2019-20 Voice Issue 2

VOICE

THE MAGAZINE OF CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL • 2019-20 • ISSUE 2

Dear Charlotte Christian Community, I was once kicked off a movie set as I tried to impersonate an extra. In 1997 a close friend and I had a lengthy layover in Chicago’s O’Hare airport and we stumbled upon a movie shoot for Home Alone 3. As we were observing all that was happening, someone in an authoritative voice said, “all extras follow me for the next scene positioning.” My friend and I looked at each other and without a word jumped in line and followed along. As we were receiving the instructions for the scene, someone pointed at my friend and called us out. He had a sweatshirt on with our school name on them and that distinguished us from all the other “extras” who had non-descriptive clothing and thus our movie careers quickly ended.

Over the last few months I have felt like an extra in an epic movie. With COVID-19 sweeping across the globe and forcing us to transition to online school in a very short time, I felt like I was in the middle of a movie but without any lines or scene-stealing moments. The arc of the plot was out of my control but I needed to react. Do you ever read the Bible and wonder what the average person was thinking as events unfolded? We know what Moses and Aaron were doing and thinking during the Exodus but what about the average dad with two kids - what was going through his mind?

As they approached the Red Sea with the Egyptians chasing them down, what was the average 20-year-old contemplating?

In Exodus 14:10 we read that, “the children of Israel cried out to the Lord.”

Facing the unknown and scared about the future, the Israelites cried out to God asking for deliverance. Through united prayer, the “extras” became central and essential to the story. God hears our individual prayers, but Scripture makes it clear that “if two of you shall agree in anything that you ask, it will be done.” There is strength in numbers and I imagine those prayers as they faced the Red Sea were real, emotional, and raw. James 5:16 reminds us that “the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

President’s Cup Recipient

I can only imagine the fear the Israelites had as their worlds were turned upside down, but I am more understanding after closing down campus and staying at home not knowing when it will end. COVID-19 will be a moment in history that has changed the way we do life, and education will be part of those long lasting changes. So, as extras in this epic movie, what are we to do? The answer is simple - pray in earnest for God’s will.

Pray with our brothers and sisters for God’s will to be evident. Pray with fervor that God is glorified through decisions made. Pray for Charlotte Christian that God uses our school and these changes to impact the lives of students and their families. Pray that our alumni continue to impact the culture for Christ. Through our prayers we are not extras but rather essential to God’s providence.

God Bless,

President’s Cup Recipient

Barry Giller Head of School

This special edition of the Voice is published as an ode to the class of 2020.

Charlotte Christian School

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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Jeremy Abig

Hampton Barnes University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Kayli Battle East Carolina University

L.J. Brown Gardner-Webb University

Lucy Cain University of Georgia

Brett Adams Wingate University

Anna Barnett Wofford College

Ben Boone University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Julie Bugg High Point University

Sam Cao University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Will Allen Appalachian State University

Drew Barnett The Citadel

Hannah Brandon University of Virginia

Jaxon Byrd Auburn University

Margaret Carlton Washington and Lee University

J.B. Awolowo Kent State University

Marisa Bartholomew University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Liesel Brehmer University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Greyson Cadd Palmetto Preparatory Academy

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Lauren Chan

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Windy Gap 2019

Class of 2o2o Greg Cherry University of Tennessee

Lara Crosby Emory University

Ethan Eshleman University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Samantha Cohane Boston College

Luke Drees Clemson University

Jack Fagan University of Colorado Boulder

Emma Coles Lipscomb University

Andrew Embrey University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Anna Ferguson Appalachian State University

Chase Corbett Combine Academy

Kayleigh Erman University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Calvin Fernandez Southern Wesleyan University

Maddie Florance University of South Carolina

Boone Foster University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The students from this senior class whom I taught, mentored, yelled at, and laughed and cried with, never quite mastered the brain break art of unknotting the human knot; but they are vivacious, enthusiastic, hopefilled, and can passionately argue why pairing mint and chocolate is just wrong--so wrong. I’ll miss them.

