The most anticipated nights of the 2021-2022 school year at Tulsa Adventist Academy were celebrated with kindergarten and eighth-grade commencements on May 19, and senior commencement on May 21, 2022, culminating a year of refreshing, in-person instruction!
Vicki Toews’ five kindergartners and Ruth Vargas’s seven eighth graders solemnly walked down the long aisle of the First Tulsa Seventh-day Adventist Church to Bruce Carrico playing “Pomp & Circumstance”. They sat on their chairs on the stage, waiting for the excitement to begin. The kindergarteners led the audience in the pledge of allegiance, then performed a rousing song, “Thank You.” Both sets of graduates had a rose ceremony that included recognizing their parents and parents recognizing their children.
The graduates were encouraged by speaker Jim Landelius, pastor of Sand Springs and Sapulpa churches, who also happens to be the volunteer bible teacher for grades seven and eight. The graduates then received their diplomas from interim principal Peggy Fisher and Oklahoma Conference Secretary Apple Park.
Two days later, our three seniors, Michael Jobe, Edgar Munoz, and Enrique Perez, celebrated the end of their high school life with a vespers program featuring Enrique singing special music followed by their science teacher, Ronald Arroyo-Watson, sharing his story of overcoming obstacles and relying on Jesus.
In between senior vespers and senior commencement a surprise was bestowed on TAA’s high school math teacher, Larry Seery: an “Excellence in Teaching” award from the Southwestern Union Conference! The criteria includes integrating faith and Christ-like behavior to students; planning and preparation that encompasses a connection to God; effective communication with learners; and participation in the school’s vision for student learning. (You can read all the criteria at Excellence in Teaching Award). Mr. Seery not only teaches high school math, he is also the worship leader and Acrobatics director for TAA. He was one of six recipients of this prestigious tea
ching award in the Southwestern Union.
After Mr. Seery’s surprise award, the seniors began their commencement service with their family tribute, recognizing their loved ones who have supported them throughout the years. Enrique, the class president, shared his remembrances and gratitude in his farewell speech. The seniors chose Jason Vargas, their teacher in grades 1-2, to cheer them on to their new lives outside of TAA since he was the teacher who first taught them at TAA. Visit Tulsa Adventist Academy on Facebook or Instagram to see photos!