James D. Petersen, principal of Victory Christian School in Sylva, has announced that graduation exercises were held Friday, June 1, 2007, in the Victory Baptist Church auditorium on Victory Church Road just off U. S. Highway 441 on Cowee Mountain.

The Rev. Dr. Benny Bagwell delivered the commencement address. Rev. Bagwell, who has pastored Victory Baptist Church for 18 years, graduated from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tenn., with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History Education. He received the Master of Science from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Fla. Pastor Bagwell taught and then became principal of Franklin Road Christian School in Murfreesboro, Tenn. He was administrator/principal of Oakwood Christian School in Anderson, S.C., before coming to Victory Baptist Church.

The valedictory address was given by Cieara Elizabeth Gregory, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Gregory of Franklin. The salutatory address was given by Jeremiah Joshua Prince, son of Mr. and Mrs. Danny Prince also of Franklin.

Junior marshals selected for their academic grade point average were Jaimie Elizabeth Peters and Cassie Rebecca Cabe. Sophomore flag bearers also selected based on their grade point average were Jennifer Kate Peters and Nicolaus Andrew Poss.

Those receiving diplomas include: Ashley Paige Bates, Cieara Elizabeth Gregory and Jeremiah Joshua Prince. Receiving a Certificate of Attendance is Megan Krystina Robinson.

In the last five years, 34 of 40 graduates (85%) of Victory Christian School have gone to college.