EASTSIDE ACADEMIC STUDIES & THE NORTHEAST INDEPENDENT PREPARATORY ACADEMY
Graduation Ceremony
CLASS OF 2022
MAY 21, 2022 | 1:00 PM
LILBURN ALLIANCE CHURCH
Eastside Academic Studies is a center for home education offering quality, affordable classes to homeschoolers in the metro Atlanta area. Eastside Academic Studies offers weekly classes for students of all ages, including a broad offering of high school-level courses. Classes meet at Lilburn Alliance Church. For more information about Eastside, visit www.eastsideacademicstudies.com.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU!
Our graduates would like to thank their parents, teachers, and everyone who has supported them in reaching their goals. Thank you for taking the time to attend this special ceremony to celebrate their achievements.
The Northeast Independent Preparatory Academy (NIPA) is a center for home education that was founded in 2000 and is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission. NIPA consists of an association of parents who are working together to provide professional scholastic recognition for our homeschooled students. Each family is committed to academic excellence and collegiate preparedness. With common goals and a common commitment, we endeavor to provide documented accountability for unique methods and mechanisms that we have chosen for our children’s academic learning. For more information about NIPA, visit www.nipa-ga.com.
Another Special Thank You goes out to Lilburn Alliance Church!
Musical Prelude
Kristie Heflen
Processional
Master of Ceremonies
Mrs. Michelle Shaw
Eastside and NIPA Director
Opening Prayer
Xavier Doyle
Eastside Student Council Member
Welcome
Anna Wade NIPA Valedictorian
Musical Selection
Gabriel Pett
Eastside Student Council President
Commencement Address
Phil Tuttle
President & CEO of Walk Thru the Bible
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. Derek Owens
Slide Show Presentation
Produced by Rob Kocher
Benediction
Recessional
Valedictorian
Anna is the youngest of three with two older brothers. She attended Intown Community School up to eighth grade, Tucker High up to tenth grade, and has been at Eastside for the last two years. In addition to attending high school classes at EAS, she took classes at Metro Academic Studies and dual-enrolled at Georgia State.
Growing up, Anna has always had a love of music and dancing. Whether she was taking ballet or flute lessons, or just singing at the top of her lungs around the house, music has been a constant in her life. It was a natural fit for her to participate in musical theater. She’s loved being a part of a theater troupe for the last five years.
When Anna’s not at a rehearsal, she enjoys reading, family movie nights, and hanging out with friends. She has worked at Nothing Bundt Cakes for the last two years.
Anna is conscientious, hard-working, and thoughtful. Her spunk, cheerfulness, and liveliness have added so much to her family, and she’s always quick with a joke. She is also smart, clever, and creative.
Anna will be attending Berry College in the fall majoring in Communications.
Ngozi Sade Sanaa Vaughn
Ngozi (Gozi) Vaughn has been homeschooled since the second grade. She is the second child in her household to graduate high school, and the first of her homeschooled siblings to graduate through a home school accreditation program. During her early years, Ngozi expressed interest in all things creative - she was always looking forward to her next adventure. Around the age of 7, Ngozi began developing a passion for disassembling machines and discovering their inner workings. “I wanna build robots!” she would say eagerly when asked what she wished to pursue when she grew up.
Ngozi went on to take courses in STEAM subjects during both middle and high school, some of which included participation in the FIRST Robotics Club and Java coding classes. Her engagement in these courses sparked a fire within her, and from there she became particularly fond of robotics and programming.
Outside of the classroom, Ngozi can be described as a funny, energetic, helpful, adventurous, caring, and hardworking person to both her friends and family members. Her love for music, art, technology and travel are all passions that she hopes to continue.
For more than three decades, Phil Tuttle has been a vital member of the Walk Thru the Bible family. While pastoring in central Illinois, he began teaching Walk Thru the Bible's live events in 1988. Since that time, he has served as Dean of Faculty, Senior VP for International Ministries, and Global Teaching Pastor before becoming President and CEO in 2007.
A native of Normal, Illinois, Phil received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education and Bible from Wheaton College in 1980 and his Master of Theology degree in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1984.
