Alumni Recounts Blessings of Her Grace Education

Marissa, can you please share about your involvement while at Grace, and how Grace School prepared you for life?  

I came to Grace in first grade, and graduated in 2004. I was mainly involved in cheerleading for all four years of high school. I have so many good memories of high school. My favorites have to do with cheerleading. All of our fun activities that we did, like going out the night before homecoming and chalking all the football players driveways and leaving a little goody bag of candy for them. And of course cheering on our basketball and football teams.

I was so blessed to have a great squad, and such great coaches during that time, that really helped play a part in my walk with the Lord.

Grace prepared me for life by giving me an education with a biblical worldview. It helped me see the world as God had created it, and really gave me a great foundation for my faith. Even more than the education, Grace has provided invaluable relationships. Not only with other students, but more so with the staff, teachers, and coaches. Some of these people are still in my life today. I love that I can do life alongside them and they are able to encourage and speak truth into my life. These are things that are not necessarily taught in school, but through the school I am able to glean wisdom still to this day. This is a special part of Grace School and their intentionality to build relationships, love others and lead kids to Christ. They truly care about the hearts of the students and seeing them grow in the knowledge of the Lord.

What does life look like for you today, Marissa?  

I went to the Master’s University and graduated there in 2008 with my Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

After graduating, I began my company, Bliss Bridal Beauty. We offered on site hair and makeup services for weddings. This really was my dream job. I was able to start and run my own business, and as my family grew, I was able to step back from going on site, and be in more of an administrative role while sending out teams of artists.

After about 12 years, I really felt the Lord moving me in a different direction. I sold my business to one of my artists and a fellow Grace School graduate, Isabella Beck. She’s continued to keep the business thriving, which is so fun to watch. At this point, I was able to be a full time stay at home mom with my four kids. Just this year, my youngest began kindergarten. So with all four kids in school (at Grace), I am now on a new business venture, helping my husband run and grow his flooring contractor business, Four Forty Flooring. We attend Grace church, where the Lord has been so gracious and given us such a great community.

Marissa, what advice would you give to a current Grace student?  

Enjoy your high school experience! Take advantage of any opportunities to get to know your teachers/coaches. Be kind to everyone. Because God is so creative He made us all different, but we are also all made in His image. We are all valuable to Him. Don’t just stick to your friend group or the people that you’re comfortable with. Learn to love people that are different than yourself. And love them because of those differences.