Each year, I am reminded that the work we do in DSP is about far more than academic achievement and excellence. It is about inviting students into a learning community where they are stretched, sharpened, and formed—where ideas are explored with humility, questions are welcomed with purpose, and growth is pursued in both intellect and character. It is in that spirit that I encourage you to explore the work of each senior scholar represented on this page—not just to witness their research, but to see the depth of transformation that has taken place throughout their time in the Distinguished Scholars Program.
What you will find here is not simply a collection of projects. It is a testament—an academic and spiritual culmination—of four years of intentional growth, rigorous scholarship, and Christ-centered formation. These students have spent their time in DSP not just mastering content, but becoming the kind of thinkers, leaders, and communicators who will carry their influence far beyond these walls.
Each senior’s final body of work is represented here in four distinct parts:
- A TED-Ed Student Talk recorded earlier in their DSP journey, where students continued to develop their authentic public voice, refine their ability to present complex ideas clearly, and contribute to their broader growth as communicators through a diversity of presentation formats uniquely offered within the program
- A recording of their live Senior Research Night presentation, where they shared key insights and findings with our community in a public context
- A multimedia product—whether podcast, documentary, or digital narrative—that reflects a thoughtful choice of format based on audience, message, and rhetorical situation
- A full written thesis, reflecting collegiate-level research, depth of analysis, and personal voice
No two students approached their work the same way—and that’s exactly the point. This program does not produce uniform output. It cultivates unique voices who learn to engage deeply with meaningful questions, design original inquiries, and deliver their findings in ways that honor both their academic discipline and their God-given callings. Their work is not templated or formulaic. It is thoughtful, creative, rigorous, and uniquely theirs.
What you see here is not just academic excellence—it is transformation. These students entered the program as bright, curious underclassmen. They leave as scholars: confident, compassionate, and prepared to enter the world with clarity and conviction. And while their research spans vastly different topics and formats, they are all united by something deeper: a recognition that research is a privilege rooted in purpose. They have learned that inquiry is not just an academic act—it is a form of worship. To search out the hidden complexities of our world is to respond to the glory of the God who created it.
We are so proud of the work these students have produced—and even more proud of who they have become. I invite you to explore each piece, listen closely, and witness what happens when learning becomes an act of trust—when students are given the space and support to step into the fullness of their God-given identity, not by force, but by formation.
With gratitude and appreciation,

Jenna LaFlamme
Distinguished Scholars Program Associate DirectorDistinguished Scholars Program InstructorEnglish Instructorjlaflamme@houstonchristian.orgEastern Connecticut State University - B.A.Sacred Heart University - M.A.T.