Spring 2024 SOARING Newsletter

S aring

SU M MIT CHRISTIAN ACADEM

A newsletter for friends, staff, and parents of Summit Christian Academy Spring 2024

2024-25 Sneak Peak

SSW Jefferson

Summit MO 64081 816.525.1480

Elementary 1450 SW Jefferson

Summit MO 64081 816.524.0185

Chris Hahn, Head of School

Joe Hesman, Secondary Principal & Director of Operations

Anthony Mickelson, Secondary Assistant Principal

Charissa Sanders, Early Ed & Lower Elementary Principal

Julie Madsen, Upper Elementary Principal

Lance Quessenberry, Athletic Director

Sarah Coats, Director of Development

Cordell Dick, Director

Access & Affordability

CA is excited to provide a sneak peak for the 2024-25 school year! To accommodate growth for Christian families who are aligned with SCA missionally and academically, SCA will be adding additional classrooms, as well as adjusting leadership positions for some current SCA administrators.

CLASSROOM ALTERATIONS

For 2024-25 SCA will provide four additional classrooms at the elementary school.

“We will not be constructing new classrooms on our campus,” shared SCA Head of School Chris Hahn. “We will be redistributing current space to accommodate the waitlists and enrollment demand. What a blessing it will be to see more children and families partner with SCA as children grow in relationships, knowledge, and their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”

ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL NAMED

The SCA Board of Education has approved and named current SCA Secondary Principal and Director of Operations Mr. Joe Hesman as the Assistant Head of School.

“In this new role, Mr. Hesman will continue to report directly to me and will be identified as the ministry and campus leader in the absence of the Head of School. The position will include operational leadership in student and campus services. Mr. Hesman has expressed a desire to serve and lead as a Head of School one day should God open that opportunity,” shared Mr. Hahn.

SECONDARY PRINCIPAL NAMED

The SCA Board of Education has approved and named current Administrative Intern Mr. Andy Pfeifer to the position of SCA Secondary Principal. SCA conducted an external and internal search. After thorough review of applications, and a final pool that included multiple external finalists, Mr. Pfeifer was the unanimous leader.

“Mr. Pfeifer understands the priority of relational ministry, the care of the faculty and staff, academic excellence and empowering the students, faculty, and staff to work together to fulfill the mission of SCA,” shared Mr. Hahn. “I believe God has prepared and placed Mr. Pfeifer at SCA for this leadership opportunity to equip our 7-12th grade students to be leaders for Christ.”

K-6 PRINCIPAL NAMED

After 11 years of serving SCA, first as an Early Education teacher, then as the Early Education Director, and finally as the Upper Elementary Principal, Dr. Julie Madsen has made the decision to make the 2023-24 year her final year. “Dr. Madsen has made a huge impact on the SCA community through her servant leadership, love of children, and commitment to excellence in all she does,” shared Mr. Hahn. “She will be greatly missed at SCA.”

The SCA Board of Education has approved and named current SCA Administrator

Mrs. Kelly Montgomery as the new Kindergarten - 6th Grade Principal. Mrs. Montgomery has worked efficiently and effectively this year to encourage best practices in teaching, curriculum management and review, as well as teacher coaching. “As the DI3 this year, she was intentional in building relationships and learning much about the SCA elementary faculty, curriculum, and community this year,” shared Mr. Hahn.

ASSISTANT ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL NAMED

The SCA Board of Education has approved and named Mrs. Shauna Borgstadt as the new K-6 Elementary Assistant Principal.

“Mrs. Borgstadt's selection followed a thorough vetting process by an interview committee that included current SCA teachers and staff,” shared Mr. Hahn. “Her candidacy stood out as she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role. With three years of dedicated service continued on page 2

Mr. Joe Hesman

Mr. Andy Pfeifer

Mrs. Kelly Montgomery

Mrs. Shauna Borgstadt

Spiritual SCA Holds 25th Annual Solemn Assembly

Solemn Assembly is a day that is a long-standing tradition and part of the DNA of what it means to be an SCA Eagle. It is called Solemn Assembly. Since 1999, the administration, staff, and students set aside a full day to go before the Lord. During the day, students spend time in prayer and worship, participate in activities, and have the opportunity to hear from speakers on different topics.

Secondary students heard from keynote speaker Damion Cooper who shared about the importance of godly character and being who God created you to be. Secondary students also had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions throughout the day with their small group.

