Imagine Magazine Spring 2022

�imagine� MAGAZINE

SPRING 2022

Contents About the Cover: High school students wave their flags in the Veterans Day parade.

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Editor & Director of Public Relations Kayley White Editors and Contributors Diana Bay Cindy Brown Dr. Lori Hadley Dave Hogan Dr. Brian Mast Dr. Tony Kinkel Kathy Pruitt Printing Ford Press Photography George Horsford MDCA Yearbook Malcolm Yawn Imagine Magazine is produced by the Office of Public Relations for the parents, friends, supporters, and alumni of Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children's Home.

Mount Dora Christian Academy and Children's Home 301 W. 13th Avenue Mount Dora, FL 32757 /MDCABulldogs /MountDoraChildrensHome @MDCAcademy @MDCAcademy @mount_dora_childrens_home

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2 Letter from the President 13 Arts 3 Development 6 Alumni 9 Academics 11 Student Life

15 Athletics 17 Memorials and Honors

From the President

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Romans 12:12 This past July, my family and I traveled to Oklahoma to celebrate the life of my wife’s ninety-nine-year-old grandmother. After the funeral, we spent some time with family cleaning out her apartment and reminiscing over the items she held so dear to her heart. My wife stumbled upon a note card by her grandmother’s favorite chair that read, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12.

The notecard has been on our refrigerator since that day and serves as a great reminder for our family. While my family has clung to this message since the passing of our family member, the verse is also applicable to our first semester at Mount Dora Christian Academy. We rejoice in the continued success of our students academically, artistically, and athletically. We continue to be patient as we navigate the challenging times we are in. Just as we prayed over each student and the entire campus to start the school year, we pray constantly that God will bless our community richly and that He will allow us to continue the mission set forth to walk alongside children and families for years to come.

At the Mount Dora Children’s Home, we continue to forge forward in strengthening the supports and services provided to children and families. Dedicated staff are focused on creating new strategies and opportunities for those in service to build practical daily living skills, bolster academic and employment options for children and families, enhance parenting

Dr. Mast gives Coach Harrison his award for receiving the 2021 Class 1A Boys Track and Field Coach of the Year from Florida Dairy Farmers.

skills, and promote spiritual growth and development for every person served.

This year, we will be launching a new program in partnership with a local community group to assist in teaching healthy eating habits and nutritional well-being. We will also be bringing in guest speakers to help support our single parents in better understanding budgeting, money management, and overall financial well-being. And finally, we are incorporating additional tools to assist us in assessing and tracking program outcomes so that we can continually improve services for people.

Whether it is faculty and staff at the Academy or social workers and house parents at the Children’s Home, children and families always experience the beautiful outreached hand of Jesus through our MDCA&CH staff. We will continue to focus on our mission to Educate, Equip, and Empower and to advance His kingdom.

In Him,

Dr. Brian Mast President

Dr. Mast with 2021 BSI inductees.

From left to right: Mayson Rodden, Hailey Perry, Aly Cetnarowicz-Brown, Emma Ferebee, Jyoti Kumar, Dr, Mast.

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DEVELOPMENT

Tim Deem retiring as VP of Development, Tony Kinkel named as successor.

Dr. Tony Kinkel joined Mount Dora Christian Academy and Children’s Home on January 1st as the new Vice President of Development. He oversees efforts in fundraising and donor relations.

Kinkel brings a unique blend of teaching, administrative, policy-making, and leadership experience. A native of northern Minnesota, his resume includes 16 years as a state legislator and 13 years as a community and technical college president.

He most recently served as Executive Director of the Minnesota State Board for School Administrators.

Dr. Brian Mast, President of MDCA&CH, praised the choice of Kinkel for this key position.

“We are delighted to welcome Tony to the Mount Dora family," Dr. Mast said. "Tony brings with him a servant heart and a passion for helping children and families.

He is the right person to continue the great work taking place in the Development office."

Kinkel succeeds Tim Deem, who is retiring after serving in that capacity since 2009. “Tim has done

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an outstanding job for our organization over the past 16 years, beginning with his tenure on the Board of Trustees in 2005,” said Dr. Mast. “He has built relationships with donors, churches, and grant-making foundations that have resulted in millions of dollars in donations. The school and children’s home have greatly benefited from his leadership.”

Dr. Mast recently presented Deem with the Divine Servant Award for his “passion, love, and dedication” to Mount Dora. He noted that Deem had devoted a good portion of his professional career to serving the Academy and Children’s Home. During his tenure, Deem was responsible for over 90 benefit dinners in the last 12 years, bringing in over $1.5 million. He started the Distinguished Speaker Series bringing in Tim Tebow, Bobby Bowden, Lou Holtz, Willie Robertson, and Mike Huckabee to our campus. He has overseen important initiatives such as the promotion and funding for the Lugar Cottage Remodel, the Jerome Thompson Science Building, Samuels Student Center, Wishart Science Lab, Preschool Playground, Bulldog Stadium and Tom Jett Field.

