The Trojan Fall 2020

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WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY NEWSLETTER

NEW TRADITIONS ARE BORN IN 2020 Story Book Character Parade, PTO Pumpkin Patch, and Polar Express Day Bring Joy to Our Students

FALL SEMESTER 2020

LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

From the Head of School DR. ROB BROWN

Dear Wesleyan Family, Recently, some of our faculty and staff have been working their way through the Book of Acts together via virtual devotions and alternating responsibilities for leading their peers. As part of this effort, one of our principals offered a brief study on Acts 18:23 that beautifully portrays the heart of our administration, faculty, and staff, who believe strongly in the charge the Lord has placed on our hearts. Here is an excerpt from this recent devotional: “ ‘After spending some time there, he (Paul) departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.’

(Acts 18:23).

As we read the book of Acts, we see the Apostle Paul totally absorbed in ministry as he travels from place to place strengthening others in the faith. Bible scholars estimate that in the years 49-52 AD, Paul traveled over 2000 miles by foot and he was in his early 50's at the time. I just checked my GPS and that is about the distance from my office to Phoenix, Arizona.

Paul also traveled another 1000 miles by boat.

Paul's work was arduous and exhausting. He labored in the ministry.

Paul was spent for the Gospel. His goal was to share the Gospel, spread the goodnews,and‘strengtheningallthedisciples.’ Asweenterthisday,may we remember that our calling is to strengthen others in the Lord - students, colleagues, and parents. That is what brings us joy in the power of the Holy Spirit, to strengthen others to be strong in the Lord. O' that this would be true for all of us today…”

It is our privileged joy to share that these inspirational words represent the sincere desire of the hearts of your Wesleyan faculty and staff. Through everyone’s collective efforts and commitment, we have scaled many barriers in order to safely remain on campus and do what God has called us to do: to love and teach your children. While 2020 has brought 2

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uncertainties and challenged all of us on many fronts, the Lord has provided countless opportunities and blessings along this journey. It is because of the desire the Lord has placed on our hearts to see your children walk in truth that we press on. Our vision, to know and live the truth, is absolutely best lived out in person.

Every day, we count it our joy to watch them successfully grow emotionally, develop academically, learn rigorously, and even play together in community.

Be encouraged that God has called you and your children here for “such a time as this” and know we are committed to walking with you as we continue in our partnership to equip your children to serve Christ and influence the world.

In the encouraging words of our own Elementary Principal Dr. Ray, ”May we stand as children of the promise today! May we fix our eyes on Him, our soul’s reward. Till the race is finished and the work is done. May we strengthen each other today. May we strengthen our students today.”

Parents, you can be confident we will continue to provide an exceptional education and will stand firm in His truth as we boldly and confidently pursue our vision to teach your children … To know and live the truth.

For His Glory and our Children’s Good,

Dr. Rob Brown, Head of School

51 Students Named AP Scholars

2-3 Letter from the Head of School

It is because of the desire the Lord has placed on our hearts to see your children walk in truth that we press on.

In 2020, 51 Wesleyan students were recognized by the College Board as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars by demonstrating exemplary college-level achievement on AP exams. Below you’ll find three categories of scholars and the young men and women who received those awards: AP SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION (11) 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.

Alexander Berg Bradley Christy Sarah Huneycutt Logan Weist Lauren Brodeur Davidson Dew

Eden Reitnour Christopher Westscott Austin Carroll Ryan Heggie Ethan Twiddy

AP SCHOLARS WITH HONOR (16) 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.

Andrew Baker Boris Crnjak Jayne Hinson Chase McGee Kevin Brown Claire Custer Erika Lance Mason Williams

Robert Bryant Isabella Dunning Grace LeFever Mackenzie Wood Sydney Buck Isabella Heinbach Kellen Lundy Ashton Wooten

AP SCHOLARS (24) Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.

Kathryn Bartko Emma Gonzales Maddie Kirkman Nevin Smith Reece Bracket Lauren Hale Megan Martin Molly Sullens Carson Cavanaugh Mason Hale Logan McCormick Anlie Williams

Christopher Chesson Carter Huffman Kaitlyn McNeill Matthew Williams Gabriella Cruz Matthew Jordan Matthew Rush Jacob Wood Christopher Curtis Spencer Kersey Aaron Satko Kunmao Yo

FEATURES

4-6 Academics | WELCOME MRS. RANDAZZO New guidance counselor shares her journey to Wesleyan.

7-9 Athletics | FALL SPORTS SNAPSHOT Coaches share a summary of WCA Trojans fall season.

10-16 Campus Life | WELCOME BACK TO CAMPUS! This year’s first day of school was like none other.

17-18 Fine Arts | VISUAL ARTS THRIVE Wesleyan’s Fine Arts programs give students opportunities to share talents.

19-21 Development | ANNUAL GIFT GIVING Donor Recognition Wall goes up at Sandy Ridge property.

22 Alumni | ALUMNAE PRESENTS TEDX LECTURE Haley Pierce (‘16) shares experience teaching in maximum-security prison.

23 Honoring Retired Teachers | THANK YOU! Recognizing eight special members of the family.

24-26 Spiritual Life | “UNITED IN CHRIST” Wesleyan’s spiritual life theme for the year introduced this fall.

