Legacy Christian Academy Impact Summer 2020

THE MAGAZINE OF LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

SUMMER 2020

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.

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Board of Trustees Brad Brenneman, Board Chair Brett Bingham George Crumley Patrick Droesch, Vice-Chair Nick Johnson Lisa Liberis Dorothy Smith Tom Stockton Trent Wood

Head of School Bill McGee

Development Team Shannon Nelson CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

Shannon Culley VOLUNTEER AND EVENTS COORDINATOR

Cherlyn Edwards ADVANCEMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

THANK YOU to all our photographers for your time, talents, and the memories you capture for us, including Vanessa Corral, Natalie Roberson, Landon Wade, Sydney York, Rick Baze, Suzee Sanderlin, Jada Cesare.

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impact THE MAGAZINE OF LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Contents Message from the Head of School Strategic Plan Update Message from the Annual Fund Chairs Tuba Player Extraordinaire A Future in Space LCA Mission Trips: Service at Home and Abroad At Home in the Lower School Science Lab LCA Aumni Spotlight: Emily Braham Portrait of a Young Artist LCA Class of 2020 Acceptances Athletic Signings Faithful Service: 5-15 Years in the Making LCA Honors: Athletics LCA Honors: Arts Feed My Starving Children LCA Performing Arts LCA: Professional Schools Program CHAMPS Welcome to the Board, Mr. Wood Jingle & Mingle Class Notes

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

DEAR FRIENDS, A lot has changed in our world since the last issue of Impact. The COVID-19 crisis has consumed our time and energy for the entire fourth quarter of the academic year. The unpredictability of the virus and the uncertainty of its effects on school life have demanded our undivided attention. Perhaps in no time in modern history have we witnessed a disruption to our daily lives like this.

Although this crisis requires us to develop multiple plans

We’d like to see our Kingdom Diversity efforts begin to bear

for the anticipated reopening of school in August, it doesn’t

fruit with more families and faculty of color joining our

nullify the visionary goals we established two and a half

community. We want to continue to invest in our teachers by

years ago, during our schoolwide strategic-planning process.

providing robust professional-development programs and

The LCA Board of Trustees and the leadership team remain

rewarding excellence with attractive salaries and benefits.

steadfast in their commitment to improve all five aspects of

We need to review how we assess the progress of our

academic life as described in Soaring Higher: The Legacy

students beyond traditional grading systems. We need to

Christian Academy Strategic Plan.

address our aging facilities on the South Campus, as well as

The strategic plan was developed as a five-year blueprint for school improvement. It established priorities in five essential areas of our community: 1) Student Development, 2) Faculty and Staff Development, 3) Curriculum and Program Development, 4) Campus and Facilities, and 5) Institutional Advancement. Eighteen key initiatives prescribe actions that will help us achieve our goals. Now that we’ve reached the halfway point in the projected timeline, I thought it would be helpful to review the progress we’ve made in implementing

in the athletic arena. And we must establish an endowment to secure the long-term financial health of the school.

I invite you to help us achieve these lofty goals through your investment of time, talent, and treasure. Together, we can realize our vision “to be the school of choice for committed Christian families in North Texas who desire the best Christcentered education for their children.”

Faithfully yours,

our ambitious goals and initiatives. The next few pages contain a strategic-plan progress report.

As you’ll see, we’ve accomplished quite a bit in the last two and half years. However, we still have work to do if we are to

Bill McGee

build a school that reflects the glory of God and serves as an

Head of School

educational lighthouse for our community, our nation, and our world.

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STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE Goal 1 STUDENT DEVELOPMENT LCA will provide opportunities for all students to discover their identity and security in Christ, acknowledge their worth as image-bearers, and pursue a life of virtue that honors God, fulfilling His divine plan for them.

Major Accomplishments • Organized PEP Talks, a popular parent-education program that equips and empowers parents to partner with the school to be countercultural.

• Launched the school’s Kingdom Diversity initiative, which fosters LCA as a community that welcomes and honors Christian families from all backgrounds. The initiative includes the appointment of the school’s first Diversity Coordinator and the formation of a diversity committee to support families of color on their journey through Legacy.

• Encouraged and enabled students to become “doers of the Word” through the expansion of mission trips for Middle and

Upper School students to the Dominican Republic, Sierra Leone, Puerto Rico, and Houston. Almost 50 percent of the Upper School student body have served on at least one foreign mission trip.

• Administered YouScience as a tool to assess each student’s unique interests and abilities.

• Implemented the Character Strong program, a character-and spiritual-formation curriculum for Middle School students.

• Adopted imago Dei as one of the school’s six core values, to emphasize the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity.

Goal 2 FACULTY AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT LCA will seek, retain, and develop passionate Christ-followers who possess a growth mindset, a servant’s heart, and a biblical worldview. All employees will embrace and embody LCA’s mission and core values.

Major Accomplishments • Appointed the school’s first Biblical Worldview and Cultural Engagement Coordinator, who is charged with developing a biblical-worldview training module for all instructional staff.

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive professionalevaluation program for faculty that measures how well they are embracing and embodying the school’s mission and core values.

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• Substantially increased salaries and benefits for teachers, enabling LCA to attract and retain the best mission-appropriate teachers possible in the competitive marketplace of North Texas.

Goal 3 CURRICULUM AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT LCA will design curriculum and offer programs that develop the 21st-century skills of character, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Students will be challenged to go deeper in their learning by mastering content and applying new information to real-world situations, thereby building a sense of ownership and purpose for learning.

Major Accomplishments • Developed and launched the Professional Schools Program, an innovative initiative that matches each Upper School student’s unique gifts and special interests with a curriculum track designed to increase engagement, experiential learning, and career exploration.

• Designed and implemented LCAYou, a life-skills curriculum designed to foster social, emotional, and spiritual growth for Middle and Upper School students.

• Launched our Spanish Immersion Program for Kindergarten and first grade.

• Eliminated national standardized testing before third grade.

Adopted a comprehensive reading and literacy assessment for developing readers.

• Adopted ASPIRE for grades three through eight, a normreferenced test tied to college-readiness benchmarks established by the ACT.

Goal 4 CAMPUS AND FACILITIES LCA’s campus and facilities will provide a safe and warm learning environment reflecting the excellence of our Christ-centered teaching and programs, ensuring the highest standards of performance and competition while anticipating future facility needs driven by enrollment and programmatic goals.

Major Accomplishments • Completed the campus master plan, which limits future enrollment to no more than 1,200 students and establishes caps for each division.

• Invested more than $500,000 to enhance the safety and security of the campus, including additional security personnel and camera coverage.

Goal 5 INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT LCA will create and implement a comprehensive development program to address emerging and ongoing capital and programmatic needs and enhancements, establish and grow an endowment to secure the future, and build and sustain a robust Annual Fund that fosters unrestricted support of the school’s operations. Uniting, informing, and involving parents, alumni, and friends will strengthen the school through their advocacy, association, and philanthropy, supporting the mission of our institution as we seek to further the Kingdom of God.

Major Accomplishments • Conducted a comprehensive assessment of the development, admissions, and marketing/communications offices.

• Hired the school’s first Chief Advancement Officer, who is charged with overseeing and coordinating all institutional advancement functions.

• Currently developing an implementation plan for a future major-gifts campaign that will incorporate the establishment of an endowment.

• Increased support for the Annual Fund as the primary vehicle to enhance operations of the school.

