Huang, Chen lead ACS Class of 2024

Dozens of family members and friends gathered to witness the graduation of the Agape Christian School Class of 2024 last Friday at the school’s campus in Gualo Rai.

It culminated in the graduation of 31 students—14 high school graduates and 17 middle school—to the next chapter of their lives.

Leading the graduating high school class were valedictorian Yilin “Elim” Huang and salutatorian Xu “Stephen” Chen. Huang will pursue her major in nursing at Bob Jones University in South Carolina, while Chen is on his way to the Pensacola Christian College in Florida and will a major in cyber security.

Both Chen and Huang expressed their appreciation to God, family, and their teachers and peers. During her remarks Huang said, “As this year’s valedictorian, I am honored to stand here and share my gratitude with everyone of the amazing people who have helped bring me to this position. I come from a one-child family. I tried repeatedly to be perfect and excellent in everything I do. This also resulted in me not knowing how to communicate with people. But here my life is surrounded with great partners and teammates. I used to see the flaws in a person, but not anymore.”

She shared her deepest thanks to her parents, family friends, teachers, school faculty, pastors and leaders of ACS.

“You are the ones who have shown me God’s mercy and grace in time of hardship. You are the ones who have taught me the righteousness of God and taught me the right thing for my wrongdoing. You are the ones who leave us a great example of God’s humble servant that I always want to follow. Thank you again, of course, glory to God.”

Leading the middle school promotion was Reyviel Van Labao Escarlan and Lang “Steve” Yang.

The two young men also shared their experiences at the school and hopes for the future.

“All of us would not be here today if it weren’t for all of our supportive teachers, friends, and families. Class of 2024, all of us are very smart, gifted, and talented in our own special way. And I am excited to see all of you go far in life. I would like to thank my parents for sending me to this school, where I have learned and grown so much,” said Escarlan.

Guam’s Harvest Baptist Church and Christian Academy lead pastor Gary Walton served as commencement speaker.

During his remarks he reminded the class the importance of not only their life choices, but putting God first, admonishing them to remember the principles they were taught, and held true and to keep them wherever they are in life.

He reminded them that they will have failures in life but to always trust in God as He is always trustworthy.

“You will never regret giving God first place in your life. So, Class of 2024 as you were graduate, you are embarking on a new journey, and I’m very excited for you. The road of your life is stretched out in front of you, but you are going to have to make some choices and some will be tough choices but here’s the promise of God if you will trust God and lean on His word and give God first choice, then he will direct your path.”