BE STILL - King's Ridge Christian School Fall/Winter 2022 Magazine

KING’S RID GE CHRISTIAN SCHO OL

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BE STILL And know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

note from the editor So, what does it mean when someone says, “The grocery store days”?

This past fall, I was discussing King’s Ridge with a new colleague when she posed this excellent and insightful question.

It served as a wonderful reminder that, just as in any long-term personal or professional relationship, it is easy to forget the early years when everything was new and unfamiliar.

But in a future-focused world, periodically retelling our school’s history is crucial to fulfilling our mission, vision, and passion.

Last year, we were blessed to have KRCS founder and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz as a guest speaker at our all-staff meeting. It was riveting to hear him recall the early years – all the struggles and triumphs that led us from the former grocery store location to our current campus. He fervently urged us to “never stop telling our story,” as he shared: 21 staff members have been here for 15 years or more; 30 have been here for 7 years or more; 20 have been hired since 2019, and 28 were hired in 2021.

So, half of you have no history of this story.

So, in this vein of telling the King’s Ridge story, we flipped the script in this issue of BE STILL. Instead of highlighting faculty and staff in our regular “10 Things You Don’t Know About Me” feature, we are shining the spotlight on King’s Ridge Christian School.

I hope you will take a moment to learn something new about King’s Ridge or take a trip down memory lane. Each of us is intertwined in its historical tapestry and God’s plan, whether we have been at King’s Ridge from the very beginning or are new to its next chapter.

In Him, Michelle Azzi Director of Communications

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TA B L E O F

contents

04

LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL

06

TO KNOW

28

TO SERVE

40

TO BELIEVE

60

WHY KRCS?

letter from head of school Edward J. Spurka, Ed.D. "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

- Luke 2:8-10 As the good news of the birth of our Savior spread across the land, how many at that time could have predicted how the Son of God would change the world forever?

Christians all across the world continue to share the gospel, and we are blessed that God’s work is ever-present here at King’s Ridge Christian School.

We enrolled our 900th student in November, achieving a remarkable milestone for KRCS. Since our founding in 2001, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to being a “Christian community providing a college preparatory education equipping students to know, to serve, and to believe.”

As a Christian community, we aim to develop students’ potential in ways that align with how God created them. We recognize that our students’ needs may differ based on abilities, motivation, and maturity level, but we are prepared to partner with you to ensure that your child feels known and loved every step of the way.

I am very proud to work with such talented and missionally-aligned teachers who are committed to advancing your children’s academic and spiritual development.

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As we embark on the second half of this school year, please take a moment to explore how we know, serve, and believe in this latest issue of BE STILL. God created us to be in a close-knit community, allowing His light to shine through us as we support and invest in one another.

Our teachers, school leadership, and Board of Trustees are focused and prepared to meet the challenges of growing enrollment. God has an amazing plan for King’s Ridge as we attract new students and families, grow our campus, and, most importantly, carry out our mission.

Thank you for entrusting your children with us, and may God continue to bless your family and King’s Ridge Christian School.

Edward J. Spurka, Ed.D. Head of School

(I to r) Dr. Spurka and former KRCS headmasters Barbara Adler and David Rhodes.

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to know

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To Him be glory both now and forever!

2 Peter 3:18

cali bryan

COMING TOGETHER

The Prefect system at KRCS is a leadership program comprised of student leaders from the senior class (selected during their junior year) who are highly committed to the School’s mission and values. Their influence within the school community is based on their character and is demonstrated through servant leadership at KRCS. This past July, the eight selected Prefects for the 2022-2023 school year traveled to Eswatini, Africa, to serve at Heart for Africa, a faith-based humanitarian organization and long-standing partner and friend of KRCS. This trip challenged the rising seniors to grow as leaders, depend upon others as a team, and strengthen their faith in the Lord. Publicity Prefect Cali Bryan shares her thoughts on this life-changing opportunity.

I remember being surrounded by my best friends as we sat in community time last February. We shared glances and felt nervous excitement as we listened to administrators and the Class of 2022 Prefects share their stories and talk about the upcoming application and interview process.

The whole thing sounded intimidating - answering essay questions, being interviewed by a panel of teachers, administrators, and Prefects, and waiting several weeks before receiving the final decisions. But the allure of having the chance to be a leader and make a difference in the KRCS community trumped these initial uncertainties.

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Although I was friends with most of the Prefects and enjoyed all their company, I didn’t know them very well. On the seventeen-hour flight to Johannesburg, we all sat with each other, and though we were still unsure of just how exactly we would work together, we couldn’t wait to see what the week ahead would offer us.

As the trip progressed, we began building relationships with each other, our teachers, Before I knew it, I had turned in the application and was being questioned by the interview panel. This was easily the most nerve-wracking part of the whole process, though I was determined to be true to myself and show the committee who I was and what I wanted to accomplish.

A couple of months later, just before spring break, the eight finalists were announced during a weekly High School chapel, offering relief and happiness that I had been chosen to serve but also a reminder that this was just the beginning of the journey.

and the amazing kids we met in Africa. With the Prefects, we moved from only having surfacelevel conversations to staying up until three in the morning, talking and sharing things about our lives with one another. It was incredible this group I had barely known a week earlier had become some of my closest and most trusted friends.

When Dr. Spurka first told us we were going to Africa, I did not truly comprehend why we had to go there. Looking back now, I would never have been able to predict the impact the trip would have on the King’s Ridge community as a whole or me and my own life.

I couldn’t wait to start serving the school, but that morning Dr. Spurka surprised us by telling us that this year’s Prefect trip would be a mission to the African kingdom of Eswatini. While I was thrilled by the magnitude of the news and the feeling that this would be a life-changing trip, I was also anxious to go all the way around the world to serve.

