By student Lincoln N. and edited for clarity by New Life Academy.
From leading tours to supporting shadow days and new family events, NLA’s Student Ambassadors play an important part in welcoming prospective families into the New Life community. Students step into this leadership opportunity through an application and interview process, participate in training, and dedicate their time and gifts to serving throughout the school year.
The Upper School Student Ambassador team is currently led by Amber Kuphal (NLA Enrollment Specialist) and Mendie Skarp (NLA Director of School Operations). Mrs. Kuphal took over the program in the summer of 2023 and has made several improvements to elevate and expand its impact.
“I love connecting current students with prospective students and their families. Current students can make a real impact as they share their own personal NLA experience with other students and families,” expressed Mrs. Kuphal.
Mrs. Kuphal plays an integral role in helping families on their journey to NLA. As the primary tour guide for prospective students and families, she understands that a key component of her role is demonstrating what it truly means to be a student at New Life Academy.
Her commitment to giving families an authentic glimpse into student life has been a driving factor behind elevating the Student Ambassador program to what it is today. Not only does the program allow new families to learn more about the New Life community, but it also provides current students with a valuable leadership opportunity.
“It’s a leadership opportunity for 6th-12th grade students dedicated to sharing their NLA experiences,” explained Mrs. Kuphal. “Student Ambassadors is a chance to be a role model representing NLA and Jesus.”
The 2025-2026 NLA Student Ambassador Team.
Student Ambassadors greeting families at New Family Orientation.
Mendie Skarp welcomes families at New Family Orientation.
Amid strong student enrollment growth, New Life has been ramping up its admissions efforts. This has included adding and expanding several events.
New to the playbill in the last couple of years are the Battle of the Bands, held in October, and the Middle School Basketball Bash, held in January. Both events are organized by the Admissions Team and designed to engage middle and high school students while encouraging them to invite friends from outside the New Life community. The Student Ambassador program has played a huge role in making these events possible by providing student volunteers. Both events have been a huge blessing to the New Life community, creating opportunities to connect with more prospective students while giving current students many great memories.
The Admissions Team continues to host regular preview events and tours for prospective families, as well as a new-family orientation every August. Preview nights are particularly important, as they give prospective students and families the chance to experience campus life by interacting with school leaders, teachers, and Student Ambassadors. Providing families with a chance to experience the facilities and envision their future at New Life Academy has been a meaningful contributor to the school’s growth.
The ultimate goal of the Student Ambassador program is to help attract the right students to NLA. At the beginning of each school year, the whole team sees the results of their efforts firsthand by welcoming students and families to the New Life community during the new family orientation event.
I really love the New Family Orientation in August, when we welcome all of our newest students and their families prior to the start of school. To see the excitement they bring and the opportunity to partner with more Christian families in the area is such a joy!
Amber Kuphal – NLA Enrollment Specialist
