LRCA The Warrior Magazine - Spring 2018

SPR ING 2018

THE WARRIOR L I T T L E

R O C K

C H R I S T I A N

A C A D E M Y

Publisher Debbie Davis Editors Heather Bennett Debbie Davis Cindy McLeod Graphic Designer Karen Mitchell Contributors Dr. Gary Arnold Lynn Beardsley Heather Bennett Rachel Berryhill Debbie Davis Matt Foster Sarah Jones Stefan Jones Tracy Lane Cindy McLeod Amy Rypkema Allison Wood Photographers Michael Baxley Sarah Crabill Karen Mitchell Tyler Rosenthal Little Rock Christian Academy 19010 Cantrell Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72223 501-868-9822 www.LittleRockChristian.com 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.

Photo by ML Baxley

TABLE of CONTENTS 4-7 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

16-17 MIDDLE SCHOOL STEM

8-9 INTRODUCING NAVIANCE

18 PERENNIAL MATH

10-11 MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELD STUDY

19 QUIZ BOWL

12-13 SCIENCE FAIR

20-23 FINE ARTS

14-15 PROJECT LEAD THE WAY 24-27 COMMENCEMENT

ON THE COVER:

Graduates hold up the "Golden Triangle" during the 2018 Commencement ceremony, signifying the partnership between home, church, and school.

DR. ARNOLD

RECAPS SPRING 2018 Highway 10 isn’t what it used to be.

Traffic is getting gnarly. Stop lights are increasing. Drivers are driving faster. More commercial lots are for sale and dirt is moving. Driving west, the cranes erecting the new headquarters for Bank of the Ozarks rise tall. New retail outlets are popping up. And, Little Rock Christian Academy is churning with construction.

The usual summer refresh of wellused facilities is in motion; the new Indoor Athletic Training Facility is getting ready for the August 1 prayer and dedication circle. Construction drawings are underway for Warrior Arena. Excavation of our northernmost eighteen acres continues. And, we are visiting innovative and engaging schools in other states as we begin to prayerfully conceptualize what the Lord has in mind for our expanding campus.

We hope you will sense the momentum of the Lord as you leaf through this edition of The Warrior.

28-32 ATHLETICS 33

WILD ABOUT WARRIORS

34 GRANDPARENTS DAY 35 SENIOR SERVICE

But, it’s not just physical momentum; it’s not just carving up land and building buildings. It is much more than that. The momentum of which we speak is what Paul referred to as the building up of the Body. Within these pages, you will be awed by the heart, the mind and the God-given talents of our students. Before setting off to Gordon College, north of Boston, graduate Rebecah Ortega reminds us that we are her special family - “a family of believers, a family of mentors.” She goes on. “In everything LRCA does, they aspire to glorify God in every subject, in every sport and in every art piece.”

Student experiences like Rebecah's are the most important construction projects we have going. Every day, custom-crafted building blocks are placed on the foundation of Jesus, reaching upwards for unity, knowledge and maturity.

2,200 family members and friends witnessed Commencement 2018.

My satisfaction came knowing that they saw our purpose in the flesh, in living color. 2,200 guests saw that LRCA exists “… to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12) #WarriorsRising

36-37 ALUMNI NOTES 38-39 ADVANCEMENT Gary B. Arnold President / Head of School THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2018

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Written by Matt Foster, Dean of Academics

JD Fuller and Ben Blocker - Rhythm and Blue and Green Photo by Whitney Bower

Photo by Heidi Manatt

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eniors Ben Blocker and Jon David Fuller are on the brink of the next chapter of life and they bring with them a unique perspective on this phase. Through their participation in Senior Capstone, Ben and JD wrote, performed, recorded, and produced a full-length studio album, Nudge Me, which was the first for the duo. Born out of their friendship and years of leading worship together at LRCA, Nudge Me is about moving from one stage of life into the next, from adolescence into adulthood.

The album itself is symbolic of this process. Ben and JD learned a lot about themselves and about the realities of the music business. Their two biggest struggles were finding the time to record and edit and to then turn those recordings into tracks with a professional feel and sound. Both Ben and JD came into music naturally, but the more demanding aspects of the project, time-management and self-motivation, produced the most growth for the future Ouachita Tiger and Baylor Bear.

Ben and JD attributed their successful completion of Nudge Me to a number of sources. Both acknowledged that God gifted them with a desire to tell stories and to express themselves through their musical talents. They also expressed thanks to LRCA for giving them the platform and opportunity to hone their musical gifts and leadership skills through years of chapel worship. JD’s dad, Dr. Jon David Fuller, and their Capstone adviser, Justin McCartney, were also vital to the process of giving them valuable feedback.

Both Ben and JD intend to continue a lifelong pursuit of music. They encourage everyone to be bold with their God-given gifts, embrace the way that God views them, and seek His glory in the application of those gifts and talents.

If you’re looking for a new album for the summer, something eclectic and edifying that sounds a little like Colony House, then look for Nudge Me on iTunes. You can also look for JD’s solo album that he released earlier this year, Fish Out of Water.

Both Ben and JD intend to continue a lifelong pursuit of music. They encourage everyone to be bold with their God-given gifts, embrace the way that God views them, and seek His glory in the application of those gifts and talents.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Hannah Cheatham and Adie Geoghagan Into the Wild Blue Yonder and Anchors Away!

Photo by Lainie Deerman

Photos by Melissa

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annah Cheatham and Adeline Geoghagan’s freshmen orientations will look a little bit different from the rest of their peers in the Class of 2018. Hannah makes her way to the Air Force Academy and Adeline to Annapolis and the Naval Academy for basic training this summer before beginning classes in the fall.

The Air Force Academy is a dream come true for the self-described adrenaline-junkie Hannah. Hannah’s path to become a cadet began five years ago with many “little stepstones toward it” as she put it. Leadership opportunities in Civil Air Patrol and LRCA’s rigorous academic program both prepared her for the Academy. Hannah is eager to participate in a service above and beyond herself and to become a full-time member of the military’s culture of self-discipline and innovation.

Adeline’s path to the Naval Academy began with a conversation between her parents and younger brother. As her parents talked about the Naval Academy as a possibility for her brother, Adeline thought it might be a great fit for her. Her strong sense of justice and belief that if you enjoy freedom then you should play a role in its preservation led her to more seriously consider Anapolis.

Adeline credits LRCA for its flexibility in providing her opportunities inside and outside of the classroom, whether it was band or cross country or Science Olympiad.

Hannah and Adeline both singled out chemistry teacher, Olga Probst as a major encourager. Mrs. Probst inspired them through her interests in their lives as well as her push for them to develop a growth mindset, reminding them that grades aren’t eternal and that courage is a virtue.

Both women are in the market for adventure. Hannah says that she prefers jumping out of planes to flying them. She hopes to make her career in field leadership and to be a trailblazer for future female cadets. Adeline says she might want to stay away from submarines, but she has not ruled them out altogether. She is most interested in cyber operations and mechanical engineering, but her cousins are making a strong push for her to look at the Marines.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Nicholas Powell - Making a Helping Hand

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icholas Powell’s schedule was not quite what he wanted or expected it to be his senior year. A class that he desperately wanted to take met at the same time as a required class. And there was no way to rectify it. God had a different plan for Nicholas’ schedule and as it turned out, a much more fulfilling year.

Senior Capstone provided Nicholas with the opportunity to explore the field of biomedical engineering with a new depth and perspective. Able to develop his own independent research project, Nicholas partnered with e-Nable to produce a prosthetic hand using 3D printing technology and then donate the hand to a person in need. Under the supervision of Barry McCaskill, Nicholas produced several prototypes of functioning prosthetic hands but soon ran into a problem.

technology, as well as giving him experience with management to make a challenging academic schedule, busy extracurricular calendar, and an independent research project all work together.

Nicholas will pursue his interest in biomedical engineering at the University of Arkansas Honors College next fall.

Photo by Jonathan Funk

Because e-Nable is a relatively new program, there are too many people making prosthetics and not enough enrolled to receive them.

Nicholas said the waiting and the uncertainty that revolved around the donation process was the lowest point of the year. He wondered if after all of the work and the prototypes there would be a recipient at the end of the day.

Through the grace of God, there was a recipient. Her location made the match all the more special. Caitlin Scherrey, a second grader at LRCA born without a hand, became the focal point for Nicholas’ second semester. Nicholas said Caitlin is without a doubt the high point of his year. Her joy, enthusiasm, and the chance to be a part of her story redeemed the waiting and the doubt.

Caitlin has a prosthetic hand now, pink and purple just like she requested. Nicholas has a new perspective on the field that he fell in love with earlier in high school. He realizes that it is more than giving someone an opportunity; it is also forging a bond with another person.

