Growing Together: Three Siblings Discovering Who They’re Meant to Be

For Stephanie, choosing the right school for her children was about more than academics. She wanted a place where her children could grow academically while also staying connected to their faith and community.

That's what she found at Lithonia Adventist Academy.

Three of Stephanie's children-Liam, Leah, and Levi-have attended the school since pre-K. Now an eighth grader, Liam has spent nearly his entire school journey at Lithonia Adventist, while Leah is entering fifth grade and Levi is entering fourth.

"I knew I wanted them to be in a private school," Stephanie says. "Lithonia Adventist was just a great fit."

Through an Arete scholarship, the family has been able to make that choice a reality.

"Arete has had a huge impact on me sending my kids to Lithonia," Stephanie says. "Without that scholarship, I don't think they could be able to attend."

Over the years, Stephanie has watched her children grow from young students into confident, curious individuals who are beginning to discover their own interests and dreams.

While Liam, Leah, and Levi share a love for basketball and a close bond with their friends, each child has developed a personality and interests all their own.

Liam is passionate about basketball. He has played for Lithonia Adventist since fifth grade and dreams of one day playing professionally. He also loves being outdoors and staying active.

For Leah, curiosity is at the heart of everything she does. The outgoing fifth grader plays basketball and volleyball and easily makes friends wherever she goes. She also has a growing interest in science and dreams of becoming a scientist.

Then there's Levi, a fourth grader who has loved basketball from a young age. He enjoys playing for his school, spending time with his friends, and playing games.

Though their interests may differ, Stephanie has seen all three children make steady progress in the classroom. Liam has excelled in math, Leah shines in both math and science, and Levi is continuing to find his strengths as he grows.

"They have excelled in everything that they put their mind toward," Stephanie says. "It was just improvement and growth for everything overall."

But for Stephanie, their growth extends beyond grades. She has watched her children mature as individuals while developing a deeper understanding of their faith. And because they have grown up together at the same school, she has been able to see that journey unfold year after year.

"It's just growth as far as personality and having that whole journey with God," she explains. "I've seen them grow in understanding and just maturing as individuals."

At Lithonia Adventist, that growth has been supported by a close-knit school community that feels more like family.

This summer, Liam and Leah had the opportunity to grow in a completely different environment through Arete RISE. With support from the Arete RISE summer enrichment initiative, the siblings attended Camp Westminster's Trailblazers program, giving them their first-ever summer camp experience. And they loved every minute of it.

From horseback riding and archery to meeting new people and trying activities they had never experienced before, the week gave Liam and Leah the chance to step outside of their comfort zones and discover new interests.

"It was very interesting to see them try something new and actually like it," Stephanie says.

The experience made such an impression that both children are already hoping to return next summer.

For Stephanie, opportunities like summer camp are another way her children can learn and grow beyond the classroom, building confidence, independence, and memories that they will carry with them.

As Liam prepares to enter high school next year, his family is beginning to think about what comes next. Wherever he goes, Stephanie hopes he, and all of her children, will continue to have the opportunity to grow in both academics and faith.

That balance is one reason the Arete scholarship has meant so much to their family.

"If we didn't have this in place, I know for sure it wouldn't have been possible to send them to an Adventist school," Stephanie says. "I think they need both, where you're going for academics but also have that element of the Lord's presence and having that instilled in the students."

For Stephanie, the scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It has allowed her children to remain in an environment that reflects her family's values while giving them the tools, relationships, and experiences they need to discover who they are becoming.

As Liam, Leah, and Levi continue growing, both together and as individuals, their journey reminds us of what educational opportunity can make possible.