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High school graduationsBy Times staff writers and correspondents © St. Petersburg Times, published May 21, 2001 4 Christian school seniors to attend Bible college PINELLAS PARK -- All four graduates of Pinellas Park Christian School are planning to continue their faith-based education by attending Bible college in the fall. The seniors were honored in graduation ceremonies Sunday at the Pinellas Park Baptist Temple. This was the fourth high school graduation ceremony for the religious-based school serving kindergarten through high school students. "Part of me hates to see them graduate because I don't want to see them go away," said Pastor Everett R. Farris during the graduation ceremony. "High school graduation is a major milestone in your life. So much changes after graduation." Hyun Jin Shin, who emigrated with his family from South Korea when he was 4 years old, earned a 4.0 grade point average and was named the Class of 2001 valedictorian. New Creation Academy bids farewell to 5 graduatesST. PETERSBURG -- A song-filled prayer service set an intimate and joyful atmosphere for Sunday's ceremony of New Creation Academy's five graduating seniors. The graduation, held at the Christian Service Center, featured a video montage of each senior's life, from infancy to their senior year in high school. "We are rejoicing right now with those who are rejoicing to get out of here," said Pastor Mark Smith, prompting laughter from family and friends filling the church. New Creation Academy was founded in 1981 and provides academic and religious instruction to students in kindergarten through high school. Catholic school awards diplomas to 143 seniorsST. PETERSBURG -- St. Petersburg Catholic High School's valedictorian urged fellow graduates Sunday to foster two important qualities: "curiosity and the courage to explore what curiosity discovers." "Never sell yourself short and never lose your sense of wonder," Rebecca Lynn Tapp said. The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2001 filled the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle with family and friends as the 143 seniors marked their last official time together. "You are the living monuments of St. Petersburg Catholic High School," said the Rev. Michael Conway, coordinator of youth ministry. Bishop Robert Lynch described the ceremony as a "bittersweet moment" marking the departure of a class that taught him the "beauty of Gilbert and Sullivan, the joy and spontaneity of girls' basketball, and the excitement of girls' volleyball." The Class of 2001 exhibited caring for the poor in their effort to collect Thanksgiving food for the needy, he said. He also cited three graduates for special honors. Regina Jo Scarpetta received the St. Francis of Assisi Award, Matthew N. Kapolka received the St. John Bosco Award, and Catherine Lynn DuPont received the Bishop Robert N. Lynch Award.
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From the Times South Pinellas desks |
