2018-19 Voice Issue 2

VOICE

THE MAGAZINE OF CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL • 2018-19 • ISSUE 2

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

1

5

8

14 19 21 23 25

CLASS OF 2019 GLOBAL KNIGHTS LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

11 READERS ARE LEADERS

2019 NCISAA STATE CHAMPIONS

HELLO MY NAME IS KNIGHTS HEADLINES ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT FINE ARTS SPOTLIGHT

27 DEVELOPMENT 29 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 31 CLASS NOTES 34 FAREWELL VETERAN EMPLOYEES

Dear Charlotte Christian Community, In 1994, Disney released the animated blockbuster The Lion King, and I began my teaching career at a Christian boarding school in New York. Now in 2019, Disney is about to release a live action version of The Lion King, and I just finished my 25th year working in Christian education. During those 25 years a lot has transpired - personally my wife and I have been blessed with seven children, five of whom have graduated from Charlotte Christian, with their two siblings hopefully to follow in the coming years.

My first assignment was teaching United States History and my students entered the class with no concept of cell phones, Netflix, social media, and endless information available to them on the internet. Today, students enter our high school classes with a school-issued MacBook that provides countless new avenues of information delivery and, yes, distraction. As a teacher I hand wrote grades and comments that were mailed to parents quarterly. Today, grades are posted immediately on Canvas, and e-mail is the preferred communication method between teachers and parents.

My first group of seniors applied for college on paper and met their college roommates when they arrived on their new campus; while today’s seniors apply online and arrange for roommates via chat rooms and social media connections months before leaving home in August.

The landscape of education has certainly changed, but some things remain the same. I became a teacher because of a teacher and coach who greatly impacted my life in high school. Though the classroom looks very different, the heart of education remains the relationships between teachers and students. I have stayed in education for 25 years because I continually see young lives being transformed.

Disney returns to The Lion King because it is a great story, and I will return for a 26th year because Charlotte Christian is a great story. It is the story of teachers pouring out their lives and living in an authentic manner that encourages and challenges students to seek Christ while learning and growing.

God Bless,

Barry Giller Head of School Send story ideas to laura.goodyear@charchrist.com Send alumni news to alumni@charchrist.com Send address changes to margaret.jackson@charchrist.com

CLASS OF 2019

By The Numbers

100 seniors

$4,597,374

in College and University Scholarships (through May 28, 2019)

22,196 116 91 30 22 20 12 11

Service Hours Earned During US Career

College Acceptances

Graduates Played a Sport During Upper School

Lifers (consecutive years

starting in JK, K or Grade 1)

Honors Graduates

(cumulative GPA above a 4.0)

College Athletic Signings

AP

Scholars

4

2

3 3

Regional Scholastic Writing Awards CISAA Conference Players of the Year

Theatre Awards (CITA & NCTC)

1

Academic Conservatory Distinctions

Regional Scholastic Art & Patriotic Competition Visual Art Awards

Service

Hours

1

National Merit Finalist

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

4

“

Senior Walk 2019 As a lifer, it was so cool to walk through the classrooms where I started 13 years ago at Charlotte Christian all the way to where I have classes now as a senior getting ready to graduate! Seeing all the lower school students holding up signs cheering the seniors on really showed the family that CCS creates and how supportive everyone is. The first grade class I served as a teacher aide for especially made me feel so, so loved as they all ran up and hugged me with letters and signs they made for me.

- Elisabeth Sachtleben (’19)

”

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

2

Class of

2019

Rosa Barefoot Wofford College Makel Bennett University of North Carolina at Charlotte Seth Bennett University of North Carolina at Charlotte Addi Blake North Carolina State University Christina Boelkins University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Nathan Brannon Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Claire Burch University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

3

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Annslie Burris North Carolina State University

Andrew Dale Auburn University Dean DePinto Montclair State University

Malayna Eudy Appalachian State University Lauren ForgĂŠt College of Charleston

Margaret Dewey Wofford College

Blake Frasier Liberty University

Rob Burrus Coastal Carolina University

Trey Donathan Davidson College

Owen Cannon Furman University

Patrick Donnelly University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Julia Gennett Queens University of Charlotte

Christopher Carpenter Clemson University Hannah Cataldo College of Charleston Maya Cauthen University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Ethan Cherne The University of Utah Jackson Combis University of Mississippi Christian Cunningham University of Kentucky

Alyssa Drogan Appalachian State University Jere Drummond Clemson University Luke Dunnavant Appalachian State University Joshua Eboboko Yale University Obi Egbuna University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Grace Gentlesk Appalachian State University Adam Gilmartin University of Tennessee, Knoxville Cameron Golzar Auburn University Carter Goodrich Appalachian State University Jeremiah Gray Wake Forest University Royce Hanna Liberty University

Abby Hannon Auburn University

Sophie Lewis Clemson University

Maggie Porter Mercer University

Brandon Smith Coastal Carolina University

Sammy Henderson Appalachian State University

Blake Long Sewanee: The University of the South

Lauren Poynter Liberty University

Gracie Smith High Point University

Taylor Holbrooks College of Charleston

Abby Marco Liberty University

Haley Rogers Elon University

Alexandra Tan The George Washington University

Michael Holt University of South Carolina

Drew Marin Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Paul Hudson Dartmouth University Megan Igbinadolor North Carolina State University

Thomas Maye High Point University Matt Mayers Auburn University

Sheldon Jackson Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Allie McCreary University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Payton Jones Liberty University

Nate McGrath Wake Forest University

C.J. Katigan Appalachian State University

Ann Royal McLennan East Carolina University

Meg Kemmer Appalachian State University Emily Ketron Appalachian State University J.T. Killen Coastal Carolina University Kayla Knight Elon University Ricky Kofoed Appalachian State University Jesse Kuteyi Queens University of Charlotte Martha Ann Langdon Wheaton College - IL

Madi Mull Liberty University Jackson Myers Appalachian State University Claire Owens University of North Carolina at Wilmington Elizabeth Parker University of Kentucky Whit Peery Coastal Carolina University Jordan Petrovsky Appalachian State University Tracy Pham University of Southern California

Frank Ruppert Appalachian State University Shane Russell Cornell University Elisabeth Sachtleben Clemson University Emma Schmidt Clemson University Garrett Shrader Mississippi State University William Seaborn University of North Carolina at Charlotte Brian Segovia Elon University Garrett Shrader Mississippi State University J.D. Shropshire North Carolina State University Josh Shropshire Catawba College Emma Grace Sikora University of North Carolina at Wilmington Matthew Siverling Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Trey Slaughter The Citadel

J.C. Tharrington Appalachian State University David Trotter Anderson University - SC Stephen Trull Grand Canyon University Taylor Turner Spelman College Efosa U-Edosomwan Roanoke College Kaitlin Walker Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Riley Warpula North Carolina State University Kailee Warr Wingate University Seth Watkins NASCAR Technical Institute Micah Whittle Liberty University Marissa Wilks Spelman College Ben Williams Appalachian State University Preston Williams Texas Christian University

Baylee Smith Clemson University 2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

4

GLOBAL

5

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

KNIGHTS

A global education often refers to an interdisciplinary approach to learning concepts and skills necessary to function in a world that is increasingly interconnected and multicultural.

Global awareness and cultural understanding have never been more important in preparing students to be globally-minded citizens as they enter colleges and careers.

Charlotte Christian School has looked to provide its students with a global education. From increasing the number of opportunities students have to participate in both mission and enrichment trips out of the country, to creating a task force that will examine the instruction of world languages in grades JK - 12 to subsequently make curriculum changes to reflect a global education (Strategic Vision 2025), global awareness has become a significant initiative that has made its way to all school divisions across all disciplines of study.

