The 2017 Onslow Christian Academy (OCA) Graduation Ceremony marked a milestone in Zaine Alexander’s life. Thank you to all who attended and shared a memorable evening in the Lord with family and friends.
We paid respect to the Chief Administrator, Elder LaFleur; his wife, Sister Jean; and all the teachers, past and present.
THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
Elder opened the ceremony. He gave us a window into this Christian academy and reminded us of the joy that comes from watching a child grow academically and mature in the Lord. Four decades ago, Elder had a vision, a promise, and a belief that he could create a better school. He succeeded.
God honored his desire to raise our children in a morally, spiritually, and physically safe environment.
CLEARLY, HE DIDN’T MISS THE MARK
What began as one man’s burden to love and help children, resulted in 39 years of success stories ranging from students graduating with college degrees, working in professional careers, to managing and operating successful businesses.
From day one, the benefits have been far-reaching and long-term.
GOLDEN RULES
Educating children is a process. OCA appreciates the supportive working relationship it has between parents and teachers. We encourage you in the upcoming year to participate fully by backing expected conduct and policies, volunteering time, and financially contributing to our school’s progress.
WE ALL WIN
When parents and teachers work together, students are the ones who reap great rewards. Without this teamwork, children pay the price as it affects attitudes, morale, and overall performance. Christian parents recognize the value of a school where reading the Bible and praying are part of daily life.
There’s no substitute for a sound education. OCA has been blessed to provide academic proficiency within a spiritual framework.
LET’S UPDATE OUR APPRECIATION STATUS
Students flourish because teachers are deeply and personally invested in their success and well-being. This relationship doesn’t end inside the classroom. At OCA, your children aren’t lost in a blurry sea of faces passing through a classroom, rarely connecting for more than nine months. Our teachers stay connected, plus go the extra mile.
Considering that our children’s future depends on how they are molded and shaped in their critical and formative years, standing with the volunteers who show up every morning as a labor of love . . . is our obligation.
PHILIPPIANS 4:13
OCA doesn’t encourage phony self-esteem. It instills true confidence in students by teaching them they can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth them.
THE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Our guest speaker, Brother Thomas Patrick, struck like lightning inspiring the graduate, all of OCA, and everyone in attendance to be Eagles!! His passion for the Gospel and for the students and faculty of our school was uplifting and contagious.
Brother Patrick’s commencement address was powerful and ended on a high note that left us soaring.
THE GRADUATE
Brother Zaine Alexander was engaging as he shared his personal experiences from OCA. The audience was teary-eyed a couple times and couldn’t stop smiling other times. There was lots of laughter as we went with Zaine through his Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade journey.
We even felt like we were in Brother Patrick’s P.E. class!
THE PROPOSAL
Zaine told a story about a guy in his senior year of high school realizing it’s time to start looking for the right girl to marry.
Greg and his guitar joined in, adding some pizazz.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The guy in the story thinks he finds THE perfect one.
So, he proposes to her.
She says, ” mmm . . . let me get back to you, in like, four months.”
WHAT SHE DIDN’T REALIZE?
That the guy knew she’d probably say, “No.”
So . . . he had proposed to backup girls just in case. And they all wanted to marry him!
THE LESSON
This proposal is like applying for college or jobs.
Apply to more than just one.
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCKING ON LOTS OF DOORS
Elder recommends that we knock on more than one door.
The Lord will open the right one.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8
AND NEVER FORGET . . .
You’re a child of the King.
If God wants you to get into that college, your application will be chosen.
If God wants you to have the job, you’ll be the one they hire.
CONGRATULATIONS, ZAINE!
We’re proud of you! Keep this Faith.
Love,
Your Family 🙂
Great job on this post.
Last Saturday night Elder LaFleur said that if he could be remembered for one thing, he wanted it to be that he saved children’s lives. As one of the children he saved, I will always remember him for that (among other things).
I loved the way sister Lisa challenged us to actively participate in the school by reinforcing the values taught there and faithfully standing with the church. These are small things that we all can do.
I really enjoyed this post and truly love this school!