Talk about culture shock. When Jimishua Beauty Dahn leaves Baptist-affiliated Ricks Institute in Liberia to attend Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, she will stepping into a different world.
Dahn was selected by the faculty and staff of Ricks Institute to study at Virginia Baptist-affiliated Oak Hill Academy for the 2008-09 academic year. Jimishua, a prospective 9th grader, was selected based on her academic, moral and social skills.
The annual scholarship offer was made on behalf of Oak Hill Academy by its president, Michael Groves, to Ricks Institute's principal Olu Q. Menjay when he and his wife visited the Mouth of Wilson campus last year.
Jimishua Dahn is awarded the annual Oak Hill Academy scholarship by Ricks Institute principal Olu Menjay.
Ricks Institute, a kindergarten through 12th grade residential school resurrecting from the ashes of Liberia's brutal civil war, has expressed deep appreciation for Groves generosity. Menjay stated, “This is a very exciting yearly study abroad offer that will enhance our vision on ‘glocal' education at Ricks. Thank you, Dr. Groves, for your meaningful participation in Liberia's future.”
According to the criteria set for the selection of this important study abroad opportunity, the selected student must have good conduct and possess initiative and discipline. Guidelines established by Ricks indicate that to be considered for the scholarship, students must participate in extra-curriculum activities at Ricks; must demonstrate the ability to cope with new living conditions and challenges; must have maintained a good and consistent academic record while at Ricks; and they must have the yearning to learn. Dahn, who was overwhelmingly approved by the faculty, meets these standard.
Oak Hill Academy is a non-military, Baptist-affiliated boarding school that provides college preparatory education for young men and women, grades 8-12. The school is located in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia. This safe and nurturing environment combines structure with self-reliance, and discipline with discovery. Oak Hill maintains small class sizes and provides an idea close-knit community ideal for domestic and international students alike.
The scholarship, which is in partnership with the Young's Chapel Baptist church (the church at Oak Hill), covers all expenses except transportation. Doug Turnmire, Young's Chapel pastor, was instrumental in securing this study abroad opportunity for Ricks. Each year, Ricks Institute will select a prospective student in the 8th, 9th,10th or 11th grade to study for one year at Oak Hill. Dahn will travel in August to the United States.
Groves commented, “We are really excited about Jimishua and anticipate her arrival with open arms. Our students, our faculty, and our local ministry partner (Young's Chapel Baptist Church) are all joining hands to make this possible. Even the children of the church are involved: Young's Chapel's Bible School mission emphasis involves providing for Jimishua's needs once she arrives (school uniforms, school supplies, and spending money) so this is a community happening.”
Groves also expressed his pleasure at being in global partnership with such a worthy ministry as Ricks Institute.