Testimonials: Students

Sarah

Grade 12

How would you describe your overall experience at Eastern Christian?

I have had a very positive experience at Eastern Christian. I am most thankful for the opportunities provided by Eastern Christian. I am extremely thankful for my opportunity to go to my internship at the Wayne Museum as I have learned so much about what it is like to work at a historical site. It has given me a glimpse of what I currently plan on doing after college and it has been an incredible experience.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

I have grown in my faith thanks to the worship focused chapels and also Bible classes. During the worship chapels I always feel like I am especially connected to God and that my faith is real and not just something that I say. Being led in worship during chapel by my Bible teacher was always incredible. With his classes, he was always willing to discuss any Bible related topic with us that we may have questions about and I loved being able to see how deep his faith was and his trust in God. I hope that my faith will be as strong as his one day.

What’s an opportunity at EC that fueled a passion to learn and grow in? 

My World History classes and my WINGS internship have both greatly fueled my passion for history. They have helped me to realize the full potential of my interest in history and have helped me decide what I want to do in the future. I also especially loved just the way that it was taught, as it connects in my brain so well and really helped me understand and absorb what my teacher was teaching us. Then with my WINGS internship it has just been such an amazing opportunity where I get to learn so much about being a historian as well as being able to learn about some really interesting people from history who have been forgotten by most people.

What are EC’s top strengths as a school?

I think one of EC’s top strength as a school is finding teachers that love God. I don’t think I have ever questioned the faith of any of my teachers as it is always so apparent in everything they do. They are all very inspiring and I know they are all willing to talk about their faith and help students through their own walks of faith.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

I think again through the WINGS program specifically EC gives student such an incredible opportunity to learn what they might want to do in the future through actual work experience. All of the people who I know who have done or are doing WINGS have had incredible times and have learned so much through the experience. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to participate for my last semester.

Natalya

Grade 12

How would you describe your overall experience at Eastern Christian?

I am very grateful for the time that I’ve had at EC. Although I was only here for one year, my experience was amazing and exactly what God knew I needed to turn my life around. I am most thankful for the Godly, life-impacting friendships that I’ve gained this year and will cherish all the experiences I’ve had as a senior. I’m also very grateful for the worship team and being able to praise God with fellow students during chapel and worship nights.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

I have become more bold and unashamed of the gospel by attending EC. Being surrounded by so many other kids my age with a passion for Jesus has inspired me to never hide who I am in Christ but to live unashamedly.

What’s an opportunity at EC that fueled a passion to learn and grow in? 

My fall semester in math analysis fueled a passion to learn math that I had lost in my previous educational years. My teacher made his class very engaging and something I genuinely looked forward to. In times past, math had frustrated me to the point of tears but my teacher math fun again and concepts easier to grasp. Even when I didn’t understand something fully, he availed himself as a resource and remained patient until I understood the topic.

What are EC’s top strengths as a school?

Community building. EC feels like a family which is something that many schools lack.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

EC has prepared me for college/career and life by giving me the tools I need to defend the gospel. My apologetic class has prepared with the scriptures and arguments needed to share the gospel with those of different beliefs. This will be important especially in college so that I’m not easily impressionable or tempted to fall away from my own faith.

How did EC make you a better person? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

EC made me a better person by bringing back the joy that prior years had taken from me. In going to EC, every day no longer felt like such a burden and I looked forward to coming to school. Even though I haven’t been at EC for a long time, the legacy I hope to have left is the possibility that I touched at least one person’s life in a positive way. I hope that I made someone feel seen, heard or loved. I hope that I was able to speak a word or kindness to someone while they were down or maybe I was the reason why someone looked forward to coming to school. If I haven’t done anything else memorable, I at least hope one person felt the love of Jesus through me after encountering me.

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?

Make the most of every day and the people around you because they can be the biggest blessing you never knew you needed!

Gianna

Grade 12

How would you describe your overall experience at Eastern Christian?

