In many ways, it feels like things have returned to normal after the last few years. But some believe God wants more for us—to reset our lives on a new and better trajectory.

Because of a major pandemic-like event in his own life, New York Times columnist David Brooks realized that there were two different sets of virtues to be cultivated. Résumé virtues are the skills we bring to the marketplace that help us get ahead. By contrast, eulogy virtues are talked about at our funeral—whether we were kind, brave, generous, honest and faithful—whether we really loved others. The pandemic years will not have been wasted if they taught us that the eulogy virtues are more important than the résumé ones—because the résumé virtues are all about me, and the eulogy virtues are about others.

In particular, educational inequality continues to be one of the greatest racial inequalities in the Twin Cities. Low income and non-white students were hit hardest by the learning disruptions throughout COVID-19, exacerbating the achievement gap. Today, the front line of the civil rights movement runs through our schools. For instance, working together with parents and financial partners, Hope Academy in Minneapolis, is helping to grow hundreds of servant leaders. 

“A remarkable 96 percent of Hope Academy students have graduated on time, with nearly one in six receiving a full-tuition college scholarship,” proudly shares Head of School, Russ Gregg. “Graduates are becoming first-generation college students, completing higher education/vocational training, working in a variety of rewarding fields, and returning to mentor students and volunteer. Some even work or enroll their own children at Hope Academy.”

As we continue to see widening achievement gaps and a lack of hope in our cities, Hope Academy is pursuing growth to serve more students. For those interested in pursuing a more purpose-based path for their children, Hope Academy is accepting applications for fall enrollment.

Location: 2300 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis. To schedule a tour, call 612-540-2013. For more information, visit HopeSchool.org.

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