A Season of “Lasts at TRA”

Dear TRA Families,

We (The DeVries family) have had a season of “lasts at TRA” over the last few days. Last Wednesday was my last senior dinner, last Friday was my last chapel, Saturday was my last TRA graduation, and this morning was my last TRA Psalm Sing.  Wow... it's a lot to take in.  

And this is officially my last Monday afternoon Current note.  

While I thought about using this space to give you one last parting word of wisdom or some tasty nugget to leave you with, instead, I have just two words.

Thank you.  

Thank you for entrusting me to lead your children.

Thank you for letting me speak weekly into your homes (through writing and investing into your children). It’s been a true joy to serve and partner with you.  

Thank you for allowing me to grow up as a leader; I started leading here when I was 32. At the time, I was the second youngest person on staff. I’m not even close to this anymore. :)

Thank you for allowing me to make mistakes as a leader, learn from those mistakes, grow, and hopefully NOT make the same mistakes next time. And then, when I did make the same mistake, thank you for again giving me grace to learn and grow. 

Thank you for weathering many challenges with me over the last 13 years of leadership (18 years total). Here are a few that come to mind:

• The annual school floods which have—to one degree or another—caused us to cancel school, move classrooms, mop up poopy water, and set off fire alarms because the water is running down through the lights and triggering the alarm system.  

• Leadership and board transitions that were sometimes well-led and sometimes not well led, but in the end, worked for the good of the organization.  

• Financial challenges where we wondered if we would finish the school year able to pay all of our teachers.  

• Growing pains associated with adding more students to our numbers. When I began at TRA, we had 87 students. Now we have over 300. That's a lot of growing pains to endure. Thank you.  

• Facility challenges - like portables that weren’t done on time, no place for kids to do indoor recess or PE, classrooms that were less than perfect, and walls that needed to be removed to accommodate for social distancing.

• Covid…need I say more about this? Wow.

Thank you for embracing my family and my children. We are a quirky and imperfect bunch, but we have truly felt loved by all of you.  

Thank you for investing in my children (especially all of you teachers). They have been indelibly and undeniably shaped by each of you. 

And thank you most of all for allowing me the privilege of leading, loving, and learning as TRA’s leader over all these years. I’ve grown up as a human, a leader, a man, a father, and friend as a direct result of being here at TRA.

And so I close with this:  “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  (Phillipians 1:3-6)

Eric

Graduation: Celebrating Growth and Grit

We wait for years to see our students walk across that stage, receive their diplomas, and turn that tassel. But why do we do it? Why spend that time on a ceremony when we could just mail the students their diplomas? Why do parents each not hold their own ceremonies with friends and family? Because graduation at The River Academy is about celebrating both the past and the future–and we are a family that celebrates together.

For just about everyone involved, graduation is a chance to celebrate a changing of seasons and a chance to reflect on the years of work–of blood, toil, tears (not always sad ones!), and sweat–that our students do to get to this point. Students who graduate from The River Academy have done something special: they’ve developed grit and they’ve grown up. 

Of course they’ve grown up, you scoff–they’re high school graduates! But in so many more ways than physical age, those who have crossed that finish line have grown in maturity and grit. If you look at 3rd or 7th or 9th graders, you might wonder–will they ever get there? The answer is yes, with God’s help and a little time. We, the TRA faculty and staff and parents, have invested hundreds of hours and many dollars to not merely produce students with skills that they can take into the workforce. We have toiled right alongside our students to train thinkers and lifelong learners who will be stalwart lights in the darkness of this ever-wavering world. 

They’ve also grown as people, as humans who know how to relate to one another not as images to post on social media or screeds to read on Reddit, but as empathetic, ethical, reasonable humans who know, write, speak, and defend the truth in a civilized, Godly manner. We focus on our students’ holistic education, not just test scores. We read hard things to discuss difficult subject matters in a safe context so that, when the time comes, they’ve thought through and discerned between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. They’ve examined our world and learned that, yes, God made it, but have also studied how He did so. They’ve worked through (for some of us) nearly impossible math problems–not so they can use it directly in whatever job they have, but so that they have developed a diverse set of critical thinking tools to prepare them for lifelong learning. 

So, why do we take time to celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments? Because earning a diploma from a Christian, classical school is a laudable achievement. It’s also our chance to say goodbye, to send them into that bright future with prayers and Psalms and words of encouragement and reminders of how far they’ve come.

