June is one of the most joyful times of the year at Timothy Christian School. It is a season of celebration as we recognize the hard work, growth, and faithfulness of our students while they prepare for the next chapter God has planned for them. From our youngest learners taking their first big step into elementary school to our graduating seniors heading off to college, careers, and ministry, every ceremony was a reminder of God’s faithfulness throughout the school year.
Kindergarten Graduation
Our Kindergarten Graduation was filled with smiles, songs, Scripture, and plenty of proud moments as our youngest graduates celebrated all they had accomplished during their year.
The ceremony showcased just how much these students have learned this year. They confidently recited Psalm 23 and 2 Corinthians 5:17, reminded everyone of the importance of God’s Word by singing “The B-I-B-L-E” and “Jesus Loves Me,” demonstrated their growing reading and math skills through a reading presentation and counting activities, and joyfully performed songs celebrating both their classmates and the exciting adventure of first grade.
One especially meaningful aspect of this year’s class is that six of the graduates are children of Timothy Christian School alumni. Watching a new generation of TCS families begin their educational journey is a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness across generations and the lasting impact of Christian education.
As diplomas were presented and the graduates were recognized, families celebrated not only the knowledge these students have gained but also the biblical foundation that will continue to guide them throughout their lives.
5th Grade Move-Up Ceremony
Our fifth grade students celebrated an exciting milestone as they officially moved up to middle school. The ceremony reflected how much they have learned academically and how they have grown in their faith throughout their elementary years.
The morning was filled with meaningful moments as students confidently recited the Armor of God passage from Ephesians 6, reminding everyone of the importance of putting on the full armor of God each day. Families also enjoyed a performance by the Beginner Band and a beautiful praise dance presentation by Vessels of Praise, celebrating God’s faithfulness through music and worship.
Students were recognized for their hard work and achievements throughout the year and received words of encouragement as they prepare for the transition to middle school. The ceremony concluded with a reminder of God’s promise found in Jeremiah 29:11, encouraging students to trust His plans as they begin this exciting new chapter.
We are proud of all our fifth grade students and look forward to seeing them continue to grow academically, spiritually, and personally as they enter middle school this fall.
8th Grade Graduation
Our eighth grade students celebrated the completion of middle school with a ceremony that reflected both their academic accomplishments and their spiritual growth.
The service included special addresses from the class salutatorian, Shayla Paul, and valedictorian, Jacob Maronilla, Scripture readings from Joshua 1:8-9 and Proverbs 2:6-7 presented by eighth grade advisors Mrs. Nyrie Janho and Mr. Stephen Van Ness, and a beautiful rendition of “Gratitude” by the 8th Grade Ensemble featuring Lauren Andrade, Julissa Dedos, Ezekiel Ditan, and Lesley Idoh.
Pastor John Colonnello of Evangel Chapel, and parent of graduate Lucia Colonnello, delivered the charge to the graduates. He reflected on the spiritual themes that have shaped this class throughout their middle school journey. In sixth grade, students were challenged to consider, “Who Are You Following?” In seventh grade, they were encouraged to “Know Christ.” Their final middle school theme, “Seek His Presence,” called them to pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord as they prepare to enter high school.
As awards and diplomas were presented, students were recognized for reaching another academic milestone and for the biblical foundation that has been intentionally built throughout their years in middle school. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to use these students as they begin the next chapter of their high school journey.
High School Commencement
Commencement is always one of the most meaningful celebrations of the year as we honor our graduates and commission them to impact the world for Christ.
The ceremony featured musical performances by the TCS Middle School/High School Band and the Girls’ Ensemble featuring Hannah Arnold, Dara Gonzalez, Julia McInerney, and Alayna Osterberg. Kathryn Rojas represented the senior class as she presented their class gift, a new scoreboard for the middle school soccer field. Their generous gift will continue to serve future Timothy Christian School students for years to come.
Heartfelt addresses were heard from the class salutatorian, Samuel Stuhl, and valedictorian, Alyssa Marino. Students were also encouraged through Scripture, the presentation of awards, and a commencement address from former TCS High School Principal Eric Morris, who challenged the graduates as they prepared to begin the next chapter of their lives. It was especially meaningful having Mr. Morris speak, as he is the founder of the senior Dominican Republic missions trip and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the trip.
The Class of 2026 also made school history as the first graduating class to include students who completed all four years of our STEM Scholars Program. Congratulations to Kevin Bryant, Nathan Kelly, Lacey King, Alyssa Marino, and Samuel Stuhl for this outstanding accomplishment and for helping establish a legacy that future STEM Scholars will follow.
This year’s graduating class earned more than $850,000 in college scholarships, a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence.
Several graduates also represent significant milestones within the Timothy Christian School community. Joseph Landis and John Thiero have each spent fourteen years at TCS after beginning in our special K4 pilot program before entering the traditional kindergarten class. Their journey reflects the lifelong impact of growing up in a Christ-centered learning environment. In addition, Taylor Leary proudly continues her family’s Timothy legacy as a Legacy Graduate, following in the footsteps of her father Jeffrey Leary (’96).
A special part of each year’s ceremony is the commissioning of the class. The students find their parents in the crowd and thank them for all they have done for them over the years. The parents respond by pinning a torch on their graduate’s gown, symbolic of the light they will shine for Christ, and the parents praying over them. This year as always, hugs and tears flowed as students and parents expressed their love for each other. After drying their eyes from the commissioning, seniors reminisced about their trip to the DR one last time as they sang their Spanish class song, “Nadie.”
As each student’s diploma was presented, we celebrated not only everything these graduates have accomplished, but also the men and women God has shaped them to become. We are excited to see how He will continue to lead them as they pursue His calling in college, careers, ministry, and wherever He directs their paths.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! We are praying for you as you go forward to serve Christ and make Him known.
Looking Ahead
Whether our students are entering first grade, middle school, high school, or beginning the next chapter after graduation, we celebrate all that God has done in their lives. We are grateful for the parents, teachers, staff, coaches, pastors, and mentors who have faithfully invested in each student along the way.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 at every level. We are thankful for your accomplishments, proud of your growth, and excited to see how God will continue to work through each of you in the years ahead.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Click here to view more photos of the 5th Grade ceremony and fun videos of the Kindergarten, 8th Grade, and 12th Grade graduates.