2021 Commencement Program

Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2021

Twenty-eighth day of May, Two Thousand and Twenty One Seven O’Clock P.M. Christ Church at Grove Farm

The Program PROCESSIONAL (PLEASE STAND)

MARSHALS FROM THE CLASS OF 2022: LAUREN MEDURE, JOSEPH DEEMS BOARD FACULTY ADMINISTRATION CLASS OF 2021

WELCOME MRS. MICHELLE RICE

OPENING PRAYER MR. TODD AIKEN

NATIONAL ANTHEM EDEN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY BAND

PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS OF 2021 MR. BRIAN ADEY MRS. BRENDA CISCHKE MR. STEVE GOOD MRS. ALLYSON POTTER

PRESENTATION OF STUDENT SPEAKERS MR. BRIAN ADEY

SPEAKERS: MILAINA REAOCH SAMUEL HOGUE NATALIE MERRICK ELIJAH MANGES

HEAD OF SCHOOL ADDRESS MR. PAUL FISHER

SPECIAL MUSIC EDEN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CLASS OF 2021 THE BLESSING HOW GREAT THOU ART

PRESENTATION OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER MR. JORDAN KOLARIK

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS MR. TRENTON VAN OSS (CLASS OF 2010)

PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS MR. TODD AIKEN MRS. SIERRA BOWMAN MR. PAUL FISHER

EDEN ALMA MATER EDEN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY BAND

PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS OF 2021 MR. TODD AIKEN

Following the ceremony, please join us at the flagpole for the traditional tossing of caps.

Ziqing Ai

Ryan Thomas Aiken* Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans University of Connecticut Major Engineering

Future Plans Pennsylvania State University— Main Major Engineering

Paige Elizabeth Barkley

James Aaron Berdes

Future Plans Indiana University of Pennsylvania Major Psychology

Future Plans Community College of Allegheny County Major Business Administration

Josiah John Brazen

Alexandro Domenico Diaz* Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans West Virginia University Major Marketing

Future Plans Grove City College Major Undecided

Jacob Christian Fisher

Haylee Ann Fleishman

Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans John Carroll University Major Marketing Scholarship Awarded Merit Scholarship

Future Plans Slippery Rock University Major Middle Level Education

Helena Rae Flinchbaugh*

Oak Christopher Gaertner

Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Future Plans The Ohio State University Major Engineering

Future Plans Pennsylvania State University Major Mechanical Engineering

Lauren Rae Gazica

Rachel Elizabeth Guardiani Magna Cum Laude

Future Plans Bella Capella Cosmetology School Major Cosmetology Scholarship Awarded Paul Mitchell 20th Anniversary Scholarship

Future Plans Creative Arts Workforce

Gavriela Keziah Haley Future Plans Point Park University Major Theater Arts

Anna Olivia Hezlep*

Taylor Elise Haring Future Plans Geneva College Major Nursing

Caitlyn Marie Hicks* Magna Cum Laude

Future Plans University of Pittsburgh Major English Writing

Future Plans La Roche University Major Forensic Biology

Samuel Nicholas Hogue*

Leah An Noel Howard*

Summa Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans Grove City College Major Biblical & Religious Studies Scholarship Awarded Trustee Scholarship

Future Plans University of Findlay Major Animal Science Scholarship Awarded Merit Scholarship Academic Scholarship Competition Christian Leadership Scholarship Competition Orchestra Scholarship

Elizabeth Cordelia Jacobs

Kiersten Leigh Karafinski Cum Laude

Future Plans St. Louis University Major Biology

Future Plans La Roche University Major English Literature

Xingchi Ke

David John Kelly

Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans Michigan State University Major Computer Science

Future Plans Westminster College Major Business Administration Scholarship Awarded Legacy Scholarship

Jinwoo Kim

Jungmin Kim

Magna Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Major Undecided

Future Plans The New School Parsons School of Design Major Communication Design Scholarship Awarded Merit Scholarship

Kyle Robert King

Kathryn Marie Kirby* Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans Cornerstone University Major Business Management Scholarship Awarded Soccer Scholarship Academic Scholarship

Future Plans United States Military Academy at West Point Major Spanish

Vivien Cosette Kohler*

Cameron Luc Kostik

Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans Emory University Major Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology

Scholarship Awarded

Future Plans Community College of Allegheny County Major Criminal Justice

Presidential Scholarship

Joshua Jacob Laird

Yuduo Liu* Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans Waynesburg University Major Digital Media Scholarship Awarded Opportunity Award

