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Engage Sharpening Minds, Shepherding Hearts.
Mike Musick, Sr. In memory of a beloved teacher, coach and friend. p. 7
Lakeland Christian School Lakeland, Florida
H E A D O F S C H O O L N OT E
Letter from the Head of School
visitors over the last weeks of his life, and many of us were privileged to share with him our expressions of love, appreciation and friendship in an effort to let him know of his influence in our lives. Mike’s life was exemplary in many ways, and his confidence that Jesus would shepherd him even through death and out the other side was perhaps his last lesson to us all. Death is the last enemy, but the resurrection provides a sure hope with the knowledge that “death has been swallowed up in victory” by our Savior. We hope we have been able to provide a glimpse of Mike’s life in this edition of Engage. This issue presents another example of perseverance by a remarkable group of student athletes. After five trips to the finals, the LCS girls’ soccer team won the 3A State Championship. The core of this team has been together since eighth grade and had felt the frustration of ten straight trips to the Final Four by LCS girls’ soccer teams without taking home the gold. After falling behind 2-1 in the second half, a tactical adjustment by Coach Jason Streets and an incredible level of resolve by the players produced a three-goal comeback that will have a special place in LCS soccer tradition for years to come. The sweetness of a state championship is special in that it represents an accomplishment that can never be taken away. Winning is really fun and should be enjoyed to the fullest. When we step back from it all, we recognize that such victories are not Ultimate in the eternal sense. But temporal victories can help to point us to the eternal victory that awaits us all, that victory enjoyed today by Mike Musick. The Christian is free to enjoy the victories of this life to an even more special level in that we do not try to get Ultimate satisfaction from the temporal. We are free to enjoy the moment and anticipate the Ultimate victory that will be ours someday in eternity with the Savior we love. The results of the perseverance demonstrated by the soccer team continue to bring smiles to Vikings everywhere. The reality of victory over death in the life and homegoing of Mike Musick brings a deep joy to the heart of all who trust in Christ for salvation. Please enjoy this issue of Engage and be encouraged by these examples of perseverance.
Perseverance: for now, and for eternity “For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality…Death is swallowed up in victory.” I Corinthians 15:53-54 As I sat in Mike Musick’s hospital room in August of 2018, I asked him what he was learning as he walked through this difficult journey and was facing a very delicate and serious cancer surgery. His prompt response was, “Sovereignty wins.” He had a clear focus on God’s sovereign and faithful care for his own. Life is not a collection of random events. All is under the control of our loving Heavenly Father. Mike was a gifted classroom teacher and a successful coach with a resume with few peers. His life touched thousands of students over his almost 50 years in the classroom, the last 43 at LCS. He was a man of few words, but his words had lasting influence. He persevered through extensive surgery and follow-up treatment to return to teaching for almost two years before the Lord called him home. He was able to receive many
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“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:58
Dr. Mike Sligh Head of School
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IN THIS ISSUE
Engage Magazine Editor Sandy Johnson Director of Marketing & Communications
Cade Denhoff
Creative Design Lakelander Creative
Cade Denoff (‘20) takes his football career to Clemson University.
Cover Photography Mike Potthast
ADMINISTRATORS:
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Dr. Mike Sligh Head of School Dr. Keith Overholt Associate Head of School for Academics/Secondary Principal Darren Copeland Assistant Principal – High School Jonathan Harvey Assistant Principal – Middle School Luci O’Byrne Elementary Principal Heather Rhoden Assistant Principal – Elementary Matt Green Chief Financial Officer MattE Diaz Director of Advancement Julie Rice Director of Enrollment Geoff Stabler Director of Biblical and Worldview Studies Todd Radford Athletic Director
7 Mike Musick
In memory of a beloved teacher, coach and friend
14 Kristen Grafton
LCS alumna Kristen Grafton (‘12) shares about being back at LCS as a teacher.
18 Around Campus
Events and activities from the fall semester at LCS
24 Cade Denhoff
Cade Denhoff (‘20) takes his football career to Clemson University.
28 Girls’ Soccer
The 2021 Lady Vikings finally clinch a State Championship.
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34 Collection Media
Two LCS alumni produce their first featurelength documentary.
38 Pressed Coffee
Christina Livesay Needham (‘06) opens a bookstore in downtown Lakeland.
42 Alumni Updates
Graduations, weddings, babies and more!
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Kevin Knowlton Chairman Payton Albritton, Heather Bryant, Dan DeLange, Dan Green, Holland Henderson, David Miller, Bill Mutz, Cory Petcoff, Steve Sligh, John Tucker, Jim Wilbanks
Engage magazine is published by Lakeland Christian School and is distributed free of charge to parents, grandparents, alumni and friends of the school. Send correspondence to: Lakeland Christian School Attn: Sandy Johnson 1111 Forest Park Street Lakeland, FL 33803 You may send emails to sjohnson@lcsonline.org.
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Tour the School, Meet the Faculty and Get Admissions Information
Can't make one of our open houses? Tours are available year-round by appointment. 1111 Forest Park Street | Lakeland, FL 33803 | lcsonline.org | 863.688.2771 WINTER 2021 4
Letter from the Editor
When I started working at Lakeland Christian in the fall of 2005, the campus looked very different than it does now. There was no Elementary/Middle School building, Viking Stadium, Roger Evans Athletic Center, or outdoor amphitheater. The current parking lot was mostly trees; the main entrance was a circle drive where the portables sit along Forest Park Street, and my current office was part of an elementary classroom. The Engage magazine didn’t exist as you’re holding it now. It was a black and white newsletter called The Viking, full of little paragraphs and photos that have since been moved to social media. Speaking of social media, that wasn’t around when I started either. Facebook was just starting to show up on college campuses. There was no Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok or Pinterest.
