With faith, family, and a focus on the future, Harrells Christian Academy strives to build Christian character, develop minds, and achieve academic success.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Andy Wells ‘91 P’30, ‘32
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
Eva Thornton P‘31
DESIGN COORDINATOR
Johnathan Miller
CONTRIBUTORS
Jayne Green
Amy Powers
Marilyn St. Pierre
Jessica Register P’24, ‘29, ‘30
Alicia Sutton P’25, ‘29
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jessica Register P’24, ‘29, ‘30
Alicia Sutton P’25, ‘29
Randall Slavin
Founded in 1970 on a fifty-acre campus in southern Sampson County, Harrells Christian Academy is the region’s only K-12 Christian college preparatory school. HCA transforms students into Crusaders who lead with character, knowledge, and faith. Our tight-knit community of teachers and families engages and challenges students to their fullest potiential through traditional Christian values.
Harrells Christian Academy 360 Tomahawk Hwy, Harrells, NC harrellsca.com
2021-2022
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RICHARD ROGERS P’28, ‘29 CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Clinton, NC
CHRIS HARDISON ‘92 P’25, ‘28
VICE-CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Clinton, NC
PATSY BARNHILL P’22, ‘25, ‘32 Ivanhoe, NC
DAVID deANDRADE ‘96 P’20, ‘24 White Lake, NC
HOLDEN DuBOSE ‘94 P’27, ‘28 Clinton, NC
JONATHAN FUSSELL P’22, ‘25 Wallace, NC
COWAN JOHNSON P’22, ‘24, ‘27, ‘28 Rose Hill, NC
TART LEE Clinton, NC
HAYES LUDLUM P’28, ‘32 Wallace, NC
WENDY MURPHY P’12, ‘13 Wallace, NC
JANET PRESTAGE P’15, ‘16 Clinton, NC
HENRY STEVENS IV ‘85 P’30 Wallace, NC
P=Parent
Dear Friends,
Our yearly verse for 2021-22 comes from Proverbs 3: 5-6 which states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” When I read those words, I can’t help but be comforted in the fact that, as we continue to navigate through the extraordinary and unique challenges we have all faced throughout the pandemic, God reassures us that we are not alone. When we trust not in ourselves, but in God as the foundation of our faith, we will have the courage to face anything that comes our way. Luckily, we believe in a God that reassures us that we don’t have to have all of the answers. All we have to do is look to God, and He will help us chart the uncertain times before us. Through it all, one thing remains certain. As our Lower School students reminded us in their December Christmas musical, God has a special plan for each of us. If we trust in Him with our whole hearts, he will not only help us discover our true purpose, but he will provide us with the strength and opportunity to share those talents and experiences with others.
In this issue of the Green & Gold, we reflect on the many exciting events and milestones our Crusader family has been blessed to experience together. From resuming our indoor commencement exercises to hosting a state championship game and performing Annie JR., our first musical in 14 years, it is clear that HCA has been a busy place filled with talent, fellowship, and love!
We are also excited to highlight Rhylee Pope, our first Park Scholarship recipient at NC State University as well as showcase some outstanding examples of how our alumni have made the world a better place through their service.
As you are thumbing through the pages of this magazine, we hope you will recognize how Harrells Christian Academy helps to lay a firm foundation of faith, family, service, and overall excellence that follows its alumni into their personal and professional lives way beyond the HCA experience.
We hope that you will view HCA as we do, having provided a valuable service for you and your family whether past or present. At Harrells, we strive, as a family, to instill a duty of service in our students so that they may, in turn, “pay it forward” as they enter the world beyond their K-12 education.
We also want to acknowledge those who have provided “service” to HCA to help make us what we are today. Many have sacrificed time, talents, and resources to build our school, and we are truly thankful. That type of service is critical to the future of HCA. With everyone working together, we can grow the impact of HCA for our community and beyond.
Andy Wells ‘91 Head of School
BRINGING BACK BROADWAY
Harrells Christian Academy Hits the Stage with their Production of the Broadway Musical, “Annie, JR.”
The sun’ll come out tomorrow. Cliché as it may sound, hope and faith for a better “tomorrow” are what get us through these challenging times. The message of this iconic song resonated with audiences in 1977 and still does today. This show takes place in 1933 during the Great Depression, and yet here we are in 2021 with some parallels and similar challenges. Annie is a timely reminder that genuine optimism is contagious.
After an absence of performances for approximately fourteen years, Broadway returned to Harrells Christian Academy on December 2-4, 2021, as students presented the Broadway musical, Annie, JR. in the Newkirk Auditorium. Approximately 51 students in grades K-12 put on their acting shoes and wowed the audiences with their vocal and dancing talents during the four performances.
The title role of Annie was shared by cousins and fifth graders, Lilly Kate Rogers and Anna Middleton Williams. Lilly Kate, the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Rogers, performed in the Thursday and Saturday night performances and Anna Middleton, the daughter of Jonathan and CharlesAnna Williams, performed in the Friday night performance and the Saturday matinee.
Annie, JR. was written by Thomas Meehan with music by Charles Strause and lyrics by Martin Charnin. Annie, as the major character, is determined to find her parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan, played by senior ViviAnn Johnson. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil schemes, along with her evil brother, Rooster (Max DiLello) and his girlfriend, Lily (Mabel Parker) by finding a new home and family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Ty Smoak), his personal secretary Grace Farrell (Anna Edwards), and a lovable mutt named Sandy (Nash Register).
Students performed memorable tunes such as “NYC,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile,” “Hard Knock Life,” “Maybe,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything but You,” “ I Think I’m Gonna like it Here,” “Little Girls,” “You Won’t be an Orphan for Long,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”
The enthusiastic orphans were played by Tessa Hodge, Charleigh Anna Naylor, Emily Campbell, Caroline Owens, Sarah-John Jackson, Brenlee Thornton, Livie Martin, Mary Thomas Williams, Hannah Beth Floyd, Allie Tanner, Parker Thompson, and Matilda Parker. Other various roles were played by Benny Mercer, John-Ward Farrior, Gibson Hill, Joseph Mejia, Piper Nelson, Scarlett Rose Robinson, Olivia Matthews, Piper Moore, Georgia Pope, Camryn Fussell, Clara Glynn Hill, McKena Johnston, Ivey Brown, Rivers Robinson, MaKayla Stallings, Ayden Fussell, Henry Stevens, Kendall Haney, Brooklyn Bryan, Gigi Tew, Isla Blanton, Betsy Martin, Sadie Floyd, Hattie B. Farrior, Anne-Carlyle Brown, Laura Blake King, Amerie Bryant, and Savannah Stevens.
