Lizzy
Lizzy (Elizabeth) has been a part of The River Academy since she was an infant. As the daughter of our Head of School, she has grown up within the walls of our school, though she officially became a student in Kindergarten.
Lizzy enjoys spending time with her classmates and the younger students. It is during those times that her kindness and joy in the Lord truly shine. She also loves to spend time outdoors playing with her dog and visiting National Parks.
Favorite TRA Tradition
It was very hard for Lizzy to choose just one tradition that she will miss most, but Reformation Day and Tall Timber are the two at the top of her list. Both of these traditions have strong elements of community and team building while learning and having a lot of fun. These relational activities are very important to Lizzy; she takes a lot of joy in spending time with her classmates and younger students.
Advice for Next Year's Seniors
Lizzy advises next years seniors, “Seniors should know that senioritis is real, but they shouldn’t let it bother them. They need to enjoy each other and everyone else around them. Senior year is really busy, but also insanely fun!”
Most Influential Staff Member
When asked to name an individual who has had a lot of influence during her time at TRA, she couldn’t choose. “All of the staff members have been amazing! They’ve all influenced me in different ways and I am extremely grateful for how much they’ve been a part of my life.”
Future Plans
There are big changes this next year for Lizzy; not only will she be attending Covenant College in Georgia where she plans to major in International Studies, but her family is moving to Birmingham, Alabama. She is excited about the change and the new adventures this next year will bring. Just think of all the new National Parks she will now have access to!
We will miss having Lizzy visiting the halls of The River. We love you and can’t wait to see what God has planned for you!
Jonah
Jonah joined The River Academy in the sixth grade and has shown amazing growth and abilities as a leader. His character shines during House activities, playing sports, in the classroom, and during time spent with friends.
Most Influential Teachers
He credits the faculty and staff for their part in helping him grow personally, “I would have to say everyone at TRA has helped me grow into the person I am today. I would, however, like to give a special shout out to all the teachers that have had me since I was younger, because they know that the person they initially met and the person standing here now are two different people. I just want to say, thank you for always believing in me and helping me become a better Christian man.”
Favorite TRA Tradition
His love of outdoor activities and working out lend themselves well to one of his favorite parts of TRA secondary culture: House Fridays. Jonah has served as an elected House Leader in Wilberforce House (go Phoenixes!) and a dedicated player and encourager in House games.
Favorite Scripture
Jonah takes inspiration from the verse 2 Timothy 4:17, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” He has chosen this verse because it reminds him that no matter what he is going through, he has God supporting and encouraging him.
Advice to Younger Students
His advice to younger students is to enjoy the time you have at school because it goes by fast.
Future Plans
Jonah will remain in the area for the next 2 years as he attends Wenatchee Valley College.
We will miss your enthusiastic energy and contagious smiles around The River and we pray that God watches over you in the days to come.
Soren
Soren has attended The River Academy since Kinder Prep and has been a lively and animated part of our student body throughout his time here. Soren has been a strong, vocal member of Tyndale House over the years, lending his humor and physicality time and again to his House.
Favorite TRA Tradition
His favorite part of TRA traditions is singing Psalms, which is also a part of his advice to younger students, “Sing the Psalms with enthusiasm. Enjoy your time at the River; it ends quickly.”
Hobbies
When he's not singing Psalms or making us laugh, Soren spends most of his spare time outside doing something physically active. His hobbies range from motorbike building and riding, to RC car and drone operations, to playing Ultimate Frisbee.
Most Influential Person at TRA
Soren credits Mr. DeVries as one of the most influential parts of his time at TRA, sharing that DeVries has offered great advice and correction over the years.
Future Plans
For the past two years, Soren has enjoyed being a part of the zero period TEALS Computer Science class. He will be applying the skills learned during those classes with Mrs. Baker as he studies Computer Science at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, where he received a Dean Scholarship.
We will miss both your energy and contagious laugh around TRA, Soren. It has been a joy watching you grow spiritually, academically, and relationally over the last 14 years. May God bless your time at GCU!
Conor
Conor started attending The River Academy his Kindergarten year, and ever since that very first day he has been a friendly, kind, and positive influence on the other students at TRA. Twice he received The Spirit of the River award, chosen by a vote of students and teachers. He has also been a House Leader for 5 years running.
Physical activities and sports are important to Conor. He played on the varsity football team at Wenatchee High School, part of that time as the starting quarterback. In his free time, he loves to paddle board on the Columbia, hike any mountain with a view, and collect sports cards.
