The Trojan Fall 2023 by Wesleyan Christian Academy

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FALL SEMESTER 2023

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Wesleyan Christian Academy families, Many times, when we talk with our kids about the importance of education, we focus on some basic practical reasons, such as, “You go to school so you can get a good job, earn a sustainable living, and enjoy a gratifying life.” There are some good points to be made in these statements, and I certainly don’t want to diminish the significance of those basic pursuits. In fact, I read recently where college graduates on average make $1.2 million more over their lifetime as compared to those who do not have a college degree. So, that’s a pretty good response to your high school student who asks, “Why do I need to learn this stuff?” However, I do think that, oftentimes, we stop there and do not continue to unpack the significance of education and learning in general from a biblical standpoint. I would contend that in halting at this point, we stop short of the highest and loftiest pursuit of all. It is at this point that we should explain not only what education can do, but the impactful significance of true education on our society. We want our students at Wesleyan Christian Academy to know that as Christians we pursue lifelong learning, not just so we can earn a better living; but every time we learn something new, every book we read, every exam taken, every subject mastered means we discover more of the beauty and majesty of our great God. We want them to see clearly the direct link to their learning and their spiritual formation. When they graduate from WCA, we want them to remember that everything they learn throughout their lives can help them to glorify God, to enjoy God, to become more Christlike, and can be used to potentially help them bless their neighbor.

We want our students to see an intersection with their love for learning and their love for God. Learning is not drudgery; it is a Christ-centered and God-honoring endeavor. A biblical view of education and learning is not simply self-serving. In Genesis 1, God commissions Adam and Eve to “fill the earth and subdue it.” In his book, “Every Good Endeavor”, Tim Keller argued that God is instructing Adam and Eve to create a society where human beings can flourish by stewarding and cultivating the earth so it will become more fruitful. Utilizing this mindset, we want our students to be motivated to learn for the common good or welfare of the world, which will promote not only a sustainable living, but also promote human and societal flourishing. Through a multitude of possible career pathways, the ultimate aim is to glorify God with lifelong learning filled with adoration, worship, love, and service to our Savior and King, the Lord Jesus Christ. In closing, I hope you enjoy this fall edition of The Trojan, filled with a collection of pictures and highlights of our first semester activities. As you can see, a day at WCA is filled with both opportunity and excitement. It is, indeed, an honor and a privilege to partner with you in this glorious endeavor called Christian education. Soli Deo Gloria! David Ray, Ed.D.

Head of School

A FIRM FOUNDATION Wesleyan’s new cross courtyard, located on our Sandy Ridge Campus, was completed last fall. This courtyard was built to remind us and our campus visitors that Christ is the foundation of all that we do at Wesleyan Christian Academy now and in the future. Thanks to each of you who helped make this a reality through the “Laying Their Foundation” campaign. Dr. Ray announced the completion of the cross to Wesleyan families Oct. 25, inviting them to visit the campus the following weekend. You may watch his message by scanning the QR code to the right. 2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ACADEMICS

ATHLETICS

FINE ARTS

CAMPUS LIFE

DEVELOPMENT/ALUMNI

SPIRITUAL LIFE

COVER: Cheerleading Captain and Senior Abbie Merhoff leads middle and high school students in a cheer during this year’s Homecoming Pep Rally! THIS PAGE: Varsity Soccer Player and Senior Donovan Calhoun’s expression is the epitome of determination and anticipation as he looks downfield, assessing his opponent’s next move.

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academics

NEW PROGRAM INCREASES DUAL ENROLLMENT PARTICIPATION

Bestcolleges.com reports in the years 2000-2020, college tuition increased 69% while room and board increased 50%, bringing the total cost of one year to an average of $26,000 or more. Across all types of schools, reports the site, the cost of college increased more than 143% between 1963 and 2020. Compared to other school types, four-year public colleges saw the steepest price hikes from 2000 to 2020 jumping from roughly $13,000 a year to over $21,000 per year. The reality of these statements has tested many students’ plans to attend college, including those of Wesleyan students. Add a challenging post-covid economy, and paying for college can look daunting. While statistics continue to point to the fact that college graduates earn approximately $1 million more in a lifetime than non-college graduates, more American families are exploring alternate paths to secure a college education for their children. Some students, including private school students, are choosing to attend a community 4

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college for two years and transfer to a four-year college, complete an associate’s degree, or enter the workforce. With this in mind, Wesleyan’s administration has been assessing various ways to differentiate our programming to help alleviate college costs. One of Wesleyan’s most popular programs is the Advanced Placement (AP) program. AP classes provide an opportunity to receive college credit for a course taken in high school. But what about those students who don’t wish to pursue AP classes. “Thanks to coordination with Guilford Technical Community College, this year we added a new math option for juniors and seniors who are interested in a college level course—and college credit—but do not wish to pursue an AP course,” shared High School Principal Tim Kohns. Since August, dozens of Wesleyan juniors and seniors have been enrolled in GTCC’s general education math courses, (Math-143 Quantitative Literacy*) and (Math-152 Statistical Methods*), on our campus. “During a typical week, the class watches the recorded college-level class on two

