By Elaine Pool
For an 8th grader, organization is key. Keeping up with all the schoolwork, sports, assigned books, and simply having fun all require a certain amount of organization. SB Magazine’s private Student of the Month has a fickle relationship with organization; while Luke Armstrong knows just how important that skill is, he sometimes tends to go to the extreme. He is a self-described perfectionist; he is very particular, needs a clean room to function, and might lean toward obsessiveness sometimes. Yet he admits that this perfectionism helps him keep his life organized. He says that he couldn’t juggle his academics and playing sports without staying organized and using good time management. Luke loves sports but said that his academic career would be much easier without the time spent on sports activities.
Regarding subjects at Calvary Baptist Academy, Luke said that he loves math; it has always come naturally to him, and he enjoys numbers. His least favorite subject is English; while he likes to read, he has a “love/hate relationship with reading.” He does enjoy writing from time to time but acknowledges that it is a lot of work. His favorite books to read include sports books, the Bible, and the Chronicles of Narnia, but sometimes he has to force himself to read. He has no problem finding things he likes to do, however. He plays baseball, basketball, football, piano, and guitar. He will look up music on YouTube for inspiration or technique assistance.
Travius is a basketball-loving student; he enjoys playing basketball video games, as well as playing live basketball. His position is small forward, which puts him in the company of basketball greats Julius Erving, LeBron James, and Larry Bird. His plan is to continue playing basketball in high school and beyond; his immediate goal is attending Huntington High School and making their team. Travius is looking forward to high school and plans to play basketball for the NBA eventually.
A quiet, shy student, Travius is the older brother of several sisters, 2 of whom live in the home with him, and one brother, who lives with their father. Travius’ favorite food is spaghetti, and he likes to work math problems; he says that Math and Social Studies are his favorite subjects in school. He gave a “shout-out” to his ELA teacher, Ms. Pruitt, and his Math teacher, Ms. Murray. While he is thinking of using his math skills for banking or other financial activities, his one true love remains basketball. Travius comes alive when asked about basketball.
Luke’s music choices are eclectic; he likes to listen to and play worship music, mellow country music, and pop music. His movie and TV choices include Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Percy Jackson, the Marvel Universe, and “Stranger Things.” Luke’s favorite thing about 8th grade is the freedom this grade gets. There is a lot of freedom, such as being able to access the vending machines after lunch for his favorites, Dr. Pepper and Sour Patch candies. Luke loves Subway restaurants, particularly their chocolate chip cookies. He is also a fan of hibachi grilled food. Juggling all his sports and academics is the hardest thing about being in 8th grade.
Luke began his academic career at Fairfield Magnet Elementary and moved to Providence Classical Academy for 6th and 7th grades. This is his first year at Calvary, and he really enjoys it. He says that there are more opportunities, such as sports, and more people at the school.
When asked about his career goals, Luke said his first choice would be to go professional in a sport. If not sports, he plans to become a “doctor of some kind.” He listed his strengths as being smart, athletic, and loving Jesus. He is still undecided about where he will attend high school but is leaning toward Calvary to finish his pre-college education. Luke had some specific advice to give his younger self if he could. “Stay focused on Jesus and the things you can control about yourself.” He quoted a favorite saying of his dad’s as his best advice: “Control the controllable,” which he uses throughout his life, at school, home, and church.
