2021-22 Voice Issue 2

2 SENIOR WALK

The class of 2022 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.

Charlotte Christian graduated 105 seniors who were admitted to 136 colleges and earned a total of $4,014,292 in college sc holarships.

SENIOR TRIP

Dear Charlotte Christian Community,

A popular magazine reported that a hiker stranded overnight on a Colorado trail ignored repeated calls from search and rescue because he did not recognize the number.

We can laugh or roll our eyes at the crazy circumstances that would lead a stranded hiker to not answer their phone, but if we are honest with ourselves, we probably can relate. The absurdity of this reminds us that we are probably too dependent on our phones and too adherent to our technology habits.

When I was on stage for graduation handing diplomas to our most recent graduates, it was fun to watch the moms and dads celebrate with their children, but almost all of them had a phone in their hand. One mom was struggling to get the shot and the senior said to me, “sorry, she is old and this is hard for her.” I laughed until I remembered I was the same age as the parent.

Our students literally have the world’s knowledge in their pocket. They do homework together from their houses while streaming music and completing digital assignments that teachers grade without ever picking up a red pen. Each student often comes in the classroom with at least two devices - their computer and phone and maybe also an Apple Watch, and the classroom has an interactive television or projector.

My fear is that we are raising a generation that looks down instead of up. We are looking down at our phones or through the camera app on our phones that we miss everything that is going on around us. We are too busy trying to capture the moment that we miss the moment. God is a God of relationships and experiences. God did not email the salvation plan, He sent the plan to live among us. The disciples did not memorize the love and grace of Jesus, they experienced it daily as they walked with Him.

At Charlotte Christian we want to develop relationships and create experiences that point our students to Jesus. Technology is amazing but it will never replace or replicate the simple yet profoundimpactthatateachercanhaveonastudent. Throughout the school year, we are intentional about creating experiences for our students that allow them to enjoy God’s creation while putting down their phones.

Bless, Barry Giller Head of School

God

Charlotte Christian hosted the fifth annual CCS Senior Walk allowing students, faculty, staff and parents to honor the senior class as they walked the campus wearing their graduation gowns. The entire CCS community embraced the tradition with signs and words of encouragement for the class of 2022 as they weaved through the school buildings to the stadium field for a time of prayer with their parents. Spiritual Life Prefect David Ntim wrapped up the special day by leading the seniors in prayer over their parents.

I really enjoy the momentum the Senior Walk brings as it helps usher in the final chapter of each school year. While seniors have been excitedly (and often nervously) looking forward to their next adventure, this special celebration helps them think through the special place CCS holds in their lives. Many of them do not realize until this day how many of our faculty and staff members across the entire campus have invested in and taken an interest in their lives.

This year’s Senior Walk was extra bittersweet for me as I joined my colleagues in launching the class of 2022 for the last time as their college counselor. As with each class, I see so much hope in this year’s senior class - with every smile, hug and high-five, it’s clear how much they have grown during their time at CCS and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for them.

- Mrs. Katrina Cassier, college counselor

Abdo Abadega Montreat College

Sophia Abig Belmont University

Elena Alegria

The University of Mississippi

*Abigail Atwater Clemson University

*Elizabeth Beltzhoover University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Moise Bennett University of Northern Colorado

Albert Berenguer West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Gunnar Betzold The University of the South

Elizabeth Biggers High Point University

Josie Bishop East Carolina University

*Sarah Grace Blackwelder The University of Mississippi

Charlotte Christian School

CongratulationstotheCLASS OF 2022

Maggie Blakeney Belmont University

Katie Caldwell North Carolina State University

*Jack Calkins High Point University

Noah Cannon The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Calvert Clark Clemson University Triston Cropp University of Florida

Megan Dale The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jacquelyn DeJesse Roanoke College

*Caroline Drummond Samford University

Mary Caroline Eaton University of Virginia

Caden Erman Elon University

*Sam Everett University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Sophia Farrell High Point University

Kendall Ficken University of Notre Dame

Johnathan Galbreath University of South Florida

Abigail Goad The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Wynne Gore North Carolina State University

Wade Gullickson University of Miami

*Kevin Habluetzel Baylor University

*Everette Harris North Carolina State University

*Nadine Hart Temple University

Bella Hawthorne University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Katie Hayes High Point University