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MESSAGE FROM THE ANNUAL FUND CHAIRS

DEAR FELLOW EAGLES, Twenty years ago — the same year Legacy Christian Academy was founded — we said “I do” to each other. We’ve been blessed to call LCA our home and family for nine years now, so it seemed appropriate that we celebrate this special dual anniversary by serving as this year’s Annual Fund Chairs.

We’re both proud and grateful to stand

In response to the COVID-19 crisis,

tuition assistance with a goal of over

with countless others who have a

Legacy is bolstering its efforts to

$1 million. Will you join us in prayerfully

profound passion for giving the gift of a

provide more tuition assistance and

considering a gift? II Corinthians 9:11

Christian education. We’re continually

benevolence funding than ever before

says, “You will be enriched in every way,

reminded of God’s goodness through

to ensure our community remains

so that you can be generous on every

the love, sacrifice, and prayerful works

stronger together. Accordingly, the

occasion and through us your generosity

of LCA’s incredible faculty and staff.

Annual Fund has been renamed the

will result in Thanksgiving to God.”

We’re honored and humbled to have

“Stronger Together Fund,” and all

If you’re unable to give, please pray

this opportunity to give back and serve

undesignated gifts will now provide

His mission in this way and help Leave

critical support for tuition assistance

a Legacy for future families and their

and benevolence needs. We want

children for the next 20 years, and

to make sure that those who are up

beyond!

against a financial hardship have

In LCA’s 20th year, we could never

children enrolled and our LCA family

have imagined facing a crisis like

to a close and our time as current LCA

fully intact.

parents is coming to an end, we have

the support they need to keep their

COVID-19, but we’ve been seeing God’s faithfulness throughout this trial. Our LCA family has come together and inspired hope through countless acts of selflessness and sacrifice. We’re seeing in real time why God called us

The Stronger Together Fund provides support for LCA’s tuition assistance and benevolence efforts: • Tuition Assistance. We want to keep

for these efforts to ensure that our community emerges from this storm even stronger. We’re confident that God will provide, as He always has!

As our twins’ sophomore year draws

confidence that the next generation of Legacy Eagles will further God’s kingdom and be a lighthouse to our world. II Corinthians 9:11 says, “You will be enriched in every way, so that

our community together. No current

to live, worship, and serve together

you can be generous on every occasion

families should have to leave for

in community. Matthew 18:19 tells

and through us your generosity will

financial reasons.

us that “if two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as

• Benevolence. We want to support any of our faculty and staff who are enduring financial challenges.

my followers, I am there among them.”

We’re proud to stand behind this

We’re bonded together, thousands

initiative because we know the

strong as LCA Eagles, and we couldn’t

tremendous impact all of us can have

result in Thanksgiving to God.” Thank you for your generosity, and may God bless your family.

In Christ,

be more grateful to be a part of this

if we act together. LCA has already

Julie and Patrick Droesch

Christ-centered community.

awarded more than $800,000 in

Annual Fund Chairs 2019/2020

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ANNUAL FUND ENHANCEMENT Cole Eisenmann working out with one of two new sprint trainers. Sprint trainers are an extension of the weight room and are great for the overall development of an athlete as they improve core, quad & hamstring strength while honing speed and flexibility. Head Football Coach, Scott Smith shared, “We are especially grateful for these two pieces of equipment, especially during this time, when we can’t get in the weight room.”

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TUBA PLAYER

EXTRAORDINAIRE Caleb Chambers wasn’t born with a tuba in his hand, but listening to his masterful playing, you may believe he was.

The Legacy junior has always been

The festival — held annually in Twin

In the semifinals, he played two pieces

musically inclined. He played the piano

Lakes, Michigan, and drawing musicians

over two days before a blind panel of

for seven years, then switched to the

from all over the world — is considered

judges. Only three student competitors

low brass section and started studying

the most prestigious low brass

advanced to the finals, when they played

the tuba. Although he’s been playing

competition in the United States. Caleb

before an audience and a panel of

was one of only six student semifinalists

judges. Caleb overcame several obstacles

to compete for the top prize. He was

to bring home the top prize. During

not only the youngest competitor in his

his first piece in the first round, for

division, but also the only one still in

example, a valve stuck on his instrument

high school.

— a nightmare for any tubist. Though

the instrument for just five years, he’s already established himself as a major talent.

His private teacher, Dr. Corey Rom, describes Caleb as “a student of quiet determination. He doesn’t always talk much but he’s thoughtful and thorough

Caleb poured hundreds of precious hours into preparing for the competition, practicing the required

he was shaken after that mishap, Caleb drew on the confidence and skills he had developed over the years with the help of his band directors and private-lesson

in his work.” Because of his natural

music daily for the six months

ability and his willingness to work hard,

leading up to the event. And all of his

Dr. Rom suggested that Caleb enter

diligence was rewarded in the best way

Caleb says the entire festival was an

the Leonard Falcone International

imaginable: Caleb brought home the

educational experience. During the four-

Euphonium and Tuba Festival.

gold medal in the student division.

day event, he participated in workshops

teachers and came out on top.

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TUBA PLAYER EXTRAORDINAIRE

and master classes. He learned from

says. He matured as a player and learned

for almost three-quarters of the last

college professors and attended

the value of perseverance.

century, was a long one, both literally

recitals and performances by world-

The road to participating in the Falcone,

and figuratively. Caleb was selected from

class euphonium players and tubists.

which honors the memory of Leonard

anonymous recording submissions to

Listening to other musicians can be the

Falcone, a musician whose prestigious

a panel of adjudicators consisting of

best way to improve your own play, he

solo and pedagogical career lasted

professors and international performers.

Then, to get to the event, he and his family made the 17-hour-long drive to Michigan: As his mom, Nancey, puts it, “Tubas don’t fly well . . .”

Caleb’s distinctions are not limited to the Falcone win. He was selected first chair tuba for the ATSSB All-State Symphonic Band twice and for the TPSMEA All-State Band four times.

Last year, he received the John Philip Sousa Band Award, which recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. It’s the most prestigious award a high school band student can earn. Andy Murphy, Legacy’s Director of Bands shared, “It’s been an honor to teach and watch this young man grow into a fine musician.”

Caleb recently took up the bass trombone because, he says, he “just wanted to try something different.”

Playing that instrument meant he could join the LCA Jazz Band. It’s especially enjoyable, he says: “I can play really loud.”

To play any instrument takes an interest in it. To play an instrument well — that takes passion. And Caleb is passionate about music. Although he doesn’t plan to be a professional musician (right now he has his sights set on engineering), he says he’ll continue to play for the sheer joy of it.

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A FUTURE IN SPACE

By Sam Martin “It’s not exactly rocket science,” says senior Sam Clemons, but it was rocket science last summer, when he participated in the NASA High School Aerospace Scholars Program.

Sam was one of 1,900 students from

to Mars as directed by NASA engineers

presented my recommendations on how

across the country who were selected

and scientists. “I researched deep-space

to prevent the negative effects of deep-

to participate in an online, interactive

radiation and astronaut protection on

space radiation during the astronauts’

program centering on space exploration,

the journey to Mars,” says Sam, “and

six-to-eight-month journey to Mars.”

Earth science, technology, mathematics, and aeronautics. During the program, Sam tackled design challenges such as 3D drawing, aced science and math quizzes, wrote technical papers, and participated in online discussions with his peers. He also had the opportunity to participate in virtual chats and webinars with NASA engineers and scientists — even one that was led by astronauts on a space mission.

