At The Village School of Naples (TVS), we nurture students who excel in academics and personal development, creating well-rounded individuals prepared to take on future challenges. Zephrael Mercy, a dedicated class of 2025 12th grader, exemplifies the qualities we cherish at TVS through his commitment to learning, leadership, and teamwork on and off the basketball court.

A Love for Financial Literacy and Basketball

For Zephrael, two passions define his time at TVS: Financial Literacy and basketball. Financial Literacy is his favorite subject because it teaches practical life skills that will prepare him for the future. “I enjoy it because it teaches me how to balance my money and what to watch out for, helping me with future programs,” he explains. Learning how to manage finances is an essential part of Zephrael’s educational journey, and it aligns with our goal at TVS, which is to prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

However, it’s on the basketball court where Zephrael truly shines. His passion for the sport goes beyond physical activity—it’s about teamwork, motivation, and leadership.

 

“Basketball brings out a fire in me, and sharing that fire with my teammates makes it even better."

 

His favorite memory comes from the moment the entire team played together for the first time, a special moment of unity and camaraderie that reflects the strength of the TVS athletic community.

Mentoring the Next Generation

While Zephrael hasn’t led a formal project yet, he has already taken on the role of mentor and leader by helping coach the 5th graders during basketball practice. “Some of them look up to me,” he says proudly, “and I want to lead them in the right direction.” His willingness to help younger students mirrors the TVS value of service and demonstrates his desire to have a positive impact on others—a quality we hope to instill in every student.

 

 

Spiritual Growth and Patience Through Chapel

Attending weekly chapel services has been an essential part of Zephrael’s time at TVS, fostering spiritual growth and a sense of community. "Chapel has helped me with spiritual growth and community connections," he notes, appreciating the opportunity to reflect on his values and build meaningful relationships within the school. One value in particular stands out to Zephrael: patience. "If you have patience to endure without frustration, it can take you a long way," he says. This Christ Skill is something he applies in all aspects of his life, from his time on the basketball court to his academic pursuits.

Proudest Accomplishments and Mentorship from His Brother

Zephrael’s hard work and dedication have earned him recognition, including the MVP award for basketball, an accomplishment he is most proud of. We admire his perseverance and commitment to self-improvement at TVS, and they reflect his growth as both an athlete and a student.

Much of his motivation comes from his older brother, whom he considers a critical role model.

"My brother helped shape me into who I am today and taught me many things I know."

 

His brother’s influence has been instrumental in helping him set goals and navigate challenges, showing the importance of family and mentorship in his life.

Working Together and Giving Back to the Community

Collaboration is another key part of Zephrael’s experience at TVS. He emphasizes the importance of working with classmates to achieve common goals, noting that “we work together to get our schoolwork done so we don’t have homework,” showing his appreciation for teamwork both in and outside the classroom.

Zephrael has also participated in community service projects, including a memorable experience repainting fences for horses. “Working with friends has its pros and cons,” he reflects, acknowledging the challenges and rewards of working in a group. His contribution to the community reflects our emphasis on service and giving back at TVS.

Looking to the Future

As Zephrael looks toward the future, he remains both focused and grounded. His immediate goals include playing college basketball and pursuing a career in the plumbing industry. While he admits he’s not yet fully familiar with plumbing, he is eager to learn and excited about the opportunity to start his own business. His approach to life is simple yet profound:

“I plan to go step by step slowly, and if I ever plateau, know that God is by my side.”

 

Zephrael Mercy’s journey at The Village School of Naples is a testament to the power of hard work, learning, and teamwork. At TVS, we celebrate students like Zephrael, who embody our values and are eager to give back to the community.

BACK TO STUDENT STORIES