2019 spring issue of Covenant Day's Classic magazine.

SPRING 2019

INSIDE:

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Our Community Serving Together Arts & Athletics Turning Passions into Jobs Coming Up in R&S

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The Classic is published twice a year for the Covenant Day community.

2018-2019 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Don Moseley (Chairman), Rich Protasewich (Vice Chairman), Land Hite (Treasurer), Anne Rogers (Secretary), Danny Church, Kevin DeYoung, Caroline Kelly, Leslie Lindner, Jared Olshefski, Brian Peterson, John Vonder, Jerri Webb, Larry Kirkman (Trustee Emeritus)

HEAD OF SCHOOL Mark Davis

EDITOR/DESIGNER, CLASSIC

Megan Fair, mfair@covenantday.org

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mark Davis

SPECIAL THANKS

Thank you to the faculty, staff, parents, alumni, students, and friends who shared their stories and photos for this publication.

CDS MISSION STATEMENT

To assist the Christian family by providing an education marked by a biblical worldview, academic excellence, and affordability, so that students are equipped to be salt and light for God’s glory

VISIT US ONLINE

www.covenantday.org /whoweare (Our Values) /golions (Athletics) /arts (Arts) /give (Make a Gift) /publications (Magazine Archives) /alumni (Class Notes)

Explore Covenant Day by checking out our new Classic video component! Look for stories with the video icon and visit www.covenantday.org/videos to see the Classic come to life!

STUDENT ARTWORK

COVER PHOTO

Covenant Day School Welcomes Spring

Artists (left to right, top to bottom): Margaret Coburn, Eli Kibler, Liv Coggins, Rachael Boyce, Dwight Girard, Anna Daniels, Bailey Edwards

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Covenant Day theater students presented eight sold-out shows of The Phantom of the Opera.

FEATURES

Page 14 | Turning Passions into Jobs

DEPARTMENTS 2 From the Head of School 8 CDS News 10 Arts 12 Athletics 14 Alumni News & Class Notes Page 6 | Serving Together

Page 9 | Coming Up in R&S

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear CDS Community, You will notice a common theme of Christian community weaving its way throughout this edition of the Classic. You will also see a new video feature laced throughout our school magazine, bringing some of our favorite stories of Covenant Day and its people to life.

There is no doubt that the Covenant Day community is unique with a purpose that draws upon excellence in academic pursuits with a biblical worldview. Our teachers are intentional as they discuss the beliefs and practices of the Christian faith in each of the academic disciplines. At the same time, our school community is also highly relational. We begin with a framework in which we see each child, teacher, and parent as an image bearer of the triune God. Our teachers are in positions of authority and called to love each of their young charges with the heart of Christ each step of the way. They bring biblical wisdom to our students as they mentor, lead, guide, and direct each student throughout the day.

We pray faithfully for our students, acknowledging our dependence upon the Lord for each and every provision in their lives. Prayer undergirds our core principles at Covenant Day. We pray for each student to be Christlike; to understand and profess that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; and that each young man and woman be a person of integrity.

As you read the stories, view the photographs, and watch the videos online, it is our hope that you will see the depth, joy, and unity that we are striving for at Covenant Day, all for God’s honor and glory. And, we trust that you will also see glimpses of how our students are already becoming salt and light for the King of Kings.

Hear a special welcome from Head of School Mark Davis at www.covenantday.org/videos.

Sincerely,

Mark Davis Head of School

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ALUMNI NEWS

Our Community SPIRIT WEEK

Covenant Day kicks off the new year with our campus-wide Spirit Week every January. Students come to school in their CDS colors, decked out in attire from their favorite decade, or wearing the tackiest outfit they can find to go all out for the week’s dress-up days and team-building activities.

The week culminates in an all-school pep rally with more than 1,000 students, teachers, and parents coming together to cheer on the Lions!

celebration of the ARTS

Celebration of the Arts is one of Covenant Day’s largest annual events for the school community. Each May, the arts community puts on a huge celebration that highlights the arts at Covenant Day. Families can grab dinner or dessert at one of the food trucks, play yard games, walk through the ArtWalk Student Art Gallery, and sit back and enjoy performances by our band and choir before experiencing the big reveal of next year’s theater performances!

Visit www.covenantday.org/arts to see what shows are coming to the Lions Theater in 2019-2020!