Developing global competence, is defined as the acquisition of in-depth knowledge and understanding of international issues; an appreciation of and ability to learn and work with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds; proficiency in a foreign language; and skills to function productively in an interdependent world community, is essential to a global education.

From dressing in indigenous garb while participating in traditional native dances, to trying unfamiliar foods from faraway nations, Charlotte Christian lower school students begin to develop global competence at an early age. What began as the lower school Spanish Festival designed to celebrate the Hispanic heritage and started by Lower School Spanish Teacher Mr. Fermin Abarca in 2003, has grown into the Multicultural Festival that throughout the years has

included an introduction to the food, culture, tourism, language and customs of countries all over the globe. This year students enjoyed studying and learning more about Israel, France, Japan, Italy, Spain, England, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ireland and Chile.

When asked about how the festival has grown over the years, Senor Abarca explained, “We desired to include other cultures represented within our school community and the larger city of Charlotte in an effort to promote global citizenship and to allow our students the opportunity to find similarities and differences between cultures and to value the influence in our lives of different experiences.�

In 2017, a team of 18 students in grades 5-12 developed the Global Knights initiative and sought funds through the Knight Tank competition to raise cultural awareness at Charlotte Christian. The group, whose mission is to develop global competence in an effort to impact the culture for Christ, was comprised of students who have a dual cultural background and therefore are able to understand the deeper aspects of cultural norms like the nature of friendship, etiquette, etc.

The students realized important cultural norms are not easily learned through what is traditionally taught in a World Language class and they sought new ways to teach their fellow students more about the world around them.

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

6

“

Part of our school mission is to develop students to impact the

culture for Christ. One of the most

impactful ways we can do this is to teach our students to develop an

appreciation for and a relationship with people from other cultures.

Once we do this, we are better able to fulfill our mission.

- Angelina Ferrari-Segovia, Middle School Spanish Teacher

”

Through the Global Knights initiative, middle school students enjoyed cultural presentations on Argentina, Egypt and China led by members of the school community who are native to these countries. In addition, Skype sessions were held with current or former community members in Italy, Peru and Haiti.

An exciting addition to the upper school was the formation of a Model United Nations (UN) team/club. According to BestDelegate.com, Model UN introduces young people to the world’s biggest problems in peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development — and inspires them to find global solutions. Model UN gives students a chance to learn about different countries, foreign policies, and most importantly to critically think about issues from multiple perspectives and points of view different than their own.

In April 2019, Charlotte Christian’s Model UN delegation participated in the High School Model UN Conference at Appalachian State University, and the team won several awards. Plans are in place for a Model UN club to form in the middle school next year.

Additional products of the Global Knights initiative include the June 2018 immersion trip to Salamanca, Spain, the addition of a cultural prefect to the team of upper school leaders, and strategic opportunities to integrate Charlotte Christian’s international students into educational experiences for the entire school community.

Mrs. Angelina Ferrari-Segovia, leader of the Global Knights program, said the most important reason to develop globally competent and aware students is to be more Kingdom-minded.

“Part of our school mission is to develop students to impact the culture for Christ,” said Mrs. Ferrari-Segovia. “One of the most impactful ways we can do this is to teach our students to develop an appreciation for and a relationship with people from other cultures. Once we do this, we are better able to fulfill our mission.”

7

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

LEARNING Outside the Classroom Wilmington NC

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

8

Eighty-four seventh graders recently participated in a threeday class trip to Wilmington, N.C. Students investigated living organisms in UNC-Wilmington’s Marine Quest Marsh and the Basin Field Site where they interacted with college professors and students. They also spent time at the North Carolina Aquarium and at Fort Fisher where they participated in guided nature lessons and tours. Students enjoyed BBQ dinners, kayak excursions, exploring Wilmington’s downtown Riverfront and bonding on the bus.

Their observations and interactions offered the seventh graders real life learning application to pair with their year-long classroom biological studies.

According to Mrs. Beth Tiess, seventh grade science teacher and trip coordinator, the experience was “designed to give the students a real world scientific experience and to extend their classroom learning of oceanic organisms, systems and food chains, along with environmental concerns.”

In an effort to make this trip an interdisciplinary experience, students also toured Battleship North Carolina where they spent time learning about the experiences of the soldiers stationed on this ship in World War II. In addition, Mrs. Libby Sikora, seventh grade Language Arts teacher, instructed her students to chronicle their experiences for her class in their diaries.

t from a student diary.

The following is an excerp

long drive, . It was a pretty on gt in ilm W to e “Today we drov hen we to my friends. W I enjoyed talking t bu s, ur ho 4 t abou ter and ate lunch. Af went to a nice park we on gt in ilm W got to m. We toured Carolina Aquariu rth No e th to nt that we we hibit was a oups. The first ex gr ed on er ap ch r around with ou eagle, st. It had a bald d me of a rainfore de in m re at th om ro s . The next room wa e, a white crocodile rit vo fa y m d an , snakes d many different dark lighting an th wi m riu ua aq a typical the baby sea The best part was s. re tu ea cr a se r fish and othe used its oked so cute as it months old that lo 8 s wa at th e rtl tu the cular tank. After swim around its cir to s m ar d an s tiny leg a ach and went on place near the be a to e ov dr we aquarium nes and back. that led to the du st re fo a h ug ro basin trail th ystems us about the ecos rk ranger taught pa e th p tri is th On ed ive. Then we learn nt plants can surv re ffe di e th l al w and ho s . I thought it wa can protect them we w ho d an es rtl about tu know how to e programmed to ar es rtl tu w ho interesting ey are ocean as soon as th the moon into the w llo fo d an ive rv su s for mistake city light sometimes turtles ed rn lea so al I . born ld ich is why we shou ing to the city wh go up d en d an n the moo at the beach.” hts when we stay always turn off lig Rachel Baker

9

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

The following is an excerpt from a student diary.

“During the Wilmington trip I learned so many things I never would have learned had I just stayed home. These things weren’t just how to do math problems, but learning about other people. When I first heard we were going to have no cell phones in our rooms, I thought I would have nothing to do. However, when the time came, I enjoyed myself and was intrigued by all of the stories that people shared.

My friends and I would have conversations about sports and more. I was surprised when I realized that time blew by quicker than when I am on my phone. I guess time flies when you are having fun.”

Jacob Brown

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

10

Leaders are Readers at Charlotte Christian School

By Jessica Ramsey, middle and upper school media specialist

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

When I became Charlotte Christian School’s media specialist for grades 6-12, my desire to see an entire school reading became part of my job description. Because, while books have the power to enrich us as individuals, reading is a remarkable community builder. And this is what I’ve witnessed this year across the entire campus. So, because, as poet Ann Sexton writes, “the joy that isn’t shared dies young,” I want to share some “pictures” with you of how we bond over books here at Charlotte Christian School.

Before I even entered Powell’s Independent Bookstore in Portland, Oregon, I stood outside, staring in awe, texting a few close friends, and posting a picture on Instagram. This, after all, was a “city of books” the largest independent bookstore in the country. A maze of rooms and alcoves and staircase landings all full of books. And I was in heaven. I tiptoed through reading areas, browsed used and new books, and even saw, with my very own eyes, a signed note from Madeleine L’Engle in the rare books room.

You may think it over-the-top, but my eyes grew misty as I stared at her scrawl, and I immediately thought back to another time I traipsed through a bookstore - this time as an eight-year-old visiting my book-loving aunt in Boston. She took me to one of her favorite bookstores - a far cry from the Walden Books [remember those?] in my hometown mall.

