Vision & Mission

Vision

Aspire Scholar Academy is committed to partnering with families to create an inspiring and rigorous educational environment for 12 to 18-year-old students. We strive to build a Christ-centered learning community that fosters unity, while encouraging mentors and students to appreciate and embrace the unique contributions of each individual. We believe parent involvement is integral to the success of ASA and our students, and we rely on the valuable contributions of all our parents for mentoring and administrative support. In this environment, students gain leadership qualities such as confidence, compassion, and integrity and choose to engage in meaningful scholarly pursuits so they can continually grow academically, socially, and emotionally as they strive to develop Christ-like character.

Mission

The mission of Aspire Scholar Academy (ASA) is to empower families to build and strengthen an educational community where parents partner together to mentor our students.

Guiding Principles of ASA

  1. We are united by a shared identity as children of God.
    1. We recognize the inherent worth of each individual.
    2. We are strengthened when our community includes members of all faiths.
    3. Our environment is enhanced when all are allowed to share their experiences and knowledge about their faith.  
    4. We avoid promoting ideologies and concepts that divide and polarize.

  1. We are anchored in eternal truths and the teachings of Jesus Christ and His prophets.
    1. We share a common desire to align our will with His and to serve Him in our unique capacity.
    2. All truth is taught through the Holy Spirit, and therefore an environment conducive to the Spirit should be protected and maintained.
    3. ASA is built on and aligns with the principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  
  1. When everyone strives to work together in harmony, ASA is a mutually beneficial experience between the organization and families involved.
    1. Positive interactions build a positive community.
    2. Healthy relationships are fostered by communicating effectively and working, training, and learning together.
    3. We recognize the impact of our own example as we learn and grow together.
    4. We communicate expectations clearly and strive to ensure they are understood.
    5. We speak and interact with each other with love and respect, especially in difficult situations.
    6. As ASA and its members each take responsibility for their part, the mission and vision of ASA is fulfilled.

  1. We are a more effective ASA community as we get to know each other and work together.
    1. We celebrate the individual talents, personalities, and learning styles in each other.
    2. We appreciate the effort and contribution of everyone, including ourselves, and we allow room to grow, recognizing that we are not all in the same place.
    3. Collaboration is enhanced when we share our unique perspectives and experiences.
    4. We look for and act on opportunities to serve.
    5. We respect each others’ boundaries.
    6. We show empathy as we actively listen to each other.
    7. We build well-rounded relationships through classes, activities, events, and gatherings.

  1. Families are central to a student's education.
    1. Parents are primarily responsible to guide the education for their children.
    2. Parent involvement and presence influences student commitment.
    3. We respect the ability of each family to make their own educational choices.

  1. Our community thrives and our hearts are changed as we all strive to develop Christ-like characteristics.
    1. Characteristics such as compassion, integrity, grace, and being open to and following the influence of the Spirit are foundational to developing Christ-like character.
    2. Humility and patience are necessary as we seek knowledge.
    3. As we cultivate a Christ-like character in our words, actions and expectations, we become powerful, effective leaders and significantly influence others.
    4. We strive to be teachable as we learn new ideas and listen to one another.
    5. As we adopt a positive attitude, we significantly influence our ASA community.

  1. Each member has the responsibility to pursue their own learning and education.
    1. I am responsible for my own education and recognize that I must put in effort to accomplish great things.
    2. I develop wisdom and understanding as I diligently seek knowledge and truth and apply principles that I learn.
    3. I am careful to examine new knowledge in light of prior knowledge to build upon what I already know.
    4. I am willing to identify and challenge my own biases and assumptions.
    5. I learn from others as I come to class prepared academically, spiritually, and ready to participate.
    6. I foster my curiosity as I internalize and reflect on what I have learned.
    7. I ask questions, knowing that there are not always perfect, easy answers.
    8. I understand that part of the process of learning is asking questions, seeking answers, and realizing that there is more to discover.
  1. Individuals who develop an understanding of who they are and their purpose in life are inspired to embrace challenges that help them reach their potential.
    1. I am born for greatness, and I see that potential in others as well.
    2. I keep trying and don’t give up even when the road seems difficult.
    3. Resilience comes from the lessons I learn and the skills I absorb as I face life’s experiences.
    4. I develop confidence as I stretch beyond my comfort zone and realize that I can accomplish more than I thought possible.
    5. I develop self-discipline as I engage in challenging tasks and am diligent in doing the things that need to be done.
  1. Communities thrive when individuals hold themselves accountable.
    1. I set goals, manage my time, and organize myself effectively.
    2. I follow through with what I have committed to do.
    3. I stay informed and follow instructions.
    4. I act in accordance with established systems.
    5. I strive to be flexible and adapt to situations.

Current Leadership

Board of Directors (BOD)

Oversees the administration and governance of ASA, including leading the mission and vision.
  • ToriAnn Perkey, Chair
  • BreAna Alexander
  • Heather Nelson
  • Jenni McVey
  • Krystal Swan
  • Mara Holloman

Mentor Support Committee (MSC)

Supports mentors to meet the needs of their students and feel satisfied in their work.
  • Kathy Bekker, Head
  • Angela Silva
  • Kesia Catmull
  • Mara Holloman
  • Stephanie Buck
  • Vanessa Stanfill

Family Support Committee (FSC)

Helps with needs and concerns of families, connects with and mentors new parents, including prospective parents.
  • Krystal Swan, Co-head
  • Anna Mock, Co-head
  • Alexis Rasmussen
  • Heather Hamberger
  • Jessica Clark
  • Michelle Toney

Activities Committee

Responsible for student council, plans and carries out student activities.
  • Danielle Bruening, Head & Student Council
  • Paivi Lewis, Student Council
  • Amy Robinson, Yearbook
  • Jennifer Twyman, Yearbook
  • Beth Weight
  • Brooke Andreason
  • Esther Swan
  • Heather Nelson
  • Melinda Brems
  • Mindy Jeppeson

Facilities Committee

Oversees the system for weekly facility set up and clean up, as well as overseeing different aspects related to facilities.
  • Brenda LaMont, Head
  • BreAna Alexander
  • Karen Zea
  • Nicole McDougal
  • Parr Young

Financial Committee

Oversees the funding and spending of our non-profit organization.
  • BreAna Alexander
  • Kristen Savage
  • Misty Yesslith
  • Rebecca Hodges
  • ToriAnn Perkey

Tech Committee

Responsible for the technology that supports the organization at ASA and ensures that the information is organized online in ways that are accessible to the members.
  • Jenni McVey, Head
  • Joseph Hunaker, Webmaster
  • Rebecca Walker
  • Rebecca Hodges, Registrar

Founding Literature & Resources

Here are some great books and resources that have inspired our vision and become foundational to the principles of Aspire Scholar Academy. (Includes some affiliate links.)

ASA Bylaws

Read the bylaws for Aspire Scholar Academy.