SPR ING 2019
THE WARRIOR L I T T L E
R O C K
C H R I S T I A N
Class of 2019
A C A D E M Y
Publisher Phillip Bridges Editors Heather Bennett Phillip Bridges Cindy McLeod
A LETTER FROM
DR. ARNOLD
Graphic Designer Karen Mitchell Contributors Dr. Gary Arnold Heather Bennett Tyler Eatherton Megan Garrison June Hendren Bekah Johnson Cindy McLeod LeAnn Murry Photographers Michael Baxley Sarah Crabill Karen Mitchell Tyler Rosenthal Cover Photo by Michael Baxley Little Rock Christian Academy Mission Statement To serve families, churches and the community by providing a PK-12th grade education, characterized by excellence in the pursuit of truth from a Christ-centered worldview. Little Rock Christian Academy 19010 Cantrell Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72223 501-868-9822 www.LittleRockChristian.com
Two words have fueled our school year. We believe. We believe in Jesus and we believe in the future of the Class of 2019, standing proudly on the cover of this issue. As we cross the finish line for 2018-19, I shout out two more words to describe the Class of 2019 as representative of the mission of Little Rock Christian Academy - “extraordinary” and “family.” Extraordinary • Six National Merit Students • Five State Championships • Arts that turn heads and earned accolades across the state • Servant-leadership that humbles me Family From Wee Warriors to our graduating class, from our faculty and staff to our parents, we are family. Of our 1,423 students, our 146 seniors are like our first-born...the elder sons and daughters. It’s remarkable how the Golden Triangle of home, church and school builds a community where blood is thicker than water. Walking across campus, seeing the extraordinary changes that have occurred, I can’t help but think of how the Lord is building this place for His family. There is another dimension to this fact we should ponder. Our students, our faculty and staff, our families - we’re building into this place for future families. As our graduates walk across the threshold into college and service, we will welcome two hundred new families into a new extraordinary, family experience. I trust that as you leaf through this issue of The Warrior you will whisper thanks to the Lord for this extraordinary family.
Gary B. Arnold
President / Head of School 2 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
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CONTENTS
ELEMENTARY
ATHLETICS
Planting Roots in KinderGARDEN 4-5
MIDDLE SCHOOL Meaningful Moments
6-7
JUNIOR HIGH The Ron Clark Academy Experience 8-9
HIGH SCHOOL Spring Semester in the House of Warriors 10-11 Senior Class Shines
12-13
14-17
Eric Schmidt: Renaissance Man or Energizer Bunny? Yes! 18-19
26-27
Truly Great Volunteers
28-29
PARENT TEACHER FELLOWSHIP
4
ALUMNI NEWS Once a Warrior Always a Warrior
What Are You Going to Do?
30-33
34-35
Welcome Center gets ‘Fixer Upper’ Treatment
36
18
ADMISSIONS
Design Matters
Warrior Hall Welcomes World's Fair
WELCOME CENTER
FACULTY/STAFF ADVANCEMENT
22-25
FINE ARTS
WARRIOR CLUB
COMMENCEMENT All That God Has Done
Winter and Spring Sports Review
20-21
LRCA’s Admissions Team: The Welcome Women
37
SPRING SEMESTER SNAPSHOTS
38-39
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ELEMENTARY
Planting Roots in KinderGARDEN Elementary creates a brand new garden planted and cared for by Kindergarten
E
By Phillip Bridges, Director of Marketing and Communications
Early this spring, while preparing to teach a unit on the life cycle of plants, kindergarten teachers Tammy Parker and Lisa Hart brainstormed ideas that would bring the unit to life. They landed on the idea of a real-life garden that kindergarten students would plant and maintain. Thus, the new Elementary KinderGARDEN was born.
Mrs. Parker said, “This garden has truly been a group effort from
Leading up to the planting of the garden, each kindergarten class discussed the various parts of plants and learned about different types and varieties. They studied and researched to find out which plants grow well together. When planting day arrived kindergartners mixed the topsoil with fertilizer and sowed seeds along with plants so they could compare the rate of growth among the varieties planted. Each class planted different varieties of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and sweet peppers. The idea behind planting produce was to mirror the high school's Farm-toFork program and begin an elementary farm-to-table initiative. They also planted several flowers including marigolds, daisies and peonies. The garden has been a collaborative effort between all four kindergarten classes and they have learned about the process of planting, growing, maintaining and caring for plants. When asked about the new garden project Lower School Principal Ann Chami said, “Watching our kindergartners plant our first school garden was such fun! Each day, they walk by and see how much the plants have grown. It reminds me of the joy I have of watching these children grow each year in the love of our Savior."
make the planting and garden upkeep an annual tradition for each
Before school let out for summer the kindergarten classes enjoyed the fruits of their labor by tasting some of the produce they planted earlier this spring. 4 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
so many on campus. Mrs. Chami and Mrs. Crabill helped to draw the plans and order all the supplies. Our physical plant crew even stepped in to help us get a watering system with a spigot and hose. This entire process has been a sweet act of love." The kindergarten teachers plan to maintain the KinderGARDEN and kindergarten class to follow. Mrs. Parker is already planning to plant pumpkin seeds in August so they will have vines and pumpkins in time for their study of pumpkins this fall.
“Watching our kindergartners plant our first school garden was such fun. Each day, they walk by and see how much the plants have grown. It reminds me of the joy I have of watching these children grow each year in the love of our Savior.” - Ann Chami Lower School Principal
ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Chami Recommends - Books on Gardening
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
Zinnia's Flower Garden by Monica Wellington
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal
National Geographic Seed to Plant by Kristin Baird Rattini
We are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines
From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
T
Meaningful Moments
Middle School’s Spiritual Emphasis Week and Easter Celebration By LeAnn Murry, Middle School Assistant Principal
The vision cast by LRCA junior Lily Margaret Greenway to awaken our student body to our need for Jesus and His grace, love, and mercy came to fruition during Spiritual Emphasis Week. Prayer support by our parents was key to an impactful Spiritual Emphasis Week. Parents signed up to pray in shifts for twenty-four hours beginning on Sunday. Then they gathered together for prayer at the cross in front of Warrior Hall before school began on Monday morning. On April 15 and 16, middle school students and teachers set aside the regular curriculum to explore the wisdom found in Luke 10:27, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Led by high school upperclassmen
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and middle school classroom teachers, students explored each facet of this verse in detail. Fifth grader Clayton Moran said, “The high school students helped me understand the verse more. The two days helped me really learn and think more about Christ.” Songs, discussion groups, hands-on activities, demonstrations, art, reflective writing, and special chapel services led by upperclassmen Lily Margaret Greenway, Seth Woodruff, and David Robbins, President/ CEO of FamilyLife, worked in tandem to help students and teachers think deeply and critically. STEM and sixth grade advisory teacher Sarah Irvin commented, "As a teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed spiritual emphasis week. Having the opportunity to really study and discuss what scripture teaches us
MIDDLE SCHOOL
about the heart, mind, soul and strength along with what it looks like to live in the image of Jesus Christ was very powerful to me. It reminded me of the times I have gone to a leadership conference through my church and felt revived in Christ. I also enjoyed learning from my students and my high school helpers. I often found myself in awe of their knowledge of the Bible and how to love others the way that Jesus Christ loves us. I loved that Spiritual Emphasis Week gave me the opportunity to disciple my students in a very intentional and meaningful way." In conjunction with spiritual emphasis week, middle school students led an Easter Celebration worship service on Tuesday evening. Every middle school student participated in some way to help tell the account of Jesus from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the commissioning of His disciples. Narrators read the gospel account and actors brought the story to life. Special music by the sixth grade choir, band, and orchestra provided the worshipful backdrop for a time of communion. Sixth grader Kelley Biggs said, “I felt like I was in church, and the Holy Spirit was there. I enjoyed telling the story of Easter.” Moving forward, the middle school faculty desires to be even more intentional about incorporating Biblical teaching throughout the year. How can we do a better job of serving students and pointing them to Christ? One thing we will do next year is revamp the house system that is currently in place. Latin names for our core values of respect, partnership, love, excellence, and truth will become the names of the five houses in middle school. In addition to our current Bible classes and grade level Bible studies, house meetings will provide another opportunity and structure for intentional Biblical teaching and discussions throughout the year as well as building and strengthening the middle school community.
