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THE MAGAZINE OF COVENANT DAY SCHOOL | 2025-2026
Living and Learning in Christ-Centered Community
Student Art
GALLERY
GRADE EXPERIENCE
LEEA RUDE 1st Grade
CLARA O’CONNOR 4th Grade
NOAH HAAS 11th Grade
SAWYER AGGETT 7th Grade
STELLA RONDONI 5th Grade
CAMDEN LATTA 11th Grade
SIMONE ROMAIN 12th Grade
MAE FULGINITI 6th Grade
from the
HEAD OF SCHOOL
As we approach the finish line of another school year, it brings me great joy to reflect on the many wonderful things happening within our community. The pages of this magazine offer a rich collection of stories and a window into what makes CDS such a special place.
At the heart of it all is our commitment to our founding verse: “We take every thought captive to obey Christ” (NIV). We are grateful to partner with Christian families who desire to see the Lordship and preeminence of Christ in every aspect of their child’s experience.
Our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our school, faithfully leading students to grow and excel through mentoring and discipleship. From academics to the arts and athletics, and through our unique Restoration and Sustainability program, our students are being well-equipped to be salt and light for God’s glory.
As we continue to invest in every area of student growth, we are also pursuing the ongoing development of Warner Park, our athletic facility. I am grateful for the foresight of the church and school leadership a generation ago, who knew that one day we would need such a property for our growing programs and purchased the land when it was available and within financial reach. Today, we regularly see hundreds of school community members gather at Warner Park during key athletic events, enjoying fellowship across generations, supporting our school’s athletic teams, and engaging in community-building events like our Homecoming festivities.
If you’ve attended a state final boys’ soccer game (we have hosted two in a row!) or a Friday night football game, you know that we have toddlers, students from all levels of our school, and their parents and even grand- and great-grandparents present, as well as alumni who come to support and see us in action! Just this fall, as our boys played in a competitive state championship soccer game that ended 0-1, I had the joy of connecting with men who played soccer for Covenant Day as many as 10 years ago and who came to cheer on our team. It was humbling and encouraging to see their support.
Continued enhancements to Warner Park will provide us with even more opportunities to come together and celebrate our community, all while remaining true to our mission and vision. The power of participation is real, and it will help us cross the finish line and bring this project to completion. I invite you to prayerfully consider joining us in this effort.
Thank you for being part of this community and for the many ways you support Covenant Day. It is a privilege to serve alongside you.
With gratitude and hope,
Mark A. Helmer Head of School
HONORING THE PAST, INSPIRING THE FUTURE
When Krissy Rafidi planned the first kindergarten Fairytale Ball, dressed in a puffy princess gown, she had no idea she was beginning a tradition or how many moms and students would one day dance, sing, and celebrate together in that same joy and imagination. Thirty years later, she still cherishes the rich heritage of traditions and learning at Covenant Day.
Krissy came to Covenant Day right out of college at the age of 21 after graduating from Cairn University with a Bachelor’s in Bible and Elementary Education. As a young teacher, she quickly discovered that Covenant Day was more than a workplace; it was a community that invested deeply in its people. “One of the things I was most thankful for was the mentorship I received early on,” she recalls. Whether it was her team of teachers or her principal, Marni Halvorson, she felt surrounded by leaders who “spoke truth into my life and helped me see my gifts and grow them.” Now, as assistant principal, those early years of being poured into continue to shape how she leads today.
As assistant principal, Krissy continues to guide students and teachers alike. She has spoken in chapel, spent time one-on-one with students, and assisted in classrooms. While she values intentional teaching moments like Bible lessons and prayer, she treasures most the small moments when students see that faith touches every part of life. “Being a follower of Christ is infused in every area of our life,” she said. “It’s not just a Bible lesson. It’s in how we treat each other, how we help someone who’s sitting alone, how we respond when someone is hurting.” In addition to students, she also enjoys investing in educators early in their careers. “I want to train the next generation of teachers,” she shared. “I want them to feel supported the same way I did when I started here.” For Krissy, guiding teachers is not only about instructional excellence but also about helping them flourish spiritually, personally, and professionally.