Based on the popular comic strip Little Orphan Annie, the play was directed by HCA English teacher, Marilyn St. Pierre, choreographed by teacher Rebecca Retherford and music teacher, Faith Dearman. The performance was sponsored by River Landing Builders of Wallace.
Set design was provided by Mrs. Jodie Nelson’s Art students: LeeLee Votaw, Taylor Grace Register, Dev Gardner, Nathan Tatum, and Reese Blue, and lighting was handled by Michael Dale Williams and Evan Boussias. Sound was provided by Johnathan Miller and Faith Dearman. The backstage crew was Amber Jones, Willa Grace Johnson, Scarlett Votaw, and Jenna King. The play was well received by the audience. According to director Marilyn St. Pierre, “This play was so much fun to direct. I loved the energy of the orphans, the sweet relationship that developed between Annie and Daddy Warbucks and Grace Farrell, and the “sassiness” of Miss Hannigan and Rooster and Lily. Around 75 students auditioned for the various roles in September, and practices began immediately upon cast selection. Students, especially our little orphans, were always so enthusiastic about practices, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and actually have fun.
For most students, this was their first stage performance. We are so blessed to have so much talent in one school, and this was yet another avenue to showcase these talented students. I could not have asked for a better group of students to work with, as well as the supportive parents who stepped up and helped out backstage with makeup and hair, ticket sales, and with providing refreshments during the performances. A special thank you goes to my daughter, Jenna King, for keeping me straight as well as handling ticket sales and being my number one assistant. We were especially excited that a new lighting system was installed prior to the performances. This made a huge difference in our production. And since this production, a new sound system has also been installed. We are truly ready for future performances! The Arts are alive and well at Harrells Christian Academy!”
“Being a part of the Annie, JR. cast was like a dream. I’ve aways wanted to perform in a play on stage and this was my chance! I also really enjoyed practicing songs and lines with my best friend and costar, Lilly Kate!”
- Anna Middleton Williams
“I had a wonderful time in the Annie, JR. performance as Grace Farrell! I’m very grateful for the opportunity to get to know the cast and see the play come to life! I am excited to see what plays Harrells does in the future! - Anna Edwards
“I had the best time performing in Annie, JR. as Miss Hannigan. My character was so much fun to play because it was so different from my own personality. Everyone truly came together and made the play the best we could make it.”
- ViviAnn Johnson
“I really enjoyed playing Sandy because of my costume and getting to pretend to be a dog. As Sandy, I didn’t have to memorize a lot of spoken lines, and I was still able to be a big part of the musical and have fun.” - Nash Register
“Playing the role of Annie was an amazing, unforgettable experience! I always looked forward to practices after school, and I loved sharing the lead role with my cousin, Anna. Being onstage was more fun than I ever imagined.” –Lilly Kate Rogers
“I loved playing Daddy Warbucks. He has a personality and humor similar to mine. Also, getting to know all the lower school students was fun.” - Ty Smoak
remembering HILL LANIER
08/04/03 - 11/05/21
Hill Lanier’s light continues to shine on all those who knew him and, daily, we are reminded of his impact on everyone here at Harrells Christian Academy. Fun-loving, outgoing, selfless, funny and kind-hearted to all, he was the person everyone gravitated to. His infectious personality lit up every room he walked into, and when you were around him, he made you feel like you were the only person that mattered.
Offering a level of optimism that was honest, heartfelt, and spilling over into all that he did during his short, but meaningful life here, Hill saw the world as it was and despite the challenges and setbacks that he experienced, he still looked towards the beauty and wonder of the world with passion. He was an avid lover of the outdoors and spent much of his time hunting, especially in Hyde County. His love for the outdoors brought out the happy free spirit that defined him. His strength, courage, faith and drive to get better also allowed him to find ways to socialize with friends, whether at his house, in their trucks, or at Topsail Beach.
Hill’s love for the outdoors was only surpassed by the love he had for his parents, Dona and Denny Lanier and his friends, especially his classmates at HCA. While a student at Harrells, he wanted to remain part of the HCA family and was determined to enjoy school activities. He enjoyed playing soccer, baseball, and attending his Senior Prom where he was chosen Prom King. He played in the Senior Night baseball game
where his friends and teammates surrounded him with love, and in May of 2021, Hill walked across the stage to recieve the diploma he had worked so hard for.
He always exemplified that Crusader courage and strong faith. According to his Senior Blesser, Nell Sloan, “Anyone that knew Hill knew he loved Jesus and his relationship with Jesus deepened while he had time to reflect on what was truly imporant in his life. He was a passionate young man that had purpose in life, and during his 18 years, he created a legacy that will last for all eternity.”
Hill leaves a tremendous legacy at Harrells and, to honor his life, the Posie "Hill" Lanier Memorial Fund has been established. Begining with the Class of 2022, this fund will recognize one deserving individual of each graduating class. Hill’s light will forever be a beacon of strength that will shine for years to come.
“THERE ARE SOME WHO BRING A LIGHT SO GREAT TO THE WORLD THAT EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE GONE, THE LIGHT REMAINS”
- UNKNOWN
COMMENCEMENT
On May 27th, triumphant students, families, and friends returned to the HCA Foundation Center for the first indoor graduation since the onset of COVID-19. The air of victory was evident during the celebration as diplomas were awarded to 29 qualified seniors. They are attending colleges and universities throughout the eastern United States. Congratulations to the Class of 2021!
