When asked to reflect on my years at Loudonville Christian School, many things come to mind. The word that overtook my thoughts, though, was the word “memories.” Over the course of my four years at Loudonville Christian School, I made many great memories with my friends, teachers and classmates.
Some of the best memories took place outside of the classroom; we would venture out on field trips or leave campus to serve in our community for LCS’ annual Ministry Days. My very favorite memory was our class trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during our sophomore year. In Lancaster, I got to ride a zip-line for the first time, eat dinner in the home of an Amish family, and attend a play at Sight and Sound Theatre for the first time. I made lifelong memories on this trip, and fell in love with Sight and Sound, to which I have since returned with my family.
Another favorite was our senior trip to Virginia Beach. On this trip, we spent the day in Busch Gardens with school friends, many of whom are daredevils when it comes to amusement park rides, as well as with Mrs. Hills and Mrs. Booth. I can fondly remember how we all had such a great time together. I saw many acts of kindness and love, such as when Mrs. Booth lent me her sandals so I could go on a water ride. During this trip, we were also able to take in an Irish step dancing show and visit an aquarium and a beach. I'll also always remember our Ministry Days, which over the course of four years provided my friends and me with opportunities to sort donations at Jezreel International, bless a teacher by helping with yard work, and ring bells to support The Salvation Army. I was also given the opportunity to act in a play and be on our mock trial team during my years at LCS, both of which were valuable opportunities to develop my public speaking skills.
Even more important than the memories I made during high school were the lasting friendships I was lucky enough to forge there. Being at LCS was a great learning experience for me, giving me a solid education academically, while also helping me to grow in my relationship with God. Attending a Christian high school and being surrounded by others who shared and encouraged me in my beliefs was extremely satisfying for me spiritually. I definitely grew closer to God and became a stronger and bolder Christian thanks to my years at LCS, and this is perhaps the most valuable thing I gleaned from my years there. While no place or group of people is ever perfect, LCS is a very good school, and I wouldn’t change my years there for anything.
Caitlyn Gerardi (‘16)