- Mrs. Renuka Szymborski, US English Teacher

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Scott Galbreath High Point University

Jediah Giller Wheaton College

Jace Grauel Anderson University

Jack Howard North Carolina State University

Chloe Lichtenberger University of Alabama

Grace Gao American University

Lloyd Glenn Seton Hall University

Nicholas Greene Washington and Lee University

Alex Jones Liberty University

Mark Marin Appalachian State University

Kennedy Gary Coastal Carolina University

Sam Goldstein Appalachian State University

C.J. Hannum Baylor University

Logan Jones Suffield Academy

Zack Marin University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Nathan Haynes University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jason Kerr University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Neely Hicks University of South Carolina

Andrew Knotts University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Alyssa Mederos Clemson University

Caroline Hood Samford University

Peter Lash New Hampton School

Lilly Mull Belmont University

To the class of 2020, remember that you are strong and resilient and as you set out on your next journey, remember that God is with you and there is an entire CCS fan section behind you. You are ready for this next step, and we are proud of you.

We can’t wait to hear about all the incredible things you will do, see, and become; just be sure you come back often to fill us in on the details!

- Mrs. Brooke Morgan, US Dean of Students

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CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Elizabeth McEwen

Will Newsom Gettysburg College

Tim Prabhu University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Lindsay Noonan Auburn University

Mackenzie Prather East Carolina University

JACK HOWARD Valedictorian Madeline Ozer-Jaeckel Western Carolina University

Chase Preston Harding University

Jack plans to attend N.C. State University where he will pursue a STEM-related major. As a Charlotte Christian student, Jack was a member of the cross country and track and field teams and was involved in the National Junior Classical League, the Academic WorldQuest competition, and the Screwtape Letters book club. He participated as a team-member on the Dominican Republic mission trip and attended Gordon

Hannah Paschall University of Georgia

Laila Robinson Davidson College

College’s Elevate Leadership Lab. “Charlotte Christian has been more to me than just a school; it has provided me with a group of lifelong friends and allowed me to find my identity in Christ, my redeemer and helper, all while preparing me for the next stage of my life through exceptional academics, administration, and teachers. I will

Bria Pinckney East Carolina University

Lily Robinson Wake Forest University

miss CCS’s unique and Christ-centered culture as I head off to a public university, but take heart knowing that it has prepared me with the right attitudes, arguments, and abilities to shine for Christ wherever I go. I owe any potential success to God and will forever be grateful for this school - His instrument - and the unique privilege I have had to attend here; I can only pray that God has many more blessings in

Charlie Plettner Central Piedmont Community College

Sawyer Sams Furman University

store for me in the years ahead.”

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It has truly been an honor to work with the class of 2020! When I joined the CCS faculty in the fall of 2018, it was the first time I had ever taught high school. My memory of the very first class section, the A4 block of AP Physics, is still so vivid -- I had made the mistake of drinking caffeinated tea just prior to the start of class, and thought I might pass out before I finished taking attendance. Recently, several of those same students capped off their second year of college-level physics by taking an AP exam. It has been quite a journey for all of us, myself wholeheartedly included. That CCS has become so much more to me than a place to work is due, in no small part, to the seemingly endless enthusiasm,

Boston Taggart Auburn University

Harrison Wagner East Carolina University

Ayden Truax Gordon College

Natalie Walton Francis Marion University

Annika Urban University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Landyn Warr Johnson & Wales University

candor, and humor of these young men and women. They are a credit to their families and to the teachers whose work prepared them for my classroom and for life beyond the classroom. I will miss them tremendously.

- Mr. Rob Mina, US Physics Teacher

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Alyssa Verruto

Griffin Schuler Auburn University

William Smith Wofford College

Thomas Spangler University of North Carolina Wilmington

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Foard Scott University of South Carolina

Sam Smitherman University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Andrew Stafford Auburn University

Spencer Von Cannon University of Tennessee

Annabella White University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Morgan Shrader Pfeiffer University

Kristen Snyder University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Caleb Stephens East Carolina University

Addison Wagner University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Camille White University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Lillie Wetmore Clemson University

Blake Wiggins Samford University

Vivian Yang Syracuse University

Abraham Williams North Carolina State University

Daniel Youmans Auburn University

hannah brandon Salutatorian Aiden Wilson Augusta University

Harrison Zuckerberg Southern Methodist University

Hannah will attend the University of Virginia and is considering a computer science and Spanish major, with an applied math minor. As a Charlotte Christian student, Hannah was a member of the swim, cross country and track and field teams. She played in the wind ensemble and jazz band, served as a peer tutor in multiple subjects, and colead the Screwtape Letters book club. She participated in

