School Alive

🇺🇸 Day 2 in Washington, D.C.

Our School Alive government students had another unforgettable day of history, faith, freedom, and real-world learning.

We began at the Petersen Boarding House, where students stood in the very place where President Abraham Lincoln died after his assassination. It was a sobering reminder of the cost of leadership, the weight of national division, and the importance of courage in difficult times.

From there, students explored the city and discovered many of Washington, D.C.’s lesser-known monuments—learning that history is not just found in textbooks, but carved into the very streets, buildings, and memorials of our nation’s capital.

After a picnic lunch overlooking the U.S. Capitol, we visited the Museum of the Bible, where students saw incredible biblical artifacts, including portions connected to the Dead Sea Scrolls. It was a powerful opportunity to reflect on the reliability, preservation, and influence of Scripture throughout history.

After dinner at Shake Shack by the Wharf, we ended the evening at the Marine Corps Memorial for the Sunset Parade. Our group was blessed with VIP seats just a few rows and one section away from the guest of honor, Sergeant Major Ruiz. The entire presentation was moving, patriotic, and deeply inspiring.

Day 2 reminded our students that America’s story is filled with sacrifice, faith, courage, and responsibility—and that freedom is something each generation must understand, honor, and preserve.

❤️‍🔥 This is what it looks like when education comes alive.

🇺🇸 Day 1 in Washington, D.C.

Our School Alive government students began their weeklong trip with a powerful day of history, gratitude, and real-world learning.

The day started at Arlington National Cemetery, where students honored and reflected on the sacrifices of the countless men and women who have defended our freedom. They visited the gravesites of JFK and RFK, saw the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Changing of the Guard, and toured Arlington House.

One of the most moving moments of the day was meeting 101-year-old WWII veteran Emily Drake. Our students had the incredible opportunity to spend time with her, hear parts of her story, and walk through the cemetery alongside a living hero. It was an experience they will not soon forget.

Students also visited the National Archives, where they saw the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, along with one of the few remaining originals of the Magna Carta.

After dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, the group biked through the city for 2.5 hours, visiting monuments on the National Mall and taking in the beauty of Washington, D.C. as the sun went down.

Beyond the landmarks, students are also learning valuable life skills: using public transportation, navigating a major city, ordering in a nice restaurant, and growing in confidence as young men and women.

Everyone is tired, but energized and ready for Day 2 of this life-changing trip—learning firsthand about this great country and the sacrifice, service, and responsibility required to keep her free.

❤️‍🔥 This is what it looks like when education comes alive.

🇺🇸 Memorial Day

🪖 Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it is a reminder that freedom is never free.

🎖️ At School Alive, we are grateful for the sacrifices made by generations of Americans who defended our nation, protected our freedoms, and served with courage and honor. Because of their sacrifice, we are blessed with the opportunity to learn, grow, worship, and live freely.

🙏 Today, we remember the fallen, pray for their families, and give thanks for those who laid down their lives for others.

✝️ “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

❤️‍🔥 May we never forget.

🎓 Passion Show and Graduation

🎉 What an incredible way to finish the school year at School Alive! Our Passion Show and Graduation Ceremony were filled with worship, creativity, presentations, music, laughter, and powerful moments that reflected the heart of Authentic HAMSTER Education.

❤️‍🔥 Students showcased their passions, talents, growth, and hard work from throughout the year, reminding us that education is about far more than grades—it is about becoming who God created you to be.

👏 We also celebrated our three graduating seniors as they stepped into a new season of life. We are proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see where God leads them next.

🤝 Thank you to our families, staff, volunteers, and supporters for helping make this year so special. From the classroom to the stage, God has been faithful every step of the way.

🙏 Here’s to a year full of growth, purpose, and unforgettable memories… and we believe the best is still ahead!

🎉 Last Day of School!

☀️ What an incredible way to finish the year! Today was filled with laughter, excitement, and memories our students will never forget. From relay races and indoor soccer games to water balloons, sq**rt guns, a dunk tank, popcorn, delicious food, and even Dippin’ Dots ice cream, the day was packed with fun from start to finish!

✝️ More than anything, we are thankful for the amazing students, families, faculty, and supporters who made this year so special. We have seen growth not only academically, but spiritually, socially, and personally as students discovered passions, built friendships, and became more alive in who God created them to be.