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We got to experience an entirely different culture filled with loving people, and we were determined to bring what we had learned back to King’s Ridge. After the week spent in Africa, we knew this was not just a one-time trip. We had seen how God worked in Eswatini and met the future generation of Swazi leaders. We knew that we had to continue to work with Heart for Africa because of their daily impact on their community. Little did we know that their effect on King’s Ridge Christian School would extend beyond just those of us who had the opportunity to go on the trip.

In October, five of the oldest and most extraordinary children from Heart for Africa’s Project Canaan were given the opportunity to come to America and visit our school. Suddenly, an organization that King’s Ridge has been partnering with did not seem so distant anymore. It was very impactful for everyone around the community to see, just as we did, how God is at work in Africa and how much of an impact they have made and will continue to make across the entire world.

Traveling to Africa touched those on the Prefect trip and has also inspired our whole King’s Ridge community to be more involved with this world-changing organization. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to serve as a leader at our school with amazing people. I cannot wait to see what this community will continue to accomplish at our school and around the world.

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PROJECT CANAAN

Dr. Ed Spurka

OUR TRIP TO PROJECT C A N A A N W A S T R U LY E P I C !

In December of 2021, I was appointed as the new Head of School at King’s Ridge Christian School in Alpharetta, GA. I had supported the previous Head of School for the past two years with the student leadership program he established in 2018, called The Prefects. The Prefects are members of the senior class and are instrumental in setting our positive school culture and ensuring we are fulfilling our school’s passion for bringing every student into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. At KRCS, we are so blessed, and I was looking for an opportunity to expand our students’ leadership, love, and kindness outside the walls of our school.

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"For my students and me, it was a life-transforming opportunity where we saw, with our own eyes, how God’s love for us can transcend to others."

Dr. Ed Spurka

Our trip to Eswatini provided the perfect opportunity for our students to share “Epic Love” with our new friends at Project Canaan, and what we got out of the trip was way more than I could have ever imagined. We dreamed of helping with their camp, and when we arrived, we immediately felt welcomed into a community over 8,000 miles away and into a much different culture. T-shirts, posters, and Bible studies all conveyed “EPIC LOVE.” God’s love for us is so big; it’s bigger than anything we can create. This camp we flew 15 hours to volunteer for was much more than a children’s day camp. It was a life-transforming opportunity where we saw, with our own eyes, how God’s love for us can transcend to others.

After spending a week in Eswatini, it was time to drive back to the Johannesburg airport and head home. Our conversations with our Prefects on the five-hour ride and the 15-hour flight were magical! While we thought our trip to Africa would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for leadership development, we had no idea how emotionally difficult it would be to say goodbye to our new friends in Eswatini. We didn’t simply miss Project Canaan; we missed the children and staff! We shared story after story, and our stories had names and faces. We began discussing the next steps to support them and Project Canaan and how we could build upon our formed friendships.

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I want to thank our friends at Project Canaan and Heart for Africa for their vision and commitment to the children of Eswatini. You are doing God’s work, and know that your family loves you at King’s Ridge Christian School. Thank you for making me a better leader and our students better disciples of Christ.

"As God so loved us epically, we are called to share our love with others all over the world!"

Dr. Ed Spurka

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KRCS events

CONVOCATION

CONVOCATION

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

PARENT CONNECTOR’S BREAKFAST

KRCS MEN’S GROUP

KRCS WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT

JR. TIGER NIGHT

NEW FAMILY TAILGATE

COLLEGE FAIR

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HOMECOMING HS SPIRIT WEEK

HOMECOMING HS SPIRIT WEEK

HOMECOMING HS SPIRIT WEEK

HOMECOMING MS SPIRIT WARS

HOMECOMING MS SPIRIT WARS

HOMECOMING MS SPIRIT WARS

HOMECOMING PEP RALLY & PARADE

HOMECOMING PEP RALLY & PARADE

HOMECOMING PEP RALLY

HOMECOMING

HOMECOMING KING & QUEEN

HOMECOMING DANCE

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LS BOOK FAIR & PARADE

LS BOOK FAIR & PARADE

LS BOOK FAIR & PARADE

TRUNK OR TREAT

TRUNK OR TREAT

HS MUSICAL, ALL SHOOK UP

4TH GRADE TRIP TO ROCK EAGLE

MS CLASS TRIPS

GRANDPARENTS & GRANDFRIENDS DAY

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

JINGLE JAM

LS CHRISTMAS MUSICAL TO KNOW | 17

HIGH SCHOOL

counseling

SUPPORTING BALANCE As a college preparatory school, King’s Ridge Christian School provides students with rigorous academic preparation combined with social, spiritual, and physical fulfillment, which are all necessary for college and life beyond. Research supports this call for students to live a balanced life. According to the Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program, “Students often prioritize academics at the expense of personal factors, including relationships and exercise. This can lead to a decline in academic performance, as general health and well-being are critical to optimal academic functioning.”

Perhaps most surprising is that college admissions departments tell counselors that a High School resume filled only with academic accolades is not what they seek in applicants.

As such, the High School counseling department at KRCS focuses on developing the whole student, one who successfully balances academics, extra-curricular interests, the arts, a spiritual relationship with Christ, and athletic pursuits. Counselors educate students on

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the importance of being well-rounded and creating balance within academics and social, spiritual, and physical health.

High School is a transformative time for young adults; our counselors work as partners during this transition. At KRCS, freshmen begin receiving personalized guidance for course selection, develop essential tools for time management, communication, and life skills, and start identifying potential interests in post-secondary opportunities. Sophomores lean into KRCS and their community at large while continuing to strengthen the groundwork laid during their freshman year. Juniors focus on self-reflection, understanding that the road ahead calls for a time of self-advocacy. This year is built around long-term goals. Students are tasked with determining wants such as collegiate athletics, career aspirations, service academy interests, and any untapped High School opportunities they want to explore during their senior year.