Example of student work during Spiritual Emphasis Week
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JUNIOR HIGH
The Ron Clark Academy Experience If teacher inspiration could be served on a platter, Ron Clark would be the chef
T
By Tyler Eatherton, Junior High Assistant Principal
This Spring a team of six educators departed Little Rock for the bustling city of Atlanta. The destination? The Ron Clark Academy, a private inner-city school with the driving vision to “emerge as the best school in the world by demonstrating transformative methods and techniques that are embraced and replicated everywhere.” If someone were to spend ten minutes researching The Ron Clark Academy, it would quickly become evident that it truly is a transformative educational experience. Students at RCA stand on classroom tables to dance to subject-specific songs, play bongo drums for attention-grabbing chants, compete in yearly house competitions, and live by 55 essential rules for student success. Additionally, the school is designed after a medieval castle and each classroom has an elaborate theme. After observing two days on the RCA campus, our team of junior high educators was amazed with numerous engaging methods and techniques that could be brought back to Little Rock Christian to further transform the already rich culture of Warriorville. 1. Ideas to Sample & Enrich: Engaging Teaching Techniques Vocabulary: Junior high teachers will begin experimenting with total body motions within their classrooms. Teachers are excited to enrich our robust vocabulary instruction with interactive gestures and smallgroup conversation to implement new words in creative ways. These additional practices will deepen mastery of new words and provide more opportunities for application.
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Music: Teachers have begun brainstorming innovative ways to integrate songs that reinforce classroom content and instrumental music to set the mood of an activity. When students incorporate learned information into a song and dance, the rate of retention is dramatically increased. Plus, who doesn’t want to break it down in class? 2. Student Empowerment Student-Led Discussions: At LRCA, the Harkness Method has emerged as an outstanding tool to empower students to have ownership of their learning by comfortably sharing their ideas, disagreeing with their peers, and supporting their responses with evidence. We are pioneering this shift in learning within our city and the Mid-South region. After visiting RCA, we left with countless ways to bolster what we are currently doing well. Next year, we hope to encourage students to spend more time addressing the class and teaching learned content. In order for a student to teach class, genuine understanding of information must be obtained. Additionally, we are excited to develop new ways to integrate hand gestures that will increase non-verbal communication. Therefore, when a student is speaking, they will receive immediate feedback in the form of positive hand gestures and strong eye contact from their peers. This integration of movement and peer engagement can further increase student leadership.
JUNIOR HIGH
3. Student Communities Junior High House System: Next year, we are pleased to announce the implementation of a student-led house system. Our building has been developing an exciting way for students to feel safety and acceptance during a unique time of transition. The four houses currently in place at the Ron Clark Academy served as a strong reference for how to systematically implement this new model, but with our own biblicallyminded LRCA flare. Rather than weekly advisory groups, our junior high students will be sorted into five unique houses. Each house community will participate in ongoing service projects, team building competitions, and unifying devotional lessons. Paired with teacher sponsors, we pray each house develops into its own unique society of support and encouragement. Most importantly, what will make our house system unique at LRCA, is the constant reliance on God to build and deepen the relationships between students. We are thrilled for God to use these communities to strengthen the already beautiful bonds we share as believers! Our dynamic houses include: • Mare House (Water) • Ignis House (Fire) • Petram House (Rock) • Ventus House (Wind) • Bratus House (Tree) Next year, the junior high will be an exciting place to call home. Thanks to our visit to Atlanta and incredible teaching staff at Little Rock Christian, we will begin the 2019-2020 school year with endless enthusiasm!
Artwork illustrating the new Junior High house system banner
DID YOU KNOW? Your gifts to Warrior Blitz provide funds for professional development like the trip to Ron Clark Academy. THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
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HIGH SCHOOL
SPRING SEMESTER IN THE HOUSE OF WARRIORS
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By Heather Bennett, Communications
Like all of the buildings on the Little Rock Christian campus, the high school is filled to the brim with year-round activities and excitement. Time does certainly fly when you’re having fun and when you’re engaged in the final years of preparation for the big world outside of the Warriorville gates. Spring semester flew in and out much like the stormy season that caused the annual Warrior Walk to be scheduled and rescheduled and rescheduled again.
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Although spring semester is in the rear view mirror now, here are a few of the messages, moments, and memories that helped make this semester truly amazing. LRCA’s high school is deeply invested in and lives out the meaning behind The Golden Triangle – the connection between home, church and school. Dr. Justin Smith, Head of Upper School describes it as, “We believe in our students as individuals… angular kids making up a well-rounded student body of thinkers. Their voices, minds, hearts and souls are of great value. We’re not just preparing them for college. We’re preparing them for life.” The basketball homecoming theme was inspired by Disney’s “Sky High” about a high school in the clouds for teenage super heroes in training. There was a lot of highly animated fun all week long. Senior Stevie Gibbs was crowned queen at Friday night’s basketball game.
HIGH SCHOOL
High school faculty and students enjoyed a devotional time and sunrise hike atop Pinnacle Mountain during April’s inagural Spiritual Emphasis Week. High school students engaged in a host of other activities to strengthen their faiths and relationships with Christ. The following week, several of them mentored the younger grades during those buildings’ Spiritual Emphasis Week activities. The Office of Academic and College Counseling presented its first annual College Workshop Day on April 25. The day was designed to help prepare the Class of 2020 (rising seniors) for the college application process. A variety of college officials spent the entire day with students reviewing how to effectively complete college applications, how admissions and scholarship committees make decisions, college essay preparation, panel discussions, and more.
With high school being the capstone or crowning achievement of a great Christian education, it’s only fitting that LRCA offers a distinctive Senior Capstone program where students engage in high-level, independent study/research programs resembling college-level thesis work. Some of this year’s capstone projects included an LRCA Elementary School Design Proposal, Venture Outdoors: A Network for the Outdoor Community, and even an authentic log cabin built on the LRCA campus to enhance the Farm-to-Fork organic gardening program grounds. Eighteen seniors formulated, researched, and presented highly creative and intriguing capstone projects.
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SENIORS
SENIOR CLASS SHINES
INAUGURAL NATIONAL ACADEMIC SIGNING DAY EVENT
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By Heather Bennett, Communications
For Little Christian seniors and their families, May is filled with emotional events. And, the momentous month started off with a bang as LRCA’s Office of Academic and College Counseling organized and hosted the school’s first ever formal event commemorating the National Academic Signing Day. The traditional deadline for seniors to notify colleges and universities of their intent to enroll is May 1. Family, friends, faculty, staff and the high school student body gathered as a community to recognize some of the Class of 2019’s academic achievements and to celebrate the end of their college decision process.
