May, 2021
Vol. 8, Issue 4
FOR THIS DAY
Coram Deo Academy 2021 Senior Class
REFLECTION AND REASON Mothers of 2021 Seniors share their favorite memories of the year, and offer advice to future CDA Seniors and their parents. My advice to parents of next year‘s seniors would be to take time to enjoy the small moments with your student. Senior year is busy and flies by, so be intentional about running to get a coffee or scheduling a lunch or dinner date with your senior. Even though they act all grown up, they need you now more than ever. They are really ready to be on their own, but they also tend to be more insecure and unsure of themselves as things change and graduation approaches. They need their parents to remind them of their worth and how great they are when they feel like the future is so unknown. Remind them that they don’t have to have all the answers and their plans all lined up… they just need to take it one day at a time and keep their eyes up! Focus on whose they are instead of worrying about who they are. They are still becoming all that God has planned for them. Take a deep breath and take their time. There is great joy in the journey! Pictured left: Faith Anna and Shannon Burton
Coram Deo Academy
www.coramdeoacademy.org
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Our favorite memory of this school year was watching John play football. He tried something new and gave himself over to the process completely. Football helped shape character traits that were waiting for the right moment and coach to incrementally and patiently extract them out. Our advice to John is to put God first. As fundamental as it may seem, it can be hard to do out from the protection of your parents. Mark Mangrum, a close friend of ours, reminded us years ago why we chose to send our kids to CDA. He said, “ A nursery raising tender seedlings protects them by placing them in a greenhouse. There, the plants are nurtured and cultivated until they are ready to withstand the elements independently.” CDA has been a greenhouse of sorts; it has helped shape you for God’s glory. We are confident in your strong foundation and that as you go out into the world, you will bring His light with you. Our advice to future senior parents is to go all in. Be there for your child. Go to the sporting event, stay up late with them, say yes to impromptu outings or trips. Just say yes! This year has flown by, and we are so glad we were there for every moment! My favorite memory will be when she walks across stage knowing she accomplished something worth working for! A close second will be the winning 3-pointer in the play-off game , we were behind and Amber shot it with seconds remaining, to win the game and get Coach Eaddy to his 100th win. Super fun time! The advice I would give seniors as they head off to college is remember that God is always there with you. Recall how faithful He has been and that His promises remain the same yesterday, today, and forever. My favorite thing about this year is the fellowship with other senior moms. I am filled with gratitude to the school after seeing the fruition of how classically minded my child has been trained as reflected in her art work and her deep love for the classics. I also love praying with other moms at Moms in Prayer, the ladies there are my huge support group. My advice to Ellia is to remember whose you are and who you are. Remember your roots. You are always rooted in Christ’s love.
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My advice to parents of next year’s seniors is to live in the present, slow down and enjoy each moment. Choose your battles, some things are not worth fighting over. Pray a lot!
My advice for the upcoming senior class for parents is, this year will be filled with many deadlines and ups and downs. Try to give less advice and listen a lot more. Be present to listen when they open up and do not try to fix it, just listen and pray a lot. God will lead them where He wants them to be; it’s an emotional time for the student and the parent. Embrace the good and the bad times because all the experiences this year build character.
“‘A nursery raising tender seedlings protects them by placing them in a greenhouse. There the plants are nurtured and cultivated until they are ready to withstand the elements independently.’ CDA has been a greenhouse of sorts; it has helped shape you for God’s glory.” - Kristin Downey Pictured clockwise starting from top: Kristin and John Downey; Amber and Julie Holdridge; Bee Tan and Ellia He www.coramdeoacademy.org
Coram Deo Academy
My favorite memory this year was watching Bella play soccer with no fear, and receiving the Iron Lion award from her coaches and team. To Bella, we will always love and support you! Now, you get to tell us what “good help looks like?” Our advice for future parents and seniors is, time flies. Start applying for scholarships NOW! There are a lot of unclaimed funds for students. All you have to do is take the time to search for them. And if they ask for a application fee then it’s not legit, so use caution when applying for those scholarships.
Here’s my advice for when you go to college: 1. Attend church and hold on to your faith. 2. Remember where you came from. 3. Laugh often and live college life to the fullest. 4. When times get tough-read the Bible and remember that the God that performed miracles in the Bible, will perform miracles in your life. 5. Choose your friends wisely and hold on to them. 6. Wash your hands and don’t fall behind on laundry. 7. Don’t stay up late: nothing exciting happens after dark. 8. Your parents love you more than you’ll ever know and you’re still our baby!