27 We Are Wesleyan | ACCOMPLISHMENTS Members of the Wesleyan family inspire us to reach for our goals!

*Academy Features

Our sincere thanks goes to Blythe Glover Photography for serving as the official photographer for Wesleyan Christian Academy.

We also thank Nip Pesayanavin for his wonderful contributions.

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academics ACADEMICS

Welcome Mrs. Randazzo

"LISTEN TO COUNSEL AND RECEIVE INSTRUCTION, THAT YOU MAY BE WISE IN YOUR LATTER DAYS." PROVERBS 19:20

visits, teaching students ages K-8th grade about vital life skills such as stress and anxiety management, coping skills, and conflict resolution. These meetings allow for Randazzo’s face to be a familiar one, and helps students to trust their guidance counselor.

Randazzo explains, “It’s all about building the relationship. If you can teach children when they are young how to get through obstacles, there is less of a need for counseling as they get older because they have been When Kendra Randazzo began teaching at a Title 1 public school after her college graduation, she never expected to find a very different calling—counseling. After spending five years as a teacher, Wesleyan’s new School Counselor realized that her favorite parts of the job were ministering to students’ emotional needs. “Through teaching, I realized that counseling was God's calling for me.” Randazzo recalls, “The needs were so great. As a classroom teacher you couldn’t focus only on those needs. That’s where my passion (for counseling) grew.”

Combining her passion for counseling and her experience as a teacher, Randazzo seeks to make mental wellness education easily accessible to children. Randazzo takes an intentional, relationship-focused approach to mental health. This approach includes regular classroom

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On a personal level, Mrs. Randazzo is originally from Lynchburg, Virginia.

She attended Guilford College, where she was a two-sport athlete, playing both volleyball and softball. She met her husband, Jason, at Guilford, and they eventually made High Point their home. Jason is a police officer for the city of Greensboro, and they have three children- Maya (8), Mason (4), and Marley (15 months). The Summit Church of Kernersville is their church home and all three children attend Wesleyan. The family is excited for the opportunity to serve Christ while deepening their relationships within the Wesleyan community.

Written by (2014) Alum Kaelyn Pierce

equipped to know how to handle these situations.”

Along with classroom lessons, Randazzo also meets with students in small groups based on specific needs such as grief, anxiety, or the separation of parents. Additionally, one-on-one meetings are available to students based on need or request. Students seeking counseling are encouraged to seek out Mrs. Randazzo at school

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or to let their teacher know that they would like to meet with a school counselor. Additionally, students and parents can reach out via phone or email to Mrs. Randazzo to schedule a meeting.

THE MAKING OF ACADEMICS

A CELL

After studying the various organelles of a cell and how each part has a specific function during the first quarter, Mrs. Adams charged 7th graders with constructing and labeling a model of a cell. Students were given 3 options: Option 1 - Cell Analogies Option 2 - 3-D model of a Plant or Animal Cell Option 3 - Design and Create a T-shirt with a picture of the cell Mrs. Adams encouraged students to use recyclable materials and other inexpensive objects to represent—by shape, size, and color—the various organelles that are found in the cell. For example, the students used styrofoam, construction paper, fruit, Jello, Legos, wood, candy, among other materials.

Seventh-grader Pressly Garner said she chose to use poster board as her presentation platform because "It was bigger and easier to see". To bring her cell to life, she used candies such as Jolly Ranchers, Laughy Taffy, Nerd Ropes, Twizzlers, and Nerds.

Pressley said the cell project was fun and helped her to understand each part of the cell’s function.

As you can see from the pictures, our students did an amazing job making their cells bold, fun, and very colorful!

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academics ACADEMICS

Science Comes to Life

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The goal of Wesleyan teachers is not only to relay information to students but also to impart a love of God's knowledge and design. Curiosity is the most valuable trait in a lifelong learner, which is why Wesleyan has committed to capturing the curiosity of young learners and encouraging interest in science through two unique avenues in the STEM lab—new virtual reality goggles and a 3D printer. These unique teaching tools serve as interesting and engaging entry points into the Sciences.

deep-sea expeditions. In physical and natural sciences, students will learn about weather patterns, geography, and topography through travels to Mt. Everest and other world sites. With the help of VR goggles, young learners can engage with their lessons in unique and remarkable ways that encourage exploration and curiosity. These goggles allow instruction to come up off the page of a textbook and allow students to experience their lessons as reality.

Through Wesleyan’s virtual reality (VR) goggles, students are able to bring their science lessons to life in STEM class. In conjunction with lessons learned in biology, students can see a 360-degree image of a set of lungs where they can collectively identify the parts of the lungs, see how lungs actually function outside of their textbook, and compare a healthy set of lungs to those of a smoker. With the help of VR goggles, students will also learn about marine biology by “swimming” with whale sharks and going on

When it comes to TV shows, few characters have captured the hearts of kids and adults quite like The Mandalorian character popularly known as Baby Yoda. There are also few teaching strategies that will excite students about science more than watching a replica of Baby Yoda be printed in front of their eyes—which is exactly what STEM Coordinator Joel Steindel and assistant Anderson Kursonis did. While printing popular Disney characters is not the main purpose of Wesleyan’s new 3D printer,

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getting students excited about science is. Interest leads to student engagement, and engagement leads to learning.