As President of Walk Thru the Bible, Phil continues to share God's Word throughout the world in churches, Bible conferences, Christian education conventions, and corporate gatherings He is the author of Raise Up a Child; Crucible: The Choices that Change Your Life Forever; Detour: Finding Purpose When Life Doesn't Make Sense; Chosen: When God Calls Your Name, Revolution: How Millennials Can Change the World; Chiseled: Becoming the Masterpiece God Created You to Be; and Refuge: Finding Home in a World of Change.
Phil's unique blend of biblical instruction, real-life illustrations, and spontaneous humor makes learning easy and enjoyable.
Phil and his wife, Ellen, have two adult children, Emily and Philip, a daughter-in-law, Erika, and three grandchildren.
Don’t let anyone look down on you becau are young, but set an example for the bel in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith a purity.
~1 Timothy 4:12
Maytheroadriseuptomeetyou.
Maythewindbealwaysatyourback.
Maythesunshinewarmuponyourface; therainsfallsoftuponyourfields.
Anduntilwemeetagain,
mayGodholdyouinthepalmofHishand.
Elizabeth Grace Spencer is the youngest of four children who range in age from 18 to 30 years old. She has always been imaginative, cheerful, and sociable; helping others and creating an atmosphere of easy-going fun in each situation.
Elizabeth attended her local elementary school for two years before attending Intown Community School through grade eight. She took her high school classes at several educational co-ops including Eastside Academic Studies. Having a more flexible school schedule allowed Elizabeth to pursue her passion for musical theater at Smokerise Academy of the Arts where she participated in many shows and competitions throughout high school. She hopes to continue acting in college and she hopes to pursue a career in script writing.
Elizabeth Grace Spencer
Aaliyah Marie Peters
Aaliyah Marie Peters, born July 26, 2004, is the daughter of Kevin and Lisa Peters. Aaliyah was homeschooled from kindergarten through twelfth grade. She is the youngest of four children, adored by them, and has been the center of their attention from birth. Aaliyah has grown very close to her siblings and values their opinions and time with them. She is very lovable and caring, sensitive and playful. She also enjoys video games and socializing with her friends. Through these relationships, she has learned to be a great listener, friend, and confidant. She also loves baking and is surprisingly a great cook.
Aaliyah has learned to play the acoustic guitar and has a wonderful singing voice to complement it. She enjoys many genres of music such as jazz, rock, punk, musicals, and stories told through song.
Aaliyah is undecided about a career field. She is exploring a potential career in the culinary arts or potential service-oriented trades.
Brenna Sara Regina Bosley
Gracie Lee Commander
Xavier Alexander Doyle
Luke Thomas Jordan
Charisa Jane Stark Kocher
Justin Timothy Myers
Aaliyah Marie Peters
Elizabeth Grace Spencer
Ngozi Sade Sanaa Vaughn
Anna Lauren Wade
Brenna Sara Regina Bosley
Justin Timothy Myers
Bre four children. She was born in Atlanta, Geo g eschooled from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Resilience, dedication, and grit were key to Brenna’s academic success, especially during the “Summer of Activism in 2020” and the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, Brenna learned that she could achieve anything with love and support from her family. She also learned to lean on her faith in God, and Philippians 4:13 became her favorite scripture. “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.”
Brenna also loves to learn new things and help others, as evident by her participation in community service activities and events such as MODA’s Teen Jam, respectively. Brenna also has a passion for creating, which includes sewing and crocheting. After taking a gap year, Brenna will continue her education at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. The author, Loren Pope, said about Agnes Scott College, “Women here have the feeling they have the power to choose the option they want for their lives. They are told, you are the author of that story. And they are achievers.” And achieving is Brenna’s goal.
Ever since he was born, Justin has enjoyed public speaking and writing. When Justin published his first article in On Common Ground News, he knew that he wanted to become a sports journalist and commentator. In the article, Justin wrote about the ending of the Georgia Kangaroos' season due to Covid-19.
Justin has participated in an internship with SPBNation and has had the opportunity to work with the Atlanta Hawks Brand Communications Specialist, Max Strauss. At school, Justin has participated in Speech Club, Gavel Club, and Bible Quiz Bowl.
During his free time, Justin enjoys singing and recording music with friends. Justin has high hopes of one day owning his own sports tv show and sports magazine. At home, Justin is the second oldest of his 5 brothers. Justin's plan is to receive a bachelor's degree in communications, broadcasting, and journalism. One quote Justin chooses to embark on is, “There is nothing too impossible to those who will try” by Alexander the Great.