Mr. McCaskill played a pivotal role in advising Nicholas and helping him not just with the theory and technology but also with the more intangible skills like communicating with e-Nable and Caitlin. Nicholas said LRCA made this experience possible for him and Caitlin through the engineering course offerings and access to 3D printing

Senior Capstone provided Nicholas with the opportunity to explore the field of biomedical engineering with a new depth and perspective. Able to develop his own independent research project, Nicholas partnered with e-Nable to produce a prosthetic hand using 3D printing technology and then donate the hand to a person in need.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Maggie Pinkston - Once a Warrior Pal, Always a Warrior Pal

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ver the past three years of high school, senior Maggie Pinkston found a secondary home in the elementary building. Whether it was working with Mrs. Fugett and Mrs. Carlisle in Pre-K or Mrs. Rutherford in second grade, Maggie loved the opportunity to spend time in elementary classrooms as a teaching assistant. Additional time serving at Brookhill and ACCESS School only increased her interest in elementary education.

These experiences gave way to the expansion of Warrior Pals. Football players enjoyed spending time each week during the season with elementary classes, but Maggie saw a place for yearlong interactions between seniors and elementary classes. After conversations with Lower School Principal, Ann Chami, and close friend and fellow senior, Tori Malak, Maggie went to work making this vision become reality.

Each Friday during second semester, about sixty seniors split into pairs and spent their first block in elementary classrooms.The goal was to serve elementary teachers and students through extensions of the classroom, whether it was playing games with students, helping individual students with their reading, or helping them memorize Scriptures.

Photo by Haley Stotts

According to Maggie, none of it would have been possible without Mrs. Chami’s blessing or without the elementary teachers’ grace and wisdom in allowing high school seniors to come into their classrooms and find ways that they could minister to their students. Additionally, she appreciated the commitment demonstrated by her classmates. LRCA paved the way for this experience through the personal and relational environment that Maggie said is born out of the school’s Christ-centered mission. Maggie said she would not be the person who cared about Warrior Pals or elementary education if it weren’t for the spiritual preparation provided by LRCA. Maggie will continue her education at Ouachita Baptist University where she will pursue a degree in elementary education. Maggie cited Mrs. Rutherford as a great encourager and outstanding teacher who was willing to take a high school student under her wing and lead her into the process of becoming a Warrior teacher. Maggie’s life was changed in the process.

Rebecah Ortega - The Road Less Travelled Photo by Elisabeth Ortega

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er mother calls it a “travel bug.” Rebecah Ortega calls it restless. Whatever you want to call it, Rebecah will be at Gordon College 1,500 miles away next year, making her the farthest traveling member of the Class of 2018.

Rebecah was accepted into the Global Honors Institute at the prestigious Massachusetts college.

The Global Honors Institute is a focus group of approximately 30 students who participate in various cultural experiences in New England as well as study abroad programs. Global Honors students receive one-on-one attention, have customized courses, and work on a research project across their four years at Gordon. The goal is to equip motivated students to be salt and light as they enter the working world.

Rebecah looks forward to the opportunity to further cultivate her passions and see how God will use this time at Gordon. She’ll miss the creature comforts of Arkansas and the familiar places, but she’s excited to learn about a new state. Although experiencing a real winter is a little intimidating.

Rebecah considers it a blessing to grow up at LRCA where God is intentionally glorified and students are constantly posed the question of what it means to live a life that glorifies God. She looks forward to taking the kingdom mindset developed in Little Rock Christian classrooms to her new community at Gordon. Especially, she’ll take the lessons she learned about perseverance from Christy Nipper and cross country and the example of June Hendren whom she called “a woman of wisdom.”

Ten years after the scheduled graduation date from Gordon, Rebecah hopes that you’ll find her doing something worthwhile, perhaps with her own business or organization, but definitely in a position to help others.

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ACADEMIC AND COLLEGE COUNSELING

Introducing Naviance - Connecting Learning to Life Written by Sarah Jones, Academic and College Counselor Ask anyone who has been through the college application process to sum it up in one word, and chances are their first response will be some variation of “stressful.” Why should students reach the pinnacle of their secondary educational experience for it to end in stress? So many questions. So much anticipation. So much pressure.

Academy, this means our Office of Academic and College Counseling is broadening our reach to better serve 100% of students and their families in the college process. Students will have a clearer understanding of their unique design and will be equipped with necessary skills to execute the plan God has set before them.

The Little Rock Christian Office of Academic and College Counseling is determined that it won’t feel that way.

What exactly is Naviance?

One tool to help with the process is a comprehensive college and career readiness platform called Naviance that helps schools align student strengths and interests to post-secondary goals, improving student outcomes and connecting learning to life. How powerful is that? Naviance simplifies and streamlines all stages of the college process from resume creation, career exploration and college search to applications, scholarships, and recommendations.

More than 13,000 schools nationwide are using Naviance and each one is seeing its benefits. For Little Rock Christian

SELF DISCOVERY AND CAREER EXPLORATION Naviance empowers students to learn more about themselves by reflecting on their strengths and interests.

Students can identify careers that match their giftings and understand the academic preparation required to ensure workplace readiness. To take it up one more notch, LRCA will use Naviance in conjunction with YouScience, the premier aptitude assessment that is administered to all sophomore students each spring. The powerful intersection of Naviance and YouScience will guide each student toward their highest potential in high school and beyond.

What is Naviance?

The K-12 Student Lifecycle

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Self-Discovery

Career Exploration

Academic Planning

Who am I?

What do I want to be?

How will I get there?

Post-Secondary Preparation

Will I be successful?

ACADEMIC AND COLLEGE COUNSELING GOAL SETTING AND TASK MANAGEMENT

ALUMNI TRACKING

Naviance offers a robust set of tools to help students tie college and career planning efforts to specific tasks and goals. The LRCA Academic and College Counseling team will guide each student toward meaningful, customized goals and an action-oriented success plan for achieving his or her goals.

Through Naviance’s exclusive partnership with the National Student Clearinghouse, LRCA increases its capacity to assess how graduates are performing after high school.

This integration provides valuable data that will be used to focus on opportunities to grow in excellence.

COURSE RIGOR AND PLANNING As a college preparatory school, LRCA encourages students to take challenging courses while simultaneously maintaining balance in their lives with extracurricular activities and service projects. With Naviance Course Planner, counselors electronically manage course selection and help students see how their plans affect their Tools futures while building College Research programs of study that meet graduation requirements and recommended coursework.

Whether building a resume as a freshman, searching colleges and careers as a sophomore, refining plans as a junior, or streamlining application details as a senior, all students will benefit from this incredible tool. As we wrap up the year of running with horses, the Office of Academic and College Counseling is sprinting with enthusiasm, endurance, and confidence ... ready to grow Warriors for God’s Kingdom.

College Research Tools

Finding Your College Match Finding Your College Match

COLLEGE SEARCH AND PLANNING Naviance provides students and parents with valuable insight into the college admission process with the best college search tools on the Naviance market. Students track Research their college College applications, ensure they tools are meeting deadlines, are focusedand oneven make requests for transcripts and letters of recommendation.

helping students find their best AND fit college ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT PREPARATION TRANSFER and prepares them toand apply to Naviance eDocs allows our counselors teachers and pay for college. to securely send application forms, transcripts, recommendations, and school profiles electronically to more than 2,000 participating colleges and universities - including all members of the Common Application.

Scattergrams and Acceptance History

Scat and A H

College Visits

Naviance College Research tools are focused on SuperMatch™ helping students find their College Search SuperMatch™ College Match College Search best fit college and Tools prepares them to apply to Text Here and pay for college.

College Resources

Colle Resou

Scholarship Tools

For more information, please contact a member of our 2018-19 Academic and College Counseling Team: Sarah Jones Academic and College Counselor Sarah.Jones@LittleRockChristian.com

Sheri Swindler Office Coordinator Sheri.Swindler@LittleRockChristian.com

Matt Foster Academic and College Counselor Matthew.Foster@LittleRockChristian.com

Paulette Wheeler Office Coordinator Paulette.Wheeler@LittleRockChristian.com

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MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELD STUDY

From Middle School Student to Astronaut: A Space Camp Experience Written by Debbie Davis, Director of Communications

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he journey to Space Camp began over two years ago when Mrs. Sarah Irvin proposed a trip for fifth graders to travel to Huntsville, Alabama where America’s space program was born. Huntsville is home to the second largest research park in the United States and the fourth largest in the world. “I had heard of other schools in the Central Arkansas area attending the Huntsville Space Camp and I knew this would be an excellent opportunity for LRCA fifth graders,” says Irvin, who is a fifth grade Math teacher. Space Camp is just what you might expect. It’s a camp experience where students learn and experience different aspects about life as an astronaut, working at NASA and exploring places beyond Earth!