After browsing, smelling, and petting the books [if you’re a bibliophile you know exactly what I’m talking about!], she purchased and gave me a copy of A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. I was hooked. Though I loved to read before that trip, L’Engle’s story of space travel, good and evil, and fighting the good fight ignited something specific in me namely, an understanding of how stories can imitate life.

In fact, years later, as a ninth-grade English teacher at Charlotte Christian School, this would become my method for introducing literature to brand new high schoolers. We talked about mimesis - this Aristotlean idea that good art mirrors the world around us and our life experiences, and, most importantly, that we need art, we need reading, precisely for this idea - to see ourselves or others and the world around us in something imagined and created. Ultimately, reading opens our eyes to things we may never see, our hearts to things we may never feel, and our minds to ideas we might otherwise never discover.

Early in the school year, Mrs. Karen Dean tasked her AP Literature students with finding a work of literature to read for the first quarter. A few students chose The Road by Cormac McCarthy, which I read last summer on the beach [for the record - it is NOT a beach read unless you count the setting as the story ends...no spoilers…]. A few weeks into their reading I overheard them discussing the post-apocalyptic work on their own, received an e-mail from an upper school teacher recounting a conversation about the book she had with the same group of students in a math class, and debated with them whether or not a certain character was symbolic or real.

None of this was part of the assignment. Ultimately, we had all seen something in the mirror McCarthy was holding up to us and we couldn’t help but talk about it.

This may be a good time for me to debunk an often held belief that seniors don’t have time to read. I know this because some of our busiest students often plunk down in the “pretty chair” in my office to ask for new recommendations or share their latest favorite read: Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, the just-made-into-a-movie The Sun is Also a Star, or Bryan Stevenson’s heralded work Just Mercy. We’ve spent hours this year sharing book lists and debating whether “that book” was as good as everyone said it was.

And it’s not just the seniors. This year Mr. Ben Ector assigned a group reading project to his English 10 Honors students.

After polling their preferences, he assigned one book to each group, which ranged from Michelle Obama’s recent 2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

12

memoir Becoming to Margaret Mitchell’s classic Gone with the Wind to John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. I asked sophomore Elinor Langdon about her group’s experience with The Scarlet Letter. She writes, “I really liked reading the books in [a group] because it gave each person the freedom to pull out specific things they liked, noticed, or had trouble understanding for that section.” When I asked her whether she enjoyed Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1850 novel, she astutely commented, “...the storyline was so intriguing. Hester’s journey was almost like a reality TV show.” Elinor’s words prove Mr. Ector’s purpose to be true - when students relate to what they read, when preference is taken into account, they can connect in whole new ways with the material and with each other.

center trips really break things up. Also, I adore when we go down to check out books. Mrs. Ramsey assists us to explore new topics we are interested in. The library has so many hidden gems that would not be found if we did not go down as a class. Moreover, the scheduled trips block out a certain time for us to explore. Within the busy school day, it is occasionally very hard to find a time to delve into a new book. The time set out for the media center eliminates having to find a time to check out a new book.”

Mrs. Patty Shropshire tried something new with reading and choice in sixth grade this year, too. Ellamay Ulman describes it best: “...once a month, Mrs. Shropshire takes time out of the learning day to switch things up. We trek down to the media center to accomplish our work in a different environment.

Personally, I love this change of pace. Sometimes working in the same environment can be monotonous, and the media

charlotte christian summer reading

hallenge C Grades K-5

13 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

You should check out a new book, too! We need the mirror reading provides. This summer, if you’re a parent, consider reading a book with your child - no one ever really advances beyond the age of bedtime stories. If you’re an alumnus, revisit a book you were assigned in high school. Check out recent bestsellers or sites like GoodReads for suggestions.

President Harry S. Truman said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” And since we’re all leading in some capacity - big or small - we need to be readers, too.

Reading during the summer is crucial for students to build upon the knowledge gained during the school year. The summer edition of our Reading Knights program is designed to fit into the already existing summer reading assignments and programs in which the kids take part.

Students at each grade level will have a game board with a number of different reading and writing based enrichment activities to use as a resource when your student is reading this summer. They will have a choice about what to complete and the opportunity to relate reading to real life skills. We want them to be encouraged to try new things and to get involved in their communities.

The Reading Knights program as a whole exists to encourage students to not only orient themselves towards goals, but also to develop them as readers. Our hope is to challenge the students and to cultivate a love of reading! Please note that the Summer Reading Knights is separate from the year-long program and does not impact year-end Reading Knights goals and incentives.

Please visit www.charlottechristian.com/summerreading to access the game boards.

HELLOIS

MY NAME

OL LOWER SCHO RS LEAD TEACHE (GRADES 3-5) GRADE 3

We continue our series on getting to know the different departments around campus. This issue we feature the lower school lead teachers in grades 3-5

Tiffany Ivey

Tracy Jackson

Why is your grade level the best one to teach?

I love teaching third grade for so many reasons. Reading in third grade is so much fun. Students begin to make connections, predictions, and inferences that go beyond the actual text. It’s so rewarding to see them get excited about their reading!

Why is your grade level the best one to teach?

I love how independent the students are becoming and how eager they are to learn. I love that we can have fun while we learn.

Mrs. Tiffany Ivey received her degree in elementary education from GardnerWebb University and has been teaching at Charlotte Christian for three years.

She and her husband, Sam, have two daughters in fourth and second grades at CCS.

What do you like most about working at CCS? I love so many things about working at Charlotte Christian. First and foremost I love that Christ is the center of all we do.

I also love the community of Charlotte Christian.

Mrs. Tracy Jackson received her degree in elementary education with a minor in performing arts from UNC-Charlotte and has taught at Charlotte Christian for four years. She and her husband, Ryan, have two sons, both students at CCS.

What do you like most about working at CCS? I love the feel of family and community.

It feels like my second home.

(Mrs. Jackson will teach second grade in 2019-20.)

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

14

GRADE 4

Christy Coles

Mrs. Christy Coles received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Messiah College and has taught at Charlotte Christian for nine years. Christy and her husband, Jason, have four daughters, all students at CCS. Why is your grade level the best one to teach?

I love guiding my students to the independence needed in fourth grade while nurturing them in this growth as young men and women.

Diane Ketron

Mrs. Diane Ketron received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and general science from Eastern Michigan University and has taught at Charlotte Christian for more than 13 years. Diane and her husband, Anthony, have two daughters who are CCS alum - Grace (‘16) and Emily, a 2019 graduate.

Why is your grade level the best one to teach?

Third grade is the best because we have the opportunity to teach the students their last year in a selfcontained classroom. We get to know each student and their families on a personal level. Third graders learn so much during the school year, and by the end we can look back and see how much they have grown with each subject area.

What do you like most about working at CCS? Getting know the students and their families I teach has to be one of my favorite things about working at CCS. I also love our CCS community.

What do you like most about working at CCS? I love the relationships I am able to build with students, families, and colleagues.

Jill Harouny

Ms. Jill Harouny received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Furman University and has taught at Charlotte Christian for two years. She is the middle girl of three sisters.

Why is your grade level the best one to teach?

Fourth grade is great grade to teach because students begin to think more deeply. In reading, they begin to put themselves in the characters’ shoes and ask big questions like “What would I have done in a situation like that?” Students begin to think about life from a biblical worldview. When it comes to questions of faith and biblical teaching, my students amaze me every day with their connections and heart for Jesus.

