Thursday, May 28, we celebrated our elementary school graduation, marking a milestone moment for two classes: the kindergartners completing their first year of school and the sixth-graders finishing their time here at St. Paul.
The evening opened with a procession of both classes, followed by a welcome from Pastor Matt Duerr and an opening prayer led by Mrs. Bogle.
Sixth-grader Aurora Duran delivered the first student address before Pastor Duerr brought his message to the graduates — a reflection he called “The Great Sending,” drawn from Matthew 10:16. He reminded students that just as Jesus sent the disciples out equipped and never alone, so too do St. Paul graduates go forward with the promises of the Holy Spirit and the foundation of both their education and their faith. His charge to the Class of 2026: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Our precious kindergartners took the stage with a performance that included “Jesus Loves Me,” a “When I Grow Up” segment, a rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing,” and a poem called “Summer.” The sixth-graders followed with a performance of “Change,” after which Hazel Guzman delivered the second student address.
Mr. Stallings closed the academic portion of the ceremony with diploma and Bible presentations to the sixth-grade graduates. A closing prayer ended the evening.
The kindergarten class of 2026 included Sloane Brendel, Thomas Collins, Wesley Dekker, Lincoln Klein, Amenadiel Mena, Emma Parker, Eliana Sanchez, Cooper Saxon, Kai Williamson, and Grayson Fisher. Cooper is not pictured because he was out of town but received his diploma from Mrs. Bogle on Wednesday.
The sixth-grade class of 2026 included Cristian Abella, Hudson Allen, Liam Correa, Aurora Duran, Hazel Guzman, Henry Holman, Evan Pagano, Jake Pagano, Aksel Sanchez, Phoebe Stallings, and Mia Trigg.
Congratulations to all of our graduates. We are proud of each of you and look forward to seeing where God leads you next.
St. Paul School and Preschool has been serving Merced County families since 1991. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA), and affiliated with the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod.
