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THE MAGAZINE OF CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - 2009-10 ISSUE 2
VOICE honors band students
leadership Team Chief Operating Officer Terry Efird Lower School Principal Thomas Tuttle Middle School Principal Amanda Poole Upper School Principal Allen Nielsen Director of Admissions Cathie Broocks Director of Athletics Tom Jamerson Director of Communications Laura Goodyear Director of Development George Courtney Director of Facilities Carmine Loiacono Director of Fine Arts Michelle Long Director of Human Resources Shannon Edwards Curriculum Coordinator/ Media Center Director Marcia Craig Director of Technology Mike Brooks
LOWER SCHOOL STUDENTS CELEBRATE 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL
THE MAGAZINE OF CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
2009-10 ISSUE 2 n
CONTENTS
Features
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leading charlotte christian
Mr. Barry Giller is hired as Charlotte Christian’s new head of school.
6
financial fitness
Julie Bartlett teaches fundamentals of personal finance in middle school elective, Financial Fitness.
8
turning a dream into a reality
Follow two senior student-athletes on their quest to play college athletics.
9
visual success
Eighteen middle and upper school visual art students earn 47 awards in the Scholastics Arts Competition.
11
hands and feet of jesus
Charlotte Christian community raises more than $5,000 for Samaritan’s Purse Haiti relief efforts.
5 Academics 7 Athletics 9
Fine Arts
11
Spiritual life & Service
13
Community
15
Campus notables
19
development
Photo Credits Send story ideas to laura.goodyear@charchrist.com Send alumni news to christi.selby@charchrist.com Send address changes to trudy.haseley@charchrist.com
Accolade Staff Gary Brown Lori Case Communications Staff
Eva Crawford Development Staff Nancy Gendron Carol Grubbs
Diane Horner St. John Photography
leadership message
A message from Terry Efird
Dear Charlotte Christian School Community, Our mission at Charlotte Christian School is to deliver each day a unique educational experience that prepares our students to live a life of impact and significance beyond our campus. This educational experience often comes within the classroom, but is just as often found in the dining hall, the swimming pool, or on the stage. Our school is blessed with educators who are able to challenge, encourage, train and lead your students in academics, athletics, and fine arts. More importantly, we are blessed with a faculty and staff that are committed to developing the strong spiritual foundation that prepares each of our students to find and develop a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. As you look through this edition of the Voice you will see highlights from those teachable moments throughout the winter season. During Back-to-School Extravaganza, we take time to commit each school year to the glory of God. This year at BTSE, we also shared with parents our commitment to a continuous improvement focus for our school in 2009-10. One of the areas identified for additional focus this year was campus safety. Changes in this area included name tags for employees, visitor badges and more supervision during morning carpool. During January and February, our nursing team completed CPR/AED training for 49 faculty and staff members. Over spring break, we are installing access cameras for the Lower School Building and Early Education Building to enhance control at the entrances to these buildings. Additional camera installations are being assessed for possible installation. Parents also asked for us to consider additional ways to further develop the servant hearts within our students. This issue of the Voice includes articles on student and faculty mission trips, our ACT 1 workshop for Bishop Spaugh middle school, relief funds raised by our students for Haiti, and the service and sharing alliance that our lower school has formed with Brookstone Schools. Seniors were also able to serve at Operation Christmas Child during their senior experience week and PTF is engaging all of our students in the preparations for Tailgate and Donate next month. Finally, one of our four critical goals for 2009-10 was to identify and hire the head of school that will take Charlotte Christian to the next level of excellence. Through the careful, prayerful and diligent work of our search committee, we believe we have followed God’s will in the selection of Barry Giller as our next head of school. We are pleased to provide an in depth look at Mr. Giller and his family in this Voice and we look forward to his arrival on campus in June. We thank you for your continued prayers and support as we seek to impact the culture for Christ through the walk, work and witness of our students. Trusting in Him, Terry Efird Chief Operating Officer
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leading charlotte christian
Leading Charlotte Christian Charlotte Christian hires new head of school Barry Giller, emerging Christian education leader
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ver the past 59 years, Charlotte Christian has been guided by great God-honoring leaders charged with directing the school to stay on its mission of impacting the culture for Christ. The school provides the Charlotte community with a SACSCASI accredited academic curriculum and award-winning extracurricular programs in a Christ-centered, college preparatory environment. This February the board of trustees announced that Barry Giller will be the next head of school for Charlotte Christian and begin his tenure in the 2010-11 school year, which also marks the 60th anniversary of the school. “Mr. Giller was chosen following a comprehensive national search and is widely regarded as one of the strongest emerging leaders in Christian education,” said Steve Smith, chairman of the Charlotte Christian School Board of Trustees. “We are delighted to have Mr. Giller assume this key leadership role at Charlotte Christian.” Mr. Giller is in his sixth year as headmaster at Christian Heritage School (CHS), a private K-12 interdenominational Christian college preparatory school located in Trumbull, Conn. Mr. Giller joined CHS in 2001 as the upper school principal and was promoted to headmaster in 2004. In addition to his work as a Christian education administrator, he has a strong background in development, athletics and teaching. Prior to his appointment at Christian Heritage, he also served at Dade Christian School in Miami, Fla. and Stony Brook School in Stony Brook, N.Y. A 1994 graduate of Wheaton College, he received his Bachelor of Arts in history and social science and his teaching certification. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Giller is a member of the International Association of Christian School Administrators and has been actively involved in ACSI leadership endeavors as well as the re-accreditation process through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. “My entire family is excited to join the Charlotte Christian community,” said Mr. Giller. “I am thrilled by the opportunity to build on the school’s solid foundation that has been established over the past five decades. Charlotte Christian’s academic, athletic and fine arts reputation is stellar in both the college preparatory and Christian school communities. Most importantly, I am eager to partner with families to graduate young men and women with a biblical worldview.” Mr. Giller and Lisa have been married for 16 years and have seven children who will be in the following grades next year: Maggie (grade 10), Jonah (grade 9), Hope (grade 6), Emma (grade 6), Jacob (grade 5), Jediah (grade 3) and Faith, who turned 3 years old in March. 2009-10 ISSUE 2 n
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leading charlotte christian
Mr. Giller recently answered a series of questions about his new role. The article has been reprinted in part with permission by The South Charlotte Weekly.
Q: How would you describe Charlotte
Christian School?
A: Charlotte Christian is a community that consists of dedicated and talented teachers, earnest staff members, committed board members, supportive parents, and active alumni who together desire to have an excellent school that glorifies God. I was drawn to the school’s commitment to excellence in all areas including academics, athletics, fine arts, and most importantly spiritual development of the students.
Q: With A less than perfect economy,
what challenges does Charlotte Christian face?
A: Any school must seek its position in the marketplace for education and with the recent struggles in the economy it makes that process even more paramount. For Charlotte Christian, the goal must be to make the school the best choice for parents seeking a Christian education. This is done by hiring talented and passionate faculty along with an array of outstanding co-curricular programs, which I believe is already the case at Charlotte Christian.
Q: What is first on your agenda when
officially taking helm as Charlotte Christian Head of School?
A: Listen
to the community (faculty, staff, parents, alumni, donors) and hear from those who are already invested in the school regarding the vision for the future. The school is on a good and steady course, so I do not foresee my leadership being one of drastic changes in the first few years. My desire is to prayerfully seek God’s vision for Charlotte Christian, which I believe is for it to be the preeminent Christian college preparatory school in America. My goal is to be a servant leader who is supportive of the talented leadership team and tremendous board of directors. My job is to facilitate growth while working with the personnel already in place.
Q: What should community members
know about Christian education versus private school education?
A: I believe that Christian education is a complete education because it rests on the premise that “all truth is God’s truth,” thus the tenets of the Bible permeate all aspects of the school and its programs. Today’s postmodern culture screams that there is no absolute truth yet the Bible teaches that this is a falsehood. In a Christian school we turn to the Bible to learn about absolute truth as defined by God and develop in our students a biblical worldview that equips them to impact the culture for Christ. Q: Describe yourself in three words. A: Christ-Follower, Husband, Dad Q: Do you consider barbecue a noun or
a verb?
A: I’ll say a noun. Q: With next year marking Charlotte
Christian’s 60th anniversary, what do you feel needs to be a priority in the future?
A: Any
private school needs to be cognizant of the manner in which the culture around us is changing, thus I would envision that technology and its integration is a priority. Schools need to look at their financial operations and be sure they are creating a school environment that is stable and sustainable for years to come. Prudent and shrewd management of the school’s assets and finances must be a priority. 3
CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Q:
How much snow needed to fall in Trumbull, Connecticut before you canceled school?
A: The students asked me this one, too. It depends on the time of day it falls but usually around three inches. Q:
What does a family of nine do for fun?
