This weekend, lots of smiles and high fives were exchanged as friends and families gathered to celebrate a milestone—graduation from high school. The Knoxville Civic Coliseum was the site of many such events as it played host to five area high school’s commencement exercises. The excitement was evident both on the part of the graduates as well as the throngs of family and friends who came together to celebrate what in some communities is a monumental occasion! Graduation from high school for those who live in some of the urban areas where we work is considered a major accomplishment—a rare feat for some. And even though the graduation rate is showing marked improvement in these schools, one could still sense the feeling of pride for the grads and their families and friends.

This year, we were privileged to attend three high school graduation services and share the experience with four of our Junior Staff members—one from Austin-East, one from Central and two from Fulton High School. We could not be more proud of these young people and want to share our joy with those of you who read the KICKO Kids News and follow the ministry.

Friday, May 20th, Xavier Fletcher walked across the stage as a 2011 graduate of Central High School. Xavier has been a part of KICKO since he was in 3rd grade. He has been Mrs. Janice’s “sound man” at Sonday School at Christenberry Heights for several years. The one thing Janice has always said about him is that he is dependable! If he did not come to Sonday School she was concerned that something had happened to him. We will continue to disciple Xavier as he continues on the journey with the Lord, on his way to becoming the man he was created to be.

On Saturday morning, May 21st, the 2011 class of Austin East Magnet High School took center stage at the coliseum. AE’s arts program  was featured during the service as the dance team and West African Drummers performed. But the highlight for us was the graduation of Dennisha Wallace.  “Nisha” as she is called fondly has been a part of KICKO since she was a little girl. As a member of our Junior Staff she is on the dance team and has danced at our banquets and churches as she shares one of her many talents. Her artistic gifting has been featured previously in our newsletters. We pray that Dennisha will find her place in the kingdom of God as one of His precious girls. She knows that God has great plans for her life and she is on the journey to discover her destiny!

Saturday evening, May 21st, two more KICKO Junior Staff members reached their goal of becoming high school graduates. The Knoxville Coliseum was once again the host site as Fulton High School’s 2011 class held its commencement program.

We have known Jamarcus Mattress since he was in the second grade. He has grown into a fine young man who loves the Lord. We love the fact that he chooses to fill his mind with Christian music. Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Toby Mac, and David Crowder Band are just some of his favorites. Although his next step is still being formulated, some of the things he is praying about include enlisting in the Marine Corps as well as pursuing studies which will prepare him for a career in law enforcement one day. We are proud to have played even a small part in helping him build his life on biblical principles. Congratulations Jamarcus—way to go!!!

Richard Higgins Jr.(aka ‘Lil’ Higgins’) also entered the world of high school graduates from the Knoxville Coliseum stage Saturday night. He became involved with KICKO’s Junior Staff group as a 9th grader; introduced by his younger brother Ryan who asked that Richard be given the opportunity to join the group. We have seen his life in the Lord grow from one of disinterest to the broken confession of a young man in need of a Savior. It has been a joy to see him grow and develop over the past four years. Richard is a thinker. During many conversations he has shared observations of things he has noticed in the news and his understanding show how he thinks and evaluates the behavior of others. He is determined to not follow in the footsteps of some who have made bad decisions that dramatically affected their life. Richard plans to take his next step at Pellissippi State Community College. We look forward to a continued relationship with Richard as he matures in his faith and life.