Class profiles: Clovis Christian School

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of profiles of the local high school graduating classes.

Clovis Christian School was recently called "a gem on the prairie" in a report by the Association of Christian Schools International, and with good reason.

A quarter of the school's senior class will graduate with a 4.0 GPA in May, having mastered calculus, chemistry and physics in the process.

A third have been honored as Kiwanis student of the month based on character, school and community involvement and commitment to self-improvement.

Every graduating senior will leave the school with college credits already under his or her belt, due to the school's dual credit and accelerated placement programs.

Ryan Steele, who scored 34 out of 36 possible points on his ACT exam said, "We didn't do this on our own. We had really good support." Steele, who plans to attend New Mexico Tech and major in computer science and engineering, said, "I want people to look at my life and say they see Christ through me more than anything else."

Kenny Duong and Kevin Naceanceno, who also have 4.0 GPAs, plan to pursue careers at Harding University in Searcy, Ark. Duong dreams of using his pharmacology degree in conjunction with missionary work to help people in other countries. Naceanceno, who wants to be a teacher and influence young lives, said, "In the Christian world view, everything you do counts. We're here to love and care for the people around us."

We asked Clovis Christian School Principal Mychelle Simms to describe each of her graduating seniors using a single word and invited the graduating class to respond to a few questions and tell us about their accomplishments.

Conan Ashford

Ashford finished school in December and did not submit responses. He will walk with his graduating class in May.

Simms says: Loyal.

Skylar Coffin

Do your plans for the future include college or a trade school?

I am going to attend college because I strive for a higher education. I want to become a nurse so that I can help others, so college is necessary.

Student accomplishments: New Mexico all-state choir participant, Kiwanis student of the month.

Simms says: Sparkles.

Kenny Duong

Who do you consider a role model and why would you like to emulate them?

Jesus Christ is my role model. He did everything wisely. He helped those who needed it and even those who did not deserve it.

A modern-day role model would be Tim Tebow because he is doing what he loves and proclaims the word of Christ, no matter what criticism comes his way.

Student accomplishments: Member of the 2010 6-man state championship team, 2009 1st team all-district defensive end, 2010 1st team all-state outside linebacker, 2011 1st team all-district running back, 2012 2nd team all-state running back, 2010 Class A discus state champion, 2010 A Class A shot put state champion, 4.0 cumulative GPA, 2010-2011 Kiwanis student of the year.

Simms says: Focused.

Scott Fly

Do you think your education has prepared you for the workforce?

I think my education greatly prepared me for the workforce, because it taught me to work my tail off to get the job done.

Simms says: Selfless.

Daniel Graham

Do your plans for the future include college or a trade school?

I plan on pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. I plan on being an entrepreneur of innovations while using the skills of my degree to develop useful improvements to everyday life.

Simms says: Spontaneous.

Winona Johnson

Do you think school has prepared you for life "in the real world?"

School equips us with important skills, but does not really fully prepare one for the real world. Nothing can truly prepare one for the real world. Once a person is out of college and independent, they must continue in a learning process to understand how to fend for themselves.

Student accomplishments: U.S. Achievement Academy, Kiwanis student of the month.

Simms says: Linguistic.

Rena Mace

Do your plans for the future include college or a trade school?

I plan on completing my basics at Clovis Community College, then transferring to University of New Mexico for my degree in early childhood development.

Simms says: Compassionate.

Kevin Naceanceno

Who do you consider a role model and why would you like to emulate them?

I consider Jesus Christ a big role model. He was the perfect example of humility and character.

Student accomplishments: National Hispanic Scholar, member of the 2010 6-man state championship team, 2011 all-state 6-man player of the year, 2012 all-star basketball team, 4.0 cumulative GPA, 2011-2012 6-man all-star team

Simms says: Strength.

Megan Silvers

Do you think school has prepared you for life "in the real world?"

Yes, Clovis Christian School has helped me keep God first in my life. I feel very confident in my relationship with Christ Jesus because of the Christ-like values this school has taught me to have. I have learned how to be a respectful and diligent worker.

Simms says: Joyous.

Ryan Steele

Do your plans for the future include college or a trade school?

Yes, I intend to attend New Mexico Tech to study computer software engineering, then hopefully find a job in a related field.

Student accomplishments: Student Rotarian, member of the 2011 6-man state championship team, 2011-2012 6-man all-star team, 4.0 cumulative GPA, highest ACT score (34) in the history of Clovis Christian School.

Simms says: Intelligent.

Jessica Taylor

Who do you consider a role model and why would you like to emulate them?

My role model is my mother, Evelyn Stoddard, because she is an amazing and loving woman of God. She has taught me numerous things about life. I am so thankful for her love and support.

Student accomplishments: 2012 all-star basketball team, 2011 all-district offensive player, 2011 district champion javelin.

Simms says: Beautiful — inside and out.

Kaitlyn Turvaville

Who do you consider a role model and why would you like to emulate them?

I consider my mom my greatest role model. She has taught me everything I know, most importantly how to love the Lord with all my heart. My mom has a great heart for serving and I would like to be like her as I get older.

Student accomplishments: 2011-2012 North/South all-star team, 2010 & 2011 all-district volleyball, Kiwanis student of the month, 2011-2012 Student Rotarian

Simms says: Generous.