2021- 2022 Annual Report

From the Head of School

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Greetings MBCA Family and Friends, As a teenager, driving the massive 350 horsepower John Deere tractor was as much an exciting adventure for me as it was a summer job. Carl, my boss at the dairy farm where I worked, instructed me to carefully pick a spot at the other end of the hundred-acre field and not to take my eyes off of it until I reached the end of the row. Then, as I made the turn, I would evaluate my performance and then follow the furrow I had just made, turning up more and more ground with each pass.

In much the same way, at MBCA, we drive towards our annual goals, building on each successive year towards the accomplishment of our mission. Without a focus, plowing a field would result in a haphazard and ineffective outcome, and likewise, without a missional focus, a school can wander off course and fail to accomplish its long-term vision. At Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, we focus on a Christcentered education, developing and encouraging academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a lifelong love and desire for learning. Jesus himself reminds us that in following him, in advancing God’s kingdom, we must not look back once we’ve put our hands to the plow (Luke 9:62). Every year, we seek to increase the ground we cover, keeping our eyes on our mission so our students will become highly successful, Christ-centered, servant leaders of tomorrow.

This annual publication highlights the ground we’ve covered this past year, which sets us on a successful path to continue to accomplish more this year and beyond. You will read stories and see details of these successes and catch a glimpse of what’s to come. Enjoy the celebration of what God has done, and get excited for what it means to our wonderful community in the months and years ahead!

Blessings, Dr. Jim Cianca Head of School

2021-2022

Rustin Parsons Chairman Alicia Gant Secretary Trey Holder Treasurer Carlos Alarcon Vince Birley Lindsey Hill Pam Lackey Jim Cianca Ex Officio

2021-2022

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Jim Cianca

Head of School

Bob Montague

Upper School Head

Chelsea Shaver Middle School Head

Lisa Kelly Lower School Head

Chip Barber Head of Operations

Alison Stephens Director of Development

Meridith Burba Director of Admission

Cal Boyd Athletic Director

Dear Mt. Bethel Family,

As another year passes and we look back on all we have accomplished, I believe it is important –critical, really – that we take stock of our victories and defeats. Now, I say that not to promote unwarranted celebration or to engage in woe-isme defeatism, but to assess if our efforts yielded the results for which we planned. The proof, after all, is in the pudding.

pledges. Not to be outdone, the rest of the MBCA community followed that lead, and we posted banner numbers.

To HIS glory – not ours, and certainly not mine.

2021-2022

LtCol Jim Izen Faculty Chair

Mandy Arnold Kriya Benich Holly Burgess Sarah Calvert

Jill Cardinell Gigi Fischer Jeanne Flack Julie Hedden Sherri Holder Dee Johnson Pam Johnston Jihee Kim Kiesa Knotts

Kimberly Kramer Carrie Lemming Rory Mannino Cristin Odom

Megan Raines

Sally Salomonson

Stephanie Stefan

Grace Trent

Jenny Wagner

Laurie Walters

Ragan Weeks Kristin Windhorst

Lauren Cleveland & Jenny Wagner Chairs

Jill Cardinell & Allison Corcoran Past Chairs

HOSPITALITY

Lindsay Haswell

Jennifer Collier

Pam Johnston

Essary

Tiffany Sudderth

Hospitality

As we do that, though, we must keep in mind that our efforts are consecrated to the service of our Lord, and that in all we do we seek to glorify Him. The flipside of that coin is that things don’t always turn out the way we planned, because it isn’t really our plans that count. But we can take comfort that in the Lord’s time, all things will work out.

As I closed in towards the deadline of the faculty portion of the Annual Fund Drive, I was getting agitated. The vast majority of the faculty and staff had made their pledges, but there were a few that had not. I emailed. I called. I texted. The night before the deadline, I went to bed knowing that I would miss our deadline. I was angry and frustrated and felt it a personal affront. You see, the faculty drive precedes the general one, and the goal is to set the example for the rest of the community. That was MY job. That was MY mission. But there lies the problem.

Go back over that last paragraph and count the “I”s and “my”s. Go ahead; I’ll wait. Ten of them. I was focused on the wrong thing. I had made it a personal quest, and in doing so had forgotten about whose work I was doing. My old nemesis, the sin of Pride, had bested me again. But the Lord had an even bigger lesson for me. Because, yes, while we missed that deadline, within a couple of days, the entire faculty had made their pledges. And when the actual contributions arrived, they outpaced the

I don’t know that I fully learned that lesson until I sat down to write this letter. But what an incredible lesson it is. As I look around at our community, I see my fellow faculty who DID come through, I see our parents and benefactors who do so year after year, and mostly I see students who reap the benefits of the contributions on a daily basis. And I see my own children among them. And in all those faces, I see the light of Christ reflected back.

As I wrap my second-in-a-row, and last, Chairmanship of the Faculty Annual Fund Drive, (and of course I am kidding - I would be happy to serve in this role again after all 120 or so of my fellow faculty and staff have had their chance…) I am humbled by the generosity of my peers, the administration, the board, and our entire community. You glorify God in your unselfish giving to the Academy. If I can indulge my old sparring partner one more time: I am proud to be numbered among you…not proud of what you do, but for whom we do it.

God Bless and keep you,

LtCol Jim Izen, USMC, ret. 2021-2022 Annual Fund Faculty Chairman

ANNUAL FUND LEADERSHIP

Young-Ah and Richard Kim Family Chairs

2021-2022

PARENT COUNCIL BOARD Shannon Walstad President Ragan Weeks Past President Jordan Connelly Vice President Mandy Arnold Treasurer Lindsey Catone Secretary Maria Bell Lower School Representative Allison Nolan Middle School Representative Casey Alarcon Upper School Representative Kriya Benich Family Care

WAYS AND MEANS (SPRING FLING) Nicole Meade & Amy Grice Incoming Chairs

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The mission of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is to provide a truly Christ-centered education for our children through an environment which develops and encourages academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a lifelong love and desire for learning.”

Dear MBCA Family,

Thank you for your participation, prayers, and generous giving in support of the 2021-2022 Annual Fund. It was an honor and a privilege for our family to be your Annual Fund chairs and to serve this amazing school, full of families we have known since kindergarten and also many new Eagle families we enjoyed getting to know. We feel blessed to be part of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, where faculty, staff, and coaches live out our school mission every day “to provide a truly Christ-centered education for our children through an environment that develops and encourages academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a lifelong love and desire for learning.”

As we reflect on last year, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness to the ministry of MBCA. Coming out of the pandemic, there were many unknowns and changes that our dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff had to navigate. With improved online learning and a sense of normalcy for in-person learning, resuming overnight and field trips – including the Middle School’s three-day trip to Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center to make up for two years of foregoing capstone trips, pulling off a record-breaking Spring Fling in-person auction, and rolling out new softball and football programs, we have much for which we are proud and thankful. MBCA truly loves and supports our children! The MBCA family has trusted God, and He is always faithful! “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see,” Hebrews 11:1.

Together, with your thoughtful donations, MBCA continues to spread the good news and build future kingdom leaders. As we face more change in the upcoming year with the growth of our programs and facilities, we are excited to see how God is going to bless our beloved school beyond measure!

To God be the Glory, Young-Ah and Richard Kim 2021-2022 Annual Fund Chairs

Understand The Funds

ANNUAL FUND

• Bridges the gap between tuition and operational expenses

• Tuition assistance

• Utilities and facilities maintenance

• Technological programs

• Endowment

ANNUAL FUND SPRING FLING

SPRING FLING

• Needs that fall outside of annual and capital support (i.e. lobby makeovers, bus wraps, production studio)

• The Perch merchandise store

• Professional development opportunities

CAPITAL FUNDS

CAPITAL FUNDS

• Expansion of current facilities

• Construction of new facilities

• Expanded, increased, more efficient programming

Welcome, New Families!

