The Chronicle - March 2019 by dan.koett

The

Chronicle

YMEDACA NAITSIRHC NOTGNIXEL •ELCINORHC EHT • 9102 HCRAM

THE MARCH ISSUE

Lexington Christian Academy (859) 422-5700 www.lexingtonchristian.org

A Message From Mr. Cliff Iler Chair, Board of Directors

IN THIS ISSUE

Dear LCA Families and Friends, I hope your family had an opportunity to attend last weekend’s performances of “Bye, Bye Birdie.” More than 100 students from 4th to 12th grade displayed their hard work and talent to the delight of their audiences. Our school is incredibly blessed by our talented students and staff. A special thanks to Daniel Wesley, Meredyth Davis, Micah Gehring, and Amy Cranfill for their many hours preparing and guiding our students through this performance. Great job! On Wednesday, April 24, LCA will host another special performance. Multi-Grammy and multi-Dove Award winning artists Paul Overstreet and Jason Crabb will perform at LCA’s Rose Campus. Overstreet and Crabb will be joined by fellow singer/songwriter, Billy Austin. The trio will be donating their time and talent to help LCA build on three decades of faith, service, and excellence. Tickets to the 7pm show are priced at $10 and $15 and can be purchased online at www.lexingtonchristian.org or www.tinyurl.com/2019-LCA-Concert. We hope your family can join us for an evening of music and faith. Next week, our school will be out for Spring Break. I hope you and your family enjoy this time away from school to rest, replenish and prepare for the last two months of school. Safe travels to those vacationing away from home! Shortly after we return from Spring Break, it will be time to reflect on and prepare for Easter. This year, consider beginning your Easter preparation by reading Luke 1924. Experience Jesus’ last week on earth as a man. Through Scripture, you can “walk in His shoes.” We know how the story ends, but try not to jump ahead in your mind and heart. Put yourself in the moments leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Luke 24:46-47, “He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’”

Please note you will find photos from LCA HAPPENINGS throughout this month's publication. We hope you enjoy the nearly 100 photos from our March events.

30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT - 3 BOARD REPORT - 4 TEACHER PROFILES - 6 4TH GRADE TEACHER PROFILES - 8 HIGH SCHOOL FINE ARTS, BUSINESS & ENGINEERING ALUMNI PROFILE - 11 HILLARY THORNTON BOARD MEMBER PROFILE - 13 JEFF GEHRING SENIOR STAFF PROFILE - 15 JULIA LEOPOLD #LCAIN5 - 19 SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION - 20

On Easter Sunday, I encourage you to attend church with your family and celebrate the Risen King. Have a Happy Easter!

Clifton Iler Cliff Iler Chairman of the Board

PICTURED ON THE COVER Cast photo from this year's spring musical, "Bye Bye Birdie." (Photo courtesy of Mary Wortz)

LCA's Middle School Softball Team prays before their home opener.

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MARCH 2019

LCA’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Continues with Concert Event On Wednesday, April 24, multi-Grammy and multi-Dove Award winning artists Paul Overstreet and Jason Crabb will perform at LCA’s Rose Campus Chapel. Overstreet and Crabb will be joined by fellow singer/songwriter, Billy Austin. Tickets to the 7:00pm show are on sale now and can be purchased at www.lexingtonchristian.org or www.tinyurl.com/2019-LCA-Concert. Tickets are priced at $10 and $15 each. As a songwriter, Paul Overstreet has written and co-written 27 top ten songs, his first being George Jones', “Same Ole Me”. Other artists who have made Overstreet songs famous include Randy Travis, singing “On the Other Hand” and “Forever and Ever, Amen”. Tanya Tucker topped the charts with “One Love at a Time” and “My Arms Stay Open All Night”. The late Keith Whitley, and after him, Alison Kraus, recorded "When You Say Nothing at All" and the song that put Blake Shelton on the map, "Some Beach". Overstreet has earned two Grammys and three Dove Awards. In his career, Kentucky-born Jason Crabb has won a Grammy and 21 Dove Awards – being named the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards Artist and Male Vocalist of the Year along with Song of the Year. Crabb has shared the stage with artists such as Gloria Gaynor, Kari Jobe, Vince Gill, Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell, Donnie McClurkin, Wynonna, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Michael W. Smith, Jamie Grace, Sandi Patty, the Oak Ridge Boys and more. Crabb has been featured and covered by People Magazine, Fox News, Country Living, The Huffington Post, Billboard, USA Today, Entertainment Tonight, and Country Weekly, among others, and was named one of Nashville’s Most Beautiful People by Nashville Lifestyles Magazine. Billy Austin is an accomplished musician, writer, producer and co-owner of Platinum Pen Publishing. He co-wrote the number one smash hit, "Leave the Pieces," which spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard and R&R Charts and was nominated for a Grammy. “Leave the Pieces” made country music history as the only debut single from a female duo group to ever reach number one on the charts. The trio will be donating their time and monumental talent to help LCA build on three decades of faith, service, and excellence. “We’re honored to be part of LCA’s thirtieth anniversary celebration,” Crabb said. “We’re looking forward to sharing our songs, interacting with the audience, and honoring our Savior on this special night.” Overstreet, Crabb, and Austin will play a second show for the students, faculty, and staff earlier in the day.

