SCA Launches Fields of Dreams Campaign to Make Turf Dreams a Reality
SCA
is proud to announce the launch of the Fields of Dreams Campaign, a campaign that will enhance the athletic experience for students across all grade levels. The goal is to provide muchneeded turf for several athletic fields and to resurface the track, ensuring that our students have access to top-tier facilities for their growth, play, and competition.
Background on the Fields of Dreams Campaign
In the summer of 2024, the Board of Education recognized the importance of upgrades to the outdoor facilities and made the installation of turf a priority as part of the Capital Improvement and Expansion Strategic Plan. Now, we’re asking for the support of our community to bring this vision to life. Over the last four months, SCA has successfully raised $1.1 million in the “silent” phase of the campaign, SCA is now working to raise an additional $400,000 to reach the goal of $1.5 million, which will complete the project.
Why Invest in Turf for SCA?
You might wonder why turf is necessary. Our current grass fields have faced significant wear and tear due to heavy usage from Elementary, Junior High, and High School teams, as well as city league teams. This ongoing use has led to safety concerns and increased maintenance costs, with grass fields often being unavailable or unsafe for play.
How Can You Help?
The Fields of Dreams Campaign is a community effort, and every family’s support is crucial in reaching the goal. We encourage parents and supporters to consider making a financial contribution to the campaign. Whether big or small, every donation will help move us closer to creating safer, more sustainable athletic spaces for our students. You may give online at summit-christian-academy.org by clicking Capital Campaign from the Support SCA dropdown menu.
Spiritual Elementary Christian Character Recipients
SCA is pleased to recognize students who consistently exhibit exceptional Christian character through the Christian Character Award program. The purpose of this award is to encourage students to pursue their potential toward attaining the highest level of personal and academic development as well as Christian character. The achievement of Christian Character at SCA is one of the most prestigious recognitions within the school.
Second quarter elementary Christian Character recipients are first grade student Beckett Franks, son of Benjamin and Lauren Franks, and fifth grade student Audrey Denker, daughter of Timothy and Amy Denker.
Academics
Student Environment of Arduous Study (STEWARDS)
SCA Shark Tank
Students in the STEWARDS class recently wrapped up their Pitch Program Business Fair! They learned entrepreneurship principles and assembled ideas addressing how their business idea met Market & Need, Innovative Ideas, Competitive Advantage, and Design & Prototype. The students then created business pitch presentations to parent volunteers or "shark investors!" The Sharks' winners for each grade level were:
Third Grade: Ellie Taylor & Cora Gilstrap with Scrub A Dog Company
Fourth Grade: Iris Mills & Kennedy Swope with KNI Christmas Vibes Company
Fifth Grade: Kade Welch & AJ Florio with Welio Co.
Sixth Grade: Evi Smith & Livi Smith with Trotting Treasures Company
Criminal Justice Field Trip
At the end of their unit on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, the STEWARDS class enjoyed a field trip coordinated by Officer Sutton Smith where they were able to visit officers, detectives, and sergeants within the Kansas City Police Department. They rotated through interactive and handson stations including Surveillance, Speech & Rescue Drone Technology, K-9 Police Academy Therapy Dog, DUI Influence Goggles, Forensics Crime Scene Station & Fingerprinting, Bomb & Arson K-9 Detection Dog, and Police Body Armor & Equipment. Students learned about the educational background of these professionals and avenues in which they can pursue a career in law enforcement!
Message from SCA Head of School Chris Hahn
Finish STRONG! I can remember being told—and know I have repeated to students, faculty members, and teams I was blessed to coach—FINISH STRONG. As a fan of sports, I know races or games are often lost in the final few strides or minutes. This happens for many reasons including a belief that I have won or will win. It may be overconfidence for some. It could be from fatigue or, sadly for some, acceptance of defeat. A year ago, I shared our theme for 2024-2025 to ASPIRE HIGHER in our words, actions, and attitudes. I have been encouraged this year by our community and, while never perfect, our care for each other! I also know as we race toward May 22, many are tired. Please keep on keeping on. Keep striving, with all HIS STRENGTH, which is POWERFULLY at work within you (Colossians 1:29)!
