2022-23 Voice Issue 2

Features

2 SENIOR WALK

The class of 2023 participated in the annual Senior Walk allowing students, faculty, staff and parents to honor the senior class as they walked the campus wearing their graduation gowns.

6 VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN

Congratulations to valedictorian Anna Phalen and salutatorian Jack Cataldo.

7 FOCUSING ON MENTAL HEALTH

Charlotte Christian invests in supporting the mental health of our students and equipping the people in their daily lives.

10 REMEMBERING COACH

The CCS community shares memories of Varsity Baseball Head Coach Greg Simmons and his legacy at the school and in the community.

Story Ideas: laura.goodyear@charchrist.com

Alumni News: alumni@charchrist.com

Address Changes: margaret.jackson@charchrist.com

The sixth annual Senior Walk held a special place in the hearts of both students and faculty alike. It was a day when the graduating seniors took a stroll down memory lane, retracing their footsteps through the halls in the lower, middle and upper school. The Senior Walk celebrated the journey of the class of 2023 and the whole campus came alive to cheer on the seniors. After starting in the Early Education Building, they processed through campus and ended on the stadium field where both the seniors and their parents took a moment to pray over each other and launched the seniors into their college career. Afterwards the annual senior class picture was taken to showcase the T-shirts of the seniors’ college choices.

By Senior Lily Golzar

charlottechristianschool2023

A milestone of the senior year is our annual senior trip where students bond as a class and celebrate their last hurrah. This year the senior class traveled to San Diego for the first time which was so exciting as we were the first class to experience this trip. We went the week before graduation which was special as it was really the last time the whole class would be together, challenging each other and growing closer before graduation.

While in California we had the opportunity to participate in a number of excursions to Sea World, San Diego Zoo, hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, surfing in La Jolla and golfing at Balboa Park Golf Course. We also visited Mission Beach and Belmont Park where we rented bikes, skateboards and enjoyed the Belmont Park Amusement Park. We also participated in a service day at San Diego Food Bank or the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Lastly, the highlight for most students was when we went to Disneyland followed by Grad Nite at Disney’s California Adventure. This was such a fun day as we met so many people from all over who were our age and as a class, we were able to bond together through various games and activities. Disneyland would definitely be a class favorite!

Senior Hailey Conde, a California native, would describe her experience as “heartwarming” as she enjoyed watching all her classmates have the best time at her favorite place back home. Hailey said that the best part of her trip was watching all of her friends on the Incredicoaster ride in California Adventure and also introducing her friends to Dole Whip, a Disney staple. Senior David Hulbert shared that his favorite memory was “kayaking with the sea lions” because they were so adorable and funny to watch.

However, despite all of the fun activities, the students spent a lot of time together at the hotel playing cards and also listening to daily devotions from our Head of School Barry Giller as he shared some advice and wisdom as the seniors embarked on their college journey. The senior class is so thankful for this incredible trip that allowed them to make lifelong memories with all of their friends.

Grace Armstrong West Virginia University

Camryn Bailey* Howard University

Lowell Barefoot College of Charleston

Brock Benton Duke University

Lisa Berdykulova Boston University

Brynn Berger Liberty University

Alyssa Blackson Samford University

Derrick Brown Avon Old Farms School

Maddie Buchmann Liberty University

Jake Buzanowski* University of South Carolina

Sofia Byrd Auburn University

Emma Camper Clemson University

Kai Carter Howard University

High Point University

Gannon Caswell LeTourneau University

Jack Cataldo University of Notre Dame

Molly Coles* University of Cincinnati

Hailey Conde Gordon College

Caroline Crews* University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Ben Csoka Clemson University

Mary Frances Cypert University of Alabama

Ruth Ann Cypert Samford University

Cate Darling Clemson University

Matthew Donochod North Carolina State University

Brandon Drury* University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Auburn University

Brady Dunn University of Tennessee

Emma Dunnagan University of Tennessee

Monte Eaves*

Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Tate Efird* University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Zaliyah Emmanuel Spelman College

Cam Estep* Appalachian State University

Bella Estramonte Chapman University

Macyn Eubanks* Clemson University

Jack Eudy

Appalachian State University

Armonté Ferguson Appalachian State University

Grant Fleischer

Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Connor Florance Auburn University

Brady Forget Palm Beach State College

Logan Fox Grove City College

John Francois Boston University

Shea Fuqua* Clemson University

Kaylin Garlick University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Ethan Gary Methodist University

Jacob Glenn University of Richmond

Andrew Goad University of South Carolina

Lily Golzar* North Carolina State University

Matt Gray University of Kentucky

Moses Griffin American University

Samuel Castelan Meneses

Anna Dunn

Ethan Ham University of North Carolina at Charlotte

John Harper Wofford College

Sophie Howard* University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Anna Huge Texas A & M University

David Hulbert* Western Carolina University

Kyle Jackson Liberty University

Sterling Jackson* University of Rochester

Mark Jacobs Clemson University

Kyron Jones University of Georgia

Wesley Jones University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Johnny Joseph Queens University of Charlotte

Chama Kabwe* Howard University

Loie Kemmer University of Tennessee

Julia Kerr College of Charleston

Ben King

Auburn University

Connie Kofoed* Belmont University

Olivia Kuo University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sophie Lillie* University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Campbell Littlefield University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Zachary Martindale Auburn University

