Alton�s Mississippi Valley Christian School, the former Western Military Academy, conducted its 35th commencement in the school�s gymnasium, graduating thirteen seniors on Friday, May 22, at 7 p.m.
With the goal of excellence in education rooted in love for God and country, the former WMA Seminary Street campus has had its fine history perpetuated with what has now been 35 years of graduating high school seniors through Mississippi Valley Christian School. A ministry of Faith Baptist Church in Godfrey, Pastor Tom Olney attributes the success of Mississippi Valley to, �Acknowledging from the very beginning that this is God�s school, not ours.�
The composite average national A.C.T. ranking of the MVCS class of 2009 is an impressive 25.1. Co-valedictorians were Megan Allen, daughter of Shawn and Wendy Allen of Alton, with a 4.21 GPA and Desiree Nguyen, daughter of Gale and Rosa McDaniels of Florissant, with 4.18. Elizabeth Edwards, daughter of Timothy and Stacey Edwards of Alton, was Salutatorian with a 4.14 GPA. Other members of the graduating class were Lisa Brooks, Derwin Bryan, James Dockett, Spencer Heafner, Shelbie Manns, Kara Nolle, Jamie Nuber, David O�Donnell, Jacob Weir, and Rachel Zimmerman.
{Pictures: 1489�Spencer Heafner, Elizabeth Edwards, James Dockett, and Derwin Bryan await their turn as Lisa Brooks receives a graduation award.
1552�Pastor Tom Olney presents the diploma to David O�Donnell of Alton.
1549�Desiree Nguyen gives her cap a final adjustment before beginning the graduation processional.}
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Alton�s Mississippi Valley Christian School, the former Western Military Academy, conducted its 35th commencement in the school�s gymnasium, graduating thirteen seniors on Friday, May 22, at 7 p.m. 
