Together at a distance

Celebrating #WaHomeStaying2020

This week, Wheaton Academy celebrated HomeStaying. The week was filled with events and challenges designed to bring our community together virtually during this time of separation. Classes competed in photo contests, trivia, and even a service project.

Jim Holtrop, our Director of Special Events shared, “Since the first day I walked onto Wheaton Academy’s campus, the Lord has laid it heavy on my heart to make this high school experience the most fun and special time in our students’ lives! Our vision at Wheaton Academy is to build a Kingdom Community where no student is left out. I am so thankful for the teachers that teamed up with me to make sure that this time of staying at home lines up with that vision. Homestaying Week brought students together for fun and competition. Students invited their families and friends into pictures and activities. Our community was even able to gather 960 pairs of shoes for GoMinistries demonstrating that we can be together while distanced. I am truly blessed to work and play in this great community where Christ is the center of our big family!”

Each day, students participated in a themed photo competition. Check out some of the winners!

May the Fourth Be With You

May the Fourth Be With You

"Home-Staying" week's clash day at Wheaton Academy, a top private Christian high school

Clash Day

High School Musical Zoom Group

Zoom Group Day

Throwback Thursday Competition

Throwback Thursday

Kelly ’20 reflects, “Homestaying week helped me to gain a new motivation to finish school strong. Seeing my friends’ pictures and how they were participating in the special week always put a smile on my face. It was so encouraging to see how this school and our teachers care about students.”

In addition the the daily photo contests, students had opportunities to participate in four class-wide competitions. During the service day competition, students and their families donated 960 pairs of athletic shoes to GoMinistries a sports ministry in the Dominican Republic. The final competition, a virtual escape room, took place on Saturday.

The sophomore class scored the most points, winning a Jamba Juice day in the fall.

Homestaying Shoe Drive
Chessie and Bella photo contest submission

Sisters Chessie '22 and Bella '22—"We Had a Blast"

Bella writes, “I have enjoyed connecting with many of my teachers and classmates. HomeStaying has given me something to look forward to during the week—it is a fun way to be in community with others during this unprecedented time.

Chessie adds, “HomeStaying week has been such a blast!!! Although I’m not able to physically be at WA with all my friends and teachers, this week has really helped bring the WA community together and help us feel united as a school even though we still are apart!”

Watch This week's Broadcasts