The Forum, 2013 Graduation Edition

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co m edmen it ce io me n nt

June 2013 • The official publication for Coram Deo Academy families, alumni & friends

Training ethical servant-leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God

Collin Count y

Beth Smith

W

e are gathered together to celebrate a momentous event.

Collin County’s first graduating class is about to catapult out into the world: out of the childhood realm of nap times and recess; out of teenage life; out of CDA; out of a sheltered atmosphere and into the world of grown ups, of careers, of bustle, of opportunities, all fraught with danger, temptations, and traps. We have a war to fight; a war composed of battles that are raging between evil and righteousness-in our minds, in our culture, and in our society.

And we must win; we must have victory, the kind of victory that is aptly described in a quote by Winston Churchill: “Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.”

This may sound a little scary and a little daunting…because it is. However, the good news is that we do not have to face these

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overwhelming obstacles alone. For as the Prophet Elisha said to his frightened servant in II Kings 6:16 concerning the ability of God’s army to overcome the seemingly overwhelming Syrians: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” As this class moves out into an entirely new chapter of our lives we must not forget that God has steered many before us through much more harrowing circumstances than we will hopefully ever have to face. From Corrie Ten Boom in The Hiding Place, to Mary Rowlandson in The Sovereignty and Goodness of God, not to mention all the heroes in the biblical accounts, the faithful who trusted in God were not forsaken. So if God is capable of directing His children through the Holocaust and through being carried off by American Indians, He is perfectly capable of guiding us through the important decisions associated with adult life.

Think about what God has guided us through already: the foundation of this campus, two location moves, and the experience of being the guinea pigs for our High School campus.

But God has been good, and we have stuck together, growing closer to each other in the process. We have remained diligent and have finished well. We have learned such valuable lessons as many aspects of leadership, the discipline of time management, the art of public speaking, the skill of thinking critically, and -most importantly- methods for defending our faith. Using these skills we have been taught and that have been demonstrated by our amazing faculty, we will be able to enter college with boldness and a humility before God, knowing we have been well prepared for this new phase in life.

And now, I want to reassure the faculty and our parents that throughout the rest of our lives, this class will continue striving to be worthy of the biblical principles governing CDA and that, by God’s grace, we will

Flower Mound remain faithful. I also want to challenge the students following on our heels: Follow the Lord’s leading explicitly, work hard, be involved in many activities so you can have a well-rounded knowledge base, and make your class into a family.

And, lastly, for those of you who are apprehensive about your future, remember that if God leads you, you need not fear.

As the Bible clearly states in Ephesians 2:10 and Colossians 1, God has a unique plan for every Christian. The Lord will reveal His plan if we trust and follow Him. We will keep looking up and pressing forward in our quest to know God more, to glorify Him, and to fulfill His purpose in our lives. And if we have these goals, God will accomplish more through us than we could ever have dreamed, and we will live a satisfying, meaningful life, unhampered by fear. Then, we can truly pray the words of the old hymn “Higher Ground”:

My heart has no desire to stay Where doubts arise and fears dismay Tho’ some may dwell where these abound My prayer, my aim is higher ground…

I want to scale the utmost height And catch a gleam of glory bright But still I’ll pray till heaven I’ve found ‘Lord, lead me on to higher ground.’

Thank you so much. May the Lord bless and keep us all.

For the complete speech, visit CoramDeoAcademy.org

calculus jokes. Though we may not realize it, the education we take for granted sets us head and shoulders above many in this world. owever, with this intellectual blessing H comes serious responsibility. As the apostle Luke eloquently stated, “ from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” As we look forward to our approaching college years, there are three areas in which we, as leaders, must be prepared to serve.

