Legacy Christian Academy Impact Summer 2021

THE MAGAZINE OF LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

SUMMER 2021

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MISSION Legacy Christian Academy develops strong leaders with biblical convictions who are equipped to succeed in college and beyond.

We accomplish this mission through a balanced approach that honors and upholds:

> Challenging academics > Robust fine arts > Competitive athletics > Positive mentoring relationships > Covenant partnerships with Christian families

VISION Legacy Christian Academy will be the school of choice for committed Christian families in North Texas who desire the best Christcentered education for their children.

Board of Trustees Brad Brenneman, Chair Brett Bingham Dr. Kenneth Chapman Jr. Patrick Droesch, Vice Chair Nick Johnson Lisa Liberis Jeff Owens Dorothy Smith Trent Wood

Head of School Bill McGee Dusty Tresnak EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Development Team Shannon Nelson CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

Geoff Giauque SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Shannon Culley DONOR AND VOLUNTEER RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Alicia Ingram ADVANCEMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

THANK YOU to all our photographers for your time, talent, and the memories you capture for us: Expressions

by Wendy, Giggles Photography, Toni Margolis, Natalie Roberson Photography, Rick Baze Photography, and Vanessa Corral Photography

ON THE COVER: Señora Meza’s Kindergarten Spanish Immersion class leans in for a group hug.

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impact THE MAGAZINE OF LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Contents Message from the Head of School Legacy Earns Reaccreditation Kingdom Unity Initiative Kingdom Unity Initiative Plan 2021–2022 We are Stronger Together Nash Blais: Joy in Jazz Drew Davison: National Merit Finalist Mrs. Dr. Stone: A History Eighth-Grade Night of Influence LCA Class of 2021 Acceptances Athletic Signings LCA Honors: Athletics LCA Honors: Arts Impact, the magazine of Legacy Christian Academy, is published twice per year.

We encourage readers to submit feedback, story ideas,

Faithful Service: 5–20 Years in the Making LCA Performing Arts: The Addams Family Enriching Eagles: Making Learning Special

and photos to communications@legacyca.com.

Varsity Cheer: Athletes from Their Bows to Their Toes

It is the policy of LCA to maintain a school environment that is

Legacy Leaders: Meet our Divisional Principals

free from discrimination and to conduct its educational practices,

Second-Grade Biography Cans

admissions program, financial-aid policies, hiring, and other school-administrative programs on the basis of an individual’s

Third-Grade Living Museum: History Comes to Life

qualifications and abilities. The School does not discriminate on

Tom Stockton: Completing the Legacy

the basis of race, color, religion (unless it is required as a bona fide occupational qualification), sex, national origin, age, marital

LCA Welcomes Kenneth Chapman Jr. to the Board of Trustees

status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law,

Welcome to the Board: Jeff Owens

unless a particular status protected by federal, state, or local laws contradicts the deeply held religious convictions of LCA.

Class Notes

4 6 8 11 12 14 16 20 24 26 28 32 34 36 40 42 50 52 56 58 60 64 66 68

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

DEAR EAGLE NATION: Wow! What a year it’s been! The 2020–21 academic year will certainly go down in the books as the most challenging in my four-decade career as an educator. But upon reflection, I’d have proclaimed “Wow, what a year it’s been!” even under normal circumstances.

This issue of Impact will not focus on COVID-19, nor on the

serious epidemic so that we could offer an on-campus

social unrest that divided our nation, nor on the record-

learning environment with minimal interruptions. God

setting freeze that shut down school operations for a week.

also blessed us with abundant resources as demonstrated

Instead, it will shine a light on the incredibly impressive

by our generous donors, who set a record for giving to

college admissions earned by the Class of 2021, honor the leadership of our three dedicated division principals, feature the work of our exceptionally gifted and caring specials teachers, and highlight the achievements of our creative, multitalented students.

our annual Stronger Together Fund. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we experienced the many blessings of a covenant community. Dozens of families, teachers, and administrators were prayed for, attended to, fed, and served by this community of believers who responded to the

It will also feature the goals and aspirations of our

personal illnesses, tragedies, and financial hardships that

Kingdom Unity Initiative, now led by our Senior Director of

resulted from the coronavirus.

Community Engagement, Jenny Brady. As you’ll discover, Legacy Christian Academy is devoted to teaching the truth

As we look back at how God guided us through and delivered

of the gospel and applying a biblical understanding to

us from the consequences of a pandemic, we can unite our

all issues. Whereas the secular world proposes strategies

voices in singing the Doxology, “Praise God from whom all

and solutions that are destined to fail, our Kingdom Unity

blessings flow . . .”

Initiative enables Legacy students and teachers to be salt and light in our community and equips them to be agents

Faithfully yours,

of restoration in the broken world in which we live. This moment provides us with an opportunity to live out our core value of imago Dei and to be a witness of the grace and truth that only come from a belief in Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer.

Bill McGee Head of School

Despite all that we endured as a school community during the past 15 months, Legacy Christian Academy enjoyed many blessings. God was faithful, protecting us from a

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LEGACY EARNS REACCREDITATION

Peer-Review Team Lauds Entire Community On May 17, 2021, the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) approved the recommendation of the peer-review team to recertify LCA as a Member of Council (MoC) school. Among the thousands of Christian schools in the United States and around the world, Legacy is one of only 44 to have earned the privilege of that designation.

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During March, a five-year renewal review of LCA was conducted by a peer-review team comprising Julie Ambler, Head of School at The Woodlands Christian Academy (Texas), Rod Fletcher, Head of School at The Brook Hill School (Texas), and Jim Marsh, CESA Director of Institutional Reviews. The two-and-half-day visit included a detailed inspection of school documents, an extensive tour of the facilities, and dozens of interviews with board members, administrators, and a crosssection of teachers, parents, and students.

The review team certified that LCA was in full compliance with the 17 Primary Standards set by five categories:

• A very healthy school culture is clearly evident throughout the LCA community. Board members, faculty and staff, students, and parents are quick to express appreciation for the sense of community and meaningful relationships that permeate the LCA experience. In addition, the understanding of and commitment to the LCA mission and heritage provide a strong foundation for decision-making and change.

Teachers feel called to their service at LCA and parents value the strong relationships with their children and faculty and staff: A common refrain is “My children are known here.”

• The LCA board is supportive, generous, and effective in supporting the Head of School and the LCA community. The revision of the LCA Bylaws and Board Policy Manual has better aligned the board with governance best practices and had a positive impact on the working relationship of

1. Mission Clarity 2. Effective Governance

the board and the Head of School.

• The addition of an annual-giving program has been exceptionally

3. Institutional Viability

successful. This program is important in undergirding the annual

4. Academic and Programmatic Distinction

program improvements.

5. Sense of Coherent Christian Community Furthermore, the review team found that LCA met at least 80 percent of the Secondary Standards required for certification.

financial stability of the school and providing valuable facility and

The review team also made five recommendations to help the school improve in areas crucial for institutional health and sustainability: • Establish a well-planned, well-conceived transition plan to ensure and

The peer-review team highly commended LCA in the following areas: • Effective, collaborative strategic planning and execution. All areas of

sustain future leadership quality and institutional vitality.

• Continue the school’s Kingdom Unity plan to become a more diverse community by adding more culturally diverse faculty/staff, students, and board members to better reflect the entirety of God’s Kingdom.

the school have seen significant changes and improvements. The Head of School, Board of Trustees, and executive leadership team are actively

• As the school develops a new strategic plan, complete a comprehensive

engaged in the strategic-planning process and implementation, and are

analysis of the long-range vision that recognizes the changing

held accountable for completion of the planning goals and strategies.

demographics that might impact LCA’s future health and sustainability.

• The LCA academic program has been significantly expanded and improved. During the past five years, the school has launched the Professional Schools Program, the Spanish Immersion Program, and the Legacy Learning Center. Senior academic deans were added in the Upper School and Pre-K–8 divisions, there are more course offerings in the Upper School, and new fine arts programs have been facilitated by the recently constructed Fine Arts Center.

• To serve the broader Frisco community, leverage the school’s strong reputation and excellent facilities by partnering with, for example, local churches, organizations, and athletics and fine arts programs. These partnerships could result in important alternative income streams and encourage potential families to enroll their children at LCA. • Complete the comprehensive vertical alignment project, currently in progress, for the Pre-K–12 curriculum.

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KINGDOM UNITY INITIATIVE In Matthew 22:37, 38 (ESV), Jesus says,

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”

Whereas this command seems simple enough, it is one of the most difficult to put into effect. We readily admit that we won’t live in this reality until we become like him, in heaven. But what comes next is equally difficult — “And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:39, 40).

These verses are foundational to our personal and corporate Christian witness to the world, and they spur us forward as a Christian school: Our mission and vision statements are wrapped in them; they are part of the very DNA of who we are and why we do what we do. These commandments also give us a lens for why we have a Kingdom Unity Initiative.

What is the Kingdom Unity Initiative?

Why does Kingdom Unity matter to my child(ren)?

The Kingdom Unity Initiative is a schoolwide focus on

One of LCA’s core values is imago Dei, which is a Latin term

promoting LCA as a community that welcomes and honors

meaning “image of God.” Legacy believes and teaches that

Christian families from all backgrounds. It is an action plan that

all humans bear the image of God, reflect his glory, and

addresses Key Initiative 1.1 in the school’s strategic plan, which

are worthy of respect and dignity. We hope that all Legacy

was adopted in 2017. (see pg. 11)

students will discover that their primary identity is found

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in Christ. All other identities are secondary to their status

identify “vain and hollow philosophies,” “taking their thoughts

as adopted sons and daughters of the God of the universe.

captive for Christ.” Our answer lies in the gospel of Jesus

By preparing our students with this foundation of security

Christ and not in worldly ways. This is what the word of

through their primary identity in Jesus Christ, they will be

God mandates.

equipped to allow the light of Christ to shine wherever their path leads them. Through this initiative, we also hope that our students will be better prepared to share God’s truth and the hope of the gospel with people from every nation, tribe, and language (Revelation 7:9).