Pathfinder Program is Out of this World The Space Camp planning committee decided to make it a middle school-wide event for the introductory year and invited the sixth graders to attend as well. They chose the “Pathfinder Program,” a three-day, two-night Space Camp experience where students participate in a variety of activities.

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•

A Simulated Space Mission (including roles at mission control, on the ISS, in a space shuttle, and on the surface of the moon)

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A variety of Space Simulators such as the multi-axis trainer, five degrees of freedom chair, and the space shot

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Building and launching their own model rocket

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On-site meals and sleeping habitats simulating a real space training experience

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Learning all about space exploration and astronaut life in museum tours guided by a Space Camp expert

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A team quiz bowl where participants test their knowledge against others at the end of camp

LRCA’s Intergalactic Education Upon arrival at the space center, students and chaperones were divided into teams with a Space Camp crew leader. “The students were placed on teams and did everything with their team. We

MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELD STUDY

started our days at 7:00 a.m. and didn’t stop until 8:30 p.m. They learned to rely on one another during the simulated rocket launch and landing, to communicate as they completed missions, and to encourage each other when their rockets made the Hall of Fame,” says Miss Sarah Berry, sixth grade Language Arts teacher.

“Watching the students try new things and build relationships was my favorite part of Space Camp.”

The 85 students and 17 chaperones (parents and teachers) who chose to attend the 2018 Mission to Space Camp all agree that the trip was exceptional and should become an annual LRCA event.

Jacob Pennington said, “Space Camp was the best thing that happened at school this year,” and parent chaperone Mr. Brian Blaydes commented “Space Camp was a wonderful experience.

It further enforced my respect for teachers and the required patience to shepherd our youth.” Mrs. LeAnn Murray, Middle School Assistant Principal, agreed, “Space Camp is an amazing experience that challenges students in teamwork, leadership and decision making. They learn all about space and leave motivated to learn more science, technology, math and engineering.” Stay tuned rising fifth graders. Details will be coming soon on the “2019 Mission to Space Camp!”

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SCIENCE FAIR

Experimenting with Science - The Expert Expo Written by Allison Wood, Second Grade Teacher

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he Little Rock Christian Academy elementary school is often referred to as the “House of Love.” We love Jesus, we love others, and we love to learn! Through the years, grade levels have adopted special traditions that embrace this theme.

One of the second grade traditions is called the Expert Expo Science Fair.

Since 2009, the Expert Expo has exposed students to the scientific method and to public speaking. Students choose their experiments, and with teacher approval, they start walking through the process of developing their hypothesis, material list and procedure. Experiments are then completed at home. The budding scientists report back their findings with photographs or videos, and their observations and conclusion. Presentation boards are created in the classroom which allow the students the opportunity to express their observations and original ideas.

The projects are then presented to classmates and are graded on creativity and the ability to relate their conclusion back to the hypothesis.

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The week of science concludes with the actual expo. Parents, faculty and elementary students are invited to tour the exhibits that fill the tables in the elementary activity building. Students have the opportunity to be proud of what they have accomplished and learn that science is fun!

Skills developed through Expert Expo

• Scientific investigation: develop an idea, plan and conduct an experiment • Project management: manage steps in order to meet deadlines • Scientific analysis: capture results, analyze data, create a chart or graph • Communication: write results, create a presentation board, present and discuss results

USA Road Trip - Researching the 50 States Written by Rachel Berryhill, Fourth Grade Teacher

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ourth graders spent the month of May diligently researching, exploring, and writing about a particular assigned state. This involved students collaborating with a partner to compile interesting and accurate information to present. Students created trifold posters and PowerPoint presentations that included state symbols, government officials, historical facts and other points of interest. The reports were then presented to classmates, lower classmen and parents.

The purpose of state projects is to grow and enhance students’ skills in research, computer, and writing through the use of texts and chromebooks. This is such a fun, handson project that allows students to engage in geography and learn more about famous landmarks and cities in the United States. Logan Perrone, fourth grade student, commented, “I learned a lot about the state of Indiana. My favorite attraction is the Indiana Motor Speedway. This was a good project because it gave me a chance to learn PowerPoint, work as a team, and now I know some cool things about the state of Indiana!”

Another favorite elementary school tradition, state projects are a formative and collaborative activity. They are also a GREAT way to end the school year!

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PROJECT LEAD THE WAY

Engineering a Brighter Future for Students Written by Heather Bennett, Advancement Assistant

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ave you ever wondered why so many children’s toys involve some element of construction? Puzzles, Legos, train sets, dollhouses, Lincoln Logs, models, and more. The list is virtually endless. Children are instinctively curious about how things work, construction and the concept of cause and effect.

This may all sound like child’s play, but it is much more than that. Kids are developing skills that are important not only to them, but also the world around them. Engineering teacher Barry McCaskill sees firsthand the impact of this skill development on his students’ growth inside and outside the classroom. He shares, “They take

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ownership of their learning, motivated by receiving a challenge, and working toward a goal. Our classes give students a taste of problem solving, the design process, and found skills they can take to college and beyond.”

Mr. McCaskill earned a degree in physics with an engineering emphasis from Ouachita Baptist University.

He was headed to the University of Arkansas to work on his masters when he received the call from LRCA about teaching physics and coaching soccer. That was eight years ago.

“After my first year of teaching, I wanted students to have more opportunities,” McCaskill says. Over time,

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY

school received the 3D printers. “I love seeing students engage with that technology. It’s really cool to see students get inspired, see confirmation, and be on their way to success in college.”

classes were expanded to incorporate more program and resource options. The intent was to provide high quality, consistency and continuity. The Project Lead the Way curriculum connects every grade from the elementary, through middle school and junior high, to the high school.

Each year, efforts go deeper in order to broaden and strengthen LRCA’s program.

Now holding a master of arts in teaching from UCA, McCaskill shares one of his favorite moments as when the

Students work with other technologies and undertakings such as robot/rover building, elevator systems, assembly line creation, truss bridge projects and weight testing. All give students hands-on, real-world experience.

Arkansas Department of Transportation Director Scott Bennett explains the importance of early introduction to engineering. “Exposure to engineering from elementary through high school teaches the students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. These are skills that translate to every area of their lives, even if they don’t ultimately become engineers. This is a really great example of LRCA giving students not only a good education, but life skills as well.”

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MIDDLE SCHOOL STEM

Destination Imagination Makes a Grand Entrance at LRCA Written by Debbie Davis, Director of Communications

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hen LeAnn Murry made the decision to bring Destination Imagination to LRCA, she had no idea she would find herself with four middle school students at the Global Finals at the end of the year.

“I knew our students were capable of great things, but I never dreamed we would make it this far in our introductory year,” says Murry, Middle School Assistant Principal.

Richard Hall, Penelope Probst, Trip Reeves and Mason Shepherd experienced the opportunity of a lifetime when they qualified for the Destination Imagination Global Finals in Knoxville, Tennessee. Forty-eight states and 30 countries were represented at the national competition. Mrs. Murry commented “This experience not only taught our students how to take their ideas and turn them into innovation, but they grew from the exposure to people and cultures from around the world. The opportunity for these students to present their solutions on a global stage at this age was incredible.”

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“DI was the best thing about school. I learned about teamwork and trust. Teams have to learn to divide and conquer to complete the task.“ Mason Shepherd, 5th grade DI team member

MIDDLE SCHOOL STEM What is Destination Imagination?

The Destination Imagination program is a fun, hands-on system of learning that fosters students’ creativity, courage and curiosity through open-ended academic Challenges in the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), fine arts and service learning.

What is a “Challenge”?

The team competed in April and won the middle level state competition when they created a solution to “Maze Craze,” Destination Imagination's technical challenge. This advanced them to the Global Finals. The technical challenge required designing and building a Maze Traveler that would navigate a randomly-selected maze. The team was also challenged to create a prop that will transform in the maze, remove an object from the maze, and create and present a story about the Maze Traveler’s journey along the way.

The students used their critical and creative thinking skills to create their solution using materials such as PVC pipe, balsa wood, cardboard, fishing line, spray paint and tools such as saws, hammers, and screwdrivers to create elements of the solution.

Twenty-two LRCA students participated in DI this year and were divided among four teams. Along with Mrs. Murry, Ann Chami, Susan Pendleton and Andrea Ragsdale coached DI teams. The LRCA teams met every Monday after school.

As the competition date approached, additional meetings were added. DI offers six challenges. The four LRCA teams competed in the following challenges: Technical Challenge – Maze Craze, Scientific Challenge – Unlikely Attraction, Engineering Challenge – Drop Zone, and Fine Arts Challenge – Change of Tune.