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Celebrating 30 Years

Community has been a hallmark of Covenant Day for nearly three decades. Next year, we will join together to celebrate 30 years of God’s faithfulness to Covenant Day! We hope that you will join us for some of our favorite school events to help celebrate as a community. And, if you haven’t had a chance to check out our history wall in the high school, we’d love for you to stop by and learn more about the rich history of our wonderful school community.

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FEATURES

A COMMUNITY OF

grandparents

Covenant Day welcomed more than 300 grandparents to campus in March for one of our favorite annual events, Grandparents Day! Grandparents kicked off their morning by joining our lower school students for a time of worship. Following this time, our lower school grandparents enjoyed an interactive experience with their grandchild as they visited a homeroom class, a specials class, and a reception with food and games. Middle and high school grandparents joined CDS Head of School Mark Davis for coffee before heading off to attend a class with their grandchild.

Each year, Grandparents Day is a time for our students to create fond memories with their grandparents as they give them a glimpse into what a day at school looks like. Covenant Day is grateful for our grandparents and the love and support they show their grandchildren, which continues to positively impact Covenant Day!

OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY

ALUMNI & HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC COMPETITIONS

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COLLEGE FORUM

Since its first graduating class of only 27 students in 2006, Covenant Day’s alumni community has grown to include more than 800 alumni. Each year, alumni come back to Covenant Day to reconnect with friends, catch up with teachers, and see some of the exciting changes on campus. Check out some of our favorite events!

ALUMNI NIGHT

5 YEAR REUNION 10 YEAR REUNION WWW.COVENANTDAY.ORG

Once Upon a Time...

Watch our Medieval Fair and Fairy Tale Ball come to life as you hear from our teachers and parents!

Visit www.covenantday.org/videos.

in a land not so far away, our kindergarten boys and girls held a Medieval Fair and Fairy Tale Ball for some of their favorite guests, their parents! These kindergarten favorites give students the opportunity to integrate and celebrate their learning. “We step out of our own time to consider life in medieval times,” teacher Amy Townsend said. “As we do, we discover biblical truths about God, His kingdom, and His people.” Students learn lessons about economics and hard work as they produce wares to buy and sell at the fair. They also hear from students in Covenant Day’s AP European History class who dress up and take on the roles of different characters during the Middle Ages. Students work like scribes in the classroom, writing scripture verses to share with their moms at the Fairy Tale Ball. This event is truly an expression of the community at Covenant Day as teachers, parents, and students labor, learn, and celebrate together!

SHARING OUR COMMUNITY STORIES

CDS Stories is Covenant Day’s podcast which strives to highlight the people who make up our school community and make it the place it is today. The podcast is in its third school year and is currently hosted by junior Jackie Haynes. “My prayer is that people are encouraged, refreshed, and excited about what God is doing in and through this community while also having a good laugh,” she said. “I have learned how necessary it is for people to be heard and known. It’s cliché, but everyone has a story to be told and lessons he or she has learned along the way that we—as listeners—can learn from.” To check out episodes from this year as well as past archives, visit www.covenantday.org/podcast.

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FEATURES

SERVING TOGETHER

meet the

MEET THE KIBLER FAMILY KIBLER FAMILY

Each year, countless Covenant Day parents and students step out in faith to show Christ’s love in tangible ways to our community, state, country, and world. Here are some of their stories.

meet the

WEBB FAMILY

When she felt the Lord calling her to step out in faith and go, CDS alumni parent and Board of Trustees member Jerri Webb boldly responded, having little knowledge of the impact that saying “yes” would have on her life.

Nearly ten years ago, Jerri’s friend and mentor, Jan Harrison, suffered the loss of her son, James. It was during this difficult season that Jerri began to learn about the compassion and heart that James had for reaching people for Christ, a passion that led him to co-found With Open Eyes, a global missions organization that exists to accelerate the sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ to the unreached and underserved people of the world.

Her first trip to Kenya with With Open Eyes was followed by a second trip two years later. “It was life changing on so many levels, and I fell in love with the people and their hunger to know Jesus,” Jerri shared. “Their joy, despite their circumstances, was contagious and inspiring.” Her experience inspired her to continue to go, and Jerri has since served in Uganda and Rwanda by supporting church plants, participating in village outreach, and helping with women’s and children’s ministries.

During one of her trips to Rwanda, Jerri had the opportunity to serve with her husband, Mark, and son, Connor Mosack ’17.