Upon completion of the online course, Sam was among the top students chosen for an elite, week-long summer program at Johnson Space Center, in Houston. In late June, Sam and ten other students worked on engineering projects supporting an actual mission

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A FUTURE IN SPACE

Based on his use of surface-imaging software, Sam also wrote an article defending his suggested landing zone on Mars that met the requirements and goals for which NASA looked. In addition, he created his own, customized 3D tool optimized for space in order to combine the functionality of an entire toolbox into one efficient tool. During the closing ceremony, Sam was selected as an ambassador for Robert Blake, one of NASA’s top officials.

Sam says that meeting and collaborating with other students who have similar interests was a highlight. He was thrilled to meet with the engineer who was responsible for designing the alarm system on the Apollo 13 rockets that saved countless lives. “The experience

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Sam credits several Legacy teachers

engaging. Dean of Legacy’s School of

with equipping him for the experience:

Engineering, Mrs. Hermogeno, and I

was not only enlightening and

“Dr. Stone has been instrumental in

often talked throughout my lessons and

challenging, but it also gave me a real

my love of learning. She cares about

she encouraged me not to give up. Her

glimpse of what my future will, I hope,

her students, and she teaches her

coursework and lessons were crucial in

entail,” he said.

material in a way that makes it super

my being chosen for this internship.” He

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thanks Dustin Messer for encouraging

Physics, Pre-AP Engineering, Pre-AP

moving the needle forward in the field of

him to ask questions: “Mr. Messer has

Computer Science, and AP Computer

astronomy, then I will have missed out

been instrumental in my growth. He’s

Science — and continues to maintain a

on something I truly feel called to do.”

the kindest, most open-minded

GPA above 4.0. He’s a member of the

He added, “I hope to [leave my mark] on

teacher I’ve encountered at Legacy.

Robotics Team, for which he was a head

our solar system by finding answers to

He encouraged me to pursue my own

designer on last year’s robot.

questions we do not even know to ask yet.”

individual ideas and discover truth for

As part of the essay for his application

In the fall, Sam will be a freshman at

myself. We would often get into deep

to the Aerospace Scholars Program,

Texas A&M University, where he intends

philosophical conversations and suggest

Sam wrote, “If I leave this world without

to major in aerospace engineering.

readings for each other.”

Throughout his time at Legacy, Sam

Sam Martin (’07) lives in Frisco with her husband, Spencer, and their two kids,

has taken the most advanced math

Lachlan and Meryn. She serves on the board for Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas

and science classes available — Pre-AP

and volunteers with Hope Mommies.

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Dibley and Assistant Upper School Principal Lynn Dupree began praying and brainstorming to find practical ways to engage students to take their knowledge beyond the classroom. Their ideas evolved into incredible ways to fulfill the communal desire of Legacy students to serve.

Upper School THROUGH PRAYER AND TEAMWORK, Mr. Dupree discovered 25Project, which is an organization that helps transform mission trips from ideas into reality.

25Project worked closely with Legacy

LCA MISSION TRIPS

faculty and administrators to plan experiences for Upper School students.

Service at Home and Abroad

By Daisey Dibley ’18 For more than 20 years, Legacy Christian Academy has been a leader in equipping students with the biblical knowledge, Godly principles, and spiritual guidelines necessary to become leaders for the Kingdom.

The first trip was announced in June 2018, and 29 students jumped at the

Two years ago, however, Legacy realized

around them. Thus, a vision was born to

idea to serve in the Dominican Republic.

that students could begin to make their

develop not only hearers of the Word, but

After that success and their clear passion

impact long before they graduated.

also doers of good deeds.

to share the gospel, Legacy decided to forge ahead with more trips. The

Across all ages of students, the consensus

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was that they had a heart to serve, and

In an effort to achieve this goal, leaders

response was gratifying: Fifty-eight

wanted to be involved in the world

such as Middle School Principal Glenn

students — twice the number who

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had made the initial trip — signed up for the next one, in summer 2019. To accommodate all of these eager students, Legacy added another mission. To prepare, they received training on how to share the gospel, and arrived in the Dominican Republic with open hearts.

“Every student showed boldness and a passion to share what Jesus had done for them,” said Mr. Dupree.

Mitchell Smith ’20 summed up what the experience meant to him: “Besides accepting Christ,” he said, “it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

This year, a record number of students expressed interest in the trip, but the restrictions necessitated by the coronavirus meant we had to cancel service abroad.

Middle School IN 2019, FOR THE MIDDLE SCHOOL, Legacy launched “March Madness.”

During the week before spring break, a group of seventh- and eighth-graders served in Houston. Along with parents and faculty, they delivered food to the homeless, helped to restore a home that

parents, and teachers, with the plan to

Catherine Thomas, who teaches history in

had been destroyed during Hurricane

accomplish many of the same goals. Also

the Middle School and served in Houston

this spring, the eighth-graders traveled

last year, accompanied students again

to Puerto Rico, where they partnered

this spring. “It was wonderful to see more

with churches and ministries to serve.

and more of them interact with and have

For those who weren’t able to participate

compassion for those who are in different

in either of these missions, local service

circumstances,” she said, “and I was proud

opportunities were available.

to be able to witness their growth.”

Harvey, and worked at the Houston Food Bank. The experience, said Mr. Dibley, was “a confirmation that the students had not only the capability to serve, but also a strong desire, which was demonstrated time and time again as they stepped out beyond their comfort zone.”

March Madness has now morphed into a more comprehensive program. This

Daisy Dibley (‘18) is a sophomore at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona

spring, seventh-graders headed back

studying professional writing with hopes to be a journalist and author..

to Houston, with more volunteers,

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At Home in the

Lower School

Science Lab It’s just a regular Tuesday in the halls of Legacy Christian Academy, but in the Lower School Science Lab, it sounds as if the children are . . . making popcorn?

And that means one thing: Lori Walsh is teaching fourth-graders Newton’s third law of motion — “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

Each student places an effervescent

Few schools have a science lab just for

on laboratory experiences that would

tab on top of a spring inside of a film

their primary school, but Legacy wanted

reinforce the content taught in class.

cannister, pours water inside, replaces

to provide its youngest students with

We all saw a need for students to arrive

an experiential science experience.

in Middle School with an increased

“Before we opened the K–4 Science Lab,”

readiness to retain and apply what they

said Cheryl Guthmann, eighth-grade

had learned in elementary science. We

the lid, and waits for the reaction. What follows is a symphony of pops as the kids marvel at the pieces flying apart from

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science teacher, “classroom teachers

wanted to foster a continued love for

the carbon dioxide buildup inside the

were challenged with space and time

science as more than words and pictures

cannisters.

constraints to implement enough hands-

on a page.”

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AT HOME IN THE LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE LAB

So it was that in 2016, with the newly

Tiffany McCollum, Lower School

dedicated Lower School Science Lab,

Principal, has high praise for

LCA conducted a search for a full-time

the program: “Mrs. Walsh plans

K–4 science teacher. Lori Walsh had

experiments that connect to what

been a second-grade teacher at Legacy

students are learning in the classroom.

for 12 years, and says she was thrilled

Her goal is for children to learn that

when administrators tapped her to move

science is based on God’s creation as she

to the science lab to implement the

covers physical science, earth science,

vision. “For me this was a dream job,”

life science, human anatomy, plants,

she says four years later. “I not only get

weather, energy, space, and physics.

to teach my favorite subject, but I also

The lab provides students with hands-

have ample space and resources to make

on enrichment opportunities to explore

it come alive for my students.”