Jacob Woolery Gardner-Webb University

the Spanish immersion program in Salamanca, Spain and mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Panama. Hannah is also a two-time recipient of Knight Tank funds for both the Global Knights initiative and the Super Colby 5K which was

It has been a pleasure teaching and serving as an advisor to many students in the Class of 2020. How much richer the world will be as these young women and men use their humor, creativity, and intelligence to spread the Good News of Christ. Dominus vobiscum sit!

- Mrs. Claire Bishop, US Latin Teacher

designed to honor the life of Colby Young/raise awareness for pediatric brain tumors.

“Charlotte Christian has been a home to me for the past 13 years, and I will miss it greatly as I continue on to college and beyond. It has provided me with an amazing group of friends I can always rely on and teachers who support me, not only in class but in my faith and personal life. CCS has given me a solid faith, and a foundation for that faith which I can defend, and I will miss the school’s Christ-centered culture. Thanks to CCS, I have gained confidence in God and myself and have been prepared both academically and spiritually for whatever the future holds.”

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The senior drive-thru was an extremely emotional experience for me as a CCS lifer. After being off campus for over a month, it was such a blessing to be able to go back and see teachers like Mr. McLeod and Mrs. Cassier who have made such a positive impact on me both educationally and spiritually.

- Senior Anna Ferguson

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CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Thanks

FOR THE

Memories

It was a senior year cut short. When the 98 members of the class of 2020 left for Spring Break, they had no idea they wouldn’t be stepping back on the Charlotte Christian campus for two months. Lockers would remain stuffed with books and papers; halfpainted canvases would be left unfinished in the art room; and baseball bats would remain ungripped in the locker room. As the days passed, and it became clear that it wasn’t prudent to return to in-person learning, plans were made to give the seniors a special campus send-off, one that would be cherished by those who had missed out on, among other things, their last sports season, robotics competition, prom, and concerts.

On Friday, May 15, the seniors drove on to the Charlotte Christian campus for what upper school faculty members determined would be a time of celebration. Entering entrance A and continuing through the upper school parking lot, students drove down a virtual memory lane where they were met by cheering faculty members who held enlarged photos of them participating in school-related activities before their year abruptly ended in March. At this point, for many students, the specialness of the morning began to set in.

“I have been at CCS my entire life so when my senior year was cut short I didn’t really know what to think. We have such amazing teachers and that is what makes CCS so special,” said Sam Goldstein. “On the day of the drive-through I didn’t think that it would be a big deal, I was just expecting to see a couple teachers and get my cap and gown. When I pulled in, I immediately started smiling and kept that smile the entire time. While driving through, I could really tell how much they loved us. It was special what they did, and I won’t forget it for a long, long time.”

Following the laid-out path, students first stopped at the Administration Building entrance where they were met by Mrs. Stewart Emery, Mrs. Susan Jones, Ms. Krista Roth, Mrs. Brooke Webber, Mrs. Brooke Heaton, and Mrs. Allison Reeves who were poised to provide a photo opportunity with specially-designed props. Students posed for pictures with their teachers and carmates before continuing on to the middle school and seeing the smiling faces of Mrs. Amanda Poole, Mrs. Brooke Morgan, Mrs. Lyn Smith, Mrs. Katrina Miller, Mrs. Jodi Foxx, Mrs. Katrina Cassier, and Mrs. Emily Fair. A specially-curated bag of goodies containing, among other things, a T-shirt, their cap and gown, graduation announcements, and a Bible with their name on it, was given to them here before they moved on to the Hendrick Center for Arts and Science where Mr. Barry Giller, Mr. Shonn Brown, Mr. Rob Mina and Mr. Greyson Bedenbaugh were on hand to give the students a Chick-fil-A breakfast. From here, Mr. Jim McLeod waved them goodbye as they exited campus for the last time.

The special touches of the morning did not go unnoticed by the students who felt honored and celebrated.

“Senior year did not turn out to be what I thought it was going to be,” said Lucy Cain.

