Congratulations Class of 2025
Senior Commencement for the Class of 2025 was celebrated on Saturday, May 24. The ceremony began with a special time of formal dedication of the SMCA gym with a new plaque recognizing Mr. Stanley Gaines, former school board president, and Mrs. Colleen Gaines, founder of Southern Maryland Christian Academy 40 years ago.
During the graduation, each senior was prayed over individually by teachers Mr. Greg Jackson and Mr. Jacob Namyst. Pastor Marvin Harris inspired graduates to focus on Scripture as they leave SMCA. Salutatorian Amira Hair quoted Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you..” to express how she knows that “God is already there for us, even if we cannot fully see the future. God is already there, making a way.” Following other student tributes, including memories shared by four “senior babies” who have attended SMCA at least twelve years, Valedictorian Jaiyana West quoted Proverbs 3:5-6 and encouraged fellow graduates to “walk in confidence, not arrogance, but assurance in who God created [them] to be…carry[ing] kindness, not just as a gesture, but as a way of life.” The ceremony ended with the traditional candle lighting and photos of graduates tossing their caps by the Ebenezer Stone.
-Sharlene Thompson, Dean of Student Affairs
Class of 2025 Seniors are leaving us to go:
John Ford
to join the military
Abner Gonzalez
to attend the College of Southern Maryland to earn a degree in Business Administration and become a CEO
Amira Hair
to attend University of Maryland, College Park as a biology major in the FIRE program, first year innovation and research experience, earn a medical degree, and become a plastic surgeon.
Jada Harden
to study Exercise Science at Towson University for four years and then transfer to get a doctorate degree and become a Physical Therapist
Ryan Imholtz
to attend trade school and work at a trade
Spencer McCarter-Dadzie
to attend Virginia Commonwealth University to major in Art, and pursue a career as a concept artist or character designer.
Samuel Richards
to attend the College of Southern Maryland to study English or history for a career path in writing or something creative
Savannah Sylvestre
to attend Liberty University to major in psychology with a minor in criminology for a career as a criminal psychologist or a lawyer
Janiyah Thornton
to attend Hood College to double major in Elementary Education and Mathematics to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher with a tutoring business, and later become a college professor involved in teaching elementary teachers.
Jacob Waite
to attend trade school and pursue a career as a HVAC technician
Jaiyana West
to attend Hood College and major in psychology, followed by graduate school to study speech pathology and become a speech pathologist at a school
Angel Williams
to attend Hood College with the intent to get a master’s degree in Business Administration, then become an entrepreneur with a bridal shop and bakery business, along with a non-profit to help others
Meckenzie Wilson-Lowery
to attend the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or Biology, to pursue a career as a veterinarian