Winter 2021-22 SOARING Newsletter

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

Sum mit

Christian Academy Administration, Early Education, Secondary 1500 SW Jefferson Lee’s Summit MO 64081 816.525.1480 Elementary 1450 SW Jefferson Lee’s Summit MO 64081 816.524.0185 Chris Hahn, Head of School Joe Hesman, Secondary Principal & Director of Operations

Winter 2021-22

Summit Christian Academy R anks Number 2 in the Top Private Schools List for the K ansas City Area

S

ummit Christian Academy (SCA) is pleased

including student-to-teacher ratio, tuition, and

to announce that they have been ranked

academic curriculum.

second in the Kansas City metro area

“It is an incredible blessing to be named as one

private schools list by the Kansas City Business

of the top Christian and private schools serving

Journal, up two spots from last year when they

our community,” shared SCA Head of School Mr.

were ranked fourth. This is the eighth consecutive

Chris Hahn. “This recognition is attributed to the

year that SCA has been ranked as a top five private

partnership we share with the families we serve,

school in the Kansas City Metropolitan area.

and the incredible gifts and talents of our faculty

The Kansas City Business Journal’s annual

and staff. We celebrate and give thanks today

Anthony Mickelson, Secondary Assistant Principal

compilation of private schools, “The List,”

as we move forward to even bigger and better

Dr. Kimberlee Gill, Academic Dean

determines school rankings based on fall

opportunities to prepare our children for their

enrollment figures submitted from each institution.

future.”

Charissa Sanders, Early Ed & Lower Elementary Principal Julie Madsen, Upper Elementary Principal

Various other characteristics are also noted,

Lance Quessenberry, A.D. Kathy Tharp, International Program Director Sarah Coats, Director of Development Cordell Dick, Director of Major Gifts

Like us on

www.summit-christian-academy.org

Inside Soaring: Spiritual.........................................2-3 Message from Your Head of School............................... 3 Academics.....................................4-5 Athletics....................................... 6-8 Fine Arts......................................9-10 International.............................. 10-11 This & That...................................... 12 Cordell’s Corner............................ 13 Upcoming Events..........................14

Summit Christian Academy has been ranked second in the Kansas City Business Journal’s list of Top Area Private Schools. This is SCA’s eighth consecutive year to be ranked in the top five.

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Spiritual

Elementary Food Drive Supports K ansas City Families at Thanksgiving Elementary students united to give over 9,000 food items and paper goods to bless families with a meal for Thanksgiving this year through the annual SCA Thanksgiving Food Drive. One of the core values at SCA is to Cultivate Community, and the food drive helps students understand the importance of serving and helping the community.

SCA joined forces with Courageous Life Church to collect food items and bless hundreds of families here in the Kansas City metro area. The sixth grade class wrote encouraging notes, packed boxes, and loaded them onto trucks to transport the food to churches so that they could give them to families for Thanksgiving.

As a reward for exceeding the goal, SCA Lower and Upper Elementary Principals Mrs. Charissa Sanders and Mrs. Julie Madsen kept their word to kiss a pig.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our families,” shared Mrs. Sanders. “The 2021 Food Drive turned out to be a great one!”

SCA sixth grade students Juliette Bowen and Elliana Daniels help pack up some of the 9,000 items donated by elementary families to bless Kansas City families with a Thanksgiving meal this season.

Fifth Gr ade Students Make a Difference in the Lives of Others

F

ifth grade students chose to serve others as part of their Christmas party this past December. They gathered children’s gloves and Hershey Bars and created darling snowmen with these items. Students at Cassel Park Elementary School in Independence were the recipients of these snowmen, helping them have warm hands and giving them a sweet treat to enjoy.

Elementary Christian Char acter Awards Announced 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 is one of the most prestigious recognitions within the school.

Elementary Christian Character recipients for the first quarter of the 2021-22 school year are second grade student Benny Loux, son of Renee Loux, and fourth grade student Jack Randtke, son of Mark and Chantal Randtke.

Second grade student Benny Loux with Upper Elementary Principal Julie Madsen.

Fourth grade student Jack Randtke with Upper Elementary Principal Julie Madsen.

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Spiritual

SCA Continues Its Most Important Tr adition of Solemn Assembly Every year since 1999, SCA has set aside a full day to go before the Lord in prayer. The administration, staff, and students participated in Solemn Assembly on January 14.

