MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Christian Academy salutatorian SanTahna Ferguson said graduation was the start of something new – something a little daunting, even.

“We're adults now, the future of our generation. It’s kind of crazy to think that we're adults now – I mean, some of us still panic when ordering food over the phone,” she said.

Ferguson was one of five seniors to receive her diploma during graduation ceremonies Saturday. She said one of the things she will take with her from high school is the friendship of her classmates.

“Over the past few years, we’ve shared inside jokes, serious conversations, laughs and memories we’ll never forget,” she said. “Even though we won't all stay in touch, years from now, when we look back on high school, these are the people we remember.”

Even though high school is over, and the Class of 2026 will go their separate ways, they will take the friendships they made with them, she said. 

“Right now, we're all good friends. Soon, we'll each have our own families, careers, homes, and responsibilities. But when all is said and done, it won't be the assignments, tests, or long school days that we remember the most. It will be the people beside us, the ones who made us laugh, the ones who helped us when we cried, and the ones who pushed us.”

Ferguson also expressed gratitude to her parents, family and friends, teachers, and all the others who helped her along the way.

“Thank you for your hard work and dedication to not only my present, but also my future,” she said.

The seniors each gave flowers to their family members to show appreciation for their support. 

It’s a tradition at MLCA that a staff member gives some advice to the graduates as they leave high school. Math teacher Tyler Tadema summed up what he saw as each student’s strengths and gave them some advice for the future. 

The graduates can and should use their strengths, he said, both for the people around them and to show their Christian faith. They should guide themselves by Christian precepts, said John Roberts, pastor at the Moses Lake Christian Church, rather than by social or political fashion.

    Antonio Serrato hugs his dad during Moses Lake Christian Academy graduation ceremonies Saturday.
  

    Vanya Bohdanov receives his Moses Lake Christian Academy diploma from board member Kris Dexter.
  

    Now officially alumni, members of the MLCA Class of 2026 turn their tassels.
  

    Moses Lake Christian Academy salutatorian SanTahna Ferguson delivers her speech.
  

    Graduation over, brand-new MLCA alum Derick Smith hangs up his mortarboard.