ACS celebrated the accomplishments of forty-four 8th grade students, the largest 8th grade class in the school’s 51-year history, and prayed for God to guide and direct them as they begin a new chapter in high school at a “Blessing Ceremony” on Tuesday, June 14 in the school’s gymnasium. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed and thanked the parents and families for choosing a Christian education founded and based on a Biblical worldview.
Three 8th graders — David O’Donnell, Sophia Costello, and Victoria Dade — led the pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible. Following prayer by Amelia D’Anna, the Valedictorian of the Class of 2022, Elizabeth Alford, gave a challenge to the 8th graders — to honor God in everything they do and to spend time in God’s Word to embolden and deepen their faith.
Two middle school teachers participated in the program to give parting words of advice. Math teacher George Dickson and social studies teacher Amy Parker (whose son, Elliott was also in the class) encouraged the students to seek God’s purpose for their lives and to let Him guide their steps as they move on to high school.
Upper School Principal Meg McHale and Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen presided over the presentation of scholarship and awards that recognized students for their accomplishments in academics, citizenship, community service, and displaying exemplary Christian character. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner also presented a number of students with fitness awards.
On behalf of the Parent Teacher Fellowship, PTF President Terry Vogel presented a devotional and a gift card to 10 students in the class who had attended ACS since kindergarten — Alexis Andujar, Angela Awad, Victoria Dade, Amelia D’Anna, Marley Odell, Caden Kim, Austin Salcedo, Graham Schlemo, Elijah Weiler, and Anyae Welch. Vogel said the gifts were a way of saying thank you to the families who had made a long-term commitment to Christian education. Vogel also announced the winners of the PTF Christian Service Scholarship, an essay-writing contest that focused on the question — what does Jesus say about serving others and what impact has serving others made on your life? She noted that 15 students submitted very well-written essays and the PTF board was so impressed with every essay that they decided to give every student who participated a small gift.
After students received their awards and certificates of completion, members of the Middle School Worship team presented special music, performing “Different,” followed by the faculty and staff surrounding the students seated on the stage for a prayer of blessing. After remarks from Principal McHale, 8th grader Rowlee Murphy closed the program in prayer.
Following is a list of the special awards and scholarships that were presented to students in the 8th grade class:
Highest Overall GPA — Gabriella Goodwin
Academic Subject Awards for Highest Average — Gabriella Goodwin in Bible, Honors Language Arts, Integrated Science, Social Studies, and Honors Algebra 1; Benjamin Smith in CP Language Arts and Algebra 1; Sophia Costello and Jeriko Thomas in PE.
Highest Honors, earning a 3.8 or higher GPA — Justin Basso, Amelia D’Anna, Sonja Elliott, Caden Kim, Gabriella Goodwin, Lydia McCarthy, Rowlee Murphy, Adley Palermo, Elliot Parker, Austin Salcedo, Benjamin Smith, Jeriko Thomas, and Anyae Welsh
High Honors, earning a 3.5-3.79 GPA — Calvin Costello, Marley Odell, David O’Donnell, and Chloe Weyman
Citizenship Award (for service to others and to the school) — Adley Palermo and Elliot Parker
COMPASS Award (for consistently displaying the fruits of the Spirit in their personal and spiritual life) — Lydia McCarthy and Jeriko Thomas
Cougar Award (given to one boy and one girl who have demonstrated Christian character, leadership, and responsibility in athletics, who are returning to ACS for 9th grade) — Gianna Flynn and David O’Donnell. ACS will pay the full athletic fee for each student for one Varsity sport.
Parent-Teacher Fellowship Scholarship — Gabriella Goodwin, 1st place, $400 scholarship; Jeriko Thomas, 2nd place, $250 scholarship; Caden Kim and Benjamin Smith tied for third place, $100 scholarship. Scholarships will be applied to their 9th grade tuition.
CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the 2022 8th Grade Blessing Ceremony. Photo credit: John Loreaux.
