The two members of the Fountain City Christian School Class of 2016 were awarded their diplomas during the commencement ceremonies of May 27. Graduates-to-be Anthony Gendron, the son of Greg and Joyce Gendron, and Austin Melnyk, the son of Jennifer Cox, entered into the gymnasium to the traditional “Land of Hope and Glory – Pomp and Circumstance March Number 1” by Sir Edward Elgar.
Mr. Troy Cummins welcomed the family, friends and faculty to the ceremonies, then turned the podium over to Mrs. Carma Yoder, who opened the event with prayer.
Mr. Tim Bowers came forward for the reading of a scripture of great promise from Psalm 1:1-3, whereupon it is written,
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on His law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
Leaving their seats in the front, Anthony and Austin took seats in the front row with the audience as a slideshow of images of their lives was presents, soundtracked by the song, “This Life” by MercyMe. After the video, Mr. Cummins returned to the podium to address and challenge the graduates, centering his words around those spoken more than once by Christ to His Apostles: “Peace be with you.” Noting that the world in which they were stepping into does not offer genuine peace, he advised that the only true peace comes from the Author of Peace.
Mr. Jay Horn, Mr. Matt Yoder and Ms. Jackie Horn each came to the podium in succession to share favorite memories of their time with Anthony and Austin, each recalling times fun and funny, but also reflecting on the great potential that both possess. Mr. vince Cantu followed, and before he gave a blessing to the graduates, he could not help but add a few memories of his own. Turning to the parents, he said, “Parents, I will assure you of one thing…you made the right decision by allowing your sons to be a part of this school.”
Mr. Cummins then returned to the podium to present Anthony and Austin with their diplomas, and officially installed them into the ranks of Fountain City Christian School alumni with the switching of the tassels. With the closing prayer offered by Mrs. Kelly Mays, the proceedings were officially closed, and new horizons were officially opened for Anthony and Austin.
Of those new horizons, Anthony Gendron is transferring to the four County career Center, where his studies will include computer networking and repair, 3D modeling and game design. Austin Melnyk will be attending Northwest State Community College, with studies focused in accounting and business administration.
They depart the halls of the Fountain City Christian School, well equipped academically and spiritually to excel in the areas that they have chosen.
Timothy Kays can be reached at
tim@thevillagereporter.com