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International
Fine Arts
Secondary Students Selected for KC Metro All-District Choirs
Thirteen secondary choir members have earned a spot in the Kansas City Metro All-District Choirs for 2020-21. The students selected include sophomores Olivia Truesdale and Catherine Cramer, junior Hudson Harris, and senior Ryan Wagy for Mixed Chorus; sophomore Keyler Quessenberry and seniors Annie Harsch, Mackenzie Madsen, Alysa Ward, and Grace Filer for SSAA Chorus; and sophomore Caleb Harold, juniors Brennen Ross and Elijah Burns, and senior Ben Schwab for TTBB Chorus. Students submitted audio auditions and were selected by a panel of judges. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, these Honor Choirs are on paper only this year.
SCA students named to the TTBB KC Metro All District Chorus (LR): Junior Brennan Ross, senior Ben Schwab and Elijah Burns, and sophomore Caleb Harold.
SCA students named to the SSAA KC Metro All District Chorus (L-R): Seniors Annie Harsch and Mackenzie Madsen, sophomore Keyler Quessenberry and seniors Alysa Ward and Grace Filer. SCA students named to the KC Metro All District Mixed Chorus: sophomore Olivia Truesdale, junior Hudson Harris, sophomore Catherine Cramer, and senior Ryan Wagy.
International
SCA International Program Director Meets with 31 Countries
Kathy Tharp, International Program Director, spent three days holding 56 Zoom meetings with international student recruiting agents from 31 countries around the world. Nanette Flynn, who has been interning at SCA to fulfill hours for her K-12 Educational Leadership degree, assisted Mrs. Tharp with meetings and follow up. “It was so interesting speaking with people from various countries and learning about each country and how COVID has impacted them. Some countries were barely impacted and other agents shared that student education has been minimal the past year. There are still lots of students wanting to study abroad but parents are waiting to see how things will settle down,” shared Mrs. Tharp. Take Aways from the Meetings and Webinars • New countries with strengthening economies sending significant numbers of international students are Vietnam and several countries in Africa, like
Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria, and
Uganda. • Eastern European countries like Belarus, Kazakhstan,
Ukraine, and Russia also have a good number of students interested in study abroad.
China remains a strong sending country but has diminished numbers. • While Brazil has a struggling economy, it remains in the top sending countries.
Although Spain’s economic growth was impacted by
COVID, there are many students waiting to study abroad.
International
International Experience...An SCA Tradition
Every February, secondary World Language students and minds to the world teachers and International Students create an atmosphere and that there are where students and faculty can “experience” aspects of another other types of human culture. Sights, sounds, and smells transport participants to experiences out there. various countries around the world. We want to provide “I was so proud of my students for putting in so much our students the effort to learn about Chinese culture and share their findings opportunity to see with their fellow students,” said Mandarin Teacher Michael the world through Mayor. For one of the activities, another culture’s Mandarin students created a menu and those interested in Celebrating and eyes,” said French Teacher Mrs. Moyer. ordering had to ask for the food experiencing French students served in Mandarin. cultures from cheese baguettes and The interactive event included around the world is croissants. games, music, crafts, and ethnic such an important Stepping into Ms. cuisine. Students could take a part of our SCA Puckett’s Spanish Cultural Intelligence test and the SOAR Student Diversity Committee was also present. students’ learning experience. Experience Room, students sampled some typical South American L-R: James Lee, English Teacher Mr. James, and Tyler Simpson look on as Mr. James tried on a new language so he could order Chinese food. “Exposure to the food, the food and also tried language, and culture of another country helps open students’ their hand at creating paper flowers, a traditional craft in some Spanish speaking countries. International Student Alyn Shin created a Korean art exhibit and gave students the opportunity to make Korean art tiles. Nataly Dyer, from Peru, involved students in creating a Peruvian headdress. Tony Bu showed students how to create a Chinese blessing that is typically hung in homes for the Chinese New Year/Spring Festival. “Celebrating and experiencing cultures from around the world is such an important part of our SCA students’ learning experience. We are grateful for our international students who bring authentic language and culture, providing a richness and depth to our school community. The connections and friendships made provide a much deeper understanding of God’s big, beautiful world,” Kathy Tharp International Program Director.
L-R: Avery Whitfield, Lucie Epema, Brynn Smith, and Ellie Hawkins try paper flower making in the Spanish Experience Room.
• USA competitors for international students are the
UK, Canada, and Australia. • Most agents had never heard of a Buddy Program for international students and were very impressed with the intentionality and support of the SCA International Student Program. Agents were also pleased to hear about SCA’s Dual College
Credit Program offered. • While there may be a few new international students for the upcoming school year, most believe that
International Student Programs will rebound in the Fall of 2022.
SCA deeply values the richness international students bring to our school community. “We always ask the Lord to bring the students He desires to be here. With new students, we will need host families and ask that our SCA families prayerfully consider this ministry opportunity,” said Mrs. Tharp.
