Nunez and Villagomez lead GCA graduates

Dozens of families and friends gathered for the Grace Christian Academy graduation ceremony last May 31, and the school set 15 eagles a flight during their class of 2024 graduation ceremony, at the school’s campus in Navy Hill.

Valedictorian Andrew Jeren Nunez and Salutatorian Nieves Ana Mafnas Villagomez, lead GCA’s graduating Class of 2024. The class’ top ten students were, in order Nunez, Villagomez, Hannah Maria Villagomez Tenorio, Kimy Clyde Ballesteros Kim, Julia Christine Mendieta Jinang, Xinzhi Eric Lai, Akira Ota, Kei Labao Lizama, Kean James Pajarillaga, and Seo Yun Jang.

As for awards, the Governor’s leadership award went to Valedictorian Nunez, and the Lt Governor’s leadership award went to Hannah Maria Villagomez Tenorio. Seo Yun Jang was the recipient of the Women’s Affair’s Office’s outstanding female graduate award. The Eagle leadership award runner up went to Seo Yun Jang, and the Eagle awardee was Hannah Villagomez Tenorio.

GCA character awards went to Kent Ouyang, Rain Jacob, and Akira Daniel Ota, and Academic honors awards went to Rain Jacob, Kimy Clyde Ballesteros Kim, Xinzhi Eric Lai, Kei Labao Lizama, Akira Ota, Kent Ouyang, and Kean James Pajarillaga.

Graduates on the consistent principles list were also awarded. Julia Christine Mendieta Jinang, Andrew Nunez,Hannah Maria Villagomez Tenorio, Seo Yun Jang, Nieves Ana Mafnas Villagomez were named in this category.

Students with athletic accomplishments were also recognized and awarded.

During his remarks Nunez shared his appreciation for family and friends gathered there, and said that he sees his accomplishments only possible through their support. “…this award is a testament to your tremendous hard work and the love that you have unconditionally poured into me and my classmates.” He said “I am deeply appreciative and filled with gratitude for all the beautiful memories we have created and will continue to create in our future. This award is a testament to all of our hard work and the eternal bond we have formed with each other… This award is a testament to God’s glory and the blessings He continuously provides. Standing here in this moment, I realize this achievement of receiving the Valedictorian Award is not mine alone. It is a collective triumph, a reminder of the love, guidance, and encouragement of my loving family, friends, teachers, and God…each of you have played a crucial role in my journey. This award is not just a recognition of my hard work, it is a testament to the community of people who have shaped and nurtured me and all of us graduates. For that, I am deeply and eternally grateful.”

In her Salutatorian remarks, Villagomez shared “This award is an honor, but it’s never the goal. A GPA in class ranks are numbers that don’t represent the effort and perseverance of each of our dreams. Years down the line, when we reminisce on our high school lives, our GPA will be the last thing on our minds.” She reminded her fellow graduates that it was their moments together that will forever be etched in their memory “If you don’t stop and look around within a while, you’ll miss it… Life will move fast, so make the most of it. If you love creating art, become an artist. If you love coding, become an IT. If you love baking, become a baker. You only live once. So embark on a journey you’ll love. Graduates, chase your dreams that scare you, believe in yourself, and learn.” She shared that she has learned that although scary, it was necessary to push yourself out of the comfort zone “However, you miss all the shots you don’t take. So even when things get hard, in fitness, college, or any stage in life, embrace it, persevere, because you will grow as a person. Give yourself grace when things don’t work out, and don’t let failure prevent you from success. Figure out, grow, and eventually, you’ll get that W. Graduates, there will be many challenges you conquer at finish lines you cross, such as the ones tonight. Celebrate these challenges, but enjoy every step as you get there, and don’t give up when the steps are hard. Eagles, I’m so proud of how far you’ve come. Extend those wings, and you’ll fly far.” She also shared her deep appreciation to her family friends and those who invested in her ““You believed in me when I couldn’t believe myself. And you loved me, even when I felt unworthy of love…” she said “You have shaped our lives, lives, and helped us make it to where we are tonight, so thank you. Thank you to Grace Christian Academy for this award, and more importantly, for teaching us the value of working hard, showing grace, and loving others.”

The keynote speaker, chosen by the class, was GCA’s very own Pastor Michael Rogers. In his remarks, he highlighted importance of the class’ chosen theme. Love. He shared that God’s unconditional love was something to reflect through our lives and strive to give others in a broken world, even when its tough “It’s a love that we’re called to replicate. It’s a love we’re called upon to replicate. To live out. [Apostle] Paul notes this by saying, it is a love that covers a multitude of sins. Seniors, as you go forward, practice it, demonstrate it, show how you can do it. This is not an easy message. This is a message that is calling you into a place of challenge. This is the place to go forward. This is our launch.” He said