Rossville Christian Academy will strive to develop graduates who exhibit our motto: Keep God First, Treat All with Dignity and Respect, and Work Hard. This Portrait of a Graduate, undergirded with scripture, identifies the primary aims and key characteristics that we hope will define our graduates. RCA administration and faculty are committed to the intentionality that is necessary to see this Portrait of a Graduate become a vivid reality for our students. To this end, RCA will steward the time we have with our students through all avenues of teaching, coaching, counseling, and mentorship. Where this Portrait addresses matters of salvation and sanctification, RCA recognizes it is only through God’s power, grace, and conviction that students will come to saving faith and growth in Christ-like character; our responsibility is to partner with families to create the environment conducive to faith and growth.

KEEP GOD FIRST:

1. Know God as Creator, Savior, Lord, and Sustainer 
   • Graduates should have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, recognizing His role as Creator, Savior, Lord, and Sustainer. This foundational understanding is developed through faithful gospel presentation, training in Bible literacy, equipping them with the truth for a strong spiritual anchor throughout life.
   • Scriptural Foundations: Romans 11:36, Romans 6:23, John 3:16, John 14: 6, Isaiah 43, 2 Timothy 3:16
2. Understand Their Purpose: To Glorify the Lord
   • Graduates should know that their ultimate purpose is to glorify God in all they do. This involves striving for excellence, demonstrating integrity, and seeking to honor God through their decisions and actions.
   • Scriptural Foundations: Colossians 3:23, Matthew 5:10, 1 Corinthians 10:31
3. Be a Minister of Reconciliation
   • Graduates should embrace their calling as ministers of reconciliation, sharing the message of God’s grace and forgiveness, and fostering peace and understanding in their communities. Whatever their postsecondary path, the RCA graduate should seek to make disciples and further God’s kingdom.
   • Scriptural Foundations: 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, Ephesians 2:8-9, Matthew 5:13-16
4. Exemplify Christian Character
   • Fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control should be evident in the lives of RCA graduates. (Galatians 5:22-23)
   • Diligent and Industrious: Graduates should be hardworking and dedicated, always putting forth their best effort in every endeavor. (Colossians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 10:31)
   • Compassionate and Empathetic: Graduates should be sensitive to the needs of others, showing kindness and understanding in their interactions. (Ephesians 4:32, Romans 12:15)
   • Integrity: Graduates should be known for their integrity, consistently doing what is right, even when it is difficult or when no one is watching. (Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 28:6)

TREAT ALL WITH DIGNITY & RESPECT:

1. Be Polite, Courteous, and Respectful
   
   • Manners and respect for others should be hallmarks of the RCA graduate’s life, reflecting the love and grace of Christ.
   • Scriptural Foundations: Titus 3:2, Matthew 7:12
2. Have a Servant’s Heart
   
   • Following the example of Christ, graduates should have a heart for service, always willing to help others and put the needs of others before their own. As emphasized in Philippians 2, they should work collaboratively with others, showing humility and considering others better than themselves.
   • Scriptural Foundations: Philippians 2, Matthew 20:28
3. Communicate Effectively & Graciously
   
   • Graduates should be effective communicators, able to express themselves articulately (and with eye contact) and listen to others with empathy. They should be skilled in resolving conflicts peacefully and constructively.
   • Scriptural Foundations: Romans 12:18, James 1:19, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 15:1, Colossians 4:6

WORK HARD:

1. Demonstrate Resilience and Grit
   
   • Graduates should demonstrate resilience, grit, and courage, facing challenges with determination and perseverance. They should be equipped to handle setbacks and adversity with a steadfast spirit.
   • Scriptural Foundations: James 1:2-4, Galatians 6:9, Romans 12:12, Hebrews 12:1-3
2. Embrace Responsibility
   
   • Graduates should take ownership of their actions and approach their responsibilities proactively, demonstrating accountability in all areas of life. Graduates should strive to “do extra,” going above and beyond what is expected. Equipped with critical thinking skills, graduates should be adept at solving problems seeking to add value to their homes, churches, workplaces, and communities.
   • Scriptural Foundations: Galatians 6:5, Proverbs 12:24
3. Seek Wisdom
   
   • Graduates should value wisdom, understanding that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. They should build their lives on the solid foundation of God’s Word (revealed in the cannon of scripture), evaluating all truth claims in light of scripture and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life.
   • Scriptural Foundations: Proverbs 1:7, Psalm 1, Matthew 7:24-27, James 1:5-6

Conclusion

The Portrait of a Graduate of Rossville Christian Academy encapsulates a holistic development of students that integrates spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and social growth. Our graduates should be equipped to impact the world positively, living out their faith in Christ and fulfilling their God-given purpose.

CONDENSED Portrait of a Graduate

THE RCA GRADUATE WILL:

Keep God First:

1. Know God
2. Pursue Purpose
3. Make Disciples
4. Exemplify Christ

Treat All with Dignity & Respect:

1. Show Kindness
2. Serve Others
3. Communicate Effectively

Work Hard:

1. Be Resilient
2. Embrace Responsibility
3. Seek Wisdom