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Honors Academy

at Eastern Christian School

Academics, Service & Experience

Cultivating academic excellence, service to others, and meaningful co-curricular involvement, the Eastern Christian School Honors Academy is designed to engage, motivate, and challenge our strongest and most ambitious students.

Applications will be made available in the spring of eighth grade, and occasionally ninth grade, for all students who believe they may be a good fit for the Honors Academy. Strong candidates typically earn mostly As in their classes and score in the 90th percentile on a nationally normed assessment like MAP tests.

Academics

Honors Academy students must maintain a minimum 3.75 grade point average per semester, complete at least 10 honors, AP, or dual enrollment courses during high school, and participate in at least one national or regional academic competition. Seniors will complete a culminating capstone project.

Service

Students within the Honors Academy will satisfy a minimum of 12.5 hours of service learning per year, preferably with the same non-profit organization. Sophomore students will serve as mentor leaders on a middle school retreat trip.

Experience

Involvement in two categorically different co-curricular activities each year (e.g. athletics and music) is required. Honors Academy students are expected to participate in all Leadership Lecture Series events, attend an annual retreat, maintain an academy journal, and meet regularly with the Honors Academy Advisor.

Application

To apply for the Honors Academy, students must:

• Be successfully accepted/enrolled at Eastern Christian School
• Complete the Honors Academy application (essay and interview)

Honors Academy Application

SEE APPLICATION FOR DEADLINE INFORMATION

Program Highlights

Leadership Lecture Series

The Leadership Lecture Series, sponsored by the Honors Academy, invites industry leaders and experts in their fields to speak to EC students. This series runs three times over the course of the school year and is open to all EC students and families.

Annual Honors Academy Retreat

Each winter, Honors Academy students will enjoy a time of fun, fresh air, and fellowship outside of school. The retreat will focus on community-building, leadership training, and planning for the year ahead.

Senior Capstone Project

Honors Academy seniors will dream, design, and execute a culminating capstone project. Projects will be collaborative in nature and positively impact a local or global community.

College Preparation

Members of the Honors Academy will develop a strong college resume and application by way of requirements met within the academy. This, along with guidance from our Academic and College Counseling office sets our students up for success at the next level.

Key Benefits for Students

Accountability

The Honors Academy Advisor works closely with students as they strive to balance challenging coursework, community service, and co-curricular involvement. Students will also receive accountability from fellow academy members.

Collaboration

Students have frequent opportunities to collaborate (and occasionally compete) within their grade-level academy cohort. Students will work together on service projects, events planning, and other engaging Honors Academy initiatives and challenges.

Deeper Impact

Sustained commitment to fewer activities allows for greater impact and a more rewarding experience than a partial commitment to many. Academy students are encouraged to invest deeply in their chosen co-curricular and service opportunities.

Reflection

Each student will maintain an Honors Academy journal that will accompany them throughout high school. The journal, coupled with frequent group discussions and individual meetings and with the Honors Academy Advisor, will promote thoughtful reflection of learning, service, and future goals.

Preparation

Students will develop a strong academic and co-curricular resume to be competitively positioned for college admissions. There will be opportunities to visit college campuses and Honors Academy students are expected to apply to at least one highly selective college or university.

Recognition

Honors Academy members will be recognized as part of the commencement ceremony and will receive notation on their high school transcript.

Meet the Program Advisor

If you have questions about the program or would like to learn more, please reach out!

Jesse Struck

Jesse Struck

Director of Academic & College Counseling and Honors Academy Advisor

Jesse Struck

Director of Academic & College Counseling and Honors Academy Advisor

Start Date: 2012

Education: B.A. - Psychology, Duquesne University
M.S. - School Counseling, Gwynedd-Mercy University

Bio:
A proud Philadelphia native and NJ transplant, Jesse has held college counseling positions in a variety of schools including The Stony Brook School, Mahwah High School, and a prior term at Eastern Christian (2012-2018). As the Director of Academic and College Counseling at EC, Jesse is committed to providing comprehensive resources and strong support for students throughout their academic progression and postsecondary transition. Jesse also serves as the Advisor for the Eastern Christian School Honors Academy. These complementary roles align with Jesse’s passion for building relationships with students and helping them discern and follow the Lord’s leading in their lives. He is also passionate about Liverpool Football Club, but in a different way. Jesse is married to Lindsey Struck and they have three young children.