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MARCH 2019

Updates from the March board meeting held on Monday, March 25, 2019.

Advancement Terri Morrical, the advancement chair, shared a list of upcoming events for the 2019-2020 school year. Upcoming events include: • August 23 – Back to School Bash • September – “30 Days of Service” • September 23-28 – “Eagle Week” • September 27 - Homecoming • October 25 – Trunk or Treat • November 1-2 – Peppermints & Pearls • December – Good Samaritan Christmas (PS-5th Grade) and Toys for Tots (6th-8th Grade) • January – Dance Blue • April – “Eagle Dash” (PS-5th Grade) and “Run for Rose” (5K family event) • May – Class of 2020 Alumni Breakfast Additional information regarding these events – and more – will be shared in the weeks ahead.

Finance John Morgan, Director of Finance, provided an overview of the school’s finances. The board discussed revisions to the tuition discount policy. As it pertains to the school’s ministerial discount, the policy now states, “all ministers are asked to provide a statement of employment status from their church and documentation of ordination based on the denomination of the church currently being served at the time the discount is to be applied.”

Long Range Planning Gary Wortz, chair of the committee, reviewed historical enrollment trends and discussed topics to be discussed at upcoming long range planning meetings.

Nominating Jeff Gehring, chair of the nominating committee, shared we have received nominations for 23 candidates. After spring break, the committee will begin vetting the nominations.

Personnel Lee Tompkins, chair of the committee, shared Michael Fulton was approved as the new girls soccer coach. THE CHRONICLE

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MARCH 2019

Our 5th graders put on an amazing Entrepreneur Fair on March 1. From smoothies to duct tape notebooks, this event had a little of everything.

Elementary Spelling Bee Winners (4th-5th) (pictured above left) 1st - Kathryn Sandford; 2nd - Jenna Johnson; 3rd - Lily Harper; 4th - Emma Clare Doepke; 5th - Adam Krinock 8th Grade Science Fair Winners (pictured above right) 1st - Davis Sargent; 2nd - Logan Bryant 3rd - Eli Green; 4th - Sarah Keck; 5th Both Mony (not pictured) LCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Lego League Robotic Teams competed at UK on Dec. 8. and brought home several honors.

Fourth Grade Teachers Lori Benson "I love teaching because of the ability to see and experience the God-given gifts possessed by my students and the teachers I am blessed to work alongside." Education: Bachelor's Degree in History Education and a Master's Degree in Instructional Technology Teaching Experience: 23 years (3 years at LCA)

Kimberly Calhoun "Enjoy each and every season of life that you and your children walk through, from sleepless nights of infancy to the sleepless nights of teenage drivers and all the in-between. Being the mother of three daughters and three grandsons, I can tell you it truly goes quickly. Embrace each season of life. Don’t live in regret or wish for the future, but enjoy the now." Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 21 years (19 years at LCA) Missy Hardin "One of the joys of teaching is developing relationships with my students and their families. I enjoy learning about my students’ interests and activities outside the classroom." Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Teaching Licensure, Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 9 years at LCA

