CONTRIBUTOR

Terri Carter

“Pomp and Circumstance” filled the sanctuary at Winchester Christian Academy on May 22 as the school made history and reached a significant milestone since its inception.

 For the first time, 11 students proudly walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas as the very first graduating class.

The pews were filled with family, friends, staff and administration, all coming to support the students as they celebrated not only their achievement as graduates but one of the school’s history-making events since it opened its doors almost two decades ago. 

Beginning the ceremony, the students walked down the aisle, donning their caps and gowns, followed by the processional of “Highland Cathedral,” played on the bagpipes by Andrew McRady. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by senior Jayden Hannel, and the audience received a warm welcome from Board of Trustees member Dan Walker. 

“Graduates, you are an inspiration to us,” Walker said.  “I don’t think it’s possible for us to be more proud of you.

“Tonight is for you, and I’m reminded of what the great C.S. Lewis penned: ‘It is not your business to succeed, but to do right, and when you have done so, the rest lies with God.’”

A prayer was spoken over the graduates by Walter Rayburn, and songs of praise were led by Joseph Horton.

The class salutatorian, Taylor Austin, delivered her speech to her fellow classmates, stating how special her time at WCA had been and expressing how excited she is to see what lies ahead for her and the rest of the senior class. 

“It feels like just yesterday that we were sitting around, arguing over who would be the line leader,” Austin said. “And now we’re sitting here in caps and gowns, preparing for the next chapter. I think one of the biggest lessons our class has learned is that success is not just about grades or awards or titles.

“It’s about perseverance, it’s about showing up even when things are difficult. It’s about learning how to keep going when life doesn’t go according to plan. Standing here today proves something important. We are capable of more than we think. To our parents, families and other teachers, thank you for believing in us even when we didn’t believe in ourselves.

“Congratulations, Class of 2026.  We made it, and I can’t wait to see where we all go next.”

The next address came from the class valedictorian, Hailee Jett, who thanked all of the people and support she has received throughout her school career and stated how honored she felt to be the very first valedictorian in the history of WCA. 

“To the Class of 2026, we made it,” Jett said.  “We survived all the stress, ups and downs, and all the moments where we questioned everything.

“Through it all, we grew, not just as students but as people. Remember to always have the courage to keep going, even when things get hard.

“I’m incredibly proud to stand here with you all today. No matter where life takes us next, we will always cherish the memories we have made together at Winchester Christian Academy.”

 Upper School Principal Adam Turbeville spoke next, thanking all of those in attendance and expressing his pride in the school for the milestone ceremony. 

“I could not be more proud to stand before you all tonight celebrating not only what these 11 students have achieved or what the school has achieved,” he said.  “Tonight is more than a graduation ceremony. It’s a moment in history. For the very first time, we are gathered to celebrate the first graduating class of Winchester Christian Academy.

“I want to thank everyone, past and present, that have given so much to bring WCA to this moment. Years from now, students will walk the halls of WCA, sit in the classrooms and continue the traditions that began with you all. There were no road maps, no example to follow. You embarked on a faith-led journey. I am so humble to be standing before you all today as a servant leader of the school.”

The conferring of the degrees followed the principal’s presentation, and the 11 students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.

The first history-making seniors to graduate from the school were Taylor Austin, Brynlee Buchanan, Jayden Hannel, Dylan Hart, Jeannie Hite, Hailee Jett, Bryson Johnson, Alivia Livingston, Abbey McClain, Wyatt Reed and Harley Smith. 

As the conferring of degrees ended and all graduates had received their diploma, they made their way back to their seats.

Head of Schools Caroline Simmons then addressed the newly graduated seniors. 

“Seniors, your diploma represents far more than completing assignments, exams, and years of sitting in the classroom,” Simmons said. “It represents perseverance, growth, character and the many challenges you have overcome to reach this milestone.

“Each of you has worked hard, grown in knowledge and faith and prepared for the next chapter that God has planned for your life. It has been a joy to watch you grow academically, physically and spiritually.” 

Following her address, Simmons gave the seniors permission to turn their tassels, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new chapter.

The WCA band played the school’s theme song, “Onward Christian Soldiers,” and 11 graduation caps flew through the air before the seniors took one last walk down the aisle of the church. 

Mike Roggli, Board of Trustees vice-chairman, delivered closing remarks, reflecting on how the school got started and how far they have come in the years that had passed since it opened.

From a Mother’s Day Out Program to a now dually accredited school in academics and Christian education, it was a night and a ceremony that the students, family, faculty and staff will most likely not soon forget.