Fall 2025 Essay Contest Winner: Lily Cavanaugh, Rehoboth Christian School

How has your school's culture and community contributed to your success in school?

My school’s culture and community has contributed to my success in school because of its focus on care. One of our throughlines is “community builders”, emphasizing our focus on intentionally building each other up. My school values taking care of each other, including everyone around you, and furthering your relationship with God. We, as students and teachers, work hard to make sure the community around us is a place of love, where students feel seen, heard, and cared for. We focus on being “justice warriors”, people who take care of the ones who aren’t being taken care of.

This environment has made an impact on my success in school because it helps me to remember what is important. Yes, grades are important, but it is pretty hard to get a good grade if you are not cared for. It is important to take care of your mental health, especially in high school. Our teachers also make sure we have everything we need to succeed, doing their best to help us be successful. 

Additionally, my school is a christian school, where God and our relationships with him are a priority. Having God in your life makes a huge difference on your ability to care for others, and for yourself. If you take care of yourself, that can affect your school life, and you can be someone who shows up for your friends, and works hard in school. Lastly, I live in a community right in the middle of the Navajo Nation. I am not Native, but I can say the culture around me also values things that I value, such as family and nature. I think all these properties help with my success in school because I know myself, who I am in Jesus, and who I am in my community. 

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