Krissy’s love for Christian education has only deepened over the years. While she treasures traditions like the Fairytale Ball and Missions Week, Krissy is energized by creating new practices that unite the school community, such as her “Rafidi Reflections” and “Rafidi Riddles,” light-hearted moments when students pause to reflect or enjoy a fun brain teaser. These experiences, she hopes, cultivate gratitude, wonder, and joy among both teachers and students.
Krissy Rafidi’s First Year as Assistant Principal
During her 30 years at Covenant Day, she has also witnessed the mission remain steadfast. “I’ve seen times where it would have been really easy to say, ‘Let’s just change in this area because it is too difficult to keep both academics and a biblical worldview,’ but we didn’t. We always chose to keep Christ first. I love that the mission of Covenant Day has not changed, and that we have kept the most important things in place.”
This blend of honoring the past while embracing new possibilities reflects Krissy’s broader vision for leadership, one that values where Covenant Day has been while thoughtfully moving it forward. Her heart is to preserve what matters most by keeping Christ first, while encouraging Covenant Day to grow, innovate, and remain faithful to its mission. Thirty years after that very first Fairytale Ball, her vision remains rooted in the same hope: that Covenant Day will continue to be a place where students’ hearts and minds are transformed for Jesus Christ.
The Spiritual Formation GROWTH JOURNEY
What does it look like to walk alongside students as their faith takes shape over time? At Covenant Day, we’re always asking how we can help students not only know the truth, but believe it deeply and live it out.
Developed by our Spiritual Formation Director, Phil Davis, the Spiritual Formation Growth Journey offers a clear and intentional framework for discipling students from JK through 12th grade. It guides students to know, believe, and do as they grow in their faith, following a thoughtful progression that meets them where they are and leads them toward deeper understanding, ownership, and practice at each stage of development.
Phil’s hope and prayer is that when students leave Covenant Day, they would step into the world ready to be salt and light for God’s glory. This framework helps make that vision tangible by outlining how students grow in their faith from the earliest years through graduation, moving from being rooted in the Gospel, to growing in understanding, and finally becoming fruitful, living out the Gospel in the world.
ROOTED
rooted in the Gospel
GROWING
strengthened in understanding
Lower school students know by hearing and learning the stories in the Bible, believe by worshiping and hearing God’s Word together, and do by taking their first steps in service within and beyond Covenant Day through experiences like Missions Week, the 4th-grade service project, and weekly chapels.
Middle school students know by making connections between Bible stories and understanding the one story of the Bible, believe by reflecting on God’s Word in both personal and group contexts, and do by participating in school-wide service opportunities such as the annual Doulos Days.
FRUITFUL
living out the Gospel in the world
High school students know by discerning biblical implications in culture and daily life, believe by demonstrating ownership of their personal faith and convictions, and do by engaging in meaningful local and global service opportunities, including serving as student chaplains and leading worship in chapels.
THE 5TH GRADE EXPERIENCE
Growing in Faith, Friendship, and Freedom
Fifth grade at Covenant Day is a year of growth, discovery, and new opportunities. Students experience a dynamic schedule, moving between classes taught by teachers who bring specialized expertise to each subject. They also step into leadership roles within the lower school, leading chapel, serving on safety patrol, and developing independent study habits that prepare them for middle school. Alongside these academic and personal milestones, students enjoy signature experiences like Community Time and the end-of-year overnight trip, which foster lasting friendships, deepen faith, and build a strong sense of belonging. In the Q&A below, our teachers share what makes 5th grade at CDS so distinctive and how they support students academically, socially, and spiritually.
LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER, KELLY CLARK
What makes the sense of community in 5th grade at CDS unique compared to other grades?
Every other Friday, the 5th grade gathers for Community Time. Seated in a circle outside, we take the time to celebrate one another and affirm the strengths and growth we have seen in each other that week. Knowing these kids will be together for a number of years to come and are about to enter the teen years, our heart is to foster strong, healthy peer relationships that utilize biblical peacemaking strategies to the glory of God. After speaking words of life into one another, we set aside time to repent and apologize to one another as the Spirit leads so that relationships can be restored and renewed.
In what ways does your subject help 5th graders develop skills or habits that prepare them for middle school and beyond?
