Twenty-three seniors took center stage in the school’s gymnasium on June 6 to receive their diplomas from Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen and Board of Directors’ Chair Doug Pearson and to thank their teachers and family members for their guidance and support. As a gesture of their gratitude, the graduates stepped out into the audience during the ceremony to presents their parents and guardians with long stemmed roses.
Alumnus Tony Polcini (’89) opened the program by sharing a few memories from his years at ACS and advised the graduates to put their God-given gifts and abilities to good use. “God will place so many opportunities before you; love them and embrace them as ACS has loved and embraced each one of you,” Polcini said.
Valedictorian Luke Mouliert, 18, of Egg Harbor Township, (on right in photo) thanked parents and teachers for helping each of the graduates succeed academically and for providing a strong spiritual foundation. He challenged his classmates “not to forget what we’ve learned and to always strive to do what is right, good, and honorable in every situation, no matter how difficult.” Mouliert will be attending Atlantic Cape Community College in the fall and is undeclared.
Salutatorian Steven Chirinos, 18, of Egg Harbor Township (on left in photo) reflected on the strong friendships he has made, favorite memories like the senior trip to Disney World, and the impact that ACS teachers have made. He gave a special thank you to calculus teacher, Mrs. Spiker, for her “love and dedication to teaching.” Chirinos was one of 7 students in the class who had attended ACS since kindergarten. “It is my hope that we can all look back at our years at ACS and have no regrets, that we can look back and see why God placed us here and how ACS helped us grow closer to Him,” Chirinos said. Chirinos will be attending Rowan University, where he is the recipient of the Merit Scholarship and will be majoring in computer science.
Commencement keynote speaker and high school Bible teacher Charlie Moore opened his remarks with an original twist, playing the guitar and singing a humorous, satirical song that he wrote incorporating favorite memories with the graduates. He followed up in his remarks pointing out that the single most important memory that each of the graduates should take with them is their knowledge of the gospel and the saving work of Jesus Christ. “If you remember nothing else from high school, remember that Jesus Christ can give you the power to get through every single day,” Moore said. He also emphasized the importance of making wise choices as they move on to college, some in the local region and others to California, Oregon, Washington, and Japan. “Wherever you go, the new friendships that you make will have a great influence on you,” Moore said. “I urge you to surround yourself with friends who prize Jesus Christ above all else.”
The High School Select Ensemble, featuring senior Naomi Glancey as soloist, performed “I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin. Other graduates who participated in the program were school chaplain Mariyah Black and Tommy Taylor. Black, who gave the Christian character address, will be majoring in Bible and Women in Christian Ministry at Lancaster Bible College and is the recipient of the Charger Grant, Superior Academic Scholarship, and Assembly of God Church Scholarship. Taylor, who received a scholarship to study elementary education and film at Stockton University, gave the closing benediction. A photo gallery of commencement 2018 can be found on the ACS website and also online at Pressofac.com.