The day was filled with praise and worship, special projects in classes, and time spent in prayer for SCA, our families, city, state, and nation. We acknowledge our need to seek the Lord with all our hearts and with all our souls (Joel 2:13).

Jeff Keaton, founder and president of RenewaNation, was the featured speaker this year.

SCA Core Value: Christ-centered

Our belief in God and His Word is central to SCA. Through a faculty who practice a personal and active faith, we foster a thoroughly Christian environment where God’s Word is the standard for decision making. Placing Christ at the center of all enables us to educate the whole student, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically.

Students and parents had the opportunity to welcome Christian author and speaker Jeff Keaton as the guest speaker! Our prayer is that his words resonated with our students, families, faculty and staff to become world changers for Christ!

Elementary student spends time in prayer as part of the 23-year tradition of Solemn Assembly at SCA.

Message from SCA Head of School One of the many blessings of being part of the Summit Christian Academy (SCA) ministry is learning the stories Chris Hahn of so many who have shared their gifts, talents, and resources with SCA over the years. Dr. Harold Finch is a perfect example of one who has made a multigenerational impact.

For those who have not had the pleasure of meeting him, here is what I have learned about Dr. Finch.

He graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and received an ROTC commission as an Air Force officer. He then earned his master’s in mechanical

engineering and a doctorate in education.

He served as Project Director of the NASA Apollo project, developing and overseeing the famous Barbecue Roll that allowed space vehicles to enter the atmosphere safely. He was recruited to help start Johnson County Community College in 1967 and served as the school’s first academic dean and chief administrator.

He later founded two highly successful businesses.

After his “retirement,” he devoted his time to philanthropy and sharing the power of positive thinking through more than 750 seminars around the world.

SCA’s current dual credit social studies teacher Greg Finch and his wife Pam had very young students at SCA in 1996. Greg knew of the school’s dream of owning its

own land and having its own facilities and encouraged then Head of School Linda Harrelson to meet with his dad. Linda and Dr. Finch met and Dr. Finch ran for a seat on the board where he served for four years – three as Board President.

During his four years on the SCA Board, Dr. Finch worked alongside Head of School Linda Harrelson to purchase land and construct the first and second phases of the elementary facility. By sharing his analytical, visionary, and leadership skills, Dr. Finch played a critical role in the development of the school we are all blessed to be part of today.

Thank you, Dr. Harold Finch and wife Peggy for your investment in SCA. Your impact on SCA is an ongoing blessing to countless generations!

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Academics

SCA Recognizes Spelling Bee Winners SCA held the annual spelling bee in December with 50 students in grades 2-8 participating.

Three students emerged victorious: first place went to third grade student Joey Soule, second place went to seventh grade student Bella Arroyo, and third place went to fifth grade student Parker Law. Due to COVID-19, the district, regional, and national spelling bees for top spellers have been canceled.

“We are so proud of all our fantastic spellers!” said Lower Elementary Principal Charissa Sanders. “We love L-R: Upper Elementary Principal Julie Madsen, fifth grade student and third place that they can show their gifts and talents in this way.”

winner Parker Law, third grade student and first place winner Joey Soule, seventh grade student and second place winner Bella Arroyo, and Lower Elementary Principal Charissa Sanders.

SCA Core Value: Inspiring Excellence in Learning The SCA faculty inspires students to discover and develop their God-given gifts and talents. We nurture an enthusiasm for learning, providing an atmosphere wherein students may express creativity, discern truth, think critically, and choose wisely.

In academics, the arts, and athletics, we uphold a standard of excellence to encourage students to achieve their individual best.

Debate Team Earns First Place Trophies Congratulations to the SCA debate team members Kaitlyn Gregg, Zach Akeson, and Kandace Gill! All three competitors who attended the tournament took home a first place trophy as well as placing in their other events! Great job! Thank you to Coach Jennifer Miller for spending the first day of Christmas break with them.

The team took third place in sweeps.

L-R: Seniors Kaitlyn Gregg, Zach Akeson, and Kandace Gill.

Mr. Hesman Shares Scholarship Opportunity with Seniors In recognition of Linda Harrelson’s 22 years of dedication and exemplary leadership to Summit Christian Academy (SCA) as Head of School, the 2020/2021 Board of Education established the Linda Harrelson Legacy of Servant Leadership Scholarship to be awarded to one SCA senior each year. The recipient of the scholarship will be presented with a $5,000 check toward their college expenses.