Tori Haynes

The New School, Parson School of Design

Cameron Hood Appalachian State University

Will Isom Southern Methodist University

*Aspen Israel Louisiana State University

Olivia Jackson Clemson University

Zac Jagielski Clemson University

Hudson Jones Western Carolina University

Olivia Jones Northeastern University

Justin Joseph North Carolina State University

*Caroline Krug College of Charleston

Banks Lackey University of Miami

Luke Lancaster University of North Carolina at Asheville

Ginny Lash Colby College

*Maxton Leathers Wheaton College, Illinois

Cassidy Levinsky, Texas Christian University

Jack Littlefield Rhodes College

*Roxie Love Lenoir-Rhyne University

Christina McEwen Anderson University

Habtamu McLain Mercer University

*Lilly McNally University of South Carolina

Andrew Miles University of Virginia Ainsley Mock University of Denver

*Noah Montgomery Temple University

Caroline Natwick Washington and Lee University

*Rachel Noonan Miami University, Ohio

David Ntim Duke University

Alice Paschall Appalachian State University

Peyton Patterson North Carolina A&T State University

*Gavin Peach Guilford College

Matthew Peach Lander University

Jakeman Pendleton Furman University

*Savannah Perry Furman University

Luke Pfeiler East Carolina University

James Pilon Belmont University

Reese Pinckney Taylor University

Nichole Pittman University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Virginia Plettner Appalachian State University

Cade Preston Abilene Christian University

Gage Reale University of Louisville

Alex Rosen University of South Carolina

Brooke Russell Clemson University

Marissa Santaniello North Carolina State University

Janel Sarpong Southern Methodist University

Isaac Schmitke Messiah University

Nora Schroeder Roanoke College

*Julian Segovia Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

*Finley Sehorn The University of Arizona

Ben Thomas Shropshire Liberty University

*Lauren Slattery North Carolina State University

Nina Somerville North Carolina State University

Taylor Stolen North Carolina State University

*Ronnie Stromple Auburn University

*Claire Swain Savannah College of Art & Design

Ryan Olivia Swilling Wake Forest University

*Rohin Szymborski University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Asher Truax University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Ali Turney University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Judd Utermark The University of Mississippi

*Holden Vance Wingate University

Shelby Violette Clemson University

Drew Waldrop Elon University

*Andrew Wallace University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Luke Warpula University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Trey Whitley Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Charlie Williams The University of the South Jadon Williams Appalachian State University

*J.D. Williams High Point University

*Jack Wingblade Central Piedmont Community College

*Hannah Woolery Charleston Southern University

Zoey Zhang New York University

Tracy Zhang University of Rochester

*Lifers

class of 2022

Valedictorian & Salutatorian

Ginny Lash | Valedictorian

Ginny Lash will attend Colby College next year where she plans to follow a pre-law track and subsequently attend law school to specialize in criminal defense. As a Charlotte Christian student, Ginny was a National Merit Commended Scholar, an AP Scholar with Distinction, received her Seal of Biliteracy for Latin and earned an Academic Conservatory Distinction in Math/Science. She was a member of the National Latin Honor Society and president of the National Honor Society. Outside of the classroom she participated for four years on the varsity soccer team and played club soccer with the Charlotte Eagles. She also participated in several fine arts productions, most recently High School Musical, Beauty and the Beast and Murder at the Chili Cook Off. She spearheaded a book drive for Promising Pages and collected a total of 2,108 books.

Charlotte Christian has surrounded me with people who care deeply about my success, not only as a person, but as a Christ-follower as well. Day in and day out teachers pour into me and my classmates, not only teaching us the course content but also giving us role models to look up to. Charlotte Christian has given me the tools I need to feel secure in my faith as I enter into a much more secular environment.

2022 Honors Graduates

Honors graduates are recognized for earning a cumulative GPA of 4.0 and above in grades 9-12.

Congratulations to the 32 seniors who were recognized as honors graduates.

David Ntim | Salutatorian

David Ntim will attend Duke University in the fall where he will pursue biophysics in hopes of becoming a medical physicist. David received the Benjamin N. Duke Scholarship to attend Duke on a full scholarship to the university that includes the full cost of tuition, room, board and mandatory fees for four years of undergraduate education. As a Charlotte Christian student, David is a National Merit Finalist, a College Board National African American Recognition Program winner and an AP Scholar with Distinction. He has also earned the Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish and was the first senior to earn five Academic Conservatory distinctions in Bible, Philosophy, Religion; English; Math/ Science; Social Studies and World Languages. Outside of the classroom he served as the Spiritual Life Prefect his senior year and is the project creator for Tech to Africa, collecting computers, supplies and accessories for a computer learning center in Pepease-Kwahu, Ghana, West Africa.