Come celebrate our graduates with us this Saturday at Sage Hills Church at 2pm.

Tyler Howat

Dean of Academics

2022 Graduates

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!

Why Thesis Defense?

Why Senior Thesis?

Every year, TRA Seniors anxiously yet capably ready themselves for the culmination of their classical Christian education. They’ve written their (at least) twenty-page paper; they’ve delivered speeches all year in preparation; they’ve practiced and practiced and practiced some more. Then, each takes the stage and delivers a twenty-minute speech based on their paper followed by at least twenty minutes of question-and-answer defense–all in front of a panel of four teachers and a large portion of the student body. Why do we put our Seniors through Thesis Defense?

It largely comes down to a Roman rhetorician named Marcus Fabius Quintilianus (we just call him Quintilian, though). Throughout the first volume (of twelve) of his Institutio Oratoria, Quintilian says that a true rhetorician is a good person who speaks well. Note what Quintilian does here: it’s not enough just to say good words, but to be able to stand upright and full-chested (as Lewis might say) and speak Truth. The Apostle Paul wrote letters to churches, but he also stood on the Areopagus (Acts 17) and spoke to nonbelievers using ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade them of the truth of the Gospel. He was a good man who spoke well.

At The River Academy, our students spend years in their classes reading great literature and philosophy and theology and history, participating in discussions and debates, and writing papers and reflections. But that’s just the groundwork for sending them out into the world–not just when they graduate. We educate our students to speak and live out the Truth well, beyond the safety of the four classroom walls. Each class discussion is geared toward this, all with the eventual goal of stepping onto the stage to defend a Thesis (an argument) that they’ve developed for a year.

So, just before graduation, Seniors deliver a shortened version of their Thesis Paper, because only a few people read that paper, and we want them to speak to their peers and underclassmen, to say something meaningful that will resonate with and inspire them. Moreover, when the Seniors deliver and defend their Thesis, we hope to demonstrate the rhetorical and logical skills that all our classes have honed and sharpened in them. They’ll answer questions from their teachers, poking and prodding at their logos and ethos and pathos (logic, morality/spirit, emotion) to see if their arguments hold together.

The purpose and spirit (the telos and ethos) of Thesis Defense is to turn a spotlight on a core classical value of The River Academy: educating the next generation of Christian leaders who will influence the world around them by being good men and women who speak the Truth well.

Tyler Howat

Dean of Curriculum

Senior Thesis Defense Schedule

Lizzy's Thesis:

"Am I My Tyrant's Keeper?"

Thursday, May 26 | 8:00-8:50am

In recent years, leaders have become less focused on the people and more on their own gain. To recognize their faults, leaders need accountability. Leaders without accountability fail and bring others down with them. Leaders without checks and balances become tyrants. While tyrants might be effective in achieving their goals, they cannot be considered morally good (and therefore should not be followed). Good leadership relies not on prideful autonomy but on humble accountability to ensure that leaders have the true best good of humanity in mind. Distractions are in front of the leaders every day and they need accountability to keep them from following the distractions. This paper argues why accountability is necessary because of what happens to leaders that do not have it.

Jonah's Thesis:

"A Christian's Guide to Handling the Fear of the Unknown"

Thursday, May 26 | 8:55-9:45am

In March of 2020, this unknown virus started spreading and it had us all worried. The question then arose: should a Christian be truly worried about worldly problems? This propelled me to research the topic of fear for Christians. Focusing on fear has become a problem not just for Christians, but for all people. Fear and anxiety have started to dictate how people respond, and react to certain things. This does not exclude Christians, however. Christians, of all people, should be the ones not reacting wrongly to fear-based things because we know God is in control.  Christians should be reassured of God’s sovereignty in the midst of their fears. I have found through my own experiences of fear, anxiety, and worry, that if you truly put all your trust in God and believe that there is a bigger picture than what is on earth, then life will be less stressful and more fun. People need to learn how to deal with fear before it causes the downfall of  humanity. There are two simple choices: let yourself be controlled by fear, or control your response to fear. Which will you choose?

