Gateway Christian Schools Names Jacob Lewis Valedictorian
Jacob Eric Bryce Lewis graduated from Gateway Christian Schools (GCS) as class valedictorian, with English honors, on Friday, January 31, 2025. He was one of 74 students, recognized during a graduation ceremony, which was held in Memphis at Leawood Baptist Church.
He began his academic career in the Hardeman County, Tennessee public schools attending Bolivar Elementary School and Bolivar Middle School where he was a member of the school band. During his seventh-grade school year, Jacob and his parents made the decision for him to transfer to Memphis-based Gateway Christian Schools, where he became a student on its extension campus in Jackson, Tennessee.
“I’ve always loved learning, and I’ve always tried to choose friends who would push me academically. It would allow me to motivate them as well,” said Jacob, who noted having the right friendships is important.
The move from a public-school environment to a home school one opened the doors for Jacob to continue excelling academically. He was able to take ownership of his education, setting goals for his successful progress towards graduation.
“The school I attended, Gateway Christian Schools in Jackson is an extension school. I would go there once weekly to test, and if needed, see tutors to help guide me along my educational journey,” said Jacob, who shared another benefit of homeschooling. “I was allowed to learn at my own pace, with freedoms to speed up or slow down as needed.”
Being able to set his learning pace created an opportunity for Jacob to add dual enrollment courses into his plan of education. In 2023, Jacob started taking courses at Jackson State Community College. He described the dual enrollment experience as “super time consuming”, but noted the benefit it offers students.
“Dual enrollment can help you get ahead in your education,” said Jacob. “If you plan on going to college while you’re doing high school or homeschooling, this is a way to manage your time and get the most out of that time you have,” said Jacob, who recommends home school students consider dual enrollment. “It doesn’t matter where you go as long as you’re putting forth effort in improving yourself and your situation.”
Jacob plans to continue his education in law or business at either Freed-Hardeman University or Vanderbilt University.
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