March 2019
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory. Psalm 115:1
If Walls Could Talk What is it like inside the walls of GCA? What happens there day to day? Celebrating Grace gives you a glimpse June 2018 of the amazing ways the Lord has blessed our school.
Celebrating 10 Years by Robbie Mason, Head of School
Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4
It’s hard to believe that we are celebrating our 10th year at GCA and we rejoice that God has been faithful to us through these 10 years. We started our school during a recession with 65 students and now we have 670 students and almost 100 staff and faculty on our beautiful campus. We do not take lightly all that God has entrusted to us. He has given us the opportunity to teach our students academically, disciple them spiritually, and train them both athletically and in the arts. God has good plans for each of these students and we value our partnership with families to help each student reach their God-given potential. There are so many successes that we could celebrate including a National Merit Scholar in our graduating class, high ACT scores, one of the best spring athletic seasons in the history of our school and several excellent theater performances. These are definitely things to be celebrated and we rejoice with our students and families as each of these students are discovering their giftings and talents in their lives. As additional buildings and campuses are in the future of GCA, our board, staff and faculty are determined to remain steadfast in our mission: To make sure that we use the Bible as both our foundation and as our lens when we make decisions about GCA. All the trophies, scholarships and certificates will someday be of no value, but the eternal impact that GCA is making cannot be measured here on earth (1 Corinthians 9:25). It truly is an honor to serve the GCA community as we continue to equip our students to impact the world for Jesus Christ. We must continue to keep our focus on the Lord and His great plans! “Not to us, Lord, but to Your name give glory� (Psalm 115:1).
Academically Excellent and Distinctly Christian
CONTENTS
June 2018
Head of School News
3
Pre-K & Elementary News
6-9
Middle School News
10-17
High School News
18-25
Fine Arts
26-28
PTF Update
29
Development & Fundraising
30
Events
31
Athletics
32-33
GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PRESENTS
Our New Bus
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE GENEROUS GRACE GALA DONORS.
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Pre-K & Elementary News By Rona Branson
Elementary World Impact Month My daughter had a mentor in high school who reminded her frequently that “It’s not about you!” Our sinful tendency is to be self-focused and we must constantly redirect ourselves to look outwardly to the needs of those around us and to the needs of the world. That is why we intentionally have our Passport Program to help students learn about other countries and various people groups. And each year in February we celebrate World Impact Month. Each class chooses a country and/or people group to focus on for the entire month. They learn about the physical and spiritual needs and the missionary history of the area. They study and experience the culture -religion, dress, music, dance, and foods of that region.
Our vision statement says that we are about “equipping students and families to impact the world for Jesus Christ.” During World Impact Month that is exactly what our students learn to do. Each student experiences that even as a child, their hard work and communication skills can impact someone’s life in the name of Christ. Each class selects a ministry to support and raises money on their behalf. Many people might think what a “cute” idea or that this is a token effort to teach our students. Well, it has become so much more than that. Our students truly are impacting the world for Christ with their efforts to work on behalf of those in need. Mrs. Lindsay’s kindergartners raised $1,491.60 for Danita’s Children Orphanage and Medical Compound in Haiti. This money will go directly to give food, clothing and medical care to a child who would not have it otherwise. Miss Hope’s Kindergarten class raised $2,700 for HEAL ministries directly helping abandoned women and children in Uganda receive job training and education to empower them to rise up out of poverty. Both groups participated in a walk-a-thon to raise the money. The 1st grade classes worked together to raise enough money to fund eight baskets of practical help for families who live on Native American Reservations in the US. Red Road Ministries will deliver them to families this summer. The 2nd grade had a bike-a-thon and raised $6,916.00 toward a school building for Jesus’ Kids in Nigeria. The 3rd grade through individual efforts raised $1,100 for Grace Chapel Navajoa and provided 29 Spanish Bibles for Children in Mexico to hear the gospel.