Here are some additional facts from the class of 2019:
Here are some of this year’s highlights: • LRCA students gained acceptance into over 130 colleges in over 30 states. • 97% of the Class of 2019 qualified for academic scholarships. • The class of 2019 received over $13 million dollars in scholarship offers. • 19 members of this year’s class were eligible for the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship, an award valued at $40,000 over 4 years and applicable to any college or university in Arkansas. • For the second consecutive year, an LRCA grad will attend the US Air Force Academy. • For the first time, Warriors were accepted to Northeastern University, Emory University, Oxford College at Emory University, University of California San Diego, University of California Los Angeles, Washington State University, Westminster College in Utah, College of Wooster, and Cornell College among several others. • Our students received offers for several major scholarships including Honors College Fellowships at the University of Arkansas, Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock, Trustee Scholarship at Harding University, full tuition at the Air Force Academy, and the Hunt Scholarship at SMU among many other academic, athletic, and artistic scholarship packages.
• 13 will attend Baylor, the largest contingent out of state; followed by 6 to
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• 146 seniors will attend 38 different colleges and universities. • 63% will remain in state; 37% will venture out of state. • Graduates will attend school in 20 different US states. • 19% will be the only LRCA alumni in their freshman class. • 27% of the class will leave the South. • 13 students will continue on as student-athletes. • 54 students will attend the University of Arkansas. University of Mississippi and 4 to Southern Methodist University. • 1 student will attend an all men’s college. • At least 9 students will enter honors programs or fellowships. • 31 have elected to attend a Christian college or university. • In terms of intended majors: • 15 engineering • 2 pre-law • 28 business related fields • 9 arts and design related fields • 5 journalism • 16 liberal arts degrees • 3 computer science • 8 pre-med • 1 aerospace administration/professional pilot training • And to round it out, 1 in bioinformatics
SENIORS ATHLETIC SIGNINGS SPRING SEMESTER 2019 Drake Bradley - Football Independence Community College Seniors Lillie Greer (Visual Arts), Maggie Maddison (Visual Arts), and Harrison Roberts (Creative Writing) all received prestigious Thea Foundation Scholarships. The Thea Foundation awards only 36 scholarships to senior artists across the state totaling $97,500. ( "Esperanza" - Lillie Greer and "Times Square Alternate Dimension" - Maggie Maddison)
Rebecca Brogdon - Dance (Not pictured) Baylor University Bernard Givens – Football Missouri Baptist University Claire Huchingson – Soccer Hendrix College MJ Loggins – Football Southern Arkansas University Ali Mattox - Dance University of Mississippi Allison Risius – Cross Country University of Arkansas at Little Rock
This group of seniors marked the largest group of award-winning Future Business Leaders of America ever for LRCA. Each senior received special cords to wear at commencement as a result of winning FBLA events.
Robert Springer - Football University of Central Arkansas Chase Venn – Golf Loyola University New Orleans
Warrior Walk has been a favorite school tradition for many members of our school family over the years. It’s the last day seniors collectively gather on campus. They assemble in the gym with their families, friends, faculty and staff for prayer, songs and heartfelt speeches before all of the younger grades line the campus to give the seniors hugs and high fives while they make their way through the “tunnel." The procession ends at the high school in front of the Warrior cross sculpture. Tears of joy and thanksgiving abound! THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
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COMMENCEMENT
I
REMEMBER ALL THAT GOD HAS DONE By Heather Bennett, Communications
Influence is the capacity to have an effect on character, development, or behavior. The class of 2019 has clearly been influential during their years as Warriors. Their impact on the LRCA community, friends and the world around them is evident in pictures, memories and hearts. Commencement 2019 was truly special and reflective of the personality and character of the graduating class. Snapshots of the lovely evening and excerpts from the speeches are scattered across these pages. This hallmark gathering of graduates and their extended families and friends at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, with the largest crowd in school history, topped off the school year beautifully. Grace Caroline Gardner and Meg Sinha, Class of 2019 performed “For Good” (written by Stephen Schwartz) It well may be That we will never meet again In this lifetime So let me say before we part So much of me Is made of what I learned from you You’ll be with me Like a handprint on my heart And now whatever way our stories end I know you have rewritten mine By being my friend… Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you Because I knew you I have been changed for good Dr. Gary B. Arnold, Head of School “…This August, if not sooner, powerful people, interesting people, cool people, angry people, friendly people, party people, even people you love, will challenge your beliefs. Big Time. I want you to know we are praying
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that, as you believe in Jesus, you’ll be able to deepen your convictions and own your faith in ways that will stand up to pressure to let go of the things that you know to be true. We pray that you will be able and ready to answer the questions and challenges of others with grace and love. When you come to a cliff of doubt or you are boxed in because they seem smarter or seem to know more than you, here’s what I want you to do. Remember the heart and soul of those who taught you…We’ve been all about the pursuit of Truth. We showed you whom we believe in. We always let the decision be yours. The word “cling” in Deuteronomy 30:20 is there to assure you that the Lord is holding on to you and desires, more than anything, for you to hold on to Him…” Ann Chami, Head of Lower School “…As I have been thinking about you and elementary….I’d like us to think just a minute about one more message in the steno….our last message together. So pretend in your mind that you have that steno….you have come in and written today’s date May 24, 2019. And then it’s time to write the message. The message I would have you write is one word “zachar”. One word. A Hebrew word that we read often in the Old Testament. The word carries the idea of looking back and remembering God’s faithfulness in your life with the purpose of moving forward. It is a remembering that allows you to lean into what is in front of you. It’s not just remembering to have a memory but remembering so you can step into the next place that God has for you even when it’s difficult. So, as you prepare to go, zachar all that God has done here at Little Rock Christian. He has done so much….from the day you walked in with the new backpack on your back. As we did each day, we are going to put that steno in the take home folder. But, this time we are not taking it with us. I am going to keep it right here, because this is home. If you find yourself needing a reminder, you come right on back here and we will tell you what we have seen God do in your life. Plus, we also can tell you what God did through you in our lives because it was quite a lot. We love you and will miss you greatly.”