Through a generous parent donation, Wesleyan was able to purchase this new 3D printer that will spark interest in the sciences by allowing students to print whatever they can imagine.

From TV characters to a functioning planetarium, Wesleyan students will be able to engage with the 3D printer based on their current level of learning.

Younger students will be able to watch the 6-spool filament feeder print items and will be able to ask questions as their curiosity is piqued. Older students will begin learning about the design and programming elements behind the 3D printer skills that will follow them into their college career, possibly into their career paths. However, 3D printing is not the only opportunity for students to be introduced to the love of science.

Science can be taught without the help of virtual reality goggles and 3D printers. But when lessons can be enhanced and taught in new ways, students experience learning in a new light. Through donations that allow for purchases like the STEM lab’s goggles and printer, students are free to explore and discover and cultivate a curiosity that will turn them into lifelong learners. The best gift one can give to a student is the love of learning—and sometimes this love can be encouraged in surprising ways like a set of goggles and a Baby Yoda replica.

Written by (2014) Alum Kaelyn Pierce

athletics

VARSITY GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL Despite the late start because of Covid, the team was able to get in 14 games throughout the season, including two games in the state playoffs.

A team of all underclassmen, the team is poised for a great year next year. Highlights for the group this season includes Ava Brown reaching the 1,000th assist mark and Morgan Downs being recognized as a member of the All-State Team and receiving the MaxPreps NC Player of the week earlier in the season.

VARSITY GIRLS’ TENNIS The Lady Trojans had a great year despite several cancellations and disruptions to their season due to Covid. They finished 7-3 this season under second year coach Ginny Carpenter and led by seniors Gracie LeFever, Lauren Hale, and Katie Bullins. One major

highlight of the season was beating rival GDS in the first round of the State Playoffs.

VARSITY GIRLS’ GOLF The Lady Trojans had a tremendous year led by seniors Gabriella Cruz and Macie Burcham. Playing 10 matches this season, the Trojans went 7-3 and secured a 5th seed in the state tournament. The team finished 3rd overall, with Cruz placing 2nd overall in the individuals and Macie placing 6th. Cruz will be heading to UNCG in the fall to play golf for the Spartans and Macie is going to ECU to play for the Pirates.

VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY Because of Covid, the cross country season was one full of duals and tri-meets as many of the venues for hosting large events were shut down. Four of the

ATHLETICS

From the Coaches’ Desks: Fall Sports Snapshot

five meets they were able to run were held at our Home course at our Sandy Ridge property. The girls placed 15th overall in States and the boys placed 12th with Nathan Zavala finishing in the top 25 with a 5:37/mi pace.

VARSITY BOYS’ SOCCER Though it may not have been the season the boys expected, invaluable lessons were learned and character forged as they overcame numerous obstacles including the loss of assistant coach Harry Sherwood, dealing with an unprecedented pandemic, broken bones, torn ACLs, deep bone bruises, and having to quarantine during the season. Nevertheless, the boys still managed to reach the semifinals of the state playoffs led by Konner Robbins who committed to Liberty University for his collegiate soccer career.

Credit: News & Record www.wesed.org

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athletics ATHLETICS

Fall Athletic Teams

"AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO ONE PERSON SHARPENS ANOTHER." PROVERBS 27:17 NOTE: Thanks to LifeTouch photography, we were able to take these awesome team photos this year! Coaches' orders were to "Sit down, take off your mask, smile, and put it back on!" In less than 30 seconds, we were done with each team and moving on to the next! Way to go Trojans!

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Varsity Boys Soccer

Cross Country

Varsity Girls Golf

Varsity Volleyball

Varsity Girls Tennis

JV Volleyball

JV Boys Soccer

MS Boys Soccer (Red)

MS Boys Soccer (Gold)

MS Girls Tennis

MS Volleyball (Red)

MS Volleyball (Gold)

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Fall Athletic Awards VARSITY GIRLS' GOLF

Offensive MVP.................................................................. Konner Robbins Defensive MVP..................................................................... Patrick Hissim Coach's Award......................................................................... Boris Crnjak Most Improved Player............................................................ Walker Kyle Lee Rickman Trojan Award............................................ Caleb Thompson Lee Rickman Trojan Award.................................................. Ethan Twiddy

Most Valuable Player........................................................... Gabriela Cruz Most Improved Player...........................................................Molly Jardina Coach's Award................................................................... Macie Burcham

JV SOCCER Coach's Award............................................................. Jonathan Cimpean Coach's Award............................................................ Chase Cunningham 12th Man Award.................................................................. Scott Reitnour

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Offensive MVP................................................................... Morgan Downs Coach's Award.................................................................... Maggie Harrell Most Improved Player........................................................Emma Flippen

JV VOLLEYBALL Most Valuable Player.................................................................. Karli Totel Most Improved Player......................................................... Devyn Cogan Coach's Award..........................................................................Kate Patton

ATHLETICS

VARSITY SOCCER

VARSITY GIRLS' TENNIS Grace Under Pressure........................................................Gracie LeFever Leadership................................................................................Katie Bullins Most Improved...........................................................................Alexis Cruz Undefeated Certificate......................................................... Brooke Tsuei Undefeated Certificate........................................................... Lauren Hale

