ACS celebrated the accomplishments of twenty 8th grade students at a promotion ceremony on Thursday, June 14 in the school’s gymnasium. The ceremony began with Amber Ramos, Faith Gracia, and Elisha-Michelle Epps leading the pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible. Following prayer by Elizabeth Alford, Samuel Cooney and Kaley Thelismond read Scripture. Selected by his classmates, by Aaron Glancey gave the Christian character address followed by a challenge from Class of 2018 valedictorian, Luke Mouliert. Before the presentation of awards by Chief School Administrator, Karen Oblen, middle school teachers Deanna Bailey, Sara Coates, and Lisa Dye shared heartfelt farewells to the class.
A number of students were recognized for their accomplishments in academics, music, physical fitness, citizenship, Christian character, and service. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner presented Glancey (pictured at right) with the Cougar Award, given to a student who has demonstrated Christian character, leadership, and responsibility in athletics. Five students received a special gift from the Parent Teacher Fellowship for having attended ACS since kindergarten — Elisha-Michelle Epps, Joshua Guevara, Kaley Thelismond, Alexandra Friend, and George Harmon. PTF President Terry Vogel thanked the parents for choosing to send their children to a Christian school, saying “you have made an eternal investment in them.”
Following is a list of the special awards and scholarships that were presented to students in the 8th grade class:
- Academic Awards for Highest GPA in Bible, History, Language Arts, Math, and Science ($25 per award) — Elizabeth Alford; Alford, Markus Lewis, and Kenneth Park also received certificates for for highest academic honors for earning a 3.8 or higher GPA and Haley Whedbee received recognition for earning a 3.5 or high GPA.
- Christian Education Essay Scholarship ($250) — Elizabeth Alford
- Citizenship Award, for service to others and to the school — Elizabeth Alford, Aaron Glancey
- COMPASS Award, for displaying the fruits of the spirit in everyday life — Julianna Nardone, Markus Lewis
- Cougar Award ($250 each) —Aaron Glancey
- Parent-Teacher Fellowship Scholarship, for the best essays describing their experience at ACS as aligned with Biblical teaching — George Harmon, 1st place ($400); Cole Lewis, 2nd place ($250); Elizabeth Alford and Julianna Nardone, 3rd place, tie ($50)
- Thomas H. Heist Community Service Award, for demonstrating the “give back” spirit by volunteering in three community service activities ($150) — George Harmon
Click here for the photo gallery on the ACS website of the 8th grade promotion program.
