Testimonials

Kimona

Fordham University

Currently, I attend Fordham University as a Political Science Major and Peace and Justice Studies Minor and my Eastern Christian experience is the reason I could get here. Eastern Christian provides countless opportunities for every student and continuously pushes all students to strive for their best. From the music ensembles, to the play, the musical, and various sports, Eastern Christian provides something for every student.

The loving, nurturing community has allowed me to form educated opinions, develop strong values, and discover my potential. The relationships I have formed among the peers in my class and the many teachers who have helped me along the way are incomparable to any other school experience. Eastern Christian’s community aspect is something I am grateful to have experienced and has formed a love and appreciation for all communities I am a part of.

In addition to the community aspect, EC has a pattern of consistently striving for excellence. Through the ever-expanding faculty and staff, the commitment to maintaining and improving academic standards, and the willingness to adjust tactics as necessary, Eastern Christian regularly goes above and beyond. In my years at Eastern Christian we have improved our community with diversity, have improved academics, and have continued to look forward with plans for future enrichment. A school that not only embodies Christian values but refuses to become stagnant is unlike any other.

My time at Eastern Christian is the reason I am who I am. Without my loving teachers, friendly classmates, and challenging academics I would not have found my passion for social justice, politics, and the visual arts. Eastern Christian has given me a strong foundation to continue to build on and has truly inspired me to transform the world.

Siobhan

Senior, Class of 2018

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I love that Eastern Christian is such a friendly environment. As a recent transfer student, the warm welcome and generosity from everyone was overwhelming. I also love how each class is truly Christ-centered. Whether math class, gym class or history class, you can be sure that God will be discussed in each class. This Christian perspective, along with a great education, really equips each student to see the world through a different lens.

Describe one of your favorite teachers
I honestly can’t complain about any of my teachers. Each one is extremely passionate about their jobs and always arranges extra, personal time to explain a lesson to you if you don’t understand it. Mr. Zacharias was my math teacher this year, and I quickly began to admire his true devotion to his job. Not only did he teach us every math lesson thoroughly, but each class was a fun and safe environment. Frequently, he would dedicate an entire math class to discuss how God is glorified through math. These discussions would not only give each student a new perspective on math, but it would also challenge them to seek God in new ways. In my opinion, an awesome teacher like that is hard to find!!!

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of their experience at Eastern Christian School?
My faith has grown in multiple ways at Eastern Christians!! There is a real openness to discuss God in every single class. Whether sharing a devotional in the morning, going to weekly chapel, or joining a bible group, there are multiple ways to seek God and form Christ-centered friendships. My friends and I have a weekly “prayer meeting” with one of our teachers at lunch to pray for the school. Being able to connect with a teacher and classmates through prayer is absolutely priceless to me. I know that all of my friends and teachers will be there for me in prayer to support me in good and in bad times.

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How do you experience that in Eastern Christian?
The smaller class size of EC allows each teacher to personally know their students. Beyond that, each teacher is so willing to meet you before school, during lunch, or after school to assist you in any way you need. This personal engagement really makes each classroom a safe environment to be yourself. In the classroom teachers not only nurture us academically, but also spiritually. The opportunity to learn and be challenged in core classes while also incorporating God into many discussions is something I will never take for granted. This wider perspective of worldly classes combined with our faith really transforms each student. It allows each student to grow closer to God and be passionate about a particular class or club since we are taught it is all about glorifying God.

How do you feel that EC is preparing you for graduation, college and life? What are your plans after you graduate?
Eastern Christian is preparing me for graduation and life in general by equipping me with a spiritual lens to see the world through. This lens will help me to seek God before all else in my future. In college, it will encourage me to make Christ-centered relationships and glorify God in everything I do. After graduation, I hope to attend college to study ministry.

Steve

Yale

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I love Eastern Christian School because we strive to be a unified body that’s always growing in new ways. Whether its by starting a STEAM program, integrating technology into classroom teaching, or allowing students to form new clubs, EC is always looking for new ways to express their love for us and rejoice in what God has blessed our community with. During my time as a highschooler, I had the great opportunity to help plan Culture Week. It’s amazing how so many people care to increase their knowledge of one another’s life experiences. The school culture is one where I feel like there is always a place for everyone to be encouraged. We’re so eager to cheer each other on to express our God-given talents, whether through attending a sports game or a musical. There’s just a clear sense of increasing love that emanates from EC’s faculty, students, and families. 