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Mrs. Baker’s 4th grade raised $337 for Children’s Evangelism Fellowship in Ethiopia by selling flipper-flappers, helping our students learn to share the gospel as well as enabling children in Ethiopia to be reached by God’s word. Mrs. Jones’ 4th grade raised $300 through individual efforts giving Bibles to children in the barrio in Nicaragua through Chosen Children ministries as well as feeding the guests at the first church service after a new church building was built by her husband and others. The 5th grade classes worked together to raise money for orphans in Zambia to have food and education opportunities through Family Legacy Ministries. That is quite an impact and we are so proud of our students’ efforts. We know that as we sow into these ministries for the people of the world that God will cover our needs here at GCA. I pray that God will write on each student’s heart the message that no effort is too small. Though the needs of the world are great, if one life is impacted for Christ through our efforts, it is worth every minute and every penny. And we will never know the ultimate impact of our gifts as the ripples from these actions move forward. Thank you to all the parents for your support and help in these amazing accomplishments for the Kingdom.
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Pre-K & Elementary News
Kindergarten celebrated their 100th day of school on Tuesday, January 29.
This year on Dr. Seuss' birthday, the kindergarten students got dressed up as their favorite character from one of his books, as well as bringing one of their favorite Dr. Seuss books. During the day we read some of his most well known books, and we got to create some of the snacks that the books talked about. We got to eat rainbow fish (One fish, Two fish, Red fish, Blue fish/ rainbow gold fish), the cat's hat (The Cat in the Hat/ Oreos and marshmallows), and the cat's bowtie (The Cat in the Hat/ pull apart Twizzlers). The students listened for our special sounds that we have been learning about in phonics, and they created addition and subtraction problems based off the pictures in the books they brought from home. It was so sweet to see them using the information that they have worked so hard to master.
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The 4th grade students used their tithe from Market Day to contribute to the needs of The Safe House in Thompson’s Station. They were able to visit the house to see how their contributions would be used in the ministry to local foster kids and families. Students in Mrs. Walker's 5th grade science classes have been studying sound. They have been discussing how some materials are able to reflect, slow, or stop the movement of sound. They conducted an activity where they were the acoustical engineer. Their objective was to compare the amount of sound absorbed by different materials and to identify relationships between materials and their abilities to absorb sound. First they had to predict which material would absorb the most sound. They used a tuning fork, tapped it on their knee and held it against the material that was held next to a partner's ear. They then rated the loudness of the sound on a scale of 0-4, with 4 being the loudest. The steps were repeated for each material. The materials tested were a ceiling tile scrap, a carpet scrap, a metal spoon, and a piece of hardwood flooring. They were to conclude which material absorbed sound the best and which might be useful in a place such as a recording studio. The process skills in this activity were hypothesizing, predicting, observing and communicating.
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Middle School News By Suzanne Bechman This year the Middle School set out on great adventures during MiniX. The heart behind this program is to see our students and teachers have learning experiences outside the confines of four walls and provide opportunities for our school family to serve together. In our second year of MiniX we saw this goal achieved in so many ways! We pray that our students walked away changed by the relationships formed and the missions accomplished. This year our students participated in 10 MiniX experiences. We look forward to the Middle School MiniX program offering more fantastic opportunities to our students for learning, relationships and service in the future!
Missions at Home had 13 students participate. They loved serving the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home assisting with their upcoming fundraiser and visiting a local nursing home. They learned to share the gospel through one verse in addition to learning about and doing acts of service for Room at the Inn and The Academy prison ministry for women. Their biggest take away -- We are all missionaries of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray, Give, Serve, & Tell
Escape to Nashville- These students had a great time at Top Golf, Escape Game and then worked hard at Grace Works to wrap up their time.
Middle School MiniX
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Girls of Grace- Eleven girls were able to build community and focus on learning how to be a Christian woman in today’s society. Devotions and quiet times led to deep and meaningful conversations as they learned about proper etiquette, how to bake and cook some delicious recipes and of course create some artistic and fun crafts. Biggest take aways? The importance of quiet time with the Lord and etiquette at tea parties
Guts and Glory TN History Adventure- 24 Students toured the Carnton Plantation and Carter house and were able to reenact the battles they learned about through laser tag. They learned to strategize and work together as a team. Biggest take away? Learning the amazing history that is in their own ‘backyard”
Serve Music CIty– Five adults and 17 students served alongside CSM Ministries (City Service Mission) on the Nashville streets. Highlights were sharing a meal and an encouraging word with a homeless person and visiting the Nashville Public Library Civil Rights archives. They learned about Nashville’s desegregation sit-in movement in stores like Woolworth’s led by students at Fisk University. Students served at Project Cure, Second Harvest Food Bank, and People Loving Nashville. Biggest Take away? Learning God’s heart for the needs of our own great city, Nashville
Middle School MiniX Page 12
Be an Impressionist- Six students were able to draw and sketch with the master works and respond to those masterpieces with their own works of art. Students got to visit professional working artist’s studios and workshop space. Biggest take away? Seeing over 100 masterpieces in person and creating something of their own
Sewing on a Mission- Students sewed crib sheets and baby blankets for malnourished babies in the villages of Uganda. Many babies who will receive these blankets are on the brink of death when they are brought in to the Engage Hope clinic (in the North) or Birthright ministries (in the South) and nursed back to health for no cost. The mother’s physical needs are also ministered to and the gospel is shared with them. Many accept Christ during their time there. Biggest take away? Even basic sewing skills can help with dire needs in the world and open avenues for sharing the love of Christ
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“We are stretched and
taken out of comfort-zone to see our true fabric and faith.”
