A Lasting Tribute to Faith and Service

For the Hummels, the gift is also an expression of gratitude to a school community that helped shape their son and continues to walk alongside their family.

Elijah came to Des Moines Christian Schools as a sophomore, participating in cross country, soccer, and National Honor Society. He also competed in triathlons. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear machinist mate and certified Navy diver aboard a submarine and was stationed in Connecticut. 

Elijah entered through gates of heaven on November 8, 2024, at the age of 21. As his parents reflect on his life, they return often to his unwavering faith. Elijah did not need to understand every “why.” He trusted God in all things. His graduation verse, Romans 15:13, captured that trust: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

During his senior year at DMC, Elijah explored his faith through reflective papers called “Perspectives” in English class. For Melissa, who works at DMC’s elementary school, those writings and their conversations remain meaningful reminders of his spiritual growth.

“I am so thankful I had conversations with him about heaven and for the spiritual growth at DMC,” she said. Her encouragement to other parents is heartfelt, “Make sure your kids know Jesus.”

The Hummels are grateful for the teachers, mentors, and friends who surrounded Elijah during his time at DMC. Following his death, that same community became a constant source of support for Melissa, Jeremey, and Elijah’s brother, Jonah, and continues to be today. The family says they have always felt they belonged at DMC.

Elijah’s influence also reached beyond his school years. While serving in the Navy, he became close friends with another shipmate named Nick, and he encouraged Nick to be baptized. After Elijah’s death, Nick traveled to Iowa, where Jonah baptized him. For the Hummels, that moment was a powerful reminder that Elijah’s life continues to impact the world for Christ. His friends have shared that his faith rubbed off on them, and his example of military service helped inspire Jonah to pursue a career in the Air Force.

As the family prayed about how to honor Elijah, supporting the flagpole plaza at the new high school felt especially meaningful. It brings together his faith, his service to his country, and his connection to a school that played an important part in his formation.

“His life truly reflected Christ’s love to others, and so much of that was nurtured at DMC,” Jeremey shared on behalf of the family.

Their hope is that the plaza will serve as a lasting reminder of faith, unity, and devotion to God and country. As future generations of students gather there, the Hummels’ gift will honor Elijah’s memory while supporting the school and mission that meant so much to him.