This morning, kindergartners and their senior Alpha and Omega buddies gathered for the seniors’ final chapel program. Before the service, the Alpha and Omega pairs paraded hand in hand in front of Preschool and Lower School students and senior parents, who were cheering as seniors took another step toward graduation. During chapel, while their omegas watched from the auditorium seats, the alphas sang “Graduation” by Vitamin C to their senior buddies, celebrating the lasting impact of friendship.
The chapel message, presented by incoming Head of School Eddie Wettach ’03, highlighted the impact of God’s unwavering love and the importance of character as seniors transition into adulthood. Referencing the creation of humans in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27), Wettach urged seniors to look at God’s traits of mercy, compassion, patience, love, justice, and wisdom for examples of the kind of people they should strive to be. To conclude, seniors were encouraged to stay rooted in their faith by connecting with God’s word and a supportive Christian community.
The Alpha and Omega program pairs younger students with seniors, allowing them to spend time together and mentor one another during school-sponsored activities. This cherished Jackson Academy mentoring concept has been in place for more than 20 years, beginning as a Big Brothers, Big Sisters program in 2002.
JA later called its program Alpha and Omega and paired seniors who had been at JA since kindergarten with kindergartners. In the 2015-16 school year, the school expanded Alpha and Omega to involve all seniors and to incorporate numerous educational and bonding activities throughout the school year. Alpha and Omega has inspired similar programs at other schools.
There’s nothing like the Alpha and Omega program. JA kindergartners have the opportunity to engage with older students, which provides priceless self-confidence and many fun memories. Meanwhile, the seniors remember their experiences from elementary school and see the proof that they’ve grown into young men and women who are ready for the next chapter of their lives.
This annual tradition creates lasting memories for JA students. Many Alpha and Omega buddies continue their friendships even after graduation, keeping in touch during their college years and beyond. JA helps facilitate this connection by encouraging kindergartners to write letters to their buddies during the graduates’ freshman year of college.
