Heartland Christian College Holds Graduation

Heartland Christian College held its commencement on Friday, May 1, 2026, and congratulates the graduating class of 2026.

Gary Brayfield enrolled in HCC with a strong desire to know Christ more deeply and grow in his relationship with Him, a journey that began during his time at Heartland Men’s Recovery Program. Returning to the classroom after being more than 25 years removed from high school was one of his biggest challenges, but it taught him that age should never hold someone back from pursuing God and deepening their faith. Gary has faithfully served as an usher at Heartland Community Church and looking ahead Gary plans to continue serving at Heartland while seeking God’s guidance alongside his wife, Jacki, as they strive to live out His purpose for their lives.

Gabriela Currea Franco came to HCC from Colombia, South America. Growing up she would often travel to Heartland for the annual Missions Gathering with her family. God spoke to her heart and opened doors for her to attend HCC. While at Heartland, she was deeply involved in campus life, serving as treasurer and vice president on Student Council and playing on worship teams for HCC chapel and church services. One of her proudest personal growth developments was becoming confident praying in English, especially out loud and for others. After graduation, Gaby plans to pursue a degree in Music Therapy at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri.

Nader Osama Kostandy’s journey to Heartland began years ago when a missions team from Heartland Community Church visited Egypt and he learned about Heartland and the Bible College for the first time. Through prayer and God’s guidance, he eventually found his way to HCC and embraced this season wholeheartedly. Nader started on the Worship track, driven by his giftings and love for worship, but later followed a new prompting to transition into the Education track after meaningful conversations and prayer. After graduation, Nader plans to spend a year teaching at Heartland Christian Academy, with a long-term passion for evangelizing to and serving Muslim and Arabic-speaking communities.

Brianna Lingo’s journey to HCC was guided by a clear sense of the Lord’s direction and purpose. Some of her favorite classes were Bible Research and the Servanthood series, which helped shape both her faith and leadership. Brianna has a heart for serving others and spent her time volunteering with the Mission House, GPS Kids ministry, and worship team. After graduation, she looks forward to serving at Heartland’s recovery home for women, continuing in worship, and pursuing jail and prison ministry.

Joshua Lopez was born in San Francisco and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Josh’s journey to HCC began while he was part of the Heartland Men’s Program, where he felt called to deepen his understanding of the Bible and continue growing through discipleship. A guitarist and vocalist for many years, Joshua pursued the worship track to better understand worship both spiritually and practically. During his time at HCC, he served on the Church worship team and the media team, and after graduation he plans to remain in the Heartland Community, become a staff member at the Recovery Program, and continue his biblical education at Spurgeon College.

Ariana Mayes is from Heartland and felt drawn to HCC through both her family connection and a strong sense of God’s direction in her life. During her time as a student, Ariana stayed actively involved, serving on the Student Council, worship team, kids church, and participating in various servanthood activities. After graduation, Ariana plans to attend Truman State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences.

Emilee Rihanek grew up in the Heartland community. Through prayer, she felt led to attend Bible College after graduating high school, where she chose the education track in preparation for a future in elementary education. During her time as a student, Emilee stayed actively involved by serving on Student Council along with volunteering as a youth leader and being part of the Church worship team both years. After graduation, Emilee is excited to step into her next chapter by working full time at Heartland Christian Academy.

Guest speaker for the ceremony was College alumnus Jared Nickerson, who charged students, “Do not spend your life chasing a career and accidentally miss your calling. Do not measure your life by visibility and overlook true significance. Instead, rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God. If you do that, in any job, in any city, in any season, you’ll be exactly where God wants you to be. And one day, when all the titles fade, and all the platforms are gone, the only thing that matters is ‘were you faithful?’ …Go and live lives of significance.”