Oaks Christian Online Student Shines as Gymnast

Artistry, balance, flexibility, and strength are some of the words that describe a gymnast.

If you’re talking about Oaks Christian Online (OCO) student Elle Bragga, you have to add smart, and committed to that list. As a senior, she sports a 4.33 weighted GPA.

Bragga is a level 10 gymnast who lives in the greater Atlanta area of Georgia. She spends upwards of 20 hours a week training. When the pandemic hit and physical campuses struggled to transition to online education, Bragga’s family sought out an alternative to better accommodate her schedule without sacrificing a quality Christian-based education. Bragga’s mother Terri wrote about that journey in a blog post titled “Raising a Gymnast.”  

When Bragga is training she often reflects on Isaiah 41:10.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am you God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Bragga has spent most of her life training to execute what other would consider daring and death-defying choreographed movements.

“There’s a lot of situations that could be scary, but in those moments, I remind myself to trust God and not to focus on my fear,” she said.

Trusting in the Lord has led Bragga to and through Oaks Christian Online. She’s committed to the University of Arizona where she’ll compete in gymnastics. What started as a toddler in a Mommy and Me class has blossomed into a lifelong passion.

“I love the challenging portion of gymnastics and the feeling of accomplishment,” Bragga said. “School and life can sometimes get so difficult, but gymnastics is an outlet where I can get away from some of those pressures.”

Bragga joined Oaks Christian Online when she was in eighth grade. Academically, she entered her senior year needing six credits to receive an OCO honors diploma. She’s on track to complete eight.

“Ella is extraordinary,” said OCO Chaplain and Bible Teacher Samantha Farinacci. “She is one of the humblest students and she’s a student-athlete who has a deep faith. She really is everything I think of when I think of a great student.”

Bragga’s athletics and academic load don’t preclude her from being a leader in the social elements that are offered through Oaks Christian Online. Farinacci says she is heavily involved in the OCO student life and spiritual life programming, where she looks for opportunities to lead those around her.

She says the Oaks Christian Online works for her for many reasons, but she really enjoys the fact that the school isn’t an online only program.

“I love that Oaks Christian Online has a main campus because it makes things really organized,” Bragga said. “I make sure to take hard classes because someday gymnastics is going to end, and I really want to make sure I’m set up for the future. Oaks Christian Online has helped get me prepared.” 

After gymnastics, Bragga has ambitions of pursuing a career in the medical field as a doctor.

Bragga is hoping to make it out to the Westlake Village campus for her graduation in May.

“Walking on the physical campus would be a great way to end my time at Oaks Christian.”