High School Students Defend Thesis to Graduate

At this high school, seniors are not overwhelmed with “senioritis” or planning after-parties for the prom, but instead concentrate on a six-month research project that is capped with an hour-long oral argument before a panel of expert judges.

The 13-student senior class at the on Friday completed the oral defense of their separate capstone projects as part of their graduation requirements, said Dean Luckenbaugh, Ad Fontes Academy president. The students began work on the projects in November, wrote a long thesis paper and then gave a presentation in front of the school and the three-judge panel.

“We let them choose their topics and then they have to do the research to back up whatever position they want to take,” Luckenbaugh said. “It’s a liberal arts education in that we’re open to have our students ask questions about anything.”

The students covered topics that were both complex and sublime, like sex trafficking, the conflict in Afghanistan, rethinking the war on poverty or the efficacy of the institution of marriage. Zachary Solomon, 17, chose a provocative topic on consumerism: “Can Buy Me Love and Other Lies Marketed to Teens.”

“Modern marketing strategies are turning teenagers into captives of meaningless consumption,” Solomon told the crowd. He had memorized his speech and spoke with the aid of just three 3x5 index cards. After his presentation, he calmly defended his thesis even under the withering fire of questions from the judges, who didn’t necessarily agree with all his conclusions. However, all agreed his work was well thought out and polished.

“I’ve been here since fourth grade, so I’m used to public speaking,” Zachary said after the presentation. “But this was certainly the longest speech I’ve had to give.”

Parents who attended the sessions were inspired.

“I’m very impressed with these students and how they gave their presentations,” said Elizabeth Griswold, who son, Paul, defended his thesis on the role of this country in the ongoing China/Taiwan dispute. “It’s just great,” she said.

Ad Fontes Academy, established in 1995, has a K-12 enrollment of 167 students. It operates in two locations: K-5 classes are held at and the older students are taught at space within the .

The name Ad Fontes can be literally translated to “back to the fountain,” or “back to the source,” said Luckenbaugh, which represents the type of education the academy offers. It is a Christian school, so the classes provide a biblically-based world view. With the theme of classical education, the academy turns the pedagogical clock back about 150 years and emphasizes a liberal arts and sciences approach which values logic and persuasive thinking over the base memorization of facts, said Luckenbaugh.

“We want to give them a skill set that they will have for the rest of their lives,” said Luckenbaugh.

High school graduation ceremonies are set for June 9 with commencement speaker Vigen Guroian, a University of Virginia professor and noted author.