“God will lead them where He wants them to be; it’s an emotional time for the student and parent. Embrace the good and the bad times because all the experiences this year build character.” -Julie Holdridge Pictured from top: Donald, Isabella, Cybill, and Issac Beiler; Alexandra and Marina Johnston; Christie and Kyla Dorman; Jean, Katherine, and Tom Christiansen Coram Deo Academy
Our favorite memory from this school year is hearing about how Kyla killed her closing in her final debate at CDA. Our advice for Kyla as she heads off to college us to be strong and courageous! You have been prepared for this next season- stay close to Jesus and have fun! Our advice for the parents of next year’s seniors, as they enter this pivotal and emotional year with their student, is to enjoy every moment! www.coramdeoacademy.org
One of my favorite memories of this year was senior night at the football game. It was such a special evening for Katy, her friends and us. My advice for the seniors is to continue to lean into God. My advice for the parents is the same! And also, remember God loves your child even more than you do. (The Holy Spirit keeps having to remind me of that when I freak out about the future.)
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Peyton’s senior year....oh my, the memories! The sweetest one for me was watching him navigate completely unfamiliar terrain. I had the total pleasure of seeing Peyton tackle snowboarding and soccer for the first time. What a joy to take in his persevering spirit coupled with his friends’ loving encouragement and support. I’ll forever be grateful for this CDA community! My advice to mommas of future seniors? Absolutely....soak in every single moment. At first glance, I know the many senior activities and assignments can feel overwhelming. When to-do lists mount, just breathe as your seniors walk in the door. Stop and take in their presence, look intently into their eyes, listen closely to every word they utter. All the little tidbits of thoughts, impressions, and amusements they speak will accumulate and create a loving gift all for you, Momma. Those deadlines, whether met or missed, will fade over the years. But that gift of presence will remain in your heart long after they move away. Relax and enjoy! My advice to seniors is to go into this next chapter of your life with confidence! You are all amazing and you are ready to bless and change the world with all your special God given gifts and talents. Know that we are praying for you and cheering you on. My advice to parents is to rely on those who have been through Senior year for advice, encourage and pray for your Senior daily, enjoy every minute and start gathering pictures for your Senior board now. If you’re like me, it’ll take a while!
My favorite memory of this year is probably baseball games ....--windy, warm days....smiles and laughter.... and so many CDA students to cheer our boys on..... My advice for Gage is, college is a season, like so many. Enjoy every moment of it....but remember that family, unlike seasons....do not come and go.....they are there for you, whenever you need them. My advice for future parents of seniors is, regardless of what you have on your plate personally, stop to have that conversation. Turn off the T.V. or stop working on the computer when they come in the room. Take every moment you get and allow it to be an opportunity to make a memory
As for a favorite memory, I can’t think of just one but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude that CDA gave my kids the option to return to school in person. Thank you. That made all the difference in the world, allowing the kids as supportive and “normal” life as possible! My advice to seniors is to keep doing what you are doing. Tackle your college studies just like you have mastered at CDA, one step at a time, knowing with confidence that you have everything you need to excel at that level and beyond. My advice to future parents of seniors is that it may be the last year for daily hugs...so take advantage of that!
Pictured clockwise, starting from top left: Deborah and Peyton Inderlied; Christy and Gage McCallum; Reid and Holly Homer; Isabel and Tonia Casper
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Coram Deo Academy
One of my favorite memories is going to watch all three of my boys (Ryan 2013, Cole 2016, and now Reece 2021) play CDA Varsity soccer throughout the past nine years. It was wonderful watching them play with their friends, and the boys and families created a soccer family, cheering each other on, and sharing in each other’s victories and comforting each other in their defeats game after game. This was inspiring and heartwarming. And of course the memory of seeing them walk across the stage after watching all their hard work, hours of studying, projects & research, and test-taking finally pay off and come to fruition is something that just has to be experienced as a parent. After all, it feels like we are almost graduating too! My advice to all the seniors moving forward to college is just to keep taking the good study habits and knowledge you have learned from CDA with you, and keep honing those skills and priorities to help you achieve your educational goals, but keep the love of your family and God and His word in your hearts to guide you along your future paths. I have seen firsthand how the education and study habits my older kids received from CDA really helped them succeed in their time at college. One piece of advice I can give to future Senior parents is to join the Senior Mom’s/ parents group as soon as possible! This year for me was a godsend! My sons were not the best about filling me in with all the Senior information, events, and time lines things were needed to be done by. The Senior Mom’s (parents) group chat was really invaluable and helped keep me on top of all the many events and information the Senior year brings. I would also encourage the parents to “breathe” and to take time to enjoy some of their kid’s events in their final year. It goes by so fast! Also, to encourage their kids to start on their Senior Author and History projects early, they will enjoy the end of their Senior year much more!
My favorite memory of the school year was the photo sessions where we captured memories of this important life milestone. My advice to seniors is about “Planting & Planning”. Keep your feet firmly planted on “the solid rock”. There will be numerous opportunities to get off the path. And planning is critically important to success in college. Don’t procrastinate. My advice for parents of next year’s seniors, is to begin to let your senior manage their own workload (don’t micromanage). This will be critically important in college. I tried to share that my role was like a project manager at work; making sure that critically important milestones are met, but leaving individual details to my senior.
