Reaching New Heights
Michie Alvaro
December 9, 2009
Filed under Features, Student Life, Top Stories
Entering a new year at school has always been stressful and exciting, like flipping into a new page of one’s life, where a year of new possibilities awaits. But for an eighth grader at CCA, it’s much more intense, much more anticipated. Many times, it’s all they can think about, and all then can wish for; entering the world of high school, where everything is amplified.
With almost the same feeling as a senior in high school entering college, eight graders are hit with daily challenges in becoming ready to go into the new section of education, becoming a good example for the rest of the middle school, and keeping themselves connected with God in every way they can. They are growing much more mature and ready to conquer all obstacles, and are the leaders of middle school at CCA. With all these responsibilities, it’s no question why they are so nervous and thrilled for next step in their school career.
For an eighth grader at CCA, responsibilities are bumped up a notch. Because they are older, they are expected to do everything in a quicker and better way than the rest of the middle school. They have midterms and final exams, unlike the rest of the middle school. In essence, things are a lot more challenging. But one of the most important responsibilities is to keep a close relationship with God, and to make sure they are good role models for the lower grades.
“We have to make sure we are God’s light for the grades below us,” said eighth grader, Cassandra Cammarano. “We have to represent Christ in everything we do and say.” But are they successful?
“It is evident that they love the Lord through their actions and attitude toward others,” says Micky Moore, CCA’s middle school guidance counselor. “They are respectful to their peers and elders, hold friendships dearly, and also maintain good grades.” This blend molds them into great leaders.
“Many of our eighth grade students realize that they are in a position of leadership in the middle school,” explains Secondary Assistant Principal, Michael Ellis. “I feel that these students do their best to glorify Christ through their relationships and personal walk with Him.”
Still, there are challenges and obstacles in this journey. Let’s face it, that’s just part of growing up. According to Ellis, the challenges of balancing acceptance of their peers with living out the Word of God is something that all students can struggle with, and eighth graders are not immune to that. The good news is that “CCA provides for them an environment that is essential in cultivating their faith with like-minded peers that encourage them to live out their faith on campus, as well as when they are out in the world,” says Ellis.
So with keeping their grades in check, their minds fully open, and their hearts and consciousness open to God, each day that passes brings our eighth graders closer to high school. In the meantime, Ellis says, “They are making strides to be prepared for that next level spiritually academically, and socially.”