VARSITY BOYS' CROSS COUNTRY Most Valuable Player.......................................................... Nathan Zavala Most Improved Player........................................................Davidson Dew Coach's Award.........................................................................Ethan Ruble

VARSITY GIRLS' CROSS COUNTRY Most Valuable Player.......................................................... Eden Reitnour Most Improved Player......................................................Gabby Johnson Coach's Award........................................................................ Grace Ruble

signing day First Round of College Commits

(Left to right) MACIE BURCHAM - East Carolina, KAYLA BURROWS - UNC Wilmington, MORGAN CARTER - Roanoke College, JACOB COZART - NC State Gabriela Cruz - UNC Greensboro, RYLEY PHELPS - NC Wesleyan, RACHEL POPLIN - UNC Greensboro, KONNER ROBBINS - Liberty University

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campus life CAMPUS LIFE

Welcome Back to Campus Wesleyan!

"LIVE IN HARMONY WITH EACH OTHER." ROMANS 12:16

After months of planning, the first day of the 2020-21 school year had finally arrived. The administration and faculty were excited to see our students back on campus after being “apart” for five long months! It was a first day like none other, but it was still full of many familiar sights and sounds. Seniors wore their traditional first-day t-shirts, moms and dads escorted their little ones to class for the first time, middle and high school friends walked into school together, and the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and waxed floors filled the hallways, welcoming 1,200 students back to campus August 18. Here are just a few photos of that memorable day!

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campus life

CAMPUS LIFE

Seniors Challenge Each Other to Continue to "Live Like Lee" "BIG EARS. QUICK FEET." JAMES 1:19 & 22

December 8, 2020, marked a very special moment for our Wesleyan family. Shortly after dismissal, members of the Class of 2021 gathered to honor and remember their beloved teacher and Wesleyan alumnus Lee Rickman.

When Lee passed suddenly in 2015 while on a mission trip in Jamaica, there’s no doubt that his death was felt by the entire Wesleyan family.

But as “his” sixth-graders at the time, these seniors knew Lee as their fun-

loving, inspirational 6th-grade teacher.

In one short year, Lee made an impact on their lives and faith in Christ big enough to last a lifetime. Since his death in 2015, the class of 2021 has honored his birthday every year with a time of remembrance and a releasing of the red and gold that Lee loved so much.

On December 8, after a time of sharing and celebration of Lee's life and legacy to "never stop doing big things for the cross", the group was

led in prayer by Senior Jaxon Barber.

As the group stood around the tree the class had planted in Lee's memory after his passing in 2015, the group, now seniors, released red and gold balloons into the sky for their 6th and final time together alongside members of the Rickman family. As Senior Boris Crnjak shared, “Though we will go our separate ways in a few months, may we always remember to set an example for others to live for Christ the way that Lee set an example for us.”

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campus life CAMPUS LIFE

In and Around Campus this Fall!

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CAMPUS LIFE

From the PTO’s first Pumpkin Patch and Wesleyan’s annual Red and Gold Day to special treat deliveries from our principals and our students tackling classwork all semester, it’s been a joy to be together on campus. There’s simply nothing that compares to Mr. Rickman’s morning devotions or Mrs. Moffitt’s “welcome to class” hugs, and so many more traditions that create the fabric of life at Wesleyan. This year, maybe more than ever, we have appreciated every moment together.

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campus life CAMPUS LIFE

Christmas at Wesleyan

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CAMPUS LIFE Wesleyan Administration Team dressed and ready for Polar Express Day.

This Christmas, Wesleyan was a flurry with the spirit of the season! From Christmas music to visits from Santa, special art projects and service to the community, the challenges of the pandemic could not subdue our Christmas spirit!

Wesleyan traditions like "Christmas at Wesleyan" choral concerts were moved from our auditorium to live recorded productions and new traditions like Polar Express Day were born. Where there is a will there is a way, and this year we joyfully celebrated the birth of our Savior together!

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campus life CAMPUS LIFE

Storybook Character Parade Marches Through Wesleyan At the end of October, the Wesleyan Christian Academy Elementary students participated in a Storybook Character Parade.

K1 through fourth grade students were introduced to the parade and costume ideas during their Media special. Each class was asked to choose a character from a book and then dress up like that character on the day of the parade.

They were encouraged to choose from a variety of characters, both fiction and nonfiction, personal favorites and characters new to them. Our students were required to bring a book that included their chosen character in the story. Many teachers encouraged others to read the books they had chosen to get to know their character! Bystanders were able to enjoy seeing Curious George, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, and an entire class of Star Wars!

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fine arts

Visual Arts Thrive!

Ms. Vickie Luther, Wesleyan’s High School Art teacher recently implemented an “Artist of the Week” recognition, giving her student’s work an opportunity to shine! The rationale for this honor has been to promote the current achievements of high school art students in a pandemic year, enabling more students and faculty to see the artists’ work. "Artist of the Week" features one student who has excelled in a particular assignment and who has gone above the class’s expectation. With the recognition, per Mrs. Luther, came baked goods as well!

