Moses Lake Christian Academy sends graduates forth with prayers, blessings
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months, 3 weeks AGO
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy marked a significant milestone May 31 as the Class of 2025 celebrated its graduation ceremony, featuring seven accomplished students.
The event, held at the academy’s auditorium, was attended by parents, faculty and friends, all coming together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of these young graduates.
The ceremony opened with a heartfelt message from Valedictorian Brandon Swinger, who reflected on the trials and tribulations that shaped their high school experience.
“Life is hard, so every day I pray that God makes me harder,” he quoted the class motto, emphasizing resilience and the importance of faith amidst challenges.
He further encouraged his peers to embrace their potential.
“You can either be the civilian or you can be the hero who sacrifices everything to credit those around him,” he said.
Swinger shared anecdotes about popular heroes like Peter Parker, drawing parallels between their struggles and the challenges faced by students in their academic journeys.
“Be like Peter, do the things you’re afraid to do,” he urged, inspiring his classmates to pursue their aspirations boldly.
Following Swinger’s address, Tyler Tadema, the senior class advisor, offered blessings and reflections on each graduate’s character.
“Jennika, you are a woman of grace. I bless you. God is able to make all grace abound to you,” he said, acknowledging the unique contributions of each student to the academy community.
His sentiments were echoed throughout the event, with every graduate receiving personal words of encouragement.
In his speech, Kayden Edwards highlighted the importance of continuous growth beyond graduation.
“The road ahead is uncertain. We might feel overwhelmed, but we can lean on that promise for most of our lives,” he said, referencing Matthew 28:20, which reassures believers of Christ’s constant presence.
The keynote address featured Mark Bassett, who underscored the values integral to the academy’s mission.
“Your journey is just beginning, and the questions you face are significant. Seek to be a shepherd, a servant, and to understand suffering in your path,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with the formal awarding of diplomas, marking not just an end but the beginning of a new chapter for the Class of 2025.
“Congratulations, Class of 2025,” the administration announced as the graduates turned their tassels from right to left.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
Mayor Peter Sharp takes oath of office
SOAP LAKE – Grant County Commissioner Kevin Burgess adminstered the oath of office to Mayor Peter Sharp Wednesday. Sharp was previously appointed to this role at the Sept. 18, 2024, council meeting after his predecessor Allen DuPay quit during the Aug. 7, 2024, meeting.
Newhouse, colleagues introduce infrastructure bill
WASHINGTON D.C. — On November 21, 2025, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers introduced the Urban Canal Modernization Act, HR 6279, aimed at addressing the deteriorating condition of urban canal infrastructure across the country. This legislation, sponsored by Representatives Dan Newhouse, R-WA; Mike Simpson, R-ID; Adam Gray, D-CA; and Russ Fulcher, R-ID focuses on providing federal support for the extraordinary operation and maintenance of urban canals deemed to be at significant risk of failure. “As communities in Grant County and elsewhere face serious risks from aging canal systems, it is imperative that we act now to ensure vital water infrastructure is maintained and upgraded,” Newhouse wrote in a statement. “The Bureau of Reclamation’s canals are in dire need of repairs, and the surrounding communities who rely on them would be at risk if they were to fail. This legislation provides local authorities with additional resources to manage these critical pieces of infrastructure while protecting the people and property around canals of concern.”
Ephrata water tower waiting for final tests
EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is still waiting for the final testing to come back to the water tower. The city had originally hoped the tower would be connected to the water system by Thanksgiving; however, the intensive water testing is taking longer than anticipated.