Duke Fredrickson

T

he late and great Walt Disney once said, “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

These words describe excellently my feelings towards Coram Deo Academy. Over the past four years, I have experienced a wide variety of the aforementioned “kicks” – many sleepless school nights have challenged my determination, my fortitude, and even my sanity. But, I embrace the lessons I have learned at CDA. Ultimately, the circumstances we have faced here have left indelible marks that will continue to affect us throughout the years. s difficult as our journey has been, we A have developed skills that truly set us apart from others. All too often, CDA students find themselves analyzing political speeches, arguing logical fallacies, and cracking

e first of these areas is intellect. There is Th no arguing that Coram Deo has prepared us academically. But in the midst of the all the coursework, CDA’s greatest lesson is also its simplest: teaching students to think critically. As a Class, we are not only well educated – we are tested thinkers. Using the skills I have learned here, I often find myself solving problems, collaborating with superiors, and even winning debates with my parents. As bright minds and practiced students, we should be leaders, not followers, in college classrooms. In an age of social media and mass-conformity, we must be our generation’s voice of reason in politics, academics, and daily life.

Biblical foundations. As graduates, these foundations will be tested. But I have seen the exceptional character of our students, and this character is not to be taken lightly.

Every week, I have observed firsthand the selfless actions and supportive natures of my colleagues, and have become a better man because of them, not in spite of them. And in the midst of our intellect, our talent, and even our personalities, it is this character that will leave the greatest impression. In a culture of dying morality, we have an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

As I conclude tonight, I would first like to thank the faculty of Coram Deo Academy who have continually sacrificed for our success. Your hours of instruction and vexation have made us into the young adults you see before you tonight. Of course, I would like to thank the families of our graduates. The hard work and ceaseless labor of our parents have finally culminated in this moment, and we could not be more grateful.

Finally, I would like to thank the Class of 2013. I would not be standing at this podium tonight if it were not for the help, support,

“…with this intellectual blessing comes serious

ur second area of service O responsibility. As Luke eloquently stated, ‘from is extracurricular. The Lord the one who has been entrusted with much, has gifted this class with much more will be asked.’” tremendous talent. Some of our students are recognized for their achievements at a national and and camaraderie you have offered me. Any even a global level. With this tremendous success that I have had is the direct result of talent, the Class of 2013 draws tremendous the selfless support and loyalty of my friends attention. Make no mistake – people watch and classmates. Just like Walt Disney, we us in our daily life, and the greater example realize tonight the fruits of our labor, and I we set as servant-leaders, the more effective couldn’t be more proud of you. Good luck, we become. and God bless.

Finally, to lead Coram systems

we as a class have an obligation by our moral code. Our time at Deo has galvanized our belief and helped us establish strong

For the complete speech, visit CoramDeoAcademy.org

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Collin Count y

Alicia Magee

P

arents, teachers, friends, family, people we’ve known for years, and people we just met: welcome to the first ever Coram Deo Collin County graduation! I’d like to start out by saying that this class—is weird. We’re a bit quirky. Anyone who’s had one class with us, or who knows someone who’s had one class with us, knows that.

We’re loud; we’re silly; we’re passionate; we’re all very different; we can be serious when we need to be; but the thing that really sets us apart is how much we care about each other.

We may get tired of our studies and we may sometimes get upset, but, in the end, I don’t think there’s ever been another class that loves each other as much as we do.

S ee, our high school experience has been a lot like a play. When a group of people starts preparing for a production, everyone’s a bit confused. No one really knows what’s going on, who all of the characters are, how they’ll pull it off, what the rehearsals will be like or how the end result will actually turn out. By

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Flower Mound

the time dress rehearsal week has come and gone; by the time the performances have all been put on and the set has all been taken down, the actors have a better sense of who their characters are; they’ve gotten to know their fellow cast mates well; and all of their hard work and long hours have paid off and turned into something beautiful and thoroughly rewarding.

the famous, or maybe infamous, number of students: eight. This year we’ve dealt with some hardships: arguments in senior meetings, difficult classes like physics, and wondering if we’ll really make it all the way through to the end. But we pushed through.