Lauren Matthews Auburn University Tanner McCammon Elon University

Bailey McCoy Auburn University

Eliza Jane McLean University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Justin Miles Elon University

Mary Miller University of Alabama

Jonathan Montgomery* North Carolina A & T State University

Cade Nicholson University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Odera Orizu North Carolina State University

Ryan O’Rourke University of Michigan

Madeline Persinger University of Tampa

Jake Peters Biola University

Danielle Petruk* Savannah College of Art & Design

Anna Phalen* Georgetown University

Ivy Pham Cornell University

Anna Kate Porter Appalachian State University

Avery Rash University of Tennessee

Baker Reale Palm Beach Atlantic University

Addison Richards Texas Christian University

Sydney Rohm University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Maddie Seabrook

University of Tennessee

Lily Kate Snyder Wofford College

Danny Stevens Appalachian State University

Caleb Taylor University of Tennessee

Annie Thompson Wofford College

Campbell Thompson Belmont University

Faith Timperio* University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Brekyn Truax East Carolina University

Grant Tucker

Appalachian State University

Bennett Wagner

Clemson University

Sarah Walker

Clemson University

Geneva Watkins Elon University

Anna White Elon University

Charlie Zinger* Appalachian State University

*Lifers

and

Anna Phalen | Valedictorian

Anna Phalen will attend Georgetown University and she plans to study international business. As a Charlotte Christian student, she is a National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction and the Academic Prefect. She earned summa cum laude all four years of high school and an Academic Conservatory with Distinction in Social Studies, the University of Rochester Bausch+Lomb Honorary Science Award and the Richard Gilder History prize. She is the co-founder of the CCS Letters of Light club and a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. She studied Spanish in Salamanca, Spain over the summer. Anna started at CCS in kindergarten.

Jack Cataldo | Salutatorian

Jack Cataldo will attend the University of Notre Dame and he plans to study computer science. He is a National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction and the recipient of three Academic Conservatories (Math/Science, Fine Arts, World Languages - Latin). Outside of the classroom, Jack is the captain of the varsity tennis team and received the Louis Armstrong Excellence in Jazz Award from the fine arts department. He is the vice president of the National Honor Society, secretary of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and a member of the National Latin Honor Society. He earned summa cum laude all four years of high school. Jack started at CCS in the fourth grade.

2023 Honors Graduates

Congratulations to 47 seniors in the Class of 2023 who were recognized as honors graduates for maintaining a cumulative GPA of greater than a 4.0 from ninth grade through the third quarter of their senior year.

Grace Armstrong

Brock Benton

Lisa Berdykulova

Brynn Berger

Alyssa Blackson

Jacob Buzanowski

Sofia Byrd

Emma Camper

Samuel Castelan

Meneses

Jack Cataldo

Caroline Crews

Mary Frances Cypert

Cate Darling

Matthew Donochod

Anna Dunn

Monte Eaves

Tate Efird

Bella Estramonte

Logan Fox

John Francois

Shea Fuqua

Jacob Glenn

Lily Golzar

class of 2023 Valedictorian Salutatorian 6

John Harper

Sophie Howard

David Hulbert

Johnny Joseph

Loie Kemmer

Julia Kerr

Olivia Kuo

Sophia Lillie

Campbell Littlefield

Tanner McCammon

Bailey McCoy

Eliza Jane McLean

Cade Nicholson

Jacob Peters

Anna Phalen

Ivy Pham

Sydney Rohm

Madeline Seabrook

Caleb Taylor

Annie Thompson

Faith Timperio

Bennett Wagner

Sarah Walker

Anna White

FOCUSING ON MENTAL HEALTH

“The last few years have been anything but ordinary; the pandemic touched all our lives in one way or another,” shared CCS Lower School Counselor Angela Liner. “From the kindergartener whose preschool years were disjointed, to the eighth grader whose middle school years had added complexity, to the senior class preparing for yet another change. We recognize that as we find our footing and new normal, it is vital to focus on and invest in the mental health of our students. Part of our mission is to educate the whole child and we know that equipping the people in our students’ daily lives - the parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, mentors - is the most effective way to connect with and support this generation of students.”

Supporting our Students

The three division counselors meet regularly with our students to share lessons from our social and emotional curriculum, CharacterStrong, and strengthen the material by adding a biblical lens. New bell schedules were created in the middle and upper school this year to provide a daily KnightTime period with custom designed content to meet students’ academic and developmental needs, enhance spiritual formation and foster student engagement.

Charlotte Christian School

CORE VALUES

New school core values were shared this year to unify the community with expectations on how students and adults should interact with each other. The five core values build the foundation of our community and our character education program at Charlotte Christian School. The school seeks to develop students with a lifelong biblical worldview and core Christian values.

Supporting our Employees

Counselors, teachers and staff attended two Learning & the Brain brain-based conferences this semester focused on the brain science to help improve students’ emotional self-regulation and executive functioning. The group explored evidence-based strategies for dealing with challenging behaviors, ADHD, learning disorders and bullying behaviors as well as strategies to promote student connections, collaboration, cooperation and belonging.

Supporting our Parents

Charlotte Christian hosted parent education nights for CCS parents and the greater Charlotte community as the school partners with families in parenting and supporting our students. This semester counselor and speaker Dr. Chinwé Williams spoke on how to best support anxious students and help students to be seen through the power of connection.