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
Mrs. Aceino has been such a light in my life since the moment I entered high school. I can remember going into the Open Art SOAR as a freshman not knowing what to do but sketch on scraps of paper. However, she encouraged me and many other students around to try out mural painting on the hallway walls. I was initially hesitant to make such a permanent mark on the school, but it’s so clear from the progress I and her other students have made that she is a master at imbuing confidence in others. The following year, I decided to join her Art 1 class, and because she met me at the skill level I had and built me up from there, I went on to be honored as a finalist for NJ Youth Art Month not once but twice! I’m so grateful for the way she pushed me to see my God-given talents even when I didn’t first have the confidence to apply them at a public level. 

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
Before being at EC, I wasn’t aware of the many ways I could connect with God. I usually limited my devotional time to reading from a devotional book and offering a repetitive prayer, but while doing that, I never really felt the awesome presence of God that I would heard chapel guests speak about. However, at EC, the sense of community through morning devotions made my spiritual life awaken in a new light. I learned to really hear God’s voice through collaborative devotions with classmates, and I had amazing teachers show me how to feel God’s presence with a sense of awe through nature and other ways I hadn’t previously realized could be so effective. 

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience an education that is engaging, nurturing and transforming at EC?
The engagement came from teachers always pushing me to go past what I was comfortable with in terms of my art skills and academic rigor. While being engaged in the academics, there is always a support network of those wanting to nurture your skills, and that makes facing any challenge less overwhelming. EC also engages students to consider how Christ comes into play in subjects, such as history and english, where our vision of the world is transformed from a superficial one to a spiritual one, learning to analyze the state of our world from a Christian perspective. In every way possible, EC graduates leave high school feeling transformed both academically and spiritually. 

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college and life? 
EC prepared me to have a sense of purpose in the work I completed, which I feel will definitely keep me on track to deal with larger responsibilities as I go off to college and eventually live on my own. Teachers always made it clear that assigned projects are meant for us to learn from and glorify God with, not simply for getting a grade, and in extracurriculars, they supported my passions and let me to take on full leadership positions in clubs, such as Art Club and Geocaching Club. This sense of having a higher purpose for my work definitely prepared me for the college application process, and it will definitely carry on throughout my life. 

What would you say to a high school student considering joining Eastern Christian School?
Visit the school, and see how friendly everyone is in person! I guarantee you’ll find a group of people who not only have similar interests to you but also want to see you grow into the incredible person you’re meant to be. 

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?
The opportunity to be part of a cohesive school culture of God-inspired love is something I don’t think I would have experienced elsewhere. It’s seen in the way teachers are concerned if their one of their students seems cast down, and it’s seen in how students want to see me happy on a day where I might be feeling tired and low. It’s clear to me that people at EC know they’re on this planet for a purpose greater than academics or their job, and having the opportunity to be in that kind of love is not something I think other places can easily replicate. 

Samantha

Towson University

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I love Eastern Christian’s community. Community is a word you hear a lot around EC, but that is because it is so true. Even on my shadow day, I felt surrounded by genuine people who share Christ’s love. Ever since I transferred, I’ve made long-lasting relationships that have challenged me to become a better person. I truly feel that EC is my home away from home with people who care about me. 

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
There are many teachers I dearly love at EC, but one really stands out to me: Mrs. Heerema. I am blessed to have two classes with her every day. Mrs. Heerema has shown me the power of personal testimony. She shares experiences that compliment the lesson and transform textbook information into real life situations. Mrs. Heerema has given me advice and become a mentor to me. Her boldness in her faith and her testimony has encouraged me to become a more active Christian.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
Before I came to EC, my faith was, for the most part, in name-only. I got involved in Anchored, a girls Bible study, and started sitting in the front of the room during chapel. At EC I got to invest into my faith, dig deeper and ask hard questions in a safe, comfortable environment. I also was able to go on a missions trip with EC through Touch The World to India. This strengthened my faith and showed me what pure joy in Christ looks like. As a result of my experiences, my nominal faith has blossomed into a passion. 

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience an education that is engaging, nurturing and transforming at EC?
In every class I’ve taken, my teachers have been engaging. They encourage us to learn new things, and challenge us to think on another level. EC is a nurturing environment where teachers and faculty are supportive and meet you where you are. I was transformed into a better person from my schooling at EC, and am grateful for the engaging, nurturing teachers who have helped me. 

