DALLAS, Texas—Grace Family Church conducted its annual teen year-end banquet May 17. Nancy Newkirk and Jean Grunheid organized the event, with assistance from Bill Thomas, Wylene Dusek, Brian Dusek, Emily Newkirk, Cassie Wakefield and others.

The evening began with a potluck meal and fellowship. Decorations included placards containing baby pictures and recent photos of each of this year’s eight graduating seniors: Ryan Dusek, Daniel Fischelli, Nnamdi Ford, Jesse Hebert, Michael Lewandowski, Laniece Miller, Clif Newkirk and Ben Pope. It has been a number of years since the congregation has had so many seniors graduate at one time.

The seniors were each given a teddy bear wearing a graduation cap, giant eyeglass frames shaped like the number 2003 (donated by Laniece Miller) and a handmade card signed by the attendees.

 After the meal, each senior stood at the front of the room while his or her parents commended the young people for their achievements and, in some cases, told humorous stories about them.

In a portion of the program concerning all the youths, both middle school and high school levels, Mrs. Newkirk, Steve Kramer, Joe Shipman and Tom Young spoke of the individual young people’s character and spiritual growth.

They gave certificates of achievement and various other awards to each of the teens.

At the conclusion of the evening, Mr. Kramer and Mr. Young prayed over the seniors while their parents laid hands on them. Frank Lewandowski.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2003