The WCFS Class of 2018
The WCFS Class of 2018 held its commencement exercises on June 2. 7 of 11 graduates were able to participate in the ceremony. The following are the testimonies given by the graduates in attendance. The entire graduation can be viewed here.
Caleb Coffelt
Let me start off with saying how weird this is. I’ve watched sibling after sibling walk up and receive their diploma and up until a week ago, I could not imagine myself walking down the aisle, that just seemed so far away and so surreal. Nevertheless, here I am.
I’d like to thank my parents. Thank you for raising me and ignoring my faults, thank you for pushing me to be a better and more respectful individual. I’d like to thank my siblings, Joanna, Hannah, Rebecca, Tim, Mary and Chloe. You all have pushed me and motivated me as best as you could throughout each and every school year and I appreciate that a lot.
As far as my future plans go, I want to learn to be either a mechanic or a machinist or maybe a bit of both. I’ll be looking into taking welding courses and possibly courses on car repair so I can get certified, but all in all, I’m leaving whatever path I take to God. He knows my passion and he’s going to take me in whatever direction I need to go.
My favorite verse of the Bible ever since I heard it has got to be Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.”
Joshua Comfort
I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland between Denton and Easton. I’d like to thank my older siblings Christina, Susanna, Sarah, and David for their support, friendship, and all the memories growing up together. To my younger siblings, Rebecca, Josiah, and Noah, thank you. I enjoyed the fun times we shared playing together, working on projects, doing our studies and school together. Thank you to mom and dad for always being there to help with school and problems. And thanks to God for providing and caring. Thank you to Mr. Cox and Joel for your support through the years.
I’ve really enjoyed high school especially science, math, and history. My favorite subjects were chemistry and algebra. This last year’s study of 20th Century history was very fascinating.
After high school, I plan to attend Chesapeake College and look forward to studying computer science.
My favorite verses are Joshua 1:8-9: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Thank you and God bless you.
Tirza-Shalom Emenike
We, the students of Walkersville Christian Family Schools, are now joined in a great graduation ceremony, and a new beginning in our lives. Together with Christ, we will determine the course of what God has in store for us, for generations to come. We will face challenges. But we will get the job done. Today’s ceremony, however, has a very special meaning. Because today, we are not merely graduates, but we are young adults ready to overcome.
School has been my second home for many, many years. It took a lot of work, dedication and motivation to do school, for so many years. There were times, when big challenges came up that made me wonder, "Do I have to do school?" I can only say, that without my mom, dad and God, I would not have finished school at all. I thank God that He was there with me, helping me to be persistent and to preserve me through the good and challenging times in my school life.
When it came to doing school, my mom was the President, my dad was the Vice President and my siblings were the cabinet members. Because my mom was the president and has a German background, school was no joke. My mom taught me most subjects, and my dad taught me math and history. They both gave me valuable lessons that would help me throughout life.
Growing up in a large family, it took a lot of time from my school work. I had chores to do, siblings to take care of, as well as the things I did in our mission work with my parents, and even though I can't think of what else right now, it was a whole lot else besides school. It taught me to be smart in how I make decisions with my time, for which I'm grateful, for as I know, I will need it in the future as well.
Of course, my time spent in elementary, middle, and high school weren't all work and no play. Oh no, I played and I'm thankful I had the chance to do so, especially when I compare my life experience to some of my friends and their school life. Homeschooling helped me be more creative in things, learn a lot more about life, and really integrate my topics learned through life lessons. I enjoyed the privilege of traveling around the world, such as Hong Kong, South Sudan and Bulgaria together with my parents sharing the Gospel of Christ. I enjoyed being able to horse-back-ride when I was home. And I also enjoyed discovering soccer in my high school years, achieving medals from the very beginning, making friends, and having competitions. So, being able to accomplish all that including high school is a great gift I have given myself. I am blessed to have learned these things, blessed to have the chance to be homeschooled, blessed to travel and blessed to be graduating.
Today, I will take my perseverance and goal-achievement into the future as I plan to become an Event Planner and attend school for this in the fall, and also pursue a degree in business management information systems. Thank you.
Nathan Fisher
Like my classmates, I have traveled a long road to reach this little church in rural Maryland. For some of us, the road has been figurative, for others it is literal. For me, it’s been both.
I was born in Mannheim, Germany, but when I was six months old we moved to the San Francisco Bay area in California, where I spent the next seven years of my life. My mom homeschooled me for kindergarten and half of first grade. We moved to Colorado then, so they put me in school where I finished first, then attended second and third grades. We then moved to Maryland and went back to homeschooling. My parents say it’s gone so fast they can hardly believe it, but to me, it seems like a lifetime.