Run well, through the finish line, in our words, our actions and our attitudes. See you at the finish line!
First grade student Beckett Franks (L) and fifth grade student Audrey Denker (R) with Elementary Assistant Principal Shauna Borgstadt and Elementary Principal Kelly Montgomery.
Front to back: Landon Gieseke, Kade Welch, Carter Cook, Ezekiel Lee, Brody Zogleman, Easton Blaine, and Palmer Smith learn about the gear that law enforcement officers wear for protection.
L-R: Cora Gilstrap and Ellie Taylor earned the highest valuation at their grade level for their business plan and Pitch Presentation of their company called Scrub A Dog.
Chris Hahn
Academics SCA Earns Charter Status with
National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA)
The NSDA recently awarded their highest honor, Charter Status, to SCA.
NSDA’s Charter Status is based on team participation as they analyze team points earned via competition and service compared to overall school enrollment. Charter Status recognizes schools who have demonstrated a strong commitment to speech and debate activities, and demonstrates increased student confidence, critical thinking, and students finding their voices.
“I am grateful for the leadership of Speech & Debate Teacher Mr. Lindsey and the dedication and time commitment of our students,” shared SCA Head of School Chris Hahn. “This recognition is hard earned and well deserved.”
The National Speech & Debate Association awarded SCA Charter Status for their commitment to speech & debate activities and the learning opportunities provided for students. High School Speech & Debate team (back row L-R) sophomore Charlotte Mattson, senior Weston Stucker, sophomores John An and Noah Govro, freshmen Junius Yancik and Noah Lam, and sophomores Tristan Totero and Micah Ball; (middle row L-R) freshman Violet Glaze, sophomore Lydia Self, junior Gavin Boor, sophomore Eli Skinner, juniors Logan Moennig and Jack Whitford, and sophomore Chase McCambridge; (front row L-R) sophomore
junior Clara-Lily Ball, sophomore Lily Glaze, freshman Olivia Gallardo, sophomore Elena Michael, and Speech & Debate Coach Bill Lindsey.
High School Speech & Debate Team Highlights
The high school Speech & Debate team is off to a great start as they prepare for state and national competition.
Senior Weston Stucker joined the team prior to Christmas and has scored enough points to qualify for a varsity letter in debate. He has competed and placed in all his tournaments. Weston will be offered opportunities to compete at NSDA nationals in Des Moines and NCFL nationals in Chicago. He has competed in International Extemp, Public Forum, and Radio Broadcasting.
Sophomore Jackson Shrum will be competing at NIETOC nationals in Liberty in May. He qualified for US Extemp at the January Parkhill and February UCM tournaments. Jackson is our most-improved and a top debater for SCA. He will be offered opportunities to compete at NSDA nationals in Des Moines and NCFL nationals in Chicago.
Junior Gavin Boor and sophomore Jiho An qualified for the state championship in Public Forum on April 25-26. They qualified at District in Odessa in February and will be offered opportunities to compete at NSDA nationals in Des Moines and NCFL nationals in Chicago.
Junior High Debate Takes First in Foremost Tournament
The Junior High Speech and Debate team took first place in the small school division during their first tournament at Brittany Hill Middle School in Blue Springs.
In addition, eighth grade student Maggie Daly took third place in original oratory and eighth grade student Sam Fulton took fifth place in Congress debate.
Eighth grade students Sadie Lovins and Spencer Leslie took first place with a 4-0 record in novice public forum and eighth grade student Isabella Gamboa and seventh grade student Finnegan Carrell took second place with a 3-1 record in novice public forum debate. The SCA teams were both 3-0 going into the finals, and debated each other for the championship.
These strong performances all contributed to SCA’s team award of first place in the small school division!
Violet Darby,
Senior Weston Stucker Sophomore Jiho An
Junior Gavin Boor Sophomore Jackson Shrum
The Junior High Speech & Debate Team took first place in the small school division during their first tournament. Front row (L-R): Maggie Daly, Isabella Gamboa, Sadie Lovins, Spencer Lesley, and Sam Fulton; (back row (L-R): Finn Carrell and Junior High Speech & Debate Teacher Patrick Love.
