.
What a meaningful graduation service.