The 41st graduating class in Chilton Christian Academy’s history finally got to say their official goodbye during a ceremony June 5.

“This is not the end of our story,” Kayli Morrison said.

The graduation had been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite being initially postponed, the night was full of emotion and sentiment as graduates looked back down memory lane at their time spent in high school.

“Our senior year may have come to a close in a most unexpected manner, but this day can still be our day, and this day can and this year can still be our year,” Stella Bice said.

Principal Charles Gottshall presents Carter Johnson with his diploma. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

According to Shayla Hamilton, the unique times that everyone has been going through can be used as an opportunity to grow as people.

She shared that she has used the time to slow down and practice self-reflection. As a result, she has developed her relationship with God and grown even closer to Him in the recent weeks.

“It’s a matter of one’s perspective,” Hamilton said. “God is not wasting our time.”

Each of the 10 graduates spent a couple of minutes each giving recognition to those who have helped them along the way to get them to where they are at.

“To my mom, I thank you for being my biggest role model,” Bice said.

Several of the graduates fought back tears as they addressed the family members and factually in attendance.

“As much as I’ve looked forward to this day, I’ve always hated endings,” Hamilton said. “But, everything good must come to an end. Good or bad, long or short, I will never forget CCA.”