Soren's Thesis:

"The Sneetching of the Modern Church"

Thursday, May 26 | 9:50-10:40am

Churches around the United States, some even right now, are deciding whether or not to follow the controversial Critical Race Theory. CRT is an intellectual idea based on the belief that the United States of America was founded upon racial bias, and those running the country are still perpetuating such institutional biases. CRT has the end goal of equity, which Vice President Kamala Harris defines as “we all end up in the same place.” Unfortunately, equity is the core idea of Marxism. Therefore, CRT does not fit with the Church’s mission because the Church’s job is the administration of word and sacrament and fulfilling the Great Commission. Churches that adopt Critical Race Theory are not holding true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because Critical Race Theory is a doctrine of its own and its end results are distinctly unbiblical.

Conor's Thesis:

"Forging Battle-Ready men: The Role of Contact Sports in Cultivating Godly Virtues"

Thursday, May 26 | 10:45-11:35am

This argument targets the need for strong men in our society, in which there is a dangerously dwindling amount. To solve this problem, the character development of sports proves to be an efficient way to build strong young men who can defend and protect. It is obvious that young men who develop upstanding character traits and a hard work ethic more easily grow into better friends, fathers, and husbands. All young men should play physically demanding sports in order to develop these skills. If young men in our society can develop the traits that produce Godly character, then our cities and country would be a much better place.

Annelise's Thesis:

"The Other Pandemic"

Thursday, May 26 | 12:15-1:05pm

We live in a world obsessed with body image. Both internally and externally, we tend to focus on ourselves. This self-obsession, along with the blurring of facts and feelings now allows dangerous health repercussions to ripple through society. Our nation’s cultural promotion of negative mentalities such as personal happiness, self-fulfillment, and the desire for instant satisfaction is based on self-centered, post-Truth ideals and causes a body-image pandemic. Society must work to flip these toxic ideals and embrace true fulfillment and unity of mind, body, and soul not through oneself but through God. Will we fight to correct the physical, mental, and spiritual deterioration in our country or will we fall to this other pandemic?

Rianne's Thesis:

"The Unmappable Maze"

Thursday, May 26 | 1:10-2:00pm

Failure is an inevitable obstacle that every single person has to face. Fear of failure often chains people from the truth of what their failures can teach them. Learning from failure grows and blossoms people into strong, firmly-rooted individuals who will not simply fall due to life's winds, but will deepen their roots against life's inevitable blows. So, how do we clothe our minds, souls, and bodies against this lie of failure and its common view of negativity on our lives? When strengthened, a growth mindset, perseverance, and a strong work ethic will all be part of the armor guarding us against inevitable failure. People will grow, but only through the refining fire of failure. This fear of failure can often hold people back from the anointing dream which God has for their lives and who He has created them to be. We need to learn to put on this armor in order to fully break free from the shackles of our past failures, all through grace and the wisdom gained through our scars.

Jazmyn's Thesis:

"Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair: A Christian's Guide to Discernment and Horror Films"

Friday, May 27 | 8:00-8:50am

When watching a horror movie, encountering evil is expected. Some think the horror genre should be completely thrown out as a whole because of the evil portrayed. What some people do not see is that there can be redeeming qualities, good conquering evil, and real lessons shone through these films. Christians should be able to watch horror films if they use Godly discernment. Such films should have redemptive qualities, should clearly portray evil as evil, and should not be stumbling blocks to faith. With personal discernment, knowing what will affect your heart and cause you to stumble in your faith, you can answer the question, “Should Christians watch horror films?”

Zach's Thesis:

"Of Mobs and Men"

Friday, May 27 | 8:55-9:45am

There are men in movements, yet none in mobs. This corresponds to the potential failure of the modern Christian leader, one who ought to lead in light of Christ rather than self. Furthermore, the meaning of manhood is being challenged by cowardice and the creation of mobs. Mobs eliminate the faculties of peace that Christian values hold dear, and all too many are flocking to mob mentalities rather than standing like men. However, there is a solution to this issue. Christian leaders are called to lead movements in peace and not influence fear-mongering mobs. There is a contrast of mobs and men in this wild world, Christians are called to lead toward peace over conflict.