Charlotte Christian has helped develop my faith. It has been a blessing to learn from my teachers and mentors, not only academically but also spiritually. It has helped expose me to different areas of learning that I hope to pursue. I am thankful for every teacher, administrator and more that has poured into me, and I am grateful for my experience at CCS.

Abigail Atwater

Elizabeth Beltzhoover Gunnar Betzold Katie Caldwell Noah Cannon Megan Dale Mary Caroline Eaton Kendall Ficken

Abigail Goad

Kevin Habluetzel Olivia Jackson Zachary Jagielski Olivia Jones Justin Joseph Ginny Lash Cassidy Levinsky

Lilly McNally

Andrew Miles

Caroline Natwick

David Ntim

Alice Paschall

Jakeman Pendleton Savannah Perry Alex Rosen

Marissa Santaniello

Nina Somerville Taylor Stolen

Ryan-Olivia Swilling Andrew Wallace Jadon Williams

Tracy Zhang Zoey Zhang

A Milestone of the Senior Year - the SeniorTrip

by Brooke Russell (‘22)

A milestone of the senior year for our students is the annual senior trip and for the second year in the row, the seniors traveled to Orlando, Florida for class bonding through a time of daily devotions and fun in the sun at theme parks. We started off each day with a devotion from Mr. Giller, our head of school, and then visited fun amusement parks SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Universal Studios. In the middle of the week we had a free day with the option of shopping at Disney Springs, traveling to Cocoa Beach or lounging at the hotel pool. Universal Studios would definitely be labeled as the class favorite!

Senior Banks Lackey described her experience as “magical” as she enjoyed the fun roller coasters, especially the Velocicoster, and amazing snacks like the giant donuts at Simpsons World. Along with the fun memories at the parks, the senior class spent time bonding together eating dinner, playing games at the hotel and listening to Head of School Barry Giller share some wisdom from his own college experience. As a senior class, we are so blessed to receive one last time to make lifelong memories as a group!

Around the World

Charlotte Christian believes that celebrating cultures around the world will help students to understand and value God’s creation and diversity in our world as well as to prepare them to impact the culture for Christ by enabling them to become effective contributors and responsible Global Kingdom Citizens.

Charlotte Christian students enjoyed celebrating and learning about other cultures from around the world during the seventh annual Multicultural Festival in April. Lower school students participated in a variety of activities including games, art, performances, a spelling bee, food tastings, reading centers with upper school French, Latin and Spanish students and a closing ceremony culminating in a Parade of Nations. Middle and upper school students represented cultures from around the world at the Nations’ Fair and upper school students spoke at the lower and middle school Multicultural Assembly. Special thanks to the Global Knights and the leadership Mrs. Jozi Walker, director of diversity and belonging, for enhancing this year’s event!

Freshman Shenghan Liu shared about her participation in this year’s Multicultural Festival, “It was such a fun experience educating and sharing my culture with the lower schoolers. I loved their eagerness to learn about unfamiliar concepts and I enjoyed answering their questions!”

One of the goals of our robotics program from lower school through upper school is to help students acquire real world skills that will benefit them in their academic and professional future. The engineering design process is iterative; students identify and define a problem, brainstorm ideas, test their designs and improve their design until a solution is reached. During the process, students develop grit, perseverance and confidence knowing that they can solve problems and overcome obstacles.

Senior Katie Caldwell has been involved with the robotics program at CCS for four years and is the co-president and head coder of the upper school team. She shares, “while not always easy, robotics has taught me a lot over the course of my upper school career - how to be a leader, how to assign jobs, how to mentor the younger generation and

how to develop my own coding skills. I learned the power of perseverance and teamwork and how to be confident in the knowledge that you have and that it’s always worth it to try something new, no matter how intimidating it may be.”

This year, all seven of the robotics teams from lower, middle and upper school advanced to state championship events. Three of the lower and middle school teams qualified to advance to the 2022 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas. Fifth grade students Chris Hoyle, Chris Jackson, Alex Jooste and Kenny Reilly represented Team 9635J and competed in the elementary event with teams from around the world. They learned perseverance as they overcame issues with repairing their robot and testing it in a new location. They achieved new personal best scores for both driver skills and programming skills, finishing 250 out of 482 elementary teams for skills in the world.

