Meet the Grads: Congratulations, Class of 2024!

On Saturday, May 25th, the Academy honored the achievements of this year’s ten seniors. Our commencement ceremony was a gathering of family, friends, teachers, and staff, all coming together to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and growth.

The ceremony began with a processional that had the guests on their feet, cheering for our students as they entered the building. Principal Castro then welcomed everyone in attendance and introduced the students who would lead a few songs of worship. Then, Ms. Mathews spoke to the incredible achievements of the senior class, collectively, including numerous hours of missions and ministry, event coordination, mentorships, internships, and more that gave definition to their final year at the Academy.

This year, the Academy was proud to pronounce two valedictorians among our senior class. Both Ezekiel Nadeau and Luciana Muñoz achieved this esteemed honor and delivered remarkable speeches filled with gratitude, humble reflection, and faith-filled goals at they look into the future. Then, Academy Student Council President, Justice Garner, gave an inspirational speech acknowledging the leadership skills he has gained at the Academy and the investment poured into him by his teachers and coaches to make him into who is becoming as a child of God.

In the closing remarks, our Headmaster, Mr. Gregg Garner, highlighted the unique strengths and talents of the 2024 class, reminding everyone that this ceremony marks not just an end, but the beginning of a new and exciting journey. We’re proud to send these 10 students into their next season with the Lord and their communities of faith. Each one of them will offer incredible gifts to our world!


THANK YOU to Canaan Kagay and Details Nashville for sponsoring photography for this year’s commencement ceremony!

The Academy for GOD Class of 2024

Madyson Quinn Collie

Academy Hybrid Student, 2022-2024

Quinn was one of the Academy’s first remote learners following the covid pandemic. Shortly after, she joined our hybrid program and will graduate from the Academy’s homeschool umbrella program this month!

Quinn writes, “Something memorable I’ve gathered at the Academy is the abundance of love here that radiates throughout the school. So many people at the school have been impactful in my life, and I think I will carry that with me for a very long time. Something that the school and life has taught me is that we are set on the path that God has made for us and we have to relinquish control over our lives to be fully in the Lord‘s presence, and to be able to see the beauty in what He has planned.”

Following graduation, Quinn would love to travel, work, and explore creative endeavors, including trade school. 

A scripture that Quinn holds to is Proverbs 19: 21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

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Tasha Andrews

Academy Student, 2021-2024

Since joining the Academy three years ago, Tasha has developed a reputation for being responsible, kind, and a hard worker. She does her absolute best with every assignment, and is diligent to manage responsibilities and meet deadlines. Her teachers value how humble Tasha has been in her learning; she is honest with what she has to offer, and reaches out to ask for feedback- a valuable life-long character quality!

Tasha has been an active athlete on our girls volleyball team, and participated in school mission trips. Something impressed upon Tasha during her time at the Academy is to remain thankful, even when going through hard times.

After graduation Tasha plans to attend college to pursue film and business, and begin making short films. A piece of advice she has for fellow students is to “use the day-to-day opportunities you have now to form deeper relationships with the people around you; don’t wait for times created by your teachers.”

A scripture that means a lot to Tasha comes from 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

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Antonio Thomas

Academy Hybrid Student, 2018-2024

As a homeschool hybrid student at the Academy, Toni has been a consistent part of our Phoenix Athletics program in both basketball and soccer. Toni has had a positive impact on younger players and has always put his all into helping the team. Vice Principal, Mrs. Mathews testifies that, “Toni has a genuine heart of service.” For his senior capstone service project, he volunteered as an activities coordinator for the local boys and girls club. Toni said that the experience impacted him so much so that he wants to continue giving back to the next generation. 

Students on our campus have describe Toni as kind and as an “includer” regardless of age. He is always looking out for others making sure they feel seen on our campus.

After graduation, Toni plans to attend community college. We’re so proud of you, Toni!

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Sawyer Cole

Academy Student, 2018-2024

Since joining the Academy in 2018, Sawyer has had a positive presence and influence on our campus. He is a faithful friend and a hard worker whether he is in the classroom, practicing with his worship band, or playing soccer. Sawyer was part of the Phoenix soccer team, Chapel Leadership Team, worship band, and student mission trips. 

One lesson that Sawyer is taking away from his experience at the Academy is that “learning to take correction will skyrocket your educational journey.” Following graduation, Sawyer plans to attend MTSU and major in music composition to develop in his ability to score films. He hopes to work with his friends from the Academy to create a film company and create quality films that give life and understanding to those who watch them. Sawyer says, “We hope to give a voice to those who don’t have one, and to be a light in darkness.”

Sawyer’s advice to younger Academy students is “Don’t be afraid of different. Embrace the new ways that God can speak to you, and dive into His Word. Create friendships that are Biblically rooted and infused with accountability.”