God’s world around them.”

Students participate in weekly labs that support the curriculum being taught in the classroom. Once again demonstrating LCA’s commitment to excellence in education, last summer the Lower School Science Lab was relocated downstairs and the space was updated. Among the renovations, the new lab has deeper sinks with hot water and increased counter space with more storage for lab materials and equipment.

The new space is great for a wide variety of experiments and activities.

Mrs. Walsh stays on top of current trends and methods of teaching in the field of science by attending conferences designed for Christian educators. She enjoys trying new activities with the children and seeing the “Aha!” moments, and is passionate about what she does. She calls the lab her “happy place,” and a smile comes over her face: “I still love it,” she says.

Many memorable experiments have taken place in the science lab, such as seeing what happens when you mix

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Mentos with a diet cola, making elephant

students are encouraged to be curious

Mrs. Guthmann describes what she

toothpaste, studying sublimation with

risk-takers, adaptable project managers,

refers to as the “Lori Walsh effect.”

dry ice, observing motion activities with

and critical thinkers.

Because of their work in the Lower

Hot Wheels, discovering non-Newtonian fluids, and dissecting worms. (Mrs. Walsh isn’t afraid to get messy or “gross,” as some might say.)

Her labs utilize the inquiry model, which enables students to discover and learn from their mistakes, to collaborate with their peers, and to use creative thinking.

School Science Lab, students arrive in Middle School better prepared to think critically, to analyze, to think of science as fun, and to picture themselves in a science career. “Mrs. Walsh makes

Her primary goals are to help students

“We want them to learn to be okay with

explore God’s creation and to see that God

not having an experiment or engineering

made everything with design. She wants

project work out the way they planned,”

young students to learn complex

her students to learn and understand

says Mrs. Walsh. “We hope they become

concepts in a very organic way,” Mrs.

how God put our universe together and

comfortable with taking risks to develop

Guthmann says. “She spends countless

the ways in which He holds everything in

persistence and trying again when

hours preparing to juggle the schedule

place. She hopes the children will develop

needed.” She cites a time when, after a

of five grade levels in a time period that

a love for science and become comfortable

project design failed in its first attempt,

fluctuates throughout the day. God

with the ideas, vocabulary, and equipment

a student cheerfully told her, “It’s time

answered our prayers in the knowledge,

that come with the territory. In her lab,

to redesign!”

passion, and talents of Lori Walsh.”

science come alive in a way that enables

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LCA alumni spotlight

Emily Braham ’11:

Called to Asia

By Madi Bixler ’14

of Austin’s, living in Bangkok, asked him if he would come to Thailand to help develop a fitness program there.

Emily and Austin, who married in 2017, considered the possibility for a while, until one day at church, during a sermon from Acts, they felt a calling to accept the invitation. Her husband had a job waiting for him, but Emily didn’t quite

Emily (Brown) Braham ’11, was studying nursing at the University of Arkansas when, between her junior and senior years, she decided to embark on a mission trip to Malaysia with the Nehemiah Team, a project commissioned by

know what she would do there.

Knowing that Bangkok was an international capital for human trafficking, Emily got in contact with the nonprofit NightLight to offer her help as a full-time volunteer. In Asia, Emily

the International Mission Board (IMB), a large nonprofit

says, gender roles vastly differ from those

organization headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

of Western countries. Women in much

She discovered Malaysia to be a melting

Emily says that Legacy laid a Christian

pot of cultures (and hot! she says).

foundation for her beliefs and “the why

One of Emily’s mentors had returned to serve in Asia after just one mission, and Emily, on hearing that testimony

behind them.” Service projects hosted by LCA taught her the value of helping those around us.

and with a wish to be the hands and feet

After college, Emily — then engaged to

of Christ, promised herself that she too

Austin — worked as an oncology nurse,

would return to Asia.

but still thought about Asia. Then a friend

of Asia, and in impoverished nations such as Uganda and Tanzania, in Africa; Colombia, in South America; and Russia are expected to be the breadwinners.

While shouldering this financial burden to care for and feed their children, women in developing countries are often poorly educated, if at all, and can’t find work.

These circumstances lead them to turn to “opportunities” in Bangkok: They’re often told they can find work as a waitress or a maid. These women usually have no idea where Bangkok is geographically or that they’re being tricked into the sex industry.

Emily challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding sex trafficking as portrayed in US documentaries, showing women as kidnapped or taken forcefully. Although that does happen, she says, most women willingly leave their home countries, unaware of the gravity of the deceit.

“Nobody taught them about ‘stranger danger,’” she says. Once these hopeful women arrive in Bangkok, Emily says, their passports and visas are seized and

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

they’re told by agents that they owe, say,

prosecuting their traffickers. The process

a struggle, says Emily, when witnessing

$7,000, and that they must work to pay it

could take months since there is no sense

the darkness and spiritual suffering

off. “One of seven men who visit Thailand

of urgency in the Asian legal system. The

incurred far from home. She had to

goes for the purpose of sex tourism,”

drawn-out process, however, enabled

learn how to separate her life from those

Emily says. “It’s really disturbing to think

Emily to get to know the women and also

of the women with whom she worked.

about.”

help them with Bible studies.

NightLight, a safehouse and

Another challenging aspect of Emily’s experience was that, for security reasons, she wouldn’t be allowed to see or speak to

rehabilitation program, was founded

the women once they went back to their

in Bangkok some 20 years ago to help

home countries.

women escape the sex industry and return home legally. Emily began

There were also rewards, Emily says,

volunteering as a program manager,

among them the development of strong

working in what’s called restoration,

relationships with women who loved and

which helps women after their escape

appreciated her for helping them change

from the industry. There are limited

their lives.

options for women trying to escape.

The faith that deepened during her time

These women either go to jail, she says,

at Legacy became even stronger while

take their own lives, or find NightLight.

she served in Bangkok, and she is more

Once a woman escapes, however, she’s

grateful for her life at home and the

considered an illegal alien, with no

way she was raised. “We did nothing to

identification or documentation and no

deserve the educational privileges and

way to return home.

NightLight takes the women into its own apartments and has them go through a structured rehabilitation program before helping them get home. Many rebel against such structure, as they must get up at 8:00 a.m. and choose a job (for which they’re compensated), in NightLight’s coffee shop or daycare center. They also have the option of making jewelry or clothing and are taught life skills such as typing, reading, and writing. The routine helps them regain control of their lives.

They’re also invited to attend Bible studies and counseling sessions on their days off.

After going through NightLight’s program,

Now that she and Austin are back, Emily

blessings given to us,” she says.

talks about the challenges of her year

Emily says her service in Bangkok has

in Thailand. One was moving to a new

revealed that her complaints are minor

country where she and her husband

in comparison to those of the women she

lived on one income, and another, more

worked with. The greatest lesson from her

important, was undergoing mental

experience in Thailand is how important

exhaustion from listening as women

it is to “love people well.” Material things

spoke about the horrors they had

don’t matter in comparison to this truth,

experienced. Secondhand trauma can be

she says.

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” —Luke 9:62 (ESV)

the women can return to their home countries.