Here is one example of the amazing work Mrs. Luther’s students are This semester, eighth-graders created "Micrography Portraits" using a quote from an inspirational person in their life, or by using words that

FINE ARTS

"IN HIS GRACE, GOD HAS GIVEN US DIFFERENT GIFTS FOR DOING CERTAIN THINGS WELL." ROMANS 12:6

creating. Meet Eden Reitnour, Wesleyan senior and Artist of the Week from Ms. Luther's Advanced Placement (AP) Art & Design Class.

Her artwork is part of her AP Sustained Investigation which involves creating 15 pieces of art centered on a specific theme or medium. Eden's theme is exploring the western United States through textiles and fibers so she created a mini tapestry of her grandfather driving a semi-truck across our western states. Beautiful work!

describe that person. The Seventh graders drew "Monochromatic SelfPortraits" by drawing their own faces and separating the face into different

values.

Both processes required multiple steps that concluded with a job well done by our students!

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fine arts FINE ARTS

The Show Must Go On! together. It is obvious that when we return to playing shoulder to shoulder, the wind ensemble will have benefited from our current situation! The middle school band students were excited to be able to have band and have worked very hard! We are all very proud of their attitude and hard work!

COVID may dampen the spirits a bit, but let the music play on ... Performing Arts has accepted the challenge and has never stopped making music. We are so thankful for the opportunity to be in class every day, be that Wind Ensemble, Faith, Men of Servant or Drama Class. With best practices and masks in place, we have continued to sing and play from day one in August until the present. Unlike so many other schools, we were able to record our Christmas concerts and present Christmas at Wesleyan to our parents, families, and friends. We are so thankful for the technology that allows us that opportunity.

Praise band led worship each week in chapel with the help of Alex Jennings and the tech team. We recorded our worship set to be played at the beginning of chapel. It was an experience that we had not had before, but the worship team rose to the challenge and did a great job!

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opportunities for performing this spring, Men of Servant and Faith remain optimistic and are preparing repertoire for spring and End-ofthe-Year concerts. The spirits of the students remain strong and with resolve to make the best of every situation.

Their attitude of pushing through the challenge keeps us focused and fills us with the joy of singing every day. Many have said the hour they spend in their performing arts class is the highlight of their day-It keeps them going.

The middle school bands and wind ensemble were met with challenges upon returning to school. Social distancing and bell coverings, as well as other mitigation recommendations from various studies nationwide, were followed. The auditorium became the rehearsal room for the wind ensemble and was a particular challenge due to being so spread out! As is always the case, God showed us the good things in a not so good situation. The students learned a great deal about how to listen and what to listen for in order to play

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The Show must go on ... Auditions for the musical, Annie, were held in October. Although our performance schedule and the numbers attending the performances will be altered, we are thankful to have the opportunity to present a musical during these challenging days. Our students have been working diligently to perfect their performance, to include singing, dancing and acting. With the current regulations in place, each student will wear a mask and have an individual microphone to make the presentation the caliber to which we have become accustomed at Wesleyan. In addition to the live audience, the performance will be recorded and offered to the Wesleyan family “on demand".

Once again, we are thankful for the opportunity to present the musical this year and for the technology that allows us to offer it to an extended audience.

Be watching for performance dates and times and for the information for viewing the performance on demand.

development

DEVELOPMENT

Sandy Ridge Donor Recognition "GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER." 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7

Thanks to the support of hundreds of Wesleyan families and friends, we celebrated the completion of the Phase II construction at our Sandy Ridge campus.

Since that time, there have been events hosted, cross country meets, baseball games, lacrosse practices, and more.

With input from the administration,

the development staff has spent months working with a graphic designer to create a donor wall that rightly honors donors and matches the new landscape. Right before the Christmas break, the donor wall was delivered and installed.

design includes the school name and our “W”. Inside each of the letters that spell Wesleyan, the donors that contributed to making this dream a reality are listed.

We are excited to have the donor wall up and hope all that contributed will have a chance to see it.

The pictures showcase the donor wall that is affixed to the pavilion. The

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development DEVELOPMENT

AGG Goes Virtual

Wesleyan’s Annual Gift Giving (AGG) committee always works hard to make the AGG events fresh, fun, and inspiring to students. But like so many others, 2020 pushed the committee to come up with creative and safe solutions for their biggest event of the year.

AGG season kicked off with the first-ever virtual assembly streamed into classrooms. This year's assembly featured NASCAR driver Aric Almirola and skits from AGG

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volunteers. School leadership also created videos showcasing fun and safe ways for students to raise money including washing cars and doing yardwork.

The biggest changes came with activities divided up by school level.

For the elementary school, this took the form of the Red Solo Cup Challenge.

Students were challenged to fill a solo cup full of change and bring it in to their classrooms. Winning classrooms were selected based on highest weight and top earnings. For middle and high school, incentive cards were available with coveted prizes such as homework passes, extra credit points, excused tardies, and excused absences. High schoolers were also eligible for perhaps the most sought-after prize of all— prime parking spots. A school-wide silent auction also took place across 10 days of the campaign, single-handedly earning the school over $26,000.

all money raised during this event directly benefits students. This includes funds for STEM programs, support for sports and the arts, and school improvements. Despite the challenges of 2020, AGG fundraising was incredibly successful thanks to the generosity of Wesleyan friends, families, and students in a time when your support means more than ever.

