As the school year draws to a close, we are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of graduating students across the Pacific Northwest! This year a total of 118 outstanding students have graduated from Oregon Conference academies, and many more from other local schools, successfully completing this leg of their academic journeys, readying themselves to embark on the next big chapter of their lives.

Not only do we honor this milestone for our graduating high school seniors, but we want to congratulate all of our eighth graders who are now looking forward to transitioning into high school – 197 of whom are graduating from Oregon Conference schools. These graduation milestones, especially for a generation of students who have come through the past several years of uncertainty and change, represent a new and hopeful beginning of the next stages of their lives. These students have demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and an incredible amount of determination throughout the past several school years, and we have no doubt that they will use what they learned through those experiences to be shining lights wherever they go next.

As these students venture forward, we wish all of our 2023 graduates the very best and hope that each one will know that, wherever they go, they have a community that loves and believes in them here in the Oregon Conference. May they continue to strive for excellence, approach the world they step into with the grace and love of Jesus, and may they never cease to be lifelong learners! A heartfelt congratulations to every student and family who has been part of their incredible, and at times difficult, educational journey. We can’t wait to see where you all go next!

This weekend, Walla Walla University will be hosting its graduation ceremony! If you are unable to attend but would like to watch the event live, you can join the university’s live stream at https://www.wallawalla.edu/resources/family-resources/graduation. Tune in to be inspired by the achievements of these remarkable graduates as they embark on their next big adventures, and may God bless their every step along the way!