A: We enjoy camping as a family. We typically drive everywhere (except for our recent trip to Charlotte). As Red Sox fans we have watched them play in six different states.
leading charlotte christian
Philosophy of Christian Education
by Barry Giller
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rowing up in Southeastern Massachusetts, my parents searched for a Christian education alternative for my brothers and I, but the journey was not a fruitful one. The schools that did exist were small schools that barely survived and were unable to offer quality academics or co-curricular programs. When I arrived on Wheaton College’s campus and declared myself an education major, my opinion of Christian education was skewed and thus I pledged myself to enter the world of public education as a beacon of Christ’s light. Thankfully upon my graduation from Wheaton, God called me not into the public sector but rather to The Stony Brook School on Long Island. It was at Stony Brook that I discovered that excellence in Christian education is not only possible, but a necessity for the American postmodern culture. Education is the pursuit of knowledge and truth, and as penned by Christian school pioneer, Frank E. Gaebelein, “All truth is God’s truth wherever it be found.” Therefore any education in which God is not the focal point is an incomplete education. Christian education in many parts of America is viewed as an inferior option to either the public schools or the elite private and prep schools. As Christian educators and administrators we must combat this with striving for excellence in all areas of the educational process. This includes hiring and retaining the best teachers, offering a full array of competitive athletic teams, glorifying God through a vibrant fine arts program, and developing a curriculum that prepares graduates to carry the light of faith in conjunction with reason into an increasingly pluralistic society. I have committed my career to Christian education because I believe that our culture is rapidly declining and only faithful Christian leaders will revert this trend. As a Christian institution it is our profound duty to partner with parents to prepare students for a life in which they will have the opportunity to impact this country and world through the Gospel. In order to prepare them we must function completely through the lens of a biblical worldview. This entails utilizing God’s word as the ultimate source of truth. The integration of faith and learning is required in all classrooms and disciplines. As a faculty, we must be a model of Christian colleagues working together and interacting with the culture of the world. Finally, we must demonstrate that Christian education is not an inferior option for a child’s education but the only complete option. Jesus, as the perfect teacher, gave us the model for Christian educators. In Matthew, chapters five through seven, He gave his longest recorded instructions in the Sermon on the Mount, which we could say is his longest lecture to His students. In Matthew, chapters eight and nine, Jesus ministered to the people around Him. He brought the disciples with Him and modeled everything He had previously taught them. Then in Matthew chapter 10 Jesus sent out His students after telling and showing them how to minister. Jesus not only integrated faith with learning, but more importantly integrated faith with living. This is the call of Christian education to which I dedicate my life.
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ACADEMICS
Learning Outside the Classroom
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he staffs of the Lancer and the Accolade had the opportunity to visit the Charlotte Observer for a daylong seminar for high school journalism students. Students chose among 11 different sessions led by Observer editors, reporters, photographers, members of the advertising staff, attorneys and graphic designers. There were multiple sessions for students to choose from including “40 Ideas in 40 Minutes” - how to come up with fresh story ideas; “Student Press Rights” – a seminar on media law with a focus on school newspaper staffs; “Killer Graphics” – creating informational graphics for print and online; “Big Words” – how to write a must-read headline; and “Get the GREAT Photo” – how to take photos that tell stories.
Senior Adam Kiihr, co-editor of the Lancer, attended the Editor’s Round Table session with editors from the newspapers of schools such as Country Day, Ardrey Kell and Charlotte Catholic. They shared helpful tips on how to motivate their staffs and improve their papers. Each school brought copies of their paper and Adam came away feeling like Charlotte Christian’s paper was the best. “We are one of the only schools that have both print and on-line versions of their paper, and we have far and away the best quality publication,” said Adam.
One of the seminars Adam found most interesting was Journalistic Ethics. “They essentially preached relativism instead of the absolute morals that come from our Christian worldview,” said Adam. “The moral law according to the speaker was essentially ‘If it feels okay it’s probably okay.’ It was a great learning experience outside the classroom.” For Adam and his classmates, it was a great experience to juxtapose their Christian worldview against the workplace environment.
Members of the Accolade staff took advantage of the graphics and layout sessions and also came away with practical tips they are putting to use as they ready the yearbook for distribution.
Creating TechnoKids
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n an effort to bring technology to life in the classroom and at home, the lower school has been working with a new computer curriculum that has been earning rave reviews. Under the leadership of Lower School Computer Instructor Kim Warr, students in grades JK-5 have been using the TechnoKids computer curriculum, a collection of technology projects that uses practical and fun activities to improve students’ computer skills. The curriculum uses all Microsoft programs including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Paint, Internet Explorer and Windows Movie Maker. Warr begins with the basics in JK/K with skills such as learning how to use a mouse and a keyboard and about the different parts of the computer. Skills get more advanced as students age and include everything from formatting text and drawing lines to designing web pages and putting together PowerPoint presentations. “One of the main benefits of this program is that we are teaching our students practical applications they can use in classroom projects or for fun when they are at home,” said Warr. “I have parents tell me all the time how excited they are that their children are able to work independently on papers and 5
CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
projects and how they themselves would like to learn the same skills.” Warr has talked to lower school teachers to see how she can use her computer lab time to integrate what the students are learning in other subjects. For example, in first grade, students will soon begin a health study where they will learn how their bodies work. To coincide with this, Warr is using the TechnoFit program with her students and will use Microsoft Publisher to create a series of eye-catching and informative brochures and posters about the importance of healthy eating and exercise. Another exciting aspect of the program is the ability kids have to put their creative stamp on their projects. Warr is teaching her students about the standard, drawing and formatting tool bars and allows them to manipulate font colors, fill patterns, textures, and more when they create. “My students are great at helping each other with their projects and they constantly amaze each other with the creative things they come up with,” said Warr.
An exciting component to this year’s technology curriculum is the recent addition of 25 Netbooks to the lower school. This allows students more contact time with technology to research and create projects. Students will be allowed to save their work on flash drives for ongoing assignments. Warr looks forward to going into the classroom to assist with the integration of the Netbooks and is excited about how they will add to what she is already teaching. “My goal is to enhance and to introduce the skills my students will use throughout their academic career and the rest of their lives,” said Warr.
ACADEMICS
Financial Fitness:
An Education for Life
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stablishing first-time credit, getting a job, and learning cash management all sound like skills necessary for seniors preparing to leave the nest. However, these concepts and more are actually being taught to middle school students in an elective entitled Financial Fitness. Taught by Julie Bartlett, the class utilizes basic economic and math skills to teach fundamentals of personal finance to seventh and eighth graders. Students gain an understanding of consumer decision-making, career opportunities, comparisonshopping and cash management. Students learn about savings and checking accounts as well as simple and compound interest. The class spends time discussing the advantages and disadvantages of credit cards. They also discuss the biblical perspective of money as exemplified through scripture as well as charitable giving to obtain a well-rounded Christian perspective regarding money.
Bartlett teaches from the book Financial Fitness for Life designed by the Council for Economic Education. Over the years she has been able to refine her curriculum and personalize it somewhat based on the occupations of parents of students in her class. Last year’s class was able to visit the trading floor at Wachovia and the Coca-Cola offices. She hopes to continue to bring in parents who work in the finance industry to speak to her class.
Bartlett, who teaches sixth grade science, began teaching Financial Fitness four years ago when she became a full time teacher at Charlotte Christian. She began preparing for it, however, during her years at Duke Energy when for a project she had to study how baby boomers were preparing for their retirement. Upon realizing that not only were they not prepared, but they hadn’t been teaching their children how to be “financially fit,” Bartlett saw a need.
The class has made an impact on many of Bartlett’s students. She recalls several students who, upon learning about the low interest rates typically offered on bank savings accounts quickly moved their money into a certificate of deposit. The class has also made a difference in the life of on seventh grader Wes Selby.
“I realized the importance of training the millennial generation,” said Bartlett. “They need to have an appreciation of where money comes from and an understanding that what we have is all given to us by God. I teach them wants vs. needs and how the choices they make come at a cost.”
Bartlett engages her students with many practical applications all with the goal of teaching them lifelong skills. Students learn how to set up a budget and manage a monthly salary (get a job – income, choose and pay for a virtual apartment, buy a car, pay car payment, insurance, fuel, and monthly utility bills); how to compare credit card offers, establish credit, and pay off credit card bills; and open bank accounts.
“Before I started Financial Fitness I didn’t know anything about financial things – budgets, income, savings and stuff like that,” said Wes. “Now, not only do I know what they mean, but I now know how to handle those things. Since the class started I have been interested in opening a savings account which I’d like to do soon. It is a really good class.”
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athletics
student athlete spotlightS
Carson Kowar
Freshman • Indoor Track When did you get involved with track and field? I started in the seventh grade at Charlotte Christian. I tried everything in the beginning, starting with sprinting and then moving on to jumping – hurdles, triple jump, high jump and long jump. I realized I was good at jumping.
junior • swimming When did you get involved with swimming? I was really young, probably around eight years old. I started with summer swimming and lessons and then began swimming year round competitively.
