Local high school seniors graduate the Church of Jesus Christ

Thirty local high school seniors from the Orlando Florida West Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were able to celebrate a second graduation in honor of completing the Seminary Program Sunday, June 2.

As part of the Church’s Seminary Program, high school students attend an early morning class four days a week before school to study the life of Jesus Christ and the scriptures. 

The program's purpose is to help youth deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ and His restored Gospel. 

Yralia Devereux, who teaches more than 20 students from Windermere High and West Orange High schools, said the program is a reminder of what’s important in one's life. 

"One of the most important words in the scriptures is 'remember,'" she said. "Seminary provides the students, as well as the teachers, daily reminders of the most important principles of the gospel. In seminary, we are reminded of who we are, why we are here and, most importantly, that we are loved. Those reminders are steppingstones that bring us closer to our Savior Jesus Christ.” 

Classes can begin as early as 5:50 a.m. and are held in homes, church buildings or over Zoom. 

The classes are taught by local volunteers who teach each morning in addition to their regular careers and family responsibilities. To qualify for graduation, a student must attend eight semesters of study.

Ava Peters, graduating student from West Orange High, said it's a sacrifice to wake up each morning before school to study the scriptures, but it also is well worth it. 

“Seminary has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," she said. "Even though it’s sometimes hard to initially wake up, I love starting my day by learning more about the Gospel. It puts me in the right mindset for the day and honestly makes my day-to-day life easier, as I feel that I have the spirit with me. I am reminded daily that I am a child of God, that Jesus and my Heavenly Father love me, and how amazing the Gospel is. Seminary has strengthened my testimony and helped me develop study habits that I will use for the rest of my life, and I will forever be grateful for my wonderful teachers that have made the time and effort to teach me.”

The Orlando Florida West Stake has the largest seminary program in the North America Southeastern area with 155 local students attending early morning seminary. 

These students are members of 13 different local congregations that make up the Orlando West Stake. 

President Gary Hansen, who oversees the congregations that may up the Orlando West Stake, said it's exciting to see young people who are dedicated to following Jesus Christ and who demonstrate their commitment to Him by making seminary study an important part of their high school years.

Seminary is a worldwide, religious educational program for youth ages 14 through 18 and is open to teenagers of all faiths. The four-year program is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ.

For more information about the Seminary Program, click here.