Internship Experience Offered Through SCA
by SCA Senior Emma Fisher
As a senior in high school, Mrs. Whitfield’s Career Internship class has been a wonderful opportunity for me to gain real world experience. During the school week, students taking the class stay in the classroom with Mrs. Whitfield on Tuesdays and Fridays. While in class on those
days, she teaches us about how to be prepared for the world beyond high school. She teaches lessons on selecting employee benefits, emotional intelligence, and etiquette. One of the highlights of the fall semester was the lesson on etiquette. Our class was allowed to travel to a nice restaurant and practice our dining etiquette and networking skills under the guidance of a professional etiquette coach. We were given advice on how to behave when at a work related event or interview. On the days we were not in the classroom, each individual student went to their internship and learned about the career they were interested in pursuing after high school. This included careers like psychology, real estate, orthodontics, auto mechanics,
education, veterinarian medicine, interior design, and much more. Twenty-four students participated in the Career Internship course during the fall semester. Not only was the course fun and helpful, it also allowed students to gain confidence in their future career goals.
One student, Brooklyn Ganga shares, “During my internship at The Sugar Shop one of my favorite things was being able to connect with my supervisor Lynsey. Since we both had a love for baking we were able to learn from one another and grow our knowledge and understanding in this field! Towards the end of our time together it felt like we had known each other for years and had made the best memories!”
God's Aftercare Program (GAP) = Dedication to Serve
The God’s Aftercare Program is here to help fill in the “GAP” of care needs before and after school. Our program is made up of caring staff who love working with children and serving here at SCA. This year, we have been blessed with several SCA high school senior employees who have varied interests in college degree programs from psychology and music to teaching. Most of our high school staff also assist with youth groups, Sunday School, church nurseries, and worship team. We also have adults on staff who have students or grandchildren at SCA from early education to high school. We also have college students who are working on teaching degrees because they love working with and serving students. A majority of the GAP staff also serve at Camp Eagle Summit over the summer. Our team of staff members love SCA students and it really shows. I hope you have had the opportunity to get to know the staff over this school year! If you have a heart to serve children or have questions about working in GAP, contact Gail Wesselschmidt at gwesselschmidt@sca-kc.org.
I highly recommend any incoming senior consider adding Career Internship to their schedule. It has helped me figure out what I want to do after high school, and has given me real world experience. Thank you to Mrs. Whitfield for making all of this possible!
Senior Receives Daughters of the American Revolution Award
Senior Savannah McConnell is the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen award by the DAR Prairie Chapter. This award recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.
Brooklyn Ganga at The Sugar Shop where she worked for her internship.
The Hallbrook Golf Shop where Emma Fisher worked for her internship.
Senior Savannah McConnell received the Good Citizen Award by the Prairie Chapter of DAR.
Athletics Expectations High for Spring Sports
by Athletic Director Lance Quessenberry
First, let’s finish up winter sports with a few shoutouts. Varsity Wrestling was strong throughout the year and sent four wrestlers to the state tournament. Varsity Girls Basketball made it to the district championship for the first time since 2020, falling three points short of their first district title. Lastly, Varsity Girls Swim had a great season, culminating in freshman Jillian Markley qualifying as the first SCA swimmer to earn a spot in the state swim meet where she competed in the 100m Breaststroke and 50m Freestyle. Varsity Boys Basketball advanced to the Class 5 Final Four held at Mizzou Arena, which was their second consecutive state run. Even though they fell short of a state championship, their 2nd place finish was marked by hard work and strong effort. Thank you to all our winter athletes for the great 2024-25 season. Now, on to spring! The Baseball program has a solid group returning, with four seniors
on the team and several underclassmen who played many varsity innings the last two years. This group has talent and the drive to make a strong run in the postseason. Coach Gage is excited about this group and their coming season.