They helped commission 16 motorbikes and 57 bicycles to the Mobile Messengers in Kigali, and helped pass out 800 bibles and solar-powered, torch audio bibles.

In August, Jerri will travel back to Africa for a women’s training conference. Since 2011, the ministry has mobilized 458 pastors, planted 496 churches, and led over 386,000 people to Christ.

“It’s been incredible to witness the transformation that happens when you put your faith into action,” Jerri said.

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Whether locally with Charlotte Rescue Mission, Room in the Inn, or Joy Prom; or in Haiti with Bless Back Worldwide, the Kibler family has made serving together a family value. CDS parent Chris Kibler has taken annual trips to Haiti for six years to use his passion and talent as a dentist to respond to the need for dental care. Over the years, this has become a wonderful opportunity for Chris to serve with his family as they seek to respond to a real need in Grand-Goave, Haiti. His children, junior Eli and Georgia ‘18, have joined him on medical mission trips, and his wife, Ginger, will be accompanying him on an upcoming trip. “Bless Back has provided the perfect way for us to serve as a family alongside my husband in his giftedness as a dentist,” Ginger said. “We are particularly passionate about Bless Back because their mission groups return to the same Haitian community every visit. It allows for personal relationships to form over time, thus opening up more of an opportunity to share the gospel.”

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meet

KATIE GREENE When junior Katie Greene was six years old, she began doing chores around the house in hopes of bringing a smile to children around the world. That first year, she collected $162 and purchased two large bags of gifts for children at Levine Children’s Hospital. Her first shopping trip spurred her on even more, so she kept collecting money, eventually growing her passion into Katie’s Kidz . This past Christmas, Katie’s Kidz collected more than 7,000 gifts and delivered them to 16 hospitals in the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Georgia. The hospitals present these gifts to children on Christmas, birthdays, or when they come out of surgery. Katie’s service has not only benefited the community but has also impacted her as an individual. “Katie’s Kidz has taught me about the importance of service, and how service at a young age can really impact the community,” she said.

“Katie’s Kidz would not have been possible without the support of my parents who have always been there encouraging me and helping Katie’s Kidz grow.”

meet

HANNAH & ALAINA

When freshman Hannah Wylie heard about the enormous need for shoes in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a fifth grade student, she knew she wanted to do something to help. She created the Needy Feet Shoe Drive and set a goal to collect 50 pairs of shoes that first year. She spoke at a lower school chapel and encouraged students to get involved in her first official shoe drive that ultimately collected 875 pairs of shoes. Years later, Hannah is still collecting shoes, garnering the help of her family, friends, and classmates. This year, more than 1,350 pairs of shoes were donated through the drive with 209 of the pairs collected by second grade student Alaina McWilliams. Alaina had been impacted during the chapel presentation and encouraged her entire church to get involved. “We realized the possibilities that can happen when an eight year old child has strong faith,” Alaina’s mom, Jennifer, said. “The entire family gathered with anticipation for the final shoe count and was in awe as God quadrupled the goal set by a child.” The shoes will be delivered to the DRC by the Ntibonera Foundation. Hannah recently had the opportunity to watch a video of the foundation’s last trip to deliver shoes and was moved by what she saw. “To see hundreds of impoverished people singing praises to God and piles of shoes spilling over boxes is to see the hand of God working in a way I never could have planned,” she said. “I feel very supported by my family who has made for great work buddies. Knowing that I am not alone in this has given me the courage to continue the shoe drive.”

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CDS NEWS

THANK YOU FOR GIVING! Thank you to the more than 250 guests who joined us at The Gala! Your generosity helped us raise more than $150,000 in revenue to benefit students in all grade levels. Funds raised during The Gala gave us the opportunity to add a 71-passenger bus and 14-passenger bus to our current bus fleet. We also have plans to purchase an additional 14-passenger bus with funds raised. Covenant Day’s bus fleet gives students the opportunity to ride together to athletic competitions, field trips, community service projects, and arts events.

BOOSTER CLUB HOSTS ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC More than 100 golfers and parent volunteers joined us on Monday, April 8, for our annual Golf Classic, hosted by the Booster Club. Golfers kicked off their time with lunch together, before enjoying a day of golf, a raffle, silent auction, and barbecue dinner. Several dozen businesses partnered with us through sponsorships or donations for our raffle and auction to help make this fundraising event a success. Funds raised during the event will help enhance the entire Covenant Day athletic program.

