Winter Break and College Prep

Many parents of high school students are wondering what they will do over winter break.  Winter break is a great time for students to spend time with friends and family, but this time could also be used to prepare for college.  An article in TulsaWorld.comTulsaWorld.com stated,  "Whether searching for grants and scholarships, perfecting college application essays, or volunteering, students who put in the extra time and effort improve their chances of nabbing their top choice school."  In addition, the article explains that almost every student qualifies for financial aid so taking time to look for assistance is worth your while.  The article lists several helpful resources for the college application and financial aid process.  To read more, go to:  Winter Break Gives Students Time to Prepare for College.

Internet and Your Child's Future

Can the Internet hurt your child's future?  The Pew Internet Center recently asked this question to parents of teens.  Not surprisingly, most parents said they were concerned.  This issue recently came up because legislators in Europe are considering a policy called "the right to be forgotten" which means that Internet users would be entitled to delete their digital past - giving them a clean slate in the future.  There is nothing like this being proposed in the United States.  

The article in the New York Times, Parents of Teenagers Say They Worry That Online Activities Might Hurt Children in the Future, stated that "the study suggests that parents are concerned about future harm"  and because of this parents are trying to manage their children's social media activities.  About a third of parents in the study said they helped their children with privacy settings.  However, in a survey done with children 12-17 years old, children had very different opinions about giving their parents access to their Facebook page.  Some teens said they blocked their parents from seeing their page and others said they only let their parents see profiles but not status updates.

This is all very concerning and parents need to guide their teens with the complicated social media world.  As many parents agreed, the Internet can hurt their child's future as once something is put on the Internet it is hard to take it away.  We, at Spring Ridge Academy, encourage parents to set boundaries and structures around the Internet to help protect their children's safety now and in the future.  

To read more about this study, go to http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/20/parents-of-teenagers-say-they-worry-that-online-activities-might-hurt-children-in-the-future/

Teen Rejection and Chronic Disease

A recent article in Time Health and Family, supported a theory we have had at Spring Ridge Academy for long time.  In a study of teenage girls led by Michael Murphy of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, found "targeted rejection, in which students are singled out for taunting or personally rejected by a friend, can have measurable effects on the immune system. If sustained, these changes can increase risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, mental illness and some cancers later in life, even among those considered to be at the top of the teen social hierarchy."

Researchers found that one link seems to connect the chronic teen social stress to a more sensitive immune system triggering an inflammatory state that can damage the brain and body by a near-constant state of anxiety or of feeling threatened.    

At Spring Ridge Academy, we have long believed that the effects of trauma, as well as, social stress and rejection have long term effects on the lives of young women.  This study supports the importance of treatment and stress reduction in young women.  

Spring Ridge Academy - Addressing the Challenging Issues of Teenage Women

Art of Recovery Expo

Spring Ridge Academy is proud to be part of the  Art of Recovery Expo weekend on September 21 and 22, 2012  in Phoenix, Arizona.  The weekend kicks off Friday, September 21 with the Inaugural Bill Brown Memorial Golf Tournament with partial proceeds going to support MusiCares.  Jeannie Courtney will be leading the Spring Ridge Academy team.  

On Saturday, September 22, The Art of Recovery Expo will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center from 10:00 am- 5:00 pm.  The Expo offers education, resources and solutions for addictions and behavioral health, with an emphasis on adolescent, young adult, and family recovery.   John Bradshaw and Herschel Walker will be headlining at the Expo.  The Art of Recovery Expo is free to the public. For more information about this event, visit http://www.artofrecoveryexpo.com.

Thoughts to Share...

So, I have reached some clarity as of late: Life has a funny way of bringing people into our lives when we least expect it.   Every encounter we have whether its brief and short or long periods of time, is presented before us to teach us, impact us, change us, mature us and most of all help us grow.  As every day passes we learn something new, as we encounter different relationships whether they last ...or end, they teach us values, importance, what we will settle for, what we will compromise and what we won't, and most of ALL they prepare us for our future.  We have all faced heartache, pain, anger and strife, but its when we choose to let those memories and feelings go that we become free. We create the ability to move forward in life, to see opportunities that stand before us without regret. They open our hearts and give us the ability to accept things that are good and pure. We are able to see things more clearly, feel things more clearly and become more accepting of life and others. We begin to open our hearts out to what life truly has to offer and what is in store for us. What I am trying to say to everyone is simple: " Don't spend your days, focused on the negative, pain and hurt. Find the strength to let it go, because if you can come to a place of acceptance and growth - better things will come."  Cherish those in your life with everything you have, tell those you care about how you feel, take the time to impact the lives of others in a positive manner, take life with an optimistic approach and most of all trust the process.