Dr. Justin Smith, Head of Upper School
COMMENCEMENT
“…You built websites to connect an outdoor community. You created a podcast about issues and decisions facing teenagers and interpreted them through a biblical worldview. Four of you built a log cabin. A legitimate log cabin! One of you led multiple blood drives to save lives all over Arkansas. You directed plays. You led small groups. You spoke at chapel and led worship. You saw yourselves as servant leaders and cared for each other… You represent not only the best that this school has to offer; you represent the best that this nation has to offer. Tonight, Class of 2019, you are forever Warriors. My love and respect for you know no bounds. Congratulations.” Abigail Davis, Senior Class President “…We chose a gift that would leave a lasting legacy for years to come. Together, we purchased the first ever Little Rock Christian Academy flag. We commissioned a talented LRCA sophomore, Joseph Baker, to design this unique gift. The Nordic cross design represents two things, God and the city of Little Rock. The blue cross represents God. The green around represents the students, and the white between the green and blue represents the relationship between God and the students. The white background represents our Christian lifestyle, and white is the international color of peace. The crest at the center of the cross is the crest from the official seal of the school. This flag will be displayed on our flagpoles along with the American, Arkansas, and Christian flags. It will also be carried by the banner boys at the Friday night football games in hopes that they will win State in future years like we did this year. I am extremely honored to present the first ever LRCA flag that is signed by the entire class of 2019…” Hope Boshears, Memory Speaker “...We have stood by each other through trials and victories - praying for, encouraging, celebrating, and loving one another. Ever since we were little, everyone has said this class was different, and it’s true. We’re special and there is no doubt in my mind that we will go on to make even more amazing memories like these. We are thankful for the time we have spent at Little Rock Christian and we will never forget The Warrior Way.” Caroline Blanscet, Salutatorian “…We should celebrate the people. All of the friends, family, and faculty who have grown with us and guided us over the years. I remember when I thought I knew all of the answers. I thought I had life figured out, until God sent trials and tribulations my way that left me confused and lost. I thank him for these difficulties. It was through this struggle that I found the people who would guide me and advise me in the challenging journey of these past few years. I want to thank each and every person who has provided me with wisdom throughout the years, and celebrate the bonds built and mentorship provided that brought each and every one of us to where we are today. As we face the uncertainty that lies ahead, I pray that we remember your aid and seek out your wisdom with humility and gratitude, remembering the great influence it provided all of these years. Thank you.” Luke Weiner, Valedictorian “...Furthermore, thank you teachers and staff for the investment you have made in our lives. It goes without showing that the way you loved us will have a greater impact on our future than we can imagine. It truly is the little things that count the most. And, it truly is the little things that show Christ the most. Graduates, as we leave this school, know what you believe. Belief is not about going to church or knowing the right things to say, or having a Bible verse on your Instagram. It’s about humbling yourself before the eternal work of Christ. There will be a day where He may say I never knew you. More hopefully, though, there will be a day where He says well done, my good and faithful servant.” THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
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COMMENCEMENT
Congratulations Class of 2019 Trinity Ann Abdulkhalik Jerry Parker Dunn Acri Abigail Grace Adams SuJung Bae Jacob Chism Baker Caroline Elise Blanscet Jordan Elizabeth Blaydes Grace Elizabeth Bornemeier Hope Boshears Reagan Elizabeth Bradley Drake Alexander Bradley-McClinton Benjamin William Brandt Rebecca Gentry Brogdon Amber Necole Brown Haley Anne Burnett Nicole Lynne Caldwell Kylee Alexa Carleson Tyler Carnahan Naomi Rose Xiaoyue Carpenter Caroline Leigh Carter Samuel Dunn Chesshir Alexander Windsor Clark Benjamin Ellis Clark Lawson Michael Corkern Claire Cotros Alyssa Michele Covington Cenzington Fitzgerald Crain Covington Steelman Crain John Cade Daniel Abigail Elizabeth Davis Shea Eleigh Cox De Bruyn Blake Padgett DeJarnatt Emma Grace DeWitt Theresa Kate Dilday Matthew Tave Di Leo Phillip Michael Di Leo Madeline Olivia Duch 16 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
D’Orris Lee’Ques Dukes Cortez CeasarLeo Finley Laura Claire Fiser Kathryn Leigh Flamik Natalie Frances Fletcher Stuart Glenn Fletcher Bradley Gene Freier Elinor Grace Fuller Anna Caroline Funk Audrey Grace Funk Grace Caroline Gardner Reagan Elizabeth Garner Frances Faith Gentry Stevie Alexa Gibbs Bernard Givens, Jr. Virginia Grace Gordon Lillian Lee Greer Carson Paul Griffin Shelby Lauren Griffith Kollin Nicholas Grigsby Emilee R. Hagewood Caitlin Faith Hammons Cameron Elliot Hankins Luke Grayson Hankins Shelby Lauren Hawkins Sydney Nicole Hazlewood Justice Hill Whitney Carol Hines Lawson Christopher Howard Claire Helen Huchingson Sarah Margaret Huetter Sidney Christian Hyatt Samuel Jeffrey Austin Alexander Jesse Alias John Dalton Ryan Johnson Mallari Elizabeth Jordan
Leah Lynn Kelley Mary Elizabeth King Matthew Christian Labay Jackson Nickolas Landers Kyle Lani Lee James McLean Leech Alexis Catherine Leitch Ruohan Li Mary-Kaylin O’Neal Linch Michael (MJ) Bernard Loggins, Jr. Lauren Elizabeth Longworth Benjamin Lopez Gabriella Desiree LoRusso Alexis Ray Lucy McKenzie Grace Lumpkin Sarah Elizabeth Maack Jack Thomas Mabry Margaret Lane Maddison Alice Ingram Mattox Alexander Harrison McBreen Rachel Lynn McCarley Jake Parker McDonald Grant Mitchell McElmurry Brooks Bradley Miller Parker Andrew Moore Garrett Scott Nipps Haley Elizabeth Kay O’Dwyer Robert David Parker, II Anna Susan Parkinson Justin Bryant Patty Mary Claire Payne Isabel Elana Perry Mary Beth Pierce Alexandra Cole Pittman Renee Julia Quilao Rachael Ann Rainey Miranda Victoria Reed
Allison Ann Risius Maggie Faith Roach Harrison Michael Roberts Logan Robertson Alexander Reid Rodgers William Carter Rowen John William (Jack) Ruddell Garrett Lee Sansom Anastasia Santiago Graham Johnson Seymour Caroline Ross Shew John Luke Shuffield Megha Ruth Sinha Paige Nicole Sitton Robert Anthony Springer Haley Elizabeth Stadtmueller Olivia Katherine Staggs Madison Alexis Stearns Jackson Cameron Stokke Tucker James Teague Georgia Ann Thomas Bennett Tinnermon Cason Andrew Tollett Caroline Marie Turner Ashley Ann Vaught Chase Mitchell Venn Matthew Thomas Ware Alexandra Nicole Warren Luke Matthew Weiner Alexandra Mae Welborn John Wesley White Cole Alan Williams Jordan Amelia Wood Seth Zachary Woodruff Yejin Yoon
COMMENCEMENT
CLASS HIGHLIGHTS 146 Students 6 National Merit Semi Finalists 5 - 5A State Championships for 2018-2019 (Football, Pom, Girls Basketball, Swimming, Girls Soccer) 13 Collegiate Athletic Signees 3 Thea Award Winners Over $13 Million Offered in Scholarships 27 Average ACT Score 54 Kindergarten Club Members
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FACULTY/STAFF
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
ERIC SCHMIDT: RENAISSANCE MAN OR ENERGIZER BUNNY? YES!
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By Heather Bennett, Communications
For roughly a decade, LRCA’s Director of Campus Facilities, Eric Schmidt, has provided seemingly tireless service with a smile. “I’m truly blessed to work at a place where at any given time I can stop and pray. I believe I’m doing the Lord’s work – serving others and shining His light to others. And, I love kids,” Scmidt says of what keeps him smiling. Most Warrior families recognize him as the friendly man who waves at everyone during carpool, but his hands and his heart impact every corner of the LRCA campus. The faculty and staff of Little Rock Christian know him as the one you call when you need something related to buildings and grounds. There’s no job too big, too small or too furry for Eric Schmidt. Here, we sat down with the humble hero who helps keep the well-oiled Warriorville machine running, often literally. But, he’ll be the first to give credit to his amazing team who devotes countless hours to the cause as well. HB: How did your path in life lead you to what you do at Little Rock Christian? ES: Right out of college, I worked on the Valdez Oil Spill in Alaska and then in commercial lending for three years. I was in apartment management for 19 years after that in Chicago with a portfolio of 2,000 to 6,000 units. I inherited a portfolio of seven properties in Little Rock and I asked my wife, Martha, “Thought about moving?” It seemed like the perfect opportunity to slow down because I was literally in the air five to six days a week at that point. One time I was in San Antonio and our youngest became deathly ill, and I couldn’t leave. So, we moved to Little Rock where I managed apartments, but I still had to travel a lot. That's when Little Rock Christian called. I made the shift from 18 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
FACULTY/STAFF
apartments to a school. Both involve serving others and improving things. I fell in love with Little Rock Christian. HB: You’ve surely had some unusual things happen while working at a school for a decade. ES: We had 30 skunks up at the “lodge” over time that we had to cover and relocate. (The lodge was a former house on the property behind the high school where administration and the physical plant were once located). I also occasionally relocate squirrels and raccoons who are looking for snacks or teachers' leftovers. HB: Favorite family vacation? ES: Disney World. It brings a smile to your face no matter your age. For me and Martha though, someplace a lot quieter. HB: Favorite scripture?
