Upper Columbia Academy Hosts Memorable Graduation Weekend "It’s amazing to see everything running so smoothly on campus when you have so many guests, so many unknowns,” commented one observer of Upper Columbia Academy’s recent graduation. “You guys did an outstanding job in setting a warm and respectful tone. It’s obvious the students and their families love you.” With the help of nearly 1,400 guests and well-wishers, UCA graduated 96 seniors on Sunday, May 29. The seniors represented 10 states plus Canada with the guests representing many additional locations, including Rwanda. Weekend services gave structure to the emotional congratulations and good-byes that were being exchanged between students and staff members. Stephen Lacey, who has been teaching English at UCA for many years, spoke for the Consecration Service, Friday evening vespers. During Sabbath morning’s Sabbath School, campus chaplain and Bible teacher Fred Riffel took a look back at the principles and experiences that had brought the class together in a profound way during Senior Survival. Mark Janke, a UCA alumnus from the class of 1998 who has been on staff for two years, teaching Bible classes and serving as assistant boys’ dean, spoke for church. During class night, Josh Wallace gave the class president’s address, and the class officers announced the class gift—portable bleachers for use inside the gym. Baby and senior photos of the seniors were shown along with photos of the year’s special events. A reception followed in the cafeteria. Commencement speaker was Ken Scribner, who is now the marketing director for Georgia-Cumberland Academy and who was boys’ dean at UCA from 2000 to 2004. The highlight of the whole weekend came, of course, as the seniors one by one made that long walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Students and staff were not the only ones who found the weekend enjoyable and memorable. “This was a beautiful weekend!” commented a parent, reflecting the comments from many others. “You had an amazing mix of formality and fun! Thank you for coordinating such a wonderful weekend for (our son) and for our family!”
Upper Columbia Academy
Hosts Memorable Graduation Weekend
"It’s amazing to see everything running so smoothly on campus when you have so many guests, so many unknowns,” commented one observer of Upper Columbia Academy’s recent graduation. “You guys did an outstanding job in setting a warm and respectful tone. It’s obvious the students and their families love you.”
With the help of nearly 1,400 guests and well-wishers, UCA graduated 96 seniors on Sunday, May 29. The seniors represented 10 states plus Canada with the guests representing many additional locations, including Rwanda. Weekend services gave structure to the emotional congratulations and good-byes that were being exchanged between students and staff members.
Stephen Lacey, who has been teaching English at UCA for many years, spoke for the Consecration Service, Friday evening vespers. During Sabbath morning’s Sabbath School, campus chaplain and Bible teacher Fred Riffel took a look back at the principles and experiences that had brought the class together in a profound way during Senior Survival. Mark Janke, a UCA alumnus from the class of 1998 who has been on staff for two years, teaching Bible classes and serving as assistant boys’ dean, spoke for church. During class night, Josh Wallace gave the class president’s address, and the class officers announced the class gift—portable bleachers for use inside the gym. Baby and senior photos of the seniors were shown along with photos of the year’s special events. A reception followed in the cafeteria.
Commencement speaker was Ken Scribner, who is now the marketing director for Georgia-Cumberland Academy and who was boys’ dean at UCA from 2000 to 2004. The highlight of the whole weekend came, of course, as the seniors one by one made that long walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.
Students and staff were not the only ones who found the weekend enjoyable and memorable. “This was a beautiful weekend!” commented a parent, reflecting the comments from many others. “You had an amazing mix of formality and fun! Thank you for coordinating such a wonderful weekend for (our son) and for our family!”
UCA senior class officers 05, from left: (front row) Nicole Morgan, chorister; Tara Trefz and Kristine Garcia, student council representatives; Greta Jarnes, girls sports coordinator; (middle row) Ian Holm, historian; Brittany Blankenship, secretary; Josh Wallace, president; Joe Jenks, vice-president; (back row) Todd Purkey, treasurer; Kessle Hodgson, boys sports coordinator; Jarod Franklin, seargent-at-arms; Timothy Workman, chaplain; (not shown) Greg Balmes, pianist.
