After several months of quarantine and virtual learning, the Dayton Christian School Class of 2020 finally received their diplomas during an in-person commencement service on Sunday, June 28.
Although state guidelines mandated that all the graduates (as well as the two guests per student that were permitted to attend) remained physically distant, it was obvious that the hearts of this class were knitted together. They stood as one in an emotional ceremony that included a tribute to fallen classmate Tommy Williamitis and several tearful testimonies.
Members of the class began their march to Pomp and Circumstance at 6 pm at Southbrook Christian Church.
After the welcome by DC Junior High/High School Principal Gabe Pethtel, Eagle Scout Jacob Mohn led all in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Class chaplain Hannah Davidson opened the evening in prayer. After a testimony and video presentation by Luke Evans, the brothers of Williamitis stepped up on stage to receive his honorary diploma.
Reilly Fair, senior class president, presented Dayton Christian School with a gift from the class: a donation towards DC’s landscape improvement efforts.
After a charge to the graduates – an appeal to go into the world and declare the gospel – by Reverend Robert Lyons, the 73 members of the senior class received their hard-earned and long-awaited diplomas. Congratulations, Class of 2020!
Student Recognitions
Valedictorians: Hannah Davidson, Isabelle Suber and Jonathan Williams
Salutatorians: Emma Boys, Seth Culham, and Matthew Filaseta
A number of students were honored with special awards unique to Dayton Christian School.
Reid Wheeler received the Daniel Award and Jaelyn Hunt received the Esther Award for showing courageous faith in a challenging culture. Seth Griswold was presented the Joshua Award for displaying positive participation and leadership at Dayton Christian High School.
Emma Boys received the Lydia Award for showing consistent wisdom and a discerning heart in her endeavors at DCHS. The Mary Award, selected by the senior class, went to Reilly Fair for her consistent and faithful walk with Christ.
Twelve students were honored with the Warrior Award, a recognition of students who live a life that is balanced, excelling in spiritual, physical, social, and academic fitness. Warrior Award recipients included: Esther Collins, Courtney Collinsworth, Reilly Fair, Seth Griswold, Andrew Haines, Tiray Jamison, Juliana Mantz, Eleanore Simons, Corrine Turner, Jon Welker, Reid Wheeler, and Jaelyn Hunt.