Future Plans University of Rochester Major Computer Science

Elijah Thomas Manges*

James Saylor McBrayer

Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans United States Military Academy at West Point Major Defense & Strategic Studies

Future Plans United States Marine Corps

Mary Ella Ruth McCarthy

Logan Patrick McNelis

Magna Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Future Plans University of Pittsburgh Major Nursing Scholarship Awarded Former Agents of FBI Children Scholarship

Future Plans International Management Group Academy Baseball

Natalie Marie Merrick*

Kyalie Brynn Mizerak*

Summa Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans Grove City Major Exercise Science

Future Plans Grove City College Major Communications

Holly Ahdy Nassif*

Heather A. Nguyen

Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans Wheaton College Major Psychology Scholarship Awarded Presidential Scholarship

Future Plans West Texas A & M University Major Wildlife Biology Scholarship Awarded Academic Merit Scholarship

Jiwon Park

Andrew Stephen Prouty*

Summa Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Future Plans University of Minnesota Twin Cities Major Psychology

Future Plans Muskingum University Major General Engineering Scholarship Awarded Muskingum Academic Scholarship Horizon Award Impact Scholarship

Alexa Noelle Puckett*

Milaina Grace Reaoch*

Summa Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans Grove City College Major Elementary Education Scholarship Awarded Trustee Scholarship Alumni Merit Reward Scholarship

Future Plans Cedarville University Major Nursing Scholarship Awarded President’s Scholar Award

Jessica Lynn Reynolds*

Joseph Andrew Rothacher

Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans Grove City College Major English Secondary Education Scholarship Awarded Alumni Merit Scholarship Trustee Scholarship

Future Plans Waynesburg University Major Marketing Scholarship Awarded University Scholarship Alumni Scholarship

Julia Lynn Ryan

Katelyn Marie Shaver

Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Future Plans College & Career Worship Ministry Christ Church at Grove Farm

Future Plans Auburn University Major Interior Design

Ethan Michael Smith

Marin Thu Smocer*

Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Future Plans Community College of Allegheny County Major Undecided

Future Plans University of Arizona Major Veterinary Science Scholarship Awarded Arizona Distinction Award Dean’s Exemplary Award

Kaley Starr Spirko

Caitlin Elizabeth Steele* Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans La Roche University Major Graphic Design

Future Plans Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Major Air Traffic Management & Pilot Scholarship Awarded Presidential Scholarship

Luke Michael Vittone*

Sophie Elizabeth Wilkin*

Magna Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Future Plans Grove City College Major Business

Future Plans University of Toronto Major International Relations

Yuanjun Xu

Chaione Yang Magna Cum Laude

Future Plans University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Major Division of General Study

Future Plans California State University Major Hospitality & Tourism Management

Lily Ann Younger Cum Laude

Future Plans Eastern University Major Nursing Scholarship Awarded Trustee Scholarship

* National Honor Society

Summa Cum Laude—with highest distinction Magna Cum Laude—with great distinction Cum Laude—with distinction

Colleges and universities to which the class of 2021 gained admission: Allegheny College Asbury University Auburn University Baylor University Bella Capelli Academy Bethany College Bowling Green State University California State University Calvin College Carleton College Carlow University Case Western Reserve University Cedarville University Chatham University Citadel Military College Clemson University Cornerstone University Drexel University Duquesne University Eastern University East Tennessee State University Edinboro University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emory University Florida Atlantic University Geneva College Georgia Institute of Technology Grand Canyon University Grove City College International Management Group Academy Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana University—Bloomington Indiana Wesleyan University John Carroll University Kent State University La Roche University Liberty University Loyola University—Chicago Mercyhurst University Messiah University Miami University Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University Muskingum University North Carolina State University Norwich University

Ohio University Pennsylvania State University—Altoona Pennsylvania State University—Behrend Pennsylvania State University—Beaver Pennsylvania State University—Main Pepperdine University Point Park University Purdue University Regent University Robert Morris University San Francisco State University San Jose State University Slippery Rock University St. Joseph University St. Louis University St. Vincent College The Ohio State University Union College University of Cincinnati United States Military Academy at West Point United States Marine Corps University of Cincinnati University of Connecticut University of Findlay University of Illinois Urbana University of North Carolina University of Ottawa University of Pittsburgh—Johnstown University of Pittsburgh—Main University of Maryland University of Minnesota University of Rochester University of South Florida University of Tennessee University of Toronto University of Virginia Virginia Military Institute Washington College Washington & Jefferson College West Virginia University West Texas A & M University Westminster College Wheaton College Wittenberg University