Suzette Hartley "Something fun that no one knows about me is that my parents gave me a high school graduation gift to a ski trip at Mammoth Mountain, California. I had never skied before! My church friends and I went to the top of the mountain, and they took off. I refused to be left behind so I followed, and before I knew it I was headed toward a tree. Someone yelled, “SIT DOWN!” Jesus and those two words saved me!" Education: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 28 years (19 years at LCA) Brittany Thore "My favorite LCA memory is coaching the 4th Grade Junior Robotics team. The early mornings could have been rough, but our devotions were so sweet as we discussed God and his creation of science and technology before diving into our "Moon Base" creations." Education: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 3 years at LCA

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MARCH 2019

Nearly 200 attended our third Donuts with Dads event on the morning of March 5th. Pictured right is our guest speaker, Troy Turner with his father and daughter.

Pictured left: LCA students attended the Kentucky United Nations Assembly. The LCA delegation included 28 students, and they represented the countries of Japan and the United Kingdom. The group was recognized as a Premiere Delegation. In addition, Katherine Childers was honored as an Outstanding Ambassador. In addition, the resolution she and her team sponsored passed and was endorsed by the Secretary General at the conference. Brennan Graham, who argued a case in the student International Court of Justice was recognized as an outstanding advocate and was selected to argue in the final showcase.

Pictured below: LCA's preschool students enjoyed a fun-filled morning at The Explorium.

High School Fine Arts, Business and Engineering Amy Cranfill "Something fun that no one knows about me is that I secretly would like to be an alpaca farmer with chickens and a huge greenhouse." Education: Master's Degree in Art Education Teaching Experience: 20 years at LCA

Clark Cranfill "I love playing concerts with the band, orchestra, and guitar students. One of my favorite memories is when we performed our stage show the first time in Disney World! It was a great time and super exciting to play with the students and not just wave my arms around to conduct!" Education: Bachelor's Degree in Music and a Master's Degree in Digital Storytelling Teaching Experience: 21 years at LCA

Meredyth Davis "I love the lasting relationships I have with students, many times long after they've graduated. These relationships are built in the classroom, on the stage, in choir-trip-hotel-room-Bible-studies, and in my house as my children's friends come to visit. Jesus' most powerful impact was through his relationships - we are called to pour into others in that same way. It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to do that at LCA! Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Master's Degree in Intercultural Studies/Missions Teaching Experience: 10 years at LCA Robyn Iler "I love helping students explore their areas of interest. It gives me great joy to help inspire and motivate a student in an area of particular interest. God has gifted each student in a unique way. Each is good at something. I like to help them figure out what that is and discover how they can put those gifts to use in their lives." Education: Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and a JD (Law Degree) Teaching Experience: 9 years (8 years at LCA)

Joshua Overton "Something fun about me is that I met my wife as a chapel usher at Lee University." Education: Bachelor's Degree in History and currently pursuing a Master's of Arts in Teaching Teaching Experience: 5 years (2 years at LCA)

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FEBRUARY 2019

High School Fine Arts, Business and Engineering Pam Watson "I love teaching because LCA has the best students. I truly love them; they are so much more than they think they are. It’s such an honor to see them thrive in their numerous gifts. I love to go watch them play basketball, see them sing in chapel, listen to them play the guitar, and see their amazing artwork. It’s a privilege to be the one who gets to teach them a new skill in engineering or math. They teach me how to teach them, and I love them for it." Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering - Automotive Chassis & Plastics and a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineer - Minor Statistics Teaching Experience: 11 years (2 years at LCA)

Daniel Wesley "I love being part of students’ lives. Music is great, but seeing God move daily in the lives of my students is the real reason I love coming to work!" Education: Bachelor's Degree in Choral Music and a Master's Degree in Music Teaching Experience: 9 years at LCA

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MARCH 2019

The 6th Grade Academy transformed into an Ancient Egyptian Museum on March 5. Students gave a sneak peek to our fifth graders that afternoon before it opened to the public that evening.