Call of the Wild
MiniX was a crazy, awesome, very challenging, but amazing weekend, They hiked, enjoyed a campfire, and slept in tents. They definitely spent a lot of time in nature. It was a difficult trip to say the least, but Dan Spencer stated, “I’d do again in a heartbeat. These kids were a JOY to be around. It's from the difficulty of life that we rise, and that is why I love trips like this! We are stretched and taken out of comfort-zone to see our true fabric and faith.”
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Middle School MiniX
Music City MiniX was a fun-filled two days visiting, learning, touring and taking part in different music and theatre venues around town. We had 23 students involved! On the first day we kicked it off touring the Country Music Hall of Fame and then we went on a backstage tour of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center where we got to tour three different theatre venues. On the second day, we started with a special tour given by Mike Porter from Curb Studio on music row. It's the studio where Patsy Cline recorded many of her songs. The studio is still used today and even holds some classes for Belmont students majoring in Music Engineering. We then walked over to RCA Studio B tour where we got to record a song in the same room that Elvis Presley recorded many records. After a group lunch at the Spaghetti Factory we ended the day at the famous Ryman Auditorium and had a guided tour where the Grand Ole Opry first started.
Ultimate Stem Challenge- 24 students participated in a contest to construct a bridge out of toothpicks while keeping track of the cost. The most efficient (held most weight for the least cost) won the Dominator of the Divide Award. The most elegant (beautiful) won the Elegant Engineering Award. And the bridge which held the most weight won the Bridge of STEEL Award. Our country’s future engineers expressed their interests in hopes that God will use them in STEM areas in countries in need so that they can use science to physically improve lives and open doors for the gospel to be shared. Biggest take aways? Using your intellect for God’s glory and keeping track of expenses when building
Congratulations to the students who participated in the ACSI
District Bee in Albertville, AL. Hudson Gregg 3rd place in 5th grade Cady Beasley 2nd place in 6th grade Eisley Pankratz 4th place in 6th grade Stellie Higby 2nd place in 7th grade Daniel Stewart 4th place in 8th grade Daniel Stewart 5th place overall (Top 5 participate in the ACSI Southeast Regional Spelling Bee in Atlanta, GA.) Cady Beasley 7th place (2nd Alternate) overall
Thursday, January 31, marked the 3rd Annual Grace Christian Academy Middle School National History Day competition and showcase night. 7th and 8th grade students researched and assembled various projects (exhibits, website, documentaries, papers) and competed to advance to the regional competition February 22 at the campus of Middle Tennessee State University. NHD is a nationwide historical research project where students choose a subject in history that fits within the theme of the year. This year’s theme, Triumph and Tragedy in History. Produced topics ranged from the atomic bomb, Titanic, Benedict Arnold, and countless war stories.
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Middle School Spiritual Life By Dan Spencer In February, we celebrated World Impact Month! Our theme verse is from I Peter 2:21, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps.”
