2026 Commencement Ceremony

SouthLake Christian's Co-Valedictorian for the class of 2026 is Anthony Alexanian. Anthony is the son of Amy and Aram Alexanian. 

Anthony is a remarkable young man whose curiosity, analytical mind, and deep humility have left a lasting mark on SouthLake Christian Academy. It is difficult to imagine our hallways without his steady presence, quiet strength, and joyful love of learning.

A true “Lifer,” Anthony has grown up within our community, and his excellence across academics, character, and leadership has consistently brought honor to SouthLake Christian. Grounded in integrity, kindness, and gratitude, he approaches life with humility and empathy, serving not for recognition but from a sincere desire to help others and a profound sense of thankfulness for the opportunities he has been given.

Anthony’s servant leadership has extended beyond campus as well. He played an instrumental role in organizing service projects in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse to support those in need following a hurricane, modeling what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ in times of crisis. His ambassadorship of SouthLake Christian has inspired other students, who often point to his trustworthiness, dedication, quiet confidence, and academic excellence as qualities they hope to emulate.

Academically, Anthony is a self-described “nerd” in the very best sense of the word. His relentless work ethic, joy in discovery, and commitment to mastery have earned him AP Scholar with Distinction recognition and All-State status in athletics. By graduation, he will have completed 11 of SouthLake Christian’s 14 AP courses, and to date he has earned a score of 5 on every AP Exam he has taken—yet he remains far more focused on learning than on statistics or accolades.

Anthony’s intellectual curiosity and academic rigor are truly exceptional. Driven by a desire to understand the world at its deepest levels, he delights in problem-solving and thrives in advanced STEM coursework. The absolute nature of mathematics and the creative design of science captivate him, and he approaches complex concepts with both precision and imagination.

This fall, Anthony will matriculate to the University of Notre Dame to study pre-med, carrying with him the same moral fiber, discipline, and heart for others that defined his years at SouthLake Christian. As he follows the Spirit’s leading into new communities, there is no doubt that he will continue to bring honor, compassion, and excellence wherever God calls him next.

SouthLake Christian's Co-Valedictorian for the class of 2026 is Maddie. Anthony is the daughter of Jenni and Jeff Jones.

Maddie is an exceptional student whose intellect, leadership, and integrity of character have left a deep and lasting mark on the SouthLake Christian community. Her persistence, quiet compassion, and strong sense of purpose shine through everything she does.

Motivated by both curiosity and care for others, Maddie has invested her gifts in service to children at Caterpillar Ministries in a nearby underserved community. She began as a tutor, quickly earning the trust of her students as they thrived under her guidance, and soon recognized that they lacked opportunities to explore STEM. In response, she created a STEM program that sparked excitement and joy for learning, teaching concepts like the chemistry behind making ice cream and the physics of roller coasters in ways that made science both fun and accessible.

Recognizing a similar need at SouthLake Christian, Maddie founded the school’s STEM Club to support peers who were unsure how to pursue career pathways in STEM fields. She presented her idea to school administration, secured approval, and then led the club as president—scheduling meetings, booking guest speakers, and designing activities to encourage exploration and confidence in STEM disciplines. Thoughtful and forward-thinking, Maddie also prioritized mentoring underclassmen, ensuring a pipeline of new leaders so the club would remain a vibrant, student-driven organization after her graduation.

Maddie’s faith and compassion are central to who she is. Whether tutoring, serving with Samaritan’s Purse, or participating in prayer ministry, she strives to make tangible her conviction that science and service belong together, working hand in hand to honor God’s creation. Her vision for studying environmental science and engineering is rooted in this worldview: she desires to help ensure that all people have access to clean water and can share in the beauty and flourishing of God’s world.

Her work ethic and curiosity, combined with her intellectual strength and genuine concern for others, position Maddie to make a real and lasting impact on both people and the planet. Maddie stands out not because she seeks attention, but because she consistently pursues her goals with sincerity, diligence, and thoughtfulness, bringing depth and integrity to every challenge she faces.

This fall, Maddie will matriculate to the University of Notre Dame to study environmental science and engineering, ready to carry forward her blend of academic excellence, servant leadership, and Christ-centered purpose into the next chapter of her journey.