Hannah Grace Aronson ‘34

Olivia Aronson ‘35

Kasey & Nick Aronson

Bennett Bates ‘35

Kristen & Stephen Bates

Jackson Bauer ‘36

Sarah & Benjamin Bauer

Mary Evelyn Binnicker ‘26

Frances Szymke ‘35

Sarah & Andrew Szymke

Mya Bloom ‘25

Rachel & Derrick Bloom

Jaden Brooks ‘26

Tessa & Jason Brooks

Logan Brooks ‘29

Emily & Scott Brooks

Riley Brown ‘26

Sarah & Tommy Brown

Dallas Lillian Bryant ‘32

Althea Howery

Sebastian Cabarcas ‘35

Silvana Sanchez & Steve Cabarcas

Eva Calvo ‘29

Jennifer & Jason Calvo

Austin Carlton ‘26

Catherine & Jerry Carlton

Lolly Cavallin ‘35

Jordan & Joshua Cavallin

Alex Chait ‘27

Parker Chait ‘29

Jessica & Adam Chait

Alex Chandler ‘29

Leigh & Jason Chandler

Ella Coole ‘28

Christy & Clarke Coole

Cameron Geiger Costa ‘30

Francee Geiger & William Costa

Madilyn Curtis ‘35

Tammy Curtis Chad Curtis

Mayla Dolan ‘36

Nicole Liette & Frederick Dolan

Jack Eble ‘36

Meredith & Rob Eble, Jr.

Connor Farrell ‘32

Elizabeth & Kyle Farrell Connor Fettig ‘ 29

Susan Fettig

Adelaide Flippen ‘36

Ellie Blanco & William Flippen, III

Henry Frank ‘36

Cody & Alex Frank Landon Frazier ‘31

Janice & John Frazier

Anna Gebremariam ‘35 Mintilik Fida & Nega Gebremariam

John Guthrie ‘26

Ellen Whipple

Hudson Hamilton ‘29

Marianna & Brian Hamilton

Ashley Harris ‘32

Jackson Harris ‘34

Katie & Jordan Harris

Larkin Hayes ‘27

Ashley & Jeffrey Hayes

Harper Hlavenka ‘36

Malinda & Jim Hlavenka

Thomas Hoffman ‘35

Laura & Robert Hoffman

Atticus Hood ‘36

Destinee & Zach Hood

Roben Howery ‘24

Ben Howery ‘27

Sindy & Roben Howery

Jake Jansen ‘29

Erica & Robert Jansen

Arianna Jonas ‘29

Alauna & Jorge Jonas

Hallie Kaiser ‘23

Christine & Roger Kaiser

Jay Kleywegt ‘29

Carol & Anton Kleywegt

Alex Kuimjian ‘27

Will Kuimjian ‘24

Jenny & Todd Kuimjian Luke Lancaster ‘29

Lily Lancaster ‘32

Amanda & Jason Lancaster

Catherine Lubin ‘32

Shannon & Michael Lubin

Ava Grace Manning ‘27

Erica & Doug Manning

Jake Marcuzzi ‘24

Kelly & Darren Marcuzzi

Emmaline Marshall ‘29

Kelly & Tigger Marshall, III

Fletcher Martin ‘25

Meredith & Daniel Martin

Aidan McCants ‘24

Amanda & Jonathan McCants

Noah McCollum ‘35

Kristi McCollum

Olivia McDonald ‘35

Chrissy & Matthew McDonald Luke McManus ‘36

Leigh & Mark McManus Luke Mikkelsen ‘25

Amy & Daniel Mikkelsen

Caudill Miller, III ‘32

Crickett Miller ‘33

Maggie Miller ‘34

Jamie Grace & Caudill Miller

Robert Mitchum ‘36

Jessica & Robert Mitchum

Xavier Muraro ‘31

Denise Anderson-Muraro & Valerio Muraro

Roman Norman ‘35

Nyni Norman ‘36

Aimee & Renaldo Norman

Alexis O’Keefe ‘30

Nicole Dye O’Keefe & Jerry O’Keefe Matt Octaviano ‘23

Ellen & Ray Octaviano

Charles Parrish ‘36

Lindsey & Matthew Parrish

Henry Peck ‘28

Paige & Gerry Peck

Brooks Pennington ‘29

Leigh & Mike Pennington

Sara Polosky ‘26

Elizabeth & Steve Polosky

Olivia Pozatek ‘31

Sam Pozatek ‘32

Mary & Robert Pozatek

Trey Roberts ‘26

Carrie Roberts-Poppe & Aaron Poppe

Ella Rubio Ramirez ‘35 Leidy Ramirez Cuellar Luis Rubio Cifuentes

Selah Schapker ‘35

Rachel & William Schapker Kellen Shackleford ‘35 Nicole Krempasky & Sid Shackleford Eli Sharif ‘27

Benji Sharif ‘32 Sade & Wallace Sharif

Ella Rose Silva ‘35 Ricardo Silva Kortnie Vagner & Jason Schweizer Nicholas Sloan ‘29

Cathy & David Sloan

Ellie Stevens ‘35 Courtney & Andrew Stevens Carla Terranova ‘34 Amanda Terranova Timothy Terranova

Trey Thomas ‘25 Marjorie & David Thomas Ellie Thomason ‘35 Autumn & Eric Thomason

Mary Charles Thrasher ‘30 Mary Beth & Michael Thrasher Lucas Valero ‘29 Beatriz Torrealba & Oscar Alberto Valero

Austin Van Paepeghem ‘35 Jennifer & Ryan Van Paepeghem

Daniel Venegas ‘29 Ana Maria Velazquez & Enrique Venegas

Charlee Welge ‘29 Ellie Welge ‘34 Selena & Drew Welge

Titan Wheeler-Young ‘36 Winter Wheeler & Thomas Young Chloe Wolfe ‘30 Jamie & Thomas Wolfe Aiden Wood ‘36 Michele & Nick Wood

Welcome, New Siblings!

For 2022–2023, we welcome 24 new siblings to MBCA. It is a special blessing for siblings to share our campuses. Welcome, brothers and sisters!

Tatum Abernethy ‘36

Sister to Laina Tiffanie & Chase Abernethy Sterling Batrouney ‘36 Brother to Simon Creighton & Nicholas Batrouney Brielle Bolton ‘35

Sister to Brynn and Braydon Staci & Brook Bolton Hill Borden ‘35 Brother to Wesley Allison & Robb Borden

Addy Brooks ‘26 Sister to Ansley Brandie & Daryl Brooks Reese Cooper ‘36 Sister to Lilly, Luke, and Parker Rose India Cooper Bryan Cooper Brooks Goodman ‘36

Brother to Luke Lauren & Josh Goodman Jocie Hanover ‘29

Sister to Evie Tara & Justin Hanover Cole Harrigan ‘29

Brother to Nya Donna Harrigan Caroline Holcomb ‘36

Sister to William Lauren & Alan Holcomb Banks Horne ‘33

Sister to Benton Katie & Kevin Horne Elizabeth Irvine ‘35

Sister to Aubrey & Caroline Ashley & Ryan Irvine

Isla Johnson ‘36

Sister to Finn Juli & Charles Johnson

Cade Lemming ‘35

Brother to Griffin, Sadie, & Tripp Carrie & Judd Lemming

Parker Mannino ‘35

Sister to Miller & Phoebe Rory & Sal Mannino

Harper Massey ‘35

Sister to Chandler Annie & Alan Massey

Gretchen McIntosh ‘31

Sister to James Cameron & Michael McIntosh

Jack Merrill ‘35

Brother to Stella Kelly Crowther & Christopher Merrill

Kyla Noorbehesht ‘36

Sister to Kori Kim and Koushan Noorbehesht Mackenzie Owens ‘35

Sister to Amelia Holly & Clay Owens

Teddy Phillips ‘35

Brother to Calvin Katie Phillips Andrew Phillips

Aiden Rickets ‘32

Brother to Nolan Kaitlin & Jonathan Ricketts

Jake Robayo ‘35

Brother to Kylie Kathleen & Leo Robayo

Elizabeth Sitz ‘36

Sister to Henry Meghan & Adam Sitz

Georgia GOAL

SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM

Every year, Mt. Bethel Christian Academy partners with Georgia GOAL, a Student Scholarship Organization (SSO) created through the Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program. GOAL provides funding for qualified students in need of tuition assistance when Georgia taxpayers redirect their state income tax to MBCA and furthers MBCA’s ability to fulfill its Christian mission. Specifically, GOAL funding is allocated for qualified, public school students who are new to Mt. Bethel.

Thank you to the individuals below for bringing $385,797 – our highest total ever - in scholarship money to MBCA for the 20212022 school year.

With record-high enrollment this year, GOAL funds are more important than ever as we welcome so many new students to the Academy. We were thrilled to award this GOAL-funded assistance to qualifying students. State and federal tax laws and regulations allow remarkable benefits for pass-through and non-pass-through businesses through the GOAL credit. Please visit goalscholarship.org to see how your business can make a meaningful philanthropic impact while reaping valuable tax benefits!