Catching up with Hillary Thornton, Class of 2008

Tell us a little about yourself. What have you done since graduating from LCA? I am a 2008 graduate of LCA. My husband, Max Smith, is also a 2008 graduate of LCA. We started dating our senior year and got married in August of 2015. This past September we welcomed our daughter Hadley Elizabeth Smith. She quickly stole our hearts. I also have twin brothers, Chase and Clay, who also attended LCA and graduated in 2014. After graduating from LCA, I attended Georgetown College, where I earned a degree in Communication and Media Studies with a minor in Political Science. Following my college graduation, I spent about three months in New York City where I worked as an associate producer for NBC Sports coverage of the 2012 Summer Olympics. From that experience, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in media and journalism, but I realized I wanted to do that on the local level. I then began my first reporting position at WYMT-TV in eastern Kentucky. I worked there for two years before getting to come back home to Lexington. I have now been a reporter at WKYT-TV for five years.

What is one of your favorite LCA memories? One of my favorite memories during my time at LCA happened my junior year when we won the Girls Sweet 16 State Basketball Tournament. I played basketball for LCA all through school and was able to be a part of some really special teams including that 2007 team.

Do you have any advice to families who are considering LCA for their children? I am so thankful my family chose LCA for my education. As a ‘lifer’ of LCA, I was prepared for life after school. It is everyone’s right to choose what type of education they want for their children, but I know I greatly benefited from having a faith-centered education. I felt adequately equipped to handle anything that came my way. LCA also provides ways for students to grow outside of the classroom and cultivate meaningful relationships with their peers and staff members. I was able to go on a mission trip to Costa Rica with a group from LCA. That trip is just one example of the countless opportunities available for students to grow in their faith and make an impact. I never shy away from telling people where I attended school and will always be proud to be an Eagle.

The Distinguished Alumni Award honors an outstanding alumnus of LCA for a life that typifies a commitment to Christ in every area of their life and someone who has made contributions to their church, their community, and their profession. To nominate someone, visit www.lexingtonchristian.org and click on the Alumni Award box at the bottom of the page. Nominations are due by March 31. THE CHRONICLE

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MARCH 2019

Pictured right: 8th Grade trip to D.C., where four of our students placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Pictured below: Seniors enjoy their class trip to New York City. Pictured bottom: The LCA Treble Choir traveled to New York City and performed at Carnegie Hall.

Meet Board Member, Jeff Gehring.

What are some things you would like others to know about you and your family? Nikki and I have been married for 20 years and we have two boys, Jacob (7th grade) and Mason (4th grade). I am a product of Christian education. I graduated from a small Christian school (there were 10 in my graduating class!) and attended Asbury University before graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Why did you accept an offer to serve on LCA's Board of Directors? Having two boys in the school, we spend a lot of time and resources at LCA, and I was looking for opportunities to become more involved. I served for two years on the Finance Committee before joining the Board of Directors in 2017.

What professional expertise and skills are you most excited to share with the LCA Board? I practice as an estate planning, tax and business attorney for a large law firm. My experience in risk management, business practice and charitable planning has allowed me to assist in improving these areas. I have also been able to assist in formation of the teachers compensation endowment fund and tuition assistance endowment fund. What have you been most proud of since joining the LCA Board? I have really enjoyed my service on the LCA Board. It’s been an opportunity to learn so much about the many great aspects of the school and the areas that can be improved. Although the past two years have been periods of change, I am proud of the leadership's commitment to our students and progress we are making to strengthen our school for the next 30 years.

Why would you encourage families to send their children to LCA? I believe LCA strikes a unique balance by providing strong academics taught from a Biblical worldview, while providing athletic and extracurricular opportunities for our students.

What advice would you give to current LCA families? I would encourage all parents to remember why they chose LCA for their children’s education. Our continued pursuit of excellence means there are always areas for improvement, and our students deserve for us to continue to improve. But, don’t forget all of the positive things going on in our school and the wonderful teachers and students that we have.

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MARCH 2019

From silly hats to extreme spirit, Book Fair Week at our Immanuel Campus was a blast! The fun-filled week concluded with a Book Character Breakfast.

