Academic Achievements for Semester 1, 2023

It's time to celebrate the incredible academic achievements of our Junior High and High School students at the Academy for GOD for the first semester of the 2023-2024 school year! These students have demonstrated hard work and dedication in pursuit of academic excellence.

In Junior High, the following students achieved Academic Honors, which is awarded to students who earned all As and Bs during the Fall 2023 semester.

7th Grade

• Yonah Arroyo

• Olivia Brooks

• Brenton Buck

• Abram Davis

• Solomon Horst

• Charlee Kagay

• Jude Montgomery

• Phillip Motorny

• Landon Perryman

• Eve Willis

8th Grade

• Caden Aaseby

• Daniel Cameron

• Ruby Edmondson

• Eliana Galford

• Noah Galford

• Eden Loeffler

• Ajay Maute

• Nanozi Nyago

• Hudsyn Roberts

Also, in Junior High, the following students achieved Academic High Honors, which is awarded to Jr. High students who earned all As during the Fall 2023 semester.

7th Grade

• Judah Aaseby

• Isaac Muñoz

• Caleb Muñoz

• Abela Roufs

8th Grade

• Tobin Nadeau

• Stephen Ownby

In high school, the Principal’s Award was given to the following students students who achieved a Fall 2023 High School GPA of 3.5-3.86.

9th Grade

• Zuri Aaseby

• Caleb Lasater

• Joshua Lasater   

10th Grade 

• Malachi Aaseby

11th Grade

• Ethan Benoit

• Blessing Davis

• Tyler Worlow

12th Grade

• Tasha Andrews

• Kiah Roufs

Furthermore, the Headmaster’s Award is given to the following high school students who achieved a Fall 2023 High School GPA of 3.87-4.0.

9th Grade

• Evie Arroyo

• Adia Bargatze

• Esperanza Davis

• Owen Kagay

• Amani Kurtz

• Ethan Olson

• Shae Ownby

• Sailor Reichert

• Sarieli Reyes Sauls

• Jaelyn Roufs

• Jonah Willis

10th Grade

• Camden Cole

• Sophia Galford

• Luke Loeffler

• Joselyn Muñoz

11th Grade

• Ezrah Aaseby

• Esther Bargatze

• Mckenzie Castlen

• Eved Roufs

12th Grade

• Sawyer Cole

• Jackson Kurtz

• Luci Muñoz

• Zeke Nadeau

• Moriah Olson

Congratulations to all the students at the Academy for GOD for their outstanding accomplishments during the first semester of the 2023-2024 school year. Your hard work and dedication inspire us all!

Globally Conscious Meal Times

At the Academy our mission is to holistically educate children, which occurs throughout their entire day whether in the classroom, at recess or at lunch. It is important to ensure that all aspects of a schools program reflect the mission and vision of the school. Part of the Academy’s Mission is to educate children to be “Globally Conscious.” 

Globally Conscious as defined by our Mission Statement: “highlights an awareness of culture, race, customs, language, and perspective. Students will know that they are a part of a diversely beautiful world designed by God, where perspective taking becomes an inherent mode of interaction.”

During lunch, this value is demonstrated by introducing students to culturally diverse meals. Learning to eat a meal from another culture can start at a very early age and will allow students to have a diverse pallet into adulthood. Including culturally diverse meals isn’t just about giving students options, it is rooted in teaching them about world outside of themselves. Students can truly learn to appreciate other ways of life by learning to eat foods that taste and smell different from what they may normally eat. 

Our students in particular are given the opportunity to travel to El Salvador on mission and even other culturally diverse populations in Tennessee. It is utmost importance that they learn to adapt to other cultures and appreciate foods that are prepared for them by other communities. 

Over the years we have implemented culturally diverse meals in a variety of ways. We introduced bone in chicken one year, which for many young students was new. Students learned that people around the world eat their meals regularly with meat still on the bone. Students one year had a special class featuring fruits around the world and had the chance to eat anything from Lychee to Papaya. On another occasion students had a class where they were learning about Japanese culture and we served a special meal of Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls). Other years we have introduced Thai Curry, along with Indian and Greek entrees. 

We hope that all of our students can learn this important value of global consciousness in our cafeteria and step into adulthood with an ability to appreciate people from other cultures.

Hand to the Plow: Nurturing Spiritual Growth at the Junior High and High School Bible Retreat

This year's Junior High and High School Bible Retreat, themed "Hand to the Plow," was a profound and transformative experience for students. Headmaster Garner, drawing from Luke 9:57-62, led the students in worship and study God's Word, followed by small group discussions and impactful activities with the other event facilitators and Academy staff.

The retreat kicked off with a unique team-building game orchestrated by Mr. Duffy, involving students floating on "magic carpets" in the gym. This engaging activity promoted teamwork and communication skills, setting the tone for the retreat's collaborative atmosphere.

