Lions' Pride Magazine, Summer 2019

Summer 2019

MVCA Serves Ault Park, Cincinnati

February 1, 2020 10am - 1pm

Sistrunk Family

IN THIS ISSUE: Head of School Message.......................................2 Lion’s Pride magazine is the official publication of Miami Valley Christian Academy, Cincinnati, Ohio. It is intended to inform, educate, and give insight to alumni, parents, and friends of the Academy and will be shared via mail with all constituant groups bi-annually.

Year in Numbers...................................................3

CONTACT US

National Merit Scholars........................................10

Miami Valley Christian Academy 6830 School Street, Cincinnati, OH 45244 513.272.6822 | mvca-oh.com @mvcaoh /miamivalleychristianacademy /mvcaoh

OUR MISSION

Impacting the world for Christ

PUBLISHER Greg Beasley

Editors

Founders Hall........................................................4 Class of 2019........................................................6 #ALLIN.................................................................8 Meet Dr. S.............................................................11 Changing the Game...............................................12 MVCA Athletics...................................................14 Theatre Performances...........................................16 Fine Arts................................................................18 For the City...........................................................20 Discipleship Trips.................................................22 Overnight Field Trips............................................24

Jill Beasley - Public Relations/Marketing Director Kay Moll Steve Wellington

Little Lions Preschool...........................................26

Design

Pastor Breakfast ...................................................30

Advisors

PTO Events...........................................................32

Derek Parker Greg Beasley - Head of School Jody Hilsher - Student Life Director Heidi Huber - Academy Principal Paige McElfresh - Admissions Director David Poindexter- Spiritual Life Director Stephanie Scott - Development Specialist Joy Swensen- Assistant Principal Missy Thorpe - Executive Assistant to Head of School Robert Vilardo - Athletic Director Carla Wood - Board President

Homecoming 2018................................................28 Fall Bash...............................................................31 Advance................................................................34 Meet the Wood Family..........................................36 Alumni Updates....................................................38 Come to the Table.................................................39 Walk as Lions........................................................40

Photography

Jill Beasley LOK Photography Moreland Photography Denise Owens Visit SandyMorelandPhotogaphy.com for more images.

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From the

HEAD OF SCHOOL Greg Beasley

God continues to move in mighty ways across the MVCA Campus. This past year, the Academy experienced a 16% enrollment increase, which equates to a 41% increase over the last three years.

Our student body represented 102 churches and 29 school districts across the city. The growth created the need for an expansion of 3 sections of kindergarten and 2 sections of 1st-5th grade. The preschool program reached its maximum capacity in certain classes, which left families with the only option to be waitlisted.

God’s timing is always perfect. In December, the Academy was miraculously blessed with $820,500 in cash to allow for the purchase of the church adjoining the campus. This building, which we call Founders Hall, is the new home of Little Lions Preschool and allows more space to expand the program by nearly double our current enrollment. It also provides options for a larger auditorium to host MVCA events, such as our commencement ceremony that was held there this spring.

We continue to be in awe of God’s provisions upon our MVCA community. This publication is full of articles and snapshots of how God is advancing His Kingdom by using the people of MVCA. Many ask me questions of “how” and “what” to try to understand the reason for the success, or better stated, blessings. I share the following; it is a result of…

• God using willing people who are crazy about Him • an #ALLin community of employees, families, students, and alumni • incredible faculty and staff that love what they do • 18 teams within that make up Team MVCA • generous donors giving above and beyond • sponsors supporting the Academy and school-wide events • families giving more than their tuition to help with tuition assistance for others • students serving ministries throughout the city and in other countries • parents sharing MVCA stories and happenings on social media sites I thank God for all those who partner with this ministry. Your #ALLin heart has created an infectious #ALLin culture. If you are reading this and are considering joining this ministry, I trust you will be moved to do so as you browse the 44 pages of this publication. MVCA is an excellent place for ordinary people to be a part of extraordinary things!

We are grateful for God’s continued blessings, may all glory be His and may He continue to direct our steps (Isaiah 30:21).

Together, Impacting the World for Christ, Greg Beasley, Head of School

Know Your

NUMBERS

COURSES

OF TUITION RELIEF

2 YEARS

Little Lions preschool space that will accomodate

50

$820K

more students

paid in CASH for Founders Hall

of the senior class received commendations from the NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

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INCREASED CAMPUS SAFETY

through newly installed Raptor, a visitor screening system

165

NEW MACBOOK AIRS

to service the Upper School 1 to 1 Technology Program

of upperclassmen enrolled in COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS

100

of staff equipped with Walkie Talkies

8

SECURITY CAMERAS ADDED

CONSECUTIVE YEARS

AP

NEW

POSITIVE

NEW

peak enrollment preschool-12th

3

2

8

ANNUAL FUND GAP reduced from 22% in the past 3 years

474

year-end financials for

in scholarships for the class of 2019

CHURCHES

REPRESENTED IN STUDENT BODY

$4.2 MILLION

102

IN PRESCHOOL-12TH ENROLLMENT

INCREASE

16 78

OF STAFF HOLD ADVANCED DEGREES

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In June 2018, Faith Christian Fellowship Church informed Miami Valley Christian Academy of their intention to sell. The Board made a reasonable offer to purchase the property and not require a loan. The proposal was declined, and the Church decided to list their property on the open market. The Board and Academy continued to pray and trust God for direction, wisdom, and his provisions.

