Eighteen seniors from the Grace Christian Academy Class of 2018 received their high school diplomas last Friday at the Kirbo Center.

Gavyn Albritton, Abby Bodrey, Eliza Butler, Harley Cooper, Jared Duke, Mason Duke, Carly Godwin, Jeremy Greene, Miller Hayes, Seth Jenkins, Sam McRae, Pooja Patel, Breanna Pritchett, Corban Walsingham, William Womble, Collin Woodrum, Clay Wells and John York walked across the stage.

The Class of 2018 at GCA has more Zell Miller and honor graduates than any other preceeding class from the school. All 18 graduates have qualified for the Hope Scholarship and have been accepted to more than 30 colleges and universities.

After a welcome from Patel, a prayer from Butler and pledges led by Albritton, Hayes and Jenkins, one of the co-valedictorians, Abby Bodrey, was introduced by Cooper.

Bodrey came to GCA four years ago, and she said the experience has encouraged her to explore her passions and transformed her confidence.

“I have learned a great deal about many subjects, but more importantly I have learned that generosity, laughter and faith are essential to a happy life,” said Bodrey. “I found a sense of family and kindness when I came to Grace.”

Bodrey, Godwin, Greene, McRae and Wells were given Honor Medallions for getting all A’s in high school.

Introduced by Green, McRae thanked a wide range of friends, coaches and loved ones in his co-valedictorian speech. He said being part of a private school class as close as his was special.

“It gave me a chance to connect and know every single one of them,” said McRae. “Knowing everyone in your class by name, birthdate, favorite food and eye color is an experience like no other. That is something you don’t get to say at a public school. We are more than classmates, we are family, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world.”

A graduation address was given by author Neil Jorner, and Michael J. Woodard, PE, the senior project manager at LOCHNER in Tallahassee, gave the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Appointment to senior John York.

The GCA Chorus performed “Psalm Twenty-three” accompanied by pianist Mike Inlow, and Pritchett and Jared Duke each gave speeches about class memories.

“I know that if I ever needed anything, I could count on one of my classmates,” said Duke.

The ceremony finished with the class of 2018 throwing their caps into the air.