“Finishing up school online and not being able to be in person with my classmates and teachers for the last time was hard. After 13 years at CCS it was so much harder to say goodbye than I thought. Driving on to campus was an emotional roller coaster for me and my friends who are also lifers. It was the highlight of my week being able to see all my teachers from freshman year to senior year with huge smiles on their faces welcoming us back to campus one last time. The faculty did an amazing job organizing this event and including pictures of some of our favorite memories together. I will miss CCS and how much the faculty loves and cares for the students. The senior drive by was a once in a lifetime experience and it meant so much to me that in the midst of this virus, CCS still found ways to celebrate us and make us feel special.”

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Celebrating

God’s Work SeniorClass through our

academics VALEDICTORIAN & SALUTATORIAN Valedictorian: Jack Howard Salutatorian: Hannah Brandon

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) SCHOLARS PROGRAM AP Scholars with Distinction

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST One of our seniors through his outstanding academic performance, high SAT score, activities and leadership roles, and personal essay has received the distinction of a Finalist.

• Jack Howard 2020 HONORS GRADUATES Seniors who have maintained a cumulative GPA of greater than 4.0 from 9th grade through 3rd quarter their senior year and will be recognized with a gold tassel for their cap to be worn at graduation.

• Anna Barnett • Marisa Bartholomew • Ben Boone • Hannah Brandon • Liesel Brehmer • Lucy Cain • Margaret Carlton • Samantha Cohane • Lara Crosby • Ethan Eshleman

• Jace Grauel • Nicholas Greene • Nathan Haynes • Jack Howard • Jason Kerr • Andrew Knotts • Zack Marin • Elizabeth McEwen • Alyssa Mederos • Will Newsom

• Hannah Paschall • Laila Robinson • Lily Robinson • Morgan Shrader • Kristen Snyder • Thomas Spangler • Alyssa Verruto • Lillie Wetmore • Camille White

ACADEMIC CONSERVATORY The Academic Conservatory Program provides a special opportunity for gifted students in academics or fine arts who have met the high grade point average as well as completed work outside the classroom in the area of specialization.

Bible, Philosophy, Religion • Hannah Brandon • Jace Grauel • Jack Howard • Alyssa Mederos • Laila Robinson • Thomas Spangler • Ayden Truax • Alyssa Verruto • Spencer Von Cannon Math/Science • Hannah Brandon • Jack Howard • Lily Robinson

Social Studies • Hannah Brandon • Lucy Cain • Jack Howard • Andrew Knotts • Hannah Paschall • Kristen Snyder

AP Scholars with Honor (earned an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken AND earned scores of 3 or higher on at least four AP exams)

• Ben Boone • Samantha Cohane • Nicholas Greene • Zach Marin • Camille White AP Scholars (earned a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams)

• Liesel Brehmer • Lucy Cain • Lara Crosby • Ethan Eshleman • Jace Grauel • Jason Kerr • Hannah Paschall • Kristen Snyder • Lillie Wetmore Scholastic Writing Awards

Latin • Liesel Brehmer • Jack Howard

• Marisa Bartholomew • Kayli Battle • Anna Ferguson • Laila Robinson • Harrison Zuckerberg

In recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages.

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• Hannah Brandon • Jack Howard • Andrew Knotts • Lily Robinson

World Languages Spanish • Hannah Brandon • Laila Robinson

SEAL OF BILITERACY

Spanish • Samantha Cohane • Laila Robinson

(earned an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken AND earned scores of 3 or higher on at least five AP exams)

Latin • Liesel Brehmer • Ethan Eshelman

The following seniors earned writing awards at the 2020 Mid-Carolina Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition.

athletics ANNUAL SENIOR AWARDS Bobby Jones Athletes of the Year • Logan Jones • Morgan Shrader

Hylton-Jones Award • Brett Adams • Anna Barnett

Matt Sobieski Award • Jediah Giller • Lily Robinson

Logan Bastedo Award • Will Newsom • Camille White

Scholar-Athlete Award • Margaret Carlton • Nicholas Greene

ATHLETIC SIGNINGS & COMMITMENTS • Brett Adams • J.B. Awolowo • Andrew Barnett • L.J. Brown • Greyson Cadd • Margaret Carlton • Chase Corbett • Lara Crosby • Calvin Fernandez • Jed Giller • Nicholas Greene • Logan Jones • Peter Lash • Will Newsom • Morgan Shrader • Ayden Truax • Aiden Wilson