Boys Golf returns the majority of last year’s Class 3 State Championship team. Even though they will compete with Class 4 this year, they will still be a force on the golf course as talented young players fight for the opportunity to make varsity. Despite a harder schedule, watch for Coach Breshears and his team to make another run in the postseason.
After winning the Class 1 State Championship, Varsity Girls Soccer will again be strong with high expectations. Under Coach Sallas’ leadership, the program has over thirty athletes trying out for a spot in the program. Even though they will compete in Class 3 this year, they will be fun to watch, and you can expect them to be a threat in
the postseason.
Coach Miller’s Track and Field teams will again be a force with which to be reckoned as both boys and girls compete in Class 4. Each team is talented with a strong group of athletes that will look to repeat as Conference Champions and make a long run in the postseason.
Lastly, SCA will compete in Boys Tennis for the first time this spring. Over 20 boys signed up for this inaugural season and they are excited to start competition. Coach Matthew Peek will lead the team and build a foundation for the first-year program.
As always, our athletes and coaches do a great job of not only representing our school but also representing Christ. I am 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 that we do. Hope to see you at an SCA athletic event soon!
Wrestling Success Continues to Improve
The SCA Wrestling team had a banner year as they went 14-2 in duals and spent time in 1st place at all seven tournaments this past season. Of the seven, the Eagles won two and had four additional top-three finishes. Individually, nine wrestlers had over 30 victories and four of those had over 40 wins.
Sophomore Matthias "Ice” McGregor (126 lb) led the way with a 44-9 record, a district championship, and 138 takedowns along with 31 spladles.
Junior Dakota "Dak" Cobb (190 lb) was a dominant wrestler this past season with a 4610 record, 156 takedowns, 15 spladles and a top 8 finish at the state tournament.
Senior Gabe Harris (165 lb)
finished his SCA career with 100 victories and a second trip to the state tournament. He was 41-13 and led the team in takedowns with 160.
Freshman Garrett "Rocky" Gordon (106 lb) began his high school career with a 40-10 record, seven spladles, and a victory in his opening dual at the state tournament.
The wrestlers also had excellent seasons and are on their way to becoming dominant athletes next season. Junior Jack "JB" Brownlee (175 lb), Junior Seth "Stryker" Stricklin (150 lb), Sophomore Noah Govro (285
lb), Freshman Caleb "Chappy" Chapman (138 lb), Junior Jonah "Spiderman" Janssen (132 lb), and Junior Zach Butler (215 lb) will all be working hard in the offseason to come back stronger and earn a spot at the state tournament. SCA
Wrestling fans can also expect to see great things out of Hayden Murphy, Cade Stricklin and Danny Pitts who round out the varsity roster. With most of these returning, look for some major fireworks in 2025-26.
Four varsity wrestling athletes qualified to compete at the Class 1 State Tournament. Pictured L-R, Coach Steve Gordon, Garrett Gordon, Matthias McGregor, Dakota Cobb, Gabe Harris, and Coach Greg Thomas
Lance Quessenberry
Boys Basketball Has Record-Breaking Season
by Varsity Head Coach Tellus Truesdale
The 2024-25 Boys Basketball Season will not soon be forgotten. The season was not without its challenges as the team moved from Class 3 to Class 5. Instead of disappointment, the team responded excitedly to the challenge. It is believed that no other team has played back-toback state championship games after moving up two classes.
At the beginning of the season, the team set goals to win all tournaments, go undefeated to win the Crossroads Conference, win 20+ games, return to the Final Four, and win a Class 5 State Championship. These goals seemed reachable if they played to the best of their ability. In tournaments, the team finished 2nd in the Eagle Invitational, 3rd in the William Jewell Classic, and 1st in the Kearney Tournament. They went undefeated in the Crossroads Conference to win the conference. They won 27 games, breaking their previous record of 25-wins set last year. After an upset over state ranked Raytown High School, they won districts and went on to beat Pembroke Hill in the state quarterfinals to return to the Final Four. In the state semifinal
game, freshman Grady Ellerman led with 23 points, sophomore Mike Thomas III had 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 blocks, and senior Max Rieger had 13 points to get the win. In the championship game, the team came up short of their ultimate goal, but the boys gave everything they had and represented SCA well. Max Rieger led the way with 25 points.
