Berkeley — Smiles,  hugs and expressions of gratitude filled the air at the annual graduation picnic on a sun-drenched day at the Berkeley Presbyterian Mission Homes.

The graduates included Sungae Ha, who finished her doctorate in Old Testament studies at Graduate Theological Union, and Haneul Lee, who is moving on from Berkeley High to USC.

The occasion, attended by about 40 family members, friends and BPHM board members on June 7, also celebrated the graduation of three elementary students and a middle school student as well as the departure of three families from the mission homes.

BPMH Chairwoman Sally Juarez paid special tribute to Bill Ng, longtime resident manager for the mission homes who is retiring, and Catherine Coleman, who is leaving the board after nine years of dedicated service.