days while a Wesleyan math teacher facilitates and oversees the class,” explains Kohns. “On the remaining three days the Wesleyan teacher may review the class and reteach and/or tutor as needed.” Concurrently, Wesleyan’s Dr. Nate Jarrett is facilitating all other GTCC dual enrollment courses* taken on Wesleyan’s campus. According to Assistant Principal Hurley-Hughes, “With these new offerings in place, about 35% of both our junior and senior classes are taking well over 100 dual enrollment courses this year; whereas in 2022-2023, less than 5% of each class participated in fewer than 30 courses. Head of School Dr. David Ray adds, “We are thrilled that more juniors and seniors now have options to receive both high school and college credit through this partnership with GTCC. Our hope is that this new program will provide our students an academic and financial “leg-up” as they enter college. These course credits are accepted by any public, and most private, colleges and universities in the state of North Carolina.”

WESLEYAN AND 56 STUDENTS HONORED BY COLLEGE BOARD! Earlier this year, the College Board named Wesleyan Christian Academy to the 2023 National AP Honor Roll, awarding 2 Platinum and 1 Gold Award in three categories of academic excellence in AP testing: College Credit, College Optimization and College Culture, respectively. In addition, 56 Wesleyan students were recognized as 2023 AP Scholars by the College Board for demonstrating exemplary college-level achievement on AP exams. Well done!

AP SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION (21)

Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Anthony Berg Malcolm Black Jonathan Cimpean Elizabeth Cox Heather Duensing Allyson Ford Raiden Frizzell Megan Jobe Tumaini Johnson Landon Kerry Savannah Lambert

Caroline Lennon Madeline Mayer Madelyn Merhoff Addison Miller Raphaella Mumo Kyla Pesayanavin Liam Railsback Emmalie Spry Kaitlyn Tat Madison Tat

AP SCHOLARS WITH HONOR (13)

Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Thomas Bryant Matthew Casteen Sophia Crawford Baylee Crouse Alexis Cruz Andrew Gray James Heeden

Ethan Jamroz Fiona Konig Jacob Lowe Abigail Merhoff Meghan Merritt Ava Nicholson

AP SCHOLARS (22)

Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Fletcher Allen Alexandra Bowersox Kendall Bullins Donovan Calhoun Arielle Carroll Russell Childress Austin Hancock Taylor Hawley Brady Hoffman Kathryn Jacobs Ioanna Kotrotsos

Walker Kyle Hudson Lance Alec Lundy William McCracken Scarlett Nashbar Lauren Neal Lucas Newton Lily Pereira Robert Pollio Lily Streeton Donovan Stricklin

ELEMENTARY GROWS “DEEP ROOTS”! “This year, we have so enjoyed watching our elementary students excited to engage with their Bibles,” shares Elementary Principal Emily Orman, “They love, love the songs and beautiful artistry that are part of our new Bible curriculum, Deep Roots.” Tagged as Bible Curriculum for a Defendable Faith, Deep Roots is a “digital Bible curriculum that works with ‘one-to-one’ and ‘teacher-only’ technology across all platforms - laptops, tablets, phones, Mac and PC.” Doing so provides more flexibility with assignments and just-for-fun engagement for teachers, students and families. Deep Roots focuses on establishing a foundation of faith and God’s Word in our children’s lives while teaching them early how to apply and defend their faith - perfectly aligning with Wesleyan’s Biblical standards. Orman explains, “Most elementary Bible curriculums either start with the Old Testament or New Testament, or use a strictly themed approach. Instead, Deep Roots has found a beautiful middle ground that alternates teaching Old and New Testament each year, so children are learning how the two are dependent on one another. Because the Old Testament curriculum references the New Testament, children are learning about Jesus each year. Rather than simply teaching the biggest themes, the curriculum covers God’s Word and forces the students, even our youngest ones, to open their Bibles and find scripture.” Deep Roots also incorporates archaeology and artifacts into the lessons. For example, the students can find the location of a story, then view historical and current day images of it online. They are learning the Bible is not a storybook, these events happened to real people in real places with a real God. “We hope our families will explore it together,” concluded Orman. “To do so, simply go to deeprootsbible.com and login with your child’s credentials.”

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academics

FACULTY MEMBERS NAMED COLSON FELLOWS LISA CHEEK AND SARAH DENTON COMMISSIONED DURING 2023 NATIONAL CONFERENCE “Seeking Allah-Finding Jesus,” and “Lies We Believe.” Participants were also mentored and completed a strengths assessment. By the final day of the course, participants were well-equipped to speak God’s truth into conversations and engagements about abortion, sexuality, religion, identity, and social justice, among many others. Each participant also developed a short and long-term personal mission plan, plus a teaching curriculum.

