During this past school year (January through October in Guatemala) I’ve had the privilege of spending some time with the students at New Life School in Santa Maria de Jesus. Today I got to join with them in celebrating the graduation of ten of their sixth grade students.
This graduating class was special to the school for a number of reasons. First, it is the last graduating class that remembers where the school started, not in the beautiful facility they now call home, but in a small house in the community. This group has watched their school grow from a few children to more than 90. They have a special appreciation for the legacy of New Life.
Blakey addressing the Sixth Grade graduates as her mother looks on
Today was special, too, because it marked the end of Blakey’s studies in Basico (the equivalent of our high school program). Blankey was the young girl who first inspired Judy Kerschner to begin educating special students in Santa Maria, and was the only student when the school began that first year. Next year, Blankey will be joining the staff while working in the office.
To celebrate this occasion, there were a number of musical performances but both students and teachers. This reflected well the community which is New Life School.
The critical role the parents have played in their children’s ability to receive an education was honored when the parents accompanied their graduates to the “stage.”
In addition to receiving their diploma, each student also received a Bible and prayer from either Judy or Amy DeYoung, who also supervises the school program in Santa Maria. This was a most special and sacred time.
When the graduation ceremony was over, we were treated to a scrumptious lunch prepared for the staff and visitors by the parents of the graduates. It is an honor to be considered part of this community of students, teachers and more importantly, followers of Jesus Christ.
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