-SRA Graduate

What is Your Teenager Hiding?

Do you know what your child is hiding?  Possibly not.  There are a lot of places where kids hide drugs without their parents even noticing.  Kids hide drugs in common household items like pens, toilet paper rolls, lipstick, in cars, under toilet tanks, potato chip cans, etc.  It is very important for parents to become aware of where kids can hide drugs.  For more information, check out this video with a teenager sharing his story on ABC News.  In addition, go to Mask Matters for a list places where kids hide drugs.

Cell Phones and Kids

Sit at any parenting group or middle school pick up and you will hear this questions, "When should I get my kid a cell phone?"   PBS recently addressed this question, in an article titled, When Should You Get Your Kid a Cell Phone.

This article gave a list of questions to ask yourself before you hand a child a cell phone.  It is important to realize the communication power you are giving your child.  MASK Matters has created a cell phone contract, which parents may want to use before they give their son or daughter a cell phone.  See the contract at their web site MASK Matters.

Cell phone have become a "must have" for kids, but boundaries and guidelines created between parents and kids is a "must have" as well.

Letter from SRA Parent

Spring Ridge Academy is 

Exceptional, Special, and Magical.

It is a place for people like us, who have learned the Love is not enough.  Love is not enough.

If it were, we would not be here.

A close athletic contest, a game of seven, transports us

Not because it measure relative athletic ability; but because it

Measures effort, commitment, and courage.

A good TV drama, like Grey’s Anatomy or ER, transports us because it

Compresses, focuses, distills and magnifies the issue of life. 

So athletic contests and TV dramas have the power to transport us to a different time and place.

Spring Ridge Academy is magical, transporting and profound

Because it compresses, focuses, distills and magnifies

What matters in our lives.

And it requires us to examine our lives

With effort, commitment, and courage

But it is special

Not because it transports us to a different time and place,

It is special because it engages us here and now

In this time and place

In the Matter of Life.

So mark this time and place well

Because the like of this place has not been seen, and its full measure has yet to be taken.

-SRA Parent

High School Students Seeking An Edge, Turn To Stimulants

A recent New York Times article, Risky Ride of the Good-Grade Pill  discusses the increase use of prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin by teenagers.  The article explains that high school students feeling extreme pressure over grades and college admissions are turning to prescription stimulants for a competitive edge. 

Many young people believe that because these medicines are prescribed by doctors, they can’t be dangerous.  However, the abuse of prescription stimulants can be very dangerous.  Prescription stimulants can lead to high blood pressure, depression, mood swings, heart irregularities,  nervousness, exhaustion or psychotic episodes.  In addition, stimulants can lead to the abuse of painkillers and sleep aids.  

The article quotes Caron Treatment Center, family therapist, Paul L. Hokemeyer, explaining that, “Children have prefrontal cortexes that are not fully developed, and we’re changing the chemistry of the brain. That’s what these drugs do. It’s one thing if you have a real deficiency — the medicine is really important to those people — but not if your deficiency is not getting into Brown.”

In addition, The D.E.A. lists prescription stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse (amphetamines) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) as Class 2 controlled substances because they rank among the most addictive substances that have a medical use.  Most teenagers and parents have no idea that giving a friend an  Adderall or Vyvanse pill is the same as selling it and can be prosecuted as a felony.

According to IMS Health, a health care information company, the number of ADHD medications dispensed for young people ages 10-19, has risen 26% since 2007, to almost 21 million yearly.    This article states that doctors and teenagers from more than 15 schools across the nation with high academic standards estimated that the portion of high school students who use stimulants as a study aid ranges from 15 % - 40%.  

It is important for parents to discuss with their children the dangers of taking medications from their friends.  Parents and doctors should discuss the dangers of stimulants with teen agers.  

Dads and Parenting

I was pleased to see a recent article in The New York Times titled, Dads Are Involved in Parenting.  This article discusses the active role fathers are taking in parenting.  The article states that evidence shows more fathers are involved in on-line parenting groups, fathering meet-up groups, and Boot Camp for New Dads.

