Kids Are to Be Celebrated, Not Tolerated

“Kids are to be celebrated, not tolerated” (Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood) has long been the guiding motto and foundational principle of Cornerstone Christian College Prep Day and High School (C-Prep), GOD’S I Am Possible School of Hope, Fort Wayne, Indiana. This belief has shaped the school’s culture and empowered its students to become history-makers and global change agents.

C-Prep has a rich tradition of making history, a legacy that begins with its founder and headmaster, Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood. Affectionately known as the “Father of Possibleology” and “Possibility Education Awareness,” Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood is a pioneer. As Indiana’s first African American Teacher of the Year in 1977, Nominee for National Teacher of the Year, and recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden, his life and leadership inspire students daily to defy limitations and make a difference in the world, all for the glory of GOD.

At C-Prep, the vision and curriculum are designed to show students not only what is possible, but that they, too, are possible through CHRIST. Students are taught that there are no walls or ceilings on their potential because all knowledge comes from GOD and is rooted in Him; therefore, students can learn anything. This GOD-centered approach forms the very foundation of C-Prep’s academic and spiritual success.

Celebrating students and not tolerating them is at the heart of the C-Prep belief. It is through celebrating C-Prep students and not tolerating them that contributes to them feeling valued, confident, possible, and open to learning. When students know they are loved, have a healthy self-image, and are supported by their educators, the possibilities are endless.

C-Prep is more than a college preparatory school; it prepares its students for more than just college but for life. For C-Prep students, college doesn’t start after graduation. It starts with their enrollment into C-Prep. They are exposed to rigorous, college-level knowledge. This year, lower school students (grades K–5) were introduced to collegiate courses such as Marine Biology, College Prep, and Introduction to Global Geography. They also began learning multiple languages, including Swahili, Italian, Spanish, French, and Yoruba to name a few. Whereas high school students took over eighty plus Liberal Arts Courses and Final Exams, which do not include their core classes.

C-Prep students live by the affirmation: “En CHRISTO, SUM POTEST; In Christ, I am possible, and I am loved by GOD.” They are taught that in Christ, they can learn anything, because, as Mark 9:23 states: “All things are possible to them who believe.”

Third-grader Jayelle Underwood stated it best:

“I can learn so much at C-Prep because GOD created me and made me possible for the glory of GOD.”

When children are celebrated, their full potential is unlocked and learning flourishes. At Cornerstone Christian College Prep, students are not just being prepared for college — they are being equipped for life, faith, and purpose. One such example is Co-Valedictorian and Senior, Princess Joy Balmeo, who attended C-Prep Global Cyber campus from the Philippines and traveled to the U.S. for the first time to attend her 2025 commencement. Through Anointed Technology and being connected spiritually, she received the same GOD-class excellence education as her peers in the United States.

When asked how she felt celebrated at C-Prep, Princess shared:

“At C-Prep, I am not just accepted!  I am loved the way Christ loves us. I am reminded that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. The people here don’t just let me be here; they celebrate who I am becoming in Christ. Even when I mess up, they correct me with grace, not shame. I’ve never felt left out or overlooked. Instead, I’ve felt like I matter to GOD and the people around me. My gifts are seen, and my voice is heard.”

Students across grade levels share the same sentiment. Ninth grader Andiah Williams said:

“I have been celebrated at C-Prep because it teaches us to have determination in what we learn and to pursue success with gratitude, and not to take anything for granted.”

Tenth grader Naziah Johnson reflected:

“I’ve been celebrated in so many ways. The fact that I’m held to such a high standard shows that I’m not just being tolerated. It tells me someone believes there’s something in me that needs mentoring and nurturing, and I’m forever grateful for that.”

Cornerstone Christian College Prep may be a small school, but it is making a big, global difference in the lives of its students from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the Philippines and beyond. At C-Prep, students are not tolerated, they are celebrated. This celebration in faith, love, and the belief that every child is created by GOD with a purpose and unlimited possibilities.

The success of C-Prep’s graduating class is proof of this truth: all six seniors were accepted into every university and college to which they applied. This is more than academic achievement; it’s a result of a culture that believes in, invests in, and celebrates its students.

All students deserve to be celebrated. When children feel seen, valued, and uplifted in the classroom, their willingness to learn grows and so does their confidence. The more students are celebrated; the more they are willing and want to learn. At C-Prep, this principle is lived out every day, reminding educators and leaders around the world that when students know they matter, unlimited success can be achievable.