What do you like most about working at CCS? It is a blessing to be a part of such a loving community where Jesus is at the center of what we do. Working with such a passionate and dedicated staff challenges me to be my best and use the gifts and talents God has given me to honor and glorify Him. (Ms. Harouny will teach third grade in 2019-20.)

Lauren Vaughan

Mrs. Lauren Vaughan a dual degree in elementary and special education from Clarion University and has taught at Charlotte Christian for three years. Lauren and her husband Brandon have two sons, ages 5 and 3.

Why is your grade level the best one to teach?

I love teaching fourth grade because the students challenge me with their thinking and questions. I love telling the students stories about my family and they laugh at my jokes.

What do you like most about working at CCS? I love the amazing community of friends I have made over the last few years that have come alongside me to challenge and support me as a teacher, friend, mom and believer.

15 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

GRADE 5 Tracy Fernandez

Mrs. Tracy Fernandez, teaches fifth grade and has been at Charlotte Christian for two years after having taught for 16 years at Northside Christian Academy. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Nova Southeastern University. Tracy and her husband, John, two children - Carina and Calvin, rising seniors at CCS. Why is your grade level the best one to teach?

I love teaching fifth grade! It is a year of huge growth and maturation. I especially love to see my students grow spiritually and begin to own their faith.

They are so sweet and loving, and some are still willing to give hugs! They end up teaching me through their love and kindness.

What do you like most about working at CCS? I absolutely love the community at CCS. The teachers, staff members, and parents have been so kind and welcoming these past two years. I have been overwhelmed! I was also amazed at how welcoming the upper school students were with my children. We love this school and feel very thankful to be a part of such a loving community.

Guess that teacher?

1. Tracy Fernandez 2. Diane Ketron 3. Rebecca Stevens 4. Christy Coles 5. Tracy Jackson 6. Gina Lister 7. Jill Harouny 8. Lauren Vaughan 9. Tiffany Ivey

Gina Lister

Rebecca Stevens

Why is your grade level the best one to teach?

Fifth grade is a fun grade to teach.

The students are still young enough to want to play and learn, yet you can have meaningful conversations with them about their faith. I have always said that this year is a turning point for many kids. They are searching for their identity and looking for guidance. A lot of character building happens in fifth grade.

Why is your grade level the best one to teach?

I love teaching fifth grade, especially writing! At this age, students are still willing to be silly and have fun while learning, but are also able to critically think through deeper issues.

Ms. Gina Lister received her bachelor’s degree in education/music education from Evangel University. She is the mother of two boys, Sam (grade 4) and Abdo (grade 9), both CCS students.

Gina has taught at Charlotte Christian for 17 years.

What do you like most about working at CCS? I love that we have the opportunity to speak about Christ each and every day in our subject area. The community of believers is what makes our school so special. Just recently a parent stepped up to start an adoptive-parent support group. I am grateful for this type of community to my family and me.

A. I am married to my high school sweetheart. We started dating when I was 15!

B. I grew up in Wilmington, N.C. and I love the beach!

C. If I was a super hero, chocolate chip cookies would be my kryptonite.

D. I am a fraternal twin.

F.

Mrs. Rebecca Stevens received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Colorado Christian University and has taught at Charlotte Christian for two years. She and her husband, Matt, have a large Newfoundland dog child named Leo.

What do you like most about working at CCS? After previously working in an environment where I could not speak about Christ, I love having the opportunity to teach and mentor the whole child here at CCS. I love being able to not only shape these children academically, but also spiritually.

I love to travel! Going to foreign countries and experiencing new cultures is my favorite thing to do.

If I weren’t a parent, I would probably be in the mission field.

E. I competitively ran the 100-meter hurdles for six years.

H. I am surrounded by law enforcement. My husband, brother, sister-in law, brother-in law, and other sister-in law all work for CMPD. I. Even though I teach math, I love to read and spend much of my free time reading.

G. I love to create and design beaded jewelry.

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

16

1. A 2. C 3. E 4. I 5. H 6. F 7. G 8. D 9. B

MY FAVORITE THING

ABOUT BEING A CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN KNIGHT We asked students what they liked most about Charlotte Christian and here’s what they had to say…

“My favorite thing is that I have a safe place to come to.

Some people see school as a chore, I see it as a privilege.”

– Marshall Martin, grade 5

“I love having a voice that is heard.

Everyone is welcoming and we have amazing teachers.”

– Karsen Betzold, grade 7

“Getting to freely worship God without feeling social pressure and judgement for not conforming to secular practices. ” – Dean DePinto, grade 12

“My favorite thing is earning about God and the bible, because not every school can talk about and it is really cool to talk about.”

– Sawyer Cutaia, grade 5

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

“Bible Lessons and ‘Friday Fun & Faith.’”

– Ella Tolbert, junior kindergarten

“My favorite part is learning about Jesus.”

– Taylor Bellagamba, grade 3

“CCS is centered around Christ. In every class we pray and before every test we pray.”

– Charlie Cataldo, grade 5

“Learning to be a leader.”

– Harper Gordon, junior kindergarten

“My favorite part is learning about Jesus.”

– Graham Noe, grade 3

“I love how kind everyone is and how we can worship freely. I love how we are encouraged to go to God.” – Katherine Vermillion, grade 5

“My favorite thing about being a CCS Knight is football games.”

– Caleb Hinson, grade 1

“I love our community.

Because of the small size, I have made many close friends of all ages, which I love.”

– Elinor Langdon, grade 10

“Being in a safe, loving environment.”

– Robbie Robinson, grade 7

“I get to learn about God!” – Major Clements, grade 3

“Learning all academic subjects from a Christian worldview and with integrated biblical principles. I also love the family atmosphere and the ability to have a close relationship with my teachers and peers.”

– Emma Schmidt, grade 12

“All the teachers are always there to help you when you need it and that’s why I love being a Knight!”

– Roya Henderson, grade 3

“The opportunity to pray and all of the relationships that I have with my teachers.”

– Sydney Jackson, grade 7

“Knowing about Jesus and God.” – Zealand Green, junior kindergarten

“I love the fun ways that our teachers use to help us learn.”

– Anna Claire Najaka, grade 5

“Being able to represent Christ through athletics and academics.”

– Dominique Kay, grade 7

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

KNIGHTS HEADLINES

Sophomores Recognized at Ally ‘Girls Who Count’ Event

VEX World Championship Under the direction of Mrs. Dana Brickner and Mrs. Ruth Wilson, two lower school robotics teams advanced to the VEX Robotics World Championship held April 29 – May 1 in Louisville, Ky. Team 9635E included grade 4 students Zac Borrego, Drew Howard, Lane McComiskey, and team 9635G included grade 5 students Avery McCall, Libby Norvell, Amelia Sadowski.

At worlds, the boys’ team was part of the Viking Division and the girls’ part of the Apollo Division. Both teams competed against U.S. and international teams including teams from Beijing, China and Paraguay. Both teams scored well throughout the competition and even beat their season high scores. The girls’ team advanced to the second round of interviews for the Design Award.

Mr. Steve Beezhold’s upper school robotics team was led by team president, Sheldon Jackson.

Team 9635A included Julian Segovia, Sheldon Jackson, Katelyn Caldwell, Ada Sadowski, and team 9635X included Sam Cao, Drew Marin, David Trotter and Mark Marin. After winning the VEX regional tournament, they competed in the state championship where they performed well and won the design award. This earned them a spot at the VEX World Championship where they competed against 480 teams from around the world.

