HOPE by Robbie Mason, Head of School Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 I hope your New Year is off to a great start. While 2021 still has some of the same challenges that we faced in 2020, I am filled with hope. Our administration team is diligently working on ways to make GCA even more incredible. We have had some wonderful discussions around strategy for the future. We are dreaming and planning about the days ahead for GCA. These conversations renew and refresh the calling on my life to faithfully serve the Lord through Christian education. I remain thankful for each and every family that has entrusted their children to the teachers and staff at GCA. It fills me with joy to walk the hallways and see the different talents, abilities and giftings that the Lord has given each of these students. We are partnering with you to make them world changers – to equip them to be ready to impact the world for Jesus Christ. Some days it is more evident than others that we live in a world that desperately needs Jesus. I’m reminded of these sentences from a creed that our High School boys quote at Grandparents Day, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still….I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.” At GCA, we know that we are not perfect, but our mission is clear, and we will not waver in our mission to give students an academically excellent, distinctly Christian and biblically saturated education. Our goal is to prepare them to spread Christ’s hope and to impact the world for Jesus along any and every path the Lord provides. I believe that God is moving in our midst. He has great plans in store for us as a school, but also for each and every family here at GCA. As we begin 2021, I am praying that the Lord’s favor would rest on each of us, but that as we partner together, we would remember one of my favorite verses from Psalm 115, “Not unto us, but to Your name give glory.” He is the only one worthy to be praised. To Him be the glory, great things He hath done!
Academically Excellent and Distinctly Christian
CONTENTS Head of School News
June 2018
2
Development News/Alumni Spotlight 5-9
Elementary Principal Rona Branson
12-13
PTF News
15
IS/MS Principal Suzanne Bechman
16-17
Recent Additions to the GCA Fam
20 & 26
Honor Roll
22-23
HS Principal Richard Anderson
24-25
Spiritual Life
27
Athletics
28-29
Fine Arts
30-33
Meet the Medical Team
34-35
How long have you This is my 8th yea
Tell us about your I am married to Ke are celebrating ou He works in Nashv helping elderly and modifications so th three children. Joa work at The Belon Nashville and Wild Emily is married to Nashville. Josh wo Emily is a new mo months). My young He serves in the 1 NightStalkers) in th Hunter Airfield Bas children- Marley (6 here for a few mon Selah (4) and Jaco blessing to me.
Getting to know
Rona Branson Elementary Principal
What makes GCA I frequently hear p that they can feel G what drew me and evident in our mids another, the way s for, and the way w It is a privilege to b
What do you love I LOVE our studen loving environmen love to learn! Their smallest things is c students, watching Christ, and helping imagine anything m next generation du development.
What is something during your first ye back and tell your Probably the most quiet and listen. Th
u been at GCA? ar at GCA
most important. The why behind a behavior or action often leads to heart change and resolution in a way we never expected. If we just focus on correcting behavior and don’t listen to hearts, we lose an important family. eith Branson. It is hard to believe, but we opportunity for discipleship and connection. ur 35th wedding anniversary this month. ville with Westminster Home Connection What has been your most memorable moment at GCA? d disabled with critical home repairs and When For King and Country came and gave us a surprise concert :-) hat they can age in place. We have anna is married to Nate Lampa. They nging church, with People Loving What do you like best about being at school? d Indigo Prison Ministry in Nashville. Visiting classrooms and seeing our wonderful teachers at o Josh Smallbone and they live in East work. Connecting and talking to students. orks in the Christian music industry and om to Ronen (2 1/2) and Eléa (3 What is one thing you are really good at? Any hidden gest, Mitchell, is married to Rebekah. talents? 160th Airborne Division (AKA Not really any hidden talents. I love reading, writing, he army and was recently transferred to cooking and gardening. I love studying people and se in Savannah, Georgia. They have 3 personality types like Enneagram and Myers Briggs. 