Valley Christian School sends 41 grads out to change the world

May 30, 2016 at 12:05a.m.

By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK

AUSTINTOWN

Today is about you, Leesa York told the 2016 graduating class of Valley Christian School at commencement.

“We recognize each of you today because we know behind every smile is a story, a journey that you’ve been on to arrive at this point,” York, guidance counselor at the school formerly called Youngstown Christian School, said Sunday at Highway Tabernacle Church on Raccoon Road.

Graduate Michelle Linbeck’s journey included soccer, softball and Key Club while in high school. The next step in her journey is two years at Eastern Gateway Community College.

“I’m excited,” she said. “Anxious for the future, but mostly excited.”

After EGCC, she plans to attend Youngstown State University to major in history, eventually becoming a history teacher.

The senior class – 41 students – is very close, Linbeck said. She will miss that, and the support system she had at Valley Christian.

Her years at the school have prepared her for her future, however, she said.

“I feel like I have a strong relationship with Christ, and I feel like that impacted me the most,” she said. “If I wasn’t at this school, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Classmate Emily Beebe is excited, too.

“I’m really excited to start college,” she said. “I feel like [Valley Christian has] prepared me a lot, so I’m ready.”

She learned study habits and test-taking skills that will help her.

Beebe also attended the medical program at Choffin Career and Technical Center and became a state-tested nursing assistant. She will attend YSU in the fall to study nursing.

Beebe said she will miss “seeing everyone from school every day and having those relationships with people, and also being in a school where God is No. 1.”

Co-valedictorian Abigail Morris said many of the students have been in school together since seventh grade.

“As you can imagine, we have made a lot of memories together,” she said. “To say we know each other well is an understatement.”

They are like family, Morris said.

“So let me tell you something about this family,” she said. “This class is full of leaders. Driven and hardworking people determined to make their mark on the world.”

Isabelle Azar also is the Class of 2016’s co-valedictorian.