Do you have a mentor? I like to watch Brian Bartlett and Matthias Farley do the high jump. Brian has helped teach us a few techniques.
Do you have a mentor? I admire Coach Coffey as a coach and mentor. Also a teammate on my Aquatic Team of Mecklenburg year-round team who went on to swim at the University of Kentucky.
Track fact: The backbend stretch is really helpful for a great backward arch.
Swim fact: Freestyle is my favorite stroke, and I enjoy relays.
Season accomplishment: Sixth place with a 5’ high jump at the Liberty Invitational. The 35-competitor field consisted of 4A public schools from the Virginia area.
Season accomplishment: NCISAA state and CISAA conference champion in both the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle races.
Coach Nunley quote: “Carson came into this year having never jumped high jump. To win the state meet at the varsity level, you need to be jumping somewhere between 5’4” to 5’6”. She began practicing and immediately was jumping 4’6” which is very competitive on a consistent level…The real accolade from the Liberty Invitational lies in the fact that she surpassed several big-time 4A public school athletes and knocked them out of contention. It was an incredible experience and now, because of her success, she will most likely be contending to be the conference champion this year as well as possibly being the state champion (in the outdoor season).”
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paul bohn
CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Coach Coffey quote: “Paul is writing his ticket to college right now. He’s a phenomenal swimmer and an excellent athlete. He is a great sprinter in swimming short distances. He is a quiet leader and is followed because he is an excellent athlete and leads by example. With swimming you have to train all year to be good at it. He elevates everyone around him to a different level and makes everyone swim better.”
will readhead
senior • wrestling When did you get involved with wrestling? I enrolled in Charlotte Christian in the eighth grade and at that time all I knew about wrestling was the WWE. I tried out randomly with a friend for the middle school team with Mr. Henson and have just kept with it. Do you have a mentor? My coaches and former teammate David Borrelli. The way David approached every match with his training and composure inspired me. I don’t have much natural ability, so all I have learned my coaches have instilled in me. Wrestling fact: Tilt and Half Nelson are my go-to moves. The Tilt is when you are on top and roll your competitor on his back…it can only be seen. Half Nelson is a pinning combination. Season accomplishment: First place finishes for the 137 lb. weight class at both the Piedmont Invitational and Blazer Invitational. He won without being taken down in either tournament. Coach Robinson quote: “Will has unbelievable drive. He is a quiet leader who demonstrates by his performance. He is the type of guy you build a team around. He wrestles with excellence.”
athletics
Turning a Dream into a reality Often you hear children say, “I want to play (insert a sport) when I grow up.” For some, the dream becomes a reality. Follow two of our student-athletes as they reached their quest to play college athletics next year.
ty linton
senior • BASEBALL/football Ty Linton started marketing himself his sophomore year to get his name in front of college coaches early. He worked with Head Varsity Football Coach Jason Estep to create a highlight video and sent it to colleges he was interested in attending. Then the summer before his junior year, Ty attended football camp at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an opportunity for him to showcase his talents to college coaches. Junior year arrived and he was invited by colleges to visit their campuses, meet the football coaching staff, and be introduced to their athletic program. Ty visited between eight to 10 schools including Wake Forest University, University of Wisconsin and the University of Arkansas. He also attended several football combines across the country to showcase his skills and was ranked on a couple recruiting websites. He received letters, packets and phone calls weekly promoting different college choices. Academically Ty stayed on pace. He took the SAT several times allowing him to submit the best possible score and pass the Clearinghouse in late fall. At the end of this process, he had multiple offers to choose from: 15 football offers, three baseball offers, and five combined baseball/football offers. He wasn’t short of choices but in the end, he decided to sign a national letter-of-intent with UNC-Chapel Hill to play both football and baseball. “North Carolina was a dream school to play athletics and be a student-athlete. I decided that Carolina was a perfect school for me to get a great education, allow my family to see me play and enjoy an unbelievable atmosphere. They made me feel like I was truly wanted and a great asset to their team in both football and baseball.” His advice: be prepared to put in the time. “It’s a very long process, so don’t get discouraged,” said Ty. “It started early for me and I kept working and stayed focused. You have to stay determined.”
brittany gendron senior • soccer
Playing soccer in college was a lifelong dream for Brittany Gendron. She fell in love with the sport when she was eight years old and has stayed committed ever since. By the eighth grade, she considered the possibility of playing in college. At that time she started private training, attended speed and agility combines and joined club teams. Then her sophomore and junior year she contacted college coaches to let them know of her interest in playing soccer at their school as well as give them her soccer schedule to come watch her play. She had her eye on Liberty University, North Carolina State University, UNC-Wilmington, UNC Charlotte and Western Carolina University. She started college visits and worked towards passing the Clearinghouse. On the weekends she would travel to soccer tournaments. In addition to playing for Charlotte Christian, Brittany was a member of the Charlotte Soccer Club (U10-U13) and United Football Club (U14-U18) for four and five years respectively. “I wanted to look at the college academically in case the sport doesn’t work out you want to have some interests there as well. Your education is really important. You can only play sports for so long so you need to have an education to back you up.” Brittany used the website www.collegeboard.com to help match her major interests to those colleges. She is deciding between majors in elementary education and athletic training. This past June she accepted a soccer scholarship from WCU. Her advice: follow your dream. “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. If you have a passion for it – then do it. Don’t let anyone sway your decision.” “preparing to become a collegiate athlete” Monday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. Lamb/Johnson Gym All Division I and II student-athletes are required to pass the NCAA Clearinghouse. For more information, parents and students are invited to attend the session hosted by the athletic department and college counseling office.
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FINE ARTS
Mid Carolina Regional Scholastic Art Award Winners:
Visual Success
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oth middle school and upper school visual arts students have exhibited amazing God-given talent, bringing home an unprecedented number of awards and honors this year. Most recently, students competed in the 2010 Mid-Carolina Regional Scholastic Art Competition sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. Eighteen Charlotte Christian students accumulated a total of 47 Gold Keys, Silver Keys and Honorable Mention Awards, including two first-time senior portfolio Gold Keys for Charlotte Christian, along with awards for Best of Show in Photography and Best of Show in Painting. The Regional Scholastic Gold Key Ceremony was held Feb. 21 at Spirit Square in Charlotte, where middle and upper school students from 18 counties competed in visual arts. Senior Annie Bartlett won Best of Show in Photography for her piece, “My Dad,” from more than 1,887 submitted works of art. Senior Meredith Haake’s piece entitled “Mrs. Crawford” also won Best of Show in Painting and was chosen as one of five American Vision Nominees which will be selected at the national level. Annie and Meredith were able to collaborate and share the same theme, with Meredith painting from some of Annie’s photos.
“My Dad”, photo by Senior Annie Bartlett
“Mrs. Crawford”, painting by Senior Meredith Haake
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CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Taylor Bailey 3 Gold Keys 1 Silver Key 1 Honorable Mention Annie Bartlett 4 Gold Keys 2 Silver Keys 2 Honorable Mentions Connor Burnam Honorable Mention Megan Burton 5 Gold Keys 1 Silver Key Julie Buwick Gold Key
Megan Burton and Meredith Haake became the first Charlotte Christian students to win Gold Keys for their senior portfolios comprised of eight pieces each. Annie Bartlett and Alexa Dexter also won Silver Keys for their senior portfolios. All of the award winning work will be on display at the Mint Museum and various galleries at Spirit Square here in Charlotte, with Gold Key winners advancing to the national competition in New York City. “Achievement in the Scholastic awards shows how this group of seniors has matured,” said Eva Crawford, upper school art teacher. “I had them all as freshmen and they are a perfect example of getting to watch students grow in their abilities.” In addition to the Scholastic competition, upper school students had the opportunity to exhibit their talents at the recent 2010 General Federation of Women’s Clubs-Junior Women’s Club Arts Festival, where 19 students won honors for their paintings, photography, drawings, glass, ceramics and paper crafts. First place pieces moved to the NC-District III competition where 10 students won first and second place honors, with those finishing in first place moving on to the state competition to be held at Salem College later this spring. Charlotte Christian art students also garnered amazing success in other competitions earlier this year. Junior Jake Younts won the grand prize and Catherine Vermillion won first prize in the Carolinas Freedom Foundation Patriotic Art Competition. Seven senior art students also won scholarships and prizes at the Matthews ArtFest including $1,200 grand prize winner, Meredith Haake. Alexandra Booker received the People’s Choice Award and Kelsey O’Connor received the Artists’ Choice Award. Other senior winners included Taylor Bailey, Annie Bartlett, Ellen Shepherd and Catherine Vermillion.