At Spring Ridge Academy, we understand the important role fathers play in the family system and are excited to learn about the increasing support for fathers.

Diabetes and Teens

The New York Times, recently reported a study by Pediatrics in which they analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that the percentage of teenagers testing positive for diabetes and prediabetes had nearly tripled to 23 percent in 2007-8 from 9 percent in 1999-2000.  The article explains, that many people with prediabetes go on to develop Type 2 diabetes, but weight loss, exercise and diet can prevent that from happening.   To learn more about the study, go to The New York Times.

At Spring Ridge Academy, our students learn to care for their body and make healthy choices.  This includes a well balanced diet, exercise and education regarding what our bodies need to function optimally.  To learn about health and wellness at Spring Ridge Academy, visit our web site.

Analyze This!

By Brandon Courtney, Community Director

Math is often struggle for young women entering Spring Ridge, and is often one of the least popular classes among our new students. Our math instructors often work with students in challenging self limiting beliefs about their ability to comprehend mathematics. The result is that many of our students after working with their instructors find a new appreciation for math. Spring Ridge offers a wide range of math classes from Algebra to Introduction to Statistics.

Recently, students in our Introduction to Statics class completed their final projects. Only rather than analyze the number of green Skittles to red Skittles in 20 bags of candy (my undergrad “research” project, results available on request) our students were provided with actual testing data. Our students and their parent’s complete a BASC-2 assessment upon admission and then repeat the assessment when students leave the program. Students in our Introduction to Statistics course were able to sample this data (all personal student information i.e. names, ID#s, etc, was removed from tests samples) and came out with some interesting findings. Students were able to see a real world example of how to compile actual research and interpret findings.

Spring Ridge Takes 1st Prize

Spring Ridge Academy won the grand prize in the annual Mayer Daze Parade for best overall float.  Spring Ridge Academy was awarded the trophy in the shape of a saddle from the judges after the parade on Saturday.  The theme of the parade was “Out of the West Came the Heart of Arizona: Mayer”.  The float committee was headed by Susan Dougherty, who assisted our students in creating a replica of a mine shaft complete with a working waterfall and stream to pan gold.   Some students rode on the float during the parade in costume; other students followed behind to cheer the float.  Susan commented, “Our students worked their hearts out, and were so excited to win the grand prize.”     Jean Baker summed it up, “Did you see?  We rocked! Grand Prize.”  Students gave up their free time and worked very hard in creating a project of which they can be very proud.   

The students who worked on the float were very excited to see their hard work on display and have it recognized.  One student reported, “It was really cool to be able to make someone’s day by working hard and creating a really cool float.” Another student commented, “It was my first time going to a parade; it was fun."  One student summed it up like this, “It was a fun experience bonding with other students.  It was fun seeing all of the hard work pay off.” 

National Merit Scholarship

Spring Ridge Academy is proud to announce one of our students received an outstanding score on the 2012 PSAT test  which led to her being selected to participate in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program.  She is in the select group of 50,000 students who scored the highest on the 2012 PSAT National Test which was taken by over 1.5 million students.  Spring Ridge Academy salutes her achievement and wishes her continued success as she progresses through the National Merit Scholarship Program.  Congratulations!

Graduation

Written by SRA Student

I was told that for my graduation, I was to write a speech about the importance of education.

Now, seeing as this is a High School graduation, I figured I was supposed to write about “formal” education.  Going to school, embracing concepts such as trigonometry and Mesopotamian history, etc.  Book smarts, if you will.  Or maybe I should tell an inspiring anecdote about a poor child growing up in poverty that followed their dreams of going to school and is now sitting in a big, important chair in the Jamba Juice Headquarters.  But frankly, I don’t think that is what education is all about.  To me, education isn’t about being taught, it’s about learning. 

Learning is not measured by a letter grade or SAT score. Yes, these things are important and you should always strive for excellence in school, but it doesn’t define you as a student.  I am a student of the world.  I don’t know if I’ll ever use SOHCAHTOA again, but I know what it means.  I know that lightning and thunder is actually the same thing.  That if you drive behind a big truck on the highway, you’ll get better mileage.  How to tune a guitar.  How to carve a ball in a cage out of wood.  What it ACTUALLY means when Mercury is in retrograde.  That you can tell the difference between a star and a planet because planets don’t twinkle. 