Olivia's Thesis:

"The Father: 'Tis Here, 'Tis Here, 'Tis Gone"

Friday, May 27 | 9:50-10:40am

Why is the father image so important? What’s the big deal about entertainment portraying a goofy dad? This thesis unpacks the hidden effects of TV dumbing down the dad; effects that hurt the intended family dynamic as described in Scripture. Shows such as Modern Family, and Everbody Loves Raymond hurt the

biblical importance of the father, unlike their predecessors who depicted a biblical father. This is damaging to society because people unconsciously imitate fictional characters. What might happen if all the fathers are imitating these characters? Children seek a role model and without a biblical father in that place, they choose their own role model. Without biblical fathers, children seek attention and choose their own paths, which is damaging to society because the lack of fathers is directly correlated with the increase in violence, drug use, and teen pregnancy, to name a few. Instead of searching to television to define fatherhood, Christians need to look at the biblical definition. Through discernment and a biblical understanding, Christians can re-establish the true father figure, so that children can grow up in a proper home, ultimately benefiting society and glorifying God.

Noah's Thesis:

"From Pages to Panels"

Friday, May 27 | 10:45-11:35am

Ever since its founding, The River Academy has prided itself on the literature they teach us their students. We have read amazing works such as Hamlet, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Great Gatsby. But there are many great literary works that our school and many others have ignored for too long: graphic novels. I know what you are thinking: aren’t Graphic Novels just comic books? What could someone learn about literature through those? With great writing and beautiful visual storytelling graphic novels provide a deep and unique way to experience themes, characterization, and pathos. Stories like Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, and Maus (and many others) offer the same literary depth as many of the classics do.

Elementary Class Placement

The Lord is blessing our school with wonderful growth! For the 2022-23 school year, we will be adding a second class to second grade. This raises the question of how TRA will place students into the two classes each year for grades 1 and above. As a parent of children who previously attended a school with three classes per grade, I know that this annual class shuffle can create a temptation to worry, as we all want what we think is best for our own kids. My hope is that this information will help to give your heart peace as you trust in God’s plan and wait for class lists to be announced sometime in August. 

Our goal at TRA is to have two well-balanced classes for each grade. This means we strive to have a balance of genders, students from different classes the prior year for new friendship opportunities, and other factors to provide a positive learning environment in each classroom. I will be working closely with Mrs. Fox to place current Kindergarten students in each of the grade 1 classes for the 2022-23 school year, and with Mrs. Rose and Mrs. Creek to place the current first graders into two new second grade classes. Ideally each class in each grade would have 18 students, but due to our current classroom size constraints, some may have a couple more and some less depending on the grade. 

I realize that each parent has in mind the best teacher and friend group for his or her child. However, TRA will not be letting parents choose their child's teacher or classmates for any grades that have two classes. I know from personal experience how difficult this can be to trust the school and the Lord to place children in the "right" class. Please know that the teachers and I will be prayerfully considering a lot of factors to make sure each student is in a healthy learning environment where he or she can thrive. We will do our best to make sure each child has at least one friend in his or her new class. We also had an amazing group of fantastic teacher applicants, so I know you will love all of our new teachers who will be announced in the coming weeks!

Thank you for your understanding and support as we take this big step forward to grow as a school. It is an exciting time of growth at TRA!

 Lisa Hysom

Elementary Principal

TRA House System

Dear TRA Family,

Our House System organically grows student leadership in both joyful and relational ways: two of our four core values.To create our House System, we divided our secondary classes (7th-12th grades) into four Houses named after historical prominent Christian leaders representing different virtues (Lewis, Tyndale, Wilberforce, and ten Boom). These Houses help us reach some lofty culture and leadership growth opportunities for our student body. 

One of our Four Core Values at TRA is joyful learning and growing, which is fleshed out in colorful glory during House Games each Friday. Students may be gleefully chased by staff members during the dinosaur egg hunt game or might engage in a food-frisbee competition on the field. And can you imagine anything more joyful than a hundred students running and hunting through a cherry orchard for their teachers, who are all hiding in the trees?  

The second core value that House has been crafted to embody is that of relational connection between students as well as between faculty and students. Having a few students from every grade grouped into each house is intentional as we strive to move kids out of their usual circles and their comfort zones to provide opportunities for building friendships and esprit de corps with students from other grades.This is especially important for the younger middle school students who might otherwise feel distanced from the larger secondary student body during their first year.  