We stayed up late, and we put in long hours, all while getting to know each other more and more.

is is the perfect picture of our class. When Th we became the first ever Collin County high school class, everything was, for lack of a better word, a mess. We didn’t really know who our teachers would be. We didn’t know what classrooms we’d be in. And Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday combined, creating a whole new dynamic.

As the months went on, we started calling ourselves the guinea pig class. Do these instructions apply to us? I don’t really know.

What building will we be in? What papers should we write? Do we do the same things as Flower Mound? Do we have our own yearbook? Do we have a bus? Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! Like the start of a play, we were a bit confused.

play can’t be put on without directors A who have experience and leadership skills, and we’ve had lots of those people throughout our high school years. Our teachers put so much effort in above and beyond their job descriptions. They have helped us intellectually and emotionally and spiritually, and we will never forget what they’ve done for us.

Today is our last performance. We’ve struggled through difficult issues and developed our characters. We’ve studied our textbooks and memorized our lines.

We’ve taken test after test after test and practice scene after scene after scene. And today that has all paid off. We’re all such

ut as the years went on, B we began to figure it all out.

“These teachers… have helped us intellectually We began to really make and emotionally and spiritually, and we will friends with people we used never forget what they’ve done for us.” to consider mere classmates.

We began to expect the unexpected. We began to great friends. We’ve come to appreciate our appreciate the newness of it all. We were teachers and appreciate God. We’ve gained getting more comfortable with this idea of new knowledge that we will carry with us to being the first high school class. We were college. This class has turned into something learning more about ourselves and how we really beautiful; a true group of friends that would handle things as we were learning more I know will stay in touch. And now it’s time about our subjects. We were memorizing our for the curtain call. The lights come up, the lines, developing our characters, and getting curtain opens, we step out and bow. Ladies familiar with the set. and gentlemen, the class of 2013.

Then the week of dress rehearsal came: senior For the complete speech, visit CoramDeoAcademy.org year. By this point, our class had reached

upon all its parts. Naturally, our parents have engineered us from the beginning of our respective lives, giving forms and habits to our identities. From our class’ musicians, scholars and artists to our athletes, engineers and “class Canadian,” it is obvious that our parents have played a major role in defining who we are as individuals, and we cannot thank them enough for it. This building and construction isn’t done by parent-engineers alone, though.

Gill Lipton

G

ood evening everyone, it is my honor to welcome you to tonight’s commencement exercises, and my privilege to be able to speak to you tonight.

We are celebrating the years of hard work and well-earned achievement the Class of 2013, of which I am proud to be a member.

But why do I take pride in my class? What is it that makes us who we are? ese are simple questions, but the answers Th are multi-layered and complex. I know this is a surprise to some of you, but just a quick look at my classmates will reveal that we are a very diverse group. Even so, we are still one group – one graduating class – and can identify with each other in many ways. Much like a train waiting to leave its home station, we are band of unique individuals waiting in alphabetical order to be given the signal that sends us out.

S o a train, and the cars that make up such a thing, needs a team of engineers and mechanics to design, build and improve

e have to remember the mechanics, the W teachers and coaches who have helped us learn both inside and outside the classroom.

They’ve added crucial parts to our train, such as time management skills and work ethics. So in the areas of academics, athletics and general habits, we’ve been shaped and molded to be the best we can be, thanks to our wonderful teachers and coaches.

our train. Luckily for us, the railway on which our class is ready to depart does have a Grand Director. This class is tied together most strongly by our faith in Christ. We may have very different interests, but as we learned about ourselves and our God in Mrs. Powell’s theology class and Mr. Jordan’s apologetics class, we found a fundamental common ground. y class’ firm grounding in the Christian M faith leads us to the ultimate answer to my earlier questions, which is put well by Paul in Ephesians 2:10 : “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Why do I take pride in my class? Because we are a part of this handiwork of God, and He has built us into a fully-assembled line of graduates.

What is it that makes us, the Class of 2013, who we are? The ways that God has used our parents, our teachers and our personalities to shape us into the form He wants for us.