Rhylee Pope
A QUESTFOR EXCELLENCE
The Covid-centric culture we have experienced in the last two years has created many challenges: masks, quarantine, social distancing, and Zoom classrooms. Despite these challenges, Crusaders have reason to celebrate. Rhylee Pope, valedictorian for the Class of 2021, is HCA’s first Park Scholar. The NC State Park Scholarships program awards a full scholarship to students who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Students who receive this award have many opportunities to become lifelong stewards of the university and beyond. Last year, forty-four students from around the United States, including Rhylee, became members of the prestigious Park scholars Class of 2025. The daughter of Danny and Kim Pope, Rhylee joined the HCA
family in 2015 at the beginning of her sixth grade year. When asked why she chose to come to HCA, Rhylee replied, “To be surrounded by a Christian community and for a more personal education.” Often shy and unassuming, she took this opportunity seriously. She excelled in the classroom, taking the most difficult classes offered and graduated from Sampson Community College with an Associate in Art and Associate in Science two weeks prior to graduating from HCA. She served as SGA President, FFA President, Varsity Cheerleading Captain, and Quetzalcoatl Service Chair. She was a member of the Beta Club, Science Olympiad, and Varsity Girls Soccer. Her role as Chief Marshall her junior year and her acceptance to Governor’s
School for Natural Science in 2020 demonstrate just how well-rounded Rhylee is. When asked about her experience at HCA, her gratitude is palpable. “HCA has offered me so many opportunities for personal, educational, and leadership development. The Christian community has supported my growth in many ways. HCA has prepared me academically and spiritually to be the best that I can be after graduation. I will always carry the experiences, memories, and life lessons from this school and community with me in the future.” Her first experience as a Park Scholar occurred before she ever started her classes at NC State. She participated in the Freshman Retreat Experience held a few days prior to the start of the semester. It is typically held in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but, due to COVID, this retreat was in Raleigh. During this time, the Class of 2025 was able to meet one another for the first time in person. It was also their first time meeting the Park staff and their Park Faculty Scholars. They participated in different team building and engagement activities such as a ropes course and volleyball. They also had many discussions led by older Park Scholars about the pillars and the different opportunities Park offers. They spent a great deal of time getting to know each other and learning more about the Park program. “This retreat was a great experience through which I made thirty-eight new friends, had fun, and became more acquainted with NC State and the Park program.” Now that she has completed her first semester at NC State, Rhylee can reflect on her initial expectations as a Park Scholar. “I was so thrilled to start my journey as a Park Scholar at NC State. After arriving and learning more about the program, I discovered that it is so much more than a full-ride. It’s an investment in me and my personal, academic, and professional growth. Park wants me to follow my passions, spark positive influences, and make the most of my college experience. Park provides me with an abundance of resources such as Park Faculty Scholars, Park Faculty Mentors, Park Enrichment Grants, SPIFFY, and an alumni network of around 1000 previous Park Scholars.” As a Park scholar, she will participate in activities such as seminars, All-Park meetings, and many other opportunities. She is encouraged to constantly be a leader and role model who upholds the four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
jor. She decided to major in Business Administration through the Poole College of Management at NC State because of the various careers that this major can apply to. “I became interested in business administration after witnessing my dad perform business work through operating his farm.”
Some of Rhylee’s favorite aspects of NC State are the people, the huge number of opportunities, and the ice cream. “There has been several diverse groups of folks throughout this semester, and it is interesting to hear everyone’s stories. I have had some large classes, but all of my professors have been extremely approachable and supportive. There are a plethora of different opportunities to take part in. Mostly, there are organizations, programs, and resources for almost anything you might be interested in. Also, NC State’s Howling Cow ice cream is great!”
Rhylee has experienced so many changes over the past year with graduating from HCA and finishing up her first semester of college, but she says God has never left her side. “I have had many experiences that have pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow in new ways. Going from a class of twenty-nine at HCA to a class of thousands at NC State was a big change. That is another reason why I am so thankful for the Park Scholarship because it gives me a smaller class of fourty-four scholars to be a part of amidst this large student body. I feel like I have always been a pretty independent person, but college has helped me grow even more independent. I am so excited for the future experiences to come here in the Park program and at NC State.”
Rhylee had a passion for science and agricultural classes at HCA; however, she struggled when declaring her ma-
Rhylee credits HCA with preparing her for college by providing her experiences to grow from in each of the Park Four Pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. “HCA helped shape my character and solidify my foundation of faith. I am thankful for the friendships and moments I had at HCA.” She offers current HCA students some advice. “Do not try to blend in with the crowd or let fears hinder you. Dream, set goals, strategize, and execute your plans of action. Enjoy every moment of your journey at HCA and take every opportunity you get.” However, her best advice is simply to pray. “Give God all of your problems, worries, hopes, and dreams, and let go and let God. He always has a plan and will do extraordinary things.” HCA is very proud of Rhylee. NC State and the Park Scholars Program are blessed to have a Crusader!
|1. Alex Farrior ‘24 receives his FFA Greenhand Degree. |2. HCA’s French Honor Society visits Our Crêpes and More and Far from France in Wilmington. |3. FFA’s Hunter Education Shooting Team wins big at the Hunter Education Skills Tournament. |4. Ty Smoak ‘22 and Harrison DeVane ‘22 are accepted to the 2021 NC Governor’s School. |5. Mrs. Register’s 8th graders talk to New York Times Bestselling Author and NC native, Wiley Cash. |6. Middle Schooler Ka’Niyuh Pegues receives the College Foundation of NC Victor E. Bell, Jr. Scholarship.
LEARNING TO LEAD
|7. After reading the novel Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen, Mrs. Green and Mrs. Johnson’s 7th graders present totem poles created to showcase their past, present, and future selves. |8. Zoey Minyard '27 presents her math mobile in Mrs. Ellis' class. |9. Caven Chambers '28 and Brenlee Thornton '29 place in the top 5 at the National Jr. Beta Convention held at Disney World in Orlando. |10. Señora Villegas' Spanish II students make homemade tortillias. |11. 5th graders Lilly Kate Rogers, Hayes Griffin, and J.C. Carr make inferences as detectives in Mrs. Jessica James' class.