In 5th grade, our English language study fosters two elements of our Portrait of a Graduate, namely “communicating effectively” and “pursuing wisdom.” Whether using our morphology study to strengthen students’ understanding of the smallest units of meaning within a word or focusing on daily grammar instruction, Language Arts fosters precision in language and builds analytical skills that carry into other subject areas. Our literary analysis invites students to evaluate themes, make inferences, and support their thinking with evidence, which are habits that develop critical thinkers who can question, discern, and make meaningful connections. Additionally, learning the study skills and executive functioning necessary for success in middle school is an essential part of the Language Arts class.
Can you describe some of the signature experiences or traditions that help 5th graders grow academically, socially, or personally? Our end-of-year overnight trip is the crown jewel of the year because the entire grade level spends three days together worshiping, exploring God’s creation, and building deeper relationships. This year, we are traveling to Fort Caswell, a Christian camp located by a salt marsh, the Cape Fear River, and the Atlantic Ocean, for team building, coastal science exploration, and worship on the beach.
MATH TEACHER, MEGAN RAULSTON
From your perspective as a teacher, what do you find most rewarding about specializing in one subject area?
One of the greatest joys of teaching a single subject is the opportunity it gives me to truly refine my practice and provide the strongest academic experience for every student. This focus allows me to continually build my instructional toolbox, supporting learners who need additional guidance while also challenging those ready for deeper, higher-level thinking. Most of all, I simply love math, and it is incredibly rewarding to watch students’ confidence and excitement grow as they master new concepts.
How would you describe the role of parent partnership in 5th grade as students grow in independence?
One of my favorite aspects of CDS is the strong partnership we share with our parents. Our supportive community is truly one of the qualities that make CDS so special. In 5th grade, we intentionally encourage students to take greater ownership of their work as they develop independence. To support this growth, we send weekly emails to parents outlining upcoming tests, projects, important dates, and the concepts we are currently studying, giving families clear insight into expectations and ways they can support their child. This season of learning provides students with valuable opportunities to make mistakes, discover effective organizational strategies, and engage meaningfully with their assignments.
BIBLE, SCIENCE, AND SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER, LAURA MARTY
How does CDS help 5th graders explore their faith? 5th graders are intellectually and emotionally ready for a deeper discussion of the Bible. One way we support this is through a unique activity called “Bible With Parent,” designed to foster these conversations at home. Many parents have shared how thankful they are to have a simple, structured way to study the Bible with their child throughout the year. Students are also encouraged to explore their faith through our classroom content. In science class, students keep a journal of what they are learning about God’s attributes. As they marvel at the magnitude of the solar system or the minuscule nature of atoms, they turn to their journals to reflect honestly and openly. These reflections create natural opportunities for dialogue about the big faith questions kids are wrestling with in 5th grade.
What are some opportunities that give 5th graders the chance to display servant leadership?
Service is an integral part of the 5th-grade experience at Covenant Day. Students serve the larger lower school community through recycling duty, safety patrol, and chapel leadership each week. We point them back to Jesus’ example of servant leadership as they learn what it looks like to give of themselves from a place of love.
Each teacher echoed that the hope and prayer for 5th-grade students is that they would experience God’s love, a desire to serve, and that each student’s identity would be firmly rooted in Jesus, knowing that their worth comes from Him.
CULTIVATING HEARTS OF SERVICE
Doulos Days in the Middle School
At Covenant Day School, service is one of our five vision pillars. In middle school, this commitment is lived out during Doulos Days, special days set aside to help students serve others. The name doulos comes from the Greek word meaning “servant,” a term Paul uses to describe himself in Romans, Philippians, and Galatians as a servant of the Lord. Through Doulos Days, the hope is that students grow in their understanding of faithful obedience and learn what it means to serve the Lord by serving our community.
Doulos Days are made possible by Penny Wars, a fall competition between grade levels to raise funds for service projects. Once funds are raised, students put them to use. 6th graders visited Heart for Monroe, a nonprofit organization that addresses hunger, homelessness, and education in Monroe, North Carolina. Students engaged directly with community members through prayer, sidewalk art, and organizing donations.
7th graders partnered with the Matthews Police Department to provide Christmas gifts to local families who might not otherwise be able to afford them. Each student received a budget along with a child’s age and gender, then shopped for thoughtful, age-appropriate gifts. After shopping, students returned to campus to make fleece blankets for a local ministry.
