Eastern Christian Middle-Schoolers Move On

Eastern Christian Middle School graduated 58 eighth-grade students earlier this month.

After a message from valedictorian Katherine Mae Post, an ensemble of nine graduates sang "Keep Holding On" from a Broadway musical, and salutatorian Cheryl Steenstra offered a prayer for the graduates.

ECMS Principal Richard Van Yperen offered the following comments at the end of a brief speech challenging students to remember the messages they have received over their years of Eastern Christian education:

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) The world will throw challenges at you that can rob you of hope, and without hope you will not overflow with joy and peace. Notice the relationship between hope and trust. God will fill you with hope as you trust Him.

"Who is it who overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the son of God. (I John 5:5) We know you have what it takes to overcome whatever challenges life throws your way, and we will be supporting you as you move on to the rest of your life," Van Yperen said.

After a closing prayer by Head of School Tom Dykhouse, graduates received a standing ovation as they walked into their future to recessional music.

For more information about Eastern Christian, visit www.easternchristian.org/schools/middle-school.