Valedictorian graduation message
Tuesday, June 19, 2007 -- Emily Burton, Grade 8 Valedictorian
Throughout our lives there are many changes that take place.  This graduation marks one of them - the transition between our lives here at Rhema into the rest of our journey. Change can be a very difficult thing. The changes we go through may
jeopardize our happiness or push us out of our comfort zones. But if we learn to embrace change, amazing things can happen.  

This year is an example of that. With new students, a new teacher, and some minor curriculum changes, we had some adjusting to do. I'm not going to say is wasn't hard, or we figured everything out right away because that's certainly not true. We all needed to set up and make this year a great one. Once we did that, fantastic things happened.

There's so many memories made here at Rhema I can't even beginning to list them. The phenomenal and engaging conversations we've had with Mr. Nielsen is something none of us will forget; along with Mrs. Wilson's well drilled multiplication tables. But more importantly the lessons we've learned, will travel with us through our entire lives. Here at Rhema I've learned to respect, show mercy and love. God's grace has been beautifully modelled by the teachers and staff.  I've been challenged to find my own answers and think for myself. I really don't know how to express the things learned
here at Rhema. I don't believe its something that can be put in words. But I can say the fact that God was what all conversations revolved around, is something that will benefit
us more than anyone can imagine.

I'd like to extend a huge thank you to the staff and parents at Rhema. Your support, wisdom and unfailing love is something that has and will continue to bless us.
   
This is an ending for us. An ending to our lives here at Rhema and possibly with each other. But it is also a beginning. Not only a beginning of the rest of our lives, but the beginning of a challenge I believe God has given this graduating class specifically.

We've been prepared for the world during our lives at Rhema.  We've been given the chance to develop gifts and abilities and explore our talents. Now, we must go out and use those gifts, talents and abilities to further glorify God. We must also remember the lessons learned as guidelines and even encouragements throughout our future. Now I'd like to read a verse of hope as we leave this chapter of our lives behind and engage in the beginning of our future.

Ephesians 3: 16-19

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of the all the fullness of God.