To me, education’s value is how it opens your mind to the world.  How it allows you to find wonder in the little things – The temperature of a lightning bolt is hotter than the surface of the sun.  The name “Wendy” didn’t exist until the book Peter Pan.  Orca whales traveling in groups breathe in unison.  The youngest pope was only eleven years old.  As you get older, you slowly stop dreaming at night.

Being at Spring Ridge Academy certainly has been a learning experience.  I don’t think anyone who has been here a decent amount of time can say they didn’t learn anything, whether they wanted to or not.  And that’s the great thing about people.  They are all your teachers.  Education is the collective memory of the world.  You learn from your school teachers, who learned from their teachers, who learned from their teachers, who learned from their mothers who learned from tribal elders.  Even information found on the internet that was passed down through who knows how many minds before someone posted it on Wikipedia.  And it’s not just about information; it’s what you learn about the person you are speaking to.  I know that just by sitting in groups and hearing other girls’ stories, I’ve learned about the people around me – why they do the things they do, how they conquered impossible odds, how they learned to heal.  And probably the most important learning we do here is learning about ourselves.  I learned when I give too much or too little in a relationship.  That I could actually be best friends with a peppy blonde cheerleader from California.  That I’m actually super sensitive (though that wasn’t so much a discovery as a begrudging acceptance), and that my parents are not actually the emotionless dictators I made them out to be.

I guess what I’m trying to say is the value in education is in its ability to change you.  To make you more humble, or to recognize your own value.  Education isn’t about information.  You can sit in class and memorize logarithms all you want.  You can know all fifty forms of “to be”, or you can be the world’s greatest astrophysicist, but if you haven’t learned that there’s more to life than we can possible grasp, than you haven’t truly learned anything.  See, the great thing about education is it drives you to ask the question, “what DON’T I know?”

Now if there’s anything I want you guys to take with you from this, its three things; the heart is the body’s strongest muscle, that the brain has more cells in it than our galaxy has stars, and that the body is 72% water.  So wherever you go over vacation, don’t get too dehydrated.

Teen Essay Contest on Bullying

In The New York Times, on April 7, 2012, writer Nicholas D. Kristof announced an essay contest for teenagers on the topic of bullying. The article explained that bullying is a serious issue and stated that the Department of Education has recognized bullying as a "serious problem" for American teenagers. Mr. Kristof explained in the article, "We have a major national problem with bullying, and we need your help to understand it and figure out how to make headway against it." The hope is this contest will give us more information on the issue from teenagers dealing with it. If you are interested in learning more about the contest, go to The New York Times.

Jeannie Courtney Recognized at the Unity Award Luncheon

On March 28, Jeannie Courtney, Founder of Spring Ridge Academy, was recognized at the MASK Matters Mom's Making A Difference Unity Award Luncheon. Jeannie was 1 of 28 inspiring women celebrated for making a difference in the lives of children and families every day. It was a special day for Jeannie and Spring Ridge Academy.

EMDR in The New York Times

Spring Ridge Academy therapists have found EMDR to be extremely effective. We are pleased EMDR has recently received national attention when it was featured by the New York Times. Following the article, Dr. Francine Shapiro, the developer of EMDR, is answering readers questions. You can read the article and the question/answers at Experts Answers on EMDR by The New York Times.

Spring Ridge Academy Intensive Workshop

Melissa Cacialli, MA, LAC

As a therapist at Spring Ridge Academy, I could not be more excited to prepare and present the Intensive Therapeutic Workshop on depression and anxiety. I often interact with parents and students who are exhausted and bewildered when they can’t “just get over” the emotions they feel. In a few short weeks I’m hopeful that we’ll begin to untangle the web of despair and frustration these disorders wrap us in. The workshop itself will begin on the high ropes course at Chauncey Ranch. This wonderful resource is just miles from the Spring Ridge Academy campus. Nothing gets adrenaline going like hanging from a trapeze! It’s a perfect opportunity to begin working through the anxiety and fear that keep many students stuck in their personal growth. Back on campus we will move through the art barn and dance studio to get those emotions out of our minds and bodies where we can see them with eyes wide open. With coping strategies being sprinkled throughout the weekend I am certain that your daughters will leave feeling more capable and confident. I look forward to working with each and every one of them as we move closer to training weekend.

