Generation Peace Academy (GPA) participants graduate with Completion Award — Roland Platt

Paper dragonflies and dandelions in spring colors decorated the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) chapel, creating a bright, joyous atmosphere, as family and friends awaited the start of the ceremony. Generation Peace Academy (GPA) participants graduated on Saturday, June 8, in a celebration highlighting the growth and dedication of each member.

The ceremony began with a beautiful piano piece played by E. Maddox, a second year Cheon Il Guk (CIG) Missionary. The director of GPA, Roland Platt, welcomed everyone, giving special recognition to the second year captains and third year staff who were critical in making the past year of GPA life- changing.

Myoyeon Yu, coordinator of the GPA-STF Alumni Association, emceed and orchestrated the event. The GPA Dance Team and the GPA Choir showcased their talents in two wonderful performances. Dr. Ki

Hoon Kim gave his congratulatory message by video, conveying his excitement for the next stage of everyone’s life. Rev. Demian Dunkley gave the keynote address, expressing that while it may be difficult to leave the loving environment of GPA, it is time to go out and share the love with the world. Each CIG Missionary also received a Completion Award for their witnessing efforts.

Six GPA participants gave testimonies. They talked about their immense growth over the past year and expressed gratitude to everyone who worked hard to make the 2018-2019 GPA year a reality. According to Margaret Repke, Finance and Operations Manager of GPA, this was the most moving part of the ceremony.

Friends, families, staff and fellow graduates cheered with pride as each GPA graduate walked across the stage to receive their certificate of completion. “There was every emotion in the crowd and graduating class from tears to laughter, trepidation for what is to come and excitement for what they were each stronger to face in life,” said Ms. Repke. “As each member’s name was called, the support from the GPA family rang throughout the chapel.”

The ceremony closed with a group picture to commemorate the final moments of the GPA class of 2018- 2019. In the barbecue lunch that followed, everyone said their good-byes, officially concluding their momentous year.

If you would like to apply for GPA 2019-2020, it’s not too late! Submit your application here.

GPA 2019 APPLICATION

Application Fee I am applying for * 2019 ($120.00)

Early Bird Application Fee is $0

Dates of pay:

Cut off for Early Bird: Sunday of the Family Workshop (April 28th) Regular fee ($70): April 29th - May 31st Late Fee ($120): After Jun 1st

Personal Information First Name *

Gender * Male Female

Social Security Number *

Which do you have? * US Citizenship US Permanent Residence (Green Card) US Visa

Photo: Please choose a portrait picture of yourself and upload it. *

Personal Email Address *

Email Address

Personal Cell Phone Number *

(###) ###-####

Home Phone Number *

(###) ###-####

T-Shirt Size * (Choose One)

Date of Birth * Month Day Year

Are you 18 years old or older? * Yes No

Subregion * (Choose One)

Country * United States

Home Address *

Street Address

City, State, and Zip * City

Zip/Postal Code

Are you matched? * Yes No

Are you blessed? * Yes No

Passport Information Passport Status * I have an active passport that expires after October 2020 I will receive a new passport and submit my information to GPA within 2 weeks

Health Information Health Insurance Carrier *

Primary Care Physician (PCP) *

PCP Phone Number *

Medical History: Please indicate any past or present health conditions, allergies, diabetes, previous injuries, broken bones, etc. This information will not have effect on your acceptance to GPA.

Medication: Please list any past or present medications taken.

Mental/Psychological History: Have you ever been diagnosed or struggled with anything mental, emotional or psychological? If yes, please explain. This information will not affect your acceptance into GPA.

Shots and Vaccinations

To further secure your health and safety, we ask you be updated in the vaccinations for:

Tetanus MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) Hepatitis A and B Meningitis

Please indicate the dates of your last shots of:

Tetanus * Month Day Year

MMR * Month Day Year

Hepatitis A and B * Month Day Year

Meningitis * Month Day Year

Emergency Contact Information

Mother (Legal Guardian)

Name * First Name

Cell Phone *

(###) ###-####

Email Address *

Email Address

Father (Legal Guardian)

Name * First Name

Cell Phone *

(###) ###-####

Email Address *

Email Address

Emergency Contacts (Should be someone other than your parents)

1st Contact Name * First Name

1st Cell Number *

(###) ###-####

2nd Contact Name * First Name

2nd Cell Number *

(###) ###-####

High School / College Information

Note: You will NOT be able to apply to colleges, defer from college, take the SAT’s or ACT’s during the GPA year.

Will you have graduated High School by August 2019? * Yes No

Have you applied to college for the academic year of 2019-20? * Yes

Where will you be going to school, and what is your status (acceptance, deferred, pending, not attending college etc.)?

Recommendation Letters

Please upload 2 recommendation letters:

1. One from a church community leader such as a Youth Pastor, Council Member, or Pastor. 2. The other should be from a community member not from the church, such as an employer, a guidance counselor, teacher, etc.

Can you upload your recommendation letters now? * Yes, I will upload my recommendations now No, I will submit my recommendations within 2 weeks and I understand that I will not be eligible for the next step until I have done so

Please write a minimum of 4-6 sentences for each essay question.

Essay 1: Why do you want to come to GPA? Why do you think GPA is a better option for you over your other options for this coming year?

Essey 2: What reservations do you currently have in coming to GPA and what do you think may hold you back from being present?

Additional Comments

Please add any additional comments about your personal situation and/or family situation the program staff should be aware of (ex. previous obligations, special concerns, requests, etc.) to really support you for this next year.

Additional Comments *

All the information provided in the above application is correct and current to the best of my knowledge.

I verify that all the information provided in the above application is correct and current to the best of my knowledge.

Code of Conduct

I agree to the following statements throughout the duration of my time on GPA:

I will abstain from any illegal activity. I will abstain from smoking, alcohol, drugs, and sex. I will not engage in exclusive relationships. I will not initiate any matching processes during the GPA year. I will not willingly/ knowingly compromise my safety or that of others. I will not permanently modify my body (piercings, tattoos, etc.). I will abide by the GPA rules and guidelines and respect GPA staff. I understand that any violation of these statements can result in

phone calls home, warnings towards suspension from the program, suspension, or expulsion from the program.

Signature * I, the undersigned, agree to the terms above.

Total $120.00

Billing Information Name * First Name

Card Number *

Expiration Date * Exp. Month Exp. Year CVV

Country * United States

Street Address

City, State, and Zip * City

Zip/Postal Code

Email Address

Con rm Email *

Con rm Email Address

Phone Number *

(###) ###-####