LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Andrew Garcia was nominated by Alyssaa Stovin, a parent of a student.

"Pastor Andrew is the principal at Accelerated Academy, and because he and his staff have created a fun and nurturing environment, my daughter wakes up every morning excited to put on her uniform and go to class to spend time with her friends," stated Stovin. "He always has a smile on his face, regardless of how busy he is. Whether moving furniture around on a Friday afternoon to convert the classroom into a church auditorium for Sunday service or on the phone organizing a carpool for a school field trip, Pastor Andrew still waves a friendly hello as I drive off the parking lot."

"Pastor Andrew is also the P.E. coach. My daughter tells me story after story of P.E. classes and looks forward to putting on her P.E. shirt every Tuesday and Thursday because he makes the games fun, 'even if the rules are super boring,' according to my daughter. She says sometimes, Pastor Andrew would join in the game when some of the students want to take a break, and with him on her team, they can't lose," stated Stovin.

"Pastor Andrew and his staff have been so friendly since the first day I called the school regarding enrollment and scheduling a tour," stated Stovin. "He has a very positive approach in life, and it is evident that the children love learning even more because of the nurturing environment at Faith Baptist Accelerated Academy. I enjoy listening to my daughter talk about her friends at school with smiles on her face, and I am so glad that we chose this school to transfer to after homeschooling for four years."

"When we first transferred to the academy, our first parents' participation event was a rummage sale to raise funds for school supplies, and we stayed longer than the three hours requested to volunteer. The following school day, my daughter said Pastor Andrew acknowledged her in class and said she stayed the longest during the yard sale. She was so happy to be mentioned, and it is great to know that she comes home happy and enriched by having thoughtful and caring people around her. The students are also amazing; I love hearing them say goodbye to each other when I pick up my daughter from school, and seeing the teacher greet her with a warm welcome when I drop her off makes me smile, knowing that she is in a happy place," stated Stovin.

For their Christmas performance, Pastor Andrew filmed some of the barn/manger scenes, and parents were so happy to see their children on the big screen saying their lines effortlessly along with each other. Pastor Andrew and his staff wear many hats in the school, and it is very admirable how he manages it all. Pastor Andrew leads by example and works with joy in his heart.

"It is evident in his profile photo, taken the night of the school performance while he is congratulating our daughter on how well she did," stated Stovin. "His compassionate nature shows through in his conversations." 

"We have been at this school for only a few months this year, and it touches my heart to see how many hats every staff member wears, making the academy a great place to learn. That is why I am nominating Pastor Andrew for the LifeChanger of the Year award. His leadership is amazing, and the kind-hearted individuals at the school make it a great place, a home away from home for the few hours my daughter is there, growing and enjoying childhood. Thank you, Pastor Andrew and Accelerated Academy," stated Stovin.