About his new position, Kinkel shares, “It is the thrill of a lifetime to be a part of MDCA&CH at this stage in my career. "I must admit I am nervous to try to follow someone like Tim Deem. He and his staff have done

an amazing job creating personal relationships with our donors. He has uncanny ability to remember nearly every donor’s name. I come to MDCA&CH hoping to share what I learned as a teacher, an academic dean, state senator, college president, and most recently, the head of the Minnesota Board of School Administrators.

The Lord has blessed my career.

I look forward to continuing the work Tim Deem started 13 years ago. With more children in need, and more parents questioning the direction of public schools, it is our prayer that MDCA&CH will continue to be a shining light for the next generation of children."

Kinkel and his wife, Melva, have two children: Brett, age 34, who lives in Kansas City with his wife and son, and Kellen, age 20, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

A New Look for Single-Parent Housing Single parent Rebecca Blum and her family recently moved into the newly renovated House #1 on McDonald Street. This 1950s era house required both structural and cosmetic upgrades and now looks like a new house! Rebecca is shown here with son, Micah Long, and daughter, Gracie Blum. Not pictured are children Mason and Faith Kmieciak. Rebecca is a teacher assistant at a nearby elementary school and is attending school at Lake Sumter State College.

House #2, next door, has already been renovated as have the single-parent apartments on West 13th Avenue. Our thanks to all the donors who made these renovations possible.

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SOCIAL SERVICES

"Serving on the Board of Directors for five years before moving to Mount Dora helped prepare Tim for the position as Vice President for Development. He spent countless hours dedicating his time and energy to improve MDCA&CH. Days, nights, and weekends were spent traveling for benefit dinners, meeting with donors, and nurturing relationships between MDCA&CH and those who support us. Rarely taking vacation time or sick time, he never wavered in the task at hand, even during the year that he was fighting cancer and the health difficulties caused by the treatment of cancer. The relationships he built with donors will continue to bless our school and home for years to come. We will ever be indebted to Tim for all that he did for MDCA&CH," said Administrative Assistant of Development Kathy Pruitt.

DEVELOPMENT

Joy of Giving

Greetings to all of you! I am the new Vice President of Development at Mount Dora Christian Academy and Children’s Home! As many of you know, Tim Deem is retiring after 13 wonderful years of service to the school and children’s home.

Our family comes to MDCA&CH after the Lord blessed us with over 30 years of public service. I have served as a teacher, college professor, state senator, college president, and head of a state agency. Recently, however, I came to a point in my life when I realize that all the success in the world meant nothing if the world my grandchildren must live in was rudderless and without a moral compass. For me, it was time to use my talents in a more direct way at helping the next generation of Americans in their spiritual and moral development.

As we transition leadership of this office, I am reminded of King Solomon’s transition many years ago found in 1 Kings 3. In his prayer to the Lord, Solomon said, “You have shown much loving devotion to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number. Therefore, give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

As I witness the tremendous success of this office, and the work of the Lord through Tim and his partners, Kathy Pruitt, Dave Hogan, and Brad Green, my prayer to the Lord is that the devotion and kindness he bestowed upon Tim may be extended to me. Tim has been blessed with an amazing ability to remember nearly every donor by name. He has developed a personal relationship with many of you. I ask for your patience and wisdom as we move forward together. I promise to devote every ounce of my ability to garner the resources so that our house parents, our children, and our teachers can continue to utilize their God-given ability to help change the lives of the next generation.

One of the things that has amazed me as I learn the profession from Tim is the dazzling array of financial tools one can use to bolster his or her giving to MDCA&CH. Our office can help you with annuities, donor-advised funds (DAF), and IRA asset donations. We can direct more of your investments going to charitable causes rather than to Uncle Sam. For those who do not itemize their taxes, cash donations to the children's home and school are tax-deductible, up to $600 per family. In addition, parents and grandparents who have a 529 Education Plans may contribute up to $10,000 for tuition at MDCA. These are exciting times! I look forward to getting to know you on a personal level. May God bless our school and children’s home!

Join Us for a Benefit Dinner

We hope you will make plans to join us for a regional benefit dinner near you hosted by Mount Dora Children’s Home. This year’s theme for the dinners is “Preparing Today’s Families for Tomorrow’s World.”

So far this year, we have hosted benefit dinners in Sarasota and Montgomery (Alabama), in addition to the Boyd Scholarship Dinner held on our campus. Two more regional benefit dinners are scheduled for this spring. They are the Jacksonville Benefit Dinner on April 2 at the University of North Florida and the Tampa Area Benefit Dinner on May 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tampa Airport.

Reservations and tickets are required. For more information on any of these dinners, please contact Brad Green at 352-729-9255 or brad.green@MDCHome.org.

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ALUMNI

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Alumni Updates

Elizabeth Bevill graduated from Troy University’s MS Counseling and Psychology program.

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Chad Norris is in his last year of school at Pentecostal Theological Seminary and has started an internship at North Cleveland Church of God. "My educational experience in Cleveland, Tennessee, has been life-transforming. Other than my classes at seminary, my internship has allowed me to work with the homeless, share Christ with them, and have numerous speaking opportunities. Excited to see what's next after graduation!"

Jonathan Foster is an Associate at Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

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Meghan (Chapman) DuBose and her husband, Coit, had their second baby girl on September 27th, 2021. Her name is Caroline Jane DuBose, who is also Cooper Chapman’s niece! (Sophomore at MDCA).

