Oaks Christian grads have faith in their future
By Stephanie Bertholdo Bertholdo@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers DRAMATIC ENDING-Oaks Christian High School senior Rachelle Schank receives a rose from theater arts faculty member Rosalind Allen-Emciso during graduation at the school last Thursday. Schank also received the Dallas Price-Van Breda Artistic Expression Award for her outstanding contributions in the school's theater productions. The school prides itself on academic achievement.

The 2006 Oaks Christian graduating class beamed with pride in front of cheering families as the group walked in procession to the bittersweet tune of Pomp and Circumstance during last week's commencement at Calvary Community Church.

Senior Arian Galavis performed Edvard Greig's Piano Concerto in A minor Opus 16 Allegro Marcato for the crowd. He was accompanied on the piano by performing arts teacher Mary Kay Altizer.

The moving senior music presentation of "The Hand Song," was performed by a group of students with Heather Day-Neutill and Stacy Stivers as featured soloists.

Kyle Block and Stephen Snelling performed instrumental solos on the violin and mandolin, respectively.

Seniors Jessica Goeser and Daniel Helmy shared heartfelt testimonials with their classmates.

"We can be successful people, but will we be great people?" Goeser asked. She said that greatness is sometimes inconvenient, and is the sum of small choices. Conversely, she said that Bethlehem failed because it "slept through its chance at greatness" when Joseph and Mary came to town looking for lodging to give birth to Jesus.

Bethlehem, she said, became a "mere success story...a check mark on a to-do list."

"Success glistens and fades," Goeser said. "Greatness is enduring."

Helmy chose to speak about his classmates on a very personal level, rather than talk about his class in general terms. He wanted the audience to understand how Oaks Christian relationships were developed, and how he and his friends learned to live compassionately.

Helmy shared stories. One student, he said, dressed up as a knight in shining armor to ask his date to the prom. He and fellow classmates prayed for a student who suffered from tetanus, he said. He told of another student who endured multiple surgeries and now aspires to be a nurse.

One student, he said, was an inspiration because he conquered stuttering and became a "compelling and eloquent speaker."

Joseph Dembesky presented the senior gift-a wrought-iron clock. The clock, he said, will remind students to spend their time wisely.

Adam Wordack earned the David Price Leadership Award for his leadership contributions both in and outside the school.

Kyle Weir was presented with the Weinberg Spiritual Leadership Award. Vice President of Development Tom Konjoyan said he wouldn't be surprised if God called Weir to the full time ministry one day.

The Dallas Athletic Distinction Award went to Laura Fredrickson, who was a top athlete in cross country and track and field and earned eight varsity letters while at Oaks Christian.

Fredrickson is equally accomplished academically. She earned a 4.67 grade point average, and shared the title of valedictorian with Eric Burdullis.

In her valedictory speech, Fredrickson talked about the importance of taking risks. "Talent is meant to be used," she said.

She will attend UC Irvine as a Regents Scholar.

In his valedictory speech, Burdullis said that the more he learned the less he really knew. He said that even though no one can fully know God, he could be trusted.

Burdullis' academic and service record is impressive. He, too, has a 4.67 GPA, and contributed many service hours helping to build a school in Guatemala. He pole vaulted for the school's track and field team for three years, and also launched a fishing club.

As an example of how his faith has changed his life, Burdullis shared his struggle choosing a college. He said that once he placed his trust in God, he was able to make a decision.

He said he gave God "the keys to the ignition of his life" and trusts that he will be led on the right path in college and beyond.

Rachelle Schank captured the Dallas Price-Van Breda Artistic Expression Award for her talent in fine arts and the theater. Schank plans to major in theater arts at UC Irvine.

Headmaster Jeffrey Woodcock honored John Foscue with the Headmaster's Award. The faculty voted for Foscue because he's a well-rounded student academically, athletically, spiritually and socially, Woodcock said.

The Atsinger Teaching Excellence Award went to mathematics teacher Elizabeth Bates.

Alistair Begg, a Scottish-born minister, author and radio talk show host, was the keynote speaker. Begg urged the students to ask themselves "What is their life?" He asked students to consider the idea that since life is passing it is precious.

Life is also powerful, Begg said. "Life is full of dynamic potential-for good or ill."

Begg told students that their lives were "purchased"--and at a great price. God, Begg said, should be glorified since Jesus died so they could live.