The Legacy of Servant Leadership Scholarship will be presented to a fulltime senior who has exemplified humble leadership in line with SCA’s Core Values

of being a Christ-centered leader during his/her four years of high school at SCA. Secondary Principal Joe Hesman met with current seniors on December 13 to inform them of the scholarship, as well as the nomination and selection criteria. Any K-12th grade teacher may nominate one senior and must submit their nomination to Mr. Hesman by February 1. Nominees will be presented with an application packet that must be completed and returned to College & Career Advisor Shaun Pfannenstiel

by March 1. An internal Scholarship Committee will evaluate applications and

supporting documentation and make the final determination by mid-April. The scholarship recipient will be announced at the 2022 Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 13.

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Academics

SCA Students Win Veter ans of Foreign Wars Essay Competition Senior Emma Smith took first place and senior Eleanor Rank took third place in an essay competition for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Voice of Democracy scholarship program for Post 5789. The theme for the essay was America: Where Do We Go From Here?

The Voice of Democracy is the VFW’s premier scholarship program and nearly 57,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives each year. Students in grades 9-12 compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme.

Senior Emma Smith

Senior Eleanor Rank

The K ansas City Zoo Comes to SCA

Second grade students love learning about God’s amazing creations!

The Kansas City Zoomobile came to SCA with zoo animals including a bird and snake!

The Zoomobile is a unique handson workshop featuring animal ambassadors from the KC Zoo!

Early Education Students Enjoy "S" Week

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, NO, it’s an SCA Early Education Super Hero!

The students had a lot of fun the week they studied the letter “S.” It was the perfect time to dress as Super Heroes!

Elementary Students go Googoo for Gaga Ball One of the Core Values at SCA is Igniting Leadership. One way we do this in elementary school is through the 5th-6th student council. Students are elected by their peers and collaborate and serve to help SCA continue with the mission of inspiring students to fulfill their God-given potential.

It is with a huge thank you to this leadership team who worked with the SCA facilities department to purchase a Gaga ball pit for the playground. Thank you to our SCA facilities department who helped build this item over Christmas Break. The SCA students are building skills such as dodging, striking, running, and jumping.

We love making recess and school FUN at SCA, but most of all inspiring the next generation to lead to make a difference!

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Athletics

Winter Athletes Persevere through the Season

by Lance Quessenberry Athletic Director The end of Christmas break means the high school athletic schedule is about

commitment required to be successful at

times to achieve

both and put in the hard work to make it

success. Through

happen.

the difficult times,

The winter season is the longest of the

they mature into

to heat up. Our basketball, swimming,

three sports seasons, and athletes can

the best player and

and wrestling teams have several regular

feel that at times. In James 1:2-4, the Bible

team they can be.

season events and tournaments coming

speaks to persevering through difficult

in January and February that will keep

times. Perseverance means “persistence

to watching our SCA teams compete and

them very busy. Our student athletes not

in doing something despite difficulty or

persevere during this winter sports season

only stay busy with athletic commitments,

delay in achieving success.” It is part of

on the court, in the pool, on the mat, and

but also their academic requirements.

God’s design for each person’s journey to

in the classroom. We know they will have

However, they never cease to amaze

maturity. This is a perfect picture of what

difficult times, but they will find reward

with how well they do athletically

athletes experience, both individually and

and growth in the end.

and academically. They recognize the

as teams, as they persist through difficult

We look forward

Lance Quessenberry

Where Faith and Football Collide!

by Todd Berck Varsity Head Coach In this world that focuses on what’s next, I like to reflect on the last five years since God brought me to serve at SCA. When I stepped onto campus for the first time in February of 2017, I knew this was an opportunity to grow a football program into something special. God has blessed us with great families and young men who work extremely hard. Our facilities have improved every year with the addition of the track, press box, bleachers, and, most recently, a new bermuda grass surface.

With the new multi-purpose building set to be complete next year, we will have new locker rooms, weight facilities, and so much more.

Over the last five years, our athletes have won an average

of nine games per season, including three district titles and four consecutive conference championships.

We have logged over 1,000 hours of community service as we have reached out to help others.

My goal when I came to SCA was to build a program

that would honor God. One of the ways we do this is by striving for excellence. I tell our players all the time that people won’t listen to the mediocre. We want our program to share Christ and show our fellow classmates and competitors that when you play for Christ and give

Him the Glory, regardless of the outcome, He will use it to bring others to Him and bless our efforts. I hope you will encourage your students to become a part of our program in some way. I can’t wait for next fall!!