TRAINING
|1. Head Coach Winfred Johnson is named Conference Baseball Coach of the year, and Sam Hope ‘22 is named Coastal Rivers Conference Player of the Year and 1st Team All-State. Coach Steve Mallard is named Coach of the Year, and Colby Stoppelbein ‘21 (not pictured) is named Player of the Year and 1st Team All-State. For the second year in a row, Head Coach Jason Arnette is named Conference Football Coach of the Year, and running back Devin Gardner ’22 is selected as Big East Conference Player of the Year, 1st team All-State and All-Conference. |2. The Middle School basketball team wins the Southeastern Middle School League Conference Championship. |3. The Varsity Golf team takes 1st place in the Coastal Rivers Conference and runner-up in the NCISAA 2A State Championship. |4. HCA holds its first soccer camp during the summer. Over 60 students are in attendance.
|5. Issac Underwood ‘21 signs to play football for Louisburg College.
|6. Surrounded by his family, Zach Butler ‘21 signs to play football for NC Wesleyan. |7. The Varsity Baseball team earns 1st place in the CRC.
|8. The Varsity Softball Team earns 1st in the CRC after a hardfought season.
|9. 3 Varsity Soccer athletes place in the top 5 in overall conference statistics. Chloe Bowles ‘25 receives 1st with 14 goals and 6 assists, Laura Catherine Glover ‘22 earns the 2nd spot with 10 goals and 2 assists, and Taylor Grace Register ‘24 caps off the top 5 with 6 goals and 3 assists.
|1. LS art teacher Mrs. Armstrong teaches students the correct way to paint with watercolors. |2. Connor Pope '24 creates an inspirational painting using vibrant colors with multiple lines and angles. His finished product features the quotation, “God is good every day.” |3. During winter, the LS hallways showcase artwork from students. 3rd grade students create festive snowmen using watercolor. |4. Middle and High School Art teacher Mrs. Nelson instructs Liz Greene ‘24 on the proper use of color. |5. US art students enjoy painting monochromatic portraits in acrylic such as this portrait of iconic rapper Slim Shady by O’Neika Williams '21.
|6. This beautiful painting of Paris was rendered using acrylics by Chloe Bowles '25. |7. The beauty of American film icon Audrey Hepburn is captured in this monochromatic portrait by Anna Edwards '22. |8. At the end of the production Joyland, 5th grade students take a bow. |9. University of Mount Olive’s premiere acapella group, Carolina Sound, captivates the Lower School students in worship. |10. The allure of wildlife is showcased in this nature painting of a deer by Leelee Votaw '24.
ENGAGING CREATIVITY
|1. US teacher Mrs. Spell performs during the annual Veterans Day Chapel. |2. Miss HCA queens Anna Middleton Williams '29, Kensley Blanchard '22, Isla Blanton '32 and Mabel Parker '25 participate in the Fall Harvest Food & Coat drive. |3. US Beta Club prepares care packages for local healthcare workers. |4. FFA members assist with the Field of Dreams exhibit at the NC State Fair. |5. HCA's Jr. & Sr. Beta clubs collect over 300 toys for Toys for Tots. |6. HCA's PTO surprises teachers, faculty and staff with turkeys as a token of appreciation for all they do.
|7. Fisher '29 and Isla Blanton '32 collect supplies and monetary donations for the Pender County Humane Society. |8. Rhylee Pope ‘21 assists Chance Evans '29 in painting his hands on a flower pot for Earth Day. |9. HCA's Sr. Beta Club hosts the annual HCA Blood Drive. |10. Jakob Funes '23, Walker Ward '23 and Jacob Barnes '23 spread mulch on the LS playground. |11. Mrs. Matthews assists with the unloading of mums during the annual HCA Mum sale.
Julianna Smoot CRUSADER. TRAILBLAZER.
as White House Social Secretary to the 44th President
Julianna Smoot during a briefing
of the United States, Barack Obama.
“We were a close group, a team, from the little kids up to the high school students. Everybody knew each other, like one big family. That was one of the things I loved the most,” recalls Smoot.
When reflecting on some of the teachers who had a positive impact on her while at HCA, she immediately remembers math teacher Elizabeth “Betty” Futch. “I was okay at math, but Ms. Futch was a great math teacher, and I had a soft spot for her. She was tough, strict, and had a no-nonsense way about her,” says Smoot. Joyce Norman was also a teacher she’ll never forget. “As our English and Bible teacher, she was an incredibly smart and wonderful woman who demanded a lot from us. I can remember that we had to give a timed five minute speech in her class about what a passage meant to us,” she says.
Coach Lewis and Ms. Alinda “Linda” Pope were also favorites. Coach Lewis was her Driver’s Ed. teacher, and Ms. Pope was her yearbook advisor. She also taught a survival class where she instructed students in developing life skills such as how to balance a checkbook (similar to our personal finance classes today). Julianna enjoyed getting to know both Lewis and Pope outside of the traditional classroom.
At Harrells, teachers are committed to educating the whole child beyond just academics. “I think the adults at HCA take the kids seriously,” says Smoot. She also believes the family atmosphere where “everyone is rowing in the boat together” makes Harrells stand out from other educational institutions.
“I knew everybody’s parents and they knew my parents. There was a relationship, a yes ma’am/ no ma’am and yes sir/ no sir mentality that was just second nature at Harrells. Students of all ages knew how to talk to adults, and everyone was pretty nice to each other,” she adds. “And if they weren’t, if someone was acting up, Mrs. Newkirk or another adult would correct them. You listened to them like you did your own parents - I think that was across the board,” says Smoot. Harrells teaches students how to interact with people of different ages, in a way where they’re not intimidated, but polite and proper. “I have great memories of HCA. I often think of Michelle Rich Quinn, Missy Hobbs Tart, Shaun Campbell Stripling and all the fun we used to have together. While at HCA, Julianna was a member of the Beta Club, Student Council, Monogram Club, Yearbook Staff, Chorus, Homecoming Court, and Prom Court. She also played tennis, was a Graduation Marshal, and was a 1984 Jr-Sr Prom Maidof-Honor. “One of the saddest moments was our graduation day. We were happy to be graduating, but we just
knew deep down that it was never going to be the same. It was a great experience!” she says.