In November 2018, the Church notified the Academy of an accepted cash offer of $820,000. The Academy would be afforded one last chance to purchase due to a right of first refusal clause. God was mighty, gracious, and victorious. Within two weeks, God provided $820,500 in cash to purchase the property.

In January 2019 the property officially became part of the Miami Valley Christian Academy campus.

Board of Trustees for 2018/2019

Carla Wood, President Paul Schacht, Vice President Todd Carson, Treasurer Heather Engel, Secretary Doug Bush, Nick Ruotolo, Tom Rhodenbaugh, Lou Schott, Nadia Shaya, Chris Wilson A special thanks to Greg Beasley, Head of School and Gary Sallquist, Headmaster Emeritus for their wisdom and efforts that helped make this happen.

A special thanks to the anonymous donors for their support in making this purchase and for believing in the mission of the Academy.

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6

THE CLASS OF

2019

FUTURE PLANS Kylie Belt

Amanda Herbert

University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati : DAAP

Samuel Bennett

Ellie Hilsher

Kent State University

Pensacola Christian College

Matthew Binning

Kade Jackson

USMC

Capital University

Ashlyn Brock

Alison Kennedy

Northern Kentucky University

Aveda Institute

Jacob Bumgartner

Samantha Kizer

Northern Kentucky University

University of Cincinnati

Anastasia Cappozzo

Caleb Lusby

John Carroll University

Indiana Wesleyan

Logan Cox

Joseph Lusby

Cedarville University

Indiana Wesleyan

Graeme Dickerson

Zaire McKnight

University of Cincinnati

Owens College

Cole Dodson

Samuel Owens

University of Cincinnati

Capital University

Grant Elswick

Cooper Scanlon

Northern Kentucky University

Vanderbilt University

Ryan Gilbert

Samuel Smith

Owens College

Friedberg Institude

Russell Harpring

Jonathan Surman

Northern Kentucky University

University of Cincinnati

Seth Henderson

Daniel Wellington

United States Naval Academy

Cedarville University

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and better than ever!

a s p u b l i s h e d i n Ve n u e M a g a z i n e

Founded in 1996, Miami Valley Christian Academy (MVCA), began as a small private school. Today, MVCA serves over 465 students residing throughout the greater Cincinnati area. While the school has existed for over 20 years, MVCA now has a new face and culture that is reaching beyond the campus borders by 45 miles. With an unprecedented level of growth in recent years, MVCA has rapidly adapted to offer high-quality Christian education and raise the bar for the overall experience. They are more passionate than ever about exceeding the expectations of the students and parents they serve.

“Enrollment has increased 38 percent in three years.

Every classroom is being utilized with each Lower School grade level having at least 2 sections,” says Greg Beasley, Head of School. “Yes, we market our school like everyone else; however, the greatest return on investment still remains word of mouth. The MVCA community is so engaged and committed that they want everyone to know about the awesome things we are experiencing.”

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With enrollment beginning at pre-K, MVCA focuses on uplifting, encouraging, and training young leaders from their first day of school all the way through

graduation. “We are privileged to walk alongside our students in partnership with their parents to successfully develop confident, competent, and prepared leaders for Christ,” comments Academy Principal Heidi Huber.

“We consistently strive to offer a Kingdom quality educational experience through collaboration and a constant pursuit of excellence,” adds Beasley. “Over the last few years at MVCA, there has been a growing culture that we have recently defined as being ALL IN. Our board, parents, students, faculty and staff, grandparents, and hundreds of friends of the Academy model this ALL IN culture every day.

Regardless of being at MVCA for 10 minutes or 10 years, families and guests speak of the overwhelming love and sense of belonging that pervades here. It is this culture that defines us. It’s uniquely special and something every school and non-profit organization would give a lot to have,” says Beasley.

This ALL IN culture extends into the effort the students exude in athletics and fine arts as well. “Student athletes are thriving in the well-known Miami Valley Conference. We are developing champions on and off the field as we build men and women of character and purpose.

Our athletes have even received scholarship offers from Division 1 schools. We are a small school with big opportunities. Fine Arts continues to expand offerings and receives regular recognition by the Cappies of Greater Cincinnati,” Beasley explains.

“While all of these aspects are important, MVCA’s priority is offering an excellent, Christ-centered education. Academic achievement is soaring with students being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Our rigorous academic program offers Honors Classes, Advanced Placement (AP), and College Credit Plus (CCP) courses. The class of 2018 saw 36 percent graduate with a 4.0 GPA or higher, with another 30 percent graduating between a 3.5 and 3.99,” explains Huber. “Miami Valley Christian Academy steadfastly embraces our commitment to uncompromising Christian education through biblical worldview instruction.

This foundation has proven to bear the fruit of superior academics, competent Christian leaders, and altogether good citizens. Our commitment is grounded in and affirmed through the value of educating the whole child, preparing each to successfully realize their unique talents and fulfill their God-given purpose.”

Jody Hilsher, Director of Student Life, adds, “An equally important aspect of MVCA’s guiding philosophy is our focus on discipleship. We like to think of discipleship as a way of life and not just another class. The word of God is at the center and it is wrapped in relationship. Every MVCA graduate completes a minimum of 160 hours of community service. The students are also afforded the opportunity to experience our annual For the City Week which includes international and domestic service-learning options.”