Varsity Football ended their season at 9-2 with many postseason honors for the athletes.

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Athletics

Wilkins to Play Baseball for SCA Alum Nathan Bacon

O

n January 12, senior Morgan Wilkins (baseball,

college level next year. These include Nate Bartlett (baseball,

Dordt University) joined several others from his

Truman State University), Jordan Drum (track & field, Missouri

class in committing to compete in their sport at the

State University), Garrett Ferguson (baseball, Missouri State University), Maddie McConnell (soccer, Grand Canyon University), Lauren McCoy (cross country, Benedictine College), Lincoln Sprouse (football, Washburn University), and others who are still making decisions. Morgan’s signing was unique for another reason, however.

Morgan’s commitment is significant as he will be the first SCA baseball player to play for an SCA alum at the college level. At Dordt University, Morgan will play for Coach Nathan Bacon, a 2007 alum of SCA and the son of elementary teacher Michelle Bacon. Since graduating SCA, Coach Bacon played at Avila where he is part of the Avila Hall of Fame and has built a successful coaching career at University of the Ozarks and now at Dordt University.

Senior Morgan Wilkins signs letter of intent to play baseball at Dordt University.

Youth Football News

by Todd Berck Varsity Head Coach An important component of a winning athletic program and culture is to build from the ground up. We are excited to offer our Flag Football League again this spring for students entering grades 1-8. The league will be for any SCA boys and their friends who live in the Kansas City area. The league provides a great opportunity to invite friends to compete in a Christian environment and learn more about football and Christ. This year’s league will start on Monday, March 28, and run each Monday from 6-8 p.m. through April 18. The final day will be our “Superbowl Sunday” on April 25. We’ll divide players into four divisions based on their age. They will play a game each Monday evening, along with skill instruction and a devotional time. The league is run by SCA Varsity players and coaching staff. The signup link will be available online through the Athletics page of the school website as soon as it’s available. Information will also be emailed to families of boys in grades 1-8.

The football program will also be holding a meeting to gauge interest in starting a 6th grade team that will compete in the

Lee’s Summit Youth Football Association. This meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 24, in the secondary learning commons. For this team to be successful, we will not only need players, but also coaches and support staff to help make it work. If you think you may have any interest in this, please plan to attend this meeting.

Varsity Football looks forward to hosting their annual Flag Football League for incoming students in grades 1-8.

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Athletics

Varsity Wrestling Team Small But Mighty

by Greg Thomas, Head Coach The Varsity Wrestling squad has worked hard and shown steady improvement all season. Currently leading the team in takedowns is junior Jeramiah Smith (170lb). He stands at 20-3 with 90 takedowns so far. He has earned medals in all three tournaments so far this season, including a hard-fought gold at the Truman Invitational.

Junior Memphis Hinton (132lb) is also doing very well and is 2nd on the team in

most categories. He’s on a nice roll since coming back from an early season injury.

He’ll make a strong push to become a state qualifier.

Freshman Gabe Harris (138lb) has come on strong and is in the hunt to be in the top two in most categories. His speed, quickness, and experience will be key for him as he also makes a push to become a state qualifier.

Wrestling fans will want to keep an eye on several other up-and-coming Eagles

as well. These include junior Dalton McBroom (182lb), junior Grant Self (145lb), and junior Trevon Hildebrand (152lb).

The varsity athletes have a limited amount of experience, and the team has small numbers. Despite those factors, they exemplify Judges 7 and the story of Gideon and his 300 men of valor. We look forward to seeing what these young men accomplish this season and welcome those who want to plan now to join the team next season!

Cross Country Ends Another State Level Season

Varsity Girls’ Cross Country ended their most successful season in the program’s history with a 2nd place finish at the Class 2 State Tournament this past fall. This marks the third consecutive season that the girls’ team has qualified for the state meet, where they have placed 5th the last two years. Point earners for this year’s team were senior Lauren McCoy (15th), junior Adriana McGregor (17th), sophomore Marina Parks (19th), junior Katie Coats (29th), and freshman Lucie Epema (34th).

Juniors McKinzie Parks and Keyler Quessenberry rounded out the

Varsity Girls’ Cross Country placed 2nd in the Class 2 State Tournament, the highest finish in the history of the program.

top seven who competed. Senior Georgia Baxter, freshman Julia Osgood, and junior Elise Welch attended as eligible alternates.

