Portsmouth Christian Academy Celebrates Commencement for the Class of 2024
Students are challenged to “go forth and do great and wonderful things.”
Portsmouth, NH – June 7, 2024 – Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2024 on Friday, June 7. The commencement ceremony, held on the beautiful riverfront campus, was a momentous occasion marking the academic and personal achievements of forty-three exceptional students.
The evening began with an invocation by Dean of Men, Mr. Stephen Foley, whose prayer expressed gratitude for the accomplishments of the graduates and asked for blessings on their future endeavors.
Mr. Mike Runey, Head of School, welcomed the attendees, including families, friends, and faculty, acknowledging the collective efforts that contributed to this special day. Mr. Runey highlighted the academic excellence of the Class of 2024, which achieved an average weighted GPA of 3.68, surpassing the national average. The graduates earned a collective 103 college credits through Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses, with twenty students achieving High or Highest Honors every quarter.
In addition to their academic prowess, the graduates made significant contributions in athletics, the arts, and community service. They dedicated nearly 9,000 hours to community service, reflecting the school’s commitment to developing the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
“Today is more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of God’s provision for this class and each individual in this class up to this key juncture in their lives,” said Mr. Runey. “At PCA, we strive to maximize each student’s God-given potential through a Christ-centered, academically challenging program. We prepare students for college and, more importantly, for a Christ-centered life of purposeful impact and leadership.”
The National Anthem was performed by Voices, the Upper School vocal group.
Upper School Principal Mr. Jordan Heckelmann announced the recipient of PCA’s prestigious Golden Eagle Award and the Valedictorian, Miss Tatiana Stockbower. Award recipients have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and a strong Christian witness while at PCA. Miss Stockbower delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on the shared experiences and friendships formed during their class’s time at PCA. She will be attending the United States Military Academy.
“Each one of you is so different, yet you look out for each other in a way that I have never seen any class do before,” said Miss Stockbower in her address. “Charge forward and run the race that God has laid out before you. While you do so, do not forget to stop, smell the flowers, and cherish the moment that you are in.”
Mrs. Tara Hatfield, College Planning and Registrar, introduced Salutatorian Mr. Connor Hickey, who will be attending the United States Coast Guard Academy, who also addressed the graduates. He emphasized the importance of optimism and gratitude as they embark on their future journeys.
“Every day is truly a gift, another chance to fully embrace joy and gratitude,” said Mr. Hickey. “Class of 2024, I want you all to see how far God has brought us and to believe that He’ll continue to lead us as we step into the next chapter of our lives.”
The ceremony featured a Scripture reading by Mrs. Rebekah Shoemaker, Dean of Women, and a powerful commencement speech by Dr. Michael Hammond, President of Gordon College. Dr. Hammond inspired the graduates with his insights on faith and the need to avoid giving in to the spirit of the age.
“As you prepare for the next stage in your journey, pursuit of the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable, the excellent and praiseworthy, will drive you toward biblical wisdom, for a life of learning and growth as well as a life committed to service toward others. As you pursue these biblical values, I also pray that you would avoid the temptation to view the loudest argument as truth, the temptation that the most popular ideas are therefore the most noble, the temptation that the easiest path must be the right one, and the temptations to confuse pleasure for purity, self-gratification for the lovely, and material success for an admirable and excellent life. And avoid the temptation to reduce faith in Jesus Christ to a mere hobby.”
The presentation of diplomas was led by Dr. Connie Lawrence, Dean of Academics, Mr. Mike Runey and Mr. Jeffrey Clark, Chair of the Board of Directors, officially recognizing the graduates’ achievements and welcoming them into the PCA alumni community.
2011 alum Isaac Moore recognized the 1,150th graduate of PCA, Allyson Moore, his sister. He challenged the class with the words of History Department Teacher, Dr. Ray Gamble, to “go forth and do great and wonderful things.”
Senior Class President Mr. Nathaniel Gomes presented the class gift, which included items to foster community and fellowship among future PCA students. The ceremony concluded with a rousing, rain-pelted, benediction by Mr. Adam Abood, Bible Department Head, and a joyous cap toss by the graduates.
Portsmouth Christian Academy congratulates the Class of 2024 on their remarkable achievements and looks forward to witnessing the positive impact they will make in their future endeavors as they impact the world for good.
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Portsmouth Christian Academy has been inspiring students on the Seacoast to maximize their potential for more than 40 years. PCA provides a nurturing educational environment that emphasizes Christ-centered community, outstanding academics, differentiated learning, and exceptional character. Located just minutes northwest of Portsmouth, NH on a beautiful 60-acre riverfront campus, PCA is a dually accredited, independent, college-preparatory, day school where young people from Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire in Preschool through Grade 12 are challenged to thrive academically and grow as servant-leaders prepared to impact the world for good. For more information, please visit pcaschool.org.