Published: May 28, 2009 02:10 pm      

Christian Academy senior in New Albany hopes to preach Gospel

Divine future

Kay Barbour has watched many students come and go at Christian Academy of Indiana, formerly Graceland Christian, over the past 40 years. And while life holds no guarantees, she believes there is one young man who will walk across the stage Friday who is destined for greatness.

His name is Levi Stewart.

“When he pursues something, he does it with excellence,” said Barbour, director of development at the school. “Success will be eminent.”

Stewart will be one of 50 graduating seniors who will receive diplomas Friday night. He considers his four years at Christian Academy a “great experience” as he prepares to attend Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla.

As Floyd County high schools prepare for graduation, The Tribune recently talked with Stewart about the past and about his future plans.

QUESTION: Was high school everything you thought it would be?

LEVI STEWART: It’s been a lot of fun; full of experiences. It’s been a great education for sure, and it’s been challenging with all the different courses and teachers. The school instituted several AP [advanced placement] courses so the last few years have been really challenging. It has really strengthened me as a student, and I have picked up on the idea of being a student and learning new things.

Q: How have the last four years shaped you?

STEWART: They created a culture where I want to learn. I have been chaplain the last two years and that experience, along with my experience in church, made me decide I want to go into the ministry.

Q: What are your future plans?

STEWART: Not exactly sure of a major, but I want to do some kind of vocational ministry. That is where I want to be.

Q: Why did you pick Oral Roberts University?

STEWART: It is one of the larger Christian universities and will provide a great education. It will be one of the best educations I can get.

Q: What issue concerns you most?

STEWART: With my career choice, I want to preach the Gospel to people the way the church meant it to be.

Q: What will you miss about high school?

STEWART: The people, the teachers and the coaches; the friends I made here. Being involved in school you get to make a lot of friends. They are just great people.

Q: What is a perfect day or night for you?

STEWART: I like to read books that I am interested in. It’s a perfect day when I get plenty of sleep.

Q: Is there a moment over the past four years that you will never forget?

STEWART: Probably the time I spent with my psychology teacher [Will Lorigan]. We discuss things and he gives me advice and direction. I hope to continue to do that.

Q: Who is your hero, or who do you look up to the most?

STEWART: Mr. Lorigan is one. He has experienced some things that other people haven’t. I look up to Mr. [Kevin] Wilson [school counselor]. He has helped me out a lot with college. He is a very genuine person.

Q: What will you be thinking about as you walk across the stage and receive your diploma?

STEWART: A sense of accomplishment. It feels like it’s been a lot of hard work. It’s been a very rewarding experience. I’ll be thinking about college. I feel like I’ll be prepared.

Q: What would you say to a student considering Christian Academy?

STEWART: The school really prepares you in a lot of different ways. It’s not going to be a school where you won’t have to work hard. I think they prepare you for life with the Biblical training and the teachers.



LEVI STEWART

• AGE: 18

• PARENTS: Rodney and Terri Stewart

• SIBLINGS: Two brothers, two sisters

• GPA: 3.9

• ACTIVITIES: Basketball, baseball and tennis

• OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Served as school chaplain

• FUTURE PLANS: Attend Oral Roberts University, where he received a scholarship; go into ministry