Finally, 8th graders partnered with Samaritan’s Purse to process and package donations for Operation Christmas Child, sending boxes overseas that share both practical gifts and the hope of the Gospel. One student reflected on the lasting impact, “I think about the impact these boxes will have generationally as the kids who receive the box and the good news share their faith with their friends, and they grow up and have kids and share it with their kids…just a small box full of toys, stuffed animals, and clothes can change a child’s life and many others.”
The goal of Doulos Days is to cultivate a spirit of service among students, helping them see that serving others is our calling as Christians. “Jesus commands us to serve, just as He came as a servant. The Bible talks about taking care of orphans and widows, and those in your community, and we want to instill that into our students,” explained Middle School Principal Donna Deans. By integrating service into everyday life, students learn that even small actions like helping a friend, picking up trash, or offering a kind word can make a difference. “Service can seem really big and intimidating, but there are very normal, natural things we can do with a lot of intentionality,” said Kristen Skvoretz, a middle school teacher who serves as the head of the middle school outreach committee.
Service days also give students the chance to step outside of themselves and discover the joy of blessing others. “Middle school kids are self-focused by nature, so giving them the opportunity to do something outside of themselves shows them how impactful even simple acts of service can be,” shared Middle School Assistant Principal Ryan Fuderer. Middle school is a season of self-discovery, when students begin to take ownership of their faith. These experiences help shape both faith and character, showing students how God has equipped them to care for others.
Ultimately, Doulos Days are about making service a natural part of middle school life. “Students can serve now; they don’t have to wait until they’re adults,” said Donna. Another student shared the same sentiment, saying, “It’s really cool as middle schoolers that we even have the opportunity to go serve and give to other people.” Doulos Days help equip Covenant Day middle schoolers to answer the call to serve. As Matthew 25:40 reminds us, when we serve “the least of these,” we are serving Jesus. Through these experiences, students learn that service is not just something we do, it is part of who we are called to be.
FROM COURT TO FIELD
Avery Houseton’s Heart and Hustle
Avery Houseton has been competing for as long as she can remember. With a mom who played softball and a dad who played baseball, she naturally gravitated toward sports early on. She started softball and basketball at five years old, and by the time she arrived at Covenant Day in 8th grade, she added volleyball to the lineup, stepping into a busy three-sport schedule.
Across her teams, Avery has collected memories that will stick long after the last whistle. Her family has been her constant motivation. Their encouragement and example ignited her passion for athletics and pushed her to pursue each sport.
Navigating three different team cultures requires adaptability, and for Avery, it starts with relationships. Strong connections with her coaches give her confidence, while her own high expectations push her to meet the standards of each program. The sports themselves have shaped her character, too: volleyball taught her to trust her teammates, basketball helped her embrace the little moments and have fun, and softball instilled the importance of family and community.
For Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Zach Turner, Avery’s leadership is unmistakable. “Avery is the definition of a natural leader,” Coach Turner said. “As our point guard, arguably the most important position on the floor, she sets the tone for our entire program
with her communication, competitiveness, and confidence under pressure. She leads both vocally and by example, and when games get tough, she’s the one who steps up and puts the responsibility on herself.”
He describes her as the ultimate teammate, willing to guard anyone, play any role, and bring both intensity and humor to the court. She led the Lions in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals, earning team MVP honors. “She’s the engine of our team and a joy to coach,” Coach Turner added.
Varsity Volleyball Coach Heather Mills describes Avery as the heart and hustle of the program. A four-year varsity athlete, Avery’s impact as libero was felt every match. “Her growth as a volleyball player has been phenomenal,” Coach Mills said. “She is a gamechanger, an exemplary athlete and fierce competitor who strikes the perfect balance of encouragement, positivity, and accountability.”
Coach Mills praised Avery’s unmatched work ethic and leadership, noting her ability to change momentum with impossible digs, extend rallies, and lift her teammates through the toughest points. “She’s gritty, the kind of player who wears floor burns like badges of honor,” Coach Mills shared. “What impresses me most is her mindset. She welcomes challenges and seeks out the best competition because she wants to test herself.”
Nowhere is Avery’s story more personal than on the softball field, where her mother, Ashley Houseton, coaches her. “Avery has played a pivotal role in helping build our softball program since 7th grade,” Coach Houseton said. “Her ‘team-first’ mentality, servant leadership, and passion to win are contagious. She is a true student of the game and a coach’s dream.”
