Our May student of the month is Elena Gonzalez, an ice-skating loving Floridian who lives just a stone’s throw away from the Atlantic Ocean. After reading Elena’s service project report for Christian faith and living, Mr. Roy Williams nominated the senior for student of the month because of her initiative and ministry work with Special Olympics and the homeless.
My ICA Story
I’ve been with Ignite Christian Academy since the 7th grade. One of my close friends was using ICA, and I loved how fun and easy it was to learn. My favorite part is that I can have my personalized schedule and get the help I need when needed.
Family Life
I have two older brothers. We love to cook and have “cooking competitions,” but my favorite things to do are to lay on the beach or go for a hike.
Ice Skating
I attended a friend’s birthday party when I was five. Let’s just say, it was love at first glide! I’ve been figure skating since I was 6 years old, usually training 5-6 hours a day.
Coaching
I got involved with coaching for the Special Olympics when I met two special need adults that wanted to skate. I donated my coaching time to them for about a year until we decided to go to our first Special Olympics competition as a team. Their wish was to go to one skating competition and bring back a medal. Not only were they able to bring back 3 gold medals and 1 bronze, but one of the two skaters qualified for the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria this year and got third overall!
Making an Impact
Through coaching, I learned that if I am passionate about something and use my spiritual gifts, I am able to make even more of an impact than I expected. Coaching has given me a lasting effect on so many levels. They have helped to teach me to be more patient and never think that I can’t do something. If you work hard and show dedication, you are able to achieve anything!
Helping the Homeless
Giving15 is a non-profit organization that I started to help the homeless. Giving15 hands out bags with necessities like a Bible, a toothbrush and toothpaste, food, water and much more. The name comes from Deuteronomy 15:11, “There will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in you land.’” So far we have helped and prayed over 70 homeless people in our community.
Dream Job
My goal is to go to college and graduate with a major in business marketing. I would also like to work for the United Nations. That way I can help the world and the people who live in it, making the world a more peaceful place for the generations to come.
Words of Wisdom
Make your relationship with Jesus Christ a priority and always stay attentive to the Holy Spirit. Spending time reading the Bible everyday will help you stay focused on our Savior.