Portrait of OCS Graduates
A Youth Prepared for Time and Eternity
By the time students graduate from OCS, they might have spent as many as fifteen years in our halls. We recognize, though, that graduation is only a marker of growth, not the end of it. God’s work in them is complete only at the end of their lives.
This Portrait expresses how we desire the school’s mission, values, purpose, and vision to be reflected in the men and women to be called OCS Alumni. Woven through this entire description, as the Spirit flows through each of us, is our identity in Christ.
OCS students engage in a college-preparatory curriculum in all four years of high school, built upon a strong elementary and middle school curriculum that prepares them for success in high school. We recognize that each student is called to a unique career path, but that students are not yet prepared to know where that path might lead them. Because of this, we want them to be fully prepared not only for a four-year university, but also for community/junior college, technical school–and for any future career changes they might encounter.
OCS graduates have taken the requisite college preparatory curriculum coursework necessary for admission to any Louisiana four-year university and most out-of-state schools and are anticipated to attain both the minimum GPA and minimum ACT score to qualify for a TOPS scholarship and admission to a four-year university in Louisiana.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,'' declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
CALLED TO A PURPOSE
- Recognizes that God has blessed them with unique skills and qualities
- Seeks through prayer, discernment and examination to identify the vocation for which God is preparing them
- Identifies and builds competencies that enable them to pursue the college and career goals that align with His calling
PASSIONATE AND ARTICULATE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST
- Shows faith tenacity, perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity
- Articulates and stands firm in their faith, grounded in a Biblical worldview
- Listens and connects with others with empathy, thoughtfulness and confidence
- Demonstrates confidence and security in their identity as children of God
- Seeks, discerns and obeys the promptings of the Holy Spirit
- Embraces that they are saved by grace and demonstrates the ability to learn from their mistakes and give grace to others
- Lives and acts in faith with boldness, joy and authenticity
- Recognizes that their minds, bodies and spirit are gifts from the Lord and engages in a healthy lifestyle to show care for them
“The child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” Luke 2:40
DEVOTED LEARNERS AND CRITICAL THINKERS
- Embraces and commits to lifelong learning
- Possesses the ability to think critically and analytically through the lens of a Biblical perspective
- Solves problems with confidence, humility and courage
- Sets goals, meets expectations and works diligently to prepare for college, career, and beyond
- Effectively and ethically uses technology to communicate and find, analyze and evaluate information
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
COMMUNITY-MINDED LEADERS
- Loves and serves the Lord, their families, their community and the world with passion, care, and empathy
- Involves themselves in the lives of the others
- Understands, respects, and embraces all cultures and races as created in God’s own image and values differing perspectives
- Gives generously of their time and talent within their relationships, church and community
- Possesses an appreciation for our natural environment and practices responsible stewardship of God’s creation
- Becomes the hands and feet of Jesus in his community, caring for those less fortunate
- Embraces the foundations of our country and values its rights, privileges and responsibilities