For Coach Houseton, the experience goes deeper than competition. “Having the privilege to coach Avery has been an absolute honor,” she shared. “To watch her grow from a carefree little lefty with a pink helmet and pink bat into a strong, confident, determined young lady has been phenomenal. Her athleticism, passion, love for the game, and love for her teammates are unmatched.”
Coach Houseton added that watching Avery grow in her faith through softball and athletics at Covenant Day has been one of the greatest blessings of her coaching career.
Being a multi-sport athlete has shaped who she is far beyond the court and the field. She’s learned confidence, resilience, how to respond in difficult moments, how to manage her time, and how to compete with both grace and grit. High school athletics have also taught her
what leadership looks like, mentally, physically, and spiritually, and how relationships serve as the foundation for strong teams.
Her coaches have played a significant role in this growth. By pushing her, encouraging her, and caring for her beyond the sport, they helped her find the best version of herself. “They’ve shown me that I can be passionate and competitive while still having fun,” she shared.
That support guided her toward the next step in her journey: signing to play softball at UNC Charlotte. Staying close to home was important; living only 20 minutes away means she can visit family often and know they’ll be in the stands cheering her on. Her longstanding relationship with the coaching staff made the decision easy; she’s known the Charlotte coaches since 8th grade, and their belief in her helped make the program feel like home.
As Avery looks ahead to college, she’s excited for new relationships, new challenges, and new memories. Playing college softball has been her dream since she first picked up a glove at five years old. Now, as she prepares to live that dream, she sees it as a blessing from the Lord, a culmination of years of hard work, and the beginning of a new chapter.
When students receive their yearbooks at the end of the year, they hold in their hands the culmination of a full year’s hard work, crafted entirely by the yearbook staff. What isn’t visible, however, are the skills and lessons students gain along the way. Yearbook is more than just a class; it’s a space where students develop real-world skills, leadership, and creative collaboration.
Covenant Day’s Yearbook class is being redesigned and developed this year with the leadership of Visual Arts Teacher Lisa Piatt. Lisa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Design from NC State University and brings a wealth of experience in graphic design, photography, and print. Her teaching experience makes this position a perfect opportunity to combine her professional skills with her passion for mentoring. In this role, she guides students by sharing insights from her own experiences, helping them develop both their creative talents and practical skills.
One unique aspect of the class is the student-led approach. While students receive guidance on assignments and layouts, much of the production process is in their hands. Students gather stories, take photos, conduct interviews, write articles, and critique each other’s work. The goal is to capture the life of the school, and who better to do that than the students themselves? As Lisa explained, “They are the ones who can find the voice of the school that year and find the stories that need to be told.” Freshman Ariana Scroggins shared that her favorite part of the process has been interviewing people and hearing about their experiences at Covenant Day.
The Yearbook class is now part of the arts department, allowing students to earn an art credit while taking the class. This shift also reframes the Yearbook class not only as a journalistic endeavor but also as an artistic outlet. Fine Arts Director Sherie-Beth Wilson emphasized the yearbook’s visual impact, noting that while it tells stories through words, it also conveys them visually. She hopes students come to see the yearbook as an expression of art and aesthetics. Through digital art, photography, and layout design, students can explore contemporary art forms and develop skills that reflect the modern digital art world.
While artistic and design skills are central to the class, students also gain valuable technical and professional experience. The yearbook process involves marketing, financial planning, project management, and time management, skills that translate directly into real-world settings. Students learn how to collaborate effectively, meet deadlines, and respond to constructive feedback. They even discuss how to market the yearbook to the student body and consider pricing and sales strategies. Throughout the year, they meet with professionals, including cover artists, giving them firsthand practice communicating clearly and confidently in professional environments. From determining a theme and color palette to completing checkpoints and production deadlines, students navigate the full scope of a creative project from start to finish. For students interested in fields like graphic design, marketing, business, or project management, the Yearbook class offers hands-on experience that mirrors real-world work. With its renewed focus on collaboration, creativity, and personal growth, yearbook students are shaping a lasting archive and gaining experience that will serve them well beyond the pages.