“I am grateful that we are part of a school community that supports and educates parents, so that we can better support our children,” shared Mrs. Margaret Lawrence, parent to an eighth grader. “While the trends she shared regarding depression and suicide in youth are alarming, she offered hope and useful tools for how we as parents can connect with and support our children where they are. Parenting a child in this day and age is challenging under the best of circumstances.”

We believe the greatest commandment is to love God.

(Matthew 22:37)

We believe the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor. (Matthew 22:39-40)

Love God show kindness walk humbly

We believe God calls us to walk humbly and allow God to teach us what is good. (James 4:10)

pursue excellence seek truth

We believe our school can excel in academic preparation and focus on spiritual development. (Colossians 3:23)

We believe that there is absolute truth and it is found in God’s word. (John 18:37)

WINTERIM

This school year J-Term was renamed to Winterim and moved to a new week in February. Through Winterim offerings, students interact and build relationships with fellow students and faculty in a less structured format while participating in a variety of opportunities meeting one or more of the following goals: educational; adventure; leadership development; service and mission. With the ease in travel restrictions since the start of the pandemic, this year’s Winterim offered more opportunities for upper school students to travel domestically (California and Florida) and internationally (Dominican Republic, England, France, Greece, Italy, Panama and Puerto Rico).

The Explore Puerto Rico trip was full of physical adventures exploring the natural and historical wonders of Puerto Rico. “We kayaked and saw bioluminescent algae and this was such a surreal experience,” shared sophomore Maddie Efird. “I loved my experience in Puerto Rico because I grew closer to my friends, students from different grade levels, teachers, and God.” Maddie also practiced her language skills on the trip. “The people here spoke mostly Spanish, so this forced me to step out of my comfort zone and use the Spanish that I have been learning in school.” The group also took a day to serve at a local ministry to help paint and provide assistance to enhance the mission’s campus.

Winterim not only provides opportunity for new experiences, but also new outlooks. Sophomore Grant Scerri said his perspective of the world changed during Winterim while visiting the Dominican Republic on a service trip partnering with SCORE International, a Christ-centered ministry. “I would say my perspective of the world changed a lot. My view of the world – the south Charlotte bubble – was completely shattered when I saw firsthand the poverty in the Dominican Republic. Although many people had nothing, they were the most joyful, thankful and faithful people I have ever met in my life…they found hope and joy in Jesus Christ and not the things of this world.”

Mini-semester experiences locally, domestically and internationally

Disney World

Puerto Rico

Explore Charlotte

Dominican Republic - Baseball

Italy & Greece

Our VEX Robotics program gives our lower, middle and upper school students the opportunity to apply STEM skills to design, build, drive and program a robot to compete at VEX robotics competitions. The robotics team members use the engineering design process to identify and define a problem, brainstorm ideas, test their designs and improve their design until a solution is reached.

This year, all seven of our robotics teams advanced to the N.C. Robotics state championships. One lower school team and two middle school teams advanced to the 2023 VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas, Texas. The teams competed with students from around the world and set new team high scores in a fun and competitive environment. Lower school Team 9635H

COMPETE AT WORLDS

(Harvey Brock, Ryan Hinson, Gray Peede) was awarded the Create Award in the Technology Division for building a robot with the most creative engineering solution to the challenge using a highly creative engineering process and creative approach.

Gavin Lawrence competed on both our middle school VEX VRC team and a community middle school VEX IQ team and advanced to Worlds with both teams. “For the past four years, I have enjoyed the amazing opportunity to be part of a team where we design, build and code robots, using the VEX Robotics building platforms. Having qualified for and attended the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas for the past two years has been an eye opening experience, communicating and competing with teams from 50 countries all around the globe. I have learned what it means to compete on a world stage.”

At Charlotte Christian, we believe that celebrating cultures around the world will help students understand and value God’s creation and diversity while preparing them to impact the culture for Christ. Through cross-cultural engagement and initiatives, including the Multicultural Festival, students are actively participating in their development and growth as global kingdom citizens.

At the Multicultural Festival in April, lower school students visited stations and exhibits where they experienced cultures from all over the world. This year’s theme was “Peace Around the World” reminding students of God’s promise that true peace and love come from Him alone (John 14:27, Revelation 7:9). The festival included an International Food Exhibit, Spanish Spelling Bee, Global Games, Monuments Around the World and the Nations’ Fair. “I really loved that I got to explore and discover other cultures,”

says third grader Clarity Caldwell. “God made us all, so we all have similarities, whether we’re from Kenya or America.”

At the Nations’ Fair, middle and upper school student helpers led the lower school students in learning about nations around the world. Junior Rashi Singh, rising Global Awareness Prefect, said the Multicultural Festival “is an opportunity to help our students celebrate cultural differences while recognizing that our strength resides within our differences.”

COACH SIMMONS

1965-2023

733 career wins

95 student-athletes played college athletics

30+ year tenure with the Knights

22 CISAA conference titles

16 NCISAA state titles

10 studentathletes drafted to MLB

1 induction into the NCBCA Hall of Fame

On Jan. 28, 2023, Coach Greg Simmons passed away following a courageous battle with lung cancer. He led the baseball program at Charlotte Christian to achieve great success and was a beloved coach on campus. “Greg achieved unprecedented success as a baseball coach but it was his unwavering commitment to excellence in the name of Christ that set him apart,” shared Head of School Barry Giller. The CCS baseball field was dedicated and named in honor of Coach Simmons on April 20. It was a special evening to celebrate his life and legacy. At the dedication, it was also announced that the NCISAA 4A state baseball trophy was named after him - the Greg Simmons Championship Trophy. Coach had a lasting impact that was felt throughout the school and the baseball community.

developed with his players. Years after they had graduated, he would write them letters and give them calls to check in. Frequently, he would need to take time off to attend a wedding for one of his former players. The incredible success of the Charlotte Christian baseball program and the beautiful field we enjoy year after year is primarily due to the vision and passion of Coach. The legacy he leaves behind will be felt in his family and at the school for generations to come.”