6) who recently attended Kindergarten nths before they moved to Savannah, Which children’s storybook character is your favorite and ob (2). Each one is a tremendous why? Winnie the Pooh for the simple yet profound wisdom he speaks such as, “The sun still shines, even when it’s A such a special place? hiding." people say when they come in the door God’s presence here at GCA. That is What was your favorite subject in school when growing d keeps me here. The love of God is so up? st in the way the staff interact with one Biology! I LOVE the study of life and seeing God’s students are loved, valued and cared creativity and brilliance in all the things He made (Romans we reach out to others to share that love. 1:20). I majored in Biology in college before I got into be a part of what God is doing here. education. I taught High School Biology for over 10 years. most about your role at GCA? nts. I love watching them thrive in a safe, What is one place in the world you would like to visit or nt. Students in our Elementary program return? r joy and excitement about even the Oh, so many places I would love to go. I love to travel and contagious. I love interacting with I have traveled to five continents and more than 15 g them learn, helping them grow in countries. If I had to choose right now, I would choose to g them feel loved and accepted. I can’t go to Bali to experience the rainforests and coral reefs more important than pouring into the there. uring this critical time of growth and Do you have a word or scripture verse you have chosen for the new year? g you know now that you wish you knew Isaiah 44:3 ear as a principal? What would you go "‘For I will pour out water on him who is thirsty, former self? And streams on the dry ground; t important thing I have learned is to be I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring he story behind the story is often what is And My blessing on your descendants; “
Parent Teacher Fellowship is GCA’s parent organization that helps to bridge the gap between our teachers and staff and the parents and families of our students. We had a great first semester of the school year! Last fall and winter, our PTF parents hosted a PTF Teacher Luncheon, a Mom’s coffee event, and our Room Moms helped the elementary teachers with Homecoming Week and Christmas parties. PTF also partnered with Grace Chapel to make food baskets for area families. Our Lower Campus families contributed enough food items and gift cards to put together 25 baskets for families in need in our area. As we move into the spring semester, we will be hosting our annual Scholastic Book Fair the week of March 1. Our Book Fair is a way for students to purchase new books, while also supporting our school library and classrooms. Scholastic donates a portion of book sales back in funds to be used to purchase everything from books to rugs and technology support. The Book Fair is not able to run itself and we need volunteers like you to help make it work. Volunteers will help students pick out books, fill out wish lists, run a register, and deliver donated books to classrooms. If you’d like to volunteer, please sign up HERE. In addition to the Book Fair, we will also be hosting Teacher Appreciation Week and will begin preparing for the 2021-2022 school year by ordering Lower Campus supply kits, welcoming new families with welcome signs and gifts, and hosting the uniform consignment sale at the beginning of the summer. If you’d like to volunteer to be a part of the Welcome Committee or work the consignment sale in June, please email Haley Riggs at hriggs@gcalions.com. As the new school year approaches, we will also have other ways to volunteer. Be looking for more communication regarding that soon!
Questions
for Intermediate and Middle School Principal/Middle School Algebra I Teacher
Suzanne Bechman
The highlight of my day is teaching my Algebra 1 class and getting to interact and have relationships with my students!
How long have you been at GCA? My family and I have been at GCA for 11 years.
After the bell rings, I go to a class and facilitate our students leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. My work day is full of meetings, observations, emails and phone calls. The highlight of my day is Tell us about your family. teaching my Algebra 1 class and getting to interact My husband Daniel and I began dating in and have relationships with my students! The school high school and have been married for day ends with carpool and goodbyes. Our family almost 24 years! We have a daughter who is nights normally involve dinner at home (I love to 20 years old and graduated from Grace in cook, most of the time:-)), loving on my puppy, and 2019. She now attends Maryville College in some sort of ball game. Currently, my boys are in Maryville, TN where she plays soccer. I have identical basketball season and we are soaking up every twin boys, Dean and Dawson, who are 17 and in 11th minute of this fleeting time with them. I am blessed grade at GCA. They love all things sports and play everyday that I am able to serve this GCA community basketball and baseball for GCA. Lastly, we have a and feel called here in every way! 2nd grade daughter, Ginny Grace, who came to us through the grace of adoption in 2014. She brings so