Class of 2026 Honored at Second Baptist School Commencement Ceremony

Second Baptist School honored the Class of 2026 with a commencement ceremony that recognized the academic achievements and personal growth of these students. A meaningful evening full of heartfelt speeches and inspiration for the years ahead, the 2026 Commencement Ceremony not only highlighted the diligence of these graduates, but also celebrated all that God has done in their lives throughout their time at SBS.

At the start of the ceremony, Charis Chambers ‘26, who will attend Samford University in the fall, welcomed parents, teachers and loved ones and thanked them for their unwavering support over the years. Acknowledging God’s faithfulness throughout her time at SBS, Charis encouraged her classmates to continue trusting in the Lord, saying “as we walk into the next chapter of our lives, we can do so with confidence and without fear, knowing that [God] is with us and we can trust [Him] with every aspect of our lives.”

Following Charis’s welcome, the Vision Choir performed “Be Thou My Vision,” and Louis Massuttier ‘26 read the class verse, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Salutatorian Evangeline Sahinen '26, who will attend the University of Texas in the fall, spoke to her classmates about the value of not always getting what you want. With humorous anecdotes and insightful reflection, Evangeline encouraged her classmates to remember that “only through the moments ridden with disappointment, trial, fear, anger and despair can someone really strip life of all the noise and truly be confronted with the issue of life value and worth.” Evangeline closed with a statement of heartfelt gratitude for her classmates, saying “I couldn’t have asked for a better class to graduate with.”

Valedictorian Sara Griffin '26, who will continue her education at Texas A&M University in the fall, shared her love for stories and encouraged her peers to trust God with their future because He “is the most creative writer, the most imaginative storyteller and already has a plan far beyond the scope of what [they] can even imagine for [their] lives.” Sara read Ephesians 3:20: “Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine” and challenged her peers to surrender their story to God, to pray big prayers and to wait expectantly for all that God will do in their lives.

This year, two graduates were nominated by their classmates to share their favorite memories from their time at SBS. The first speaker, Madison Kalife '26, reminisced on the memories they’ve shared since lower school and expressed her gratitude for SBS, stating that “through Bible classes, retreats, chapel, coaches and conversations with teachers, we were reminded where our identity should come from and what truly matters.” The second memory speaker, Matthew Corbin '26, walked down memory lane as he shared funny stories and thanked the teachers that encouraged and supported him. Closing out the student speeches with a heartfelt goodbye, Matthew addressed his classmates, saying “thank you for making this place feel like home.”

Following student speeches, Dr. Ben Young addressed the Class of 2026 and spoke on Philippians 2:3, encouraging the graduates to remain humble as they enter college. Head of School John Card then congratulated the Class of 2026 on all that they’ve accomplished throughout their time at SBS. He went on to recognize the parents of the graduating class, thanking them for their support of the school and commitment to Christian education. 

To close the evening, Ethan Chan '26 delivered the benediction, thanking God for the families, faculty and friends who provided unwavering support and encouragement over the years.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are proud of you and can’t wait to see all that God is going to do in your lives as you continue to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously in the years ahead.