GRACE GRACE
In this issue:
Class of 2025 graduates
Upcoming Events
Student & Staff Accomplishments
Honor Roll
New Faculty & Staff
A note from GCA Administration:
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year!
As the parents of two GCA graduates and with our youngest now a senior Penny (who teaches 6th-grade Bible and coaches Varsity Cheer) and I are so thankful for the role GCA has played in our family’s life. The spiritual foundation, the education, and the experiences our kids have had here are things we will always be grateful for. It’s what we pray every GCA family can experience. We truly love this school.
Looking back over my 11 years at Grace, a lot has changed more students, new buildings, a brand-new campus, and even more opportunities for our children. But one thing that hasn’t changed is our mission. Our focus on Jesus and the spiritual growth of our students remains the heart of everything we do. “Equipping students to impact the world for Jesus Christ!” Last spring, Mr. Mason asked for your prayers and partnership in giving. This is a quick update on these items.
Additional security enhancements:
Added new security cameras to the IS/MS campus and added training. Teachers' salary increases:
We have made strides in this area, particularly in terms of salary and benefits. Additional parking, landscaping, lighting, signage, and furniture: Resurfacing of the pavement and lines, as well as signage, has been ordered, and furniture is scheduled to arrive during the first week of school. Sound absorption panels for the gym and The HUB: This has been installed, and the sound quality is significantly improved in both areas. Weight room equipment: New benches, dumbbells, and speed training equipment have been purchased. Ice Machine: Has been ordered. Debt Reduction: We have made strides in reducing our debt.
We have already started raising funds for the new track/football/soccer field and will be announcing some new initiatives this fall. I would also like to invite you to get involved with our corporate sponsorship packages. See page 12 of this newsletter.
How can you help? Please pray for our school, students, and the entire GCA community. If you have any questions about giving, please do not hesitate to contact me. As we move into the coming year, please know that our entire GCA staff will be praying for you and your family. If there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to contact me.
In Christ,
Brad Myers Director of Development bmyers@gcalions.com
To the Class of 2025 - Our 10 graduating class! th
68 Graduates | 99% accepted into their choice school | 85% enrolled in a 4 year college | +$7 million in scholarships
Important Dates for the new school year:
August 2025
1: Elementary Treats with Teachers & IS/MS Open House
1, 4-6: Faculty/Staff In-Service
5: Parent Orientation Night (6:00 PM)
7: First Day of School
8: High School Retreat
11: First Full Day of Kindergarten
18: First Full Day of Pre-K
21: 5 /6 Grade Retreat th th
22: 7 /8 Grade Retreat th th
29: No School - Pre-K-4 Only th
September 2025
1: No School - Labor Day
17: Fall Picture Day
October 2025
3: 1st Quarter Ends, MS Serve Day
6-10: No School - Fall Break
13: Late Start for Students - PD for Teacher and Staff
13-17: Homecoming Week
17: Homecoming Game
18: Homecoming Dance (High School Only)
22: PSAT Testing - ½ day for HS
22: Parent Teacher Conferences - No School for Pre-K-8 grade th
23: Dodgeball Tournament Fundraiser
November 2025
13: Experience GCA DAY for IS/MS/HS Prospective Families
19: Experience GCA Day for Elementary Prospective Families
24-28: No School - Thanksgiving Break
December 2025
8: Late Start for StudentsPD for Teachers and Staff
13-19: Senior Trip
16-18: High School Exams
19: Second Quarter Ends - ½ day of school
4-Jan. 3: No School - Christmas Break
Student Accomplishments:
Legion Auxilliary Volunteer Girls State
Ella Grace Fua &
Audrey Underwood
2025 ALA VGS
Delegates
My experience at Girls State exceeded my expectations! ALA Volunteer Girls State is a week of learning about our Tennessee state government and experiencing what it’s like to vote, make speeches, run for office, pass bills, and more. At Girls State, you are placed in a specific city for the week, and these were the girls I spent my entire week working alongside, learning all things government It was a special experience to arrive as strangers and to leave as best friends During the week, I learned so much about how our government works, and I have so much more respect for all of our political leaders and representatives in Tennessee! I had the privilege to meet many of them and listen to their stories. It inspired me to be bold in my voice and to lead with a purpose. My favorite part of the week was our Olympic night, where all 800 of the girls competed for the medal, and my team tied for first! Some of the most special moments of the week were just meeting new girls and creating lifelong friendships. I am so grateful to GCA that I was selected to go, and it was one of the best parts of my summer!
By: Ella Grace Fua
This program empowers Tennessee’s promising young women to become and remain civically engaged leaders through experiential learning and relevant, inspiring growth opportunities
More Good News!
A BAPTISM AT THE CREEK
Wyn Mayfield, 5 grade & th Ever Mayfield, 2 grade nd
Earlier this year, brothers Wyn and Ever Mayfield made the heartfelt decision to be baptized. Surrounded by family, close friends, and influential teachers, they took this meaningful step of faith on May 16, 2025.
Their baptism took place in the campus river and was graciously led by Dr. Dan Spencer.
GCA celebrates alongside the Mayfield family as Wyn and Ever publicly declared their trust in Jesus. It was a powerful and beautiful reminder of God’s enduring faithfulness.
