Two graduate from Walnut Street Christian School
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AVIS -- Two seniors had the honor of receiving their diplomas from the Walnut Street Christian School recently.
The private school, which teaches grades one through twelve, held its graduation on the evening of Friday, May 26. The two graduating seniors were salutatorian Sydney Kennedy and valedictorian Clark Thomas.
The principal of Walnut Street, Tom Krick, announced both seniors and congratulated them on their efforts through their years at the school.
He presented the students, who gave a speech sharing their sentiments and memories of their time at Walnut Street.
"We have the opportunity tonight to celebrate Clark and Sydney. They get center stage today and we get to be here, supporting them. I am so thankful for Clark and Sydney for being able to watch them grow into a fine young man and lady," he said.
First to speak was Kennedy, who attended Walnut Street for 12 years.
"We didn't realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun. That was a quote from Winnie the Pooh," she said. "As I reflect on my 12 years here at Walnut Street, I've realized just how true this quote is. I never realized when I walked through those double doors for the first time in first grade, that it would become a memory."
Kennedy went on to share her memories of the Christian school with the close friends and relationships she made and pushed her along the way. She plans to attend Lock Haven University to pursue a degree in secondary education in English.
Second to speak was Thomas who attended Walnut Street for 14 years.
"While it has been quite a week -- in fact the last few months, even this whole year -- has been far busier and tougher than any other time in my life. It feels like it all went so fast. But it wasn't the days that were rushing fast, I was flying through them. It is like when you're in a car, everything around you goes so quickly but the things that are far away couldn't be here any sooner," he said. "Sometimes we never realize how far we've come or how much we've grown. I have always been chasing my hopes and reaching for my dreams and I pour everything I have into all that I do. I'm still not satisfied and still not good enough. Celebrating this graduation felt at first like the last thing I wanted to do, just another step I needed to take but I have forgotten to look back, I certainly did not graduate on my own. Standing here, I've realized that all who I am is made up of all of you -- all my thoughts and ideas come from the world that I have been put in."
Thomas continued to thank his family, friends and all members of Walnut Street for getting him to where he is now. He plans to attend the Appalachian Bible College to become a missionary.
Each graduate received their diploma and a Bible by Krick and Pastor Tim Longnecker.