Last week at Barrington Christian Academy, friends, family, and faculty joined to witness the commencement exercises for the Class of 2017.  

After a week of challenging work and celebration that included senior project presentations, a senior banquet, a graduate parade through the school and graduation parties, the commencement was the students' final send-off.

The class of 2017 chose Ethan Messier to give the student address. He spoke about the impact of the education he received on the way he views the world. He also expressed memories for each of his classmates while articulating what they have to look forward to.

Rebecca Palmer, from Barrington, received the Timothy Award from the school. This award is given annually at commencement and recognizes a senior whose Christian character, scholastic achievement, and cooperative spirit have provided a daily example to all of the truth found in 1 Timothy 4:12: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

Rob McBride, BCA's High School Bible teacher and choir director, was chosen by the class to speak on behalf of the school. Throughout his speech which took many turns down memory lane, he encouraged the graduates to remember to go in peace and to bring peace. He surprised them when he performed a song specifically for this class. 

BCA Class of 2017

Jacqueline Boutcher

Samuel Burgess

David Cuellar

Nicholas Fall

Peter Fu 

Brian Imana

Curtis Jenkins

Ling Jiang 

Ethan Messier

Audrey Miller

Rebecca Palmer

Elena Robson

Haley Scott

Emily Sullivan

Emerasia Vongphachanh

Abigail White

Trevor Wilson

Kelly Yang

Lily Yang

Caitlyn Zimberlin