Elementary students were hosted by Pastors Danny & Maria Hermida who offered a keynote and led worship. Students also participated in art, movement, Bible messages, worship, and took time to pray over their teacher.

What a great day it was for the SCA community!

SNEAK PEAK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1...

as an SCA teacher including six additional years of elementary teaching experience. Mrs. Borgstadt has taught across multiple grade levels including 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Her extensive elementary education background perfectly positions her to take on this new leadership role.”

EARLY EDUCATION DIRECTOR NAMED

As we shared in September of 2023, after 17 years as a faithful teacher and leader at SCA, Mrs. Charissa Sanders will be stepping into a new role as the Children’s Ministry Director at SCA Covenant Church Fellowship Greenwood. “Mrs. Sanders has been a tremendous blessing to work alongside and we are excited for her next position as she faithfully and boldly follows where God has called her to use her gifts and talents,” shared Mr. Hahn.

The SCA Board of Education has approved and named current SCA Teacher Aide Mrs. Jessica Fisher as the new Early Ed Director.

“Mrs. Fisher distinguished herself as one of four finalists for the position. She was a previous Early Education Director in Wichita and I believe God has equipped and placed her here, at this time, for this position and calling,” shared Mr. Hahn.

Christian Character Recipients Announced

SCA recognizes students who consistently exhibit exceptional Christian character through the Christian Character Award program, one of the most prestigious recognitions within the school.

Elementary Christian Character recipients for the second quarter are first grade student Audrey Cook, daughter of Alec and Alison Cook, and fourth grade student Emory Huffman, daughter of Joseph and Brittany Huffman.

Eighth grade student Regan McCarty, daughter of Michael and Julie McCarty, and eighth grade student Elijah Zicari, son of Sean and Amber Zicari, both received the Junior High Christian Character Award for first semester.

Sophomore Aidan Cummings, son of Jason and Michele Cummings, senior Virginia (Ginny) Baxter, daughter of John and Ann Baxter, and senior David Gilkeson, son of Seth and Andrea Gilkeson, each received the High School Christian Character Award for first semester.

Secondary students hosted Pastor Damion Cooper for Solemn Assembly 2024. He shared about knowing your true character and living for the Kingdom instead of for the World.

First grade student Audrey Cook with Lower Elementary Principal Mrs. Charissa Sanders.

Fourth grade student Emory Huffman with Lower Elementary Principal Mrs. Charissa Sanders.

Kindergarten student RJ Barber prays for his teacher Mrs. Santon.

L-R: Secondary Principal Joe Hesman, eighth grade student Elijah Zicari, senior David Gilkeson, sophomore Aidan Cummings, and senior Ginny Baxter. Not pictured is eighth grade student Regan McCarty.

Mrs. Jessica Fisher

Academics

Drop Everything and Read!

Elementary students had the opportunity to spend the day reading for SCA’s annual DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) Day. The theme for this year was Reading is a Big Dill. What a fun “dill” it was to read and grow closer to Jesus! Because Jesus Loves You, so just "Dill" With It!

Beyond the Walls of SCA

Fifth Grade Students Visit the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

Students in fifth grade went beyond the walls of SCA to visit the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. The students were immersed in art from Mesopotamia, Ancient China, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. This field trip enhances the history studies in the fifth grade curriculum.

There was a lot for STEWARDS students to smile about as they finished up their hands-on dentistry unit! The class investigated dentistry careers at the office of SCA Corporate Partner, Dental Arts. Dr. Bowen provided opportunities for students to examine x-rays, view the effect of acidic drinks on fluoridated and nonfluoridated teeth, take dental impressions, observe dental models being made, and even fill a cavity. Dentists and dental hygienists worked alongside students to create an environment for students to apply science in a career that is focused on serving people.

STEWARDS students went to Science City as part of their Science and Engineering unit. They were highly engaged in exhibits throughout the museum including the Sky Bike, Science of Energy section, Simple Machines at Play, and Mr. E. Illusionist Hotel. What a wonderful day of experiential learning.

Message from SCA Head of School

Spring has officially started, at least by the calendar. I do believe, the older I get, the faster the years seem to go. It was not always like that for me, especially as a student. As we enter the final lap of 2023-24, would you believe planning for next year has been underway for several months? I am excited about where and how God is working and moving, and specifically excited about the leaders I believe God has called and placed here to serve our community. I truly believe they are servants who are “All in for Him.” As we remain “All in,” my prayer and our theme for next year will be “Aspire Higher.” I am so proud and grateful for the work of our teachers, mentors, directors, coaches, assistants, and support teams. It is hard work. May we serve with purpose, passion, joy, aspiring higher, as “HIS mighty power works in us” (Colossians 1:29).