I’d like to thank my parents for the love, time, effort, and patience they’ve put into me and my education. It hasn’t always been easy; I know because my mom tells me so. Seriously though, thanks Mom and Dad for working so hard, and for always being there for me. I couldn’t have done it without you. I’d also like to thank my Granny and Grandpa, and Aunt Amy and Uncle Chris for coming up from Arkansas to be here for me. I love you all very much, and it means so much to me that you came.
Pastor Cox told us to include a Bible verse that made a personal impact. One that came to me right away was Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Mom laughed because she thought I was just kidding, but I really meant it. It is a simple verse, but when you dig through all the words in the Bible, it’s the simple statements that tell the truth. God made earth, therefore, it is His. Very simple. In the New Testament God says of Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) No other introduction necessary. Jesus is His son, and God likes what He’s doing. At least eleven times in the New Testament Jesus says, “Follow me.” That is what we’re supposed to do. He asked us to do it 2018 years ago, and it’s what he still wants from us today. In John 19:30 Jesus said, “It is finished.” His part was done. He gave the job to us, and now, as instructed in Matthew 28:19, we are to, “Go…” So, I will. Thank you!
Benjamin Mathews
I would like to thank God for all His mercies in my life. He has been so good to me. First of all, I would like to thank God for my parents. Thank you for all of your patience and valuable advice you have given me. Thank you, Mommy, for taking an interest in football with me. Thank you also for making me fish curry. Thank you, Daddy, for teaching me many valuable lessons and helping me spiritually. Also, thank you for my coats of many colors.
I want to thank God for all my siblings, as well, who pray for me. Thank you, Abigail, for all your words of encouragement and for helping me with my studies. Also, thank you for listening to me. Thank you, Joanna, for your words of advice and really helping me with my research paper, as well as, my math and grammar class. Also, thank you, Joanna, for spouting out words of wisdom to me for example, “After college comes university.” Thank you, Hannah, for making me breakfast. Without you I would starve on Sunday mornings. Thank you for playing with me when I did not have anyone else. I would like to thank God for all my uncles and aunts and cousins for their prayers. A special thanks to my two little cousins who are here today.
I would like to especially thank my cousins Kezia and Matthew who have encouraged me and prayed for me (and trained me) as well. Thank you Kezia for all of your words of wisdom and verses in the birthday cards you gave me and thank you Matthew for all the training and “manning-up sessions” that you gave me to make me the man I am today… I’m not entirely sure if that is a good thing or not. I would also like to thank you for all of your valuable advice such as, “If it hurts walk on it. If it is broken, walk on it. But whatever you do…don’t cry!”
I would also like to thank God for all of the ministers at the New Testament Church that have encouraged me and prayed for me throughout all my years in school as well as my whole life. I would like to thank my all of my Sunday School teachers that taught me the word of God and encouraged me.
Also, thank you WCFS staff for all your encouragement and advice you have given me throughout all of my years of school.
For my future plans, I will be pursuing a degree in either Computer Science or Information Systems this upcoming fall at UMUC, but if God should call me otherwise I will be obedient to His voice.
One verse that has encouraged me that God gave me is, “The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 60:14)
Sarah Schott
The time has finally come to finish high school. God is amazing. I want this time to be all about Him instead of me. While this is the end of my high school education, I have and will continue to grow in the knowledge of my Savior Jesus Christ. Our everlasting God has become dearer to me as I have grown up. My parents read me Bible stories and taught me from a very young age that the most important thing in life is to realize God’s love and authority and to follow Him. The years in school were not just full of bookwork, but also practical teaching moments in life. Maybe some of you think I was such a nice little girl when I was young, but that is far from the truth. In kindergarten, I stole a girl’s trophy and took someone’s stickers. I remember procrastinating many times for school projects that were due at our homeschool co-op, or getting an opossum paper ripped up because of my sloppy handwriting.
While I am not perfect just because I have completed high school, I have seen how, through people who have continued pouring into my life even when they thought they were getting nothing out of it, I have come to where I am now.
I want to thank my dear mother and friend, sometimes like a sister because of my lack thereof, for all the hours, even late into the night working on algebra or helping me figure out my continual, life long, computer issues. She does so much for me, it would take hours to list everything. She is my encourager when I am down, my person to share all my thoughts with, and a lady who I respect for her rational thinking when I come up with some quite un-rational ideas.
My dear Daddy, I want to thank you for all the fun times we spend together and all our conversations (which sometimes can go quite long, and mom is telling me to get to bed). You have encouraged me to live a life totally sold out for Jesus and live the Bible out daily. Thank you! You have taught me what hard work is and the importance of family. I appreciate how caring and thoughtful you are, such as when you remembered to take the ice cream out of the van when we all thought we would be drinking milkshakes. Sometimes I know you feel overwhelmed with work, but you take the time to talk with each of us.