A lot has changed in the past 16 years. But some things haven’t changed...like the school’s commitment to educating students in the light of God’s Word, and the fact that our students and alumni are doing some pretty amazing things in the Lakeland community, across the nation and around the world. They’re lifelong learners, leaders, servants and worshippers. This issue of Engage highlights just a few of those Vikings. I hope you enjoy reading their stories.
Sandy Johnson
Director of Marketing & Communications
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Why Engage?
The mission of Lakeland Christian School is to educate students in the light of God’s Word to equip them for a lifetime of learning, leadership, service and worship.
engage (v.) to commit; to involve intensely; to begin action The title for the LCS magazine describes—in one word—a great deal about our passion for Christian schooling and the effectual results. This active verb reflects our commitment to fostering lives of vibrant faith, active learning and intentional influence. Teachers engage students, students engage in their studies and co-curricular activities, and children and young people are prepared to engage their culture for the Kingdom. Engage will share encouraging stories of commitments to Christ, engagement in learning and active applications of faith for a lifetime.
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C OV E R F E AT U R E
Michael Musick, Senior Longtime faculty member and coach Michael Musick passed away on January 27, 2021, after a years-long battle with cancer. Coach Musick dedicated his life to the Lord, to his family and to influencing the lives of young people through teaching and coaching. We asked Mark Kirby (assistant athletic director and longtime coach) to share about the legacy of his friend, fellow coach and colleague.
hen I think about Coach Mike Musick or hear his name, I either smile as pleasant memories flood my mind or tear up because of the separation that death has brought. It wasn’t only students who were enriched by Coach Musick; it was those he coached with and against and others he encountered along the way. It was me. Our relationship had many facets: peer, coach, mentor, and colleague, but the one I cherish the most is that of friend. As a Mr. Musick takes time to explain the anatomy of the heart to Brian Nall (‘03).
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23-year-old kid right out of college, I met Coach Musick in 1980 when I arrived at Lakeland Christian School. Because of my love of running, I soon began working with the track team alongside Coach Musick in the spring of 1981, then Cross Country in the fall. My friendship with Coach was a deep friendship forged under the hot Florida sun as we pounded the hard pavement or ran the spongy grass of Lake Hunter—that was back when we both could keep up with the athletes; it was forged as we piled cross country runners into an old beat-up station wagon owned by the school and traveled all
“It wasn’t only students who were enriched by Coach Musick; it was those he coached with and against and others he encountered along the way.”
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over the state; it was forged as we prayed together for our families and our athletes; it was forged as we discussed many passages of Scripture; it was forged as I hit a little white ball and he hit a little yellow ball all over the golf course; it was forged by both the deep and light discussions we had as I drove a bus and he talked to make sure I stayed awake; it was forged through mutual respect, our love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and our school. Coach was masterful with the X and O’s of meet strategy and putting individuals in the right events to maximize their potential and team points. I was his wingman.
“Coach Musick loved to win, but it was not his identity. His identity was in Jesus Christ.”
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Thank you, Coach Musick, for a life well lived. Unfortunately, many coaches’ identities are wrapped up in their wins and losses, their trophies and titles. Make no mistake— Coach Musick loved to win, but it was not his identity. His identity was in Jesus Christ. If you didn’t know, you would never realize that Mike was one of the most successful Cross Country and Track & Field coaches in the state. He was a humble man, more concerned about a kid’s spirit and soul than the time on the stopwatch. He used athletics to hone kids and give them a place to fit, to help them be better. He loved nothing more than working with an uncoordinated, plodding kid, and turn him into a good
runner. He was able to look past the starting point and see the potential, and he had a way of teasing that out. In those last days as I sat with my friend, I was able again to share my heart with him and how much his friendship meant to me over the last 40 years. I laughed, and I cried. I knew I was going to miss my friend. But, the beauty of being a believer—of both knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior—is that I didn’t really have to tell my friend goodbye. I could hug him, tell him I loved him and with full confidence say “Until we meet again.” Thank you, Coach Musick, for a life well lived.
Coach Musick’s teams won 14 State Championships and 11 State Runner-Up titles during his years coaching at LCS.
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Christal Howe Helvering (‘84) and Gay Haines Kelly (‘84) visited Coach Musick at a track meet, wearing the limited edition shirt made in his honor.
SOME TRIBUTE COMMENTS FROM FACEBOOK A dear and unique person and a true encourager. He ran his race well and finished strong! His influence will be felt in the lives of all who knew him, and his wisdom will be remembered and shared. He taught with heartfelt dedication, a touch of wry humor, and his character speaks for itself. He invested into the lives of his students, commenting with unflinching integrity wherever it was most needed. Thank you, Mr. Musick! - Sylvia Grafton He introduced me to Greek and how to dissect a cat his first year at LCS. But his ability to connect and value each student has by far had the greatest impact on my life. - Stephanie Savage Mr. Musick is the person you thank God for as a colleague, coach and teacher of children—yours and others. Such a wise, disciplined, humble and spirit-filled man. Our family always thank God for having placed him and Sandra in our lives. - Sheron White All of our children were impacted by his influence as a teacher and coach! - Sheri Cline
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Top: Laurel Hesseltine (‘16) and Mr. Musick clown around during class. Bottom: Coach Musick, pictured here with his son Joe (‘94), had the opportunity to teach and coach all four of his own children, as well as several grandchildren.
