On May 24, Freedom Christian Academy celebrated its first graduating class. <\/p>\n
Sixteen seniors earned their high school diplomas from the private, nondenominational Christian school off U.S. 301 South near the former Black & Decker plant. Of those 16, only one has opted not to go directly to college. That student is marrying a young Army soldier who will soon be deployed. Principal Joan Dayton said she has told her to finish her education, one way or the other. <\/p>\n
\"Sixteen graduates in a brand new school. That's something to shout about,\" Dayton said. \"They're pretty special, and they know it. Not in a prideful way, but in a legacy way. They understand how pivotal they were to the building of Freedom.\" <\/p>\n
It was Dayton, along with Hall Powers, who established the school four years ago. Initially, building space was rented from Mount Carmel Church on Owen Drive. <\/p>\n
In October 2011, the academy moved into its current location on Gillespie Street. The 86,400-square-foot building previously was home to Technimark, which manufactured molded plastic parts before closing three years ago. <\/p>\n
Freedom has 450 students enrolled for the fall in preschool through 12th grade, Dayton said. <\/p>\n
The goal is 500. <\/p>\n
A native of Michigan, Dayton has proven to be a school builder, previously overseeing dramatic growth at Village Christian Academy before being dismissed in 2007. <\/p>\n
\"It was a strong difference of opinion\" is how she describes the firing. <\/p>\n
Six years later, Dayton said she's thrilled to be running Freedom Christian with Powers, the head of operations. <\/p>\n
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Conversations With Newsmakers: Joan Dayton, Freedom Christian Academy principal<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" On May 24, Freedom Christian Academy celebrated its first graduating class. Sixteen seniors earned their high school diplomas from the private, nondenominational Christian school off U.S. Continue reading