MARK WAITE / PVT Parishioners at New Hope Christian Academy pray for the five graduates. MARK WAITE / PVT Parishioners at New Hope Christian Academy pray for the five graduates. Advertisement

While Pahrump Valley High School had a big crowd pack the football field for its graduation ceremonies Thursday night, a smaller, more intimate group watched five students graduate from New Hope Christian Academy Friday night.

It was the sixth graduation ceremony at the school on West Street. School Council Chairman Kirk Vitto boasted it was the first time the senior class collectively qualified for the Nevada Millenium Scholarship.

Senior Pastor Neal Owen lauded the strong Christian teachings of the school, as evidenced by the graduation ceremonies. At one point a group of parish officials prayed for the five graduates.

Janyl Jobin Nogera, a graduate of the New Hope class of 2004 who went on to graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno, said students entering adulthood enter the world of opportunity, risk, rewards and failures. Jobin said she and her husband were launching a youth ministry.

"We want to be a positive part of your children being children and your children growing up. It has been our blessing to watch our valedictorian become a fine, young man," Vitto said.

The school valedictorian, Chris Butler, expressed his love for his family members and teachers in attendance.

"A man's heart directs his way, but the Lord directs his steps. I know that no matter what any of you guys do, God will be there to direct your steps," Butler said in his closing remarks.

Owens, in his closing prayer, asked that the graduates, as they go onto school, onto higher education and onto the school of hard knocks, accomplish great things for the Lord.

The other graduating seniors included Salutatorian Danielle Cohn, Britteny Holmes, Sarah Spencer and Samuel Bautista.

Graduation ceremonies were also held for eighth graders Brandon Campbell, Ken Quitevis, Bryce Moser, Steven Hargis, Jo Longley, Stephen Nogera, Josh Clark, Stoney Hordby and Jacob Hart.

Graduating sixth graders included Ingrid Bautista, Miranda Cambero, Rhea Miller, Sarah Tehuiotoa, Antonio Treglia and Karson Vitto.

Even kindergartners were honored: Mikaley Boulden, Koreigh McLeish, William Bugert, Judson Compton, Kyndahl McLeish, Kaden Vitto and Grady Linklater.