MOSES LAKE - Big Bend Community College's Wallenstein Theater was filled to capacity Saturday afternoon as friends and family poured in to celebrate Moses Lake Christian Academy's graduation.

The academy graduated 15 seniors, all of whom will be attending college except for one joining the military and another embarking on a short-term mission.

The afternoon kicked off with an address from the school's director, Brian Meiners, followed by a performance of the song "For Good."

After the music concluded, the lights dimmed and the audience was treated to a slideshow that included baby pictures of the graduates as well as pictures documenting their time at MCLA.

Each graduate was allowed to record a message during the show. Most everyone thanked their friends, family and teachers at MLCA.

The graduates' motto was, "Do not conform to the world, make good choices, stay unique."

Finally, the valedictorians gave their addresses after the presentation of the class gift.

The first speaker was Madison Yamane and she gave her class some advice for the future.

"Maybe if instead we all looked at life from the point of view not to change the world exactly, but the bit around us we would gain that spark of hope," Yamane said. "That little bit of light to keep us going in this broken world."

Yamane was followed by Holland Gjefle. Gjefle gave her fellow graduates simple advice that most people tend to take for granted.

"Life is precious and time is precious," Gjefle said.

The last speaker was Lowell Kirkwood. Kirkwood, who will be running cross country at St. Mary's College next year, told a story about how he was nervous since his coach was leaving the school. However, he reiterated some advice given by his parents; relax and everything will be alright.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas and then the graduates left the theater to celebrate their momentous accomplishment.