And to my special, amazing, crazy, exciting, hilarious, dear brothers, I love you. Austin you are like my twin. We used to sound alike but never think alike, yet we have so much fun together, whether it is me taking the wrong road because I can never follow directions and you being right the whole time or when we were little potting plants and I chopped the end of your boot off or the days when we marched around with pots on our heads and sticks in our hands.
Seth, you are the builder. I am quite impressed by your mechanical abilities and your compassionate heart, and love for little children.
Joshua, you are the thoughtful one. You always have a plan and you stick to it. I appreciate your excitement and the entertainment you and Seth bring when you talk Chinese to one another.
Colton, Mr. Smiley, I love you too. I appreciate your ability to think fast and your ability to tell stories.
Ethan, what do I say about you? Well, you are my smaller version. You are independent, daring, and a continually happy boy. I love you buddy. You all are special.
To my grandparents and other extended family, I want to thank you for the enjoyable times we spend at your houses, listening to the advice of more wise individuals.
I want to also thank my friends for helping me to love Jesus more and inspiring in me a desire to see lost souls meet Jesus and become changed. I also appreciate all those people who have made me laugh over the years, including my brothers. Sometimes we just sit at the dinner table and start laughing until we hurt, sometimes over nothing. However, I do remember a time when my dad was reading the Bible at dinner and we were going through a list of long, hard names in Kings and oh the pronunciation mixed with interesting names made us roar with laughter! Those fun times have definitely added a few years to my life.
My plans for the next three years are to, Lord- willing, complete my BSN in nursing and then serve in foreign missions. I am willing to go wherever God wants me, but I have a passion for unreached people groups or people in dangerous situations. However, while I am here in the States, I desire to live my life fulfilling the Great Commission with those around me.
One of my life verses since I was around eight years old has been, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” For those here that do not know Jesus, I beg you to please come and surrender your life to Him allowing Him to change you. He has changed me and given me so much peace and hope. Really, all our accomplishments in life are because He has given us breath and strength, all the while setting encouraging individuals in our paths. May each of you take your relationship with Jesus where it is and lay it at the cross, surrendering to allow Him to further work in your life and make you more in love with Him. I just want to thank you all for this time and day I can share with each one of you!
Rebekah Walker
Wow. A simple “wow”. I never thought I’d make it here- but who am I kidding? She done-did-it! I’m so ready for adventure and experience! I am also hoping to be funny (so go ahead and laugh) because I love seeing people happy and thus why I try to be a doof. Comedy would be an option for the future but highly unlikely. Travel would be the strong suit. I want to see the world and her divine beauty she withholds. If God will allow me to go, then I shall indeed soar. On the road, writing, drawing, painting, and hopefully helping anyone in need. I adore nature and love animals so we shall see what God has in store for me.
I believe I owe some “thank yous.” Of course to ALL my family members whom I love, Thank you!
To the parents who got this girl where she’s at, thanks mom and dad, I love you. You helped me grow through these difficult years and I apologize for any minor heart attacks. Thank you for raising us under Christ and keeping us in line and in tact.
Dear brothers, I love you all so much and could NOT ask for better. I am so happy to see a little bit of each of you in me. Thank you for always being there for me, from the ones who I play video games with and the ones I can always go to for some reassurance. I love you, Travis, Seth, Zachary, Isaac, and Nathaniel.
My dear sisters, I may not have had a sister to dress up with or play with but God gave me sisters that show love, encouragement, honor, and respect. I’m so glad to have you all as my role models in love and also, to just be a sister. I love you all, Stephanie, Sara, and now, Amanda.
Kayla, you are special because you were the first sister to ever gain. You helped me to actually be a kid and helped me to just be me. You are the only person I can ever be all me around. I love you so much, Big Sis, Thank you.
Thanks to all the school people who got me through! Mr. Joel, I’m sad that I only got to meet with you once but it was so great. You are awesome and will do amazing! Mr. Gary, I’m shy, okay?! Don’t worry I love ya and thank you for picking on me. It helps because it meant you cared and saw me when I felt like no one did. Alright, sorry, but he’s my favorite: Mr. Brad! Thanks for being SO supportive of me and always there for me even though I cried -only because I didn’t want to disappoint you- you showed great love. I love ya! Thank you.
I want Jesus to lead me where He needs me to go. I want to pursue anything without worry and panic. If I need to leave everything behind, I pray I do it with no regrets or hesitance and with joy and excitement! I want to live on a high wire, I guess. Jesus, lead me.
The memory verse I will always remember and I think should be the one I live by, is “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirt, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 19-20 )
A quote of some sorts kind of by me? “If You shall provide, so shall I prosper.” Jehovah Jireh.
Congratulations also to Joseph Barr, Rachel Bruns, Samuel Floyd, and Hyejin Park who graduated in absentia.