“Attending the VEX World competition is an awesome opportunity for students to learn real-world problem solving skills,” shared Mrs. Ruth Wilson, lower school robotics coach. “Our students learned to collaborate and overcome differing opinions about solutions to solve problems under the pressure of competition. Unlike most other competitions, VEX robotics pairs teams up with opposing teams to score points together teaching them that we achieve more together in the areas of STEM.”

Seventh graders Elijah Boythe and Drew Howard represented Team 9635C and participated in the middle school event in the VEX VRC research division. They enjoyed meeting teams from all over the world, creating team strategy and trading small items with other teams, a tradition at the competition. They achieved new personal best scores for both driver skills and programming skills, improving their total skills score by 60 points.

Students on the Move

Charlotte Christian middle school students and teachers were thrilled to bring back some favorite trips this spring and introduce some new experiences as well. “Educational field trips are a valuable part of our curriculum and we were thrilled to bring them back this year,” said Middle School Principal Brooke Morgan. “Not only do they provide the opportunity to learn and apply concepts outside the walls of a typical classroom, they provide opportunities for our students to build shared experiences and memories which are so important at this age.”

Sixth graders participated in a STEM field trip to iFly where they learned science and technology concepts related to the wind tunnel, including how engineers use the tunnels to test their designs. Students then had the opportunity to fly!

I loved learning about how the wind turbines work and being able to actually fly!

Grade 6 | i FLY

- Brayden Henson, grade 6

Seventh graders traveled to YMCA Camp Thunderbird in Lake Wylie, S.C .for an overnight environmental education field trip. Students’ days were filled with exploring nature and participating in a ropes course, canoeing, games, a twilight hike and camp fires.

Camp Thunderbird was a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in hands-on environmental science experiences in nature while enjoying a time of learning and fellowship immersed in God’s beautiful creation.

- Mrs. Beth Tiess, grade 7 science teacher Grade 7 | YMCA Camp Thunderbird

Grade 8 | washington, d.c.

Eighth graders enjoyed getting back to Washington, D.C. for their annual week in the nation’s capital. The students had the opportunity to visit the Bible Museum and pray over the country on the National Day of Prayer. A unique experience for them was watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery as well as the opportunity to thank veterans for their service who were in attendance from the Honor Flight Network. The group also visited the September 11th Pentagon Memorial, the National Cathedral and toured the Annapolis Naval Academy.

My favorite part of the Washington D.C. trip was seeing the memorials and learning about the people who have had a major impact on our country.

- Lauren Dickison, grade 8

This spring Charlotte Christian partnered with Level Ground Christian Counseling to host a parent education event, Supporting Our Children’s Mental Health. The event included breakout sessions with Level Ground counselors covering topics including how to be a healthy parent, intentional parenting/mentoring skills at each developmental stage and how to embrace your children’s setbacks along with their successes.

“I am grateful for individuals in our community that are willing to give their time and knowledge to support parents,” shared Mrs. Allycia Brown, director of early education and lower school admissions. “As a parent and champion of mental health, I truly believe events like these are impactful. I hope that parents took away a nugget of hope, a ray of truth or perhaps encouragement to continue the pathway of learning how to love their child in the precious and hard moments they need them most.”

CCS Supporting Ukraine Crisis Response

Pray for Peace:

The Charlotte Christian community raised $12,585 this spring to support the CESA Assistance to Ukraine Fund through World Vision. Global Awareness Prefect Julian Segovia, the Global Knights, and Director of Diversity and Belonging Jozi Walker organized the drive to collect money to help provide a safe haven, medical aid and educational supplies for vulnerable children and families who have been forcibly displaced due to the crisis in Ukraine. Wristbands with the words Pray for Peace were given to all students who made a donation. Mrs. Walker shared, “I am extremely grateful for our generous community joining in support of this deserving cause. Our students were able to strengthen their global awareness as they learned more about World Vision and the importance of coming together to help those in crisis.”

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NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FINALIST

Senior David Ntim was named a finalist in the 67th annual National Merit®️ Scholarship Program. David is the Charlotte Christian salutatorian, a College Board National African American Recognition Program winner, AP Scholar with Distinction, Spiritual Life Prefect, National Honor Society member and founder of the Tech to Africa project. He will attend Duke University in the fall.

2022 SCHOLASTIC WRITING WINNERS

Five upper school students earned recognition in the 2022 Mid-Carolina Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition totaling two Silver Keys and three 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.