Our years at Coram Deo Academy have been well-spent, providing us with skills that will help us find success in life, and showing us that we are not in this pursuit of excellence

hile much of our train has been built by W the same people, our individual choices have given each railcar its own distinct qualities.

These interests and goals of ours may

sometimes point my classmates and me in different directions, but we’re constantly brought together by our shared experiences. I mention “Our years at Coram Deo Academy have been the two engines Thomas and well-spent, providing us with skills that will Gordon, because they were my favorites back in the day, help us find success in life, and showing us that but they were friends because we are not in this pursuit of excellence alone.” they did similar things. They worked together to get the railcars where they needed to go, and my alone. God has laid the rails for our lives, and classmates and I have done similar things built us into an astounding train that is ready over the years. From Saturday PSAT and to depart from this station and glorify Him SAT tests the morning after a Friday night in our future. Thank you. football game, to juggling Mr. Rector’s math For the complete speech, visit CoramDeoAcademy.org homework and weekday sports practices, we’ve all put extreme mental and physical effort into our time at Coram Deo. I t’s not just what we do that brings our class together, but who we follow or who directs

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Classical, Christ ian & Collaborat ive

education works

Teacher & Parent Collaboration

A Love for Learning

Training ethical

servant-leaders

Classical Education progresses through the grammar, logic (dialectic), and rhetoric stages of learning with the ultimate goal being philosophia, a love of wisdom.

Biblically Integrated Curriculum

and

Rigorous College Prep

wise thinkers who will

shape culture

100

% 2013 seniors attending

for

the glory of God

4-year colleges

CDA National Merit totals since 2007

2 Hispanic Scholars 10 Finalists 25 Commended

As part of curriculum there are

5

AP Courses Required

to Graduate

And of the those who took AP tests, CDA had an 88% AP pass rate in 2012 (National average is under 60%)

3,617,125

$

Scholarship offerings to 2013 graduates (80% of class offered scholarships)

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. – Deut. 6:6-9

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...to train the heart as well as the mind

200+

Area Churches

represented by the student body of CDA

Student-led

Chapel Services

297graduates [so far J]

trained to shape culture for the glory of God

Faculty, Staff, & CDA Parents entirely composed of professing Christians adhering to the tenants of the

Nicene Creed

University Schedule 2 days at Home • 2 to 3 days on Campus 100% Parent Partnership is a Cornerstone at CDA

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campuses

wit h

Collin County, Flower Mound, Dallas

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school mission & vision

Accredited as a District through SACS/CASI; a Member of ACCS and TAPPS, and a Transitioning Member of NAUMS

Low student-teacher ratio means opportunities to go deep in every step of the educational process.

Average Classroom Size

13

Our students participate in a variety of athletic programs as well as visual arts, drama, band, choir, speech and debate, and more.

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Presenting

NAME

The Class of 2013

Wise Thinkers & Ethical Servant-Leaders With over $3.6 million in merit scholarships offered, 100% 4-year collegiate acceptances, and the first Collin County Campus graduation, the Class of 2013 is an honor to Coram Deo Academy. Like previous graduating classes, they too have demonstrated gifting and skills which will help them to enter the next stage of life ready to shape culture for the glory of God. NAME

COLLEGE

MAJOR

COLLEGE

MAJOR

Jordan Patrick O’Hara

• Serving as Senior Class Treasurer • Serving as Vice-President and Chaplain for the House of Homer

John Brown University

International Business

j

Ryan Glenn Pack

• The relationship he has established within his family • The friends he made and the inspiration they have given him— especially through stories and poems

University of North Texas

Undecided

j

Caleb Jeremiah Pond

• Creating a popular YouTube channel focused on gaming peripherals • Learning to play the guitar

University of Texas at Dallas

Arts and Technology

j

Benjamin Carl Powell

• Earning AP Scholar Award • Attending CDA since 3rd grade

University of Texas at Dallas

Arts and Technology

O

Schaefer Gentry Prince

• Working hard and doing his absolute best in his toughest classes • Being awarded the Christian Leadership scholarship at DBU