Favorite TRA Tradition
The beloved House Wanda Bowl!
Advice to Younger Students
Conor advises younger students at TRA to enjoy their time at school and to not procrastinate when doing assignments. "The time goes by so quickly and you do not want to have regrets about how you used the time you have," he shared.
Most Influential Teacher
Conor credits Mr. Hettick as one of the most influential people during his time at TRA. “[He] has been so influential to me all of high school! The Holy Spirit just radiates out of him and his prayers have helped me more than he will ever know.”
Favorite Scripture
Isaiah 41:13: "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." His reason for this reassurance is, “As a young child, there is no greater security than the comfort of holding mom or dads' hand. This same type of security is found when the creator of the universe stretches out his hand toward me. This is so calming and reassuring to my soul when I need it most.”
Future Plans
Conor is still deciding where he will attend college next year, and is considering a career as an EMT... as long as he doesn't have to work with feet. We will miss you, Conor!
Annelise
Since her very first year, Annelise has been an integral part of The River Academy’s student culture. Even as a first grader, her fiercely competitive yet kind nature has shone through.
Annelise has shown exceptional leadership at both TRA and Eastmont High School, where she has played several sports and served as captain of both the girl's basketball (junior and senior year) and soccer (senior year) teams.
Favorite TRA Tradition
As a Tyndale House Leader, her most-loved activity at TRA is House Fridays.
Advice to Younger Students
Annelise encourages younger students to take the time to enjoy each other's company, “It goes by SO fast. Embrace your time at TRA with all the amazing staff, but especially your class. Take the time to hang out; it doesn't need to be anything big. The simple moments are some of my best memories.”
Favorite Scripture
Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31 because, “At a time in life when there are so many stressful decisions, deadlines, and worries, this verse always reminds me to hold on to and hope in God. Even if it's not in the way I thought, He has a plan and provision far greater.”
Most Influential Staff Member
When asked who has been an influential person at TRA during her 12 years attending she couldn’t pick just one, “Honestly, there are too many to count. I have been blessed to be surrounded by encouraging, wise, and laughter-filled teachers and staff throughout my time at TRA. I am beyond grateful for them all and the impact they have had on my life.”
Future Plans
Annelise has signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Central Washington University this coming fall where she will be pursuing a degree in education.
We will miss your strong leadership and Christ-like impact, Annelise, and we can’t wait to see all that the Lord has planned for you!
Rianne
"Rianne has attended The River Academy since preschool. During that time, she has been a consistent source of encouragement to both students and staff. Her love for others and genuine kindness have always been the first qualities people notice about Rianne.
Hobbies
Rianne's favorite activities are spending time outdoors running, fishing, and taking part in all water sports. She also enjoys dancing and spending time laughing with her friends.
Favorite TRA Tradition
Her favorite tradition at TRA is Spirit Week: the House tradition of dressing in a different theme each day for one week. This year features Patriotic Day, Twin Day, 70’s/80’s Day, Meme Day, and Hawaiian/Tacky Tourist Day. As a proud member of Wilberforce House, we are sure she will go all out for her last year!
Favorite Verse
Rianne’s favorite Bible verses remind us how in our weakness we are made strong in Christ. “But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong,” (2 Corinthians 12:9 and 10).
Advice to Younger Students
“When you risk and you fail, you’re not a failure. You’re a risk-taker!” This is something Rianne has put into action herself this year. When she decided to take the risk and run for the Apple Blossom Royalty Court this year, she did not think she would have a chance to win, but knew she need to make the leap and try. This paid off when she was crowned the 103rd Apple Blossom Queen! We are so proud of the way she has represented our valley, our school, and our Lord in this role.
Most Influential Staff Member
She has been greatly influenced by Mrs. O, who has been an incredible encouragement to Rianne, consistently offering advice and prayer.
Future Plans
Rianne will be attending Grand Canyon University and plans to major in Business Administration.
Rianne, your kindness and quiet leadership will be missed this next year at TRA. God bless you as you adventure outside of our walls.
Jazmyn
When Jazmyn joined The River Academy seven years ago, her kind and joyful spirit quickly won the hearts of her classmates and teachers. During her time at TRA, her faith in God has deepened and her perseverance has helped her academically.
Favorite TRA Tradition
Her favorite tradition at The River is Reading Buddies “[It] is something I will forever cherish. It has been a blessing to read to the younger kids. Every time I see them [it] is a reminder of God's work in our lives. It is amazing to hear about their days and their lives. I will truly be sad to leave the school, not getting the opportunity to see them grow in their relationship with God.”
