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In a ceremony filled with joy, gratitude and personal testimonies, Second Baptist School honored the Class of 2025 with family, faculty and friends in attendance. The evening served not only as a recognition of academic achievement and personal growth but also as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness in the lives of our graduates. 

Ella Allen ‘25, who will attend Texas A&M University in the fall, opened the ceremony with a warm welcome and invocation, expressing a heartfelt thanks on behalf of her fellow graduates. “Your constant support, sacrifice, patience and unconditional love have made us the upper school graduates that sit in front of you today,” she said, addressing the parents and faculty. Ella acknowledged the support system provided to each graduate by both their families and the Second Baptist School community– a testament to the vital partnership between teachers and parents in the development of students. She pointed to God’s unwavering faithfulness throughout her invocation, calling all graduates to continue to trust in Him as they move into the next chapter of their lives: “More than anything, I pray we would define success as knowing [Christ] deeply and making [Him] known.”

Ella’s welcome and invocation were followed by the choir performing Be Thou My Vision, an annual tradition, and a reading of the class scripture by Isobel DeBakey ‘25. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” These moments set the tone for the evening, reminding graduates and audience members that while our plans may fail, faith in Jesus and a strong support system will remain firm foundations.

Salutatorian Jake Miers, who will attend the University of Texas at Austin, expanded on this theme with a speech centered around an unexpected: failure. With humor and honesty, Jake recounted personal setbacks-–from tough golf rounds to a particularly rough academic week–-reminding his classmates that failure is often the training ground for growth: “If you’re not failing, you're probably not trying hard enough,” he said. “Failure doesn’t mean you are not good enough- it means you’re in the process of becoming better.” He closed by urging graduates to live boldly and pursue their biggest aspirations, even at the risk of falling short: “Let it refine you. Let it teach you. Let it drive you forward.”

Valedictorian Bridget Roth followed with a heartfelt and faith-filled address. Headed to Trinity University on a full academic scholarship, Bridget reflected on her mother’s daily encouragement to “be a light that shines”– a phrase she’s heard every day for over 6,000 days. She linked this advice to the words of C.S. Lewis: “Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine, so that through you, others can see Him.” Bridget encouraged her classmates to live lives that reflect Christ and point others to Him. Her message was simple yet profound: “We don’t shine for ourselves. We shine for the glory of the One who made us.”

As the evening concluded, the Class of 2025 left the stage as graduates—equipped not only with academic knowledge, but with a deep sense of purpose, a foundation of faith and a challenge to live courageously in the light of truth.

Second Baptist School’s year closes with a celebration of legacy and a generation ready to lead with integrity, resilience and joy.

View Commencement Photos Here

Opening Charge
The Second Baptist School community gathered to celebrate the Class of 2029 as they celebrated the milestone of completing middle school. Surrounded by family, faculty and friends, students were honored for their academic, personal and spiritual growth.

Zach Heaton ‘17, who serves as the liaison between Second Baptist Church and School opened the ceremony with a meaningful charge, encouraging students to step confidently into the next chapter, grounded in biblical truth and their identity in Christ.

Student Devotionals
A highlight of the ceremony was the devotional portion, where students reflected on Scripture through personal stories:

Elyse Chan shared how Psalm 121 reminded her of God’s comfort during a time of grief.

Andrew Geiger urged classmates to love others—even enemies—following Christ’s example.

Hannah Blackard offered encouragement to let go of worry and trust God’s daily provision.

Mac Goolsby reflected on finding identity in Christ through surgery and shifting friendships.

Sophie Ultis reminded her peers that only Christ—not grades or popularity—brings true fulfillment.

Nate Long spoke of transformation and strength through trusting the Lord.

Ruth Parrish closed with a bold message on choosing freedom through Christ.

Awards and Promotion
As the ceremony concluded, students received their certificates of promotion.
Karlyse Firenza was honored with the 2025 DAR Youth Citizenship Award.

June Berry and William Stewart received the Karen Jensen Scholar Award.

 Congratulations, Class of 2029!

“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” – Philippians 2:2
 

Eighth Grade Promotion Photo Album

As this year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what a gift it has been to serve as Communications Fellow. I’ve learned so much from the communications team and grown in my writing, photography and storytelling. Their mentorship has been such a blessing to me- they’ve poured into me with encouragement and guidance. The communications office has become such a safe and welcoming space, and our weekly meetings have truly been the highlight of my year.

One of my favorite parts has also been getting to know so many amazing teachers I might not have crossed paths with otherwise. It's been special to connect with them and share their stories each week through writing Teacher Features.

Another highlight of this year has been growing closer with the other communications fellows, Lillian Baker ‘25 and Brooke Sems ‘25. I’m so thankful for the laughs, teamwork, and sweet memories we’ve shared throughout this experience. Being communications fellows together made it even more meaningful, and I am going to miss them so much next year.

As I head into my senior year, I carry with me all the confidence and growth this role has given me. Being a communications fellow has taught me to speak up, ask questions, and pursue stories with curiosity and care- it has stretched me in the best way. Senior year can feel overwhelming, but I feel well-equipped because of all I have learned in this role. It has shown me how much I love connecting with people, telling stories, and being a part of a team. 

I know this experience will continue to shape me in the year ahead, and I’m so excited to return next year and continue doing what I love- this time with more perspective and appreciation. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me into their classrooms, shared their stories, and encouraged me along the way. I’m so thankful for this year, and can’t wait for what’s ahead.

- Sarah Cela '26 | Communications Fellow