The following Resolution was presented by Representative Wayne Cooper, M.D. to
Lake West Christian Academy during their graduation ceremonies held in May, 2005.

Missouri House of Respresentatives

Resolution

Whereas, the members of the Missouri House of Representatives pause to recognize Lake West Christian Academy in Sunrise Beach, Missouri, which is to be commended for its committed faculty and dedicated teaching staff; and

Whereas, Lake West Christian Academy is a non-denominational school that provides its many students with a Christ-centered education with academic excellence; and

Whereas, teachers at Lake West Christian Academy utilize the ABEKA curriculum that is popular among homeschoolers and other private schools; and

Whereas, in 2004, Lake West Christian Academy began construction on a new addition which will include a gymnasium, kitchen, and twenty classrooms; and

Whereas, special words of commendation go out to Dean Nick Stutesman and Assistant Dean Sherri Stock, both of whom are dedicated to helping mold the lives of their students and equipping them to be spiritually and academically prepared to follow their calling in life and to do well; and

Whereas, Lake West Christian Academy will hold commencement exercises for its graduating seniors on May 22, 2005:

Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, the members of the Missouri House of Representatives, Ninety-third General Assembly, unanimously join in expressing our utmost appreciation to the teachers, faculty, and staff at Lake West Christian Academy at this proud moment of well-deserved distinction; and

Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for Lake West Christian Academy in Sunrise Beach, Missouri.

Offered by:
Representative Wayne Cooper, M.D.
District No. 155

I, Rod Jetton, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ninety-third General Assembly, First Regular Session, do certify that the above is a true and correct copy of House Resolution No. 3456, adopted May 19, 2005.

"Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto"

Below is an article that appeared in the February-March 2006 issue of SOUL Magazine.

Students Excel Academically at Lake West Christian Academy
By Patricia Partney Dascher

Lake West Christian Academy located at 17178 N. State Hwy. 5, Sunrise Beach was founded in 2001 when Sunrise Bible Church made a three year commitment to sponsor the academy. Classrooms have been built around the sanctuary and in the basement of their present building. "We teach our students to lead in life. First themselves then others", said Rev. Nick Stutesman, Dean of the Academy and pastor of Sunrise Bible Church.

There are presently 80 students enrolled from K-4 through 12th grade. An after school program is provided from 3-6pm with snacks and assistance with homework. Students are taught by enthusiastic teachers who have a passion for educating children. They treat each child as a unique individual. Cat Smith and Suzi Flynn, owners of the Lake Florist and Gifts Shops in Sunrise Beach send their daughters to the academy. "My daughters, Brittany (fifth grade) and Rebekah (second grade) have excelled in every area academically because of their education at Lake West Christian Academy. They are a grade level above the public schools because of the outstanding curriculum", said Smith. "Our daughters enjoy a positive peer atmosphere at the school and are treated as individuals by the teachers who don't limit the students. The teachers know our children and their needs."

Rev. Stutesman served on the Superintendents Advisory Board of Education in the Camdenton School District for several years. "I am not against Public Education, but I see the value of building Christian character through Biblical instruction and moral teaching", said Rev. Stutesman. "We teach with the ABeka curriculum which is widely used in private and home schools. Each day starts in Chapel where the student body joins for prayer and songs. The first subject in every classroom is Bible Class which includes Bible study and scripture memorization. We are preparing our students to fulfill God's purpose and to lead in whatever their vocation or calling may be."

There are 800 school age children on the west side. The Lake West Christian Academy is the only High School between Camdenton and Versailles. Public high school students from Sunrise Beach and Laurie are bused to either Camdenton or Versailles. Local families of both high school and grade school children are grateful to have a school in Sunrise Beach. "My daughters would have been bussed all the way to Versailles had we put them in public school even though Hurricane Deck is right up the street from us," said Smith. "Because of the Morgan-Camden county line my children could not go to the closest school. They would have been on a bus at least 45 minutes each way, every day."

Sunrise Beach is a much needed location for the school because all attempts to get another public school in this area have failed. "I worked on committees to get another school in this area for years, but it never happened," said Rev. Stutesman. "Then I realized God's plan was to build a Christian School. The values we teach and the quality of our education brings students from as far away as Lebanon and Jefferson City."

A new building is under construction to provide more classrooms and space. "We are nearing completion of Phase 2 in construction of the school as donations continue to come in.", said Rev. Stutesman. "We hope to fill the classrooms by Fall of 2006. We want to extend Christ centered education to a greater part of our community."

It is not uncommon for an employer, a friend or grandparents to sponsor children other than their own to get their education at the Lake West Christian Academy. The tuition is only $155 a month. Each student owns their own books which cost $225 a year. The actual cost of educating a child at the academy is twice what the tuition is. To maintain low tuition rates for the benefit of each family the school does fundraising and accepts donations to offset the costs.

Look at the 'Fundraising' page to see list of on-going fundraising opportunities you can be involved in to keep the rates low and help build the school. The academy receives no federal assistance - neither is it endowed or supported by any other organization.

If you would like to enroll your child, sponsor a child, assist with the new building or make a donation contact the school at 573-374-1500.