STUDENT GROUPS HOST SPORTING CLAY SHOOT Covenant Day hosted its third annual Sporting Clay Shoot to benefit sustainability initiatives at Covenant Day. This year’s event included more than 220 shooters and raised more than $90,000 in revenue.

This year’s proceeds will go toward expanding the butterfly garden, growing ContainIt with a portion of the proceeds going toward the Housing for the Homeless Tiny Home Project, and to Restore 525 to assist in building a demonstration aquaponics system at Covenant Day as well as constructing aquaponics systems in Haiti. In addition to raising funds for sustainability initiatives, this event, hosted by ContainIt and Restore 525, gives high school students the opportunity to gain valuable skills as they plan and implement a large-scale event from start to finish.

SUMMER ADVENTURES AT CDS Summers bring a change of pace to the Covenant Day community as hundreds of students join us for a time of exploration and fun! With a variety of summer camp offerings, students are able to dive deeper into the activities they enjoy the most while making new friends.

Online registration, a searchable camp database, and additional details are available at www.covenantday.org/summercamps.

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COMING UP IN R&S

Restoration & Sustainability Initiatives

CHOIR STUDENTS PERFORM AT BILTMORE ESTATE The high school choir traveled to Biltmore Estate on January 3 to perform in Biltmore’s prestigious Candlelight Christmas season.

The choir performed four rotating sets over the course of the evening and used the remaining time to tour the famous estate.

In preparation for their performance, the students were challenged to sing with three purposes in mind: to honor God by creating music of the highest quality, to give away their music as a gift to those who hear it, and to have fun working together as a team. The students united around these goals and gave a performance that both challenged the mind and touched the heart.

FRESHMAN SEMINAR This year, Covenant Day introduced Freshman Seminar, a program designed to assist freshmen with their transition to high school. Once a month, students gathered together to hear from different speakers on relevant topics. Topics included study skills, learning styles, digital citizenship, talent and purpose inventory, managing stress and anxiety, and making the best of summer opportunities.

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TINY HOMES FOR CHARLOTTE In March, members of the ContainIt team and Edifice, Inc. visited Tiny Houses Greensboro, a nonprofit that works toward building tiny houses in Greensboro for those experiencing homelessness.

Students gained inspiration and momentum for ContainIt’s next big initiative of expanding to create tiny house communities for the homeless in Charlotte.

OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER Covenant Day is one step closer to certifying its outdoor learning center, thanks to the hard work and creativity of some of our middle school students! Students taking the middle school coding elective have designed a music station, one of three stations needed to make the space certified. Students presented the concept to the Outdoor Learning Center Committee and have been approved to begin construction on the new station, which will enhance the learning experience of our lower school students.

INTRODUCING OUR FIRST CAR BUILD—FROM SCRATCH Next year, students taking a new high school practicum course will be faced with a unique challenge as they work together to build a Factory Five Shelby Cobra from scratch. Students will be taught

by Chip Jones, an FAA 145 Repair Station Inspector and Chief of Helicopter Maintenance at JAARS in Waxhaw. Once completed, the team will market and auction the car, with proceeds benefiting our local community through ContainIt’s tiny house communities for the homeless in Charlotte initiative.

STAY TUNED FOR NEW R&S UPDATES NEXT SCHOOL YEAR! COVENANT CLASSIC | 2019

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ARTS

AN EVENING AT THE OPERA Covenant Day pulled out all the stops for this year’s high school musical, The Phantom of the Opera. The first high school in the Charlotte area to tackle such a challenging production, Covenant Day theater students displayed incredible talent as they rose to the occasion, performing in front of eight sold-out crowds.

Covenant Day Theater Director Casey Starkey selected The Phantom of the Opera because she knew that, while challenging, our students had the capability, drive, and heart to pull it off. From the vocals and dance numbers to the elaborate set and scene changes, many detailed components went into this performance.

Under the direction of Covenant Day Choir Director Taylor Nelson, students spent countless hours learning difficult opera chorus pieces and different harmony lines. The stage crew, made up of all underclassmen, spent hours mastering the back stage that proved to be a giant puzzle of 60 cast and crew members along with a nine-piece staircase, gondola, six candelabras, two benches, a couch, a desk, seven chairs, a ten-foot-tall elephant, three gates, an organ, a mirror, a dressing room wall set, two tables, and a throne. “I have never directed a production that had so many intricate elements,” Casey said. “From the rising chandelier, falling backdrops, moving scene changes, and electric candelabras, this show was a giant puzzle of very technical pieces that all had to fit together seamlessly, as well as putting the students on stage and mastering the music and dances.”