A.J. Calhoun Silver Key Alexa Dexter 4 Silver Keys 2 Honorable Mentions Amelia Fritsche Silver Key Monica GalLetto Honorable Mention Meredith Haake 6 Gold Keys 1 Honorable Mention Cheyenne Hensey Gold Key Anna Holt Silver Key Catherine McCreary Gold Key Erin McNaughton Gold Key Emily Seaborn Honorable Mention Allie Seeling 1 Gold Key 1 Honorable Mention Catherine Vermillion 1 Silver Key 1 Honorable Mention Sarah York Silver Key
FINE ARTS
Ministry of Music
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or the 60 students in upper school choir, sharing their talents with the Charlotte community is an ongoing ministry of music. Upper School Music Teacher Kelly Goley directs the group which meets during the zero hour class period before school twice per week. Their most recent project was participating in a choral workshop and leading worship at Providence Baptist Church. In late February, Charlotte Christian students joined the youth choir from Providence Baptist to form an ensemble of more than 100 voices. Carey Cannon, who serves as minister of music at the church and also as one of the directors of the Charlotte Children’s Choir, conducted the group both in the workshop and during the worship service. “There are times when we are performers and times when we are leading worship, and the two are different for us,” said Goley. “When leading worship, we have a real responsibility to be an instrument for God’s word. Some people hear God speak through the words of the pastor, others through music. It is a real mission for our students who are also exposed to many different styles of worship.”
In December, middle and upper school choir and orchestra students joined as one to present the annual Service of Lessons and Carols at St. Stephen United Methodist Church. “This service is always a favorite of the season for many…it is calm and peaceful and a true representation of the celebration of Christmas,” said Goley. “It is awesome to see the students grow through the years, use their gifts and then watch God open doors,” said Goley. “Several students have gone on to major in music or music business, but no matter where God’s path takes them, they are inspired to be their best and share Him wherever they are.”
Congratulations to Michelle Long, director of fine arts at Charlotte Christian School, who was recently honored with the 2009 K-12 Theatre Educator Award by the North Carolina Theatre Conference. The NCTC awards are presented each year by the NCTC board of directors and past presidents to companies, schools, and individuals that have exhibited leadership roles in their community, as well as artistic, professional, or educational excellence.
ACT 1 Students Perform at Bishop Spaugh Community Academy Theatre students on the ACT 1 drama team were excited to have the opportunity to share ideas and work with students interested in theatre at Bishop Spaugh Community Academy, a Charlotte Mecklenburg middle school. Students at Bishop Spaugh invited the Charlotte Christian students to perform Disney’s Mulan, Jr. in November. Following the performance, the ACT 1 cast led a short theatre workshop with students at the middle school. Charlotte Christian students have offered to help with costumes, sets, and resources for students at Bishop Spaugh, where they are hopeful of beginning a theatre program in the future. “Our students were honored to be able to encourage the students who have interest in drama at Bishop Spaugh and to offer support and share resources as they consider beginning a new theatre program at their school,” said Michelle Long, director of fine arts at Charlotte Christian School.
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SPIRITUAL LIFE & SERVICE
God’s Glory
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ower School Art Teacher Laura Mullen and junior Maddison Wood, both members of Elevation Church, traveled to Central India in December with an 18-member team for a mission trip with Crossroads Worldwide Ministries. As part of their trip they visited a local orphanage and had the opportunity to serve in area villages and experience true Indian culture. Most of their time in India was spent at the Nagpur Children’s Home orphanage owned by Rachel & Amol Pawar. This orphanage is supported by Crosspoint of India and houses approximately 70 kids. The team of volunteers spent time with the children sharing their testimonies and praying with them. The children also played with them and took them to a local amusement park. The orphanage is just one part of the Crosspoint ministry that has plans to build a Bible college, school, and housing for more than 1,000 orphans. The ministry owns land a few hours away from the current facility, and one afternoon of the trip was spent praying over the land and helping to build a wall around the property. “This was a unique missions trip because it really wasn’t as much about us sharing the gospel with the kids in India, but about us seeing kids that were actually already doing that,” said Maddison. “These orphans are being raised to grow up and be missionaries in their own country. They needed us to help and support them by listening and encouraging them. We went thinking we were going to pour into these kids, but it was more about them pouring into us.” “While I was in India, God taught me that I wasn’t focusing on Him, I was focusing on me,” said Maddison. “One night I was looking at the sky and I felt God say, ‘It is not about you – it is about me and my glory.”
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CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Maddison credits her teachers for being flexible and making it easy for her to take the time off from school. She is also thankful to have been in Mr. Henson’s Bible class which she felt helped prepare her for a few of the things she encountered while in India. “We have studied the gods of other religions and how demons actually play the part of these gods,” said Maddison. “Mr. Henson taught us that people are actually worshiping the demons when they worship these ‘gods’. When we were visiting some Indian temples I saw them and had a very strange feeling. If I would have gone to India without knowing the truth of what I was seeing, I wouldn’t have known what to do with the feelings I had.” Though she doesn’t have plans to go back to India immediately, Maddison does want to stay connected by continuing to support the ministry financially. She would also like to travel to Africa or South America to do mission work. Mullen’s fifth grade students were so inspired by her trip to India that they wanted to participate in some way. Mullen had them decorate canvas bags that were given to the children with gifts inside for Christmas. “I am still receiving messages from the orphanage about how much the children are enjoying the bags,” said Mullen. “I definitely want to go back some day.”
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n an effort to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the hurting people of Haiti, the Charlotte Christian community sprung into action following the earthquake that devastated the Caribbean country. Shortly after the tragedy struck the people of Haiti, wheels started spinning in the minds of many at Charlotte Christian who were wondering what they could do to help. As of March 1, $5272 has been given through the following creative projects and efforts. All money raised at Charlotte Christian will be sent to Haiti through Samaritan’s Purse. Upper School Basketball Games Donations: More than $819 was collected by patrons attending the junior varsity and varsity basketball games.
Middle School Heart Rocks for Haiti: Sixth graders collected rocks which they painted and sold at Charlotte Christian events as paper weights or door holders. Spearheaded by Sixth Grade Language Arts Teacher Christina Sachtleben, the effort raised $622. National Honor Society Change Jars: The Honor Society organized a coin drop during Winter Week and raised $486 from students’ pocket change. Faculty and staff members, amazed at the outpouring of love from students and their families, opened their pocketbooks and donated $1566 which was matched dollar for dollar by the school’s leadership team to raise an additional $1566.
Anita Baum’s first grade class worked around their homes providing services and doing extra chores to raise $211.
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SPIRITUAL LIFE & SERVICE
Hands & Feet of Jesus
Additional On-going Efforts Include: Recycle for Haiti Drive: The upper, middle and lower schools held an inkjet/cell phone/ electronics recycling drive from Feb. 16 – March 26. Used items in good condition were accepted at all school offices, science departments, or lower school classrooms. Rita Lewis gave members of her third grade class $2 to take and “multiply” for the people of Haiti. Students used their money to fund supplies for sales of baked goods, pencils and for projects like household chores. Students have until May to complete their projects. “It never ceases to amaze me how generous and compassionate our school community is,” said Chief Operating Office Terry Efird. “It is a blessing to watch the outpouring of talents, time and resources for those who are suffering in Haiti.”
Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
o celebrate the life and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., three extraordinary community leaders, all current or former Charlotte Christian parents, came to campus in January and offered moving lessons to students centered on the lives of Dr. King and his ultimate source of truth, Jesus Christ. Lower School Chapel Deena Knight is the founder of Project Bloom, a non-profit organization established to create programs to help cultivate all girls into the amazing creations they are intended to be. Knight used the lower school trait tags qualities and compared them to the same traits exhibited by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his fight for civil rights. Knight reminded the students that Dr. King showed kindness, compassion, love, leadership and more in his effort to be more like Jesus while fighting for the equality of all people.
Middle School Chapel Eugene Robinson, Carolina Panthers’ broadcaster and Charlotte Christian assistant coach (football, track and wrestling), gave a speech challenging students to live out their faith using their talents and gifts. Robinson spoke about how each middle schooler is diverse in his/her own way and how God has designed them to use that diversity as a part of the body of Christ. Upper School Chapel Dr. Noah Manyika, author and pastor of Nexus Church in uptown Charlotte, spoke of the true source of happiness. Formerly a prominent businessman, Manyika sold his business and everything that went along with it in order to pursue the creator of happiness. He spoke of how Dr. King could not deny the calling on his own life to impact others because of Jesus Christ, the true leader of civil rights. Manyika challenged students to glorify God by seeking Him and living life to its full potential.
2009-10 ISSUE 2 12 n
COMMUNITY
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Building Relationships with Brookstone Schools
ower school students are busy making friends and building relationships with 85 elementary students at Brookstone Schools, a non-denominational Christcentered school for grades K-5. Charlotte Christian began a relationship with the urban Charlotte school in order to allow students and staff from both schools the opportunity to share ideas, programs and Christian fellowship. Brookstone Schools opened in 2001 with the mission to equip urban students spiritually, academically, and socially for lives of future leadership and service. “The relationship began this summer,” said Tom Tuttle, lower school principal, “and has blossomed into many opportunities for our students and teachers to share, connect and build relationships. It affords our students a broader window to the world and opportunities to interact with Christian students in other locations and circumstances.”
