Grace Galloway: Senior Spotlight

At what grade level did you start at The First Academy?

I came to TFA in 3rd grade.

What were the reasons you or your parents chose The First Academy?

We have been members of First Baptist Church of Orlando for a long time, so we heard about what a great school it was through the church.

Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities? (These can be affiliated with TFA or outside of school)

I am the catcher on the varsity softball team, and last year I received the award for defensive player of the year. Also, I work at In Bloom Florist. I am a part of the event team and help coordinate and set up weddings and other events. I am the senior chaplain for the Wesley House this year as well, and it’s been so cool to see the Lord work through the house system as we as students are able to really bond with each other daily.

Which colleges have you applied to and which ones have you be accepted to thus far? (Please include if you have made a decision to attend a certain college next year)

I have applied to Samford University, Florida State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Wake Forest University, and Vanderbilt University. I have been accepted to Samford, FGCU, and FSU; I am still waiting to hear back from Vanderbilt and Wake Forest.

What do you plan to study in college and what are your long-term career goals?

I am deciding between Interior Architecture and Graphic Design. Along with either of these majors, I plan to double major in business. I hope to eventually start my own business involving design, but I’m not sure yet what I want that to look like.

Have you received any college scholarships? If so, which ones? (Or, which ones are your currently nominated for)

I have received the Presidential Scholarship at Samford, and I have decided as of now that I will attend there next year. I also received scholarship offers from both FSU and FGCU.

Who is/are your favorite TFA teacher(s), and why?

One of my favorite teachers I have had is Mrs. Malone because she invests so much into us as students and has a passion for what she does. She’s the best storyteller in the world, and there’s never a dull moment with her. She is so organized and intentional, and I admire how genuine she is. Also, I think Mr. Adams is an awesome teacher. He has so much knowledge of how the world works, and I think his teaching style is super effective because he explains everything so well. Also, he is one of the most encouraging teachers I have ever had, and I think he really played a role in boosting my confidence in his class. Another favorite teacher is Coach Oliver. Not only does he know an unbelievable amount about what he teaches, but also he truly cares for us as people. I remember so many times during his class he would turn the lesson into a discussion about God and just pour into us so much. I think he is so real with students and so willing to share so much about how the Lord has worked in his life.

How has TFA made a difference in, or impacted your life?

TFA has made such a difference in my life. For one thing, the faculty here is such a blessing. It’s been so incredible to be able to have teachers who I can openly talk about Jesus with and who are so willing to invest in me. I think the relationships I’ve built here and the community I have been able to experience has been awesome because I have learned so much about life through each one of those people. I’ve been able to build memories with the people here, and I think the small environment of the school has allowed me to learn to be comfortable enough to branch out and get to know so many people around me. I have learned so much about Jesus and have been able to grow in him with guidance from the people around me and wisdom from so many mentors and that means everything.

How do you feel that The First Academy has prepared you for life after graduation?

I think that TFA has taught me a lot about people. I’ve learned that even at an incredible school, everyone has baggage, and everyone comes from a different background. I think that I have learned not to assume things about people and their lives. Along with that, I have really learned what it means to love others even when it’s hard. Going into my junior year, the Lord really put a passion for people on my heart, and He instilled a confidence in me that I had never experienced before. I think that through learning to be confident in who God is in my life was such an important lesson for me and will be one of the most important things I take with me as I move on to new seasons of life. Also, I have learned so much about who God is through the Bible studies I have done with my TFA small group as well as through the testimonies of those around me. I believe that the community God put in my life in high school has been such a blessing and has allowed me to really understand who God is. I have learned a lot about my faith, about my strengths, and about my weaknesses, and I’ve been so encouraged to really grow my strengths and use the gifts God has given me which is so necessary as I will have to decide what God wants me to do in the future.

What does it mean to you to be a The First Academy alumni?

To me, being an alumni of TFA means so much. I’m honored to say that I will graduate from TFA, and I’m so thankful for the preparation I have received for the future because of going here. I’ve learned so much and found community through the teachers and students.

To view our previous spotlight on Hannah Rose Cash, click HERE