The House system also provides challenges and growth opportunities outside of a purely academic setting. House competition games on Friday usually have 3-4 components that are meant to give opportunities for all kinds of students to shine. While there is usually an academic challenge such as a spelling bee, sudoku challenge, or word game, there is also an athletic team game, such as ultimate frisbee, kickball. But because these are the kinds of skills and talents that are often highlighted at school and in school sports, we add art and drama challenges as well. Students might create a painting that represents the house mascot, or an entry for the yearbook cover competition, or compete in a song challenge singing the Psalms, or create a play about the history of the house myth. All of this is accomplished in the one hour of House games each Friday. When students choose to compete in an area outside of their usual strengths, they launch themselves—for the good of their team—into an area of risk, and growth for the sake of their House. 

Considering our mission is to partner with parents to educate the next generation of Christian Leaders, likely the most important character trait we grow through our House System is student leadership. The elected house leaders have a special elective option in the fall that focuses on teaching them leadership, they have weekly lunches to plan the upcoming Friday events, and lead by example in the games and seasonal service projects.  

In a nutshell, The River Academy House system is a means for character development, leadership training, and meaningful connections across grades and with the faculty. In House activities, everyone contributes and everyone belongs.

Have a great week!

Tonya Griffith

Psalm Singing

Dear TRA Families,

Have you ever wondered why we sing these “old songs” out of a book that looks like a hymnal but is instead fondly referred to as the “Psalter?”

Why don’t we sing more modern worship songs that are more of a reflection of the churches most of us attend on Sunday mornings?  
Singing is a big part of life at The River Academy. As I write this note, I am being serenaded by the third grade class singing a song about the book of Judges in the Old Testament. What a beautiful sound! And while singing is a fun way to make learning enjoyable, it actually has ancient roots in the realm of education—particularly the inculcation of spiritual truths into the hearts and minds of young people.

If you look in your Bible at the heading of most Psalms, they give a description of who wrote it, what the circumstances were surrounding it, and often when to sing it. Psalms 120-134 all have the heading titled “a song of ascents.” These psalms were the ones that all of Israel would sing on their way “up” to Jerusalem to celebrate the various festivals each year. Picture this: a huge caravan of people walking up the hill toward Jerusalem singing “I lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth,” (Psalm 121:1-2) or, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord,’” (Psalm 122:1).

What a beautiful picture; God’s people walking and singing on their way up the mountain to worship and feast with one another.

Though not quite as dramatic of an image, this is similar to the view I have each Monday morning when we gather in the sanctuary to sing Psalms. Psalm singing has been a rich tradition at TRA over the last 24 years. Here are three reasons why I LOVE singing the Psalms with our students:

1. The Psalms are the prayer book of the Bible. By regularly singing these Psalms, we are teaching our students to pray without them even knowing it. I can say that even for me, I find myself regularly calling out to God in the words of a Psalm that we sing here regularly.  

2. Singing is the most powerful tool for putting things to memory. Finish this sentence:  “Here comes the… “ or, “But I still haven’t…” I bet you were able to name both of those songs I just quoted. We don’t even have to try to memorize songs; it happens naturally. By singing these Psalms with students every morning, we are hiding God's word in their hearts.  

3. The Psalms help us process life's ups and down in a way that reflects God’s heart.  The Psalms contain the entire spectrum of life’s emotions:  “O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth,” (Psalm 8:1).  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me,” (Psalm 23:4).  By regularly singing these songs, we are helping our students process the gamut of emotions that life will undoubtedly throw at them, through the lens of faith—and more importantly—God’s faithfulness.  

We sing Psalms together as an entire school every Monday morning. Now that we are using the church sanctuary for Psalm singing, we have more than enough room for parents to join. Next time you drop your children off on a Monday morning, stick around and be blessed by hearing these students sing their hearts out to God through the Psalms.  

Have a great week,

Eric

Grandparents Day

Dear TRA Family,

Spring is in the air! Okay, last week didn’t feel like that after waking up to snow on multiple days, but when I look at the calendar, Spring ought to be in the air. By far, one of my favorite events at TRA every spring has been Grandparents Day.  

We are happy to report that for the first time in two years, we will be once again celebrating our amazing grandparents by hosting them on-site in May.  

First, I can’t even begin to express how excited I am to be able to host grandparents again after a two-year break from this event due to Covid. Grandparents play such a vital role in the lives of the students.  It is such a joy to be able to host them and give them a glimpse into the education their grandchildren are receiving.  

Second, we have structured the day as a ½ day event that will officially begin at 9 am (for grandparents). Students will come at 8 am like they normally would and then conclude at noon.  We have pushed back the arrival time of grandparents this year due to the parking limitations - especially at that critical drop-off time frame.  

