Meet Gilly and Henry, AJC grads and current St. Christopher’s School students. Gilly, a senior, has secured a full ride to Radford University, where he’ll major in Criminal Justice next year. He will soon deliver his Senior Talk at an upcoming chapel service at St. Chris. Though nervous, he plans to speak from the heart about his self-growth journey, which he says began in 5th grade when he “started caring.”

Meanwhile, Henry, a sophomore, is excelling in honors chemistry, Spanish, and computer science at St. Chris. He recently visited CNU through Jacob’s Ladder, showing his interest in college. (He’s one smart cookie, so he’ll have plenty of options!) They both participate in UPRVA and come back twice a week for dinner and academic support and recently spent their spring break with us, helping out around the school.

Gilly and Henry both credit their success at St. Chris to their 5th grade teacher, Mr. Mac. Gilly and Henry reflected on Mr. Mac’s approach as a turning point in their academic lives, because he taught them “success is directly tied to effort.” With tough-love mottos like “luck is for losers” and “success follows success,” Mr. Mac’s lessons have stayed with them throughout the years. As Gilly heads to college and Henry continues his path at St. Chris, they’re both grateful for the foundation they gained here at AJC, and for the friendship they’ve built along the way.