Testimonials: Alumni

Angela

TCNJ

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?

There are many aspects I love about Eastern Christian, but the most prominent one is the aspect of community. Because I have been blessed to attend Eastern Christian my entire educational career, I have been able to watch both myself and my classmates grow into young adults from the early age of 6 to 18. The communal bond between these “lifers” is unique, but certainly not excluding. Over the many years at Eastern Christian, I have become close friends with many new students who choose to enter this community and are accepted. Sometimes, I am able to hear stories about other school experience from these friends, and they all remark on how the community at Eastern Christian is very unique and valuable.

Another aspect of Eastern Christian I am grateful for is how faith-centered this environment is. Although as a young child I oftentimes took prayer times and morning devotions for granted, as I grew older and witnessed the state of the world around me, I found myself incredibly blessed to be in a school where one can openly express religion, and ask for spiritual guidance to any faculty member. One such example I will greatly cherish is walking in the halls and seeing two teachers praying together on the side, alone together with God while crowds of students casually walked by, giving some space. Another example of seeing this faith-centered community is when after a late-chapel, the remaining audience who chose to remain for an extra few minutes gathered around in a circle and prayed. However, these are just only a couple experiences of faith I have witnessed. My faith has also been nurtured and strengthened through teachers, through their expression of faith and their desire to help integrate God into the classroom, regardless of what subject they teach.

Therefore, I treasure the community and expression of faith at Eastern Christian High School. I am well aware that I will be leaving the comforts of daily devotionals and prayer time at my next school, where there will most likely be no popcorn prayer time, no daily devotionals, and not the same Bible teacher who is genuinely willing to help guide and educate me on my faith.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.

Mr. Bailey, the Bible teacher I have mentioned in my previous response, is one of my favorite teachers at Eastern Christian High School. This was a very hard decision, because I have close relationships with several teachers at EC. However, I chose Mr. Bailey based on the amount of spiritual guidance and education he has offered me and my classmates. Mr. Bailey is an amazing Bible teacher because he chooses to tackle historically controversial topics in the Bible and reveal the truth, give us realistic advice on how to become or better oneself as a follower of God, and never steps down from being asked all sorts of questions regarding religion. He is very educated, and although I know I can ask Google, I find myself making a mental list of questions to bombard him with because 9/10 times he actually knows the answer, and the other 1/10 times he tries his absolute best to give at least an opinion founded on his faith. Also, unlike the Internet, Mr. Bailey will always tie in Christianity and how our faith is involved in his replies to these questions.

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

Although I live in a Christian household, where many of my grandparents on my mother’s side have been pastors or heavily involved with the Church, I am confident I would not have been able to have grown in my faith as I did at E.C. I say this because I believe that every person is partly a culmination of experience and environmental factors, and the environment I was placed in has certainly allowed me to grow mentally, and thus spiritually. I cannot point to a specific event or person, because the constant witnessing of faith in others have consistently healed and strengthened me in my times of weakened faith.

At Eastern Christian we talk about an education that is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience this kind of education at EC?

In my personal experience, I believe that the education at E.C. is relatively engaging, meaning that each class is engaging based on the teacher, subject, etc. But while the “engagement” aspect of education may relative to each individual and classroom, the nurturing and transforming aspects of E.C. can be observed across the school. Although I was not able to be taught by all the teachers at E.C., from my personal experience, every teacher I have encountered has genuinely shown their love for teaching materials of both educational and spiritual means to students. To me, this is important, for with nurturing comes transformation.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life?

Eastern Christian has prepared me for graduation through specific classes, such as Personal Finance Literacy, an awesome College and Career office crew, and a faculty who will give advice and retell personal experiences about college and career.

In terms of graduation, I feel that the many events leading up to the graduation date has been immensely helpful in beginning the “goodbyes”, and giving us enough time between each event to both process emotions and be excited for the next event.

In terms for college and career, many teachers have been helpful in offering me advice into what I am specifically looking to study in college. For an example, Mrs. Post and Ms. Bazanowski have both been of great help in the past in helping me decide if I want to go into biology in the first place. Their stories of experience, adventure, and education have solidified my motives to go into the field of biology. Furthermore, Mrs. Lindamoulder’s dedicated appreciation for language and of how we as Christians can use it to spread our faith have inspired me to take language courses in college.

In terms of life, E.C. has prepared me for life by cultivating an environment where I am able to grow my faith and be strengthened before I set out into the world.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?

I believe I would not have been able to experience being a part of Chapel band or being part of student governments whose goals and guidelines are rooted in Christian beliefs. Being part of the Chapel band was a challenging and rewarding experience, and I believe that our specific Chapel Worship program (and also the Bible Worship Committee) is something especially unique to E.C..