CPR
Faculty/Staff Training
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he nursing staff at Charlotte Christian kicked off the new year with a goal of training as many faculty and staff members as possible in CPR and the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). “Emergencies on campus happen and the goal of our nursing staff is to prepare our faculty and staff in emergency and crisis management,” said Lisa McCorkle, head nurse at Charlotte Christian. “We have a passion to give back, and training our staff in CPR and AED usage is a way to do so while providing vital life saving skills.” 13 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Students had the first opportunity to meet their new Brookstone friends when Charlotte Christian fourth graders went to see the Brookstone musical this fall. First grade students followed in December to share Christmas greetings and present the gift of a giant handmade gingerbread cathedral that lower school students baked during an afterschool program. Faculty from both schools also met and exchanged ideas and enjoyed opportunities to observe teaching methods at the two schools. In January, all of the students at Brookstone Schools came to Charlotte Christian to lead a lower school chapel. Their headmaster, Dr. Don Lawson, spoke and the Brookstone Schools choir led worship. Following the chapel, students interacted with lower school students in the classrooms.
There are currently four registered nurses on campus who are certified as American Heart Association instructors. Together, they certified more than 25 percent of the school staff in a six-week period. Five classes were taught with a total of 49 people certified, allowing each school division to have American Heart Association certified personnel in their departments and classrooms. “Our ultimate goal is to have 100 percent participation in CPR/AED certification of faculty and staff,” said McCorkle. “We want our staff to be prepared in the event of an emergency, know how to respond, how to manage care until EMS arrives, and to provide the best possible care to our students and school community.” Later in
Brookstone students were also invited in early March for a special performance of the lower school production of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Kids. Upcoming exchange opportunities include a visit by ACT 3 in April to perform at a Brookstone chapel. Teacher exchanges and seminars are also planned as additional ways to build the relationship. “Brookstone has a lot to offer us and it gives our kids exposure beyond their current missions,” said Tuttle. “We are spreading the love of Jesus and putting feet to the gospel. Our students have the amazing opportunity to grow relationships beyond our school walls that could last a lifetime.”
the spring, the nursing staff will also begin training the 40 student members of the Charlotte Christian Health Careers Club in CPR, AED, and first aid certification. Additional goals include extending the training to families and students who are interested in both first aid and CPR. Charlotte Christian currently has three AEDs on campus and one AED at the Swim and Tennis Center. The AEDs are located in the following places on campus for easy accessibility: Health Room, Early Education Building, and the Flenniken Dining Hall near the entrance to the gym. At the end of the school day, the Health Room AED is moved to the training room for accessibility by the athletic trainers.
COMMUNITY
Leading On and Off the Court
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n the upper school leadership class, discussions might include what Michael Jordan, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Rick Warren, Barak Obama and Jesus of Nazareth all have in common. The answers take students on a journey of discovering influential people in history and current culture and the specific qualities of good, effective leadership. Their instructor, Shonn Brown, leads by example and specifically focuses the students’ attention on leadership from a biblical worldview.
In addition to his duties as a teacher and assistant principal, Brown recently completed his 10th year as the varsity men’s head coach, where he has led the team to eight CISAA conference championships, 10 North Carolina Independent Schools Association (NCISAA) appearances, including the state championship title in 2001, and state runner-up in 2002, 2006, and 2010. Brown continually testifies that while coaching is a year round process, all the fruit from the basketball program comes as a blessing from God, and that He should receive all the glory. Brown received his undergraduate degree from Clearwater Christian College and holds a M.Ed. in educational administration from Covenant College.
In addition to creatively challenging students in his leadership class and on the basketball court, Brown is leading in a new role this year as the upper school assistant principal of student life. His new position involves working as a coordinator for nearly 20 student clubs, facilitating upper school assemblies, helping with new student transition, organizing the local senior experience and working with student discipline that involves upper school students. Brown shared that students are strongly encouraged to be involved in a co-curricular activity at Charlotte Christian, whether it be a club, fine arts program, or athletic team. Through all of these activities, students practice service to others. “Part of being a good leader is being a good servant,” said Brown, “and our clubs have a big service component.” Students interested in starting a particular club meet with him and together they develop the ideas, work out a vision and purpose, and make sure the club fits well with the mission of Charlotte Christian. “It is all part of leadership,” said Brown. “The students work together and plan their activities and make their club a service to others.” Clubs include C.E.L.L. groups (Christians Embracing Life and Leadership), Health Careers Club, National Honor Society, Environmental Club, Chemistry Club, Student Government Association (SGA) and Art in Action just to name a few. “Interacting with the kids everyday is the most rewarding part of my new duties,” said Brown. He challenges himself everyday to meet students at every level, engage them, and build relationships. I do not want my first interaction with students to be in regards to discipline. “When I am in the disciplinary role, I don’t want that to be the first time that I have talked to the student.” As Christian educators, Brown believes that it is vitally important to love the students, care about them, and help them understand how decisions create benefits and consequences in their life. “I’m not walking the halls looking for kids that are involved in mischief, I really want to get to know our students and help them excel,” he said. 2009-10 ISSUE 2 14 n
CAMPUS NOTABLES
Academic Honor Roll
(Grades 6 – 8)
2nd Quarter - Middle School
magna LAUDE To be recognized for this distinction, a student must earn at least a 4.0 overall GPA for all subjects with no grade lower than an A.
CUM LAUDE To be recognized for this distinction, a student must earn at least a 3.5 overall GPA for all subjects with no grade lower than a B.
15 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Magna Cum Laude grade 6 Jordyn Bobo Justin Brannock Taylor Burch Noelle Cassier Macall Collins Joshua Deuink Anna Edwards Kelsey Holloway Bishop Jones Chandler Kellogg Grace Ketron Brenna Knight India Lindsay Caroline Lubinsky
Caitlin Mehta Arden Norwood Kerstie Phills Rachel Redmond Natalie Schramm Christi Takac Mack Taylor Jonathan Vines Grade 7 Destin Cassier Sean Gallagher Hayden Girard Leah Mell Mariah Shaw
Grade 8 Lily Austin Mary Bryson Connor Clavin Kayla Donnalley Adam Durden Evan Ector Amelia Fritsche Jeanette Hasselberg Marianna Jones Alex Kellogg Spencer Lackey Nick Linder Sean Lindsay Dallas McCorkle
Amaris Norwood Akanima Okpokowuruk Megan Perelli Trey Phills Kristyn Richardson Mark Saleh Emily Seaborn Allie Seelig Mackenzie Wilson Sarah York
Tanner Norris Gabby Owen Jake Payne Emily Saba Michael Tan Jeremy Timperio Aaron Walker Eli Walker Joshua Walker Payton Walker Philip Walton Alex Watkins Sydney Weaver Sophia Youmans
Erik Haski Bo Hines Landon Kay Madison Kofoed John Leary Rebekah Lee Emily Marco Justin Markwat Catherine McCreary Cooper Parsons Andy Saba Kyndall Sutherland Blake Thomas Walker Vermillion Ryan Weaver Jonah Wylie
Cum Laude grade 6 Ansley Ball Thomas Barnes Spencer Berling John Boone Peyton Brown Avery Buie Sarah Burt Scotty Cameron Jake Chesnut Jake Compton Michael Crosby Elizabeth Davis Thomas Donnalley Jonathan Durham Andrew Faris Roman Gray Peyton Hibbard James Horner Michael Humphries Luke Irwin Lindsay Jamerson Brad Kesling Christie Lee Mason Marcey Allison Myers Heath Pulliam Sarah Redmond Bryden Reed Kara Richardson Jake Roberts Michael Saleh
Andrew Siverling Graham Smith Beau Snuggs Alec Stevanovski Merrium Stidham Anna Summers Benjamin Timperio Addie Vermillion Blake Wagoner Duncan Weller Avery Williams Grade 7 Sheppard Brown Blair Burkhart Kalie Compton Colter Corish Luke Crawford Christina Fleischer Brittany Fuller Collin Greig Charisse Haines Catherine Hair Reece Hampton Faith Hanegraaff Meredith Harris Thomas Hodges Gena Horton Alex Johnson Michael Julliard Madison Killen Robert McLean
Grade 8 Christian Allen Anna Ballard Jordan Banks Miller Barbour Garrett Bradbury Connor Burnam Matthew Burt Alex Carl Luke Dexter Bryce Durand Drew Emerine Sydney Goldstein Zachary Griffiths Grant Hall Hunter Hammond Stephen Hart
1st Semester - Upper School
Summa Cum Laude grade 9 Wes Foskey Connor Haines Chase Howard Colin Jarrett Carson Kowar Ashley Richardson Chandler Sharpe
grade 10 John Good Ellie Green Laura Hogan Evan Marcey Will Paden Amanda Panousis Jay Patterson
Ryan Potocnik Hannah Richards Abby Seelig Gloria Taylor Kate Williams
grade 11 John Humphries Grant Wilson Jake Younts
grade 10 Sarah Duyck Jongmin Park
grade 11 Josh Madge
grade 12 Trey Laney
grade 12 Kelby Brown Blaydes Moore
Magna Cum Laude grade 9 Elena Acampora Pete Johnson Beth Richter Jake Stidham
grade 10 Nathan Allen Maggie Blank Hayley Buckner Michelle Brotherton Katey Calhoun Carrie Frances Daniel Katelyn Decherd Ian Ebert Kellan Ebert Hannah Ecleberry David Fowler
(Grades 9 – 12)
SummA Cum Laude To be recognized for this distinction, a student must earn at least a 4.0 overall GPA for all subjects with no grade lower than an A.