Financial aid is of great importance to us, and these dollars are a critical component of the Academy’s life-changing tuition-assistance initiatives. Thank you to Georgia GOAL and the families and businesses who choose to provide students with access to learning at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy.

For more information on Georgia GOAL, visit goalscholarship.org.

Georgia GOAL Supporters

Roy and Sandra Abernethy

Carol and David Armitage

Melinda and Todd Bailey

Kenneth and Lisa Bass

BCK Holdings

Clinton and Melissa Bean

Rebecca and Thomas Bechtel

Amy and Christopher Bichsel

Michael Biorn

Susan and Vince Birley

Marie and Allan Black

Heidi and Matthew Bozzelli

Kristen and Beau Brinkley

Brandie and Daryl Brooks

Holly and Stephen Brooks Holly and Richard Burgess

Maureen and Robert Clark

Sheila Geist and Richard Clarke

Lauren and Drew Cleveland Susan and James Cochran

Jennifer and Jason Collier

Jordan and Stephen Connelly Genia and William Crane

Melissa and Christopher Curfman

Greg Dangar

Nancy and David Dinschel Elizabeth and Brett Dixon

Amanda and Steven Dossey Erin and Jason Essary Ling Ren and Lu Fang

Janet and John Fischer Melissa and Ryan Ford Barbara and David Garrett

Lauren and Joshua Goodman Margaret and Thomas Gose Jackie and Andrew Grasty Tara and Justin Hanover

Tiffany and Nathaniel Harris Ellen and Scott Harward

Lindsay and Jeremiah Haswell

Sarah Hensley Shannon and Jamie Hill Lauren and Michael Holcomb Lendy and Belton Holder

Shawna and Joseph Husted Catherine and Douglas Irvine Ashley and Ryan Irvine

Abby and Thomas Isaf Erin and James Izen

Jemshall, LLC

Jill and Jeff Jernigan

JMM Benefits Group

Kathryn and Roger Johnson Pamela and David Johnston

Dianna and Werner Joubert

Barbara Kaiser

Robin Keith Tami and James Kellogg

Jihee and Andrew Kim

Young-Ah and Richard Kim

Kimberly and Roger Kramer Kelley and Paul Krohnert

Pamela and Joel Lackey

Jennifer Lemming

Carrie and Walter Lemming Tri Luong and Mei Kwan

Laura and David Loeffel

Nicole and Kevin Lott

Lee Mallon

Anne and Frederick Massey Margaret and William Mastbrook Michaelene and Roberto Mastrocola

Diane and Robert McDaniel Holly and John McKinley Nicole and Ryan Meade Christine and Robert Meara Catherine and Rob Milam

Allison and Ronald Milligan Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP Sloane and Michael Murray Paula and Karl Nelson

Michael Palicia

Paige and Rustin Parsons

Patti Wealth Management, LLC

Janice and Kelly Penn Emily and Jason Porche Susan and Daniel Prout Lisa and John Prunkl Laura and Jose Quiza Kristen and Scott Rogers Cathy and Todd Roseberry Michele and James Rosich Sherri S. Holder, PC Chelsea and BJ Shaver Martha and Robert Slimp Judy and Randolph Sparks Charlotte and Paul Springthorpe Catherine and Roland Stebbins Stephanie and Jake Stefan Alison and Brian Stephens Candace and Matthew Stevens Genevieve and Paul Stevens Paige and Jerrod Stoller Brenda and Christopher Thompson Jennifer and Jay Treadwell Grace and Michael Trent Tri-Pharma, Inc. Jill and Berry Trulove Patti and Eddie Turner Brenda and Charles Vice Laine and Benjamin Walker Teri and Douglas Walker Pamela and James Williams Judy Winchell Kristin and Henry Windhorst Stacy and Michael Womack Kara and Scott Yates Laurita and Richard Young Gail and Paul Zantzinger

Director’s Letter

Dear MBCA Family,

It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite among the nine years I’ve spent at MBCA, but the 20212022 school year is definitely in the running.

The Academy achieved record enrollment. We launched softball and football programs, both of which enjoyed winning inaugural seasons.

Construction of Arrow Field began at the Upper School. Student travel, Grandparents Day, and the Thanksgiving Feast made welcome returns. Parent Council’s Spring Fling raised a record amount of money. The school community cheered a Braves World Series win. Those Georgia Bulldogs had a pretty good season, too. At every turn, there was something to celebrate.

Of course there were challenging days, but as always, He was faithful. Never has my appreciation for the generosity of our families and the thoughtful decision-making by the Academy’s leadership been greater. As a parent, it meant so much to me that a sense of normalcy and a world of opportunity greeted my children each day as they entered school. Thank you to the hundreds of you who helped make this possible!

The leadership and volunteers from our Annual Fund team are recognized at the front of this

report, and I am grateful for the sacrifice of their time and energy. Please say thank you when you see them! They worked hard to make the 20212022 Annual Fund campaign such a success, directly benefiting each and every student at MBCA. A special, heartfelt thank you to YoungAh and Richard Kim for chairing our 2021-2022 campaign. Their dedication to this role, one that wholly supports the nurturing, Christ-centered educational experience our students enjoy, is unsurpassed. Thank you, Young-Ah and Richard, for your unwavering commitment and your friendship. I feel so blessed to know you!

As we mark our silver jubilee in 2022-2023, we celebrate all the Lord has done in and through the Academy over the past 25 years.

I am grateful to our administration and our Board of Trustees for their careful planning and stewardship of the resources you have shared with the Academy over the years. Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is well-positioned to continue the good work we have seen over the last quarter century. What an exciting time to be an Eagle!

Writing this letter allowed me time for joyful reflection over everything we accomplished together in 2021-2022. The MBCA family is the best. Thank you for all you do to support this special place, providing a truly Christcentered education for our children through an environment which develops and encourages academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a lifelong love and desire for learning.

Gratefully, Alison Stephens Director of Advancement

Honor Roll of Donors

Giving levels at MBCA are calculated annually (July 1 through June 30) based on Annual Fund gifts to the Academy. Donors are recognized annually on our Honor Roll of Donors in the appropriate giving level. Corporate matching gifts are encouraged and will count toward giving levels.

1998 SOCIETY

$5,000-$9,999

Recognizing the dedication of the Heads of School who have fearlessly guided MBCA since 1998.

Anonymous (1)

Pam and Darren DeVore Sherri and Trey Holder

Pamela and Joel Lackey

Honoring the brave students and their families who faithfully embraced the Academy’s mission and enrolled as its first Kindergarten class in August 1998.

Recognizing those whose generosity, leadership, faith, and vision created for this community an opportunity for students to grow and learn in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Kenneth Basille Terri and Jim Cianca

Kathleen and Leo Robayo Brenda and Charles Vice

Anonymous (1) Deidre and Bryce Bennett Holly and Richard Burgess Elizabeth and Matthew Coutu Regan and Matt Daniels Denise and Lee Dickerson Kari and John Downing Alicia and John Gant Gayle and Jerry Headrick Glenda and Jerry Hedden

Julie and Russ Hedden Lauren and Alan Holcomb Cathleen and Mark Hunt Emily and Hugh Kendrick Julie and Shawl Lobree Paige and Rustin Parsons Ann and Michael Scheuerman Shelly and Robert Slimp Stephanie and Jake Stefan Alison and Brian Stephens Marie and Gerard White

Carrie Hackett and Jeffrey Hamby Tiffany and Nate Harris April and Ryan Hayslip Karen and Alan Heinz Sonya and Greg Herren Robin Keith Young-Ah and Richard Kim Katie and Kyle Lovett Iliana and Peter Malinov Sharon and James Milam Karina and Lars Nielsen Shelley and Jody Ray Michele and John Reiboldt Kimberly and Brian Seaborn Corinne and AJ Siccardi Deborah and Steven Smith Julie and Jerry Sorrels Judy and Bill Spell Charlotte and Paul Springthorpe Paige and Jerrod Stoller Jill and Berry Trulove Kim and Blake Turner Nicki and Marc Vinson

Shelby and Rodney Drinkard Erin and Jason Essary Gigi and Richard Fischer Clarel and Richard Fowler Rekemo and Mike Fung-A-Wing Barbara and David Garrett Amy and Walter Grice Bert Hill

Dana and Michael Woodruff Erica and Joseph Wren Kara and Scott Yates Rachelle and Todd Yelverton

Annie and Alan Massey Margaret and William Mastbrook

Melissa and Warner May Erin and David Mayo Roxanne and David McCollough Jeanne and Glenn McDaniel Christi and Robert Meara

Linda and David Bunn Melody Burson

Stephen Burton

Shelby and Austin Carter Becky and Tommy Carter

Erica and Shon Casey

Named for John Wesley, founder of Methodism, in recognition of our relationship with Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church.