The team name for the Maze Craze group was “Mess-up to Brilliance.” As team member Richard Hall was working on a problem one day, he made a mistake and then fixed it. He exclaimed, “I turned a mess-up into brilliance!”

This expression so describes what DI does for students.

Students take a risk, revise and celebrate what they have accomplished.

The Challenges help bridge the gap between what students learn in school and the skills they will need to thrive in an ever-changing economy. Through the Destination Imagination Challenge Program, students improve in creative and critical thinking, explore their curiosity, build on their unique strengths, learn how to design and manage a project, and gain the skills needed for the 21st century workforce.

What are the Global Finals?

Global Finals are the culminating event of every Destination Imagination season.

DI teams that advance past Regional and Affiliate (state/country) Tournaments are invited to participate in Global Finals.

Each May, more than 1,400 of the topscoring DI teams from 48 U.S. states and 30 countries gather in Knoxville, Tennessee. More than 17,000 people attend the event each year.

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PERENNIAL MATH

Inspiring Math Excellence in the Middle School Written by Debbie Davis, Director of Communications

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ast August, an enrichment online math competition, Perennial Math, was introduced to fifth and sixth grade students.

The students took a placement test and the top 30 students were chosen to represent LRCA. Perennial Math students met weekly during their advisory period to practice problems and take competitive, monthly math tests. Made up of six questions and a time limit of 30 minutes, the test is composed of word problems with two or three steps each and questions that progress in difficulty. A score of three out of six is above average, and students usually see their scores increase with weekly practice.

“We decided to bring Perennial Math to LRCA because it aligned well with the goals we have for our students,” says LeAnn Murry, Middle School Assistant Principal. “Perennial Math's goals are to develop: excitement for problem solving, persistence and hard work, teamwork and collaboration, communication skills to demonstrate thinking, recognition of different approaches to problem solving, and encouragement by learning from mistakes.

Perennial Math was created to offer students more venues to showcase their talents and to help teachers develop math skills in their classrooms. Students are recognized on the monthly Wall of Fame, dog tags are awarded for champions, and certificates are given to all competitors. Math teachers receive Power Points based on specific types of questions that provide students good solid practice. Olivia Paczewitz, Trip Reeves, Ella Watson and Weldon Woods made the Perennial Math Wall of Fame, with Ella receiving the distinction twice.

Perennial Math has been a great addition to the middle school math curriculum. The problems that students encounter are constructed differently than the ones in their math textbook. Creative, flexible thinking is needed in addition to a good understanding of mathematical concepts. “The math problem solving competition is designed to feed a student’s love of math,” says Murry. “The goals of the competition are to introduce important math concepts and to encourage creativity in problem solving. Most of all, the point is to love math and have fun doing it.”

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QUIZ BOWL

Warrior Quiz Bowl Team Outsmarts PA Bruins to Capture State Title Written by Debbie Davis, Director of Communications

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ompeting in the Arkansas Quiz Bowl Governor’s Academic Competition, with live coverage on AETN, was the highlight of the season for the 2018 Warrior Quiz Bowl team, and for all Warriorville viewers! Quiz Bowl is a celebration and recognition of scholarship that has been an AETN tradition since 1985. Teams from across the state compete for the chance to appear on television and receive scholarship dollars. The first place team is awarded $3,000 and second

place receives $1,500.

The 2018 team is the youngest team in LRCA history to win a state championship. Members include: John Ivester, Justin Patty (team captain), Phillip Dileo, Matthew Dileo, Cade Daniel, Cole Williams, Luke Hankins, Tristan Eoff, Gavin McGilvray, Alex Bratton and Coach Danny Erlandson. Tristan Eoff and Gavin McGilvray were selected to the state All-Star team. This was Coach Erlandson’s sixth state title (2000, 2001, 2005, 2008, 2016, 2018) and 19th year to coach the Quiz Bowl team.

Coach Erlandson and his teams have also accomplished six second place finishes (2002, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2015), two third place finishes (2014, 2017) and one fourth place finish (2004). Needless to say, the Warriors are strong contenders in the tournament year after year.

The championship game between the Warriors and the Pulaski Academy Bruins, was truly a meeting of masterminds, with a match that showcased the quick thinking of the two brightest teams. After competing in and winning difficult regional and conference brackets, the Warriors claimed their place in the state competition. Through a series of questions, the Warriors displayed formidable knowledge of literature, math, science, history, music and economics. “While we went undefeated this year and beat Pulaski Academy by a comfortable margin at regionals, we caught a break against them in the championship match," says Coach Danny Erlandson. “It was the ‘lightning round’ on polyatomic ions and world capitals that made the difference in the game and gave us the victory. The fact that we did so well in the ‘lighting round’ wasn’t mere chance – our students were rewarded for their breadth of knowledge which gives them an edge in these types of rounds.” With lightning round runs, a nail biting finish and an outstanding performance across the board, it was a great day to be a Warrior!

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FINE ARTS

Warrior Hall is Alive with “The Sound of Music!”

Written by Debbie Davis, Director of Communications

T

he spirited and beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein love story of Maria and the von Trapp Family once again thrilled audiences in Warrior Hall, boasting the largest box office sales in LRCA history. Over 3,000 people attended the six showings, four of which were sold out. “The Sound of Music” is the first repeat musical at Little Rock Christian Academy. Mrs. Kay Basham directed both the 2018 and 2005 productions, with Magdalen Gallaway as Maria and James Lepine as Captain von Trapp in the inaugural production.

From breathtaking backdrops and seamless scenery changes to clever costuming and enduring vocals, it was a performance to treasure. The live orchestra set the mood with its sweet serenades and bold ballroom music. Special effects, like the thunder and lightning in the storm scene, were very convincing and a natural provocation for the children’s fearful charades.

Strong vocals were put on display by Ashton Dollar (Maria) and Jenna Auel (The Mother Abbess) as well as Nicholas Powell (Captain von Trapp), Nick Rush (Franz) and the children, Grace Crain (Liesl), Louis Waddell (Kurt), Carson French (Friedrich), Ruby Reeves (Brigitta), Sophia McFarland (Louisa), and Colette Moore (Marta). Bennett Rucker evoked a warm audience response more than once 20

THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2018

with her adorable portrayal of Gretl. This musical proved its timelessness and ability to transport the audience into the lives of the von Trapps, thanks to an all-around effort by the 100 student-member cast, musicians and stage crew.

You can bet the “Sound of Music” is one of LRCA’s favorite things!

“We carefully evaluated what we felt was appropriate and artistically challenging. For example, from the script: When asked what was expected of her as a novice, Maria answers Mother Abbess 'to find out the will of God and to do it.' I hope that each of our students would desire the same thing.”

– Kay Basham, Director

FINE ARTS

Audrey Davis Jubilee Award Visual Arts Friends of the Arts Scholarship Recipient

Performing Arts: Director's Award Orchestra Madi Stearns Director's Award Band Alex Bratton Fredrick Chopin Piano Award Jenna Auel Quincy Jones Musicianship Award Grace Crain Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award Adie Geoghagan Warrior Bandsman Spencer Ligon National Marching Band Award Savana Espinoza and Will Martin

Jubilee 2018 Winners National School Choral Award Rose Johnson Outstanding Performance in a Play Harrison Kuhn Outstanding Performance in a Musical/Female Ashton Dollar Outstanding Performance in a Musical/Male Nicholas Powell Outstanding Character Role in a Play Allie Mooney Outstanding Character Role in a Musical/Female Meg Sinha

Woody Herman Jazz Award Meagan Morrison

Outstanding Character Role in a Musical/ Male Thomas Garner

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award Harrison Booth

Outstanding Technical Contribution Hannah Van Brimer

National Orchestra Award Emelia Belin

Outstanding Ensemble Award Taylor Moran

Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award Will Walther

Theatre Outstanding Freshman Lela Miller

John Philip Sousa Band Award John Ivester

Theatre Outstanding Sophomore Lily Margaret Greenway

Choir Outstanding Freshman Ava Wisinger

Theatre Outstanding Junior Grace Caroline Gardner

Choir Outstanding Sophomore Thomas Garner Choir Outstanding Junior Meg Sinha Nova Voce Achievement Award Ashton Dollar Jani Quay Award Faith Briggs

LRCA Spring Juried Arts Show Award Winners: Drawing/ Black & White ● 1st Place: Savannah Meacham ● 2nd Place: Sterling Waddell ● 3rd Place: Sydney Hazelwood