Why do you love math? What makes much joy to our family and keeps us all on our toes! math fun? Math is amazing!! I have always loved What makes GCA different from any math, even as a young student. Math other school and what do you love most is always the same, you can count on about your role here? it! Haha! As I have gotten older, I Jesus brought us to GCA and He has made the connection that math really just reflects to always been what makes this place us the character of God. He is the same today, special! From the first time we spoke to yesterday and forever...He is a faithful, covenant Robbie Mason about the mission and keeping God. I love helping students feel confident in vision for this school, we knew that we a very difficult subject and hopefully build a solid had found a place that would come foundation for HS math to come! alongside us to help disciple and train our children in the grace and knowledge of Christ. My favorite part of What do you like to do when my role here is that in all that I do I can point students you’re not at school? and families back to Jesus. I love being with my family! I love to cook yummy meals, What is something you know now that you wish watch movies, and just be you knew during your first year here? What together. I also love being with would you go back and tell your former self? friends that are like family, I have learned through the years not to jump to such as our small group from conclusions about anything. Until you have church. walked a mile in someone's shoes, you really don't know what they are going through whether that is my What is one thing you are really good students, families, or staff. I have learned to put at? Any hidden talents? myself in other's shoes and not to assume anything I enjoy sewing and used to own a about someone's situation! children’s clothing line, “Rosie Posie”. I look forward to picking this back up for my grandchildren one day. What has been your most memorable moment at GCA? Do you have any embarrassing I have so many, but I would say seeing my moments at GCA you would be willing boys baptized when they were in 2nd grade to share? here is my favorite memory. I have had too many to count in the classroom making mistakes, but I do What does a typical day look like for you? remember falling up the stairs in front Take us through a day in the life of Suzanne, managing a large family, serving of the kids one time! as principal, and fulfilling your teaching role with students. My day starts at 5:00 AM with time for coffee and Jesus:-). My day starts here at school at 7:15 AM greeting our IS/MS students at entrance 3 with a smile and sanitizer.
Each year we have many families who are new to GCA. Brad and Brittany Jenkins and their children are one of those families. If you haven’t gotten to know them already, you can by reading below. How many children do you have at GCA? We have three children attending GCA What are your children’s names and ages and what do they like to do when they’re not at school? Faith: Junior, age 16 Enjoys working out and running. She loves spending quality time with friends and family. Ava: Freshman, age 14 Enjoys training, jumping and riding horses. She loves a good laugh and movies.
the center of everything is rare in this world, and we are blessed to be a part of it. God is good all the time! How did you first hear about our school and what was your first impression? Our realtor shared about GCA and we had seen kids wearing GCA shirts when we vacation at 30a. With having our daughters already in high school, we wanted to make sure the school would be a good fit for our family. We visited several Christian schools in the area. When we toured GCA, our entire family instantly felt that it was a perfect fit and a true answer to prayer. From the very first moment we set foot on the campus, we felt at home. We knew we just found the place where God wants us to be.
What attributes of GCA influenced your decision to apply? GCA’s commitment to the Bible and its living Jake: 3rd grade, age 9 Enjoys football and basketball, riding his go-cart word is very hard to find in other schools. We are and playing outside. Jake loves telling jokes, and so impressed with the conviction and boldness of faith that both staff and families have at GCA. he loves just about everything life has to offer.
Where did you live before moving to Tennessee? What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of your family’s transition to a new We lived in Colorado. place to live and a new school? We assumed the biggest challenge would be the How did the Lord work to move you across the country to Franklin? How did He lead you to this ability to plug into the community and establish friendships. That was nothing more than a brief area? thought, as the GCA family has been God is good and always has a perfect plan for our lives! We first visited Franklin in 2014, and fell unbelievably accepting and loving. In a very short period of time, the whole family has been in love with it. We knew that at some point we able to establish great relationships. We would have an opportunity to move here. Over the last six years, the Lord opened several doors absolutely LOVE Tennessee, our school and church! The Lord has truly blessed our transition that we couldn’t help but be faithful and walk abundantly. Everyday we feel beyond blessed to through. One of the aspects we love so much be here! about Franklin is GCA and Grace Chapel. Finding a school and church that puts Christ at