According to Smoot, HCA helped provide a solid, well-rounded foundation for living a prosperous life. “Harrells helped us figure out what was important,” she points out.
Harrells gave her the confidence that she could do anything, or at least try. “I never doubted my preparedness to do anything I wanted to do. I applied to Princeton University from Harrells!” says Smoot.
Julianna Smoot did, in fact, apply to Princeton during their early admission process, which is rumored to be one of the most rigorous and competitive times to get accepted into college. Although she first received a deferral, she ultimately did not get into Princeton. “I wrote them a letter back saying they were going to be really sorry about that,” chuckles Smoot.
It was that kind of adversity, or experience perhaps, that pushed Smoot to strive even harder in pursuing her wildest dreams. From there, she began receiving acceptances to schools such as Wake Forest University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. However, God had a different plan for Julianna, and with some encouragement from her mother, she ended up at Smith College, a small women’s college in Northampton, MA. “I’m glad I had the opportunity to attend a college out of state. It helped me spread my wings,” says Smoot. Although Smith is approximately 600 miles away from Harrells, Julianna felt a connection there similar to the one she experienced at HCA. Smith provided an atmosphere where students from
From left to right: Julianna Smoot, Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam, Julianna’s Husband, Lon Johnson, and Stephanie Cutter
many different backgrounds and communities were all there for a common goal: for their school, for the education. Another perk was that there were even a few people in her graduating class at Smith from Wilmington, so they would all carpool home for holidays.
law school right away!” says Smoot. At 23, she still had not found her niche, but she got to the point where she knew she had to buckle down. If she was not going to become a lawyer, it was time to find out what her true passion was.
While at Smith, Julianna Smoot earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government, graduating in 1989. “I knew government was something that appealed to me, so I decided to major in government at Smith,” explains Smoot. However, she still was not sure where that degree would ultimately land her. She reflects on how her family never really talked about politics, though they did talk about current events. “I think I first started paying attention to politics at Reagan’s inauguration. I remember watching and thinkingthis is so amazing!” she says. That enthusiasm motivated her to take risks and endeavor to go after her dreams, even if they were out of her comfort zone or took her far from home.
Her biggest advice to current students is to try everything! “Try as many things as you want to, rule things out, such as different cities you might wish to live in. If you really want to live in New York City, go try it. My dad let me go with two suitcases and a life insurance policy!” says Smoot. “You don’t have to have life - especially your career - completely figured out right away,” she adds.
When Julianna Smoot went off to college, she had never been to New York City. However, she knew she wanted to live in NYC when she graduated. So, after graduation, she headed to NYC and began working at Bloomingdale’s in their Management Training program.
“It was a lot of fun! I could be a part of the hustle and bustle of the city, and I got to go to Bloomingdale’s every day. Overall, I realized retail wasn’t my passion, but I got to learn the city and work with a lot of great people,” explains Smoot.
After her adventure at Bloomingdale’s, she thought she might want to go to law school, so she began working as a paralegal at a large corporate law firm in NYC. It was one of the best in the country, with recruits from both Harvard and Yale. “That cured me of wanting to go to
“I moved to Washington, DC after that,” explains Smoot. “That’s when I really got into doing political work.” With a fresh start in another great city, she moved in with one of her best friends from Smith College, Stephanie Cutter, who had already been in DC for a year and was able to help Julianna meet and make connections with people in the political scene.
“I ended up in informational interviewing and began helping with fundraising right away,” says Smoot. Working for a small fundraising consulting firm, Julianna was quickly taught the ropes. “This was before email. We did some faxing and a lot of phone calls to invite people to events. It was a fun experience,” she adds.
One of the aspects of fundraising, particularly political fundraising, that she enjoys the most is the quick turnaround and the ability to experience an immediate reward. According to Julianna, “You can clearly see the fruits of your labor transpire right in front of you. In the political fundraising realm, if you start as an intern and the campaign is successful, you’re going to get a promotion, even before the campaign is over. As it keeps growing, you can move up rather rapidly in your trajectory of a career,” adds Smoot. “Success,” she explains, “can originate from HCA. It’s all within yourself, the universe, and, most importantly, God.”
Smoot, indeed, has built quite a resume from the success of her hard work in philanthropy. She has fundraised for the American Trial Lawyers Association and served as finance director for John Edwards’ 1998 Senate race, along with campaigns for Tom Daschle, Dick Durbin, Jay Rockefeller, Chris Dodd, and Harry Reid. “The good thing about fundraising,” says Julianna, “is there are always new people coming up who want to get involved, whether through giving or running for office.” In 2006, she worked as finance director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee with Senator Chuck Schumer. Until President Obama asked her to assist with
Julianna with former US Commerce Secretary, Penny Pritzker.
his campaign, Julianna Smoot had never wanted to work a presidential campaign because of its size and high profile. Nevertheless, she decided to take a risk and accept the role as Obama’s campaign finance director and ended up raising nearly $750 million, more money than any presidential campaign in US history. She was then selected as deputy campaign manager for Obama’s re-election campaign, exceeding the funding of his first race and bringing in more than $1 billion.
Reflecting on her fundraising work during the Obama race, Smoot explains that there was a huge number of people running on the Democratic side, and when she would contact donors, some would say they were already giving to a specific candidate. However, Julianna would encourage donors to give to all of them since most of the candidates running would go back to the senate afterwards, and only one would be the nominee. “You can’t take it personally,” she confesses. “It’s truly a relationship building process.”
“Success, can originate from HCA. It’s all within yourself, the universe, and, most importantly, God.”
Perhaps pulling from earlier years when she was a student at HCA, Smoot adopted the philosophy that it literally “pays” to be nice, not taking it personally if someone says no. “You can’t be upset with a ‘no’,” she adds.
In addition to helping with fundraising, Smoot co-chaired the 2009 and 2013 presidential inaugural committees, served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, and worked as the White House Social Secretary.