I have had an enjoyable high school experience at EC. I was able to participate in many clubs and sports, and have met some of my best friends here. I am thankful for caring teachers that have taught me not only about their assigned subjects, but have taught me lessons that to apply to my everyday life.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

I have grown in my faith because of the many opportunities we have to talk about our relationship with Christ, and worship him. I’ve been in some classes where the conversation gets sidetracked, and a biblical topic comes up, and those have been the times where I’ve learned the most about Christianity. Our teachers are always open to answering questions about the Bible.

What are EC’s top strengths as a school?

One of EC’s strengths is the small class sizes and long blocks that allow for a great learning experience.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

EC has taught me many life skills that I will use in the future, like planning, time management, and writing skills. Through trial and error I have been able to learn a lot over the past 4 years.

Sarena

Grade 12

How would you describe your overall experience at Eastern Christian?

My overall experience at Eastern Christian was positive. I appreciate that I could continue to attend this school, no matter where I moved, and that there was such a supportive community. I am also thankful for the balanced academic and spiritual education, the opportunities for leadership and service, and the lasting relationships I formed.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

Having the consistency of chapel every week allowed me to focus on God throughout the week, not only on Sundays. In high school, the higher level of emphasis on faith (displayed through community building activities and worship sessions like worship night etc.) deepened my relationship with not only Christ, but also the Christians in our community.

What’s an opportunity at EC that fueled a passion to learn and grow in? 

Ceramics class reignited the passion for tactile arts that I had neglected for a long time. It fueled my passion for creativity in that aspect again. Ceramics class provided a unique and valuable outlet for my creativity. Working with clay allowed me to express my thoughts, emotions, and ideas in a tangible form. This creative process was both therapeutic and fulfilling.

What are EC’s top strengths as a school?

EC has many strengths, a couple of them being emphasizing Christianity, and demonstrating a high level of security for the students and staff. I love that honesty is emphasized, and that students are given the opportunity to accept and learn from their mistakes.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

In middle school, the classes I took laid the groundwork for classes in high school. Taking the classes I was placed in adequately assisted my growth as a student, as I was able to learn and solidify material that I would expand on in high school. In high school, staff from previous years truly helped me to grow as a person, and gave me advice I will keep with me forever.

How did EC make you a better person? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

In essence, Eastern Christian played a pivotal role in shaping me into a better person by instilling strong values, fostering a supportive community, and providing numerous opportunities for growth. The legacy I hope to have left is one of kindness, service, leadership, and a passion for learning; elements that contribute to the spirit of EC.

Maya

Grade 12

How would you describe your overall experience at Eastern Christian?

I am thankful for the teachers at EC who are always supportive and want us to succeed. I see how passionate they are about teaching teenagers and I am grateful for their dedication. I am also thankful for the Christian education and how we can talk about God in every class.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

Throughout high school, my relationship with God has grown in many ways. My faith has matured as I gain more biblical knowledge and spend intentional time with God. EC has helped me go out of my comfort zone when it comes to creating a Christian community. I joined different clubs that have encouraged me to share more about my faith journey with others.

What’s an opportunity at EC that fueled a passion to learn and grow in? 

Art classes throughout my time at EC have helped me develop additional art skills. I had several different art teachers, but they all taught me something different and unique that had a larger impact. My love for painting murals came from the art department and has inspired me to continue being creative.

What are EC’s top strengths as a school?

EC has amazing teachers who truly care about the students!

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?

EC is a great community full of students that encourage each other. The small environment of the school has helped me get to know a lot of people in the school. It is also nice walking through the hallways and always seeing a friendly face.

Luke

Grade 12

How would you describe your overall experience at Eastern Christian?

I have had a positive experience at EC. Along with the constant Christian worldview in the classroom, I am thankful for the academic opportunities EC has provided me. It has allowed me to be academically ahead from early on – even in middle school. This has made my high school experience very fruitful and looking back, I’m happy with how it has shaped me as a person.

How did the EC community impact your life? 