• Abigail Atwater (Grade 12) Silver Key, Memoir, “Mommy and Me”

• Ellamay Ulman (Grade 9) Silver Key, Flash Fiction, “On the Corner of Sycamore Street”

• Tori Haynes (Grade 12) Honorable Mention, Critical Essay, “Artists”

• Olivia Kuo (Grade 11) Honorable Mention, Flash Fiction, “Ignorance is Bliss”

• Sydney Rohm (Grade 11) Honorable Mention, Flash Fiction, “Lilith”

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NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY AND NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

INDUCTIONS

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

READING KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE

Fifty-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.

FACULTY MEMBERS EARN ADVANCED DEGREES

Three faculty members completed their graduate degrees this year.

• Lower School Technology Facilitator Katey Balikian graduated from the University of Virginia with an M.Ed. in Curriculum Instruction with a focus in Instructional Technology.

• Middle School Spanish Teacher Angelina Ferrari-Segovia graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with an M.Ed. in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership with a concentration in Global Studies in Education. She also received a graduate certification in International Education Administration and Leadership.

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SPRING ATHLETIC SIGNINGS

Twelve CCS student-athletes committed this spring to participate in college athletics. This group joins 11 other students who committed in the fall for a total of 23 students from the class of 2022.

• Abdo Abadega, Soccer Montreat College

• Albert Berenguer, Soccer West Virginia University Institute of Technology

• Jacquelyn DeJesse, Basketball Roanoke College

• Wade Gullickson, Football University of Miami

• Maxton Leathers, Football Wheaton College

• Gavin Peach, Golf Guilford College

• Matthew Peach, Track & Field Lander University

• Jakeman Pendleton, Football Furman University

• Reese Pinckney, Football Taylor University

• Isaac Schmitke, Soccer Messiah University

• Nora Schroeder, Basketball Roanoke College

• Charlie Williams, Soccer Sewanee: The University of the South

BREAKING RECORDS Baseball

Senior Judd Utermark broke the 21-year-old CCS baseball home run record this season with 18 homers. He helped lead his team to a third consecutive state championship while also leading the nation in home runs. Judd is headed to play baseball at Ole Miss in the fall.

Track & Field

At this year’s All-American Track Classic, Moise Bennett, Armonte Ferguson, Kyron Jones and Grant Tucker finished in first place while also delivering a new school record in the 4x100m. Senior Moise Bennett finished as the NCISAA state champion in the 110 hurdles with a time of 15.03. He also won the 300 hurdles with a time of 39.51. Junior Kyron Jones finished as the NCISAA state champion in both the 100m and 200m, setting a new school and state record in 100m with a time of 10.60. He also set a new school record in the 200m with a time of 21.60.

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BASEBALL & SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Congratulations to both the varsity baseball and varsity softball teams for earning state championships this season. The varsity baseball team earned its 17th state championship in CCS history by sweeping Metrolina Christian in a best-of-three series and totaled a 30-3 season record. The varsity softball team earned its second state championship in CCS history. For a second consecutive year the Knights defeated Cannon School in a three-game series to finish the season 20-2.

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

The following student-athletes were named players of the year by the conference and the Charlotte Observer for their respective sports this winter and spring:

• Sarah Grace Blackwelder - CISAA Dancer of the Year

• Wynne Gore - Observer Softball Player of the Year (reader’s choice)

• Anna Hinde - Observer Softball Player of the Year, Observer Girls’ Scholar Athlete of the Year (reader’s choice), CISAA Softball Player of the Year

• Judd Utermark - Observer Baseball Player of the Year and CISAA Baseball Player of the Year

ALL-NCISAA WINTER & SPRING

Congratulations to 12 student-athletes on earning recognition from the state.

Baseball

Calvert Clark Everette Harris Tanner McCammon Judd Utermark

Basketball Bryce Cash Softball Sydney Francois Anna Hinde Wynne Gore

Track and Field Moise Bennett (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles) Kyron Jones (100 meters, 200 meters)

Wrestling

Hudson Jones (4-time state champion, National Prep All-American) Tre Wilfong

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JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, ALL-SCHOOL MUSICAL

Director of Theatre Claire Hilton (‘11) and her creative team including Assistant Director and Stage Manager Stewart Emery and Music Directors Elisa Dennehy, Brittany Zacarias and Eric Simpson led the cast of nearly 90 students in grades 4 through 12 through a high energy performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat this spring. “We wanted to do an all-school musical to cultivate mentorship and community between our divisions and we have seen the fruits of that prayerful desire!” shared Ms. Hilton. “My heart leaps when I see our lower schoolers cheer and hug our upper school cast members around campus. It is a blessing as a director to see community realized in the form of encouraging words to one another, inside jokes and assistance in learning new songs and dances.”

