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Graduation Highlights

May 24, 2025

FCS Graduates Challenged to “Be a Doer”

The Class of 2025 stepped toward their future during Friendship Christian School’s 45th commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, where they were encouraged not to “audit” the Christian life as hearers only.

Dr. Josh Crockett, pastor of Morningside Baptist Church in Greenville, SC, and sixth president of Bob Jones University, used James 1 to caution the graduates that knowing God’s Word without acting on it is dangerous.

See highlights from the senior trip and watch the full graduation ceremony.

A Charge

Just as you can’t audit classes and earn a degree as a nurse, doctor, or lawyer, Dr. Crockett told the graduates, “James says you cannot audit God’s Word as a mere hearer only. You actually have to be a doer, you have to apply it, you have to obey what you’ve heard.”

At FCS, students have heard God’s Word in chapel, in Bible class, from teachers in all subjects, and in church, however, “If you hear God’s Word but you never do anything with it, he says you actually start to deceive yourself,” said Dr. Crockett.

The Bible acts as a mirror to show us our pride, selfishness, and other besetting sins, he continued. To be a “doer” means to actively live out the Word: looking intently into the Word, applying it to your life, and persevering in obedience. Finally, James 1:25 reminds us that God’s ways are not bondage, but the law of liberty and freedom for the believer who obeys.

“We don’t earn merit with God by doing what His Word says,” concluded Dr. Crockett. “But because of what Christ did for us, because of his grace, we have the power to obey…It’s because of the gospel that you can be a doer not a hearer.”

A Classmate’s Prayer

Valedictorian Hudson Loy addressed his fellow graduates with thoughts of home. After 14 years at FCS, he said the thought of leaving his school “home” was scary.

He shared how these Sunday school song lyrics brought him comfort and perspective:

This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door.
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

“This song holds a truth echoed by Hebrews 13:14: For here we have no lasting city but we seek the city that is to come,” said Hudson.

“Most of all, I remember this place for what it taught me — to love God above anything else and to serve him with my life,” he concluded as he shared some favorite memories. Hudson closed with this:

“So, class, as we leave here today my prayer for you all is simple, which is to follow and serve Christ so that we can see Him one day somewhere beyond the blue.”

The Ceremony

Seniors were also recognized for their academic achievements and Christian character; see the list below. Head of School David McClain and Pastor Bob Vradenburgh, President of FCS, then conferred diplomas on the 25 graduates. 

“We have been able to share God’s word with these graduates. They’ve heard the truth,” said Mr. McClain, praying at the conclusion of the ceremony. “We pray that it will take deep root in their hearts and produce fruit. Thank you for the opportunity we’ve had. Thank you for the teachers and parents who have invested in their lives. May you reward them for their faithfulness. Father, we ask that above all, you would receive all glory and honor.”

Finally, the seniors turned their tassels and proceeded out of the auditorium as alumni of Friendship Christian School. Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Awards, Scholarships, & Recognitions

1,000th Graduate: Serenity Lightbourne
With the 2025 commencement ceremony, FCS has graduated 1,011 students, a milestone that testifies of God’s goodness. The 1,000th student received a $1,000 scholarship.

Christian Ministry Scholarship: Hudson Loy, Walker Cain

National Fine Arts Representatives: Abigail Enskaya, Serenity Lightbourne

A/B Honor Roll
Phillip Brinson, Walker, Bee Enskaya, Ariel Harrison, Riley Koch, Serenity Lighbourne, Hudson Loy, Hunter Peed, Elianna Quigley, Jody Rivera Perez, Sarah Rockwell, Hannah Thompson, Lucas Yassumoto

A Honor Roll
Sadie Egharevba, Nico Moreno, Johannes van Die

Scholar Athlete Award
Participated in a varsity sport and maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the school year
Jeremy Brena, Phillip Brinson, Tamar Dasema, Abigail Enskaya, Jason Groo, Ariel Harrison, Rilegy Kofch, Serenity Lightbourne, Hudson Loy, Nico Moreno, Elianna Quigley, Jordy Rivera Perez, Kamdem Savage, Johannes van Die

Highest Academic Average Awards
Johannes van Die – Old Testament Survey, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, Biblical Worldview
Elianna Quigley – English, Economics, Advanced Functions and Modeling
Hudson Loy – Honors English, Honors Calculus
Serenity Lightbourne – Forensic Science 
Jason Groo – Personal Finance

Senior Christian Character Awards 

Patty Soemer Servant’s Heart Award – Lauren Simpson
Presented to a senior that displays the heart of a true servant. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Auf-Zum-Zeke Spirit Award – Hudson Loy
Presented to the senior athlete who best exemplifies the outstanding qualities and virtues represented by the Friendship Falcons in the areas of Christian testimony, scholastic achievement, and athletic ability.

Timothy Award – Walker Cain, Lauren Simpson
Presented to the seniors who best exemplify the outstanding qualities and virtues represented by Friendship Christian in the areas of Christian service, encouragement, school spirit, and spiritual commitment.

Dr. R. Gene Payne President’s Award – Ariel Harrison, Jordy Rivera Perez
Presented to outstanding seniors who best exemplify the qualities and virtues represented by Friendship Christian School in the areas of academics, school spirit, Christian service, leadership involvement in extracurricular activities, and spiritual commitment.