In Middle School Chapel, Mark Woodard, a GCA dad and missionary to Papua New Guinea shared with our students about unreached people groups. His family has served in PNG for over 20 years and have translated the whole Bible in the native language of the people that his family has worked with for years. Please check out the work they do in PNG and how you can pray for their family. https://ethnos360.org/missionaries/mark-and-holly-woodard Also in Middle School Chapel, Brandon and Crystal Tinnon, with FrankTown Open Hearts, shared with our students how we can serve the underprivileged right here in our town of Franklin! They gave an eyeopening talk about we can serve our community right around where we live. Please visit FrankTown and find out how you can support! https:// franktownopenhearts.com/
Dodgeball Fundraiser
GCA’s 2nd Annual Dodgeball Fundraiser was a huge success. The gym was packed as 58 teams ranging from pre-K students to adults were joined by hundreds of spectators. Thank you to everyone for your support of this event and The Patrick Family. We hope to make this an annual event as a way to wrap up our World Impact Month.
“What a great community event for our school!”
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High School News By Richard Anderson “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16) “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” (I Peter 2:21) Having just arrived at GCA in January 2018, I was immediately blessed/impressed to learn of two activities with which our school is annually involved: WinterX and World Impact Month. February is World Impact Month when GCA, as a school, takes time to learn about and celebrate missions both locally, regionally, and globally. Our theme for World Impact Month this year is “Follow You Anywhere” as noted in I Peter 2:21. Throughout the month, we emphasized the idea that we are not just called to serve on a mission trip, but instead we are called to impact the world for Jesus wherever and however God calls us. February 25-28 we had a special week of chapels with worship, student testimonies, and guest speakers who have and are continuing to live out the call to follow God anywhere. But before World Impact Month on the calendar came WinterX. . . WinterX is a time when students and teachers “head out” for various types of ministry—again, local, regional, and global. I was blessed—along with two other faculty members—to accompany twenty students to Salt Lake City. . .to the “epicenter” of the Mormon church. While there, we were able to not only learn but to “minister to the ministers”. . .serving two different ministries which are bringing the Gospel in the midst of spiritual darkness. It was a very enlightening time. . .and our students represented GCA, their families, and Jesus so well! When Jesus spoke of “salt” and “light,” we have to remember what those items represented in His day: Salt had two functions: 1. It was a preservative (in the days before refrigeration); and 2. It brought flavoring. Likewise Christians can be a preservative to our decaying world and we can make the world around us “taste” better. . .hopefully creating a “thirst” for our Lord Jesus. Light also has two functions: 1. It chases away darkness. . .illumines our path; and 2. It has a cleansing, healing effect on all it touches. May our “lights” shine in this world to His glory! So thankful for these two great weeks in the life of GCA! As we “follow (Him) anywhere,” may our school continue to be “salt” and “light” in a world that so desperately needs Jesus. . .
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Mr. Anderson shared his life story with Mrs. Janico’s students to teach them about periodization.
Academic Accolades and Updates By Dr. Amy Hodgson
It’s Official! Sidney Hauk has been named a National Merit Scholar, one of the highest academic honors in the nation. Her stellar performance on the national PSAT exam qualified her in October a National Merit Finalist, but now she has reached the coveted and highest position of National Merit Scholar. Well done, Sidney, GCA’s first National Merit Scholar!
High School Spiritual Life
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By Andi Hauk This semester has been full of activities and events in spiritual life. In January, twelve seniors started the semester at the Passion Conference in Atlanta. At Passion, students heard speakers like Louie Giglio, Matt Chandler, Christine Caine and Gary Haugen, president of International Justice Mission. They worshiped with David Crowder, the Passion Band, Mosaic and other incredible musical artists. More importantly, our students were challenged to live bold and authentic lives with Jesus and in community together. The twelve seniors left Passion with a newfound bond and unity, and most left with tickets in hand for Passion 2020. We have already purchased tickets for the class of 2020 to attend Passion in January next year. If you are a parent of the class of 2020, please consider sending your senior next year. I promise it will be worth the time and cost. In February, the entire student body focused on missions through World Impact Month. The theme for the month was “Follow You Anywhere” based on 1 Peter 2:21 that says, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” The month began with Mark Woodard sharing about his family’s ministry in Papua New Guinea and a new Christian school they had begun in the two villages where they serve. Each week, chapel focused on different ministries and missions, and the month ended with one full week of World Impact Emphasis. During this week, middle school and high school students met together every day to hear from people who are willingly following God where He leads. Full Count Ministries, People Loving Nashville and Project R12 are non-profit missions ministries who shared what it is to follow God. The week and month culminated with special guests Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman sharing their story, and sharing about how it was the vision of their then-11 year-old daughter Emily that is now the ministry Show Hope. They emphasized how age and experience isn’t what God is looking for. Rather He is looking for hearts willing to follow in obedience. It was a fantastic week that ended with our students from kindergarten-12th grade raising almost $12,500 for various ministries all over the world!