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ACT 2 EARNS NCTC FESTIVAL AWARD

The middle school ACT 2 competition drama team earned top honors at the North Carolina Theatre Festival coming in first place with their performance of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Along with their superior rating, the team received the “Excellence in Choreography” award, the “Excellence in Stage Pictures” award, Ms. Hilton received an “Outstanding Achievement in Directing” award, and sixth grader Malachi Fair and eighth grader Hannah Roddy earned individual “Excellence in Acting” awards.

KNIGHT OF THE ARTS

The Knight of the Arts was an evening that incorporated showcasing the arts across all three divisions and provided a time of fellowship, celebration and engagement in the arts. Families viewed artwork on display across campus for the KnightVision art show, enjoyed picnics outside and flexed their creativity with face painting, sidewalk chalk and photo booth fun. The evening culminated honoring fine arts students across all three divisions and performances from upper school musicians in choir, orchestra, wind ensemble, chamber ensemble and jazz band. Scan the QR code for a gallery of photos.

2022 SCHOLASTIC ART WINNERS

Middle and upper school visual arts students earned recognition in the 2022 MidCarolina Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition earning five Gold Keys, six Silver Keys and 10 Honorable Mention awards. Congratulations to the following winners: Caroline Coles (8), Eden Davis (8), Katie Joe (8), Lisa Berdykulova (11), Tori Haynes (12), Darcy Howard (9), Ann Keim (10), Janel Sarpong (12), Annie Thompson (11) and Zoey Zhang (12). Scan the QR code to view their artwork.

ORCHESTRA & CHOIR STUDENTS SELECTED FOR REGIONAL PERFORMANCES

Middle school orchestra students Kynna Moore (8), Kathryn Taylor (8) and Bea Tobin (7) were selected to participate in the annual Junior Western Regional Orchestra clinic. Upper school students Whitney Johnson (10) and Jeffery Wilson (10) were selected to participate in the 2022 North Carolina High School All-State Chorus Festival.

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2022-23 THEATRE SHOWS ANNOUNCED

Charlotte Christian will be taking audiences From Page to Stage during the 2022-23 theatrical season.

Farewell

to Veteran Employees

Mrs. Katrina Cassier

Upper School College Counselor | Served at CCS for 16 years

Mrs. Katrina Cassier has been a blessing to the upper school counseling department at Charlotte Christian for 16 years. She began her career as the registrar and later transitioned to the role of one of two college counselors. Of her time at CCS Mrs. Cassier shared she has been “blessed to build relationships with hundreds of upper school students as they determined their upper school path, explored college options, completed college applications and made their college plans.” Mrs. Cassier and her husband of more than 30 years, Marc, raised two children who are CCS lifers: Destin (‘15) and Noelle (‘16). She is looking forward to having time in her retirement to travel with her husband, visit her children and help her mom and stepdad.

Mrs. Elisa Dennehy

Lower School Music Teacher | Served at CCS for 24 years

Mrs. Elisa Dennehy has been serving at Charlotte Christian as the lower school music teacher at Charlotte Christian for 24 years which she says has “been her calling and passion - instilling a love for the Lord and music into many students’ lives.” In addition to her service in the classroom, Mrs. Dennehy directed 13 lower school mainstage musicals, led annual Christmas, Easter and Grandparents’ Day programs and helped co-lead the middle school praise band. Mrs. Dennehy and her husband of 35 years, Robert, raised three daughters who are CCS lifers: Emily (‘09), Megan (‘10) and Caroline (‘15). She has a 2-year-old grandson, Micah, who brings her much joy!

Miss Sharon Humphrey

Lower School Principal | Transitioning to Director of

Extended Day

Miss Sharon Humphrey has selflessly led the Charlotte Christian lower school for 10 years. During her tenure, she led the process of revamping the lower school curriculum, introduced the STEM program to the lower school, oversaw the development of the robotics teams, strengthened the after school clubs program and significantly grew lower school enrollment. Most importantly, she has shepherded the hearts of thousands of students and pointed families to Jesus. Miss Humphrey is retiring from her role as lower school principal but will continue faithfully serving CCS as she transitions to her new position, Director of Extended Day. She said she “will most miss morning carpool, seeing my students arrive for a new day of learning and their excitement when they see their friends,” but is looking forward to still being able to interact with students and working with very dedicated Extended Day teachers.