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college and life? 
EC has prepared me by teaching me how to think through complicated situations, how to lead organizations such as the National Honors Society, and how to have a good work ethic. I’ve learned to take the positives out of every situation and to make the most of friendships. Most importantly, I’ve learned to be bold in my identity as a Christian and as a person, and to stand up for my opinions and beliefs. 

What would you say to a high school student considering joining Eastern Christian School?
I would tell a prospective student that at Eastern Christian you will find a family. You will have access to programs like Humanities, STEAM, and WINGS where you can pursue your interests while learning. You will be surrounded by staff members who genuinely care about you and will help you succeed. EC is more than a school, it’s an environment where you can thrive. 

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else? 
I am a part of the WINGS program at EC. I get to volunteer at Hackensack University Medical Center under five certified child life specialists (CCLS) Their job is to help children and their families cope with long term illness or disability through play. I had my own child life specialist when I underwent treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Meghan Shine, my CCLS, impacted my life so much that I want to help other children like she helped me. Through the WINGS program, I am able to work with Meghan every week and I’m so thankful for Mr. Wright and the WINGS program for getting me connected and allowing me this amazing opportunity that would have never been possible elsewhere.

Adelina

Wheaton College

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
There are so many things I love about the warm, nurturing environment that EC has provided me with for the last 10 years of my life.  I love the way that teachers invest in their student’s lives and pray for their futures. I also love the fact that, at EC, you can be involved in as many activities as you want.  At other schools it would be nearly impossible to be seriously invested in a music program, student government, and three seasons of sports, but at EC this kind of thing happens all the time.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
One of my favorite teachers is Mrs. Lindemulder, who teaches Spanish and French.  Mrs. Lindemulder is one of the sweetest human beings on the face of the earth. All of her students are known to her as “beloved” and “dearest.”  If you are showing any symptoms of a cold, Mrs. Lindemulder has been known to very sweetly and quietly brew you a cup of tea and place it on your desk.  As a language teacher, Mrs. Lindemulder encourages students to fully engage in the culture they are studying. Everyone’s favorite way of doing this is by learning to cook traditional Spanish and French meals from one of the world’s best cooks— Mr. Lindemulder.  I went on one of her famous spring break trips to France and Italy my junior year had an absolutely marvelous time exploring the world with such a kind and engaging women.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
One of my science teachers, Ms. Bazanowski, has been such an example of faith to me over the last several years.  She prays with such sincerity and with a beautifully soft, sweet spirit. If during class she feels that tensions have risen or difficult questions have been posed she stops what she is doing, and asks the Lord for His presence to be in the room.  Almost every day she prays that we might decrease, and He might increase. I have learned how beautiful a humble, submitted spirit is from Ms. Baszanowski. EC has constantly encouraged me to do all things for the glorify of my maker.

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience an education that is engaging, nurturing and transforming at EC?
I have received a fantastic education at Eastern Christian.  In the Humanities program, I have been exposed to some of the greatest literature ever written, and I have been taught to see writing as a reaction to a moment in history.  I have been encouraged to explore big ideas, and not hide from difficult questions knowing that the Lord is the source of every answer. I have honestly felt very at home at Eastern Christian.  I have been sheltered from harm but never from truth. EC has been completely engaging, entirely nurturing, and altogether transforming.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college and life? 
EC has prepared me for rest of my life as well as any school could have.  I know many kids, who go to excellent colleges, that say that Humanities is harder than many of their college classes.  I have been pushed academically so that I feel completely prepared for college. I have had exposure to music and theater which I will be pursuing in college and (hopefully) after college.  But most of all I have been exposed to the Lord and to people who love Him. And knowing Him is the ultimate preparation for life.