Sophomores Tiah Rowe and Kennedy Young were selected to participate in the Ally ‘Girls Who Count’ event held on March 14, National Pi Day, hosted by Ally Financial Inc. The first-time event recognized and celebrated female high school students who have demonstrated an enthusiasm and aptitude for mathematics. Tiah and Kennedy were two of the 100 students chosen from Mecklenburg County public, private and charter schools and attended the event with Upper School Math Teacher Susan Jones. The girls enjoyed a luncheon featuring key speakers including the daughter of NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson of Hidden Figures fame, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and the TODAY Show’s Jean Chatzky as well as a host of local and Ally female leaders.

“The Girls Who Count celebration is Ally’s way of encouraging these young women to continue pursuing their passion for math and developing their skills so they’ll be ready to explore multiple career paths and take control of their financial futures,” said Diane Morais, president, Consumer & Commercial Banking Products, Ally Bank.

Faculty Doctorates Charlotte Christian encourages employees to pursue advanced degree work, furthering their education and skill sets. Currently seven faculty members are pursuing doctorate or master’s degrees. Three employees recently received their doctorate degrees. Dr. Theresa Kasay, director of academics, holds her EdD in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Supervision with an additional specialization in Superintendency from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Dean Hardy, upper school Bible teacher, received his Doctor of Theology degree from the University of South Africa. Dr. Kaylah Holland, middle school technology facilitator, received her Doctorate in Education in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership with a concentration in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Memphis.

17 19 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

CCS Google Certified Educators Charlotte Christian School teachers from each division participated in a Google Level 1 educator cohort with Google Certified Trainer and Innovator Dr. Kaylah Holland, middle school technology facilitator. CCS teachers met once a week for nine weeks and completed a three-hour exam where they demonstrated their abilities using Google for Education products. The goal of the training was to advance the abilities of teachers as professionals and provide new tools to implement in the classroom.

The following teachers successfully passed the Google Level 1 exam and are now Google Certified Level 1 educators: • Grayson Bedenbaugh • Liz Daniel • Stewart Emery • Sarah Wiles • Claire Bishop • Brooke DeVore • Rob Mina • Ruth Wilson

J-Term Vocational Shadowing J-Term (short for January term) was designed to give upper school students opportunities for new educational experiences. During the first week of the second semester, students interact and build relationships with fellow students and faculty in a less structured format while participating in a variety of common interest educational opportunities. This year, 27 students participated in a vocational shadowing program where they observed daily routines of people who work in a career of interest. This allowed our students to gauge if the career is one they would pursue, while giving them the opportunity to ask questions about the best path of preparation. Some of the companies students enjoyed spending time in included: Hinde Engineering, Cabarrus County DA Office, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Atrium Healthcare, Redline Design Group, US Federal Court, Charlotte’s Finest Properties Real Estate and the Charlotte Checkers.

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

20

ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT

1

1

3

5 21 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

5

4

2

1 2 3 4 5 6

6

SCHOLASTIC WRITING AWARDS Congratulations to seven middle and upper school creative writing students on earning recognition in the 2019 MidCarolina Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition. The group earned two Gold Keys and five Honorable Mention awards. This year’s Gold Key winners were senior Claire Burch’s personal essay, Inspiration, and junior Grace Gao’s short story, The Receding Figure. Honorable Mention winners were senior Nathan Brannon’s memoir, Itadakimasu [I humbly receive]; senior Maggie Porter’s memoir, Headaches and Hope; sophomore Elizabeth Davisball’s critical essay School Shootings and Gun Law; eighth grader Cate Darling’s short story, Challenging Reality; and seventh grader Rachel Baker’s science fiction, The Gloves. Scan the QR code to read their award-winning pieces.

MIDDLE SCHOOL REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR Two Charlotte Christian middle school students presented their science fair research projects at UNC-Charlotte in February. Eighth grade student Gracie Hanna placed second in the Biological Sciences A category with her project testing how one’s center of gravity impacts stability and speed while lifting weights. This achievement sent her to the state level at the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair on March 29-30 at NC State University. Gracie was among the top 10 percent of middle school students there who received a special award from Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars). Eighth grader Gannon Caswell also represented CCS in the engineering category with his project about the sound quality and efficiency of certain classes of amplifiers.

SENIOR HONORS GRADUATES Twenty-two seniors were recognized as honors graduates for maintaining a cumulative GPA above a 4.0 during their high school academic career. Upper School Principal Shonn Brown, along with the honors graduates, enjoyed lunch at Red Rocks Café to celebrate their achievement.

KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE The Reading Knights program recognized 66 fifth grade students as Reading Knights of the Roundtable for participating in the program for all their years in lower school.

Lower school students read 5,387 books during the fourth quarter and 20,913 books during the 2018-19 school year.

SIXTH ANNUAL LOWER SCHOOL STEM CHALLENGE This year’s challenge consisted of three different activities involving distance with paper airplanes; accuracy and angles with slingshots; and height with cup towers.

The winners of each challenge advanced to the finals where they worked together to solve a puzzle in order to become this year’s ultimate challenge winners.

Congratulations to the grade 4 champion, Golden Boys: MJ Barrow, Rae Sanchez, Dylan Smith and Ethan Walker and the grade 5 champion, Milkshake Squad: Rachel Brandon, Anne Carlton, Grace Krause and Riley Thomas.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST Congratulations to senior Matthew Siverling for being named a National Merit Finalist in the 64th annual National Merit® Scholarship Program. In the fall, he was named in the group of more than 16,000 students nationwide who were identified as semifinalists in the 2019 National Merit® Scholarship Program.

5

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

22

ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT

2

1

3

4

4

5 23 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

1

6

4

7

1 2 3 4 4

5 6 7

WINTER & SPRING SIGNING DAYS On Feb. 8 seven CCS student-athletes signed to play collegiate athletics: Josh Eboboko (football - Yale University); Obi Egbuna (football - UNC-Chapel Hill); Jeremiah Gray (football - Wake Forest University); Sammy Henderson (football - Appalachian State University); JT Killen (baseball and football - Coastal Carolina University); Ricky Kofoed (football - Appalachian State University); and Ben Williams (football - Appalachian State University). On April 17, five more student-athletes signed their NCAA letters of intent to participate in collegiate athletics: Seth Bennett (basketball - UNC-Charlotte); Jesse Kuteyi (soccer - Queens University); Blake Long (football - Sewanee, football); Josh Shropshire (soccer - Catawba College) and Efosa U-Edosomwan (basketball Roanoke College).

JR. NBA ALL-STAR INVITATIONAL Congratulations to the grade 8 boys’ basketball team for winning the GCMSAA conference championship and ending the season 20-0. The team was invited to participate in the Gatorade Jr. NBA All-Star Invitational (which included 48 public and private school teams) and advanced to the Elite 8 round on Feb. 15 at the Charlotte Convention Center. The team won the championship game against Piedmont Middle School, 51-48.

INTERFAITH BASKETBALL The third and sixth grade CCS basketball teams won their division championship in the Interfaith Basketball League (IFBL).

ATHLETIC SERVICE This spring, varsity athletes spent time serving in a variety of ways in the community. The varsity softball team visited Restoring Place Church where they worshipped with their community before serving lunch at King’s Kitchen. The varsity baseball team served with Miracle League with YMCA Charlotte helping kids with disabilities play baseball. Varsity lacrosse team members went to Rice ‘N Beans, Galilee Ministries and Charlotte Mecklenburg Dream Center. The team visited specific streets adopted by the Dream Center and played with the kids in that neighborhood, painted a house and cleaned up the area. While at Galilee Ministries the team helped with weeding, cutting trees, trimming bushes and other outdoor projects at the site. Varsity track and field and golf team members both served at the Dream Center as well. The varsity girls’ soccer team participated in the annual Super Colby 5k at McAlpine Creek Park.

