Andrew Sells

Graduated Spring 2004

My name is Andrew Sells, and I graduated from Jefferson County Christian School in the spring of 2004. I am currently working as a physical therapist in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and I would like to take this opportunity to talk about my experience at JCCS. Before I begin, let me just say how appreciative I am for the sacrifices made by my parents to keep me in a private school for all those years. They both have been such outstanding examples of Godly character and selflessness, and from them, I have gained an immense appreciation for and conviction of the importance of Christian education.

I had the opportunity and privilege of attending Jefferson County Christian School for 13 years (K-12th grade), and I can honestly say that they were some of the best years of my life. The life-long friendships and memories of athletic success, field trips and activities are things that I will never forget and will always cherish. One of my proudest moments was helping bring home our first and only state soccer championship title in 2002. More than just fun times though, I learned life lessons, gained a sense of responsibility and developed strong Christian character that served me well over my years of undergraduate and graduate schooling. Two qualities found at JCCS played a significant role in my academic and spiritual success: a strong and challenging curriculum and a constant focus on Jesus Christ that was present in every class and by all members of the faculty.

Unfortunately, there is a persisting trend of opinion that sees Christian school academics to be somewhat inadequate in preparing students for the next step in professional development, college. While this may be true for some schools, the same cannot be said for JCCS. Their didactic curriculum was both challenging and more than satisfactory in establishing a strong base knowledge and study skills that would serve any student well during their post-high school education. I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-physical therapy from Bob Jones University in 2008 and went on to complete my graduate work at Ohio University, graduating with the degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2011. I mention this not to brag about my accomplishments, but to impress upon you that academic success is attainable with training at a small Christian school such as JCCS.

However, more important than academic success, JCCS helped fuel my spiritual growth and maturity on a daily basis. The loving faculty and staff provided constant examples of self-less servants and Christ-like character. Daily Bible classes and prayer are concepts that are foreign to public school education, but they were intricately woven into the normal daily schedule at JCCS. Sadly, much like the opinion of Christian school academics, Christian school students are generally stereotyped as backward, anti-social misfits that are legalistic and incapable of functioning in the “real world” of college. Transitioning to Ohio University was my first exposure to secular education and culture; however, I was able to socially interact with friends and classmates while also adhering to moral convictions and principles instilled upon me during my time at JCCS.

Jefferson County Christian School has been and still remains one of the strongest influences in my life, and I can say without a doubt that I would not be where I am today had it not been for my time at JCCS. I would urge anyone interested in and devoted to Christian education to consider enrolling at JCCS. The academic training and Christian influences will provide any student with the tools necessary to succeed.