Phoenix Basketball 2024 Season Comes to Close

We wanted to take a moment to recognize the achievements of our basketball teams and coaches for the 2023-2024 season. Our athletes and coaches have shown dedication, skill, and perseverance this season, and we are proud to acknowledge their performances.

The 2023-2024 jr high boys basketball team, coached by Ben Young and Teeyha Campbell.

First, we wanted to congratulate the Jr. High boy's team, led by coaches Ben Young and Teeyha Campbell. With a record of 16-4, they secured a second-place finish in the TSIAA conference, showcasing their talent and teamwork on the court.

Next, the JV Girl's and Boy's teams, with coaches Jen Nyago, Shaun Galford, and Isaiah Aaseby played an independent schedule that allowed them to elevate their game, providing invaluable experience and development opportunities that will shape their future contributions to our basketball program. The JV Girl’s team still has a couple of tournaments left to play in February and March.

Special recognition goes to our Varsity boy's team, led by coaches Andrew Bartlett, Isaiah Aaseby, and Stephen Ownby. They reached the semi-final game of the division 2 state playoffs, a testament to their hard work, skill, and determination throughout the season.

The 2023-2024 boys varsity basketball team, coached by Isaiah Aaseby, Andrew Bartlett, and Stephen Ownby.

We also want to honor our seniors, Antonio Thomas and Justice Garner, who have been integral members of our basketball program for all four years. Their leadership, dedication, and talent have left a lasting mark on our program, and we are very proud of their contributions.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to our senior captains, all our players, coaches, and loyal Phoenix fans whose support contributed to our teams’ successes throughout the season.

Some notable individual highlights of the season were the following (pictured left to right):

• Elam Littleton received All-State honors with the TSIAA

• Caleb Muñoz was awarded the Star of the Game for the Jr. High Championship game

• Justice Garner's record-breaking performance, scoring 32 points in a single game on senior night.

We look forward to the continued success of our basketball program in the years to come. Together, we will continue to rise as the Academy for GOD Phoenix!

Congratulations once again to all our teams and coaches on the 2023-2024 season!

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!