Chapel

Valley Forge Christian College was proud to host once again, the 2013 Phoenixville American Cancer Society Relay for Life, a 24-hour continuous walk on the campus grounds that began on May 11 at 10 a.m. and concluded at 10 a.m. on May 12. Participants from across the region took part in the event to honor those who have lost their battle with cancer, those who are still fighting and survivors of this disease. 

This year, the 10th year that Phoenixville has hosted a Relay for Life event, took on a Disney theme, with several of the Disney characters walking among the participants. Activities included music and games, as well as a luminaria service at 8 p.m. to remember and reflect on those who have lost their fight with cancer. 

This year's walk raised a total of $72,273. The funds raised from Relay for Life benefits American Cancer Society programs, including Road to Recovery and Look Good Feel Better.

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A sunny spring day in eastern Pennsylvania was a welcome blessing to the graduates that waited anxiously to receive their diplomas in front of their friends and families. The beautiful Green Lane Commons was alive with anticipation as Valley Forge Christian College hosted, on May 3, the 74th Annual Commencement Ceremony and presented the graduating class of 2013.

The day started with a wonderful Baccalaureate service. In the Flower Chapel, the graduates listened to encouraging speeches from Dr. Bill Clarkson (Business Department Chair and Senior Class Advisor) and fellow classmates Jennifer Duncan and Adam Yaros. These three speakers started off the day of celebration with a great balance of reminiscence and anticipation. 

Hundreds of graduates and their supporters then sat under the shade of the tall Green Lane trees as Dr. Kevin Beery, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Don Meyer, President, presented this year’s graduating class. Upon being conferred, students became recipients of their associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees and had officially "graduated".
 
Before receiving their degrees, the audience of graduates, family and friends had the privilege of hearing commencement speaker Dr. Mark Batterson, lead pastor of the National Community Church in Washington, D.C. and author of The Circle Maker. He reminded the graduates that this wonderful occasion was not just the end of one season but the beginning of a whole new journey. Dr. Batterson encouraged listeners to step out in faith and follow the Lord’s will into the next phase of life.
 
The breakdown of the 154 graduates by degree included four students who received master's degrees, 145 students who received bachelor's degrees and five students who received associate's degrees. In addition, 49 students graduated with scholastic honors, achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. VFCC faculty also inducted 12 students to Sigma Chi Pi membership in the Honor Society of Assemblies of God Colleges and Universities for their high scholastic achievement, Christian character and leadership potential.

After Dr. Batterson spoke, graduates crossed the stage one-by-one to shake the hand of Dr. Meyer and receive their diploma. Soon afterwards, caps and tassles went flying up in the air as celebratory cheers and congratulations rang out among those who had completed their education at VFCC.
 
The presence of the graduating class of 2013 will not be forgotten, as they have given the gift of a red dogwood tree to VFCC which will be planted and commemorated with a plaque on campus. This gift continues a 74-year-long tradition at VFCC of each graduating class presenting a tree to the College.
 
Congratulations to the Class of 2013. The prayers of the entire VFCC community are with you as you step forward into this new season of life.

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If you missed 12 Angry Jurors, then you missed an outstanding theatrical performance. In April, Curtain Call – the student-led drama club at Valley Forge Christian College – featured an impressive adaptation of the renowned play 12 Angry Men.
 
This intense story about a murder trial and its twelve jurors was recapped in the production's "playbill" as summarized below:

Twelve Angry Jurors, adapted from the teleplay Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose, is a dramatic production centered on guilt, innocence, and the measure of a human life. A 19-year-old man has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. It looks like an open-and-shut case, until one of the jurors begins to ask questions that open the others’ eyes to different possibilities. As testimonies and evidence are re-examined, arguments grow heated, tempers are short and each juror reveals the true nature of his or her character. A verdict must be reached but can each of the twelve angry jurors put aside his or her individual prejudices to make the final life or death decision?
 
A talented cast of 15 VFCC students performed this production with a high degree of skill. Leading the way with extraordinary performances were sophomores Chris McNaney (Juror Number 8) and Myke Smith (Juror Number 3). These two, with an impressive showcase of emotion and sincerity, seamlessly captured the attention of audience members, who could not help but be drawn into the gripping plot. 
 
Fans of the original 12 Angry Men would have been pleased with Curtain Call’s variation of the 1950s teleplay. In addition, the cast successfully impressed newcomers to this intense story. Director Lindsay Merkel '09 and Assistant Director, student Loren Metallo, did an exceptional job leading the cast to a successful closing production for the 2012-2013 academic year.
 
Curtain Call truly highlighted their skills to the VFCC community this year – with two impressive productions and a number of performances by Activate Improv Ministry (which falls under the umbrella of Curtain Call). It is evident that God has placed many talented students within the group. Be sure to look for upcoming drama events here at VFCC in the 2013 fall semester.

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