Dallas Baptist University

Business

j

Emily Elizabeth Sadler

• Attending the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts at age 15 • Her Senior Author Presentation in American Literature

Dallas Baptist University

Biblical Studies

O

Gabriel Robert Sagert

• Participating in 5 years of CDA drama • The friendships he has with his class

University of Dallas

History

O

Austin Brian Shaw

• Academic Scholarship to UTD • Serving as Vacation Bible School Leader on mission trip to the Dominican Republic

University of Texas at Dallas

Pre-Med/Physical Therapy

O

Mary Elizabeth Smith

• 3rd Place in Piano Jazz Festival • Memorizing the Book of James

Honors College at the University of Texas at Dallas

Biomedical Engineering

O

John-Charles Cheng Arion

• 2012 1st Team Academic All-American in Gymnastics • Serving as Vice-President of the Senior Class

United States Naval Academy

Computer Engineering

j

Mark Alexander Borst

• Earning Eagle Scout rank • Participating in TAPPS Art Shows for Art I and Art II

New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology

Physics and Astronomy

j

Angela Christine Bowen

• Serving as a Band Officer 2 years in a row • Serving as Assistant Choir Director for 2 years in a row

Ouachita Baptist University

Music and Business

j

Ryan Matthew Southerland

• Being the Football Captain and earning All-District honors • Earning Eagle Scout rank

Texas A&M University

Biomedical Sciences/ Pre-Med

j

Holyn Layne Duyck

• Serving as Senior Class Events Coordinator • Leading Varsity Volleyball team to four playoff appearances and the 2012 State Tournament

Hendrix College

Biology/Pre-Med

j

Shane Patrick Synan

• The development of his artistic side, including writing and drawing • Academic Achievement in Latin, Physics, and Chemistry

University of Texas-Dallas

Computer Engineering

j

Samuel Brent Taylor

• Being admitted to CDA as a senior and taking 9 classes to graduate in 1 year • National Merit Commended Scholar

Baylor University

Engineering

j

Keegan Alexander van Gemeren

• Playing polo in Toronto for 2 months over the summer and doing well enough to get an offer to play again • Earning Summa Cum Laude Junior Year

Texas A&M University

Aerospace Engineering

j

Cody Josiah White

• Being a Captain for football and earning All District Honors 3 years in a row • Earning a spot in the Tom Hillary All Star Football Classic

Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Physical Education (K-12)

j

Jaclyn Marie White

• Placing 4th at the World 2012 American Quarter Horse Youth Show in Western Riding • Placing 2nd at the 2012 World Novice Show in Trail

Southern Methodist University

Undecided

O

Catherine Kay Wilson

• Earning Summa Cum Laude Junior Year • Serving as President of the House of Churchill

Honors College at Oklahoma State University

Elementary Education, Business Communications, or Sports Marketing

j

Michael Joseph Winstead

• Earning Summa Cum Laude Junior Year • Earning AP Scholar Award

University of Dallas

Pre-Med

j

Aubrey Marie Dwyer

• Excelling as CDA’s first mascot • Serving as the President of the House of Wright

University of Oklahoma

Journalism

j

Joshua Lawrence Elliott

• Serving as Vice-President of the House of Lewis • Academic Achievement in Physics

University of North Texas

Kinesiology

j

Natalie Catherine Frank

• Serving as Yearbook editor 3 years in a row • Being selected as a soloist at the Dance Institute of Dallas

Samford University

Graphic Design

David John Fredrickson, Jr.