- Director of Athletics Andy Ross

CO-WORKERS

“For 13 years I had the privilege of working with Coach Greg Simmons. He loved the Lord, his family, Charlotte Christian and baseball. The awards and recognition Coach Simmons received are too numerous to recount; however, his loving family should be most proud of the lives that Coach impacted by simply allowing God to use him while he did something he loved and to the best of his ability.”

- Head of School Barry Giller

“I had the privilege of working side by side with Coach for the past decade. He certainly worked with a lot of talented studentathletes over the years, but he always had a knack for getting the best out of his players. There is no doubt that Coach wanted to win, but more than that, he cared about the relationships he

“A man who left a lasting legacy on so many of his former players, including myself. Working alongside him for 10 seasons was a true honor and the impact he has had - not only on helping us grow into the men we are today but also and most importantly, pointing us to our Lord and Savior.”

- Varsity Baseball Head Coach Reid Fronk (‘04)

“It was a rare but happy occurrence when I ended up at the same lunch table with Greg. You would think the baseball coach and fine arts director wouldn’t have much to talk about, but Greg was a great conversationalist and storyteller. A few times he and I had to put our heads together to figure out how a baseball playing choir student could play a few innings, run to a concert, then back to the game. More than once, a player sang in his uniform. Greg was bold in his faith, excellent in his craft, and a great mentor to hundreds of young men. Well done, good and faithful servant.”

- Mrs. Kelly Goley, former fine arts director

CURRENT PLAYER

“I don’t even know where to start. My coach, my mentor, my friend, my teacher, my brother in Christ. Since fifth grade he’s told me “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). He changed my life and who I am as a person and baseball was just the outlet for that. I wouldn’t be even half the man I am today without him. Beyond blessed and grateful to have known him and walked alongside of him for the time I did. He demonstrated how to love the Lord not only by faith but with how he acted every single day.”

-John Lash, sophomore baseball player

ALUMNI

“Coach Simmons had a great impact on me when I was there. He was one of the main reasons that I wanted to come to play for him. He taught me so many life lessons - how to be a leader, how to respect everyone and how to be a great baseball player and play the game the right way. It was an honor and a privilege to be able to play for Greg.”

- Mr. Bailey Ober (‘13), CCS Baseball Alum & MLB Pitcher with Minnesota Twins

“It was one of the best things that happened to me to be able to play for Coach Greg Simmons as a young man. He had an extremely profound impact on my life. My family and I will forever be grateful for his leadership and mentorship through my young baseball career and as a man.”

- Mr. Jackson Kowar (‘15), CCS Baseball Alum & MLB Pitcher with Kansas City Royals

“Whatever season you were in life - whether you were a 16-yearold that needed to be taught the lessons of toughness or a 30 something year old at a tough point in your professional career and needed some positivity - he always had your best interests in mind and had a way of saying and doing the right thing that you needed in that moment. Coach was so special in my life and instrumental and I don’t think I would still be playing professional baseball if it weren’t for Coach.”

- Mr. Luke Bard (‘09), CCS Baseball Alumni & MLB Pitcher with Toronto Bluejays

“He meant a lot to me as he did to a lot of people. He was a coach first and then became a mentor, a really good friend and an amazing supporter. When I transferred in junior year in high school he gave me a home and the confidence I needed and propelled my career. I’m forever grateful for him.”

- Mr. Daniel Bard (‘03), CCS Baseball Alumni & MLB Pitcher with Colorado Rockies

“Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die. What Coach accomplished over the last 30 years at CCS and the lives he touched was nothing short of legendary. We’ll cherish the memories, remember the lessons, and never forget you.”

- Mr. Jeff Lever (‘99)

PARENTS

“If the measure of a man’s life has anything to do with legacy, Greg Simmons lived amidst the elite. The seeds of impact he planted will sow fruit for generations to come. While our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the impact he had on our oldest son’s life. #relentless #42”

- Mrs. Denise McCammon, current parent to an eighth grader and senior

“We were part of the CCS baseball program for seven years. No matter if on the middle school, JV or varsity team, the boys knew they were part of a family/community.”

- Mrs. Krista Adams, parent of 2020 baseball player

RIVAL COACH

“One of the toughest and classiest coaches and competitors I have ever had the privilege of coaching against. His teams were always talented and more than that very well coached and disciplined. We had great teams at Wesleyan as well in the 17 years I coached. We always knew who we had to go through every year. He whipped us a little more than we whipped him and we both always enjoyed playing one another. You are without a doubt the most accomplished High School Baseball coach North Carolina has ever seen!”

- Coach Scott Davis, former varsity baseball head coach at Wesleyan Christian Academy

1 5 6

SCHOLASTIC WRITING WINNERS

Eight middle and upper school students earned recognition in the 2023 Mid-Carolina Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition. The group earned one gold key, two silver key and six honorable mention writing awards. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is administered by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers and is the longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for student achievement in the visual arts and creative writing in the United States.