5th Grade All A Honor Roll Jax Barton Cruz Baum Lillian Brooks Jason Capicik Joseph Capicik Tate Carver Graison Centers Andrew Clarke Benjamin Collins Peyton Collins Maddox DeLeon Christian DuBois Summer Foster Hayden Goodman Gabe Graham Carson Green Bennett LaRocca Haven Lindman Mae Little Ryder Murphy Macie Murton Audrey Musser Brown Nielsen Joy Patrick James Payne Graydon Reed Addie Sears Rachel Shipman Ellie Sipkovsky Brooklyn Spann Colton Stock Wyatt Thompson Lawson Tucker Emma Umerlik Sara Logan Verner
6th Grade All A Honor Roll Elena Abart Sam Andrews Maddie Barnett Maclayne Barton Hutch Blank Sam Brewer Grace Caroline Steih Grayson DeGraff Josh Dunn Nadia Erwin David Hauk Jackson Holwerda Brooklyn Hutcheson Zoe Jones Noah Maxson Greyson McKown Ethan Musser Sophia Rakhuba Toby Sarnacke Grey Scott Elizabeth Shipman Luke Skelton Ava Stamper Lola Tanley Jade Thrasher John Tillman Audrey Volbeda Lily Yates 7th Grade All A Honor Roll Rowan Baum Hope Brooks Tiger DeShong Jackson Dishon Chloe’ DuBois Fin Elder Ella Grace Fua Hudson Gregg Wyatt Hall Ruby Harty Maddie Herrera Griffey Jakes
7th Grade All A Honor Roll— con’t Knox Lambert McKenna Grace McConnell Alexa Medina Tori Mullaney Brooke Myers London Norris Isabella LaRocca Luke Pedicini Ty Peterson Colton Reed Heidi Ring Shea Phillips Parker Sloas Cutler Stephens Madi Tolliver Audrey Underwood Anna Yarbrough 8th Grade All A Honor Roll Whit Birch Eva Brooks Sofia Carman Fischer Harris JulieAnne Hart Isaiah Jones Audrey Kerr Nolan Maloney Ellis Mason Nathan Maxson Madelyn Miller Kade Nord Eisley Pankratz Lilly Patrick Olivia Pierce Sydney Ryan Mike Smith Slade Spencer Wesley Stewart Sydney Whitehead Nicole Wright
9 (4 C H J W T A G M B J S S M J L
9 (4 S E M M E G P R
1 (4 C R C J B A M M B A P
9th Grade Honor Roll 4.0-4.249 on a weighted scale) Claire Barnett Hudson Barton Jake Breland William Brown Thomas Camacho Addison Church Gigi Clements Mackenzie Curle Brynn DeGraff Jacob Dunn Savannah Griswold Stellie Higby McKenzie Kaye Jack Summers Luke Williamson
9th Grade Principal’s List 4.25+ on a weighted scale) Sophie Clarke Ella Kate Gill Madelyn Gregg Manna Lindman Evan Nelson Georgie Tillman Parker Vanden Oever Rebekah Windland
10th Grade Honor Roll 4.0-4.249 on a weighted scale) Charlie Black Rylan Blank Camden Goddard Jonathan Hammett Brendan Koreiba Aubrey Lane Marxie Myers Mae Pirtle Brooke Stephens Aimee Vogt Parker Wright
10th Grade Principal’s List (4.25+ on a weighted scale) Anna Claire Boster Zaine Hutchison Jeremy Walling Jonathan Walling 11th Grade Honor Roll (4.0-4.249 on a weighted scale) Connor Armstrong Jude Cox Hubbard Galloway Blythe Hutchison Tanner Nelson Mark Parker Sean Walker Nate Westmoreland Erin Wojcik 11th Grade Principal’s List (4.25+ on a weighted scale) Levi Allen Dawson Bechman Dean Bechman Caroline Briley Raybecca Calvert Sammy Camacho Elizabeth Clements Christian Collins Maddie Cowan Katie Dial Malachi Jones Gracyn LaRocca Paige Lewis Carter Murphy Mary Bradley Myers Ruthie Pirtle Anna Claire Riggs Bella Scott Bryce Sipkovsky Madison Smith Caleb Varner Elizabeth Vogt
12th Grade Honor Roll (4.0-4.249 on a weighted scale) Davis Beasley Josh Breland Victoria Buzek Cassie Chapman Anna Kate Hiett Callan Jones Ashley Moore Mason Potter Julia Rayburn Haley Ring Holly Seeley Ryan Spychalski Jack Steih Averi Thorne Ashley Woodrick 12th Grade Principal’s List (4.25+ on a weighted scale) Blake Barton Sydney Blankenship Anna Cella Nicholas Dial Luke Gill Joe Hauk Josh Hilner Meg Karner Michael Koellein
Q & A with “RBA” Richard Anderson
Our team loves hearing stories from High School Principal Richard Anderson. We thought you would like to hear about them too and get to know him a little better! Q. How long have you been at GCA? A.This is my fourth school year to be at GCA. I came to work here on January 5, 2018 (the first day we had classes in the “new” High School building.) Q. What is your previous professional experience? A. This is my 48th year in Education, having taught in public, private, and Christian schools. I have worked in three public school systems in Tennessee. After coming back to Nashville (my hometown) in 1979, I have worked at Brentwood Academy (Spiritual Life Director), Christ Presbyterian Academy (Founding Headmaster), and Grace Christian Academy (High School Principal). I have taught English, Psychology, and Bible and am a licensed Guidance Counselor.