You’ve been such a wonderful student, Sawyer, and we wish you the best in your walk with the Lord!

Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

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Ezekiel Nadeau

Academy Student, 2016-2024

Ezekiel has become a respected leader among the Academy student body: kind, respectful and considerate. Zeke works diligently at the task at hand whether it's a class project, a responsibility as student council treasurer, or a defender on the soccer field.

Following graduation, Zeke will participate in a summer internship program with @GODINTL then plans to attend the @instituteforgod to continue his biblical education. 

In reflection on his time as an Academy student, Zeke writes, “Education takes time and is not something that I should try to speed through. Learning is a process that must be endured.” Zeke was a part of the Academy Student Council, Phoenix soccer, cross-country and basketball teams, and the Chapel Leadership Team.

Zeke’s advice for younger students is to “Develop the habit of time management early on so when you get older you won't get overwhelmed with the work that will come your way.” 

We're proud of you, Zeke, and look forward to see you continue walking with the Lord!

Psalm 1:1-3

“Blessed is the man

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

 2  but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

 3  He is like a tree

planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.”

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Justice Garner

Academy Student, 2013-2024

Justice has been an Academy student since we opened the door for our inaugural year in August 2013. As an integral leader among the student body, Justice participated in Chapel Leadership Team, Worship Band, Cross-Country, Basketball, Soccer, Chess Club, international student mission trips and served as President of the Student Council for his junior and senior years. 

A memorable lesson that Justice is taking from his education at the Academy is that “we don’t use God to do what we want; God uses us to do what he wants.” Following graduation, Justice is participating in a summer internship program with @godintl and plans to attend the @instituteforgod in the fall. He hopes to continue making music and invest himself in studying the Bible. 

Justice’s advice for upcoming Academy students is to stay in God’s Word. We’re so proud of him and the example he has set for our younger students. John 1 has been a passage that has impacted Justice throughout high school: 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:1-5

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Jackson Kurtz

Academy Student, 2013-2024

Jackson was part of our 2013 inaugural class, and has consistently shown a motivation for learning and exploring new challenges. Jackson played on the Phoenix soccer team and taught an after-school music club for younger students. Another inspiring project Jackson completed was visiting a local assisted living facility to sing and play piano for the residents. 

One piece of advice Jackson would offer to younger students is, “Don't trap learning within school, learn whenever you have the chance.” He has demonstrated this encouragement himself! 

Following graduation, Jackson plans to attend Lipscomb University for filmmaking and film composing. He recently completed  a documentary following our Phoenix soccer team as part of a senior project. 

A scripture that Jackson strives to live by is, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew 6:34

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Luciana Muñoz

Academy Student, 2013-2024

Luciana is a bright light on our campus! She was part of our inaugural class at the Academy in 2013, and has excelled as a student since. Luci has played on the Phoenix cross-country, volleyball, and soccer teams, served as secretary on the student council, and participated in the chapel leadership team. Her input and hard work in each of these areas in a testimony to the character being produced in her. 

Following graduation, Luci is participating in a summer internship program with @godintl and plans to attend the @instituteforgod in the fall. A most memorable lesson for Luci while at the Academy is how important learning the Bible is, and how it can guide her every decision in life. This is a truth we hope all our students take with them into their adulthood. 

Luci’s advice to younger students is, “take risks when it comes to learning, and don’t be afraid to fail! Your teachers are there to guide you.” An impactful scripture for her is Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We’re so proud of you and honored to call you an Academy graduate, Luciana! 

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Moriah Olson

Academy Student, 2013-2024

Moriah has become an exemplary leader among our K-12 student body know for her kindness, diligence, and dependability. As an Academy student, Moriah was captain of the Phoenix volleyball team and Vice President of the student council. She also helped coordinate several student-led events, creating many special memories for her peers.

Moriah testifies, “The Academy does such a great job at preparing students' minds and hearts to be shaped by God after their primary and secondary education. As an 18-year-old I can confidently say that I am ready for this new season that is approaching because I know that I'm not walking it alone. And I think that has been one of the most valuable lessons The Academy has taught me: I am not walking alone.

In elementary we start in Genesis and one of the first lessons we learn is that God wants to walk with his children just as he did with Adam and Eve in the garden. The verb "walk" in Hebrew is pronounced "halakha" and it means more than just walk, it has implications of learning involved. In Genesis the idea is that God seeks to walk alongside us as we go through our lives, directing us towards the right path. Over the past 4 years of my life, this has brought me immense comfort. Knowing that my God wants to be near me, wants to teach me, and desires to help guide me through life has been one of the most valuable lessons I have learned. It has given me confidence in the life I am living, knowing that I won't be facing anything alone.”