magna LAUDE
Cum Laude grade 9 Gigi Bailey Ashton Bobo Cameron Botes Carson Brannock Adam Burnam Martha Case Kate Condon Houston Culpepper Madie Dean Andy Ferguson Elizabeth Fleischer Michael Good Molly Hair James Hanebutt Conner Hartis Alex Johnson Morgan McManus Wes Medeiros Jared Odenbeck Scott Ortlip Lynn Putnam Ben Rigsbee Chandler Schramm Madison Selan Bailey Thompson Ashley Tiess Zach Tuttle Justin Wang Lexi Williams Morgan Yeargan
CAMPUS NOTABLES
Academic Honor Roll
Leah Fuller Monica Galletto Daniel Goldstein Emma Grant Morgan Gray Amanda Hudgins Michael Jones Shelley Leazer Sarah Lenahan Ellie McAdams Molly McAdams Mary Scott McLean Molly Nielsen Caitlin Oruska Jesse Ruth Parrish Alex Payne Cole Pennell Kristian Perks Mari Pillmore Kevin Ramsey Ben Richter Brewington Rosenblatt David Scarlett Will Stillman Austin Wansker Kate Wiens Ashton Wise grade 11 Sarah Acampora John Ahlert David Andersen Ben Anthony Lauren Aspey Matthew Benson Marley Berling Bryce Bradley Kyler Brown Julia Buwick A.J. Calhoun Chris Clark Matt Corish Daniel Cornelison Buddy Craft
Zach Daughtry Austyn Durden Tori Edwards Katy Forrest Hope Foskey Becca Garrett Griffin Gum Christina Hanegraaff Matthew Hasselberg Cheyenne Hensey Claire Hilton Anna Holt Morgan Horner Cathy Humphries Catherine Jarrett Chris Jolley Amy Kemp SooJung Kim Nikki Krecicki Michael Lenahan Jay McCreary Jonathan McCorkle Alexa Owens Matthew Pearson Adam Price Jay Putnam Robin Reeves Mark Russell Spencer Sitton Uyi U-Edosomwan Dani von Gnechten Nathan Walker Trent Walker Ryan Watkins Jordan Williams Maddison Wood Stephen Zittrouer grade 12 Angela Acampora Forrest Alverson Taylor Bailey Wes Barnes Annie Bartlett
Brian Bartlett William Bass Danielle Beysolow Cranford Blanton Parker Blazevich Alexandra Booker Jason Boyles Jordan Brewer Megan Burton Leslie Cameron Cameron Clavin Katie Dean Megan Dennehy Jordan Deuink Taylor Drury Stephen Fandel Cody Fox Brittany Gendron Will Green Elizabeth Griffin Meredith Haake Brooke Kallianos Cameron Kallianos Adam Kiihr John Kincaid Bill McAbee Matt McCormick Bethany Mitchell Rachel Moreau Kelsey O’Connor Taylor Perry Laura Price Zach Radmanesh Hayley Raines Ian Richardson Errett Roth Erin Sayson Jordan Todd Travis Ulrich Catherine Vermillion Sarah Beth White Joe Wiens
To be recognized for this distinction, a student must earn at least a 3.75 overall GPA for all subjects with no grade lower than a B.
CUM LAUDE To be recognized for this distinction, a student must earn at least a 3.5 overall GPA for all subjects with no grade lower than a B.
2009-10 ISSUE 2 16 n
CAMPUS NOTABLES
academics
READING KNIGHTS
Reading Knights is an optional reading incentive program for lower and middle school students designed to building excitement and interest in reading. The program is in its 10th year and encourages students to read books on a variety of topics and to develop a habit and love of reading. In addition to the value of reading, students develop positive character qualities such as goal setting, determination, and perseverance. Participants are recognized at the conclusion of each school year. The levels for Reading Knights are: • Reading Pages • Reading Squires • Reading Knights • Reading Knights with a Pennant • Reading Knights of the Round Table • Reading Knights 1,000 Book Level For more information on how to get your student involved in the Reading Knights program, please contact your child’s teacher or Marcia Craig in the Petty Media Center at (704) 366-5657, ext. 6601 or marcia.craig@charchrist.com.
Spelling Bee In December, 34 students in grades three through eight competed in Charlotte Christian’s Charlotte Observer Spelling Bee. Eighth grader JEANETTE HASSELBERG was named champion and eighth grader DREW EMERINE was named runner-up. Jeanette went on to represent Charlotte Christian in the Mecklenburg County Independent School Spelling Bee. Geography Bee Congratulations to fifth grader MATTHEW BOELKINS for winning the school Geography Bee for grades five through eight. Eighth grader JONATHAN TRULL finished second and seventh grader LEAH MELL finished third. Scholastic Art & Writing Competition Honors Sophomore EVAN MARCEY was recently awarded a Gold Key for his short story in the Mid-Carolina Scholastic Art & Writing Competition. Evan will receive his award in April at the Gold Key Ceremony to be held at ImaginOn. His work will then advance to the national competition in New York City.
Reading Pages
(They have read 25 books and gave an oral report on one of them.)
Jack Jesso • Georgia Kushner • Justin Orlando Maya Szymborski • Sofie Vachino
Reading squires
(They have read 50 books and gave and have prepared a written report on both a fiction and a non-fiction book.)
athletics WINTER 2010 ATHLETIC SIGNINGS Six Charlotte Christian student-athletes signed national letters of intent to play at the collegiate level during the NCAA National Signing Day ceremony held Feb. 3 in the Lamb/Johnson Gymnasium.
Tavion Breland • Susan Davis • Jack Jesso Georgia Kushner • Noah Ong • Justin Orlando Jacob Suarez • Maya Szymborski
Reading knights
(They have read a total of 100 books and have turned in a summary recommendation on 10 of them.)
Kate Eubanks • Maya Szymborski
KELBY BROWN Duke University (Football) DAVID DURHAM The Ohio State University (Football) SAM FULGINITI Elon University (Football) BRITTANY GENDRON Western Carolina University (Soccer) TY LINTON University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Baseball and Football) PARKER BLAZEVICH Virginia Military Institute (Football)
17 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
fine arts
ALL-CISAA Cheerleading: Katie Dean, Amanda Hudgins, Ellen Shepherd, Bailey Thompson Cross Country: John Good, Luke Robinson Football: Kelby Brown, David Durham, Matthias Farley, Sam Fulginiti, Ty Linton, Jake Watson Ladies Basketball: Gigi Bailey, Christal Barnett, Maryah Mazyck Men’s Basketball: Anthony Gill, Akil Mitchell, Trent Walker Soccer: Will Readhead Swimming: paul bohn Volleyball: Julia Buwick, Bethany Mitchell Wrestling: Brett Cherry, Matthew Zitsos
knights knews receives award The Knights Knews broadcasting team was recently chosen by Schooltube.com as one of three high school winners for their holiday video. Schooltube.com is a site where elementary, middle, and high school students are invited to upload their broadcasts.
All-NCISAA Cross Country: Luke Robinson Football: Kelby Brown, David Durham, Matthias Farley, Sam Fulginiti, Ty Linton Ladies Basketball: Gigi Bailey Men’s Basketball: Anthony Gill, Akil Mitchell Swimming: paul bohn Volleyball: Bethany Mitchell Wrestling: Brett Cherry, David Durham, Will Readhead, Matthew Zitsos STATE CHAMPIONS Junior MATTHEW ZITSOS won the 103 lb. NCISAA 3A state championship in wrestling after pinning his opponent in 19 seconds during the state meet. Junior swimmer PAUL BOHN won the state championship in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle at the NCISAA competition. MIDDLE SCHOOL SWIMMING SUCCESS Congratulations to middle school swimmer PHILIP WALTON who placed first in both the 100 freestyle and 50 breaststroke at the GCMSAA conference meet where the middle school girls team placed fifth overall and the boys placed fourth. BASEBALL HEAD COACH GREG SIMMONS HONORED Varsity Baseball Head Coach Greg Simmons was recently honored before a home baseball for surpassing 400 career wins, a school record.
