May was a month of celebration at St. Paul School and Preschool as 37 students reached important educational milestones during the school’s annual graduation ceremonies.
The celebration began May 22 with preschool graduation, honoring 17 students who demonstrated readiness for kindergarten. A week later, on May 29, the school hosted its traditional combined kindergarten and sixth-grade graduation ceremony, celebrating 10 kindergarten graduates alongside 10 sixth-grade graduates.
Leadership Takes Center Stage
This year’s graduation theme centered on leadership, with sixth-grade graduates serving as inspiring examples for their younger kindergarten peers. The combined ceremony represents a cherished St. Paul tradition that connects students across grade levels.
“Having our youngest and oldest elementary students graduate together creates a beautiful mentorship moment,” said Principal Ruth Sebastian. “Our sixth-graders demonstrate the leadership skills they’ve developed throughout their time here, while our kindergarteners see what they can achieve.”
A Record of Perfect Attendance
Among the notable achievements this year was Christian Galarza’s receipt of the “Lifetime Lion Award” for maintaining perfect attendance from kindergarten through sixth grade — never missing a day or arriving late during his entire St. Paul career.
“Christian’s experience at St. Paul Lutheran School has been nothing short of a blessing,” said his parents, Damien and Mary Galarza. “Over the years, we’ve watched Christian grow both academically and spiritually, nurtured by a Christ-centered environment that encouraged curiosity, kindness, and faith.”
The Galarzas noted that Christian’s love for learning flourished at St. Paul, where he built lasting friendships and formed meaningful connections with teachers and staff who truly cared for him.
Enhanced Sixth-Grade Traditions
This year’s sixth-grade graduation featured several special elements that distinguished it from previous years. All graduates wore caps and gowns during the ceremony, standing together on stage in a formal presentation. Each graduate received their tassel to keep as a memento of their achievement.
Seven of the 10 sixth-grade graduates have been St. Paul students since kindergarten, representing the strong foundation the school provides from early childhood through elementary completion.
As a parting gift, the school presented each sixth-grade graduate with a Bible to accompany them as they transition to middle school. Graduates will attend various schools throughout Merced County, including Stone Ridge Christian, Our Lady of Mercy, Hoover, and Cruikshank.
Family and Faith at the Foundation
Both graduation ceremonies featured messages from Pastor Doua and Principal Sebastian, emphasizing the spiritual growth alongside academic achievement that characterizes a St. Paul education.
A meaningful tradition continued as families selected Bible verses significant to their children — verses that serve as both motivation and prayer for their future journeys. These personal scripture selections reflect the faith-centered approach that defines St. Paul’s educational mission.
The sixth-grade families organized the post-ceremony reception, providing snacks, treats, and decorations that created a festive atmosphere for celebrating their graduates’ achievements.
Community Celebration
The graduation ceremonies drew attendance from across the St. Paul community, including retired staff members, board members, and School Advisory Team representatives. The graduating class includes children of both teaching and classified staff members, as well as grandchildren of church members, highlighting the deep community connections that characterize St. Paul School.
“We’re so thankful for the St. Paul community and the foundation it has given Christian for the journey ahead,” the Galarza family shared, echoing sentiments expressed by many families as they celebrated their graduates’ accomplishments.
These graduation ceremonies mark another successful year for St. Paul School and Preschool, where students develop both academic excellence and spiritual foundation in preparation for their next educational chapter.
St. Paul School and Preschool is located at 2916 McKee Road in Merced and has been serving Central Valley families since 1991. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA).