SETH BENNETT 1,000 CAREER POINTS Congrats to the newest member of the Charlotte Christian 1,000-point club, Seth Bennett.

ALUM GARRETT BRADBURY (’14) Congratulations to CCS alum Garrett Bradbury (’14) who was the 18th pick in the first round of the NFL draft, joining the Minnesota Vikings as a center.

Additionally, Garrett was awarded the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center. This season he was also named a Walter Camp first-team All-American.

(Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images).

ALUM DAVID KOCHER (‘14) Congratulations to CCS alum David Kocher (’14) who won the Haikou Championship in April which is a part of the PGA TOUR Series-China. David hit a bogey-free 66 for the win and this was David’s first PGA affiliated tour. David is currently the seventh highest ranked PGA TOUR Series-China player.

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

24

FINE ARTS SPOTLIGHT

1

1

3

5 25 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

6

6

1 2

2

4

2 3 4 5 6 7

7

CITA AWARDS Congratulations to theatre students in both middle and upper school on winning multiple honors and awards at the Christians in Theatre Arts Secondary Festival. Students from both ACT 1 and ACT 2 competitive drama teams participated in the annual event. Olivia DeBoer, grade 8 - 3rd place Ensemble Acting; Elise Hoff, grade 8 - 3rd place Ensemble Acting; Lily Kate Snyder, grade 8 - 3rd place Ensemble Acting; Annslie Burris, senior - Excellence in Theater Award; Xander Hanegraaff, freshman - 2nd place Contrasting Monologues; Lilly Mull, junior - Excellence in Theater Award.

SPRING CONCERTS On April 10, the middle school band, choir and orchestra performed their spring concert in the Alkire Auditorium. The audience heard the first live performance and world premiere of Knights of Victory, a piece written and arranged by Mekel Rogers specifically for CCS. The audience was also introduced to the new orchestra teacher, Mrs. Jessica Taylor, who will be joining CCS in the fall of 2019. Scan the QR code to watch the concert.

JUNIE B. JONES, JR. The cast of fourth and fifth graders performed Junie B. Jones Jr., The Musical, an adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books brought to life in a genuinely comical musical.

Sixty-five fourth and fifth grade students performed to a packed house each night April 4-6. Scan the QR code to view a media gallery.

KATIE HAYES PLAYS AT CARNEGIE HALL Freshman clarinet player Katie Hayes was selected to participate in the 2019 Carnegie Hall Honors Performance Series. Katie spent five days in New York City rehearsing, under the direction of a master conductor, with high school musicians from around the world. Her experience culminated with a performance on stage at Carnegie Hall. Later this summer, Katie will travel to Australia to participate in the Honors Performance Series at the Sydney Opera House.

WHEATON ORCHESTRA The Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Dan Sommerville, visited CCS on March 11 as part of their East Coast spring tour. While on campus, the orchestra performed in a special assembly for upper school students and led music workshops with our upper school band and orchestra students.

SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS Congratulations to seven middle and upper school visual art students on earning recognition in the 2019 Mid-Carolina Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition. The group earned five Silver Keys and four Honorable Mention awards. Silver Key winners include junior Andrew Knotts’ artwork Saints de Roses and Newborn (two awards); sophomore Kelsey Eshleman’s photograph, Lost in the City; eighth grader Lily Golzar’s drawing and illustration, Underwater Landscape; and eighth grader Loie Kemmer’s drawing and illustration, Dripping Sun. Honorable Mention winners include senior Lauren Forget’s acrylic, Red; junior Andrew Knotts’ acrylic, Sacrifice; eighth grader Cate Darling’s drawing and illustration, Rainbow Hills; and eighth grader Elena Ong’s drawing and illustration, Coral Cove.

KNIGHT VISION GALLERY CRAWL On April 15, the Charlotte Christian community attended the opening night gallery crawl for KnightVision, the two-week, all-school visual arts show. The event began in the Huge Gallery then moved to the Dining Hall, where attendees enjoyed family-oriented art activities, a photo booth and an opportunity to celebrate the amazing artwork created by our students in grades JK-12. Artwork was on display for every lower school student as well as every middle and upper school student enrolled in an art course. Scan the QR code to view a media gallery.

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

26

DEVELOPMENT

24 HOUR

GIVING CHALLENGE CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

giving day challenge update Charlotte Christian hosted the first ever Giving Day on March 7 to fund improvements and renovations to the playground and field area behind the Middle School Building. There was an incredible response with more than 130 donors giving $43,800 to this campaign. Thank you to all parents, grandparents, alumni and friends who made the challenge so successful! Construction on phase 1 of the project will be completed this summer in time for the 2019-20 school year.

Project improvements include: • relocating and renovating our lower school playground (phase 1) • updating the hardscape and seating area around the concessions (phase 1) • establishing turf space on the field between the Lamb/Johnson Gym and the stadium (future phase) • updating the JK/K playground (future phase)

Thank you to the Charlotte Christian community

for

helping

us

surpass

the 2018-19 Annual Fund goal! We

wrapped up the year with $556,865 raised in cash and pledges.

25 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

‘19 charlotte christian school

Sporting Clays Tournament

The fifth annual Sporting Clays Tournament to benefit the Annual Fund was held on May 10 at Meadow Wood and raised more than $14,000. More than 100 members of the CCS community participated in the half-day event where teams of four cycled through 15 different shooting stations on the course. Participants also had the opportunity to bid on items in a silent auction. The day wrapped up with a catered lunch by Red Rocks Café and an awards ceremony. Special thanks to the title sponsor Seedspark.

“The CCS Sporting Clays Tournament is a great opportunity to enjoy fellowship with other CCS parents, staff and alumni while participating in one of my favorite hobbies,” shared CCS parent Jason Norvell.

Ladies’ Luncheon with Kristin Young More than 200 friends of the Charlotte Christian community attended the fifth annual Ladies’ Luncheon sponsored by Charlotte Dentistry and held at Calvary Church on Jan 31. Mrs. Kristin Young, a CCS parent, spoke about her journey of walking one of her children back to Jesus after a valiant fight with brain cancer and shared how she experiences God’s love and grace during her times of grief and finds joy and peace in the valley.

“I always enjoy attending the Ladies’ Luncheon at CCS,” shared CCS parent Dawn Van Hoy. “It’s a wonderful time to hear the testimonies and journeys of women in our community and see how God is at work in their lives. And, it’s such a nice way to meet new ladies in our community.

I always walk away feeling encouraged and connected.”

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

1

BLAYDES MOORE (’10) Blaydes Moore, a member of the class of 2010, is an attorney with Davies Law in Ballantyne, a boutique firm assisting clients with estate planning and administration of trusts and estates. Upon graduating from Charlotte Christian, Blaydes attended Clemson University where he received his bachelor of science in economics with a minor in legal studies in three years. He went on to graduate from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2016 with his juris doctor and spent two years practicing law in a small firm in the areas of commercial real estate, corporate law, and wills, estates, and trusts, before joining Davies Law. Blaydes recently reflected on his 14 years spent as a lifer at Charlotte Christian and how it prepared him for life beyond high school.

“No teacher really influenced my decision to become an attorney, but I attribute my logophilia to Mrs. Edy Holmes, my second grade teacher,” shared Blaydes. “She also taught me sixth grade English, and her great work was carried on by Mrs. Renuka Szymborski and Mrs. Karen Dean (upper school English teachers) and Mrs. Sue Nielsen (AP European History) each of whom helped me to think critically. Charlotte Christian also prepared me to think for myself and to effectively prioritize and tackle my responsibilities.”