HB: What is the most impactful lesson you’ve ever learned? ES: I have two. Our oldest son Luke was born with a heart defect. He had multiple heart surgeries his first year. There was nothing I could do. I had to have total reliance on God. Our youngest child Faith was born with Down Syndrome. It has turned out to be one of the biggest blessings. She doesn’t know she’s any different from anyone else. Recently, she performed with her ballet troupe at a nursing home. After their performance was over and all the other girls left, Faith stayed after to talk to the seniors to check on them and ask them about why they were in a wheelchair, how they were feeling. Anytime you might feel sorry for her, you realize she’s the one who’s got it right. HB: What is the most challenging part of your work at LRCA?
HB: If you could have a super power, what would it be?
ES: Pleasing everyone. People have needs, so it’s hard to ultimately do that. My love language is serving others and acts of service though, so the challenge fits my personality.
ES: The ability to fly
HB: What inspires you in your work?
HB: Favorite food?
ES: I try to remember that I may be the only smile or wave someone gets all day. You don’t know what people are driving out to when they leave here. I want parents to know their kids are safe and well taken care of here.
ES: I love the book of Proverbs because of the lessons for life.
ES: Chicago pizza. Locally, we like Marco’s Pizza. HB: Favorite beverage? ES: I’ve replaced Coke and Pepsi with 16 oz. low carb Monster energy drinks. HB: Morning person or night owl? ES: When I was younger, I was a night owl. I’m becoming a morning person. I fall asleep pretty much when my head hits the pillow. HB: What advice would you give your teenage self? ES: I didn’t know the Lord then. I would say learn to laugh at yourself. If you don’t, it can paralyze you from trying things. HB: What advice do you give your children? ES: Learn to laugh at yourself. Finish what you’ve committed to. Always be honest. Don’t be outworked.
“I’m truly blessed to work at a place where at any given time I can stop and pray. I believe I’m doing the Lord’s work – serving others and shining His light to others. And, I love kids"
THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
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CAMPUS UPDATE
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DESIGN MATTERS By Dr. Gary B. Arnold, Head of School
Design matters. Since 2007, we designed our three major construction projects to simultaneously impact academics, the arts and athletics. The #WarriorsRising campaign is no different. Within Warrior Arena, we reserved over 5,000 square feet for engineering, robotics, leadership training and studio art. The unique, collaborative, interactive labs allow us to expand the vocal arts program in Warrior Hall and our Learner Services program in the high school. Once again, the flywheel turns. Only the grace and generosity of our God can accomplish the scale of this project. Therefore, we are determined to make sure only God receives the glory. Warrior Arena is more than a gym. Warrior Arena is a threedimensional display of three words from our mission, “characterized by excellence.” We don’t want the community to be in awe of a building. We want the community to say, “Surely, the Lord did this!” Here’s another example of His grace, generosity and glory. For the remainder of 2019, every dollar given towards the #WarriorsRising campaign will be matched.
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Whether you give toward a west gate guardhouse, more parking, or more 21st century learning opportunities for 7th-12th grade, your gifts will lift our mission to a higher level. More importantly, your gift will lift up the name of The Lord in Little Rock and beyond.
ADVANCEMENT
Make plans now to CELEBRATE! WARRIOR ARENA GRAND OPENING December 11, 2019 For more information about giving, contact the LRCA Advancement Office at 501-868-9822 or www.LittleRockChristian.com/WarriorsRising
JOIN THE CHORUS God works through His faithful people! Join the great hall of believers who have prayed, listened, and sacrificed to build Little Rock Christian Academy. Let’s lift up His name in 2019 and for decades to come. • WarriorsRising Phase II Make a one-time gift or a three-year pledge toward finishing labs and parking for Warrior Arena. • Warrior Blitz (September 20-27, 2019) Gifts to Warrior Blitz benefit every student by providing the equipment, curriculum and faculty development that are essential for excellence. • Scholarship Fund Gifts to the Scholarship Fund support over 200 Warriors, K-12, with some amount of tuition assistance. (Families all qualify financially through FACTS.) THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
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ATHLETICS
GIRLS BASKETBALL 5A STATE CHAMPIONS
On Friday, March 8, 2019, the Little Rock Christian Lady Warriors soundly defeated Jonesboro High School, 63 – 35, to clinch their first state championship in school history. The victory was the crowning achievement of a stellar season ending with an overall record of 29 and 2, and a league record of 13 and 1. 5A West Conference Champions 5A Coach of the Year – Ronald Rogers Arkansas Player of the Year – Reagan Bradley All-Arkansas Preps Team – Reagan Bradley and Wynter Rogers All-State Tournament Team & 5A All-State – Reagan Bradley, Amber Brown, and Wynter Rogers 5A West All-Conference – Reagan Bradley, Amber Brown, Ashton Elley, Isis Isom, Wynter Rogers Warrior Award – Reagan Bradley 22 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
BOYS BASKETBALL WARRIOR
5A West All-Conference Cortez Finley Luke Grawer Warrior Award Luke Grawer
ATHLETICS
WARRIOR SWIM 5A STATE CHAMPIONS
The LRCA Swim Team ended the season with a big splash, winning the Boys 5A State Championship and two of the girls winning state in their respective races; Hannah Hall, 100m backstroke and Angel Ke, 200m and 100m freestyle. The boys' team set a state record in the 200 medley relay. A host of swimmers scored individual honors as well. 5A Coach of the Year – Brian Gibson 5A All-State – Hannah Hall, Jordan Jones, Angel Ke, John Isaac Majors, Jake McDonald, Matthew Ware 5A West All-Conference – Ann Beach, Georgia Brandt, Hannah Hall, Jordan Jones, Angel Ke, Marissa Kuhn, John Isaac Majors, Rachel McCarley, Jake McDonald, Aiden Ross, Matthew Ware Warrior Award – Rachel McCarley, Jake McDonald
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ATHLETICS
GIRLS SOCCER 5A STATE CHAMPIONS
On Friday, May 17, 2019, the Lady Warriors sealed the deal on a fifth state title with a colossal 5 to 1 win over Russellville High School. This highachieving team scored big with individual accolades as well. 5A West Conference Champions 5A Coach of the Year – Beth Highfill All-Star Team – Claire Huchingson 5A All-State – Claire Huchingson, Gaby LoRusso, Meredith Pinkston 5A West All-Conference – Hope Boshears, Claire Ferguson,
Mary Beth Pierce, Sam Shaw, Madison Stockwell, Darby Stotts Warrior Award – Gaby LoRusso
On May 3, junior soccer player Brooke Green was awarded CBS/MaxPreps/ Semper Fidelis Athlete of the Month, at a ceremony in the High School ARC. Brooke was one of 100 students nationwide to be selected as a Semper Fidelis All-American, and one of only 24 to be featured as athlete of the month. Students are chosen based on athletic ability, moral character, and academic performance. Marine Corps representatives and former Razorback and Dallas Cowboys great Darren McFadden presented the award. 24 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
BOYS SOCCER 5A West Conference Runner-Up All-Star Team Elliot Hankins 5A All-State Elliot Hankins Isaiah Hankins Luke Henry Warrior Award Stuart Fletcher
WARRIOR
SOCCER 5A West All-Conference Abdul Bangura John Collier East Stuart Fletcher Justin Patty Jack Terry Wyatt Thomas
ATHLETICS
WARRIOR BASEBALL
WRESTLING 5A All-State Joshua Baker Ethan Bittle 5A All-Conference Jacob Baker Joshua Baker Ethan Bittle Ben James Graham Seymour
WARRIOR
Warrior Award Michael Palmer
“I want to be a role model and give back to my students/players like people gave to me. My baseball coach (Denny Tipton at Sylvan Hills) was like that…Christian, math teacher, coach. I’m a Christian who happens to also coach baseball. And, I like to win,” new Head Baseball Coach Brandon Eller says with a big smile. In his first year at LRCA, Eller coached the Warriors to a 5A West Conference Championship and a strong showing at the state tournament. He has also garnered the respect of students and co-workers alike.