Beyond team records, some on the team received national recognition and had individual success as well. Team manager senior Patrick McCarty, suited up for senior night. He started, made a basket, and everyone stormed the court to celebrate with him. The event was captured on video and went viral on social media, eventually being covered by ESPN and NBC Nightly News. Rieger broke multiple single season and career records, including the single-season scoring record (655 points) and the career scoring record (1,721 points). He was voted 1st team AllConference, Conference Player of the Year, and All-District. Thomas was voted 1st team All-Conference and All-District and bested some of his own previous records to set new single-season record for rebounds and blocks. He also broke the
record for rebounds per game. Senior Brayden Porter and Ellerman were recognized as All-Conference Honorable Mentions.
The final record broken this season was eleven seniors on the roster, and the program is thankful to each of them for their hard work and dedication. They have made us proud and represented SCA well on and off the floor with their play and strong Christian character. The basketball team is thankful for the support from the SCA community throughout this recordbreaking season.
Photo courtesy of Metro Voice News
Athletics SCA Athlete Completes First Marathon
by Cross Country Coach Rick McGregor
At 16 years old, junior Brayden Oldham has accomplished something many people only dream of –completing his first-ever marathon.
The race took place in the beautiful city of Little Rock.
Brayden’s marathon journey began months ago when he decided to take on this massive challenge. As a teenager, Brayden showed incredible dedication and perseverance as he trained tirelessly for the event. Despite the challenges of preparing for a marathon, such as early morning runs, long training sessions, and overcoming physical and mental fatigue, Brayden stayed focused and determined.
The marathon in Little Rock was no easy feat. The race, which
Fine Arts
stretched over 26 miles, tested Brayden’s endurance, willpower, and ability to push through difficult moments. But with each mile, Brayden gained strength, driven by the goal he had set for himself and the support of his friends, family, and fellow runners.
The atmosphere at the Little Rock Marathon was electric. Runners gathered to take on the challenge, and the crowd cheered enthusiastically as participants crossed the finish line. Fueled by his hard work and determination, Brayden was one of the runners who made it to the finish line, earning the pride and satisfaction of completing such a monumental task.
Brayden finished 12th in the 16 - 19 age division with a chip time of 3:58.26
Brayden’s accomplishment is a testament to his hard work and commitment. At such a young age, he has proven that with dedication, anything is possible. Completing a marathon is a lifechanging experience, and Brayden now joins an elite group of athletes who have conquered this incredible challenge.
National Art Honor Society Juried Exhibition
Sophomore Ruisi (Christine) Xiong reached a monumental achievement and made SCA history by becoming the first-ever SCA student to have artwork selected for inclusion in the prestigious National Art Honor Society Juried Exhibition. Christine’s ink drawing, titled Reflective Self-Portrait, was one of 83 artworks chosen by a panel of arts educators from a record-breaking 2,414 submissions nationwide. The award winning drawing Reflective SelfPortrait will be featured in the exclusive virtual exhibition, available for viewing online at www. arteducators.org/national-art-honor-societies until August 31, 2025.
"This portrait represents my great obsession and enthusiasm for art. I represented my creative sources of inspiration (Dalî, da Vinci, Kahlo, Mondrian, Klimt, Van Gogh, Hosusai, Ukiyo-e, Dunhuang) with my unique art style using technical pen for numerous details floating out of my split head," explains Xiong.
Sophomore Ruisi (Christine) Xiong’s ink drawing
Reflective Self-Portrait made her the first-ever SCA student to have artwork selected for inclusion in the National Art Honor Society Juried Exhibition.
SCA Artist Selected as Missouri Senate District 8 Winner
Junior Aubree Cubley has been selected as the Missouri Senate District 8 Art Contest winner.
Aubree’s artwork 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 2025 through March 2026. Look for Aubree’s original winning artwork, a landscape oil painting titled “A Blooming Spring” on display next to the Summit Christian Academy Administrative Conference Room.
