Background:

I attended Brewton-Parker College and Lesley University for grad school. I am married to my college sweetheart, David, and have two children. I currently teach third grade, serve as the upper elementary department head, and lead the teacher mentoring program at a private Christian school in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

What is one piece of advice you would give to current HHCA students?

To not get lost or caught up in the world as you see it now. The moments you share with your classmates are memories that you'll hold forever, but it's a short time in the grand scheme of life. Don't lose yourself in other people's opinions or comparisons. Be kind and genuine to others. Love Jesus and love people. View each person as the masterpiece that God calls them in Ephesians 2:10 and treat each other (and yourself) as a masterpiece created and prized by a heavenly Father who wants nothing more than a genuine relationship with you.

How did your time at HHCA influence your career path?

My time at HHCA had a major impact on my career choices. More than seeing great qualified teachers, I received first hand the impact of a teacher's influence on students' lives. The teachers that influenced my educational career were elementary teachers at HHCA. The gift of being able to support Christian families in discipling the future of our nation through a Biblical worldview is something I try not to take for granted. I thank HHCA for helping instill this strong foundation through amazing faculty that truly loved and served the Lord by sharing His love with their students.

The teachers that influenced my educational career were elementary teachers at HHCA. The gift of being able to support Christian families in discipling the future of our nation through a Biblical worldview is something I try not to take for granted.

- Lawson Stones Schmidt (Class of 2004)