Why was this initiative established? Is it a reaction to the strife and division we see all across the country?

This initiative was established four years ago as we engaged in strategic thinking about how our school community could better reflect the diversity within God’s Kingdom. Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are all made in God’s image and as such we felt a need to better understand and serve our already diverse community. Furthermore, everything we do is inspired by the

Originally, this initiative was called “Kingdom Diversity” and was led by a Director of Diversity. Now it’s called “Kingdom Unity” and is led by the Senior Director of Community Engagement. Why the change?

While we recognize that the differences God has created in each person are important to a better understanding of Him (in whose image we are made), differences are not the ultimate goal. Unity that recognizes and affirms our God-ordained differences is the goal. Diversity is one aspect of God’s creation, but what God desires from us is unity. Our purpose, therefore, is to value our God-given differences and maximize them for God’s glory. The term “Kingdom Unity” better describes the result we seek.

spirit of God and empowered by living out the word of God,

Paul often describes this unity in his letters to the churches. I

so we are never influenced by the world. We are in the world

Corinthians 12:12–14 reminds us, “Just as a body, though one,

but not of the world; thus, this initiative was established for,

has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is

inspired by, and built on honoring God.

with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body — whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not

Is this initiative intended as a political statement?

made up of one part but of many.”

No. Legacy will never become a political organization, nor will

Time and again throughout the Bible, we are called as brothers

we teach ideas and philosophies that are contrary to scripture and our biblical worldview. LCA’s mission and core values will always guide our work and provide a framework for developing curricula and programs. As we continue to prepare “Daniels” to be “in the world but not of the world,” it is even more important that we train students in foundational truth so that they will be effective disciple-makers in whatever realm God calls them into after they leave LCA. Politics, secular organizations, and the society at large will not determine our

and sisters in Christ to live in unity with all humility, as Paul says in Ephesians 4:1–6: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

work. Our goal is for all students to “grow in wisdom and

These verses provide the framework for how we are to conduct

stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52), just as

ourselves as believers living together in community with a

Jesus did. We strive to equip students to engage the world and

common unity in Christ.

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KINGDOM UNITY INITIATIVE

How is Jenny Brady, our Senior Director of Community Engagement, qualified for this role?

What does the school want to accomplish through this initiative and how will success be measured?

Jenny is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader

Ultimately, the Kingdom Unity Initiative will help us

in this work and has helped many other schools develop and

accomplish LCA’s mission, which is to “develop strong leaders

implement similar initiatives. With 17 years of experience as

with biblical convictions who are equipped to succeed in

a director of diversity in Christian schools, she is not new to

college and beyond.” Strong leaders must be prepared to

this work and has, in fact, had a direct hand in shaping how

address complex issues and tackle life’s hardest questions.

schools like LCA can best achieve Kingdom Unity. Jenny

Strong leaders with biblical convictions will be “salt and light”

teaches with and serves on the advisory board of the Baylor

in their spheres of influence. Strong leaders will be prepared

Center for School Leadership, and is a valued contributor to

to navigate an increasingly multiethnic and multicultural

CESA (Council on Educational Standards and Accountability).

world that is connected by a global economy. Strong leaders

It was evident that Mrs. Brady possesses the experience and

will be witnesses to a lost world that is desperate for the hope

passion needed by our school to achieve our unity goals. By

only the gospel can provide. When Christian families of all

God’s providence, Jenny was ready to take on a new challenge and joyfully accepted our offer to become a Legacy Eagle.

Jenny brings not only a personal understanding of the unique differences among people made in God’s image from growing up in Honduras, but also many years of professional experience in helping lead Christian schools in this area.

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backgrounds seek a Legacy education, when all students and their families feel welcomed and affirmed in our community, and when our graduates are making a difference on their college campuses and in the workplace, we will know we have succeeded.

KINGDOM UNITY

INITIATIVE PLAN 2021-2022 OUR WHY – Reason for Kingdom Unity To promote unity throughout our community by ensuring that Christian students and families from all backgrounds feel welcomed, affirmed, valued, and equipped to succeed at LCA.

We are all uniquely made by our Creator with different interests, talents, gifts, ethnicities, and cultures, but each of us is equally valuable to God and equally valued within the LCA community.

Strategic Initiative 1.1: Foster LCA as a community that welcomes and honors Christian families from all

To better understand the plan, we are using the following definitions for terminology used Diversity: God-ordained and biblically-honored differences according to the G.R.A.A.C.E. acronym:

backgrounds.

Gender: God made them male and female; Genesis 1:26–27;

This work looks primarily at three areas: attraction, training, and

Matthew 19:4

retention. Each of these areas is dependent on the other and yet

Race: Sociological construct that groups together people

separate in areas of focus, requiring work with all school departments

with similar and distinct characteristics; Revelation 7:9

and levels. These three areas also include three main audiences of

Age: Life begins at conception and age is the number of

current and prospective students, faculty/staff, and parents.

years lived

Ability: God has given each person talents, gifts, and skills to The focus will look at a holistic approach to the work including specific

uniquely equip the body of Christ

areas of gender, race, age, ability, culture, and economic status. The

Culture: Customs, traditions, and societal expectations of a

primary focus of year 1 will be on training. Following the Biblical

group of people; Revelation 7:9

concept of preparing our field for the harvest God will bring, we will

Economic Status: As Christians, we are stewards of God’s

look at what systems, policies, procedures, and activities not only allow

resources including all material wealth and possessions;

for diversity but also create a flourishing environment for a diverse

Mark 12:41-44

community.

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WE ARE STRONGER

2020-2021 Stronger Together Fund Generosity of community

$1.3 MILLION

INCREASED faculty and staff Christmas bonuses

INCREASED THE AMOUNT of Indexed Tuition funds by 85%, serving 68% more students than the previous year CRITICAL FUNDING TO HIRE

staff positions that otherwise would have remained vacant

SEED MONEY RAISED to fund the South Campus Library renovation

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SOUTH CAMPUS COVERED WALKWAY to begin construction soon SPECIAL PROJECTS in the realms of academics, athletics, and the fine arts

COMIN G 2021

The HUB South Campus Library Renovation “My mother was an avid reader. Her passion was contagious and we thought a donation to the South Campus Library was a special way to honor her legacy in our family.”

—Mike & Sheri Casey

“We appreciate how Legacy continues to grow in regard to meeting the needs of our children and our growing community. The library is a space Riley loves and the updates will allow for more access as well as more interactive learning activities. We are so excited for The HUB!” —Ronnie & Berkley Berry

To learn more or make a donation, please visit legacyca.com/give

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LCA HIGHLIGHTS

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NASH BLAIS:

Joy in Jazz

By Lauren Burns ’22

Nash Blais, a sophomore at LCA, was awarded Trumpet 5th Chair for the Association of Texas Small-School Bands (ATSSB) All-State Jazz Band. Nash competed against the top 58 trumpets from all over the state, from both public and private schools.

Almost five years into playing, Nash loves the trumpet because of the camaraderie of the band and of other musicians.

He appreciates their goal — to grow in their musical abilities — and how they help one another reach that goal. Nash’s favorite part of playing, he says, are those moments, whether in the high school band or in the state band, “when all the music just seems to click perfectly” and the artistry of a song comes to life.

Nash decided to compete for the ATSSB All-State Jazz Band as it was something he’d never done before and, he says, “it’s more enjoyable for me to practice jazz than concert. I find the feel of the songs is more jovial.”

To prepare for this competition, he said,

hearing the results, it felt like a “wave of

remembers Legacy winning the State

relief crashed over me,” he recalls. Now

Marching Championship when he was

he looks forward to the jazz concerts in

in eighth grade. That was the first year

the years to come.

he participated in Marching Band, and although it was stressful, he says, it

“Every week, I would meet with my trumpet instructor, Jeff Smiley, and then

Band has been a major part of Nash’s

will be a happy memory long after he

go home and practice thirty to forty-five

life since Middle School. He especially

leaves Legacy.

minutes every day. I just kind of play and see what happens.”

Lauren Burns (’22) has been a student at LCA for 14 years. She is a member

Before learning that he placed, Nash had

of National Honor Society, the LEAD Legacy Special Events team, and the

been a little apprehensive, and then, after

Communications intern team, and she enjoys taking pictures at school events.

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DREW DAVISON:

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST Legacy graduate Drew Davison (’21), recently named a National Merit Finalist, is now the recipient of the National Merit Principal Financial Group Scholarship.

With this award, Drew joins an elite group of students, as he is one of only 1,000 National Merit Finalists in the entire country to receive a corporatesponsored scholarship.

“I’m so grateful for the National Merit Principal Financial Group Scholarship,” says Drew. “It’s an honor I won’t take for granted. I wouldn’t have been in a position to receive a scholarship of this magnitude if not for my parents, and I thank them for all of their sacrifices.

“My LCA education has equipped me to succeed not only as a current high school student but also in my future endeavors. I’ve had the chance to blend subjects I’m passionate about with

Drew (left) with his fellow NHS officers, Jonathan Darrell, Trenton Balcombe, and Adam Lisle

those that have challenged me. This mix has prepared me for college, as I’ve

Drew’s National Merit Finalist journey

an outstanding academic record is of

been able to focus my interests while

started when he was one of the 1.5

paramount importance. In addition, the

also developing strong habits that will

million students to take the 2019

process requires a detailed application

be necessary for my classes beyond

PSAT. To advance to this point in the

in which participation in school and

Legacy.”

