Christian students win awards

Three students returned home with ribbons and medals after competing in Idaho.

Students from Green River Christian Academy recently competed in the Rocky Mountain Association of Christian Schools Academics and Fine Arts Tournament in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Tristin Fundell took first place in humorous interpretation in the speech category, while Jamie Sprecher took third place in arts and crafts for his leather belt and first place in religious interpretation in speech. Lisa Fundell took second place in interpretation in speech and second place in monochromatic drawing.

Pastor Jeff Chappell said the all-day competition took place in March and was open to seventh through 12th grade students who are enrolled in Christian schools. Even though the school has more than three students in seventh through 12 grades, not all of them wanted to compete.

He said it was a great way to encourage students to complete fine-art projects. It was also a great way to have students speak in front of others. To prepare for the speech category, the students looked up popular speeches, selected one and then worked on it until they thought it was perfect.

"The more you do something the better you get at it," Sprecher said.

"God gives you specific talents that he wants you to use, but sometimes you have to be pushed to use them," Lisa said.

Lisa wasn't sure about submitting her drawing, but with some encouragement from her mother she decided to enter it.

As for the trip itself, the students enjoyed it. Not only was the weather nice, but they were able to meet a lot of other students at the tournament that are also from Christian schools.

"I thought it would be a fun experience," Sprecher said.

It must have been, because all three of the students who attended this year's tournament are planning on attending it again next year.

"It will help them build that confidence," Chappell said. "It will help them push themselves to be better."