This has been an exceptional school year, and we are deeply grateful for the many ways God is blessing our students, families, and staff. Every time we gather at a Unity event—whether it’s a game, concert, drama performance, or another activity—we can’t help but feel a joyful sense of pride. Watching our students use their God-given gifts is inspiring: hearing their voices lift up songs of praise, watching them bring a character to life on stage, or holding our breath as the final pin drops in a bowling match. As a staff, we see God at work in these moments. We see Him shaping students, strengthening their abilities, and drawing them into community as they use their talents to honor Him.
Throughout this year, and in prior years, our students have experienced many blessings—some public and celebrated, others less public but equally meaningful. Many of the most visible moments come from athletics or fine arts, where our teams have reached state-level competition and even played for championships, or where students have carried significant roles in drama performances. Other students find success in the classroom, experiencing that proud moment of seeing an “A” on a test or overcoming a challenging assignment. It is natural to feel joy in these moments. Scripture affirms that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17), and the abilities our students display are evidence of God’s generous grace.
Yet in the midst of these blessings, Scripture calls us to pause and reflect on how God defines success. The world often ties success to achievement, recognition, or comparison. But God invites us into a different understanding. In Micah 6:8, we are reminded that the Lord desires His people to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Humility does not diminish our accomplishments; it rightly orients them. It helps us see that success is meaningful not because it elevates us, but because it gives us opportunities to honor the Giver of all gifts.
It has been more prevalent in society today that many students grow up in an environment where nearly every achievement is applauded. Ironically, excessive praise can make students feel pressure to maintain a level of achievement that is unsustainable. It has been shown that some students feel they must continually “earn” the celebration they receive. This can lead to anxiety, perfectionism, and a fear of disappointing people who love them most. It can shift identity from “Child of God” to “Child of Achievement”. While encouragement is healthy and necessary, an over-celebration of youth can unintentionally create pressures and patterns that make their journey more difficult rather than easier.
Parents and adults who surround our students play a vital role in shaping how they understand success. At times, it can be easy for us to become overly invested in the achievements of students—seeing their accomplishments as reflections of ourselves or as indicators of their value. But God invites us to celebrate with open hands. Our role is to nurture character, affirm effort, and help students remember that their identity is secure in Christ, not in performance. As Colossians 3:23 encourages, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Their efforts are ultimately an act of worship, not a measure of worth.
Together, let us model a posture of humble gratitude. Let us celebrate achievements joyfully while resisting the temptation to let them define us. Let us encourage one another to view success as an opportunity to serve, to learn, and to glorify God. And above all, let us pray that the hearts of our students continue being shaped by Jesus, who showed us that true greatness is found not in recognition, but in humility, service, and faithful obedience (Mark 10:45).
As a community who supports our students and attends Unity events, we can all help our students thrive by celebrating growth more than outcomes. Praising effort, character, and teamwork rather than spotlight moments. Allowing room for disappointment and even failure. Reminding students that God cares about who they are becoming, not just what they achieve. And modeling humility and gratitude in our own responses.
Unity is blessed with exceptional students and deeply invested parents, grandparents and a supportive community. Thank you for helping guide young people toward a faith that is confident, humble, and anchored in Christ.
In Christ,
Jerry DeGroot