The Class of 2024 is ready to change the world…and we are excited to cheer them on. We asked some seniors a few questions about their experience at Wheaton Academy, and this is what they had to say.
Mateo Noguera Montoya
Wheaton Academy has invested in me beyond what I could ever have imagined. From the amazingly caring and frankly overqualified teachers to the administration that is truly welcoming and involved, my time here has powerfully developed both my character and my abilities. I would not be the same person if it weren’t for Wheaton Academy teachers. They are capable and prepared, but beyond that, they have become my mentors. Each one has poured wisdom and joy into my life. Since freshman year, it was my goal to be accepted to an Ivy League school and, thanks to the many opportunities I have been given here, I am going to attend Yale University this fall as a part of their class of 2028.”
Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
“DECA is an amazing Business-focused club that taught me much about interacting with others in professional settings. It is not only educational but it is also a great way to travel and network.”
Rebecca Schulenburg
“At Wheaton Academy, faith is the foundation of our curriculum and community. From the moment I transferred to Wheaton Academy as a mid-semester sophomore, teachers showed me Christ’s love and guided me to grow in my faith. Through the curriculum here, I’ve become bold and unashamed in communicating what I believe and why I believe it. My relationship with the Lord has grown tremendously. Things like chapel, Spiritual Life Weeks, service opportunities, prayers with teachers, and Bible class—all point me to Christ.”
Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
“The most memorable class I have taken is the Expository Preaching class with Mr. Hogan. It was a small class with nine students and challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, opening the door for me to preach in chapel.”
Benjamin DeHaan
“Wheaton Academy will always be a part of my testimony. It was during my sophomore year that I decided to follow Jesus, and my life hasn’t been the same since. Being immersed in Godly community is essential for the Christian life. The community of students and teachers at WA has been strong influence on my spiritual growth.”
Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
“I always knew that I could sing, but I hadn’t embraced this God-given talent until Mr. Visker encouraged me to join Choir my Junior year. It’s been deeply rewarding to grow as a singer, but what makes Choir special for me is the people I get to sing with. I’ve met and grown in relationships with my closest friends through Choir. Not to mention, the community is truly edifying and God-honoring.”
Jamalia Haywood
“Everyone at Wheaton Academy is supportive when it comes to my walk with Christ. The community here has celebrated my successes and prayed with me through my shortcomings. One of my favorite times of the year is Spiritual Life Week. I have had some deep experiences with the LORD during that week and have watched as fellow students give their lives to Christ.”
Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
“The spring musical had to have been the greatest experience of my life. Everything about it was incredible from cast and crews to the directors. I’ve never felt more like a part of a family outside my own. I made amazing relationships and strengthened existing friendships in some of the most unimaginable ways. I will never forget it!”
Jacob York
“The teachers, faculty, and student body embody Wheaton Academy’s mission. First John 1 talks about fellowship in the body of Christ, how all believers are connecting through the Savior’s blood shed for us. Every Wheaton Academy student gets to witness the fellowship of believers through the community here.”
Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
“Without a doubt, baseball has been an essential part of my journey at Wheaton Academy and is my true passion. I have learned more about life from baseball than I will ever be able to express in a few words. On the team, I’ve learned that elevating Christ and others is far better than any achievement I could make. Colossians 3:23 says ‘Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.’ God gave us abilities, so we must use them in excellence and in reflection of the Lord’s glory.”
Hannah Lindberg
“When I was considering transferring here, everyone told me that the community at Wheaton Academy is what makes it special – the environment on sports teams, the relationships with teachers and coaches, the deep friendships you build with peers. When I decided to transfer, I wondered if it would really be as different as people said, but my time here has surpassed all my expectations. I met so many people who have changed my life and I cannot imagine where I’d be without them. I am surrounded by a community of people who love Christ and want me to do my best, but want me to know and love the Lord even more than that. The people I’ve met at Wheaton Academy hold me accountable to a high standard, but are willing to guide and support me through my journey to get there, offering prayer, advice, and encouragement at the times I’ve needed it most.”
Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
“I have loved being a part of the soccer team. I’m incredibly grateful for the relationships that I’ve developed with my coaches and teammates. They have challenged me to seek excellence and have set a high standard while consistently showing the immense encouragement and support that it takes to reach that. The love the team has for each other and for Jesus creates an amazing environment that is unlike any other. The ability to spend time as a team in Bible study, devotions, and worship is truly a blessing and has had an immense impact on my life.”
Inspired by these seniors? Help us extend Wheaton Academy's mission For Generations to Come!
Our campus is expanding to meet our students’ needs. Thriving programs need new space to extend our mission and launch servants of Christ into the world.
We are so close to our goal, which is why your help is crucial at this moment. Commitment Day (June 4, 2024) is just around the corner! Will you join us?
Adrian Gear
“At my previous school, I felt that people couldn’t know the real me because of my faith. I felt that increasing my social life would lead me to compromise the beliefs I hold dear; as a result, I never grew. When I transferred to Wheaton Academy, I discovered a community where people value my faith in Jesus.”
Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
“My most memorable co-curricular experience has been the Bible and Theology Club. Because I started the club, it has much significance to me. It has been a joy to lead a group of people who share a love of God’s Word. Our weekly meetings frequently include fun and insightful conversations that have edified me and made me laugh. Most of all, I amazed at God’s goodness that I found a group of people where I can fit in.”
David Zhang
“I have been transformed from an unbelieving prodigal to a wholehearted follower of Christ. Four years ago, I focused solely on academic accomplishments. My aim was to get accepted to a prestigious university. I still hold myself to a very high academic standard, but my focus has shifted from myself to God. Over the years, I learned to trust and rely on God wholeheartedly and use his Word to guide my decisions. The Lord has blessed me abundantly through my teachers and friends at Wheaton Academy. Now, I work hard not for the praises of man, but for the glory of God alone.”
Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
“I’ve dedicated my time and attention to the Math Team—to countless lunches, after-school practices in 103, debates at the whiteboard, and competitions. As captain, I find joy in taking on the responsibilities not only to teach math but to invest in every member—just like Christ invested in us.”
Katie Morden
“Wheaton Academy is unique, not just because of the opportunities they offer, but because it’s a place that is grounded on the unchanging truth of Christ and of Scripture. Christ-centered spiritual growth is at the heart of this school—my faith was challenged and built up daily in classes, on sports teams, through conversations, and in chapels. This place will have a lasting impact on me because the people here showed me that not only is Scripture trustworthy, but it impacts every area of life.”
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned at Wheaton Academy?
“My identity as an image bearer of God is incredibly important. Not only do I have value and worth, but my life has meaning as a Christ-follower. Being made in the Image of God and then living in light of that truth leads me to daily learn and relearn the greatest commandments: to love the Lord with all my heart soul mind and strength and love others as myself.”
Andrew Hancock
“The most unique aspect of the Wheaton Academy community is the amazing peers and faculty. I cannot overstate how grateful I am for the friends I have made at Wheaton Academy. I am also incredibly thankful for my teachers who embody living a life for Christ. The teachers at here are some of the most genuine people I have ever met and I’ve been greatly influenced by their example.”
How have teachers influenced or impacted your life?
“In science classes, Mr. Regan instilled in me a desire to be a deep thinker. The way he critically thinks through matters of ontology and epistemology and guides students to do the same is unique. He helps students get excited about philosophy while at the same time rooting our thinking in God’s Word.”
Jakob Karlson
“Wheaton Academy is a place that challenges students—personally, in rigorous education; physically, in outstanding sports programs; but most importantly with our relationship with the Lord. Through chapels, worship nights, sports, coaches, and biblically integrated classes, I’ve grown in every area of my life while at Wheaton Academy.”
Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
“I had the opportunity to be part of the Wheaton Academy Soccer family. This program is a legacy and I am a changed man and player because of it. From the amazing coaches to the brotherhood of teammates, everything about this program is excellent. These coaches challenge you day in and day out—physically, mentally, and spiritually—as a player on the field, but more importantly as a disciple for Jesus Christ on AND off it. This is something that is truly special and has helped shape me as a man and a strong follower of Christ.”
Whitney Gabriel
“The greatest lesson I’ve learned at Wheaton Academy is to be unapologetically kind and encouraging to people. Although we live in a fallen world, I try to see the good in everyone around me. I want to have the kind of love for people that Jesus had.”
Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
“I’ve made amazing memories as a member of the pit orchestra. The spring musical is such a memorable experience because so many people come together to make it happen. I enjoyed being part of a group that works to keep the focus on others, while still performing with excellence. Pit orchestra took every musical skill I’ve developed over the years and put it to the test, and then I grew even more.”
Andrew VanHuis
“Ever since the first day I walked in the door as a senior-year transfer, I have been surrounded by a unique body of students and teachers who strive for both excellence and joy, while ultimately bringing all glory to God. Christ is at the center of all that we do at our school. Wheaton Academy has not only been an amazing place for my academic and co-curricular development, but it also gave me a family that encourages me to grow closer to Christ. Whether it’s the countless teachers who have shared their testimonies in class, the impactful teachings in our Spiritual Life Week chapels, or the daily conversations with fellow peers, Christ’s love and mercy has been the center of it all.”
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned at Wheaton Academy?
“As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we are never alone. On our senior trip, we reminded each other of the power of God’s love and the way He intentionally seeks us out in our everyday lives. No matter what kind of roadblocks we face, Christ is there to pick us up and help us move forward. As a school, Wheaton Academy not only intentionally reminds us of this reality, but the community is there to encourage us on our journey to grow even closer to God.”
Ian Dalmas
“The teachers at Wheaton Academy changed my life. Why? They care. They care about the content they teach, the students they teach it to—and most importantly—they care about doing it all for God. Through their leadership and example, I’ve learned to work hard and do great things, for the glory of God. Success at Wheaton Academy looks different than it does to the rest of the world. I know that difference will stick with me for the rest of my life.”
Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
“The research progression at Wheaton Academy (Intro to Research, AP Seminar, AP Research) stands out because it helped me grow as a writer, student, and thinker. The ability to get up to speed with a discipline—and contribute your own voice—is so cool.”
Scotty Murray
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Of your classes or co-curricular activities, which one is the most memorable and why?
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