Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Meghan Brown
As I finish high school and enter a new chapter in my life, I start my next journey with Joshua 1:9 in mind: “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Before I move on from this previous chapter, though, I must first give thanks to the Lord for seeing me through every step of the way, even when I could not see what was ahead, and for revealing to me His love, grace, gifts, and provisions daily.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your constant help and encouragement, without which I couldn't have made it across this finish line. Along with my parents, I’d also like to thank both of my brothers for inspiring my love for music and for helping me become a better musician at every opportunity; my grandparents for praying for me and for always showing up to support me at my events; and my teachers and mentors for not only teaching me, but for also sharing great experiences and lessons with me. I pray that I will be able to encourage, teach, inspire, and point others to Christ, just as each of these people have done for me.
Bethany Rathert
As I’ve come to the end of my homeschooling years, and often find myself explaining to someone who isn’t familiar with homeschooling what it was like, I keep realizing what a unique and impactful experience it was.
I’m truly grateful for my parents, who decided to live differently and make sacrifices so that my sister and I could have this quality education which provided me with a firm foundation to stand on. And I’m grateful for the close friends that God placed in our lives so that we could do this in community with them.
Thank you to the people at WCFS who have impacted me, and who I know have impacted my parents as well. Your dedication, your prayers, and your time are a blessing.
This past year I’ve loved Psalm 46:10. It says “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”” God’s been teaching me to trust in my knowledge of Him, rather than my knowledge of His plans. So I’m so thankful that I know and have seen throughout my life who God is and how much He loves me. Thank you.
Adia Grubbs
I first want to thank my parents; my mum, for teaching me to read, driving me to hundreds of music lessons, and helping me through my many years of school; and my dad, for working to pay for my education and said music lessons.
I want to thank my mamaw and pawpaw, for praying for and supporting me, and my grandma, who taught me to knit and sew. I would also like to thank my aunt Danae for helping to pay for much of my schooling and encouraging me in further education.
And I ultimately want to thank God, for giving me a homeschool family and Christian parents, and for helping me through the more difficult periods of high school. God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve. In Psalms it says, “for the Lord is good and his love endures forever.” One of my favorite passages is Psalm 23.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”
Tyson Trecannelli
Hi everyone! I am excited to be a 2024 graduate with my fellow classmates from Wellspring Christian Family Schools.
I have overcome many challenges and have enjoyed some academic achievements, but graduating from high school is the most valuable and important to me so far.
First, my success would not have been possible without the help and blessing of God, who deserves all my praise.
Second, I thank my family for their love, support, and encouragement throughout my 13-year homeschooling journey. Believe it or not, we started with WCFS when I began Kindergarten.
I would also like to express gratitude to Mr. Gary Cox, Mr. Joel Fischer, Mrs. Becky Wyand, and all the staff and volunteers at WCFS for their assistance and support throughout my educational journey.
I am pursuing a career with the Local 602 Steamfitters, which is a local pipefitting, pipe welding, and HVAC union in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area.
Once again, I thank God, my family, and everyone serving at WCFS for making my high school graduation possible.
Jeremiah Karanja
Being here today as a high school graduate is a great honor. Getting to this point was a long and tedious process, but I cannot say I got here by my efforts alone. God was there for me throughout my whole journey and put people into my life to help me grow and move forward on the path he prepared for me.
Among those people, there are a few of them I wish to thank. I would first like to thank my mother for being my teacher from kindergarten to high school and for all the sacrifices she made in doing so. She could have been able get a great job, but she decided to stay home and teach my brothers and me, and I am very grateful for that. I would like to thank my grandparents for always lending me an ear to hear my problems and give advice to help me.
I would like to thank Mrs. Susie Davis for always being there. I’m not gonna lie, the reviews had me stressing as if I was taking a midterm exam, but she was always kind and generous. I would like to thank both of my brothers for giving me support and being close friends; along with humbling me daily and teaching me patience, self-control, and temperance.
And most importantly I would like to give thanks to God. He gave me a supportive Christian family, wisdom and knowledge to excel in my classes, the opportunity to be homeschooled, but most importantly a chance live by taking my punishment on the cross. He did not have to, but He did because he wanted the world to be saved not condemned as it says in John 3:17, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Because I knew of God’s love for me, I learned to trust Him indefinitely in my life.