Our students are mapping out their direction as a freshman, following that map to investigate opportunities as sophomores, and identifying doors of opportunity they are interested in exploring as juniors so that, as seniors, they can choose and walk through these doors toward their future goals. Then, our seniors dive head-first into the college application process, receiving guidance, assistance, support, and celebration to achieve these goals confidently in God’s ultimate plan.

To do this, KRCS counselors work with students on four key areas, thus ensuring that students attain their post-secondary goals. These four areas are: • Guiding academic choices, • Supporting academic achievement, • Developing social and emotional well-being, and • Initiating, supporting, and managing college planning and applications.

Through one-on-one meetings, large and small group presentations, family conferences, and daily informal settings, counselors seek to know each of the students as individuals through their unique talents, aspirations, struggles, and strengths. Counselors act as guides, encouraging students to build the resiliency, self-confidence, and independence crucial for success in college and beyond.

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KRCS athletics

FOOTBALL Terry Crowder Head Football Coach We had a tough season plagued by many injuries, but our boys fought hard during each game. This team has a strong brotherhood; they played their hearts out for each other and God. With several seniors sidelined by injuries, many of our underclassmen became starting players. We watched them face adversity and grow confident as they tackled each challenge head-on. While we will miss our eight seniors next year, our younger players are more than ready to start strong next season!

Trent Arthur, Pat Sullivan, and Jeremy Scott Middle School Football Coaches Over 70 players participated in the Middle School football program, which was a huge success. For the first time, we had students from outside KRCS play for us, which allowed us to field stand-alone teams for grades 6th, 7th, and 8th. All three teams had winning seasons, and the 6th grade went undefeated.

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Matt Capps, Charlie Mentzer, and Mac Plummer Jr. Tigers 4th/5th Flag Football Black Team Coaches We are so proud of the eleven young men on this team after winning the championship for the second year in a row! They are amazing kids with the hearts of champions. The coaches hope they had as much fun this season as we did, and we pray we positively impacted them.

Marc Barrett, Brandon Bisig, Matt Burns, and Brandon Wheeler Jr. Tigers 4th/5th Flag Football Purple Team Coaches We are very proud of the young men on the 4th/5th grade Flag Football Purple Team! With both Lower and Middle School students participating, this team became a great way for 4th graders to form friendships that will help them transition to Middle School next year.

Michael Greiner Jr. Tigers 2nd/3rd Flag Football Coach Our boys became great football players this season because of all their hard work, making them a TEAM. Nothing can describe how rewarding it was to see each of them become legitimate football players and great teammates and take on some skills that will make them better men in the future.

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Ryan Claterbaugh, Kurt Hunt, Jason Sosebee, Jr., Aaron Van Dyke, and Andrew Wright Jr. Tigers K/1st Flag Football Coaches We could not be more proud of the K/1st team and our season. The boys worked hard at summer football camp and experienced a seven-overtime playoff game battle. It was rewarding to see their progression throughout the season.

CHEERLEADING Kaile Carroll and Katie Layton Head Cheerleading Coaches The 2022 cheer season was filled with challenges, exciting accomplishments, and team building.

We started the season this summer by serving our Jr. Tigers at Mini-Cheer Camp and learning new cheers and dances at Varsity Camp.

Brenda Bowman and Pamm Ferrand Middle School 7th/8th Cheerleading Coaches This cheer season was an absolute knockout, with 16 girls participating in cheering for the 7th and 8th grade feeder football teams. Their season started with a summer camp at Georgia College in Milledgeville, where they stood their ground as the only Middle School squad competing and cheering with other High School squads. This quickly accelerated the team’s ability to do High School-level stunts and pyramids, making them a huge hit at their games and pep rallies.

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Mary Beecham and Mary Hannah Skelton Middle School 5th/6th Cheerleading Coaches It was an honor and a pleasure to watch the growth of the 5th and 6th grade Cheer team this year. We were amazed by their commitment to being the best team, and they represented our school so positively. The future of KRCS Middle School Cheer is bright!

Molly McNeese Jr. Tigers Head Cheerleading Coach The Jr. Tiger cheerleaders had a record-breaking season with 84 cheerleaders, comprising six squads! These enthusiastic girls began their season with a wonderful Cheer Camp taught by our Varsity cheerleaders, where they learned cheers, dances, jumps, and stunts. Each week, a dedicated team of 22 volunteer parent coaches led the practice to build upon the skills the girls learned at camp. Jr. Tiger Cheer would like to extend a huge thank you to Varsity and 7th/8th grade Cheer.

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CROSS COUNTRY Karen Coleman Head Cross Country Coach We had a full Varsity and JV squad for the boys and our largest girls’ team to date. Five seniors completed their fourth Varsity season with lots of new faces. The time and miles these athletes put in were reflected in very competitive races and quick race times. This year brought a new regional alignment, so despite our best performance at the region meet, we missed qualifying for state as a team by two points. However, Isaac Martin did qualify as an individual and placed 11th at the GHSA State Meet.

Shelby Teut Middle School Cross Country Coach This year’s Middle School cross country team performed this season with great effort, heart, and success! Not only did we practice hard (rain or shine), but the athletes also competed vigorously. By the end of the season, each athlete had achieved their personal records – a goal given to them at the start of the season.

Many of our cross country athletes also participate in the KRCS Middle School Track & Field team, so we are already looking forward to February to start that season strong!

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SOFTBALL Tim Todd Head Softball Coach Our Varsity softball team had a great season and made the state playoffs for the first time in school history. Emerson Jackson and Annika Smith were standouts, being named First Team All-Region.

