Honor the Grads 2017

Christians In Public Education (CIPE) held its inaugural Seminole County Honor the Grads event on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Community United Methodist Church in Casselberry, FL.  These honored graduates were chosen by their peers because they lived their Christ-like walk through their high school years.  Seminole County’s event was modeled after St. Johns County where they have a 20-year tradition of honoring their seniors.  Students at each high school were asked to nominate and select seniors who have boldly walked out their Christian faith over the course of their high school careers.  The groups represented Fellowship of Christian Athletes and student created weekly Bible study group entitled Refuge along with Mission Interact and the Seminole High School Gospel Choir.  Young Men and Young Women of Excellence were also included.  The following schools were represented:

Hagerty High School
Karina Erickson       Emma Steinbronn   Andrew Whisenaut

Lake Brantley High School
Zane Henning          Jonathan Hartley

Lake Mary High School
Jonathan Solomon      Toni Williams

Lyman High School
Brooke Woehr          William Walton

Oviedo High School
Joshua Garzon        Erin Reilly     David Son

Seminole High School
Alexia Green            Adourin Owens        Kendall Walden
Kaylan Wiggins        Elizabeth Williams               Ka’Brianna Young

Winter Springs High School
Tyler Knerr                Justin Wieckhorst
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This prestigious award may be the most important award these students could ever receive. Each one graciously thanked CIPE, their parents and the many support systems of people that brought them to this point. They shared stories of being in Christian families and being in the faith since their youth, but a common thread for each was their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Some of their future plans include: Florida Southern College, Samford University, Florida State University, University of South Florida, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Howard University, Seminole State College, and the University of Central Florida. 
 
Several of the honorees shared a favorite scripture which included:
Matthew 11:28
Isaiah 6:8
2 Timothy 1:7
Jeremiah 29:11
2 Corinthians 5:7
Psalm 34:3
 
All honorees stressed the importance of a relationship with Jesus rather than simply doing the religious “things” they were taught.  They all shared the importance of sharing a genuine faith with others and always being a strong example of the love of Christ.
 
All honorees received a medallion for graduation, a certificate and a $100 scholarship for their future plans. Congratulations to each honored graduate and their families.
 
Seminole County Public Schools and Christians In Public Education are proud to have these fine seniors representing their high schools.  And we are proud to know that the future is so bright as we look ahead!
 
A special thank you to Mr. Greg Larson, our Seminole County FCA representative.  He has obviously made a significant impact on these young ladies and gentlemen as they shared in their remarks.  Greg helped make it possible for Mrs. Gracia Miller to reach all the student groups in our high schools.  Thank you also to Community United Methodist Church for use of the beautiful facility and especially Mrs. Mary Ann Morris for coordinating all of the technical pierces.  Thank you to Mrs. Karen Seddon from Christian Educators Association International for guiding us as we hosted our first HTG event.  Thank you to Mr. Robert Bennett, Huddle Coach at Lake Brantley for praying for the graduates and Mr. Kyle Kent, Mission Interact for the beautiful Benediction.  Thank you to the CIPE leadership team for working hard to make this event happen.  And thank you to God for this event and these Christ-loving seniors!

Kathy Phillips