Submitted photoGeorgia Christian School Class of 2018 has 22 graduating members.

DASHER — In a packed gymnasium on Friday evening, May 25 at Georgia Christian School, the Class of 2018 listened to a rousing message of choice and of change from the 2018 commencement speaker, Willis Colson.

Colson, science and Bible teacher at the school, entertained the crowd and the graduates by reimagining the recent royal wedding as if it was transported to Dasher, then brought the point of his message home by recognizing that everything that happens in the monarchy of England is actually in service to the queen.

In turn, the queen recognizes that everything she does is in service to those she represents, the people. Using the eloquent words of the preacher Marshall Keeble as a guide, Colson reminded the Class of 2018 they all have free will and they all have a choice to make in deciding whom they will serve.

He encouraged them to choose wisely, to choose to serve the Lord.

The Class of 2018 Salutatorian Heidi Jones spoke about the difficulties facing Christians in leading a Christian life, and encouraged her class to remain steadfast, even though no one is perfect.

In her speech, Lacey Barrett, the Class of 2018 valedictorian, gave advice about seeking God’s will in making plans, then taking action in their lives, setting goals and achieving them.

Other honors that were bestowed that evening were: First and Second Honor Merit Awards to Emmy Copeland and Lukas Smidtas, Citizenship Awards for highest number of service hours completed, also to Emmy Copeland and Lukas Smidtas, Mr. and Miss GCS, voted on by the faculty and staff, to Boston Guthrie and Lacey Barrett, and the Senior Bible Award, to Boston Guthrie.

The Class of 2018 presented a $500 gift to Georgia Christian School toward the purchase of a new flagpole for the Joe Virgil Dasher Middle School. After a video presentation highlighting memories from each student’s life and the awarding of diplomas, students presented roses to the parent or person of their choice in the audience in a flower presentation ceremony.

There were 22 members of the Class of 2018 of Georgia Christian School. The school said in a statement, “May God bless them and keep them.”