In 2022, God called Enrichment Center Teachers Lisa Cheek and Sarah Denton separately to embark on a new journey. With a desire to be able to effectively engage believers and non-believers on today’s most challenging cultural issues, Cheek and Denton enrolled in the renowned Colson Fellows Program. Established in 2004, the program’s namesake is Chuck Colson who was a former politician turned evangelical leader. After Colson surrendered his life to Christ, he established Prison Fellowship among other ministries. One of those was the Centurions. According to colsonfellows.org, Centurions was “an entrepreneurial program designed to educate Christian men and women in worldview, culture and cultural engagement. Under Chuck’s leadership, he had them read the best books, listen to the best teachers and speakers, and develop their own personal plan for serving the Lord in unique ministries in their communities.” Centurions was renamed the “Colson Fellows Program” upon Colson’s passing in 2012. Today, there are 2,000 Colson Fellows worldwide equipped to live out “a biblical view of all of life,” as was Colson’s mission. According to Cheek and Denton, the Colson Fellowship is all of the above and more. They

(L to R) Enrichment Center Principal Nadine Griffin, Lisa Cheek, Sarah Denton, and Assistant Head of School Becky Owens at the Colson Fellows Commissioning Ceremony in May 2023.

joined 10 other sojourners in a Raleigh-based cohort (or group) in July 2022. For the next 10 months, through a combination of prayer, worship, reading, online learning and monthly meetings with their cohort, they gained clarity on how God’s Word speaks to cultural issues, confidence to understand and claim His truth, and courage to speak the truth to all people in love.” Participants were trained on culture and apologetics, supported by reading and studying books like “Strange New World,” “Mere Christianity,” “How Now Shall I Live,”

Today, Cheek’s mission is to launch a Colson Fellows Program cohort in the Triad and in her church, while Denton understands more clearly where God is calling her to place her gift of discipleship and is doing so. Both educators feel much better equipped to guide others step-bystep through hard conversations with love and Truth. They are also planning to share some of the knowledge they gained in an upcoming Faculty Professional Development Seminar to encourage other Wesleyan teachers to participate. For more information about the Colson Fellows Program, visit www.colsonfellows.org.

MEETING STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE How can a teacher be

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certain their students are grasping a book’s content? The written book report, right? High School Enrichment Teacher Jason Queen shares a different story: “Students with learning differences like dyslexia and dysgraphia sometimes need alternate types of assessments to properly gauge their comprehension of a text. Taking tests with multiple choice, matching, and fill-in-the-blank items, does not always accurately reflect their comprehension.” What can? In this case, a “Body Biography”. Queen assigned students in his American Literature (11th-12th) and World Literature (9th-10th) classes, respectively, a “Body Biography” for “The Crucible” and “To Kill a Mockingbird”. With this method, Queen can be certain his students understand the complexities of the plot and his students can better represent their knowledge. Check out the amazing results!

athletics

FALL ATHLETES’ REGIONAL & STATE HONORS

PTAC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS, NCISAA 4A STATE FINALS

NC INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (NCISAA) DIVISION 4A ALL STATE: VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Nejari Crooks ALL STATE: VARSITY BOYS SOCCER Taj Johnson Maddox Wheeler

Nata Souza Sean Jacobs

NORTH CAROLINA SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION (NCSCA) VARSITY BOYS SOCCER REGIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR Scott Reitnour VARSITY BOYS SOCCER STATE COACH OF THE YEAR Scott Reitnour ALL STATE: VARSITY BOYS SOCCER Sean Jacobs Taj Johnson

Jaden Difoggio

ALL REGION 1ST TEAM: VARSITY BOYS SOCCER Maddox Wheeler Jaden Difoggio Taj Johnson Sean Jacobs ALL REGION: VARSITY BOYS SOCCER Isaac Hung Nata Souza Andrew Heeden

PTAC CONFERENCE CO-CHAMPIONS, NCISAA 4A STATE SEMI FINALS

PIEDMONT TRIAD ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (PTAC) VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL COACH OF THE YEAR Scott and Kalliope Castevens VARSITY BOYS SOCCER COACH OF THE YEAR Scott Reitnour CO-PLAYERS OF THE YEAR: VARSITY BOYS SOCCER Taj Johnson Sean Jacobs ALL CONFERENCE: VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Nejari Crooks Caroline Lennon Karli Totel Reece Neal ALL CONFERENCE: VARSITY BOYS SOCCER Andrew Heeden Isaac Hung Mac Mills Nata Souza Seth Wall Maddox Wheeler Taj Johnson Sean Jacobs ALL CONFERENCE: VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY Bailey LaRue Joi Norman ALL CONFERENCE: VARSITY GIRLS GOLF Molly Jardina CONFERENCE REGULAR SEASON & TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS Middle School Gold Boys Soccer CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS Middle School Gold Volleyball

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FALL SIGNING DAY

SAWYER BLACK Liberty University - BASEBALL

DONOVAN CALHOUN UNC Chapel Hill - TRACK AND FIELD

HUDSON LANCE Coastal Carolina University - BASEBALL

MYLES CROCKER Norfolk State University - BASEBALL

GRAYSON MCDONALD Lenoir-Rhyne University - BASEBALL

FALL ATHLETIC AWARDS VARSITY SOCCER

Offensive MVP.................................................................................................. Sean Jacobs Defensive MVP.........................................................................................Maddox Wheeler Coaches' Award.....................................................................................................Seth Wall Most Improved Player............................................................................... Barrett Thurman Lee Rickman Miracle Award................................................................................ Isaac Hung

