Alumni Spotlight - The Ransdell Siblings

LCA alums and siblings, Ellie Ransdell (’17) and Will Ransdell (’20), had a memorable spring when they both graduated from the University of Kentucky. Ellie completed the Physician Assistant program and Will earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. Ellie plans to stay in Lexington as she begins her career as a PA. Will is currently studying for the CPA exam and will begin working as an auditor at Dean Dorton upon earning his CPA license. Ellie and Will credit LCA for preparing them for college, both academically and spiritually.

What did you love most about your time at LCA? 
Ellie: “That’s easy: the people! LCA is an environment of constant direct and indirect discipleship. Being surrounded by teachers, leaders, coaches, and classmates who walk with the Lord encouraged and challenged me daily.”

Will: “The teachers are undoubtedly the best part of LCA. Especially after coming to college, I can say that LCA teachers cared about my personal development and my walk with Christ and wanted to see me grow into my full potential.”

 Tell us about one of your favorite memories at LCA.
Ellie: “My senior year, I helped organize a Thanksgiving dinner event for a local elementary school. I was so touched by the number of classmates, parents, teachers and others from the LCA community who came ready to serve. I loved watching everyone excel in their specific area of service. It was such a time of joy getting to honor Jesus by working together and loving our community.”

Will: “One of my favorite memories was getting to participate as a KYA bill author for each year of my high school experience. Once during my junior year, my bill was rejected, but I had the opportunity to appeal and get it passed into KYA “law” by giving a speech in front of the thousand-person conference. I was pretty terrified of the opportunity and even shrugged off the thought of attempting it, but my teachers pushed me and prepared me to give my speech to dozens of schools at the conference. While the bill didn’t pass, I’m grateful I had teachers like Mr. Perkins, Ms. Groves and Ms. Iler pushing me to face my fear and fight for my bill. It made for a memory that I will always treasure and be grateful for and has made me a more confident public speaker today!” 

Why do you believe it was important for you to attend LCA?
Ellie: “LCA gave me a spiritual foundation to last a lifetime. God used LCA to develop my love for Him by memorizing Scripture and opportunities to serve stateside and internationally! The impact made by teachers who love the Lord and pointed me to Christ in all areas of academic study is eternal.”

Will: “LCA helped prepare me for college so well, especially with my freshman year beginning under Covid. There were many times I was challenged in my faith while attending UK, but I could always fall back on what I learned at LCA and from my church growing up that could assist me with whatever spiritual problem I was facing and grow from it. I’m so thankful my parents sent me to LCA from preschool to high school and for all the great memories and lessons I learned there over the years.”