Casey and Carlos Alarcon

Susan and Vince Birley

Joanna Fligg and Walt Davis

The Dial Family Foundation

Pattie and Terry Frierson

Margaret and Thomas Gose

Ashley and Ryan Irvine

Jennifer and Josh Kenny

Kimberly and Roger Kramer

Sara and Kevin Prevost

Chelsea and Bruce Shaver

Jennifer and Jonathan Sterling

Recognizing the Academy’s belief that the Bible instructs us to do all things with excellence and purpose.

Anonymous (2)

Sarah and Nicholas Arnold Staci and Brook Bolton

Candace and Robert Brasfield

Kristen and Beau Brinkley

Jill and Derek Cardinell

Brandyn Chapman

Jordan and Reyn Connelly Carla Cordovez and Ian Almeida

Jeanne and John Flack

Margaret and Thomas Geshay

Honoring the Academy families, faculty, staff and Board members who have supported MBCA both prayerfully and financially from the very beginning.

Anonymous (15) Connie and Robert Babcock Melinda and Todd Bailey Christine and Thomas Balachowski

Sarah and Jason Bates Megan and John Becker Kriya and Beau Benich Elizabeth and Cory Bennett Robin and Sean Berger

Christian and Michael Biorn Allison and Robb Borden

Heidi and Matthew Bozzelli Dana and Hank Bradford Angel and James Brim Amy and David Brown Lindsey and Chris Catone

Laura Lynn and George Church, Jr.

Lauren and Drew Cleveland William Coachys

Kelly Crowther and Christopher Merrill Sydney and Craig D’Arcy

Rebecca and John DeYarman

Nancy and Dave Dinschel Tess and Brian Douglas

Shawna and Joseph Husted Rachel and Todd Infante Cathy and Doug Irvine Abby and Thomas Isaf Erin and James Izen Amy and John Jacobs Jeannette Jimenez and Adrian Perry Kathryn and Brian Johnson Brenda and William Johnson Pam and David Johnston Dianna and Werner Joubert Tiffany and Andrew Kahn Lisa and Glenn Kelly Kyllan and Jeff Kershaw Deborah and David Kimery Mei Kwan and Tri Luong Debra and Scott Leerssen Alice and Jonathan Linder Jaleigh and Samuel Long Cameron and Michael McIntosh Holly and John McKinley Caroline and Brian McNeely Nicole and Ryan Meade Diane and Randy Mickler Dana and Travis Moore Karen and John Mudrock Sloane and Michael Murray Susan Noland Pamela and Daniel Osborne Judy and Robert Ott Farrah and Robert Patti Dene and Jason Peak

Janice and Kelly Penn Colleen and Jason Pollick Caroline and Matthew Reddington Kristen and Scott Rogers April Dawn and Robert Rohm Susanna Rohm Cathy and Todd Roseberry Dianne and Robert Ross Lisa and Darren Ross Laura and Ryan Rueckel Lesley Satterlee Zhen Shi and Steven Van Ginkel Meghan and Adam Sitz Toni and Michael Smith Judith and Randolph Sparks Beth and Larry Stewart Kirsten and James Summer Lisa and Steve Swain Brenda and Christopher Thompson Grace and Michael Trent Anita and Scott Trott Jennifer and Scott Wagner Jasmine and Andre Weathers

A tribute to the Academy’s official colors, so chosen because the brightness of gold symbolizes the presence of God, and blue, the color of royalty, welcomes the coming of a King.

Anonymous (26) Renata and Jeff Allison Michelle and Brian Balachowski Patricia and Chip Barber Creighton and Nicholas Batrouney Natalie and Fred Battisti Josephine and John Beall Becky and Todd Bechtel Maria and Rick Bell Shelby and Kevin Benko Candace and David Benson Cassandra and Richard Besselink Kristi and Cal Boyd Kim and Tom Boyle Lesley and John Braxton Holly and Stephen Brooks Meridith and Scott Burba Susan and Greg Busch Caitlin and John Churchman Maureen and Robert Clark Jennifer and Jason Collier Ann and Leo Cooper Allison and Keegan Corcoran Nina and Matthew Corya Virginia and Mark Cummings Faye and Charles Davenport Marianne and Chuck Detling Amanda and Steven Dossey Daniel Ethridge Ling and Lu Fang Nitasha and Antwone Fleming Nancy and Daniel Freeman Cathy and Phil Gambrell Lauren and Josh Goodman Martha and Andrew Grace Tara and Justin Hanover Lindsay and Jeremiah Haswell Alexandra and Charles Haynie Jr. Gayle and Bobby Hinson Nikkole and Preston Hobson Karin Holahan Amy and Charles Holden Teri and Minas Hovsepian Laura and Hank Hughen Robyn and Joseph Jacobs Dee and Gavin Johnson Heather and Eugene Joswick Jennifer and Greg Karel Jihee and Andrew Kim Kelley and Paul Krohnert Robin and Dave LaSure Lindy and Jonathan Lawson Carrie and Walter Lemming Erin and David Lynn Robin Marzetta

Jeffrey Michael Kimberly and Shannon Miller Kristine and Jim Monroe Raechel and Andrew Moorhead

Mary Lou and Mike Musulin

Melissa and Dan Mutert Allison and Danton Nolan Lauren and Dragos Nour Cristin and Joseph Odom Cris and John Oliver

Aileen and Andrew Pott

Megan and Taylor Raines Kay and Max Reiboldt Michele and James Rosich Matt Salomonson

Tamara and Scott Siemon Debra and Bryan Stansell Genevieve and Paul Stevens Tiffany and Harris Sudderth Besa Tarazhi and Ilir Pjetri Jonelle and Fred Tenbarge Lisa and Brian Thornton Raegan and David Thorp

Jennifer and Jay Treadwell Allison and Brian Vittur Jordan and Brandon Watts Malinda and Drew Wilkinson

Kristin and Hank Windhorst Annette and David Zerbe

Grace Chapin Joan and John Childs

Jason Chiu

Kim and Bob Christenson

Katie and Gordon Cisney

Donna Clark

Lucynda and Lee Coker

Megan Cook India and Bryan Cooper

Jeannie and James Corradino

Amy Corrigan

Jeffrey Corrigan

Astrid Cortes

Jennifer and Troy Covington Virginia Cueto

Melissa and Christopher Curfman

Laura and Chris Czohara

Lisa D’Amato

Sandra Daniels Jacqueline and Varuna Dassanayake

Angie and Greg Davenport

Annemarie and Chris Davis

Linda and Roger de Don

Jennifer and Scott Decker

Michelle and Mike Dembski

Martha DeYarman Elizabeth and Brett Dixon

Betty Dolson

Donna and William Dooley

Bea and Rudy Dreese

Kimberley and Alfred Drucker

Maggie Williams Dryden

Amy and John Dunning

Ellen and Scott Harward Elizabeth and Michael Hatcher Hayley and Patrick Hecht Mandy and Mark Hedden Anna and Jeffrey Hedge Sarah Hensley Sandra Herndon Paige Herold Ren Hiler

Jana and Gaines Hill Lindsay Hill Maria and Andrew Hock Kathryn and William Holahan Hazel and Daniel Holiness, Jr. Tia Holiness

Katie and Kevin Horne Natalie and John Howkins

Jan and Steve Huffman

Agape Immanuel Molly and Josh Israel

Jeanne Jackson

Sharon and Lance Jakob Marla and James Jendzurski Rozalind and Cody Jensen Juli and Charles Johnson Gini and Brad Johnson Andi and Paul Jones Stacey and Ronald Kahill Zeynep Kelani

Hannah and Sam Kendrick Joanna and Robert Kerr

Mary Ann and Peter Kessenich Veronica Kessenich

Kat Kinsey

Erica and Andrew Kirk Marti and Bob Kittrell Dave Klinger

Elise and Alex Kramer Andrew Laird Plamena and Krasimir Landzhev

Recognizing the Academy mascot, a symbol of strength, courage, wisdom, and spirituality.