What would you say to a high school student considering joining Eastern Christian School?
What I would say to a high schooler considering coming to Eastern Christian is simple: do it.  Coming to EC is one of the best decisions that my family and I have ever made.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else? 
I’ve always loved music, and I knew that I when I started high school I wanted to be in the musicals.  I had an abundance of enthusiasm and some raw skill, but I was lacking any kind of experience. I tried out for Beauty and the Beast my sophomore year and somehow got the part of Belle.  Now, I don’t mention this to brag about myself, but rather to brag about EC— a school where an underdeveloped newcomer can get a lead role in a show just by trying out.  If I had gone to the public school in my town where everyone had been performing in musicals for years and years I might never have even tried out, and I certainly would not have gotten a significant role so early in my high school life.  At EC, teachers and coaches recognize potential even if a student doesn’t have a lot of experience. Since my sophomore year I have been the leads in several more musicals both in school and in New York City. I often look back at that first show and think about all the silly, nervous mistakes I made.  But what always makes very grateful is knowing that I had not had the chance to make those silly, nervous mistakes as a sophomore, I wouldn’t be nearly as confident and comfortable on stage as a senior. Being in the EC musicals has changed what I want to do with the rest of my life. I will be entering a vocal performance/ opera program in college which I hope to use in the musical theater world after graduation.

Leslie

Senior, Class of 2018

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I love the people of EC. Just walking through the doors, the feeling is different.  When I tell people outside EC I am friends with my deans and teachers, it’s pretty much unheard of. This place is more than a school, it’s a community that equips you with the tools you need to grow. Barriers are broken, friendships are formed, and most importantly love is shared.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
Yikes, this is a tough one. Not trying to hurt any feelings here, but I’d have to say my favorite teacher is my Psychology and Personal Financial Literacy teacher, Mrs. Heerema. Not only did her class spark my passion for Psychology, but it ignited my curiosity to understand the world around me. Mrs. Heerema fiercely speaks the truth and uses personal experiences to enhance her lessons. She teaches with the purpose of equipping her students to better the world and succeed for the Lord.  Mrs Heerema goes beyond her call of duty and always helps others around her. She’s even helping to train a service puppy currently, and luckily I get to help train him (he’s the cutest).

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
When I first came to EC, I felt lost and out-of-place from a spiritual standpoint.  I didn’t understand God, Jesus or the Trinity. It seemed like everyone else had it all figured out. I remember mispronouncing Psalms on my first day of school in front of my whole class. Yup, that’s how they knew I was a public school kid. I was confused about God and one day I decided to take a chance. I asked a question. I asked my geometry teacher, Mrs. Andrews about who God is and confessed I really didn’t understand this whole Jesus thing and I felt more alone than ever. This simple conversation turned into a two hour long discussion about faith, the trinity, and how my life has a purpose. Had I not gone to EC I would have never found my relationship with God. I would have never realized that everything happens for a reason, that my life has a purpose and a plan.

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience an education that is engaging, nurturing and transforming at EC?
As my four years come to an end (14 days left), I have changed for the better. I am engaged by the opportunities our small school has offered me in clubs, programs, and service opportunities. I am nurtured by teachers, counselors, and administrators who are dedicated to my success in all aspects of my life. I have been transformed by my experiences and relationships here at EC.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college and life?
In the fall, I will be attending Elon University in North Carolina. I have chosen to major in Psychology where I hope to study consumer insights and how to further understand the mind. I was accepted into a service cohort at my school where like minded individuals complete service projects to better the University environment. Had I not been exposed to the importance of service and working to help others in need, I would’ve never had this opportunity at Elon.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?
I mean, where else are you going to have a school wide tug of war in a mud pit? Or, be able to organize and perform in a christmas festival for underprivileged kids? My greatest memories at EC are definitely unique experiences. For instance, I participated in a Robot Fight Night for my Robotics class. A huge crowd with lights and all the elementary schools kids chanted and cheered on our robots.  EC has events and experiences unlike any other school.

Stephanie

Senior, Class of 2018

At EC, what I appreciated the most was the close relationships I could have with my teachers. I have enjoyed every teacher I have known at EC. In Essay Workshop, for example, Mr. Steen always used creative teaching methods to keep his students engaged and push them to become better writers. For example, we watched the movie Inception and had deep discussion about dream and reality afterwards. We tried different flavors of candies to explore different senses and wrote about the experience later. Mrs. Okma’s Advanced Composition class also challenged me to become a better writer and scholar. All the writing assignments pushed me to reflect more on my life and helped me discover things that I am passionate about. I have also gained a profound understanding on historical events as well as contemporary issues from Mr. Uitermarkt’s classes. Outside of the classroom setting, I also had opportunities to connect with EC faculty. I would stop by Mrs. Lagerveld’s office almost everyday to “report” my day and my feelings because she is like a mom to me. She would smile for my joy, and she would encourage me when I was feeling low. Furthermore, I was able to befriend teachers through school trips to India and the Netherlands. I can go on and on about these examples because EC faculty are all willing to connect with students inside and outside of classroom.