As with every production, Casey hopes that everyone involved, from the actors and stage crew to our parent volunteers and hundreds of guests, walked away having been impacted, challenged, and encouraged. “This show beautifully showcased the concept that it’s not about you,” Casey said. “When we try to wear a mask and hide our insecurities and pretend we are perfect, we make things about ourselves and inhibit God’s ability to use and change us. God wants to take those pieces of ourselves we try to hide and use them for His glory.”

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Inspiring Students THROUGH

THE VISUAL ARTS

Timothy Botts, noted Christian calligrapher and illustrator, brought color and inspiration to the High School Student Commons in January. Students watched as he spent two days on campus, painting our school’s values of Christlikeness, Truth, and Integrity on a wall below the skybox. Art teacher Katie Spata has admired his work for years and invited him to bring this much-needed artistic element to a space that is frequented by more than 500 of our middle and high school students every day.

Check out the before and after as Timothy Botts transforms one of the walls in our student commons!

Visit www.covenantday.org/videos.

“Having artwork created by a Christian artist on our walls is a constant reminder to the staff and students of our role as Christians in the arts,” Katie said. Timothy Botts spoke to the National Art Honor Society during lunch and shared why he creates his work and what inspires it. “I am so thankful that the student body was able to witness his work being created and hear about his decision- making process as a professional artist,” Katie said. “It was so good for them to hear about the process of being commissioned and the back and forth with the patron to create just the right piece of artwork.”

Art Talk

Covenant Day hosted its second annual ArtTalk in March at Brakeman’s Coffee and Supply. This event gives our AP Art students the opportunity to not only share their work with the Matthews community but to hear others’ perspectives on their artwork. “Sometimes you have been staring at a piece of art for so long that you don’t truly see what it is saying,” AP art teacher Katie Spata explained. “You know what it is supposed to be saying because you are creating it, but whether or not it is actually communicating what you want it to is a whole different story.” ArtTalk gives students the opportunity to hear what others have to say about their work as they prepare to put the final touches on their pieces for their final portfolios.

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ALUMNI NEWS ATHLETICS FALL 2018 ACCOLADES CISAA All-Conference 1st Team

Hallie Barnwell (Cheerleading), Kelsey Dukes (Cheerleading), Kelsey Troutman (Cross Country), Carolina Dancu (Field Hockey), Luke Engstrom (Soccer), Jacob Goodling (Soccer), Davis Harrelson (Soccer), Anna Daniels (Tennis), Meg Hopkins (Volleyball)

CISAA All-Conference 2nd Team

Eva Lindner (Cross Country), Bryson Mace (Cross Country), Jackie Haynes (Field Hockey), Jane Murry Bryan (Field Hockey), Ethan Lewis (Soccer), Wes Stolen (Soccer), Delaney Martin (Tennis), Olivia Futch (Volleyball)

ANNA DAN IELS For four years, senior tennis player Anna Daniels has brought determination, perseverance, and inspiration to the Covenant Day tennis team. This fall, Anna wrapped up her Lions’ tennis career with a 92-24 record and numerous awards.

In December, she received her fourth All-State and All-Conference selection, achieving the exceptional and uncommon All-State, four-peat accolade. Over the past four years Anna has consistently led the tennis team both on and off the court. “Something I have learned about leadership is that it doesn’t stop when the season ends,” she said. “We continually have tennis breakfasts on Wednesday mornings before school so that we can all stay connected as a team.” As a leader, Anna also was intentional to take time to learn from other teammates and competitors. “Tournaments are an opportunity field,” she shared. “I have been able to play with and against so many different people, and I think that interacting with such a variety of people will significantly benefit me throughout college and the rest of my life.” Anna will continue to use her talent and leadership skills to impact others as she continues her tennis career at UNC-Wilmington next year.

CISAA Conference Champions Boys Soccer

NCISAA All-State Fall 2018

Anna Daniels, Jacob Goodling, Davis Harrelson, Meg Hopkins

NCISAA State Playoffs

1st Round: Football, Field Hockey 2nd Round/Quarterfinals: Boys Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Cross Country

WINTER 2018-19 ACCOLADES CISAA All-Conference 1st Team Lawson Brantley (Girls Swimming)

CISAA All-Conference 2nd Team

Madeline Crumpler (Girls Basketball)

When CDS senior Wisdom Asaboro decided to go beyond his passion of basketball and give football a try, little did he know the impact that decision would have in such a short amount of time. The 6-foot8 student-athlete, born and raised in Nigeria, came to Covenant Day in August with a desire to learn and grow as a student and believer.

