NHA Hosts Honors Night to Celebrate Eighth-Grade Graduates
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
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The wide smile that crossed the face of Designer James as his name was called grew as he received a standing ovation from educators and parents for receiving the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) Award of Excellence.
The eighth-grade graduate was on hand with nearly 40 other grads during the first annual NHA Honors Night, hosted at Grand River Preparatory High School, where they were celebrated for their achievements in academics, leadership in representing Moral Focus, and exemplary character.
“This year’s NHA Award of Excellence winner is a shining example of academic excellence and leadership,” NHA President and Chief Learning Officer Nick Sheltrown told the crowd. “With an impressive academic record, this individual consistently demonstrates dedication, discipline, and a genuine love of learning. Their commitment doesn’t stop in the classroom. As the current student body council president, they lead with integrity, constantly seeking ways to improve the school community, and support their peers.”
Family members crowded around James after the event to take pictures with him.
“It feels good that I got this award because of my good grades and the great stuff that I have accomplished,” James said. “It’s been a very good experience at Ridge Park, and I have learned a lot academically and about Moral Focus. I’m very thankful for the experience.”
NHA honored students from each of the following schools: Chandler Woods, Cross Creek, Excel, Knapp, Ridge Park, Vanguard, Vista, and Walker charter academies, as well as River City Scholars.
Two former NHA high school graduates spoke to the group of graduating eighth graders: Carlee Bronkema, who attended Walker Charter Academy and Wellspring Preparatory High School, and Abigail Steinmeier, who attended Excel Charter Academy and Grand River Prep.
Bronkema addressed the group via recorded message, as she works as a television reporter and anchor at WAND News in Illinois.
From left: DSQ Koree Woodward, Grand River Prep alum Abigail Steinmeier, and Grand River Prep Principal Mike Irwin pose for a photo after the event.
“Having attended an NHA school my whole life, I didn’t realize just how lucky I was until I started college,” she said. “There were so many elements of my education I took for granted. I quickly learned that not every school taught Spanish from kindergarten through eighth grade or taught Moral Focus traits each month. It was those extra moments beyond curriculum and standards that resonate with me as the true difference makers in my education. This mentality of taking students’ education above and beyond was continued in high school as well. The wide variety of AP classes allowed me to find my passions and learn with other engaged students.”
Steinmeier, after graduating from Grand River Prep, went on to earn dual bachelor’s degrees from Davenport University and Kuyper College in integrated professional studies and social work. She then completed a master’s degree in social work at the University of Michigan.
NHA President and Chief Learning Officer Nick Sheltrown poses for a photo with Ridge Park grad Designer James.
In her speech to students, she spoke about her appreciation for the many teachers and coaches who supported her through the years and encouraged the assembled students to say “yes” to the many positive opportunities in front of them so they experience as much as possible.
“When you say yes, give yourself grace,” she said. “No one is very good at something the first time they do it, or the second, the third, or even the fourth. And when you mess up, and you will, it’s probably not as awkward as you probably feel.”
Congratulations to all NHA eighth-grade graduates!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
The eighth-grade graduate was on hand with nearly 40 other grads during the first annual NHA Honors Night, hosted at Grand River Preparatory High School, where they were celebrated for their achievements in academics, leadership in representing Moral Focus, and exemplary character.
Ridge Park Principal Hector Ulloa shakes hands with eighth-grade grad Designer James.
“This year’s NHA Award of Excellence winner is a shining example of academic excellence and leadership,” NHA President and Chief Learning Officer Nick Sheltrown told the crowd. “With an impressive academic record, this individual consistently demonstrates dedication, discipline, and a genuine love of learning. Their commitment doesn’t stop in the classroom. As the current student body council president, they lead with integrity, constantly seeking ways to improve the school community, and support their peers.”
Family members crowded around James after the event to take pictures with him.
Families applaud for their children during the event.
“It feels good that I got this award because of my good grades and the great stuff that I have accomplished,” James said. “It’s been a very good experience at Ridge Park, and I have learned a lot academically and about Moral Focus. I’m very thankful for the experience.”
NHA honored students from each of the following schools: Chandler Woods, Cross Creek, Excel, Knapp, Ridge Park, Vanguard, Vista, and Walker charter academies, as well as River City Scholars.
Students pose for pictures with their awards.
Two former NHA high school graduates spoke to the group of graduating eighth graders: Carlee Bronkema, who attended Walker Charter Academy and Wellspring Preparatory High School, and Abigail Steinmeier, who attended Excel Charter Academy and Grand River Prep.
Bronkema addressed the group via recorded message, as she works as a television reporter and anchor at WAND News in Illinois.
From left: DSQ Koree Woodward, Grand River Prep alum Abigail Steinmeier, and Grand River Prep Principal Mike Irwin pose for a photo after the event.
“Having attended an NHA school my whole life, I didn’t realize just how lucky I was until I started college,” she said. “There were so many elements of my education I took for granted. I quickly learned that not every school taught Spanish from kindergarten through eighth grade or taught Moral Focus traits each month. It was those extra moments beyond curriculum and standards that resonate with me as the true difference makers in my education. This mentality of taking students’ education above and beyond was continued in high school as well. The wide variety of AP classes allowed me to find my passions and learn with other engaged students.”
Steinmeier, after graduating from Grand River Prep, went on to earn dual bachelor’s degrees from Davenport University and Kuyper College in integrated professional studies and social work. She then completed a master’s degree in social work at the University of Michigan.
NHA President and Chief Learning Officer Nick Sheltrown poses for a photo with Ridge Park grad Designer James.
In her speech to students, she spoke about her appreciation for the many teachers and coaches who supported her through the years and encouraged the assembled students to say “yes” to the many positive opportunities in front of them so they experience as much as possible.
“When you say yes, give yourself grace,” she said. “No one is very good at something the first time they do it, or the second, the third, or even the fourth. And when you mess up, and you will, it’s probably not as awkward as you probably feel.”
Congratulations to all NHA eighth-grade graduates!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.