Eagles Eye 2017

BOUNDLESSLY HOPEFUL >>
Valedictorian Alex O’Brien
Salutatorian Bryson Karrer
Dr. Eugene B. Habecker
Commencement Overview
CHCA’s Class of 2017 Graduation Day celebration was one of notable challenge for these young adults to
stay true to themselves, be people of character, and face change and transition with God as their guide.
Salutatorian Bryson Karrer encouraged his fellow classmates that
as each one of them carries their own identity, when they embark
into this next chapter, they need to be true to themselves. He
shared, “Do not be so quick to judge others…without getting to
know them and their true character.” He reminded them that it
takes courage to take off their own masks and show their true
selves, as well as to refrain from the judgement of others. The
charge was simply to go forth with that courage.
Valedictorian Alex O’Brien shared that looking back at high
school, it won’t be academics, rather it will be the relationships,
that held meaning to their experiences at CHCA. He elaborated
the point in a challenge to his classmates as they move forward
in life, to ask themselves in their circumstances, “How did I make
someone else feel, and how did they make me feel?”
He further shared, “CHCA taught me that I couldn’t learn
everything about myself, or even the world, in just the
classroom.” He went on to explain how the different unique
experiences he encountered at CHCA – intersession, serving,
prepping for debate team late at night, performing abroad, etc. –
all helped to grow and mature him. “There truly is something for
everyone at CHCA. And we couldn’t be successful without our
teachers. They are unique in how they invest in our experiences.
They are our coaches, mentors, and friends.” He reiterated that
at CHCA, students are able to try and discover unique skills
and talents they didn’t know they had. And he encouraged, “As
we move forward in life, let’s continue to try out new interests,
keeping an open mind about ourselves and the world around us.”
O’Brien ended his speech with a reminder about character.
“CHCA has prepared us to be strong leaders and to change
the world for the better. I’ve learned that being a good leader
requires mutual respect, kindness, and encouragement.
Years from now, people won’t remember you for what you
accomplished, they’ll remember you for how you made them
feel.”
Commencement Speaker Dr. Eugene B. Habecker (Taylor
University ’68), President Emeritus of Taylor University, pointed
out to students that while all of them are facing levels of change
and transition in their lives, we can be encouraged that we serve
a God who understands change and transition. He shared several
examples from scripture that illustrated the importance of faith
and obedience to God in times of uncertainty. He pointed out
the importance of having a relationship with a God who they
knew they trusted - as in biblical times and it still rings true today
- it didn’t matter where they were going, as long as they knew
who they were following.
He shared four guidelines for their journey of change and
transition:
1 Let God be your guide. It’s difficult to get somewhere in this
world without taking time to hear His voice.
2 Focus your vocational efforts on what brings you joy; not just
what brings you power, position, and prestige.
3 Be prepared for the bumps along the way, when they come,
not if they come.
4 Make your life and your words your sermon to the world.
“As you leave this place, you will be new people, face new
circumstances, encounter new opportunities, all while
experiencing change and transition all along the way.” Dr.
Habeker shared. “As you go, be encouraged by these four
guidelines. God bless you in this day of celebration.”
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