Anonymous (75) Hermine & Tom Abbott Sarah and James Acker Mary and Mark Aden Samuel Alarcon Claire and Mel Allen Nicole and James Arnold Denise and Jim Azar Stacy Nelson-Barker and William Barker

Jessica and Salvador Barone

Janet Bell Elaine and William Bennett Elise and Brian Bernhardt Amy and Christopher Bichsel

Deborah Biorn Marie and Allan Black Cindy and Jack Blount Ileana Boariu and Justin Kunes

Julie and Brent Borders Sarah-Kate and Chad Bozza

Josh Brewer

Jennifer and Bill Bridges Patricia and Bobby Briggs Libby and David Britt Brandie and Daryl Brooks Allison and Thomas Builder

Jennifer and Donald Edwards

Jennifer and Trey Eiland

Abby and John Elmore

Alison and Joe English Teresa and Phil Essary

Kristi Farley and Joseph Pegnia

Jonell Fligg

Lisa and Matthew Frooman

Lorena and James Fugedy

Valerie and Edward Gadrix Katy and Jay Gadsby Beth Gaines

Ken Gaines

Alice and Larry Gantt

Elizabeth and L. Crain Garrot

Susan and Dean Gendron Beth and Kenneth Gilliland

Lauren and Peter Gonzalez

Katie and Brent Gorman

Maria Gorman

Cynthia Gozzola and Mark Torre

Jackie and Andrew Grasty

Allyson and Michael Greene

Sue Greene

Julie and Michael Gudger

Georgi and Emil Gullia

Mary and Greg Hall

Robert K. Hall

Melissa and John Harkey

Donna Harrigan Nadyne and Rodney Harville

Brooke and Shane Latham Nicole and Thomas Lillis

Teal Lingenfelser

Karla Louissaint

Vivian and William Lovett

Melissa Lynn

Julie and John Lyon Shawn and Bruce Mackinson Donna and Robert Madio Lindsay and Ryan Mahoney

Lee Mallon

CC Marshburn

Julie and Michael Martin Shawn and Richard Martz Michaelene and Roberto Mastrocola

Ginny Mateer

Cissy and Doug May Casey and Eric McAfee

Charlotte McCloskey Katie and Brandon McClure Christa McKasty

Dina McMichael

Catherine Meadors Jordan and Wesley Meadows Susan and Rob Mickler Bobbie and Greg Miller

Kacey and Brandt Modlin Sue and Don Moeller

Kathryn Monette Kiran and Bob Montague

EAGLE CLUB (CONTINUED)

$1-$499

Patricia and Matthew Montemayor

Connie and David Moore

Peggy and Jim Moore

Lindsay and Brian Morton Kelli and Carl Muller

Christina and Curtis Mullis

Karen and Jon Munson

Ann and Doug Murphy

Angela Murray

Kristen and Dale Najewski

Heather and Thomas Nelson

Tammy Noel Doris and James Nolan

Nicole and Brad Norman

Amanda and Carl Obradovich

Christine and Shane O’Connor

Elizabeth and Darren O’Day

Karla Olterman

Brandy and Jared Osborne

Holly and Clay Owens

Michael Palicia

Jessica Palmer

Judy and Kirk Pearce

Amy and Scott Pease

Ashley and Mark Pendas

Katie and R.J. Phelps

Katie Phillips Holly and John Pilger

Karen and William Poe

Whitney and Mark Pomeroy

Emily and Jason Porche

Connie and Jack Potter

Harden and Bill Powell

Mary Carter and Brent Pugh

Suzanne Quinlan

Laura and Jose Quiza Kathleen Ralph and David Grimland Kaveh Rashidi-Yazd

Jessica Read and Eric Reddington Kaitlin and Jonathan Ricketts

Jen and Brooke Roberts

Johanna and Glenn Robinson

Susan and Thomas Rogers

Laura and Bill Rosich

Rebekah and Jonathan Roskos

Macey and Manuel Salazar

Cindy and Leslie Saunders

Laura and Stephen Schaefer

Samantha Schoenfeld

Tiffany and Taylor Schwartz

Danielle and Ryan Scott

Jeannie and Dennis Scully

Susan and Chase Scully

Lynne and Alan Segars

Luda and Paulo Silva

Allyson and Shannon Smallwood

Nylsa Smallwood Colleen and Derek Smith

Glenda and James Smith

Nancy Smith Martha and Charles Sparrow Missy and Chuck Sparrow

Kathie and Clark Spell

Jane and Donald Stafford Kathy and Kenneth Stamm Kellie Stamm

Rachel Stamps

Hillary and Stephen Steiner Robyn Stevens

Alicia and Stephen Still Ann and Glenn Stone

Jenny and Robert Stone Dorothy and Bampi Story

Jenelle Story

Jon Story

Chaneta and Nikkor Sullivan

Jackie and Charlie Sullivan

Heather and Paul Surdykowski

Grandparent Gifts

Hermine & Tom Abbott

James Dixon ‘31

Bo Dixon ‘33

Claire & Mel Allen

Walter Mutert ‘29

Christine & Thomas Balachowski

Tyler Balachowski ‘26 Anslee Balachowski ‘28

Josephine & John Beall James McIntosh ‘27

Janet Bell

Addison Reddington ‘32

Elaine & Bill Bennett

Mary Alston Bennett ‘30

Lisa & Ralph Berger

Reagan Berger ‘31 Carson Berger ‘34

Cindy & Jack Blount

Andrea Krohnert ‘26

Deborah Biorn

Anna Biorn ‘25

Linda & David Bunn

Max Cardinell ‘32

Becky & Tommy Carter

Caroline Smallwood ‘23

Joan & John Childs

Mathis Coutu ‘29 Colin Coutu ‘31

Kim & Bob Christenson Liam Barron ‘32 Jude Barron ‘32

Donna Clark Clark Brasfield ‘27

Virginia Cueto Hudson Haynie ‘26

Faye & Charles Davenport Emily Johnston ‘21 Olivia Johnston ‘24

Linda & Roger de Don Daniel Rosich ‘27

Martha DeYarman

Henry DeYarman ‘27

Alice DeYarman ‘32

Susan & David Dial

Walker Dial ‘31

Blakely Dial ’32

Hadley Dial ‘33

Betty Dolson Camden McKinley ‘25

Donna & Bill Dooley Elizabeth Warlick ‘21 Carter Warlick ‘24

Bea & Rudy Dreese

Hunter Colier ‘23

Teresa & Phil Essary Harper Essary ‘29 James Essary ‘33

Jonell & Jack Fligg Brooklyn Kelley ‘31

Clarel & Richard Fowler Riley Parsons ‘23 Nancy Clare Parsons ‘25 Tripp Parsons ‘27

Pattie & Terrie Frierson

Parker Rose Cooper ‘30 Luke Cooper ‘34

Lilly Cooper ‘34

Lisa & Matthew Frooman Kellen Husted ‘30 Charlie Husted ‘32 Karolina Husted ‘34

Kathy & Phil Gambrell Jase Latham ‘28 Ada Latham ‘30

Thomas & Margaret Gose Logan Bichsel ‘31 Madison Bichsel ‘31

Maria Gorman Gabbie Bozzelli ‘29

Deanne and Steven Swanson Carli Troutman

Jennifer and Thomas Tulloch Patsy and Bo Turner Samantha and Bobby Tuttle Claudia Valdo Mia and Mike (Sr.) Van Wagenen Julia and Juan Villarreal Gregg and Anna Waigand Teri and Douglas Walker

Laurie and Clint Walters Lane and Daniel Lee Ward Meredith and Robert Warlick

Rachel and Robert Waters Elena and Jeff Wesley June and Donald Wexler Dawn and Cary Wiley Beth and Noel Williams

Stephanie and Scott Williams Ellonia and Delroy Willis Heather and Jason Wise Sharon and Wayne Wisehart Glenn Younes

Gail and Paul Zantzinger Greta and Peter Zefo Karan and John Zielke

Gayle & Bobby Hinson

Olivia Mudrock ‘29 Jack Mudrock ‘30

Kathryn & William Holahan Mary Kathryn Coachys ‘34

Hazel & Daniel Holiness Kendall Meeks ‘31

Steve Huffman Charlie Kopkas ‘26

Cathy & Doug Irvine Aubrey Irvine ‘30 Caroline Irvine ‘32

Jeanne Jackson Chandler Phelps ‘34

Brenda & William Johnson Ethan Scott ‘31 Audrey Scott ‘33

Emily & Hugh Kendrick Ben Kendrick ‘24 Ted Kendrick ‘34 Veronica Kessenich Ella Kessenich ‘34