As we round third base into the final quarter of the year, spiritual life will continue on mission of what it is to be the body of Christ with special Easter chapels, a special hands-on Good Friday (on Thursday) experience, more special chapel guests and a final chapel celebration on May 7th. Please continue to pray for focus, strength and unity as we acknowledge, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Psalm 133:1
High School Student Life By Jen Neilson During the week prior to Thanksgiving, GCA High School Student Life assisted with a great competition between the girls and boys in a canned food drive that benefitted Franktown. The boys and girls competed to see who would win the prize of wearing hoodies for a week. Student Life has also partnered with GCA High School Academics in recognizing students who have excelled in academics this year. The “Mom Dream Team” made locker tags for each student helping recognize that student for his or her efforts throughout the quarter. In December Student Life hosted a week of Christmas games between the houses, and a group of seniors helped add some festive decor to the High School cafeteria for the Christmas season.
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High School Student Life—con’t By Jen Neilson As we are looking toward the end of the school year, Student Life has many plans in place between now and the end of the school year. Neon Night, Prom 2019, Student Leadership Elections, pep rallies, Wednesday “House” days, and of course, honoring our Class of 2019 with special activities. On January 5th, 14 students, Rick and Judy Barnette, and Mrs. Suzy Heath headed to Belize. After landing Belize—Judy Barnette in Belize City, they had a five-hour drive to their camp. Even though Belize is a third-world country, the team was not really “roughing it.” They had wi-fi, air-conditioning, hot water for showers and great food! The main goal of the trip was discipleship. Most of Belize has been evangelized; however, even though the people have heard of Jesus, go to church and do pray, they still believe they have to be “good enough” to go to heaven; they have no assurance of salvation.
High School WinterX
The students did a marvelous job walking through the villages and stopping to talk with people. They would ask for prayer requests, pray for them, and then just start a conversation with them, trying to figure out if the person did have that assurance. What a joy it was to see that EVERYONE shared the gospel at least once! These students stepped out of their comfort zone and did a great job. Besides walking through the villages meeting the locals, the team also led a Vacation Bible School at two different schools. The team was divided into a singing group, a recreation group, and a Bible story group. One of the highlights of the trip was when the local students got up in church on Wednesday night and sang the songs that our team had taught them.
WinterX Driver’s Ed—Tricia Summers
Brentwood Driver Training brought their 30-hour course to GCA for WinterX where we had 19 students participate. The course consisted of classroom instruction as well as two hours of simulation driving. Included in the course, students will complete four hours of on-road driving with a Brentwood Driver Training Instructor at their convenience. Brentwood Driver Training is the only driving school with fully dual controlled cars in middle Tennessee. Participants will also be able to test for their license through Brentwood Driver Training instead of at the DMV. Thank you Brentwood Driver Training for a great week!
WinterX Utah—Richard Anderson On January 7-11, 2019 I was blessed—along with Mrs. Andi Hauk and Dr. Brett Armstrong— to accompany twenty students to Salt Lake City. . .to the “epicenter” of the Mormon Church. It was both an instructive time for our students. . .and a time to serve. We were toured around Temple Square by two Mormon missionaries (college students). Our students were respectful, but also were Biblically astute enough to spot some fallacies and to ask great questions. We also “ministered to the ministers”—to a pastor and his wife (exMormons) whose church preaches the Gospel right in the heart of “Mormon country” as well as to a ministry which serves as a “safe house” for those escaping the radical end of the Mormon spectrum. It was very, very insightful. . .and, at times, very, very “heavy.” All was not “heavy” nor spiritual warfare, however. On our last day in Utah, we took the students to Park City—one of the premier snow-skiing destinations in America. The students were divided into two groups—those who wanted to go skiing. . .and those who wanted to go “tubing.” A good time was had by all! The majestic, snow-capped mountains of Utah highlighted the handiwork of our creative God and Father. We were thankful to have had the opportunity to make this trip “to the mountains” for WinterX. Soli Deo Gloria. To God Alone be the Glory.