Baseball Football Wrestling Football Football Tennis Baseball Tennis Track & Field Track & Field Football Football Basketball Lacrosse Volleyball Soccer Baseball

Wingate University Kent State University The Citadel Gardner-Webb University Palmetto Prep Academy Washington & Lee University Combine Academy Oxford College of Emory University Southern Wesleyan University Wheaton College Washington & Lee University Lehigh University *Class of 2021 New Hampton School Gettysburg College Pfeiffer University Gordon College Scoutz USA

fine arts Dolan Dedication Award • Ethan Eshleman

Patrick S. Gillmore Award • Hannah Brandon

Excellence in Visual Arts • Andrew Knotts

Fine Arts Knight of Honor • Andrew Knotts

US Show Director’s Awards Beauty and the Beast • Jed Giller • Lily Robinson

Most Growth in Senior Year Visual Arts • Kayli Battle

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award • Ethan Eshleman COMPETITION AWARDS Theatre NCTC Excellence in Costume Design • ACT 1

CIVITAN GOOD CITIZEN The Charlotte Civitan Club recognizes a senior who demonstrates the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their school, home, and community.

• Kristen Snyder COLBY YOUNG FORTITUDE AWARD This annual award is given in honor of former CCS student, Colby Young, and is presented to the student, who in the spirit of Colby, has clearly demonstrated internal strength while enduring adversity without openly complaining or despairing.

• Grace Gao JENNIFER & KIMBERLY HENDRICK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP These scholarships are awarded in memory of Jennifer and Kimberly Hendrick to two seniors who exemplify a humble, Christ-like spirit and heart of service to the Lord.

• Anna Barnett • Jace Grauel

ANNUAL FINE ARTS AWARDS

John Philip Sousa Award • Jace Grauel

SPIRITUAL LIFE & SERVICE

Growth in Performance Beauty and the Beast • Annika Urban

PRESIDENT’S CUP These awards are voted on by the upper school faculty and staff and are awarded to two seniors who best exemplify the mission of our school.

They are announced each year at commencement.

• Jediah Giller • Laila Robinson TIMOTHY AWARD

Visual Art Festival In The Park First Place • Camille White Pop Arts 2020 2020 High School Charlotte Pop Artist • Andrew Knotts

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Gold Keys - 3 Silver Keys - 4 Honorable Mentions - 3 • Andrew Knotts

This award recognizes a male and female senior who best exemplify I Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

• Grace Gao • Jace Grauel 2019-20 ISSUE 2 n

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Receiving the sign from the faculty and the Unprom flowers was very touching. It made me feel special and that the faculty and the junior girls really cared about the senior class.

- Senior Lauren Chan

Leaving the signs out, that was a token appreciation for me. I really appreciate it. It just shows that Charlotte Christian really does care about you and I will miss the people there.

- Senior L.J. Brown

Receiving the We Love You signs and the Unprom treats meant the world to me! It was such a nice surprise receiving these gifts because it made me feel noticed and celebrated. Thank you so much to the Charlotte Christian faculty and students who thought of and delivered these special senior gifts! Despite these unfavorable circumstances, Charlotte Christian did an amazing job at making us feel very special.

Thanks again!

- Senior Camille White

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Senior Class Trip, Breckenridge, CO

Powderpuff Games

Senior Night Football Game

Christmas Sweater Day

Senior Night Basketball Game

Senior Baseball Players

Upper School Musical, Beauty and the Beast

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CLASS OF 2020 By The Numbers $4,745,184

25

Lifers (consecutive years starting in JK, K or Grade 1)

22 18 13

in College and University Scholarships (through June 3, 2020)

17,674

Service Hours Earned During US Career

385 98

Hours

College Acceptances

Seniors

29

Service

Honors Graduates

(cumulative GPA above a 4.0)

12 1

Academic Conservatory Distinctions AP Scholars College Athletic Signings

Regional Scholastic Art & Patriotic Competition Visual Art Awards

National Merit Finalist