Following graduation, Moriah plans to attend @instituteforgod and major in Community Development with a minor in Maternal Health. “I hope to get certified first as a postpartum doula and then as a midwife. Through a class at The Academy called "Internship", I found a passion for maternal health as I have been able to work with NOVA Birth Services this year, specifically shadowing Celesta Bargatze. I strongly believe that the Lord is calling me to live the life of a midwife and I am excited for the journey ahead of me and all that it entails.”

A piece of advice the Moriah gives to our Academy students is, “to allow God to be the foundation of your friendships; that this is the key to having relationships that last. From the beginning of my Academy education, our teachers have worked hard to make sure we have a perspective on friendships that is founded in God’s word, and that we are implementing that into our relationships daily. Academy Students, love your friends like they are your brothers and sisters of blood, and treat them with kindness, compassion, and respect. Be quick to seek resolution amidst conflict, be quick to show mercy and forgiveness, and BE SERVANTS to one another. Lastly, let God guide your conversations. Don't be afraid to bring up His word in them; it will only make your friendships stronger. A lot pf people in your class are the people you are going to be serving God with for the rest of your lives. Build up those relationships now and allow God to be at the center of them, you won't regret it.”

Regarding a formative scripture Moriah says, “There are two scriptures that have had a great impact on my life. The first is Romans 8:1-11. A few years ago I committed this scripture to memory and it has been a constant reminder that if I choose to deny my flesh and walk according to God’s Word, I will receive life on the other side of it. Life in this case involves living with God’s presence which is found by knowing His word and engaging His spirit. This passage has helped me remain rooted in God’s word. 

The second scripture that has meant a lot to me this year specifically has been Provers 16:9 which says, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps”. As a Senior in High School, there is a LOT of future thinking we have to do, and this verse has been one that has kept me steady through it all. Change is not something that I enjoy, but it is a major part of life, and learning to be okay with the uncomfortability of change (specifically change that God is involved in) has been a point of emphasis in my life. In 9th grade, we had a class called Psalms and Proverbs and we looked at this verse in particular and learned that is it good to make plans but we HAVE to allow God room to move and redirect those plans. For me, I want to do God’s will in my life, and I can't do that without Him. I am learning to make plans and allow God to bring change where change is needed.”

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Kiah Roufs

Academy Student, 2013-2024 

Kiah has been a steady, faithful student at the Academy who continues to showcase how she’s growing in not only academics, but also her knowledge of the Lord. Kiah was part of our first class when the Academy opened in 2013. She has been a major contributor to the Phoenix volleyball and soccer teams, and she served as the Ambassador on Student Council. 

One impactful lesson that Kiah is taking with her from the Academy is the importance of obeying her teachers in practice of obeying God. Also, that learning more of who God is will only reveal more who she is in Him. Such powerful truths! 

Following graduation, Kiah is participating in a summer internship program with @godintl and plans to attend the @instituteforgod in the fall. Her advice to students coming up behind her is that, “the classroom is the safest place to try new things and fail. It's fun to fail because then you've created an opportunity for yourself to grow and be better. Also don't care what other people think; everyone is trying and everyone is learning, so have fun learning together! I love John 15:4-5 the idea of us hanging onto the Lord and abiding in him as our strength is a visual I love. He is the vine we need substance from and we are the branches who can only live fully through him.”

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’”

Academy Sees its First International Graduate

This spring we had the privilege of seeing our first international remote learner graduate from the Academy. 

Tebandeke Barnabas joined the Academy in 2020 through necessity, when Covid-19 shut down his local school in Uganda. In reflection, he shared all the questions he had surrounding how a remote education would work. “Students need teachers around for guidance; now how were teachers going to interact with students with thousands of miles separating them? How about the official documents; will the high school diploma from the U.S. be valid in Uganda? How about student interaction; can you even make friends on video?” I wondered.

In faith, Barnabas stepped forward and began taking Academy classes, first through pre-recorded content and then through live video calls directly into the classroom. 

For the past 3 years, Barnabas has continuously impressed his Academy teachers with his diligence, joy and giftedness. Despite challenges due to local power outages and internet failures, he continued to press on and earn top grades in his classes. His courses required much more interaction and critical thinking than his prior school, and he wouldn't have it any other way. 

“I have met really wonderful people, caring teachers, and realized how big the family of God is, and yet, He takes care of each of us. I have enough time to hang out with my friends, family and also to talk to God. I have come to the conclusion that joining The Academy was the best choice I have ever made and not going against the flow of God’s will is another thing I will never regret.”

Barnabas has always been interested in technology, specifically electronic engineering. During his education at the Academy he completed several classes and student internships related to this field. He demonstrated high aptitude in this area, and hopes to go on to pursue both high biblical education, and greater practical skills in technology. 