Advice to Younger Students
She has a lot of great advice to offer younger students: “My advice is simple, but it takes work. Create and build relationships. It will make life at the River Academy so fun. Once you build relationships with your class, school becomes a place that you want to go to--Not just for messing around, but it makes it more fun to talk about books and assignments with your class. It makes everything so much more exciting. Do not take teachers and the wonderful ladies in the office for granted. They are not just there to set up events and take attendance, they will truly help you make it through your high school career. They want you to succeed.”
Most Influential Staff Member
Jazmyn credits Mrs. Johnson as one of the most influential people for her this last year, “I have an endless list of people that I would like to thank. I wish I could mention each and every one of them. The person who really got me to where I am is Mrs. Johnson. She has become a person I can talk to about anything and everything. I am so glad to have her in my life.”
Hobbies
During her spare time, Jazmyn enjoys taking pictures, something she has enjoyed since she was a little girl. She plans to keep this as a lifelong hobby.
Future Plans
Jazmyn is planning to attend a four-year university; she is still deciding on the goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist.
We will miss your bright and cheerful smile around TRA this next year. May the Lord bless you.
Olivia
OJ" began attending The River Academy in her 3rd grade year. It has been fun watching the seemingly shy and quiet girl become the involved and vocal young lady we know today. In fact, OJ is in the running for being the LOUDEST senior this year; keep in mind this is a class that has our beloved Soren in attendance.
Favorite TRA Tradition
Olivia's favorite TRA tradition is House activities, especially “Synchronized Swimming” (when a group of students choreographs a dry land version of synchronized swimming to a favorite song). Olivia loves being a part of Tyndale House!
Advice to Younger Students
“Have fun with your classmates, both in school and outside of school. You are with them a lot and it is so much better when you spend time together and actually enjoy your time together. I have been in my class for 10 years and it wasn't until my junior year that I actually spent time with all of them and actually enjoyed it and it definitely made my high school experience much better.”
Most Impactful Teacher
“So many teachers have influenced me and shaped me into the person I am today. However, if I have to pick one, I would 100% pick Mrs. Packer. I was nervous going into my 6th grade year, but due to her personality and love for teaching, my nerves quickly went away. That experience taught me to not worry about tomorrow. Because of her endless joy and love for students, I want to do the same to others that she did for me. I want to be an Elementary teacher because of her. However, I would also say that my friends have been a major reason I am the person I am today. My friends and family are more important to me than anything else.”
Hobbies
The amazing amount of energy that Olivia has lends itself well to her love of the outdoors; skiing, mountain biking, camping, playing soccer, and swimming are just a few of the activities she enjoys. However, she does love her quiet time. Watching 1950’s sitcoms and playing the piano are two ways she unwinds after a hard day.
Favorite Verse
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all," (2 Corinthians 4:17). Reflecting on this, she shared, “It puts in perspective our problems and the glory will we see on the other side of them. In perspective, our life is short and our problems may be great, but the glory and reward far outweigh them.”
Future Plans
Olivia will be attending Central Washington University in Ellensburg where she will be in the Honors College seeking a degree in Elementary Education.
We will all miss your joyful, boisterous, and kind spirit at TRA!.
Noah
Noah has been a part of TRA since Kindergarten and for every one of those years, his kindness to others has shown through. He offers a quiet and unassuming presence to his classmates: rarely speaking, but when he does, it is always insightful and impactful.
Favorite TRA Tradition
His favorite tradition at The River Academy is Protocol. The opportunity to dress in a nice suit, attend a special dinner, and show or event with his classmates has been impactful for Noah.
Most Influential Teacher
During his time at TRA Noah has been greatly impacted by Mr. Hettick, who offers a point of view coming from a Christian Worldview. Their discussions about everything from historical events to how to navigate the day-in-day-out minutiae have been precious to Noah.
Favorite Verse
Noah’s favorite verse is found in John verse 11:35: “Jesus wept.” The simplicity in this is very powerful to Noah. That Jesus, because of His love for us, is impacted by the frailties of man.
Future Plans
Noah is taking a gap year to focus on his family and work to prepare for college.
We will miss Noah’s sound tech skills this next year; he has been a great help to Mr. Howat and Mrs. Lane during recordings for The River Academy Radio recordings. This skill fits nicely with Noah’s love of films and movie critiquing.
May the Lord bless you in your endeavors. You are greatly loved by your TRA Family!