A Few Words on Chemical Dependency

Janet Ander, MA, LAC

Special K, Ecstasy, and whippets may sound harmless or even pleasant from afar. Sadly, the latest generation of teenagers is fighting addictions against these hardly harmless chemicals… some you might even find under your nose in your own home. It’s true! Two of the greatest threats to adolescents today are the drugs of their parents’ generation (making a ‘come back’) and substances that can be found in your kitchen, garage, or medicine cabinet. Marijuana, cocaine and heroin all placed in the top 5 most commonly used drugs by adolescents in 2009. Many adults are familiar with the presence of these drugs, but many are surprised to find that the second most common drug used by teens, right behind marijuana, is prescription drug abuse. That’s right… the pain killers you didn’t finish after back surgery last summer, or the Robitussin you bought for that awful headcold. Also in the top 5 are inhalants: spray paint, Sharpie markers, computer-cleaning compressed air, gasoline, propane, aerosol cans, and whipped cream – to name a few. For our children, whether it is alcohol, street drugs, or household items, chemical dependency often starts from experimentation. It may be offered to them by a friend, or suggested to them when feeling ‘down’ or anxious. Adolescents will turn to these substances for a quick fix to the stresses of today’s teenage life. It is important that children are not only educated on the impacts of substance abuse, but also provided resources and support for managing stress, depression, and anxiety. Without alternatives, resourceful teenagers will find a way to cope.

In a few weeks, some of the students at Spring Ridge Academy will be attending an intensive workshop to learn about chemical dependency – the beginnings, the impacts, the short and long term effects, and how to start and maintain sobriety. This is when parents begin to ask, “So what can I do to help?” First, EDUCATE yourself and your children at home about which substances are dangerous and why. Next, let your SRA student and your other children know that you SUPPORT abstinence and sobriety – this means no experimenting and a substance free home if necessary. Find RESOURCES and alternatives for children who are struggling with academic and social stressors – counseling, tutoring, healthy youth groups, and after-school activities are a good start. Be ENCOURAGING, even when it feels natural to criticize. Many adolescents turn to substances as a means of coping with the criticism they already hear in their own heads. “I’m not good enough.” “I’m stupid.” “I’m a screwup.” What adolescents need are cheerleaders – adult who believe in them and notice their successes. Finally, have PATIENCE. Adolescents can be frustrating and so can the process of recovery they are going through. If you have a family member with a substance abuse problem or who is in recovery, be patient and find resources for yourself. Keeping yourself healthy makes you a better resource to others.

Janet Ander, MA, LAC is a therapist at Spring Ridge Academy.

Relationships and Dating

By Kimberly Campbell, MA, LAC

The girls at Spring Ridge Academy have multiple questions about relationships that run the gambit from how to begin anew with their families, to holding sexual boundaries while dating. I have been putting together an intensive workshop to provide a forum for the girls to begin to explore their thoughts, concerns, and questions around this topic. The participants will be receiving a great deal of education around family relationships, and how patterns which emerge in families manifest in their adolescent relationships later on. There will be art and dance and hiking and plenty of opportunity for gaining information about the most important relationship in any girl’s life, her relationship with her self.

Day one will include interactive lectures. Those of you who have sat in on any lecture by me can quickly visualize when I describe the first lecture as Musical Chairs. There is opportunity for dramatic acting as the girls will be invited to volunteer to participate. Throughout the three days the girls will discuss Facebook and how they “promote” their image on their personal profile. They will consider music lyrics. (I did not realize until I began searching diligently for “healthy relationship” music lyrics across all genres that the best lyrics were in Heavy Metal. Color me surprised! I had no intention of even looking there until I discovered, to my utter dismay, the difficult task of finding healthy relationship lyrics in other musical genres.) The girls will be writing skits to share with one another about relationships and what they are learning.

Hopefully, you are getting a good understanding that this learning experience will be filled with fun and activity. May I give you some homework now, parents? This is the same homework I frequently give. I believe that mother - daughter cooking assignments build nurturing, loving relationships. Mothers supply the infant with food and that is often diminished by adolescent years. I believe mothers and children working together in the kitchen renew that nurturing, loving relationship. Father – daughter weekend area visits serve to strengthen that relationship, separate from mother. Fathers teach children some of the basic fundamentals of life. I want to encourage you fathers to take your daughters for area visits as frequently as you are able and teach your daughter how to expect her future young man should treat her.

Kimberly Campbell, MA, LAC is a therapist at Spring Ridge Academy.