The Annual Gift Giving season is one of the most important times of the year for Wesleyan. As always,

Written by (2014) Alum Kaelyn Pierce

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DEVELOPMENT

Flik, Independent School Dining FNW Investments, LLC Four Seasons Furniture Franchise Finders, Inc. dba Subway GBF Medical GHL Services, Inc. GJP Enterprises Godwin Insurance Good Ol' Boys, Inc. Grant Martin, Realtor Help-U-Sell Greene Construction & Design, LLC Guilford Eye Center Guy M. Turner, Inc. Hardscape Concepts, Inc. Help-U-Sell Real Estate of Greensboro High Point Paint Services, Inc. Hodges Triad Electric, LLC Home Detective Company Impact Golf Marketing Integrity Marble & Granite, Inc. iSurity, Inc. Jersey Mike's Subs JFW Investment Group, LLC Jones Frame, Inc. Kathy Moore RE/MAX Partners Kind Snacks Lifetouch M Strategies, LLC M5 Investments, LLC Maaco Paint and Autobody Mabe & Company Realtors Marsh & McLennan Agency Matthews Mobile Media Mid South Land Services Millwood's Transport Movement Mortgage Murrow's Transfer, Inc. OKI Scoop Shop OTB Machinery, Inc. Pay Tel Communications, Inc. Pepsi Peppermoon Catering Piedmont Chiropractic Center

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A-1 Sandrock, Inc. A Cleaner World Ameriprise Financial Angie Byrd-Keller Williams Realty APC Pipeline Services, LLC Atlantic Coast Toyota Lift Barberitos Bar-B-Que House Beco, Inc. Blue Moon Benefits Group, Inc. Blue Ridge Companies, Inc. Blythe Glover Photography Brooke Cashion - Allen Tate Realtors Brookstone Rest Home & Retirement Center Bryson Industries, Inc. Byrd Builders Carley Mann and Associates Carolina Chair & Table Company Carolina Dental Supply, Inc. Carolina Services of the Triad, Inc. Certainty Home Loans Charles W. Carter Plumbing, Inc. Church Outlet, Inc. Citrin & Whitman, P.A. Coldwell Banker Advantage Triad Cook Out Restaurants Creative Branding Designs Crescent Ford D & T Designs, LLC D. H. Griffin Wrecking Company, Inc. DARI Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics Decorative Magic, Inc. Dengar Services Dix Defense Dow Craver & Associates Downtown Fitness on Elm Drakes Pasta Edward Jones Investments Energy Innovations by Harry Boody, Inc. Epic Development Group Fidelity Bank First Citizens Bank

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AGG Corporate Sponsors

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Amount Raised $345,000

Pinnacle Financial Partners Proforma Total Print Solutions Property Management Services Pure Diesel Repair Quality Graphics Equipment Service, Inc. Randolph Pediatric Dentistry Rebecca's Shoe Shining Reunion by Matthew Williams RFDesign RL Vanstory Company Roberson Haworth & Reese, PLLC Salyer Chiropractic Clinic, PA Samet Corporation Scott McLamb Insurance Agency, Inc. ServiceMaster of High Point Shackelford, Ed Shades of Gray Painting, LLC Sheetz, Inc. Skate South Sledge and Company, PLLC Smith & Shore Oil Company South Main Chiropractic South-East Lumber Company Structural Steel of Carolina, LLC Subway Tarheel Paper & Supply Company The Assurance Group, Inc. The Lomax Brothers The Street Boutique Thrivent Financial of the Triad Tire Max Tom Norris AIG Retirement Services Triad Cosmetic Dentistry Triad Investments Tufco Carolinas, Inc. United Anesthesia US Funding Vertical Church Greensboro Wake Forest Baptist Health-Dr. Barry Cheek Wake Forest Baptist Health-Dr. Kenneth Lennon You Grow It, I'll Mow It Zavala Masonry, LLC Zibster, LLC part of Photobiz, LLC

Greg Young Memorial We would also like to recognize the Greg Young Memorial Fund for supporting AGG projects each year.

The Greg Young Memorial Fund has been established at Wesleyan Christian

Academy to honor the life of alumnus Greg Young ('10). Each school year, the Young family will designate a portion of the fund’s monies to be used for school projects that will directly

benefit Wesleyan students. If you'd like more information, please contact the Development Office at 336.884.3333 ext. 221.

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alumni

Class of ‘16 Alum Presents TEDx Lecture

ALUMNI

EXPERIENCE OF TEACHING IN MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON HAS LIFE-CHANGING IMPLICATIONS

dealt with was the grief of "leaving them behind". Haley found herself in the midst of an incredible story of the power of the human bond, God's redemption, and the promise of prison education.

When Haley Pierce, a 22-year-old female college senior at Furman University lobbied her professor, and her parents for the experience of teaching 12 male prisoners creative writing for a semester, possibly the last thing she expected was to develop friendships and a special camaraderie with her students. She also didn’t expect that her story of shared humanity with these men at Perry Correctional Institution, an all-male maximum-security prison in Upstate South Carolina would provide the opportunity to present a TEDx lecture at Furman University. But it did. And it is a truly poignant story that you can listen to on YouTube today.

