A testimony of faithfulness: Hope Christian celebrates 35th commencement

Published 4:10 pm Friday, May 16, 2025

By Dave Domescik

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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

HOOVER – In 1989, Rev. Wayne and Connie Atchison founded the Hope Christian School to serve as a home education community, rooted in the Christian faith. Now, the school celebrated 35 years with its annual commencement on Thursday, May 15, an important milestone that the school celebrated as a testimony to God’s faithfulness.

The graduation was held at the Church of the Highlands Riverchase campus, with students decked in graduation regalia surrounded by family and friends. The graduation’s theme was “Faithfulness: Steadfast Loyalty,” with 2 Timothy 4:7-9 chosen as the theme verse for the graduating class.

The ceremony began with a welcome, opening prayer and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. In a unique tradition, Wayne then took the time to recognize those in the audience who were first responders or served in the military.

Connie and Wayne then addressed the crowd and recounted the history of Hope Christian School, with a detailed and passionate story of its formation.

“What an amazing journey and testimony of God’s faithfulness through the years,” Connie said. “Now we have over 2,500 graduates from Hope Christian School, which is amazing.”

Class President Olivia Patterson then gave a testimony of God’s faithfulness in her life, reflecting on how it has sustained her through the years.

“Faithfulness, along with hope, conquers death, doubt and fear,” Patterson said. “It’s OK not to know what happens next or to change your mind… Faithfulness is a tool we can use, and the great thing about faith is that we only need a small amount.”

Patterson reflected on the famous parable of the mustard seed from the Bible, in which Jesus reflects that great things can come from humble beginnings.

“Do not worry about the future ahead,” Patterson said. “For God has already handled all of your worries and doubts and fears.”

Wayne and Connie then presented the graduates with various leadership medals and awards.

“We are honored to present leadership medals to those students who have done extraordinary things in their life in leadership, (at Hope Christian) and also in the community,” Connie said.

The following students were awarded leadership medals during the graduation:

 

  • Faithfulness and Leadership Award: Trinity Huffstutler, Olivia Patterson and Malachi Syx
  • Testimony and Influence Award: Anthony Pritchett, Ella Grace Harris and Miriam Skinner
  • Dedication to Service Award: Gavin Powell, James Clark and Faith Hicks
  • Heart of Courage Award: Jian Ying Jackson
  • Outstanding Athletic Leadership Award: Jonathan Key

The following students were honored as salutatorians and valedictorians of the class. With Hope Christian School having a home education format, Connie explained that these students went above and beyond academically beyond their GPA.

 

  • Salutatorians: James Abercrombie, Samuel Fonseca, Tessa Hanson, Macey Newton and Gideon Cottrell
  • Valedictorians: Simon Fonseca, Jocelyn Timothy, Della Johnson and William Gann

In a unique tradition, the parents of the students presented their children with their diplomas rather than school administrators following the award recognition.

“We want to proclaim that Jesus Christ has been faithful,” Wayne said in conclusion. “Congratulations to the class of 2025.”

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