The Mayfield Family
Jonathan, Grace, Jude, Wyn, Ever, & Maryn
Wyn, Ever & Dr Dan Spencer
Listed are our 5th-8th grade students who made the All-A Honor Roll for the 2nd semester of last school year (an average of 1st and 2nd quarter grades).
6th Grade 6th Grade
Charlotte Ballentine
Jordan Andrews
Cash Armstrong
Charlotte Auer
Hadley Badstibner
Elizabeth Beard
Mary Charlotte Beard
Gemma Bolan
Lila Collins
Adley Ellstrom
Crawford Erwin
Logan Gilles
Amos Gregory
Simon Harris
Wyatt Harris
Charlotte Havens
Zeke Hayes
Julia Hron
Ava Grace Ingram
Amelia Ivy
Sophia Auer
Cate Brostowicz
Beckett Brown
Joey Castrorao
Brody Cavanaugh
Haven Collins
Luke Downen
Harper Erwin
Stella Goddard
Alyssa Hastings
Colt Headley
Ella Hopwood
Kirby Hurst
Lilly May Jakes
Amelia Jones
Nealan Maxson
Kelsey Johnson
Rae Kirk
Elizabeth Leslie
Harper Loche
Wyn Mayfield
Rowan McCommon
Whitt McGinnis
Selah Nord
Carlee Pacarro
Bennett Regenold
Ellis Robold
Madeline Sibol
Samuel Stevens
Evelyn Thomas
Jack Thomas
Brooks Veach
Lorelei Waring
Fischer White
Taylor Zabka
Nola Kate Miller
Reese Payne
Brooks Purdy
Charlie Qualls
Savannah Regenold
Barrett Sloas
Amelia Spann
Alia Sprague
Grey St. Clair
Austin Stamper
Jacqueline Stevens
Jack Vaughn
Fennley Veach
Annie Wooten
Hadley Young
Ginny Grace Bechman
Emma Brown
Eli Butcher
Fifi Cottingham
Deacon Crosby
Grey Crowell
Oliver Eke
Kaylee Ferreira
Cassie Flagg
Kennedy Francoforte
Rye Garrett
Georgia Gautsche
Landin Gerber
Sam Glasser
Weston Gray
Claire Green
Gracie Harmon Landon Harrington
Colson Harris
Gresham Hayes
Luke Holwerda
Lilliana Jackson
Emmett Jordan
Sarah Mason
Jacob McCauley
Crew McKown
Elise Miller
Drew Pankake
Owen Pardue
Sarah Patrick
Micah Potter
Piper Salinas
Annistyn Sprague
Rowan Stevens
William Terry
Elle Verner
Luke Wierschke
Hayes Wilson
Lillian Brooks
Isaac Hurst
Kendall Miller
Elijah Mize
Brown Nielsen
Brooklyn Spann
Jason Capicik
Ella-Rose Castrorao
Chloe Cavanaugh
Sammy Flagg
Hayden Goodman
Avery Miller
Joy Patrick
James Payne
Bennett Stevens
Emma Umerlik
Sara Logan Verner
Hope Brooks
Ford DeShazo
Hudson Gregg
London Norris
Audrey Underwood
Kensley Elam
Wyatt Hall
Knox Lambert
Maggie Landers
McKenna Grace McConnell
Levi Ray
Heidi Ring
Parker Sloas
Madi Tolliver
Kade Ziemendorf
10th Grade 10th Grade
Sam Brewer
Francey Clements
Grayson DeGraff
Josh Dunn
Brooklyn Hutcheson
Toby Sarnacke
John Tillman
Maddie Barnett
Maclayne Barton
Hutch Blank
Nick Chadwick
Micah Clark
Culley Fidler
Jackson Holwerda
Hannah Jimenez
Austin Johnson
Zoe Jones
Anna Joy Nicodemus
Camryn Pitts
Olivia Pitts
Elizabeth Shipman
Grace Caroline Steih
Jade Thrasher
Lily Yates
Katelyn Anderson
Linen Carnes
Reese Garrett
Audrey George
Samuel Glasel
Jenna Huxford
Savanna Hyland
Hans Jimenez
Ellis Mason
Madelyn Miller
Jonathan Mize
Eisley Pankratz
Hannah Patrick
Maddox Potter
Mike Smith
Wesley Stewart
Jacob Thompson
New Welcome
FACULTY & STAFF
FACULTY & STAFF New Welcome
IS/MS Elective Teacher
Deon Sanders
Elementary Music Teacher
Ashley Mills
2nd Grade Teacher
Maddie Rogge
Anna Merritt
High School Math Teacher
Elementary STEM Teacher
Callie Fold
Haley Robinson
Pre-K Assistant
2nd Grade Teacher
4th Grade Assistant
Lizzie Smith
Abbigail Weller
Macy Schelp
High School Science Teacher
3rd Grade Assistant
Carrie Wilhoit
Congratulations! Congratulations!
After a year of dedication, late nights, and unwavering perseverance, Alicia has proudly earned her Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership from Liberty University graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA!
Reflecting on the journey, Alicia shared, “It was much harder than I thought it would be. To all the grads, congrats and remember that whether you’re 18, 22, or 52 years old, with God, the best is yet to come!”
Alicia celebrated with her family in her favorite place.
Your hard work has paid off, Alicia. Here's to new opportunities, bold leadership, and the bright road ahead!
We are so very proud of you!
