Amelia Academy Gives Thanks and Honors Students for Achievement
Students, faculty, and special guests marked the beginning of Thanksgiving break with a chapel service and honors for student achievement. “Knotty” McMillian, pastor of Love Covenant Fellowship, was the guest speaker. As part of the program, Austin Anderson was named the recipient of this year’s Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Award, sponsored by the James Allen Chapter. Holly S. was awarded third place in the VFW post 8759 Voice of Democracy essay contest. In addition, four students – Mikayla B., Calen F., Zach L., and Clay S. — were inducted into the John Thornton Chapter of the National Honor Society.
Mr. James Grizzard, headmaster, welcomed guests and recognized Michael W. who introduced Rev. McMillian. An alumnus of the Academy, Rev. McMillian is the father of Joshua, also an alumnus of the Academy. He and his wife Teresa have two other daughters. They live in Amelia.
Citing verse 1 from Psalm 19, Rev. McMillian spoke about the wonder of God’s creation. He cited scientific facts about the earth that, in all of their intricacy, testify to God’s “incomprehensible magnificence.”
He asked the younger students to name our galaxy and presented a bag of Milky Way candy bars to the student who answered correctly. Rev. McMillian then spoke about the unique qualities of our hands, eyes, and mouth that are known to God as we lift our eyes to Him and sing His praise.
Rev. McMillian encouraged everyone to give God thanks and “get to know Him” through prayer. He closed with a prayer of thanksgiving.
Each year, the Academy awards the DAR Good Citizen award to a senior who has demonstrated the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Mr. Grizzard announced this year’s recipient, Austin A. Austin is president of the National Honor Society and has played or plays varsity soccer, basketball, and baseball at the Academy. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. A.
Mr. Paul Blythe, representing VFW post 8759, expressed appreciation to Mr. Grizzard and senior class sponsor Mrs. Dallas Lewis for their work on the Voice of Democracy essay contest. He announced that senior Holly S. came in third place in this year’s contest. A member of the National Honor Society, Holly plays varsity basketball and has played varsity volleyball and softball. She serves as vice president of the Student Government Organization. Holly is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Lester S.
Harley Rakestraw, faculty sponsor of the National Honor Society, announced the students who would be inducted into the Society. NHS officers, Austin A., Holly S., and Lauren V. helped induct the new members: Mikayla B., Calen F., Zach L., and Clay S. They and their parents attended a reception after the program.
New members of the Amelia Academy National Honor Society are welcomed by the current members. Front row left to right (new members): Calen F., Zach L., Mikayla B., Clay S. (Current members) back row: Holly S., Lauren V., Austin A. and not pictured Jack O.
DAR Good Citizenship Award winner Austin A.
Senior Holly S. receives her certificate for third place in the VFW Voice of Democracy Contest from Mr. Paul Blythe.