By: William “Buzz” Lance, Head of School
We’ve had some busy weeks at the Academy recently. We just had a two-day teacher development retreat. We also had an important event, See You At The Pole, where our students — and four local youth pastors — gathered for a time of national prayer. In addition that, our volleyball season is in full swing, with multiple games per week. We’re preparing to host the end-of-season volleyball tournament and plan on partnering with Foley Sports Tourism to bring in extra bleachers. Also, our students are already enjoying our new playground as we’re putting the final touches on it: the hardscape and sod.
We also have our end of the quarter coming up with lots of academic goals and deadlines before our Fall Break from Oct. 11-15.
Yet, for all of our lively activities and rigorous academics, I want our faculty, students and families to focus on gaining wisdom.
We want our students to know what to do with information. It’s not just about getting “A’s” on tests, but it’s about how to apply knowledge. Especially during this busy time with homework, activities, church, and athletics, the main goal is to keep focused while gaining wisdom.
I’ve been meditating a lot on Proverbs 4. This scripture is full of verses that put an utmost emphasis on this topic. “Get wisdom, get understanding” (v. 5), “Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have” (v. 7), and that with wisdom…
“When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.” (Proverbs 4:12)
To put these scriptures into practice, we’re making ways for students to learn and apply their passions in ways that are outside of the traditional box.
For example, we recently sent 22 students to Louisiana to partner with a local church and serve in their community’s recovery efforts after Hurricane Ida. We’re also using Buddy Chapel to show older and younger students how to serve together. Students are working on “Operation Christmas Child,” a project to fill shoeboxes with goodies and hygiene items to be shipped to children all over the world. We’re developing our teachers as well, offering them special speakers to help us all think about how God can use disabilities and mental health awareness to bring Himself glory.
As we’re focusing on wisdom here, I encourage parents and families to be teaching this at home too. Talk to your kids about what wisdom looks like, and help them get involved in church or youth group.
Remind them that learning is not just to “get the grade,” but more importantly, about learning about who God is and what He’s doing.
