MERIT Vol 1 Ed 1.indd - All Saints Academy

Push the Limits
Katie Drum (2011)
Being an All Saints’ Academy student since
I was in pre-school has instilled certain values and
provided me with the opportunities to strengthen
them. One of these ideals, and in my opinion, one
of the most important, is the standard of setting
high goals and pushing myself as hard as I can to
achieve them. Luckily, ASA offers the Lyceum
Merit Studies Program, which has allowed me
to experience more challenging classes that push
students, like myself, that extra mile.
All Lyceum students are encouraged and expected
to work their hardest and push themselves to reach
their full potential by taking classes with more
demanding curricula. To be considered Lyceum
Merit Studies Scholars, we not only have to take a
certain number of Lyceum classes and keep at least
a 3.5 GPA, but also complete and present a field
experience based paper and project. Nearing the
end of my experience with the Lyceum program,
I’ve come to realize that this combination of
requirements is what makes the opportunity so
valuable and influential.
I began the Lyceum program in the eighth grade
because I wanted to challenge myself, and I felt
that it would help me set and achieve higher
goals. Since then, I’ve taken almost entirely
Lyceum and AP classes, all of which have
encouraged me to work as hard as possible to
achieve the most I can. These classes, although
difficult at times, have taught me that I can
accomplish more than I ever thought I could.
In addition to benefitting from the more
ambitious classes, I’ve also been greatly impacted
by the paper and project portion of the Lyceum
program. Students are expected to have some sort of
internship or job before their senior year. If students
are unsure of what to choose, the teachers always
seem happy to help us find the right fit. We then
have to write a paper and give a presentation about
our experience, what we learned from it, and how
it influenced our future career paths.
I’ve been a lifeguard and taught swim lessons for
the past two years, so I’ve been able to use this
job as my subject and work with my teachers to
realize the different life lessons I’ve learned an how
having this job has influenced my options for my
future career. The Lyceum program helped me
realize that even if I don’t necessarily want to
pursue a career in education, everyone is a teacher
and a mentor in some way.
Through all of the hard work, demanding classes,
extra assignments, and summer projects, I have
to say that the Lyceum Merit Studies program
Alum to Trustee
Will Pou III (2000)
Having the opportunity to serve All Saints’ as a
member of the Board of Trustees is an eye-opening
experience. When I started at ASA, the school had
just moved to the Hampton Campus, and there were
roughly 60 students attending in grades 8 - 11.
I truly feel like I had a hand in building the school.
Vivid memories fondly fill my mind of helping
unpack new desks and carry them into classrooms,
being the very first person who walked into the
newly completed Saterbo Science Building after
the Certificate of Occupancy was granted, and
helping build the network for the first computer lab
on campus.
Looking back, I realize the value of my education
at ASA is greatly attributed to the unique
experiences I had, due in large part to the small
class sizes and focused attention from the faculty.
It taught me responsibility and helped me excel
through college and into my current career at
Badcock & more.
As a Trustee, my fond relationship with the
school has continued through serving alongside
individuals with knowledge and expertise that is
almost overwhelming. I am honored to be the
first alumnus to serve on ASA’s Board of Trustees
has continually stretched my learning limits.
However, I can also honestly say that it is this
same program that has encouraged me to
always try my best and helped me reach my full
potential. I will always be extremely grateful to
and thankful to have the opportunity to collaborate
with such talented people.
If I could pass along one piece of advice to today’s
students, it would be this: Carpe Diem. Enjoy
every moment of your experience at All Saints’
Academy. Take part in as many extra-curricular and
co-curricular activities as you can, explore your
interests and passions, and take advantage of
the incredible gift of an All Saints’ education.
As future members of the Alumni Association, I
look forward to hearing your unique ASA story.
the Lyceum Merit Studies program and all of the
teachers that have helped me realize that anything
is possible.
5 6