When I met my academic & college counselor (ACC) at EC, I felt unsure. Although I knew I wanted to study engineering after high school, I didn’t know if it was what I was actually supposed to do. When I had my first meeting with my ACC counselor, he reassured me. Even in a high school setting with hundreds of kids, I still felt like he was my personal college counselor. When discussing colleges and career goals with him, he was well-informed, easy to talk to, and always has my best interests at heart. He always pushes people to do their best. I have noticed the way he has changed how I approach challenges. When I face challenges, instead of folding easily, I put in the effort to do my best because, in my head, I know that he would tell me how important it is. He has shown me how much of an impact it can have to truly care about everyone’s interests and desires. He has made me want to treat others with the same respectability that he manages to do every time he talks to someone.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

Having teachers integrate Christianity into their lessons along with chapel weekly has allowed me to have a constant presence of God during high school

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

I feel the guidance of the ACC counselors has steered me toward what I am supposed to do in college and where I am supposed to attend. I feel confident that I can go to them with any question, not only college related, and it will be answered with my best interests in mind. They are all great people that make you feel individually valued.

How did EC make you a better person? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

Being at EC allowed me to be a part of an incredible community where everyone cares for others. I feel that I have grown in this community and that I am a better person and follower of Christ. After 12 years in the EC Community, I hope that I have left a positive impact on both students and teachers.

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?

I would tell them to make sure they make the most of the opportunities they are presented with. EC has a lot of opportunities offered to every student. These opportunities include, clubs, dual-enrollment courses, sports, and student government. Not only are many of these options fun (especially with friends), but they can also further a student academically.

Grace

Grade 12

How would you describe your overall experience at Eastern Christian?

My overall experience at Eastern Christian has been enlightening and life-changing. EC has been a part of some of the most formative years of my life not only as a student but as a Christian. I am most thankful to Eastern Christian for their teachers, who encourage spiritual leadership and are concerned about the well-being and academic understanding of their students, the worship and prayer opportunities that allow me to speak and lead the school spiritually, and the close-knit community, where I feel that I am engaging with generations of believers.

How did the EC community impact your life? 

My bible teacher will remain as one of my favorite teachers who had an extraordinary impact on my life. My brother, Aidan, class of 2021, would tell me the wonderful things about his Bible teacher. When I came to Eastern Christian and was eager to be involved in the spiritual community at the school through worship and prayer, this teacher acknowledged me as a fellow believer in Christ and would encourage me in my spiritual walk with Christ. Through the ups and downs of high school, I had an opportunity to meet with God, explore my calling as a leader, and develop my passion for Christ.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

During my freshman year, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior through the encouragement of my friend. From then on, Christ changed my world. Since EC was beginning to open up after the COVID-19 Pandemic, it allowed me to search for Christ and develop a strong connection to him in a more contemplative setting. During my sophomore year, however, I felt called to lead the worship team in lieu of what Christ had done in my life. With the encouragement of the Bible department and especially my Bible teacher, I grew in my knowledge of leading spiritually, my own understanding of Christ in relation to worship, how to listen intentionally to the Holy Spirit, and my spiritual temperament. The opportunity to have Project FOCUS, a spiritual formation club within the school, and worship SOAR developed my understanding and passion for Christ in my Junior year. Now, in my senior year, I have been able to take the valuable spiritual formation and knowledge that EC has provided me with into my future college and career and to provide support for the underclassmen.

What’s an opportunity at EC that fueled a passion to learn and grow in? 

Every class in my Eastern Christian career has been fascinating to me. The teachers at the school maintain a passion and deep understanding of their subjects which provide students with a plethora of interesting and valuable information. They attempt to bring their subjects to the student. In other words, the teachers at Eastern Christian make the information of their subjects relevant and engaging for the class. By knowing your teachers personally, it allows for a stronger connection between students and their educators.

What are EC’s top strengths as a school?

EC’s top strengths include their willingness to pursue excellence in education, their smaller school size, their openness for spiritual gifts and education, their unapologetic faith, their dedication to their students, and the personalized experience between teachers and students.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

EC has prepared me for graduation/career in their Christ-centered academics, their encouragement, and close connections with teachers who provide support and knowledge for their students.

How did EC make you a better person? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

Eastern Christian has not only taught me to be responsible for my work ethic, but they have also allowed me to grow in my leadership and my Christian faith.

