Portsmouth Christian Academy Celebrates Commencement for the Class of 2025
Portsmouth, NH – June 7, 2024 – Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) proudly celebrated Commencement Day for the Class of 2025 on Friday, June 6th. The commencement ceremony, held in PCA’s gymnasium, celebrated the achievements of 40 young men and women, poised to go out and impact the world for good.
The evening began with an invocation by Board Chairman, Mr. Jeff Clark, 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 2025, which achieved an average weighted GPA of 3.76 and humbly boast over 8500 service hours in their local churches and communities. The graduates earned a total of 160 college credits through Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses, embodying PCA’s vision of joyful excellence and Christ-centered leadership.
“This is clearly a landmark ceremony for your lives, Class of 2025,” said Mr. Runey. “You have many skills and attributes, but it’s the Lord and your knowledge of who God is, and your ability to follow Him, that makes this day particularly special. We’re so grateful for what you’ve done so far, but we’re even more excited about what you’ll go do.”
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, Miss Liana Stuart. Recipients of the Golden Eagle Award have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and a strong Christian witness while at PCA. Miss Stuart delivered a heartfelt speech, using her love of alliteration to point to a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote that served as an overarching theme for her remarks: “Live well. Learn plenty. Laugh often. Love much.” Liana will be embarking on a year of missions and service work after graduation.
Mrs. Tara Hatfield, Academic Counselor, introduced the class valedictorian, Miss Phoebe Gaulin, who will be attending Cedarville University. Gaulin pointed to her classmates as broadly talented, ready to take on whatever lies ahead.
“We are artists, athletes, actors, scientists, mathematicians, authors, and more. We have made a lasting impact here. You all are talented and capable, with a bright future ahead of you,” said Gaulin. “Charge forward and trust in Him. And while you do, remember the family you will always have here as the Class of 2025.”
Following Gaulin’s remarks was English teacher, Pete Beal’s, commentary on the Class of 2025. “We live in a culture that is obsessed with exaggeration. When I was preparing these remarks, the first word I thought of–I thought sounded underwhelming. Because, to describe you guys, I thought of the word ‘reliable’. To be reliable is a gift to the person relying on you. Some senior classes are roller coasters. This class was calm–and that was a gift,” said Beal.
The commencement address was delivered by Mr. Andy Mills, who currently sits on the Board of Trustees for The King’s College in New York City. Mills previously served as the CEO of Thompson Financial before becoming chairman and acting president of The King’s College, leading both institutions with clarity and purpose. Beyond his professional roles, he is a proud PCA grandparent and a faithful mentor and friend to many.
Mills spoke about important life lessons he’s learned, including perseverance, community, friendship, and love. Looking towards the future, he emphasized two certainties amidst the unknown: that each graduate has a calling from God, and that Christ will be with them. He explained the concept of the “cultural mandate,” that we as Christians are called to be God’s partners and co-creators in progressing creation for the benefit of humankind, influencing every aspect of our lives for Christ. He encouraged the Class of 2025 to be God’s ambassadors in college and all areas of life, contributing to their communities and living in a way that draws others to Christ. He stressed the necessity of Christ’s presence for wisdom, strength, and comfort, urging graduates to draw closer to God through prayer and His word.
“So as you go forward into the exciting unknown that we call the future, remember you have a God who has a high calling for you and who will be with you all times and all places if you let him be,” said Mills. He concluded with a quote from Corie ten Boom, urging the graduates to “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
Ben Heidebrink, representing the Class of 2005, welcomed the graduates into the PCA Alumni Association. He highlighted three key characteristics of PCA alumni: a strengthened foundation of faith in Christ, the development of good character, and the pursuit of excellence . He encouraged the graduates to keep Christ at the center of their lives and continue to pursue character and excellence in their future endeavors .
The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Dean of Women, Rebekah Shoemaker, who encouraged graduates to go forth with grateful hearts, keeping Christ as their foundation, being people of integrity, compassion, curiosity, and joy rooted in Christ, pursuing excellence as faithfulness, and leading by serving.
Check Out All the Photos from Commencement 2025
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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 70-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.