First grade students Mateo Rivera, Cain Van Horn, and Isaiah Bagunu have the chance to spend the day reading during the annual DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) Day.

Chris Hahn

STEWARDS students learn about dentistry careers at the SCA Corporate Partner office of Dental Arts.

Academics

Senior Named National Merit Scholar Finalist

Senior Anna Hammond has been recognized as a National Merit Scholar Finalist.

National Merit Scholar finalists must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

Anna is active in SCA Concert Chorale, Student Council, Spiritual Climate Committee, and is the Historian of National Honor Society. Anna is a peer-tutor Writing Fellow, Small Group leader, Scholar Bowl champion, is the Interact Club President, and was a staff member at Missouri Leadership Seminar. In addition, Anna recently received the distinguished Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Anna will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for one of approximately 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million to be offered this spring.

Jr. High Debate Takes First in Tournament

The Junior High Speech and Debate team took first place in the small school division during their first tournament at Paul Kinder Middle School in Blue Springs. In addition, individual awards included the following:

• 8th grade student Junius Yancik, first place in original oratory and impromptu speaking

• 7th grade student Sam Fulton, first place in congress debate

• 8th grade students Leo Butler and Elijah Zicari, second place in experienced public forum debate

• 8th grade students Violet Glaze and Noah Lam, fourth place in novice public forum debate;

• 7th grade students Josiah Zicari and Carson Shrum, fifth place in novice public forum debate

• 7th grade students Mason Anderson and Hunter Prouty, eighth place in novice public forum debate

Seventh grade students Landon Huffman, Briana Acosta, and Maggie Daly had strong performances contributing to the team award of first place in the small school division!

Secondary Vocal Musicians Host “Back to the 90s” Fundraising Concert

From Back Street Boys to Whitney Houston, attendees at the annual vocal music fundraising dinner and concert stepped back in time with music from the 90s. The Secondary Vocal Music Department serenaded attendees as they enjoyed a delicious dinner or purchased desserts from the dessert room. Nearly $9,000 was raised at the event to support future music trips. SCA fundraising concerts have raised nearly $90,000 since 2014.

Senior Anna Hammond has been recognized as a National Merit Scholar Finalist.

SCA’s Junior High Speech and Debate team recently took first place in the small school division during their first tournament at Paul Kinder Middle School in Blue Springs.

Freshmen Lydia Self and Violet Darby perform at the Secondary Vocal concert “Back to the 90s.”

Athletics Spring Sports Promise Some Fun Competitions

by Lance Quessenberry, Athletic Director

Spring sports are well underway, and to everyone’s surprise, the weather feels like spring! The spring coaches and athletes have been thankful for many beautiful days to practice as they build up to competitions.

The Baseball program has another record year of participation with over forty athletes trying out for the JV and Varsity teams. This has ramped up the level of competition for starting positions, which in turn makes our athletes better as they work hard to develop. The varsity team will be young again with only four seniors on the roster. However, many of the younger athletes received valuable varsity innings last year where they grew in their skills and are ready to go this year. Coach Gage is excited about this group of athletes and their upcoming season. This is a team you will want to watch compete.

The Boys' Golf program returns a big portion of last year’s Class 2 State Championship team. Even though they will

move to Class 3 this year, they will still be a force with which to be reckoned. They graduated one senior from last year’s team, but they have multiple talented athletes fighting for the opportunity to make varsity. Be watching for Coach Breshears and his team in May as they are ready to make another postseason run.

Girls' Soccer will compete well again this spring and their expectations are high. Coach Sallas has built an outstanding program with mature veterans and young athletes pushing for opportunities. For the first time in many years, the program will field a full JV team with over thirty athletes trying out for a spot. The team returns to Class 1 this year and will be a major threat in the postseason. They will face great competition throughout the regular season, but these girls are more than ready for the challenge.

Lastly, the Boys' and Girls' Track and Field teams will again be strong competition on the track. The boys, who

Junior Finishes Second at Frozen Target Sporting Clay Tournament

Junior Sean McCarty took second in his class and third in the 21 and under age group at the Frozen Target Sporting Clay Tournament in Lenexa, KS. Sean achieved a personal best 93/100 targets, with perfect scores on 7/12 stations. This was the seventh highest score overall.

