Building on a Solid Foundation: Parent Testimonial

Alumni Parent, Nancy Palmer, shared the following testimonial during the Class of 2022 Senior Banquet.

"On March 10, 2018, Davis and I pulled up to Jesse Remington High School for the first time to attend a campus tour. The campus was snow covered and sap buckets hung from various trees. I double and then triple checked my GPS as I was pretty certain that we had accidentally ended up at a quaint bed and breakfast. I joked about studying things like physics and chemistry and literature and also minoring in maple syrup making. So what kind of rural, informal, non conventional school was this anyway? We were about to find out. While walking the campus with students and talking to faculty about this authentic, unapologetic Christ centered community, the rigorous academic curriculum, the sports opportunities, the unusual and unique projects, the outdoor education opportunities that far and away surpassed any of my high school gymnasium days, we started to see a glimmer of what and who Jesse Remington high school is. While departing down Stevens lane on the way home, Davis said “ I can see myself going here” and I strangely had to agree with him.

Davis, my encouragement to you today and the theme of my centerpiece is building your foundation on a rock.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.”

I can sincerely affirm that 4 years at Jesse Remington has allowed Davis to build his life on a solid foundation.

First An Academic Foundation:

Davis was inspired by robust biblical debate with Mr Hannan, took part in in depth discussions and acute analysis of the classics like Frankenstein and Uncle Toms Cabin with Mr. Samuelson and Mr. Philbrick, enjoyed biology with Mrs. Trudeau, learned principles of physics and chemistry with the ever optimistic Miss Wilderman, was challenged with the study of Spanish by Miss Fuller was supported by Mr. Knecht through a year of formidable calculus and lived through the predictable wailing and gnashing of teeth each and every portfolio week.

Second, Davis has developed a healthy physical foundation here:

Initially, with much suffering and bemoaning, Davis endured mountain hikes with misery in the early days. After a dramatic improvement in personal health through incredible hard work, hikes slowly became tolerable and bearable. Now hiking and fall mountain retreats have become a source of excitement and anticipation. So much so that any thought of a prospective career must include an outdoor component. And of course 3 years of basketball where a tentative, out of shape sophomore ended up becoming a tough, strong defender at the hoop. And I didn’t miss a game. Not one.

Third, and most importantly, Davis has continued to build a strong Spiritual Foundation here.

Bible class, Chapel, Koinonia, Missions Trips, Fall Mountain Retreats have all challenged and grown his faith. Spiritual leaders abound at Jesse. Fellow students and staff are

a constant source of strength. Teachers and faculty and special people like Pastor Steve and his Koinonia leader, Dave Croley, have all poured their faith and wisdom into him and all of the students at Jesse. Some of the biggest spiritual changes I saw in Davis came after each mission trip stepping outside of himself to humbly serve others at places like Dreamers ranch where he helped with improving the farm and mentored to children, Philadelphia, where he saw those in the inner city just struggling to survive day to day and was able to help strengthen the church in the community there to support those in such desperate need and Detroit where he helped to literally restore God's church.

And of course building couldn’t be better illustrated than with the beautiful, unique timber frame projects. Thank you Jeff for the discipline, encouragement and mentoring that you provided to Davis in his role as the carpenter's apprentice.

So Davis My prayer is that you continue to build your life on a solid foundation, that you follow the teachings of Christ’s life as a carpenter- by working hard, living honestly and faithfully and knowing that any profession you dedicate to God can be carried out for the glory of God.

So back to my original question-What kind of rural, informal, non conventional school is this anyway? One that has helped to transform a naïve, young, sometimes selfish boy into a strong, capable, selfless, intelligent, faithful young man.

Thank you to each and every person who helped to shape and mold my son into the senior he is today and for setting his feet on a solid foundation. I know God has great things in store for you and we couldn’t be prouder."