Coram Deo Academy
My favorite memory from this school year is seeing the look of joy on my senior’s face as her college acceptances and scholarship offers came in! My advice to seniors as they head off to college is to enjoy your senior year as it will fly by in the blink of an eye! My advice for parents of next year’s seniors, is to take time to slow down and enjoy your senior in their last year of high school. It will be a busy year but exciting and at the same time an emotional year as your senior gets ready to graduate from high school. www.coramdeoacademy.org
“Stop and take in their presence, look intently into their eyes, listen closely to every word they utter. All the little tidbits of thoughts, impressions, and amusements they speak will accumulate and create a loving gift...” - Deborah Inderlied Pictured clockwise starting from top: Reece, Glen, and Catherine Pack; Priya and Stephanie Philip; Mara, Anna, and Sara Pankovich
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I’ve loved the Senior Author Projects this year. Seeing that come together for Lily was really fun. The creativity and knowledge that these students have is inspiring. My advice for the future seniors and their parents is that it can all be overwhelming - SAT, college applications, senior pictures, decisions to be made etc. Take a deep breath and remember that the Lord has this. He has a perfect plan for you and will guide you if you ask Him. Believing that makes it so much easier and less stressful. Just try and enjoy every hectic moment of the year. It’s over before you know it!
Pictured this page from top: Heika and Lily Yaro; Grant and Scottie Humphrey Opposite page: David Brownen, message by Kim Brownen
My favorite memory has to do with my first sighting of all of the graduates and our Grant. I was at the school and got to see the cap and gown photos being taken in front of the gazebo with the tossing of the caps. So exciting and tear-jerkingly emotional at the same time. Seeing the class all together at once was awesome, and the joy captured in those moments was contagious! I treasure the photos I got to take of both his class and the hundreds of zoomed in pictures of our wonderful son! I was so thankful for that opportunity and thankful to the school for finding a way to honor these amazing seniors! My advice for the seniors would be to appreciate these moments in your senior year, don’t rush them! There are so many amazing memories being made and so many people coming along side to help you to take the next steps in your life! It’s such a gift of a year! My advice for parents is simple: Get a calendar! It is a busy year, but all of that business has you attending more events and sharing more memories with your child (adult) than any other year in high school! I feel that other years are years that, as parents, we begin stepping away. This is the year that you are invited back in! There is so much planned to celebrate your senior and more opportunities to take pictures, build more memories, AND get more hugs! It’s a wonderful year! You will love it. And hate it. But mostly LOVE IT!
“Let your senior manage their own workload (don’t micromanage). This will be critically important in college. My role was like a project manager at work; making sure that critically important milestones are met, but leaving the individual details to my senior.” - Mara Pankovich
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Coram Deo Academy
One of the biggest impacts to our lives at CDA has been the band program. Mrs Bowen leads a program that teaches the kids to work together to create music that glorifies Him. Along with that she teaches teamwork of working together. These kids have grown beside one another. So with that the Band Concert will remain my favorite memory for the year. These kids shared what touched them in the Bible lessons they had in Band class this year I was touched by their wisdom. Wisdom from the Lord that will help them for years ahead. My advice to current seniors is to Stay in His word! The days ahead will be challenging. Matthew 7:15 tells us about wolves in sheep clothing and as you go into the world you will find them. You will also find the world pulling you in a million different directions; go to God’s word. When you feel alone Cling to the Rock of Ages; and know He is your friend. If things get hard and you find college isn’t for you - that’s ok! There are many successful people out there without college degrees. Find a place in the world where you can grow and share God’s word. Call home!! Your parents invested many years and many prayers - they care!! They want to pray for you and if we give too much advice just ask them to just listen. My advice to future senior parents is, it’s going to be okay. Either your child will have already checked out with senioritis or your child will be working as if this is no different. Try to breathe when it comes to college choices. Remember getting a degree should not be a debt-filled decision but a heartfelt decision. Remember not all successful people were college people, and that’s all okay. This is a stage in life where our kids start to fly. Pray for your kids and the future. If you have not already then seek a good group of prayerful friends to pray with. There is a purpose through each trial and a testimony through each test. As the waves of emotions flood you lean in on the Rock of Ages.
Parent Resources
PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) - partnering with CDA FM making our school a great community PTF President: Nicole Hofley **To volunteer, please contact Nicole Hofley Moms in Prayer - meets Tuesdays and Wednesdays after drop-off Contact: Kandis Autrey P2P - mentoring new families Contact: Jacque Younger Idea Exchange - for families for grades Pre-K to 4th Contact: Jennifer Jaetzold Straight Talk - for families of grades 5th to 12th Contact: Jacque Younger
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Staff Liaison: Kristan Williams
Coram Deo Academy
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