Crissy Watkins Middle School Softball Coach The team finished the season with a 14-8 record and a Metro 10 playoff appearance. Strong pitching and catching are essential, and our girls in these positions were up for every challenge.

We introduced a feeder model this season, with outside players participating in our non-league games. This was a big success, which we plan to continue next year. Season highlights include a win over Wesleyan, an entertaining handshake challenge, a walk-off win over Mt. Vernon, and a win under the lights over Chamblee Middle School.

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VOLLEYBALL Ashlyn Hartman Head Volleyball Coach The KRCS volleyball program had some of the best statistics and one of the most competitive records in recent history for the 2022 season. The Varsity team demonstrated great heart, determination, and fight against top-ranked schools with a tough schedule, including three of the four teams from the region that made it to the State 1A Final Four. Lily Kuck and Constance Schilling each recorded 100+ kills, 100+ assists, and 100+ digs for the season, with six more girls recording over 100 digs. Lily Kuck was named to the First Team All-Region.

The JV volleyball team, led by Sarah Sprague, had a great season and finished with a 14 – 7 record.

In addition, the JV team utilized a significant number of 8th grade girls to compete against teams made up of 9th–11th grade girls. The 2022 volleyball season has been exciting and shows the KRCS volleyball players’ potential in the upcoming seasons.

Tracey Miller and Macita St. Germain-Regnier Middle School Volleyball Coaches The MS volleyball team had an incredible season with many notable moments. The girls played with heart and worked well together as a team. While we did not win every game, the team excelled in hard work and spirit. With six determined girls on the court, working diligently to achieve individual and team goals for every game is a coach’s dream. We are incredibly proud of all their accomplishments this season.

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to serve

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

LOOKING BACK

robin daugherty Janine and Ian eventually created a faith-based humanitarian organization called Heart for Africa that focuses on bringing HOPE to the Kingdom of Eswatini, Africa, in the areas of Hunger, Orphans, Poverty, and Education. Out of Eswatini’s population of 1 million people, it’s estimated that half of the population is vulnerable children, with 200,000 of those children being orphans.

Their vision for Heart for Africa included a 2,600-acre land development project and a children’s home called Project Canaan. This development, launched in 2009, houses, I first became acquainted with the Maxwell

feeds, and educates over 300 orphans and

family in 2007 when Chloe and Spencer

employs 450 local people.

Maxwell attended KRCS in Lower and Middle School. As Chloe’s 5th grade teacher, I got to know her very well along with her parents, Janine and Ian Maxwell. From them, I learned about their incredible journey to provide a safe haven for orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa. For several years, the Maxwell family would spend their summer break in

Chloe and her family eventually moved to Eswatini, and I continued to stay in touch with the Maxwell family. Over the years, I have tried to assist Heart for Africa to the best of my ability, from making quilts to participating in the annual KRCS clothing drives for Project Canaan.

Africa, and Chloe would share with me the

I was elated when I heard that Dr. Spurka, Head

impact of seeing children her age lying in the

of School, and several other faculty members

trash and under newspapers to keep warm.

were taking the current KRCS Prefects to

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Project Canaan for their annual summer Prefect trip. The Prefects bonded incredibly well with all the students and had a memorable, life-changing trip.

A few months later, it was decided that five Project Canaan students would visit KRCS in the fall.

Those students were selected based on their essays about why they wanted to visit America.

Ben, Emmanuel, Esther, Joshua, and Miriam were chosen, and I couldn’t wait to see their faces when they arrived!

These five students were welcomed with open arms at our school and got to experience several events with the KRCS community, including a visit to Top Golf and the Georgia Aquarium. Their trip culminated with our Trunk or Treat event and a KRCS Varsity football game. They carefully divided up their Trunk or Treat candy (approximately 1,100 pieces) to share it with all 345 classmates back at Project Canaan, whom they consider their siblings. It makes me very emotional talking about this - their way of life is “all for one and one for all.”

I am especially grateful for the KRCS parents, faculty, and staff who have sponsored a child at Project Canaan. There are currently 345 students in the Lower School, which is an amazing coincidence as 345 children live at Project Canaan.

Our Lower School teachers will soon begin mentoring the Project Canaan teachers, increasing our partnership with this wonderful charity.

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I am so grateful to Dr. Spurka for spearheading its growth by taking our Prefects to Project Canaan. If we at King’s Ridge Christian School pour our love into these children, this helps further our mission as a school. This is what we are called to do.

We are blessed to have a safe and secure environment at our school, and pouring our love into those kids will help make a difference in that country. The children of Project Canaan are being raised to serve Eswatini as adults and are backed with a strong education and Christian belief; I know that they will do great things for their country. I’m so proud that we can be a small part of that.

Robin Daugherty Lower School Academic Dean

Current KRCS faculty and staff involved with Project Canaan for many years volunteered to share their experiences: “We sponsor a 3-year-old boy named Emmett because he has the same name as our grandson. There are opportunities to volunteer at the Heart for Africa warehouse in Alpharetta, and the gifts made by Khutsala Artisans (the HFA artists who make jewelry, beaded animals, and ornaments) are truly unique.

Heart for Africa is an authentic and transparent organization changing the lives of hundreds of people in Eswatini. When you donate to Heart for Africa, they don’t make you feel like just a donor. Heart for Africa makes you feel like you are part of their impactful family.”

– Sue Borain, Librarian

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“I visited Project Canaan for the first time in 2019, accompanied by my dad and my daughter. It was an amazing experience, and we couldn’t wait to return! Our second visit occurred this past summer when we traveled with the Prefects. I would’ve never dreamt that five Project Canaan students would come to the US for two weeks a few months later and that our family would be honored to host two precious girls, Esther and Miriam, for several nights! God is doing wonderful things through Heart for Africa, and I am grateful to be a small part of it.”