NAHS Creates Community Sketchbook for SCA Students
SCA’s National Art Honor Society has created an opportunity to spread the joy of creating art throughout the secondary school! They created a Community Sketchbook with supplies that belong to everyone, in all skill levels, obtained through the Learning Commons Supervisor. The sketchbook will give students the opportunity to express themselves and glorify God through artwork! Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
A copy of Junior Aubree Cubley’s Missouri Senate District 8 Art Contest winning landscape oil painting titled “A Blooming Spring” will hang in the Senate hallway gallery from April 2025 to March 2026.
Junior Brayden Oldham completed his first-ever marathon in Little Rock.
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SCA Student Art Selected for UCM Art Exhibition
Freshman Alison Zhang, sophomores Reece Carter, Eden Holder, Ruisi (Christine) Xiong (two pieces), juniors Kailee Burke, Moriah Kilen, and Brooks Zumwalt, and seniors Marin Akeson, Gabrielle Broom, La’Ahianaiolani Costa, Brooklyn Ganga, and Tristen Hamline had art selected for inclusion at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) 2025 High School Competitive Art Exhibition. Included were pieces of mixed media, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and a drawing.
The selected artwork will be on display at the UCM Art Center from March 9-28.
Use the QR code to view all 36 entries submitted for consideration.
Thirteen pieces of artwork from twelve SCA high school students were selected for inclusion at the 2025 UCM High School Competitive Art Exhibition.
Pep Band Hosts Elementary Band Pizza Party
The elementary 4th-6th band students were invited to a Pep Band Pizza Party with the secondary Pep Band before the SCA vs. Pembroke Hill varsity boys' basketball game. The students enjoyed pizza and, of course, had to have cookies, a trademark of Dr. Turner. The elementary students, and some parents, participated in the Pep Band fun at the game.
Choir and Orchestra Students Qualify for State
Twenty-seven SCA music department students received the highest rating, Exemplary, and qualified to compete at State on May 1 at the MU. Congratulations to the following students: Orchestra
Abigail Gleason–cello solo
Kate Hagan–viola solo
Ana Nichols–violin solo
Marah Stillwell–violin solo
Piano and strings trio:
Abigail Gleason–cello
Ana Nichols–violin
Victor Nichols–piano
Violin Duet
Ana Nichols and Marah Stillwell
Vocal Solos
Emma Coats, Violet Darby, Addison Davies, George Hoelzel, Eli Skinner, and Isabelle Thompson
Ensembles
Choral Mixed Ensemble:
Charli Hinton, Corey Jones, Jennifer Paul, Lucy Richards, Hailey Robinson, Eli Skinner, Tristan Swanson, and Jacob Yates
JSE Senior Girls Ensemble:
Emma Coats, Addison Davies, Charli Hinton, Aydra Meyer, Hailey Robinson, Abagail Stidham, and Avery Whitfield
Women’s Choir Ensemble: Brynn Bickelhaupt, Grace Davis, Eden Hiebert, Anna Lingel, and Regan McCarty
Brother and sister band students Katelyn (4th) and Jake (10th) Yates.
Tristen Hamline-Mixed Media Moriah Kilen-Drawing Eden Holder-Mixed Media
One of the most fantastical plays written by William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream, is a comedic play set in a forest outside of Athens that involves fairies, love, a wedding, and the unpredictable nature of love. Laughter, love and mayhem were all part of this theatrical tale. What incredible fun was had by the actors and actresses as well as the ensembles and audience as SCA performed A Midsummer Night's Dream.
George Hoelzel as the Duke of Athens presides over his subjects with stern admonishments to Hermia that she marry the man her father chooses for her, Demetrius, instead of the man who has wooed her heart away: Lysander. Hippolyta, played by Abby Gleason, becomes his wife. Father Egeus, played by Victor Nichols, Demetrius is Noah Howes, Charli Hinton is Helena, Addie Davies is Hermia, and Levi Tomlin is Lysander in this madcap adventure that mixes the couples and fixes them again, due to the fanciful interference of the fairy kingdom.
Junior
High Theatre performed The Somewhat True Tale of Robinhood. The production was entertaining, exciting and excellent for all ages!