Lance Quessenberry

are the reigning Class 2 champions, will bump to Class 4, but will return a lot of talent from last year’s championship roster. The girls, who finished 5th in Class 3 last year, will also move to Class 4 and look to continue a long tradition of excellence as they return a good amount of talent. Both teams will look to repeat as Conference Champions and make a long run into the postseason. Make a point to watch our teams compete; you will not be disappointed. As always, our athletes and coaches do a great job of not only representing our school, but also representing Christ. We are privileged to be part of what God is doing through SCA Athletics. We continue to try and stay in His will and represent Him in all we do. Hope to see you at an SCA athletic event this spring!

SCA Athlete Receives Derrick Thomas Service Award

Senior David Gilkeson received the second place Derrick Thomas Service Award for the Derrick Thomas/Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation.

The Derrick Thomas/Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation was founded by Derrick Thomas, who was named one of the greatest pass rushers of all time and was a Chiefs defensive end. The Foundation, along with Papa John’s Pizza, recognizes a Greater Kansas City high school senior football athlete who assumes the challenge of serving his community. To be eligible, high school seniors must reflect the commitment of service.

David received a check for $1,000 and a Papa John’s Pizza party for the SCA Eagles Varsity Football Team.

Senior David Gilkeson received the second place Derrick Thomas Service Finalist Award for the Derrick Thomas/Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation.

Junior Sean McCarty finished second at the Frozen Target Sporting Clay Tournament.

Athletics

Varsity Boys' Basketball Place 2nd in Class 3 State Tournament

The Varsity Boys' Basketball team created a lot of SCA excitement and spirit by advancing to the Class 3 Final Four tournament at Mizzou Arena on March 8 and 9. The team won District 14 when they beat #2 State-ranked Lafayette County High School with a score of 42-38. They won big against Butler in the sectional matchup at home and then beat East Buchanan by two in a tightly contested state quarterfinal on the road. Upon reaching the Final Four, they played Montgomery County High School on Friday night, picking up a 46-36 win where they finished on a 16-0 run to advance to the championship. The final game saw them fall 65-86 to the returning state champions New Madrid County Central High School Eagles.

The team may have fallen short of a state championship, but they represented Christ and the SCA community well with their unrelenting hustle and never give up attitude. They were an inspiring example to all who attended the tournament at Mizzou of what can happen with teamwork, a coachable spirit, and great effort.

Varsity Head Coach Tellus Truesdale says of the season, “We set a goal at the beginning of the season to be a Final Four team, and we made good on that and then some. We always say, ‘It’s bigger than basketball’ and these boys showed what that looks like on and off the court.”

These athletes and coaches made SCA history

as being the team with the highest finish at the MSHSAA state tournament for basketball. They also finished the season with the most wins in SCA basketball history with 25, topping the 2008-09 team who finished with 24 wins and placed 3rd at state as well as the 2013-14 team who also had 24 wins but missed the Final Four by one game. The program also made a trip to the Final Four in 2021 where they placed 3rd but only had 22 wins in the season due to a limited number of competitions during COVID.

The Varsity Boys' Basketball team would like to thank all the fans who traveled to Columbia for the weekend to cheer them on during this historic tournament! They appreciate everyone who prayed for them, cheered them on from the stands, and watched and listened online through the live broadcast.

Led by Varsity Head Coach Tellus Truesdale, Varsity Boys Basketball placed 2nd in the Class 3 State tournament at Mizzou Arena on March 8 and 9.

Athletics

Varsity Wrestling Sends Four to State Tournament

The Varsity Wrestling team finished their season strong as four athletes earned spots in the Missouri Class 1 State Championships recently held

at Mizzou. Freshman Matthias "Ice" McGregor (106 lb), junior Gabe Harris (157 lb), sophomore Jack "JB" Brownlee (165 lb), and Dakota "Dak" Cobb (175 lb) all worked hard to earn a spot at the state tournament with three other Eagles barely missing the mark to make it through.

Competing in a tough bracket, McGregor came from behind in several matches to place 6th and earn All-State honors. He ended his season with a 40-8 record, including 113 takedowns and 29 spladles. He also

Fine Arts

brought home five tournament gold medals throughout his freshman season.