Third, grandparents will have the opportunity to visit classrooms from 9 am-10:10 am. This will be followed by a brief reception from 10:10 am-11 am and then an assembly with special performances from 11:15 am-noon. Due to our much larger size, seating in the auditorium will be reserved for parents and grandparents only. All students will remain in their classrooms and then be staged in the fireside room prior to their performance.  

Fourth, parents are invited.  We would love to host you too! 

Fifth, we need your help. Would you first invite your child’s grandparents to attend? We would love to host them. Next, consider volunteering to help with the reception set up, serving, clean up, and/or baking. Look for more information coming shortly on how you can volunteer to help us pull this off.  

Lastly, we are so excited to again be able to engage with your children’s grandparents. We hope that the day will bring them great encouragement and hope as they get a small glimpse into the education provided here at TRA. 

Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks,

Eric 

How Exactly Does TRA Educate Future Leaders?

Dear TRA Families,

The mission of The River Academy is to partner with parents in educating their children to become the next generation of Christian leaders to shape culture through faithful, wise, and joyful Christian living. Two questions I often get asked with regard to this mission statement are:

1.  Why Christian leaders; are all people destined for leadership?

2.  How exactly does TRA educate leaders? Isn’t this an academic institution, not a leadership training center?

Great questions - here are my answers to both.

First, why would we make it our mission to educate Christian leaders? I usually answer this question by first defining leadership. John Maxwell regularly defines leadership as “influence.”  At The River Academy, we believe all of our students will be influencers regardless of where they end up in life. Whether by being mothers and fathers, or employees, or employers, we believe and desire for our graduates to influence the world for good—more importantly, to influence the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this way, we desire every student at TRA to aspire towards influence in whatever sphere they find themselves in in their future.

For this reason, we believe it critically important to equip our future leaders with the tools necessary to influence well. Some of this is simply encouraging them to be well grounded in their faith. But some of this is also giving them specific tools like the ability to think critically and articulate themselves well. It also means that we want to give them opportunities to actually practice leadership while at TRA.  

This leads to my second question: how do we actually help our students grow into leaders?  As mentioned above, some of how we do this is by giving them a well-rounded education, but we also equip them by giving them opportunities to lead. Here are a few examples:

1. Reading Buddies. Students regularly tell me that when they were in their early years here at TRA, they had junior and senior students as reading buddies. They remember thinking to themselves, “When I get older, I can’t wait to be just like them.”  Reading buddies serve as a two-way street. On the one hand, it gives our older students the opportunity to invest in students who are younger than them. It helps them get outside of themselves and serve. This is hugely helpful and important for their development as leaders.  But it is also a huge blessing to the younger students.  Not only do they love the interaction, but it gives them inspiration for how they want to do likewise when they are older.

2. All-school activities and games. It has been delightful to reinstate after school sports this year. We really missed this during Covid, and it was delightful to see students young and old all playing Eagles Nest together. This does several things to develop leadership.  First, the older students can merely play to win; they do this too, but it is not their primary focus. They all go into the games knowing that their first job is to make it enjoyable for the younger students. Leadership is ultimately about putting others’ needs above our own (at least this is Christ’s model for leadership). After school sports and activities help our older students place the good of the whole above their individual desire to win.  

3. House System. Our house system has been a huge help in developing leadership skills in students. Because students are placed in houses with ages ranging from 7th through 12th grade, the older students naturally learn to take a leadership role in their houses.  This gets accentuated when students are elected to an official house leadership position, but honestly I am often most encouraged when I see juniors and seniors leading who don’t hold official leadership positions. House has been a game changer for us here at TRA in helping develop future leaders.  

4. In the Classroom. We are educating kids who know how to organize their thoughts, work hard and develop grit, debate persuasively, and convey their convictions and beliefs winsomely. This begins in elementary with students presenting to their classmates through show & tell, oral book reports, spelling bee, and speech meet. These skills are polished in secondary classes such as logic, rhetoric, senior thesis, and apologetics. 

I can’t imagine a greater calling right now than investing in the next generation of Christian leaders. Thank you for entrusting your children to us to help partner with you in this endeavor.  

We love working with your children and partnering with you in this all-important mission.  

Have a great week!  

Eric