The 20^th class to graduate from Grace Christian Academy walked across the stage to receive their diplomas Friday evening in the Perry Memorial Gymnasium.

Felix Amaya, Kendi Castoro, Taylor Cumbie, Haley Greer, Zyrese Guy, Jackson Harrell, Hannah Hatcher, Robert Holden, Garvis Kelly, Melissa Mills and Brent Nobles sat in front of a cheering crowd of family and friends during the ceremony.

“You are a special class and you accomplished a lot,” GCA board member chairman Mark Harrell said to the line of 11 graduates standing before him. “You will continue to do so after you leave here. This is an exciting time for you and we wish you all the best of luck wherever you go.”

GCA 2014 salutatorian and class leader Hannah Hatcher presented a medal to junior Brent Noble, passing the class leader title on and asking God to guide him through his senior year with his classmates, peers and faculty.

“During the past year, I have endeavored with God’s help to lead our class in the way that pleases God,” Hatcher said. “Now I challenge you to lead with loyalty. Be loyal to your administration, support them enthusiastically, anticipate their desires, understand their goals and implement their requests.”

The ceremony included other special presentations, including the GISA boy’s quartet champions singing a song. Hatcher and valedictorian Kendi Castoro gave speeches about the lessons they’ve learned at GCA and the memories they’ve made there that they’ll never forget.

“I remember the first time I took my first shaky steps through the double doors at Grace,” Castoro said. “I was a nervous fourth grader, but after the very first day of school, I never wanted to leave. I walked in as the new kid and many hours later I walked out as part of the Grace family.”

The gymnasium howled as the new GCA grads received their diplomas and moved their tassels to the left side of their hats.