METHUEN — During the April school break, this year's senior class at Fellowship Christian Academy got to experience a new sense of freedom, exploring the Grand Canyon.
Last night, the eight graduates got advice from commencement speaker Bob Emberley to understand the price of freedom and not take it for granted.
"Its worth is measured by the price that was paid to secure it and defend it," said Emberley, a former youth pastor at the Fellowship Bible Church.
In an address that included a Memorial Day theme, Emberley recounted the number of Americans who died defending freedom in wars dating back to the birth of the nation. He told the graduates they couldn't invest their freedom correctly "until you know the price that was paid."
This year's class presented a new American flag with a solar spotlight as its gift to the school of 150 students, grades kindergarten through 12. A crowd of more than 250 turned out for the school's 28th commencement.
As part of the school's tradition, each of the graduates presented a bouquet of flowers to their parents.
The night was a special one for Academy Administrator and Pastor Christopher Dyer, whose daughter Bethany, of Salem, N.H., gave the valedictory address.
Bethany, the class vice president, has been a student at the school for 13 years. She plans to study math education at Bob Jones University in South Carolina.
Other graduates include:
Trevor Glines, the class president, of Salem, N.H., plans to attend Northern Essex Community College.
Andrew Hajj, of Dracut, gave the Salutatory Address. He plans to attend the University of Massachusetts in Lowell
Amanda Harty, of Atkinson, N.H., will attend New England Community College.
Chelsea Kirmelewicz, of Bradford, plans to study biology at Clearwater Christian College in Florida.
Kara Lundquist, of Bow, N.H., also plans to study biology at Clearwater Christian College.
Katie Rego, of Woburn, will attend classes at Middlesex Community College.
Lena Wakim, of Salem, N.H., plans to attend Liberty University in Virginia.
