Casa Bernabé Christian School Graduation 2025
WRITTEN BY: EMILY TUTTLE
As 2025 begins to wind down, so does our school year in Guatemala, which runs from January–October. In the last two weeks we have had the tremendous privilege of celebrating graduation season!
These moments are more than ceremonies. They are tangible reminders that God is writing beautiful stories of redemption, healing, and purpose in the lives of the children He has placed in our care. Education changes lives, breaks cycles of poverty, and helps families build stability. Each cap and gown represents the fruit of your faithful investment in our kids' futures.
This year, five students graduated from our Hebron online high school program: three boys from Casa Nueva Esperanza and two girls from Casa Promesa.
The ceremony took place at a hotel in Guatemala City, and house parents, staff, and even biological family members joined to celebrate.
One of the most meaningful parts of the day was seeing biological siblings and parents sitting proudly in the audience. For one of the boys, his biological mother attended, and it was the first time she has been able to support him in this way. Two of the other kids also had older siblings present to cheer them on.
This is why we work so hard to nurture healthy relationships with our kids' biological families whenever possible. Restoration matters. Presence matters. Family matters.
Several of our graduates have already begun working and making plans for next year. We are so proud of them and grateful for how God is guiding their steps, and you can be praying for wisdom for them as they make decisions about their futures.
A few days later we celebrated our Pre-Preprimaria (preschool), Primaria (elementary), and Básicos (middle school) graduates at a nearby church for the kids who attend Casa Bernabé Christian School, including over 250 kids from the local community. It was a beautiful ceremony marked by prayer, worship, and joyful celebration.
Highlights included:
Prayer led by our Preschool Principal, Miss Ariana
Worship from teachers Miss Isa & Profe Alejandro
A message from Pastor Milton on the theme, “Submit your plans to the Lord and He will guide your path.”
Dance presentations (our Tercero Básico class absolutely brought the house down)
Students sharing Bible verses and speeches
Special pins awarded for perseverance, academic excellence, and Godly character
Families gathered afterward for balloon-arch photos and delicious cookies made by the sister of one of our social workers. It was a joyful time of hugs, tears, music, and celebration. Guatemalans love to celebrate, and an accomplishment like graduation is something families show up to support. We held the ceremony at a larger venue off campus so we could accommodate all the families of our community kids.
We especially want to celebrate that five of the eight girls in Casa Ester graduated this year. It's such a blessing to watch God shaping the next generation of leaders. Graduating from school is far from a given in Guatemala, especially for girls. Completing their education is a big accomplishment that many aren't afforded the opportunity to pursue. We're so proud of them and so thankful God has brought them somewhere where they can learn and grow in safety and have a chance for a better future.
We also want to take a moment to thank our incredible teachers and school staff! The amount of work it takes to provide a high-quality education to over 300 kids is staggering. If you could see the love, patience, and joy these teachers and staff show up every day with–many after enduring long commutes to and from school–you would be amazed. They come alongside our kids, meet them where they are, and patiently push them to be the best they can be. It's a job that requires everything they have to give, and we're so thankful for each person who God calls to teach at Casa Bernabé.
Every step across the stage is a reminder that hope grows here. Because of your generosity and prayers, children who once faced unthinkable challenges are stepping confidently into the future—loved, supported, and rooted in Christ.
Thank you for believing in them. Thank you for praying for them. Thank you for standing with us as the hands and feet of Jesus in Guatemala.
We couldn’t do this without you!