The first session opened with a powerful message on decision-making in the context of one’s youth. Mr. Garner addressed the common misconception that older generations may not understand the struggles of young individuals. Drawing parallels from the disciples, likely teenagers themselves, he emphasized the need for guidance as they matured. The key takeaway: Jesus seeks disciples/students who can think critically.

A highlight of Friday was a panel discussion with seasoned educators tackling five spiritual hot topics submitted by the student council. Topics included the importance of hope amidst change, interacting with friends of different values, strengthening accountability in friend groups, pursuing the Lord in worship beyond feelings, and maintaining faith in an uncertain future. The Q and A session that followed allowed students to delve deeper into these topics, making it one of the most anticipated segments of the retreat.

Friday's sessions continued exploring our theme passage, emphasizing that following Jesus places individuals in vulnerable positions beyond cultural comforts. Mr. Garner highlighted the unconventional nature of this journey, stressing that it won't always align with practical reasoning. Following Christ, he explained, requires the development of critical thought and spiritual fitness for advancing the Kingdom of God.

Saturday morning brought a reflective activity where students penned letters to their parents, expressing their current season and aspirations for the future. Mr. Garner concluded the retreat by urging students to cultivate habits contributing to their spiritual development, emphasizing continuous learning from the Word of God and seeking guidance from knowledgeable mentors.

The retreat left a lasting impact on students, reinforcing the importance of critical thinking, spiritual fitness, and envisioning a future of service. These lessons are expected to resonate with them as they enter the next season of their lives, with a renewed perspective on their roles as students and disciples of His Word.

A special THANK YOU to all our Academy jr high and high teachers and staff members as well as parent chaperones and college mentors who helped facilitate this retreat for our students!

Pure Pastures Farm Owners Testify to Partnership Success

The Academy for GOD’s meal program has been blessed by the positive impact of the partnership with Pure Pastures Farm. Collaborations like these not only benefit businesses but also create a sense of community and mutual support. We recently received a video from the farm’s owners with a little history behind why they love supporting schools like ours. Hearing about their growing practices adds an extra layer of transparency and authenticity to our partnership, giving us valuable insights into the source of the products. As a farm to school meal program, we look forward to the future as a partner with Pure Pastures Farm!

Empowering Futures: Support Another Year of Student Scholarships

Introduction

Pastora Zenaida Castellanos (front left) is our Education Proctor in Morristown, TN. This incredible woman of faith daily guides the students in their coursework. She approaches every situation with joy and determination; we are so thankful to have her on our team!

As we reflect on the success of last year's scholarship program, we are thrilled to announce the continuation of our mission to support the education of international students in Uganda and now, newly welcomed students from Morristown, TN. Our commitment to providing quality education through remote learning has opened doors for students around the world, fostering holistic development and creating positive, lasting impacts.

In the previous year, our scholarship program reached new heights, enabling us to support international students in Uganda, including our very first remote graduate! This achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the possibilities that arise when students are given the tools they need to succeed.

This year, we are excited to extend our program to students in Morristown, TN, through our remote learning initiative. Leveraging advanced technology, these students connect to real-time classes happening in Nashville, where they are guided by dedicated, Jesus-loving teachers who are committed to their holistic development.

A Holistic Approach to Education

These three 10th graders attend class together. Uganda is 9 hours ahead of Nashville, so students are ‘in class’ from about 5pm to midnight. We record all classes so that students can access content if they cannot attend in real time.

Our remote learning program offers a unique alternative to traditional classrooms, providing a shield against overcrowding, outdated curriculum and negative influences. Through an interactive and relevant learning model, students not only engage with their coursework but also develop a strong foundation for personal and spiritual growth.

To ensure the success of our students, we have implemented in-person educational proctors who act as mentors, guiding them through their coursework and keeping a watchful eye on their spiritual and social well-being. This personalized approach to education fosters an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

A Personal Perspective

As the Vice President of this program, I have the privilege of interacting daily with our remote learners. I get to daily witness their excitement about learning,  and observe their gratitude manifested through hard work. Facilitating this education is a privilege; these student’s lives are being forever changed. They are facing the world with a critical mind, and hearts full of faith and confidence in the role God is shaping them to play. They know their individual gifts and they are eager to put those to good use in bringing change to the world around them. I truly cannot say enough about the quality of our students, which is enhanced yearly by their education in God’s word. 

"How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." 

- Proverbs 16:16

Join Us in Making a Difference

Our Exemplar of the Quarter program acknowledges outstanding Remote Learners. They are celebrated for qualities such as good grades, enthusiastic participation in class, and communicating well with teachers.

We invite you to join us in supporting another year of scholarships for students around the world! By contributing to this cause, you become a vital part of shaping healthy, thriving young individuals who love the Lord and are enthusiastic about bringing positive change to the world. 

Donate to our scholarship fund and be a catalyst for change in the lives of students around the world. Your support will help create a brighter future filled with endless possibilities and opportunities. Together, let's empower these young minds and make education a transformative force in their lives.