“Every day, MVCA’s faculty and staff are engaging in and developing the intellect and faith of our students,” adds Beasley. “We are passionate about preparing young people and equipping them for success in life beyond MVCA. We prayerfully guide young Christian leaders who will one day change the world.” r

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C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !

NAT I O NA L M E R I T

SCHOLARS

Principal Heidi Huber was pleased to announce that Daniel Wellington and Logan Cox were named Commended Students in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from MVCA and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented by Principal Huber to these scholastically-talented seniors.

About 3,400 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2019 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2019 competition by taking the 10

2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

Dr. Greg

Steinbaugh at Dr. Greg Steinbaugh plans an annual trip to Beacon Orthopedic and Sports Medicine group in West Chester for his Anatomy and Physiolgy students. This enables hands on learning about human anatomy. After having a class on the anatomy of the upper limbs and hands, students participated in two labs.

The labs consisted of an exploratory examination of the various bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc. found in the arms. A highlight was when the students pulled on the flexor digitorum and observed the fingers moving by themselves.

The students who attended the trip were interested in pursuing medical-related careers and this experience fortified their desire to enter these professions. We plan on revisiting the clinic next year to learn about the upper limbs or knees.

About Dr. S: Dr. Steinbaugh has been teaching at MVCA for 3 years and received his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Dayton, M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Xavier University and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Ohio State University. “I can honestly say that this has been my favorite job ever! Being able to teach chemistry, biology, and anatomy & physiology to our wonderful students has been very fulfilling for me. I was thrilled to become the school’s first spirit leader, as voted by the students and also to become the coach of the quiz bowl team. In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family and to read classic novels and science fiction. My favorite books are Don Quixote and East of Eden.”

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T H AT I S THE

as published in Venue Magazine

F

ounded in 1996, Miami Valley Christian Academy (MVCA) has continued to grow year after year, now serving students from over 200 families. In addition to MVCA’s rigorous academic and thriving fine arts programs, the school also boasts an impressive athletic program.

The relatively young teams have achieved an unprecedented level of success.

MVCA’s varsity football team has an impressive current record of five wins and zero losses, and is consistently ranked in the Top 10 Small School divisions. Additionally, they have received Team of the Week for the past two years locally. These successes are even more impressive when you realize that, due to MVCA’s small size, these athletes are playing both offensive and defensive positions, almost never leaving the field.

Athletic Administrator Robert Vilardo has played a large part in leading the school’s athletic program to such success. With over 35 years of football coaching under his belt, Vilardo has plenty of experience to support his team. When Vilardo was first approached by MVCA, he turned down the offer, agreeing only to be a consultant for the youth football program while coaching varsity football elsewhere. When he was approached again two years later, he accepted. Prior to this, Vilardo had never taught at a school with less than 70 players on their varsity football team. MVCA, then, presented a unique set of challenges.

“Out of four years in the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association), our football team has qualified to be in the playoffs two of those four years. One of those two years, we were one of the top teams in the region, with only 22 players,” says Vilardo. “It’s incredible the amount of successes this small school has been a part of.”

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, by far. But looking back on it, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life,” he says. “I’ve always professed my faith. My teams have always known who I was. Now, we have had amazing success, and my faith has grown tremendously. The unique opportunity our kids have is to experience this Christ-centered atmosphere.”

Yance Pyle, assistant varsity football coach, can also point to the unique success of MV-CA’s program.

“I have seen the progression we’ve made from a non-OHSAA school to where we are now as not just a part of the OHSAA, but a part of the Miami Valley Conference, which is a tough athletic conference with both public and private schools…to see that progression and how much our sports programs have grown in just seven years is nothing that we could do on our own,” says Pyle. “We are one of the smallest schools in Ohio. But we don’t use that fact as a crutch. We still coach our kids hard, with the right expectations. We continue to do that with Christ as our focus, and I think that’s why we continue to have the success that we are having.”

Pyle began his career at MVCA as a middle school boys’ basketball coach in 2011. He then became assistant varsity football coach for the following four years before leaving MVCA to coach both football and basketball at a public school. But Pyle knew that something wasn’t the same. He had to come back to MVCA for that missing piece. “It’s coaching with a Christ-cen- tered view and teaching kids not just the sport, but how to be a young, Christian adult,” says Pyle.

The coaches and staff aren’t the only ones who speak to the success of MVCA’s athletic program; especially the football program. Seniors Jon Surman (#4), Seth Henderson (#3), Caleb Lusby (#10), and Joseph Lusby (#55) all began in MVCA’s youth football program before becoming MVCA students by their freshman year. All of these seniors have received offers to play from various college coaches.

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have had some real successes,” says Paige McElfresh.

McElfresh, varsity volleyball coach, has nothing but praise for not only her own team members, but for the school’s athletic program as a whole.

“Since we’ve moved to OHSAA, [the volleyball team] has been sectional champs for four years, and district runner ups for four years in division four. We have elementary teams (starting in third grade), middle school teams, a junior varsity team and a varsity team. The department has grown exponentially. Now we have instructional youth volleyball from kindergarten to second grade as well. I think all of these small successes have lent themselves to the growth of the academy,” says McElfresh.