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WinterX NYC—Carrie Estes
GCA takes over the Big City! We had a fantastic trip and stayed right in the heart of Time Square! We had a nonstop trip exploring different parts of the city and seeing as much as we could! The trip started off with guest speaker, Broadway Producer, Rachel Strange. Mrs. Strange is producing a new Broadway musical based off of Esther. After she spoke, we went ice skating in Rockefeller Center. Other highlights from the trip included City Bus Tour, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Empire State Building, Chinatown, Little Italy, Shopping, St. Patrick Cathedral, Metropolitan Museum, and Statue of Liberty. The students loved touring the NBC Studio, where students took part in making their own T.V. show. The best part was seeing three Broadway Shows; Frozen, Phantom of the Opera and Lion King and going to the famous Ellen Stardust Diner with singing waiters. After the shows we went to the backstage door and met the actors from the production. It was an unforgettable trip and we continue to thank the God for allowing us to go and do experiential learning in one of the biggest city's in the world.
WinterX Atlanta—Amy Finch What an exciting time the “Oh Mylanta Atlanta” group of high school WinterX kids had recently. They spent the entire week touring all things Atlanta. The week began with a ride up Stone Mountain on the Summit Skyride. This high-speed Swiss cable car transported them up 825 feet above ground to the top of the mountain with amazing views of the Confederate Memorial Carving and Atlanta’s skyline. The next day was spent at the Georgia Aquarium where each student had the opportunity to interact with the penguins. They also got to see all kinds of aquatic life and be entertained by some fascinating seals and dolphins. The day ended with a visit to the world’s largest drive-in fast food restaurant, the Varsity. Other activities the rest of the week included World of Coca Cola, a CNN tour, College Football Hall of
Fame, and a ride on Skyview which is located near Atlanta’s Olympic Centennial Park, home of the 1996 Olympics. The students ended the week with two escape rooms. King Tut’s group escaped while the Al Capone group did not! By the end of the week every student became quite the expert riding the Atlanta MARTA.
College News By Laura Camacho GCA high school students have had many opportunities this year to engage with various colleges and learn more about the opportunities they offer. Fourteen colleges visited GCA during the lunch hour in the fall semester, including Lipscomb, Hillsdale, Samford and Grand Canyon University. The junior class spent the day at MTSU in November and students were able to sit in on classes in Aeronautics, Business Management, Earth Science and Engineering. During WinterX, students toured Lipscomb, Belmont, Trevecca Nazarene, Union, Mississippi State and Alabama. Mrs. Camacho took a group of students to tour the Franklin campus of Columbia State in December and spoke with one of their Nursing faculty. Students also took advantage of attending college fairs in the fall, one at the Cool Springs Galleria, and the Christian College Fair which was hosted by Franklin Road Academy. Mrs. Neilson and Mrs. Camacho traveled to UT Martin with a group of interested students to attend their Academic Preview Day in February. Juniors learned more about the college decision making process in their ACT prep class and many of them have college tours lined up for the spring semester. We are excited to see the direction in which God will call these students in the next year!
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By Carrie Estes
The Fine Arts Department has tons to be thankful for as we wrapped up last semester and started the second semester. Within this past year, I have already seen so much growth in all areas of the Arts and it’s just the beginning of new and exciting things in store for GCA Arts. All this growth wouldn’t be possible without our amazing team of teachers and directors. Their dedication and excellence in all they do is truly showing. They are pouring into the students and giving them so much hope, love and excitement for the Arts. We ended last semester with a busy but very successful year. Willy Wonka Jr. included 66 Middle School students both on and off stage and we added 43 Elementary Oompa Loompas. There were 109 students glorifying the Lord with their gifts and talents. Praises! Also on stage was Visual Art work from grade 1st-12th. This production really was an all-school event. It was such a beautiful thing to see everyone come together for one production. I hope to continue to do shows where we can include all school levels. It was a great community moment for the school.