Marti & Bob Kittrell Blake Morton ‘30

Vivian & Bill Lovett Greer Lovett ‘27 James Lovett ‘31 Sarah Lovett ‘34

Kay & Michael Mahoney

Allie Mahoney ‘31

Genevieve Mateer Aubrey Irvine ‘30 Caroline Irvine ‘32

Cissy & Doug May Caroline May ‘27 Preston May ‘32

Charlotte McCloskey Lily Lobree ‘26 Lena Lobree ‘29

Catherine Meadors Addison Reddington ‘32

Diane & Randy Mickler Drew Mickler ‘23 Mason Mickler ‘27

Sharon & Jim Milam Beau Milam ‘20 Tommy Milam ‘23

Connie & David Moore Hannah Raines ‘31 Gracie Raines ‘34

Peggy & Jim Moore Ella Moore ‘27 Maggie Moore ‘28 Caroline Moore ‘34

Karen & Jon Munson Lily Joswick ‘26 Oz Joswick ‘28

Mary Lou & Mike Musulin Benjamin Besselink ‘30

Doris & Jim Nolan Lily Nolan ‘26 Grant Nolan ‘26

Susan L. Noland Harrison Mobley ‘26 Hannah Mobley ‘28

Cristina & John Oliver Christian Oliver ‘27 Janie Oliver ‘29

Pamela & Daniel Osborne Anderson Osborne ‘32 William Osborne ‘32

Judy & Kirk Pearce McKenna Calvo ‘28 Alexandra Calvo ‘31

Janice & Kelly Penn

Sarah Crenshaw Grace ‘34 Holly & John Pilger Alexander Waters ‘32 Connie & Jack Potter Charlie Wilkinson ‘28

Harden & Bill Powell Mayson Drinkard ‘23 Powell Drinkard ‘26

April Dawn & Robert Rohm Isaiah Rohm ‘31

Laura & William Rosich Daniel Rosich ‘27

Dianne & Robert Ross Ryan Ross ‘28 Amelia Ross ‘33

Jeannie & Dennis Scully

Ellie Scully ‘23

Glenda & James Smith Brannen Smith ‘32

Nancy Smith Nate Smith ‘22

Martha & Charles Sparrow Jackson Sparrow ‘26

Judy & Bill Spell Ethan Spell ‘21 Samuel Alarcon ‘21 Ellie Alarcon ‘24 Henry Alarcon ‘28

Debra & Bryan Stansell Eden Stansell ‘23

Ann & Glenn Stone

Harper Essary ‘29 James Essary ‘33

Sue Greene

Mary Kate Greene ‘26

Sean Greene ‘29

Robert K. Hall

Millena Chaves ‘31

Nadyne & Rodney Harville Brannen Smith ‘32

Patricia Head

Elizabeth Rogers ‘27

Gayle & Jerry Headrick Eli Jones ‘29

Peyton Jones ‘32

Glenda & Jerry Hedden

Robbie Hedden ‘20 Emma Hedden ‘23 Sam Hedden ‘24

Karen & Alan Heinz

Hayes Stephens ‘27 Kelsey Stephens ‘29

Sandra Herndon Penny Nour ‘27

Audrey Nour ‘29

Evie Nour ‘32

Bert Hill Nora Hill ‘34

Donna & Robert Madio Vann Salomonson ‘30 Sasha Salomonson ‘31 Vinny Salomonson ‘31

Kathleen Ralph Josh Leerssen ‘20 Hannah Leerssen ‘24

Ann & Doug Murphy Adam Trulove ‘27 Brandon Trulove ‘27 Emily Trulove ‘32

Dorothy & Charles Story Sophia Story ‘31

Linda & Al Surfus

Kay and Max Reiboldt Hudson Reiboldt ’27 Porter Reiboldt ’29 Nadine Reiboldt ’33

Libby Michael ‘22 Ava Michael ‘24

Lisa & Steve Swain Jude Barrow ‘32 Liam Barrow ‘32

Jonelle & Fred Tenbarge Caroline Shaver ‘31 Cate Shaver ‘34

Patsy & Bo Turner Dutch Turner ‘25 Reagan Turner ‘28

June & Donald Wexler Matthew Trent ‘26 Ryan Trent ‘30

Beth & Noel Williams Henry Wagner ‘33 Ellie Wagner ‘35

Sharon & Wayne Wisehart Emma Wisehart ‘28

Robbie Wisehart ‘32

Renee & Glenn Younes

Lily Kate Bell ‘27

Olivia Bell ‘30

Gail & Paul Zantzinger

Reagan Benko ‘28

Breaking Ground...

The ceremonial groundbreaking for the Upper School Campus’s turf performance field ushered in a new era for Eagles athletics last summer. On June 29, 2022, with both excitement and gray clouds building, the MBCA community gathered to move a little dirt and eat a lot of cake.

Close to 300 student athletes, parents, coaches, school leadership, neighbors, and dignitaries

celebrated the beginning of Arrow Field, a state-of-the-art football, lacrosse, and soccer field. Although the festivities were cut short by a quick-moving evening storm, Head of School Jim Cianca, Board Chair Rustin Parsons, Campus Planning Committee Chair & Board Member Matt Coutu, and Facilities Manager Steve Colley had just enough time to share their vision for what Arrow Field means to MBCA.

The completion of the field will enhance many aspects of campus life: improved parking and traffic flow, the development of feeder team programs, increased summer camp offerings, promote school and community spirit, and, most importantly, allow MBCA to host home games in a quality venue for our football, lacrosse, and soccer programs. Additionally, students with an interest in sideline cheer have the opportunity to do so right here at MBCA.

The MBCA community has shown overwhelming support for the field project, with special thanks owed to our lead donors: Arrow Exterminators and Ragan and Jamie Weeks. Their gracious support is leading the Academy towards fulfillment of a long-held dream of expanding our athletics facilities and programs, creating a welcoming venue where student athletes, coaches, and spectators can experience the MBCA difference.

The target date for Arrow Field’s completion is December 2022. The Eagles’ spring sports

teams, from middle school to JV to Varsity, will compete in front of the home fans on campus this season! Please join us to take in a few games on our new home field.

Arrow Field is part of phase one of the Academy’s master facilities plan. Once field construction is complete and fundraising is in place, work will begin on the adjacent field house, offering locker rooms, training facilities, a weight room, gathering space, and more to our athletes and coaches. The current training spaces in the Upper School’s main building will then be renovated to house new STEM labs and a fine arts studio. The best is yet to come! To learn more about Arrow Field, the Field House, and the complete master plan, please email Alison Stephens, Director of Advancement, at alison.stephens@mtbethelchristian.org. There is an opportunity for your family to partner with us as we take our next steps, and we look forward to working alongside you. What an exciting time to be an Eagle!

Capstone Magic

Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. As the tagline goes, it’s “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Visitors of all ages from around the world enjoy the rides, food, shows, and fireworks that can only be found at the House of Mouse. And after two years of missed capstone trips – undoubtedly one of the most special perks of the MBCA Middle School experience – sixth, seventh, and eighthgrade Eagles made up for lost time by spending three full days in April soaking up theme parks and the Kennedy Space Center.

The Middle School faculty, staff, and 188 students left at 6:00 a.m. on two flights for the start of a multi-day itinerary packed with adventure and covered in opportunities to create lifelong memories. It was destined to be great, but nobody knew just how magical it would be!

Capstone trips are an important part of the Middle School experience. Each year, the different grade levels enjoy a culminating experience offering opportunities to explore, learn, connect, and grow beyond the walls of the academic setting. But like so many things since March 2020, those traditions came to a halt when the pandemic set in. Unable to travel, the trips were placed on hold for a safer time and place. And like everything in God’s perfect timing, He orchestrated the perfect return to capstone trip traditions.

Set against the backdrop of thrill rides, showcases, parades, and more, the Middle School worked their way through The Magic Kingdom, Kennedy Space Center, and Hollywood Studios in a quick 72 hours. There were logistical challenges and long lines to overcome, but the moments shared and time spent navigating the expectations and independence are what will be remembered.

The time outside of the classroom walls to connect was the true gift throughout the experience. Sharing rides and meals, watching shows, team-building, and witnessing the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch for a record-tying 12th mission provided opportunities to bond in such a meaningful way. It is the “secret sauce” to the Middle School experience, and the students and teachers returned tighter because of it. Students thrive in the family environment these experiences foster.

Kicking off the 2022-2023 school year on an overnight retreat is another way our Middle School team reaches students for His Kingdom impact. These trips are a true blessing to kids during the challenging Middle School years. Thank you to all who so generously support these efforts!