Blaydes’ academic achievement was notable at Charlotte Christian and earned him the honor of class valedictorian.

He was involved in a myriad of clubs, sports and activities including playing trumpet in the band for eight years, competing on the varsity football and wrestling teams, and serving as the treasurer of his senior class.

At Clemson, Blaydes was a student coach for the varsity football program and played intramural sports, and at Wake Forest he edited the notes and comments section of The Journal of Business and Intellectual Property, and participated in Moot Court competitions.

A current member of the Charlotte Christian Alumni Board, Blaydes is also involved in his church and as a volunteer with Rainbow Express Ministries, an organization dedicated to serving members of our community with special needs.

Blaydes finds himself cheering on the Knights several times a year as his dad, Jim Moore, still serves as the public address announcer at varsity home football games. His mom, Meg, is a 1979 graduate of Charlotte Christian.

It is the relationships he built at CCS, both with the friends he still keeps in touch with and the mentors who shaped his future, that mean the most to him.

“Coach Bob Angley (former math teacher and coach) showed me how much strength and peace there is in a faithful and purposeful life, and Mrs. Francis Davis (former director of academics) taught me how self-reflection, personal evaluation of information and attitudes that arise to meet us each day, and a true love of learning can lead to wisdom and fulfillment,” said Blaydes. “Charlotte Christian is, to me, a true sanctuary.”

2 May 1, 2015 • Meadow wood 29 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

ALUMNI ROAD SHOW In April, Director of College Counseling Jodi Foxx and College Counselor Katrina Cassier visited with a group of CCS alumni who live in the Atlanta area. For more information about upcoming stops for 2019-20, or if you would like to be the point person in your city, please contact Mr. Reid Fronk, CCS director of alumni relations. There are plans to have an event in New York City next December.

SAVE

3

the

DATE

ALL-ALUMNI SPRING EVENT CCS hosted an All-Alumni Spring Event in April at Legion Brewing Company for more than 120 alumni and their families to connect, network and fellowship. The group consisted of alums from the class of 2010 all the way to the class of 1967 who enjoyed reconnecting and watching the Master’s golf tournament together.

4

HOMECOMING WEEKEND

October 4 & 5, 2019

#IAMAKNIGHT Daniel Fogarty (’98) was recently featured as an #iamaKNIGHT and shared why he is proud to be a Knight. Daniel lives in Charlotte and is the founder and president of Beds for Kids, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to provide beds and essential furniture to children and families in need. Scan the code to watch the video.

2019

Charlotte Christian School

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Charlotte Christian will present the second annual Distinguished Alumni Award and Alumni Service Award during Homecoming 2019. Alumni will be recognized for their extraordinary achievements in their field of work; outstanding contributions to the welfare and advancement of Charlotte Christian; and exceptional acts of service.

5

COLLEGE ALUMNI BACK ON CAMPUS Alumni in college, home for the summer, were welcomed back to campus in May to visit with CCS faculty and each other.

Please visit

charlottechristian.com/alumoftheyear to nominate an outstanding alum.

Nominations will begin July 1 and go through Sept. 1.

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

30

CLASS NOTES

Caroline Lubinsky currently attends Appalachian State where she is a paid intern for the College of Fine and Applied Arts. She writes press releases and manages the college’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Send your alumni news to: alumni@charchrist.com

18

Brynn Collins loved her freshman year at NCSU! She is a Young Life leader and has enjoyed building friendships with her freshman high school girls from Apex.

Best advice for those graduating is to be yourself and find an authentic group of friends in college! Go Pack!!

16

In March, Taylor Burch was one of 204 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students inducted into the university’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious college honorary society.

Taylor is double majoring in Statistics and Analytics and Sports Administration and minoring in Computer Science.

15

Destin Cassier graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in May majoring in Economics with a double minor in Entrepreneurship and Statistics & Analytics. He has accepted a trading analyst position with Bank of Montreal in New York City.

Deanna Drogan graduated cum laude from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She is currently working on authoring her first book, which will be published in November of 2019 with New Degree Press Publishing Company. The book, entitled “Glory Writers” discusses the principles of writing an impactful Christian book and features insight from several well-known authors in the field. She can’t wait to see what God does with it!

Josh Hall recently accepted a job as an Employee Benefits Advisor with Remedy Advisors, LLC in Charlotte.

Payton Walker recently graduated Summa Cum Laude Highest Distinction from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in French. She was selected by the UNC School of Media and Journalism as the Outstanding Senior in Electronic Communications and received a $1,250 Award. She was also a semifinalist in the national Hearst Journalism Awards Program and also received a $1,000 award. Her college career highlight was the opportunity to interview Tucker Carlson, host of Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News. Payton has accepted a position as morning anchor for NBC affiliate, WAFF in Huntsville Alabama.

13

Emily Black graduated from N.C. State in 2017 with her bachelor’s degree and received her Masters of Accounting degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2018.

She now lives Charlotte where she works for KPMG and lives uptown with her golden retriever, Winston.

Adam Burnam graduated in May of 2019 with a master’s degree in computer science from UNC-Charlotte.

ALUMNI ALBUM

Brynn Collins (‘18)

Brian Bartlett (‘10)

Deanna Drogan (‘15)

Kelby Brown (‘10)

31 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Payton Walker (‘15)

Anthony & Jenna (Jamil) Gill (‘03)

Emily Black (‘13)

Maggie Hood (‘09)

After graduating from Elon University, Kyle Lubinsky moved to Baltimore where he works at Johns Hopkins University as a digital support specialist in development and alumni relations.

Morgan McManus became engaged this past New Year’s Eve and will be married in December 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina.

12

Kate Williams graduated with her Juris Doctor in May from Florida State University.

She will take the Bar Exam in July and plans to practice law in Florida.

11

Austyn Durden Suits married Stephen Suits in Raleigh in March. The couple happily resides in Greenville, N.C. Maggie Walker runs her wedding and event planning company, Maggie Walker Weddings and Events, with her team, based out of Chattanooga, Tenn. The company is expanding to the Southeast and opening up the option for travel.

She continues to travel and hike around the world in her spare time.

Morgan McManus (‘13)

Chris & Jacque (von Gnechten) Ferebee (‘07)

Kate Williams (‘12)

Ryan Watkins married Kristin Hendricks on April 27 in Charleston, S.C. The wedding was attended by several CCS families and alumni from the class of 2011. The two met while attending South Carolina and will live in Charlotte where Ryan works with a financial firm and Kristin is a buyer for Belk.

10

Brian Bartlett and his wife, Mary Beth, along with their two-year-old son, welcomed Elijah Samuel Bartlett born in January.

Kelby Brown and his wife, Angel, welcomed their second daughter, Vanessa Brown, in April! Kelby will be conducting public health research with the Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy in his third year at Duke School of Medicine.

Jenna Jamil Gill and her husband, Anthony Gill, (class of 2011) had their second baby, Anthony Gill III, in May. Their first child, Andi, was born in September of 2017.

Blaydes Moore recently began a new role with Davies Law in Ballantyne. He will be practicing with specialties in estate planning and administration.

Austyn Durden Suits (‘11)

Kirsten Leeke Gibson (‘07)

09

With a love of Shakespeare born out of her time on the ACT 1 team at CCS, Maggie Hood co-founded a low budget Shakespeare-focused theater company, The No Name Collective, now in its fourth year and based in New York City. The company has produced three Shakespeare productions including 2016’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream set in winter; 2017’s Macbeth; and 2018’s Twelfth Night, Or What You Will, complete with original folk music.