Q. Can you tell us a little about your family? A. My wife Cindy and I have been married for 43 years. We have three grown daughters—one in Nashville, one in Franklin, and one in St. Louis. We have eight grandchildren, ranging in age from fifteen years old down to three years old.
Q. What is your favorite thing about our school ? A. My favorite thing about GCA is both the students and my great co-workers. I got into Education to impact the lives of kids and we have some of the greatest kids I have encountered. A Kingdom “mindset” is what makes GCA so special. . .that and the fact that people here are supportive, they are “for” one another. Q. What do you love most about your role at GCA? A. What I love most about my role at GCA is just the interaction with the people on a daily basis. Over 48 years in the profession, I have pretty much “seen it all.” Therefore, I bring some
experience (and I hope wisdom!) to most any circumstance which presents itself. Q. What is something you know now that you wish you knew during your first year as Principal? A. What I wish I knew in my first year as Principal is: don’t be afraid! That sounds odd, but I had been out of Education for 3.5 years when I came to GCA. The people here were so welcoming to me from Day One. I would tell my former self what a bumper sticker says: “I G B O K.” (“It’s Gonna Be OK”). That is true for all of us. . .EVERY day! It’s gonna be OK because God is with us. Q. What has been your most memorable moment at GCA? A. January 9, 2018. We had only been in the new High School building a few days. There was a malfunction of some sort with the fire alarm system. The Fire Marshal came and made us evacuate the building. We walked the entire student body over to the Grace Chapel campus and gathered in the Sanctuary. There we had an “impromptu” Chapel—some students led worship, a teacher gave a testimony, as did some students. . .nothing planned. I knew then that I had “landed” in a very unique school! Q. What do you like doing when you’re not at school? A. I enjoy “hanging out” with Mrs. A! She is a retired teacher who is loving retirement (she has no intention of going back to work). We like to walk/hike, fish, read, watch old movies (I like the old black-and-white movies from the 1940’s), or find a “show” (TV series we can watch together on an ongoing basis). I not only enjoy most all sports...my wife is a “football junkie!” In the spring, Cindy will have me out in the yard digging for her numerous flower beds. Q. Do you have any hidden talents? A. Back in the day, I was a pretty good tennis player. . .softball, too. But time has caught up with me and I don’t move quite as fast as I used to. I like to play cards. . .and I enjoy Trivia games. Q. Some people may not know about your love of Elvis. What are your favorite Elvis songs? A. True confession: I have been to Graceland THREE (3) times. My favorite Elvis song is “If I Can Dream.” He closed out his “comeback” TV special with that song in December 1968. I
watched it in my college dormitory. I have actually sung that song (karaoke) inPage public 25on three occasions. Q. If you had to choose a movie title to describe your life, what would it be? A. Movie title of my life? That’s an easy one. . .”It’s A Wonderful Life.” Q. What is a top baseball moment you have witnessed in person? A. Getting to attend the 1995 World Series in Atlanta (Cleveland Indians vs. Atlanta Braves). All my life I had dreamed of going to a World Series. . .I finally made it.
Q. We have seen a lot of changes in the Nashville area through the years. What is the one thing you miss the most from the Nashville of years ago? A. Nashville used to have much more of a “small town” feel to it. It seemed like, somehow, “everybody knew everybody.” The public school system was incredibly strong. (I went to public schools all my life. . .got a great education. . .strong foundation for college.) I miss some of the old houses which really had “character.” Now those houses are being torn down. . .two “tall skinnies” pop up in their place, almost overnight it seems. Still, Nashville is a great hometown. . .was a great place to grow up and be “from!”
