Lakeland Christian Holds Commencement Ceremony
Press Release
WINONA LAKE — On Saturday, July 11, 11 Lakeland Christian Academy graduates walked across the stage at the annual commencement ceremony.
Though the students have not been in a physical classroom since March 13, they have been working diligently to earn their diplomas and finish the year strong. The LCA class of 2020 represents everything the academy stands for — resiliency, determination and steadfast hope in the Lord amidst turmoil.
Parents were the only guests allowed to attend this year’s socially distanced commencement ceremony and masks were required when entering and exiting the building. Two graduates, Oak Janjaroen and Leo Liu, were not able to be present during commencement, as they had to return to their home countries of Taiwan and China due to COVID-19. The 2020 class represents the end of a 46-year era, as they will be the final graduates of LCA’s seventh to 12th grade school. Starting this school year, LCA will be a preschool to 12th grade school.
This year’s graduating class was academically outstanding, with 10 students receiving Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude or Magna Cum Laude honor cords. Ten of the graduating seniors will be pursuing post-secondary education, three of which received scholarships to play athletics at the collegiate level.
Rob Mansfield, LCA campus pastor and this year’s commencement speaker, spoke of one test remaining for the graduates, despite their time in high school being over. He encouraged them to follow the challenge found in 2 Corinthians 13:5 and to examine their own lives to see if it matches up with how scripture tells them to live.
“We have all the answers in God’s word,” said Mansfield. “it’s an open book test.”
The following students are 2020 LCA graduates:
- Abigail Burns
- Tori Calizo
- Aaron Deming
- Matthew Helton
- Oak Janjaroen
- Leo Liu
- Aliesa McCrum
- Landon Paris
- Mason Roesner
- Kendall Stevens
- Parker Stewart
- Sam Turner
- Emma Zink