Cumberlite 2023 Issue 3

Congratulations
CLASS OF 2023
During Memorial Day Weekend, graduates, family, and
friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the
class of 2023. Attendees enjoyed graduate-led music and
testimonies, as well as messages from speakers specially
selected by the class. On Friday evening, consecration
speakers Zach and Natalia DeChicchis presented their message
classroom-style, complete with graduates taking notes from
their “final class.” The DeChicchises tasked graduates with
taking the initiative to be a force for positive change instead
of a behind-the-scenes complainer. Zach encouraged them
to “be the person who does something, even if people
might misunderstand or belittle you. Try things you don’t
already know how to do. Don’t be a gadfly.” Natalia shared
with them that it is ok to say “No,” with a reminder that “You
have the power over your own choices…Allow change to be
empowering, not scary.”
Graduates gave insight into their personal GCA experiences
during Friday’s service and again during Sabbath School. Many
of them mentioned the positive, life-changing experiences
that occurred in their lives because of donor gifts. Another
common theme of the experiences shared was the high level
of appreciation graduates felt because of the caring staff and
student interactions throughout their time at GCA.
Baccalaureate speaker Pastor Cody Paige, ’11, inspired
graduates with a message entitled, “Tag, You’re It” based upon
1 Samuel 16. He reminded them that God is preparing them for
big things, just as David’s sheep-tending readied him to lead a
kingdom. He shared, “God is clearing space in rooms that you
will naturally fit in. You are being planted in a safe space to
prepare you for your public purpose. In the meantime, develop
empathy, caring, and compassion.”
Saturday evening commencement speaker, retired GCA
principal Dr. Gregory Gerard acknowledged the important
milestone of the evening. His message to graduates was that
no matter what mistakes and bad decisions have been made
or may be made in the future, God sweeps your sins away. He
tasked them with an important life principle, stating “Don’t
forget – whatever you do, or whatever happens in your life,
you can always return to God for He has redeemed you. You
are not your own. You’ve been bought with a price. So, glorify
God.” After the presentation of awards and diplomas, the new
alumni excitedly marched from the recessional to an outdoor
reception held on the patio of the student center.
2 CUMBERLITE ISSUE 3 | 2023