At our 2022-23 Academy Graduation ceremony on May 20, Barnabas graduated with high honors! He shared a pre-recorded speech, and his accomplishments were shared and celebrated with an audience of classmates, teachers, and (online) friends and family. 

We are so grateful for the many supporters who have contributed to Barnabas’ (aka ‘Ssubi’) education over the years. From his attendance at primary school to the miraculous way he was able to stay on track and graduate through the Academy Home Education program despite a global pandemic –  thank you to ALL who have invested into him! This young man has a bright future ahead, and is moving into it with faith in the Lord and determination to do well.

"Senioritis": Is it Something that We Can Avoid?

Senioritis, AKA Senior slump, AKA "Get me out of here." Is this something that we can avoid?: A blog looking at the mental development of teens as they approach graduation day and how you can mitigate the negative effects of this first major life transition.

There are many seniors who do just fine during their last year of high school, but unfortunately, many soon-to-be graduates seem to come down with a case of “senioritis.” While senioritis may not be a deadly disease, it can certainly have enough negative symptoms to potentially harm one's educational future. Whether you had it or not, it is important to understand what a senior may be thinking or feeling if you attempt to find a “cure” for their senior slump. 

Senioritis can be caused by a number of issues: the pressure a student is under to choose a college, the reminder that these may be some of the last months spent with their high school friends, anxiety from the thought of moving away from home, the feeling their classes are not applicable to the situation they are in, considering their future career, excitement about a new start at a college, or a myriad of other thoughts, feelings, and stressors. Seniors are approaching the end of a path with many life-changing options at an age where they likely lack experience in making such big decisions.      

So how do we go about dealing with it? Here are some ideas…

The Student

If you are a student who is restless or anxious about what the future holds, then the first thing you should do is look to God’s Word. There is peace in the promises we read in the Bible and if we hold fast to Jesus’ words to “not worry about tomorrow” and to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6), then we can receive both comfort and direction. While it is common during this time for peers to neglect their studies in order to spend more time socializing with friends, be a good example to your classmates by encouraging them to stay focused, keeping them accountable to their studies, being a friend who listens to them, praying for fellow students who feel they are in a rut, and create positive peer pressure to help others finish well. 

The Parents & Teachers

Because every person experiences life in their own way, the symptoms and reasons for a student’s senioritis may be different, but whatever the case may be, showing you care can be a big help. You can convey your support by asking questions about their plans, helping them weigh out their options, listening to how they are feeling, giving ideas of how they can make the best use of their time while still a senior, and of course by guiding them with Biblical wisdom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to “train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.” If the student has the word of God instilled in them, encourage them to continue living according to God’s word, and run with perseverance the race marked out for them (Heb. 12:1).

The School

Juniors and Seniors at the Academy take a “Directed Studies” course as an opportunity to apprentice and develop a skill set related to their field of interest. The course is a guide to serve them as they make decisions about their education and occupation following high school.

The educational institution your child is enrolled in plays a big part in ensuring engagement during these last months of school. The students’ minds are where they are going to be after graduation, and if the classes they are in are not preparing them for the upcoming life transition, then don’t be surprised if they tune out. Schools should be helping students find their strengths and help expose them to potential career fields or livelihood options. The curriculum should take into consideration these major choices the students are approaching, so as to mentally and spiritually prepare them for the changes that will be happening. This could be done through questionnaires that have them consider their fields of interest, discussion times to help them process the reality of living away from home, internships that expose them to future job possibilities, social activities to ensure they are making positive memories with their friends, and Bible encouragements to fill them with God’s word so that if any storms come, they will not be shaken (Matt. 7:24-25). 

For more ideas on how to approach students with senioritis, take a look at these articles: 

Sources:   

Roggeman, Dr. Pamela. “How Parents and Teachers Can Help Combat Senioritis.” College Express. 24 September 2020 (visited 28 March 2022).

https://www.collegexpress.com/counselors-and-parents/parents/blog/how-parents-and-teachers-can-help-combat-senioritis/ 

Pickhardt, Carl E. Phd. “Finishing High School and "Senioritis" (Academic Letdown).” Psychology Today. 14 January 2013. (visited 28 March 2022). 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201301/finishing-high-school-and-senioritis-academic-letdown 

Desautels, Lori. “Senioritis -- or an Opportunity for Growth?” Edutopia. 19 December 2013 (visited 28 March 2022). https://www.edutopia.org/blog/senioritis-or-opportunity-for-growth-lori-desautels 

Patel, Shaunak. “The Dangerous, Costly Phenomenon (That Only Affects High School Seniors).” NYU Steinhardt. March 1, 2017 (visited 28 March 2022) 

https://counseling.steinhardt.nyu.edu/blog/high-school-senioritis/