– Katie Stewart, Middle School Community Host “I was first introduced to Janine Maxwell and her amazing vision when KRCS was in its original location on South Main Street. Many of our families then became involved in the Heart for Africa mission, some even traveling to visit Project Canaan in its early days. During Janine’s recent visit to Alpharetta, we celebrated that the relationship between Heart for Africa and KRCS may move into a much more involved partnership. The magic is that the relationship’s progression is driven by our administration, parent community, and our High School student leaders.”

– Mary Beecham, Alumni and Development Associate “I became aware of Heart for Africa when I started working for KRCS. A group of King’s Ridge faculty/ staff visited Project Canaan that summer and came back with amazing stories. I read Janine Maxwell’s story of how Project Canaan started and began following their progress. One email especially touched my heart – it was when Baby Deborah arrived at Project Canaan. Sharing a name with Deborah helped me make the decision to sponsor her. I love getting emails about her school progress and photos of her. I have not had the opportunity to visit Project Canaan yet, but there are so many ways to help this amazing organization here in Alpharetta, either by sponsoring a child, purchasing the beautiful ornaments and gifts made by the Khutsala Artisans, or donating to the many clothing drives that we hold for these wonderful children in Eswatini.”

– Debbie Ritchie, Accountant

To learn more about this exceptional charity and ways to support it, please visit www.heartforafrica.org.

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CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP: WHY WE SERVE

bob martin

The greatest among you shall be your servant.

- Matthew 23:11 During a time when the Pharisees and Sadducees took great pride in their positions in the community, Jesus brought a new brand of leadership. One that would serve others as opposed to the kind that would give credit to those with the largest number of followers.

Our world places value on how many people celebrate and follow us. Jesus teaches us that serving others is the greatest form of leadership. He went against the grain and provided a model that transcends time.

At King’s Ridge Christian School, we offer a Christian Leadership class that focuses on serving others. As we begin each semester, we discuss what Jesus taught his disciples and the importance of helping others. Self-exploration and class discussion guide us as we navigate what service truly is.

Initially, we may think of gift-giving as a service. While this is a nice gesture, God calls us to do more by putting others before ourselves. The students at King’s Ridge are learning what serving others means, and over the past three years, the class has taken off.

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We are looking for ways to help the immediate King’s Ridge community. For example, a popular service involves students working with their former Middle School teachers during the week with small tasks. This interaction gives our students a chance to give back to the teachers who were integral to their formative years. Other activities include: • Assisting Lower School teachers with their bulletin boards and helping in the library, • Making motivational signs posted on trees along the trails near the Middle School, • Helping athletics and facilities set up for football games and keeping the campus clean, • Periodically providing snacks for faculty and staff, • Assembling display shelves for the art department, • Assisting with the annual 9/11 American Flag Memorial on the campus roundabout, and • Providing support/mentorship programs for underclassmen.

A personal favorite that my Christian Leadership class provides is a daily devotion submitted by one of my students. The devotion is essential to the morning announcements as it gives a sense of peace and calmness as we begin our day.

God has blessed us with many opportunities to serve at King’s Ridge. Our Christian Leadership class helps our students to see that being present for someone else, putting others’ needs ahead of their own, and acting for the good of another distinguishes them from a world that increasingly tells them to focus on themselves.

It is an absolute joy watching our students develop instinctive habits modeled after Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

Bob Martin Christian Education Teacher

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TO SERVE others

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“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”

K R C S O N E A S S O C I AT I O N

with gratitude

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to believe

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Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

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10 things you don’t know about

01

02

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KRCS

King’s Ridge Christian School (KRCS) was founded in 2001 by the Advancement for Christian Education (ACE) to meet Atlanta’s growing demand for college preparatory schools grounded in Christian faith.

KRCS welcomed its first 196 students (grades K–8) on September 4, 2001, in a 53,000-square-foot renovated grocery store in downtown Alpharetta, adjacent to Wills Park. The temporary location had 17 classrooms, science and media labs, and art rooms.

“20 Dads/$20/20 Hammers” was one of the first fundraising events to build a stage in the dining hall for Chapels and school events; Field Day was held at Wills Park; PE was on the loading dock; Operation Christmas Child was our first service project as a school; and our inaugural musical was The Music Man.

KRCS opened its current 92-acre campus on Bethany Bend in August 2007 with a 30% increase in enrollment. Phase One included a lighted athletic field and a 65,000-squarefoot Barbara Adler Academic Center (BAAC).

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All grades were in the BAAC for one year – Lower School students on the first floor and Middle and High School students upstairs.

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The Upper/Middle Academic Center (UMAC), a modularly constructed classroom

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A dedication ceremony was held in October 2008 to open a 37,000-square-foot

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building, opened in the fall of 2008. The UMAC was partly given that name due to its initial “U” shape. The former “UMAC” is now our Middle School building.

Student Center, providing a central location for students to gather for lunch, assemblies, and athletic and fine arts events.

KRCS celebrated its milestone 10th anniversary in 2011 with a series of events, including the announcement of a $10 million capital campaign to build the first phase of the High School. The opening and dedication of the 45,162 square-foot High School building and the Kendrick Center for Life Impact took place in August 2013.

Located in the new High School building, Legacy Hall features a composite picture of each KRCS graduating class, beginning with our six graduates from the Class of 2007.

Four current faculty and staff members have been at KRCS since 2001: Sue Borain, Librarian; Brenda Clinton, Lower School Christian Education Teacher; Connie Sheets, Lower School Athletic Director; and Susan Vaughn, High School Registrar.

There have also been four Heads of School at KRCS, respectively: Barbara Adler, 2001–2006; David Rhodes, 2006–2017; Dr. Jeff D. Williams, 2017–2022; and Edward J. Spurka, Ed.D., 2022–present.

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KRCS fine arts

F I N E ARTS D E PART M E NT King’s Ridge Christian School Fine Arts is a state and nationally-recognized school for performing and visual arts.

F I NE ARTS AC AD E MY The excellence in curricular instruction overflows with private after-school instruction (dance, voice, piano, guitar, drum, visual art, and strings) for K - 12th grade students through the Fine Arts Academy.

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3 rd G RAD E M U S I C AL, THE BOR N AGAI N I DE NTI TY Sixty-one 3rd graders performed what being born again means as the Jerusalem Intelligence Agency investigated the mysterious encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus.

4 th G RA D E M U S I C AL, THE PROM I SE OF C HR I STM AS Forty-four 4th graders, with a special appearance by 45 Pre-K students, celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ through hope-filled messages and new arrangements of favorite Christmas music.

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H I G H S C H O O L MUSIC AL, AL L SHOOK U P The music of Elvis came to life in All Shook Up – a rocking, heartwarming tale about following dreams, opening up to love, and the power of music.

C A S T PART Y, AL L SHOOK U P Our High School musical, All Shook Up, featured 53 students, six performances, and over 1,800 attendees.

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D RUMLINE The 15-member drumline and vocal arts classes brought spirit and energy to parades, pep rallies, and home football games.

WO RSHIP BAND The 12-member worship band led the weekly chapels with excellence and dedication and participated in numerous all-school events.

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F I N E ARTS AC A D E MY – VARSIT Y T IGE RE T T E S Our Varsity Tigerettes are the reigning GHSA Dance A-AA Hip Hop State Champions, continuing their hold on the state championship title from 2021.

F I N E ARTS AC AD E MY – JV T IGE RE T T E S The JV Tigerettes Dance Team is in its inaugural season. The thirteen 6th-8th graders auditioned last spring and are coached by Anna Check.

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F I N E ARTS AC A D E MY – FALL C HO RAL CO NC E RT Our fall concert featured 146 incredible voices from our Lower, Middle, and High School vocal arts students.

G RAN D PARE NTS AND GRAND FRIE ND S DAY One of the most beloved events at KRCS was held at Lower School before the Thanksgiving holiday, featuring singers Pre-K - 4th grade.

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S O U N D S O F T H E SE ASO N C HRIST MAS CO NC E RT The Christmas vocal and music concert featured 170 3rd – 12th Tiger Singers, worship band, drumline, and a visual art exhibit.

J I N G L E JAM CHRIST MAS DANC E REC ITAL The Christmas dance recital featured 104 Pre-K – 12th grade dancers, including the Lower School Jr. Tigerettes, Lower School Hip Hop and Ballet/Tap, Middle School Ballet, JV and Varsity Tigerettes, and a visual art exhibit.

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be bold Rendering of the new KRCS Baseball/Softball Complex

What does it take to build a school like KRCS? It takes faith, planning, discernment, support from the community, generosity, and prayer. Many have been involved with the growth and success of KRCS since its founding in 2001.

When the Be Bold Capital Campaign began in the fall of 2021, King’s Ridge Christian School set an ambitious goal to raise $9.6 million to meet increased enrollment and the dramatically changing needs of our school. Our vision called us to make new investments, providing space for our ever-growing student body with a specific focus on High School expansion and adding 20 contiguous acres to our campus for new athletic facilities.

We still have funds to raise for our initiatives to be completed.

We have made tremendous strides toward reaching this goal with generous donations from the KRCS community and extended family and friends. As of December 2022, we raised $7.9 million, leaving us $1.7 million to fund. The completed and remaining initiatives include the following: Purchase the remaining 20 acres of adjacent property to our campus.

Build out the third floor of our High School wing, adding nine additional classrooms and administrative offices.

Renovate the new Varsity softball/Middle School baseball field acquired as part of the land purchase.

Complete a cross country course before the end of this school year.

Construct a new Varsity baseball field by the 2023-2024 baseball season.

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Final Steps to Finish Strong Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed, in the beginning, be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.

– 2 Corinthians 8:11 We are so grateful to all our families, faculty, and staff that have already contributed to the Be Bold Capital Campaign.

We humbly ask our community to help KRCS "Finish Strong" by helping us raise the remaining $1.7 million by the end of this school year.

Please visit our website to make a pledge or a gift at www.KingsRidgeCS.org/BeBold.

Thank you for your support of King’s Ridge Christian School!

Heni Jordan Director of Development

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KRCS alumni SPOTLIGHT Spotlight on Heather Allen ‘12 After graduating from King’s Ridge in 2012, I attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. While at Wofford, I studied abroad in Germany and Austria and completed a dual degree in 2016 - a BS in Biology and a BA in Literature. In 2016, I moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to begin graduate school in Biological Sciences at Duquesne University.

During my graduate training, I studied brain lateralization in the context of chronic visceral pain. I was awarded a prestigious predoctoral grant from the National Institutes of Health to conduct my graduate research and aspects of my thesis have been published in three different scientific journals.

In 2021, I received my Ph.D. in Neurobiology before starting a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. I worked in the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, where I received another National Institutes of Health fellowship to study the role of the brain in neuropathic pain.

I recently moved to New York City and am currently a postdoctoral research associate in the Department for Molecular Pathobiology at New York University in Manhattan. I work in the NYU Pain Research Center, continuing my study of the brain’s role in neuropathic pain.

My neurobiologist husband and I have two cats and two dogs, and we have been all over the world. Our dogs are probably more well-traveled than most Americans!

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Spotlight on Meredith Hawk ‘17 Growing up in the Methodist church, I went through the confirmation process instead of baptism. I then switched to North Point Community Church and never really felt the “need” to be baptized since I had already processed my faith in my own way.

Flash forward to today. I’m 23 and running the kid’s ministry at Local Church Canton. My fiancé and I are very involved; he teaches in the Elementary room every week.

I have been so inspired by the Lord’s influence on some of our students’ lives, and watching them get baptized and being involved in baptizing them has been truly incredible. I wanted to be baptized in front of many of them to show how supportive I am of their decision and how much of an impact Christ has had on my life. The icing on the cake is that my fiancé, Luke, was the one to baptize me! Our wedding is planned for April 15, 2023.

BIRTHS Jason McCoy ‘12 and his wife, Chelsea, welcomed Jace McCoy on October 15, 2022. (1)

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Will Reagan ‘13 and his wife, Reagan, welcomed Martha Lee on July 22, 2022.

Madisyn Olson-Harris ‘15 and her husband, Kaleb, welcomed Kathryn Makayla on September 16, 2022. (2)

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ENGAGEMENTS Mackenzie Ryals ‘11 and Colin Stone became engaged in July 2022 on Tybee Island, Georgia. They are planning an October 2023 wedding in Savannah. Mackenzie graduated from the University of Georgia in 2015 and currently works for IHG Hotels & Resorts as a Senior PR Manager.

Remi Bagwell ‘12 and Samuel Douglas became engaged in October 2022 and are planning a May 2023 wedding.

Rachel Harris ‘13 and Daniel Heath became engaged in October 2022 in Maui, Hawaii, and are planning a late 2023/early 2024 wedding in Atlanta. Rachel graduated from The University of Mississippi in 2017 and recently celebrated her fifth anniversary with Synovus, where she works as a Strategy Analyst for the Consumer Bank.

Claudia De La Rosa ‘14 and Michael Newberry became engaged in August 2022 and are planning a March 2023 wedding. Claudia graduated from Georgia College and received her Master of Arts in Teaching degree there in 2019. She is an ELA teacher at Tyndall Academy on Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida.

Madelyn Livingston ‘14 and Avery Wright became engaged in October 2022. Madelyn graduated from the University of Georgia in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography. She currently works as a portrait, engagement, and wedding photographer in Atlanta.

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Ethan Scott ‘15 and Loring McDonald became engaged in June 2022.

Ethan is a 5th and 6th grade Christian Education teacher at King’s Ridge Christian School.

Arden Holt ‘19 and Reid Dowling became engaged in October 2022.

Arden attends the University of Georgia and will graduate in the spring of 2023.

Ellie Ackerman ‘20 and Braxton Chadwick ‘20 became engaged in July 2022 and are planning a June 2023 wedding. Ellie is a student at The University of Alabama Birmingham School of Nursing and Braxton is a student at Savannah State. KRCS alumna Carly Smoltz ’16 took their engagement photos.

WEDDINGS Miles Marshall ‘12 and Cheyenne Moon were married on May 28, 2022, in Ball Ground, Georgia.

Anna Byrnes ‘15 and Jonathan Oshinski were married July 16, 2022, in Roswell, Georgia.

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Helena DeGrazia ‘15 and Emil Muly were married June 5, 2022, in Tate, Georgia.

Adam Moore ‘15 and Brianne Bower were married June 4, 2022, on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

U P D AT E S Julia Martin ‘14 graduated from Samford University in 2018 with a degree in Nursing. She worked at Children’s of Alabama, a pediatric acute care hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, for four years before continuing her education in the Nurse Anesthesia Program at Wake Forest University.

Bekah Powell ‘17 graduated from the University of Georgia in 2021 and is currently a student at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.

She plans to receive her DMD degree in 2026.

Ella Welch ‘17 relocated to Dallas, Texas, and is working for Goldman Sachs as an Analyst in the Human Capital Management Group.

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Alumni Family Spotlight When you arrive on the KRCS campus any evening, you will immediately notice the beautiful uplighting on the High School building and Kendrick Center. You may not know that the lighting was installed by a generous donor, now an alumni parent.

Chris Wakefield is the owner of The Outdoor Lights, Inc. in Cumming, and his company added the finishing touch when the High School building opened in 2013. Chris and his wife Tracy had two students here at that time - both now KRCS alumni. Tanner ‘17 attends Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina, where he plays baseball for the Patriots.

He received a BBA focusing on Supply Chain in 2021 and is currently working on an MBA and preparing for his final season at FMU. Brelin ‘20 is a student at the University of Georgia.

Keeping the family tradition of support for the school is Chris’s father, George Wakefield. Some will remember Mr. Wakefield as one of our biggest Tiger baseball fans during Tanner’s years at King’s Ridge. Now he participates in another important way. Each year, a new senior class composite is beautifully framed by Mr. Wakefield’s company, GW Moulding, before being installed in Legacy Hall.

The KRCS Office of Development recently reconnected with Chris to thank him for yet another incredible act of generosity. Every Christmas season, his company lights the beautiful trees on our front lawn at no cost to the school. Chris said, “We are happy to continue our support of King’s Ridge and feel blessed that our children could attend school there. We believe it gave them an excellent foundation for life.”

S TAY I N G C O N N E C T E D The annual alumni basketball game was held on December 16, followed by the alumni Christmas party at Truck & Tap Alpharetta, featuring Mackenzie Wade ‘19 performing live. It was a great way to start the Christmas holiday!

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why KRCS?

Let us choose for ourselves what is right; Let us know among ourselves what is good.

Job 34:4

WHY KRCS?

Class of 2023 Prefects For the first time since our senior student leadership “Prefect system” was launched in 2018, none of our current Prefects are a “Lifer” – students who have been enrolled at King’s Ridge for thirteen consecutive years, culminating in graduation.