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

I would say that anyone can join any school, but the impact a school can have on you depends on how much you open yourself to the community around you. E.C. has a unique array of students who come from various backgrounds of both socioeconomic and cultural means, and the stories and experiences one will share with these people are mind-opening. At E.C., you will encounter students on all different paths of faith; some may be open about it, and some may not be so open about it. However, wherever YOU are, you can always, always, be assured that there is more than one person here at E.C. who is always more than willing to help you find your way in both the educational and spiritual world.

Jax

Wake Forest

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?

One of the main reasons why I love Eastern Christian is because of the strong sense of community. Coming from a public school, I wanted to find a place where I would be welcomed and appreciated for who I am. EC did just that when I entered the doors of ECMS at the beginning of sixth grade. Furthermore, Eastern Christian has a strong moral compass across all of its campuses. I can easily tell that every student loves God, loves people, and most importantly, has a desire to create an impact for themselves, the local community, or even the world!

Another reason why I love EC is because of the engaging teachers and faculty. Like the students, the teachers here continually exemplify EC’s core values and motivate their students to do the same. I have grown in every single class due to EC’s challenging curriculum. I value the school’s focus on creating a learning environment that is primarily focused on applying the material in the classroom and developing new skills as a result.

Eastern Christian also excels in allowing students to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities and other academic opportunities that either help students find their passion or develop a skill. My experience working in the Technical Booth for both chapels and theater productions has allowed me to develop a skill and passion that I want to pursue in college and beyond. I also feel that my experience as a JV captain on my cross country team has shaped me into a leader and teacher to others.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.

While I do love all of the teachers that I have had at EC, my favorite one is my English and Spanish teacher, Ms. Pedersen! I have taken four classes with Ms. Pedersen throughout my high school career, and I have enjoyed each one. Ms. Pedersen has taught me many writing skills that I will definitely use in college. She also succeeds in creating an engaging and enjoyable learning environment in each of her classes.

I also want to extend my gratitude to my Journalism teacher, Mrs. Genuario, and my former math teacher Mrs. Andrews. Both of these teachers have helped me unleash my passion in writing and math and have opened my eyes to possible career paths in the future!

Finally, as one of the first students to complete the four-year STEAM program, I am very appreciative of my mentor Ms. Bazanowski and the STEAM director Mr. Verrengia. Their consistent guidance and support of my project has been critical to its final outcome.

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

I believe that the weekly chapels were an integral part in the development of my faith at EC. I thoroughly enjoyed every speaker and hearing a relevant, applicable message. I also enjoyed being part of a worship community at EC. I never felt out of place during chapel, but rather, I felt enveloped in a community full of passionate believers.

I also think that the teachers at EC have also played a big role in my faith. At EC, teachers share their Christian faith with students and try to apply it to a specific academic discipline. One example that I always remember is seeing how Mr. Verrengia used his faith in teaching Physics Honors. He would always remind me that physics exists because God made the universe orderly. Without God, we wouldn’t be able to comprehend how the world operates!

Lastly, I appreciated the opportunity to pray before every class. When a student shares a need, that prayer is always respected. The students show care toward others by sincerely praying for their needs. I remember when I shared a prayer request how both the students and teachers would pray for me and then ask me the next day how the situation turned out. Whether it was asking for healing for a sick family member or for wisdom for an upcoming test, praying at the start of class has helped me grow in my walk with God.

At Eastern Christian we talk about an education that is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience this kind of education at EC?

I definitely feel that EC has provided me with an engaging, nurturing, and transforming education because of the many opportunities I have had to apply the knowledge I have learned. One of the best examples of this in my high school career is the STEAM program. In this program, I was able to pursue a four-year research project on the possible effects of corticosteroids on the onset, severity, and acceleration of Alzheimer’s disease. I believe that my experience in the STEAM program has been very rewarding, as I have learned how to obtain and conduct research while also being able analyze and draw conclusions from scientific studies.

The STEAM program has transformed me into an even more curious person. There are so many questions in our world that need an answer, and the STEAM program allows students to ask those tough questions. When I go to Wake Forest University in a few months, I will always remember to remain a lifelong learner. Just like Mr. Verrengia once told me in an EC Times interview, “There are always things we can learn.”

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life?

Eastern Christian has definitely prepared me for college and beyond in a few ways. One of these ways was through the amount of challenging, yet rewarding, work. Although some may be afraid of challenging work, EC has continued to ignite my passion to pursue academic challenges. EC has taught me that almost any challenge comes with a positive reward. Whether it is simply learning a new topic, completing an in-depth research project, or finishing the lengthy process of laying out the EC Times, I have grown as a result of these challenges, and I would not trade it for anything else!

