As usual, there were 1,500 people in attendance — grads, their families, HUM staff, alumni and folks who support what we do. We also invite the underclassmen to experience the event and hopefully inspire them to want to cross that same stage next year.
As last year, Coach Craig Ver Steeg of the Baltimore Ravens gave a “pre-game” pep talk to this year’s grads before the program began. Then he led off the event with our opening Invocation, later slipping out to watch his own son pitch in a baseball game!
As we were finishing our meal, the 90-minute program was officially kicked-off with a short and rousing video of support from John Harbaugh, Ravens Head Coach.
Music from the HUM band and singers rocked the house interspersed with live and video interviews of HUM grads, their families, along with some underclassmen.
2007 HUM grad and current HUM Director of Development Kris Sharrar thanked all our supporters for their help — and then encouraged them to do some more this year in support of the Class of 2016!
He also read a letter of support we received with a check from Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis and his wife Jill, also urging support for what we do. Turns out Chris actually hit a home-run against Boston at the very time Kris was reading his letter to the crowd!
The grand finale was the graduation walk across the stage with 2003 HUM grad and current Director of Programs Tom Bond calling our all the names. A fitting conclusion to a great day with a bunch of wonderful people!
I Love My Job!
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director