Senior Lifer – Summer Foshee

The term ‘Lifer’ affectionately represents those students who have completed all 13 years of education at Fresno Christian Schools. This year’s graduating class will honor 11 students who all began their journey in 2010 as a kindergartener. Learn more about each ‘Lifer’ in this Feather series as we talk to the student and their parents.

Summer Foshee:

What are some of the biggest changes you have seen at FCS since you’ve been here?

FCS has undergone many changes. When I first came to Fresno Christian in Kindergarten, there were two campuses. Now our entire school is combined into one campus. Class sizes have grown significantly since elementary. I used to know every student in the classes below and above, but now I am just familiar with all the students in my class.

What teacher/s have made an impact on you?

My father, aka Mr[Robert]. Foshee, obviously has had a large impact on my life. I admire how he begins every class with a Bible verse or short devotion. His daily dedication to spending time with God has made a large impact on my walk with Jesus.

Which grades have been most memorable and why?

5th grade was very memorable to me because our teacher, Mrs[Janet]. Vander Kooi, gave us many opportunities to be creative. For example, she allowed me and some friends to build giant paper castles during free time. She made history really exciting by turning the classroom into a time machine and acting like people from different times periods.

I also really enjoyed 8th grade. While at times it was a challenging year academically, our class had a lot of fun. The trip to Calvin Crest was especially memorable.

If you could go back, what advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to not stress over talking to people. I would also tell myself to care more about friendships and less about getting good grades.

How would you describe the tools that FCS has given you to head into your next chapter?

FCS has given me many tools to prepare for my future. Through experiences in different classes, I have become a diligent, well-rounded student. The integration of biblical messages has spiritually prepared me to live in any college environment, even non-Christian ones.

A note of gratitude.

My parents made a huge sacrifice in sending me and my brother to Fresno Christian. I am very grateful to have grown up in a Christian environment. Not only did their investment provide me with an excellent education, but also invaluable intangibles like friendships, memories and spiritual strength.

The average investment made by most parents who made the commitment to send their child to FCS for over 13 years is more than $104,000. What was the foundation behind this choice? We ask the parents of each ‘Lifer’ to tell us more about their journey and sacrifice for their child’s private education.

Parents:

Robert Foshee has been teaching at Fresno Christian since 1999.

What connections did you have to FCS before enrolling?

Fresno Christian has been family for us since Mr. Foshee started working there in 1999. Our kids were part of that family before they were even born, since Mr. Foshee had his students guess on their birth dates, weights and names. When we see graduates from the early 2000s, they’ll often tell Bryce or Summer how close they were on their guesses. There was nowhere else that we wanted our kids to grow up, hear of God’s promises and learn more about Him every day.

What are you most grateful for about your child’s education?

Sometimes kids can’t hear their own parent’s voice but can listen to their teacher express the same concept and take it to heart, so we’re especially grateful that the teachers at FCS reinforce the main messages we want our kids to hear. On the other hand, variance in thought is a natural part of life, and our kids have heard different views expressed in a safe environment that causes them to think deeply and communicate respectfully.

Favorite memory of your student’s 13 years at FC?

My favorite memory for Summer over the years has got to be winning the Section Championship in tennis, Spring 2021. Especially since she got to share the experience with her dad. My favorite night every year is the Christmas concert. I’ve been going since before our kids were in school and will keep going after Summer graduates because Mrs.[Susan] Ainley gets those kids to sound like angels, and I love taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to remember why we celebrate.

Summer plans on attending a four-year university. Unsure with her final choice she has narrowed it down to either George Fox University in Oregon or Azusa Pacific in Los Angeles. Hoping for generous scholarship offers from both to make her final decision. Foshee will be majoring in the Arts, either studio arts or landscape architecture.

As the school year starts coming to a close with only a few months left, Summer is prepared with many skills to head off to college.

More senior lifer series coming soon.

To read the most recent senior lifer article, visit Senior Lifer – Aidan Munoz.

To read more from The Feather, visit Moving Forward: Navigating Friendships or Sense of Style: How to build your own.