ACS celebrated the accomplishments and prayed for God’s direction and guidance for twenty-seven 8th grade students at a “Blessing Ceremony” on Thursday, June 10 in the school’s gymnasium.
The ceremony began with Seth Phillips, Ava Nixon, and Adam Schlundt leading the pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible. Following prayer by Isabell Alford, ACS senior and valedictorian of the Class of 2021, Sydney Pearson, gave a challenge to the class, giving them specific tips on ways they can grower stronger in their Christian faith.
Before the presentation of scholarships and awards by Upper School Principal Meg McHale and Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, middle school math teacher George Dixon and Bible teacher Grant Miller shared advice and heartfelt farewells to the class. A number of students were recognized for their accomplishments in academics, citizenship, community service, and displaying exemplary Christian character. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner presented a number of students with Presidential Fitness Awards.
On behalf of the Parent Teacher Fellowship, PTF President Terry Vogel presented a devotional and a gift card to 4 students who had attended ACS since kindergarten — Rebecca DiMaio, Aine Dorsey, Seth Phillips, and Makayla Tomlinson. Mrs. Vogel said the gifts were a way of saying thank you to the families who had made a long-term commitment to Christian education.
After students received their awards and certificates of completion, a quarter of high school students on the Praise and Worship team delivered a powerful rendition of “The Blessing,” by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Music. Members of the Middle School faculty then began a new tradition by coming forward to stand among the students where they were seated on stage to prayer over them and ask for God’s blessing and protection. Faculty member Amy Parker led the faculty prayer of blessing. After remarks from Upper School Principal Meg McHale, 8th grader Rebecca DiMaio closed the ceremony in prayer.
Following is a list of the special awards and scholarships that were presented to students in the 8th grade class:
- Academic Subject Awards for Highest Average — Isabell Alford in PE and Bible; Charlie Costello in PE; Sophia Johnson in Bible, Honors Language Arts, Integrated Science, Social Studies, and Algebra 1; Justin Schlundt in Language; Taylor Sutton in Bible, Integrated Science, and Social Studies; and Mikayla Tomlinson in Language Arts and Pre Algebra.
- Highest Honors, earning a 3.8 or higher GPA — Isabell Alford, Alexander Deliivanov, Aine Dorsey, Sophia Johnson, Alek Stein, and Taylor Sutton
- High Honors, earning a 3.5-3.79 GPA — CJ Ford and Ava Nixon
- Citizenship Award, for service to others and to the school — Isabell Alford
- COMPASS Award, in recognition of outstanding character and Christian testimony — Justin Schlundt and Makayla Tomlinson
- Cougar Award, given to a boy and girl student who has demonstrated Christian character, leadership, and responsibility in athletics — Isabell Alford and Charlie Costello
- Parent Teacher Fellowship Scholarship, for the best essays on what Jesus says about serving others and how their experiences at ACS have incorporated service — Taylor Sutton, 1st place; Rebecaa DiMaio and Makayla Tomlinson tied for 2nd place
CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the 8th Grade Blessing Ceremony.