2016

Leah Germain started her own business, Case Creative Co. Case Creative Co. specializes in social media management and creative solutions for small businesses.

Jessica Hiteshew graduated from Marshall University with her Master's in Health Care Administration. She is currently working as a credentialing specialist at a surgery center in Boulder, Colorado. Jessie is also studying for test 1 of the CFA certification (Chartered Financial Analyst)!

2017

Cassie McWhirt started a new job at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, AL as a Rehabilitation Aide.

2020

John Brooks was promoted to private first class in the U.S. Marines.

Four Class of 2015 graduates were inducted into the Ring of Honor at the Nathan Hayes Shootout in January. Pictured is Coach Steven Hayes, former preschool teacher Sharon Crumity, and 2015 graduates Hayden Welter and Mason Harbeck.

Not pictured are Lamar Smith and Chad Simmons.

Join Our Alumni Network

On Facebook: Search for "MDCA Alumni", and click the blue "Join" button.

On our website: www.mdcacademy.org/alumni We would love to know what is going on in your life! Let us know about graduations, awards, a wedding, a birth, job changes, promotions, etc. Please email your news to alumni@MDCAcademy.org.

Scan this QR Code to visit the alumni page on our website!

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ALUMNI

Bulldogs in Hollywood

2008 graduate, Kat Kemmet, and 2012 graduate, Caleb Emery, have both made it to the big screen.

Kat Kemmet has been living in Los Angeles for the past three years. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and earned her AA in 2020. Kemmet works multiple jobs at the moment. Her day job is as an HRIS Analyst for Mitsubishi Shared Services Americas, but she also writes, directs, and acts.

Her favorite memory during her time at CH&BS was a field trip to the Orlando Shakespeare Festival.

“It was my first experience seeing Shakespeare performed live, and it completely changed the way I viewed theatre and made me fall in love with Shakespeare's writings. We saw "The Tragedy of Macbeth" performed in the round in 2008. I don't believe I would have the same reverence for classical theatre that I do today had I not seen that performance.”

He favorite teacher at CH&BS is Jody King. "Her classes still stick out in my mind because of how she encouraged and engaged us to read and constantly be curious. She taught me while I was in middle school (I was one of the students at CH&BS that attended from Kindergarten all the way through high school graduation). To this day, I have her on Facebook, and she is always full of the same kindness and warmth she had in her classes while teaching. I could tell she was a teacher that genuinely cared about her students and wanted them to succeed.”

Kemmet did not discover a love of acting until she was 25. “When I turned 25 I realized I had been placing my life on hold and waiting for the 'right time' to do anything. I decided that year to take a trip to Iceland by myself which was one of the best experiences I have ever had. When I got back, I determined that I needed to take more risks in my life and try to move 7 | Imagine · Spring 2022

out of my comfort zone, so I auditioned for a musical.

I knew being on stage scared the daylights out of me, but I wanted to work on challenging my fears. When I got a role at The Melon Patch Players in Leesburg, I was initially excited but then horrified because I had no idea what I was doing! A friend I made in the show recommended an acting coach to me (Scott "Sharky" Hodges) and after a few classes with him, he told me that if I wanted to, I could really pursue this as a career.

I hadn't given myself permission to even think about it before that point, but suddenly the scales fell from my eyes, and I knew I wanted to give it my all. I started taking classes in Orlando at Truthful Acting studios and auditioning for anything and everything. By the time I left Florida to study at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, I had participated in over 40 films, theatres, and commercial projects. After I graduated from AADA, I booked a role immediately in a feature film titled "Guilt". The director knew me from an audition I had done in Orlando three years prior and remembered me, asked me to audition, and I got the role.”

Kemmet has been in several features and short films including The Watchman's Edict, directed by Bryan Boykins and Guilt, directed by Tom Proctor. Kemmet has also written and directed a few short films to build traction for a feature she has been working on. Her latest short film, Boxes, won Best Short, Best Acting, and Best Screenwriting in several festivals worldwide.

“Guilt will be released sometime this year. That is a film I am really proud of, and we had a marvelous cast and director. I am also working on a feature film centered around the drafts during the Vietnam War, but, unfortunately, I can't give much information on that one yet.”

sure if she enjoyed it as much as we did messing with her, but I will never forget those moments, and I know she is watching over me in heaven.”

During his sophomore year, Mr. Horton started a tv production class that helped Emery realize he wanted to pursue a career in the film industry. “This class basically taught us the ins and outs of filmmaking.

From filming to editing, we had to learn it all. I say that because, if it wasn’t for that class, I don’t believe I would be doing what I am doing today.”

Caleb Emery graduated from CH&BS in 2012. During his time at CH&BS, he was involved in the golf program for seven years, where he competed in one state championship and multiple regional championships.

Emery started helping the Boys Varsity Basketball team during his junior year and continued until a couple years after he graduated. “Working with Steven Hayes was not only fun, but also an honor. I love that man, and I am glad I can still call him a friend to this day.”

In 2016, Emery decided he was going to move across the country to keep following his dreams in Los Angeles, California. As of today, he has been pursuing acting for ten years. “Time really does fly when you are doing something you love.”