National Merit Scholarship Program,

community activities, leadership

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DREW DAVISON: NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST

abilities, and honors and awards are

says. “I was introduced to the school

Drew’s dual-credit US history professor,

clearly demonstrated. For Drew, who

by a couple of childhood friends,

says, “Drew wrote incredible papers and

has excelled both in and outside of the

and we made the decision to attend

shined in group discussions, where he

classroom, LCA’s tight-knit community

together. I was especially intrigued by

provided strong insights backed with

and his personal connections with

the Christian-based education because

solid evidence. As a result, he emerged as

faculty have been key to his academic

I had attended public school my whole

an educational leader among his peers.”

and personal growth.

life. The ability to form stronger relationships with both classmates and

Also commenting on Drew’s leadership,

Although Drew has been a fixture in

teachers, because of smaller class sizes,

Principal Kevin Mosley describes the

leadership and student activities at

really sealed the deal for me, and in

young man as “dependable, impeccable,

LCA, it may be surprising that he came

my four years at Legacy, I’ve developed

analytical, and team focused: Drew

to Legacy only four years ago.

lifelong relationships.”

has consistently demonstrated these

“When I chose to attend LCA going

Drew’s teachers have high regard for

into my freshman year, it was one of

his contributions and commitment to

leadership positions as an officer in the

the best decisions I’ve ever made,” he

academic excellence. Kristin Stone,

National Honor Society, as a member

characteristics throughout his various

of the LEAD Legacy team, and in the Young Men’s Service League.”

Drew credits his teachers for his academic success. For example, he recalls laughing as Mr. Messer worked his incredible humor into his lessons. He remembers his business management class with Mr. Hamilton, where he was able to bring his hands-on experience to lectures and discussions.

Mrs. Stone’s history class always kept his mind engaged. Making music in the band with Mr. Murphy ranks right up there, along with writing essays and reading literature with Ms. McKnelly and exploring his favorite subject, math, with Mrs. Rogers.

He also credits Mr. Littleton and his Apologetics class, and says he appreciates how well his teacher defended our faith, equipping him with all the arguments and logic that remind him how real our faith is.

Drew will attend Duke University and plans to major in finance.

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Mrs. Dr. Stone:

A History

By Elisabeth Housley (’19) Over Legacy’s 22 years, certain teachers have become staples in the Upper School.

Many of them have been on campus as long as the beloved South Campus chapel, and their impacts span years of alumni.

Kristin Stone, who began teaching full

Mrs. Stone remembers that stage of life

she says, she talked through each chapter

time at Legacy in 2014, has already joined

well, laughing at how she’d work on her

aloud with him.

their ranks. Her history students know

dissertation while her daughter, Rebekah,

her to be goofy, curious, and joyful. For many, she’s a steady source of wisdom, and the occasional Hershey Kiss.

For several weeks after Rebekah was

napped. Knowing she was dependent on

born, Mrs. Stone drove from the

God to get through the writing process,

family’s Plano apartment to their new

Still, when asked if she was willing to be interviewed for a feature in Impact, Mrs. Stone was surprised. Her first response was, “Why me? I’ve only been at Legacy for seven years.”

Mrs. Stone — or Mrs. Dr. Stone, as she’s affectionately called — earned bachelor’s degrees in English and history at Texas Tech. She then headed to the University of California Davis for advanced degrees in history. By the time she completed her doctorate, she and her husband, Nathan, had moved to the Dallas area.

NHS officers and their advisers. Left to right: Ms. McKnelly, Jonathan Darrell, Trenton Balcombe, Adam Lisle, Drew Davison, and Mrs. Stone.

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MRS. DR. STONE: A HISTORY

home in Little Elm to paint, clean, and

meaningful to her than her current

Mrs. Stone didn’t always want to be a

slowly unpack their things. Every day,

position as a college professor. When a

teacher: “Never. No,” she’ll say. She even

she passed Legacy on her route. Until

part-time position opened in the history

initially disliked history, majoring in it

then, she had never heard of Christian

department, it was offered to her, but she

only so she could be a lawyer, and used

schools, but she knew a Legacy family

knew that for her family’s sake, she could

to say that she’d never attend graduate

from church. She asked the mother for

accept only full-time work.

school or live in California. Now, she says,

babysitter recommendations and was given the name of a Legacy student, whom Mrs. Stone would eventually teach.

Even then, Mrs. Stone says, the Legacy community was in play.

“All the things I said I was never going to Kevin Mosely, the Upper School

do, God orchestrated all of them. And not

principal, explained that the only other

begrudgingly, but actually changed my

opening was as a part-time English

heart so that I wanted to do those things.”

teacher. Mrs. Stone responded, “Actually, I have degrees in both,” and took the

Mrs. Stone’s earliest aspiration was

Immediately after she completed her

job. Now she teaches on-level US history

to be a sample lady at Sam’s Club or

PhD, Mrs. Stone applied to teach history

and JBU history, Legacy’s concurrent

an Imagineer for Disney, but now she

at the Upper School. She was pregnant

enrollment option through John Brown

pours her creativity into her lesson

at the time, and though she wasn’t hired

University, and is a faculty adviser for

plans, realizing that she didn’t actually

then, she believed having a baby was

Legacy’s chapter of the National Honor

pushing her toward something more

Society.

dislike history, just the way it was taught to her. She’s always reimagining and adding to how she presents curriculum, so juniors and seniors in her US history classes might experience anything from a historical escape room to scrapbooking projects. In the fall of 2020, Mrs. Stone’s on-level students each picked a topic, such as villains or fashion, on which to focus their research throughout the year. These ideas are based on the three skills she wants to instill in her students regarding historical exploration — Acquire, Analyze, Argue — and on her philosophy that “God’s story of his people is a story of beauty in brokenness, and if we’re not identifying both in history, then we’re not telling the truth,” she says.

Even more than curriculum design, however, Mrs. Stone loves the big family she has at Legacy. She refers to her students as her kids, and one of her favorite Legacy memories is when an elementary education intern attended a birthday party for her son, Josh. At her daughter’s second-grade Christmas

Mrs. Stone and Katie Cortese (’22) volunteer to help rejuvenate the Old Irish Bed and Breakfast in Denton.

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program, the only things Mrs. Stone took pictures of were the high school boys

who came to watch their reading buddies perform. It’s times like these, she says, when she most sees God in action.

Mrs. Stone is also her students’ biggest fan. Not only does she squeal with excitement when grading their papers, but she also glows with pride when speaking of the students who have shaped her teaching and made an impact on her.

She recalls having Natalie Embry ’19 in class: “Natalie was just really interested, and every day I’d go home and think, ‘Okay, how can I present this in a way that Natalie will love?’”

The impact, of course, goes both ways.

According to Natalie, “Mrs. Stone was always willing to go the extra mile for her students. She made learning so fun and creative. I couldn’t wait to walk in her door for history class. It was the best part of my day.”

Mrs. Stone can be somewhat selfeffacing. For example, she prefers the courtesy title “Mrs.” to “Dr.” — she says she doesn’t feel all that smart and dislikes when people say she’s “earned” the title,

and young adults because of her

display. She’d always ask me how I was

insisting that she doesn’t deserve any of

guidance and gentleness, both inside the

doing even just passing in the halls.

the blessings God has given her. But she

classroom and outside of it.

I’m so grateful for her and always will

also acknowledges that she doesn’t need

be. Her love for Christ was embedded

any help thinking well of herself, and uses

So in answer to the question “Why me?”

“Mrs.” as a reminder that she is called to

Mrs. Stone needs only to ask her kids.

be one with her husband, not with her

Says Clay Blanscet ’19: “Mrs. Stone is

Christ is a constant throughout history

academic success.

one of the best teachers I had during

and still today. There are very few

Despite Mrs. Stone’s claim that she is

my seven years at Legacy. Her love for

teachers quite like Mrs. Stone, and I

often prideful and no more intelligent

teaching and the great care she has

hope she knows the impact she’s had on

than anyone else, students describe her

for all her students were constantly on

many students’ lives.”

in every lesson and she showed how

as highly insightful and never hesitant to say, “Hmm. I don’t know the answer to that. Let me get back to you.” The

Elisabeth Housley (‘19) is a junior at the University of Oklahoma studying public

students who pass under her instruction

and nonprofit administration and Hebrew and hopes to work in fundraising and

say they’re better researchers, writers,

development after graduation.

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EIGHTH-GRADE

Night of Influence

By Sam Martin ’07 A staple and highlight of our eighth-grade English curriculum is, without a doubt, the Night of Influence.

Initiated in 2008 by then Middle School and now Upper School English teacher Karen Bixler, the project

This intensive biography project, on display every spring, is the culmination of years of learning and months of hard work. Students select figures, past or

has evolved since it began.

present, they believe have had a positive

What remains the same, as Amy Housley,

from looking like middle schoolers to

eighth-grade English teacher, put it

high schoolers.” They end the evening

at the start of this year’s event, this is

standing a little taller, ready to walk the

the moment when “eighth-graders go

Upper School halls the next fall.

impact on some aspect of society and exhibit a noble character. A student may choose an athlete, for example, or a performer in the arts, a missionary, a politician, an activist, a member of the military, a visionary scientist or innovator, or someone who heroically overcame a trial. Among this year’s heroes were Albert Einstein, Katherine Johnson, Billy Graham, and Fred Rogers.

After students decide on the subject of their projects, they read a biography or an autobiography about the person. A now optional element is to team up with a partner: Students are encouraged to identify an adult — a parent, an older sibling, a teacher, or another mentor — they’d like to read alongside them. This is designed to foster further thought through meaningful discussion. It also promotes a healthy understanding of the support they can find in community and mentoring relationships.

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Following the reading phase, students create their presentation. They design a

After listening to the presentations, classmates and Night of

viewbook that summarizes the highlights

Influence guests vote for the student they believe has made

of their figure’s life, achievements, and

the most persuasive case for their person’s positive impact,

character. The project culminates in a presentation at the Night of Influence.