All of MVCA’s staff is unapologetic in their commitment to a faithbased education. Since its inception, the school has served as a private, faith-based institution with the motto, “Preparing hearts and minds to impact the world for Christ.” McElfresh points out the ways that this is lived out in their athletic programs as well.

Caleb Lusby has been contacted by Morehead State and has gone on visits to Urbana University, Mt. Union (best division three university in the country) and Indiana Wesleyan. He has received offers from Cincinnati Christian University and Friends University.

He plays quarterback and linebacker.

Caleb’s brother Joseph has been contacted by Urbana University, Indiana Wesleyan, Kenyan College, and Butler University. He has received offers from Cincinnati Christian University and Friends University. He plays linebacker and left guard.

Jon Surman participated in the Blue-Grey Football regional combine and has been invited to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl on January 5 in Tampa, Florida. He will be playing tight end in the bowl. He has received offers from Dayton University, Butler University, Morehead State, Urbana, Friends University and Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He has also been in contact with Ohio University, Liberty University, Akron University and Miami of Ohio.

Seth Henderson participates in both wrestling and football. He has gone to state for wrestling twice, a first for MVCA. For wrestling, Henderson has been in contact with Urbana University, Gannon

We are one of the smallest schools in Ohio. But we don’t use that fact as a crutch.

“This is my fourth year of coaching at the high school, and the thing I am most proud of is that we have prayed with every single team following every single match in those four years. There is not a single team – public, private, or faith-based – that has not prayed with us. It’s not just about wins; it’s also about the relationships and the privilege to be able to work with kids in a way that helps them acknowledge the influence that they can have to impact the world for Christ,” McElfresh continues.

“It’s not just the practice time,” she says. “These coaches are in-vested in their players so much more than that. It’s their academic success, their relationship with Christ, how they will transition to college – those are all things that I think play into God’s success for our school. Our relationship with the God and the fact that he is the focus of this school is the game-changer for us.”

MVCA is committed to community service as well, and has formed relationships with multiple at-risk schools in the greater Cincinnati area, having meals with them and even going out to see a movie together.

“When your kids look for ways to serve and areas of outreach, that’s when you know that you have a successful program.” One of MVCA’s student volleyball players graduated in 2017, and was not only the class valedictorian, but has also gone on to play for Denison University, a division three University. She is just one of the many successes of MVCA’s athletic program.

MVCA is clearly changing the game. And they want more and more students to have the opportunity to be a part of that. r

University, Ashland University and University of Pennsylvania.

He has received an offer for a wrestling scholarship from Urbana University as well. For football, Henderson has been in contact with Mt. St. Joseph and Ohio Dominican University. He plays running back and linebacker.

While MVCA has had humble beginnings, the school is now growing exponentially, with at least a 10 percent increase in enrollment per year for the past three years. The school has a projected 2019-2020 enrollment of over 460 students, which is the largest enrollment the school has had to date.

“To be recognized in the city of Cincinnati as part of the Miami Valley Conference with some of the academic and athletic powerhouses and be invited to be part of this league that was founded in 1959 is amazing. This is our second year as part of the conference and we

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NEW FIELD

God is unlocking great opportunities through the property acquisition behind the Academy. One such blessing is depicted below through the concept drawing of an All-Weather Field. This new addition

STUDENT ACCOLADES For the second time, Senior Wrestler Seth Henderson earned the Miami Valley Conference Wrestler of the year.

will be used by various sports, in addition to a dry field for our students to use during recess and school events. We are currently working on getting permits and finalizing design plans.  Stay tuned for updates and continue to pray that God expands our borders and imparts wisdom as we grow.

Four-year varsity football starters, Joe and Caleb Lusby, signed their National Letters of Intent to play college football at Indiana Wesleyan University. They will take their talent and love of football to the collegiate level. #GoWildcats

Isabella Akers earned the Southwest District District IV player of the year in varsity volleyball making her the top Division IV player in the city!

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Will Stewart won the MVC Conference Athlete of the Year and 1st Team.

BECOME AN ATHLETIC BOOSTER If you have a student athlete, you are a

Hannah Snyder also received 1st Team Honors and both racers qualified for the Regionals.

booster! You are welcome to attend our monthly booster meetings and get involved in improving our Athletics. Boosters are in charge of making decisions that involve uniforms and equipment

Gavin Bangert was selected for Greater Cincinnati Spring All Star Team Div IV 1st Team

and host activities related to the athletic department. We collectively fund raise to build and promote athletics throughout our MVCA community. Together we score big for MVCA! #GoLions

These MVCA Athletes earned All Star status from the Cincinnati Enquirer for Winter High School sports:

Aaron McCoy Alecia Grosjean Samantha Kizer 1st Team 1st Team Cheer 1st Team

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MVCA Theatre put the POP in Poppins with 4 sold-out performances as they enamored the audience with Spit Spot overhead flying effects!

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Middle School Theatre delighted audiences with this heartwarming and endearing story of a familiar childhood favorite.

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F

I

N

E

Band at MVCA begins in 5th grade. As 4th graders the students have the opportunity to try out all the instruments before choosing one to play in band, at our annual “instrument petting zoo.”