We are thankful for our employees and their impact on Charlotte Christian. This year we celebrate the service and dedication of three employees - two who are retiring and another who is transitioning to a new role at CCS.

MILESTONE REUNIONS

Charlotte Christian looks to celebrate and partner with our alumni in their class reunion. After taking the last year off, special milestone reunions were celebrated this year within our alumni community. Special thanks to Shelli Simontacchi for her work to bring back the classes of 1990 and 1991 to celebrate their 30 year reunion!

Legacy Breakfast

Charlotte Christian hosted the inaugural Legacy Family Breakfast in March inviting alumni with current CCS students to bring their family to campus for a special time to connect and fellowship. Close to 40 were in attendance for the breakfast and represented graduating classes of 1988 to 2007. Sixteen alumni work at Charlotte Christian and they were also invited to attend.

Classes of 2010 & 2011 celebrated their 10 year reunion.

“We are appreciative of our legacy families and their continued commitment and partnership with CCS,” said Director of Alumni Relations Reid Fronk. “We are grateful that this group in our community continues to grow and we were excited for the opportunity to celebrate these families.”

Class of 2000 celebrated their 20 year reunion.

Classes of 1990 & 1991 celebrated their 30 year reunions.

An alumni tailgate will precede the game. Please contact Director of Alumni Relations Reid Fronk at reid.fronk@charchrist.com if you have any questions or would like to be involved with the reunion planning. Milestone reunion information to come.

Charlotte Christian School

Middle School BuildingUpdate

Construction on the new Middle School Building is coming to a close as the final details are being put into place to open for the 2022-23 school year!

The two-story building:

• More than 23,000 square feet

• Innovation Suite of three rooms with a dedicated robotics room, a STEM fabrication lab and a flexible use classroom which can be combined to use as one learning space

• Dedicated learning space and offices for the Academic Services Program

• Office space for both lower and middle school administration

• Open space for student and staff collaboration

The CCS community is invited to take a tour of the new building at the grand opening during Back-to-School Kick Off on Saturday, Aug. 20.

This year’s UKnighted Campaign raised more than $660,000. $550,000 supports the Annual Fund, and the additional funds support our Master Campus Plan.

charlotte christian school

Sporting Clays Tournament

It was a beautiful day in May when more than 200 members of the Charlotte Christian community participated in the seventh annual Sporting Clays Tournament at Meadow Wood and raised more than $40,000 for the Annual Fund. Teams enjoyed shooting clays during morning and afternoon rotations. For the second year the virtual Silent Auction offered top items including golf at Quail Hollow, a private car collection tour, orthodontic treatment and more! Special thanks to title sponsor Speedspark and partner sponsors Hendrick Motors, Truist and Rodgers Builders.

There was an incredible response to the fourth annual 24 Hour Giving Day Challenge with 127 donors giving $55,189 towards the campaign! This year the campaign will continue to be an important part of multiple improvements on our campus, but also go towards a new playground for our Early Education Building. Over the past three years, this campaign has raised more than $120,000 towards a new medium sized bus, the lower school playground, continual technology upgrades as well as campus beautification.

Colin Gallagher graduated from Coastal Carolina University this past May with a bachelor’s degree in intelligence and national securities studies with a minor in Islamic studies and pre-law. He will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into Army Field Artillery and will conduct job training starting June 28 in Fort Sill, Okla. and then will be stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas.

Callie Buckner graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. During her master’s work, she also received a certification in nonprofit management. She now works as an outpatient therapist and created the non-profit Evolving to Independence, whose mission is to promote wellness, self-advocacy and opportunities to become independent for at-risk young adults in the Charlotte area.

Alaina Cherry graduated from Cumberland School of Law this past April.

Amanda Hudgins Funderburg and her husband Bryan, welcomed a daughter, Paige Marie, on March 29, 2022, weighing 7lbs. 6oz. and 20 in. long. They are soaking up every minute with their newest addition and cherishing all of the newborn cuddles!

Kate Williams Katz completed law school at Florida State University and was barred in the state of Florida in 2019. In December 2021, she married Cameron Katz, a fellow FSU law alum, in St. Augustine, Fla. The couple now live in Winter Park, Fla., where Kate is a construction defect litigator and Cameron is a corporate transactional attorney.

