The November 2022 highschool student of the month at Ignite Christian Academy is 12th grader Madeline Szelmeczki, a member of the Blue Umbrella and National Honor Society President. During her time at ICA, Madeline was surprised to find the many ways she could receive help with something. She enjoys visiting the Academic Support Room or booking appointments with her teachers and was also surprised to see how many student interaction opportunities exist. She feels like she is part of a school and not just sitting in her room by herself. Upon graduation, Madeline will be attending Belhaven University as a dance major. She has been dancing for fourteen years and wants to teach dance after college.
Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Funk nominated Madeline as the student of the month. Mrs. Smith stated that Madeline “exhibits natural grace and leadership in each Blue Umbrella staff meeting and is the kind of student I love to have in my classroom.” Mrs. Funk described Madeline as a student who “has set the standard as our Honor Society President this year. The meetings and slides she prepares are well thought out, engaging, and fun. She goes above and beyond and is a natural leader.”
My ICA Story
I am a senior at ICA. I started here during my freshman year of high school. Up until high school, my parents homeschooled me. My mom used LIFEPAC when I was in middle school. Through LIFEPAC, she found out about Ignite Christian Academy at the time. My parents decided to have me attend ICA because they thought I could get a better high school education online instead of simply being homeschooled.
My Favorite Subject
My favorite subject is history because I get to learn about what God did in the past to bring us to where we are today. However, I also really enjoy math because I can see the order and structure of God’s creation in it. My favorite part of online learning is the fact that I can do school whenever I want. I also love the teachers here and the many clubs and classes that are offered.
My Life in Mississippi
I live outside of Ackerman, Mississippi, which is a small town about two hours north of Jackson. I love that we are surrounded by woods. I love being able to go take walks in the woods with my family. I also have two dogs, Chester, and Millie, and four chickens named Abby, Penny, Sophia, and Caroline.
My Hobbies and Interests
In my free time, I like to watch movies and play games with my three younger brothers. Two of my brothers and I are reading the series Ranger’s Apprentice which we really enjoy doing. I love cooking, crocheting, riding my bike, playing violin and piano, and playing cards with my dad and brothers. I also like playing Farming Simulator 14 while I listen to Fox Business or NBC.
Other students would be surprised to learn that I used to be really scared of getting involved at ICA. Now, I am highly involved in the Blue Umbrella, and I am the president of ICA’s chapter of the National Honor Society. I love being involved now, and I look forward to everything I get to attend.
My Dream Job
My dream job includes teaching both dance and about Christ. I want to spread the Word of God, and I want to spread the joy of dance to as many people as I can. My proudest accomplishment would be getting certified as a teacher through TAG (Truth And Grace) Kids’ Club. I teach a club once a week to 4th and 5th graders. I find nothing more rewarding than seeing kids accepting Jesus Christ and growing in their faith.
My Words of Wisdom
My piece of advice is to work hard in schoolwork. Try to actually understand everything you learn instead of simply memorizing and develop a love of learning. However, make sure to give yourself some breaks, and take time to appreciate the life God gave you.