Seminary Graduation 2026

Seminary Graduation for students in the Virgin Valley Stakes area held on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The curriculum for this year was the Doctrine and Covenants and the Old Testament. Twenty- seven seniors completed their requirements and received a diploma. The theme for the year was “Look unto Christ.”

Three students spoke about the three parts of the theme and shared how seminary has enriched their lives. Brianna Zarate spoke about showing His love to others. She looked to a teacher who is always positive and friendly – “seeing how she interacts with youth has given me an example to follow. We can show others they are needed and loved. Just as binoculars help us see clearly, we can be a lens to see others as the Savior would.”

Rylan Jones spoke of letting our light shine. He said, “our actions show who we are and through our actions we can teach others of Christ. He said music is powerful and when we sing together of faith and testimony it expresses what words cannot. Seminary has taught me to share the light with other and that Father in Heaven has a plan for me. Early morning seminary has helped me connect with others and grow friendships.”

Beau Garret shared quotes form students about the positive results of attending seminary. “We can be a lighthouse to reflect light, and it is different for each because our talents are different. Focus on the good things you do for others and be a light.” He quoted a poem about a pebble dropped in the water and flowing out it creates waves. But a little pebble, an unkind word, can spread little ripples and ‘ripples circling yet and disturbed a life that was happy’. ‘Drop a word of cheer and kindness and there’s gladness still a swelling, and joy a-circling yet.” Rylan encouraged the graduates to focus on the good things they do for others and be a light.

Ben Martinson, one of the seminary teachers, said what a blessing it was to him to be able to teach the students. He compared life to a backpack with rocks and the pressure of carrying them; there is adversity and hard times, but they are steppingstones to becoming. He quoted Joshua 1:9 ‘Be strong, Be not afraid.’ Seminary is not just memorizing scripture but learning to move forward with faith. Your learning is just beginning - God is still writing your story therefore, Go Out, Be bold but not overbearing.”

All of the seminary students formed a choir presenting a moving rendition of a medley from their Strength of Youth program with words ds from two songs,” We’ll Bring the World His Truth” and “As Children in Zion” we’ll all work together.

Kiera Davis who just returned from a mission to Panama, said how seminary had helped her in her life and on her mission. “The seminary students in Panama were very quiet until they went and found a bucket, turned it upside down and using them for seats on the ground, they had seminary. She saw a visible change in them as they sat on bucket in the dirt – they had a Christ like love, and they wanted to share that light with all their friends. They knew they had a divine

purpose and identity.” She quoted D&C 4:2, “O Ye that embark in the service of God” it will change your life and those around you. God is there and He is aware of you and will walk with you.”

President Jared Hollingshead said, “A study had been done about the effects of daily scripture study resulting in 1. Greater connection to God, 2. a greater trust level, and 3. A move positive outlook with hope.” He encouraged the graduates to have a lifelong pursuit of learning and to hear heaven’s voice in the scriptures.

President Ryan Toone invited the graduates to use the tools they learned in seminary to read the scripture and apply them. He asked them to “pray about what you are thinking, pray about how it went during the day, tell Him the miracles you have experienced and then stop and listen.”

Graduating seminary students are: Kelsey Ellis, Robbie Anderson, Olivia Bunker, Kyle Dalton, Ryland Jones, Julia Leavitt, Chase Abbott, Hayden Owsley, Ashton Thornton, Dallin Moeai, Issac Noel, Malachi Davis, Michelle Andrus, Jacob Belnap, Parker Jensen, Julia Walters, Maggie Walker, Tray Hughes, Ammon Shaner, Brianna Zarate, Dane Macias, Beau Garrett, Camryn Lee, Brooks Perkins, Gunther Zupan, Dagen Memmott and Ava Woods.

Appreciation was expressed to the teachers this year: Ben Martinson and Jackie Aughney, Kellie Horlacher, Jocelyn LeCheminant, Briana Price, Rashawn Macias, Justin Teerlink and Scott Brotherson.