“Covenant Day has taught me to be independent and to find the good in people,” he said. “I try to learn and then actually use what I learn and apply it in my life. I want to be a doer and intentionally act on what I am learning.”

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Wisdom’s journey to where he is today wasn’t conventional, but that is what has made him the kind of teammate, leader, friend, and follower of Christ that he strives to be. In February, Wisdom had more than 15 football scholarship offers, ultimately signing to play for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Wisdom desires to take what he has learned throughout life and at Covenant Day and use it to be salt in his collegiate environment next year. “I’ve been through a journey that a lot of people never thought was possible,” he said. “There have been a lot of impediments along the road and a lot of people who never thought I’d get to where I am today. I am blessed by the opportunity to play at UNC, and I want to be the kind of teammate who is there to support the team as a whole, while remaining unique and not losing my salt.”

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Ten years ago, Covenant Day’s varsity boys swim team, with Caroline Orsillo on the deck as the new assistant coach, earned the title of state champions, with swimmers setting ten school records, seven of which still stand today.

Since her first year coaching at Covenant Day, Coach Orsillo, who assumed the role of head coach in the 2013-14 season, has watched swimmers set new school records, claim top finishes at state competitions, and go on to compete at the collegiate level. Coach Orsillo recently announced her retirement, but she walks away with many wonderful memories, valuable lessons, and a love for swimming that is still as strong as on day one. Coach Orsillo has been passionate about swimming and all things aquatic since she was a young girl.

She has a strong respect for the sport and finds joy in watching swimmers as they develop each season. “It’s a sport that takes great skill, stamina, dedication, and technique to be successful,” she shared. “I love seeing a swimmer develop from the first day of practice to the finale of the season as they improve in their knowledge of technique, speed, rankings, and confidence.” As she transitions off the pool deck, Coach Orsillo reflects on her time at Covenant Day. “I will miss the organization of the practices, the rhythm of the laps, and the lessons that I taught through building technique and skill specifics,” she said. “But mostly, I will miss the swimmers. Each one of them brought a unique personality and gift to the team and to me.” Her retirement doesn’t mean she’ll be away from the pool completely. She looks forward to watching her niece begin her swim career at the Olympic Training Center and the University of Texas and plans to continue to teach people of all ages how to swim, improve strokes, and be safe in the water.

COACH DINSBEER

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COACH ORSILLO

From student-athlete to middle school coach, CDS alumnus Payne Dinsbeer ’09 has been making his mark on our athletic program for more than a decade. His experiences as a student-athlete in cross country and track have helped him in his new role as a middle school coach for cross country, track, and basketball. “I’ve walked exactly where the students are now and have shared many of the same teachers and experiences,” he said. “Being able to connect in that way and have that common ground helps build relational equity with the students, which in turn allows for a better investment opportunity into their lives.” Coach Dinsbeer has watched his students grow both athletically and personally over the years as they “discover their passion, find their niche, and are taken to new heights each season in their events.” Under his leadership, student-athletes and both the cross country and track teams have claimed top finishes at conference and state championship races. And while Coach Dinsbeer celebrates the athletic success of his students, he desires that first and foremost they know how much they are loved and cared for as individuals. “I’ve said it a million times to the team: I will always care more about you as a person than anything you ever do for this team. We are family.

When someone drops a baton in a relay, misses his or her PR by seconds, or scratches an event at a championship meet, we will surround each other as a family and celebrate our wins and losses together.”

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ALUMNI NEWS

TURNING PASSIONS INTO JOBS Having the boldness and determination to turn a passion into a full-time job is hard work. However, these three alumni rose to the challenge, took risks, and are using their gifts to create memories while impacting others. A baker, an artist, and a videographer—Covenant Day alumni Raleigh Klawinski ‘10, April Miller Atchley ‘13, and Zach Burkhart ‘08 are successful and inspirational entrepreneurs. While each of their stories is unique, they all share one thing in common: Creating a business from the ground up is challenging with a lot of unknowns and responsibilities, but with determination, commitment, and a strong work ethic, it is not only rewarding but a tangible goal.