BOWLING WARRIOR
Warrior Award Luke Hankins
Eller brings a wealth of experience as a player and a coach, most recently heading up Nettleton’s baseball program. He and his three brothers all played college baseball. He’s been married for six and a half years to his wife Taylor. They have a son, Hayes (3), and a daughter, Hallie (1). Some fun facts about Eller include: He can juggle (obviously baseballs, but also his son’s bathtub toys). His favorite Disney movies are “Aladdin” and “Lion King”. If he could be a superhero, he’d choose Iron Man. He takes his coffee black. He also loves the “Lord of the Rings” movies. Eller’s favorite scripture is Romans 5:6-8. And, he says his favorite part of working at LRCA is “the community in general – the kids, teachers, administration and atmosphere”.
5A West All-Conference Ben Clark Luke Hankins
SOFTBALL Warrior Award Caitie Hammons
WARRIOR
SOFTBALL
5A West Conference Champs 5A Coach of the Year – Brandon Eller All-Star Team & All-Star Tournament Team – Cason Tollett
TRACK/FIELD
5A All-State – Cason Tollett, John White 5A West All-Conference – G Allen, Reid Bowman, Sam Chesshir, Bradley
Freier, MJ Loggins, Cason Tollett, John White, Jackson Woodard Warrior Award – Cason Tollett
WARRIOR
TRACK
5A West All-Conference Kate Barnes Isabelle Brinnaman Audry Funk Landon Nelson Allie Parkinson Allison Risius Warrior Award Allison Risius THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
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FINE ARTS
WARRIOR HALL WELCOMES WORLD'S FAIR
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By June Hendren, High School Journalism Teacher
With pennant flags, strung lights and cotton candy, Warrior Hall was transformed into the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair as the Fine Arts Department delighted audiences with their rendition of the classic romantic musical comedy Meet Me in St. Louis. The two-act musical follows the four daughters of an affluent St. Louis family in the year leading up to the World’s Fair. The Smith daughters were played by Warrior theater veterans Grace Caroline Gardner (Rose), Lily Margaret Greenway (Agnes) and Meg Sinha (Esther), and newcomer to the stage, fifth grader AnnMarie Golden (Tootie). Joshua Baker, a junior, also established his place in the spotlight in his stage debut as he came to life as John Truitt, Esther’s love interest. The cast, crew and musical ensemble of more than 60 students prepared for months leading up to the four April performances. In addition to the remarkable acting from the cast, Warrior Hall productions could not take place without the support of the crew. Choreography, makeup, costuming, instrumental accompaniment, and set design are integral components to the complete theatre experience. Guided by adult leaders, students took on the bulk of the behind-the-scenes roles, including much of this spring’s set design, done in large part by members of the department’s Stagecraft class. “They worked every class period for two weeks prior to the show to help, build, paint and wallpaper everything,” said
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Hollie Shepherd, high school drama teacher and Meet Me in St. Louis production manager. One of the class members, Ryan Wheeler, a junior, designed the trolley that was used in the show, Mrs. Shepherd said. “He and his classmates made huge contributions to the design and layout,” she added. A unique feature of this spring’s performances included the hosting of students from Seventh Street Elementary in North Little Rock, a school with which LRCA has partnered for several years. Students from Seventh Street were treated to a magical day of theatre and fun where they attended the Friday matinée, ate lunch served by volunteers and then played with the musical’s cast and crew. Having participated in five previous LRCA productions, Meg Sinha, who played one of the lead roles in Meet Me in St. Louis, has been a regular in the Fine Arts Department. Her undeniable talent, work ethic and academic accomplishments laid the foundation for her to be named the 2019 Fine Arts Scholarship recipient as well as one of Harding University’s Trustee Scholarship award winners for the fall of 2019, one of the highest honors the school awards to incoming freshmen. A two-time All-Region and All-State choir member and recipient of the Arkansas Thespian Festival Officer Leadership Scholarship.
FINE ARTS
STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION The Art Show was a three-week spring event that highlighted the diverse creative abilities of students enrolled in Fine Arts. On exhibit in Warrior Hall during the show were the juried selections from each of the three areas of Visual Arts: Studio Arts, Ceramics and Digital Arts. Student works were judged by local artisans and awarded first, second and third places in seven different categories. Caroline Blanscet’s “Apoptosis," a skeletal multi-media interpretation of the American Gothic, and Graham Seymour’s stoneware bowl set tied for Best in Show from among all of the high school student entries. Maggie Maddison’s “Spiritual Warfare” in acrylic took home the newly created Dr. and Mrs. Arnold Award given to the Head of School’s favorite selection. Senior artist and Jubilee Visual Arts Award winner Maggie Maddison was also part of the selective Senior Portfolio class. Artists in this class spend the entire school year carefully crafting a body of artistic expression focused around a central theme or concentration. Maggie shared her Portfolio concentration, “ What Goes on Inside,” with an intimate group of family, friends and faculty at an exhibition in Warrior Hall in April. She explained how the works in her portfolio represented her own struggle with perfectionism and the personal growth that has occurred as her pieces shifted from warm angry colors to peaceful hues. “I have now come to terms with not being perfect, at least with my art,” Maggie said of her experience. Maggie’s art has also garnered recognition from art enthusiasts outside Little Rock Christian. She, along with senior Lillie Greer, received a prestigious Thea Foundation Scholarship for placing in the top 10 in the visual arts category. Maggie also received the Best Painting award in the 2019 Governor’s Young Artist Competition. Emma Otwell, a junior, won Best Sculpture at the competition. Ten other LRCA artists were also invited to have their artwork displayed at the Governor’s mansion in April as part of the statewide juried exhibition.
FINE ARTS PRESENTS JUBILEE AWARDS
PERFORMANCE AWARD Alice Li
VISUAL AWARD Maggie Maddison
Alice Li, another Senior Portfolio student, has left her mark in the Fine Arts Department in multiple disciplines. In addition to receiving second- and thirdplace ribbons for her juried Visual Art pieces and having her work displayed at the Governor’s mansion, Alice also received the Jubilee Performing Arts Award, the highest honor given to seniors in the Performing Arts. Alice is an accomplished flutist and has been a part of the school’s instrumental program since becoming a Warrior in 2015. She is an All State and All Region musician and received this year’s Leonard Bernstein Award for Musical Contribution and Creativity. Two additional Little Rock Christian artists were also honored to have their artwork exhibited at the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Administrative Offices as part of the 2019 Pulaski County Sheriff Eric Higgins Student Art Competition. Original works of seniors Ellie Fuller and Haley O’Dwyer were chosen from high school student submissions throughout Pulaski County and were two of only seven picked for display.
FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP Meg Sinha To view the full list of Jubilee winners visit LittleRockChristian.com/Jubilee THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
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PTF
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TRULY GREAT VOLUNTEERS By Cindy McLeod, Director of Advancement
It has been said that a truly great volunteer is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget. I agree with part of that statement, but the Little Rock Christian Academy Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) is NEVER hard to find. They are everywhere! All year, this band of amazing women has worked, served, blessed and given. When we attempt to account for their time, it appears that the PTF Board alone volunteered over 2,000 hours during this school year. In addition to that, they gather help from homeroom moms and other parents to serve over 1,400 students and 246 faculty and staff. They are a deep well of endless meals, snacks and treats. They jump in to aid families and staff in crises or illness, bereavement or house fire. Most notably, this spring, PTF hosted elementary Grandparents Day, provided meals during Staff Appreciation month, and held an energetic friend/fundraiser called Wild about Warriors. Funds raised by that event, along with Warrior Blitz, Kroger Rewards, Box Tops, and Amazon Smile funded the PTF budget and allowed them to present over $109,000 in enhancements to LRCA. The equipment, curriculum, services and professional development provided by PTF span all grade levels. Also, as part of the Wild About Warriors festivities, David’s Burgers was recognized as the recipient of LRCA’s 2019 Hickingbotham Award for Business Excellence. Warrior parents Alan and Jessica Bubbus started David’s Burgers in Conway and soon expanded to several locations throughout Arkansas. They
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not only are busy expanding their energetic, burger restaurants with quality, fresh food, but they are also generously supporting the community, LRCA, higher education, and other non-profits. The Bubbus family has particularly invested in organizations and families who are fostering and adopting children. They have four current LRCA Warrior boys, one youngster still at home, and one who graduated from LRCA in 2017. Three of their sons are adopted. David’s Burgers has supported Little Rock Christian over the years by sponsoring Parent Teacher Fellowship, Warrior Club, and Warrior Blitz. They also sponsored the high school studentled fundraisers hosted by the More Than Me group.
2018-19 PTF Board Megan Garrison, President Courtney Head, President-Elect Erin Carter Stacey Covington Amber Edge Cathy Gammill Laura Greenway Kelli Greenwood Leigh Ann Horton Stacey Knoernschild Jill Martin Shannon McNulty
Heather Patterson April Pennington Jennifer Pledger Sarah Ross Evie Scherrey Natalie Shelley Renee Steele Ashley Wadsworth Lindsey Walt Suzanne Waters Candace Whitlock
PTF
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Why We Blitz By Megan Garrison, PTF President
We come together every fall as ONE school to kick off Annual Fund giving and to raise money for Parent Teacher Fellowship projects. In the past four years spanning a total of only 40 days, we have raised over $600,000! Thanks to our sponsor, Pediatrics Plus, all the fun during those annual efforts is covered. So that 100% of your money STAYS in Warriorville and goes right back into making LRCA the best school! So where does this money go? It has been used to make campus enhancements like the two octoball pits and high school cafeteria renovations. It has made possible a new learning experience in the
upper school classrooms with the addition of Harkness style tables. Blitz has benefitted fine arts programs with new instruments and art supplies. Most recently, PTF used some of this past year’s funds to help improve the safety and security on our campus. Warrior Blitz is an action packed week on campus with fun competitions between buildings, challenges between principals, Blitz Battles for the upper classmen, and a celebration day for the younger grades. The goal is 100% participation from our families. Join us in our efforts in surpassing our goal of $150,000 as we kick off our 5th year of Warrior Blitz this fall.
Some of the Items Funded by PTF and Warrior Blitz 2018: Elementary: Classroom books Sensory Pathway PreK Playground Equipment Middle School and Junior High: Tables and chairs for collaborative learning Fine Arts: Supplies for Studio Arts and Service Projects Fund for All-State Music students to attend clinics and concerts
High School: Flat screen monitors for the Commons Harkness style tables and chairs Wooden benches Seating for Academic Research Center Capstone Project Research Fund
Learner Services: Interactive Boards Curriculum Calculators for student testing Scholarship Fund to help families with testing costs Campus-wide: Safety and Security Fund Professional Development Fund for Faculty
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR WARRIOR BLITZ 2019 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
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ALUMNI NEWS
WARRIOR ALUMNI
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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LRCA Memorial Garden
Established by the Alumni Association in 2017, the Warrior Alumni Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of our beloved Warriors who have passed away. Adam Clark (98) Natalie Charles ('01) Dante Jacuzzi ('01) Kali Sparks ('06) Catie Critz Durham ('09) Haley Olmsted ('10) Brooks Meek ('14) Hunter Guinn ('18)
The scholarship is awarded each year to a family who qualifies for tuition assistance and who has experienced a recent tragic loss, with preference given to a qualified Legacy family (a Warrior parent who is an alumnus of LRCA/WVCA). Through the generous gifts of 43 donors, the 2019 goal was surpassed with over $6,000 raised! Thank you to this year's contributors for celebrating the legacies of our cherished alumni with this scholarship. By giving back to your school you make a profound impact on future generations of Warriors.
IN MEMORIAM Adam Clark (Class of 1998) passed away on May 29, 2019. He was known for his kindness, his smile and his ability to make people laugh. He will be greatly missed. Adam is preceded in death by his sister, Karen and his Mimi, Frances Juanita. He is survived by his parents, Thomas and Betty Clark; brother, Ryan (Charlotte) Clark (Class of 2002); nieces, Katherine and Rebecca, and many close family and friends. Please join us in praying for our fellow Warrior family.
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ALUMNI NEWS
Beyond the Gates at Baum-Walker Stadium The LRCA alumni staff hosted a Beyond the Gates tailgate event at a Razorback baseball game at Baum-Walker Stadium on April 2 for Warriors attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Over 30 alumni enjoyed visiting with LRCA faculty, fellowship, beautiful weather, and a BBQ dinner from Penguin Ed’s while cheering on the Hogs!
Amy Lepine Peterson , Class of 1999 2019 Mark Webb Alumni Award Recipient Amy was an exceptional student at Walnut Valley Christian Academy. She has continued to learn through pursuing her B.A. in English at Texas A&M, an M.A. in Intercultural Studies at Wheaton, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Seattle Pacific University. Amy has published numerous articles and essays, as well as her first book, “Dangerous Territory: My Misguided Quest to Save the World” in 2017. Her next book, “Virtues for the Apocalypse” is set to release in 2020. She taught ESL for two years in Southeast Asia before returning stateside to teach in California, Arkansas, Washington, and Indiana. She taught creative writing, intercultural communications, and interdisciplinary honors courses at Taylor University in Indiana. She will be continuing her education soon at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. She is married to Jack Peterson. They have two children, Rosie and Owen.
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ALUMNI
Once a Warrior Always a Warrior WEDDING & BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alumni updates in The Warrior magazine include current year births and wedding announcements to help fellow Warriors stay in touch. Other alumni news is shared through the LRCA website and social media. Please direct questions or send your Warrior Alumni Updates submissions to Heather.Bennett@LittleRockChristian.com. Baby announcements need should include both parents’ names (including maiden), the graduation year(s), the baby’s name, weight, birth date, city and state in which the baby was born. Wedding announcements need to include the bride’s and groom’s full names (including maiden), the graduation year(s), the wedding date and location and where the couple intends to reside.
BUNDLES OF JOY
Ashlee-Paige Holmes (Class of 2008) gave birth to Ava-Lane Holmes (8 pounds, 10 ounces) on April 1, 2019. She and her husband, Daniel Homes (Class of 2008) currently reside in Little Rock.
Mary Anne Short Kull (Class of 2003) gave birth to Violet Elaine Kull (8 pounds) on February 22, 2019 in McAlester, Oklahoma. She makes her home in Fayetteville, AR with her husband Andy Kull and their three children.