Ashton Dollar Jubilee Award Performing Arts

Drawing/ Color ● 1st Place: Maggie Maddison ● 2nd Place: Athen Wilkerson ● 3rd Place: Ethan Graves Mixed Media ● 1st Place: Maggie Maddison ● 2nd Place: Haley ODwyer ● 3rd Place: Rachael Rainey Drawing/ Individual Portfolio Piece ● 1st Place: Maya Griffin ● 2nd Place: Audrey Davis ● 3rd Place: Audrey Davis Painting ● 1st Place: Jacquelynn Horsey ● 2nd Place: Wren Dillard ● 3rd Place: Lillie Greer Introductory Graphic Design ● 1st Place: Bo Morton ● 2nd Place: Maya Griffin ● 3rd Place: Grace Crain Advanced Graphic Design ● 1st Place: Madi Stearns ● 2nd Place: Naomi Carpenter ● 3rd Place: Ashton Dollar Beginning Ceramics Piece ● 1st Place: Jon David Fuller ● 2nd Place: Gaby LoRusso ● 3rd Place: Cole Alberius Advanced Ceramics Piece ● 1st Place: Audrey Davis ● 2nd Place: Win Phillips ● 3rd Place: Graham Seymour Non-Functional Sculpture ● 1st Place: Grace Heard ● 2nd Place: Parker Moore ● 3rd Place: Emma Otwell BEST OF SHOW: Grace Heard “Once Upon a Time” THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2018

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FINE ARTS

Middle School Performing Arts Provides Venue for Student Growth Written by Lynn Beardsley, Director of Fine Arts

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hile electives in performing arts have historically been offered in the middle school, the selection of performance opportunities rose to a new level this year, increasing students’ artistic interests with enriching selections. A music or theatre enrichment course is now part of the middle school academic requirements for fifth grade students to encourage students’ creative expression. Sixth grade students continue to have the option to participate in instrumental, vocal music, or theatre electives. Performances are held each semester to showcase students’ work in these specialties. Stephen Curry, Vocal Director, commented, “I'm honored to teach in the performing arts at this critical age, where I get to see formative, high-impact learning experiences unfold in front of me . The students know the importance of working together in the ensemble setting and trying new things. They are equipped to take ownership of the talent they bring to the table.”

The 2017-18 Middle School drama program introduced students to acting, directing, and tech procedures behind the scenes.

Students explored creative games, dramatic readings, and vocal skill exercises while developing a deeper understanding of character. In the year-long course, students had the opportunity to develop advanced skills and receive training and experience necessary for their live theatrical performance.

Also new this year, upper school students mentored middle school students on best practices within the performance world.

“Theatre Arts in middle school is such an amazing learning opportunity,” says Hollie Shepard, Theatre Arts teacher. “At this level I see so much passion and creativity within the students and I love seeing their 'Light Bulb' moments!”

Little Rock Christian academy Fine Arts Department Presents

Little Rock Christian academy

Little Rock Christian academy Fine Arts Department Presents

Little Rock Christian academy Fine Arts Department Presents

Fine Arts Department Presents

Little Rock Christian academy Fine Arts Department Presents

Little Rock Christian academy

Manger

S

A

6th Grade Theatre Class Directed by Jenna Auel - Senior Theatre Student Produced by Hollie Shepherd

E

a

AR

H

in

C H RIST M

By Charles Dickens

Adaptation by Kathryn Schult Miller

W ORLD

Fine Arts Department Presents

OUND

T

Band & Orchestra Christmas Concert

Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00pm

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Sounds of the Season

High School • Junior High • Grade 6 Choir Christmas Concert Friday, December 8 at 7:00pm

SPRING INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT

TUESDAY, MAY 1ST • 7:00PM HIGH SCHOOL GYM

10 skills students learn from the Arts that help them succeed in life: CREATIVITY Initiate new ideas. Seek to make their performance different from others.

CONFIDENCE Willing to try new things.

Walk with their head held high and a smile on their face.

PROBLEM SOLVING Approach problems as exciting challenges. Open to trying multiple ideas.

“We are grateful to LRCA for such a delightful way to develop leadership, poise, confidence, and teamwork within the students. Beauty and the Beast was a highlight of the school year!"

- Melissa Bozzay, Mother of Gabby Bozzay Belle from “Beauty & The Beast, Jr”

PERSEVERANCE Don’t give up while learning.

See mistakes as opportunities to learn.

FOCUS Respond with understanding.

Able to focus despite distraction.

BODY LANGUAGE Use their facial expressions to express positivity. Make solid eye contact.

RECEIVING CRITICISM Listen without interrupting.

Accept areas that need improvement.

COLLABORATION Willing to compromise.

Take initiative to contribute.

DEDICATION Practice independently.

Commit to being prepared.

ACCOUNTABILITY Committed to rehearsal.

Willing to admit mistakes.

Excerpt from www.TheArtisticEdge.ca THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2018

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COMMENCEMENT 2018

Class of 2018 Commits to Run with Horses Written by Dr. Gary B. Arnold, Head of School “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

T

he faculty and staff of Little Rock Christian Academy are devoted to building lives in Jesus and to assist the Church in building up the body of Christ. That said, we labor in vain if we do not surrender to the ever-present work of the Spirit.

Commencement 2018 was a picture window into the house of Warriors and the building going on inside. From the testimonies of the evening, it is clear that the Spirit is alive and well and working among us. Commencement speaker, Mr. William Dillard, III, challenged our graduates to run from conformity and comparison and to run to community and wisdom. Student Government President Grace Crain winsomely reflected back on the journey; Salutatorian Weston Northington humbly asked honest, thoughtprovoking questions; Valedictorian Nicholas Powell lovingly entreated his peers to live for eternity. Ashton Dollar, Rose Johnson, and Jenna Auel harmonized a prayer in song. Let me share what the Lord placed in their hearts.

Bill Dillard, III, Senior Vice President, Dillards, Inc. Graduates, imagine a future you love: one of flourishing individuality, security in your identity; purpose and meaning on a daily basis; and rich, life-giving relationships. It’s all there for you guys, but you have to run for it. Your racecourse will change. You will change.

The race of life will twist and turn and will present both exhilarating highs and devastating lows. And God will be for you the whole way.

What will you do with your heritage? - This freedom, this prosperity and this knowledge of the gospel. Realize you have been given these things for a higher purpose. The world is waiting.

The apostle Paul said it best: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Ready. Set. Go!

Grace Crain, Student Government President For some, high school is an individual sport, but for the Class of 2018, I truly believe that we have tackled the last four years with a team effort. Each one of us has contributed our unique talents and gifts to create a diverse and loving student culture … Forever, in our hearts, we will pause when we hear words or phrases like: Warrior, Emu, Blue Ribbon, The Golden Triangle, Worldview, #65, and Community.

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Nicholas Powell, Valedictorian Charles Lowery said, “Every day the world rolls over on someone who is sitting on top of it.” We’ve all heard of “the ladder of success,” that worldly ladder that promises wealth and satisfaction at its peak. Some of us are simply on the first few rungs of the worldly ladder. In college, we’ll grow in popularity and gain a few rungs.

After that, we’ll get that dream job, that perfect family, that dream home and climb even higher. Maybe some of us will reach the top.

Maybe some of us will sit on the top of the world. But the world is constantly moving, indifferent to who is perched on top of it. And if we climb that ladder, before you know it, the world will throw us off our throne and roll right over us.

The world is indifferent to how hard we work, to how much we sacrifice to get to the top.

But God looks at us differently. To Him, we are not just a cog in the machine or the next domino in this world of cause and effect. If you have received Christ and put your faith in Him, you are a child of Christ. We’ve heard it for all of our years at this school, but maybe it will take one more time for the magnitude of that truth to sink in.

You are a child of the King of Kings. But when we leave the shelter of this school and step onto the collegiate stage, the world will not respect our heredity.

No, if we live for the King of Kings, we may not be rewarded with riches and gold. Instead, our reward will be eternity. So strive to be successful, but don’t be successful for the world. Listen to what God wants for you, and be successful in Christ.

Weston Northington, Salutatorian • What can I say to the person who 3D printed a hand for a little girl to gain a little more normalcy in her life?

• What can I say to someone who has released an EP and is about to release an album?

• What can I say to the girl who, at 18 years old, became a manager at Chick-fil-a?

• What can I say to the athletes who use their boundless perseverance, physical endurance, and commitment to win too many championships for me to list?

• What can I say to the kids who worked their tails off to attend a military academy and serve our country?

COMMENCEMENT 2018

• What can I say to the foreign exchange students who traveled halfway across the world to be with us here today to hear their commencement in their non-native language?

• What can I say to the under represented minorities in our class who had to over-represent their communities with their actions?

• What can I say to the girl who chose to live out of her car rather than face abuse in her home?

• What can I say to the kids who struggle daily with incapacitating thoughts, yet choose to bring a smile to others, or to the kids who had life fighting against them, but chose to fight on and are here with us to walk across this stage today?

• What can I say to the men and women of a hundred different backgrounds gathered in this room today for a single reason?

