Leaving a Legacy

As seniors around the country complete their final year of high school, a common theme that will be repeated is “finishing well.” Students are encouraged to keep up their academic endeavors - focusing on completing those final few presentations, essays, and exams.  

Tree of Life, finishing well means more than academic achievement, however. It is about leaving a legacy. Our seniors become part of the history and the essence of who we are as a school. End of year events, such as Senior Chapel and Treasure up and Ponder, give the graduating class a chance to leave a legacy of faith through worship, testimonies, and thankfulness. Since 2005, seniors have also physically left their mark on the high school in the form of  “legacy prints.” Students’ handprints are preserved and displayed in the hallways for years to come.



These are a reminder of the lasting impression that each class has made on this school. Our prayer, however, is that legacy will go both ways. During the final few weeks of school, there are intentional opportunities for the school to leave a lasting impression on the seniors. 


Senior Week - the week leading up to commencement - begins with a five day trip to Tennessee. Though this trip is packed full of white water rafting, zip lining, and theme parks, it is also intentionally scripted with moments for faculty to pour into the lives of our seniors spiritually. Staff testimonies, devotional times, and life-on-life discipleship make this trip one of the highlights of their time at Tree of Life for many seniors. 


After returning from their trip, seniors come together for a formal breakfast in which faculty members speak words of life about each senior in front of their peers - declaring once again that each one of our students has value in the eyes of the world and more importantly in the eyes of Christ. 


Legacy is a big word. It is something that lasts. It is something that is remembered. It is something that doesn’t fade. Our prayer is that the impression of Tree of Life on our seniors will be a legacy. 

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