CAMPUS NOTABLES
athletics
WINGATE SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION Congratulations to students in ACT 2 and ACT 3 who won honors at the Wingate University 26th Annual Shakespeare Recitation Competition. In the middle school competition, NATHAN PILLMORE received second place and LEAH MELL received eighth place among nearly 200 students. In the upper school competition, CORY WAGENER received second place, POLLY HILTON received third place, and CLAIRE HILTON received sixth place out of more than 100 competing students. Honors Bands Congratulations to the following students who were selected to play in honors bands this year: Virginia Tech Honors Band Hayley Buckner Scott Ortlip Wes Foskey Christian Taylor Conner Hartis Sydney Weaver Auburn University Middle School Honors Band Chase Broadway India Lindsay Alex Featherstone Rachel Redmond Michael Humphries Graham Smith South Central All District Honors Band Hayley Buckner Scott Ortlip Sean Gallagher Sydney Weaver
Junior Women’s Club Art Festival Honors Lauren Aspey 3rd charcoal Annie Bartlett 1st black/white photo Julia Buwick 3rd ceramics A.J. Calhoun 1st color photo Katie Cornelison 1st glass crafts Taylor Drury 1st graphite pencil/ painting, 2nd color pencil Meredith Haake 2nd charcoal, 3rd painting Anna Holt 1st pen and ink Andy James 2nd & 3rd computer graphics Brooke Kallianos 2nd pen and ink Amy Kemp 2nd painting Carson Kowar 1st charcoal Julie Morrison 1st color pencil Mari Pillmore 3rd pastel Kevin Ramsey 1st computer graphics Robin Reeves 2nd graphite pencil Ellen Shepherd 1st paper craft Catherine Vermillion 1st pastel Jake Younts 2nd pastel
2009-10 ISSUE 2 18 n
development
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giving to make a difference
Annual Quality Plus Fund
he idea of being part of something bigger than ourselves can strike a chord in us. Sometimes it’s just being given the opportunity that helps us take that step. At Charlotte Christian School, we are blessed as people individually and collectively give back to our school and community as well as reach out to the world. Students making a difference Students at Charlotte Christian help to make a difference. This year lower school students filled 689 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, gave generously through a recent change drop for Haiti relief and are now gearing up for Operation Fork Wrap. Middle school students conducted a successful toy drive for 2XSALT and raised more than $600 for Haiti from the sales of their painted rocks. In addition to raising support for several worthy projects in our community, several upper school students are preparing for a summer mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
Lighting The Way Campaign Review
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n the spring of 2005, after much prayer and research the board of trustees announced a $15 million comprehensive campaign known as the Lighting The Way campaign. The goal of this campaign was to provide $11.5 million to renovate and construct new facilities and to provide $3.5 million to sustain the annual Quality Plus Fund. In the spring of 2004, the Timothy Group was hired to conduct a pre-campaign study. The objective of the study was to learn from the Charlotte Christian community the perceived facility and program needs of the campus as well as to identify the level of financial support available to meet these needs. Their findings indicated that a campaign could expect to raise $5-6 million if cornerstone gifts could be secured. Knowing both the annual fund need and the infrastructure needs of the campus, the board announced a stretch goal of $15 million to include QPF and Lighting The Way. To date, more than $10 million has been raised. What a remarkable testimony of God’s blessing through the generosity of our community. This total includes $2.5 million for QPF and $7.5 for Lighting The Way. This generosity has provided the following improvements and additions:
19 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Making a difference for our students To date 501donors have given $374,204 toward the $450,000 goal for the annual Quality Plus Fund (QPF). This response has set a good pace to meet the goal and finish strong. Between an upcoming QPF spring campaign and proceeds from this year’s Golf Challenge, the school should be able to exceed the 2009-10 goal. To successfully do this, every family is being encouraged to participate at some level. For more than 15 years donors have given generously an annual fund (known today as QPF). This support has influenced thousands of students. Support from QPF provides new curriculums, teaching resources and technology in the classroom. Both the fine arts and athletic programs receive support to enhance and advance their programs. Each year faculty and staff also receive hundreds of hours of professional development as the result of QPF. The annual fund bridges the gap between tuition revenue and the cost of providing a comprehensive college prep education.
Phase 1 - Reduced Long Term Debt • $500,000 Paid – Spring 2007 Upper School Addition • 8,521 Square Feet • College Counseling Center • Computer Lab • Bible Classroom • Locker Commons • Administrative Offices • Teacher Workroom • Additional Restrooms • Storage Space Classroom Additions & Renovations • 6,770 Square Feet • Renovated into Anatomy Lab • Physics Classroom Expanded New Classroom • Sprinkler System • Renovated Hallways • New Lockers • New Windows, Ceilings & Floor Coverings
Locker Rooms & Wellness Area Renovations • 7,117 Square Feet - Renovated • Health Room - Renovated and Expanded • Athletic Training Room - Renovated and Expanded • Locker Rooms - Renovated and Expanded • Weight Training Room - Renovated and Expanded External Improvements • New Fencing - South Side of the Campus • Improved Lighting Safety & Security • Improved Handicap Access • Redesigned Parking
Phase 2 - $2.3 million raised toward next educational facility • Need an additional $1.2 million to complete this facility. Phase 3 - Guy Gymnasium Renovations • New Roofing & Siding • Replace Flooring with Wood Court • New Bleachers for Seating 200 • New Entrance Area Roof & Sidewalks
development
grandparents & grandfriends day
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he annual Grandparent’s Day event was held on Friday, March 5 in conjunction with this year’s lower school spring musical production of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Kids. More than 250 grandparents enjoyed breakfast, watched the program and visited classrooms. Following the breakfast, grandparents were invited to a special program that the lower school designed especially for them. The program included songs, poems and readings from each grade that showed the student’s appreciation of their guests. Highlights included the annual contest that recognized those grandparents that traveled the farthest distance, had the most grandchildren at Charlotte Christian and had the youngest grandchild. The day ended with an opportunity for grandparents to visit their grandchild’s classroom and engage in activities. Connections were made for those grandparents who weren’t able to attend. First grade student Julia Oliveto visited with her grandparents via Skype from their home in Italy.
“Julia’s mom set up her laptop in our classroom so her parents could Skype with us and be a part of the special day. She was able to talk to them and show them things around our room and read the cards she had made. She said they really enjoyed it and felt welcomed and a part of our Grandparents’ Day,” shared Christine Doyle, first grade teacher. This occasion is always a cherished day for grandparents and students alike. Spending time together on campus and being able to share their school is what makes it special. We are always so grateful for all who participate and look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
Newest Grandparent Barbara Wilson Most Grandchildren AT CHRISTIAN (with five a piece)
Jere Drummond Diana Phillips Longest Distance (from South Korea) Jangok Do
We are excited to announce that our 2010 Golf Challenge will be held on May 10 at Firethorne Country Club. Our staff and volunteers are busy planning and preparing for another wonderful event. With a few additional components being planned, this year’s Golf Challenge is sure to be another day to remember. Last year’s Golf Challenge raised more than $38,000 making it a great success. Funds raised provided technology improvements, curriculum development, teaching aids, and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. We are grateful for this support and the difference it makes in our student’s lives. For more information, visit us online at www.charlottechristian.com/Support Christian/Golf Challenge or contact us at (704) 366-5657.
2009-10 ISSUE 2 20 n
CLASS NOTES
Class Notes 2008 Brianna Eason won the title of the Miss Colleton County 2010 pageant and will participate in the Miss South Carolina pageant in July 2010 where the winner will advance to Miss America.
2002
2007
2001
Joanna Grey received her master’s degree in liberal studies with an English concentration from UNC-Charlotte in December 2009. Zachary Kamm and his wife Heidi are the proud parents of their first child, a daughter named Harleigh Elizabeth born on Feb. 26.
1999 Sonya (Long) Ashburn and her husband Neal are expecting their second child on July 14, 2010. Big sister Shelby Lynn is 3 and a half years old. The family resides in Cornelius, N.C.
Alex Goley played the lead role of Tommy in the mainstage production of “The Who’s Tommy” for the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Alex is a junior majoring in Musical Theatre in the CAP21 Musical Theatre Studio. Rachel White is engaged to Matthew Hill and the couple plans to marry Jan. 7, 2011. Rachel is currently a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with plans to graduate in December 2010 with a double major in Dramatic Arts and History and a minor in Music.
2006 Chelsea Angel will be participating in an 11-month mission trip called The World Race. She will be leaving in October 2010 and her travels can be followed through her blog at http://chelseaangel.theworldrace.org.
