Senior Highlights – Class of 2023

AUGUST BELLANCA is interested in pursuing law, politics, and writing and is considering attending St. John’s College in Annapolis. His future goals include becoming a published writer and developing fluency in French.

At DVCS, August has been involved in mock trial, debate team, basketball, soccer, and baseball. He is thankful that he has been able to polish his intellect and cultivate his writing and rhetoric skills.

On May 15, August defended the thesis statement, “It is necessary to aesthetically beautify church architecture.”

To DVCS students, he says, “You have an amazing opportunity to benefit from DVCS, but do not take any of your education for granted.”

August asks for prayer for the Lord to guide his heart and mind.

Congratulations, August!

AIDAN GRAY plans to attend Covenant College in the fall. He has played soccer and baseball at DVCS and advises current students, “Play the sports.”

On May 15, Aidan will defend the thesis statement, “Scientists today should attempt to replicate the science done by engineer, Royal Raymond Rife, in order to advance our ability to combat disease.”

Aidan is thankful for the education and skills that DVCS has allowed him to achieve. He asks for prayer that he would be able to finish college without debt.

Congratulations, Aidan!

QUINTON HAUSER will take a gap year after graduating from DVCS to hone some of his skill and explore more of God’s creation. Then, he plans to attend Wheaton College for applied health science and baseball with the goal of becoming a personal trainer or physical therapist to help athletes and others recover from injuries.

At DVCS, Quinton has played baseball and basketball and participated in vocal ensemble.

On May 15, Quinton will defend the thesis statement, “Students must be required to take a complete music program in order for them to receive a proper and complete Christian education.”

Quinton is thankful for the community at DVCS. He says, “From the teachers and staff to the students, everyone here has built me up to be the young man I am today. The teachers have done a phenomenal job at showing me how to be a godly Christian and that we should strive to do everything to God’s glory. And on the other side, the students have been such a blessing in both their want to help others even at the cost of their own time and their loving friendships. I could not be more happy and proud of all the people that I have gotten to know and to grow friendships with while I have attended this school.”

To current DVCS students, Quinton says, “Over my thirteen years at the school, I have learned that you should always do your best in all that you do, even the smallest things. I was never the greatest at this, but when I actually put in my best foot towards the small things, I noticed a significant change in everything that I did.”

Quinton asks for prayer that God will have His guiding hand over him as he continues his journey and that He will open and close paths where need be.

Quinton is also our first second-generation graduate!

Congratulations, Quinton!

MEGAN LI will attend Hillsdale College and major in Economics. Her (very tentative) plans include working for the CIA, becoming an investigative journalist, living in Japan for some time, and possibly writing a book (but definitely not all at the same time).

At DVCS, Megan has been involved in Science Olympiad, debate team, the theater program, volleyball, student government, and journalism.

On May 15, she will defend the thesis statement, “Generation Z has suffered the consequences of society’s declining vision of truth and indifference to the need of pursuing excellence.”

Megan is thankful to DVCS for teaching her how to develop her ideas, think critically, and express herself better in general. She says, “I’m also very grateful for the teachers that have pushed me to find my limits and exceed them and for all the classes that have continually opened my eyes to the beauty of life and the fullness of God’s presence in it.”

Megan advises current DVCS students, “Don’t forget that it is in the hardest times that you need God the most, and it’s ultimately your choice to seek Him and surround yourself with people doing the same. Also, take advantage of DVCS’s small community. You’ll find that there’s all the more opportunities to meet amazing people and step out of your comfort zone into something fun. Treasure good friends when you find them, pursue godly excellence in all that you do, and don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.”

Megan asks for prayer that she would continue to grow in her relationship with the Lord, especially in her seeking of His guidance and her trust in His good plan for her future. She also asks for prayer that her classmates will feel God’s presence with them always and find a great future wherever they are going.

Congratulations, Megan!

LILIAN MCGARVEY will attend the University of Delaware to study Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her dream is to own a small farm.

On May 15, Lily will defend the thesis statement, “The church ought to lead the charge for stewardship of the earth.”

Lily has participated in volleyball, soccer, Science Olympiad, and the theater program at DVCS. She is thankful for the investment of her teachers into her life throughout her time at DVCS.