Her current role as Chief Development Officer for the City of Detroit is perhaps her biggest challenge yetonly because it’s so different - as she’s tasked with taking philanthropic money and using it to complement federal funding. She works with several foundations in her new role. “A lot of America’s wealth was born here,” she points out. Smoot has worked hard to build relation-
ships with businesses and philanthropists all over the nation including Penske, Ford, Dan Gilbert (founder of Quicken Loans), the Kresge Foundation, Kellogg, Skillman, and the Davidson Family Foundation. It’s Julianna Smoot’s job to convince investors such as these to invest in the city of Detroit.
“I could probably go back in my life and trace it all back to Harrells, the community and the people,” she says. “There was always such a feeling of family and community support, even though we were all from various communities 30-40 miles apart.” Julianna admits that she’s impressed with how much HCA has continued to grow and diversify. In fact, Julianna hints that she would love to come back for a tour to see how much the campus has changed since she graduated.
Obviously, her faith was strengthened at Harrells, but she feels she learned, perhaps more than she may have elsewhere, that service and helping others is truly a great calling. “I don’t think I thought of fundraising, at that point, as service to others, but I definitely believe that now!” she says.
As most Crusaders can attest, service is a meaningful and exclusive component of one’s education at Harrells, and Smoot’s level of skill in philanthropic efforts ultimately landed her the job of a lifetime.
In 2011, she married her husband Lon Johnson, and they currently live in Detroit with their dog Clyde.
Obama sharing a laugh with Julianna, and Chief of Staff, Alyssa Mastromonaco.
It’s no secret that Harrells Christian Academy is steeped in tradition and, this year, HCA’s PTO wanted to plan a nostalgic event that would not only help our school raise important funding, but also bring the community together through good, old-fashioned fun. After some brainstorming, PTO decided to revive the much-loved HCA Bazaar! The event was held on November 4, 2021 and featured games, food, an auction, light shopping, and musical entertainment. Overall, the Bazaar was a huge success raising over $75,000 for our school! Funds raised at the Bazaar will assist the school’s general budget and help to close the gap between what tuition covers and the full operational costs of HCA. The school is extremely grateful to the HCA PTO for planning and providing such a remarkable community event and to all of the HCA students and staff who helped PTO make their vision a reality. We also thank all of the families who came out to support the event and our school. Please be on the lookout for the 2022 Bazaar date this fall - we hope you will join us!
STRONG FOUNDATIONS
HOLDEN QUINN CONTINUES HIS PASSION FOR SERVING WITH OPERATION K.A.R.E.
Knowledge. Awareness. Results. Empowerment. These words exemplify the motto of Operation K.A.R.E. HCA graduate Holden Quinn - 2017 - became involved with this organization that assists wounded veterans early in his college career at High Point University. However, his journey in community service began while he was a student at HCA. As a senior, Holden led his graduating class in organizing the
9th Annual HCA Pink Out fundraiser to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Through school activities such as t-shirt sales, a bake sale, a silent auction, and other basketball game activities, Holden, Mrs. Allen, and other seniors and their parents raised $17,000 to benefit this worthy cause. This activity gave Holden the courage and desire to jump into a new fundraiser as he attended High Point University from 2017-2021.
In his freshman year, Holden joined the Kappa Alpha Order or KA. He soon learned about Operation K.A.R.E. and its founder Michael Esposito, a past president of KA and HPU graduate.
Operation K.A.R.E. benefits wounded veterans by providing them track chairs - motorized wheelchairs that can maneuver over rough terrain. In his sophomore year at HPU, Holden stepped into the philanthropy chair role. He began bi-weekly calls to Michael Esposito organizing the fundraising efforts. Esposito says, “Holden Quinn has been instrumental in growing Operation K.A.R.E. from being a spontaneous effort by one fraternity chapter to a nationwide initiative that has empowered thousands of young men to organize, fundraise, and transform the lives of countless deserving veterans and families. Holden has certainly brought passion and a desire to help others – but his greatest contribution to this far-reaching initiative has been his ability to strategize, execute, and see things through.”
$500,000 to provide track chairs and other wellness programs for our veterans. Holden and the Kappa Alphas have assisted in the organization of 1000+ donors - individuals, businesses, and organizations from around the country.
“Holden Quinn has been instrumental in growing Operation K.A.R.E.”
-Michael Esposito
Holden became the point person at HPU while Michael was starting his new career. They also have expanded to help other KA chapters across the nation. With Michael’s assistance, Holden designed the organizational structure involving fifteen guys. They instill in these young men the definitions and reasons behind K.A.R.E. The Knowledge supports the idea of fundraising, Awareness makes everyone aware of the veterans’ issues, Results represent the money raised to purchase the chairs, and Empowerment is the teaching of the freshmen in KA to make successful sales calls. The group’s motivation comes from the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who serve in uniform. Kappa Alpha realizes that many of these men and women were not much older than them. Since its creation in 2016 this chapter has raised and donated over
Holden currently serves as a board member in Operation K.A.R.E. He continues to oversee the fundraising direction and strategy as his current job allows. Holden graduated from HPU in 2021 with a BSBA degree in Sales with a minor in Finance and Marketing. He works for MegaCorp Logistics as an account manager. Even though his new career keeps him very busy, he continues to make time to help veterans. Across the country, the Kappa Alphas have set a goal to raise one million dollars. They are currently at $730,000, and in 2021 raised $360,000. Holden states, “Operation K.A.R.E. will always hold a special place in my heart no matter my involvement level throughout the years to come. Knowledge Awareness Results and Empowerment are the four pillars of our organization.” Holden adds, “However, the strongest impact I’ve ever witnessed has been in the eyes of the kids. At each reveal our veterans have had a younger family member present with them that had never known their father or grandfather to be able to interact with them like those without injuries. After the ceremony or presentation has concluded and the pictures ensue, it has never failed for a child to jump into the veteran’s lap or onto the foot stand to go for a ride. In each of their eyes, I have seen pride, happiness, and a sheer joy every time they start to grasp the little things this track chair enables their loved ones to do.” Holden reflects that HCA has gifted him with the foundation for who he is today. He believes that he is successful because of the great foundations of education, religion, and service that HCA instilled in him.
