Class of 2025 Honored at Baccalaureate Service Hosted by Ministerial Association

On the evening of May 14, 2025, the auditorium at Warren County High School was filled with pride, reflection, and celebration as families, friends, educators, and clergy gathered for the annual Baccalaureate Service honoring the graduating seniors of Warren County High School and Skyline High School. The event was presented by the Front Royal/Warren County Ministerial Association, offering a time of spiritual encouragement and community blessing ahead of graduation week.

The evening began with a piano prelude by Mrs. Sue Rinker, whose elegant performance set a reverent tone. Rev. Dr. Jim Bunce, pastor of Marlow Heights Baptist Church, welcomed the audience with words of deep gratitude.

“To the faculty, the staff, and the unsung heroes of every school—the custodians—we give great thanks,” Bunce said. “We especially thank Mrs. Thompson from Skyline and Mrs. Bryant from Warren County for all they’ve done to help make this night possible.” He noted the full auditorium and acknowledged the commitment of those who came, saying, “You could be anywhere else tonight, but you chose to be here to support our graduates.”

Warren County High School senior Oscar Montalvo followed with an opening prayer for the Class of 2025. In a heartfelt moment of reflection, Montalvo thanked God for guiding students through their years of challenge and growth.

“We gather before you today with thankful hearts, honoring the journey of our class of 2025,” he prayed. “May we be the lights in the world, bringing peace, justice, and kindness wherever we go. Surround us with love, protect us in times of need, and remind us always that we are never alone.”

The students and audience then stood to sing the alma mater of both schools—an annual tradition honoring the pride and spirit of each institution. It was a moment that blended individual school identity with the unity of the greater community.

Two student speakers—Toby Tennant of Warren County High and Gus Sotelo of Skyline—offered senior reflections that were both personal and universally meaningful.

Tennant opened with a prayer once used by his former pastor: “Lord, help me say all the right stuff and stop me when I have said enough.” He spoke about the journey of life after high school, its uncertainties, and the relationships that help us persevere.

“In the next two days, we will begin a new chapter,” Tennant said. “We will face challenges that we don’t choose or even deserve, but we will overcome them with those who care about us—our families, friends, and even strangers placed in our lives.”

Quoting Galatians and Matthew, Tennant encouraged his classmates to live lives of compassion. “When we show love and kindness, we’re not just helping others—we’re fulfilling the law of Christ,” he said. “May we always be the kind of people others can count on. And may God bless our futures and give us peace.”

Skyline’s Gus Sotelo took a more nostalgic approach, reflecting on how fast time has flown and encouraging graduates to be present in the moment.

“Are you ready to step into the future?” he asked. “It feels like just yesterday we were wide-eyed freshmen. Now, here we are—dressed in caps and gowns, ready to take on the world.”

He quoted Ferris Bueller: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” With sincerity and humor, Sotelo urged his classmates to savor the moment, lean on their support systems, and embrace life’s unknowns with courage and faith.

“This moment is ours,” he said. “Let’s embrace it. Let’s enjoy it. Let’s make it meaningful.”

The congregation then stood once more to sing “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” led by the Ministerial Association. The powerful hymn echoed through the auditorium, a symbol of unity and praise.

Rev. Rachel Plemmons, pastor of Front Royal United Methodist Church, delivered the central message of the evening. Drawing from Matthew 5:14–16, she reminded the graduates that they are called to be a light in the world.

“Let your light shine before others,” she said, “so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.”

With humor and humility, Rev. Plemmons reflected on her own teenage vow to never return to the Shenandoah Valley—a vow that, in God’s timing, didn’t hold. “Never say never,” she said. “I did, and look where I am now.”

She reminded students that while their paths may not be clear, their purpose is certain. “We make plans, and God laughs,” she said. “But no matter where life takes you, remember—you matter. And you can make a difference.”

“You matter,” she said. “You have light inside you that can brighten someone’s darkest day. Share that light, and pass it on. And when things get hard, remember—you have people cheering for you, even if you’ve never met them.”

The evening continued with a stirring performance by Warren County senior Abigail Knesh, who sang “Long Live” by Taylor Swift. Her emotional rendition drew cheers and applause from the audience and captured the bittersweet celebration of endings and new beginnings.

Following the solo, members of the Ministerial Association presented each student with a bright red honor cord. These cords, worn during graduation, symbolize the fire, passion, and love within the Class of 2025—and the support of a community standing behind them. Families were invited to take photos as each senior crossed the stage to receive their cord.

The service concluded with a closing prayer by Skyline senior Elaine Breeden, who asked God to guide her classmates with wisdom, courage, and grace in the years ahead.

“When we make mistakes, I ask that you give us grace,” she prayed. “Grant us the courage to be brave in this new chapter of our lives. Let us not be overwhelmed but excited to make an impact in the world.”

Rev. Jaci Smith Patman, interim pastor at Front Royal Presbyterian Church, offered the benediction, drawing a powerful parallel between the graduating seniors and the disciples of Jesus who, after Ascension, were sent out to share His message.

“Jesus told them, and He tells you: ‘I am with you always, even to the end of the age,’” she said. “So go out, live boldly, love deeply, and lead with kindness.”

As the evening closed, pianist Sue Rinker once again took to the keys, playing the recessional music as the Class of 2025 left the auditorium—marked by honor, uplifted in spirit, and ready to take their next steps.