Lillie Dearing makes transition from Roanoke Valley Christian Academy look easy

​Lillie Dearing ’26 transferred from Roanoke Valley Christian Academy to North Cross seeking a more advanced education to push her academic career further.

The biggest difference between NCS and her previous school, Dearing said, “[is] how relaxed it is compared to my old school. RVCA was strict on the rules.”

Dearing is a member of the girl’s varsity tennis team and plans to play soccer in the spring. When she is not in class or on the courts, Dearing likes to spend her free time swimming, listening to music and going off-roading.

Although we have only been at school for a short amount of time, Dearing has been making the most of her new academic adventure and enjoying school. Dearing’s favorite class is with physics, astronomy and college algebra teacher, Dr. Tim Naginey, or as students like to call him, “T-Nag.”


“Here, you do your own thing, you feel your way through,” Dearing said, “and the teachers are always there to help.”

Transferring schools can be tough, especially as a junior, but Dearing is navigating her NCS journey with ease and making her mark in the community as a valued member. Dearing has been enjoying the freedom awarded to students at North Cross because of their commitment to honor.

Dearing offered some helpful advice to people thinking about coming to North Cross or being a new student in general, “Get yourself out there and talk to people,” she said, “because if you don’t have people you’re going to feel really awkward and alone. Make the effort to go introduce yourself.”

Dearing describes herself as “unique, extroverted, and happy,” and hopes to one day be a cardiac surgeon.

Lillie Dearing checks in with Upper School Administrative Assistant Anneliese Schlachter on New Student Orientation Day. Photo by Sarah Sledd.