Mallory Mackfessel James (Class of 2009) and her husband Rob welcomed their son John Decker James (8 pounds, 9.9 ounces) on June 20, 2018 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Save the Date for the 2019 Homecoming Reception! Friday, October 25, 5:30 p.m. • Indoor Athletic Training Facility Join us for food, fun, and fellowship for ALL LRCA alumni prior to the 7:00 p.m. football game as the Warriors take on the White Hall Bulldogs. Enjoy a catered dinner while connecting with old classmates. Wristbands for you and your family will be distributed at the reception for FREE admission to the game. 1999 and 2009 alumni classes will also be recognized during the evening. For more information, contact Bekah Johnson in the Alumni Office at Bekah.Johnson@LittleRockChristian.com 32 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
LRCA HOMECOMING
ALUMNI
WALKS DOWN THE AISLE
Abigail Blocker (Class of 2015) married Lane Barber (Class of 2014) on June 29, 2018 in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Luke Hill (Class of 2008) married Katy Firmin on January 5, 2019 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Megan Baker (Class of 2010) married Blake Hollingshead on September 15, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas at Sassafras Springs Vineyard.
Kaitlyn Page Brown married Jack Thomas Shuffield (Class of 2015) on March 9, 2019 at The Grandeur House in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Sadie Terrell Smith (Class of 2007) married Benjamin Michael Gregory on February 24, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Smiths live in Little Rock.
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WARRIOR CLUB
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WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? By Cindy McLeod, Director of Advancement
It’s a question that we hear often this time of year, as high school and college students graduate, and as we approach summer break and begin preparation for a new academic year. There’s something about spring that brings excitement, hope and new life. One of Warriorville’s favorite springtime traditions is the Warrior Club Golf Tournament held at Pleasant Valley Country Club. On the last Monday of April, this year’s tournament did not disappoint. Beautiful weather, long-time and recent friendships, great lunch, and of course COMPETITION brought the fun that golfers look forward to all year. Last year, Fred Lord, when asked what he was going to do, responded with a YES to the call of leading the Warrior Club as President. His leadership style, fitting of a former collegiate basketball athlete, is to build a great team. The entire Warrior Club Board came through with the planning, sponsorships, prizes, and volunteerism that made this year’s tournament the most successful to date. One hundred twenty men and women participated on 30 teams to vie for a winning prize in two flights. Closest to the pin, long drive, and putting competitions
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also brought great fun as well as the agony of defeat. Several sponsors provided holein-one opportunities again this year, but no lucky golfer went home with a new truck, Harley Davidson, or cash prize. The big winners of the golf tournament are Warrior athletes in all sports, with over $65,000 given back to the Little Rock Christian athletic program from tournament proceeds.
WARRIOR CLUB
A great school requires partnership from committed parents. Warrior Club exemplifies the character of people who give their time and expertise, as well as their treasure. Participants in the tournament include alumni, coaches, grandparents, parents of alumni, military veterans, and friends from the community, playing alongside our parents. We hope to see YOU at next year’s Warrior Club Golf Tournament!
2018-19 Warrior Club Board Fred Lord, President Johnny Watson, Athletic Director Scott Beardsley Boyd Boshears Christy Clark Todd Denton Jared Hankins Schawnee Hightower Mark Jansen Georgia Johnston
Kevin Jones Tom Lee Scott McElmurry Danny Newton Cedric Pratt Alice Rogers Kim Schrader Chad Wilkerson Ernie Woodard
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WELCOME CENTER
Welcome Center gets ‘Fixer Upper’ Treatment
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By Phillip Bridges, Director of Marketing and Communications
A strong and unexpected storm hit the Little Rock Christian campus last July. Along with some minor debris scattered across the grounds, the storm brought down an estimated 100-year-old oak tree on top of the Welcome Center’s roof. The diameter of the uprooted tree and its roots were taller than the eaves of the house! Thankfully, the tree fell over a weekend and no one was on campus.
was more than anyone wanted to spend on a building that did not directly house the education of our students. It took God's exact placement of a tree on our house to open our eyes to the possibilities of expanding and improving so we might have an adequate place to welcome new and prospective families. The insurance proceeds from the storm were necessary to make it a reality.”
Although the tree went through the roof, it did nots significantly impact the interior rooms or offices of the Welcome Center. The school was able to repair the damage, add a new wing and remodel the existing structure from a combination of the insurance proceeds from the storm damage and allocated capital improvement funds. The new addition added approximately 1,600 square feet creating four new offices and two new restrooms. Reconfiguration of existing spaces created a Conference Room and a Marketing/Communications Suite.
The Welcome Center was originally built in 1975 and belonged to the Highway 10 property when LRCA acquired the land in the mid 1990s. The Welcome Center currently houses 15 employees and includes the offices of Admissions, Advancement, the Business Office, Marketing and Communications, the Registrar, as well as our CFO and Director of Campus Facilities.
The Welcome Center plays a vital role in Warriorville as it is the first building many of our prospective families and visitors enter upon arriving on campus. It is important to create an inviting and welcoming environment that reflects the excellence of the learning and instruction that happens in all the other buildings on campus. When asked about the significance of the recent renovations, CFO Jim Fink said, “It had been in need of updating and improvement for some time. We were not sure what to do as the cost of the improvement 36 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
ADMISSIONS
New Warrior Hadley Kinley (Alumni Parents - Clayton and Meagan Snipes Kinley, Class of 2008)
LRCA’s Admissions Team: The Welcome Women
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By Heather Bennett, Communications
You may have heard the quote, “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” A different version that perfectly describes the dynamic duo of Director of Admissions Heidi Brandt and Admissions Specialist JoEllyn Cooper would read, “Though their team be but little, they are mighty.” Heidi and JoEllyn comprise the power team that serves the busy office of admissions. Their smiles are contagious and they make every prospective family feel welcomed and loved. In 2019 alone, they toured 192 families, coordinated 150 shadows, processed 181 applications while also organizing and hosting a wide variety of events including orientations, the Cross Campus Launch, and more. The Admissions Team projects there will be 180 new students joining the Warriorville journey for the 2019-2020 school year. Also, every year more and more Warrior alumni enroll their children at LRCA. Heidi says, “I absolutely love my job, because I get to share about the amazing faculty and staff and also about our own family’s experiences and how they personally have touched us for seven years. I’m 100% positive that LRCA has prepared my own son, Benjamin (Class of 2019) to go to Oklahoma State to study in the Aerospace Administration & Operations/Professional Pilot program.”
JoEllyn has been a part of the Warrior family for 12 years and a part of the Admissions Team for two years. "I feel so blessed to have a job where I get to share this school that truly is a family. Now that both of my boys are in high school, I see all of the benefits of the Christian education coming together,” says JoEllyn. Every day we try to fulfill our mission to best serve families who desire a Christian (teaching children the person of Jesus and his Holy Word), Independent (non-denominational school rooted in historical Christianity) and Collegiate education (awarded the 2012 National Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence). Core values of Truth, Excellence, Love and Partnership are emphasized on a daily basis. These values are displayed and taught by our talented pool of faculty and staff, making LRCA a truly unique school experience. Every day is a tour day at LRCA! Schedule your tour or shadow experience by calling Heidi or JoEllyn at 501-868-9822 or emailing VisitLRCA@LittleRockChristian.com. We can’t wait to welcome you to campus! To see what makes us different, visit LittleRockChristian.com today! THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
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SPRING SEMESTER SNAPSHOTS
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SNAPSHOTS
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Little Rock Christian Academy
Nonprofit U.S. Postage PAID Permit #1568 Little Rock, AR
19010 Cantrell Road • Little Rock, AR 72223
BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 SAVE THE DATE! WARRIOR ARENA GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION Wednesday, December 11, 2019 For summer assignments, supply lists and important back to school dates visit LittleRockChristian.com/BackToSchool 40 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2019
For more information, contact the Advancement Office at 501-868-9822 or www.LittleRockChristian.com/WarriorsRising