National Anthem OH, SAY CAN YOU SEE, BY THE DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT, WHAT SO PROUDLY WE HAILED AT THE TWILIGHT’S LAST GLEAMING, WHOSE BROAD STRIPES AND BRIGHT STARS, THROUGH THE PERILOUS FIGHT

O’ER THE RAMPARTS WE WATCHED, WERE SO GALLANTLY STREAMING? AND THE ROCKET’S RED GLARE, THE BOMBS BURSTING IN AIR, GAVE PROOF THROUGH THE NIGHT THAT OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE. OH, SAY DOES THAT STAR-SPANGLED BANNER YET WAVE O’ER THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE?

Eden Alma Mater (Sung to the tune of “Onward, Christian Soldiers”) GOD IS SOVEREIGN OVER US WARRIORS FOR OUR LORD SONS AND DAUGHTERS, WE ARE, ALL OF ONE ACCORD PURPOSED FOR A RIGHTEOUS CAUSE EDEN IS OUR SCHOOL ADORNING CHRIST’S CROWN EACH STUDENT IS HIS JEWEL EDEN SHALL STAND AT THE CROSS GUIDED BY ITS LIGHT LEARNING, LEADING, LOVING STRENGTHENED BY GOD’S MIGHT

Commencement Speaker Trenton Van Oss Trenton is a 2010 graduate of Eden Christian Academy where he played on the soccer and track teams, participated in the yearly musicals, and competed in the mock trial program. Trenton studied political science and founded the mock trial program at Wheaton College in Illinois. Afterward, Trenton spent a year working for a civil-rights attorney outside of Chicago and then attended Harvard Law School. At Harvard, Trenton served on the Harvard Law Review and was president of the Harvard Federalist Society. After law school, he worked as a law clerk on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and then on the U.S. Supreme Court for Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Trenton is currently a litigation associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Washington, D.C., where he lives with his wife, Jenn, and five-month-old daughter, Olivia.

Previous Commencement Speakers: 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Aubrey Smith, Lawyer and Eden Alumna The Honorable Paul J. McNulty, President, Grove City College Ryan A. Bowman, Field Development/Chick-Fil-A Inc. Dr. Calvin L. Troup, President, Geneva College Dr. Paul Kengor, Professor of Political Science, Grove City College Dr. Justyn Terry, Dean & President of Trinity School for Ministry Jay Passavant, Founding Pastor of North Way Christian Community Kenny Crosswhite, Director of Perception Ministries Reverend Dr. John Guest, President of the John Guest Evangelistic Team (JGET) Mr. Glen Meakem, Co-Founder of Meakem Becker Venture Capital Mr. Daniel Sepulveda, Punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers Dr. Bruce Bickel, President of Transformational Leadership Group Dr. David Lloyd, Headmaster-Emeritus of Eden Christian Academy

Academic Attire The modern academic procession mirrors traditions inherited from the 12th and 13th centuries, when universities were taking form. Medieval universities, where a member of the teaching guild was a master of arts and a bachelor was his apprentice, required the ordinary dress of the scholar, whether student or teacher, to reflect that of a cleric. With few exceptions, the medieval scholar had taken at least minor orders, made certain vows, and perhaps been tonsured. Hoods seem to have served to cover the tonsured head until superseded for that purpose by the skull cap. Long gowns were worn and may have been necessary for warmth in unheated buildings. As a token of privilege and responsibility, the master wore a warmer and more distinguished costume than the bachelor, and a doctor might wear a hood lined with fur.

While this is no longer everyday apparel, it is worn for significant academic ceremonies, such as school inaugurations and graduation commencements, to symbolize the world of scholarship. The dignity and meaning of academic attire is protected by careful regulation.

In the United States, nearly all educational institutions adhere to a national code adopted in 1895 and revised in 1932 and 1986. The processional is usually coordinated by a faculty marshal and is led according to seniority of the teachers.

The Gown The cut of the gown indicates the wearer’s degree. A bachelor wears a simple gown with pointed sleeves; a master’s gown is long, closed sleeves with a slit at the arm or wrist; and a doctor wears a very full gown with billowing bell-shaped sleeves. In addition, the doctor’s gown has velvet panels on the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve, which may be black or the color distinctive of his discipline.