Students spread throughout the Upper School as parents and other guests listen to their short summations and about the notable contributions of their subjects. In addition, students must identify character qualities that make their selection a person worth emulating.

and the top ten make it to the Hall of Influence.

THIS YEAR’S TOP 10 INDUCTEES: Blake Buhl | SECOND PLACE: for Renaissance artist and sculptor Michelangelo

Elina Corral for surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost an arm to a shark attack

Marshal Dunlap for former president Donald Trump

Kinsey Fulks | FIRST PLACE for Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter

Gabby Gebhardt for Darlene Rose, a missionary in Papua New Guinea who spent four years in a concentration camp For instance, in choosing Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, former Texas Ranger catcher,

Nathan Kaster for theoretical physicist Albert Einstein

Josh Jordan, who has ambitions to

Lynlee Kennedy

play major league baseball, found

for Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States

meaningful lessons throughout his reading. “Rodriguez’s contribution . . .

Amelia Thompson

wasn’t saving the world or inventing a

for children’s television pioneer Fred Rogers

huge piece of modern technology, but just because he didn’t do any of that stuff

Carson Warren | THIRD PLACE

doesn’t mean he had a lesser impact.

for WWII veteran and Olympian Louis Zamperini

He was just built for baseball and he channeled that into his contribution to

Cody Young

the world. He showed that if you work

for Christian evangelist Billy Graham

hard, focus on your goals, and constantly grow, you will succeed. Just because God has a plan for you doesn’t mean it’s automatically going to happen. You still have to put in the effort to get what He wants your life to be and to do His will.”

Sam Martin (’07) lives in Frisco with her husband, Spencer, and their two kids, Lachlan and Meryn. She serves on the board for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas and volunteers with Hope Mommies.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA CLASS OF 20

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

021 ACCEPTANCES COLLEGES ADMITTING & COLLEGES ATTENDING (IN BOLD) Abilene Christian University

Lamar University

Trinity University

Arizona State University

LeTourneau University

Tulane University

Auburn University

Liberty University

Union University

Baylor University

Louisiana State University

University of Alabama

Belmont University

Lyon College

University of Alaska Anchorage

Berklee College of Music

Midland University

University of Arkansas

Blinn College

Millsaps College

University of Central Arkansas

Cardinal Stritch University

Mississippi State University

University of Central Oklahoma

Carthage College

New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology

University of Colorado Boulder

Central Methodist University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University Collin College Colorado Christian University Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Concordia University Nebraska Concordia University Wisconsin Covenant College Crown College Dallas Baptist University Dallas Community College Drexel University Duke University East Texas Baptist University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emporia State University Florida International University Florida State University Furman University Grand View University Grinnell University Hardin-Simmons University Harvard University Hendrix College High Point University Hillsdale University

North Carolina State University Oberlin College

University of Dallas University of Florida University of Georgia

Ohio State University

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Oklahoma State University

University of Houston

Oral Roberts University Ouachita Baptist University Our Lady of the Lake University Pace University

University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign University of Mary-Hardin Baylor University of Memphis

Paul Mitchell: The School Dallas

University of Mississippi University of Missouri

Pennsylvania State University

University of New Mexico

Pepperdine University

University of North Carolina Greensboro

Presbyterian College Purdue University

University of North Texas

Ripon College

University of Notre Dame

Rollins College

University of Oklahoma

Samford University

University of Oregon

Sewanee: The University of the South

University of South Carolina

Smith College

University of Tampa

Southern Methodist University

University of Texas at Arlington

Southern Nazarene University Southwest Baptist University Stephen F. Austin State University Tarleton State University Texas A&M University Texas A&M University at Galveston Texas Christian University

University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at Dallas University of the Ozarks University of Tulsa University of Virginia Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Howard Payne University

Texas State University

Indiana University Bloomington

Texas Tech University

Wheaton College

Jacksonville University

The College of William and Mary

York College

Kansas State University

West Texas A&M University

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA HIGHLIGHT

ATHLETIC Signings

FEBRUARY 28

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

1.

4.

1. Julie Atlason has committed to play soccer at Hardin-Simmons University, in Abilene. Julie was captain of the LCA Varsity Girls Soccer team and also captain of her Sting Soccer Club select team.

2.

2. Clayton Collier plans to play football at Baylor University, in Waco. Clayton was football team captain his senior year and also named 2020 Offensive Player of the Year. Clayton says he looks forward to playing on the O-line at Baylor.

3. Nathan Frater will be playing football at Ouachita Baptist University (OBU), in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Nathan excels not only on the field, with more than 15 offers to play college ball, but also academically, as he boasts a 4.08 GPA and scored a 32 on his ACT. He chose OBU for its combination of academics, Christianity, campus life, and winning top Division II football program. He plans to study biology/premed with a likely minor in engineering physics.

4. Jackson Redmon inked his National Letter of Intent to play baseball for Covenant College, in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Jackson will take his place behind the plate as a catcher for the Scots.

5. Tyler Wood has committed to play football at Hardin-Simmons University, in Abilene. He selected the school for its strong academic curriculum and its reputation for having an excellent football program within NCAA Division III.

5.

3.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA HIGHLIGHT

ATHLETIC Signings

MAY 30

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Gabe Collins has committed to play basketball at Emporia State University, in Emporia, Kansas. He landed at ESU after countless college visits because of its men’s basketball program and because the overall campus was the right fit for him.

Rohnan Mech has signed to play soccer at Millsaps College, in Jackson, Mississippi.

He says he’s eager to work with the team, whose members welcomed him with open arms. Although Rohnan received more than a dozen offers, he’s happy to plant his cleats on the field at Millsaps.

Trey Perdue will be playing football at the University of North Texas, in Denton. In his senior year, Trey was the Legacy football team’s captain and was named Legacy’s team MVP. Trey is thrilled to play at UNT as a Division I school that’s close to home.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA HONORS

2020–2021 ATHLETIC AWARDS Cross Country Eric Ericson – All-State

Offense Clayton Collier – Lineman Tyler Wood – Lineman

Girls Basketball 1st Team All-District

2nd Team All-State

Julia Bowers Kendall Droesch Katie Pelham

Offense

Trey Perdue – Back

2nd Team All-District

1st Team All-District

Honorable Mention All-State

Kendel Arnold Tatum Plunk

Football Clayton Collier – Lineman Cole Eisenmann – Back Trey Perdue – Back Tyler Wood – Lineman

2nd Team All-District Jonathan Darrell – Lineman Major Griffith – Athlete Minas Manias – Kicker

Honorable Mention All-District Matthew Brenneman – Back Coby Crysel – Receiver Nathan Frater – Tight End Logan Lawrence – Lineman Rush McCown – Receiver

Defense 1st Team All-District

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1st Team All-State

Trey Perdue – Linebacker

Academic All-State Clayton Collier Jonathan Darrell Nathan Frater Major Griffith Minas Manias Rush McCown Tyler Wood

Volleyball 1st Team All-District Mckenna Godsey Sophia Lippert

2nd Team All-District

Honorable Mention All-District Haley Phillips

2nd Team All-State Kendall Droesch

Academic All-State Kendel Arnold Julia Bowers Kendall Droesch Katie Pelham

Boys Basketball 1st Team All-District Carson Cline Gabe Collins

Nathan Frater – Lineman Trey Perdue – Linebacker

Cianna Cesare Ellis Davison Jenna McGlasson

2nd Team All-District

Honorable Mention All-District

Matthew Brenneman Jack Dickerson Cade Hanshaw

Tres Harris – Linebacker Charlie Henry – Lineman Rush McCown – Secondary

Madison Hagemeier

Honorable Mention All-District

Londyn Tanguay

Major Griffith Max Lowery

Honorable Mention All-District

Sophia Lippert

1st Team All-State

Jonathan Darrell – Lineman Luke Embry – Secondary Max Lowery – Linebacker Max Lowery – Punter

Academic All-State

Gabe Collins

Ellis Davison Mckenna Godsey Jenna McGlasson

Academic All-State

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Honorable Mention All-State

2nd Team All-District

Jack Dickerson Cade Hanshaw

Girls Soccer

Swim

Softball

2nd Team All-Distsrict

Girls 50 Freestyle

1st Team All-State

Julie Atlason – Midfield

Hannah Abbink 9th Place

Kendall Droesch

Honorable Mention All-District

Boys 100 Backstroke

Honorable Mention All-State

Jada Cesare – Offense

Jeshua Shultz 15th Place Kelton Lovelace 16th Place

Boys Soccer

Boys 100 Breaststroke

1st Team All-District Trenton Balcombe – Midfield Jonathan Darrell – Goalkeeper Luke Hanes – Offense Sam Harkins – Defense

2nd Team All-District Grant Martinez – Midfield Rush McCown – Defense Ardon Mech – Defense

Honorable Mention All-District

Jeshua Shultz 9th Place

Baseball 2nd Team All-State Philip Smith

1st Team All-District Jackson Redmon Philip Smith

2nd Team All-District

Julia Bowers

All-District Defensive Player Of The Year Kendall Droesch

1st Team All-District Julia Bowers Kendall Droesch Landry Ehmer

2nd Team All-District Sarah Dilley Lexi Thomas Brynn Warren

Niko Movchan Justin Zuniga

Honorable Mention All-District

Jake Long – Offense

Honorable Mention All-District

Rohnan Mech – Defense

Luke Embry Jonah Lester Preston McCollum

Katie Pelham

Benji Brewer – Midfield Eric Ericson – Midfield

2nd Team All-State Trenton Balcombe – Midfield Luke Hanes – Offense

Honorable Mention All-State Jonathan Darrell – Goalkeeper

Co-Defensive Player Of The Year Jackson Redmon

Sam Harkins – Defense

Academic All-State

State All-Tournament Team

Jackson Redmon Philip Smith

Trenton Balcombe

Landry Burkhalter Madeline Kissling Haley Phillips

Academic All-state Julia Bowers Kendall Droesch Landry Ehmer Brynn Warren

Rush McCown

Academic All-State

Tennis

Trenton Balcombe

Academic All-State

Jonathan Darrell

Ava Bohling Reagan Morrow

Rush McCown

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA HONORS

2020–2021 ARTS AWARDS Band TPSMEA North Region MS Honor Band Connor Atkins Ian Bell Blake Buhl Caleb Chung Kennedy Clough Micah Davis Keira Dunn