When problems or obstacles occurred in my life, I used to get upset and allow my anger to linger and subside slowly; now whenever problems and obstacles arise, I pray three things: the first thing being an apology for whatever negative emotion I had, the second thing being peace, and the third is “What can I take away from this?”. By praying instead of letting my emotions consume me and plague my mind, I am able to have a clear mind and act accordingly to any situation. This has helped to take away unwanted stress due to work, school, and so on.
In closing, I thank each and every person who helped me to achieve this, but the glory is not to me but to God and God alone, for without him I would not have made here.
Ron Davenhart Mamon
Greetings to the teachers, families, and fellow graduates of Wellspring Christian Family Schools.
I come before you today in humility and gratitude as I commemorate this remarkable milestone in my academic journey. I am honored to have been a student of this school, and I dearly thank all those at WCFS who were involved in the wonderful past two years of my education.
Sincerely, I must say that I am immeasurably grateful to the Lord our God for His continuous work in my life. I thank Him in every moment for His wisdom, His knowledge, and His favor. Without the Lord’s holy guidance and instruction, I would not be here today celebrating this momentous occasion.
It is He who instilled in me the academic discipline and ambition I needed in order to complete my high school education, and graduate onto the next stage of my life-long learning adventure. God has made all this possible for me, and I praise and thank Him for everything.
I am also indebted to my loving parents, who were with me every step of the way, from the family’s decision to transition to homeschooling all the way up to right now, at my long-anticipated graduation. Forever and ever I am thankful to them for their compassion, their support, and their dedicated involvement in my education. Because of mom and dad, my life has been blessed, and I know for certain that they will be just as loving and supportive of me as I pursue endeavors beyond WCFS.
Throughout my school journey, I have learned valuable insights and morsels of Godly wisdom that have transcended my role as a student and impacted my life as a whole. The Christ-centered curriculum offered by WCFS helped me to realize that everything in a Christian’s life, including and especially his or her learning journey, must be built around the foundation of Jesus Christ. I am glad to say that I will be departing from WCFS with my knowledge of God and His creation greatly expanded. In my heart has been fostered a burning desire to learn more and more of the Lord, His Word, and the world He made.
It is not easy to speak surely of the future, but knowing of God’s providence and in careful consideration of His will, I plan to attend university this coming fall, studying for a degree in Film. A passion for creative storytelling has long been a part of who I am, and it is my hope and prayer that stepping into the realm of higher studies will help to further my artistic journey, introduce me to like-minded individuals, and grant me social and career opportunities as I transition from adolescence to adulthood.
In having said all of these things, I humbly profess that my life and all to do with it is in the hands of the Lord. In love and gratitude to Him, my family, and Wellspring Christian Family Schools, I would like to end my testimony by quoting Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of every human being.” Thank you.
Mercy Cox
I cannot believe I made it and that I am standing here today. This day always seemed so far away, but it is here and I feel it has come too soon.
My years of school at home are over and I am so incredibly grateful to the Lord for the people He has put in my life, everything He has taught me over the years, and the countless wonderful memories I have stored up in my heart.
I made it and I am done, but I didn't do it alone. I couldn’t have done it without my parents, my wonderful family and the countless others who have encouraged me and had an influence on my life.
First I want to thank my mom. Mama, I hardly know where to start. Thank you for the way you would prioritize family time and always look for times where we could learn together. You have taught me so much over the years; from teaching me how to read, to being an example of what it looks like to walk by faith. No matter how busy you were, you would always take time for me whenever I needed it; caring for me not just physically but also emotionally and spiritually.
Thank you for the ways you pushed me and encouraged me to always do my best. And thank you for your example of incredible efficiency and time management. You are my role model and I aspire to be like you when I become a mother.
Dad, thank you for the ways you were always on the lookout for opportunities to teach us more about the Bible, government, science, history, and everything else. I will always remember the lessons you taught me of how to give excellence and walk uprightly. And thank you for your example of always doing what’s right even when it’s hard.
Jeremiah, thank you for including me in the big kid group. I loved going to soccer games, corn mazes, and everywhere else with you. Thank you for being the role model you were to me throughout my schooling and being an example of what it looks like to give your best in your school work.
Chastity, thank you for being my special friend and someone I can share my heart with. I have special memories of the times we would stay up late into the night talking, or the times when I was sad and you’d know exactly how I was feeling and how to comfort me. I have missed you terribly since you got married. Thank you for the times you would help me with my school in my early high school years and how you encouraged me to go farther with math. I didn’t think it was something I could do, but I did it because you told me I was capable.