BEYOND THE PAGES
A DAY BUILT BY STUDENTS
The annual Sustainability Clay Shoot takes place each spring and draws more than 150 participants. Guests enjoy a round of clay shooting with a team and gather for lunch, where Restoration and Sustainability (R&S) students share stories from the year, celebrate accomplishments, and rally support for the program. Behind the excitement, however, students prepare for months to make the event a success, taking on leadership roles, coordinating logistics, and crafting presentations for community partners.
To make the Clay Shoot such a successful and fun day, it takes the support of many business sponsors. For larger sponsors such as Coca-Cola Consolidated and IFS, student groups prepare presentations to introduce the Restoration and Sustainability program, explain the Clay Shoot, and invite companies to partner with the school. These studentled presentations provide students with an opportunity to practice leadership and communication in a professional setting.
Months before the event, students research companies, craft personalized presentations, and practice delivering them with confidence and authenticity. Senior McKinley Ashworth, who has participated in presentation groups and been a group leader, explains, “We’re learning how to be professional, but also how to be personal and how to connect with the people that we’re presenting to.” Unlike typical school presentations, these sessions require students to engage adult sponsors, share the scope of R&S projects, and demonstrate how a company’s values align with those of Covenant Day. Each group, typically consisting of four to six students, collaborates to create a strong introduction, weave in personal stories, and conclude with a closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.
Once the content is set, the focus shifts to delivery. Through coaching in public speaking, body language, and storytelling, students learn to communicate clearly and confidently. Practice sessions are sometimes interrupted with intentional distractions, such as a fallen water bottle, unexpected questions, or loud students walking into the room, all designed to help students think on their feet. Throughout the process, students build confidence and skills that will serve them well in college and beyond.
The Clay Shoot truly takes a village. At the center of student leadership is senior Jake Eaton, this year’s student lead. He oversaw everything from coordinating presentation groups to communicating with sponsors and managing logistics. “Leadership doesn’t always come from taking action yourself but building a platform for others to take action,” Jake explained, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the event. Because the Clay Shoot is student-led, he and his peers carried real responsibility for the day’s outcome. For Jake, the experience extended far beyond the school day, teaching practical skills in organization, communication, and leadership that he plans to carry into college and his future career.
Students also play a crucial role on the day of the Clay Shoot itself. The main barn features a table for each R&S initiative, where students share pitches about their classes and projects from the year. Common Grounds, the student-run coffee shop, also sets up a station where guests can grab a cup of coffee. Chloe Champlin, a member of the Common Grounds Student Leadership team, shared that she loved talking with faculty, staff, families, and friends and hearing what they enjoyed most about the day. While some students are stationed in the barn, others lead groups of shooters from hole to hole and keep score, helping ensure the event runs smoothly.
The Clay Shoot is a hands-on learning experience that places students at the heart of the event. Through months of preparation, practice, and real conversations with local businesses, students gain real-world experience that extends far beyond the classroom. These student-led efforts prepare them for college, future careers, and leadership opportunities well beyond Covenant Day. It is, in every sense, a day built by students.
RETURNING HOME
Kate Barcley, class of 2018, has returned to Covenant Day not as a student but as a middle school teacher and coach, coming full circle. The hallways she once walked as a student are now where she inspires the next generation of Lions.
Kate fondly recalls her time as a student. “There are countless teachers and coaches who made an impact on me, and they are the reason I became a teacher and coach,” she shared. One mentor in particular, Rachael Klohr, a high school teacher and varsity field hockey coach, left a lasting impression. “She was a great mentor during my junior and senior years when I played field hockey for her, and now I get to coach with her, which is awesome.”
After graduation, Kate pursued a degree in history and then spent two years working on Capitol Hill as a history teacher. When a position opened in the middle school at Covenant Day, it was the perfect opportunity to return to the community that shaped her.
Teaching and coaching at her alma mater has brought unique joys and perspectives. “The community at CDS is hard to match. I loved it as a student, but it might be even better as a teacher. In middle school, the teachers are fun to work with and genuinely care for one another.”
Some of the most memorable moments have come from reconnecting with former mentors. “Walking into the first day of faculty in-service and seeing so many of my former teachers was special. I loved having them as teachers and mentors, and now it is a privilege to work with them.”
Even traditions have come full circle. This year, Kate’s homeroom celebrated a victory in the annual middle school Penny Wars, a tradition she vividly remembers from her own time in middle school. “I remember when Mr. Fud sent a student out the window to try to win!” she laughed.