JV SOCCER

Coaches’ Award..............................................................................................Luca Giordano Most Improved Player........................................................................................ Gavin Scott

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Most Valuable Player............................................................................................Karli Totel Coaches’ Award..........................................................................................Caroline Lennon Most Improved Player................................................................................ Ryleigh Lennon

JV VOLLEYBALL

Most Valuable Player...................................................................................... Reese Jordan Coaches’ Award..........................................................................................Kamryn Vorhees

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VARSITY GIRLS GOLF

Most Valuable Player......................................................................................Molly Jardina Most Improved Player................................................................................... Sara Kate Carr Coaches’ Award..........................................................................................Eisley Witteveen

VARSITY GIRLS TENNIS

Most Valuable Player........................................................................................ Kyla Denton Most Improved Player.................................................................................... Sophie Miller Coaches’ Award................................................................................................. Olivia Hoots

VARSITY BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Endurance Award............................................................................................. Austin Pollio Most Improved........................................................................................Monty Armstrong Coaches’ Award.................................................................................................. Eli Henning

VARSITY GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Endurance Award.........................................................................................Gabby Johnson Most Improved................................................................................................ Rebekah Ray Coaches’ Award.................................................................................................. Joi Norman

athletics

HUGHES AND YOUNG LEADING TROJAN ATHLETICS ATHLETES SPIRITUAL, ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC GROWTH ARE TOP PRIORITIES In spring of 2023, Wesleyan hired former Northwest Guilford High School Athletic Director John Hughes to lead Wesleyan’s Athletics Department. For anyone who has been around Guilford County athletics over the last two decades, the name ‘John Hughes’ is a familiar one. After serving as AD at Northwest for 16 years, then as an assistant principal for four, Hughes brings a great deal of experience and wisdom to the position. Dr. David Ray, Head of School, said it well, “We could not be more excited to have John join our team to lead Wesleyan’s Athletics Department. John’s record speaks for itself. He is a gifted and accomplished athletics professional, educator and administrator who possesses a passion to see young people grow in their relationship with Christ.” Hughes stated that outside of Wesleyan’s reputation for excellence in the classroom and on the field or court, the opportunity to focus on the “whole child” and support Wesleyan’s mission is a large part of what drew him to this position. Now eight months into the job, Hughes reflected on his time so far, “For the first time in my athletics career, I’m able to employ Christ and the truth of His Word in the athletics program. We all want to win games, but at the end of the day it’s about impacting the Kingdom. That’s really cool for me.” Hughes added, “Wesleyan’s long-held traditions throughout the athletics program, separate from the success of each game, is really neat. Seeing students showing up to support the teams the way they do really struck me. Even the middle school students came out to support their classmates’ games. It’s special to see how our kids want to support each other.” Hughes

continued, “Then you have the incredible alumni and parent support. There’s no question there’s lots of good things going on at Wesleyan.” A Duke University graduate who hails from New Jersey, John has lived in the Triad for 20+ years. He is married to Adrienne Hurley-Hughes and together they have five children, two of which are in college and the remaining three attend Wesleyan. One of John’s first tasks as AD was to identify a new varsity basketball coach. Enter Victor Young, former Greensboro Day School Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach. “Victor is an impressive leader who is clear on his goals,” shared Hughes, “He’s a Christ-centered man and takes a family-oriented approach in everything he does. On top of that, he’s very well-respected in the Triad basketball community.”

Soon after the two began working together, Hughes saw a partner in Young who could add focus, stability and depth to the broader Wesleyan program. It wasn’t long before Hughes asked Young if he’d consider taking the Assistant Athletics Director position. Young prayerfully accepted. “I like to keep first things first,” said Young, “It’s very important to me to be a Godly example to the young men I coach and to all of our student athletes. Learning and growing spiritually and academically and athletically – that’s the main goal. I want these young men and women to take what they learn during their time in Wesleyan’s program into life after high school and college to be the best husband, wife, father, mother, friend, and employee they can be. Coach Young and his wife Treesha, have four children. His oldest son is a freshman at Virginia Tech where he plays basketball, and the youngest three attend Wesleyan.

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athletics

ATHLETES RECEIVE NATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

MADISON CASTEEN According to

JOSH HAMMOND Wake Forest Uni-

TAJ JOHNSON After a remarkable 2023

Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Sarah Denton, “Madison Casteen is a vital contributor to our team.” Thailand feels the same. As a dual American/ Thailand citizen, Casteen, along with 22 other players, represented Thailand in the 2024 U-17 Women’s Asian Cup’s first qualifying round. The Thai National Team called again in August inviting Madison to play in the 2nd round. The 3rd round is in January.

versity commit and Wesleyan Christian Academy pitcher/infielder Josh Hammond stepped onto the baseball field at the Milwaukee Brewers stadium on Sept. 23, to play in one of the most prestigious games of his high school career: Prep Baseball Report’s 2023 All-American Game. Invited by PBR in August, the top 20 players from both the Class of 2024 and 2025 faced off in a battle ending with an upset by the Class of 2025, 5-3.