JD Frazier Luke Lawrence William McMillon Abby Paul Lyla Plasky Kiersten Terrell

ATSSB HS Region Band Symphonic Nash Blais Caleb Chambers Luke Chambers Drew Davison

Gabe Goodwin Davey Jordaan Adam Lisle Sarah Yoo

Liam Brown Will Mello

Keira Dunn JD Frazier

3A Luke Chambers 3A Adam Lisle 4A Caleb Chambers 4A Sarah Yoo

ATSSB HS Jazz Region Band Nash Blais

ATSSB HS All-State Jazz Band Nash Blais

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

TPSMEA All-State Jazz Band

TPSMEA Middle School Honor Choir Rainey Pennington

TPSMEA All Region Choir Ashlyn Braly

TPSMEA HS North Region Band Nash Blais Ben Buhl Blake Buhl Caleb Chambers Luke Chambers

Gabe Goodwin Davey Jordaan Adam Lisle Sarah Yoo

Choir

ATSSB HS Area Qualifiers ATSSB HS All-State Band

Blake Buhl Hudson Caswell William McMillon Kiersten Terrell

Nash Blais Caleb Chambers Luke Chambers Drew Davison

Nash Blais

Concert

ATSSB Region 25 MS Band Symphonic Band

Concert Band

TPSMEA HS All-State Band

Drew Davison Gabe Goodwin Davey Jordaan Adam Lisle Sarah Yoo

Art Young American Talent Exhibition: Rising Star Kate Alexander

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA HIGHLIGHT

FAITHFUL SERVICE:

5–20 Years in the Making

20 YEARS Kerri Thompson and Robin Buffington

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

15 YEARS Judy Bellue, Bill Dyer, Kathy Watts (not pictured: Cheryl Guthmann)

10 YEARS Glenn Dibley, Megan Hanna, Nina Majerus, Justin Ahlgren

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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5 YEARS

TOP ROW (L–R): John Keyes, Anita Hrdlicka, Felecia Atkins, Joey Roach,

Tim Fisher, Bill McGee, Jenny Buhl; BOTTOM ROW (L–R): Chris Keyes, Crissy Young (not pictured: Heather Cleckler, Cynthia Delgado, Christa Dunlap, Debbie Spencer)

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LCA PERFORMING ARTS

BRAVO! The Addams Family When the curtain rose on The Addams Family, the Upper School spring production, the audience was in for a musical and comedic treat that embraced the wackiness in every family.

An all-grown-up Wednesday Addams, unbeknownst to her parents, has fallen in love with a young man from a “respectable” family. To complicate this turn of events, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Gomez Addams must now do something he’s never done before: keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.

The family’s world turns topsy-turvy when they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. It’s a story of love and friendship through adversity, at times hilarious, at times poignant.

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The audience fell in love with all the quirky members of the Addams family and found themselves singing along with every tune. They did the line dance, the bunny hop, and the twist, too, and who could forget the two teachers who played Lurch and Cousin Itt? The performers were out-of-this-world talented. The costumes were magnificent and the set was on a professional level. The makeup and hair were stunning and the lighting was spectacular. Seventy Upper School students — that’s 27 percent of the student body! — put in countless hours to make this production phenomenal. And they forged bonds that will last long after the final curtain.

Students say that what made this experience the most memorable was the camaraderie between cast and crew. For example, during rehearsals, cast members initiated dress-up days: Everyone had to wear a funny hat or a crazy shirt, and perhaps the most shocking to the kids was when Mrs. Wenk and Mrs. Keyes dressed up as each other!

The play’s message is one we’ll all keep singing in our hearts: “It’s family first and family last / And family by and by.”

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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ENRICHING EAGLES Making Learning Special

By Madi Bixler ’14 Legacy is blessed with incredible faculty and staff. In the Lower School, in addition to the core classroom teachers, our students participate in enrichment classes, commonly referred to as specials. Enrichment promotes critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, improves a student’s ability to concentrate, and makes learning more meaningful, valuable, and rewarding. Our art, library, music, PE, Spanish, and technology teachers incorporate their love of the Lord into their lessons and weave that into the fabric of the community, getting to know each student while enriching our students’ minds, bodies, and souls.

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

ENRICHING EAGLES

LIBRARY

Julie Bratcher Julie Bratcher has been the LCA Lower School library assistant since August 2020. She says she feels a calling to help children apply God’s word to their lives and strives to help train the ears of students to hear God’s voice through reading scripture and through prayer, as this helps “guide and encourage” them in their formative years. Mrs. Bratcher draws on her own ways of listening to the Lord to teach students how to read with intention and embrace the practicality of the Bible.

An Alabama native, Mrs. Bratcher moved to Texas to attend Baylor. There she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in English. She then taught in the Richardson and Frisco ISDs. She and her husband, Richard, who is a vice president of sales for RealPage, have been married for 15 years. They’re the parents of three: Noah (’25), Josh (’27), and their daughter, Hope (’29), who all attend Legacy.

The Bratchers are passionate about mission trips, and consider the one they took to Israel, in 2019, to be one of the best, most humbling experiences of their lives. Mrs. Bratcher enjoys traveling, learning new things, and watching her children play sports (basketball, softball, soccer, and football) year-round.

“I’m thankful to teach at LCA,” she says, “where teachers pray over students, act with kindness and grace, and lead by example.”

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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ENRICHING EAGLES

TECHNOLOGY

Corey Campbell

Although he’s relatively new to us, Corey Campbell wasted no time before jumping into his many roles within our community. As an LCA parent, Lower School technology teacher, and Middle School track coach, Mr. Campbell says he would like to be a role model for all students. His responsibilities certainly keep him busy, but Mr. Campbell says his greatest purpose at Legacy is to “demonstrate scripture daily.”

Mr. Campbell has been teaching children from Pre-K to fourth grade for just nine months. “It’s inspiring to see student growth from technological immersion and it’s a blessing to see how much they develop spiritually,” he says. “This has been a wonderful reward as a teacher at Legacy.”

As an LCA parent, he says he appreciates how “each staff member is mindful about making students feel loved and

Mr. Campbell earned his degree in political science from the University of Tennessee — which is where he met the woman who would become his wife. He and Courtney, now married 11 years, have two little boys, Emmanuel (age 2) and Eli (’33), who is going into second grade at Legacy.

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

appreciated.”

When Mr. Campbell isn’t teaching or serving at his church, Hope Fellowship, he enjoys playing video games with his sons, working out, and having movie nights with his wife.

ENRICHING EAGLES

ART

Pam Dyer

Pam Dyer, at LCA for almost 20 years, has taught art in all three divisions, encouraging students’ expression and developing their talent. “The way we make art, view art, and represent Christ as an artist,” she says, “is fundamental to our faith.”

She appreciates being surrounded by like-minded faculty with a passion for Christ and enjoys what she calls the “refreshing experience” of seeing the joys of life through children’s eyes.

Mrs. Dyer holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and fine art, as well as a master’s in teaching. She and her husband, Bill, Legacy’s Senior Director of Campus Operations, have a son and a daughter, Hayden (’14) and Madi (’16). As a teacher, she says, she enjoyed having her kids at LCA; as a mom, she felt “uniquely involved” in their education. She is thankful for the biblical truths Legacy instills in students and for an environment in which her children could participate in athletics, study the fine arts, and give back through mission trips.

In addition to teaching, Mrs. Dyer works on set design for musicals — and helps make LCA’s productions extraordinary — and takes Upper Schoolers to state art competitions. She fondly remembers Legacy’s school-wide fine arts event “Stars of Legacy,” in which students’ artwork was highlighted for the whole school to enjoy. It was an amazing night for showcasing art for all ages and a chance for the kids to be inspired and encouraged by the work produced, sold, and commissioned.

In her free time, Mrs. Dyer enjoys traveling, walking her Schnauzer, Hazel, refinishing furniture, and knitting.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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ENRICHING EAGLES

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Emy Johnson

Emy Johnson felt led to teach Lower School physical education because, she says, “God chose me to work at Legacy.” Her husband, Cole Johnson, director of Upper School Eagle Athletics and Varsity Basketball coach, and their three sons — Caleb (’24), Cooper (’26), and Ben (’29)— are also members of the LCA community.

Having grown up on a farm in Oklahoma, every June Mrs. Johnson returns to rural Wakita to participate in the wheat harvest. She can even drive a tractor and operate a combine!

With the help of a basketball scholarship, she graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in elementary education.

A gifted athlete even after college, Mrs. Johnson checked off a “bucket list” item and ran a full marathon in spring 2015. She’s still a

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

passionate runner: Movement, she says, is “one of God’s sweetest gifts to us.” She appreciates both the therapeutic and the spiritual rewards that come from running, and she tries to share this joy with her students.

She loves playing games with them and reports that the whole class can engage in physical activity “without even noticing,” as the kids are too busy smiling and having fun. Sports not only provide health benefits, she says, but also present the opportunity for “unique social connections,” such as team-building and working together.

In addition to teaching and running, Mrs. Johnson enjoys working out, cooking, taking long walks, playing board games, studying the Bible, and attending Denton Bible Church with her family.