Corporations across the country are helping Mt. Bethel Christian Academy make a significant and lasting impact on educational outcomes for our students through their participation in matching gift programs.

Many businesses offer matching gift programs that match a portion or the full amount of a gift made to Mt. Bethel Christian Academy by their employees, employee’s spouses, and retirees. Please contact Jen Collier in the Advancement Office at jennifer.collier@mtbethelchristian.org with any questions about securing a matching gift, or visit the Matching Gifts section of our website at www.mtbethelchristian.org/giving/matching-gifts.

Thank you to the following companies who contributed over $19,000 in matching gifts, furthering the power of gifts made to the 2021-2022 Annual Fund Campaign for Mt. Bethel Christian Academy.

Set against the backdrop of thrill rides, showcases, parades, and more...

Football for the Win

The 2021-2022 school year ushered in an exciting addition to MBCA’s sports program with its inaugural football season! The first season consisted of one team of twenty-two fifth-andsixth-grade boys who trained for and competed in a competitive season of games against The Walker School and North Cobb Christian.

The football team was headed up by Coach Eric McAfee and assisted by Josh Inglis and Nate Huddleston. The team began with workouts and training sessions with our dedicated players in late summer and the very beginning of school so as to be ready for the first game in September. It’s clear that the MBCA coaches, administrators, Board of Directors, and parents agree that the first season was a success, with high hopes for the future of the program, due to the summer groundbreaking of the Upper School turf field. Coach McAfee noted that, “Our first year of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy football exceeded all of our expectations! From winning our first-ever football game, to providing guidance to our young men, we could not have asked for a better start to our program. I am so very proud of our players, their families, our Administration, and the entire Mt. Bethel

community who supported us every step of the way! We are very excited as we continue to grow our program into two teams, and then have football available to Upper School students starting in the fall of 2024.”

MBCA leadership is very focused on the bright future of the program, with Athletic Director Cal Boyd remarking that, “2021 marked the inaugural season of football at Mt. Bethel, and with it, high expectations for the future. Our fiveyear plan is to bring GHSA Varsity football to our school, and Year One was a great start. Twentytwo fifth-and-sixth-graders came together to become the first team to wear the navy MB logo on their helmets. With the construction of our multi-purpose turf field on our Upper School campus, we will now have room to add an additional football team and sideline cheer to the growing list of competitive athletic opportunities for our community. It is a very exciting time to be an MBCA student athlete.”

Go Eagles!

Middle School Softball

The Middle School softball program made its debut in the fall of 2021. Sixteen young ladies began the foundation of a program that looks to bring great things to Mt. Bethel Christian Academy in the future. The team finished 4-4 overall in the regular season, which was good for a fourth-place finish in the Metro 10. Unfortunately, the Lady Eagles lost a close playoff game to end their season a little earlier than they had hoped.

The team was built around a trio of eighth-grade players - Kaitlin Bennett, Kate Rogers, and Gabby Siemon. All three of these girls brought a tremendous amount of experience to the team and were true leaders both on and off the field.

“I am so amazingly proud of this team. We went from hoping we would have enough players to field a team, to nearly beating the team that wound up winning the Metro 10,” said head coach Daryl Brooks. “The dedication, effort, and resilience of these girls was amazing. I was truly blessed to be able to coach this team.”

Middle School Athletics Director Greg Hall noted that, “We had talked about starting a softball team in the past, but we never felt like we had enough support to get things off the ground. Last summer, the administration and families really rallied around this idea of forming a team. It was great to see the results. Last year was just the start of a bright future for the program.”

The Academy’s commitment to serving student athletes and offering co-curriculars that enhance the MBCA experience for every student is stronger than ever. Thank you to the families, coaches, and students who do so much behind the scenes to support these efforts.

Together We Soar

Every March, Parent Council hosts the Spring Fling & Auction, which is the Academy’s largest fundraising event of the year. In 2022, the Spring Fling was held as an in-person event for the first time since 2019. Oh, what a night! Thank you to the Ways & Means Co-Chairs, Lauren Cleveland and Jenny Wagner, for putting together a memorable evening that was truly record setting. All 300 available tickets were sold, and the Atlanta Country Club ballrooms were beautifully adorned in MBCA blue and gold.

The most popular items of the evening were the Teacher Experiences, which brought in $40,983. Next were the adventure, vacation, and ticket packages, which generated $24,425 in revenue, and the ever-popular Tuition Freeze, which sold for $15,000! Some of the exciting getaways up for grabs included a Florida beach home vacation, a stay at Lake Oconee, and a trip to St. Simons Island.

The 2022 Spring Fling theme was Together We Soar, and we sure did! The MBCA community raised $199,028 to be used for a variety of programmatic and facilities enhancements across the school. Over the summer, the Middle School was able to purchase new classroom chairs, and a Lobby refresh and coffee bar install was completed at DeVore Hall. Funds also supported the creation of the Upper School’s new production studio, and student athletes and fans will benefit from a lighting upgrade in the gymnasium. Spring Fling monies also go to faculty care initiatives and teacher grants for our dedicated faculty to pursue educational opportunities as lifelong learners. Thank you, Parent Council, for all the ways you provide for MBCA teachers and students.

A sincere thank you to the entire Mt. Bethel Christian Academy community for your continued support of the Spring Fling. Stay tuned for details about an extra-special 25th Anniversary Spring Fling in 2023!

2021-2022

Financial Report

Revenue:

Tuition & Fees: $10,463,802

Annual Fund: $819,662

Auxiliary Services: $397,432

Parent Council: $199,028

Expenses:

Salaries & Benefits: $7,411,733 Plant Operations: $1,070,635 Academics & Co-Curriculars: $1,010,000

Student Support:

Gap Grants: $510,810 GA Goal: $279,356

2021-2022 Annual Giving

Total Collected: $819,662

Individual Gifts: Parents - $500,120

Grandparents, Alumni Families, & Friends - $231,873

Board of Trustees (not reflected in Parent group) - $40,449

Faculty & Staff - $47,220

ANNUAL FUND HISTORY

$799,138 2020 – 2021 $852,121 2019 – 2020 $977,194 2018 – 2019 $625,000 2017 – 2018 $447,000 2016 – 2017

Kindergarten teacher Andrea Apple passed away last April after a sudden turn in her health. While the community mourned the unexpected loss of our colleague and friend, we know she is now in God’s presence. As the Apostle Paul said when he was facing his own mortality, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” We are blessed by the way Andrea lived for Christ throughout her life and here at MBCA, and we are deeply grateful for the impact she had while she was with us.

Mrs. Apple’s son Everett, who was finishing his senior year in college, visited her classroom on the last day of school. Although he knew he was coming to say goodbye to her cherished co-workers, he did not know that for the past month, the kindergarten team had rallied the MBCA community to raise money to present to him as a graduation present. Before Mrs. Apple’s students left for summer, they presented Everett with a generous donation of $7,000 in memory of his mother, their beloved Kindergarten teacher. Thank you to all who contributed. MBCA is so blessed to be part of a family that gives so generously to lift others.

IN MEMORIAM: MRS. ANDREA APPLE

Lower School Honor Roll

PRESIDENT’S EDUCATION AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

95% yearly average in each of the core subjects of Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, Grammar/Writing, Latin, and Bible

Harper Essary Anna Hamilton Miller Mannino

PRESIDENT’S EDUCATION AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

92% yearly average in each of the core subjects of Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, Grammar/Writing, Latin, and Bible

Colleen Burda Ella Cofield Laurel Edwards Henry Hackett Mya Hua Brianna Montoban Janie Oliver Leighton Seaborn

4TH GRADE PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL

All A’s for the year in Grammar/Writing, Reading, Spelling, Math, Bible, Social Studies, Science, and Latin

Simone Almeida Matt Barker

Addison Covington Samantha Detling Caroline Ford Zoe Fung-A-Wing Ella Gentry Charlie Holden Samantha Lo Ryan Trent

4TH GRADE HONOR ROLL

All A’s and no more than four B’s for the year in Grammar/Writing, Reading, Spelling, Math, Bible, Social Studies, Science, and Latin

Brynn Bolton

Hayden Coker Aubrey Irvine Isaac Kim Beau Leslie Jack Linder Haley Louissaint Shaun Stefan Anna Parker Stevens Maggie Stover Lilah Thomas

5TH GRADE PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL

All A’s for the year in Grammar/Writing, Reading, Spelling, Math, Bible, Social Studies, Science, and Latin

