here were nearly 300 in attendance in the ABC lecture hall and conference room at the home office of the United Church of God, which sponsors ABC.

The format for graduation remained unchanged, with students marching in to the music of "Pomp and Circumstance." David Register, director of Education Programs, welcomed the graduates, faculty and administration, family and friends. Jim Franks, operation manager for Ministerial Services, gave the blessing on the event.

Student body president Brandon Zollner gave the student discourse on the topic of giving back in the future to others what the students received at ABC.

The ABC Chorale brought two numbers as their last performance as the class of 2007. The first number, "River in Judea," was stirring. The second number—"So Long, Farewell" from The Sound of Music —left everyone tearfully happy.

President Clyde Kilough delivered the graduation address. He spoke about the need to keep opening our minds to God's Spirit, instead of closing our minds to God's influence. He reminded everyone to keep building godly character, which was the motto of this year's class.

Awards were presented by Mr. Kilough and Robert Dick, Council of Elders chairman. Mr. Kilough announced the recipients of the Ambassador Excellence Award. Sarah Denise Bates and Brandon Matthew Zollner were the students chosen for this award. The Council of Elders Service Award was presented by Mr. Dick to Ina Ruth McLemore and Devin Winter Schulz. The students received a cash award and a clock with an engraved plaque on the side of it.

Diplomas were presented by Mr. Kilough, Mr. Register and Ralph Levy.

Then it was time for the celebration. The cakes and beverages were outstanding again this year. Terri Eddington and her staff did a superb job in the preparation and presentation of the food. Jessa Moser and her serving staff took care of the distribution of the cake and beverages. Dan Peabody ably handled the ushering along with former ABC students. The beautiful floral displays and the flowers and boutonnieres were put together by Kathy de Campos and her staff of volunteers.

To cap the graduation celebration, there was a release of three pillars of biodegradable balloons—1,500 in all—as the graduates, family and friends watched and thought of the graduates going back to their various geographical locations to continue growing in their education and character. UN