In 5th grade band the focus is on learning how to create a sound, read/play notes and rhythms, and play as a group. From 5th grade band the students move to Middle School Band which consists of students in 6th-8th grade. Middle School is where they begin to grow their musicality, learning how to play with dynamics, articulation, and how to blend and balance their ensemble sound. Our students then transitions to High School Band (9th-12th) where they have many performance and leadership opportunities: Pep band, concert band, jazz band, and the Tri-M Music National Honor Society. The High School Band works to develop their musical skills with challenging music, improvisation, and an annual end-of-year competition.

Band & Choir Trip

Festivals Edge’s Competition was held in Hershey Park in Hershey, PA. Our musical Lions walked away with these standings: Jazz Band: 1st place - Superior rating-and best overall Jazz Band award Concert Band: 2nd place - Excellent rating (They were .25 away from a superior rating and first place!)

Jazz Choir: 2nd place - Superior rating Alt. Jazz Choir: 1st place - Superior rating 18

Academy Choir: 3rd place - Excellent rating

A

R

T

S The Annual Evening of Fine Arts is a posh showcase of our students’ abilities and God-given talents in the arts. Whether visual, musical, or theatrical, it all comes to life on this night of artistic talent!

Support the arts at MVCA

Become a

FINE ARTS

PATRON

For more information go to mvca-oh.com/fab

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SERVICE

Alms Park

1

Anderson Township Fire Department Anderson Township Senior Service

is not merely a component of the educational experience at MVCA, but a cornerstone and

Bearing Precious Seed

FOUNDATIONAL

City Gospel Mission

PRINCIPLE

Bethany House Bridle Path Stables Cherry Ridge Farms 2

Clermont County Senior Services Crayons to Computers

3

4

Empower Youth Ranch Give Like a Mother Gorman Farm

For the City allows Lower School students to leave campus for a school day and Upper School students to leave campus for several days to make a difference in various locations throughout Cincinnati.

We believe you must first learn to serve before you can lead.

InterParish Ministry LaSoupe

5

League For Animal Welfare Master Provisions

6

Matthew 25 Ministries MVCA- School

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MVCA-Founders Hall New Life Furniture Packing Newtown Museum Center Newtown Police & Fire Department Ronald McDonald House Sem Haven Visionaries & Voices Whole in My Heart Ministries Thanks to Mr. Hilsher for organizing this event.

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Woodland Lakes

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9

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p i h s e l p i c s i D Trips The

story

of

I'll Follow YOU Anywhere

by David Poindexter , Director of Spiritual Life

How God brought us to Nicaragua is bigger than what we did there. We followed Him through a door that only He could open. Our focus for going was clear: Why do we go? To Know Jesus and make Him known.

Where do we go? Whereever God is working and then we join Him. What do we do? Whatever we’re asked, and then some.

We watched as He parted the sea and moved 61 people seamlessly through Florida in the height of spring break. God clearly was blessing our trust in Him in every way. The harder we worked, worshipped, and played, the more He responded with His favor. Originally, our mission destination was Haiti. In the sophomore boys’ discipleship class we used Haiti as a poignant example of faith and an understanding of joy, worship and gratitude.

We talked about what it meant to come alongside a national mission doing the ministry of what matters most to God: feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, building the church, and providing for the widows and orphans. Ultimately, we decided to join Mariemont High School on a mission trip to Haiti over spring break.

So began the long process of raising personal support, securing visas, packing, and planning construction projects and camps. Thirty days prior to departure we needed to turn our airline reservations into tickets, but the political turmoil was ratcheting up and each day kept trending in the wrong direction.

As a mission team, we don’t move in any direction without seeking and confirming direction through prayer. Over the past years, we have had a constant cohort of grandmas praying for our teams, as well as the mission and the families we would be reaching. During times of crisis, we especially draw on the strength of praying grandmas, as we affectionately call them our Angel Army. We had to buy 61 airline tickets to Haiti on Monday, so the Angel Army started to pray immediately and fervently for a whole week for clarity. The group would be meeting for their prayer time Friday morning. At 9:00AM the Friday before, they met to pray and by 9:30AM, Haiti closed its doors to mission teams! We then cancelled our Haiti trip for 61 people. It was heartbreaking. Our hope does not rest in governments and airlines. Our hope comes from the source of power that praying grandmas clearly understand. They began to pray fervently within 30 minutes of the bad news that God would open a new door, to a new country, to a ministry that needed us to advance the Kingdom.

We received amazing support from mission organizations in 8 countries. Our prayer was that God would lead us to a ministry where He was working that needed a boost from 61 of the hardest working people from the US. We were willing to follow Him anywhere.

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After days of constant prayer, emails, and calls, God opened a relationship with Scott Esposito in Granada, Nicaragua and REAP Ministries (Restore, Educate, Activate, Perpetuate – a Christ-centered community development). They have a 120-acre farm with soccer, baseball, volleyball, kickball and basketball. Every

weekend, hundreds of families from the community come out and play. At the start of every event, there is a sermon and time of prayer. Then, we play together! The other major component REAP focuses on is supporting the local ministries who are caring for the needs in the community. This leadership development plan encompasses over 15 churches in the area.