The only thing I can say is … “well done!”

Ashton Dollar, Rose Johnson, Jenna Auel performed “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack I hope you never lose your sense of wonder You get your fill to eat But always keep that hunger May you never take one single breath for granted God forbid love ever leave you empty handed I hope you still feel small When you stand beside the ocean Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance.

Class of 2018, this is the year of your bloom. This is the year you committed to run with horses. You decided to do more than that.

You decided to become a racehorse and win the race. You decided to be Seabisquit. I am humbly proud of you. I am humbly proud of Warriorville.

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Congratulations Class of 2018

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Aubrey Elizabeth Adams

Audrey Katherine Davis

Raley Marie Ivester

Thomas Hanan Proctor

Cole Randall Alberius

Hannah Claire Davis

Makayla Judith Jacobson

Hannah Rue Ragsdale

Gabriel A. Albino-Martinez

Madison Gail Davis

Amelia Madeline James

Jenna Louise Auel

Madison Alexis Dedrick

Rose Johnson

Christopher Carey Roach

Mary Claire Loring Banks

Grace Ann Dickey

Matthew Ridgway Jones, Jr.

Lauren Nicole Beach

Wren Dillard

Emma Belle Kelley

Emelia Grace Belin

Ashton Brooke Dollar

Megan Taylor King

Riley William Scott

Kalin Shamar Bennett

Ethan Zachery Earls

Samantha K. Landers

Bennett Joseph Shoptaw

Madeline Grace Bennett

Hannah Dustin East

Davis Michael Lee

Donavan Caldwell Smith

Catherine Carter Berryhill

Savana Jade Espinoza

Cole Alexander Lemley

Ashton Nicole Springer

Victoria Renee Best

Carly Jameson Faulk

Reagan McKenzie Leverett

Jordan Lesli Billingsley

Jack Dylan Ferguson

Spencer Matthew Ligon

Joshua Keith Stadtmueller

Anna Kathryn Black

Haley Reese Flaherty

Victoria Ann Malak

Abigail Ruth Blankenship

Erin Elise Foley

William Whittington Maris

Benjamin William Blocker

Claire Helen Fortson

Katie Martin

Macy Rae Tingle

Harrison Tedder Booth

Catherine Paige Fox

William J. Martin

Kissten Grace Tinkle

Jackson Paul Bowersock

Carson French

Nathan Joel McFarland

Hannah Frances Grace Van Briner

James Leon Brantly

Jacob Frueh

Sean Joseph McKinney

Sterling Grace Waddell

Faith Madison Briggs

Jon David Fuller, II

Emma Grace Minden

Jordan Leigh Burks

Lauryn Claire Gasaway

Lillian Cress Mitchell

Jacob Christian Wagner

Ladarius Delafonte' Burnes

Logan Andrew Gasaway

Erin Montgomery

Wyatt Andrew Buttry

Sterling Anne Gentry

Julia Elizabeth Moore

Ely Nicholas Caroom

Adeline Paige Geoghagan

Madeline Elizabeth Morgan

Adam Joseph Wiechern

Matthew Robert Carroll

Maya Kathryn Griffin

Meagan Nicole Morrison

Athen Brooke Wilkerson

Nicholas James Rush Madison Schrader

Amy Raye Stotts William Doyle Strickland

Will George Walther Bailey Michelle White

Adrianne S. Chambers

Laurel Anne Harkins

Anna Ruth Murrell

Briahna Nicole Willis

William Chamblee

Kenneth Eugene Harris

Weston Stafford Northington

Andrew Bretton Wingfield

Willie Alexander Chapple, Jr.

Kate Coco Hatfield

Anders Britton Nowell

Hannah Grace Cheatham

Olivia Grace Havens

Rebecah Isabelle Ortega

Matthew Hunter Winston

Cassie Elizabeth Cohu

Charles Travis Henderson

William Stone Parkinson, IV

Grace Caroline Crain

Caleb Matthew Henry

Winston Hughes Phillips

David Bradshaw Curry

Sabrina Lee Horton

Maggie Rinn Pinkston

John Stanley Woodard

Alec Austin Daril

Sydney Jade House

Nicholas Michael Powell

Ximiao Yang

Brendan Patrick Daugherty

John Stephen Ivester

Madison Lauren Price

Jamie Lynn Zakovec

THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2018

Isabelle Delaney Wisinger Fred Andrew Wood, II

1

2

1. Grace Crain, Memory Speaker 2. Salutatorian Weston Northington and Valedictorian Nicholas Powell 3

3. Ashton Dollar, Jenna Auel, and Rose Johnson 4. Mr. William Thomas Dillard, III, Commencement Speaker

5

5. Dr. Gary Arnold, Head of School 6. Dr. Justin Smith, Head of Upper School 7. 2018 Kindergarten Club 4

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7 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2018 27

ATHLETICS

A Decade at LRCA Brings More than Trophies for Coach Lane Written by Tracy Lane

D

ating in middle school is admittedly awkward. Dating with an audience of middle school students is arguably more awkward. But that’s how it all began for “Coach Lane” and I in 2008. Little Rock Christian Academy has certainly loved us from the start.

And thankfully, Little Rock Christian Academy happens to be our start.

True to Matt’s endearing reputation, my little brothers and sister fell in love with him first. Lane coached my twin brothers in 8th grade football and taught my sister in 10th grade study hall. They knew Coach Lane to be consistent, intentional, funny, kind….and single.

Everything they thought their sister needed.

They were right.

Our year of dating on display was made up of nights out where I shared much of our dinner conversation with multiple players and families we saw at every restaurant around town. I quickly learned that I wasn’t the only one who loved Matt or was loved by him. The entire Little Rock Christian community embraced us, cheered for us, wedding showered us, and even participated in our big day. The eighth grade cheer squad was my house party and football players George Cress and Griffin Kuhn were ushers in our wedding.

I’ve heard many wedding officiants say that those present at your wedding ceremony are making a commitment to love and support you as a new family for whatever is to come. Little Rock Christian Academy has made good on that commitment.

We brought our first daughter into the world, and she learned to cheer for the Warriors! Audrey said, “Da-Da!” for the first time when she saw Matt through the wire fence coaching the 2013 state baseball playoffs in Jonesboro. Matt might’ve been ignoring the other team’s threats and the crowd’s jeers, but I knew he heard our 11-month-old’s greeting when his face lit up beside first base. She was the first to congratulate him on the Warrior win too!

And then in 2014, we brought another daughter into the world, this time under life-threatening circumstances that no one ever expects their baby to have. Little Rock Christian loved us again.

As God so perfectly orchestrated every detail, the father of one of Matt’s football players just so happened to be a pediatric cardiologist at Arkansas Children’s Hospital who took Annie’s case while her heart was still growing wrongly in my womb. A baseball parent, who was a Baptist hospital doctor, came to his shift early one morning to witness firsthand Annie’s miraculous birth. Another doctor, who we’d never met, waited for Matt at Arkansas Children’s Hospital after Annie’s ambulance ride. He greeted Matt at the door 28

THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2018

with a handshake, hug and a prayer. “I’ve been waiting on you,” he said. “My kids go to LRCA. We’ll take care of your family.”

Then details got scarier. Doctors recommended we travel across the country for Annie to get medical care to save her life. We wondered how we could afford the travel, the extended hotel stays, the medical expenses…but agreed to go before we had all of our calculations in place. We didn’t announce to anyone that we were worried, but the families at Little Rock Christian made sure we never had to. On multiple days, as Matt passed through the athletic office to get equipment and water bottles ready for practice, Coach Watson pulled him aside to place yet another anonymous check into his hands.

We don’t even know who you are to say thank you, but to an overwhelming amount of anonymous supporters: thank you for helping us save our daughter’s life.

Thank you for celebrating our daughter with us in September 2014 with a Heart for Annie football game full of matching t-shirts, donation buckets, media coverage, and thousands of prayers for our family. Thank you for your prayers that haven’t let up over

ATHLETICS the past four years through three open-heart surgeries, numerous hospital stays, and more diagnoses.

Thank you for your generous donations that came in Godorchestrated timing the same day we received a fivefigured bill in the mail. Thank you for Starbucks gift cards, for donated plane rides, for continued care to keep up with medical details, and for monogramming Annie’s initials on your Warrior baseball hats.

believe that God’s plan for our family is, in fact, the best plan for our family and that we’ll continue to choose faith and courage over fear.

We would love for you to keep up with us as faithful prayer Warriors while we embark on this next step. You can follow along with us at HeartForAnnie.wordpress.com.

Tracy Lane is the wife of Matt Lane and mother of Audrey and Annie. She is a former LRCA English teacher and Content Editor at Family Life Publishing.

