Silver Linings and College During Covid

SILVER LININGS AND COLLEGE DURING COVID By Heather Bennett, Communications; Matt Foster and Sarah Jones, Academic & College Counseling

The challenging nature of the past year needs no description. Despite the many battles, there has also been an abundance of blessings. With an ample amount of grit and determination, the Class of 2021 has garnered an impressive list of college acceptances already (as of press time). Visit www.LittleRockChristian.com for updated information.

Arkansas State University Baylor University Colorado State University Elmhurst University Grand Canyon University Harding University Hendrix College John Brown University Louisiana State University Lyon College Middle Tennessee State University Mississippi State University

Class of 2021 College Acceptances

Murray State University Oklahoma State University Ouachita Baptist University Radford University Rhodes College Rollins College Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta Southern Methodist University Texas A&M University The King’s College The University of Alabama The University of Arizona

The University of Chicago The University of Oklahoma The University of Tulsa Tulane University University of Arkansas University of Central Arkansas University of Dallas University of Memphis University of Mississippi University of Oregon West Virginia University Valencia College, West Campus

Class of 2021 College Acceptance Map

Shortly after the Class of 2020 exited the gates of Warriorville, the soon to be college freshmen embarked upon a journey into uncharted waters. Here, several recent graduates share how Little Rock Christian helped them navigate their new worlds during unprecedented times.

“Hendrix College was completely virtual in the fall. In my Engaged Citizen (Zoom) class, we started talking about religion within the first few weeks. I thought, “Wow we’re jumping right in, aren’t we?” In LRCA BWV classes, we not only talked about what we believe, but learned how to discuss why we believe it. Because of that preparation, I was able to discuss my faith in a respectful manner with those who believe other things than me. The use of the Harkness method helped me defend my faith. LRCA Athletics also prepared me for playing football in college through instilling in me mental toughness and a winning attitude.” - Matthew Bennett

“In my Entryway (Zoom) at Harvard, I was in what was basically a Harkness discussion on climate change with some of the smartest kids in the world. I was not always in agreement with some of the political claims, but I was able to respectfully disagree and hold my own through thoughtful discussion. I’m glad to have had the preparation that LRCA gave me and just wanted to use this as an encouragement to the teachers to show that what y’all are doing is separating our school from the pack.” - Pearson Dennis

“LRCA prepared me for college in ways that I couldn’t even imagine. The school within itself is run like a college and teaches you things like time management, discipline, and how to prioritize. Being that Little Rock Christian is a Christian-based school, I was taught how to love and care for others, while being loved and cared for. I would say I feel ahead in my academic career and also my athletic career.” “One of the most impactful ways Little Rock Christian has helped prepare me was the use of the Harkness method. When I was introduced to it, I was nervous. In fact, up until my senior year I didn’t speak much during these sessions. Although once I transitioned into college, I finally understood why this method was so important. It truly helped me engage in discussions during my classes. It allowed me to build off of what others had to say and even if the conversations got quiet, it allowed me to spark them up again. Now I’m truly thankful that LRCA introduced the Harkness Method to me.”

- Bri Graggs

“Little Rock Christian did a great job helping me adjust to college! When COVID hit, I did not know how my education would look going forward. The teachers were always communicating and helping me along the way. The transition to online school allowed me to grow and take more responsibility in my school work. This helped drive my work ethic in college, because I learned to be comfortable with a virtual environment in high school.” - Claire Perkins

“I never expected my first semester of college to look the way it has. As I made my way through my classes I was so thankful for my LRCA education. Not only was I prepared for the challenging course work, but the community that Warriorville brings taught me how to see God’s hand in every situation. With hardly any events and mostly virtual learning, I was able to see the joy in the small things.”