Gold Key

Meilin Loerop (11) Poetry, “Every Path Leads to One Thing”

Silver Key Cate Spaeth (10) Science Fiction & Fantasy, “The Lake Teeming with Life and Death”

Honorable Mention

Matt Donochod (12) Critical Essay, “Drowning in a Cycle of Dishonor”

Gianna Gaskins (8) Poetry, “Wondering. Wandering”

Meilin Loerop (11) Flash Fiction, “A Moment in the Stars”

Sophia Oliveto (11) Journalism, “Benefit From the Faults of Another”

4 3 2

Emma Taylor (11) Short Story, “Bracelets in the Ocean”

Dominique Kay (11) Personal Essay & Memoir, “Petrified to Paraglide”

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY & NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTIONS

Congratulations to the middle school students recently inducted into the NJHS and the upper school students inducted into the NHS.

READING KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE

Forty-one fifth grade students were awarded the Reading Knights of the Round Table medal. To be recognized fifth grade students must have completed their Reading Knights requirements every quarter during their time at Charlotte Christian. Lower school students read 17,570 books this school year as part of the Reading Knights program.

LIFE SCIENCE MUSEUM

Seventh grade students each created a 3D model of an animal using recycled and reused materials from home to represent the creativity of God’s creation. The students all did an amazing job and presented their models to lower school students at the annual Life Science Museum.

UPPER SCHOOL LATIN AWARDS

• Upper school Latin students earned 36 awards at the North Carolina Junior Classical League (NCJCL) State Convention in academic, arts and athletic events.

• Three students were awarded medals for their performance on the 2022-23 National Classical Etymology Exam (NCEE): Maddie Kotula (10), Dominique Kay (11) and Emma Taylor (11).

• Eighteen upper school students received awards for their performance on the 2022-23 National Latin Exam (NLE).

FACULTY MEMBERS EARN ADVANCED DEGREES

Two faculty members completed their graduate degrees this year.

Sydney Grace Shamp (11) Poetry, “Again” 6

• Fifth Grade Teacher Jenna Simpson earned her Master of Education degree in Elementary Education with concentrations in Elementary Mathematics and Academically or Intellectually Gifted from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

• Upper School English Teacher Kayla Cochran earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

WINTER & SPRING ATHLETIC SIGNINGS

Congratulations to 12 Charlotte Christian student-athletes who committed this winter and spring to participate in college athletics. This group joins seven other students who committed for a total of 19 students from the class of 2023.

Grace Armstrong, Rowing West Virginia University

Brock Benton, Football Duke University

Hailey Conde, Softball Gordon College

Cam Estep, Football Appalachian State University

3 2

Armonté Ferguson, Track Appalachian State University

Logan Fox, Lacrosse Grove City College

David Hulbert, Football Western Carolina University

Kyron Jones, Football University of Georgia

VARSITY BOYS’ GOLF CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

4

1 5

Odera Orizu, Football NC State University

Ryan O’Rourke, Baseball University of Michigan

Danny Stevens, Football Appalachian State University

Grant Tucker, Football Appalachian State University

The varsity boys’ golf team won the CISAA conference championship with a team score of 314, four shots over Charlotte Latin. The team was led by junior Oliver Tobin with a 74, junior Connor Natwick and sophomore Stokes Greene who both shot 79’s, and sophomore Alexander Paschall with an 82 to help the Knights take the trophy. Oliver Tobin was the medalist of the conference tournament with the lowest individual score. This was the golf team’s first ever conference championship.

BREAKING RECORDS

This year’s winter and spring sports seasons brought a barrage of new school records: (NCISAA State Record*)

Basketball

50 points in a game

24.5 points per game

John Lash

Swim

200 Medley Relay, 1:56.27

Porter Barnhart

Cate Darling

Lauren Dickison

Kelsey Mayers

100 Yard Butterfly, 58.37

Kelsey Mayers

200 Medley Relay, 1:46.32

Maxon Brienza

Alex Joe

Chase Melvin

Tyler Wolff

100 Yard

Backstroke, 54.13

200Im, 2:04.62

Maxon Brienza

Boys’ Track

100m, 10.54

Kyron Jones

VARSITY SOFTBALL SUCCESSFUL SEASON

200m, 21.19*

400m, 48.87

Evan Boykin

4x100 Relay, 41.19 *

4x200 Relay, 1:27.10*

Evan Boykin

Armonté Ferguson

Kyron Jones

Grant Tucker

Girls’ Track

100m, 11.61*

200m, 23.97

400m, 58.86

Nina Dominique

800m, 2:23.77

1600m, 5:11.62

3200m, 11:01.33

Kate Willette

4x100 Relay, 48.96

Kai Carter

Olivia Dawson

Nina Dominique

Chama Kabwe

4x800 Relay, 9:55.58

Ashlynn Miller

Sydney Grace Shamp

Kate Willette

Graycen Younce

The varsity softball team had another great season finishing with an overall record of 15-6. In conference play, they finished 8-2 and were crowned co-champs for the third consecutive year. Although they fell short of a three-peat in the state championship series, there was still much to celebrate. Sophomore Anna Hinde had a personal best 25 base on balls and racked up her 100th career hit this season.

