METHUEN, Mass. — Fellowship Christian Academy's commencement exercises yesterday were marked by prayer, references to scripture and reminders to the six graduating seniors to continue leading a spiritual life.

"May your success in the future be shown in how you reflect God's holiness to others with your lives," school business manager and athletic director Scott Phillips told the graduates.

Valedictorian Vickiel Garcia said she and her classmates not only learned academics, but also ethical lessons, including how to have friends and how to respect those around you.

"This may sound strange to you, but one of the places where God taught me valuable lessons was on the volleyball bench of Fellowship Christian Academy," she said.

The bench might not be the position a person would choose, she said.

"Yet it was there where I learned lessons for the rest of my life," said Garcia. "Be happy whatever the situation may be, and it is very valuable just to be part of the team."

Although she was not the coach's "safest" server, she said, in Christian life, "all of our service in the name of Christ is precious in the sight of God."

Salutatorian Miranda Freeman said the day marked the close of one chapter and the beginning of another.

"As we graduate and leave our high school years behind us, we're taking another step into the future, a step of being grown-ups," Freeman said.

Denise Soto said she was sad to leave, but also excited.

"Because the school is small, it's been easy to make great friendships," Soto said.

Miranda Freeman said it felt as though she were leaving her family.

"It's really weird and I'm trying not to think about it," said Freeman, a former Haverhill resident. "This has been a second home to me and sometimes it didn't feel like a school at all."

Pastor Christopher Dyer, the school principal, presented diplomas. The invocation and benediction was by Pastor Daniel Trepanier.

Class treasurer Melissa Farinha presented the class gift of $450 to the school for the purchase of sports equipment. Class president Miranda Freeman presented incoming class president Trevor Glines with the Pastor Joseph Stringer Leadership Medallion.

And, in the school's tradition, graduates presented their parents with bouquets of flowers.

The graduates included Irveline Claude of Methuen, Melissa Farinha of Pelham, Miranda Freeman of Danville, Vickiel Garcia of Lawrence, Jason Makso of Woburn and Denise Soto of Lawrence.

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