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Godspell was a HUGE success both on and off stage! Through the whole process we prayed that lives would be changed and hearts turned towards Jesus. We were so delighted to get reports that this happened numerous times! The show featured 40 cast and crew members. For the first time, the musical featured a live band which included senior Sam Cannon on drums and other professional musicians from around town. The cast also teamed up with Hope Clinic to collect items for pregnant women in need and then serving twice this upcoming month with Hope Clinic and People Loving Nashville. Godspell surely was a community building show and people wanted to see it over and over. People even want us to do it again for another weekend. To any cast that's the biggest compliment to hear that people wanted to see it again AND most importantly that hearts were turned towards Jesus while watching. What joy it was to all of us to be able to take part in, share and dramatize on stage the best story ever written, The Truth, The Gospel! Audience of One! "Let your light so shine before men, that. they may see your good works, and. glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
This year we started our first ever High School GCA Got Talent. We had 17 acts including a faculty host for the evening and two faculty acts. It was a fun evening that we will continue to do each year. We ushered in the Christmas season with The Madrigal Dinner Theatre and Choir Concert. It included our Advanced Theater Class and Advanced Choir. It was a scrumptious feast with beautiful decor and many talented performances throughout the night. It was a Christmas tradition here at GCA and we were excited to bring it back this year.
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By Carrie Estes
Our Elementary School put on a Christmas musical called Colors of Christmas. Almost all of the elementary students participated singing on stage and it also included a small acting and dance ensemble. The writer of the musical, Craig Adams, came and saw the production. He was very pleased! How awesome to have him join us! Also in Elementary School, we have started playing recorders in 4th grade and ukeles in 5th grade. Some other exciting news, we had a select 4th and 5th grade Choir, 21 students, represented GCA in the Elementary Mass Choir Festival in Murfreesboro, TN. They got to perform with over 250+ elementary students from all around Tennessee. What a great way to get GCA out in the music world sharing their gifts.
Visual Arts is getting ready to kick off their big Art Festival, grades K-12th. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will get to advance to a regional competition in Alabama. Make sure to check out the elementary hallways soon to see all the amazing independent artwork as well as the Award Winners. Middle School started an 8th Grade Choir for the Spring Semester. You can hear them later in the year. Our Middle School Art and Drama Club have been a great outlet for students to explore more in the arts. We had a showcase last December and we will have another one this spring. High School Choir is preparing for an Ensemble Competition in May. We also added a songwriting class for one of the Fine Arts Elective choices. Our Advanced Visual Arts class was full this semester. We are starting a National Thespian Troupe that will start up soon to elect officers for next year. Thanks for supporting and loving the Arts here at GCA. We truly have a ton to be celebrating! “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.� Psalm 9:1
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PTF News By Haley Riggs Parent Teacher Fellowship has had a busy winter with some exciting events. Our hope is always to be the bridge between the families and staff of GCA and provide opportunities to bless not only our GCA family, but also the community around us. In November, we partnered with Grace Chapel to provide food items to go in Thanksgiving baskets for area families in need. The GCA Elementary and Middle School students brought in nearly 1,500 food items, which helped Grace Chapel bless more than 50 families in the area. Our volunteers also had the pleasure of decorating the High School campus for Christmas this year with all new decorations purchased by the PTF. Our High School teachers and students alike were delighted with the sights of Christmas all around them, and the campus was even more beautiful than before. January brought the return of students after Christmas Break, as well as some traditional events that our Elementary and Middle Schoolers look forward to each year. Donuts with Dads is a time for dads to join us on campus for a donut, coffee, and a time of fellowship. This year we were blessed to have Nate Shurden join us to speak to our dads and young kids as well as pray a blessing over the GCA Families. Scholastic Book Fair has also been a highlight for many students and took place in February. Some of our students found a new series to read, while others rediscovered a love for reading. Teachers were blessed by families who purchased books from a classroom wish lists, and the library received books from the funds that were earned with every purchased book. Thank you to all the families who participated in the Book Fair. Your partnership with us put books in your child’s hands and blessed our school. Spring will be equally busy as teachers work to encourage students to finish the year strong and the Parent Teacher Fellowship works to support the teachers. We will host Teacher Appreciation Week as well as begin looking forward to the next school year by selling supply packs and hosting a consignment sale. The welcoming committee will help coordinate summer socials and the Back to School Bash. There are always new opportunities to volunteer or get connected. If you’d like more information on how to volunteer, please reach out to Haley Riggs at hriggs@gcalions.com. We can use you!