Gabbie Bozzelli Kate D’Arcy Harper Essary Henry Hackett Anna Hamilton Mya Hua Mia Infante Lena Lobree Miller Mannino Brianna Montoban Leighton Seaborn

5TH GRADE HONOR ROLL

All A’s and no more than four B’s for the year in Grammar/Writing, Reading, Spelling, Math, Bible, Social Studies, Science, and Latin Colleen Burda Ella Cofield

Laurel Edwards William Haas Griffin Lemming Audrey Nour Janie Oliver Prince Silva Amelia Walstad

ALL YEAR

Middle School Honor Roll

Henry Alarcon

Marcos Almeida

Ryan Arnold Anslee Balachowski Bree Benich Lindsay Builder McKenna Calvo Fisher Catone Mollie Chapman Riley Collier Maddie Dossey Coleman Ford Anna Kate Hatcher Ben Hatcher Ella Hoffman Oz Joswick Joey Kim Garrett Lanneau Sam Linder Luke Loeffel Julianna McNeely Colton Miller Hannah Mobley Maggie Moore Lola Pjetri Stella Rapp Ryan Ross Patrick Siemon Izzy Springthorpe Caroline Stover Audrey Treadwell Maggie Tulloch Reagan Turner Charlie Wilkinson

Caroline Benson Truxtun Boyle AnneMarie Cummings Hartley Dastou Johnny Deaderick Emma Elmore Ryan Harris Alex Hedden Noah Jackson Charlie Jacobs Maggie Johnson Caroline May James McIntosh Lilli Monroe Ella Moore Penny Nour Christian Oliver Tripp Parsons Alex Peak Daniel Rosich Hayes Stephens Leighton Thorp Adam Trulove Brandon Trulove Berkley Vinson Luke Waigand Emma Walstad Michelle Wesley

Marai Bell Wade Benich Kaitlin Bennett Drew Collins Emma Flack Olivia Hock Augustine Immanuel Morgan Jakob Lily Joswick Danais Joubert Charlie Kopkas Samantha Laird Reed Lawson Riley-Anne Leazer Jack Lillis Nate Loeffel Peter McDaniel LJ Montoban Sophia Najewski Grant Nolan Lily Nolan Noah Peak Mason Prevost Kate Rogers Reid Roseberry Gabby Siemon Nick Stafford Matthew Trent Presley Wiley Zoe Zielke

MS STUDENT of the YEAR

Our Student of the Year is presented to the 8th grade student who exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in spirituality, athletics, fine arts, leadership, and academics and is chosen by the middle school faculty each year.

Bree Benich Lindsay Builder Maddie Dossey Marshall Flack Coleman Ford Eliza Garrett Adam Hamilton Audrey Hunt Madeline Hunt Oz Joswick Joey Kim Jase Latham Sam Linder Julianna McNeely Maggie Moore Jack Mudrock Camryn O’Connor Gianna Odom Connor Reddington Olivia Tindall Mary Claire Walker Austin Yates

Laina Abernethy Anna Katherine Bailey Caroline Benson Joey Campbell Isabella Crowe Megan Czohara Thomas Downing Emma Elmore Anne Gregory Herren Caden Howell Maggie Johnson Ethan Lo Greer Lovett Ella McDaniel Ella Moore Harrison Odom Alex Peak Elizabeth Rogers Daniel Rosich Sophie Stoller Adam Trulove Brandon Trulove Berkley Vinson Addison Weathers Michelle Wesley

Valerie Bradford Grace Detling Powell Drinkard Maddie Geshay Mary Kate Greene Drew Infante Morgan Jakob Charlie Kopkas Andrea Krohnert Samantha Laird Jack Lillis Lily Lobree Gabby Siemon Nathan Sparks Jackson Sparrow Jack Stefan Matthew Trent

Middle School students achieving Honor Roll status are recognized at the end of the semester. Students are recognized on Principal’s Honor Roll for maintaining a 95.5% or higher numeric average. Students recognized on Honor Roll maintained a 91.5 to 95.49% numeric average. Averages are calculated each semester, with core classes weighted at 100% and noncore classes weighted at 50%.

GRACE DETLING ‘26

Upper School

Honor Roll

Emma Acker ‘22

Mia Barone ‘22

Braydon Bolton ‘23

Eva Burba ‘24

Parker Champagne ‘22

Josh Daniels ‘22

Annie Dinschel ‘25

Morgann Fay ‘22

Matthew Frazee ‘23

Andrew Gaines ‘23

Clark Gandy ‘23

Hampton Gucky ‘22

Evie Hanover ‘25

Trent Holder ‘24

Katelyn Hua ‘25

Dawson Kelani ‘23

Paige Klimavicius ‘22

Hannah Leerssen ‘24

Baker McDaniel ‘23

Tommy Milam ‘23

Sana Montague ‘22

Claire Nichols ‘23

Nancy Clare Parsons ‘25

Samantha Pease ‘23

Lily Rashidi-Yazd ‘24

Reya Roshan ‘24

Ava Slimp ‘23

Chase Stewart ‘23

Christian Villareal ‘23

Jackson Zerbe ‘23

Faculty

Ellie Alarcon ‘24

Thomas Bailey ‘24

Mia Barone ‘22

Sarah Blonde ‘24

Olivia Britt ‘23

Sarah Calderin ‘24

Parker Champagne ‘22

Annie Dinschel ‘25

Mayson Drinkard ‘23

Morgann Fay ‘22

Amelia Ferrick ‘23

Clark Gandy ‘23

Hampton Gucky ‘22

Teller Gucky ‘23

Miller Guy ‘23

Sadie Haynes ‘23

Eva Howard ‘22

Clara Johnson ‘22

Kelley Keith ‘23

Emily Koehler ‘24

Nicole Luong ‘24

Aaron Mackinson ‘25

Olivia Marzetta ‘23

Libby Michael ‘22

Lane Miller ‘22

Kasper Nielsen ‘23

Colette Pearson ‘23

Samantha Pease ‘23

Lily Rashidi-Yazd ‘24

Jennings Ray ‘22

College Matriculations

Emily Acker (Emma) Colorado School of Mines

Mia Barone Georgia College

Felix Castro Georgia State University

Parker Champagne University of Virginia

Joshua Daniels (Josh) Clemson University

Cameron Dembski Kennesaw State University

Kever Douglas Dominican University New York

Morgann Fay Georgia College

Hampton Gucky University of Cincinnati

Eva Howard Auburn University

Nathaneal James University of North Georgia

Clara Johnson Lees-McRae College

Paige Klimavicius Mercer University

Hartley Kramer Samford University

Lorenzo Limonta University of Alabama

Ashton Mellen Georgia Southern University

Elizabeth Michael (Libby) University of Tennessee

Bobby Miller, III Valdosta State University

Lane Miller

Kennesaw State University

Sana Montague Auburn University

Remy O’Brien Georgia Southern University

Jennings Ray Georgia College

Nathaniel Smith (Nate) High Point University

Zachary Williams (Zach) High Point University

Ashley Yelverton Kennesaw State University

MBCA graduates from the past five years have achieved a 100% college acceptance rate and received scholarships from prestigious colleges, universities, honors colleges, and programs all across the country and abroad. Congratulations to Valedictorian Parker Champagne, Salutatorian Sana Montague, Josh Daniels, Randy Mickler Award Recipient, and Emma Acker, Robert W. Montague, Jr. Scholarship Award recipient.

Also, congratulations to Hampton Gucky on her commitment to the University of Cincinnati where she will continue her outstanding swim career. On April 21, Hampton was recognized with a Signing Day ceremony. With her family and coaches by her side, Mt. Bethel’s GHSA state champion and reigning Cobb County Champion signed for the Bearcats.

ADDITIONAL ACCEPTANCES

Albany State University

Anderson University

Appalachian State University Belmont University Brevard College Clarke University Flagler College

Florida State University

Furman University Georgetown University Indiana University Bloomington James Madison University Kettering University McPherson College

Miami University of Ohio

Middle Georgia State University

Middle Tennessee State University

Mississippi State University

Ottawa University Purdue University Queens University of Charlotte Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Roanoke College

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

The City University of New York - Queens College University of Alabama Birmingham University of Alabama - Huntsville

University of Central Arkansas University of Colorado Boulder University of Georgia University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Mississippi University of Missouri Columbia University of South Carolina

University of West Florida Virginia Tech

West Virginia University

Western Carolina University

Western Kentucky University Western New England University Wingate University