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Lodi Academy student one of two recognized as national merit scholar

By Julie Z. Giese
News-Sentinel staff writer

Zack Irwin, 18, was homeschooled most of his life until he started at Lodi Academy as a freshman four years ago.

It didn’t take long for Irwin to excel and become a top student at the Seventh-day Adventist school.

Zack Irwin

With a grade point average of 4.05, Irwin beat out several other students, scoring the highest grades.

Irwin attributes his strong academics to his parents, Marsha and J. Charles Irwin, who taught the Lodi native.

“I definitely credit my mom,” he said. “She really helped me develop my study habits.”

Irwin was one of two Lodi Academy students recognized as a national merit scholar for outstanding academics.

In addition to his studies, Irwin was the football team’s defensive captain and coordinated boys sports. He also led the school’s praise band and edited the student directory.

Some of his pastimes include water-skiing and tae kwan do, a martial art in which he’s earned a second-degree black belt.

In the fall, he plans to attend Pacific Union College near Napa Valley to study business administration.

He later hopes to go to law school and eventually become an agent for the FBI.

“It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.

Irwin said he’s enjoyed his time at the private school, making friendships he’ll cherish.

“It’s been an experience I’ll never forget,” he said. “It’s been great fun.”

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