By Carey Jordan
Seven years ago, when I began teaching seventh and eighth grade at HMS Richards Adventist School, in Loveland, Colorado, I started asking a simple question:
What if our eighth-grade graduation could be more than a ceremony?
Of course, graduation is already special. It marks an important milestone in the lives of our students and their families. It celebrates years of hard work, growth, and achievement. But I began wondering what would happen if every part of the ceremony was intentionally viewed through the lens of our mission and vision as a school.
What if graduation became a living expression of what we value most?
What if it could tell the story of Christian education?
What if every element pointed to our purpose of helping students Know Jesus, Grow in knowledge and character, and Go change the world?
For the past seven years, that question has shaped every decision we make about our graduation program.
Today, my role at HMS has changed. I now serve as principal rather than the seventh and eighth grade teacher who first began asking these questions. Yet the design and philosophy behind the ceremony continue. What began as a vision has become part of our school’s culture. Each year, we continue refining and protecting the purpose behind the program, ensuring that graduation remains more than an event—it remains a reflection of who we are as a school and what we hope our students will become.
At HMS, our mission is clear: Know Jesus. Grow in Knowledge and Character. Go Change the World. Our vision is Educating for Eternity. Graduation provides a unique opportunity to showcase that mission, not just to students, but to parents, grandparents, church members, alumni, and guests who may not regularly experience life at our school.
Every piece of the program has been carefully considered. Nothing is included simply because it has always been done that way. Instead, each element serves a purpose and reflects the values that define an HMS education.
The ceremony begins with a welcome and prayer, reminding us that Christ remains at the center of everything we do. A slideshow follows, featuring photographs from infancy through graduation. Families and guests witness the remarkable journey from childhood to teen years, a visual reminder of God’s leading and the growth that has taken place over the years.
One of the most meaningful moments is the Parent Tribute. Months before graduation, students write letters expressing gratitude to their parents. These tributes are revised, recorded, and played during the ceremony while students present flowers to their parents. In a culture that often emphasizes independence, this moment honors the partnership between home and school and teaches students to express appreciation for the sacrifices made on their behalf. It reflects one of HMS’s core commitments: to respect the home and establish strong partnerships with families.
Student leadership is highlighted through the Class President’s Address. Special music selections are reserved exclusively for graduates. Students may request opportunities to perform and then audition for those roles. By placing graduates in the spotlight, we celebrate not only academic achievement but also the unique talents and gifts God has entrusted to them. These moments remind us that every student has God-given abilities worth developing and sharing.
The commencement address is another carefully considered component. Students help select the speaker, ensuring that the message resonates with their experience. We intentionally limit the address to approximately fifteen minutes, an appropriate amount of time for eighth-grade listeners. Graduation is held in the church sanctuary, reinforcing the sacred nature of the occasion. This is not simply a ceremony about finishing middle school; it is an opportunity to speak into the lives of students and families about faith, purpose, and God’s calling.
We also use graduation to point students toward the future. The Campion Academy presentation allows students to hear directly from academy leadership and emphasizes the importance of continuing on in Adventist education. It is a reminder that graduation is not an ending but the next step in a lifelong journey of learning and spiritual growth.
Character remains central to our mission. During graduation we recognize the recipient of the CHERISH Award, which was presented during our spring concert. This award highlights the importance of character and celebrates a student who exemplifies our core values of being Christ-Centered, demonstrating Honor, pursuing Exploration, accepting Responsibility, living with Integrity, serving others through Service, and showing Heroism by standing for convictions even when standing alone.
Academic excellence is celebrated as well. The valedictorian and salutatorian are announced by the teacher, recognizing students whose dedication and perseverance have led to exceptional achievement. Adventist education has always sought both spiritual growth and academic excellence, and graduation provides an opportunity to honor both.
The presentation of diplomas marks an important milestone as students officially complete their HMS middle school experience. Yet perhaps one of the most meaningful moments comes immediately afterward.
As a teacher, I always viewed the introduction of the graduating class as a final opportunity to speak directly to students. In just a few minutes, I would share memories, encouragement, challenges, and hopes for their future. It was a chance to remind them one last time of who they are and “Whose” they are.
The Prayer of Dedication serves as a powerful conclusion to the ceremony. Each year, we invite someone to offer a unique blessing over the graduates. Sometimes each student is mentioned by name. Sometimes the prayer takes the form of a commissioning service or special blessing. However it is expressed, the purpose remains the same: to place these young people in God’s hands as they move forward into high school and beyond.
Finally, we introduce the incoming eighth-grade class. This simple moment symbolizes continuity. One class moves forward while another prepares to lead. The mission remains unchanged.
Extending the Celebration Beyond the Ceremony
Even after the formal ceremony concludes, the celebration continues in ways that reflect our commitment to community, family, and honoring each student as a unique child of God.
During the reception, every graduate is given their own round table. Each table features a large display board filled with photographs that tell the story of that student’s life and journey. These displays become gathering places where family members, friends, teachers, church members, and fellow students can share memories and celebrate accomplishments. The tables also serve as a place for cards, gifts, and notes of encouragement, creating a personalized space for each graduate.
In recent years, we have added a tradition that has quickly become a favorite. Each family is invited to bring one food item that represents the graduate’s favorite snack or treat. The variety is always remarkable. Over the years, guests have enjoyed everything from pickles served on tiny toothpicks to homemade lefse and many other family favorites in between. The tradition creates conversation, laughter, and connection as guests sample foods that tell a small part of each student’s story.
What makes this tradition especially meaningful is that it reflects our belief in partnering with families. Parents know their children best, and this simple contribution allows each family to bring something personal into the celebration. It reminds us that graduation is not simply the achievement of a student but the result of years of support, sacrifice, and encouragement from families who have walked alongside them.
HMS provides what has become a tradition of its own: our now-famous HMS lemonade. As students, families, faculty, church members, and guests gather over lemonade and favorite foods, the reception becomes more than refreshments after a ceremony. It becomes an extension of our school community—a reminder that education is strengthened through relationships and that every student’s journey has been supported by a network of family, faith, and friendship.
Why We Do It
When viewed individually, these moments may seem simple. Together, however, they tell a larger story about HMS Richards Adventist School.
Seven years ago, I wondered what would happen if graduation reflected our mission intentionally.
Today, I believe the answer is simple.
Graduation has become more than a ceremony.
It has become a testimony to what we value, a celebration of who our students are becoming, and a reminder that the ultimate goal of Christian education is not simply graduation—it is preparing young people for a life of service, purpose, and faithfulness to Jesus.
That is why we celebrate.
—Carey Jordan is the principal of HMS Richards Adventist School. Photos supplied.