Emery has been seen in shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scream Queens, American Vandal, and most recently, Amazons Hunters, acting alongside Al Pacino. He also played the role of Baby Tyler for four seasons of NBC’s Good Girls. Emery has been in movies like Goosebumps, Little, and Fist Fight. You can currently see him in upcoming episodes of Young Sheldon and the new movie KIMI. The MDCA teachers that have inspired Emery the most are Mrs. Reed, Mrs. Grubbs, and Mr. McNeely. “When I think about my time [at MDCA] and teachers that inspired me, it's tough to talk about just one or two.

First and foremost I will put Mrs. Reed at the top of my list. Not only was she very (and I mean VERY) patient with me as her student, but she also was the girls golf coach, so we got to spend extra time together. I'm not

Emery gives the following advice to current MDCA students, “The last thing I want to do is sound cliche, but it's just the truth. Chase it. Chase the dream you have. If I could tell you how many times I was told I wasn’t going to be on tv or I wasn’t ready, we would have a book. The only person that needs to believe in you, is you.”

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ALUMNI

Kemmets' advice to current MDCA students is, “to always look for ways to get out of your comfort zone.

Be willing to fail! Be compassionate to others, and be compassionate with yourself. I would also say- don't be afraid to be passionate about something! There's often a fear that being passionate isn't cool, and there's often a desire (especially in high school) to squash or hide enthusiasm. Passion and the willingness to show I have passion for film and theatre is what got me as far as I am, and it led me to some of the best friendships and career relationships that I have. Everyone has a different path, and some find it immediately; others (like me) don't discover it until a little later on. Give yourself permission to follow your heart and do what you love. Give yourself permission to be passionate and compassionate. It makes a tremendous difference in your life in the best possible way.”

ACADEMICS

Striving for Success

Plans have been made to begin the 2022-2023 school year with an Academic Success Center on campus.

The ASC will be life-changing for the students in the Academy and residents of the Children’s Home who will benefit from its services.

The Academic Success Center will not only be home to academic tutoring services on our campus. The ASC has the space available to provide classes and services including: counseling, life skills training, successful parenting, financial management, developing healthy relationships, self-esteem improvement, remedial education, academic coaching, and Title I tutoring. It will also be where both students and single parents turn for counseling. Single parents will have the opportunity to attend classes on topics such as parenting skills and money management. Additionally, the facility will provide a reduced distraction testing center.

“Our new ASC will provide our students with a consistent, distraction-free environment to test, allowing us to alleviate any stress our students have about where they are going to receive Academic Support”.

-Academic Success Coach, Matt McGonigal.

Students will gain self-esteem and confidence from the ASC. They will earn better grades in the classroom.

Some may go to college who otherwise would not have made it due to poor grades. Most children who come into the Children’s Home program are initially behind academically. They are smart kids but just need some extra help to catch up. The new Academic Success Center on our campus will give them the tools 9 | Imagine · Spring 2022

they need to achieve their full potential, both inside the classroom and beyond.

“At MDCA&CH we take pride in the work we do to serve students and families. Meeting the needs of every student sometimes requires extra resources such as tutoring, help with executive functioning skills, counseling, or therapy, just to name a few. We also host training for those in the single parent program, houseparents, teachers, and peer counselors. The Academic Success Center will provide a facility for these services to take place” -Head of School, Dr. Lori Hadley The purpose is to provide a facility where multiple teaching and counseling disciplines can be conducted in an environment conducive to learning, testing, and therapeutic services.

This new center is only made possible by our generous donors. In the month of November, we launched our Giving Tuesday campaign to raise money for the Academic Success Center with the goal of raising $30,000. This was more than triple the amount that we have ever raised through Giving Tuesday. The goal was exceeded to a total of $57,000! MDCA&CH is extremely grateful to everyone who donated. If you are interested in giving to this fund, please visit our website: www.mdchome.org/give/giving-tuesday The Academic Success Center will be located in the current Burton cottage, to the left of the gym.

MDCA&CH is looking forward to the many benefits that this new facility will provide.

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STUDENT LIFE

Bulldog Snapshots

Five studen ts received their w Ceremony hite coats at the BSI W in Septembe hite Coat r.

part of the Adopt-AMDCA students are a Dora. They monitor e Lak on m gra Lake pro lake, and complete the water quality of thel cleanups. environmenta

Homecoming Queen Beka Baker and King Caleb Romano in the 2021 Mount Dora Christmas Parade.

The Boys Varsity Basketball team was named the 2A District 5 Champions!

U.S. Coast in McConnell, at Commander Iawas the keynote speaker d) Guard (Retire terans Day Program. our Ve

MDCA School grader, Ayden Spelling Bee runner-up, 7t h Koller, grader, Jacksoand Champion, 6th n Kendrick

The BETA Club collected over 1,832 pounds of food to donate to Lake Cares.

Second ary stu Mater dents gather after th t e fall p o sing the Alm ep rally a .

Coach Cindy Brown was recognized for her 25 years of service coaching the Varsity Cheerleading team.