ALL-STATE HONOREES

Congratulations to the following student-athletes on earning NCISAA All-State recognition for winter and spring sports. (CISAA Athletes of the Year*)

Boys’ Basketball

First Team

John Lash

Baseball

First Team

Wesley Jones*

Tanner McCammon

Grant Nicholson

Softball

First Team

Morgan Banks

Kaylin Garlick

Anna Hinde

Boys’ Track 200m

Evan Boykin

4x100 Relay

Evan Boykin

Armonté Ferguson

Kyron Jones

Grant Tucker*

Girls’ Track 200m

Nina Dominique

4x100 Relay

Kai Carter

Olivia Dawson

Nina Dominique

Chama Kabwe

100m Hurdles

Brynn Berger

Wrestling

NCISAA Most Outstanding Wrestler

Tre Wilfong

4 3 2 1 5 6

INTO THE WOODS, UPPER SCHOOL MUSICAL

Under the direction of Ms. Claire Hilton and a talented production team, a cast of more than 20 upper school students performed one of Stephen Sondheim’s most popular works, Into the Woods, about wishes, family and the consequences of choices we make. Adjudicators from the 2023 Blumey Awards provided the cast and crew with valuable notes for educational growth after the show. The following students were recognized by the Blumey Awards for their performance: Ruthie Caswell for Best Supporting Actress, Isabelle Franklin for Best Featured Performer, Isa Long for Best Actress, Jayden Stall for Best Supporting Actor and Jeffery Wilson for Best Actor.

2023 SCHOLASTIC ART WINNERS

Middle and upper school digital and visual artists earned four gold keys, four silver keys and eight honorable mention awards in the 2023 Mid-Carolina Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition.

Congratulations to the following winners:

Ruth Bandy (8)

Caroline Coles (9)

Molly Coles (12)

Jane Ramsey Darling (8)

Ethan Gary (12)

Matthew Gray (12)

Sophie Howard (12)

Sydney Ross-Hubbard (7)

Katie Joe (9)

Caroline Parrish (11)

NCTC MIDDLE SCHOOL PLAY FESTIVAL

Sydney Rohm (12)

Victoria Taylor (9)

Annie Thompson (12)

Our middle school ACT 2 competition drama team earned top honors at the North Carolina Theatre Conference Middle School Play Festival with their performance of Robin Hood. Along with their superior rating, the team received the following group and individual honors:

Excellence in Ensemble Acting Festival Spirit Award

Julia Silva (8)

Excellence in Acting Samuel Franklin (6) Julia Silva (8)

Excellence in Directing Ms. Claire Hilton

MAGIC TREEHOUSE: THE KNIGHT AT DAWN KIDS, LOWER SCHOOL MUSICAL

Lower school students took the stage in a thrilling presentation of Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn KIDS an adaptation of the second of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fantasy adventure books from the Magic Tree House book series. With fun costumes and scenery, the characters discovered the power of hope and the true meaning of gallantry as they experienced a grand medieval feast, escaped through secret tunnels and danced with enchanted suits of armor.

BAND, CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA HONORS ENSEMBLE PARTICIPANTS

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to participate in regional and state honors ensembles this semester.

NC Music Educators Association Middle School All State Choir Festival

Abbie Furtick (6)

Maddie Houck (7) Emma Huff (7) Olivia Knotts (7)

Kendyl Meisel (8) Chandler Melvin (6)

South Central District Bandmasters Association All District Honor Band

Rebekah Switzer (9)

Western Region Honors Orchestra

Cristian Fahami (10)

KNIGHT OF THE ARTS

Junior Western Region Orchestra Bea Tob (8), Ethan Walker (8)

Our annual Knight of the Arts celebrated the arts across all three divisions. The KnightVision gallery crawl featured more than 900 pieces of artwork from all of our JK-12 digital and visual artists. Throughout the evening families enjoyed outdoor family fun, concessions and live music. The evening concluded with a fine arts awards assembly and an upper school choir, band and orchestra concert honoring senior fine art students at the twilight of their tenure at Charlotte Christian.

Scan the QR code to view their artwork.

David Flenniken

Congratulations to David Flenniken who retired after 34 years of faithful service at Charlotte Christian School. Mr. Flenniken served on our facilities team since April 1988 performing countless duties which included delivering packages, plugging in golf carts, changing light bulbs, turning off lamps in teachers’ rooms and locking up the buildings each night. Our school community is so grateful for his dedication and devotion to Charlotte Christian – its facilities, its people and its mission – to impact the culture for Christ.

In Memoriam

“Blessed by his dedicated and selfless service during every PTF event for many years. Thank you, David!!”

- LuAnn Durden, alumni parent & former employee

“Thank you Mr. Flenniken! Grateful for all you’ve done for CCS over the years and hope you enjoy retirement.”

- Adeline Vadini Elliott (‘02) , current parent of a kindergartener & alumna

“So grateful for David’s faithful & quiet service! I miss seeing him around on campus!”

- Melanie Howard, current parent & PTF president

We are thankful for the faithful service of former employees who have gone to be with the Lord.

Helen McClure passed away from cancer in December 2022. Ms. McClure served in our Extended Day program from 2017-2023.

Sharon Osborne passed away in December 2022. Mrs. Osborne taught in the lower school from 19872009 and her children Jana (‘88) and Ryan (‘93) graduated from Charlotte Christian.