Maggie Walker Patton married Matt Patton in Chattanooga, Tenn. Maggie continues to run her wedding planning business out of eastern Tennessee, including upcoming N.C. weddings this year. She loves to continue to work with other friends on their big day, through the CCS network.

Blaydes Moore recently became licensed to practice law in South Carolina, adding that state to his native North Carolina.

Rachel von Gnechten Lamar and husband, RG, welcomed a son, Robert Gainer Lamar, III in April. Gainer joins big sister, Lizzie. The Lamar family currently lives in Augusta, Ga. and works in processing pecans and candy with Stuckey’s Corporation.

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Jason Burns and Alexa Richardson Burns welcomed a son, Beckett Douglas, to their family on Feb. 27, 2022. Beckett joins his big sister, Aubrey, who is 2 and a half years old.

Kirsten Leeke Gibson and her family welcomed a son, Harrison Mark, into their family on April 7, 2022. Cooper (kindergarten at CCS) and Graham are loving being big brothers!

Jenny Morgan was appointed as a United States Diplomat for the Foreign Service and will serve as a bi-partisan officer under the President of the United States. For her first tour, she is headed to the Middle East where she will help

David McLaughlin

ALUMNI ALBUM

Callie Buckner (‘15)

Kate Williams Katz (‘12)

Amanda Hudgins Funderburg (‘12)

Colin Gallagher (‘18)

Emily Plunkett Bryant (‘00)

Alaina Cherry (‘14)

Jordan Simmons (‘06)

Sonny & Jordan Howe Siragusa (‘07)

Hadley Hayes Mann (‘04)

increase American trade and investment into the area to promote diplomatic relations.

Sonny Siragusa and Jordan Howe Siragusa welcomed their first child, Sloane Margaret, on Feb. 5, 2022.

Randy Garcia recently opened up a new restaurant, Yunta (Peruvian Nikkei Cuisine), in South End in Charlotte.

David McLaughlin served for six years in the U.S. Navy. He married his wife, Deborah, in 2007 and the couple has three children: Nora (11), Levi (9) and Molly (7). He graduated from the University of North Florida in 2013 with a degree in education, and has been teaching eighth grade U.S. History for the last nine years. He is very active in his church and teaches a College and Career Sunday school class. His family lives in Mint Hill, N.C.

coaches the middle school and varsity volleyball teams and assists with girls’ basketball. Her husband, Mike, works at the engineering consulting firm Hurt & Proffitt as a project manager and also teaches physics at DCA.

Jordon Simmons recently accepted a position with the Colorado State University football team as the assistant head coach/ director of strength and conditioning. He is also responsible for their leadership and accountability program.

Hadley Hayes Mann has been promoted to partner at the national law firm of Wicker, Smith, O’Hara, McCoy & Ford, PA. Her practice focuses on civil litigation and insurance defense.

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Emily Plunkett Bryant and her husband, Matt, met at Baylor University and will celebrate 17 years of marriage this summer. They moved back to Charlotte with their family in 2017. The couple has two daughters, Banner-Grace (11), and Gigi (7) and are members of Carmel Baptist Church.

Oliver Thompson started a personal training and adult fitness studio in Matthews, called Tri-Fitness, LLC.

Dawn Lambeth Johnson’s eldest son, Declan, graduated from Dayspring Christian Academy (DCA) in Blacksburg, Va. this past May. He plans to attend the University of South Carolina in the fall, where he will study mechanical engineering. Dawn continues to work part-time at DCA, teaching secondary American Literature, Yearbook/ Journalism and all art classes. She

Seneca Mullins celebrated 16 years with AFL in March 2022 as the senior vice president of US services and president of the AFL subsidiary ITC Service Group.

Matt Osman is now running for Superior Court in South Charlotte after serving for 12 years as a District Court Judge for Mecklenburg County.

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Brad Fogarty was named the vice president of personnel for The Chosen, LLC. The Chosen is a record-breaking multi-season streaming series on the Life of Christ.

Oliver Thompson (’00)

Kirsten Leeke Gibson (‘07)

Rachel von Gnechten Lamar (‘09)

Seneca Mullins (‘98)

Matt Osman (‘93)

Dawn Lambeth Johnson (‘98)

Jenny Morgan (‘07)

Maggie Walker Patton (‘11)

Jason & Alexa Richardson Burns (‘07)