Inspiration Academy graduates had many acts of ‘love’
Inspiration Academy graduated 13 students from high school on Saturday during a ceremony the Bridge Church.
Like the two previous graduating class, the 2016 had a theme for their Senior year: love.
“Love is patient and kind, selfless, enduring and not self-seeking,” co-founder Claire Speir said. “You’ve all inspired us this year with your acts of love.”
Speir detailed some of those acts as she reminisced on many of the things they had done and experiences they’d shared. Later Speir shared many of her favorite memories of the class’s Senior year experience including their trip to Italy and France, their Senior prank and dance party.
The 13 graduates were each given a personal introduction by a faculty member, helping family and friends learn more about each graduate’s personal journey. Afterward, each graduate walked off the stage picking up a red rose, sometimes two, and walked into the audience to present it to their parents.
Jessica De Leon: 941-745-7049, @JDeLeon1012
No. of graduates: 13
Graduating class from this school: 3rd
Speakers: Autumn Speir, valedictorian; Daniel Pierce, salutatorian; Cory Taraska, class elected speaker; Eddie Speir, co-founder
Shining moment: A celebration video produced by the school’s film academy featured take-a-ways from intimate monologues with each graduate.
Interesting fact: Before dismissing the graduates, faculty continued an Inspiration Academy by giving each graduate a charge as they prepare to go into the world.
Best quote: “As Steve Jobs once said, ‘Your time is limited, so don’t waste it live someone else’s dream .. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition,” Cory Taraka. “Let’s go into the next chapter with the intention of making the world a better place.”
This story was originally published May 28, 2016 at 6:51 PM with the headline " Inspiration Academy graduates had many acts of ‘love’."