Our Graduating Class of 2018

Today is a very special day because we recognize three of our graduating seniors.
 
Keden Whitehead, grandson of Chuck and Cherri Whitehead graduates from Chestatee High School. Keden has also just completed requirements to receive the Eagle Scout level award from the Boy Scouts of America.
 
Along with Keden, Noah Ferguson graduates, having been home schooled by his wonderful parents Harold and Amy Ferguson. Noah is an active part of our Sunday School and serves as one of our Student leaders who diligently carries forward the work of our Student Ministry.
 
Christie Bruce graduates from North Georgia University with a degree in Accounting.  I know that her husband Chris and son Adam are overjoyed with Christie’s successful completion of her college degree program.

Our whole church family applauds the achievements of these graduates.

 
We look forward to supporting each one of them as they go forward to pursue future goals and dreams yet to be fulfilled. We pledge our prayers for them. We all commit ourselves to pay attention and recognize how God works in their lives to nurture and guide them to become all He has called them to be. We praise God today for Keden Whitehead, Noah Ferguson and Christie Bruce. May God continue to bless your lives.
 
Two graduates were talking in line before they were to cross the auditorium stage after their names were called to receive their diplomas. The first student wore a yellow cord around his neck to which the next student asked, “You are graduating Suma Cum Lauda?”
 
The graduate stated proudly, “Yes, I am.”
 
The second graduate responded, “That’s great. Congratulations. I’m graduating, Oh Lordy.”
 
I know that’s what my parents said about me. I graduated 4 times and I can hear my dad say, “Oh Lordy, he’s done it again.” My dad liked to call me “The Genius” because of all the schooling I attempted and enjoyed doing.
 
Seriously, graduation is as much a celebration and back-slapping event for the parents as it is for the graduates. Parents have to:

• make sure their students get up and out of bed every morning,
• brush their teeth,
• gobble down some kind of breakfast,
• get them to the bus stop or drive them to the school on time,
• banter them to get their homework done,
• help them study for tests,
• do most of the work on their projects,
• get them to and pick them up from every practice,
• attend every game,
• work in the concession stand,
• complete the fund raising projects,
• make them behave,
• make sure they get enough sleep,
• monitor their internet,
• cellphone conversations,
• and X-Box activities,
• stay up to make sure they make it home safely after they’ve been out with friends—including dates,
• pray for them,
• worry about them,
• defend them,
• discipline them,
• listen to them,
• warn them and even applaud them.

 
I’ve made myself tired trying to remember what all was involved in getting a child to the point of graduation. So, to Chuck and Cherri, Harold and Amy, Chris and Adam this “Oh Lordy” is for you.
 
Congratulations! Getting your loved one to graduation is a monumental achievement which you have accomplished with honor.  We all love you and applaud all you have accomplished in parenting and supporting your graduate.