Beyond their 2nd place state finish, the Varsity Girls were also selected as a Top Ten All-Metro team, ranking them as one of the best teams in the Kansas City area out of all classes.

The Varsity Boys’ team also had a strong season, finishing 1st in the Crossroads Conference.

At the individual level, sophomores Caleb Benton and Xander Zumwalt qualified for the Class 2 State Tournament where Caleb earned All-State honors by placing 8th.

Xander, a first-time crosscountry athlete, placed Varsity Girls’ Golf team members 142nd in the state. Caleb Nora Schuh (sophomore, pictured left) was also selected for the and Lilli Stallings (senior, pictured All-Metro team for the 2nd right) competed in the Class 1 State Tournament where Lilli tied for 5th and consecutive year.

Nora tied for 28th. This is Lilli's third state appearance as she ends her high school career.

2021 Homecoming King and Queen Crowned The 2021 Summit Christian Academy (SCA) Homecoming King and Queen were announced at halftime of the Homecoming football game last October. SCA defeated Van Horn High School 32 to 28 at Frontier Justice Field on the campus of Summit Christian Academy.

Senior Jordan Drum, with parents David & Amy Drum, and Senior Hudson Harris, with parents Mark & Krista Harris, were crowned 2021 Homecoming King and Queen during halftime of the football game against Van Horn High School.

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Fine Arts Performances What a wonderful SCA tradition as Early Education students performed in their annual Thanksgiving Program, sharing Scripture and songs about Jesus.

First grade students and Mrs. Roberts did a great job as they performed in their annual Thanksgiving Program.

Virtuosity! students performed for elementary students at their winter concert. We are so proud of the confidence and abilities of these amazing musicians!

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Fine Arts

Secondary Choir Students Spread Christmas Cheer in the community Jr/Sr Ensemble performed Christmas songs at City Hall in Lee’s Summit.

SCA has a long-standing and wonderful tradition for secondary choir students to perform Christmas songs at Crown Center, followed by ice skating at the Crown Center Ice Terrace! Thankful students can enjoy this day in the Kansas City community sharing about the birth of Jesus.

International

SCA Students Make Lifelong Global Connections SCA continues our mission to inspire students to achieve their God-given potential! SCA does this in a way that truly enhances that potential, not only locally, but across the world and making lifelong connections in the process.

Mrs. Miller’s 2nd hour Social Studies class exchanged thoughts through emails and videos with Malu Kassar’s English class in Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil. Malu was an international student at SCA who graduated in 2013. She reached out to see if there could be a “virtual exchange” between classes since both were studying the colonial period in American history. SCA students enjoyed meeting students from another country and exchanging what they had learned!

“It was an interesting experience for SCA students to learn that Brazilian students were studying American history and hear their perspectives on what they were learning. The digital pen pal experience allowed SCA students to introduce themselves and also receive a video from the Brazilian students,” shared Mrs. Miller. “Anytime you allow students to experience other cultures, it’s a really powerful way to encourage them to get out of their comfort zone,” she added.

We are so thankful for the global perspective for SCA students that fosters an environment of understanding, compassion, and friendship!

SCA international student and alumna Malu Kassar’s English class in Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil, participated in a virtual pen pal experience with SCA history students.

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International

International Education Week The theme for 2021 SCA International Education Week was The Global Church and Our Persecuted Family. Students were introduced to persecuted Christians around the world through videos shown in class and were encouraged to pray for these brothers and sisters.

Many students, for the first time, were made aware of the persecution of Christians and what that looks like in different countries. This created some really good conversations. It was great to have students interested in praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.

World Language students in French, Spanish, and Mandarin classes created cultural insight videos that were presented throughout the week. A special assembly for 7th and 8th grade students was held, with a competition and interview with Coaches Leon and Dawn Neal about their experiences while living in Portugal. Elementary classes participated in the daily fun of discovering, “Where in the World are Mrs. Madsen and Mrs. Sanders?”

Jr High Student Council Sponsored December NEXUS More than 50 students participated in the fun at the December NEXUS sponsored by the Junior High Student Council.

Solomon Dabe, founder of A Bright Future for Kids, spoke to the students about his ministry that targets the core causes of poverty in Ethiopia and Kenya by embracing a holistic approach for lasting transformation. Some of the ministry outreach involves supplying food to poor families and orphanages, providing funds to send 30 children to school, helping poor families learn how to create skills and businesses, supplying Bibles, and sharing God’s love.