We played basketball every day and night with Nicaraguan teens. We dug 5ft. deep footers in volcanic concrete for a dorm and bathroom, worshipped every night for hours, ate the best authentic Nicaraguan food in their cantina, enjoyed mountains of fresh fruit picked hours out of the fields, and drank amazing coffee from beans grown in the rich volcanic soil in our back yard. In our spare time, we served a meal at the city dump as we prayed and loved the local people, organized a Young Life club for 80 children introducing them to Christ, walked and prayed with neighbors in the community with our teenagers preaching to adults, organized a community art festival, looked into the mouth of an active volcano, swam in the crater of an extinct volcano, witnessed a wedding and four baptisms, and most importantly–loved people well. As a bonus, we were able to do all this with another 50 college students on the World Race, Adventures in Missions.

These students are serving missions around the globe for 9 months. They love Jesus and are following Him, and we witnessed from the front row. It was amazing! We enjoyed the favor of the King and served Him well.

While we were in Nicaragua, our original mission destination in Haiti experienced a catastrophic fire in their kitchen that would have required we return to the USA immediately and left the team from Indiana stranded in Atlanta. God in His infinite wisdom redirected us away from this catastrophe.

God has earned the privilege of being trusted, even when we don’t see the reason for the plan “B” right away. The prophet Jeremiah said, “God has plans for you, not to harm you, but to give hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11). We saw this. We lived this. We followed Him anywhere and He took us somewhere amazing.

by Joy Swensen , Assistant Principal Discipleship for the Junior girls included discussions around a book study combined with loads of praise and worship. We were led to watch compelling interviews with the Pastor from Elevation Church, Steven Furtick, as well as worship with songs from their music team.

After absorbing Pastor Steven’s messages, the girls expressed that they loved hearing him speak and worshipping to the music, but more than that, they were intrigued by how excited people at his church were to be there. One day, someone said, “It would be so cool to see Elevation Church in person!”

So, I decided it would be fun to schedule a road trip and give these girls a special weekend.

On Saturday morning, we cooked a big breakfast at the lake house and swam and kayaked on Lake Norman all day. That night, we ate dinner and walked around downtown Charlotte.

We topped off the night at a local coffee house. On Sunday, we attended Elevation Church.

Worshipping with the Elevation band was incredible and hearing Steven Furtick’s powerful message live was such a cool experience! This short weekend trip was definitely packed full of memories we will take with us forever and brought us closer to each other and God.

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Beginning in 3rd grade, MVCA offers overnight field trips that provide extended learning opportunities and a unique atmosphere that builds comradery and friendships on a deeper level. Take a look at these exhilarating experiences!

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4

3

GRADE

5

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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HOMECOMING tailgate 2018 Our annual Tailgate Party never fails to deliver FUN! This year, we debuted our new Lion and he helped put the ROAR in a roarin’ good time!

Families enjoyed savory food from the grill, bounce houses, face painting, a student parade, and music to keep the party pumping! Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss this #ALLin community event.

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SAVE

THE DATE - SEPT 27, 2019 - TURPIN FIELD

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MVCA now hosts families from

102 DIFFERENT CHURCHES. Pastor Breakfast is a morning where we give back to those who give selflessly to our families every week. What a blessing to serve God’s anointed and surround them with well-deserved appreciation!

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Hosted by the Beasleys, the 4th Annual Fall Bash brought goodies, hayrides, and pumpkins to every student and staff member. “It is our pleasure to take good care of those that care for His Kingdom,� says Mr. Beasley. There are many moving parts to this day and the Beasleys thank the helping hands of PTO as they assist in spreading the flavors and flare of fall to the MVCA Family.

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I joined PTO to vest myself in the community, build relationships, and support an institution that continuously impacts the hearts of so many. As a mother of a kindergarten boy, I was elated to accept the challenge of coordinating an event for the Pre-K-5th grade boys. The Mother-Son Carnival theme was a collaborative concept that flourished and became a monumental success! The smiles, laughter, and memories that were made at the Mother-Son Carnival will be cherished for years to come!

- Nicole Hust, PTO Member

MVCA PTO PRESENTS

It brings me true joy to witness the creativeness

and service of our ever-so-faithful PTO volunteers.

I am beyond grateful that I am privileged to serve

alongside the parent volunteers and staff. God truly has

blessed PTO in mighty ways! You can help to support PTO’s

efforts by attending our monthly meetings, volunteering in an area that ignites your passions, and contributing financially by making MVCA your charity choice in the Kroger Community Reward Program, Amazon Smile Program, and saving Coke Lids for redemptive value. #Allin

- Linzi Geiger - PTO President

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Being a part of the MVCA Community has given us a second family. I will always feel indebted for the amazing “gift” of MVCA and was praying for a way to serve and give back. PTO approached me to coordinate the Father-Daughter Dance and I knew God was orchestrating this opportunity for me to return the blessing. Every detail that goes into the dance is worth the effort when you watch the faces of these girls as they become queens for an evening. I couldn’t make this event happen without our amazing PTO as they support me, serve alongside me, and help bring my vision to life. It truly is a privilege to serve our academy and I look forward to doing so for years to come.

- Jessica Huber, PTO Member

STAFF APPRECIATION

Staff Appreciation Week is the grand finale event for our hard working PTO! We throw a weeklong party for 66 staff members! How fun is that? Months of planning and countless details go into making this week one that delights and brings surprise!

This year’s theme was “Rounding Third and Headed for Home”.