Haley Pierce is a 2016 graduate of Wesleyan Christian Academy and was raised in High Point, North Carolina.

During her time at Furman University, after convincing her professor and college, and parents to allow her, she was selected as the first Furman student, albeit female, to assist in teaching a weekly creative writing class in Perry Correctional Institution in Pelzer, S.C. 22

Wesleyan Christian Academy

On the first day of teaching at Perry Correctional Institution, one of the inmates in her class approached Pierce, not knowing she had begged her professor and school to make this happen, and asked her, "Did you ask to come here to teach us, or did they make you?" Pierce replied, "I asked to do this." The inmate responded, "Then if anything happens while you're here, don't worry, we will protect you."

This encounter was just the beginning of Pierce’s incredible 5-month journey teaching creative writing and literature alongside her college professor. As you can imagine, her experience was lifechanging. During the entire semester of working with these prisoners, she found herself dismantling her own stereotypes, facing fears, growing in spiritual maturity, and developing friendships with the harshest of criminals, ranging in age from the late 20s to 60s. Ultimately, Pierce said that one of the hardest things she

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The success of Pierce's experience has opened the doors for a precedentsetting prison education program offered through Furman. Pierce presented her findings in a compelling TEDx presentation at Furman, which was released on YouTube last spring.

If you'd like to watch her recent TEDx, search YouTube for "The Camaraderie of Shared Experience”.

THANK YOU

FOR THE JOB WELL DONE! RETIREES

While in the past, we would have enjoyed inviting our families to a retirement party to celebrate and honor the work of these amazing faculty and staff members, COVID-19 made that impossible in May of 2020. Therefore, this page is a small token of our appreciation, love, and respect for every year and each life that these individuals touched. We truly hope that at some point in the future we will be able to wrap our arms around them, thank them and honor them alongside our current and alumni families.

RETIREES (listed alphabetically) SUSIE CATES Elementary Teacher

WENDY CAUDLE Middle School Teacher

PAUL COATES Chaplain

MARTHA FULP Elementary Resource Teacher

PATSY GRIFFIN Elementary & Middle School Counselor

SHIRLEY LUDEMANN High School Teacher

MARCY PECK Elementary Teacher

RITA SNEED Early Ed Assistant Director

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spiritual life SPIRITUAL LIFE

We Are "United in Christ" CHURCH UNDER THE BRIDGE For the past several years, Wesleyan students and staff have had the privilege of serving the homeless in Greensboro through the impactful hands-on ministry of Church Under the Bridge. Every Saturday at 6 pm, various groups from the Triad, go to Spring Garden Street to minister to these precious people.

On Saturday, December 5, a group of students and staff under the direction of Spiritual Life Director, Deon Parker and Middle School/High School Assistant Principal Brad Clodfelter once again served. The team prepared dinner in the cafeteria at Wesleyan, packed up the food, and headed to downtown Greensboro where hundreds of individuals go each week to receive a healthy meal and hear the Gospel of Jesus through music and preaching. Thanks to Jon Pavlack and Kyle Auman for leading the music at this event and Pastor Deon for a heart-stirring message of hope that is found only in Christ. Once again, WCA students are the hands and feet of Jesus with those who are hurting and in need.

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Wesleyan Christian Academy

School classes so that our entire school could participate in praying. There’s no better way to begin the first quarter of the 2020-2021 school year than to join together to cry out to the Father for his mercy and grace. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” James 5:16.

SEE YOU AT THE POLE In a year where our nation and world needs prayer more than ever, middle and high school students gathered on the soccer field on Wednesday, September 23, for the annual See You at the Pole (SYATP) global prayer event. SYATP was founded as a way for students from all over the world to gather around the flagpole at their school prior to the start of their day with prayer for their school, community, nation, and world. Due to this year’s need for social distancing, students and staff gathered on the WCA soccer field. This year’s theme was “United.” Senior Chaplains, Jaxon Barber and Erika Lance, Student Body President, Davidson Dew, and Praise Team member, Tatum Davis led the students and staff in prayer for the salvation of everyone in the WCA family, Christ-authored unity in our school, the well-being of our surrounding community, and for God to bless our nation. Later in the day, Pastor Deon gathered around the flagpole with individual Elementary

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CHAPELS Due to COVID, all of our chapels during the first semester of the 20202021 school year have been online, but even with this, the truth of God’s Word has continued to be shared each week and students have been challenged.

From our three-year-olds in Early Ed. learning Scripture and fun songs to our elementary, middle and high school students enjoying challenging messages from guest speakers from around the Triad, God has been good to us. Our theme for this year is United in Christ with emphasis in different areas such as being United Against Division, United Under God, United in all Circumstances, and so much more.

To give an even greater emphasis to this

"A PORTION FOR PARENTS" In October and November, Pastor Deon shared online with WCA parents 10 video recordings called “A Portion for Parents.” Life is so busy and sometimes hard for parents and families and these videos were a blessing to all that watched them. The videos were no more than five minutes long but contained powerful messages such as a reminder that you are God’s choice to parent your children, boundaries for our children and what God’s Word says about them, praying for our children to become what God

created them to be, and so much more! If you missed any of these videos, check out the Spiritual Life at Wesleyan Facebook page. The messages shared will never grow old for any parent and are filled with encouragement and truths that we all need as parents raising our children in a world that at times seems very upside down. This is just one of the many ways that we hope to encourage our WCA parents in the most important job that God has called them to do - raising their children and leading them to discover Christ as Lord of their lives.

to have Pastor Deon join the Wesleyan family.

