CARTERSVILLE, GEORGIA – On Thursday, June 5, 2025, I had the opportunity to experience something truly remarkable. I attended the very first graduation of Cross Street Academy!

Now, as a high school teacher, attending graduation ceremonies is nothing new for me. Both for work and otherwise, I have attended dozens by this point in my career. However, there were things about Cross Street’s graduation that made it truly special.

First, why was I there? Any of you who have read my missionary articles are likely familiar with the Sheets family by now. They are devoted missionaries in Arequipa, Peru and among the dearest friends of my life. I would come flying from the ends of the earth for their sake (and have on several occasions). This year their son, Nathan, whom I have known since he was born, was graduating from high school. As missionaries in a foreign country, finding quality education for your kids can be a challenge. After a few fits and starts with other local and online programs, the Sheets family settled on Cross Street Academy for their kids, and Nathan was a part of the school’s first official graduating class.

Cross Street Academy actually has a unique history of its own. It was founded five years ago by Scott Saiers, a successful business man on Wall Street who found himself discontent with that life. Though he was a strong believer even in those days, Mr. Saiers wanted to do something more meaningful – so he decided to start an online Christian school – Cross Street Academy. Now, five years later, Cross Street Academy is an accredited online private Christian school serving students in grades 6 through 12. The school’s mission is to deliver high-quality, affordable, and faith-centered education with a college-preparatory curriculum rooted in a biblical worldview. Cross Street is designed to mirror the structure and interaction of a traditional classroom. Highly qualified teachers lead live classes every school day via Zoom, and students study all the major subjects — Math, English, Bible, History, Science, and Spanish.

Now, at the outset, this might seem like nothing more than a typical online school. Even online schools with the Christian stamp of approval can come across as formulaic and impersonal. However, as I attended the graduation and its various festivities, I quickly learned this was not true of Cross Street. The very first pre-graduation event I got to attend was a meet and greet at the local Barnes & Noble. Though I was just an observer at that point, I couldn’t help but be stunned by how quickly the seniors clicked. Granted, the whole graduating class was only 12 students, and a few of those were not able attend in person, but those who were there instantly connected like they had been best friends for years. And, perhaps, in a way they had, as they have been interacting online for years at this point, but to my knowledge none of them had ever met in person before. From that event on though, it was hardly possible to separate these soon to be Cross Street alumni.

I arrived in Cartersville two days before the graduation, so on the day before commencement there were even more fun times, including an afternoon at Allatoona Lake and an evening bonfire. At the fire, there was plenty more excitement and some great conversations, but how it ended will stick with me for a long time.

CSA English teacher and published author Krista McGee, who was our impromptu host, gathered everyone back around the fire and asked each of us – students, parents, and guests included – to share something they were thankful to the Lord for in that moment. It was remarkable hearing everyone’s stories of gratitude. Following this was an intimate time of prayer as parents and friends laid hands on the seniors and prayed for them – in a way commissioning them for what was coming next. The night ended with a great deal of joy and everyone’s hearts primed for the big event coming the next day.

And such a day it was! With the ceremony set to begin at noon, the senior class began to gather for pictures at about 10:30. Dawn McClure, CSA class of 2025, was the designated photographer for the event – (check out her work at Photos by Dawn) – and she quickly had her classmates striking various poses to celebrate the story of the day. As a photographer myself, I had come prepared to take pictures of the Sheets family, but since Dawn also needed to be in many of the senior pictures and would be unable to photograph the ceremony, I was quickly drafted into service (which actually made the event a lot of fun for me).

Gallery • 9 Photos

By the time the ceremony itself arrived, hearts were ready and I don’t think I could have been more impressed. Held at Cartersville First Baptist Church, where CSA teachers David and Krista McGee attend, the graduation ceremony occurred in the church’s beautiful chapel and included several breathtaking performances by students. The first was “The Power of Your Love” performed by senior Agnieszka Wysocka on vocals with her younger brother Michal Wysocki accompanying her on the piano. During her performance, “Angie” actually walked out into the audience and gave a fist bump to every kid present. Later, Dawn McClure sang her own original song “Growing Up” and accompanied herself on the guitar. Truly, the CSA class of 2025 is one of boundless talent!

While no specific valedictorians or salutatorians were identified, three seniors did address their classmates, including Corie Miller, Desiree Bordet, and Christian Sultze. Christian’s speech still resonates with me as it was a biblically rich and powerful charge for his classmates.

What was perhaps the most impressive thing to me about the ceremony was the part where each CSA faculty member present took the podium and addressed every senior individually by name with words of encouragement, admonishment, and, most of all, love. This was something I had never seen in a graduation ceremony before, and perhaps it really wouldn’t be possible for a larger senior class – but for the CSA class of 2025, it was amazing! Glancing around at the audience, I couldn’t help but see tears in several parents’ eyes.

The ceremony finished up with the keynote address by Head of School Scott Saiers, followed by the presentation of diplomas by Saiers and High School Principal Paul Hicok. And then, finally, the moment had come! Apparently, the CSA class of 2025 has been affectionately called “guinea pigs” throughout their schooling since their experience was a big part in shaping what the school is today – not to mention the fact that they are the very first graduating class. So when the time came, Mr. Saiers said, “All right, guinea pigs, you can throw your hats!” And just like that, up those graduation caps went, and the class of 2025 officially became the first alumni class of Cross Street Academy!

During my few days around the teachers and students of Cross Street Academy, it was very clear that CSA is a school where students are seen and loved. Being online with students scattered across the nation – and even world – seemed to make little difference. This school is a family where Christ is gloried and learning is of the highest caliber. I truly hope I have the opportunity to interact with this faculty and student body again one day. For now though, to the Cross Street Academy class of 2025, may God bless you and keep you as you head out into the amazing lives He has in store for you!