Connie Roads passed away in January 2023. Mrs. Roads taught in the lower and middle school from 1990-2006. She had two daughters who graduated from CCS: Allison Kats (‘90) and Amy Voloshko (‘94).

Janet Scoggins passed away from a long illness in March 2023. She taught in the lower school from 20002009.

Legacy Breakfast

In March we hosted the second annual Legacy Family Breakfast for our alumni - alums who currently have a child enrolled at CCS and our 15 alumni who are on staff. Alumni representing the graduating classes of 1981 to 2017 were in attendance for this special time of fellowship. We are grateful that our alumni are able to pass on a legacy of Christian education to their children at their alma mater.

“We so enjoyed the annual Legacy Breakfast and seeing the extended “family” of fellow alumni that also send their children to Christian,” shared Amy Voloshko (‘94). “I’m thankful my children will continue our family’s legacy of a Christ-centered education at CCS, and also for the faculty and staff that continue to pray for our kids daily.”

Chris James (‘08)

Director of Football Operations & Varsity Football Head Coach

• He earned a state championship with the Knights and played collegiately at the University of Richmond. He has three years previous experience as a head coach.

Leah Metcalf (‘01)

Full Circle: COACHES COME HOME

When high school coaches return to their alma mater to coach, it can be a unique and rewarding experience for both the coach and the team. By drawing on their own experiences and connections, the coach can help the team reach their full potential. Charlotte Christian is blessed to have several former student-athletes return to lead our teams. We recently sat down with three of those coaches for the first in a series where our alumni share about their transition to coaching at CCS. Scan the QR code to watch the full interview.

Varsity Ladies’ Basketball Head Coach

• A four-year letterwinner for the UNC-Chapel Hill ladies’ basketball team and former professional basketball player overseas for 11 years.

Reid Fronk (‘04)

Director of Baseball Operations & Varsity Baseball Head Coach

• While in high school he led the Knights to three state titles. He played for the UNC-Chapel Hill baseball team and was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh round of the 2007 MLB draft.

(Featured left to right)

Upper School Building Progress

Construction on our new Upper School Building is wrapping up and the new building will be open for students for the 2023-24 school year!

The two-story upper school building features:

• 30,000+ square feet of state-of-the-art facilities

• 15 classrooms, three science labs and one STEM lab

• Dedicated robotics practice field

• Broadcast room with a greenscreen and a production office

• Office space for director of diversity and belonging

• Office space for spiritual life

• Additional patios and common areas

• A senior lounge

• An outdoor classroom

• Solar panel monitors

• Planting area and butterfly garden

This year we raised $630,000 toward the Annual Fund which allows us to…

For more than 20 years, parents, grandparents, alumni, employees and friends have supported Charlotte Christian through the Annual Fund. The Annual Fund is critical to the foundation of Charlotte Christian and allows us to fulfill our mission and impact our students for a lifetime.

We thank you for your selfless giving and heart of service that has worked to advance Charlotte Christian’s mission.

• Strengthen faculty resources through professional development opportunities

• Support technology and security upgrades throughout campus

• Sustain our 54 acre campus

• Attract and retain highly qualified faculty and staff

charlotte christian school

Sporting Clays Tournament

‘23

In May, we hosted the eighth annual Sporting Clays Tournament at Meadow Wood for members of the Charlotte Christian community. Teams enjoyed morning and afternoon flights of shooting clays, lunch and a silent auction where we raised more than $40,000 for the Annual Fund. The silent auction included donations from Red Rocks, Coca-Cola, Hendrick Motors, Robinson Orthodontic, Dry Bar, Mari Pillmore Photography, Carolina Sporting Arms, ISI Elite Training, and many more.

Special thanks to...

Partner Sponsors:

Title Sponsor:

Charlotte Christian hosted its fifth annual 24 Hour Giving Day Challenge on March 7. We had a record-breaking response with 165 donors giving $64,100 towards the campaign! With the success of hitting our matching goal, we also received a matching gift of $50,000 from an anonymous donor making our total $114,100. We are grateful for the generosity of our parents, grandparents, alumni, employees and friends who supported this campaign. This summer, we look forward to improving the green space where our learning cottages have been for the past two years.

Over the past five years, our Giving Day campaign has raised more than $284,000 towards a new bus, the lower school playground, an Early Education playground, technology upgrades, campus beautification and multiple improvements on our campus.

Thank you for your support!

CLASS NOTES

Morgan Brown was part of the Baylor Acrobatics and Tumbling team who won the national championship.

Brett Adams is a junior on the Wingate baseball team and was named to the South Atlantic Conference All-Conference third Team and the All-Defensive Team as a first baseman.

Nathanael Haynes is applying to medical school and plans to matriculate in the fall of 2024.

Natalie Walton will start her senior year of college at Francis Marion University in the fall and will complete the final two semesters of her Nursing program. She holds a position at her sorority and is responsible for organizing events, creating media videos and serving the community of Florence, S.C. “This college journey has been tough, but I am thankful for my experience and the preparation that Charlotte Christian gave me.”

Christian Cunningham will attend graduate school at Clemson University this fall for his MBA.

Blake Frasier caught up with fellow CCS grads Royce Hanna, Lauren Poynter, Alex Jones (‘20) and Payton Jones .

Efosa U-Edosomwan graduated from Roanoke College this past May with a bachelor’s degree in public health and a minor in sociology. He was a four year starter for the D3 nationally ranked men’s basketball team. He was named all-conference three times and scores more than 1,000 career points. He is studying for the MCAT and plans on applying to medical school in the future.

