Grace Butler graduated from Ironwood, earned her Bachelor of Animal Science degree from Auburn University, and she graduates from Auburn's Veterinary School in May 2025.  Dr. Butler will begin her vet practice in Waverly, TN.  The flexible schedule during the school year also allowed her to be very competitive in the equestrian sport and even compete in England and France while still gaining a quality education. Because of the customized course plan Ironwood provides, Grace was able to graduate high school a year early and use her time until attending college the next year to gain some college credits and valuable experience in her field of interest.   In addition to attending classes, she is also the president of the Auburn Eventing Team, which has won the national championship in the sport of eventing for the past 2 years. Grace was also a leader in her greek sorority on campus, volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center, and stayed on top of a busy class schedule. 

We love stories that come full circle. Ironwood Academy alum Drew Turner was adopted as an infant from Russia. After attending Ironwood Academy through high school, Drew graduated from Lee University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication, majoring in digital media and studio production. Upon graduating, Drew has been working as Digital Media Coordinator for HopeHouse International, a ministry that serves orphans by finding loving homes in their own countries in Eastern Europe. Please check out www.hopehouseinternational.org and considering supporting this worthwhile ministry of faith, hope and love. We are so proud of Drew, not only for his accomplishments and hard work, but also for his amazing and generous heart! 

After graduating from Ironwood Academy, Olivia Owen became an honors student at the University of Kentucky, where she double majored in Business Management and Finance with a minor in International Business. In addition to her academic work, Olivia served as treasurer and then president of her sorority, Kappa Delta.  Oliva was also as a teaching assistant at UK and volunteered at the United Way in Lexington during college.  She was chosen for a global scholar pathway that enables her to continue her international interests by taking specialized international business classes and studying abroad. Upon graduation from UK, Olivia was hired by Bank of America at its global headquarters in Charlotte, NC, as a global technology and operations financial analyst.  She is now a Project Consultant in Enterprise Cost Management at BofA..    Because of Ironwood’s flexible schedule, she was able to compete internationally, riding horses in over 8 countries, while still excelling in her studies. After graduating a year early from high school, Olivia took a gap year during which she lived in Europe and rode for the U.S. equestrtian team. These experiences in partnership with Ironwood’s challenging college-preparatory curriculum prepared her for both college and the professional world. 

Madeline Watts graduated from Ironwood and then Tennessee Tech University where she studied graphic design and ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field for the university. Maddie runs long distance events such as the mile, 3k, and 5k.  She also competed at the American Championships in West Virginia where she placed 1st in age group and 6th overall in the US for women in the 10k trail event. 

Congratulations to Ironwood Academy alumnus, Mitch Parker, who was accepted to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. During his time at Ironwood, Mitch was Student Council President and received our Outstanding Leadership Award. 

Gracie Jacob (Varga) attended Ironwood Academy for 3 years. Ironwood’s flexible schedule allowed her to pursue her music and songwriting while she frequently traveled throughout the United States to perform with her band. After graduating from high school early, Gracie obtained the experience and education needed to start her own business.  She recently was awarded a songwriting contract wtih Sony Music. Gracie believes the hybrid model of Ironwood Academy and the relationships she had with students and faculty, helped shape her into the entrepreneur she is today. Her hope is to use her business endeavors to encourage women to find Christ-centered confidence in every season of life.