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Pastor Gary Crum Sr. turned Ellwood Christian Academy’s graduation ceremony into a worship service on Sunday morning.

Minutes before the 14 ECA seniors walked in line to receive their high school diplomas, Crum delivered a powerful, passionate speech to the Class of 2022 before a packed crowd in the School’s Gymnasium.

As sweat poured down his face, Crum’s voice boomed over the band’s loud music. The ECA seniors fed off Crum’s energy, standing for minutes and dancing.

Jomeria Davis was named class Valedictorian while Shakeda Sims finishedas class Salutatorian.

A special honor went to Shedric Gantt Jr., who received the first annual Roosevelt and Pauline Crum Scholarship. He is the only senior to attend ECA from kindergarten through 12th grade.

“It’s a unique class at Ellwood Christian Academy,” Crum said. “This is not the end, it is only the beginning. The sky is the limit, but go beyond that.  Something good can come out of Selma, Alabama.”

The other ECA graduating seniors are: Tyrese Dower, Kenneth Dukes, Aaliyah Gunn, Je’hard Jackson, Sha’Quana Jones, LaDasia Malone, Reniyah Price, Jamarcus Sanders, Ja’Kerria Simmons, Rashiem Williams Jr. and MyKesha Woods.