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The Britt family is new to GCA this year. Parents Eric and Katie have three children who all attend GCA. We asked the Britts the following questions... Q. What are your children’s names and ages? What do they like to do when they’re not at school? A. Luke, age 10 - loves ALL things sports: football and baseball are two of his favorites! He's our righthand man at Sweethaven - he enjoys helping with all the operations of the business! Ben, age 8 - our outdoorsman! Hunting and fishing are his favorites! He can usually be found riding his bike and playing with his neighborhood friends. Anna, age 6 - dancing and gymnastics are her world! She has the best little imagination! Q. Where did you live before moving to Tennessee? A. We lived in Woodinville, WA Q. How did the Lord work to move you across the country to Franklin? How did He lead you to this area? A. The Lord moving us to Franklin will be a story we tell to our children's children. It was a three year process, beginning with us discovering the area on a trip to Nashville. Eric got offered a job in the area shortly after and though we were thrilled, we were also unsure about leaving our entire family out west. We turned down the initial opportunity, but couldn't get this dreamy place out of our minds, so we continued to pray for guidance. The following summer, a woman offered to buy our home that wasn't even for sale and we knew it was the Lord saying GO! We felt complete peace that time around and decided to do an extended road trip to explore His creation in our incredible country before heading to TN!
Q. How did you first hear about our school? What was your first impression of GCA? A. When we started our search for the right Christian school for our family, it consistently came highly recommended. Our first impression: it felt like home to us. Q. What attributes of GCA influenced your decision to apply? A. The genuine community and the heart for service. We instantly felt connected and constantly talk about what a special place it is! Being part of this school is one of our greatest blessings! Q. What has been the most challenging part of your family’s transition to a new place to live and a new school? The most rewarding? A. We had longed to be in Franklin for so long, that it was such a relief to finally be here! GCA has been so welcoming, our kids acclimated quickly and have made so many wonderful friends! The most rewarding part was leaning on God to guide us, and seeing His faithfulness. Q. Tell us about your family Airstream trip last summer! A. It was the most incredible adventure! We were in awe of God's unique creation throughout the country - it's hard to pick a favorite! We will never forget fly fishing in Yellowstone, hiking under the waterfalls in Zion, standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon and driving the incredibly beautiful mountain roads in Colorado (towing a trailer on Million Dollar Highway was one of the scariest moments of our lives!) We would do it again in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to everyone! Q. Would you tell us about Sweethaven and how it came to be!? A. We moved into Westhaven and quickly realized the only thing missing was an ice cream shop! The Lord's hand was very clearly in the details, and we were able to open the shop on 4th of July weekend last summer!
Like many of you, I have a stack of half-read or unread books next to my bed and a phone full of saved podcasts and sermons to listen to. I get overwhelmed with resources and books that I want to share with you as parents of high school students. The speed of information coming at us and at our kids is astounding, so while I do not want to flood you with more things on your “to do” list of parenting, I do want to direct your attention to just a few resources that I have found incredibly helpful and informative in teaching your students and parenting my own and in growing in my faith and discipleship. There are two caveats with this information. First, I have listened, read and used these resources myself. That does not mean they are perfect. It just means I have found most of what has been provided in them as useful. And second, just because I recommend them does not mean that I agree with absolutely every single part or with everything the writer/speaker has ever said. Use your discernment, but hopefully this will be a place to start in a few areas! 1. The Bible Recap - if you want to read through the Bible, this is an amazing resource. Tara Leigh Cobble is the creator, and it is first a daily podcast where she spends 5-10 minutes recapping the assigned reading for the day, which you can find at thebiblerecap.com. She has turned the transcript of that podcast into a book, which I use and love. It allows me to write in it and read it at my pace. You may not have a goal of finishing the Bible in a year - that’s fine! But we should all read through the entire Word of God, and this resource will help you and your student do that. 2. A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World - this is an excellent book by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle. It is easy to read but so helpful in breaking down the issues our students are facing today and how we can help them navigate those issues. 3. “Becoming Something” Podcast - this podcast is actually meant for 20-somethings, but it is still incredibly useful for parents as we think about how we can best direct our teen before he/ she gets into his/her twenties. I especially recommend the episodes on dating and relationships. Pastor Jonathan Pokluda and his two co-hosts will challenge your thinking on the current dating culture. I have recommended various episodes to our seniors, but I hope you will find the series to be a tool in your own intentional parenting decisions before your student’s senior year of high school.