• 2011 Outstanding Non-commissioned Officer of the Year in Civil Air Patrol • 2012 Distinguished Student Award

Honors College at Texas Christian University

Business

j

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proudest ACCOMPLISHMENTS

proudest ACCOMPLISHMENTS

j

j

Zerlina Hoi-Yan Fung

• Earning Honor Roll Junior Year • Beating a personal record in both Track and Cross Country this year

Austin College

Undecided

j

Victoria Lauren Goolsby

• Earning AP Scholar Award • Earning Summa Cum Laude Junior Year

Texas Woman’s University

Occupational Therapy

j

Matthew Joseph Gregory

• Civil Air Patrol Honors including 2 terms as the Senior NCO of the Squadron and Commander of the Cyber Security Team Competition • Serving in numerous leadership positions in church and in band

University of North Texas

Engineering

O

Joshua Rhett Hayes

• Performing in 3 separate plays in a single weekend • Academic Performance Junior Year

University of Texas at Dallas

Marketing

j

Adam Lee Johnstone

• Academic Achievement at CDA • Carrying on the proud family tradition of attending Baylor with his father, uncle, aunt, grandparents, and sister!

Baylor University

Computer Science

297 Gr aduates Total - *Class of 2013 Acceptances - Class of 2013 Matriculation in bold

j

Alexander Morris Kotyk

• Starting all 4 years on Varsity Soccer team • Earning Magna Cum Laude or higher all 4 years of high school

Texas A&M University

Industrial Distribution

j

John Gill Lipton

• Regional Champion in Kart Racing and competing at the national level • Serving as the leader of an 8th grade Bible Study at Crossroads Bible Church

Texas A&M University

Mechanical Engineering

O

Alicia Gail Magee

• State Champion in Oratory at State TAPPS Tournament • Singing a solo in Italian at the Solo and Ensemble Contest

Baylor University

Electrical Engineering

j

Lydia Kathlyn McCrummen

• Going to state in Varsity Volleyball senior year • Earning Magna Cum Laude junior year

Texas State University

Nursing

j

Matthew Neale McKee

• Earning Eagle Scout rank • Being the first student to graduate from CDA after attending all 12 years (from 1st through grade 12)

Baylor University

Mechanical Engineering

O Collin County j Flower Mound

summa cum laude

2002-2013 College Admissions & Acceptances

magna cum laude

cum laude

*Abilene Christian University, Auburn University, *Austin College, *Baylor University, Benedictine College, Belmont University, Biola University, Brookhaven College, Boston College, Collin College, Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon University, Colorado School of Mines, Concordia University, Covenant College, Columbia College, The Culinary Institute of America, *Dallas Baptist University, Drexel University, Duke University, Emory and Henry College, *Florida Institute of Technology, *Fordham University, Franklin College-Switzerland, George Washington University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Grove City College, Hampden-Sydney College, *Hardin-Simmons University, Harding University, *Hendrix College, Hillsdale College, *Houston Baptist University, *Howard Payne University, Illinois Institute of Technology, *Iowa State University, James Madison University, *John Brown University, *Johnson and Wales University, Kings College, *LeTourneau University, Louisiana Tech University, Lubbock Christian University, *Lycoming College, Maine Maritime Academy, Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Midland College, *Midwestern State University, *New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, New York University, *North Carolina State University, North Central Texas College, *Northern Arizona University, Northern State University, Northwestern Preparatory School, *The Ohio State University, *Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma City University, *Oklahoma State University, Oral Roberts University, *Ouachita Baptist University, Patrick Henry College, *Pepperdine University, Pratt Institute, Purdue University, Regent University, Rice University, Saint John’s University, *Saint Mary’s College, *Samford University, Savannah College of Art & Design, *Southern Methodist University, *Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Southwestern University, Syracuse University, Tarrant County College, *Tarleton State University, Taylor University, *Texas A&M University, *Texas Christian University, *Texas State University, *Texas Tech University, *Texas Woman’s University, Trinity University, Union University, *Tyler Junior College, United States Air Force Academy, United States Coast Guard Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, United States Military Academy, *United States Naval Academy, *Unity College, *University of Advancing Technology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, *University of Arkansas, University of Chicago, University of ColoradoBoulder, *University of Dallas, University of Edinburgh, University of Houston, *University of Illinois-Chicago, *University of Iowa, University of London (England), *University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, *University of Miami, *University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, Rolla, *University of North Carolina-Charlotte, *University of North Texas, *University of Oklahoma, University of Southern California, University of St. Andrews (Scotland), University of St. Thomas-Houston, *University of Texas-Austiv, *University of Texas-Arlington, *University of Texas-Dallas, University of Texas-Tyler, University of Washington, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, *University of Wyoming, *Wayland Baptist University, Westmont College, Wheaton College, Willamette University, William Jewell College, *Xavier University

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dr. Nathan Holsteen

preparing for faith challenges in the university Sometimes there are different ways of looking at the same thing. College is one of those. College is going to be a great time—the new found freedom, making new friends, being in a new place, learning new things: embrace those joys. Live fully for the glory of God. There is another way of looking at college. College can be one of the biggest challenges to the faith. One study has shown that 70% of Christian students will leave church while in college.

What does one do in order to maximize these joys while growing in one’s faith in the face of challenges in college?

1

First, be prepared for some degree of hostility.

In one way or another (in classes or the university community), your faith may be assaulted. You will not find that same nurturing, caring environment you found in CDA at most universities. How will you prepare for hostility? The first idea: read.

Read widely, read Christian books, read non-Christian books, and the classics. Don’t ever give that up. One of my professors said, “Readers are leaders and leaders are readers.”

The second idea: talk. If you want to prepare for hostility, I would suggest you need to talk, build quickly and carefully a circle of friends.

As I look at you today, I envy the intimacy of this graduating class. And yet when you go to the university, it will be different. You will have to work at creating this circle of friends. My recommendation is that you would choose wisely—maybe even combine your reading and your talking—maybe find a challenging book and read and talk about it.

more I got to know him, the more I realized that this was not an intellectual rejection of Christianity. Someone had hurt him deeply and he could no longer stand Christians. So here is your official warning: someone will probably hurt you deeply in college, probably someone who is a Christian. Be prepared.

How? Join a local church. Get deeply involved. If you really develop relationships of accountability and trust you will not fall prey to the danger of hurt.

3

2

The second way to face the challenge of college is to be prepared for hurt. I know a man raised in the church who had turned against the church, against God, against Scripture—he had a ton of objections. Yet the

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Your senior class verse is Romans 12:12– “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” My message to you today is this: you cannot rejoice in a hope you have abandoned, so read widely, talk with friends of like mind. You will not be patient in trouble if you have abandoned the community of Christ because of personal hurt, so get deeply involved with a local church. As you do this, my prayer is that you will pray constantly for I know the Lord will do great things through you.

The more you cling to Him, the greater those things will be.

For the complete speech, visit CoramDeoAcademy.org

Duane White

Life is filled with barriers, but barriers are meant to be broken

U

ntil 1947, no one had flown faster than the speed of sound. Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager had tried and failed six times. On October 14, with broken ribs, Yeager pushed through the opposition and suddenly it happened—he reached Mach One—he had broken the sound barrier. On May 6, 1954, British runner Roger Bannister did something that had been thought to not be humanly possibly: he ran a mile in less than four

“What is the key to breaking barriers?

I believe for Christians, it is getting out of you what God has already invested in you.” minutes. Until that time it was believed inconceivable. Many people thought the human body was incapable of such speed.

That is something your education has prepared you for—to break barriers. What is the key to breaking barriers? I believe for Christians, it is getting out of you what God has already invested in you. 2 Corinthians 4:7 tells us, “but we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power might be of God, and not of us.” The Greek word for excellency is “huperbole”—in English, we would say hyperbole, “an extreme exaggeration.” God wants our lives to be one big “hyperbole,” so that when we break barriers or limits, people will say, “this couldn’t have been this person, it must have been God.” God took this resurrection life of Jesus and put it in our frail humanity. This word “huper” is a prefix—it

takes whatever it is attached to, and it takes it beyond itself. In Ephesians 3:20, He wants to take you beyond yourself, beyond your limits, beyond your barriers. In Romans 8:37, He wants us to completely prevail for the kingdom of heaven. We always start out in life as average, ordinary people. The circumstances of our lives may be trying to mold us into mediocrity, but today if we can understand who we are in Christ, we can be transformed into “huper” men and women.

There is one other amazing truth: barriers are meant to be broken not just for me, but to pave the way for others. When Bannister broke the four minute mile, that record only lasted 46 days. Yesterday’s excellence is today’s mediocrity. The anthem of my life is, “not for himself was he born, but for the world.”

This phrase has challenged me to go beyond the borders of past human experience, to stretch beyond my own natural limitations.

Graduates, as you leave one chapter of your life and begin the next, you will have barriers to overcome: in college, in your career, wherever you go there will always be barriers, but those barriers were meant to be broken. It was not given for you only, but for the world. Your life is a gift to be shared for others. I believe that true kingdom greatness is not defined by accomplishment but rather by contribution. Let these words inspire you as you go to make your contribution as you go from here: “not for yourself were you born, but for the world.” Now CDA Class of 2013, go and change the world.

For the complete speech, visit CoramDeoAcademy.org

11

The Coram Deo Academy

House System

It’s Time

In March 2007, the House System was introduced to Coram Deo Academy’s High School. The Four Pillars of the House are Leadership, Self-Government, Honor and Spirit, and Community Service.

to Build Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.

House of Homer – Flower Mound exemplar: Homer (Ancient Poet) colors:

Green (hope, joy, loyalty) Gold (generosity and elevation of mind)

motto: Post nubila phoebus (After the storm, comes the sun.)

Proverbs 19:21, ESV

I

n the ongoing pursuit of fulling the mission of Coram Deo Academy, we began a Capital Campaign to develop new facilities for the Collin County and Flower Mound campuses. The results will accommodate our growth and provide enduring resources for the beneficiaries of the school’s highest stewardship – our students. As of June 2013:

House of Lewis – Flower Mound exemplar: C.S. Lewis (Early Modern-Modern Theologian/Author) colors: Maroon (patience in battle)

Silver (peace and sincerity) motto: Ad majorem Dei gloriam (To the greater glory of God)

House of Wallace – Flower Mound exemplar:

William Wallace (Medieval Military Leader)

colors: Purple (sovereignty and justice)

Gold (generosity and elevation of mind) motto: Ignis aurem probat, miseria fortes viros

(Fire tests gold, adversity tests strong men.)

collin county $ 339,491 - pledged/received 500,000 - milestone 1

House of Wright – Flower Mound exemplar:

The Wright Brothers (United States Scientists)

colors: Black (constancy)

Gold (generosity and elevation of mind)

House of Churchill – Est. 2012, Collin County

Flower Mound $ 403,490 - pledged/received 800,000 - milestone 1

Winston Churchill epitomized true leadership by his wisdom and foresight in understanding the purposes of his enemy and by refusing to compromise in the face of adversity. We seek to model this wisdom and steadfastness in our walks with Christ, our lives both in and out of school, and our interaction within the house system and the community.

Will you

motto: Audentia fortuna juvat (Fortune assists the daring.)

support the vision?

Contact Us to Send a Gift:

House of Luther – Est. 2012, Collin County

972.584.9159

Martin Luther as a religious reformer exemplified courage in holding to his beliefs as well as passion and determination to carry out his work. These characteristics of courage, passion and determination are what we want to characterize what we do on campus and in the community.

donnie.brake@coramdeoacademy.org

Coram Deo Academy Campuses Classical Education in the Presence of God

Collin County 2400 State Highway 121 Plano, TX 75025 Phone 469.854.1300

Dallas

6464 E. Lovers Lane Dallas, TX 75214 Phone 972.385.6410

Flower Mound 4900 Wichita Trail Flower Mound, TX 75022 Phone 682.237.0232

www.CoramDeoAcademy.org