Being back at Covenant Day has allowed Kate to give back to the community that invested so deeply in her. Each day brings the chance to connect with students, share her experiences, and help them grow, continuing the legacy of mentorship that made her own journey so meaningful.
Kate wasn’t the only alum returning to Covenant Day this year. Kristen Seibert, class of 2017, also returned as a 7th-grade teacher and volleyball coach. Not only was Kristen a student, but her family is also deeply connected to the school. “My parents and brother are all in Charlotte. My brother, Ben, is also an alum, and my mom, Rebecca, works in the athletic department,” she said.
Returning to teach at her alma mater has been a special experience. “Middle school is such a fun place to be. The teachers here genuinely care about their students and invest in them academically and spiritually. I feel grateful to be part of a team that prays for students and helps them grow in all areas of life.”
She also appreciates the sense of community at Covenant Day. “The school intentionally partners with families, and that partnership makes the CDS community so strong. Students and families have so many opportunities to grow together in their faith.”
Returning to Covenant Day gives her the chance to pour into students the same way her teachers and coaches poured into her. Each day brings new opportunities to encourage, guide, and support students in their faith, growth, and learning.
Kate and Kristen’s stories reflect the lasting impact of a Covenant Day education. Their return to campus is a testament to the relationships, faith, and mentorship that shape students long after graduation and to the joy of seeing former Lions now investing in the next generation.
“Coach Klohr is a gift to the boys’ soccer program here at CDS. He puts character and love for the Lord first in his approach to coaching. Our boys feel seen and cared for. Not only that, but the way he engages with the assistant coaches is an excellent example of unity and friendship. As a parent, I am so thankful for this type of influence on my son!”
- CDS Parent, Dorie Neil
Following a spring period in which our varsity boys’ soccer team invested in the lower school through player-led clinics, paired with a summer of early-morning training sessions and late-evening open fields, our players entered the fall with one clear goal: to compete with eternity in view. Our theme for the season, Kingdom First – Matthew 6:33, shaped everything we pursued. The boys committed to competing with excellence while pointing others toward the cross through the way they played, and they delivered.
Coming off a historic run to the 4A state final last year is no small task, but the team rose to the challenge and accomplished it again. They battled from behind in both the quarterfinal and semifinal matches, showing resilience and unity. Along the way, they earned an impressive list of accolades: two players named First Team All-Conference, two players named Second Team All-Conference, two players selected to NCISAA All-State, four players recognized as NCSCA All-Region, and two players honored as NCSCA All-State.
While these collective and individual achievements set a new standard for Covenant Day soccer, it is their spiritual growth that will leave the deepest legacy. We are grateful for the Wednesday morning Ephesians Bible studies, the player-led pre-game chapels and prepractice devotions, the intentional prayer partner relationships, and the desire to invest in the next generation of athletes. This season was special, not just for what was accomplished, but for who these young men are becoming, and we’re excited to go again next year.
- Varsity Boys Soccer Coach, Julius Klohr, Class of 2017
This fall, CDS alumni athletes returned to face off against current varsity players. The evening kicked off with field hockey, continued with volleyball, and concluded under the lights at Warner Park with an exciting boys soccer matchup. We’re grateful for alums who keep coming back, showing the lasting connection between past and present Lions.
What are folks up to these days?
Morgan Barto, a 2025 alum, returned to join current students on a mission trip to Belize this fall. Having been deeply impacted by her own experience there, she felt called to return, continue the relationships she had formed, and offer her time, skills, and heart in service to the local community. Her dedication and example inspired current students to stay involved in the CDS community, showing that engagement doesn’t end at graduation.
Connor Mosack (pictured with wife and CDS alumnus, Daryn, both class of 2017) completed his first full-time season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2025 and scored in the top 5 in his only start for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series. Although he is still finalizing his 2026 schedule, Connor continues to trust in God’s plan for what comes next.
Caleb Clarke, class of 2016, is a filmmaker pursuing redemptive storytelling in New York City. He is the writer, director, editor, and one of the producers for An Act of Penance, an independent short film releasing next year about shame and forgiveness set in the off-Broadway theatre world. The novel The Scarlet Letter plays a huge role in the film’s story, and Caleb first read this book in Mrs. Goodling’s American Literature class his sophomore year at CDS.