Secondary Choir Holds Annual Fundraising concert
Saddle Up and Sing! was the theme for the annual Pops Concert Fundraiser hosted by the Choral Music Department. This year, the concert was more of a variety show with a daughter on guitar and dad on violin, a brother and sister duet, solos, and a variety of music from all the music groups 7th12th. The audience enjoyed toe tapping songs and inspirational music from Johnny Cash and the Oak Ridge Boys to John Denver and Carrie Underwood. The live band was composed of teachers and staff Steve Scheperle, Michael Mayor, Laurie Schwab and students Ryan Sare, Ana Nichols, Victor Nichols and Cooper Whitfield. Many enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner prepared by SCA's Stacy Starkbaum and crew, and the dessert bar was a treat for all! Funds raised go toward the choir students’ trip to New York City in 2026 to perform at Carnegie Hall.
International International Experience
More than 150 students embarked on a cultural adventure during our annual International Experience, exploring languages, traditions, and flavors from around the world—all without leaving SCA. With passports in hand, students collected stamps as they immersed themselves in a variety of global experiences.
Bonjour! The Parisian Café, back by popular demand, challenged students to order in French before enjoying treats like pain au chocolat, fresh bread with cheese, warm crepes, and rich hot chocolate. The cozy café setting, complete with an Eiffel Tower backdrop, became a favorite spot for students to relax after their travels.
SCA families from Nigeria and Mozambique proudly shared their culinary heritage. In Nigeria, students savored bold jollof rice and marinated spiced chicken wings, while Mozambique offered its signature Zambezia chicken, infused with coconut and lemon, served over rice.
Spanish world language classes showcased cultures from places like Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Students enjoyed Spanish worship music while indulging in tres leches cake from Mexico, refreshing horchata, and savory empanadas from Chile. In Costa Rica, students participated in a vibrant weaving
activity, creating colorful textile patterns inspired by traditional designs.
Asia’s rich traditions came to life through food, games, and art. In Vietnam, students sipped creamy iced coffee and tasted mung bean cookies. South Korea introduced them to gonggi (a traditional dice-catching game) and flavorful bulgogi (marinated beef). China’s booth featured calligraphy, a chopstick challenge, and sweet dumplings. Students also sampled bubble tea with customizable toppings and played Taiwanese night market games.
Senior international student Hannah Ho shared, “I really enjoyed the International Experience this year because there were more countries and there were also plenty of delicious and unique foods. I didn't have enough time to visit every stall, but I talked to La'ahia and learned about nature in Mozambique and the activities she did. That was cool and interesting. I also loved the country location guessing game with Turkish snacks that Mrs. DeFelice hosted.”
The International Experience was a celebration of diversity, discovery, and connection, allowing us to celebrate the wonderful world that God has created! Until next year—bon voyage!
Counselor’s Corner: Practicing Self-Care
Rest & Recharge - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Just as Jesus invited those who are weary to come to Him for rest, take time to slow down, relax, and recharge. Rest in God's presence through prayer or quiet reflection.
Spend Time in Prayer & Reflection - “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16
Just as Jesus made time to be alone and pray, use your time to connect with God. Use this week as an opportunity to deepen your relationship with God, pray, meditate on His Word, and reflect on His goodness in your life.
Nourish Your Body - “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Take time to care for your body with good food, rest, and physical activity. Eating healthy, getting exercise, and taking care of your physical health honors God, as your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). (continued on p. 11)
The Costa Family (missionaries to Mozambique) wear traditional clothing and serve a Zambezia chicken dish. Their music and artifacts drew guests.
The Ogunmekans share traditional Nigeran chicken, rice, and Nigerian donuts, Puff-Puff.
Senior Hannah Ho (Vietnam) wearing a traditional silk Veitnamese dress, works with the Lam family to serve traditional Vietnamese coffee with delicious cream toppings along with tasty snacks.
This & That Cordell's Corner: An Updated Review of SCA's Financial Health
Every couple of years, we have reviewed financial ratios to determine SCA’s overall financial health, which is vital to SCA as it continues to grow and prosper in its quest to fulfill its mission.