ENRICHING EAGLES

SPANISH

Mayra Lugo

Mayra Lugo has been teaching Spanish to our Lower School students since 2009. She came to Legacy because she was impressed by the high academic standards, and “seeing the dedication of the teachers working in a family environment,” she says, “made me want to be part of it.”

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she’s a native Spanish speaker, and says she understands how challenging it is to learn a new language. She makes lessons fun and engaging — in fact, she teaches her students Spanish and they teach her English, she says, laughing — and enjoys sharing the traditions of her culture.

Mayra and her husband of 26 years, Robert, have one daughter, Claudia, who attended Legacy and is now a sophomore at Dallas Baptist University.

Mrs. Lugo’s life verse is 1 Peter 5:7. “It reminds me that God will help me deal with whatever hard things come my way,” she says. She attends Preston Trail Community Church and likes to relax by gardening and cooking. She also loves her dogs, Frida, Fiona (both Shih Tzus), and Maya (a very smart German shepherd).

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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ENRICHING EAGLES

MUSIC

Nick Rhodes

Nick Rhodes, who earned his bachelor’s degree in music at the

on drums and explore the sounds they can make. As they grow,

University of Arkansas and his master’s from the University of

they learn to read music and play recorder. Mr. Rhodes loves being

Oklahoma, came to LCA in 2018 to teach music in the Lower School.

“an instrument,” he says, smiling at his pun, “that God uses to point

He plays the guitar and drums and was involved in the marching

children toward truth.”

band at Arkansas as well as Wind Symphony and Percussion Ensemble. At Oklahoma, Mr. Rhodes was involved in Percussion Orchestra and Wind Symphony. Throughout his collegiate experience, Nick taught private lessons and drumline. “I even taught a drum set class when I was a graduate student,” he says.

Mr. Rhodes is a native of Prosper. He became a Christian in college and moved back to North Texas to work with Cru High School Ministries, where he met his wife, Raquel, who is a language teacher. The couple are both youth group leaders at Metrocrest Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Rhodes helps lead worship on

Teaching Lower School music “is all about falling in love with

Sunday mornings. Hebrews 10:14 is his favorite verse, he says, “as it

music,” he says. For example, young children will learn simple beats

beautifully and concisely summarizes the truth of the gospel.”

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

49

LCA HIGHLIGHTS

VARSITY CHEER:

TOP ROW (L–R): Karli Palasota, Ava Levassar, Julia Brown, Kendall Mainer, Trinity Jackson, Campbell Bearden, Audrey Edwards and Avery Williams. MIDDLE ROW: Abigail Arrington, Gracie Gross, Presley Kate Pittard, Lottie Sopp and Carlisle Noble.

BOTTOM ROW: Sophie Barber, Sophie Ratkovic, Olivia Ellis

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Athletes from Their Bows to Their Toes LCA Varsity Cheer nabbed fourth place in the TAPPS State Cheer Championship on December 7, in Belton.

The Eagles competed against 5A and 6A teams from across the state, and received a “Superior” rating.

It was a banner year for the squad, as it placed higher than ever before and Legacy was the only Division II school to have two athletes — Presley Kate Pittard ’23 and senior Sophie Ratkovic — honored with 1st Team All-State. Karli Palasota ’21 was named 2nd Team All-State and Abigail Arrington ’22 earned Honorable Mention.

We see the squad cheering on our athletes and hyping up the crowd at football and basketball games. But Cheer is much more than shouting sideline chants and dancing to the fight song.

Behind the girls’ smiles are hours of grueling work and — make no mistake — Cheer is physically rigorous. In the weeks leading up to the state competition, their training schedule doubles in time and intensity. These girls are all-around athletes, with showmanship and flair to boot. At the state championship, their intense preparation was demonstrated during their 2½-minute performance on the competition floor.

Coach Brooke Levassar commended her squad: “The girls put forth an incredible effort to prepare for the competition, despite some big obstacles that arose along the way. The team as a whole is incredibly skillful, but our success this year is a result of focus and hard work. We put in a lot of extra practice time, and it paid off. Coach Morgan and I are so very proud of this squad and how the girls performed.”

In a typical year, the squad competes in preliminaries on the first day and then moves on to finals the following day. This year, however, due to COVID restrictions, squads competed in prelims in the morning and finals were that same evening. Stunting, tumbling, and hitting each move with confidence in a high-energy performance — with a bright smile — is no easy feat. During the prelim performance, the squad took zero deductions and improved its overall score by five points in the finals.

“Competing at TAPPS with my best friends was an experience I’ll never forget,” says Captain Sophie Ratkovic. “We have an unbreakable bond and push each other to be our best on the mat and for the Lord. I’m so proud of our accomplishments this year and for making history for the Cheer program.”

Dazzling and awesome, these girls can hold their trophy high. LCA! Yell it! LCA!

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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Legacy Leaders Meet Our Divisional Principals

By Madi Bixler ’14

Educational leaders have a significant impact on their schools’ culture, attitude, and reputation. They are the cornerstone upon which learning communities are built and thrive. LCA is blessed with principals who promote spiritual and intellectual growth in a nurturing and challenging environment.

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LOWER SCHOOL

Principal

Tiffany McCollum Tiffany McCollum has been growing “little Eagle” hearts and minds since she began her Legacy career, back in 2008. She became Lower School principal in 2018, after serving as assistant principal. In all, she has more than 27 years of educational experience, with a master’s in educational administration from the University of Texas (Go Longhorns!). She says she’s delighted to be part of the Christian education that Legacy offers.

Her husband, Scot, has served as an assistant athletic director and assistant varsity baseball coach. The couple have two sons, Connor (’17) and Preston (’22).

Over the past 13 years, Mrs. McCollum has seen both the Lower School curriculum and technological opportunities develop. “I love being a principal at Legacy,” she says, “because I get to see children grow both academically and in their love for the Lord.” Fostering relationships with students, their families, and teachers is, she says, her “number one goal.” Every year, she creates a theme to unite the Lower School; this year’s theme, SOAR, is based on Isaiah 40:31, reminding students to demonstrate SelfControl, Obedience, Acceptance, and Respect.

Mrs. McCollum enjoys all the LCA traditions, but among her favorites, she says, are the Grandparents’ Picnic, all Homecoming festivities, and athletic games, for the “strong sense of community they provide.”

When she’s not busy receiving hugs from the little Eagles, Mrs. McCollum likes to work out and take beach vacations.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Principal

Joy Bell Joy Bell, Middle School principal, joined Legacy at the beginning of the 2020–2021 academic year, and has been developing Middle Schoolers to achieve their highest potential as scholars and in their personal growth. Dr. Bell uses an “out-of-the-box” leadership style: “I consider the individual and how to push them to excellence while supporting them.” This fosters a caring environment that encourages students to pursue their interests, guided by loving faculty and staff. “It’s important to keep Middle Schoolers’ curiosity and excitement for learning alive,” she says.

Dr. Bell holds a doctorate in education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Her teaching career has taken her from fourth grade to college students — and everywhere in between — and she says she particularly enjoyed training teachers.

Middle Schoolers should feel cared for and supported as they become young adults, says Dr. Bell. For next year, she plans to add honors classes for the sixth–eighth grades and create more mentorship opportunities for students. “I’d also like to clarify the goals for our students, both spiritually and academically,” she says.

For Dr. Bell, it’s all in the family: Her husband, Kidren Bell, teaches history and English, and the couple have two children, Nia (eighth grade) and Ian (ninth grade).

The Bells are musical — they enjoy singing together (mainly Christian music) — and Nia plays the piano and Ian plays the drums/marimba.

In her “free” time, Dr. Bell takes psychology classes and loves to cook: “My specialty is gumbo,” she says.

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UPPER SCHOOL Principal

Kevin Mosley Kevin Mosley, our Upper School principal, is described by some as the LCA “Renaissance man”: He’s a triple threat, dedicated to guiding young people in the arts, academics, and athletics.

Upon receiving his degree in computer science — with honors — from the University of Alabama, Mr. Mosley felt a call from God. After some time in traditional youth ministry, he began to teach, coach, and lead worship in Christian schools. He has been at the Upper School since 2012.

He encourages students to evaluate God’s call to them based on the talents with which they were created. The Upper School strives to see the “whole person,” he says, not just a student’s academic gifts.

Mr. Mosley is passionate about music — he plays the piano, drums, and guitar — and basketball. He watches (and has coached) the sport, and plays golf and volleyball.

His favorite basketball teams are the Dallas Mavericks and, of course, Alabama’s Crimson Tide. Mr. Mosley also loves to learn, particularly in the fields of technology and engineering.

Mr. Mosley and his wife, Cheri, have two sons, Andrew (’18) and Jonathan (’20).

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LCA HIGHLIGHTS 1.

Second-Grade Biography Cans

By Sam Martin ’07 Each spring, Legacy second-graders take on a research project. Officially dubbed Biography Can, this introduction to telling someone else’s story utilizes a coffee can.

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After they learn about the genre, students go on a tour, perusing some 30 books to identify their top three choices of a historical figure to read about. Their teacher ultimately assigns each student one of those top three, taking into consideration all of the preferences. As students read their biography, they write down 10 to 12 interesting facts about their subject.

The next stage in the project is all about creativity. All of the children have coffee cans, and with construction paper, felt, markers, and props, they transform the cans into their person.

Once they’ve completed their masterpieces, they transfer their interesting facts onto Popsicle sticks and put them inside the cans.

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And then the fun continues!

“The students become the teacher as they present their projects to their classmates, sharing fun facts and important information about their famous person,” says Mrs. Clough. “This year’s girls and boys enjoyed completing this project and their classmates loved learning about significant people in our world, from both the past and the present.”

Gabrielle Trujillo chose to study former president Ronald Reagan and discovered a common interest: “He loved to ride horses, just like me!” she said happily.

But the best and most lasting impact from the project is the life lessons the second-graders learn from their study of these famous Americans.