Duncan and Natalie Palmer, class of 2010, have come full circle as their daughter started kindergarten at Covenant Day this fall, returning to the school that helped shape their journey. Duncan and Natalie met at Covenant Day, and now, they celebrate the joy of sharing their alma mater’s traditions with their own family. We love seeing these full-circle moments!
Read alumni notes by scanning the QR code or visiting covenantday.org/ alumninotes.
Julia Alexis (Lexi) Hunkler, class of 2016, is a mural artist in Portland, Oregon. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill, Lexi stepped into the lively world of murals as a full-time public artist in 2022. Her painting, How Much More (pictured), carries both a cry of lament and a declaration of hope. It names the ache of injustice and the longing for what could be, while also pointing to the provision Jesus describes in Matthew 6.
From participating in the annual prayer walk to celebrating Grandparents Day and cheering on students at games and events, Covenant Day grandparents are a cherished part of our community. Their presence and support are a gift not only to their grandchildren but to the entire school. It is this combination of prayer, presence, and partnership that inspires many grandparents to invest not only in Covenant Day’s present but also in its future. Dennis and Debbie Getter are one example. Having witnessed the school’s mission in action and seeing their grandchildren grow academically, spiritually, and personally, they view the Forever Covenant campaign as a way to leave a lasting impact, ensuring that Covenant Day continues to provide Christ-centered excellence in every area of student life for generations to come.
THE GIFT OF GRANDPARENTS
Prayer, Presence, and Partnership
GRANDPARENT SPOTLIGHT
Dennis and Debbie Getter
Dennis and Debbie Getter are proud grandparents of two Covenant Day students, Joshua Deaton (8th grade) and Emma Deaton (7th grade). They deeply value an education rooted in both academic excellence and spiritual formation and see the Forever Covenant campaign as a way to support that vision. “At this stage of our lives and in this time in history, we especially realize that a good education grounded in academics and spiritual development is vital to the eternal well-being of our grandchildren,” they shared. “We feel blessed to support the campaign and believe its effects will be far-reaching.”
The Getters appreciate the full educational experience Covenant Day provides from exceptional teachers and a Christ-centered curriculum to meaningful extracurricular programs and a wide range of athletic opportunities. They are particularly grateful for how Covenant Day intentionally nurtures the whole child, supporting each student’s spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth, and for the teachers and coaches who invest personally in students, helping them discover and develop their God-given talents. Reflecting on a memorable moment, they said, “We remember attending our grandson’s lower school graduation and being amazed at how lovingly the teachers spoke about each student and prayed for them. Wow, what a send-off to middle school. CDS students are so fortunate.”
For Dennis and Debbie, the campaign also represents an opportunity to strengthen athletic programs, recognizing the lifelong benefits of sports in character development, discipline, responsibility, and commitment that extend far beyond the playing field. Their support, like that of many grandparents, goes beyond financial generosity; it embodies encouragement, prayer, presence, and a legacy of faith. Grandparents who invest in Covenant Day leave a lasting imprint, strengthening the partnership between family and school and helping ensure that each student thrives in both education and spiritual growth. To learn more about how to get involved as a grandparent or how to support the Forever Covenant capital campaign, please reach out to development@covenantday.org.
Renderings are conceptual and subject to change.
Thank you to everyone in our community who has made a financial commitment to the Forever Covenant campaign! We continue to make progress toward our $10.5M goal for the Forever Covenant campaign, with $4.1M remaining. To keep the project moving without losing momentum, the permitting phase is well underway, and we remain on track to break ground in June. This foundational work prepares the full footprint of the Warner Park project and ensures that, as fundraising dollars come in, we can move seamlessly into each subsequent phase without delay. We are currently at about 39% participation, and we truly need everyone to make this a reality. No matter the size, your gift makes a meaningful impact. We invite you to make a commitment or increase your gift to the Forever Covenant campaign so we can bring the complete Warner Park vision to life! We’re thankful for your generosity, prayers, and partnership. Every gift makes a difference! To make a commitment or learn more, scan the QR code or visit covenantday.org/forevercovenant.
800 Fullwood Lane Matthews, North Carolina 28105
(704) 847-2385