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Development Team Update By Brad Myers On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, the Development team would like to thank the Grace Christian Academy family for your generosity and partnership. Your end of year giving for 2018 totaled $150,100.00! This was an incredible way to begin the new year! The need in our world to provide a superior education without compromising a Biblical worldview is critical and ever-growing. Here at GCA, our faculty and staff share one mission: to partner with families to provide a distinctively Christian education, with a calling to excellence in all areas. What a great and precious privilege we have! God continues to remain faithful in His guidance and provision for our school through the generosity of our people. In striving to build upon the distinguished achievements and rich experiences of our student body, progress is being made to build more classroom space, a student center, and facilities for fine arts and athletics. While we plan for the next phase of buildings on our campus, we are asking that you pray for the mission of GCA and wisdom in stewardship of all financial blessings. As more Christian families want to come alongside and partner with us in Biblical education, we are now accepting applications for the 2019-2020 school year at our new campus in Thompson’s Station. We are asking our current GCA families to continue to share this news with prospective families in the Thompson’s Station/Spring Hill area. Located on the campus of Thompson Station Church, the new school is currently enrolling kindergarten through fourth grade. The first families enrolled at the Thompson's Station campus for the 2019-2020 school year are part of the Founding Families program, and receive $1,000 annually off their tuition per child. For more information about the Founding Families program, prospective parents may email Admissions Director, Suzanne Brown, at sbrown@gcalions.com. In our tenth year of Grace Christian Academy, we celebrate all that God has done in the last decade, and are thankful for each of the families He has brought to us. In humility and faithfulness, we look ahead to the future with great anticipation of all He will do!
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Athletics By Len McKnatt
Winter Sports Wrap-Up It has been an enjoyable experience following our MS and HS TEAMS this winter. As the winter season is wrapping up and spring sports are right around the corner we want to highlight each of our winter teams. Coach Peden and Coach Pogue led our HS wrestling team. Their roster consisted of four freshman who battled the entire season. They participated in several JV and Varsity tournaments and held their own against strong competition. The season looks bright for our wrestlers. Grayson Birch fell just short of qualifying for the state individual tournament. Thanks to all of our wrestlers for representing us so well. Our 5th/6th grade girls basketball team was led by Coach Olivo and Coach Hague. It was great to see the improvement from game one to the end of the season. These girls advanced into the semifinals of the HVAC Jr. Division Tournament. Our 5th-6th grade boys team was led by Coach Gibbs, Coach Gregg, and Coach Stephens. These young men played with great grit and determination. They knocked off several of the HVAC’s stronger programs. Thanks to these young men and women for their great efforts. Brandon Tinnon coached our MS Boys Basketball team. These guys finished the season strong by advancing to the semifinals of the HVAC A Division Tournament. Along the way, they won their Division in the Overbrook tournament. Great strides were made this season against tough competition. Crystal Tinnon and Jenn Maher coached our MS Girls Basketball team. This group of young ladies got better every time they played and it paid off down the stretch. It was exciting to see their hard work pay off with a Championship. The Lady Lions beat USN in the quarterfinals, CPA in the semifinals, and pulled out an overtime win in the Finals against FRA. Congratulations on a wonderful season.
Our HS Girls Basketball team finished the season with a school record 23 wins and went undefeated in district play for the second season in a row. Coach McLeod and Coach Carter also led them to back to back district tournament championships. The Lady Lions won their opening game in the region tournament the last two years as well. These young ladies have done a tremendous job on both ends of the floor. Congratulations on a great season.
Our HS Boys Basketball team finished in 3rd place in district play. The Lions played their best basketball against Merrol Hyde, the regular season district champions. GCA handed Merrol Hyde their only two defeats in district play. The Lions have guaranteed themselves a region tournament berth after a district tournament win in the first round. It was exciting to get to honor Cole Scott who went over 1,000 points scored in his career on January 15th in a home win over STEM Prep. Mason McKnatt was honored for going over the 2,000 career point total on February 4th against Fairview.
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Junior Mason McKnatt and Family
Congratulations to Coach Peden for being inducted into the Metro Nashville Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame on December 6th. Coach Peden’s career began on the staff at Litton in 1970. During two different stints, he spent a total of 16 years at Stratford, 13 years at Father Ryan, nine years at Overton, three at Hillwood, two at McGavock, two at Antioch and two at Maplewood.
Congratulations to Rebecca Wright! She finished 3rd in Intermediate Entry Female Category at the SCTP Trap Competition.
Mission Statement
Grace Christian Academy 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 distinctively 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.