Cobb finished his season with a 36-12 record, a team leading 180 takedowns, and 16 spladles. He placed 2nd at districts in the 175 lb weight class.

Harris’ record for the season was 40-12 with 150 takedowns, nine spladles, and eight behlers. He had one gold medal and four silvers throughout the season, as well as 3rd place at the district tournament.

Brownlee finished strong despite a serious knee injury. His record was 26-10 with 67 takedowns and sixteen spladles. He placed 4th in the

Art Students Share Their Talents

165 lb weight class at the district tournament.

Most of the young men on this team are freshmen and sophomores so look for great things in the next few years. Coach T, Stevo, and Coach Harris are excited about the attitudes and potential of our young wrestlers!

NAHS students have continued using their artistic talents to create realistic portrait artwork for the Memory Project. The latest works were created for children living as refugees on the Syrian border, all of whom were born as refugees during Syria's ongoing war.

A BIG thank you to four senior members of the National Art Honor Society who spent a day of their Christmas break painting a student section mural in the Fieldhouse & Activity Center. Students and fans will enjoy the mural at events and games for many years to come.

Freshman Matthias McGregor earned AllState honors by placing 6th in his weight class at the Class 1 State Tournament.

Marin Akeson (L) and Jisue Kim (R) with portraits they created for Syrian refugees.

L-R: Solomon Anderson, Charlotte Brownlee, Carli Poppen (not pictured), and Sarah Woodall created an amazing mural in the Fieldhouse gymnasium.

Fine Arts Student Artist Selected As Missouri Senate District

8 Winner

Senior Sarah Woodall has been selected as the Missouri Senate District 8 Art Contest winner. Sarah’s painting was selected by Senator Mike Cierpiot to represent District 8 in the Missouri Senate Hall Student Art Exhibit. A copy of her artwork will hang in the Senate hallway gallery from April 2024 through March 2025.

Look for Sarah’s original winning artwork, an acrylic plein air painting titled “Foggy” on display by the Summit Christian Academy Administrative Conference Room.

Art Selected for University of Central Missouri Art Exhibition

Freshman Ruisi (Christine) Xiong, sophomore Kailee Burke, Reagan Crooks, and

and seniors Isabella Wilson and Sarah Woodall had art selected for inclusion at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) 2024 High School Competitive Art Exhibit. Freshman Christine Xiong and senior Isabella Wilson had two pieces of art selected.

The selected artwork was on display at the UCM Art Center from March 4-22. To view all 50 of the works of art submitted, use the QR code or click the link below it:

First Grade Music Performance

First grade presented “The Name of Jesus” directed by Mrs Jociryn. The audience was led in a worship experience by the 87 students in the classes of Mrs. Mattson, Ms. Schmidt, Mrs. Stiglic, and Mrs. Skinner. Students shared Scripture and songs proclaiming the various names of Jesus and the power that is in His name.

Moriah Kilen, junior Tristen Hamline,

Isabella Wilson, Mixed Media Isabella Wilson, Painting Kailee Burke, Painting Christine Xiong, Drawing Sarah Woodall, Painting

Sculpture

Tristen Hamline, Mixed Media Moriah Kilen, Design/Graphics

Christine Xiong, Drawing Reagan Crooks,

Use this LINK to view all 50 works of art submitted.

Fine Arts

Musicians Earn Exemplary Ratings at District

Three ensembles, seven soloists, and one instrumentalist will be advancing to the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) State competition in Columbia, MO.

Members of the vocal and instrumental music programs recently competed at Districts in Grain Valley. The following vocal musicians received an Exemplary rating for their performance in an ensemble: Emma Coats, Addison Davies, David Gilkeson, Adrian Haack, Hunter Harris, George Hoelzel, Jaidyn Hohl, James Lee, Karinton Newton, Mackenzie Osborn, Abagail Stidham, Owen Stienstra, Michael Ward, Avery Whitfield, Harry Williams, Braeden Wooldridge, Hannah Wyssmann and Xander Zumwalt.

Several students performed vocal solos at the MSHSAA District Music Festival where they earned Exemplary ratings and will advance to the State competition. These students include Emma Coats, Addison Davies, Hunter Harris, George Hoelzel, James Lee, Ryan Sare, Abagail Stidham and Hannah Wyssmann.

In addition, SCA instrumental musician Abigail Gleason will advance to state for her cello solo.

