06/04/2026
We are so excited to celebrate all of NSA's class of 2026!
🎓 Today, we're celebrating Brooklynn Walker!
Brooklynn is full of life, known for her quick wit and ability to keep everyone smiling. She loves Jesus and naturally encourages her friends to grow in their faith. She has a deep love for music—especially Taylor Swift (she’s been to the Eras Tour twice!)—and enjoys playing piano and guitar. She also connects with others as a TikTok influencer with 100K+ followers. At home, she adores her sweet pup, Buddy. Brooklynn’s heart shines on stage as both an actress and competitive dancer.
We are so proud of you!
06/03/2026
We are so excited to celebrate all of NSA's class of 2026!
🎓 Today, we're celebrating Taylor Trombley!
Taylor is an adventurous, outdoors-driven individual who loves challenge and
exploration. He is a mountain biker, snowboarder, and hockey player, and is happiest doing anything that keeps him active outside. When he’s not playing sports, he enjoys video games and spending time with friends and family, and his Christian faith is an important part of who he is. Taylor has five dogs and a deep love for animals especially wolves, and his curiosity about how things work continues to shape his future. After graduation, he plans to take a gap year and hopes to go on a mountain biking mission trip to New Zealand with YWAM before pursuing a degree in engineering.
We are so proud of you!
06/02/2026
📣 Don't forget! Our Virtual Open House is happening THIS Thursday at 1:00 PM CT!
Join us live on Zoom to learn more about NorthStar Academy, explore our programs, and get answers to your questions in real time.
Reserve your spot today—we'd love to meet you!
https://buff.ly/wahvBWF
06/02/2026
We are so excited to celebrate all of NSA's class of 2026!
🎓 Today, we're celebrating Timothy Swann!
Timothy has lived in Mvolo, South Sudan and Arua, Uganda and has studied at NorthStar for five years. He is active in his youth group and enjoys working out, flying airplanes, and hanging out with friends. He is originally from Texas but has traveled extensively in Africa and Europe. Timothy is passionate about seeing others know and experience the love of God. After graduation he plans to continue working on
his pilot ratings while preparing to return to Africa as a missionary.
We are so proud of you!
06/01/2026
We are so excited to celebrate all of NSA's class of 2026!
🎓 Today, we're celebrating Mason Snyder!
Mason is graduating with plans to pursue a future in the military after high school. Throughout school and life, she developed a love for creativity, independence, and self-improvement. Over the years, she has grown through challenges, meaningful friendships, and new experiences that shaped who she is today. Outside of academics, she enjoys quiet hobbies, creative projects, and spending time at home with family and pets. Mason is thankful for the people who supported and encouraged her throughout her journey.
We are so proud of you!
05/29/2026
We are so excited to celebrate all of NSA's class of 2026! Join us we highlight our graduates over the next several weeks!
🎓 Today, we're celebrating Jonah Simmons!
Jonah is a TCK who has lived in the Middle East since he was two, with his
mom, dad, brother, along with a slew of crazy animals. He enjoys playing his viola and the piano, along with listening to a wide variety of music. Jonah also loves reading, writing, and theater. He will be going to Wheaton College to continue his studies. Jonah hopes to venture into music studies, wanting to honor God in all he does, and maybe write some music.
We are so proud of you!
05/28/2026
We are so excited to celebrate all of NSA's class of 2026! Join us we highlight our graduates over the next several weeks!
🎓 Today, we're celebrating Sophia Shunkwiler!
Born in Alabama, but raised in Africa and the Middle East, Sophia has a love for serving her community. During high school she volunteered to coach special needs basketball and soccer teams. She also enjoys playing rugby, ultimate frisbee and swimming. Sophia is looking forward to pursuing her interest in art and history, as she attends Southern Union State Community College. She is most thankful to her family for supporting and guiding her through her endeavors.
We are so proud of you!
05/27/2026
*New Podcast* We share Michael Perkins’ family story of walking through 11 years of breast cancer, brain metastasis, and the grief of losing his wife Denise, while choosing steady trust in Jesus the whole way. We also talk about how God uses hard seasons to shape purpose, and how faith can move into the marketplace through work, business, and mentorship.
• What “suffer well” looks like when the outcome is unknown
• Brain metastasis, long-term treatment, and learning to rely on God daily
• Hospice, final moments, and the peace their family experiences in the room
• Perspective, loneliness, and waiting on the Lord after loss
• Why Christian entrepreneurs need teams, coaches, prayer, and community
• Physical therapy as a relationship-based career and a natural space for ministry
• Seeing work as worship, excellence as witness, and purpose as obedience
• Contagious Hope podcast and how legacy grows through planted seeds
The NorthStar Narrative: https://buff.ly/oO6hGaq
Listen on Apple: https://buff.ly/2U0KNSA
Listen on Spotify: https://buff.ly/2U3QT4R
05/27/2026
We are so excited to celebrate all of NSA's class of 2026! Join us we highlight our graduates over the next several weeks!
🎓 Today, we're celebrating Katherine Sheddan!
Katherine was born in Tennessee but grew up in China and Italy. She loves
flowers, crafts, tennis, and cooking. She helps teach Sunday school at a Chinese
church in Rome and is active in the local youth group. A member of the National Honor Society and graduating with honors, Katherine plans to attend William Carey University in the fall and major in nursing.
We are so proud of you!
05/26/2026
We are so excited to celebrate all of NSA's class of 2026! Join us we highlight our graduates over the next several weeks!
🎓 Today, we're celebrating Noah Shapley!
Noah is 18 years old and just moved back to the United States from Arua, Uganda, where he and his family serve as missionaries. He has been a follower of Christ since the age of five. His family consists of his parents, two younger sisters, and two younger brothers. In his free time, he plays the electric and acoustic guitar and enjoys listening to 80-90’s rock. He greatly enjoys playing soccer. After graduation, Noah plans to study Physical Therapy at William Carey University.
We are so proud of you!