FINANCIAL PICTURE
Private
education
is an investment in a child’s future.
At HCA, tuition and fees only cover a portion of the cost. We are dependent on the generosity of active Shield Fund donors to bridge the gap between tuition income and the real cost of an education.
Your generosity also provides the opportunity for HCA to seek continuous improvement of the overall academic and co-curricular programs to produce well-rounded young adults.
More than ever before, our giving community’s participation is vital to the success of the HCA mission.
Founders Club
House of Raeford
Murphy Family Ventures
Prestage Farms
Newkirk Club
Hog Slat
Mr. and Mrs. Tart Lee
Gold Club
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Barnhill
Mr. and Mrs. Kiah Barnhill
DuBose Strapping
Duplin Winery
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rogers
Green Club
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Barnes
Mr. John Clark ‘87
DuBose National Energy
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mac Herring ‘95
Mr. and Mrs Wellie Jackson
Crusader Club
Mr. and Mrs. David deAndrade ‘96
Dr. and Mrs. Chris Hardison ‘94
Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Lee
Sampson-Bladen Oil Co.
Mr. and Mrs. Joel Starling
Mr. Luther D. Starling
Headmaster's Club
Mr. and Mrs. Lon Beasley‘ 99
Mr. and Mrs. McQueen Campbell, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Clifton
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Edwards
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Edwards
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Wayne Hall
Mr. Matthew King and
Mrs. Llew Ann Murray King ‘79
Mr. and Mrs. Hayes Ludlum
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Griffin
Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Marshburn ‘78
Mr. and Mrs. Elwyn Murray ‘85
Mr. Larry Naylor
Mr. and Mrs. Danny Joe Pope
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Rogers
Mr. and Mrs. Al Searles
Mr. and Mrs. Andy Wells ‘91
Shield Fund Donors
Fiscal year July 2020 - June 2021
Each of the following have supported Harrells Christian Academy during the past fiscal year by giving to the annual fund. Many have supported the school in additional ways including gifts to the Booster Club, FFA, Beta, and Pink Out. We are humbled and deeply grateful for the participation of these individuals and families.
Friends of HCA
Mrs. Pamela Wells Akhter ‘89
Mr. Steve Cavenaugh
Mr. and Mrs. Casey DeVane
GlaxoSmithKline
Kiwanis Club of Clinton
LL Parks Livestock
Mrs. Allison Usher Page ‘11
Mr. and Mrs. Kim Quinn ‘84, ‘85
The Honorable and Mrs. Henry Stevens, IV ‘85
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Taylor ‘72, ‘74
Thomas Timber
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Williams
Contributors
Mr. Bobby Acord
Mr. Jason Arnette
Mr. Steven Autry
Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Bass
Ms. Debbie Bell
Miss Cameron Blue ‘19
Mrs. Lori Boone
Mrs. Regan Murphy Boyd ‘13
Mrs. Laura Murray Case ‘77
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Cole ‘91, '91
Dr. and Mrs. Ron Cottle ‘78
Miss Caitlin Edwards ‘20
Mrs. Susan M. Frederick
Mrs. Hannah Wachter Gooden ‘09
Miss Kerri Graham ‘14
In Honor of Beth Griffin
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Griffin
Mr. Clayton Hall ‘03
Mr. Jason Hall ‘88
Mrs. Rhonda Hall
Mr. Thomas Howard, Jr. ‘93
Mr. Rick Johnson ‘76
Mr. Winfred Johnson
Miss Kiley Jones ‘16
Mrs. Jenna King
Mrs. Beverly Hall Lynn ‘85
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn McKeithan
Ms. Caroline Murray McMahon ‘83
Mr. and Mrs. Blake Moore
Mr. Henry Moore ‘88
Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Moore
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Morgan
Mrs. Jodie Nelson
Mrs. Liz Harrell Newell ‘78
Mr. Christopher Norris ‘08
Miss Haylee Parks ‘14
Mrs. Anita Pope
Mrs. Natalie Pope
Mrs. Melody Powell
Mr. Holden Quinn ‘17
Mr. Luke Quinn ‘17
Mrs. Patricia Quinn
Mrs. Jessica Register
Mrs. Jessica Sawvel
Mr. John Sawvel
Mr. A.J. Searles ‘11
Miss Emily Searles ‘14
Mrs. Carol Luanne Johnson Sholar ‘11
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Siebbeles
Mr. Raymond Smith
Mrs. Julianna Smoot ‘85
Mrs. Shaun Campbell Stripling ‘85
Mrs. Lauren Clapp Teachey ‘12
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Turlington ‘80
Mrs. Joy Usher
Mrs. Emily Villegas
Mr. Patrick Walker
Mr. and Mrs. Woody Walker
Miss Zannah Webster ‘07
Mrs. Patricia Welfare
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Wells ‘79
Mr. Dean Wells ‘92
Mrs. Freda White
Mrs. Molly Peterson White ‘11
Amazon Smile
Blackbaud Giving Fund
Charleston Wrap
General Mills
Harris Teeter
HCA Brick Project
Community Partners
Fiscal year July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021
A&A Tire and Auto Repairs
AC Hall Hardware Co., Inc.
AG 18, Inc.
Ag Provisions, LLC
Bell Enterprises, Inc.
Big Blue Stores
Black River Logging Company
Blanchard Refrigeration
Bobcat Farms
Bradshaw Clearing & Grading
BSN Sports
Burrows & Hall, PA
Campbell Oil/Minuteman Food Mart
Cape Fear Farm Credit
Carolina Facility Supplies, Inc.
Carter Farms
Carter Funeral Home
Clear Run Farms
Clinton Drug Company
DeVane Builders
Dickerson’s Pharmacy
Duff’s Cafe
Duff’s Outdoor Power on Main
Edwards Jones - Bryan Griffin
Elizabeth D. Bryan, MD
First Bank of Wallace
First Citizens Bank
Giorgio’s Restaurant
Group Benefits & Commercial Services
Han-Dee Hugo’s
HD3 Farms of the Carolinas
Hilton Companies, Inc.
