Administration Spotlight: Carol Aversa
From her parent and teaching days within the walls of BCS to serving as Head of School today, Carol Aversa remains a leader guided by the love of God. Her warm presence and welcoming personality can be felt by the most distant stranger and if you have ever seen her greet one of the little Ebenezer students by lowering herself down to their size and giving out the biggest hug on earth- you know exactly what I mean.
#bcsfamiliesunited: What were the best and worst phases of parenting when your children were in elementary school?
CA:
My girls are young adults now, and I love the relationships I have with them. I do miss the school-aged years at times, though. I always enjoyed them learning to read. I can recall the very early years when I could watch them literally form the words with their little mouths and then the total glee when the word came out and they knew they were correct! I also enjoyed how we “collected” our book series, like Magic Tree House books, and animal books. The sheer delight of watching them learn was a favorite time of parenting. Perhaps the hardest phase of parenting when they were in elementary school (and beyond!) was watching them struggle. It would have been so easy, so many times, to step in and take over for them. But the reward was watching them actually gain strength and independence as they made it over their hurdles!
Can you share with us your favorite devotional and why?
CA:
My favorite devotional is the Streams in the Desert devotional. My sister actually gave me her copy during a particularly difficult time, and I could see her own personal notes and reflections along the way. That served to remind me that I had a sisterhood with her and she was on the journey with me. The devotions themselves are a great encouragement to me because they remind me that we are called by Him who loves us. We are never alone in this life and He has a love for us far deeper than we could ever imagine. Each devotion shares a scripture and a reflection. I like to read it before going to bed, so that when I wake up, I can think immediately of the message I am to take with me through the day as a reminder of His goodness.
Looking ahead to Bethlehem Christian School's 40th Anniversary- what are you most grateful, certain, and hopeful about?
CA:
I am so very excited for the 40th Anniversary of Bethlehem Christian School! I have been with BCS for 16 of those years, initially as a parent, then as a teacher, principal, and now as Head of School. I am most grateful for the original folks who were obedient to God’s call to start Bethlehem Christian School so many years ago. I am grateful that I get to be a part of such a wonderful school with Christ-loving teachers and staff. I am grateful for each and every student, teacher, and staff member that are part of BCS. When I am on each campus, I endeavor to see each and every student and teacher each morning, as possible, not because I want to “check on” my classrooms, but because I want every person in the building to know they are important to me and I want to see their faces every day.
I am certain that as the world presses in, families will more and more be searching for that constant they can count on. I am hopeful that they will recognize the importance of a Christ-centered education—one that will prepare their children not only to be capable contributing members of their communities, but will also give them a Biblical foundation for a life lived for eternity, a life filled with hope that only our Savior, Jesus Christ can provide.