Mackenzie Hawisher Brown married Chris Brown on April 7, 2023. The couple met in church in 2019. Mackenzie graduated from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in December 2022 and is a licensed mental health counselor at Carolinas Counseling Group. Her husband, Chris, is a pastor at Youth Commission International and the couple currently lives in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte.

Caroline Lubinsky is now the senior shopping editor for the publication Family Handyman, which is under Trusted Media Brands.

Tinayeshe Kennedy Manyika released his debut single called Bluebird. He is the worship and arts assistant director and worship leader at Storyhill Church in Davidson.

Chris Stueber received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Furman University in 2020 as well as his master’s degree in chemistry in 2022 and was on the lacrosse team who won the conference championship. Through the aid of his research lab at Furman, their collaborators at Clemson University, and funding provided by the Intelligence Advanced Research Progress Agency (IARPA), they successfully produced realtime viral sensor platforms capable of

ALUMNI ALBUM

accurately and selectively detecting the SARS-CoV-2 viral particle in human samples. He currently is a research specialist in the brand new, state-ofthe-art Drug Discovery Science Core in the Therapeutics Initiative Department at Harvard Medical School.

Colter Corish was recently admitted to Stanford’s Graduate School of Business Class of 2025! At school, he is passionate to continue his studies by pursuing new ways of applying Artificial Intelligence; Machine Learning (AI/ML) to identify, flag, and support at-risk populations experiencing mental health crises.

Meredith Dixon graduated from Berkeley Law Order of the Coif and passed the California Bar Exam in 2022. She lives in San Francisco and works at a non-profit civil rights impact litigation organization called the Impact Fund.

Shelley Leazer La Forge married Dr. Darrin La Forge on Nov. 12, 2022. 2012 CCS alum and close friend Katey Balkian was her Maid-of-Honor. Shelley graduated from Duke Divinity School in April 2020. She taught middle school language arts for the past three years at Williams Montessori and will join the staff of Trinity Episcopal School in August.

Brett Adams (‘20) Natalie Walton (‘20)

Morgan Brown (‘21)

Nathanael Haynes (‘20)

Parker & Leslie Blazevich (‘10)

Becca Garrett Cebulski (‘11) Hayley Raines (‘10)

Buddy Craft (‘11)

Becca Garrett Cebulski and her husband, Scott, welcomed their first child Luke Garrett on Dec. 6, 2022.

Buddy Craft married his wife, Maddy, in December 2021 and the couple has a daughter, Agatha, who is five months old. Agatha joins sisters, Seraphina (6) and Anastasia (4). The family currently lives in Indian Land, S.C.

Parker Blazevich and Leslie Cameron Blazevich welcomed their first baby, Julia James, on Jan. 6, 2023. The couple recently returned to Charlotte after Parker finished serving in the Army and completing law school. He now practices with Johnston, Allison & Hord in the Trusts and Estates group and focuses on estate planning as well as elder law and special needs planning. Leslie is a CPA and works at a commodities brokerage firm.

Hayley Raines lives in Laurel, Miss. and is the general manager for the Laurel Mercantile Company. She was featured on an episode of HGTV’s Home Town on Feb. 5 for a home makeover!

Kiersten Wiles Hogan and her husband, Wes, and son, Jack (rising 1st grade), enjoy living in Waxhaw. Kiersten is celebrating two years on staff at Forest Hill Church where she is supporting the Next Gen Ministry through trip and event planning and database management.

Kathryn Benson Williams and her husband, Eric, welcomed their son, Iain Mackenzie, on Jan. 30, 2023. He joins his older brother, Jackson.

Dana Esposito has recently accepted a position as spa coordinator at Blackberry Mountain Spa in the East Tennessee area.

Hadley Hayes Mann and her husband, Will, are expecting their third child in July. They, together with their daughter (Francie, 6) and their son (Patton, 2), cannot wait to meet the newest addition to their family!

Josh Watson and his wife, Tabitha, welcomed a new baby boy to their family through adoption, Christopher Brooks Watson, from Dallas, Texas on Dec. 8, 2022. The adoption became final on March 24, 2023. Brooks joins big sister Harper, and big brother, Tucker, who love him very much!

Jeremy Writebol’s book, Pastor, Jesus is Enough: Hope for the Weary, Burned Out, and the Broken, was published by Lexham Press. Jeremy serves as a lead pastor with Woodside Bible Church in Plymouth, Mich. and writes out of his experience and reflection on the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation 1-3.

Derek Halvorson is stepping away from the presidency of Covenant College after serving for 11 years (his undergraduate alma mater) to become the founding executive director of the new BrockBarnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College.

Holley Rogers Tillman made a career change to real estate after 30 years as a nurse. Holley and her husband are partners in realty at the Ballantyne Keller Williams office. Their oldest daughter, Kayla, is graduating from high school and attending Yale University to study mechanical engineering and Latin this fall.

Dana Esposito (’04)

Kathryn Williams (‘06)

Shelley Leazer LaForge (‘12)

Mackenzie Brown (‘16)

Kennedy Manyika (‘16)

Holley Tillman (‘86)

Kiersten Hogan (‘09)

Hadley Mann (‘04)

Blake Frasier (‘19)

Colter Corish (‘15)

Josh Watson (‘00)