Lighthouse Academy’s Tabitha Van Doren goes to STAT
Congratulations to Tabitha Van Doren for her acceptance into the Stafford Academy of Technology (STAT). STAT is a state-approved Governor’s Career and Technical Academy. STAT is a four-year college-prep program of study utilizing an integrated hands-on, project-based model of instruction focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) career areas. (STEM includes medical fields). The STAT collaborative instructional team includes teachers from sciences, technology, English, and mathematics. STAT is open to rising ninth graders on an application basis.
STAT offers students the advantage of learning in a “cohort” of like-minded students throughout the four-year program. They will also “loop” with the same teachers whenever possible, creating a more coherent and personal learning experience. Students will undertake service-learning projects and partner with mentors in the business community to build a stronger sense of purpose and a firmer commitment to success in college education, while learning about the demands of the workplace. Students will undertake a senior research project. Admission to the STAT program is based on grades, teacher recommendations, SOL scores, attendance, activities and statement of interest.
The STAT model is designed to go beyond the ordinary high school experience, and cultivate skills we now recognize as essential in the 21st century workplace: thinking creatively and implementing innovation, using systems thinking and solving problems, communicating clearly and collaborating with others, accessing, evaluating and managing information, adapting to change, working independently and gaining expertise as a self-directed learner, valuing diversity, showing accountability, leading and respecting others.
The Lighthouse Academy is very proud of Tabitha and her ability to create projects that showcased her leadership, independence, creativity, mechanical skills, and gift for math and science. She built her own watershed, constructed an Archimedes screw, just to name a few, and her science fair project on light bulbs and electronic circuits were great activities to put on her application.
“Thank you so much for the support and encouragement you gave us as Tabitha went through the process of applying to the Stafford Academy for Technology Engineering program. The process was made so much easier for us because Lighthouse Academy is founded on project based learning. When we sat down to fill out Tabitha’s activity list, we were amazed at the opportunities Tabitha had to create projects that showcased her leadership, independence, creativity, mechanical skills, and gift for math and science.
Building her own watershed, constructing an Archimedes screw and her science fair project on light bulbs and electronic circuits were great activities to put on her application.
Your encouragement of her community service went above and beyond the call of duty as well. Miss Stacy was kind enough to allow Tabitha to use the afterschool girls-club members to create book bags for the Bridge to Reading program at the Thurman Brisben Homeless Shelter. Tabitha delivered 30+ handmade book bags and more than 100+ books to the children’s program last year. She had a lot of fun teaching the girls how to cut the pattern out.
Your support of the Science Saturdays program was also crucial in solidifying her decision to pursue engineering. The Science Saturday Electrical Engineering class was held at Lighthouse Academy. She loved making a working flashlight and learning about electronic circuitry.
I also appreciate the references and transcripts you supplied her. But perhaps the most valuable help was the open, one-on-one talks we had as she worked through what kind of high school program was right for her…whether it was IB, AP, Commonwealth Governor’s School, or STAT engineering. Just sitting and listening to Tabitha as she talked about the possibilities was important.
It’s been a year and a half journey that we all made together. I am so grateful that you helped to make it an enjoyable journey…one I am already looking back on with gratitude.”
- Leigh Ann & Tom Van Doren
The Lighthouse Academy is a non-traditional style of education that identifies individual students strengths and weaknesses, develops personalized, individual development programs and gives personalized, one on one, attention throughout their academic career. Here at Lighthouse Academy our focus is on the individual student, not the mass. We cater to individual needs, taking the time to really understand each and every student to ensure their success. Students at Lighthouse Academy thrive on the one on one attention and thrive on the extremely positive and Christ-centered environment. With strong academics, highly qualified and long-term teachers, dedicated families and Jesus Christ as our environment, the Lighthouse Academy continues to stand out as the Fredericksburg Regions favorite private pre-school and private school. Come and see!
3 Responses to “Lighthouse Academy’s Tabitha Van Doren goes to STAT”
Congratulations, Tab. If you need an engineer as a sponsor let me know.
Dan Heaney
We are going to miss you Tab…but we are so proud and excited for you!! You HAVE to keep in touch, okay??
Congratulations!!!! I am SO proud of you!!