We want to partner with you, but we must acknowledge that you are the primary discipler and primary influence in your student’s life. Our goal is never legalism, but instead we desire to first give them a love for the Gospel and the Word of God and then help them navigate culture and practical decisions as they walk in this world. If you find these things helpful in that, please drop me a line! If you have another fabulous resource, please share it. We are actively praying for you as parents and for our students daily.
Celebrating Grace in Athletics By Len McKnatt
Humility / Passion / Unity / Servanthood / Gratitude We continue to be thankful to be on campus and to be competing in winter sports during this season. We want to take this opportunity to talk a little bit about some of our winter sports teams and things taking place on and off the courts and mat. We also want to take this opportunity to recognize all of our fall and winter non-faculty coaches that do such a great job of pouring into our school and our student athletes. I apologize ahead of time for anyone that I leave out. Our boys and girls 5 /6 grade basketball teams and our boys and girls middle school basketball teams are in full swing. The schedule has been challenging and rewarding at the same time. Our coaches have done a wonderful job of being flexible and working through many cancellations due to COVID related issues with some of our opponents. These boys and girls are working extremely hard and we are excited to continue to see the growth and improvement they are making. th
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Our HS wrestling team is continuing to work hard under the leadership of coach Stephen Peden. This has been a challenging season of getting matches due to the virus, but Carter Murphy and Aidan Pratt continue to press forward. We hope they are able to compete in more matches before the season comes to an end and we wish them the best as they get ready for district and region tournaments. It has been awesome to see the growth, hard work, and improvement of our HS girl’s basketball team under the leadership of coaches Michael Couey and Crystal Tinnon and their two seniors Carlie Mason and Averi Thorne. They already have impressive district wins over BGA and FRA and are battling to finish in the top half of a very tough district. Their team has been going through Greg Bell’s book, “Water the Bamboo.” This book talks about maximizing your potential and compares this to the giant bamboo. Typically, bamboo farmers will tend the plant for at least three years before they see any signs of growth. What a great example of vision, faith, patience, persistence and focus. Keep up the great work, ladies.
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Our HS boy’s basketball team continues to make great strides. Led by seniors Will Beasley and Ashton Kelley, the team has secured district wins over BGA, FRA, and Zion Christian as they also look to finish in the top half of the district and host a home playoff game. The team has five unit leaders who were voted on by their peers. The unit leaders are Will Beasley, Dawson Bechman, Dean Bechman, Ashton Kelley, and CJ Tinnon. It has been exciting to see the growth of these young men and their units.
We want to conclude this article by thanking all of our non-faculty coaches from our fall and winter sports teams. We could not do what we do without the many contributions you make to our school and student athletes. Please know how much you are appreciated and thanks again for all you do. Please see the list below: Boys Basketball- Johnathan Carver, Dustin Gassert, Bobby Gibbs, Jason Holwerda, Craig McKown, Aaron Morrison, Pete Pirtle, and Brandon Tinnon Cross-Country- Brad Jenkins and Randianne Sears Football- Seth Finch, Jeremy Hiett, Paul Grasmanis, Scott Spencer, Brandon Tinnon, Bob Watson, and Mark Woodard Girls Basketball- Preston Brooks, Randianne Sears, and Crystal Tinnon Girls Soccer- Hope Ring Golf- Chuck Hammett, William Koellein, and Steve Sipkovsky Volleyball- Andy Sloas and Nicole Smith We look forward to honoring our non-faculty spring coaches in the next edition of Celebrating Grace. We are most proud of the way all of our student athletes compete to honor our Lord and Savior. Thanks for your continued support of GCA Athletics. Go Lions and Lady Lions!