Lily’s advice for DVCS students is, “God has put you in the place that you are for his good purpose. Don’t doubt his steady hand and perfect plan for your life when it gets tough, and it will. Lean on Him, your family, friends, and teachers, and ask for help.”

As Lily will be going to a secular college, she asks for prayer that she would grow in her faith, be a light in her community, and continue to pursue excellence, wisdom, joy, and gratitude in the strength that God will supply.

Congratulations, Lily!

BRYCE POPE plans to attend Grove City College for exercise science and swimming. His future goals include attending graduate school to get a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and competing in NCAA DIII Championships.

At DVCS, Bryce has participated in Science Olympiad, cross country, the theater program, student government, and National Honor Society. He says, “DVCS has taught me the importance of a liberal arts education intertwined with creation’s relationship to its Creator. DVCS has shown me the beauty of learning and how it brings us closer to God with every new subject learned and every new connection made.”

On May 15, Bryce will defend the thesis statement, “Classical Christian education should incorporate more hands on learning into its curriculum.”

Bryce advises DVCS students, “Trust the Lord in the circumstances He has given you. He has a plan and a purpose for every moment in your life that ultimately brings the Lord glory and brings you closer to Him.”

Bryce asks for prayer for peace of mind for life away from home, that God would surround him with like-minded Christians at school whom he can rely on for his walk in faith, and that college would be an opportunity for him to see God in his life more.

Congratulations, Bryce!

KAI SCHMIEDEL will attend International Christian University in Japan. Although no major is required for the first two years, he would like to pursue an artistic or mathematical major.

Kai is thankful for the tight-knit community at DVCS and the opportunity to grow his talents in many areas. He has participated in cross country, running club, Science Olympiad, the musical, Poetry Out Loud, and debate club.

On May 15, Kai will defend the thesis statement, “The phrase, ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ is a myth: one that is neither true nor pragmatic.”

He advises current DVCS students, “Pursue diligence, attentiveness, and joy in class, and it will pay off in all other areas of your life.”
Kai asks for prayer that he would find a good church in Japan, create good schedules, and make good friends.

Congratulations, Kai!

ABIGAIL STONE will attend American University to study psychology. She would like to help others, continue to grow her creativity, and maybe get a doctorate.

At DVCS, Abigail has participated in Science Olympiad, soccer, volleyball, debate team, art elective, and the theater program. She is thankful for all her friends and for how she has grown in her argumentation and writing skills.

On May 15, Abigail will defend the thesis statement, “The objectification and sexualization of women focused in art and film has had a detrimental effect on society.”

She advises current DVCS students, “Do not let yourself fall behind, and ask your class for help. And do not take things too seriously.”

Abigail asks for prayer that she would find the right path for her.

Congratulations, Abigail!

DONOVAN WARSHAW will pursue a degree in Biblical Studies at Reformation Bible College. Donovan’s future dreams include completing and publishing a novel, distributing his own music, and spending time in other countries that speak different languages. As for future goals, he wants to be involved in ministry and possibly pastoral work, as well as translation.

At DVCS, Donovan has been a part of Math League, Science Olympiad, vocal ensemble, National Honor Society, the musical, and student government.

On May 15, Donovan will defend the thesis statement, “Every musician should invest in jazz, despite its dissonance.”

Donovan says, “DVCS has introduced me to perspectives on Christianity and philosophy that I likely wouldn’t have come across anywhere else, and given me the tools to express my ideas and beliefs in a way that is clear, concise, comprehensive, and winsome.”

He advises current students, “If you have the time, develop your musical abilities and learn another language, maybe with a friend. Language gives you the opportunity to look at everything in a different lens, and music gives you the opportunity to shape sounds into something very beautiful and meaningful. Even if it doesn’t seem like much at first, language and music are priceless ways to sharpen your mind and soul down the road.”

Donovan asks for prayer for the following: “Because I am interested in so many things, I have a great deal of anxiety as to what I will pursue later in life, and above all, the fear of later regret in what I could have done. Please pray that God would calm my heart and direct my effort towards the plans he has for me.”

Congratulations, Donovan!