MILK MUSTACHE COOKIES www.milkmustachecookies.com

APRIL ATCHLEY ART www.aprilatchleyart.com

NOWSAY & ARDEN FILM CO. www.nowsay.com & www.ardenfilm.co

Raleigh What started as a weekend passion of baking turned into a dream job for alumna Raleigh Klawinski ’10. A little over a year ago, Raleigh created Milk Mustache Cookies, a small-batch homemade cookie company that specializes in custom cookie orders for weddings and birthdays, wholesale orders to local companies, and pop-ups around Charlotte. Through her cookie business, Raleigh is able to inspire others, create memories, and bring joy to those around her.

Raleigh knew the risks that went into creating a business but confidently moved forward, following her instincts, and stepping out of her comfort zone to see what she was truly capable of accomplishing. “This experience has taught me to be a hard worker and how to be brave,” Raleigh said. “Making the leap to open a small business is a scary one, and whether it is successful falls squarely on my shoulders. It is up to me to put the time and energy in to make the business what I want it to be.” While it was more challenging than she initially thought, it was definitely worth the immense reward. Her unique experience at Covenant Day helped shape her, giving her a strong sense of self and a confidence to tackle even the most difficult aspirations. “I always felt a bit different than most of the other students at Covenant Day,” she shared. “That difference became the fire in which I forged a strong sense of self and a strong belief system, and I am forever grateful for that.”

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April

Alumna April Miller Atchley ’13 has been painting and creating for as long as she can remember, and when her painting overtook her full-time job, she traded out her laptop for her paintbrush, officially starting her own business. April specializes in watercolor and acrylic art, painting beautiful pieces for her clients ranging from live wedding paintings and bridal bouquet portraits to pet and house portraits. Each piece she creates has a unique story behind it. “My favorite part of being an artist who works mainly off of commissioned paintings is getting to hear and see pieces of people’s stories,” she shared. “Each painting has a reason why it’s special to someone, and it’s an honor to be trusted to turn it into art.”

Pursuing her dream was rewarding but not without it’s challenges.

“Being an entrepreneur has pushed me to be confident in my work and to say “yes” to new opportunities,” she said. “There have been so many uncertainties with starting April Atchley Art, which has been a constant and humbling reminder of my total dependence on the Lord.” April encourages others to lean into their community and pursue their dreams, even when they seem unattainable. For April, her community at Covenant Day made all the difference. “They say it takes a village to raise a child. I like to think it takes a village to run a small business,” she shared. “Nothing sums up community more than my thirteen years at Covenant Day. I found support and encouragement from my peers and teachers that has and will continue to impact me as a person and a professional.”

Zach

Creatively telling the stories of businesses and brides, alumnus Zach Burkhart ’08 has turned his childhood interest in computers and cameras into two video production companies: Nowsay and Arden Film Co. After gaining experience at videography companies in college, Zach co-founded Nowsay with a desire to create content for businesses in Charlotte, in turn helping them flourish and impact the community.

He incorporated his interest in flying cameras under model helicopters into Nowsay, becoming the first video production company with a drone in Charlotte. Shortly after, he and his business partner created Arden Film Co., a wedding videography company specializing in high-end southern weddings. This gave them the opportunity to better market themselves to both businesses and brides.

Since starting these businesses, Zach has gained a wide array of skills while doing what he loves and also encouraging others to pursue their dreams.

“Don’t let anyone stop you but take advice along the way,” he said. “Starting a business takes more than an idea and passion. It takes hard work, late hours, and a lot of stress but it’s worth it when you are successful.”

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS NOTES SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE COVENANTDAY.ORG/ALUMNI

2008

Robert Leake married Alexis Green on January 4 in the presence of family and friends, including four Covenant Day alumni who served as groomsmen: Joe Simmons ‘09, Zach Burkhart ‘08, Travis Jones ‘07, and Zack Beck ‘07.

Chapman Silander and his wife, Lowe, welcomed their daughter Perry Lowe Silander on March 13.

2012

Mary Chayse (Bullard) Haithcock married Luke Haithcock on January 12.

The couple resides in Burlington, NC. Mackenzie Moser received recognition in the “Top 100 in Real Estate” magazine as well as Charlotte Region’s Commercial Board of Realtor’s for land sales in the region.

2013

Sadie Pugh and Will Wilson are engaged and planning a June wedding.

Joel VanDusen married Alex McCord in September and is living in Athens, GA.

2016

Hannah Ertel is engaged to Sam Hodge and will be getting married in January.