Charity, thank you for being my buddy, someone I can talk to for hours, and the person I can always go to for fashion advice. I have loved getting closer to you in the past couple years; doing CEF with you last year; and working with you at the cakery. And thank you for the ways you have helped me and encouraged me to be more creative.
Purity, thank you for your example of sweetness and unselfishness and the times you would share your special things with me. I have so enjoyed playing soccer with you the past couple years, and I am going to miss not playing with you next year.
Nathanael, thank you for being my adventure buddy and someone I could tease and joke around with. I have made so many memories going on walks, random drives, and playing soccer with you. Thank you for fixing my computer and always helping me figure out what is wrong whenever I have a problem with anything.
Karis, thank you for being my cuddle buddy, my partner in everything, and someone I can talk to about anything. I have loved helping you with your math, and watching you grow and improve in soccer this year has been really special.
Felicity, thank you for your sweet, quiet personality. Your love of reading, and skill of problem solving, and figuring things out is inspiring to me.
Micaiah, thank you for being such an energetic little boy who puts your all into everything you do. I love hearing your household news reports when you come into my room and give me the latest updates about everything that is happening in the house.
Alethia, thank you for your sweet happiness. I love when you come into my room to say “hi” to me throughout the day, and your hugs when I get home from work make my day.
Pa, thank you for all the effort you put into teaching me and helping me achieve my full potential. You have taught me so much over the years. Thank you for the ways you encouraged me to give my best in the little insignificant things and work as unto the Lord.
To Mr. Joel and the WCFS staff, thank you for all the effort you have put into my education and everything you have given to make WCFS work.
I am so thankful to the Lord for all the people He has put into my life and everything He has taught me during these wonderful years of being homeschooled.
Some verses that have been very encouraging to me throughout high school are Isaiah 40:28-31.
“Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
These verses were encouraging to me when I felt that I didn’t have the energy to do everything I had to do. I knew that God would give me the energy for what He wanted me to do. This is also encouraging to me looking at my future because I know that whatever God has for me to do, He will equip me and give me everything I need to accomplish it. If I wait on Him, He will be with me and give me strength.
As for my future plans, my desire is to be a wife and a mother and until God calls me to that I plan to be a math teacher or tutor.
Naomi Celones
A blessed day, Wellspring staff, students, parents, and readers! My name is Naomi R. Celones, and I’ve been a Wellspring student since 2021.
My tenure in Wellspring has been one of transitions. We were moving to not just a new school, but to a new country, a new home, and a new environment. As expected from a teenager, this change terrified me. But I thank God for Wellspring’s flexible learning model and accommodating staff members, for I was still able to study even during these busy periods and dark mental health days.
Furthermore, Wellspring prioritizes excellence in the real world, not only fields of academics. In my years with Wellspring, I have been blessed with the opportunities to join my church’s music ministry, take two internships in a single year, and even volunteer in various outreach and
mission trips.
School was no longer about slouching in front of my laptop all day long; it was about practical, hands-on learning.
Wellspring’s curriculum is not only flexible, but it’s also God-centered. Their courses on Applied Civics, Origins 101, Foundations of Research, and Biblical Foundations in Self-Government taught me to see even the most mundane and worldly things through Biblical lenses. Not only did they cultivate my love for creative writing, Greek mythology, and animals, but they also reminded me of Psalm 21:1, “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”
I’d like to thank Sir Joel Fischer and Sir Gary Cox for the lessons they taught me in my senior courses. Thank you to Ms. Ruth Shell for relaying messages, handing out deadline extensions, and entertaining my questions. You’re the sweetest teacher’s aide anyone could ask for.
Thank you, too, to my friends and family for cheering me on or shaking up some sense in me when my brain went south. Most importantly, I would like to thank God for sustaining me with knowledge, rest, and a listening ear to cry to when times got particularly tough. Without Him, none of us would’ve gone this far.
I’m on my way to Oral Roberts University this Fall. While I’m still praying and pondering on what major to pursue, I’m confident that God’s got a great plan in store for me and the entire class of 2024. To conclude, I would like to remind you all of Galatians 6:9, which says, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Whether you’re a part of the 2024 class, 2004, or 2034, never forget to keep your eyes on life’s greatest prize: God. Life doesn’t get easier and sometimes, the grass on the other side is burnt to a bleak brown. But God promised that He will “...be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9). God’s presence is a thousand times better than the greenest of green pastures.
Congratulations also to Savanah Dykes and Dominic Saenz who graduated in absentia.