Julia Leopold, Director of Human Resources Tell us about yourself and your family. What are some things you would like others to know about you? My husband, Greg, and I have lived in Lexington for the last 15 years and enjoy the community immensely. We love UK sports and the other activities central Kentucky offers. We have two sons, C.J. and Michael, who graduated from LCA and went on to attend Centre College. C.J. graduated from Centre in 2016, and Michael will graduate this spring. We feel blessed that our boys have so far remained close by and enjoy the time we get to spend with them as young adults. Our path in coming to Lexington has taken us to some interesting places. We lived in Idaho when we were first married for almost five years and experienced some of the most beautiful summers. However, we learned that while hot chocolate in front of a fire place is wonderful we really weren’t prepared for having snow every month but July! We both enjoy music, whether playing or attending a concert. Greg plays drums and is known as the ”house” drummer at church. I played French horn and piano when I was younger and now play with our church bell choir. Tell us about your role at LCA. I have worked in Human Resources for more than 20 years. Serving as the Director of Human Resources at LCA is one of the most meaningful positions I have held. This position includes most anything you can think of having to do with being an employee at LCA – from the point someone submits an application, to their benefits, to payroll. I truly enjoy what I do because I have the opportunity to assist our faculty and staff on a daily basis. When I am able to support our employees and resolve an issue for them, my hope is that this frees them from an employment concern so they are able to do their job, which is to take care of our wonderful students. If asked, why would you encourage families to send their children to LCA? Having watched my children grow up at LCA and see them as young adults and the positive decisions they are making, I am reminded why we made the commitment to send our children to LCA. When you see the graduates of LCA making thoughtful and meaningful life choices to try and make a difference and to help others, it is clear to me the impact LCA has on our children. LCA teaches Christian values which develops the whole child. Nothing could be more important than continuing that for future generations. Why are you proud to work at LCA? LCA has such talented faculty and staff and they take such pride in the work that they do. It is a community that values and appreciates each other’s work. It is truly a blessing to be a part of such a positive, professional community.

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MARCH 2019

It's been a busy month for LCA Athletics as spring sports are in full swing.

Congratulations to senior, Kyle Rode, who was honored as a finalist for Kentucky's Mr. Basketball on March 5. He leaves LCA as Lexington's all time leading scorer (2,517 pts) and LCA's all time leading rebounder (1,071) with most assists (684) and steals (193). He was also named to 1st Team All State. Kyle was selected by statewide coaches for this honor. Kyle will be continuing his basketball career at Liberty University in the fall.

The Archery team competed in the 2019 KY NASP State Tournament. Here are the scores of the six students who attended. • AJ Bateholts 273 • Caleb Jaeger 265 • Malinda Lemons 262 • Alex Tesar 249 • Zach Washnock 239 • Nathan Scalf 232

Mayor Linda Gorton declared March 21 as Eagles National Champs Day in Lexington.

The LCA Middle School Cheerleaders won 1st Place and Overall Grand Champs at EKU.

Pictured Right: A dress down day and bake sale was held on March 14 to celebrate National Pi Day. All money raised went to Junior High and High School Missions.

Congratulations to these junior high students who placed at the Central Kentucky Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Participants who placed 1st or 2nd qualified for the State Science Fair, which will be held on March 30, 2019. Left to right: Andrew Schwartz - 3rd Place (Physics and Astronomy); Logan Bryant - 2nd Place (Biomedical and Health Science); Kathryn Sandford - 2nd Place (Earth and Environmental Science); and Jenna Johnson - 2nd Place (Energy)

The LCA Middle School Choir went to the statewide KMEA Large Group Assessment and received the highest rating possible, a I/Distinguished, from EVERY judge. They also scored a perfect score (40/40) in Sight Reading, earning a I/Distinguished in this category. This is a huge accomplishment and honor! They represented LCA very well, and were even complimented on their poise and behavior.

The LCA Elementary Choir gave a beautiful performance at a meeting of Friendship International.

This year's spring production of "Bye Bye Birdie" featured more than 100 students in the cast and crew.

Photo by Mary Wortz

Photo by Sally Horowitz

#LCAin5 Follow LCA on Instagram @lca_ky_eagles Each week, we share five photos that capture the week at LCA. Check out some of these recent #LCAin5 photos.

@LCAKYEagles

Summer Camp Information

LCA Athletics Camps - Registration Now Open! Visit www.lcaeaglescamps.com for a complete list of camps and registration information.