Inspired by her uncle and grandfather (professional baseball players)Casteen began playing soccer at age four. By age seven, she’d joined a travel team and loved it. Madison says “(Soccer) takes my mind off things when I step on the field. It also teaches me life lessons and provides amazing opportunities.” Casteen currently plays forward and attacking mid for WCA’s varsity girls team, NC Fusion, and the Thai National Team, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Casteen’s family has joined her on this journey, with Mom as a travel buddy and her father, grandfather and uncle cheering her on! You can follow Madison, Thailand, and the U17 Women’s Asian Cup at www.the-afc.com.

PBR attributed Hammond’s 94/95 mph pitching and 6th Inning 2-run RBI to the win, naming him the MVP player of the 2023 All-American Game. The honor was not lost on Hammond, “I feel so lucky to be able to play with this group of elite players.” Hammond said that he’d never been in a place like Brewers Stadium or played on a field like it, “so the adrenaline was going, the nerves were going...I felt really blessed.”

soccer season, Taj Johnson, Wesleyan lifer and Varsity Boys soccer player, was named to the United Soccer Coaches’ All-American Team, along with 79 other players from around the U.S. This honor is one of many bestowed on Taj in the fall. Others include: 2023 All-Conference, 2023 PTAC Co-Player of the Year, 2023 North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association (NCSCA) All-Region/1st Team, NCSCA’s All-State and NCISAA 4A All-State. “Taj is full of passion and humility,” shared Coach Scott Reitnour, “He has proven, over time, that hard work, dedication, perseverance, loyalty and commitment are preferable to their alternatives. Taj embodies the core values of our program…and I am incredibly proud of him!” As a varsity team member since 8th grade, Johnson says his faith has played a big role in his success, “God gave me the gift of being athletic and being able to talk to Him about everything in my life … my ultimate dream is to play for Britain’s Premiere League and to spread the gospel through the game of soccer.” Johnson and his fellow All-Americans will be recognized in January at the USC All-American Ceremony in Anaheim, California.

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“Josh is an excellent person as much as he is an excellent player,” says Varsity Baseball Head Coach Mo Blakeney, ”His character, discipline and composure at such a young age is impressive. We are better as a team, collectively, because he is part of it.”

fine arts

STUDENTS SELECTED FOR NC HONORS CHORUS, CHOIR AND BAND

NC HONORS CHORUS PARTICIPANTS

NC HONORS BAND PARTICIPANTS

Wesleyan’s performing arts students were on the road throughout fall! Each year, Wesleyan auditions students for a chance to be a part of the NC Elementary Honors Chorus. This highly competitive process sees the best 4th & 5th grade singers from across the state learn a difficult piece of music, record it, and send it to esteemed judges to be scored. Each school

Wesleyan’s Elementary Chorus Teacher, Sarah Gray, was Co-Chair of the event—a high honor in and of itself. Ms. Gray also presented a session as a part of the professional development portion of the NCMEA conference, in which she featured 30 Wesleyan chorus students! Meanwhile, 7th grader Finley Prosser was selected to participate in the Middle School NC Honors

is only permitted to send in a maximum of six auditions. Students who are selected spend a weekend working with a world-renowned clinician and give a final concert as part of the North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA) annual conference.

Choir!

Wesleyan was blessed to have five elementary students selected for this honor in 2023. They were Macie Robinson, Olivia Robinson, Ella Garrison, Leela Holbert, Ella Jones. These young ladies performed in a concert at WinstonSalem’s Stevens Center on Sunday, Nov. 5.

In October, high school students Austin Pollio, Lily Streeton, Eli Henning and Edwin Priddy were invited to participate in the NCAIS Honor Band Clinic at UNC-Charlotte. Our students performed as part of an ensemble under the direction of Dr. Hunter Kopczynski, Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at UNC-Charlotte. Thank you to Ms. Gray, Mrs. Haynes and Mr. Auman for providing this opportunity to our students!

NC HONORS CHOIR PARTICIPANT

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THE VARIETY SHOW RETURNS Variety Shows have long been a part of the entertainment landscape, breaking onto the television scene in the late 1940s and 50s with the likes of Jack Benny and Ed Sullivan, followed by Carol Burnett and Dean Martin in the 1960’s. With a nod to this genre, Wesleyan’s drama students raised the roof in November with “The Snow White Variety Show.” The audience became the live studio audience as each of Snow White’s dwarfs told the well-known children’s tale and the rest of the cast acted out their versions of Snow White’s story using various drama genres. From the early Western to today’s home improvement and baking show, no stone was

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left unturned! Thanks to our staff, parents and students for the many hours dedicated to making this entertaining show a reality!

THE GIFT OF ART Wesleyan’s middle and high school art students, guided by Art Teachers Kathryn Wright and Vickie Luther respectively, are consistently refining their craft. From painting, drawing, sculpting and many more methods of creative expression, our talented teachers provide a forum for our students to learn about the world’s finest artists, while honing their skills and sharing their gifts. Our school hallways are blessed with beautiful displays of our students’ art work throughout the year. We hope you enjoy this sampling of pieces created by our 5th-12th grade students and displayed during the Winter Art Fair.