Mike was one of a kind. A brilliant mind, a dry humor, and a great love for the Lord and for people. I’m grateful to have known him. - Maggie Forlaw I’m an LCS alumna, Class of 1991! I loved Mr. Musick, and I will always remember how fun he was as a teacher! His dry sense of humor was always a breath of fresh air in class and in the hallways (once you figured it out). Heaven just received a very special blessing! - Pamela Keene Fletcher He was a wonderful man and teacher! Loved his classes!!! I know how much he will be missed on earth, but man oh man is he celebrating now! - Kathy Popelka Thank you, Mike, for pouring out your wisdom and humor in our kids. You will always be remembered. - J. Eric Thomas A difference maker—SURE he was! What a legacy this man leaves! He was such a great science teacher. I have so many fond memories of his great musing and pondering and how he would include his Smurfs in the wonderings. Such a strong man of faith! I had so many questions about God as I am an analytic, and he never made me feel judged or “stupid” for my questions. He would scratch his head and say, “Well now that’s a great question. Wanna talk about it over lunch or after school?” And ultimately take me down the path of knowing for myself that God is... (whatever my question was).... not just his quick answer. Loved that about him! - Jennifer Clark Although I never participated in sports, Mr. Musick taught me Latin, gave me my senior quote (he had written a couple down on tardy slips and just handed them out when people asked for them), and would always seem shocked when I couldn’t answer the Trivial Pursuit questions about music. He will be missed. - Vaviel Verner Crane It is impossible to summarize the impact this man had on so many lives. - Alexander Delfino
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Re-enrollment Begins January 10! www.lcsonline.org/admissions
Shepherding Hearts. 13 Sharpening Minds.
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A LU M N I F E AT U R E
Kristen Grafton “...I wanted to be a part of the mission at LCS. It was so meaningful to me as a student, and if I could be a part of that impact for future students, I would be happy.”
At the start of the 2020-2021 school year, Miss Kristen Grafton (LCS Class of 2012) stepped foot back in one of her favorite classrooms — the high school English classroom formerly occupied by retired longtime teacher, Mrs. Judy Oncu. But this time, she walked in as the new teacher for junior and senior honors and Advanced Placement English classes. Kristen shares here about her experiences with LCS and what she loves about teaching English. Q: Why did you want to come back to teach at LCS? During my eighth grade year, I came to LCS to interview with administration and shadow a student to determine if LCS was the right high school for me. That afternoon, when my parents picked me up, they expected me to be undecided. I
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had attended my previous school for nine years and didn’t know anything else, so a new environment was likely to be overwhelming. But when I got in the car, I immediately said, “This is the school for me.” Thirteen years later, LCS is still the school for me. I love everything about it: the competitive academics, the Biblical worldview, the loving faculty, the joyful atmosphere, and the ambitious perspective. I always wanted to come back to LCS as a teacher because I wanted to be a part of the mission at LCS. It was so meaningful to me as a student, and if I could be a part of that impact for future students, I would be happy. Q: Tell us about yourself. What did you do during your school years at LCS? I attended LCS for all of high school, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. One of the many, many reasons I loved LCS was the variety it offered. I took multiple AP classes, Latin, Greek, and home economics. I worked on the high school newspaper in journalism and was the copy editor of the yearbook my senior year. I was in the productions of The Sound of Music and Get Smart. The sheer variety of classes and activities in which I participated is unparalleled elsewhere. Q: What did you do after you graduated from Lakeland Christian? After graduating from LCS in 2012, I went to the University of South Florida and triple majored in political science, history and English. After graduation, I taught for three years at a small Christian school in Tampa. It was a wonderful experience because I got to teach a variety of classes, including English, history, American Sign
“Thirteen years later, LCS is still the school for me. I love everything about it...”
Kristen credits Mrs. Judy Oncu with preparing her academically, but also for encouraging her in her goals, hobbies and faith.
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“I want my students to go into the next phase of their lives confident in their writing abilities no matter what field they enter.”
Language, creative writing, and an Old Testament survey class, as well as being involved in multiple activities such as musicals, spelling bees, fine arts competitions and prom planning. In the midst of that, I worked on my Master’s in English from USF, ultimately deciding to go full-time at USF to finish my degree and teach first-year composition. I’m so grateful for my time at USF because I learned exactly what the curriculum was like in college English classes, better preparing me to return to the high school classroom. While at USF, I did some substitute teaching at LCS and a charter school in Tampa to stay in touch with the high school environment. Q: What is it like to be colleagues with so many of your former teachers? Most people can identify at least one teacher that had a significant impact on them. The lucky ones can identify a handful of teachers. When I’m asked that question, I’m so grateful to say that I have a lengthy list of teachers, each of whom played a major role in my life. Their impact stretches far beyond the academic realm, and their memory has lasted since I left their classrooms. Returning to LCS as the colleague of many of those teachers has been surreal, but in many ways, it’s like returning to family. As a student, LCS was a second home to me because of my friends and teachers, so having my teachers morph into my friends has been such a fun and wonderful experience. Q: You replaced “The Queen.” How did it feel taking over for your own high school teacher and for someone who had been here for so long? As a student, I looked up to many of my teachers and thought, “What would LCS look like without them? Who could ever replace them?” I never imagined that the person who would one day take over for Ms. Oncu would be me. Ms. Oncu, like so many others here, is one-of-a-kind. Anyone who had her as a teacher knows that she is unparalleled in her ability to teach English and writing effectively. The education I received from her carried me well into graduate school,
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and countless professors puzzled over my writing ability and wondered where I could have learned to write so well. Students of Ms. Oncu also know that what makes her a great teacher isn’t just her ability to teach academically. Ms. Oncu encouraged me in my writing but also in my personal goals, my Christian walk, and my hobbies. She was a constant on which I could depend for two years in high school. Her legacy is lasting because she is exceptional. Taking over for someone so beloved is already intimidating, but Ms. Oncu is someone so personally meaningful to me that I felt a great responsibility to be worthy of being her successor. So much of my own teaching philosophy is derived from her, so in some ways, it was a very natural fit, but I definitely felt the weight of her legacy. As an extension of her impact, she has continued to encourage and support me, turning into a mentor in my life that I value greatly. She has been a significant factor in my feeling confident enough to do this job. In addition, the faculty and staff here have welcomed me all over again, and they have continually supported me and checked in on me. I couldn’t be more grateful to be in this position now, and though it’s funny sometimes to assign something I wrote myself ten years ago, it is definitely the right place for me. Q: You triple majored in political science, history and English. What made you settle on teaching English? What’s your favorite lessons/ unit/book/etc. that you teach?
I’m the stereotypical bookworm English teacher who loves to read and write, so English was always a natural fit for me. Originally, I thought that I might become a history teacher (and I taught history for a while at the beginning of my career), but I couldn’t ignore the allure of literature and writing. One of my favorite things to teach is literature because I love hearing the class have an in-depth conversation about the characters and themes of a novel. There’s so much to learn from literature, and I love it when the students surprise me with their commentary or analysis. I also really value teaching writing of all forms. My writing education has benefited me in every aspect of my life. Obviously, my majors were writing-intensive, but even my ability to write more practical, everyday texts like a resume, cover letter, personal statement, article, or blog has significantly benefited me. I want my students to go into the next phase of their lives confident in their writing abilities no matter what field they enter. Writing is such a valuable skill, and due to its unfortunate dwindling prevalence, people who can write well have so many advantages in college and in the workforce. English class teaches so many versatile skills: persuasive writing, analytical writing, public speaking, research, critical thinking, grammar, organization, and so on. My goal as a teacher is that students develop these skills to the best of their ability so that they can be successful in their future endeavors.
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AROUND CAMPUS
Around Campus VETERANS’ DAY On Thursday, November 11, our elementary students gathered on the football field to honor our veterans by singing patriotic songs and learning about the history and importance of Veterans’ Day. Students donned red, white and blue apparel, and each received a flag to commemorate the holiday. The kids also participated in a number of classroom activities to learn about our veterans.
SEE YOU AT THE POLE On September 22, LCS students of all ages participated in the annual See You At The Pole. This global day of student prayer started in 1990 and is a student-initiated, student-led time of prayer. Before school, secondary students joined together at our pavilion to pray for friends, family, our school and our nation. Our students stood bold in their faith that morning. Elementary students also participated throughout the day.
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PRAISE & WORSHIP WEEK WITH GRANDPARENTS For several years, Grandparents’ Day has been one of the favorite days on the LCS campus. After missing last year’s event due to COVID-19, LCS was committed to welcoming these special guests to campus again. During the week before Thanksgiving, our elementary students honored their grandparents and grand-friends with a time of Praise and Worship. Each grade level hosted its own performance, which included several worship songs and recited verses.
MUSICAL With a cast comprised of students in grades 3-12, this year’s Fine Arts musical, “The Little Mermaid,” delighted audiences for four sold-out performances. The main characters also hosted a brunch to interact with young fans of the beloved musical.
GALA The 7th Annual Voyages & Victories Gala: Backyard Blessings was held in early November at the Skylight Hangar at Sun ‘N Fun. In addition to more than 100 silent auction items, the live auction featured some amazing items including a hunting trip, a luxury suite for a USF football game and the ever-popular labradoodle puppy. This event raises money for the LCS Financial Aid Fund.
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AROUND CAMPUS
Follow Us:
@LCSvikings
lcsvikings Homecoming October 15 Congratulations to the 2021 Homecoming royalty: Princess Taylor Stiles, Prince Jacob Allen, King Malcolm Bennett and Queen Jazmyne Niver.
lcsvikings Officer Ramos October 6 Wishing Officer Ramos the happiest of birthdays! Thank you for being such a great School Resource Officer and keeping LCS safe!
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lcsvikings Fall Fanfare Concert - October 20 Tuesday evening was a wonderful night of music by the LCS Fine Arts Department. 6th12th grade bands and choirs each performed in our Fall Fanfare concert to kick off the concert year. The choirs were under the direction of Mrs. Wendy Carl, and the bands were under the direction of Mrs. Mindi Mulligan and Mrs. Kathy Johnson. Soli Deo Gloria!
lcsvikings Operation Christmas Child November 17 A student in Mrs. Milligan’s 2nd-grade class (Cohen Johnson) felt challenged to make a difference after hearing about OCC in chapel. He challenged his church, First Baptist Church Imperial Lakes, to help, and today, he and his family brought in 116 boxes to ship to children around the world. Mrs. Milligan’s class was excited to help with unloading! Tomorrow is the last day! Please send your child to school with their Operation Christmas Child box.
lcsvikings Mock Trial - November 4 The Florida State Champion LCS Mock Trial team has been in Tallahassee this week attending Florida Supreme Court Oral Arguments, meeting with Legislators, and learning about law and public policy.
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AROUND CAMPUS
SIX THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Jordan Allen, LCS Athletic Trainer
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Jordan is a Gatorade Performance Partner Tik Tok influencer. He started doing Tik Tok videos during the summer of 2020 after being challenged by a studentathlete to see who could get the most followers. Since then, he has amassed almost 71,000 followers. Jordan’s videos are primarily based on athletic injuries and training. His recent Osgood-Schlatters Disorder video racked up the most views with 2.5 million and was shared by the BallIsLife account and by Terrence Ross of the Orlando Magic. His most popular series has been “Questions Athletes ask Athletic Trainers” with a combined 7 million views. As a Gatorade Performance Partner, Jordan receives new Gatorade products to test before they’re released. They also share his videos. You can find him on Tik Tok and Instagram as @lcsathletictrainer.
Jordan was the lead vocalist (aka screamer) for the Christian metal band “Babylon, Behold” during his college years at Florida Southern College. Their first-ever performance was winning the FSC Battle of the Bands his sophomore year. You can find his music on Reverb Nation or by just Googling the band name.
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Jordan started working at LCS in 2010 as the student athletic trainer during his time at Florida Southern. During 2010-2012, he spent two years at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, where he worked as the graduate assistant athletic trainer for football and women’s soccer while getting his master’s degree. After graduation, he returned to LCS as the head athletic trainer in 2014. Jordan’s wife, Melissa, is the College Guidance Counselor at Lakeland Christian. The couple has two kids. Their son Ben is in K4 at LCS, and their daughter Sophie is two years old.
Jordan Allen has worked with LCS athletes since his college days at Florida Southern. He became head trainer in 2014.
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The defining moment of Jordan’s Athletic Training career happened on April 4, 2019. During an LCS varsity baseball game against Santa Fe Catholic, Jordan saved the life of the Santa Fe pitching coach, Chuck Stickler, who suffered a heart attack and collapsed during the 5th inning. Jordan immediately started administering CPR. He delivered one charge with the AED to restart his heart. Jordan won the Lifesaver Recognition Award from the Athletic Trainers Association of Florida (ATAF) and also from WoodmenLife. Jordan’s high school athletic career — and his numerous injuries — led him to his current career as an athletic trainer. He played soccer for Auburndale High School from 2004-2008 and was part of the state championship team in 2007. He played center defensive mid for the Bloodhounds. During his pre-college years, his injuries included 15 broken bones, four diagnosed concussions, over 100 non-surgical stitches and two knee surgeries from tearing his ACL, MCL and meniscus in both knees. Jordan also spent 10 days in the hospital right before his state championship soccer game because of a brown recluse spider bite. The spider was in his cleat. This was the first of two brown recluse spider bites.
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AT H L E T I C S F E AT U R E
Cade Denhoff ...FOR ALL THE CHAOS THE FOURSTAR SENIOR PROSPECT CAUSES ON THE FIELD, HE HAS REMAINED A STEADY CONSTANT BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD. Photos provided by Clemson University Athletics Department
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2020 was a year of constant change and questions. Routines were altered, plans deferred, and lives completely upended. As the fall approached, students of all ages were left wondering whether or not they would be able to return to their school grounds. For student-athletes, they were left wondering if they’d be able to return to the field or court. However, in the midst of such uncertainty one thing remained constant for the Vikings’ football team: Cade Denhoff. Measuring in at 6’5” and 235lbs, Cade is an athletic freak of nature for offenses when he lines up at strong side defensive end, wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks, running backs, and whoever else has the misfortune to find themselves in his sights. Yet for all the chaos the four-star senior prospect
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caused on the field, he remained a steady constant both on and off the field for the Vikings during his senior year. Cade wrapped up his senior season for the Vikings, graduated in December and headed to Clemson, South Carolina, where he started taking classes for his Construction Science Management degree while practicing with the Tigers for their spring season. We spent some time talking to Cade and his former LCS coach, Danny Williams to hear how he has navigated his senior season during COVID-19, the areas he has grown in as a young man and football player, why he was so eager to commit to Clemson University, and how his freshman year of college is going. How did quarantine and COVID-19 impact your preparation going into your senior season and how you approached
your college recruitment? Cade: I committed (to Clemson University) in January of 2020, so I didn’t have to deal with too much recruitment stuff during COVID. In terms of preparation and getting ready for the season, it didn’t really affect me aside from not being able to get together and work out. That was hard but I was able to work out on my own until we were able to start practicing together again. What was it about Clemson that made you want to shut down your recruiting and commit back early? Cade: I’m a big guy on culture and Clemson does culture really well. They create a great family atmosphere and a faith-based program. They treat their players very well, including their recruits. So for me it was their culture and their commitment to winning comes after that.
Cade committed to Clemson University in January 2020, citing the culture of the program as the biggest deciding factor.
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“...MY BIGGEST THING IS TO LEAD BY YOUR ACTIONS AND SETTING THE EXAMPLE THAT WAY.”
How do you feel you grew as a player and person during your four years at LCS? Cade: Well I got a lot bigger, obviously. That kind of happened naturally, so what I really tried to work on was my speed and quick-twitch reflexes. I got a lot faster and more agile. I also wanted to develop my technique so that came down to a lot of pass rushing and hand drills. Off the field, I grew a lot as a leader as I got older. I can be that type of guy who will get in your face and be loud, but my biggest thing is to lead by your actions and setting the example that way. Coach Danny, in what ways did you see Cade grow and develop? Danny: Cade started for us as an eighth grader. He was all of 5’11” and 160lbs, so he was like this skinny kid running around out there. But we understood pretty quickly that Cade’s work ethic and his motor…that’s the type of stuff you just can’t coach into a guy. He obviously developed into this hulking monster on the defensive line for us, but even before that he was always our hardest working kid. He’s going to work on the weekends. He’s going to do all those little things that, as a coach, “Man, that kid has got that ‘it-factor.’” With Cade it’s his work ethic and his leadership. He’s going to always put in the most work and he’s going to hold his teammates accountable to always give their best. When he speaks and leads, the other guys listen.
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Cade’s work ethic and leadership abilities on and off the field were invaluable for the Viking varsity team.
How has your freshman season at Clemson been so far? Cade: My freshman season has been amazing. It has been really fun getting closer with the older guys as the season goes on. And the food…we eat some really good food during the season! The only challenge has been time management because the season is so busy. Have you followed your former Viking teammates through the LCS season this year? Cade: Yes, and it has been really fun to watch them play. They showed a lot of resiliency and toughness as the season went on and especially in the playoffs.
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AT H L E T I C S F E AT U R E
ow long could you tolerate being good—very good, even—while still feeling like you’re not quite good enough? Head Coach Jason Streets and the young women of the LCS Girls’ Varsity Soccer team were going on a decade. Ten years of making it to the Final Four in the State tournament, including four appearances in the title match in the last six years. For Streets and his team, they had dealt with falling just short of their goal for far too long. On March 3, 2021, they’d had enough with being “good, but not good enough,” and decided “State Champs” had a much nicer ring to it. Before they could face American Heritage Delray in the Finals, the Vikings had to make one more stop on their revenge tour, squaring off against the defending champs, Bolles out of Jacksonville. Last year in the semi-finals Bolles dealt the team a 0-3 loss, ending the Vikings’ title hopes. In their rematch, the Vikings were the dream crushers, jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead and never looking back.
LCS Girls’ Varsity Soccer Photos by Dan Austin
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The Lady Vikings outscored their opponents 123-12 during the ‘20-21 season.
years and she’s actually the only girl at LCS to play in four state title games.” Watkins’ fellow seniors Eden Guynn and Katie Carnes have been with Streets since their eighth-grade year and were playing in their third final. Regarding his special group of seniors Streets said, “This was the best senior class we’ve ever had. Just the confidence and the leadership they gave. Our two center backs were outstanding when it came to communication and driving this team forward.” As the saying goes, “Big time players make big time plays in big time games.” And this Vikings squad was stacked with big time players. Senior Katie Carnes, who was named the Class 3A Player of the Year, had a goal and two assists alongside Watkins, whose move up to center midfielder helped spark the Vikings offense. The Vikings’ seniors, however, weren’t the only ones who stepped up in big moments. Sophomores Carly Sabat and Maddie Lopez both added their names to the stat sheet with two goals and a goal and assist respectively. Both of which should sufficiently stifle any hopes from future opponents who are hoping the Vikings will have to rebuild after graduating such a dynamic group of seniors. Streets isn’t looking to rebuild, he’s looking to reload. One of the biggest challenges Streets will face this season will be trying to recapture the chemistry last year’s team had. “You can only do so much with talent. If the team doesn’t like each other or you have players that don’t want to be there, they’re never going to reach their full potential. This team, literally every
“It was a huge confidence boost, for sure,” said Coach Streets, “I think we rode that wave into the Finals. Beating Bolles in that rematch, especially by the score that we did, definitely gave us momentum going into that final game.” Thrashing Bolles in the semis wasn’t their only source of confidence and momentum. “For me,” Streets explained, “three years ago when we played St. Johns in the Final, a number of the seniors we had this year were either starters or very impactful players on that team. We played them 1-0 and it was 0-0 until very late in the game. I think coming that close and seeing them after the game, how devastated our girls were, I know that game carried so much into the success of this past season.” Three years of heartbreak and determination and growth as a team stepped onto the field in the title game led by Streets and his star studded group of seniors. Ramsey Watkins, one of the Vikings’ senior phenoms, has been playing for Streets since she was in the sixth grade. “She’s been with me for seven
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The 2021 Lady Viking State Champion soccer team finished with an impressive 26-1-1 record.
single player, loved each other. If you ever saw us score a goal this year you could see the excitement and love for one another.” Streets even joked that the day after they won States the girls were texting in a group message about wanting to go out and practice some more. Continuing to channel that love for one another and the drive to stay hungry this year will be another puzzle for Streets to put together. “That will be the challenge this year: how do you instill the drive to repeat? How do you instill that ‘want’ to win it all again.” One could suggest that a team which had so much talent in the senior class (six of the graduating seniors currently have plans to continue playing at the collegiate level, the most in their history) and has now finally won a State title will regress or grow complacent after tasting victory. However, we are expecting Coach Streets and the young women of the LCS Girls’ Varsity Soccer team to come back hungrier than ever, ready to defend their title as State Champs.
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5TH ANNUAL LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
VIKING VIKING INVASION INVASION 5K 5K RUN/WALK RUN/WALK
JANUARY 29, 2022 7:30 AM VIKING STADIUM KIDS' FUN RUNS TO FOLLOW
REGISTER ONLINE: www.lcsonline.org/vikinginvasion5k Questions/Sponsor Information: email kbrenneman@lcsonline.org 31
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Find more on Instagram!
@LCSvikingsathletics
lcsvikingsathletics Volleyball - September 1 Congrats to our varsity & JV volleyball team! They both defeated Bartow last night!
lcsvikingsathletics Swimming - September 2 The meet might have been cut short due to thunder and lightning, but it was fun to watch our LCS swim team compete! Their next meet is on September 9th.
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lcsvikingsathletics Cheer - Ocotober 22 Now it’s time to cheer for our LCS Senior Varsity Cheerleaders! · Jazmyne Niver · Madi Brown · Olivia Sale · Riley Rhoden · Cathryn Miles · Katie Williams · Peyton Miller ·
lcsvikingsathletics Cross Country - November 4 Big congratulations to the girls cross country team and senior Jackson Overholt for finishing strong at the Florida High School State Championships today. The girls cross country team placed seventh out of 32 teams, and Jackson finished 32nd out of 227 runners in the boys’ race. We are so proud of you all!
lcsvikingsathletics Football - November 5 Viking playoff shirts now available for $20. Orders are due by Tuesday, November 9. Shirts will be handed out on Wednesday, November 17, so students may wear them to school on Friday, November 19. All proceeds benefit Varsity Competitive Cheer. @lcsvarsitycheerleading
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A LU M N I F E AT U R E
Telling a Greater Story LCS alumni, Connor O’Brien and Campbell Rice of The Collection Media, produce their first feature-length documentary. Photos by “The Collection Media”
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he story of Lakeland dates back to 1885. Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have called it home and walked its streets. Now, over a hundred years later, with “The People Who Live There,” Connor O’Brien and Campbell Rice of The Collection Media, alongside Paige and Chase Wagner, have told the stories of the historic homes that hold the history of Lakeland within. “The People Who Live There” was born out of a necessity for innovation and creation in the confines of a pandemic. The filmmakers, both Connor O’Brien (‘15) and Campbell
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Rice (‘17), are alumni of LCS. And O’ Brien credits his time at the school with setting him on the path that would lead him to where he is today. “That young man didn’t know the scale of which LCS was about to change his life,” says O’Brien. “Not only did I meet my future wife, Jenna, at LCS, but I met my future work partner and co-owner of The Collection Media, Campbell Rice. When we were still students, we were given the opportunity at LCS to make the highlight videos for the football team. This “kicked off ” the video-making journey for us, and nearly ten years later, we still work with LCS on special
Campbell Rice (‘17) and Connor O’Brien (‘15) started producing videos together during their years at LCS.
projects here and there.” There is a deep understanding of the energy that runs through the city of Lakeland that can be found in both O’ Brien and Rice’s work with The Collection Media. They are always searching for the quiet voice, the more intimate angle, instead of the flash and flare one might expect young filmmakers to go for. They are always looking for the heart of it all, the big “why?”, and it’s this type of thinking that sets their work apart from others. When speaking about The Collection’s approach and the making of “The People Who Live There”, O’ Brien explained his thoughts on the redemptive
nature of the film’s narrative. “When making the film, we knew we wanted to tell a story that encompassed many diverse experiences within Lakeland. We understood that endeavor would require patience and empathy because we have not all gone through the same hardships in life. But we found that there was an overall story to this city. Just as it’s reflected in taking care of Lakeland’s homes, we also understand the human experience within Lakeland. A creation, a fall, a redemption.” “The People Who Live There” speaks to the intimacy that can exist between a community and its homes. And after two years of
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THERE IS A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF THE ENERGY THAT RUNS THROUGH THE CITY OF LAKELAND THAT CAN BE FOUND IN BOTH O’ BRIEN AND RICE’S WORK WITH THE COLLECTION MEDIA.
“The People Who Live There” documentary premiered at thePolk Theatre this past fall.
mostly staying indoors, a story like this feels even more relevant and important today. “This story being told at a time like this speaks to something bigger than our individual experiences within a home, within a city,” says O’Brien. “It connects all humans under one empathetic lens. It’s the story of redemption. Of something that was once looked at as not valuable, becoming valuable again, and finding new breath within that others can now see and admire… There is
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something really universal there, and I think this is the time for a story like this to be shared.” And underneath all of that redemptive, empathetic nature, there is love. Love for a city and the people who live there. In the creative film-making hands of Connor O’Brien and Campbell Rice, the documentary serves as a total love letter to the city that made them, Lakeland. “No matter where Campbell and I’s projects took us, we always wanted to be able to continue to create interesting projects for Lakeland,” says O’ Brien. “Both of us were pretty much born and raised here, and I grew
up thinking that I wanted to leave Lakeland because it was a small town, and I wanted to see what else was out there, you know? But once I got out of that experience and came back here, it was kind of like, wow, this place is actually really cool. And it now continues to grow and offer all of the things that I wished it had when I was younger.”
Connor and Campbell continue to live and work in Lakeland.
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A LU M N I F E AT U R E
Pressed LCS alumna Christina Livesay Needham (‘06) seeks to build community in Lakeland. Photos by Dan Austin
here are few places in a city that bring the type of calm and comfort that an independent bookstore brings. They curate community, creativity, and connection- all core values of any thriving community. With Pressed, LCS alumna Christina Needham aims to bring these attributes to downtown Lakeland. Pressed stands at 213 E. Bay Street in downtown Lakeland, and its evidence of a collaborative effort to continue the growth of the distinct creative culture in Lakeland. It’s a space for those to gather and feel at home, an undisturbed safe haven of sorts in a world that is increasingly fast-paced. “The inspiration for Pressed began many years ago as a conversation with my husband, Paul, from our own love of
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Christina’s dream of opening a local bookstore in Lakeland came true in 2021. Pressed opened its doors on July 29.
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“It was exciting to imagine a place where people could gather around books as a means to grow individually as well as connect with others.” bookstores and the dream of opening up a local bookstore here in Lakeland.” says Needham. “It was exciting to imagine a place where people could gather around books as a means to grow individually as well as connect with others.” In a world dominated by cellphones and social media, one might think that opening an independent bookstore is more of a risk than it was twenty or thirty years ago. But Needham saw that risk as inspiration, and even used it to solidify the necessity for a place like Pressed in downtown Lakeland. “In our ever changing and technologically advanced world, I believe more than ever we need a physical space to make connections with people.” To build a strong community, it starts behind the scenes. To curate the environment and the culture of Pressed, Needham gathered some
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local favorites to make sure she was building a space that was community first. “I wanted Pressed to be a place that was warm and welcoming, accessible, and community focused. From the beginning, I wanted to collaborate with other local businesses like Ethos for coffee, Honeycomb for baked goods, and Vakti Gallery and Mockingbird Artist for art.” Of course, no dream is dreamt without a proper foundation. Needham credits her time at LCS for giving her the foundation she needed, and wants to utilize what she learned during her time at LCS as a new business owner in Lakeland. “LCS gave me a solid foundation in academic, personal, and spiritual growth.” says Needham. “I loved being able to experience a well rounded education that included music, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. When I reflect back on my time at LCS, I cherish the individuals who cared for me, cheered me on, and shared wisdom when I
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Christina credits LCS with providing a solid foundation and a well-rounded education for life.
“...When I reflect back on my time at LCS, I cherish the individuals who cared for me, cheered me on, and shared wisdom when I needed it most.” needed it most. I hope to carry those values into the relationships I form in my new role as a business owner.” It’s those values that Needham obtained during her time at LCS that will carry her through this experience. Still, her advice to those looking to open their own business or bookstore is simple: you’ve got to know your why. Without it, you won’t know much of anything. “In the beginning, I spent most of my time reflecting on the purpose and vision of the business, asking myself why this business should exist and who it would serve. I wanted to answer the question, “if we build this why would people want to come?” I also believe there is value in every work experience, and would give the advice to be intentional about every opportunity to listen, learn, and build relationships. Starting the business has been a wonderful season of change, growth, and self discovery.”
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A LU M N I F E AT U R E
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LCS Alumni Campbell Rice (‘17) married Audra Jones on March 5, 2021, in Lakeland, Florida. Campbell graduated from Southeastern University in December 2020 and is co-owner of The Collection Media. They recently released a feature-length documentary, The People Who Live There, which premiered at the Polk Theatre in October 2021. Audra will graduate from the University of Florida in December 2021 and plans to pursue nursing school. The couple resides in Lakeland. Tacy Snyder (‘18) was one of nine students chosen nationwide to present a paper at the Hunter Art Museum Symposium in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in April 2021. It was part of the museum’s exhibition “Under Construction: Collage from The Mint Museum.” The papers were centered around the theme “Piecing Together Identities.” After graduating from Lakeland Christian, Tacy attended Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia.
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Isaac Green (‘18) and Sarah Tucker (‘18) were married in a small ceremony at Trinity Presbyterian Church on March 21, 2020. The couple’s original wedding plan was changed due to COVID-19. They were married by LCS alum Ian Thomas (’08) who serves as their pastor at The King’s Church in Lakeland. Isaac works at Green Construction, and Sarah works for One More Child. Will Sutton (‘15) graduated Summa Cum Laude from Sewanee: The University of the South, in May 2019. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in mathematics. Will was inducted into the Order of the Gown (Sewanee Honor Society) and Phi Beta Kappa. He recently co-authored an article about COVID-19 that was published in Volume 39, Issue 36 of Vaccine.
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Abby Rice (‘14) married Zach Jackson on January 19, 2020, in Orlando, Florida. Abby works as the social media manager for Ashton Events, and Zach works as a Property Manager/Leasing Agent for Strategic Properties Group. The couple resides in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Kristen Grafton (‘12) won the University of South Florida’s Outstanding Thesis or Dissertation Award in late 2020. Her English Rhetoric thesis, “9/11 Then and Now: How the Performance of Memorial Rhetoric by Presidents Changes to Construct Heroes,” examines the 9/11 speeches of Bush, Obama, and Trump to identify what kind of political hero each one constructs for himself in order to achieve a certain political goal, promote a certain policy, or develop a certain legacy. She was one of four recipients.
Molly Rice Bryant (‘12) and her husband Lee welcomed son Maddux George on January 21, 2021. The family resides Houston, Texas. Molly works remotely for Southeastern University, and Lee is a scout for the Boston Red Sox.
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Brandon Douberly (‘09) and Maison Chambless were married on October 16, 2020, at Bok Tower in Lake Wales. Brandon owns Floridaze Fishing Charters, an inshore fishing charter serving Southwest Florida.
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Tyler Rice (‘09) married Colleen McCormack on July 26, 2020, in New Haven, Connecticut. Tyler completed his Ph.D. at Yale University in December 2021 and will graduate in May 2022. Colleen is on staff with Athletes in Action. The couple resides in New Haven. Perry Johnson (‘07) and his wife Cara welcomed their third son, Bowen Mark, born on April 2, 2021. The family lives in California.
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Since graduating from Lakeland Christian, Lauren (Cherry) Martinez (‘09) graduated from Florida Southern College, went to medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, got married and completed an internal medicine residency at HCS Largo Medical Center/USF Morsani College of Medicine. She moved back to Lakeland to work at Lakeland Regional Health and welcomed a daughter in September 2020.
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Alex Douglas (‘06) currently serves as the Director of Development for the Dedman School of Hospitality at Florida State University. Alex received his undergraduate degree and master’s degree from FSU, where he also met his wife, Jessie. The couple has three children: daughters Arie, Anna and Austyn. Alex said: “I’m very thankful for Lakeland Christian School and more grateful each year that goes by as I realize the foundational biblical principles and tremendous education I received there. Hard to fully appreciate the impact a school and its faculty have on you until later down the road when you can look back and understand it better.”
Chris Johnson (‘01) and his wife Sarah welcomed a son, Samuel, on June 9, 2020. He joins sister Madi and brother Kye. Chris serves as the Director of Maintenance at Lakeland Christian School.
After graduating from LCS, Clint Dunlap (‘04) attended the University of South Florida and graduated from Salon Professional Academy. In 2013, he moved to New York to train under Marie Robinson in Manhattan. He currently works as a hair colorist. In 2017, he married Lindsay Fitzgerald, who serves as a Senior Marketing Manager at General Assembly in New York. On December 31, 2018, the couple welcomed daughter Lennon. The family resides in Brooklyn, New York.
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Estate Planning Made Easy With will and estate planning help from our partners at PhilanthroCorp, you can ensure that the legacy you leave behind benefits the ones you love with 100% certainty. Starting with a phone interview, they will guide you through a simple process resulting in wills and estate documents that reflect your values and leave a lasting impact on loved ones and charities you hold dear. Their services are provided to you, by Lakeland Christian School, free of charge. The plan that PhilanthroCorp helps you create can then be implemented by your own personal adviser, or PhilanthroCorp can refer you to an attorney who will draft documents at greatly reduced rates. PhilanthroCorp will help you discern the important relationships and resources you have and recommend the tools that are most effective to ensure your family is cared for and that you leave the legacy you desire. Scan the QR code and submit the form or call Susan Wylie at 1-800-876-7958 ext. 2125 to have a PhilanthroCorp representative call you to schedule your first confidential phone appointment.
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Lakeland Christian School 1111 Forest Park Street Lakeland, Florida 33803
Longtime teacher and coach Mike Musick Sr. passed away on January 27, 2021. Physiology—including dissections like the one here—was one of his favorite classes to teach during his tenure at LCS.