And thank you, Little Rock Christian, for being the stable, loving place that an anxious big sister needed to lean on. Thank you to Mrs. Chami and the elementary teachers who have greeted Audrey warmly with hugs and smiles, who have treated her as any other Kindergarten student instead of “Annie’s sister,” and given her a safe place to grow and thrive.

Through Matt’s 12 years as a Warrior, he has • been mentored into a coach of the year, • been encouraged to and given professional permission to prioritize his family, • seen many examples to follow of how to be a dad and husband, • experienced families up close live out what we hope our family can be, and • been provided the means to care for our family in unexpected times.

When Matt accepted a coaching and teaching position at LRCA right out of college 12 years ago, I think he expected to get a job, to have an impact, to gain some experience. What he, and the four of us, found instead is a family, a place to call home, a legacy, and a future.

Warrior Baseball Accomplishments 5A Coach of the Year: 2014, 2015, 2018 5A Conference Championships: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018

5A State Qualifiers: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 5A State Runner Up: 2013

As God continues to write our family’s story and Annie’s special, half-hearted journey, He has shown us clearly that it is time to be close to Annie’s care at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. So this summer, we’ll take yet another unexpected step and move to the suburbs outside of Philly to begin a new life in Pennsylvania.

We are humbled and grateful to see God using Little Rock Christian again to provide for and project us on this path. Matt has accepted a position as Dean of Students at The Phelps School, where upper school principal, Dr. Justin Smith, serves on the board.

We cannot imagine life as anything besides an LRCA coaching family. We are sad to leave behind a place that has made us who we are over the last decade. But we are hopeful in following what God has for us.

As we go, we mostly want to say thank you for all the love, prayers, and the influence you’ve had on the four of us. Most importantly, too, we ask that you don’t stop praying for us; pray that we’ll continue to THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2018

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ATHLETICS BASEBALL

5A Central Conference Champs State Tournament Qualifier Coach of the Year: Matt Lane 5A Central Outstanding Pitcher Bennett Shoptaw 5A Central Outstanding Outfielder Trey Harris

SOFTBALL

Warrior Award Trey Harris 5A Central All Conference G Allen Trey Harris Davis Lee Anders Nowell Bennett Shoptaw Cason Tollett Jacob Wagner

All Star Team Trey Harris Bennett Shoptaw 5A All State Trey Harris Bennett Shoptaw Cason Tollett Jacob Wagner

4th in 5A Central Conference State Tournament Qualifier 5A All State Rue Ragsdale Gracie Smith 5A Central All Conference Mary Claire Banks Anna Griffin Rue Ragsdale Gracie Smith Warrior Award Grace Griffin

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ATHLETICS TRACK

Girls 5th in 5A Central Conference Boys 9th in 5A Central Conference Meet of Champs Audrey Funk Justice Hill Mary Mabry Andrew Wood

5A All State Justice Hill - High Jump Andrew Wood - 800 Meter 5A Central All Conference Justice Hill Andrew Wood

BOYS SOCCER

5A Central Conference Runner Up 3rd in State All Star Team Ben Blocker

5A All State Ben Blocker Elliot Hankins Jack Terry Warrior Award Ben Blocker

5A Central All Conference Stuart Fletcher Isaiah Hankins Luke Henry Justin Patty

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ATHLETICS

Warriors Clinch State Title with a Team Mentality

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Written by Debbie Davis, Director of Communications

n May 19, the Little Rock Christian Academy Girls Soccer team hoisted the State Championship trophy for the second time in four years. Behind goals from Claire Huchingson and Madeline Duch, the defense and Ashton Springer kept a shutout on the board as

the girls beat the top ranked Pulaski Academy Bruins at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville campus.

The Lady Warriors began the season unsure of who they were and how they would compete. To be honest, they thought it might be a “re-building” year. There was a valley in the season which included an earlier loss to Pulaski Academy. “We played well but just couldn’t pull out a win,” says Head Coach Beth Highfill. “Although it was a low time for us, it taught us a lot and we used it to make us stronger and bring us closer.”

As the season progressed, the squad matured and developed a team mentality. The twenty-one girls began to work hard every day and played like a true team. They developed a serious will to win.

The teamwork, grit, spirit, determination, and leadership are obvious from their 18-1-1 season as well as the 5A Central Conference and 5A State Championships. During the course of the state tournament, the Warriors were the only team, boys or girls in all classifications, with a

5A Central Conference Champions 5A State Champions Coach of the Year: Beth Highfill All Star Team Victoria Best Ashton Springer 32

THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2018

5A All State Hope Boshears Claire Huchingson Gaby LoRusso Darby Stotts Warrior Award Gaby LoRusso

shut-out in every game. In addition to the team honors, seven players were selected to the All-Conference Team and four were selected to the All-State Team. Seniors Victoria Best and Ashton Springer will represent the Warriors this summer in the Arkansas All-Star game.

“My favorite memory was after the semifinal game when the girls realized they would be going to the state championship in Fayetteville,” says Highfill. “They were ecstatic and in awe that they had made such strides this season. All their hard work had brought them to this point.

They did what they needed to do each day and gave God the glory.”

5A Central All Conference Abby Aduddell Victoria Best Claire Ferguson Mary Beth Pierce Ashton Springer Madison Stockwell

WILD ABOUT WARRIORS

ABOUT

WARRIORS

GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE

2018

APRIL 14 Written by Heather Bennett, Advancement Assistant

D

espite the chilly temps, Warriorville was fired up for family fun at Parent Teacher Fellowship’s Wild About Warriors event on Saturday, April 14! The campus was covered in carnival style entertainment complete with pony rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, a Warrior talent showcase, adventure activities and a FunRun sponsored by middle school BLAST. Silent auction and raffle items included a fantastic Disney vacation, Warrior experiences and more.

PTF honored Pediatrics Plus (Amy and Todd Denton) with the 2018 Hickingbotham Business Excellence Award for their tremendous positive impact on Little Rock Christian Academy as well as the community.

Sarah Glenn Crabill, Class of 2008, was also honored with the Mark Webb Alumni Award.

Sponsors for this friend-filled event were Dillard’s; Rainwater, Holt and Sexton; Karen and Fred Lord; and Kanakuk.

Wild About Warriors was chaired by the highly talented Charity Workman who led a whole host of dedicated men and women to bring a one of a kind event to our one of a kind school!

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WEST

GRANDPARENTS DAY 2018

WILD WEST Written by Amy Rypkema, Parent Teacher Fellowship President

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favorite tradition at LRCA, Grandparents Day is a much-anticipated event! Elementary students, teachers, parent volunteers, and administration alike prepare and plan for this day with special thought and care. And with good reason...this day brings many beloved grandparents to our campus to celebrate with their grandchildren and to experience Warriorville. This is a day like no other!

Grandparents Day 2018 was one for the books! Over 1,000 grandparents were welcomed in western style. Covered wagons, cowboy hats, cowgirl boots, and bales of hay appeared around the elementary building and gym to set the mood for the special day. Breakfast treats and coffee were lovingly provided prior to the highlight of the morning...the beautiful voices of elementary children from K3 through 4th grade. This year's musical presentation, led by the talented elementary music teacher, Carli Sasser, was humorous, educational, and most certainly worshipful. Children adorned in red bandanas and boots exuded excitement as they sang with gusto! As is tradition, grandparents then enjoyed time in classrooms, observing amazing student artwork and meeting teachers and staff. Photo opportunities abounded so that precious memories could be preserved.

Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) is pleased each year to partner with the elementary staff to plan and prepare for such a wonderful occasion. This day highlights The Golden Triangle of home, church and school, with the importance of grandparents being emphasized.

Grandparents Day is sure to bring many warm memories for years to come in Warriorville!

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SENIOR SERVICE

Denim and Diamonds with ACCESS Academy Written by Stefan Jones, Senior Class Sponsor

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ittle Rock Christian Academy parent, Carla Gregg is the mother of three daughters, alumna Maddie Gregg (2015), Lillie Gregg (current LRCA sophomore) and Katie Gregg, an alumni of the ACCESS Life program. Like most siblings, the sisters have different personalities and interests ranging from the saxophone to soccer, but they all appreciate the memorable occasions in life like attending their high school prom. In 2011 Carla had a heart-felt and insightful idea to host a prom for the students at ACCESS. “I was looking for a facility large enough to host the students at ACCESS, and I thought of LRCA. I approached Mr. Salman, Director of Student Life, and he willingly offered the High School Commons,” says Gregg. “I then pushed my luck and asked to borrow the decorations from the LRCA prom.”

However, when Mr. Salman presented the opportunity to the senior class that year, they insisted on not only loaning their decorations but hosting and sponsoring the event. Seven years later, the tradition continues and the senior class anxiously awaits this special evening each year. The seniors develop a theme, decorate, act as disc jockeys, and dance the night away with the ACCESS students.