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campus life

CAMPUS SECURITY

HONORING OUR GRANDPARENTS ONE YEAR AT A TIME. Each year Wesleyan hosts Grandparents’ Honor Day to celebrate the important role grandparents play in the lives of our students. It’s a day for us to collectively take a moment to be in their presence and show them love, respect and appreciation. This year, our Elementary School and Early Ed cumulatively hosted five different programs. The theme was based on Psalm 103:17: “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.” Dr. David Ray expressed his gratefulness for Wesleyan grandparents in a letter to them, “Thank you for your partnership in the gospel since day one …We are more than a school; we are a family. And YOU, as loving supporters of our students and their education, are cherished members.” Amen.

The safety of Wesleyan’s students and staff has always been of the utmost importance. Dr. David Ray, Head of School shared, “Over the years we’ve increased security measures that have greatly improved campus security. In the last 12-18 months, we’ve been blessed to be able to add even more new measures. For example, last year we added a second police officer to our security team, bringing us to two police officers on campus from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every school day. We also hired Alumni Parent and retired High Point Police Officer Steve Myers as the new Campus Security Coordinator in July. With these additions, Wesleyan exceeds best practice requirements for public and private schools.” In the fall, thanks to several generous donors, Wesleyan implemented a new student security badge system. The school’s primary goal, affirmed by school safety experts, has been to limit access to the school interior and reduce entry points. All outside doors are locked and now require a school-issued ID badge for entrance during the school day. Parents and visitors now must enter through the Main Academy Office, wear a Wesleyan-issued Visitor’s Pass while on campus, and be accompanied by a staff member.

GRANDPARENTS’ HONOR DAY

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Other security updates include: • New WCA Security Cart used to continuously monitor campus throughout the school day. • Additional security cameras located at every entrance, throughout exterior parking lots and inside the school hallways and stairwells. • External speakers positioned to communicate outside of the school building if needed. • More security lights added throughout campus. • Black fence screening added to the outer perimeter fence of the elementary playground and softball field to reduce visibility from Eastchester Drive.

VETERANS HONOR DAY

VETERANS WERE HONORED during the Elementary School’s Veterans’ Day program. Guests attending this semi-annual program can always count on a goose-bump-inducing event. From singing the national anthem and local ROTC students presenting arms, to meeting veterans in uniform and the sound of students singing the anthems of each branch of the armed forces, it’s an important reminder of the freedoms we enjoy as United States citizens. This program also gives Wesleyan students and faculty an opportunity to thank our veterans and remind our young learners of the bravery and sacrifice so many men, women and entire families have given for our sake.

EARLY ED DELIVERED MORE THAN A LITTLE EXTRA cuteness to our Thanksgiving celebration with its annual program! With precious little pilgrims and turkeys entertaining the audience from the auditorium’s stage, how could it possibly be a bad show?! It wasn’t – it was amazing!

VETERANS HONOR DAY

EARLY ED THANKSGIVING PROGRAM

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ALICE IN WONDERLAND SENIORS

DECORATING THE HALLS

PAJAMA DAY

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THE PARADE

TROPICAL TUESDAY

HOMECOMING CANNED FOOD DRIVE

campus life

FROM HOMECOMING & SPIRIT WEEK... MAKING A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES

HOMECOMING QUEEN CAROLINE LENNON & ESCORT

HOMECOMING GAME

PRINCESS CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS & ESCORT

HOMECOMING DANCE

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campus life

...TO CHRISTMAS AT WESLEYAN WESLEYAN TRADITIONS ALWAYS BRING US TOGETHER

EEC CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

1ST AND 2ND GRADE CHRISTMAS CHAPEL

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CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

ELEMENTARY CHRISTMAS PROGRAM MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT

CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY

EEC CHRISTMAS PROGRAM MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

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development

THANKS TO OUR AGG CORPORATE SPONSORS!

CHR

ISTIAN

WES

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Edward Jones Investments Energy Innovations by Harry Boody, Inc. Epic Development Group Fielden Family Dentistry Fire-Ade Inc. FNW Investments, LLC Four Seasons Furniture GJP Enterprises Good Ol’ Boys, Inc. Gossett’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. Grant Martin, Realtor Help-U-Sell Hardscape Concepts, Inc. Help-U-Sell Real Estate of Greensboro

A Cleaner World Management Corp A Way to Go Travel A. M. Haire Manufacturing & Service Corporation A-1 Service Group Advanced Oral & Facial Surgery of the Triad Amigos Mexican Grill Angie Byrd-Keller Williams Realty APC Pipeline Services, LLC Armfield Wealth Management, Inc. Atlantic Coast ToyotaLift Bar None Restoration Barberitos Bar-B-Que House Beacon Pointe Beck & Associates LLC Bernard Robinson & Company, LLP Blue Mountain Sales Blue Ridge Companies, Inc. BP Zingo Express Brooke and Brittany Building, LLC Brookstone Rest Home & Retirement Center Bruton’s Cable Service, Inc. Byrd Builders Canteen Vending Carley Mann and Associates Carolina Services of the Triad, Inc. Carolina Transport of Oak Ridge Center Veterinary Hospital Charles W. Carter Plumbing, Inc. Chopstix Citrin & Whitman, P.A. City Light Church Coldwell Banker Advantage Triad Connector Media Creative Branding Designs Crescent Ford Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics Decorative Magic, Inc. Dix Defense - Safety & Security International, Inc. Dow Craver & Associates Downtown Fitness on Elm Drake’s Fresh Pasta Company East Coast Aluminum Railing, Inc