Holly G. Edwards
Huff Orthopaedics
Hunter & Price, PA
IPM Computers, LLC
Jeffrey G. Bell, DDS, PLLC
Jostens
Kivett’s, Inc.
Courtenay Thompson
Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty
LL Parks Livestock
Ludlum Law Firm
Mad Boar
Marshburn’s Ace Hardware
Mary Mack’s, Inc.
Matthews Health Mart
Michelle Quinn - Century 21 Sweyer & Assoc.
Minuteman Food Marts
Rich’s Heating & Air
Ronnie Carter Farms
Rouse & Peterson, PA
Rouse Brothers Produce
Safe Data
Sampson Regional Medical Center
Sampson-Bladen Oil
Select Bank
Sessoms Jewelers
Smith Brothers Gas Company
Smith Tire
Southern Bank
Southern Smoke BBQ
Stoppelbein & Hardison, DDS PA
The Trading Company of Rose Hill
Thomas Timber, Inc.
Thompson Capital Advisors, Inc.
Thornton Ventures
Tires, Inc.
Toy Farms
Urban Homestead Construction, Inc.
Warsaw Hardware
Wells Electric Company, Inc.
White Lake Blueberry Farm
White Lake Marine
William Piner Realty
Wolfpack Transportation
Alumni Updates
1989
Amy Hobbs ‘89 and Gary Turner were married on November 27, 2021 at The Venue at the Grand Regal, White Lake, NC. They reside in Clinton, NC.
1999
Lon Beasley ‘99 and wife Erica welcomed daughter Mary Tilman on August 16, 2021. Brothers Jackson ‘31 and Brooks ‘33 are excited to have a sister.
2005
On February 1, 2021, Cole Phillips ‘05 and wife Lindsay welcomed baby girl Draper Phillips into their family.
Megan Carlton Powell ‘05 and husband Charlie Powell, welcomed baby Emma Blake Powell on July 30, 2021.
2006
Kristin Robison Cottle and husband Bradley Cottle ‘06 celebrated the birth of their second child Harris Graham Cottle on June 11, 2021.
Nash Johnson ‘06, and wife Martha welcomed AnneMichael Maynard Johnson on July 6, 2021.
2008
Alyssa Herring Frederick and Hunter Frederick ‘08 welcomed baby boy Elijah Clark Frederick on November 14, 2021.
2010
John Armstrong ‘10 received his DMD from LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Bradenton, Florida on June 6, 2021.
2011
Molly Peterson White ‘11 and husband Crae welcomed son, Jackson “Jack” McRae White on January 8, 2021. He weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce. Daughter, Cate, will celebrate her 5th birthday on May 14, 2022 and is excited to begin kindergarten at HCA in the fall.
2012
Matt Maready ‘12, and wife Mary Alison welcomed Mary Collins Maready born on September 7, 2021. She weighed 6lbs 12oz.
Clay Frederick ‘10 and wife Breezy welcomed baby girl Eleanor June Frederick on October 22, 2021.
James David Williamson ‘10 and wife Nikki welcomed baby boy Cooper David Parker on October 27, 2021.
Hannah Verrilli ‘12 graduated from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University on May 8, 2021. Hannah is currently completing her family medicine residency at the University of Michigan.
Kelsey and Jared Beasley ‘13 welcomed twin girls Lacey Kate (2lbs 3.5oz) and Kendra Brooke (1lb 13oz) on January 21, 2021.
Chris Cannady ‘14 married Danielle LePage of Cary on April 30, 2021 at the Stock room in Raleigh, NC.
They live in Charlottesville, VA. Chris is the Minister of Music at Center Church of Charlottesville and is a part-time barista. Danielle works as an associate project manager for a clinical research corporation. HCA Alumni in the wedding party included: Ben Roberts ‘12, Spencer Cooke ‘15, Trey Bullock ‘14, John Thomas ‘13, Kelly Nelms ‘14 and Patrick Walker ‘14.
Kerri Graham ‘14 and Ryan Gallagher of Cary, NC were engaged on May 21, 2021. They will be married on October 21, 2022, in Nashville, NC. Kerri resides in Garner.
Kelly Nelms ‘14 was engaged to Corey Spell on September 4, 2021. The wedding is set for October 14, 2022.
Madison Phillips ‘14 married Alex Purcell on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Warsaw Presbyterian Church. HCA alumni in the wedding party included: Chad Phillips ‘ 07, Emily Searles ‘14, Elizabeth Hood DiPinto ‘14 and Anna Laurie Carter ‘16. Madison and Alex are living in Raleigh, NC.
CONGRATULATIONS!
On the 5th anniversary of dating, Ashley Usher ‘15 and Jake Mazur were engaged at Fort Fisher; the site of their very first date. The wedding is set for September 16, 2022 at Brooklyn Arts Center in Wilmington, NC.
Ashlynn Hardison ‘17 married Ryan Haney on December 18, 2021 at River Landing in Wallace. The wedding party included HCA alumni: Eleni Georgiadis ‘17, Payton Johnson ‘17, Madison Guthrie ‘17 and Wesley Lewis’16.
In Memoriam
Those we’ll miss
I.J. "Jay" Quinn, Jr. ‘81 of Wilmington, NC August 6, 2021
Blake Phillips ‘17, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Campbell University in May 2021. He is now a law student at Campbell Law School. In December, Blake and Caroline Taylor of Goldsboro, NC were engaged to be married. Caroline is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and is a second year law student at Campbell Law School.
Luke Quinn ‘17 and Madison Warren were married on December 18, 2021 in Kenansville, NC. They reside in Buies Creek, NC.
Brooke Raynor ‘17 and John VanderPloeg were married July 21, 2021. The couple now resides in Orlando, FL..
2021.
Michael Scott Petty, Jr. ‘16 of Raleigh, NC October 19, 2021
Christin "Maria" Waters Minchew ‘87 of Clinton, NC November 30, 2021
Willie James "Jamie" Hobbs, Jr. ‘82 of Hampstead, NC October 21, 2021
Posey Hill Lanier ‘21 of Wallace, NC November 5, 2021
Payton Johnson Westbrook ‘17 married Nick Westbrook on October 30,