The 2018 prom “Denim and Diamonds” on May 11 was chaired by senior Olivia Havens. “We visited the ACCESS students a few weeks prior to the dance for a ‘Meet and Greet’," says Havens. “We wanted to put the students at ease and give them an opportunity to get to know us.” The Class of 2018 filled the evening with special touches including a red carpet entrance, photo booth, games and snacks. The Senior class turned the High School Commons into a

magical environment filled with excited faces, laughing, dancing, hugs and sheer joy. It made for an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

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ALUMNI NOTES 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. See LittleRockChristian.com/Alumni for submittal instructions.

BUNDLES OF JOY

Anna Fruchey Covington (Class of 2007) and her husband Jonathan Covington welcomed their son Caleb William Covington (4 pounds, 3 ounces) on January 31, 2018. The Covingtons reside in Little Rock.

Josh Raine (Class of 2006) and his wife, Jennifer welcomed their son Levi Joshua Raine (8 pounds, 4 ounces) on January 23, 2018. Proud grandmother a.k.a. RuRu, is LRCA’s Director of Human Resources Ruby Raine. Josh, Jennifer and Levi live in the Fort Worth area.

Elizabeth Craig Hudson (Class of 2009) and Rob Hudson (Class of 2009) welcomed their baby girl Selah Gray Hudson (7 pounds, 6 ounces) on March 19, 2018. The Hudson family makes their home in Little Rock.

WALKS DOWN THE AISLE

Caitlin Hagans (Class of 2008) married Jake Bunger on March 10, 2018 at The Grand Ivory in Leonard, Texas. The couple makes their home in Dallas, Texas.

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Haley Wheeler (Class of 2012) married Ryan Kirk on April 14, 2018 at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock. Haley's mother, Paulette Wheeler, works in the high school Academic and College Counseling Office.

The Kirks make their home in Birmingham, Alabama.

William Daniel Eliff (Class of 2010) married Corinn Marianna Holberg on May 12, 2018 at Maple Hurst Farms in Mount Vernon, Washington. The couple resides in Seattle, Washington.

Amanda Ashley Glover (Class of 2008) wed Cody Wayne James on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Historic Lafayette Building in downtown Little Rock.

Amanda is the daughter of LRCA Junior HIgh Assistant Principal Michele Glover.

The couple resides in Little Rock.

ALUMNI NOTES

Close Up with Sarah Glenn Crabill, Class of 2008 PTF’s 2018 Mark Webb Alumni Award Recipient Written by Heather Bennett, Advancement Assistant

“Little did I know that I was one of only a few female sports photographers on that level paving that road. It took perseverance

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and the Lord’s favor to get where I am today,” Sarah says of her ittle Rock Christian Academy is blessed with a wide array of incredible alumni. Zooming in on one each year is always a challenge, but one particular young lady came into crystal clear focus for the selection committee.

early career. She goes on to explain, “LRCA was instrumental in

The 2018 recipient of PTF’s annual Mark Webb Alumni Award* is Sarah Glenn Crabill, Class of 2008. With a humble heart and winning attitude, Sarah has traveled the globe and achieved tremendous success in the world of sports photography. She also spends time here at home serving in the elementary school. She exemplifies the mission of Little Rock Christian Academy by being the hands and feet of Jesus abroad and in her own backyard.

or career worthy. My final project, a photo book of the devastating

When asked about what inspires her to serve Sarah says, “The Bible is clear that we are to serve one another. I was raised in a home where that was exemplified daily. The elementary school at LRCA is an easy place to serve. All I am doing is coming alongside those who already serve with a whole heart. The teachers and faculty give everything they have every single day to further the education of the kids and advance the Kingdom of God. That is inspiring.”

Sarah loves both of her careers – photography and elementary

Sarah is also a very accomplished freelance sports photographer on the days she is not working in the elementary. “I have had many exciting moments and endeavors in my career,” shares Sarah.

Since beginning her freelance career in 2011, she has been part of major sporting events such as an NBA championship, Rio Summer Olympic Games, NFL playoffs, NCAA football championships, NHL, PGA, NASCAR championships and others. Her work has been published on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

preparing me academically, emotionally and spiritually for college and beyond.

Additionally, LRCA’s J-Term was an incredible

opportunity to see if my passion for photography was just a hobby storm that hit San Francisco in 2008, was a defining moment that led me down the path of professional photography.”

Sarah’s work has also broadened outside of sports over the years.

She photographs trips for study tours and missions from Israel to Africa. Sarah says, “The value of those experiences is eternal.” education.

She also has fond memories of when she was a

student on the LRCA campus and of her classmates. “I think that we were a class with a special bond. From tailgating before football games to Shakey’s hangouts, it was a great journey with a class of awesome people.” *Mark Webb Alumni Award Mark Webb (class of 2006) was chosen as the first recipient of the Little Rock Christian Alumni Award because of his enthusiastic support of LRCA while he was a student and as an alumni. Mark has exhibited strength, courage and dedication as he has fought to recover from a severe brain injury. Mark continues to inspire other Warriors, serve his community, and love well through adversity.

LRCA continues to annually honor an alumnus who exhibits similar characteristics.

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ADVANCEMENT

#WarriorsRising Written by Cindy McLeod, Director of Advancement

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he landscape is changing. In the view of Little Rock Christian Academy from Cantrell Road, a great structure appears above the horizon of Warrior Field’s press box. The new Indoor Athletic Training Facility fills the plot of land between the ATC gymnasium and Warrior Field, and its height provides an eagle’s view from the southeast side of campus.

Upon entering LRCA from the west gate, an impressive stone and glass entrance invites you to step into the modern facility which is scheduled for grand opening on August 1. In addition to a 50yard artificial turf field, this brand new facility will house a spacious Warrior Store, an athletic training room with advanced therapy equipment, office and conference spaces, and an upper mezzanine for wrestling, spirit squad and baseball training.

Athletes and coaches alike are anticipating intense workouts in the Indoor. The level of repetitive practice that this expansion offers will make competing with excellence second nature for our players.

Head Football Coach Eric Cohu says, "The Indoor will allow us to be much more efficient with practice, especially in regards to inclement weather and having concurrent practice sessions."

The Indoor, in itself, is an impressive expansion of functional space for student development. We are grateful for this huge gift. But that’s not all.

The western side of campus is also scheduled to expand with the addition of Warrior Arena. Thanks again to remarkable gifts from people who believe in the Christian education that LRCA provides, the majority of the funds have been raised to break ground in August on this 1,500-seat competition gymnasium that will also include five new classrooms.

Warrior Arena will be constructed on the land between Warrior Hall and the high school, giving upper school students prime access to this facility and its classrooms. With over 50% more seating 38

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than the current Warrior Gym, this arena will provide additional space for the crowds at Varsity basketball games, and also crucial practice space for multiple teams at all levels. Fans of all ages will enjoy cheering on our Warriors from an upper level concession and viewing area.

Lastly, on the north side of campus heavy equipment has been exacvating the 18-acre tract that was donated to the school last summer, setting the stage for the capstone project of #WarriorsRising. Could our community also be blessed with a modern academic building for the training and instruction of children? That land provides promise and hope for the future as the board of trust prayerfully considers the best means to provide a 21st century education that will equip children with truth, love, faith and skill. An education that will prepare Warriors to RISE and go from here as disciples of Christ.

All capital construction projects are funded by charitable gifts. To God be the glory, great things HE has done! Buildings are rising; the campus is expanding. More importantly… Warriors are Rising.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly that all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

18 Acres donated to LRCA in 2017

Warrior Arena Lower Level

Warrior Arena Upper Level

LRCA 2014 Master Plan

SAVE THE DATE August 1, 2018

Dedication and Ground Breaking Ceremony 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. www.littlerockchristian.com/warriorsrising

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Little Rock Christian Academy 19010 Cantrell Road • Little Rock, AR 72223

Nonprofit U.S. Postage PAID Permit #1568 Little Rock, AR

Joining the Journey - New Family Orientation and Social

August 9, 6:30 p.m. • Warrior Hall

Elementary Meet Your Teacher Day August 13, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Middle School, Junior High and High School Locker Set Up August 13, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

High School Back to School Bash

August 14 – TBD

First Day of School

August 15 – Early Dismissal

Elementary Parent Back-to-School Night

August 20, 6:30 p.m.

Middle School Parent Back-to-School Night

August 21, 6:30 p.m.

Junior High Parent Back-to-School Night

August 28, 6:30 p.m.

High School Parent Back-to-School Night

August 27, 6:30 p.m.

For Summer Assignments and Back to School Information visit www.LittleRockChristian.com/Summer 40

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Back to

School fall 2018