1. Operating Reserve Ratio (OPR). This ratio reveals SCA’s financial security, essentially as it relates to the size of its reserves. It is expressed as both a percentage representing a portion of a year and as the number of months. Both represent the span of time SCA reserves cover annual expenses.
SCA’s OPR ratio indicates a high degree of financial security. Monitoring this ratio is important because if the ratio or number of months is too high, it may indicate opportunities may be missed to expand the mission. If it’s too low, the long-term financial security of an organization may be in jeopardy.
2. Program Expense Ratio (PER). The ratio shows how much is spent on program services versus support services. Operating and fundraising expenses are considered support services. The PER is the result of dividing total program expenses by total expenses. The PER has remained very consistent over the past several years at a healthy 86%.
Spend Time in Nature - “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1
Nature can be a refreshing reminder of God's creativity and majesty.
Practice Gratitude - “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” –Psalm 107:1
Reflect on the blessings in your life.
Practicing gratitude helps shift your focus to God's goodness and reminds you of His care for you.
SCA’s high ratio is positive. It shows strong commitment toward spending in areas fulfilling the core mission. If this ratio is too high, it could indicate a reluctance to invest in infrastructure. For example, do more funds need to be spent on support service personnel? If it’s too low, it may indicate a lack of focus on program services.
Cordell Dick Director of Access & Affordability
3. Profit Margin Ratio (PMR). This ratio answers a couple of questions. Do revenues consistently exceed expenses? By what percentage? The PMR is computed by dividing the change in unrestricted net assets by total unrestricted revenue. SCA’s PMR for the year ended June 30, 2024, was a robust 23%. This ratio compares to a PMR of 12% two years ago and 25% four years ago.
SCA has a reasonable and healthy PMR. If it is too high, charges for services may be excessive or there’s recently been significant increases in enrollment and/or fundraising income. If it is too low, charges may be inadequate or expenses too high, or perhaps the fundraising is inadequate.
School leadership appreciates prayer for wisdom as they guide the school forward in the months and years ahead. If you have questions related to financial ratios or making gifts to SCA, give me a call at 816.525.1480 or email me at cordelld@sca-kc.org.
Forgive & Let Go - “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” –Ephesians 4:32
Use this time to forgive others and let go of any grudges. Free your heart from bitterness and resentment, allowing God’s peace to fill you.
Serve Others - “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering, or simply being kind to those around you, serving others helps you live out God's love.
Enjoy Play & Fun - “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
Take time to laugh, have fun, and enjoy your break. God delights in our joy!
SUMMIT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1500 SW Jefferson
Apr 8
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
10th-11th Free ACT Testing
7th-9th Pre-ACT Testing
Apr 10 Elementary Art Reception 5 pm
Apr 12 NHS Induction 2 pm
Apr 15 Critical Cultural Conversations 8:30 am
Apr 17 Early Ed Spring Showcase 5 pm
Junior High Social
Apr 18 NO SCHOOL - Good Friday
Apr 21 NO SCHOOL - Easter Monday
Apr 22 Blue Crew Day NAHS Induction 3 pm
Apr 26 Prom
Apr 27 Virtuosity! Recitals
Apr 28 Elementary European Fair 9-12 Instrumental Concert 7 pm
Apr 29 Senior-Kindergarten Walk
Apr 30 All-School Assembly
May 1-2 Senior Finals (seniors only early release)
May 2 First Friday 8:15 am
May 3 ONE ACTS 7 pm
May 4 Virtuosity! Recitals
May 5-9 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5 Senior Finals (seniors only early release) 9-12 Spring Choir Concert 7 pm
May 8 Secondary Awards 2:10 pm
May 9 Graduation 5 pm (Connection Point Church)
May 13 Donuts with Dad 7:45 am 5-8 Spring Choir & Instrumental Concert 7 pm
May 16 First Grade Bike Parade
May 18 Sixth Grade Celebration 2 pm
May 19-21 Finals (7-11 only early release)
May 20 Kindergarten Graduation (Journey Church International)
