PHOTOS: Grace Community School Class of 2023 graduation
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Grace Community School sent its seniors off to the next phase of their lives Saturday night.
The Tyler school held its graduation ceremony at the UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center.
Class valedictorian Ela Keeling and Salutatorian Layla Sullivan delivered their addresses to peers, family and friends.
Each graduating senior received a yellow rose during the ceremony to signify support and celebrate their accomplishments as they head into their next chapter.
"This special group of 79 seniors will bring God’s Word and truth to colleges, universities, and wherever He has for them as they leave here," Head of School Dr. Jay Ferguson wrote in a blog post on the school's website following the graduation ceremony.
Grace Community School's mission "is to assist Christian families in educating, equipping, and encouraging their children to influence the world for Christ."
The school believes children "should be trained with an eternal focus — not just to get into a good college, not just to get a job, but to serve Him both now and for eternity."

Asst. Principal Tandy Hicks, left, takes a selfie with A’Kinzy Black during Grace Community School’s graduation ceremony Saturday, May 20, 2023, at UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)
- Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo
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Layla Sullivan, left, helps her classmate Meg Cowart get prepared for Grace Community School’s graduation ceremony Saturday at UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center.
- Les Hassell/Longview News-Journal
Grace Community School’s graduation ceremony Saturday, May 20, 2023, at UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)
- Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo
Caden Mischon takes a selfie with classmates during Grace Community School’s graduation ceremony Saturday, May 20, 2023, at UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)
- Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo
Asst. Principal Tandy Hicks, left, takes a selfie with A’Kinzy Black during Grace Community School’s graduation ceremony Saturday, May 20, 2023, at UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)
- Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo
Grace Community School's graduation ceremony Saturday, May 20, 2023, at UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)
- Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo
Grace Community School's graduation ceremony Saturday, May 20, 2023, at UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)
- Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo
Legacy Captain Asa Cathey speaks during Grace Community School's graduation ceremony Saturday, May 20, 2023, at UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)
- Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo
Valedictorian Ela Keeling speaks during Grace Community School's graduation ceremony Saturday, May 20, 2023, at UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)
- Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo
Legacy Captain Asa Cathey collects his diploma during Grace Community School's graduation ceremony Saturday, May 20, 2023, at UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)
- Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo