OLDS – Twenty-eight students graduated from Olds Koinonia Christian School during a ceremony on June 14.
That’s eight more students than last year, when 20 graduated.
The valedictorians were Courtney Sewell and Ashlynn Jones. Owen Hooper was voted to give the challenge to the grads.
In her address, student Sophie Milbrandt said while success and accomplishments are worth striving for, the real value is in doing things for God’s glory.
“Setting goals and working hard is never a bad thing. But it is where our hearts sit, who or what is on the throne of our hearts? If it is not Christ, it will mean nothing,” she said.
“If we did something that wasn't for God's glory we might as well count it meaningless. Though by the world's merit it might be, and it could be temporarily fulfilling, will it be eternally?”
And while success and achievements are exciting, Sanche said we learn more from our failures.
“Celebrate the blessings and great things God gives you, but we can't always stay on the mountain peak. How will you respond when you are in the valleys? That is our true testimony,” she said.
Sanche also took time to thank all the parents, grandparents, relatives and friends who helped the class of 2025 to successfully graduate.
Hooper had a similar message in his charge to the grads.
He said the class learned more than academic subjects during their years in school, they learned how to live as Christians and share the gospel with others.
“The world needs individuals who are grounded in faith, equipped with wisdom, and ready to make a difference, in a good way,” he said.
“As we step out into this world, let us carry the values instilled in us by our hard-working and dedicated teachers, striving to live lives that reflect God's love and purpose.
“May we always seek to grow and always work hard in everything we do. Like it says in Colossians 3:23 [23] ‘whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,’
“God hasn't put us on this earth to do what we want, but to carry out his will to witness and bring glory to him.
“And I challenge all of us grads alike to always strive to do our best as unto the Lord. In your workplace, homes, and in your personal lives, put God and his will above your own agenda.”
