ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Chloe Cyr Nossyr, Class of 2018

What did you like about attending Jesse Remington High School and why?

I was particularly shaped by the leadership development opportunities, Socratic discussions, outdoor activities, hands-on learning opportunities, small class sizes, chapel services, retreats, and rigorous humanities curriculum. I also appreciated the Christian community and Christ-centered identity development. It is incredibly hard to find an educational setting that integrates faith with academia, seeing the value of both critical thinking and mission-centered living -- and I feel JRHS offered this while I was there.

What experiences did you have at JRHS that have positively impacted the work, family, and spiritual aspects of your life?

The rigor of the work at Jesse Remington prepared me well for success academically at the bachelor's and master's levels. I found that I was substantially more equipped for college's educational demands than my peers because of the JRHS curriculum, especially in the areas of academic writing, critical thinking, and creative problem solving.

I use the skills I learned at JRHS daily in my career. I consistently find myself applying communication skills and active listening as I provide therapeutic intervention; utilizing analytical and rhetorical skills as I formulate assessments, treatment plans, and notes; and implementing collaboration and leadership strategies as I coordinate care across systems.

Having opportunities for leadership at a young age also provided me the confidence and skill to pursue leadership roles and take on challenges. Being believed in by teachers and having my gifts cultivated me at Jesse gave me an internal sense that I am capable of overcoming obstacles and that I am able to achieve what I set my mind to, which has served me immensely as I have faced challenges in my adult life. At Jesse, I learned that giving up is not an option, and that in times of hardship you have to lean on community, trust the Lord, and continue putting action behind your intentions.

Regarding my spiritual life, I feel that the Christian identity development I achieved during my high school years has continued to provide a foundation for my present faith. I have been leading a small group at my church with my husband for several years now, and the koinonia groups at JRHS were my first exposure to this type of discipleship model. At JRHS, I also developed a strong desire to think critically about Scripture and apply exegetical models to Bible study. This led to pursuing a minor in biblical studies in my undergraduate program, and also to meeting and marrying my husband who is highly invested in Biblical literacy and Christian discipleship.

Moreover, as a Christian in social work, having a strong faith foundation has been vital to my work. For me, applying a Christian lens to social work provides me with: empathy based on the inherent worth and dignity of each person, a framework for understanding the nature of people and free will, ultimate hope in Christ to redeem all of creation, an elevation of the needy and oppressed, and a basis for service in light of the sacrifice that has been made for me in Christ. This lens is one that began its development at JRHS, and was strengthened by Bible classes, mission trips, and discipleship groups.

What would you tell prospective parents to encourage them to consider enrolling their children at JRHS?

If your child is willing to engage with what JRHS has to offer and to meet the challenges set before them, they will reap the benefits of a rigorous Christian education for years to follow.