Congratulations Class of 2026
Although it was a rainy day, Southern Maryland Christian Academy’s Class of 2026 did not let it dampen their graduation day on May 23. Salutatorian Juliana Crawford greeted the packed chapel with memories of teachers and thanks to parents, telling her classmates that they were made better by being together, as Proverbs 27:17 states: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” The traditional ceremony, which allows any senior the opportunity to speak, included tributes, testimonies, and recognition of four Senior Babies, those who attended SMCA for at least 12 years.
After hearing the Commencement Charge from Pastor Marvin Harris, Valedictorian Brady
Dautenhahn encouraged fellow graduates to dream big and pursue goals to reach those dreams, quoting 2 Chronicles 15:7: “Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” After hearing their names called and walking across the stage, each senior lit the candle of a younger student or sibling in the closing minutes to symbolize the knowledge learned and passed on through the school grades. Finally, as they left the building, the graduates posed for a cap toss photo outside together. Graduation achieved!
-Sharlene Thompson, Dean of Student Affairs
Talk about a million-dollar class! Our 2026 graduates received nearly $1 million in scholarship offers.
Class of 2026 Seniors are leaving us to go:
Nina Allen
To attend the University of Maryland and pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine
Beamlak Amanueil
To attend the University of Maryland and become a physician
Asher Bell
To study Graphic Design at Full Sail University and write a self-owned comic
Chailyn Coles
To study Biology at Morgan State University and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist
Juliana Crawford
To major in Applied Mathematics at Geneva College and pursue a career in financial analysis or related math field
Brady Dautenhahn
To study neuroscience at George Washington University to pursue a career as a neurosurgeon
Saniah Dunn
To study Biology at Bowie State University and pursue a career in Orthodontics
Tory Edwards
To study Music Production at Full Sail University and pursue a career in Music Production
Keziah George
To study Education at Lancaster Bible College and pursue a career as an elementary or middle school teacher
Elijah Gheen
To study Chemical Engineering at Geneva College and become an Engineer
Marissa Lane
To study Neuroscience at High Point University and pursue a career as a Neurologist
Jackson Love
To study Cybersecurity at a college and pursue a career in Cybersecurity
Mathias Mason
To study Business Administration at Five Towns College and pursue a career in Business
Aaron McGlone
To attend a post-graduate preparation program for basketball next year and then transfer to a Division I college the following year to study Communications and play basketball
Jazmin Merlette
To study Political Science at North Carolina Central University and pursue a career as a Lawyer
Jasmine Mitchell
To study a dual major in Sociology/Social Work at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and pursue a career in Social Work
Benjamin Paulsen
To study Mechanical Engineering at George Mason University and pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering
Jerry Ray Ramsey II
To take a gap year to work and then pursue a career in the U.S. Army
Lillian Stephens
To study Mechanical Engineering at Liberty University and pursue a career in Mechanical
Engineering
Noelle Thomas
To study Biology at Howard University and pursue a medical career in Pediatrics or Orthodontia
Steven Young
To work for one year, attend the Criminal Justice program at the College of Southern Maryland, and pursue a career at the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office