Christopher Cotton received a Washington and Lee Scholar Athlete award in the fall.

Maddy Rousseaux received a scholarship to travel to Israel this summer with Samford University.

2018

Sophie Lindner qualified individually for the 2019 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships as a freshman at UNCChapel Hill for the 200m backstroke.

2009

Ashley Johnson is engaged to Brian Scholl and is getting married in August.

2010

Megan Harrelson was accepted to complete her pre-doctoral internship in Clinical Psychology at Kennedy Krieger Institute within the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

She is also engaged to Captain Fergus Cheung, and they are planning a December wedding.

Leake ‘08

Silander ‘08

Johnson ‘09

Harrelson ‘10

2011

Stephen Dillon and his wife welcomed their first child, Jay Scott Dillon, last year.

Dillon ‘11

Dunn ‘11

Glass ‘11

Feril (Leonall) ‘11

Hill ‘11 & Hicks ‘12

Jordan Dunn is engaged to Lacey Douglas, and they are planning a September wedding.

Joey Glass is engaged to Ashley Kang, and they are planning an October wedding.

Amy (Leonall) Feril married Harry Feril on December 31 at the Aristide in Colleyville, TX. They live in Roanoke, TX, near their dance studio, Eminence Dance Complex.

SAVE the DATE

Jack Hill and Emily Hicks ‘12 got engaged in March while vacationing in Siesta Key, FL. They currently live and work in Denver, CO.

16

Haithcock (Bullard) ‘12

Ertel ‘16

Moser ‘12

Cotton ‘16

CLASS OF 2014 FIVE YEAR REUNION / JUNE 22 CLASS OF 2009 TEN YEAR REUNION/ AUGUST 3 ALUMNI/HS ATHLETIC COMPETITIONS / TBD HOMECOMING CELEBRATION / OCTOBER 4 ALUMNI NIGHT / DECEMBER 19

COVENANT CLASSIC | 2019

Pugh ‘13

Rousseaux ‘16

VanDusen ‘13

Lindner ‘18

CLASS NOTES

We want to know about the important milestones in your life - weddings, engagements, births, honors, and awards.

Submit your class notes for the fall magazine

by October 1 at www.covenantday.org/alumni.

WWW.COVENANTDAY.ORG

2019 IMPORTANT DATES July 29 HS Fall Sports Tryouts Begin Aug 5 MS Fall Sports Tryouts Begin Aug 16 HS Orientation Aug 19 LS and MS Orientation Aug 19 Back to School Expo Aug 19-21 HS Windy Gap Aug 20 1st Day of Classes for 1st-8th Aug 21 TK/K Begins Aug 21-23 MS Windy Gap Aug 23 1st Day of Classes for HS Aug 25 Blessing of the Children (CCC) Aug 29 LS Back to School Night Aug 30 MS Back to School Night Aug 30 New Parent Breakfast Sept 2 Labor Day, No School Sept 4 Convocation Sept 5 HS Back to School Night Sept 11 HS Drop/Add Deadline Sept 16 Fall Guidance Night-HS Parents/Students Sept 18 Community Heroes Chapel Oct 4 Homecoming Oct 9 MS Parent/Daughter Breakfast Oct 11 Fall Break, No School Oct 14 Columbus Day, No School Oct 21 MS Winter Sports Tryouts Begin Oct 24-26 MS Musical Oct 24 1st Quarter Ends Oct 25 Faculty Professional Development,

No School for Students Oct 28 HS Winter Sports Tryouts Begin Nov 1 TK-12 Admissions Open House Nov 6-8 ERB’s, Half Day for LS/MS Nov 7-8 TK-12 Parent/Teacher Conferences Nov 8 No School for HS Students Nov 15 Holiday Market Nov 27-Dec 2 Thanksgiving Holiday, No School Dec 3 Return from Thanksgiving Holiday Dec 6 MS/HS Band/Choir Concert Dec 12 LS Christmas Program Dec 18 Christmas Holiday, Half Day Dec 19 Alumni Night Dec 19-Jan 3 Christmas/New Year’s Holidays,

No School

CALENDAR

Visit www.covenantday.org/calendar for complete calendar.

Artwork by April Miller Atchley ‘13. Learn more about April Atchley Art on page 15 or by visiting her website at www.aprilatchleyart.com.

WWW.COVENANTDAY.ORG

COVENANT CLASSIC | 2019

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