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Service Center the Christian s. They also to t en w AY e homeles of THE W 32 members orida to serve lunch to th rson at the Center. of Central Fl nearly 300 blankets in pe distributed

Junior Abby Romano has made a name for herself in the realm of baking. Growing up in Hudson, New York, her family recently moved to Florida, and this is her first year at MDCA. Abby was raised in church. Her dad was a pastor at Rock Solid Church for 20 years. She has four siblings Sam, Hannah, Caleb, and Aria. Her parents are Tara and Chris Romano. “My dad is my biggest supporter of my business. He pushes me to do the impossible including creating my own cake business at 12!

I have been baking since I can remember all around the kitchen with my mom, but I really fell in love with baking when I started watching videos and shows and seeing how my Nona would make the best cakes and pies. So, I started baking, and the rest is history.”

“What made me want to start my own cake business was I started to make cakes and goodies for family friends and small gatherings. But, seeing the surprise on people's faces and the pride I felt for myself, I knew I wanted to start a business and do this for a career.” Abby has been making cakes for about four years now.

The meaning behind the name Fay’s Cakes is that Abby’s great grandma’s name is Fay. “She means the world to me and always gives the best hugs, so I wanted to name

it after her. I hope one day when I do open my own bakery, that it is as homey and lovely as my grandma Fay is.” Abby’s middle name is even Fay, taking after her grandma.

Abby does face the challenge of time management and balancing between her business and being a high school student.

She has to work hard to make time for homework and getting cake orders done.

“Being a high school student (especially a junior) and managing a business is no easy task, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Abby plans to continue Fay’s Cakes because she has such a passion for it. “Seeing the people’s faces when they try my products is just the best feeling in the world. I plan to only make Fay’s Cakes bigger. I hope once college is over, I will open my own store and make cakes while sharing God's word for the rest of my life.”

If you are interested in ordering from Fay’s Cakes, you can contact Abby through her Instagram account @romano_fay or by phone, (518) 755-2013.

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STUDENT LIFE

Cake Boss

ARTS

Fine Arts at MDCA

The high school play, "Cinderella or the Story of Bigfoot" took place in December (01) The elementary chorus performed America the Beautiful and We Will Not Forget at our Veterans Day program. (02) Charcoal still life by Carter Faden (03) A snapshot of wood burning unit, various students (04) Pinch Pot Creature by Vaylen Evans (05) Mrs. Benton's Fine Craft Studio Art class created a holiday greeting card for all of Mount Dora to see. The lead designer and artist was senior, Madison Conway (06)

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Parabolic Line String Art by Zora Crumity (07) Colored Pencil Value Study by Kayden Vidler (08) The MDCA Band performed at the Veterans Day program in November (09)

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ARTS

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09 Save the Date Preparations for the middle school play have also begun. There's something for everyone in this modern day musical....

It’s not a fantasy land reached through the wardrobe in a spare room, but ancient Babylon, reached through a new virtual-reality game! Join the clue-solving kids as the Biblical story literally — or virtually — comes to life with Daniel in a den of lions, the Hebrew boys in a fiery furnace (where their robes weren’t even scorched — just “warmed”!), and some mysterious handwriting on the wall. Cool songs, with fun and funny dialogue help bring to life this chronicle of faith in the one true God who delivers, and point to the ultimate deliverer — Jesus Christ! Go from virtual reality to ultimate reality, with The Lions, the Switch and the Warm Robes.

There will be two performances, both at 7pm on Friday, April 8th and Saturday, April 9th in the MDCA Auditorium. General admission is only $5, and staff and students are free!

THE MDCA FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT PRESENTS

THE CHRONICLES OF DANIEL AND THE GOD WHO SAVES DIRECTED BY CHERYL ABBATE MUSICAL DIRECTOR BRANDI PERKINS CREATED BY S. K. MOORE, R.M. HOWARD, AND D.F. GUTHRIE

SHOWTIMES

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR CASH OR CHECK ACCEPTED

FRIDAY, APRIL 8TH AT 7PM SATURDAY, APRIL 9TH AT 7PM

GENERAL ADMISSION $5 MDCA STAFF & STUDENTS FREE

(352) 383-5421 | 301 W. 13TH AVE., MOUNT DORA, FL 32757

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ATHLETICS

Back to Back State Runner-Ups The 2021 football season marked the second year in a row that the Bulldogs made it to the State Championship game with Coach Mike Kintz. “With this being my second year here, it was a different season as my relationship with these players and coaches was a year in the making. Having the opportunity to coach them and return to that game was awesome."

Making it to the championship game did not come without some challenges. The 2021 MDCA football team was very small, with only 25 players, including nine seniors. “From the start, we had to deal with Covid issues. The first week of school, we all were quarantined. On top of that, we went into games with about 20 guys, shared Senior Quarterback Caleb Romano. Coach Kintz also expressed the challenge of the size of the team and Covid, “The challenges we faced were the same as any other team in regards to Covid and injuries. However, the number of players we have was less than any other team we played all year long, so overcoming that and still being able to practice effectively was definitely a challenge.”

The goal for the team was always to make it to the state championship, and to win. What the Bulldogs lacked in size, they made up for in genuine care for each other and talent. The team pushed their way forward to the state championship game. Romano shared how he felt about going into that final game.