🙏 As this chapter closes, we look ahead with excitement and expectation. God has been faithful every step of the way, and we cannot wait to see what He has in store for School Alive next year!

❤️‍🔥 Have a wonderful summer!

🎓 Senior Celebration

🍩 We had a special day of celebration for our graduating seniors at School Alive! The morning began with donuts, gifts, laughter, and time together before they were taken out to lunch to celebrate all they have accomplished.

🦁 We are incredibly proud of these young women and the growth, perseverance, and character they have shown throughout their journey. As they step into this next chapter of life, we trust that God has big plans for each of them. Once a Lion, always a Lion!

🙏 Please join us in praying for their continued success, wisdom, and faith as they move forward into the future God has prepared for them.

🎳 State-Level Success

🎉 Congratulations to Zander on an incredible finish at the Indiana Middle School Bowling State Competition! He placed 6th in the entire state—an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to his hard work and perseverance.

👏 To make the weekend even more memorable, Zander achieved a personal record with an impressive 532 series! Even more important than the scores, he demonstrated great character, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude throughout all three weekends of competition.

❤️‍🔥 We are proud of the dedication, resilience, and excellence he displayed while representing School Alive. Great job, Zander!

🎓 Senior Highlight: Joselle Marie Pavey

Please join us in celebrating Joselle Marie Pavey, a graduating senior at School Alive, who has been accepted into the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine!

Animals have always been a central part of Joselle’s life. From horses in the pasture to dogs, cats, and even a bunny at home, she has spent years caring for animals with patience, gentleness, and compassion. Her love for animals goes far beyond simply enjoying their company. She has a deep desire to help them feel safe, healthy, and cared for, especially animals that may not have loving homes of their own.

Over the years, Joselle has gained hands-on experience through grooming, kennel care, and working at an animal boarding facility connected to a veterinarian’s office. Those experiences helped confirm her calling to veterinary nursing and taught her the importance of patience, responsibility, and understanding the needs of animals that cannot speak for themselves.

One special experience that deeply impacted Joselle involved a dog named Frank, who was fearful of people and struggled around others. Rather than forcing trust, she patiently sat with him, spoke softly, and slowly earned his confidence over time. Eventually, Frank laid his head on her lap and wagged his tail for the first time around her. Moments like that reminded Joselle why she feels called to spend her life caring for animals with compassion and kindness.

At home, Joselle has helped care for horses, dogs, cats, bunnies, cows, chickens, guinea pigs, and more. Through those daily responsibilities, she has developed a strong work ethic and a heart for serving both animals and the people who love them.

Joselle’s journey reflects the heart of School Alive: turning passion into purpose through authentic, meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

We are incredibly proud of you, Joselle, and excited to see how you continue making a difference in the lives of animals and families alike. Congratulations on this exciting next chapter!

🎓 Senior Highlight: Saige Isys Skai Reuzenaar

Please join us in celebrating Saige Isys Skai Reuzenaar, a graduating senior at School Alive, who has been accepted into Ivy Tech Community College to study Automotive Technology!

Saige has always had a talent for hands-on work, problem-solving, and figuring out how things operate. Whether working with tools, tackling mechanical challenges, welding, or learning through real-world experience, she thrives when she can actively create, fix, and improve things with her own hands. Her practical mindset and determination make her a natural fit for the automotive field.

Throughout high school, Saige has enjoyed helping with family and local business projects, including landscaping, snow removal, lawn mowing, welding, and even assisting with fixing vehicles. She has never been afraid of hard work and enjoys staying busy, learning practical skills, and helping wherever she is needed. Those real-world experiences helped strengthen both her work ethic and her passion for mechanical problem-solving.

Before beginning college, Saige plans to take a gap year to work and continue building valuable life and career experience. She is currently employed at Ace Hardware, where she has developed strong responsibility, customer service skills, and a dependable work ethic.

Outside of school and work, Saige enjoys swimming, cooking, baking, listening to music, spending time talking with friends, and keeping things organized and clean. She also loves her cat, Kleetus, who always keeps life interesting and entertaining.

Saige’s journey reflects the heart of School Alive: discovering strengths, pursuing purpose, and preparing for meaningful work and life through authentic, hands-on learning experiences.

We are proud of you, Saige, and excited to see where this next chapter leads. Congratulations on your graduation and future in the automotive industry!