The company has launched a crowd funding campaign as they expand with plans to open an education wing and develop a Shakespeare in prison program. For more information, visit www.wearethenoname.com.

07

Chris Ferebee and Jacque von Gnechten Ferebee were blessed with the arrival of their twins, James Ephraim and Eleanor Joy, in May 2018. The Ferebee family is currently living in the Bay Area in California where Chris is an engineer with Tesla Motors and Jacque is working in ministry in staff at Echo Church.

Maggie Walker (‘11)

Jared Bard (‘06)

Kathryn Benson (‘06)

Ryan Watkins (‘11)

Elliot Engstrom (‘06) 2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

32

07

Kirsten Leeke Gibson lives in Charlotte with her husband, Bijah and two boys, Cooper (3) and Graham (8 months). She recently was awarded the ‘Shining Star’ award at the MAME gala by Charlotte Home Builders Association for her work as director of creative projects at Kingswood Custom Homes.

06

Jared Bard and his wife, Courtney, welcomed their second boy, Oliver Jared, into the world on Feb. 21, 2019.

Kathryn Benson married Eric Williams on May 1, 2017. The two met while Kathryn was working as a veterinarian in Southport, N.C. and Eric was stationed at Oak Island, N.C. with the Coast Guard.

They spent the past two years living in Puerto Rico, and recently moved to Virginia.

Elliot Engstrom is living in Shelby, N.C. with his wife, Natalie, and 15-month-old daughter, Evie. They are expecting a son in the summer of 2019. He is a senior staff attorney for Cleveland County Government and works on issues related to local government.

05

Courtney Wood Samuelson and her husband, David, welcomed twin girls Julia and Emery in February. Their two-yearold daughter, Margaret, is a proud big sister!

Emily Plunkett Bryant moved back to Charlotte with her husband, Matt, and two daughters, Banner-Grace (8) and Gigi (4). She is thankful to be living in Charlotte after spending many, many years a long way from family and friends.

04

00

Joshua Collins was recently awarded Metro Diner’s Managing Partner of the Year in his role at the company’s Pineville franchise. He was selected from 71 Metro Diners across the country. Joshua is married to Melissa, and the couple has a son, Jameson (3), and daughter, Emma (2).

03

Chris Carrara and his wife, Emily, welcomed their second son, Lucca Joseph Carrara, in March.

Autumn Sullivan English and her husband, Jae, welcomed a baby girl, Skylar Mckenzie, in January of 2019.

02

In March, Rosemary Nations Alexander and her husband, Tripp, welcomed their fourth baby, Charles Banks. He is well loved by siblings Emaline (5), Ford (3), and John (3).

Randy Garcia opened a 13th location of Viva Chicken this past March in Greensboro, N.C. He founded Viva Chicken in 2013 starting in Charlotte and feels blessed and humbled by the success of Viva and all the glory goes to God!

93

Ike Reeder was recently appointed president of Birmingham Theological Seminary, a reformed Presbyterian seminary in Birmingham, Ala. out of Briarwood Presbyterian Church. He has been married for six years to Angie and has two stepchildren, Virginia (16) and Win (14).

89

Lt. Colonel Connor Blackwood retired from the Air Force in 2016 as an F-15 pilot and flight instructor and now flies for Southwest Airlines. He and wife, Deborah, and sons, Joshua and Thomas, now reside at Lake Lanier, Georgia.

ALUMNI ALBUM

Courtney Wood Samuelson (‘05)

Emily Plunkett Bryant (‘00)

Joshua Collins (‘04)

Rosemary Nations Alexander (‘02)

33 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Chris Carrara (‘03)

Ike Reeder (‘93)

Autumn Sullivan English (‘03)

Lt. Colonel Connor Blackwood (‘89)

Farewell to Veteran Employees We are thankful for all of these servants and their dedication to the students, fellow employees and families of Charlotte Christian.

This year there are five veteran employees who are retiring after a combined 103 years of service to the school.

Kevin Buchanan

Maintenance Team Served at CCS for 31 years Mr. Kevin Buchanan is retiring after 31 years on the maintenance team at Charlotte Christian. He plans on spending time traveling with family, fishing and gardening.

Mr. Buchanan’s service and humble attitude as a behind-thescenes worker will be missed. “I have seen the school continue to improve over my time here and stay true to its mission.

I was excited that we built the Center for Worship and Performing Arts and thankful God sent the right people to lead our school. It has been a blessing to serve the teachers and the students.”

Rhonda Hunter

Second Grade Teacher Assistant Served at CCS for 23 years Mrs. Rhonda Hunter has worked as a teacher’s assistant in junior kindergarten, kindergarten and second grades for 23 years total. She most recently assisted Mrs. Tara Griffin in second grade. She is looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren and mom. “I will miss the smiles and hugs from my students every morning. I will surely miss seeing my friends and co-workers every day. I think I will really miss the wonderful lower school chapels every Thursday morning.”

Jane McDonald

Health Room Nurse Served at CCS for 6 years Mrs. Jane McDonald has worked in the Charlotte Christian health room for six years and is retiring after 27 years as a nurse. Some of Mrs. McDonald’s previous roles in nursing include working at Duke University Hospital, in a county health department in Tennessee, teaching outpatient pediatrics at Roanoke Memorial Hospital Nursing School, and serving as a summer camp nurse for 17 summers. She looks forward to spending more time with her children and grandchildren.

“I will miss being a part of Charlotte Christian...especially working with my co-workers in the Health Room and at the school. I will also miss the students and their families.”

Vicki Nelson

Second Grade Teacher Served at CCS for 31 years Mrs. Vicki Nelson is retiring after 31 years of teaching fourth, fifth and most recently second grade. She also taught one year of sixth grade Bible. It is estimated that Mrs. Nelson has taught approximately 600 students. We are thankful she will remain a part of our community as a tutor in the Academic Services Program. “I will miss countless things but count it all joy that I have had the opportunity to serve and teach at CCS.”

Sue Nielsen

US AP European History Teacher Served at CCS for 12 years Mrs. Sue Nielsen, upper school AP European History teacher, is retiring after 15 years as a history teacher.

Prior to her arrival at Charlotte Christian, there had not been an AP European class for several years. Mrs. Nielsen’s vast knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject grew interest in the class and made her a favorite of many upper school students.

She also taught a year of Junior Seminar, and prior to coming to CCS taught at Desert Christian School in Tucson, Ariz. and homeschooled her four children. “The thing I will miss the most is the kids and the joy of teaching my subject.”

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

1

2

5

9

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

6

10

13 14

15

4

3

SCRAPBOOK

7

1.

Employee Appreciation

2.

Lower School Field Day

3.

All-School Easter Chapel

4.

Middle School Earth Day

5.

Middle School Choir Carowinds

Music Competition

6.

Tenth Grade History Day

7.

Eighth Grade

Washington, D.C. Trip

8.

Fifth Grade Promotion

9.

Lower School Grandparent’s Day

8

10. Super Colby 5K 11. President’s Cup Winners 12. Eighth Grade Promotion 13. Meteorologist Brad Panovich

Visits Second Grade

14. Black History Month Chapel 15. Eighth Grade Principal Cup Winners 16. Lower School National Day

of Prayer

17. Upper School A.C.T. 1

11

16 17

12

18. Sixth Grade Rollercoasters

18

2018-19 ISSUE 2 n

7301 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270 (704) 366-5657 Fax: (704) 366-5678

www.charlottechristian.com

FOLLOW US ON