Musician Selected for KC Metro District 3 String Orchestra

Sophomore Kate Hagan auditioned and was selected to play the viola for the Kansas City Metro District 3 string orchestra. The performance was held at Liberty North High School.

Jr. High Theatre Presents

SCA Theatre Presents

The magical world of Narnia came to life on the stage of Summit Christian Academy for The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter stepped through the wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia. They experienced the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land. Their adventure sent them far from Britain to a place where they encountered new friends including a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion, and the coldest, cruelest White

Hear me ROAR! Senior Hunter Harris portrays Aslan in the SCA Theatre production of The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe as junior Charlie Hinton (left) as Susan and senior Abbie Cook (right) as Lucy try NOT to listen on.

Nineteen vocal musicians have advanced to State competition.

Instrumental musician Abigail Gleason has advanced to State competition for her cello solo.

Senior Charlotte Brownlee (left) portrays Dwarf and senior Hannah Wyssmann (right) as the White Witch in the SCA Theatre production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

The Junior High Theatre Troupe performed A Lighter Shade of Noir.

Witch. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was a production that delighted and intrigued the almost sold out crowd each night at SCA.

International

SCA Hosts International Experience

Over 200 students grabbed their SCA passports and explored the world during our annual International Experience. Students got their passports stamped as they learned new languages and dove deep into culture. They tried various food and drinks from places like Nigeria, Germany, Vietnam, South Korea, China, and Mexico.

Bonjour! Back by popular demand, the Parisian Cafe challenged students to order in French to get service! The cafe menu included foods like pain au chocolat and bread with fresh cheese. There were also hot drinks, crepes, and chocolate! Students could also take pictures with the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the relaxing ambiance. The cafe became a popular place for students to relax after so much traveling.

SCA families from Germany and Nigeria shared authentic food and decorations from their countries! In Germany, students played a trivia game before trying delectable German open-faced sandwiches. In Nigeria, students tasted marinated spiced chicken wings and bold jollof rice.

Hola! Our Spanish world language classes represented countries like Chile, Columbia, and Costa Rica. Students could try a VR volcano surfing experience in Nicaragua, learn about Macchu Pichu in Peru, try empanadas in Columbia, and churros and chocolate in Spain. There was no shortage of delicious food and activities!

In Asia, students tried their hand at bamboo jacks and sampled three kinds of soft spring rolls from Vietnam. In S. Korea, students played ddakji (paper flipping game) and ate homemade japchae (sweet potato noodles in sauce). In China, students practiced calligraphy,

challenged themselves with Chinese tongue twisters, and enjoyed homemade fried rice.

Students also sampled bubble tea with different toppings from a tea stand, ate savory dumplings, and enjoyed navigating the train line map in Taiwan.

The International Experience was a great opportunity for students to travel and learn without ever leaving SCA.

International student Christine Xiong summed it up well, “The International Experience was busy, exciting, and meaningful. I enjoyed the harmonious and joyful atmosphere. The International Experience not only broadened students’ horizons, but provided an opportunity for them to build connections with others that come from different countries.”

Leo Lei teaches his host mom (Amanda Penwell) how to write calligraphy!

Amen Ogunmekan serves students jollof rice and tasty chicken in Nigeria!

Kerstin and Carmen teach Kennedy Styer about Germany!

Marcus Jones tries tasty food from Chile!

Hannah Ho with Mr. Lam and Noah Lam share about Vietnam with spring rolls!

Esther Lee and Jiho An share Korean culture and tasty noodles!

This & That It's a Great Time to Consider a Charitable Gift Anuity (CGA)

If you want to make a significant contribution to SCA, but also want the security of a fixed, reliable income for life – a charitable gift annuity (CGA) could be a great choice.

A CGA is the most common life income gift. It is typically funded with a gift of cash or marketable securities. And a CGA provides a fixed payment rate for up to two annuitants— typically the donor and the donor’s spouse. The payment is based on the age or ages of the annuitants at the time the gift is made. On a single life, the payment rate, as a percent of the gift amount, ranges from 5.7% to 9.1% for donors aged 65-85. For two lives, the payment rate, as a percent of the gift amount, ranges from 5.0% to 8.1% when both spouses are aged 65-85.

There are many typical benefits of a charitable gift annuity, including the following:

• Provides an income stream for the rest of your life(lives).