We were able to bless our staff with a daily breakfast or lunch that boasted baseball themed refreshments. The home run of the week, was a loaded swag bag filled to the brim!

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ADVANCE A Perspective by Rich Bennett, Academic Dean

2019

My family and I had the privilege of joining MVCA two years ago and have been amazed by the ways in which God has blessed us through the school. One of those blessings came through Advance…a two-day spring excursion on which high school students and staff experience a time of fellowship, worship, and growth as a community and as individuals.

As a teacher, I tend to be reserved and have brief interactions with students outside of class. The primary reason for this is that I don’t want to impose on the students but do want to be available to support them if they have want or need. As we progressed through the first day of Advance I found that students were engaging and encouraging me in ways I didn’t expect. For example, one of my duties was to help supervise the zip line and I was encouraged to participate by a sizable number of students. My fear of heights was telling me not to, but because of the love and encouragement from these students, I chose to face my fears and zip away! I walked away with an appreciation for the unique and healthy relationship between students and staff.

Throughout that first day, I watched kids and teachers enjoy time with each other and saw that God was clearly at work. That evening we experienced a time of worship filled with singing, praying and heart-breaking (in a good way) testimony. This time of worship ended with prayer… some individual and some in small groups. I was folded into a group and had the opportunity to pray with the students who welcomed me into their group. God was with us and our roles as teachers and students were eclipsed by our roles as brothers and sisters in Christ. It was an indelible experience.

While I’ve only touched on a small part of my time, I’m happy to say that my Advance experience was much like my first year at MVCA in that it was far, far better than I would have expected! Advance is just one of the many reasons I’m so thankful to call MVCA home.

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issues that illuminated the need for change. It was time to try this little school in Newtown that my friends attended.

We visited with our three children and it was quickly apparent that this place called MVCA was going to be a great fit for us. We jumped in and never looked back. We could feel the Spirit in the halls and immediately all three of our children found a new family.

Hi! My name is Carla Wood. You may know me as the mom of Steven, Anna and Evan Wood, the wife of Chip Wood, and the owners of Tire Discounters. I love all of these as they are my passion and greatest calling in life!

I am privileged to be able to share my family’s journey to MVCA and the benefits we have reaped along the way.

We started our family on a quiet street in Indian Hill where we met dear friends, the Cassidys. We sent our kids to the same pre-school and became great friends. After pre-school, they sent their kids to a little Christian school in Newtown, but we continued in the public school sector and enrolled in Indian Hill Elementary-- where we were happy for many years. Mom was happy. Dad was happy. Kids were happy.

No issues. You know the saying, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Following the first year of middle school, there were

I loved being there! I loved reading the Christmas story in Evan’s kindergarten class. I loved that my kids were reading the Bible daily, engaging in discipleship class, and were given the opportunity to attend weekly chapels. They were totally submersed in a culture that I knew would give foundational lessons for a lifetime. I knew that scripture was being written on the hearts of my children.

I held back getting too involved at the public school, other than leading the Mom’s In Touch Prayer Group, but at MVCA, that all changed. I jumped in with everything I had, never holding back and never wanting anything in return. My kids and family have done the same. We have loved every minute at MVCA and know that there is not another place on earth like it!! God continually shows us how special this place is and how much He loves it by the incredible young adults that graduate with an MVCA experience!

Steven, Anna, and Evan have all graduated from MVCA, and have turned into beautiful young adults with a good heads on their shoulders and hearts for Christ! Along the way, we took in another young man, Isaiah, and he has

become a big part of our family. Isaiah graduated from the Academy and is set to graduate from the University of Cincinnati this summer with his BBA in Marketing. He currently works at Tire Discounters.

There is no place on earth we would have rather had our kids sprout from…..MVCA is good soil and produces good seeds! I pray that all of you reading our story take a moment to thank God for allowing us all to have the privilege of attending such a caring and enriching school. God has great plans for this place and anyone who comes in its path.

Let me now take a moment to report how our Lion Grads are thriving following their years at MVCA. Steven graduated from MVCA in 2009. In 2013 he graduated from the University of Cincinnati with his BBA in Marketing.

He is employed at Tire Discounters as the Director of Operations and is a key player with monumental insight and a natural talent for business. He is will soon be walking into his father’s shoes!

God has amazingly opened doors for Anna that we know only He could do. Anna graduated from MVCA in 2010. She then attended Xavier University and graduated in 2014 with a BA in Business Management. Anna has always had a good eye for fashion and knows the next big thing before it ever graces our store windows. After graduating from Xavier, Anna decided to start her own business in 2016 and become a Fashion Influencer.

She moved to New York City in 2018 and methodically worked her way to being named one of New York City’s Top Influencers

by New York Magazine, Bella. Having over 200K followers, her influential internet presence has enabled her be selected to represent Saks Off Fifth private label brand. We can’t wait to see what this beautiful young lady does and what God has in store for her. Find Anna on Instagram at her_editorial or on the web at her-editorial.com Evan was fortunate to begin at MVCA in Kindergarten and graduated in 2018. He just completed his freshman year at the University of Cincinnati and recently returned from a Business Co-Op trip to Ireland and Scotland. He is now a sophomore at UC where he is majoring in Business. In his time off from school, Evan works and Tire Discounters and is starting his journey to make his mark in the company.