“I was definitely nervous going in, those butterflies have always been there since a young age. However, I 15 | Imagine · Spring 2022

actually felt at peace about the whole thing. The more I stress, the worse that I play. Being relaxed helps me play confident and free. I honestly had to just ask God to calm me down. I cannot express how excited I was to be in that game though. To get to that game meant a lot...I was just so grateful.”

After a long season with a small team, the Bulldogs lost the SSAC championship game by one point to Lake Highland Prep and outscored opposing teams by a 405 to 128 margin.

“Truly, there are so many moments in this season that will stand out for a lifetime. The excitement from our players towards their teammates when they scored for the first time or caught their first pass was genuine.

Having games that took place with power outages, bus drives going the wrong way taking us to Georgia, our teammate "Joe" that I still have not met, teammates giving up a touchdown by handing it to another teammate at the goal line, players getting taken off in an ambulance but being okay, and last, but not least, the process of the off-season. These young men give up so much time to be a great football team, and the ups and downs of the year make it all worth the sacrifice. None of us was perfect, but I saw them grow up, put in the work, and I am hopeful they all became closer to God,” reflected Coach Kintz.

From the team:

What is your biggest accomplishment from this season?

My proudest accomplishment was my teammates telling me that I made an impact on them. I always want to be a great football player, and I pride myself on that, but it means nothing if my character stinks.

I have a responsibility to reflect Jesus in everything I do, including football. It was just an honor to be able to be a part of such a great team.

-Caleb Romano, Senior My proudest moment was making it to the state championship game and also making all area first team defensive lineman. -Owen Draves, Sophomore My first touchdown. -Kyle Turnage, Sophomore

What were your thoughts going into the state championship game?

I was confident in our ability to come together and play as the united team that we have been playing as the entire season. We just had to make sure everybody played their specific role in the game, on offense and defense. -Owen Draves, Sophomore I was ready to play, knowing that it was going to be a very good game and that we were going to have to play our hardest. -Eddie Tooke, Junior My thought going into the game was it's my last game, so let's end it and have fun.

-Zack Wilson, Senior

What is your favorite memory from this season?

I’d say getting my teammate Zcari Minnis his first high school touchdown ever! -Reggie Virgil, Senior I think my favorite memory would have to be the championship game. Not the end so much, but just the build up, and the game itself. I had so much fun this year, and I’m excited to see where I’m headed next. -Caleb Romano, Senior My favorite memory from this season would definitely be listening to some music before the games.

-Owen Draves, Sophomore Imagine · Spring 2022 | 16

MEMORIALS

Memorials

Memorials August 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021 Talmadge Anderson Mrs. Frances McManus Susan Barrett Mr. and Mrs. John W. Allen Ms. Sandra L. Barrett Mr. and Mrs. David Bigler Mr. and Mrs. Kelly J. Bouscher Mr. Loyd Broom Brunner Financial Ms. Jennie Dumas Mr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Fite Ms. Joyce Haselton James R. Nichols C.P.A. P.C. Mr. Mick Kildea Ms. Freda Lee Mr. and Mrs. Eric Milford MS Plastic Welders, L.L.C. Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Nichols Mr. and Mrs. Don M. Peterson Mrs. Cheryl Pope Ms. Sharon S. Sanderlin Dr. Julie Turner Elsa G. Beal Mr. Craig G. Beal Mr. James F. Clemans Communication Installation & Service Company, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Christian P. Crooks Mrs. Deborah Earley Ms. Lynn Ernst Mrs. Pamela Fleming Mr. and Mrs. Gene Flowers Mr. and Mrs. Roy G. Koester Catalina H. Martinez Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert J. Martinez Ms. Monica H. Martinez Port Charlotte Church of Christ Ms. Patricia L. Sullivan Tandem Construction Bertha Billingsley Mrs. Brenda Boston Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Cornelius Ms. Ada M. Vines Mr. Glenn Yoder Billy Blackmon Mrs. Betty J. Burkhead Mr. and Mrs. William R. Hendricks Amy Bolt American Campus Communities Ben Born Mr. and Mrs. Ted E. Brown, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cargle Mary Sue Collins Ms. Martha Hall Mr. and Mrs. Charles Killian Mr. and Mrs. Billie J. Queen Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith Mr. Jack D. White Bentley Boston Mr. William Holladay Gilbert Bown Sylvester Church of Christ Mildred Boyd Mrs. Adrian H. Boyd Orvel & Mildred Boyd Mr. and Mrs. Garry D. Allison, Jr. Mrs. Adrian H. Boyd Mrs. Judith Roney Monty Boyd Mrs. Adrian H. Boyd

