Perseverance is the word that best describes Carolyn Derden. Giving up is not an option for her, and this has been evident in all areas of her life. Even as a senior this year, she has not taken it easy but continues to work hard to finish up her academic career. Her teachers and staff here at AOA have noticed this trait in her, and this is one of the many reasons they chose Carolyn as the June student of the month.

Carolyn came to AOA in 2006, when she first started high school. She had attended a Christian School when her family lived in Texas, but when they moved to a small town in New Mexico, AOA seemed to be the logical solution for continuing with her Christian education. Her family also values AOA for the integration of Christian values with academics. Her experience with AOA has had its ups and downs with getting adjusted to doing all her work on the computer, but she has enjoyed the great teachers and supportive staff here at the academy.

In her free time, Carolyn enjoys participating in fashion shows (held by the church in town), volunteering her time to help with occasions such as "Trunk or Treat," and working with children at Vacation Bible School.

Teachers at the academy have noticed her perseverance and striving to learn through her academics. According to Mrs. Cole, "Carolyn has been a joy to talk to on the phone with asking a lot of questions and working hard to fully understand the material." Her faculty advisor, Mr. Bouwman commented, "She is a self-starter. She looks ahead, plans ahead, and asks questions not only about her courses, but also about credits, her program, and college entrance exams. She is continually striving towards her goals." Mrs. Gerloff, her academy services representative, said, "She is a super sweet girl and a very hard worker."

Carolyn follows Christ daily and is continually striving to glorify Him in all areas of her life. Her mom shared a story about how Carolyn showed her Christ-likeness in the way she helps out around the home. One time her mom and dad came home from a shopping trip to find all of the floors in the house cleaned and dinner had been started. Her mom also said, "Her reputation in the family is ‘keeping on keeping on.'"

Her trait of perseverance comes directly from her faith. Carolyn's favorite verse is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (King James Version).

After graduating from AOA, she plans on working at her job in town and starting to take college courses at the community college nearby. She plans to major in Early Childhood Education and complete her college career at Western New Mexico University in Silver City, N.M.

Congratulations, Carolyn, on being selected as AOA's student of the month!