Solomon’s wife prepared some delicious Ethiopian food that students enjoyed trying. Food was the theme of the event and students won prizes for a food trivia test and had a cupcake decorating contest. Cupcakes were donated by an SCA parent (owner of Bloom Baking Company). Teachers enjoyed judging the cupcake entries and awarding trophies and prizes to the winners.

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Summit

Christian Academy

The Global Church and our Persecuted Family

10 WAYS

TO PRAY

PR AY THAT PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS WILL

1 Sense God’s presence 2 Know we are praying for them 3 Experience God’s comfort 4 See God open doors to evangelism 5 Boldly share the gospel 6 Mature in their faith 7 Be granted wisdom in covert ministry work 8 Remain joyful amid suffering 9 Forgive and love their persecutors 10 Be rooted in God’s Word

icommittopray.com

2021

International Education Week

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This & That

SCA Teacher Named GPACS Teacher of the Year

S

CA Teacher of the Year and 5th grade teacher Mrs. Michelle Bacon was named the Great Plains Alliance of Christian Schools’ (GPACS) 2021 Teacher of the Year.

The announcement was made at the annual GPACS student conference.

GPACS is an alliance organized to provide a framework for communication and cooperation among Christian schools in the greater Kansas City area for preschool through secondary students.

“I was so excited to see Mrs. Bacon recognized and honored for her ministry,” shared SCA Head of School Chris Hahn. “She is an incredible example to her peers and a blessing to our community. It was a special day.

She is a BIG DEAL! We give thanks for her.”

SCA Teacher of the Year and 5th grade teacher Michelle Bacon was named the Great Plains Alliance of Christian Schools’ 2021 Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Harold Finch Classroom Rededicated for his Commitment to Christian Education Summit Christian Academy recently rededicated the Finch Learning Commons with a family reception in honor of former SCA Board President Dr. Harold Finch.

“From my earliest days as head of school, Dr. Harold and Peggy Finch have given of their time, treasure, and talent to help build our amazing school," shared former SCA Head of School Linda Harrelson. "Dr. Finch's unique skills and understanding of how to build an organization helped us grow from a fledgling school with a big dream, to seeing that dream come true. Peggy's input into the Golden Eagles grandparent group has helped SCA raise almost $300k for technology, security, and curriculum efforts. Their servant leadership is felt throughout our school."

It was the visionary leadership of Dr. Finch that led to the growth of SCA through facilities, students, and the focus of Christ being at the center of all that makes SCA one of the top Christian schools in the Kansas City area.

"One of the blessings of being new is learning about SCA’s past," shared SCA Head of School Mr. Chris Hahn. "Many have mentioned the leadership, vision, and support Dr. Finch and his family have provided, and continue to provide, over the years. It was an honor to meet him and his family as we celebrated the past and look forward to what God has prepared for our futures."

SCA is pleased to rededicate the Finch Family Learning Front row: Mrs. Peggy Finch with Dr. Harold Finch. Back row: former SCA Head of School Mrs. Linda Harrelson with current SCA Head of School Mr. Chris Hahn.

Commons in honor of the incredible Legacy that Dr. Harold Finch and his family have made on the SCA community, not only for today, but for the eternal impact for all generations to come.

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This & That

Cordell’s Corner: Three Advantageous Giving Options Gifts of Stock or Other Securities From Your Investment Account One of the most valuable ways to make a gift to Summit Christian Academy (SCA) is via a gift of stock or other securities such as bonds or mutual funds. The full value of your gift is taxdeductible, provided it has been held for at least one year. And you do not owe any capital gains tax on the appreciated value.

Making a gift to SCA using appreciated stock from your stock portfolio may be a significantly wiser financial choice than writing a check. Here is the information you need to provide to your investment advisor for making transfers: Name of Account: Summit Christian Academy Name of Broker: Tom Wood, Central Investment Advisors Located at Central Bank of the Midwest 609 NE State Route 291 Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 816.224.7220 twood@centralinvestment.net DTC Number: 0075 Account: 4548-8547 BIC Code IRVTUS3N Deliver Non-negotiable securities to: LPL Financial Corp.