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Hilco Transport Hill’s Land Management, LLC Hodges Triad Electric, LLC Home Detective Company, Inc Ideal Landscaping and Irrigation Impact Golf Marketing Integrity Marble & Granite, Inc. iSurity, Inc. JAB Remodeling & New Construction Jamie Harrelson, Realtor Jersey Mike’s Subs Lester Law Lifetouch Lomax Brothers M5 Investments, LLC Maaco Paint and Autobody Mabe & Company Realtors

Marsh & McLennan Agency Matthews Mobile Media Merhoff & Associates Pediatric Dentistry John R. Roberts/Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Justin & Jaime Kilby/Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Mid-Carolina Structures, LLC Midsouth Land Services Millwood’s Transport Minuteman Press OKI Scoop Shop OTB Machinery, Inc. Packaging Systems Integration Inc. Parks Automotive Group Pay Tel Communications, Inc. Pepsi Bottling Ventures Piedmont Chiropractic Center Pinnacle Financial Partners Prissy Polly’s BBQ Property Management Services Quality Fence Builders Randolph Pediatric Dentistry Reunion by Matthew Williams S & P Lemonade LLC ServiceMaster of High Point Shades of Gray Painting, LLC Sheetz, Inc. Starz Elite Dance Center Streetons LLC, dba Restoration Furniture & Design Tarheel Paper & Supply Company The Aesthetic Haus Tire Max Towne Bank Triad Cosmetic Dentistry Triad Investment Partners, LLC United Anesthesia Vann York Auto Mall Wake Forest Baptist Health-Dr. Barry Cheek Wake Forest Baptist Health-Dr. Kenneth Lennon Wesco Exteriors Zavala Masonry, LLC Zibster, LLC part of Photobiz, LLC

alumni

FRIENDS, TRADITION & LEGACY WESLEYAN ALUMNI ARE DOING BIG THINGS FOR THE CROSS

ALUMNI SOCCER GAME

ALUMNI TAILGATE

LEE RICKMAN - ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

THE TRADITION CONTINUES. We had

kindergarten through high school and was a graduate of the Class of 2008.

In memory of Lee, the Rickman family created the Lee’s Legacy Alumni Scholarship Fund. The fund provides needs-based scholarships to help alumni families cover annual Wesleyan tuition for their children. In support of the Alumni Scholarship Fund and in honor of Lee and his family, the Alumni Board presented a gift of $1,500 to the Rickman family. Please reach out to Chris Glover (cglover@wcatrojans.org) if you have any questions or would like to contribute to the alumni scholarship fund.

a great turn out for our Annual Alumni Soccer Game! It was great to see so many faces, from graduates of the Class of 2023 to alumni who played during Coach Reitnour’s first season in 2003. The alumni had a bigger squad than the varsity team with over 30 players in attendance!

ALUMNI HOMECOMING TAILGATE. The Alumni Board welcomed over 500 members of the Wesleyan family to this year’s Alumni Homecoming Tailgate. Alumni and their families, former teachers, and staff members enjoyed dinner and fellowship as they watched the Trojans win 3-1 over Northwest Guilford. The board hosted members of the Kernersville Wesleyan Academy Class of 1973, recent graduates of the Class of 2023, and alumni from other years.

In 2014, he returned to Wesleyan and discipled and mentored students as a coach and teacher. While serving as a chaperone on the 2015 Jamaica Mission Trip, the Lord called him home. His legacy of service to others, deep love of his Savior and obedience to God’s calling continues on as an incredible example to our community.

2023 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR. The Alumni Board remembered and honored the life and legacy of Lee Tandy Rickman by naming him our 2023 Alumnus of the Year. His family accepted the award at this year’s Homecoming celebration. Lee’s life was representative of the mission and vision of Wesleyan – to Know and Live the Truth. He attended Wesleyan from

LEE’S LEGACY ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP LEE’S LEGACY ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP.

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spiritual life

AN INTERVIEW WITH QUINTIN AYERS, SPIRITUAL LIFE DIRECTOR

Has anything surprised you about Wesleyan? I have been surprised by how much the students at Wesleyan are bought into the culture of Wesleyan. For example, I was shocked to see how EVERY high school student was decorating, parading, and performing their hearts out during Homecoming Week. I think it says a lot about the generations of students who have come before

ing deodorant, so it has its cons (laughs). But seriously, it’s fun, and being there allows me to feel much more of the pulse of every day life for middle and high school.

and laid the foundation for this new generation. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the level of parent commitment and engagement, and how much they are invested in their child’s academic and spiritual growth. It’s been so nice to have such a warm welcome by everyone. Even before I gave a single chapel message or started a single service project, everyone was so kind.

ers in football, or simply playing chess with a high schooler that stops by my office.

