Acknowledging Achievement

In the Disney movie The Incredibles (and this is probably the only Disney reference you will ever hear from me in this space!), the superhero mom tells the super-fast son, “Everyone’s special, Dash,” to which he responds, “Which is another way of saying no one is.” If there is such a thing as excellence, then this must be true.

Of course, every child is created in God’s image and is treasured by Him. Also, any child who works to his potential should be praised and encouraged, whatever grade that work happens to merit. But when a child achieves academic excellence, this achievement ought to be acknowledged, for at least three reasons.

First, the recognition of good work is endorsed in the Scriptures from the writings of Solomon (Proverbs) to those of Paul (Romans, Ephesians, 1 Timothy, etc.). Also, demonstrating that excellent work is not overlooked or taken for granted, but rather is noticed and commended, will, we hope, encourage excellence among all the students. Finally, we should draw public attention to the high quality of work achieved by our students to the glory of God and their parents.

My point in all of this is to say that I am happy that at the end of each year Regents Academy acknowledges the academic excellence of its student at the Academic Awards Ceremony. This is not just a ceremony for those receiving an award, but it is an event for the whole community, when we celebrate the blessings God has given us and the achievement that He has made possible.

So let me put a plug in for our Academic Award Ceremony, which is next Tuesday, May 24, at 6:30 p.m. at New Hope Church. And while I’m at it, let me encourage you to attend the Regents Graduation Ceremony, which is next Thursday, May 26, at 7:00 p.m. at New Hope also. Both events are opportunities to mark milestones of achievement in the lives of our students, and they are worth the effort of being there.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). I’ll see you next week when we will have the opportunity to do just what this verse of Scripture encourages.

And let me say in closing how thankful I am for you – the Regents Academy parents and grandparents – for a great year. It is such a pleasure serving you all, and I pray God’s richest blessings for you and your family over the summer. Enjoy your time together as a family!