I love his passion for the Lord and his desire to lead our students 'to know and live the truth.' "

SPIRITUAL LIFE

year’s theme, wristbands were purchased for middle and high school students and staff with the theme on them and our scripture for the year, Psalm 133:1 “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” We look forward to even more challenging and exciting chapels next semester and can’t wait to see all that God does!

“

IT IS GREAT

MR. RICKMAN, high school principal

“

WHAT A BLESSING

it has been to have Chapel live-streamed into our classrooms this year! My children listen and participate intently each week. Thank you to Pastor Deon for including our elementary students in Spiritual Emphasis Week and for giving them a glimpse of what God can do!"

MRS. CINDY MOFFITT, third grade teacher www.wesed.org

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spiritual life SPIRITUAL LIFE

Meet Pastor Deon

"AND I WILL GIVE YOU SHEPHERDS AFTER MY OWN HEART, WHO WILL GUIDE YOU WITH KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING." JEREMIAH 3:15

If you have watched any of this year’s online chapel services or have followed the “Spiritual Life at Wesleyan” Facebook posts, you have met, at least online, Wesleyan’s new Spiritual Life Director, Pastor Deon Parker. Pastor Deon has lived in the Triad for years and has served as a pastor, chaplain at a local rescue mission, sports chaplain, and even a Christian school teacher.

Pastor Deon and his wife, Julie, married in 2001, and they have five children with three of them in school at WCA (Nala, 2nd grade; Sienna, 4th grade; Cameron, 11th grade), a daughter in college (Aliya), and a daughter (Faith) who is married and expecting Deon and Julie’s first grandchild in January. To Deon, his family is his highest priority from God as he said, “I must first love and lead them well, before I can expect to love and lead others well.” Deon loves spending time with his family, watching movies, and after growing up in Michigan, his favorite sports teams to watch are the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Pistons. If he’s not watching movies with his family, you might find Deon listening to some of his favorite Christian speakers such as Francis Chan, Matt Chandler, Priscilla Shirer, or Dr. Tony Evans or listening to a recording by Lecrae, For King & Country, or other contemporary Christian singers he loves. His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 145:8-9, “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” Deon loves this verse because “it

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Wesleyan Christian Academy

This helped me to start maturing as a Christian and discover God’s desire for me to serve in vocational Christian ministry.”

displays God’s heart to redeem humanity and God’s blueprint for how his children (Christians) should treat humanity.”

God has used Pastor Deon in many places in ministry and serving others.

When he met Jesus, leading others to Christ became his passion in life. Pastor Deon grew up in a Christian home where God was the center; yet he had not personally made God the center of his own life. After graduating from Jackson High School in Jackson, Michigan, he attended Piedmont Baptist College (now Carolina University) in Winston-Salem.

In college, Deon discovered that there is more to being a follower of Christ than just a list of do’s and don’ts. Instead, he found that this relationship could be a personal one and that the Holy Spirit’s power could help him. He made that life-changing decision for Christ in college as he shares, “In my freshman year of college, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was reiterated to me, and I finally responded by placing my trust in Christ and began to obey Him by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. From the start of my Christian life, I regularly attended and served in the church.

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Due to COVID, most of our Wesleyan families have not yet had the opportunity to meet Pastor Deon in person, and we hope that sooner then later, that opportunity will come. However, as you listen to him speaking in chapel or sharing in a post, one can’t help but hear and see that he truly has a pastor’s heart for the students, families, and staff of Wesleyan. To Deon, his favorite part of serving in ministry is the joy he has in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, reflecting the love of Christ to others, and experiencing Christ working through him. His future goals are to help students, families, and staff to know Christ, serve Christ, and take the next steps toward becoming who God created each one of them to be.

Pastor Deon and his family are very grateful for the warm Wesleyan welcome they have received as he said, “We are honored to be here. I have no doubt that God has already blessed me with lifelong friendships and ministry memories that will never be forgotten.

My family and I look forward to making all those who join the WCA family in the future feel as welcome as you all have made us feel.”

Wesleyan is so thankful that God has sent us Pastor Deon and his precious family. We believe that he was called into this position of spiritual leadership at Wesleyan for "such a time as this", and we look forward to watching all that God does in and through his ministry at Wesleyan Christian Academy.

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WE ARE WESLEYAN

we are wesleyan

EM ER S Y N W IL S O N (1 S T B A K ED A ND G R A D E) SO LD C O O K IE S, R A IS IN G $ 1,10 0 FO R A G G!

GAGE TEAGUE (SENIOR) COLLECTED 75 BLANKETS TO SUPPORT HIGH POINT’S COVER THE CITY. Cover the City provide s new and used blankets to those in need.

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WESLEYAN

www.wesed.org (336) 884-3333

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE

PAID

GREENSBORO, NC PERMIT NO. 145

1917 N CENTENNIAL STREET HIGH POINT, NC 27262

#WEAREWESLEYAN

TO KNOW AND LIVE THE TRUTH