Emily oversaw the process of helping

Madi Bixler (’14) attended the University of Texas at Dallas, graduating in 2017

the women obtain lawyers, navigating

with a bachelor degree in Supply Chain Management. She is a product specialist at

them through court involvement, and

Interstate Batteries and is pursuing her master degree at UTD.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Portrait of a Young Artist Madeleine Hines is well on her way as an artist — her work has already been published four times and has received honors at district competitions. Now, she’s been named one of the top ten artists from the 10,000 entries in the Celebrating Art contest.

The contest attracts entries from students throughout the United

grateful to Mrs. Mayberry, for her patience and training during

States. From them, 3,000 pieces are selected for publication, of

Madeleine’s Middle School years

which 100 earn a High Merit designation for being in the top 1 percent. Ten students in each age group are then named to the National Top Ten.

The inspiration for Garden Home was Monet’s The Artist’s Garden in Argenteuil: Madeleine loved its intricacy and says she appreciated the challenge the piece would offer. She was given

Madeleine says she feels humbled and grateful that God gave

basic colors of clay to use, but had the freedom to mix and create

her such an opportunity. “It brings us so much joy that God

new colors. She used her hands to form the clay into shapes —

has given Madeleine passion for something that she can enjoy

“art enables people to use their hands to create something that is

doing throughout her entire life,” say her parents, Sherry and

dear to their heart,” she says — and utilized tools to create sharp

Stephen Hines.

lines and texture.

This latest honor required work and overwhelming detail:

Madeleine says she enjoys the creative freedom that art class

Madeleine’s art teacher, Mrs. Mayberry, estimates that she

offers, and the opportunity to try new, challenging works that help

spent some 70 hours refining her award-winning clay painting,

her improve and grow as an artist. She attributes her success in

Garden Home. Her parents say she “poured her heart into the

part to Mrs. Mayberry’s guidance, but, she says, “I also spend time

creative process and small details.”

almost every day drawing or creating some kind of art at home.”

Sherry says her daughter has been drawing and creating

And now Madeleine is among the best artists — nationwide — in

since she was quite young. Once Madeleine finds a subject

her age group.

of interest, she works tirelessly to practice and improve.

Mr. and Mrs. Hines are thankful for the artistic education

Madeleine joins these other Top Ten artists from Legacy:

Legacy has provided for their daughter. They are especially

Trenton Balcombe ’21, MaLyn Brigman ’24, and Chase Cunningham ’27.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA CLASS OF 202

30

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

20 ACCEPTANCES = ATTENDING Abilene Christian University Angelo State University Arizona State University Ashland University Auburn University Austin College Austin Peay State University Baylor University Belmont University Bentley University Bethel College (Kansas) Blinn College Butler University California Baptist University California State University Cedarville University Central Washington University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University Collin College Colorado Christian University Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Dallas Baptist University DePaul University Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emerson College Florida State University Fordham University Grace College Grand Canyon University Hardin-Simmons University Houston Baptist University Iowa State University John Brown University Letourneau University Liberty University Louisiana College

Louisiana State University Loyola University -Chicago Marquette University Miami University Middle Tennessee State University Midwestern State University Mississippi State University Missouri State University Montana State University North Carolina State University Northeastern State University Northwestern College Ohio Northern University Oklahoma City University Oklahoma State University Oregon State University Ouachita Baptist University Pace University Palm Beach Atlantic University Pepperdine University Prairie View A&M University Purdue University Radford University Regis University Rice University Roosevelt University Saint Edward’s University Samford University San Diego State University Southern Methodist University Southern Nazarene University St. Andrews University Syracuse University Temple University Texas A&M University Texas A&M University-Commerce Texas Christian University Texas State University Texas Tech University Texas Woman’s University

Trinity University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff University of Central Oklahoma University of Cincinnati University of Colorado-Boulder University of ColoradoColorado Springs University of Dayton University of Denver University of Findlay University of Georgia University of Houston University of Iowa University of Miami University of Minnesota University of Mississippi University of Missouri University of North Texas University of Oklahoma University of Pittsburgh University of Southern Mississippi University of Tennessee University of Texas at Arlington University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at Dallas University of Texas at San Antonio University of Tulsa University of Utah University of Washington University of Wisconsin Valparaiso University Wake Forest University Wheaton College Wichita State University Worcester Polytechnic Institute Xavier University

INDIVIDUALIZED COLLEGE PLACEMENT SERVICES • YouScience, a best-fit career inventory that provides students with confidence and data regarding future employment pathways • Guided access to innovative test-prep opportunities • Early identification and on-campus testing for the PSAT and the ACT • Two-day College Application Workshop (spring of students’ junior year): complete common application, résumé, essay • 1:1 College Discovery Process (spring of junior year): individual family meetings

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA HIGHLIGHT

ATHLETIC Signings

Nathan Norris inked his National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Northeastern State University, in Tahlequah, Okla. Nathan will join the RiverHawks, playing either third base or in the outfield.

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Blaine Warmbrod formally committed to play football at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU), in Abilene. Blaine transitioned to play tight end/defensive end during his senior year, which maximized his recruiting potential. HSU is an ideal fit for Blaine, as he’ll play football for a head coach whom he admires and the academic program aligns well with his career goals.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA HIGHLIGHT

FAITHFUL SERVICE: 5-15 Years in the Making

15 YEARS Candi Loe and Dirk Preble

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

10 YEARS Top row (l–r): Andy Murphy, Barrett Hardage, and Scot McCollum; bottom row: Heather Snider, Ericka Hamilton, and Leslie Bales (not pictured, Ana Garcia)

5 YEARS Top row (l–r): Dustin Messer and Cole Johnson; middle row: Amanda Wenk, Summer Carr, Rosie Sonneborn, Holly Hammond, and Debra Lester; bottom row: Nicole McGlasson, Kathy Littleton, and Emy Johnson

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA HONORS:

Athletics VOLLEYBALL Academic All-State Ellis Davison Chloe Furtaw

FOOTBALL All-State 1st Team

Jenna McGlasson Aunie Slyman

All-District 1st Team

Cianna Cesare McKenna Godsey

Sophia Lippert Jenna McGlasson

2nd Team Ellis Davison Chloe Furtaw

Aunie Slyman Londyn Tanguay

Jonah Petty

2nd Team Brady Atkins Ryan Church Ben Hamilton Mina Manias

Academic All-State Clayton Colier Major Griffith

All-District

Honorable Mention Autum Merkow

District Setter of the Year Sophia Lippert

SWIMMING Swim State Finishers Keeley Briggs State Champion 200 Freestyle State Runner-Up 500 Freestyle TAPPS North Region Swimmer of the Meet

Academic All-State Jireh Goh Nathan Norris Layne Pyle

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Jackson Redmon Tyler Wood

1st Team Brady Atkins Minas Manias Ryan Church

Ben Hamilton Jonah Petty

2nd Team

Brady Atkins Clayton Collier Jackson Redmon Garrett Hutchinson Tyler Wood Major Griffith