1055 LPL Way Fort Mill, SC 29715 Include account number and account name SCA’s Tax ID#: 43-1554054

Gifts From Your IRA If you are 70½ or older, you can make a sizable gift to SCA from your individual retirement account (IRA) AND receive significant tax benefits in return. You may give a tax-wise gift up to $100,000 per year in IRA assets directly to SCA. Benefits of Giving to SCA from Your IRA: • Convenient. It’s an easy way to give.

• Tax-wise. Distributions made directly to SCA are not treated as taxable income. This is advantageous even if you don’t itemize deductions on your tax return!

• Promises kept. Gifts from your IRA can be used to fulfill any charitable giving pledges previously made to SCA. • Impactful. Gifts are tax-free to SCA. The entirety of your gift will go toward supporting SCA’s mission!

Requirements of a Qualified Charitable Distribution You can give from your IRA to ministry without any federal tax liability, as long as the gifts are qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). Distributions qualify for all or part of an IRA owner’s required Cordell Dick minimum distribution (RMD).

Director of Major Gifts • IRA holders must be age 70½ or older at the time of the gift.

• You may give up to $100,000 per year as a single person or $200,000 per year as a married couple from separate accounts.

• Your gifts must be outright gifts made directly to SCA or any other charitable organization.

• Any distribution to donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, or for charitable gift annuities are not permissible.

• Distributions may only be made from traditional IRAs or Roth IRAs; other retirement accounts are not eligible.

Gifts in Your Will When you give a gift to SCA in your will, you model to your loved ones a legacy of generosity. Your “ultimate gift” helps ensure that SCA will continue to make a difference well beyond your lifetime. Your will (or trust) is a way to purposefully allocate your resources to support the people and causes you hold dear.

Benefits of Gifts in a Will • Legacy. You extend the impact of your generosity well beyond your lifetime.

• Simplicity. Easily add SCA or any other charities as beneficiaries in your will or trust.

• Availability. Retain access to your God-given resources for the remainder of your lifetime, or for as long as you need them.

• Flexibility. Change your mind at any time about how your charitable gifts are designated.

• Capacity. Potentially give the largest gift you’ll ever have the ability to give.

Learn More Consult your tax advisor for specific tax-related questions. For general information or to learn more about any of the smart and powerful giving options, please give me a call at 816.525.1480 or email me at cordelld@sca-kc.org.

SUMMIT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1500 SW Jefferson Lee’s Summit MO 64081

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 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 31-Feb 4 Feb 1 Feb 4

Feb 7 Feb 9 Feb 10 Feb 10-11 Feb 17 Feb 18 Feb 21 Feb 23 Feb 25 Feb 28

Mar 2 Mar 3

Kindergarten Preview 8:30 a.m.

Campus Visit Day 1 p.m.

Secondary Spirit Week Elementary Talent Show 7 p.m.

Kindergarten Preview 8:30 a.m.

Secondary Pep Rally 2:15 p.m.

Winter Social (after game) Open Enrollment Secondary Blue Crew Day Elementary Pep Rally 2:45 p.m.

K-12 Early Release (Spring Conferences) Early Education Only (No School) Secondary Fundraising Choir Concert 7 p.m.

Campus Visit Day 1 p.m.

Presidents Day (No School) International Experience 3 p.m.

5th Grade Production (Lucht/Borgstadt) 5 p.m.

5th Grade Production (Bacon/Hurley) 7 p.m.

Elementary Spring Sports Meeting 6 p.m.

Elementary Winter Sports Awards 6:30 p.m.

Kansas City Area Christian College Fair Switch Up Day Community Partnership Breakfast

Mar 4 Mar 7-11 Mar 7 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11

Mar 14-21 Mar 22 Mar 23 Mar 24-25 Mar 25 Mar 31 Apr 1 April 7-9 Apr 8

First Friday Coffee 8:30 a.m.

Book Fair 7th Grade Preview 5:30 p.m.

9th Grade Preview 7:30 p.m.

Elementary & EE Spring Pictures JV/Varsity Spring Sports Pictures Secondary & EE Spring Pictures Secondary Blue Crew Day 8th/10th Grade Career Fair Elementary Drop Everything and Read Day Early Release Day (Professional Development) Spring Break (No School) School Resumes Secondary Blue Crew Day Elementary Sports Pictures Early Education Preview 8:30 a.m.

Campus Visit Day 1 p.m.

Elementary Art & Science Fair First Friday Coffee 8:30 a.m.

Elementary Science & Music Meet Spring Drama Production Early Ed Spring Program 9 a.m.

K-12 eCampus Day (Early Ed in session)