The Hood The color of the velvet border signifies the discipline of the degree, while the color of the inner lining identifies the conferring institution, normally by its school colors. The hood of a bachelor is three feet long; that of a master is three and one-half; and that of a doctor is four feet. The velvet edging is two inches, three inches, and five inches wide for the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees, respectively.

Colors Representing the Academic Disciplines Agriculture Arts, Letters, Humanities Commerce, Accountancy, Business Dentistry Economics Education Engineering Fine Arts, Architecture Forestry Journalism Law Library Science Medicine Music Nursing Oratory (Speech) Pharmacy Philosophy Physical Education Public Administration Public Health Science Social Work Theology Veterinary Science

Maize White Drab Lilac Copper Light Blue Orange Brown Russet Crimson Purple Lemon Green Pink Apricot Silver Gray Olive Green Dark Blue Sage Green Peacock Blue Salmon Pink Golden Yellow Citron Scarlet Gray

MISSION STATEMENT Eden Christian Academy is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience by engaging the mind and heart of each student to think and act with Christ-like character.

OUR CORE COMMITMENTS As we fulfill our purpose and deliver our educational mission, we are unreservedly committed to: Christ-centeredness. (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 3:17) We recognize the Lord’s sovereignty over every aspect of life. Therefore, we continuously seek His guidance and submit to His leadership as we pursue our mission, glorifying Him in all that we do.

The Authority of God’s Word. (John17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16) We believe the Scriptures to be the Spiritinspired source of all Truth and the lens through which we are to observe and relate to the world in which we live. Therefore, the Scriptures guide and shape our thinking and practices as we provide a biblically based education for each student in the development of a Christian world-view.

Excellence. (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:23) We believe that God is the creator and author of all that is good, beautiful, and wise. Therefore, at Eden excellence is not simply a word, it is a commitment for which we continuously strive. Mediocrity in any endeavor is simply unacceptable.

Partnership with Parents. (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4) We recognize the God-given responsibility of each parent to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Therefore, we are dedicated to being a resource for families, encouraging and facilitating the engagement of parents in the education of their children, and supporting the values espoused in the home and church.

Education of the Whole Student. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6) We believe that students are more than minds to fill and education is more than knowledge to dispense. Christian education recognizes the unique dimensions of each student as a life to shape and a spirit to nurture. Therefore, we are committed to providing a thorough and rigorous educational experience that touches each area of a student’s life, including: 

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Spiritual Transformation. We are committed to ensuring each student comes to a saving faith in Christ and develops a continually maturing relationship with Him, His Church and the Scriptures, leading to a life of personal holiness, theological clarity and selfless service. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 2:12-13) Intellectual Development. We are committed to teaching students essential skills to develop critical thinking, discernment, problem-solving and effective application of core biblical truths to challenging life situations. (2 Corinthians 10:5; James 1:5) Life Preparation. We are committed to preparing students with wisdom and understanding to engage, pursue, and flourish in God’s calling for college, vocation, family and community life. (Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Samuel 1:27-28) Personal Relationships. We are committed to helping students build and sustain strong relationships with people from all walks of life, while learning to fully and joyfully participate in the dynamics of community and church life. (John 13:34; 2 Corinthians 6:14) Physical Vigor. We are committed to helping students develop life-long habits of regular exercise, healthy diet and team building, with an appreciation for athletics and recreation. (1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 9:24)

Congratulations to the Class of 2021 The faculty and staff of Eden Christian Academy are proud of all you have accomplished and pray that God blesses you richly as you begin the next chapter in your life.

Berkeley Hills Campus Preschool 3 - grade 6 206 Siebert Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-364-8055

Mt. Nebo Campus 7-12th grade 318 Nicholson Road Sewickley, PA 15143 412-741-2825 www.EdenChristianAcademy.org

Administration Paul Fisher, Head of School Todd Aiken, Mt. Nebo Principal MJ Botula, Berkeley Hills Principal Julie Holt, Wexford Principal Charles Smullin, Chief Operations Officer Board of Directors Jeff Queen, Chair Michelle Rice, Vice Chair Beth Ann Feldman, Secretary Don Balla Jeff Gronbeck Aubrey Hiskey Noel Jabbour Jim McFadden

Wexford Campus Preschool 3 - grade 6 12121 Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090 724-935-9301