I also think that EC’s liberal arts education has prepared me for the real world. At EC, I was able to explore a breadth of academic opportunities, some of which I may want to pursue for a career (Math / Statistics and Journalism). As a result of taking many diverse courses, I feel that I have adequate knowledge in many different disciplines. That is the beauty of EC’s education. EC has provided a wide range of courses while also not losing any depth in each course. Every teacher is passionate about the subject material, and is also very knowledgeable in it. Our world is always changing, and EC’s liberal arts education has allowed me to become more prepared to adapt to our ever-changing society.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?

If I did not go to EC, I do not think that I would have experienced a welcoming, Christ-loving community. I have always wanted to be a part of a community that cares for one another and accepts people for who they are. I also do not think that I would have been able to form close connections with my teachers at other larger schools. I think that the longer classes and block scheduling allow students and teachers to deeply explore a topic rather than rushing through it in a 40-minute session.

I also think that I would not have been able to experience the small, engaging classes anywhere but EC. While other schools do have small classes, I feel that EC’s class sizes allow students to personally know their teachers and vice versa. At EC, teachers are not just there to teach, but also to know their students and guide them on their walk with Christ. I do not think I would have experienced such a caring faculty anywhere else.

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

I would tell them to go for it! I am confident that a prospective student would also feel the close-knit community at EC, know their teachers personally, and be encouraged to explore and find their area of passion. EC has provided me with opportunities to grow, and I know they will continue to do the same for all of their new students. If a student wants a worthwhile and rewarding Christian education, there is no better place to look in Northern New Jersey than Eastern Christian!

Yeremiya

UCLA

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?

I think the thing that I love most (there are quite a few) is the community that connects students. We’re a medium-sized school I would like to think, but it really feels like a large family – as cliche as it might sound. Every day that I walk into school it just feels like home. That’s not to say that everyday is sunshine and rainbows, but it really has felt like to me the past 4 years that we’re all apart of a community connected by love, genuine respect, and care for one another’s wellbeing. It’s one of the things that I think is rarely found at other places that I wish I would have appreciated sooner.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.

My favorite faculty member would be Mr. I because of how down-to-earth and open he is; talking to him is like talking to a friend, a really inspiring friend at that. In terms of teachers, I have a deep appreciation and love for Dr. Yoder. If it’s a teacher’s job to inspire and instill passion within their students, Dr. Yoder succeeds tremendously. For me, she’s always challenging me as a musician in Honors Choir and also genuinely cares about all of us – sometimes we’ll spend the first 40 minutes of class praying for one another because of how concerned and truly invested she is in our lives.

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

I think helping to lead worship during chapels has been instrumental in my faith growth throughout high school. When I first came to EC, I was so against joining the Chapel team, mainly due to insecurity over the vulnerability that comes with singing to and for God publicly. However, once I joined, I realized how great it was to sing with and worship with other people who were both passionate about music and driven for God. I didn’t realize that I would enjoy it as much as I did and definitely was not expecting for it to impact my daily life in any way, but I was happily proven wrong.

At Eastern Christian we talk about an education that is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience this kind of education at EC?

I feel like the education I’ve been able to gain at EC has been multidimensional. In our Humanities class, I was definitely engaged with the material and coursework that we studied throughout the four years of the program, material that, to me, really tackled universal elements of what it means to be a human and themes that a lot of people can relate to. It was also really cool to grow as I progressed through the program; while it is writing-intensive and guided by teachers somewhat at the beginning, as the program progressed I became more and more independent in my work habits and independent learning of the material – mainly because I had to in order to succeed in the class. While challenging, I think that the program definitely helped me to grow and transform for the better as a person, along with helping me to refine my identity along the way through a ton of in-depth readings that I didn’t realize I would enjoy so much.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life?

Not only do I feel like I’ve been challenged academically by the classes I’ve taken here, I think that EC’s community, clubs, and musical activities have really helped me to “come into my own” and give me a space to find out who I am. That’s not to say that I know everything about myself because I’ll always be growing and learning, but I really think that, throughout the past four years, I’ve been given ample opportunities to find what I’m interested in, passionate about, and really discover who I am. Although there’s always time to figure things out, EC has really helped me to become confident in who I am and grow stronger in my faith, no matter how far away I may be from home or the environment.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?

The first semester of my Senior Year I was able to do an internship at a recording studio in Hackensack through the WINGS Program run by Mr. Wright, which was very cool. As someone who is deeply passionate about music, being able to do what I love at a professional level helped me to further realize what I’m specifically passionate about when it comes to music and was just an overall fun experience. Additionally, singing at Carnegie Hall with Honors Choir during Junior Year was an incredible experience. Not only was the singing itself fun, but it was a great bonding experience for everyone in the choir (along with Mr. I and Dr. Yoder too!).

