On May 24, Freedom Christian Academy celebrated its first graduating class.

Sixteen seniors earned their high school diplomas from the private, nondenominational Christian school off U.S. 301 South near the former Black & Decker plant. Of those 16, only one has opted not to go directly to college. That student is marrying a young Army soldier who will soon be deployed. Principal Joan Dayton said she has told her to finish her education, one way or the other.

"Sixteen graduates in a brand new school. That's something to shout about," Dayton said. "They're pretty special, and they know it. Not in a prideful way, but in a legacy way. They understand how pivotal they were to the building of Freedom."

It was Dayton, along with Hall Powers, who established the school four years ago. Initially, building space was rented from Mount Carmel Church on Owen Drive.

In October 2011, the academy moved into its current location on Gillespie Street. The 86,400-square-foot building previously was home to Technimark, which manufactured molded plastic parts before closing three years ago.

Freedom has 450 students enrolled for the fall in preschool through 12th grade, Dayton said.

The goal is 500.

A native of Michigan, Dayton has proven to be a school builder, previously overseeing dramatic growth at Village Christian Academy before being dismissed in 2007.

"It was a strong difference of opinion" is how she describes the firing.

Six years later, Dayton said she's thrilled to be running Freedom Christian with Powers, the head of operations.

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Conversations With Newsmakers: Joan Dayton, Freedom Christian Academy principal