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The Leadership Team - Part 2

The Leadership Team: Fostering Community, Excellence, and Discipleship

North Raleigh Christian Academy’s Leadership Team is a group of 16 administrators who serve the staff, students, and families by overseeing various aspects of NRCA’s ministry. They work together to drive the school’s strategic initiatives developed from the School Improvement Plan and Accreditation Report, ensure operational integrity by crafting and supporting school policies and procedures, and help teachers and students successfully carry out the mission and vision of Kingdom education. During the school year, the Leadership Team meets on the first Friday of each month.

This year saw the largest number of new Leadership Team members since NRCA began. With seven people new to their roles going into the 2022-2023 school year, the team prepared for the upcoming season by holding a leadership retreat away from campus for almost a week in July. Before the retreat, they read The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership by Tim Elmore. During the retreat, they discussed the principles in the book and how to apply them in their leadership positions. The team also reviewed the school’s mission statement and identified three key components that NRCA will focus on over the next three years: community, excellence, and discipleship.

Throughout this school year, NRCA will focus on community with the schoolwide theme of “Love God, Love Others.” Romans 12:9-10 anchors this theme. It says, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

God’s hand is clearly on this ministry, and he has placed key people in positions at NRCA to help lead throughout this season. We are excited to introduce you to the people serving in new Leadership Team positions this year.

This week we’re hearing from Alumni & Student Relations Director Tiffany Benson, Athletic Director Josh Diamond, and Assistant Athletic Director Nick Mini.

Tiffany Benson | Alumni & Student Relations Director

Tiffany Benson

NRCA has made many additions to the Leadership Team. A new position for the 2022-2023 school year is that of Alumni and Student Relations Director, held by Tiffany Benson.

Benson has many important parts to her job. On the alumni side, Benson coordinates all alumni-related events, like homecoming and reunions. She also connects with alumni attending various colleges during campus visits. Benson has worked to launch the Alumni Association and also maintains the NRCA Alumni Connect webpage that helps former Knights stay in touch after graduation.

On the student relations side, Benson’s role focuses on discipline and discipleship for female students in middle and high school. “I handle any female dress code issues, drama, bullying—that type of situation. I also assist Mr. Leonard with any of our Student Life events,” Benson said.

Benson attended NRCA herself from first grade through senior year. She then studied youth ministry as her college major. She is happy to be giving back to her school using these skills. “I love getting to know students and seeing how they’re using their unique gifts and passions for Christ. I really love that, and the student interaction is really exciting,” Benson said.

Benson has been on NRCA’s staff since 2016 and worked as a drumline instructor for the Marching Knights before that. However, this new job is her favorite. “I’ve been here a long, long time, but I think this year I finally feel like I’m doing what God called me to do, which has been really exciting,” she said.

Sometimes her job is not an easy one. There are several key characteristics she needs in order to succeed. “Patience and, I think, being able to look at the positive in situations. And trying to see the best in students all the time and realizing that [the students are] young and they’re learning,” Benson said. “On the Student Life side, being willing to be vulnerable and get to meet students where they’re at and share stories from my experience” is important.

Benson is blessed that her journey has led her back to NRCA, where she hopes to help alumni and students in positive ways as they impact the culture for Christ.

By: Presley Harrison, Shield Writer

Josh Diamond | Athletic Director

Josh Diamond

Coach Josh Diamond is the new athletic director. He is an NRCA graduate and has 10 years of coaching experience. Diamond was previously a US History, US Government, and Honors Economics teacher before becoming the new athletic director.

As the athletic director, Diamond oversees 46 athletic teams, managing athletes and coaches, facilities and transportation, and apparel and awards. He represents NRCA at conference and athletic association meetings, and he is in charge of schedules, equipment, officials, and eligibility. Diamond also teaches PE. Anything related to NRCA athletics falls under Diamond’s leadership.

Diamond has always been interested in being the athletic director because he has always had a passion for sports. “I’ve always had a passion for athletics, especially at the high school level,” he said. Diamond himself described the AD position as his dream job.

“I wanted to work at North Raleigh Christian Academy because I think it’s a great place to be,” Diamond said. He has coached at two different schools—Rolesville High School and NRCA. When Diamond was at Rolesville High School, he coached football, basketball, and softball. At NRCA, he is currently the head coach for the JV football team and also coaches baseball.

Diamond attended NRCA for three years and graduated in 2009. When he first returned to NRCA, he coached JV football with Coach Bill Cook, a previous assistant principal at NRCA. Diamond coached JV football for three years before accepting a teaching position at NRCA.

Steve Lykins, whose role Diamond now fills, coached Diamond in high school and hired him to coach JV football at NRCA. In the weeks leading up to his retirement, Lykins helped Diamond transition into the position.

Diamond is excited and honored to serve NRCA as the athletic director.

By: Ben Sary and Joseph Howard, Shield Writers

Nick Mini | Assistant Athletic Director

Nick Mini

North Raleigh Christian Academy has undergone many changes on campus and within the school’s staff. One addition is Nicholas Mini, the assistant athletic director, varsity cheer coach, and kindergarten PE teacher. Not only is Mini new to NRCA, but assistant athletic director is also a new position on the NRCA Leadership Team.

“As the assistant athletic director, I will be assisting Athletic Director Josh Diamond in any capacity necessary to help athletics run smoothly at NRCA. Specifically, some items that I assist with are ticketing, activity registration, and gameday administration,” Mini said.

Mini also has an extensive personal sports background. “I played soccer, basketball, tennis, and track in high school,” Mini said. “In college, I wasn’t ready to end my time being an athlete, so I joined the cheer team at Liberty University. I have extensive experience cheering and traveling for competitions and games in a Division I atmosphere.”

Mini’s background in cheerleading is fitting as he is the director of NRCA’s cheer program. “Directing the cheerleading program entails much training of the athletes for games and competitions, making orders and purchases for equipment, and communicating with parents when necessary,” Mini said.

Mini values the opportunities for personal growth in his new role. “I have learned patience. When the days are long and conflict arises, wisdom prevails,” Mini said. “God is great. I thank God for bringing me to NRCA, where there is Christian leadership that displays constant excellence.”

By: Tristan Aikens, Shield Writer

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