Charisa Jane Stark Kocher
Charisa Jane Stark Kocher was born in Kettering, Ohio to parents Rob and Tammy Kocher, joining her older brother Robby in turning her parent's world upside down and making life exciting.
Charisa has always marched to the beat of her own drum. Her creativity and individuality have marked her life with distinction. She has harnessed these characteristics and used them with great success and flare in drama, makeup, and costume design. Charisa attended Smoke Rise Academy of Arts and has become an accomplished actress, helping the drama troupe earn two prestigious awards. She also does work as a blossoming makeup artist for photoshoots and weddings as well as doing astounding special effects and stage makeup. Charisa is pursuing these talents as a career choice, and it is exciting to anticipate where this may take her as she finishes at Eastside Academy.
Charisa has been actively involved in her church, participating in youth group ministries, worship band, and missions trips, singing in church worship band and choir as well as helping in VBS. She also serves behind the scenes on the live stream team.
Charisa's most notable strengths and growths cannot be measured academically or with awards or notable activities. She has encountered many challenges and struggles and has never given up, rather she has learned and grown in each situation, turning around and helping others. Charisa is a compassionate, empathetic woman who loves God, family, and friends. She is a woman of character, strength, and talent who is a blessing to those who know her.
Born on October 10, 2003, Gracie is the youngest of 4 Commander children out to make their mark on the world. Where her older siblings had to deal with their parents learning curve, Gracie has been forced to suffer through their fatigue and failing memory brought on by the relentless march of father time. Despite this challenge, Gracie has grown into a delightful, warm, compassionate follower of Christ. She has a close bond with all of her siblings and a terrific group of friends who share her values. In her relationships, she esteems honesty and transparency. She manages her own affairs, and tends to deadlines, but also has a light-hearted side that loves to laugh.
Gracie’s future plans include seeking a degree in video game design. It would not surprise her parents in the least if Gracie and her siblings created the next video gaming craze. Dad says his retirement plan depends on it! Regardless of the direction she chooses, Gracie’s sweet smile, friendly nature, and maturity beyond her years will see her to a terrific future.
Xavier Alexander Doyle
Luke Thomas Jordan
Xavier is the second eldest son of Willie and Nicole Doyle. He is a kind, friendly and talented young man who loves music. In fact, his interest in musical theater was awakened during his first year of homeschooling in the 6th grade. From 5th to 10th grade, Xavier attended Summit Academy of Conyers along with his two brothers and sister. He worked diligently to earn major roles, including Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Simba in The Lion King, and the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin. By the 11th grade, he had the opportunity to collaborate with the Alliance Theatre’s Palefsky Collision Project. Beyond his interest in theatre, he sings as a second bass in the Atlanta Music Project.
Xavier is extremely blessed to have received Christian tutelage from his parents, DeKalb Christian Home Educators, and Eastside Academic Studies. In his homeschool environment, he has gained knowledge and wisdom through Bible quizzing, a deep and sincere friendship with his siblings, and confidence for the Holy-spirit-led journey before him. Xavier's family prays according to Exodus 31:15 that God will fill him with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skills for a Kingdom purpose. Xavier’s future plans include majoring in music with a minor in business & theatre.
Luke has been homeschooled since his preschool years. He has been blessed to be a part of various homeschool and enrichment programs, including Northeast Atlanta Christian Homeschoolers, Camp Westminster, Northlake Community Chorus (NCC), and Northeast Independent Preparatory Academy. In addition to attending high school classes at Eastside Academic Studies, Luke also dual-enrolled at Middle Georgia State University.
Luke also has an appreciation for music and the arts. Having studied piano for ten years with NCC, he willingly shares his love of music with the community and has participated in several NCC plays including Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz. Additionally, he sings with Shallowford Presbyterian Church’s Chapel Choir and has traveled on choir tour “singing for his supper” while entertaining in cities and towns on tour.
During his senior year, Luke takes flying lessons at Briscoe Field and has become a member of EAA Chapter 690 and AeroVentures Flight Club. As well as volunteering his time at the EAA Youth Build Program, he is working toward attaining his Private Pilot’s Certificate. Luke will attend Middle Georgia State University in Fall 2022 and pursue a degree in Aviation Science and Management.