Hannah Connell: Senior Spotlight
What a Grade Level did you start at The First Academy?
4th grade
What were the reasons you or your parents chose The First Academy?
My mom got a job as the K-4 teacher so when she got the job, I started going to TFA.
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)
Softball, Wounded Warrior Officer, FCA
Which colleges have you applied to and which ones have you been accepted to thus far?
Florida Gulf Coast, UF, UCF and I haven’t heard back from any of them yet.
What do you plan to study in college and what are your long-term career goals?
Hospitality Management and I would like to be involved in events in hotel management.
Have you received any college scholarships? If so, which ones? (Or, which ones are you currently nominated for)
No
Who are some of your favorite TFA teachers, and why? These can be K4-12.
Mrs. Rymer because she really prepared me to come into high school with a Biblical foundation. Mr. Hudson because one of my favorite classes at TFA has been World Religions and he always made things fun and interesting. Mr. Adams because he doesn’t just care about grades, but he cares about each student individually and AP Psych has been my absolute favorite class I have taken in high school. Mrs. Oswald because she has been my Bible Study leader and she has helped me thus far to go through my senior year with a positive attitude and be open to everything that the Lord has for me.
In one sentence, what did being a student at The First Academy mean to you?
Being a student at The First Academy has meant the world to me because it gave me a safe place. Being a part of TFA is like being a part of a big family.
How has TFA made a difference in, or impacted your life?
TFA is filled with so many people who care so much about the students. The teachers and administrators have made the biggest impact on me. Academics is such a huge part of school, but at TFA I feel so loved, not because of academics, but because of how the faculty cares about me as a person.
Do you feel that The First Academy has prepared you for life after graduation?
TFA is a college preparatory school which is academics, but it also means that TFA’s mission is to prepare students for college life. So yes, I think TFA has given me a strong foundation in the Lord. Classes like Apologetics and World Religions have prepared me and taught me how to stand up for my faith on a college campus where Christianity is not the primary focus or not the focus at all.
What is your favorite memory at TFA?
My favorite memory at TFA is being a part of the Veterans Day service as a Wounded Warrior Officer. We had 50+ veterans there and it was such an honor to be able to be a part of thanking them for everything that they have done for us. I am looking forward to being a part of the service again this year.