EMDR at Spring Ridge Academy

Gary Hees, MA, LPC, Clinical Director

The therapists at Spring Ridge Academy have just completed their EMDR Level I and II training and will be awarded their Certificates of Completion shortly. The course of training included two 3-day workshops of which half was application/practice oriented. Each workshop is followed by a required six hours of consultation on live cases with an approved EMDR Institute practitioner. The therapists at SRA chose to do this with Carolyn Settle MA, LPC, who is the leading authority in the field of EMDR when used with children and adolescents. We have already had several examples of startling positive results in relatively short time frames.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic model that utilizes bi-lateral stimulation to allow the brain to reprocess events that were traumatic to the student.

The method has lots of clinical research behind it and is the Treatment of Choice by the Department of Defense for addressing PTSD in returning military personnel. We at SRA have found it to be not only effective for trauma resulting from verbal, physical and sexual assault, but also very useful in resolving the pent-up emotions carried by an adolescent from relational injury given or received in the family. In some cases we find that EMDR is also beneficial for the parents and we refer them to 2-3 EMDR therapists near their home. They choose the best fit for them and then they too reap the benefits of EMDR.

Eric Hipple, Former NFL Player, Talks Depression

Spring Ridge Academy was proud to support the Grant Halliburton's Foundation's, Beacon of Hope Luncheon on January 25 in Dallas, Texas. The Grant Halliburton Foundation raises awareness of adolescent mental health. With over 300 people in attendance, Former Detroit Lions Player, Eric Hipple, shared his remarkable journey battling depression as well as the tragic loss of his son to suicide. In his book, Real Men Do Cry, Eric Hipple shares details of his story and how he picked himself back up and dedicated his life by helping others understand the signs, symptoms and dangers of depression.

Eric Hipple is now the Outreach Coordinator for The University of Michigan Depression Center spreading the word about depression warning signs and suicide prevention. Hipple states, “Parents need to understand that suicide can happen. They are trying to decipher what to be worried about and what is normal behavior. The truth is that there is rarely a clear line. I tell them to start looking for risk factors that might set off a downward spiral.”

Intensive Workshops at SRA

Spring Ridge Academy is proud to announce the addition of Therapeutic Intensive Workshops. These workshops are designed by our therapeutic team to enhance the sophisticated therapeutic techniques already utilized at Spring Ridge Academy. Workshops will be facilitated by therapists and incorporate various modalities including: art, body movement, dance, psychodrama, experiential initiatives, and team building. These workshops are three days in duration and focus on five specific areas:

• Anxiety and Depression-This workshop focuses on relief of physiological and emotional symptoms common with anxiety and depression, as well as strategies reducing underlying causes of anxiety and depression.
• Chemical Dependency- This workshop focuses on educating students about the impact and effect of substance abuse, develops skills for relapse prevention, and increases understanding of underlying issues that make substance abuse an acceptable coping skill.
• Relationships and Sexuality- This workshop examines aspects of romantic and sexual relationships and has a focus on developing boundaries, self respect, values, and self esteem.
• Trauma- This intensive is aimed at reducing triggers and mitigating the emotional impact of traumatic events from the past.
• Body Image- This workshop enhances our students’ acceptance and appreciation of their body. It also explores the impact of negative media stereotypes and other unrealistic expectations of the “perfect body”.

We feel these workshops will allow students to immerse in a specific subject, and improve their development of coping strategies and resources. All five workshops will be given four times a year during academic breaks. Students will attend workshops on the various topics throughout their stay at Spring Ridge Academy.

Happy 15th Birthday, SRA!

This is a very exciting time at Spring Ridge Academy. On Thursday, January 5, we celebrate 15 years since Jeannie Courtney opened Spring Ridge Academy. Jeannie had a dream to build a college prep, therapeutic school for girls to create confidant young women. When she shared her idea of creating an all girls therapeutic boarding school - people told her it would "never work," but this only gave her more drive to move ahead - and she succeeded.

We are very proud of Jeannie and the entire team at SRA, as well as, the students who have made it a success.

For Jeannie’s dedication, she has been nominated for MASK’s Unity Award. The Unity Award recognizes mothers making a difference in the world and their communities. Please vote for Jeannie. And, remember to vote everyday until February 1.

Spring Ridge Academy thanks you and your families for your continued support.

We wish you a happy new year - and a happy birthday to SRA!