Christian education has been worth our investment. May God continue to bless His school and all those that walk its hallways. #ForeverLions r Carla Wood, MVCA Board President

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ALUMNI Ryan Kozak [2018] Ryan is currently in the Morter Division of the infantry, which means he and his battle buddies get to carry around and shoot the 300+ pound weapons! He is assigned to Ft Carson in Colorado, and will move there shortly after graduation on July 3rd.

Dr. Rachel Moreland, D.O. [2011] Rachel Moreland graduated from Lipscomb University Class of 2015 earning a B.S. in Molecular Biology. She then continued her studies at DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University. She just graduated with the Class of 2019 as a D.O. and will begin residency at West Virginia University for the next 4 years to specialize in Psychiatry and continue an additional year for a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

In addition, she spent 7 weeks in China after being selected for an international rotation in Ganzhou, China at Gannon Medical Center.

Rachel gives glory to God for her success and looks to Him for her future path.

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Dr. Jennifer Rhodenbaugh, DPT [2007]

Bradley Kozak [2017] Bradley has been in the Army for 1 ½ years and is stationed at Ft Bragg, NC (in Fayettville). He is assigned to the 690th Brigade Ground Ambulance Corp, as their CBRN (chemical,biological, radiological, nuclear) specialist. He also has been trained as an Armorer, and in Pest Control. Brad is very active in the Navigators, a Christian evangelism/ discipleship group that ministers to military personnel.

The Kozaks give thanks to God for their time at MVCA and the foundation that helped to form their character and love of country.

Jen left MVCA and attended Miami University in Oxford and graduated in 2011 with a B.S. in Exercise Science.

Most recently, she graduated with the Class of 2019 from the Medical University of South Carolina with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. It took 3 years of intensive studies and various clinicals to achieve this major goal! She credits MVCA for laying a good foundation with instruction in academics and time management.

UPDATES Dr. Nikki Postenrieder-Lawson, M.D. [2011] Nikki just graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine as a Medical Doctor and will begin a pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She is married to Matt Lawson and is loving every day of their new adventure in Texas!

Brad Grosjean [2017] Brad is a Junior at OSU studying finance. He is leading a summer Bible study at MVCA for all Alumni.

He created a YouTube channel, “Out of the Boat” to encourage others to take steps of faith out of the realm of thier comfortable lives and and allow Him to transform thier heart, mind, and soul.

A message from Brad: “My channel’s inspiration is from Matthew 14, where Jesus calls Peter out of the boat to walk on water during a storm-- (which should scare anyone straight). In the story, Jesus guides Peter’s steps, and he begins to do the impossible-- walk on water!

However, the minute Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he was overwhelmed with fear and quickly started to sink.

Jesus is saying here, “Bro, why are you afraid? Where’s your faith? You were just walking on water! Why did you doubt me after that?”.

We can all relate to Peter, right? I know I do. I’ve seen some great things happen in my life that I believe God has done for me, but yet, even then, when the storms of life challenge me, I look at the wind and waves and question, “will God come through this time? What if He doesn’t?”. And then fear kicks in, like it did for Peter.

God hasn’t given His followers a spirit of timidity and fear, but of power and boldness (2 Timothy 1:7). The goal of my channel is to challenge believers to CHASE after God with ALL their heart, to seek Him FIRST and not worry about the fears of this world (Matthew 6:3334). This is accomplished through Bible study, as we dissect the words of God and challenge ourselves to actually apply the principles to our lives, and also through interviews with other people who are chasing Jesus with all they’ve got. While the content on the channel can be relevant to anyone, I try to focus on applications for those in high school or college, and challenge them to live boldly for Christ on their campus or workplace. I want to encourage young men and women, who have a great opportunity to impact their community and promote God’s Kingdom, to acknowledge the storms in their life that Satan will bring, but decide to keep their eyes focused on Jesus and take steps of faith despite any fear they may have.

It’s not easy, but God never called us to something easy, in fact He said we would experience many troubles and storms in this life. But He also promised us a rewarding life, one that is eternal!”

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Thank you to all who attended the 2018-19 Auction Come to the Table on Friday, November 16th at the Holiday Inn, Eastgate to celebrate and support Miami Valley Christian Academy.

It was truly an amazing night with over 350 friends and supporters that helped achieve our highest grossing event in the Academy’s history! Proceeds assist our students and their families by keeping annual tuition affordable, allowing them to have access to a safe campus, a college preparatory education, and several extracurricular activities.

The night included delicious food, fun games, and loads of energy during the auction. We were blessed again to have Phil Russell, Auctioneer and longtime friend of the Academy. One unforgettable highlight of the event was the Academy Chorus filling the room with beautiful voices singing Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets.

Special thanks to Auction Team Leaders Carla Wood, Emily Wilson, Stephanie Scott, Beth Park, and their team members for countless hours and immeasurable efforts to make this night a record success.

Make your plans to attend the upcoming Auction on November 22nd, 2019.

If you would like to be a part of the Auction Team, contact Carla Wood at bw3carla@yahoo.com or Emily Wilson at wilsonem34@gmail.com.

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9 1 0 2 N O H T KA L A W A C V M Walkathon helps

DECREASE OUR BUDGET GAP from 22% to 8%

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FIND YOUR

PLACE

6830 School Street Cincinnati, OH 45244 513-272-6822 mvca-oh.com