Griner graduates as First Baptist's valedictorian

He was a class of one, but with his A-plus grades and head start on college, he’s in a class all by himself.

Terry Newton Griner graduated from the First Baptist Christian School on June 3, and because of his unweighted 4.0 grade point average, was bestowed the honor of valedictorian, and presented a diploma with high honors.

“He’s a very bright young man,” said Principal Carline Kembro who, along with instructor Richie White, taught Griner during his high school career.

This year, a new teacher Julian Cosimi, stepped in to help with the four classes at the school Griner took. The rest of his education was as a dual enrollee in honors classes at the Gulf Franklin Center.

Griner’s academic work earned him a Bright Futures Scholarship, as well as scholarship awards from the First Baptist Christian School and from Apalachicola Lodge #76 F. & A. M.

Griner, the son of Lynn and Ginny Griner, of Apalachicola, delivered a speech at the commencement ceremony. He follows in the footsteps of his older sister Ashley Griner, who is now enrolled at Gulf Coast Community College after graduating from First Baptist Christian School in 2009, also as its only graduate. Next year the school is expected to hand diplomas to three graduates.

“Next year will be our third graduating class,” said Kembro.

The school began five years ago to add a high school, and added a grade per year. Already the K-12 school has registered 60 students for the next school term, which begins Aug. 23.

“We’re holding our own,” said Kembro. “As long as we have the students, we’ll sustain it.”