Luke Brown AJ Yasilli Jonah Petty Trey Perdue Jonah Lester

Honorable Mention Clayton Collier Coby Crysel Blaine Warmbrod

BOYS SOCCER

CHEER

All-State

All-State

1st Team 2nd Team Honorable Mention

Abby Marshall

1st Team 2nd Team Emeline Crumley

Academic All-State Trenton Balcombe Benji Brewer

Jonathan Darrell Cristian Escribano

Josiah Gill Max Sanderlin

1st Team Luke Haynes

Jake Long

Max Sanderlin

Jonathan Darrell Josiah Gill

Honorable Mention Eric Ericson Grant Martinez

Academic All-State Ryan Clink Aren Terrian

All-District

2nd Team Trenton Balcombe Benji Brewer

Karli Palasota

BOYS BASKETBALL

All-District Cristian Escribano

Honorable Mention

Sam Hawkins

1st Team Jonathan Alexandre Ryan Clink Holden Griffith

Jonathan Mosley Garrett Pelham Aren Terrien

2nd Team Cade Briggs

Honorable Mention

GIRLS SOCCER

Luke Cannaday Gabe Williams

Academic All-State

District Defensive MVP:

Sydney Banks

Ryan Clink

All-District 1st Team Julie Atlason Sydney Banks

2nd Team Abby Gleason Maddie Walsh

District Offensive MVP: Jonathan Alexandre

GIRLS BASKETBALL All-State 1st Team

Honorable Mention Autum Merkow Isa Rodman Caroline Siddons Skidmore

Julia Bowers Kendall Droesch Katie Pelham

2nd Team Haley Phillips Tatum Plunk

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA HONORS:

Arts Band TSMEA All-State Band

ATSSB Middle School All Region Band

Nash Blais Caleb Chambers Luke Chambers Davey Jordaan Adam Lisle

Liam Brown Hudson Caswell Josh Chung Christopher Cleveland Mathew Fortson Davey Jordaan Nicholas Kelly Will Mello Andrew Nemeh Addy Paul Lexi Thomas Libby Wolford Sarah Yoo

ATSSB 3A All-State Band (Public School) Luke Chambers - 2nd Chair Percussion Caleb Chambers - 1st Chair Tuba

ATSSB Region Band Nash Blais Caleb Chambers Luke Chambers Gabe Goodwin Adam Lisle

TPSMEA North Region Honor Band Nash Blais Caleb Chambers Luke Chambers Gabe Goodwin Jobe Holt Davey Jordaan Nicholas Kelly Adam Lisle

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Choir

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

TPSMEA Middle School Honor Band Liam Brown Hudson Caswell Josh Chung Kennedy Clough Micah Davis Matthew Fortson William McMillon Andrew Nemeh Abby Paul Lexi Thomas Sarah Yoo

TPSMEA All State Choir Sophie Dryden

TSPMEA District Solo & Ensemble (advancing to state) Ashlyn Brahly Sophie Dryden Riley Thornton

TPSMEA All Region Choir Ashlyn Brahly Sophie Dryden Karis Fulks Piper Siddons

Theater TAPPS One Act Play Competition All Star Best Actress Caroline Kellam

Honorable Mention Best Actress Sophie Dryden

Art Celebrating Art High Merit MaLyn Brigman

National Top Ten Madeleine Hines

DFW Private School Art Invitational Best in Show Kate Alexander

Honorable Mention Bella Piland

District Level ACSI Art Festival 1 Gold and 1 Silver Medal Gracie Alexander

2 Gold Medals Rylie Heaton

Young American Talent Finalist Brynn Warren

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN On February 24 and 25, Legacy hosted a Feed My Starving Children MobilePack event. Students in grades 1 through 8 participated in two-hour packing shifts, together with an army of volunteers. We reached our ambitious goal by packing 209,952 meals, which were shipped to Haiti and will feed 575 children every day for an entire year.

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

41

LCA PERFORMING ARTS

BRAVO: Through The Wardrobe.

Legacy’s Middle School students, under the direction of Mrs. Jenna Truitt, took their audience on a magical trip through C. S. Lewis’s Narnia. A giant wardrobe graced center stage as the portal between the real world and a land full of talking animals, witches, and all sorts of fantastic creatures.

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Wonderland Forever.

Rehearsals for LCA’s spring offering involved members of the whole school, with students as young as Kindergarten age all the way to seniors involved in the excitement. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the shows had to be canceled. To honor the four graduating seniors (Ryan Schroeder, Layne Pyle, Sarah-Anne Lee, and Sophie Dryden) as well as Director Amanda Wenk, the Legacy community showed their love and support with a car parade!

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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PSP

P rofessional S chools P rogram As part of the Professional Schools Program, 38 members of the Class of 2020 participated in LCA’s inaugural Capstone year.

Students completed either an independent study or a site-based internship with a local business partner. At the conclusion of their Capstones, students created both a written report and a virtual showcase reflecting on their experiences and their growth.

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

NATASHA AREVALO PSP SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Fit Physical Therapy, Prayers Answered, and a Defined Career Path Natasha interned at Fit Physical Therapy in Frisco.

An internship in physical therapy was not on her radar initially, but the experience proved to be life-changing. She described her internship as an answer to a prayer. In addition to gaining practical skills in physical therapy, she forged relationships with patients, which underscored the importance of empathy and bedside manner — lifelong soft skills that can benefit her in any stage of life.

“For as long as I can remember,” she says, “I’ve dreamed of becoming a doctor. Though I knew I wanted to work in the medical field, I was never quite sure of what specific career path I wanted to pursue. Out of all the options I considered, none of them seemed like the right fit for me.

As a result of my internship experience at Fit, I’ve chosen to attend Texas A&M University and major in kinesiology.”

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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AVERY ELLIS PSP SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

Drive35 Productions, Thriving Creatively with a Business Foundation Avery had the opportunity to intern at Drive35 Productions, a music studio in Carrollton. Under the mentorship of Jordan Dumont, she learned firsthand about the music industry. Avery was involved in all areas of production, from setting up for live recording sessions, to tracking live instruments and vocals, to editing client projects and tracks. One of the most valuable aspects of her internship was the ability to see the back-end administrative side of the business. Avery now has real-world experience and a solid foundation on which to build her future in the music industry.

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

RYAN SCHROEDER PSP SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Legacy Sports Communications, Hands-On and Prepared for Success Ryan completed his Capstone experience in sports broadcasting working with Legacy Athletics. Upper School Principal Kevin Mosley took Ryan under his wing and exposed him to play-by-play broadcasts and overarching athletic coverage. He spent quality time creating and editing videos and made important professional connections. This experience channeled the passion Ryan has had since he was a young boy, so having the ability to develop his skills in this realm was a dream come true.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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C H A M P s 48

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Sophomore Keeley Briggs proudly displays her medals from the TAPPS Division II State Swimming Championship. She swam a personal best and brought home the gold in the 200-yard Freestyle and a silver in the 500-yard Free. She was also named the TAPPS North Region Swimmer of the Meet.

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Our LCA varsity boys soccer team finished a strong season with a playoff win against Austin Regents.

Congratulations

Led by a common goal and a desire to achieve the best, the eighth-grade football team came together for a stellar undefeated season (8-0).

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Welcome to the Board,

Mr. Wood

I am honored to serve our LCA families as a new member of the Board. Since our arrival, Legacy has been a blessing to our entire family and I am excited to help guide and foster our vision moving forward. We see this school as more than an educational institution, but rather a community of believers encouraging each other to serve the Lord in all that we do. I look forward to serving our children, parents, faculty, and staff in my new role.

—TRENT WOOD Legacy Christian Academy is excited to announce that Trent Wood has joined the Board of Trustees. Mr. Wood has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Texas, and served in the Army for nine years in infantry and field artillery. He was honorably discharged at the rank of captain.

