This June, Timothy Christian School celebrated three important milestones for its students, the graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, 8th grade, and high school. Each event was filled with joy, meaning, and a strong sense of community as students, teachers, and families marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Kindergarten Graduation: Growing in Faith and Learning
The kindergarten class of 2025 wrapped up a special year with a fun and meaningful ceremony. Mrs. McInerney opened with a warm welcome and prayer, followed by the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” processional played by Ms. Brookman.
The young students proudly saluted the American flag, Christian flag, and Bible, and then sang “The B-I-B-L-E.” They shared Bible verses like Psalm 23 and Joshua 1:9 and sang songs including “Jesus Loves Me,” the “B.E.A.R” theme song from this year, and “Hello to All the Children of the World.”
They also showed off their growing knowledge with a poem reading called “K is for Kindergarten,” where they proudly displayed each letter of the word kindergarten. They counted by 5s and 10s and performed a Math Money Rap. Mrs. Barry and Mrs. Morisset presented class awards and handed out diplomas. The celebration ended with the cheerful song “1st Grade,” to the tune of “Theme from New York, New York” and closing remarks from Dr. Smock.
8th Grade Graduation: Ready for High School
The 8th grade graduation was a special time to honor students finishing middle school and getting ready for high school. The event began with “Pomp and Circumstance,” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Raquel Philippe and the National Anthem.
Miss McKay welcomed everyone and thanked the parents. Kyrillos Azer gave the salutatorian address, and 8th grade advisors Mrs. Janho and Mr. Van Ness read scripture from Joshua and Proverbs. Raphael Azer, twin brother of Kyrillos, gave the valedictorian address.
The 8th Grade Ensemble, Hannah, Isabella, and Ben performed “Graves into Gardens,” and Miss McKay presented awards to recognize student achievements. The commencement address was given by Pastor Michael Leahy, alum from the class of 1989, who enjoyed sharing the stage with his wife Mrs. Leahy, math and lead teacher in the MS. Pastor Leahy shared with the students that it is okay to make mistakes and to learn to grow in God’s wisdom. Following his address, diplomas were handed out by Miss McKay. Dean Rodriguez gave the closing prayer, and Mrs. Leahy officially presented the 8th grade graduates to the audience.
High School Graduation: Celebrating the Class of 2025
On Friday, June 13th, the class of 2025 walked across the stage for the last time as high school students. The afternoon began when students walked in to “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by our high school band, as friends and family looked on with excitement.
Jimmy McLaughlin welcomed the audience and celebrated the many accomplishments of his class like Haley Gottshall’s girls’ soccer school record of 123 career goals, Holly Medina’s girls’ volleyball record of 599 kills and 505 digs, Jalen Fleming finishing his career with 2,152 points, and Aaron George and Justin Griguoli breaking the school record in the 400-meter. Not only did these seniors excel athletically, but academically as well, as these seniors were offered over $1.7 million in scholarships to attend colleges across the country. Jimmy also presented the seniors class gift of a covering for the pergola.
Salutatorian Sarah Maronilla gave a heartfelt speech and Valedictorian Aaron George reminisced on the days he spent with his classmates together from kindergarten to 12th grade and challenged his classmates to continue to follow God. Miss McKay handed out awards, recognizing students in the National Honor Society, performing arts, debate, and the 8 students who had attended TCS for 13 years*.
The commencement speaker was Dr. Eric Mindrebo, former TCS Superintendent from 1997-2002. He inspired graduates to trust God’s plan for their futures and encouraged them to remember the foundation they have been given and the support they have received along their journey. After Dr. Mindrebo spoke, the senior class sang their class song from their mission’s trip to the Dominican Republic, “Tumbas A Jardines.” The audience sang along as they finished out the song in English.
The high school graduation also included a special moment for parents with their students. Each year Miss McKay leads parents in a “commissioning ceremony” where they pin “a torch” on their students to signifying commissioning them for the spiritual “battle” they will face on their college campuses and in the world. This is an emotional moment for many as parents pray over their children for God’s strength and protection for their future.
Each graduate had their moment in the spotlight as Principal McKay or Mrs. Nelson (teacher and class advisor), not only read their name but also shared their accomplishments and goals for the future as Dr. Smock handed them their diploma. This year three of our seniors are children of TCS Board members who were able to share a special moment with their children as they shook their hands and handed them their diplomas. Dean Rodriguez gave the final prayer of dedication and Ms. Adrian presented the newly graduated class of 2025 to the audience. The ceremony ended with a joyful recession as the graduates moved forward into the next stage of their lives.
We’re so proud of each and every student who graduated this year. These ceremonies were filled with moments of joy, gratitude, and hope. Congratulations to our kindergarten, 8th grade, and high school graduates. We can’t wait to see how God works in and through you in the future.
*Elizabeth Grace Attia 🎬, Holly Michelle Medina✞, Nevaeh Nicole Brown-Livingston, Donovan Edward Oyola, Jalen Pierce Fleming*, Jack LaPriest Peele, Aaron Mathew George✞*, Ben Eliyahu Philip, Haley Elizabeth Gottshall✞, Isabella Maria Ramos*, Justin Scott Griguoli, Gabriel Riera*, Athanasia Kambitsis, Wayne Lawson Scafe✞, Santiago Elias Lazo, Lucas Lenny Silva✞, Stephen Robert Luxama, Silas Tirado, Chukwudi Raphael Mamah, Angel Reynaldo Trejo, Sarah Isabel Cortez Maronilla* ✧, Freddy Brandon Vasquez, Stephan Nehemiah Martinez✞*, Gavin Edward Walker*, James Robert McLaughlin✞*, Joseph Emmanuel Walker✞, Anya Sarah Wildgoose 🎬
✞ 13 years at TCS * National Honor Society
✧ National Forensic League – Superior Distinction (Debate)
🎬 Performing Arts Distinction – 4+ Shows
Click to view more photos from the Kindergarten, 8th grade, and 12th grade graduations!