17 | Imagine · Spring 2022

Richard Brackett Mr. and Mrs. Joe E. Gaddes Luella Aldine Smith Bruce Mr. and Mrs. Ted E. Brown, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cargle Mary Sue Collins Ms. Martha Hall Mr. and Mrs. Charles Killian Mr. and Mrs. Billie J. Queen Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith Mr. Jack D. White Henry Buckner Mrs. Thelma Justiss Meralyn Buford Mr. and Mrs. Dean Holmes Mr. and Mrs. Gene Lehman Dr. L. D. Burbank Mr. and Mrs. Jerry H. James Mikeal Edward Burdick Mr. William Holladay Kerry Burkey Mr. and Mrs. Rick Ricard Doris Butts Mr. Ray F. Butts Sharon Caine Mr. Barry Boyer Mr. Monte Danos Mrs. Margaret Jerauld Ms. Marilyn Jerauld Mrs. Sarah Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Muldoon Mark Callaway Mrs. and Mrs. James M. Callaway Liesbeth Carpenter Mrs. Joanne C. Peck Chuck Clark Mr. and Mrs. Gary Shelt Tom Collins Mr. and Mrs. Ted E. Brown, Jr. Mary Sue Collins Mr. and Mrs. Charles Killian Mr. and Mrs. Billie J. Queen Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith Mr. Jack D. White Bill & Vee Craddock Mr. and Mrs. Wayne L. Anderson Aileen Craig Mr. and Mrs. Charles Craig Mr. and Mrs. Whalen Kuller Joe H. Craig Mr. and Mrs. Charles Craig Mr. and Mrs. Mark Baker Mr. and Mrs. Whalen Kuller Mr. and Mrs. James B. Newman Mrs. Edna Sutton Pauline Crandall Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Dragomire James L. Cribbs Mr. and Mrs. James T. Cribbs Stephen Cribbs Mr. and Mrs. James T. Cribbs Ruby Cyrus Mr. and Mrs. Hershel J. Harrison Nancy W. Davis Ms. Andrea Davis Dr. Roger L. Davis Ralph Denney Mr. and Mrs. Robin B. Leonard Jimmy Dunlap Mrs. Patricia Fields‐Clark

Virginia Enriquez Ms. Zenone J. Eberle Mrs. Pearl Hogan Bonnie Fewell Ms. Elizabeth A. Fewell Levin "Toby" Fewell Ms. Elizabeth A. Fewell Dennis Finley Mr. and Mrs. Roger D. Myers Martha France Mr. Paul France Gary Galloway Mrs. Thelma Justiss Nelda Faye Galloway Mr. and Mrs. Allan R. Cox Mrs. Thelma Justiss Mr. Lyle Lankford Mrs. Danielle Meyers Lou Gannon Stuart Church of Christ Jake Gibbs Mr. and Mrs. William R. Hendricks Charlotte Gilbert Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith Mr. Jack D. White Ben Golden Mr. and Mrs. Roger D. Myers Charles Griffy Beville Road Church of Christ Ms. Alice Frances Boggs Dr. Mark Chun Mr. Anthony Iorio Ms. Karen Johnson Mrs. Debra Medling Mr. and Mrs. David M. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Ron Sparks Mr. Stanley Spice Eugenia Pullum Grove Mr. Guy D. Grove Bobby Groves Mr. Lee Hartman, Sr. Jerry Harwell Mr. Charles A. Campbell Margaret Hendricks Mr. and Mrs. Rick Ricard Patricia Edgar Mr. J. Stewart Edgar Marlin Leon House Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Taylor, Jr. Christine Hudson Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hudson Mr. Paul Hudson Mrs. Dolly Reed Edith Jackson Ms. Donna Bailey Max & Marilyn Kelley Ms. Janet M. Harper Alice King Mr. and Ms. William H. King A. L. and Naomi Lankford Mr. Lyle Lankford Jacqueline Laughnan Mrs. Linda Davies Mary LeCureux Ms. Betty Lamberth University Church of Christ Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Vickery Ms. Wanda L. Warmack Mu Ze Liu Mrs. Patricia Fields‐Clark

Sonja Love Mr. and Mrs. Andrew H. Limbrecht Mrs. Maudeann McKendree Stanley T. Lukas Mr. and Mrs. Philip Lukas Lucy B. Luker Mr. and Mrs. William R. Hendricks Glenn E. McCallister, Sr. Mrs. Shirley Polidori Charles McDonald Mrs. Judith Roney Kathy McQuinn Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Eads James R. Meriwether Mr. and Mrs. Russ Corley Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Meriwether James H. Mong Mrs. Janet Mong Dr. Bob Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. David B. Yunger Mrs. Deborah Johnson Shirley Arnold Moore Ms. Tonya Emory Mr. Patrick W. Hogan Mrs. Judith Roney Vern Morris Mr. and Mrs. Ted E. Brown, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cargle Mary Sue Collins Ms. Martha Hall Mr. and Mrs. Charles Killian Mr. and Mrs. Billie J. Queen Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith Mr. Jack D. White Charles "Bud" F. Myer, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steven J. Gardner Carolyn Nelson Scott Bolton Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Cauthen Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Coker Mr. and Mrs. Thagard Colvin Mr. and Mrs. P.H. Croft Mr. and Mrs. Steve Croft Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Helms Dr. and Mrs. R. J. Spurlin, M.D. Kari Sturm‐Casey Mr. and Mrs. Mark Behel Ms. Karen Brunner Jim & Doris Noblitt Mr. and Mrs. John Burkett Julie Ann Norman Mr. and Mrs. Knox Norman Beatrice Odu Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Sell Harold Duvall Orum Ms. Linda A. Orum Everette Pearson Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Mills Martha Polk Mr. William D. Andrews Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Carter Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Heffington Ms. Susanne Keller Mr. and Mrs. Gale L. McCormick Mr. and Mrs. James C. McDougle Mrs. Amanda Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Overturf, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Tays Mr. and Mrs. Tom Watrous