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?

Be greatly encouraged! I was so grateful for the opportunities that Eastern Christian provided me to not only work and learn under well-educated teachers, but the practicing of the Christian faith in a school environment with wonderful and supportive teachers.

What else would you like to share about your EC experience?

I am a 4th generation EC student. I am so grateful for the generational, academic, and spiritual impact the school has had on my family.

Maya

Grade 12

How would you describe your overall experience at Eastern Christian?

I joined EC as an insecure freshmen and I am leaving a much more confident and independent woman. EC has helped prepare me for college and for the rest of my life. I have learned a lot in my education, but also when it comes to life skills. I have the teachers to thank the most. I established great relationships with my teachers and they mentored me throughout all four years.

How did the EC community impact your life? 

The school counselor has genuinely been an inspiration since the first day of freshmen year. 

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

Being on the worship team has influenced my faith a lot. Being with people who also like to worship has helped keep me accountable in my faith. I made a lot of really good Christian friends that I can go to for spiritual support.

What’s an opportunity at EC that fueled a passion to learn and grow in? 

I joined DWAP (Dancers With a Purpose) my freshmen year and became the leader my junior year. It was the best decision I made in high school. I got to meet people coming from different grades and different dance backgrounds and build a foundation on Christ. I dance outside of school as well, but dancing in school with people that love the Lord is different. I learned how to be a Christian leader and mentor underclassmen.

What are EC’s top strengths as a school?

One of EC’s biggest strengths are the clubs. We have a lot of clubs for different interests. It’s a great way to be involved in the school and to meet new people.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

My personal relationships with my friends and teachers have helped me grow more prepared for my future. Specifically, Mrs. Genuario! She has been an amazing spiritual mentor to me and many other students.

How did EC make you a better person? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

If you don’t know my name, you may know me as the girl on the worship team, and I am okay with that being my legacy. Worship has been a huge part of my EC experience and I want to be remembered as someone who had a great passion for worshiping the Lord.

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?

EC is a great place to go if you want to grow in your faith. The best thing about EC is that you can’t escape Jesus!! You will find him in every class you go to, every teacher, in your friends, and during chapel every week. The Holy Spirit is moving at EC in miraculous ways. I’ve seen it in my own life!

Charlotte

Grade 12

How would you describe your overall experience at Eastern Christian?

I loved my time at EC and I’m most thankful for the teachers at EC, who genuinely care about your well-being and your walk with Christ.

How did the EC community impact your life? 

The friend-group I met senior year of high school were the most positively impactful people I have met at EC. The five girls have encouraged me and guided me in my walk with Christ while also being the best friends I have ever had.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?

Being an EC student my entire life, I have always had a Christian faith. However, I have found that as I’ve progressed through the different campuses, from elementary school to high school, my faith has become more and more my own. In high school, there are lots of opportunities to make your faith your own in addition to weekly chapel. Worship nights, prayer rallies, and Bible studies have become the things that helped me form my faith into my own relationship with Jesus.

What’s an opportunity at EC that fueled a passion to learn and grow in? 

Chemistry Honors was by far the most influential class I took at EC. Not only was the teacher’s passion for chemistry infectious, he taught me to see the beauty of God through science. I attribute my interest in the science field solely to this teacher.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

I feel that EC has prepared me to be a diligent and responsible student in academics, but has also instilled a work-life balance in my life.

How did EC make you a better person? What legacy do you hope you left at EC?

EC has helped me step into my God-given leadership skills. Although I believe I’ve always been a pretty natural leader, the small community EC has makes it imperative for someone to always step up and take charge in clubs, sports, classes etc. Throughout my time at EC I’ve had practice stepping into these leadership roles enough that I know feel confident to step into leadership roles in a community bigger than the one at EC – college. I hope to leave a legacy of my leadership, but not my leadership but the kind of leadership I had – passionate, patient, and kind.

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?

Don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in the community! Joining clubs, going to school events, and participating in different fundraisers is, in my opinion, the best part of the close-knit EC community – take advantage of it.