Brian Hetherington and Katherine Baggott became engaged December 2009. They plan to be married July 3, 2010.
1995 Seth Caskey co-starred in an episode of “The Mentalist” Feb. 4 on CBS. Caskey played the role of matrie’d in episode 13: Redline. He shares the scene with well-known actors Simon Baker, Robin Tunney and Currie Graham.
2003
Sara DeVaney married Robert Reighley on Sept. 26, 2009. The ceremony was held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro, N.C. and the reception was at Revolution Mill Studio. The couple traveled to Maui, Hawaii for their honeymoon. They currently live in Greensboro, N.C. with their dog, Dex. 21 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Stephanie (Skinner) Williams and her husband Jonathan welcomed Ethan Alexander Williams into the world June 2009. Big sister Hannah is 4 years old.
1994 Brooke Musterman is keeping busy marketing her book, Reptiles on Caffeine. She currently writes a column entitled “Charlotte Stress in the Workplace Examiner” as well as other articles for parcbench. com and thefreedomfactory.us in addition to freelance writing.
1993 Ginger Hastings Hester and her husband Aaron are blessed with two precious girls, Ava Kristine (4 1/2 years) and Virginia Kate (1 year), pictured here at Christmas 2009. Aaron, Ginger, Ava and Kate reside in Wesley Chapel, N.C.
Matt Osman has filed to run for District Court Judge in Mecklenburg County. The first primary is May 4 with the top two finishers advancing to the general election in November.
1992 Leslie (Fogle) Dunnegan and her husband welcomed the birth of their adopted son, Nathan Tolman Dunnegan on Jan. 19, 2010. The family resides in the Washington, D.C. Metro area.
CLASS NOTES
Class Notes
HRISTIAN SCHOOL CHARLOTTE C
ALUMNI EST. 1950
Alumni & Parents of Alumni Reception A new event this year was the Alumni and Parents of Alumni Reception hosted in December. At a time when many alumni return home for Christmas, it was an opportunity for more than 50 alumni and parents to enjoy refreshments while catching up with old friends. The reception was paired between the varsity men’s and ladies home basketball games against Queen’s Grant School. For information on next year’s reception as well as other alumni events, visit charlottechristianalumni.com.
Todd Fuller and his wife, Elizabeth, welcomed their first child, Emma Joy, on Dec. 15, 2009.
1989
The Class of ’89 reunion, planned by Scott McClintock, Grey Mull and Christy Weed was held at Red Rocks Café Charlotte.
new alumni website Visit our new alumni website at
1988
Warren Turnipseed is a Master Police Officer at the Concord Police Department. He is also a state law enforcement driving instructor and teaches basic law enforcement at Rowan Cabarrus Community College. In his free time he serves as the National Autosport Association Race Director for the Southeast Endurance Racing series as well as races in the series.
1987
Sarah Oldham Peppel is now a college professor at Valley Forge Christian College in Phoenixville, Pa., teaching Writing for the Media and Communication Theory. She is also a frugal living columnist in the local paper, the president of women’s ministries in her local PCA presbytery, and a background actress in feature films such as The Lovely Bones, Law Abiding Citizen, The Last Airbender and more. Sarah praises the Lord for her husband Brian, their growing pre-teen daughters and even their insane little beagle.
charlottechristianalumni.com for news and upcoming events.
Help us stay in touch! You can send any changes or updates to your contact info to alumni@charchrist.com. For any questions, ideas or suggestions, please contact George Courtney at george.courtney@charchrist.com.
2009-10 ISSUE 2 22 n
ALUMNI PROFILE
Andrew Smith:
No Seed Is Sown In Vain “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
A
ndrew Smith, the pastor of theGathering in Charlotte, N.C., is passionate about seeing people connect with and encounter God. This passion comes from an incredible spiritual journey that goes back to his school days at Charlotte Christian in the early ‘90s. Andrew grew up in a Christian home and came to Charlotte Christian in the upper school. He sat through many chapels, spiritual renewal days and Bible classes. As a teenager he began to struggle with his faith. “I definitely rebelled and wanted nothing to do with Jesus. I thought faith was a joke; that it was for the weak.” Harsh and steadfast as he was, it was the faculty and staff that began to touch his heart.
“My teachers knew me and probably saw the turmoil I was experiencing. I had one teacher that would always ask me to be the one to open class in prayer. It made me so mad, but looking back now, that teacher knew exactly what they were doing. They never stopped loving me or caring about me.” This stood out to Andrew and he couldn’t help but take note of it. In 1996, two years after Andrew graduated from Charlotte Christian, he hit rock bottom leading a self-destructive lifestyle. Living in Colorado, one night Andrew was walking alone thinking about what his life had become. “This girl that I had been dating walked up to me and out of the blue said, ‘You look terrible. You’re never going to be happy until you fulfill the call of God on your life’. This statement grabbed hold of me. I wanted to change.” It was shortly after this experience
that Andrew accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and rededicated his life to Christ. Seeking God’s plan for his life, Andrew went back to school and received his undergraduate degree in Pastoral Ministry and Bible at Columbia International University. After moving back to Charlotte, Andrew completed his Master of Arts & Theological Studies from the Reformed Theological Seminary and started working full-time in ministry. Andrew’s passion for ministry comes from the personal redemption he experienced in his life. Charlotte Christian was privileged to have Andrew speak at this year’s upper school spiritual renewal day held off campus at Central Church of God. He spoke about the majesty of God and how we can be changed. “That opportunity to speak was so redemptive for me. I know what some of them are going through because I was one of them. I know what it is like to be around Christianity all my life. I came to speak the truth and share God’s heart with them.” The character and example of the faculty at Charlotte Christian School is what impacted Andrew in his time here. “To see some of those same teachers out in the crowd when I was speaking during the renewal day was incredible. Those were the same teachers that sowed seeds into my life and never gave up on me. My encouragement to them would be - no seed is sown in vain.”
Footnote: For more information on theGathering visit www.thegatheringnc.org or to reach Andrew e-mail andrew@thegatheringnc.org.
23 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
SCRAPBOOK
Faculty/Staff Appreciation Dinner
Middle School Live Nativity
Second Graders Dressed As Favorite Book Characters
Harvard Model Congress
Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Kids
Charlotte Christian School is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school, equipping and developing students to effectively integrate Biblical truth and learning into their daily lives and to impact the culture for Christ.
7301 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270 (704) 366-5657 Fax: (704) 366-5678
www.charlottechristian.com
Charlotte Christian School Upcoming Events MAY 2010
April 2010 Thursday, April 1 LS Easter Program LS Early Dismissal
Thursday, April 22 National Spanish Honor Society Inductions
Friday, April 2 Good Friday School Closed
Thursday, April 22 Saturday, April 24 MS Spring Musical Cinderella
Monday, April 5 Easter Monday School Closed Tuesday, April 6 Classes Resume Thursday, April 8 MS/US Spring Choir/Orchestra Concert
Friday, April 23 US Classes Dismissed LS/MS Progress Reports Junior/Senior Prom Monday, April 26 National Honor Society Inductions
Friday, April 9 US Parent Coffee
Tuesday, April 27 National Junior Honor Society Inductions
Monday, April 12 MS/US Band Spring Concert
Thursday, April 29 Tailgate & Donate
Friday, April 16 MS Parent Coffee
Friday, April 30 N.E.W. Parent Coffee
Tuesday, April 20 National French Honor Society Inductions
(2010-11 New Parents)
Monday, May 3 - Friday, May 7 Washington, D.C. (Grade 8) Monday, May 3 AP Exams (US Government & Politics) Tuesday, May 4 AP Exams
(Computer Science/French)
Wednesday, May 5 AP Exams
(Calculus/Statistics)
Thursday, May 6 National Day of Prayer AP Exams (English Literature) Friday, May 7 LS/MS Classes Dismissed AP Exams (U.S. History/European History/
Studio Art)
Monday, May 10 Golf Challenge LS Stepping Up Day AP Exams (Music Theory/Physics) Tuesday, May 11 AP Exams (Chemistry/
Enviromental Science)
Wednesday, May 12 AP Exams (English Language
& Composition/Art History)
Thursday, May 13 US Awards Assembly
Friday, May 14 LS Field Day LS Early Dismissal AP Exams (Spanish Literature) Monday, May 17 Wednesday, May 19 Senior Exams Tuesday, May 18 Fine Arts Red Carpet Awards Thursday, May 21 Final Day for Grade 6 Senior Breakfast Baccalaureate Service US Early Dismissal US Afternoon Exam Review Saturday, May 22 Commencement Class of 2010 Monday, May 24 Wednesday, May 26 MS/US Exams Wednesday, May 26 JK - Grade 11 Final Day of School LS Early Dismissal Thursday, May 27 MS/US Make Up Exams Grade 5 Promotion Grade 8 Promotion Monday, May 31 Memorial Day - School Closed