As the school year comes to a close, FC held a convocation to reflect on the memories and accomplishment formed throughout the 2012-’13 school year, May 2. The convocation was held on National Day of Prayer, with the intent of having various students from different grades pray about the blessings and needs of FC and the community.
The campus percussion ensemble played as students, parents and faculty filed in to find their seats. To start off the ceremony a video made by Rachel Quiring, ’13, played on the big screens for everyone. The video showed multiple students and staff holding up phrases from the schools theme verse Philippians 1:27.
Superintendent Debbie Siebert then prayed for the well-being of the school and a blessing over the convocation. Afterwards, the worship team, formed of all seniors, performed various songs including “I’ll Stand” and After All Holy” followed by Siebert giving her address to the audience.
Siebert spoke about the schools motto: We Are One: Standing Firm, and the effect it has had on the school community throughout the year. She mentioned the many events that occurred throughout the year such as the auction and the Inspire Gala.
“This is a periodic time of reflection where we analyze what we are doing well, what we need to change, and how we can do those things,” Siebert said. “It is really an exciting time for me because this is when we set short and long term goals and evaluate our progress toward achieving those goals.”
In conclusion, students prayed for the school and community about the past year and the future ahead. The students ranged from elementary to high school. History teacher Jordana Siebert made a closing prayer followed by the worship team performing while the students were dismissed.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to assemble as one family to worship, to reflect, to pray and to celebrate all the Lord has done for us and through us,” Siebert said. “It was wonderful to see so many parents and grandparents. As believers to openly participate in corporate prayer and join together with others around our nation is a huge privilege.
The end of the school year convocation made Eric Cowin, ’14, reminisce over the past year. Cowin looked over the new friendships he has formed because of the different classes and activities he is a part of.
“It’s amazing to me how fast this year has gone,” Cowin said. “To think that the beginning of the year convocation was in August, it felt like it was only a few months ago. As I think about the end of the year convocation, I see how much closer I am to other students, especially in the worship team. I enjoyed hearing about how much we have progressed. Seeing the unison of the entire school was great.”
Jordana was happy to give the closing prayer, to help unite the school during the ceremony. She greatly appreciated the fact that the worship team was made up of seniors, seeing as it was one of their last times to perform together.
“Mr. Foshee asked me to do the prayer and I gladly accepted,” Jordana said. “I agreed because I was happy to be a part of something that united the school as one body. There are not a lot of times where Kindergarten through twelfth grade get to come together as one, so it was just a really special moment. It was great to see the seniors up there on the worship team. This is one of their last times that they all get to be up there, so it was just a sentimental moment.”
Although, senior Taylor Neufeld was sad to be at her last convocation, she enjoyed the time spent with the entire student body. Neufeld is especially going to miss the worship time she has had at FC.
“The convocation this morning was very inspirational,” Neufeld said. “I really enjoyed the worship time and that’s one of the things I’m going to miss the most about FC. It was great to come together as one student body and just praise and glorify God. I’m said that is was my last convocation but it ended on a good note.”
Freshman Kiaya Hargis thinks that the end-of-the-year convocation is a good idea, but would rather have something more fun istead.
“I think the end of the year convocation should be more fun, possibly a party or something,” Hargis said. “I think the best part was all the classes coming together as one. I especially enjoyed the younger children praying.”
Hannah Serimian, mother of Emily Shakeshaft, ’14, believes the convocation is an important aspect for FC to have. She enjoys the end of the year ceremony because it gives FC a chance for everyone to come together and go over all the events and achievements that have happened throughout the year.
“It is important for all of us to come together as one body; one community,” Serimian said. “God calls us to be one and to be united. The convocation is a way to demonstrate that unity and also to worship together. The end of the year convocation is a natural and wonderful addition to our FC traditions. The convocation is an important time to reflect and celebrate on our year together– K-12 all staff, faculty, students and families praying and worshiping Christ together! How extraordinary, we feel so blessed to be a part of the Fresno Christian Family.”
This writer can be reached via Twitter: @viv_hinojosa. Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather.
For more features, read the May 1 article, Cheer looks to build program, prepare for camp.