“I loved learning more about George Washington,” said an enthusiastic Liv Cano. “And I also learned to not give up when things get hard, like the verse we learned this year, Galatians 6:9.”

4.

1. Weston Smith, in Mrs. Snider’s class, proudly displays his biography can of Leonardo da Vinci.

2. Piper Ballent, in Señora Allen’s Spanish Immersion class, show us her Ruby Bridges project.

3. Students in Mrs. White’s class were eager to dress up for their biography can presentations: Daniella Trujillo as King Tut, Sydney Sutter as Milton Hershey, Caitlyn Curtis as Amelia Earhart, Cooper Stout as Michael Jordan, and Jaden Thomas as George Washington.

4. Liv Cano presents her George Washington can.

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LCA HIGHLIGHTS

THIRD GRADE LIVING MUSEUM:

History Comes to Life

By Sam Martin ’07 On May 13, the Lower School gym was transformed into a Living Museum.

For the past 11 years, LCA third-graders have embodied the subjects of their biography project by dressing up as influential Americans and presenting first-person speeches about their lives.

Grant Flores is ready for take-off as Neil Armstrong.

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Livi Brock cheerfully waits to present her speech on Sacagawea.

Evie Kelly is prepared to share her research on the life of Helen Keller.

Students begin by choosing a character to study from the book series Childhoods of Famous Americans.

Among this year’s selections were Wilma Rudolph, Sacagawea, Walt Disney, Eleanor Roosevelt, Elizabeth Blackwell, and Neil Armstrong. After reading their biography, students conduct additional research.

They then write a speech about the person’s life. At the Living Museum, they construct a backdrop, dress up in costume, and present in front of their families and friends.

“Each year I always have tears of joy when I see how much students have grown through this research project,” says third-grade teacher Jami Bicknell.

“They go from being timid and doubtful to being courageous, bold, and confident.”

The children really had fun participating. Cole Cleveland says he enjoyed reading his biography with his family, and Josselyn Alcala liked learning her speech. But unsurprisingly, most said they enjoyed dressing up.

In addition to the scholastic objective of conducting biographical research, the goal of the project is for students to understand how both struggles and successes contribute to individuals’ achievements. By studying famous Americans from childhood through adulthood, students are able to see how God works out his plans in their lives.

Ian Stallsworth in his presidential best as Henry Ford.

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Tom Stockton:

Completing THE LEGACY

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In December, after ten years of faithful service, Tom Stockton retired from the Legacy Christian Academy Board of Trustees. Mr. Stockton was an exemplary leader for the last decade and was involved in the Legacy community as a father and grandparent for more than 20 years.

Tom Stockton first came to Legacy in 2000, when his children started attending the school, which was in only its second year of existence. The Stockton children, James, Danny, Zachary, and Katy, were very involved in sports and various activities

Brad Brenneman, Chairman of the Board, Tom Stockton, and Bill McGee, Head of School, recognize Tom’s years of service on the Board of Trustees.

so it was inevitable for their dad to be connected as well. His involvement continued as his oldest daughter, Julie, enrolled her children (Liam, Aiden, and Rachel) at LCA in recent years. For many years, he was the Voice of Legacy, announcing at the home football games. “He never met a mic he didn’t like,” says Coach Andrew Embry. “And he never let the game dictate his emotions — whether the score was 56–0 or 0–56, Tom was unflappable.”

Mr. Stockton continued his dedication to Legacy athletics with his involvement in the school’s first Booster Club. His leadership was pivotal to the maturation of the athletic department. It led to the improvement of athletic facilities, the acquisition of equipment, and contracting officials. Whether it was lights on the baseball field to play night games or new uniforms for the track team, when Mr. Stockton saw a need,

Tom presented his grandson Liam Hill with his diploma at graduation in 2020.

whether great or small, he did everything in his power to provide for the students at LCA. Given his dedication to the school, which was well known throughout the community, when the time came to fill an

Esther 4:4 “For such a time as this . . .” is the perfect scripture to describe Mr. Stockton’s willingness to make a difference at LCA, and he did.

open spot on the board, Tom Stockton was a natural choice.

Chris Harmon, who was Head of School when Tom Stockton

His business acumen, his heart and passion for Legacy, and

joined the board, remembers his humbleness and his servant

his great faith and wisdom made him an ideal fit. “It’s a rare

heart for Legacy. “Whenever a question was asked, Tom’s

person who actually solves problems rather than simply

response would always be ‘What’s best for the kids?’ Tom is one

discussing and debating them,” says former board chairman

of my favorite people in the world,” Dr. Harmon said. “He was

Jay Allison. “Tom Stockton, for more than two decades, has

always working for the Lord for the benefit of all of the kids, and

been that problem-solver for Legacy Christian Academy.”

he never wavered from that.”

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TOM STOCKTON: COMPLETING THE LEGACY Over the last 20 years, Tom Stockton has given freely of his

dedicated to the project. Dr. Harmon recalled Mr. Stockton

time, talent, and treasure. “He has demonstrated his love for

being present at every construction meeting. “His level of

this school through years of service on the school board and

engagement was unparalleled.” Dr. Harmon said. “He wasn’t

successfully leading our most recent capital campaign,” says

afraid to champion the school and bring people in to support its

current Head of School Bill McGee.

development. He was a hands-on partner in the process and ever

Mr. Stockton chaired the “Complete the Legacy” campaign,

obedient to the Lord.”

which expanded the Upper School, including the Legacy

“I can’t think of anyone who loves Legacy more than Tom

Performing Arts Center and fine arts wing. He recognized the

Stockton does,” says Mr. McGee. “Generations of students,

need for additional learning space as well as a proper venue

teachers, and families have been and will be blessed by Tom’s

for performances and volunteered to chair the campaign to

sacrificial service to our school. He’s a ‘giant upon whose

help raise funds and spearhead the process. He was extremely

shoulders we stand.’”

The Stockton Family at Legacy Night 2019 BACK ROW (L-R): Ali, James, Zach, Danny, Tom, Katy, John and Julie McAllaster, and Aleta Chauvin FRONT ROW: Stephanie, Kristina, Sandy, and Pat Stevens

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Legacy Alumni

THE STOCKTONS

Zachary Stockton (2011) James Stockton (2007) James earned his degree from Baylor University, where he met his wife, Ali. The couple live in Frisco with their 4-year-old son, TJ (Thomas James). After five years at Apple, James now works for an internet marketing agency in downtown Dallas.

Danny Stockton (2009) Danny earned his law degree from Duke Law School and is now executive director of government and legal affairs for Frisco ISD. He and his wife, Kristina, who is a Dyslexia Therapist at LCA, have two sons, Greyson and Charlie, who was born in February during the winter storms.

Zach graduated from Baylor in film and digital media, and is a digital marketing director for Alliance Consumer Group. He and his wife, Stephanie, are thankful for God’s faithfulness in his protection of their newborn daughter, Caroline Grace, who had emergency surgery on her vocal cords. Happily, the baby is doing well.

Katy Stockton (2015) Katy graduated from Baylor with a degree in elementary education in 2019. She just finished her first year as a second-grade teacher for Frisco ISD and is excited to see where the next year will take her as she pursues new opportunities.

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LCA Welcomes

Kenneth Chapman Jr. to the Board of Trustees Legacy Christian Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Kenneth Chapman Jr. to its Board of Trustees.

Kenneth Chapman has served as

Texas Christian University’s Neeley

University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma

an education consultant and higher

School of Business. He has held

Baptist University, and Dallas College.

education administrator and is a

notable administration positions

His unique perspective on the higher

member of the instructional faculty at

at Oklahoma State University, the

education landscape sets him apart.

A frequent speaker at Legacy, addressing both faculty and staff, Dr. Chapman presented at a recent PEP Talk as part of our parenting education program.

He also consults with various Christian schools across the country on best practices and gospel-centered work in the area of Kingdom Unity.

“I’m excited to join the board at LCA because there’s no better way to serve God than through Christian education,” Dr. Chapman says. “I’m a firm believer in the integration of faith and learning, and to be able to serve at Legacy is an honor and a privilege.”

Dr. Chapman was born and raised in Del City, a small suburb of Oklahoma

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City. He received a bachelor’s

“I’m humbled that God would allow me

McGee and the board to ensure

degree in public relations and mass

the opportunity to be part of such a great

that our school will change the world for

communications from the University

school,” says Dr. Chapman. “I’m looking

the cause of Christ foremost for God’s

of Central Oklahoma and earned both

forward to serving our families, faculty,

glory and then for our benefit as His

a master’s degree in education and

and staff, and to working with Mr.

children.”

a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Chapman and his wife, Kimberley, have four sons: Kenneth III, Kole, Karter, and Karson — all under the age of 14.

After four boys and many prayers, God blessed them with a daughter, Kenley, the K who completes their family.

The Chapmans are proud members of their church’s Frisco-based LifeChanging Christian Faith Fellowship.

As an associate pastor, Dr. Chapman is committed, he says, to showing the love and the word of God to all.

Says Head of School Bill McGee, “I’m thrilled that Dr. Kenneth Chapman has accepted our invitation to serve on the LCA Board of Trustees. He adds value to our board with his years of experience in higher education, his pastoral background, and his commitment to Kingdom Unity from a thoroughly biblical perspective. I’ve come to appreciate and enjoy his passion, his humor, and his wisdom. Legacy will benefit from this godly man of integrity who aligns with our mission and core values.”

“We’re grateful that Kenneth will serve LCA as a trustee,” says Legacy Board Chair Brad Brenneman. “Dr. Chapman offers us highly valuable expertise in higher education. We’re excited about the insights he’ll bring to our board.”

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Welcome to the Board:

Jeff Owens

Legacy Christian Academy is excited that Jeff Owens is joining the Board of Trustees.

