2022 Senior Profiles: Griffin Stansel- Marist College

EC Senior: Griffin Stansel
Year joined EC: 8th Grade
Plans for next year: Marist College- Business Administration with a concentration in Finance

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
How loving & caring the community is. When I came to EC in 8th grade, my biggest fear was adjusting to this completely new environment and making new friends. I was completely blown away with how welcoming the community is and how they welcomed me with open arms.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
One of my favorite teachers I’ve ever had is Mrs. Lindemulder. Mrs. Lindemulder is the most selfless & kindhearted person I know, and the way she teaches pushes that agenda. Mrs. Lindemulder tends to each and every one of her students, and she is always more than happy to help in times of need. I can attribute most of my spiritual & academic growth to Mrs. Lindemulder’s class, whether that be reading La Buena Semilla or studying for vocab quizzes. Not to mention she’s also an alum from Marist. Go red foxes!

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
Looking back on my faith journey from freshman year till now, I am at a completely different point in my walk with Christ then I was back then. I’ve been truly grateful to hear a diverse array of chapel speakers over my time at Eastern Christian, learning about a multitude of cultural backgrounds and personal testimonies from several speakers. I’m also grateful for people like Mr. Bailey who’ve displayed unconditional support for me during my journey with Christ not only as a mentor but as a coach. Recently, as of June 2021, I had my Confirmation. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all the love and support I was given by the Eastern Christian community.

At Eastern Christian we talk about an education that is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience this kind of education at EC?
I’ve experienced this kind of education at Eastern Christian through all the wonderful teachers that I’ve been grateful to have here. Teachers like Mr. Stadtlander would integrate fun lessons into their classes (ex: Serial or kite project) to engage students like me, all while having the end goal in mind for their students: transformation. Although some might look back at the Serial project as a murder mystery, I saw it as an opportunity to be creative and open-minded. It’s projects like these that make the Eastern Christian learning experience enthralling and beneficial to students.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life?
I feel that Eastern Christian has provided me with all the necessary tools to advance in my life outside of high school. I can say with pride that I still remember important lessons that were taught in C.T.E. (Career & Technical Education) during my freshman year. Eastern Christian also has electives like Economics & Finance that have provided students like me with an ethical outlook on how important our economy is. Its classes like these that I look back on and see as stepping stones towards my major that I will focus on in college.

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?
I’d tell them to drop everything and enroll. Eastern Christian High School isn’t another private school on the map, but rather an opportunity. When I came here in eighth grade, I was in a very dark place. Eastern Christian provided a sanctuary for me through its faith-integrated curriculum. Prior to enrolling, I was not familiar with the love of Jesus and Christianity as a whole. Through EC’s Continual beliefs and ways of teaching, I’ve finally been able to open up to God and receive His mercy. Eastern Christian’s curriculum has also pushed my academic capability to new lengths and has challenged me to work harder. All in all, my time here at Eastern Christian High School has been extremely beneficial for me.

Are there any other details that we should know about you?
On February 9th, 2022, I’ve achieved my Eagle Scout rank; I’ve been working towards this award for over 8 years now and I couldn’t have done it without the support I’ve gained from all my friends and faculty at Eastern Christian.