135 secondary students baptized

By Cynthia Ramos, The Warrior Word adviser

Spiritual Emphasis Week 2026 culminated in the baptisms of 135 middle school and high school Warriors. 

“Baptism is such a special part of our journey with Jesus,” said Pastor Zach Smith, minister of music and youth pastor at Cornerstone Church. “A baptismal tank without Jesus is just a tank of water. However, when we step into that tank realizing that He has paid for our sins and we have asked Him to forgive us and be our Savior, it turns into a grave . . . a grave for every bad decision, every moment that we broke His heart. Who we were is alive no more, because we are a new creation in Christ.” 

Baptism is “an outward representation of an inward transformation,” Smith said.  

“There is something special that happens when we follow Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19-20:  “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  

The baptism chapel is Smith’s favorite chapel of all, he said.  

“I was so ‘Jesus Proud’ to see 135 of our secondary students make that outward display of a life change!” Smith said. “I can’t wait to see what God has for them!”

Photos by Carina Carter and Aden Garza