"As you celebrate going to the next phase of life, I want you to think about the topic of your identity," Jeremy Jackson of New Home General Baptist Church told the Twin Rivers Class of 2018 during the Baccalaureate ceremony.
Twenty-three years ago, Jackson said he sat in the same Twin Rivers High School gym with his senior class preparing for the next chapter of their lives.
Jackson's identity at the time was basketball and said the sport was his life and all he cared about.
When his team lost in the quarterfinal game by two points, not only was Jackson devastated, but his basketball career was over and his identity was gone.
"Who was I and what did I do now," Jackson questioned. "I went to college and became something that became more important."
If someone were to ask about each of the senior's identities, what would it be, Jackson asked.
He then questioned if the student's identities were rooted in a sport, a car, being part of the "in crowd," clothes and shoes worn or a hair style.
"So be careful where you root your identity because like my hair, it can be gone in a flash," Jackson said.
If the students rooted their identity in Jesus Christ, Jackson said, they will always be prepared for whatever life throws.
He then encouraged the seniors to accept adversity because it is a growing opportunity, much like the loss his senior basketball team suffered in 1995.
"Your faith will grow when you are tested," he said. "When adversity comes, that's when Jesus shines."
Student speaker Hannah Finley read a verse from Matthew 8:23-27 to encourage her fellow classmates to keep God in control, because much like the storm in the verse, waves will crash into their boats of life.
"As we enter the next chapters of life, remember nothing is too great for our God and to always have faith," she said.
During his devotional, Adam Mathias of Twin Rivers General Baptist Church encouraged the seniors to keep Jesus Christ at the forefront of their lives.
"If you do that, whatever decision you make, because of the will of God, will be good for your lives," he said.
The crowd was also treated to a musical rendition of "Trumpet Tune" by seniors Faith Lindsay and Brittany Williams.
To conclude the ceremony, each senior was presented with a Bible from David Kirkman and Mid Johnson of Twin Rivers General Baptist Church.
Twenty students were also presented with $300 scholarships funded from area churches for continuing their education.
Students receiving scholarships included Melissa Stadler, Brooke Blume, Peyton Ethridge, Hannah Finley, Hunter Gillean, Bailey Knight, Faith Lindsay, Taylor Dugger, Kayleigh Wilkerson, Brittany Williams, Jarrica Williams, Sarah Wright, Katelyn Baxter, Haley Burke, Amy Mittelstadt, Kyle Stewart, Olivia Crites, Olivia Douglas, Crysta Mounce and Hannah Phillips.
Graduation is set for 3 p.m. Sunday at the Twin Rivers High School gym.