The new gymnasium in the Ferring Science & Innovation Wing was filled with music and excitement this week as our elementary students took center stage for their Fall Music Performance. Led by Mr. Chris Tomlin and Ms. Lee Hahn, students from kindergarten through 4th grade shared what they’ve been learning in music class this semester.

The 4th graders demonstrated their developing skills on a variety of instruments such as clarinets, trumpets, trombones, and tubas, while 3rd graders used songs and lyrics to explore social-emotional learning themes like how to be kind, show positive intent, and bring out the best in one another. The 1st and 2nd graders sang about composure and practiced breathing techniques to calm and focus themselves, and kindergartners shared their growing understanding of rhythm through beats and patterns.

The performance was a joyful celebration of learning, creativity, and community, showcasing how music helps students grow both artistically and emotionally.

Lift For Life Academy’s Middle School Coders Club is off to an exciting start this semester! Each week, 14 students ride a school bus to the Cortex Innovation District, where they meet at the offices of Turnberry Solutions to explore the world of computer science.



Led by LFLA Board Member Beau Herndon, LFLA teacher Alex Edge, and other volunteer tech professionals, students are learning the basics of coding through the interactive platform Code.org. In recent sessions, they’ve been experimenting with the building blocks of game and app development to learn how to make digital objects move, collide, and respond to commands. The program, originally launched in 2018 by Beau Herndon and Kit Menke with support from 1904labs founders Sean Walsh and Jack Bader, has continued under Turnberry Solutions’ leadership and remains focused on engaging middle school students in hands-on computer science learning.

The 12-week program introduces students to real-world problem-solving and creativity through technology. By the end of the semester, participants will use their new skills to design and code their own apps. A new group of students will join each semester, continuing to expand the next generation of LFLA innovators.

Lift For Life Academy’s Chess Team delivered an impressive performance at their most recent tournament, the Gateway Grade Level Tournament hosted by the Gateway Chess League at DeSmet Jesuit High school. The team earned second place in the High School division and took home trophies in multiple categories.

With a nearly full roster, the team competed against schools including DeSmet Jesuit, Vianney, Mt. Vernon, and Herrin High School. Their success reflects not only their growing skill but also their dedication and teamwork throughout the season.

Two students earned individual medals for their strong performances: Marion W. (11th) and Syrah S. (9th), who each finished with 3–1 records.

Lift For Life Academy is proud to announce a new partnership with Southeast Missouri State University through SEMO’s Educators Advantage program. This collaboration gives our teachers and staff access to reduced-tuition online degree programs—supporting their professional growth and strengthening the learning experience for our students. As Dr. Katrice Noble shared, “We’re excited to be a part of this program… it aligns with our commitment to professional growth for our staff and ultimately benefits our students and community.”

Click here to learn more about the Educators Advantage program

(Back Row, L to R) Rick Rovak, LFLA Board Member; Susan Kelter, LFLA Director of External Relations; Dr. Mel Odegard, SEMO Interim Dean College of Education, Health, Human Studies; Julie Derby, LFLA Director of Human Resources; Dr. Chelsea McNeely, Director of SEMO Online and Graduate Services; Dr. Katrice Noble, LFLA Deputy Director; Dr. David LeMay, LFLA Director of Operations; Ron Tucker, SEMO Charter School Liaison; Andy Comstock, SEMO Project Coordinator Educator Advantage Partnerships; (Front Row, L to R) Dr. Brad Hodson, President of Southeast Missouri State University; Marshall Cohen, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Lift For Life Academy