Mr. Wood cofounded CAF Management, which specializes in multifamily property management, and is its president. He brings a wealth of experience to the Board, as he’s a sales, marketing, and operations professional with a strong financial background and a solid understanding of various business transactions.

Earlier, Mr. Wood was a principal with PTC Investments, where he participated in more than 125 property acquisitions and was responsible for the overall profitable operations of the company.

He and his wife, Karleigh, have been married for 24 years and live in Frisco with their two sons: Tyler is a junior at LCA and Ryan is in eighth grade. The family are members of Gateway Church, where Mr. Wood has volunteered as greeter, usher, usher captain, altar captain, and deacon.

Please help us extend a warm welcome to our newest Trustee.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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LCA ALUMNI

Jingle & Mingle Legacy hosted the first-ever Jingle & Mingle young-alumni event on campus during the Christmas season. Graduates from the last four classes (2016–2019) were invited to reconnect and visit with some of their favorite faculty and staff.

Hannah Dryden, Emily Bordman, and Daisy Dibley (left to right), all graduates of the Class of 2018, are pictured with Mr. Littleton.

52

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Mr. Housley and Mr. Townsley visit with Dylan Mueller ’16.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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Class Notes SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE We are interested in hearing about your wedding, children, career, special interests, vacation trips, and regular get-togethers with fellow LCA alumni.

Class Notes Compiled By: Hannah Jones ’18

E-Mail:

Scott Smith, who holds an economics degree from Texas A&M, is a quality assurance manager with Treehouse Foods LLC. He says that he and his wife Jenn are enjoying life with their two children, Sarah and Liam.

2006 David Rhodes graduated with honors from

communications@legacyca.com

Dallas Theological Seminary, studying

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

systematic theology. There, he received the Rollin Thomas Chafer Award for Apologetics.

He’s currently working for American Airlines

2003

as an iOS app developer, but says he’s

Carolyn (Schultz) Boatsman continues to

theology. He’s enjoying living close to his

work for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

family in Dallas.

looking forward to finding new avenues in

2008 Jake Martinez graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in sociology and religious studies and is now an elementary PE teacher for Irving ISD. He and his wife Kristen are hoping to start a family soon, he says.

Johnny Barthalt is a real-estate agent and sales manager for Landon Homes and also runs 10th Planet North Dallas, a jiu-jitsu school. He received a degree in history from the University of Texas at Dallas, and he and his wife Julie are expecting a baby girl.

She and her husband Kyle are expecting their second child, a girl, this June.

2005 Emily (McFarlin) Evans graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She earned a bachelor degree in general studies

Lyndon Willoughby, who holds a bachelor’s

with a concentration in marketing, and works

degree in graphic design from Abilene

for Envision Physician Services as a clinical

Christian University, is married to Colleen.

recruitment sourcer. She and her husband

Lyndon is employed by LiveArea as a

Ricky are eagerly awaiting the birth of their

graphic designer but also has a successful

first child, in September.

illustration career. His work is viewable at willowstration.com.

Stephanie (Cox) Turner received a degree from the University of North Texas in strategic communications. Married to Kyle Turner, she’s a manager at Michaels in customer relationship management. In 2019, she was named to the 32 Under 32 Class of 2019 by the American Advertising Federation.

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

CLASS NOTES David Fawthrop received a master’s degree

Logan Allison graduated in 2013 from

in education from the University of North

Baylor University with a degree in general

Texas. He and his wife Miranda have two

studies and a concentration in nutrition. The

children, Paxton and Parker. David is a

owner of the Heart Hatter, where he makes

teacher with Prosper ISD and was recently

one-of-one custom hats and jewelry, he

named Teacher of the Month by radio station

recently won a Fashion Group International

94.9 KLTY.

of Dallas 2019 Rising Star Award.

2010 Amanda (Haase) Dunlap, who graduated from Baylor University with a degree in communications, is a community manager at WidFoc.us Social Media. She is newly married to Taylor Dunlap and says she’s enjoying life in Denver.

Kelsey Haeger earned an international business degree with a major in Spanish and a minor in psychology from Missouri State University. She worked as a missions mobilizer for the Center for Mission

2009 Ian McCord received a degree in mechanical engineering and business administration from Texas A&M in 2013 and is working in Knoxville as a maintenance supervisor for Performance Pipe, a division of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. He and Megan, who are about to celebrate five years of marriage, enjoy exploring the Great Smoky Mountains with their pets.

Mobilization, and is now preparing to be a missionary with the organization in Mexico.

Sharon Soh, who has a master’s degree in social work from Baylor University, is an ER social worker at Parkland Hospital, in Dallas.

Danny Stockton holds a juris doctor from Duke University’s School of Law and is a legislative liaison with Frisco ISD. His wife

Sarah (Lewis) Delgado holds a doctorate in physical therapy from UT Health Science Center of San Antonio. Married since November 2019, she is a physical therapist for Baptist Health System.

Kristina is LCA’s dyslexia therapist. The couple have one son Greyson.

Deann Hansen is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in kinesiology.

Mason Leavitt, who graduated from Angelo State University with a degree in psychology, married Sierra McConnell on Valentines Day of this year. He works at D-BAT Frisco.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

55

CLASS NOTES

2011 Marta (Venegas) Flores graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in elementary and early childhood education and received a master’s in educational leadership from The University of North Texas. She now teaches fourth grade at Little Elm ISD. She and her husband Arturo welcomed their first child, Thiago, last December.

Robin (Montgomery) Koehn holds a degree

Brooke (Massey) Chilton earned a degree

in graphic design from the University of

in graphic design from Hardin Simmons

North Texas. Since the summer of 2019, she

University, where she met her husband

and her husband Carson have been CASA

Nathaniel, whom she married in October.

advocates, helping children in foster care

Brooke is a digital-marketing manager at

navigate the court system.

First United Bank and lives in Prosper, TX.

2012 Dom Steinmann graduated from Baylor University in 2016, then moved back to Dallas with his wife Ashley. Dom started his career at a technology start-up that was later sold to Cisco Systems for $3.7B. He then joined another start-up and built a team in Dallas, where he now leads commercial sales nationally. Ashley and Dom built a house in Frisco and welcomed their first child, Sophia on February 17.

Kevin Urnnerstall graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in nutritional sciences and is a project manager for Walker Engineering.

Dorsey (Hadden) Thomas graduated from

Desiree Simmons holds a degree in fashion

Texas Christian University with a degree in

merchandising and marketing from Texas

strategic communication. She married JD

Woman’s University and works for Dillard’s

Thomas in March 2019. She is currently

as an assistant buyer.

an administrative assistant at Cottonwood Creek Church.

2013 DJ Nelson earned a degree in geography and energy from Texas Christian University. He interned with the Texas Legends and is now an assistant coach and general manager for the Texas Legends/Dallas Mavericks. As an international scout, he has visited China, India, and other Southeast Asian countries searching for NBA talent, and says he’s

Matt Willoughby graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in business management with a minor in biology. He worked in the Location Leadership of JP Morgan Chase and is now employed by PFSW Inc., a global eCommerce and logistics company, as a business manager for a number of clients, including the federal government.

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LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

looking forward to a trip to Africa next.