Mr. Owens is a partner with Armanino LLP, a top-25 national accounting and consulting firm. He currently leads Armanino’s Texas audit department and the Southeast Technology and Emerging Growth Practice.

“The city of Frisco is growing rapidly and LCA has a great opportunity to be salt and light in a dark world,” he says. “I’m excited to serve alongside the other trustees to guide our school to be the light of the world,” he says, paraphrasing Matthew 5:14, “and to be like a city set on a hill, one that cannot be hidden.”

Mr. Owens grew up in Richardson and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting and finance from Southern Methodist University. He met his wife, Irina, while at SMU, and they married in 2005. The couple have two daughters, Olivia ’28 and Adele ’32, and the family has been a part of the LCA community since Olivia entered second grade. The family live in Frisco and are members of Watermark Community Church; Mr. Owens is an audio engineer for the church’s technical arts team.

“We’re grateful that Jeff has committed to serve LCA as a trustee,” says Legacy Board Chair Brad Brenemann. “He and Irina are very committed to our mission. Jeff brings significant experience and perspective on private Christian education from his work as

his company has conducted Legacy’s annual financial audit. He

an audit partner with numerous private Christian schools across

brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in private school

the country. He is a man of deep faith and will bring great vision,

finance, as Armanino is one of the premier accounting firms

perspective, and thoughtfulness to our board.”

helping private, independent schools all over the nation. Irina is a

Says Head of School Bill McGee, “I’m pleased to welcome Jeff

faithful volunteer who has been active in our PTF. We’re blessed

Owens to the Board of Trustees. I’ve known him as both a

by the Owens family and look forward to Jeff’s visionary service

parent and a professional: Our teachers serve his children and

on our board.”

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Class Notes SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE We are interested in hearing about your

Lachlan and Meryn, into their family.

This June, Sam became president of Hope Mommies Dallas, a Christian ministry for

wedding, children, career, special interests,

women experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth,

vacation trips, and regular get-togethers with

or infant loss. Sam got involved with Hope

fellow LCA alumni.

Mommies shortly after losing Max and says

Class Notes Compiled By: Madi Bixler ’14

she feels called and humbled to lead this

EMail

ministry, which serves some 1,000 women in Dallas–Fort Worth as they walk through

communications@legacyca.com

the unbearable. “The opportunity to redeem

Class Notes are edited for length and clarity, and they will be published online.

my own suffering and grief to point other

2010 Patricia Orfanos Bush recently finished graduate school at UT Health Science Center of San Antonio and was a pediatric nurse practitioner in Plano. She and her husband, Athanasi, moved to South Texas, where Athanasi will be opening a dental practice.

Patricia will be staying home to raise their new daughter, Isabella.

grieving moms toward the hope of Christ is the greatest privilege,” she says. “Although I wish with all my heart that I was instead

2002 Carolyn Boatsman has begun a master’s program in divinity at Fuller Seminary.

raising a 4-year-old redhead with Down syndrome, in Max’s absence leading Hope Mommies Dallas is a privilege.”

Nathanial Mattay graduated from the

She and her husband, Kyle, have two

University of Texas Tyler with a bachelor’s

children, a son (3), and a daughter who was

degree in applied science and now works as

born last June. The family recently moved

a software engineer. He and his wife, Erica,

to Colorado Springs.

have two children, Ezra and Eden.

After getting his degree in sociology from Texas A&M, Matt Smith began working for Justrite Safety Group, and was named a regional sales manager in April. He and his wife, Kelsey, celebrated their third wedding anniversary in January and welcomed their second child in December 2020.

2012 Aubrey (Allison) Kirk is pursuing a master’s in executive leadership at Liberty University.

Her husband, Declan, also an LCA grad, is an ophthalmology resident physician at University Medical Center in Lubbock. The couple have a 10-month-old son, Miles.

2007 In 2016, while she was a communications specialist at Legacy, Sam Martin and her husband, Spencer, had their first child, Max, who passed away immediately after birth.

Since leaving Legacy, in 2017, Sam and Spencer have welcomed two more children,

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CLASS NOTES Kelsie (Beers) Olds received a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Oklahoma University Tulsa in 2018. She and her husband, Josh, who is studying for his doctorate, moved to England, where Kelsie is a USAF on-base occupational therapist serving children with disabilities. The couple have two children, August and Jubilee.

2013 After earning a master’s in public service and administration (2017), Morgan Anderson began working for Accenture, and was recently promoted to security consultant.

She and her fiancé, Michael, are planning

In December, and with a 4.0 GPA, Lauren

(Sheldon) McLaughlin earned her master’s in educational technology and leadership from Texas A&M Commerce. She now teaches AP courses in Frisco ISD. She and her husband, Byron, live in The Colony.

an August wedding, and the couple will live in Dallas.

Abby Paxton is working on two master’s degrees: one in forensic nursing through Texas A&M and the second in intelligence studies through Angelo State. This summer, she will be moving to California and transition from intelligence to nursing for the Air Force, with the expectation of promotion to captain. She and her fiancé, Sam, are getting married in July.

Dom Steinmann graduated from Baylor with a degree in management information

Jillian Roberts is studying for her MBA

systems and now leads an international sales

at Texas Christian University and will be

team at Harness as a manager of commercial

interning with Kimberly-Clark this summer.

sales. He and his wife, Ashley, have a

She lives in Fort Worth and is actively

14-month-old daughter, Sophia.

involved in Christ Chapel Bible Church.

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CLASS NOTES Kaitlyn (York) Weatherly graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and recently started a design/photo business (KW Creative). Kaitlyn and her husband, Chris, live in Plano and are expecting a baby girl in July.

2014 Madi Bixler holds a master’s degree in supply-chain management from the

Blaine Petty works for Optimal Blue as a data analyst. He and his wife, Jessica, live in Dallas.

University of Texas Dallas. She works for Interstate Batteries and was recently promoted to supply planning analyst. Madi also tutors high schoolers in math and freelances for Frisco Style Magazine and LCA’s Impact magazine.

After graduating from the University of

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Texas, Elena Eitrheim moved to California

2016

and worked for a top-tier talent agency,

Hayden Blake received his bachelor’s degree

meeting a number of artists in the music

in public relations from the University of

and film industries. In November 2020,

Oklahoma. He and his wife, Allie, who works

Elena moved back to Austin, and is now a

for FISD, were married in March. The couple

real-estate agent for Hallmark Luxury Group

and their Goldendoodle, Okie, are nicely

at Compass.

settled in their new apartment.

CLASS NOTES Abby (Shadle) Collins graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Christian studies. She lives in Fort Worth with her husband, Ben, and owns a photography business. Abby likes traveling to take wedding photos, but also enjoys local shoots.

2017 Davi Mask studied nursing at Texas A&M

Madison Navar is studying psychology at Stephen F. Austin State University.

University. She left to go to France to share the gospel and completed nursing clinicals in College Station and Houston. She will be graduating in August with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and then plans to move to Austin, where she hopes to have a career in either labor and delivery, ICU, or ER Nursing.

Pate Steelman graduated from Texas State University with a double major in environmental science and criminal justice and a minor in business. He hopes to become a federal game warden for the U.S. Department of Wildlife Conservation in either Alaska or Montana.

Kristin Guzak attends Texas A&M, where

Lauren Tuite earned her degree in

she recently directed The Big Event, the

kinesiology from the University of Arkansas.

largest one-day service project in the nation.

She recently became interested in holistic

She has accepted an internship with Deloitte

health and has been accepted to Parker

as a strategy summer scholar and will

University, in Dallas, where she will

graduate in 2022.

participate in the doctor of chiropractic program.

Marshall Todd earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M and is studying for his master’s in business. He also works full time as an inside sales representative for Dell Technologies. He plans to move to Round Rock this year.

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CLASS NOTES Alex Robison holds a bachelor’s degree in

She is a graphic designer for the Raider

education with academic honors from Baylor

Riot, the official student section for Texas

University. She was named Outstanding

Tech basketball, and began a graphic-design

Student of the Year in the special education

internship with Texas Tech football in April.

department and has been offered a job as a

2019 Natalie Embry began a degree in fashion merchandising at Oklahoma State University, but felt called to stay home and pursue her interests in the DFW Metroplex, where she

middle school inclusion special education

works at a boutique in Southlake called

teacher in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

American Threads. She plans to transfer to

Emily Watts graduated from Texas Christian

the University of North Texas in the fall and

University with a BBA in marketing with

further her study of fashion merchandising,

an emphasis on consultative selling. She is

as well as expand her photography business,

eager to begin her dream job as a project

Natalie Catherine Photo.

manager for the communications team at Fellowship Church.

Rachel Nguyen is approaching her senior year at Texas Christian University, where she is majoring in news and media studies and minoring in English. She is co–editor in chief for the TCU Horned Frog Yearbook and works as the digital marketing specialist for Alpha Delta Pi. She is a member of a campus ministry called Reformed University Fellowship and is a group leader for eighthgrade girls at Fort Worth KLIFE.

Tatum Ewing is working on her degree in health studies, with a minor in psychology, at the University of Mississippi. After graduating, she plans to go on for her nursing degree. She hopes to become a physician’s assistant.

2020 As a freshman at the University of Alabama, Elijah Yohannan participated

2018

in the Navigators and the Reformed

Natalie Clark attends Texas Tech University,

University Fellowship campus ministries.

where she is president of Hi-Tech Fashion

He has accepted an internship with Alkami

Group, a professional student organization.

Technology, in Plano, this summer.

Madi Bixler (’14) attended the University of Texas at Dallas, graduating in 2017 with a BS in Supply Chain Management. She is a supply analyst and recently graduated with her Masters at UTD.

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LCA students race to support GraceBridge ministries through our annual service run.

BACK COVER: Families gathered at LCA’s Family Worship Night for a special evening of fellowship.

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