At EC, I also appreciated the chance of being a part of the Humanities program. The program not only allowed me to challenge myself intellectually but also gave me the opportunity to develop close relationships with friends. Sharing the same class with the same group of people everyday, I came to know my Humanities friends on a deeper level. In class, we would passionately engage in debates and conversations. After school, we would help each other with homework and support one another through difficulties.

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” EC has embraced all of these aspects into its education. My felt my time at EC was engaging because of its diverse classes and extracurricular activities. My experience at EC was nurturing because of the personal care and attention that EC gave to every student. EC teachers would always be there for their students, whether they had academic related questions or life related concerns. EC education was also transforming because it cultivated students’ critical thinking skills inside and outside of a classroom setting. In class, teachers encouraged students to express their opinions and grow as a scholar. Outside of school, EC encouraged students to join mission or academic trips to gain real-life experience. Therefore, I hold deep appreciation towards EC education.

Sebastian

Senior, Class of 2016

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I think what I love most about Eastern Christian is the community and atmosphere of the school. Since it’s a smaller school, most people know each other and teachers have great relationships with students. In addition, I like the fact that the school has grown more diverse over the years; it’s cool to have friends from different cultures/backgrounds and I feel that is a part of how EC has been doing well to improve and look for ways to be even better.

Describe one of your favorite teachers.
One of my favorite teachers is Mr. Beverly. His teaching integrates faith into the classroom allows students to have a deeper understanding of history, current events, and the world. I have learned so much in his classes and In addition, he pushes you to think critically and address controversial topics/issues that you may not have before. I have experienced this firsthand in two classes that I have thoroughly enjoyed my senior year, Humanities, and International Relations.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
One way I have grown in my faith through Bible class. Senior year apologetics helped me understand how to talk to others about my faith and understand the scriptures in a deeper way. I feel that I’ve also grown in my faith just by being in an environment where I can talk about God freely with others and have engaging conversations or debates about scripture, theology, etc.

The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience an education that is engaging, nurturing and transforming at EC?
All the teachers at EC do their best to engage the classroom and use different tools or methods to enable kids to learn better. This can range from implementing socratic seminars, small group work, using technology, inviting a guest speaker, creative assignments, and many more things. The result is that students are nurtured and transformed. I have experienced this firsthand as an EC student, and I feel that the classes that I have taken have appropriately challenged me and will prepare me to have success in my future.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college and life?
EC has prepared me for my future by allowing me to have the opportunity to take challenging and enriching classes. Some of these are Humanities, Chem Honors, Physics, Calculus, to name a few.

What would you say to a high school student considering joining Eastern Christian School?
I would tell them to shadow a student for a day because it gives you a good look into what the school is like, and what you can experience.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?
I think the block schedule at EC is great and prepares you for how college will be like. This unique schedule in combination with a Christian education provided me with a learning experience that I wouldn’t have anywhere else.

Rebekah

Senior, Class of 2016

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I love the integration of Christianity into every subject. In the midst of writing papers and taking tests, it is easy to forget my beliefs. However, since God is at the core of every subject, I am reminded and kept on track.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
Intelligent, wise, and understanding are three of the many admirable qualities Ms. Bazanowksi exudes. Ms. Baz is able to capture my attention in her lessons, and never fails to connect a lesson back to Christ. Her passion for both teaching and for Christ makes her one of my favorite teachers.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
As a result of chapel, daily devotions, Bible class, and Little Hours, I have learned that there is a power in community and prayer. Praying for people, and people praying for you, is the backbone of our faith and has helped me grow closer to God.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college and life?
I feel well-prepared for graduation, college, and life. The grading system has taught me to be diligent with my work; the Humanities program and honors science and math program has given me the preparation I will need to survive in any college writing seminar, lab, and math class, and thus succeed in my future career.

What would you say to a high school student considering joining Eastern Christian School?
I would encourage the student to join the community that is Eastern Christian School. There is a sense of community that is prevalent in the classrooms, hallways, and courtyard of the school.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?
The faith integration, along with teachers who are passionate for Christ, is something I would not have experienced at any other school.