Cathedral of Praise Church recently celebrated its 2025 graduates during a joyful Sunday morning service that honored academic achievement, personal growth, and the church’s long-standing commitment to education.
The ceremony held special significance as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the church’s scholarship program. Over the past three decades, Cathedral of Praise has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships to support students in their pursuit of higher education. This year alone, the church granted more than $17,000 in scholarship funds.
“This year’s class is truly special,” said Rev. Jerry L. Maynard, II, Senior Pastor. “These young people have exemplified diligence, character, and the unwavering strength that comes from faith. They inspire us, and today, we honor them, their families, and the village that has supported them.”
The 2025 honorees include a diverse group of graduates ranging from high school seniors to postgraduate scholars:
- Madison M. Davis graduated from Lebanon High School with a 3.6 GPA. A HOPE Scholarship recipient, she plans to attend Volunteer State Community College before transferring to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to pursue a degree in Journalism.
- Mya Clarissa Doree’ Graham graduated from Blackman High School with a 3.5 GPA. She received the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Kappa Lambda Omega Chapter Scholarship, along with several awards for choir and theatre. She will study Radiology Technology at Volunteer State, with plans to continue at Middle Tennessee State University.
- Erin Kelly graduated from Franklin Road Academy with a 3.6 GPA and earned the MTVA Honors Choir Perfection Award. She will attend Baylor University to major in Neuroscience, aiming for a career in neuronal research.
- Kelvin Seth Prince, Jr. (“Seth”) graduated from University School of Nashville with a 3.9 GPA. A talented musician and track athlete, he was selected for the Nashville Youth Jazz Ensemble. He will attend Belmont University to study Psychology and Music, with a minor in Data Science, aspiring to become a music therapist.
- Amanda M. Swift earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Galen College of Nursing and will serve as a Medical ICU Nurse at Centennial Medical Center.
- Alyssa Greer received her Master of Science in Biomolecular Sciences and Laboratory Research from Lipscomb University with a 3.5 GPA. A Graduate Assistant Scholarship recipient, she plans to become a research scientist.
- William Jonas Coakley, III graduated from Whites Creek High School with a 3.0 GPA and received the 3.0 Scholar Award. He plans to attend Nashville State Community College to study Business and Digital Marketing, with entrepreneurial goals.
- Veronica Holmes graduated from Fisk University.
The celebration underscored Cathedral of Praise’s enduring mission to uplift students through both spiritual and academic support. As the graduates embark on their next chapter, the church community remains committed to walking alongside them—celebrating their successes and investing in their future.