Learn more about when each of the eight came to KRCS and the “why” they came and stayed.

Langston Jackson

I came to King’s Ridge in the 8th grade, and I remember my first day

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feeling all the emotions any kid at a new school has. I had switched schools three times up to that point, so I knew what to expect. I would probably end up attempting to figure things out on my own for the first few months until I found a group of kids I fit in with.

However, King’s Ridge offered me a welcome change from every other school I had transferred to. I found a group of kids I liked almost immediately—and that group turned out to be the whole grade. My teachers were all very supportive of me, giving me grace every time I was late to class because I couldn’t figure out which hallway I was in.

I have tried my best to be just as welcoming of any new students I meet as my friends and teachers were five years ago when that tall, skinny 13-year-old stumbled through the Middle School doors.

I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

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Mallary Christman

I came to King’s Ridge halfway through my 9 th grade year in 2020.

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Though it was during a challenging time – mid-year and right as schools went virtual because of COVID - I couldn’t be more thankful that I switched schools! The teachers and students at King’s Ridge were welcoming and understanding as I learned the ropes of a new school.

I’ve had the opportunity to join sports teams and clubs that I never thought I would have the chance to be a part of. I found life-long friends and learned things about my faith. I am blessed to learn in a God-centered community. To have teachers and faculty who care about their students deeply is rare and one of the many things I don’t take for granted at King’s Ridge Christian School.

Estelle Johnsen

I switched to King’s Ridge in 7th grade from a small private Christian

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school I had attended since I moved from South Africa in 2011. I shadowed a student at KRCS twice, once in 4th grade and once in 6th grade, who convinced me to change schools. I only had seven kids in my class, and none of them were really close to me. I was ready to have more options of friends who would pour into me, and I found that at King’s Ridge.

Two years later, the decision came up whether I wanted to stay for High School, and there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to stay with the friends who supported me and kept me smiling throughout the ups and downs of Middle School. The people I have met at KR are irreplaceable, especially my friends and teachers. I can say with confidence that if I ever needed advice or help in any situation, I have a whole community of teachers and friends who have my back.

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Ryan Sammons

In August of 2016, I began what has turned out to be the most

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rewarding and amazing experience of my life – becoming a student at KRCS. I was excited about the smaller class sizes; during my 5th grade year in public school, I had 32 kids in my class. Having been raised in a devoted Christian home, I was attracted to the opportunities to learn more about Christ and grow in my faith in a way that wouldn’t have been possible anywhere else.

Looking back now, I have been surrounded by awesome friends, teachers, and mentors. I certainly have strengthened my faith and have been taught to use that faith for good in an increasingly hostile world. In the classroom, I have received a premier education, which has allowed me to pursue great colleges and learning opportunities.

I’ve competed against the best players in the state on the tennis court and had the thrill of fighting to advance to the state playoffs last year.

King’s Ridge is more than just a school; it truly is a community filled with hundreds of people fully committed to its mission and working tirelessly to make King’s Ridge a pocket of Heaven on Earth.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25

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Cali Bryan

When I was in fourth grade, my parents mentioned me trying out

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a new school called King’s Ridge. At first, I did not want to switch schools because I was scared and did not know anyone at King’s Ridge, but I agreed to go on a tour there.

Although King’s Ridge seems like a small school to most, I came from an even smaller school, so it was very intimidating at first.

However, right when I walked in the door for my tour, everyone greeted me with a smile, and I instantly felt safe. Ever since that moment, I knew this school was the best fit for me.

Throughout my eight years at KRCS, I have learned so much about myself but, more importantly, about my faith. What I love most about King’s Ridge is having caring teachers, a Christian community, and a safe environment. King’s Ridge has given me a community of people that will be a part of my life forever.

Emma Decker

I came to King’s Ridge Christian School in 5th grade because I wanted

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small class sizes in a Christian environment. I have enjoyed growing relationships with teachers and being close with my classmates. I have loved having the opportunity to play many different sports that I might not have been able to play at larger schools.

Most importantly, I have learned that God is in every aspect of our lives, and His plan is better than ours. I have learned how to speak up and advocate for myself. I have stayed at King’s Ridge because of the community this school brings, and I am excited for my senior year and the future!

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Avery Harrod-Davis STUDENT LIFE PREFECT

In July 2019, two weeks before my freshman year, my parents and I decided that I should leave public school and start High School at King’s Ridge Christian School. At first, I was apprehensive and wanted to keep everything the same, including my friends.

However, within a few short weeks, my perception shifted, and I felt at home, made instant friends, and fell in love with the community.

King’s Ridge has given me an environment to learn and grow in all aspects of my life. The smaller, more personal classes and amazing teachers have enabled me to experience learning a whole new way.

My favorite thing about our school is its strong community, camaraderie, and school spirit. I feel so blessed to attend a school where I can grow my faith alongside loving teachers and lifelong friends.

Isaac Martin

I moved to King’s Ridge Christian School at the beginning of 8th

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grade. I changed schools primarily because my dad was offered a position as the head coach of the men’s Varsity basketball team at KRCS. I went to public school my entire childhood.

Throughout my years at King’s Ridge, I gained so much confidence in myself and, most importantly, in my faith. The caring faculty and staff are also a huge reason I decided to stay here throughout High School. At public school, I felt that the staff treated me just like a number.

The most significant part of King’s Ridge Christian School for me is the importance of faith. God wants us to share His message, and I believe our school community will make it possible for us to do so.

King’s Ridge will always have a special place in my heart!

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*Dates subject to change

King’s Ridge Christian School is a Christian community providing a college preparatory education equipping students to know, to serve, and to believe.

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