Posted on June 25, 2018
Our Independent Study students have been active in Spring sports this 2017-18 school year. From top row left to right, then bottom row left to right:
Posted on June 07, 2018
Here are a few of our Independent Study 2018 graduates and their stories of how they have benefited from the IS program. Read the Spring 2018 newsletter for more of our graduates stories!
Independent Study has blessed me, Katelyn Harper, in more ways than I can possibly imagine. IS has allowed me to have all the blessings of homeschooling, but has also given me the drive and determination to succeed. Independent Study has also given me the freedom to steadfastly pursue my dream of being a collegiate athlete in swimming. With 20+ hours a week of training in the pool, Independent Study has allowed me to focus on my sport and be able to serve in various areas of my church. I have been blessed to be on the leadership team of my youth group throughout my high school years and I have participated in several mission trips to the Yakama Indian Reservation. Beginning this Fall semester, I will be competing for the Biola University swim and dive team. I will be studying nursing. I know I would not have been able to achieve these goals without the unwavering support of my parents as well as my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “And we know that for those who love God all things word together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Hi, my name is Josie Marie Torrence, a 12th grade senior in the IS program at Cedar Park Christian School. I knew about CPC because I had gone to the Bellevue campus prior to entering intot IS. It has been a joy to work with Dr. McIntosh for the past five years, especially getting help on my research. I like that we can go at our own pace, yet still be on track for graduation. I also like that I got to choose two classes on campus Art and Choir, which allowed me to meet new people. This Fall I will be starting at Everett Community College in the two-year nursing program and the 30 hour childcare certificate. Then, I plan on transferring to UW Bothell for my BSN, while still working at CPC in the extended care-program and daycare.
Hello, my name is Kyle Sledge. I began Independent Study at Cedar Park two years ago when I moved to Washington. Independent Study has given me the chance to enjoy the flexibility of IS and the ability to steer my education in the direction I choose. I decided to join Cedar Park Christian Independent Study because I wanted an academic challenge, the opportunity to advance my studies, and the flexibility to dedicate time to a new sport; rowing with the club in Everett. Crew is practically a year-round sport, with practices running for three hours a day from Monday through Saturday and with regattas held nearly every weekend in the Fall and Spring, so attending a tradition school was not an option. Participating in Cedar Park Independent Study allowed me to finish most of my schoolwork before going to rowing practice in the afternoons. I have even had the time to pursue other interests like playing the guitar. Independent Study lets me balance my academic interests and my love for rowing. I would recommend the IS program for people who want to be academically challenged and still have the freedom to participate in rigorous outside activities. Next year, I will attend the University of Washington, School of Engineering and study Bioengineering and Pre-Medicine. My goal, Lord willing, is to become a surgeon.
Posted on February 28, 2018
Samantha Edwards and Her Journey to West Point Samantha Edwards has always been very determined. The reason for this may surprise people, but she attributes it to her homeschooling. Sammie has been home-schooled for all of her schooling, with the last four years through the Independent Study Program at Cedar Park Christian School. According to Sammie, homeschooling forced her to push herself out of her comfort zone and to participate in various activities; swimming, community service and academics being the main focus.
Homeschooling not only helped Sammie grasp concepts quickly, but also taught her how to be a self-disciplined and an independent learner. Sammie said, “I knew that I wanted to push myself harder, so I started doing Independent Study, with my advisor, through Cedar Park Christian as a freshman.
As a competitive swimmer for many years, both in a year-around club program and on a high school team, Sammie has been blessed with success. Sammie was a three-time All-Conference selection in the KINGCO athletic league and achieved recognition this year as a Scholastic All American and as an invitee to the U.S. Winter Junior Nationals. This coming Fall, Sammie will continue her swimming at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she has recently received an appointment.
For Sammie, however, swimming has been much more than just competing to win races. She said, “swimming teaches you about yourself and helps you to push past each plateau and those times of self-doubt.” Sammie has learned to heed the advice from family, more experienced swimming peers and coaches. Sammie remarked, “they taught me that you must have perseverance; which to me is steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” For Sammie, that is the essence of swimming; persevering and enduring through countless hours of practice and pain each day.
Sammie’s family has been influential. Sammie describes some of their advice as follows: “my family has always told me, ‘it’s not how many times you get knocked down’… and before they could finish, my 10-year-old self would role my eyes and finish the sentence with ‘I know, it’s how many times you get back up.’” Sammie continues, “it was only after years of successes and failures in athletic competition, that I took this childhood quotation to heart and fully grasped its meaning.” For Sammie, this saying is a reminder to keep trying, and it symbolizes hope and purpose and helps her keep her eye on her goals.
Sammie has been asked why she has chosen to attend West Point. Sammie gives a simple reply: “I consider myself a patriot. I am very proud and very blessed to call this great country my home. I want to give back to my country and to protect everything for which this nation stands. Our country is a symbol of freedom for the whole world and a beacon of hope for the oppressed. Our freedom must never be taken for granted and each generation of citizens must find within its ranks, those who are willing to sacrifice to preserve that freedom. I want to do my part, and I believe I can do this by serving in the military and being a leader of fellow patriots.”
Lastly, Sammie remarked: “I will always be deeply grateful to CPCS and the Independent Study program”. “IS has given me the opportunity to work and excel at my own pace, to gain knowledge, to mature emotionally and socially and to grow in my faith in Christ. Each of these areas has helped me to move forward toward my journey to West Point.”
