By: Andrea L. McCraw
Weimar Institute’s quiet summer comes to an abrupt halt at the start of the school year. The campus springs to life, as students pile in from far and wide to register for the fall semester. Excitement builds as old friends embrace and new students meet for the first time. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this is one of the Institute’s annual favorites.
The staff at both Weimar College and Weimar Academy are excited to say that this year has brought more students than most can remember. Between the jam-packed cafeteria and the tight school hallways, it’s obvious something has changed. College Registrar Rebecca Wong says, “We have almost doubled in size!”
Previous college enrollment has been near 50. This year the enrollment is closer to 90. Academy enrollment was around 60 students last year with over an 18% increase this semester.
What has em’ coming back, plus many more?
College student Camille Krueger says, “Professors are one on one with the students, I feel like the quality is really good, it’s also very biblically based.”
It’s not only the students at the college who enjoy the school. Alyson Chong, Nursing Department employee, says, “I really like the team of staff we have and the family environment.”
Along with the college, Weimar Academy hasn’t been larger in size for years. As a student there, I remember thinking that we had a lot of students last year, my peers and I totaling to 64. As for this semester, we have so many attending the academy, that I’m still learning new names. The total count comes to a whopping 76. Personally, I look forward to getting to know all the new faces.
Something that makes Weimar unique is the student diversity. We have students living as locally as Weimar and others coming from as far away as Switzerland. Local student Soren Nelson says, “I really like the atmosphere where everyone is friendly.” The Applegate resident is not only one who can vouch for this though. Local student Rachel Cooper says, “It’s a family atmosphere; everyone is close to each other, and if they don’t know each other, they get to know one another.”
For the past few years, I have experienced this same love from my peers and for them. Something I personally admire most about the school is the way all the staff strive to care for their students as if their children. Margaret Gallant, village and girls’ dean, says, “I want to make sure every student understands the love of Jesus in their lives.”
Weimar staff take it to a whole new level with both their spiritual-minded teaching system and a warm love for their students.
As a senior in the academy I can say, that indeed, Weimar is an exceedingly special campus. It’s a place where you can be yourself and live outside of the teenage stereotype. Staff and students encourage each other for a better future. Many students come not knowing God. It brings tears to my eyes to see students graduate with a skip in their step and a new found love for their Savior.
It’s a time full of anticipation and delight at Weimar Institute. I am proud to see both schools grow in numbers and blossom for Christ. As the year progresses, my earnest prayer for both the college and the academy, is that together, we can bring others to God and increase His numbers.
“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:12
Andrea L. McCraw is a Weimar Academy senior who lives near Weimar campus, in a mountain home, and works in the administrative office.
Obstacle course activity for college orientation. Pictured are: (L to R) Caleb, Hannah, Janell, Dr. Paulo Grilo.
The Agape Feast to kick off a new year at Weimar Academy. Pictured are: (L to R) Maki, Erika, Serafina.