SABRATON – Kymberlee Pitman was talking about the approach and trajectory she was going to take when flinging her mortarboard at the conclusion of Trinity Christian School’s commencement Thursday night.
“You don’t want to put too much on it,” said Kymberlee, a member of the Class of 2026 who will major in exercise physiology at West Virginia University this fall. “You need to spin it just right.”
She was among the 24 seniors who went forth at the faith-based school in the hills overlooking Sabraton.
The ceremony was marked by prayers and shared laughs – which is why Amanda Darby didn’t have to spin it at all, when she summed up the class.
Many of them have been together since first grade, the principal said. That makes them family.
“This class has so much character and integrity,” said the administrator, who began her career as an elementary teacher at Trinity.
“They’re smart. They worked hard to get to this night. They genuinely enjoy each other’s company. And they keep growing in their love of the Lord. That’s really gratifying.”
Along with Kymberlee, there’s Nathan Adams, Katie Arbogast, Katherine Barbabella, Joel Bowers, Hamilton Breakey and Baylee Carpenter.
There’s Brayden Clampffer, Jillian Conn, Laura Dinkel, Garrett Finn, Jakub Galik, Everett Gannon and Parker Hopkins, also.
Add in Donovan Hurley, Keiara Johnston, Collin Lemley and Anna Lohmann, while you’re at it.
Finally, don’t forget Ryan McClurg, Hayden Phillips, Austin Porta, Abigal Sanders, Brian Sass and Jonathon Sheffstall – to round out the latest chapter in the life and times of Trinity Christian.
This fall, as said, they’ll embark as soon-to-be engineers, educators and medical professionals.
Some will be student-athletes on scholarship along the way.
One will go to work as a contractor, while another will enter the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
Some 30 minutes before the ceremony, the seniors were hanging out – one final, informal time as Trinity students – in a room down the hall from the gym and site of the ceremony, where the bleachers were already full.
Brayden found himself infused with instant nostalgia for memories and moments that were already entering amber.
“These guys really are like family,” he said, echoing his principal.
“It’s exciting and kind of weird,” the soon-to-be finance and accounting major continued. “I mean, we’re finally graduating.”
Then it was done.
And when the caps were indeed flung, Kymberlee’s went just as she planned. Everyone’s did, in fact.
Twenty-four prayers … in the air.
