Good morning Rev. Dr. Jon and Eva Pineda, Rev. Dr. Paul Pineda, Mrs. Debbie Pineda, parents, fellow classmates, teachers, and other distinguished guests.
My name is Jacqueline Nishihira and I am the Vice President of the fifth grade class. I can still remember running up and down the elementary hallways like it was yesterday – oh wait that was yesterday. Well, I can remember the first time we ran up and down the hallways – for some of us - as little kindergarteners. Today we sit in this gym, as we have for many awesome elementary chapels given by Pastor Eva – but not as the little 5 year olds but as fifth graders.
Through the years we have drawn closer to each other. We have had to say good-bye to some of our friends as we welcomed some new faces. But we have been able to stay close – building great memories that we will take with us forever. We are not just wonderful friends – we’ve become a family. As we move on to the next chapter of our lives, entering into middle school, we will never forget these memories that we have shared.
A few days ago, someone asked me to describe my class in one word. I didn’t have to think hard because I knew what it was and that word was “LOVING.” I chose ‘LOVING” because all of you are kind, compassionate, loyal, and what better word to describe all of those characteristics.
While we drew closer to each other, we also drew closer to God. The funny thing is when I was in K5 I didn't know about God the way I do now. As a K5, I had a very simple, child-like understanding – God loved me and we are to read our bibles and pray everyday. Then I remember 1st grade, Mrs. Snively’s class, where she explained that Jesus died for me and that He is the only way, the truth, and the Life and no one goes to the father except through HIM – she explained to me how important HE was in my life and where I might be without HIM. It was the start of my grown up thinking of my Christian walk and has continued expand each school year through each teacher and it has continued to mold and shape my life and probably for several of us sitting here today.
I would like to thank all our parents for bringing us here to Saint Paul Christian School and for always believing in us. I would like to thank our teachers for never giving up on us no matter how difficult it was for you at times. And most especially, I would like to thank the LORD, because all we had to do was our best and HE did the rest – because all things are possible in JESUS – and because HE paid the price for us. We really appreciate you all. Thank you.
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