What does Spiritual Life at Wesleyan look like under your leadership? I want Spiritual Life to look like intentional, purposeful discipleship from the top down. From administration to faculty, faculty to students and older students to younger students. Allowing 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ,” to express itself in service to one another, to families in our community and families around the world. My

Favorite way to spend time with students? Either going on a Heisman campaign at recess and playing my heart out against middle school-

heart for this position is that as the Spiritual Life Director, I can truly care for the students and faculty at the school, they hear truth from me, and they experience genuine Christ-like love from me, as Paul spoke about in Ephesians 4. Are you enjoying having your office in the heart of the high school hallways? I am thoroughly enjoying it. I’m tucked right beside 5th grade, which is great. I love that the kids can stop in easily. They may shout out a comment or a “Hey!” as they pass by my door. The only issue is that 5th grade boys are just discover-

You asked students to bring their Bibles to chapel. Can you expand on this? You know, it wasn’t a “strategic” decision. It’s just part of the fabric of discipleship. In Acts, Paul commends the Bereans for testing everything he said against their Bibles, because in doing so, they were able to see what he said was true, and so believe. I’d like that to be said of our students. If they leave home without learning to relate to God’s word, they’ll have a harder time establishing that relationship later. I will not be any of these students spiritual life director for their entire lives, yet the Bible will continue to inform and direct them.

RAPID FIRE WITH QUINTIN Mountains or beach? Beach

Lord of the Rings or Chronicles of Narnia? Lord of the Rings

What’s your favorite FLIK/ cafeteria meal? Thanksgiving Meal

Xbox or Playstation? Playstation

Name 1 fictional character you wish was real? Baloo the talking bear from Jungle Book

Coke or Pepsi? Coke

Favorite holiday food or dessert? Tres Leches

Favorite binge-worthy TV series? The Great British Baking Show Favorite road trip snack? Skittles 22

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Cat or dog person? Dog

Name 3 apps on your phone you can’t live without. Spotify, ESPN Fantasy Football, YouTube UNC or State? State

Best time to hit Mrs. Totel’s candy jar? Between each class!

What’s happening in small groups at Wesleyan this year? Small groups are about building family within our community; they are very intentionally focused on relationships this year. The curriculum is structured such that every other week is a social session where students discuss issues in each others lives, guided by a few questions and facilitated by a small group leader. What is the biggest obstacle to reaching kids with the gospel today? In my opinion, within Wesleyan’s context, the largest obstacle we will face is comfort. The students are comfortable with the gospel message because they’ve heard it so many times; some may even struggle to see a need for the gospel. Our goal is to enable our students to see their need for God’s mercy and grace. What are some of the challenges you’re seeing that our kids are facing? Are they struggling with the same issues as in generations past? Generations past dealt seemingly with more distinctly black or white issues, leading to intense arguments and debates. Today, our kids are overwhelmed with the amount of information and the constant dialogue and debates that our media and social media feeds them. Many have become apathetic. They are tired of taking sides, even when it comes to religion. They know that saying, “Jesus is the only way,” is likely to cause division so they don’t want to pick a side. But we want them to understand so they can share the great beauty and inclusivity Christianity offers that no other religion or political party possesses. And it’s okay that Jesus is still the only way. How do you see yourself partnering with parents? I hope to be a valuable resource while encouraging, challenging and cheering them on as they do the work of discipleship in their home. That’s important because I’m not their child’s number one discipler, they are.

MERRIWOOD RETREAT

THE MERRIWOOD TRADITION. The Merriwood Retreat is a beloved tradition at Wesleyan, held in Clemmons, N.C. These two days have proven time and again to be a valuable tool in preparing our 8th graders for the challenges of high school, socially, emotionally and spiritually. More than 20 seniors serve as mentors to the 8th graders during the retreat. There’s worship, Bible study, speaker and outdoor leadership and team-building activities. The 8th grade class comes back to campus closer, and better prepared for what’s to come.

MAKING IT A GOOD MORNING! Just when some of us are crawling out of bed, over 100 Wesleyan upperclassmen are on the road to see their Breakfast Buddies at elementary schools in High Point. Every Tuesday morning, dozens of Wesleyan high schoolers take time out of their day to encourage, play with, or even tutor their Breakfast Buddy at Montlieu and Kirkman Park Elementary Schools. This year, Wesleyan expanded the program to include our own elementary school students, which has been a true gift to our little ones! Here, Junior Ellie Roy and Sophomores Olivia Barnwell and Adele Veach spend time with their new friends at Montlieu Elementary.

250+ SHOEBOXES ON THE WAY! It’s amazing how much you can pack in a shoebox. And boy did we! Wesleyan’s Elementary students packed more than 250 Operation Christmas Child boxes this year to send to boys and girls across the globe through Samaritan’s

BREAKFAST BUDDIES

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Purse Ministries. Before they were loaded onto the truck, little hands were clenched together, lifting precious, heartfelt prayers to the Lord for the children who would receive their boxes for Christmas. Lord, let it be so!

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WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1917 N Centennial Street High Point, NC 27262

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE

PAID

GREENSBORO, NC PERMIT NO. 145

www.wcatrojans.org (336) 884-3333

THANK YOU WESLEYAN! WE DID IT!

GOAL: $350,000