As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings — Deut. 32:11

Rev. Preston Dixon, Pastor at Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, gave this message to the graduating seniors of Italy High School. The Italy Ministerial Alliance honored the Class of 2010 with a Baccalaureate on Sunday at Mt. Zion AME Church in Italy. Pastors from area churches, school board members, faculty, friends and family were present to help honor the students. Each senior was given a bible inscribed by the IMA.

“God has made us for the sky and we shouldn’t settle for a lower standard,” Dixon said. “We should desire to fly. This ability allows us to travel faster and see more than traveling on the ground,” he explained. Using the lyrics of R. Kelly’s song, I Believe I can Fly, Rev. Dixon showed the seniors their potential.

I used to think that I could not go on
And life was nothing but an awful song
But now I know the meaning of true love
I’m leaning on the everlasting arms

If I can see it, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it

I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly

See I was on the verge of breaking down
Sometimes silence can seem so loud
There are miracles in life I must achieve
But first I know it starts inside of me, oh

If I can see it, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it

I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly

Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church choir presented the audience with special music, The Holy One, He is the Great I Am. A reception followed the service.

Congratulations and best wishes to the 2010 grads from the Italy Ministerial Alliance. Commencement is Friday, May 21 at the dome.