Mr. and Mrs. John Thweatt Homer S. Samuels Brentwood Hills Church of Christ Mr. and Mrs. Henry Caldwell Mr. Harrison S. Davis Mrs. Debbie Gott Mr. and Mrs. John Thweatt Stewart Arnold Schlachter Mrs. Teresa S. Lahti Forrest Schoen Margaret Schoen Harold Schwable Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Eads Rick Scott Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thornhill Sterlon Scott Mrs. Betty J. Burkhead Mr. and Mrs. William R. Hendricks Ray Skates Mrs. Frances McManus Art Slaughter Mr. and Mrs. Ralph L. McQuiddy Beverly Smith

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Smith Jillene Rose Smith Mrs. Judith Roney Ned Smith Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith Mark Spangler Mr. and Mrs. Garry D. Allison, Jr. Cletus Stutzman Mr. and Mrs. John Burkett Mrs. Judith Roney The Blackbaud Giving Fund Slim Summerville Mr. and Mrs. Lance Collier Donna Sutton Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Faust Bob Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thornhill Carl Tucker Ms. Ladonna Brown Patty Tumlin Mr. and Mrs. Ted E. Brown, Jr. Mary Sue Collins Ms. Martha Hall

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Killian Mr. and Mrs. Billie J. Queen Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith Mr. Jack D. White Bill Watkins Mr. and Mrs. Patrick H. Waggoner Clara Welsh Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Eads Bob White Mr. and Mrs. James L. Moon, Jr. Issac W. Whitesell Mr. and Mrs. James M. Adair Virginia Betts Whitesell Mr. and Mrs. James M. Adair Leta Woodham Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Kennedy Mrs. Patricia Kramer Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Wallace, Jr. Mrs. Melissa K. Woodham Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Woodham Robert "Bob" Yoder Mr. and Mrs. Alan Yoder

Honors

Honors August 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021 Janice Barker Ms. Donna Coyle Mr. and Mrs. Ralph L. McQuiddy Tim Deem Bishop Moore Catholic Football Team Mrs. Patricia Fields‐Clark Mr. Evan Scruggs and Dr. Rhonda Roy Gray & Doris McQuiddy Randall Mr. and Mrs. Ralph L. McQuiddy Mr. and Mrs. Allan Boress Kailey Marie Holden Mr. and Mrs. Allan Boress Mr. and Mrs. Chase Holden Mike & Andrea Carter Paul & Susan Kempe Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. West Mr. and Mrs. Greg Grist Joyce Chaney Caroline Massie Mr. and Mrs. Jon Bratcher Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Davis Lisa Daniels Dr. Brian Mast

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Arthur Melba Meriwether Mrs. Adrian H. Boyd Mr. and Mrs. Russ Corley Mr. and Mrs. David C. Meriwether Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Meriwether Dr. James E. Moore Mr. and Mrs. Larry M. Bills Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Eads Mr. Patrick W. Hogan Marlene Orum Ms. Linda A. Orum

Martha Overhiser Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Deem Jamie and Chris Rader Mr. and Mrs. Louis L. Bell Sr. Chuck Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Walter Arthur Mariam Slaughter Mr. and Mrs. Ralph L. McQuiddy Robert Thornhill Mr. and Mrs. Philip Lukas

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HONORS

Mary Pruitt Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lipford Elsie L. Pylant Mr. Marion Pylant Cherry Frances Mays Robinson Ms. Janice G. Simmons Angelita Rodriguez Mr. and Mrs. Bert Thomas Harold Nelson Roney Mrs. Judith Roney Flavius L. Rose Mrs. Judith Roney Horris R. Rose Mrs. Jonnye Towery Nellie Rose Mrs. Judith Roney Teresa Russo Mrs. Shirley Polidori Helen Samuels Janet’s Church Life Group Homer and Helen Samuels Mrs. Mae Jean Gregg Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lipford

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mid-Florida, FL

Educate. Equip. Empower.

301 W. 13th Ave., Mount Dora, FL 32757 Phone (352) 383-2155 Fax (352) 383-3112 mdcacademy.org mdchome.org

Permit #57120

Save the Dates: MARCH 14-18 Spring Break Chicken Supper 25

AUGUST 8 First Day of School Nashville Benefit Dinner 27

APRIL 2 8, 9 15 18

Jacksonville Benefit Dinner Middle School Play Good Friday Easter

SEPTEMBER 6 Labor Day - Offices Closed

MAY 5 14 18 20 24 25 27 30

Spring Band Concert Tampa Benefit Dinner Middle & High School Awards Day High School Graduation Elementary Awards Day 5th Grade Graduation VPK Graduation Memorial Day - Offices Closed

OCTOBER 7 No School - Teacher Workday 10-11 Fall Break 31 No School - Teacher Workday NOVEMBER 1 No School - Teacher Workday 11 Veterans Day Program 21-25 Thanksgiving Break

If this copy of Imagine is addressed to your MDCA Alumni, please update their contact information by emailing alumni@mdcacademy.org.