MARTINSBURG — It was an event filled with emotions and pride, as 19 seniors received their diplomas at Faith Christian Academy’s annual commencement ceremony Friday evening.
As each graduate was called to receive his or her diploma, Administrator Eric Kerns announced honors and scholarships earned by the members of the class.
“Faith Christian Academy exists to provide the highest-quality academic and biblical worldview training for our students,” Kerns said prior to the ceremony. “The Lord has blessed us with 420 students this year and a graduating class of 19. They are good students, who have been excellent leaders in the school. Faith has had a rich tradition of students seeking a variety of college and career opportunities after graduation. We are excited to see how the Lord leads this class and pray for them as they seek His will for their future.”
Senior advisor and father of one of the 2024 graduates, Brock Keppley spoke of what is ahead for the group.
“I have enjoyed watching these students grow and mature as students and as men and women of God,” Keppley said. “I look forward to seeing what God has for them in their lives.”
The salutatorian and valedictorian, Logan Moiles and Hannah Hott, respectively, have spent their entire school years at Faith Christian. The two top students will both be traveling just down the road to enter Shepherd University this fall, where Moiles will focus his studies on the field of finance. Hott will be centering her studies in the area of communications.
As the 19 seniors took their places prior to presentation of diplomas, both Moiles and Hott were given the opportunity to address their peers and those who will remain at Faith Christian after they leave.
“It has truly been a blessing to be supported and taught by Christ-centered teachers such as those here,” Moiles said, specifically calling out Secondary Dean of Students Keppley and teacher Holly Romine. “Mr. Keppley, you have always been a great speaker and Bible teacher, truly challenging us. You have helped me personally grow in my faith and my walk with Christ.”
To Mrs. Romine, Moiles shared that she, too, has been a great role model, teaching them how to defend their faith.
Hott shared some of her best memories of her 14 years at Faith Christian Academy, including spending time with friends at multiple gatherings and after-parties.
“We had a lot of fun,” Hott said. “But now, as valedictorian, I challenge you not to be afraid. Step out of your comfort zones and try new things. Don’t be afraid to go toward the path God has called for you. When Jesus asks you to follow Him, step forward and do it.”
Guest speaker for the evening was the Rev. Billy Hearn, who has served for 15 years at CenterPoint Bible Church in Spring Mills. Hearn began his remarks listing a slew of clichés often spoken at graduations such as “Follow your dreams, “Never give up” and “Follow your passions.”
“These are wonderful clichés that lack teeth to make an impact,” Hearn said, as he added that at the core, he was simply a broken, imperfect servant of Jesus.
Hearn quoted Deuteronomy 6 to the students, giving two simple pieces of advice — obey the Lord and love the Lord.
“It’s pretty simple,” Hearn said. “The pinnacle of everything is God. We obey his commands, because He has the very best for us in mind. You have a lot of knowledge but lacking on the wisdom to use it. When you don’t know what to do, obey the Lord and love the Lord. Don’t trust anyone except God — God’s Word and God’s servants.”
Following the presentation of diplomas, the students took part in the passing of the torch ceremony, passing their spots as seniors to the Class of 2025.