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

Come! If you want to grow and challenge yourself while being surrounded by teachers and friends who genuinely care about your wellbeing, EC definitely is the place for you. I would also say to students who even are at EC already to appreciate the special place that we’re all a part of, it’s unique and I know I’m definitely going to miss it.

Victoria

Liberty University

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?

I love the environment and community here at EC. Everyone knows everyone and it always feels like one big family. I know I’m surrounded by students and teachers that help me and strengthen my walk with God everyday. I’ve been able to develop close relationships with my teachers that have helped me tremendously grow through the love and care they show us. I also love the fact that I get to hear how God is working in student and teachers lives here at EC.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.

This is a hard one, I honestly love all of my teachers but I’d have to say my favorite teacher is Ms. Van Ryn. She is someone who has been a light in my life since my freshman year and always encourages me to do my best and walk with God always. She is such a strong mentor in my life and helps me in every situation I am in. Through her I have been able to see more of God and learn more about Him. Her classes have ignited my passion to want to learn more about the world and how we can show love to everybody, always. She consistently models her Christian faith to everyone she encounters and I know she will continue to be there and help me grow even more on this next adventure in my life.

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

I don’t know where to start. EC is the reason I am so strong in my faith and the reason I came to know God. Through my bible classes, early morning devotions, chapel services, and prayer in each of my classes everyday I was able to grow more and develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. One of the coolest things I get to experience everyday is our teachers praying for us. Knowing that my teachers care so much and pray for us not just in the classroom but on their own time has been a huge blessing and encourages me to do the same for others. My faith has brought me to where I am today and going to school at EC is the reason why my faith is so strong.

At Eastern Christian we talk about an education that is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience this kind of education at EC?

I get to experience this everyday when I walk into school. Every class I have is engaging in many different ways. My teachers are the reason for that. They have taught us many new things about subjects and challenge us to think deeply and work hard. EC has a very nurturing environment. The faculty here cares so much about all their students and help us thrive in many ways. They show up to all our after school activities, cheering us on and come in early before school to help us on an assignment we didn’t understand. I definitely have been transformed in many ways here and that is through getting to learn more about God and how He is working through my life. I can honestly say I am a very different person then when I started school here. EC has transformed my life by giving me the passion where I was able to go on missions trips, serve others, and be be at the hands and feet of Jesus.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life?

EC has helped prepare me by teaching me how to live my life for God. I have learned valuable lessons here like why it’s so important to serve others, how to strive for excellence in all I do, and make the most of of every situation I am in. Getting to attend a school like EC has given me the foundation to build my life on His love. I will carry that with me through college and all that I do and encounter in life.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?

What other school allows you to travel the world with some of your best friends either all over Europe getting to learn and see completely new things, or to Guatemala, Tanzania, India, etc. serving people living in poverty and showing them Gods love. This school gives us life impacting opportunities and also really fun ones like all the students competing in a tug of war competition in the mud pit or have a huge slip n slide in front of the school. We have got to host a huge Christmas festival with lots of dancing, singing, and games to kids that don’t have as much as others. Some of the best opportunities I have gotten to experience here were the unique ones and these are experiences I will hold with me for a lifetime.

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

When I met some kids who attended EC at a youth group and heard how awesome their school was I wanted to come. I made the decision myself to come here but I was still filled with anxiety and fear when the thought of switching schools came to mind with completely new faces and a completely new environment. However, that fear will most likely leave you on the first day like it did for me. Everyone is so welcoming here and not once have I ever felt like I didn’t have anyone. All I have to say is do it. It was one of the biggest but most rewarding decisions of my life and I am so thankful for the environment here at EC that makes me feel like I’m at home everyday when I walk into school.

Chaeyeong

Temple University

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?

I love how I can share my beliefs with the class, how every class is based on the Gospel, and how I can go to anyone when I am in need. EC has been my family to me since I decided to transfer here. I know that all the faculty and staff are always here to help me with anything, and they are really passionate about their jobs.

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

EC starts each day with a devotion, and this allowed me to start my day with God’s presence in me. EC connects all the subjects and God so that we can be certain about God’s existence on every perspective. Also, the Bible class prepared me to be ready to answer non-Christian’s questions about God.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life?

EC is a place where I could develop my writing skill. In almost every class, I had to write papers about each subject. They were very challenging but worth it because as a prospective nursing student, I know that writing is the most important life skill.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?

I loved organizing and experiencing Christmas festival and the Elementary School’s Field Day. Making connections with little kids encouraged me to serve those in need in the future as a nurse. Also, I was given a chance to go on a mission trip to Guatemala. Our team organized VBS for children and went on a construction at a local school, which made me realize how big the world is.

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

Be involved! I know that it will be hard the first time, but if you get used to it, you will be able to manage your time better and use it wisely. I heard that time management is the key for success in college. I hope you all could practice it at EC before you go off to college.

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.