Senior Spotlight

Q A

ANDREW COX

I HAVE ATTENDED FRA SINCE… Pre-K5.

DURING MY TIME AT FRA, I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN… soccer, cross country, track and field, and the band.

THE PERSON WHO HAS TAUGHT ME MOST AT FRA IS… It’s hard to say who has taught me the most because it seems most people would fit the bill for this question, but I would have to say Coach Gilreath. She has shown me more than just how to improve my running, she has helped me improve in life. It’s special when someone else takes on your dreams as their own.

MY MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE/MOMENT AT FRA IS… going to Disney with the band sophomore year because there were many laughs and great memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.

MY BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT DURING MY TIME AT FRA HAS BEEN… winning state in cross country my junior year. It was something that was unexpected and a culmination of years of hard work.

THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A 12-YEAR CLUB MEMBER IS… the years of friendships and bonds that I’ve formed with students and teachers.

OVER THE LAST 12 (OR MORE YEARS), I HAVE BEEN PUSHED OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE BY… learning to play an instrument in the band.

I am focused, driven, and conscientious.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FRA HAS TAUGHT ME IS… not to be afraid to set goals high and that even if I fail, that’s okay.

I have a secret talent for making paper airplanes.

Q A

AVA ACKERMAN

I HAVE ATTENDED FRA SINCE… Kindergarten.

DURING MY TIME AT FRA, I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN… a number of sports, but basketball and tennis have been the two that have stuck with me. I’m the president of our chapter of the National Honor Society and lead our annual service project, Dance Marathon. I’ve also been involved in Best Buddies since middle school and currently lead our high school chapter, I’m on the leadership team for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and I’m a student ambassador!

I am passionate, intentional, and positive.

I speak French.

‘‘ If I could be a teacher for a day, I would definitely teach history.

THE PERSON WHO HAS TAUGHT ME MOST AT FRA IS… Lisa Zenner. Coach Zenner has been my advisor for the past four years of high school, and she is what I like to call my “school mom.” She has been much more than a teacher to me and has been an important mentor to me for years now. She has taught me that I don’t have to be perfect to succeed. Coach Zenner constantly reminds me that failure is a natural part of life, and that it is only a springboard for more growth. She never fails to celebrate me and my achievements, but is also right there to encourage and inspire me when I’ve fallen short.

MY MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE/MOMENT AT FRA IS… my interim trip sophomore year, a mission trip to Nicaragua. I had never been out of the country without my family, and being one of the younger ones on the trip, I was a little nervous. Before we had even gotten off the plane, I was already laughing and playing card games with upperclassmen. When we got there, in order to enter into a time of intentional service and reflection, we turned off our phones for the week. This disconnect actually led us to be more present and aware of the needs of those we came into contact with. What I experienced that week was community, both with Nicaraguans and the teachers and students on the trip with me. From daily worship to celebrating birthdays, I made new friendships and also strengthened existing ones.

THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A 12-YEAR CLUB MEMBER IS… watching myself and my friends become the big kids and get to love on the younger students. When I was little, I loved getting to watch and interact with the older students, and it was always a highlight when we got the chance to be in community with them.

OVER THE LAST 12 (OR MORE YEARS), I HAVE BEEN PUSHED OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE BY TRYING… to be a leader. The faculty have always encouraged us to be leaders in our community and have set great examples for us. When I was in lower school, I was learning about what serving others looked like on a basic level. As I transitioned to middle school, I was challenged to put the interests of others before myself. Finally, in high school, I’ve been challenged to do not necessarily what others are doing but what is right. I’ve learned that being a leader primarily consists of being attuned to the needs of others, and this requires daily and conscious practice. Thankfully, FRA has helped me shift my mindset to one of servanthood following in the footsteps of Christ.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FRA HAS TAUGHT ME IS… the importance of a strong foundation. As I’ve gotten older, I have become more and more appreciative of the Christian aspect of my school. Whether it be on mission trips, service projects, Bible studies, or just daily conversation, I’ve gotten to witness Christ at work in the lives of my friends and teachers. I’ve learned that there is no stronger foundation than Jesus Christ, and I am grateful for the opportunity to further develop my faith at FRA.

I LOVE FRA BECAUSE… this school has provided me with an environment that constantly pushes me toward growth as an individual and as a student. I’m so blessed to have attended a school where I absolutely love the teachers and students I see daily. I am extremely grateful that I can both laugh with and learn from my teachers, because they are genuinely interested in me as a person. I get emotional thinking about leaving my peers when I go to school next year because I think it will be hard to find a community that supports each other so well.

Q A

HANNAH MADONDO

I HAVE ATTENDED FRA SINCE… Pre-K4.

DURING MY TIME AT FRA, I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN… soccer, track, cheerleading, Best Buddies, Young Life, and service club.

THE PERSON WHO HAS TAUGHT ME MOST AT FRA IS… Coach Tucker. I have known him for most of the years I’ve been here, and he’s taught me how to love, never give up, and live every day to the fullest.

MY MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE/MOMENT AT FRA IS… probably the 4th grade talent show. I remember everyone’s dances, and I remember feeling overjoyed when everyone loved the gymnastics routine I did to, “I love Rock and Roll.”

WHEN I THINK BACK ON MY TIME AS AN FRA STUDENT, THE ONE THING I’LL MISS THE MOST IS… the amazing community that is formed around me. I love being able to know just about everyone at this school, and they really are my FRAmily. Going to college is going to be tough because I will have to leave students who have quickly become my brothers and sisters, and leave an administration who has

11 4700 | Fall/Winter 2019 cared for me all these years like they would their own daughter. I will miss the love.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FRA HAS TAUGHT ME IS… responsibility, how to care for others, how to speak up, how to handle tough situations, and most of all, how to love everyone around me. Because of FRA, I have learned to consider others' situations before I say hurtful things, how to commit to all activities, and live every day as it may be my last.

I FEEL PREPARED FOR MY FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE BECAUSE… of all the support the teachers here have given me. They never hesitate to help me when I do not understand something and will work for however long I need it until I do. I feel lucky to have the administration I have had at FRA, because I do believe they are some of the best of the best to learn from.

I LOVE FRA BECAUSE… the love that is shared all around. There is never anyone who hesitates to help you out when you need. I cannot find any others words to describe why I love it, but that it is love.