By Carrie Estes
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While most theatres and schools shut down their Arts, we stayed open, and in the world of Fine Arts that was HUGE! The students and the community need the Arts and we were able to continue to THRIVE and grow together during this difficult time. We are beyond grateful for the administration team and GCA families that supported us and allowed their students and families to participate and experience the Arts. Just one semester, one show, one school day, or even one moment can change a student’s life and I know for a fact Honk Jr., our IS/MS Musical, did just that. It shaped students’ lives and enriched them in so many different ways. Honk Jr. had 63 students involved both on and off stage and, once again, the school community and Fine Arts team were blown away by the amount of talent we have at GCA at such a young age. The Lord is SO GOOD! The Fine Arts Team would specifically like to thank everyone involved for cooperating and helping make things run as smoothly as possible. After lots of prayer and consideration, we also decided to continue with our celebration of Christmas Concerts which included three different programs. We had our beautiful Traditional Elementary Concert for grades 2nd-4th and a special Elementary Christmas Chapel for K-1st grade. Then, we finished out the semester with our HS Choral and Dance Concert which also included our MS Worship Team. It was absolutely beautiful to be able to celebrate Christmas and have some normalcy for our community to usher in the TRUE meaning of Christmas. All our afterschool clubs grew in numbers with clubs ranging from grades 1st-12th including art, drama, and Elementary and High School dance.
This spring is also packed with lots of wonderful events: • HS Talent Show— March 4th • 1st-8th Grade Talent Show– March 8th • Schoolwide Art Festival— April 8th-May 8th (Submission Deadline April 7th) • “Fiddler on the Roof” — April 29th, 30th, and May 1st • Elementary Spring Concert— May 3rd • HS Choir & Dance Concert— TBD • HS Fine Arts Banquet— TBD We truly are beyond blessed that the Arts are THRIVING. Arts changes lives, arts make a difference. Please continue to join the Fine Arts Team and continue to pray for the Arts and that we can equip these students to go out and be salt and light in this world that so needs it. Let us be the light and vessel the world needs. We can’t thank you enough for supporting the Arts! PSALM 18:28 You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Let us continue to be the light……. To God Alone Be The Glory
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On November 17th, GCA charted their FIRST EVER International Thespian Society, ITS Troupe #9046. We have 34 members involved. The International Thespian Society (ITS), founded in 1929, is an honorary organization for High School students. We are so proud of what this club can do for the students and the future of GCA Theatre.
Society Members Max Glasser—President Mary Chandlers Hicks—Vice President Avery Williams—Secretary Christian Collins—Spiritual Director Blythe Hutchison—Spiritual Director Anna Kate Hiett—Marketing Levi Allen Raybecca Calvert Grayson Caughey Addison Church Sophie Clark Caroline Collins Mackenzie Curle
Alec Daugherty Aidan DuBois Liv Gregornik Jonathan Hammett Stellie Higby Elizabeth Jordan Brendan Koreiba Ashlynn Monkley Jenna Pedicini Lincoln Rohwer Annilee Schweiterman Grace Scott Holly Seeley
Evan Spychalski James Summers Caleb Varner Elizabeth Vogt Sean Walker Braden Walters Avery Williams Erin Wojcik Brooks Yarbrough
One AMAZING Fine Arts Program,
Many Opportunities!
GCA Medical Team
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Meet Amanda Hampton, RN, Sara Pate, RN, and Elise Carver, RN. Combined, these nurses have over 42 years of experience treating patients with compassion, care, and expertise. And each day, they assist our students with everything from bandaids and tummy aches to more serious medical issues.
In addition to their regular day to day tasks, our nurses are now also helping with COVID procedures. Navigating COVID in a school is certainly not an easy task either. Each student or family with any illness must be communicated with to determine the possibility of COVID and if quarantine is necessary. However, these three ladies do it with smiles on their faces and love in their hearts each and every day. GCA is so blessed to have each of them on our Medical Team! Please say a huge “thank you� next time you see (or email) them.
Mission Statement
3279 Southall Road Franklin, TN 37064 615-591-3017 www.gcalions.com
The mission of Grace Christian Academy is to assist Christian families in the teaching of their children by providing them an experiential education that is distinctly Christian, biblically saturated, Christ glorifying, academically excellent, and service and mission oriented. We exist to help parents cultivate the legacy of Christ's hope in each student and to prepare them to spread that hope along every avenue God provides.