CLASS NOTES Jillian Roberts received a degree in

Madi Bixler graduated from the University

Shelby Osborne graduated from the

marketing from Baylor University and now is

of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in

University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s

a senior account executive with Imaginuity.

supply-chain management. While pursuing

degree in exercise science. She bypassed

She says she’s loving life in Dallas and

a master’s, also at UTD, she’s a product

a master’s and is pursuing a doctorate in

recently ran her first half marathon.

specialist at Interstate Batteries.

occupational therapy at the University of

Kelsey Harrison has a bachelor’s degree in middle school education from Ouachita Baptist University. As part of the program, Kelsey went to England and Ireland to explore their cultures and school systems.

St. Augustine. She’s on her first clinical rotation, in Wichita, working with stroke patients. She’ll follow that with a rotation in New Orleans, working with more severely affected stroke patients.

She’s now a sixth-grade math teacher at Liberty Christian School.

Peyton Smith graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BS in business administration and marketing management.

He’s employed by JP Morgan Chase & Co. as an implementations analyst in Chase Merchant Services.

Zach Snider earned a degree in finance/ economics from the University of Arkansas and is now a WMS analyst for CEVA Logistics.

Brooke Barson earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from California Baptist University. While there, she studied in London for a summer and interned for a property-management company doing sales

2015 Maggie McCullough earned her degree in elementary education from Auburn University and is now a first-grade teacher.

and marketing. Brooke lives in Irvine, Calif.,

Taylor (Perdue) Gregory founded Gracie

and is a territory manager at ConvaTec. She

Bea’s, an online boutique split between the

says she’s proud of the positive impact the

Texas and Louisiana, with friend and co-

products she sells have on patients’ lives.

owner Laura. The two combine their passion for classic and trendy clothes to serve busy

Carolyn Tang holds a bachelor’s degree in

momma’s, boss babes, and insta loving gals

family and consumer science from Baylor

with a unique shopping experience.

University. She’s a design development assistant manager with At Home Inc.

2014 Grace McCullough graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and then earned her master’s, also at Auburn. She’s a fifth-grade teacher at Northside Intermediate School, in Opelika.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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CLASS NOTES Madison (Paxton) Hayworth graduated

Michael Villavicencio (pictured left) is

Kristen Smith (pictured 2nd from right)

with a degree in education from Texas A&M

finishing his degree in business administration

attended Collin College and earned a degree

in December 2019 and married Daniel

and finance at the University of Texas at

in education from Texas A&M—Commerce.

Hayworth a few days later, on December 21.

Dallas. He briefly attended Florida Atlantic

She is a sixth-grade ILA teacher at Maus

Daniel is stationed in Fort Benning, GA, but

University, then moved back to the Dallas

Middle School in Frisco, and serves in the

the couple plan to relocate to Fort Hood soon.

area and began rooming at UTD with fellow

student ministry at Genesis Metro Church.

Madison has accepted a job with Killeen ISD

LCA graduate Tyler Bohannan. Michael is a

as a middle school dyslexia teacher and will

project manager for Huffman Builders, Plano.

begin work there after the move.

Evan Beck is a 2019 graduate of Abilene

Katy Stockton earned a degree in elementary

Christian University with a BBA in

education from Baylor University. She works

accounting and finance. He moved to

part-time at LCA as a substitute teacher

Logan Muse, who graduated from Baylor,

California, where he accepted an SDR role

while she seeks full-time employment as

holds a degree in corporate communication.

at Verkada to pursue a career in technology

an elementary school teacher. Katy plans

She’s a gift officer in the development

sales. Evan was promoted in January 2020

to enter a master’s program online while

office at Buckner International, in Dallas,

to account executive — his territory covers

teaching next year.

responsible for the cultivation, stewardship,

half of Texas.

Mitchell Wilson received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Drury University. He works part time as a basketball coach at LCA and will enter a master’s program in medical science starting this summer. He plans to attend medical school.

58

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

and management of relationships with the many donors to the Christian charitable, nonprofit organization.

CLASS NOTES

2016 Jon Gabriano received a BBA from Belmont University and is attending Sogang University, in South Korea, to study the music business. Jon plans on moving to

excess sodium from food. After graduating,

Lane Guthmann is studying at Texas A&M

Dyllan will begin a full-time position on the

University in a program that bestows

Computational Biology Team at Unilever, in

a dual degree, a bachelor’s in business

Trumbull, CT. He also plans on continuing

administration in accounting and a master’s

his education.

in management. For two summers, Lane interned at AT&T’s headquarters, in Dallas,

Seoul to learn Korean and eventually pursue

and is now a tax intern at the middle-market

a career in the Korean music industry.

accounting firm RSM. Lane is the fifth member of his family to receive an Aggie ring and he’s excited to start a career in business.

Kirby Jarzombek is a senior at Baylor University, where she’s studying elementary education. She’s interning at Robinson Elementary and was recently nominated for Texas Teaching Intern of the Year. Over breaks, Kirby spends her time teaching elementary summer school. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and has continued to play volleyball through intramural teams. Upon graduation, she plans to enter a graduate degree program at Baylor.

Matthew Guzak is in his final semester at the University of Arkansas, double-majoring in finance and supply-chain management. He has served on the Executive Council of his fraternity, Sigma Nu, and has been active in its Leadership Development Program. As an intern at the Arkansas World Trade Center, Matthew worked closely with many foreign diplomats and government officials. After

Candace Collier graduated from college in

graduation, he hopes to work as a consultant.

2019 and is a part-time associate with Collide Media Group.

Dyllan Muller, who is at Tulane University, is a double major in chemical engineering and management. He works as an undergraduate researcher in an organic chemistry lab as well as in a mesenchymal stem cell lab. In 2018, he cofounded No-dium, a start-up based on a patent-pending technology that removes

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

59

CLASS NOTES

2017 Rachel (Cain) Clark graduated from Criswell College with a degree in biblical studies and

with fund-raising. She interns at a private counseling office in Stillwater. Grace hopes to go on to graduate school in social work.

2019 Elisabeth Housley is studying public and nonprofit administration at the University

is now working part time. Rachel is married

of Oklahoma, where she’s involved in

to Nathan Clark.

Sooners for Christ. Through Let’s Start Talking, she spent the summer in Ukraine

Adrionna Jones is at Abilene Christian

helping citizens improve their English.

University, studying nursing with a minor

Elisabeth is employed part time at the

in biblical studies. She’s the tailgate director

Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education as a

for her Tri Kappa Gamma and has won many

student office/development assistant. Next

tailgates.

year, she’ll be taking over responsibility for the Alameda Church of Christ’s elementary tutoring program.

Emma Whaley is studying food science and industry at Kansas State University. She recently completed a weeklong internship

Natalie Clark is studying apparel design and manufacturing at Texas Tech University, and worked for the Texas Tech Red Raider

at Seaboard Foods, in Guymon, OK, working with the fully integrated porkproduction process.

Orientation Crew during the summer. A member of Alpha Delta Pi, she served as the music education specialist and is now the video production specialist. She also choreographed and wrote the lyrics for her sorority’s 2019 So Sing routine.

2018 Grace Wolf attends Oklahoma State University, where she’s studying human development and family science — child and family services. She’s the external philanthropy chair for the Tau Beta chapter

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of Chi Omega and works with Make a

Hannah Jones (’18) is working towards a degree in professional writing

Wish Oklahoma and the Humane Society

with a minor in communications. She is studying at Grand Canyon University

of Stillwater, helping both organizations

in Phoenix, Arizona.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY