Mike started at EFCA (then FACA) in January of 2002 and was a student in the first graduating class in 2006. Even though he had a few “bumps” along the way, (he was expelled in the fall of ‘03 and re-admitted in the fall of ‘04) he credits his time & the teachers at EFCA with helping him on his path of spiritual & educational success and, ultimately, a career in his chosen field.

“At the time I went to EFCA (up until about senior year) I really didn’t see the value in the high school & thought I would always regret attending and graduating from EFCA. Knowing what I know now, there is a lot more that goes into life than just the best academic program or the most successful athletic teams. I was given an opportunity to be a part of something that was growing, changing, and challenging. It seems my life has continued to take that path and I really do feel I was being prepared for the next step of my life. No school is perfect. There is always room to improve. If I could do it over again, I would do it over, but with the mindset I took on in college—be the absolute best that you can be—100%,100% if the time! The environment only amplifies the attitude of the student. If the student is willing and hard working, the environment will help that student flourish into all they want to be.”

After graduation from EFCA, Mike went on to Southeastern University in Florida where he attained, not one, but two Bachelor’s degrees—one in Accounting and one in Finance. While there, he was also awarded many scholarships, including the Roundtable Financial Scholarship which is only awarded to 3 people in the U.S.; was inducted into the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and the Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society in Business, Management & Administration; was voted into Who’s Who Among American Colleges & Universities; helped found Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) at Southeastern Univs. which then went on to compete at several Regional & national competitions; was employed all 4 years of school & interned with Lockheed Martin; and also played several intramural sports.

“Going into college, I was slightly intimidated. I always felt somewhat inadequate because I was a part of the first graduating class from EFCA. I didn’t know what to expect because there wasn’t any feedback from other graduates and my class pretty much pioneered the way for the rest of the school in a lot of ways. I never really wanted to attend a Christian university, however, my experience at EFCA helped me in a lot of ways, even beyond academics. The personal mentoring from coaches & teachers, family relationships developed with classmates, & challenges of living to a higher spiritual standard were all things I wanted from higher education. Going into college, I wanted to prove to everyone that a kid who had actually been expelled from the high school in 10th grade and was a part of the first graduating class, could indeed prove to be as successful as anyone else from any other high school in my area of study.”

Now that his college years are behind him, Mike looks back at his high school years at EFCA with a different perspective. “High school was really just a big family for me. I actually just flew back into town for the wedding for a girl from my graduating class. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world! That’s how I feel about a lot of the relationships I developed at the school. I still talk to & have excellent relationships with a lot of my teachers & coaches and they genuinely take an interest in my life, even four years later. What I was most impressed with at EFCA was the dedication to constant improvement. A lot of Christian education programs I have seen become stagnate and satisfied with the current condition of the institution. Erie First is not afraid to break the mold & pursue excellence and yet not compromise or diminish the spiritual integrity of the education & experience. “

Upon graduation from Southeastern, Mike was hired as an Accountant Associate for Lockheed Martin in Florida & plans to pursue a Masters of Accountancy at the Univs. Of Southern Florida & also pass the CPA exam in the next 3-5 years (unless he feels God’s call in another direction).

“I was extremely blessed to start full time employment in the field I chose to study immediately upon graduation. I thank God for his blessing and favor, but also know how much hard work and pursuit it takes to secure a job in this market. I have always liked numbers, but never planned on actually working with them all day, every day! I even told Mrs. Burlingame (my HS math teacher) that I wouldn’t use numbers because, at the time, I wanted to become a psychologist. I was wrong about both assumptions. I do indeed use numbers all day, every day and psychologists also have to study in-depth statistics and quantitative methods. As usual, she was right.”

Mike has a few words of advice to current or prospective students of EFCA: “I was once in your position. I woke up on a Friday afternoon in January (having never been in a school since I was homeschooled) and was enrolled the following Monday. I went through times of bitterness, rebellion, anger, doubt & blame. After coming back to the school in the 11th grade, I realized that school is what you make of it. Christian education gives you the opportunity to make the best of what matters most, & from what I’ve personally experienced and heard, EFCA does this while maintaining excellence in the other important areas of life as well. If you are willing to work and be coachable, you can come from a small Christian school and be just as successful as someone who graduated from a larger, more renowned high school; however, you will leave with relationships that will last a lifetime and spiritual opportunities that are tough to find elsewhere.

Thoughts from Mike

“I believe in excellence & people. God calls us to be the best that we can be & the only real thing that matters in this world is people. Education is a tool to excellently live our lives & utilize our knowledge to make this world a better place through the application of that knowledge.”

“I don’t care if you are an English teacher, architect, professional athlete, or an accountant; there is a purpose in what you do. Quality Christian education is one step in the right direction towards reaching people more effectively through our everyday lives.”

“Innovation & creativity are God-given gifts that are not only “OK” for Christian education, but a MUST! I have been a part of EFCA since 2002 and currently have a 16 yr. old brother who is going into his junior year. His experience at the school is a true testament to the exciting progress the school has make in the last 8 years; progress that fully encompasses quality education, unwavering spiritual integrity, competitive athletic programs, & a global mindset that helps students see the BIG picture beyond the walls of the high school.”

I Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness & respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”