Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, high school, middle school, and grammar school students, families, teachers, and administrators faced unprecedented challenges in the spring. In recognition of the faith, hard work, and perseverance at local Christian schools, TriStateVoice.com is honoring graduates in July. Today, we honor Abundant Life Academy in Nutley, NJ.
Abundant Life Academy in Nutley, NJ recently held graduation ceremonies for its junior and senior high school students.
Abundant Life Academy began in 1986 with an enrollment of 35 students. At commencement, Bishop Peter Bruno Sr., the founder of the school and senior pastor of Nutley ALWC), took part in the ceremony, which featured the largest graduating class in the history of the school with 38 high school students.
Commencement speaker Rev. Mario Gonzalez (Hope Center Tabernacle, Jersey City) exhorted the graduates to not fear failure but learn from it as he told his story of growing up in the Bronx and becoming both a pastor and a lawyer. (continues after ad)
Principal John Kuebler spoke about how dark times require a bright light. “Abundant Life Academy students go out prepared to shine as they are involved in ministry, outreach, and evangelism throughout their time at ALA. Students from Abundant Life Academy are well equipped to defend their faith and share the good news of Jesus Christ in a loving manner to the world.”
As Principal Kuebler gave his final charge to the diverse graduating class of Abundant Life Academy, he reminded them “not to be deterred or sidetracked by anything, not by racism or injustice, not by socialism or lawlessness, not by patriotism or indignation, not by humanism and materialism,” but to be bold in bringing His kingdom and allowing His will to be done on earth. Principal Kuebler stated; “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; you are like a lamb, but you have a lion right beside you. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah.”
The ceremony can be viewed on the school’s Facebook page and included music by alumni.
Abundant Life Academy is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse Christian schools in the Northeast and served over 450 students from Preschool to 12th grade this past academic year.
ABUNDANT LIFE ACADEMY 8th GRADE CLASS OF 2020
Janessah Alcius
Christine Ckinckay
Caleb Co
JeanKarlos Concepcion
Elias Dalloul
Natasha Garcia
Richard Gonzalez
Genesis Jimenez
Madison Langhorne
Leah Logan
Daniela Ortiz
Haley Parmenter
Leo Pazmino
Krystal Ramdihol
Nestor Rivas
Jared Rodriguez
Bianca Vieira
Hannah Walsh
Erica Wilder
Vanessa Zhang
ABUNDANT LIFE ACADEMY HS CLASS OF 2020
(click on image to enlarge)