• The donor receives an immediate (partial) tax deduction, based on his(her) life expectancy and the anticipated income stream.

• A portion of the income stream is tax-free.

• Payments may be deferred, thereby increasing the payout rate.

• Many types of assets may be donated: cash, securities, and personal property. And, if the donor is 70½ or older, he(she) may give through an IRA by making a one-time election of up to $53,000.

From Eagle to Rough Riders

SCA

SCA

• Reduction or elimination of capital gains tax liability for gifts of appreciated securities and personal property.

• Supports a nonprofit organization you care deeply about.

The donor ought to consider that gifts to a CGA are irrevocable. And the payments are fixed for life with a portion of the payments likely to be taxable. Some examples of various CGA contracts:

The calculations above are estimates and are for illustrative purposes only. They do not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult your advisors for your specific situation.

If you have any other questions about Charitable Gift Annuities (CGA) or making a gift to Summit Christian Academy, give me a call at 816.525.1480, Ext. 421 or email me at cordelld@sca-kc.org.

Alumnus Luke Moehle Turns His Passion For Baseball into His Career

SCA Class of 2018 graduate Luke Moehle can’t seem to escape being behind home plate. The former SCA Eagles catcher will now be serving as the play-by-play broadcaster and media relations coordinator for the Frisco RoughRiders. The RoughRiders are a Double-A Team that are part of the Texas Rangers.

Baseball has been Moehle’s passion for as long as he can remember. During Moehle's time at SCA, he was part of the SCA Baseball team that had four straight years of conference wins, as an SCA catcher was AllState in baseball his Junior and Senior Year, and was named to the first team All Conference and All District Team his senior year.

Off the Field, Moehle felt his love for baseball could actually be part of his “calling.” As a sophomore he teamed up with SCA broadcasting partner NorN Productions and began helping Joe Van Amburg cover local high school baseball, football and basketball games. He continued on in his journey for experience in broadcasting by working with Kansas City Royals broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre during college.

After graduating from SCA, Luke attended the University of Missouri - Columbia where he worked in radio, sports talk shows, Tiger baseball, basketball, football, volleyball and soccer and then as a reporter for KOMU 8. During his junior year, he was approached with an opportunity to broadcast baseball for Westminster College. This experience allowed him to see a full season of baseball and helped him understand the best approach for finding storylines, enabling him to learn the production process and media relations responsibilities.

“I am so thankful for the support and prayers that SCA provided for me while I was there,” shared Luke. “From connecting me with NorN Productions and the Kansas City Royals to hosting and serving as the master of ceremonies at SCA events, I had the chance to explore my love and passion for sports and athletics that furthered my career in broadcasting.”

We look forward to watching and listening to Moehle as he continues his baseball career as a Frisco RoughRider

Cordell Dick Director of Access & Affordability

1500 SW Jefferson

The mission of Summit Christian Academy is to inspire students to achieve their God-given potential through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment.

Upcoming Events

Apr 12 Elementary Academic Meet 7th-12th grade ONLY (No school)

Apr 18 Early Ed Spring Showcase Jr. High Social (off campus)

Apr 22 Secondary Instrumental Concert 7 p.m.

Apr 25 Secondary Blue Crew Day

Apr 26 NO SCHOOL (professional development)

Apr 29 Elementary European Fair

Apr 30 Senior/Kindergarten Walk

May 1 All School Assembly

May 2

May 2-4

Secondary Choir Concert 7 p.m.

Senior Finals (SENIORS ONLY early release)

May 3 First Friday 8:15 a.m.

Campus Visit Day 12:30 p.m.

May 4 SCA Theatre One Acts 7 p.m.

May 5 Virtuosity! Recitals 2 & 4 p.m.

May 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6 ITS Induction 5 p.m.

May 7 Donuts with Dad 7:45 a.m.

May 9

Secondary Awards Assembly

May 10 Class of 2024 Graduation 5 p.m. (Journey Church)

May 14 5th-8th grade Band and Choir Concert 7 p.m.

May 16 Kindergarten Graduation 6 p.m. (Journey Church)

May 17 First Grade Bike Parade

May 17, 20-21 Secondary Finals (SECONDARY ONLY early release)

May 19 Sixth Grade Celebration 2 p.m.

May 20 Elementary Field Day

May 22 Secondary Blue Crew Day Last Day of School (EARLY RELEASE)

May 28 Camp Eagle Summit begins