By Gbayor Charles Gbayor
Banjor, Liberia – The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., along with Conference Lay Leader Cllr. Dr. Tolbert Nyanswah and Rev. Mathew Barcon Borbor, Director of General Education and Ministry of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC), on Sunday joined worshippers at the St. Thomas United Methodist Church in observance of the 28th Commencement Convocation Exercise of the Bishop Arthur F. Kulah United Methodist School.
The school, one of more than 65 United Methodist institutions of learning across Liberia and Guinea, continues to impact the lives of students with quality and value-based education.
The Baccalaureate Service held at St. Thomas UMC brought together parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, staff, members of the graduating class, and the LAC/UMC delegation led by Bishop Quire.
Delivering the Baccalaureate sermon under the theme “Rise and Be Rooted,” Rev. Mathew Barcon Borbor encouraged the graduates to use their education as a tool for service to Liberia and humanity.
“You will rise for the betterment of our society and our country Liberia. Jesus will nourish your education—not just education, but United Methodist education. Be strengthened to serve your community and nation in ways that would make even our retired bishops proud,” he told the graduates.
He further urged the class to remain humble, serve with integrity, and live by the values instilled in them during their years at Bishop Arthur F. Kulah High School.
“Liberia needs bold minds and tender hearts. Shine with integrity everywhere you go,” he emphasized.
Speaking during the program, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. congratulated the graduating class for their hard work, discipline, and dedication to learning. He encouraged them to see their achievement as a steppingstone rather than an endpoint.
“High school graduation should not be the limit,” Bishop Quire said. “Continue to pursue higher education in tertiary institutions. Education is a lifelong journey, and we urge you to keep pressing forward.”
The graduation celebration commencement convocation starting with the baccalaureate service highlighted the United Methodist Church’s commitment to nurturing leaders with both intellectual excellence and Christian character, ensuring they contribute positively to Liberia’s growth and development.