roundup madison academy’s
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Madison, Al Permit # 33
MADISONACADEMY strong minds. strong faith. 325 Slaughter Rd., Madison, Al 35758
summer 2014
PREFER A DIGITAL COPY? If you have a smartphone or tablet with a QR reader app, snap a quick photo to view a PDF version of this issue of Roundup or go to: www.macademy.org/roundup2014
BREAKING NEWS: FOOTBALL SEASON OPENER TO BE NATIONALLY TELEVISED ON ESPN
As of this writing, the ink is still wet on a contract to broadcast the season opener MA vs. Leeds game on ESPN U television. Logistical and marketing details must still be worked out, but both schools have agreed to a deal that would switch the August 22nd game from away to home. The Mustangs are back-to-back state champions and have a roster with some of the nation’s hottest recruits. If all goes as planned, this will be the first time for ESPN to broadcast a high school football game in north Alabama. “We are excited to be slotted as a season opener in prime time on national televison,” said Dr. James Flatt, Chairman of the Athletic Committee. Kick off is scheduled for 8PM.
2014-15 SCHOOL CALENDAR
AUG 4
First Quarter Begins (1st Semester)
SEPT 1
Labor Day Holiday
OCT 3
JAN 5 19
Conference/Workday (no school gr. 7-12)
FEB 16 MARCH 6
End of First Quarter
Third Quarter Begins (2nd Sem.) Martin Luther King Holiday Presidents’ Day Holiday End of Third Quarter
6-10
Fall Break
9
Fourth Quarter Begins
13
Second Quarter Begins
23-27
Spring Break
13
Conference Day LMA & Elm. (no classes)
NOV 8
LAMA Southern Tradition
APRIL 3 MAY 12-14
19
12th Grade Final Exams
15
Kindergarten Graduation
Semester Final Exams
17
High School Graduation
End of Second Quarter
19-21
Final Exams
21
Last Student Day
24-28 Thanksgiving Holidays DEC 17-19
Weather Day
22-1/1 Christmas Holidays
8/22 Leeds (home) 8pm 8/29 Maplewood (home) 9/5 West Morgan (home)* 9/12 Sheffield (homecoming)* 9/19 Colbert County (away)* 10/3 Colbert Heights (away)* 10/10 Lauderdale Co. (home)*
SPECIAL REPORT:
Learning to
10/17 Clements (home)* 10/24 Lexington (away)* 10/31 Briarwood Christian (away)
FRIDAY NIGHTS @ MA j o i n
t h e
t r a d i t i o n
*region game
kickoff 7pm
live friday night video streaming: mamustangs.org • listen on WVNN 92.5fm
State Tennis Champions Sydney Homan & Erin Young
SERVE
SERVING SHOWS YOUR TRUE COLORS.
From The President:
The Towel Of Service
President Burton leads Ghana Student Mission Team
“Showing your true colors” has everything to do with character. We all know what it’s like to wear a mask so that others don’t see our true selves. One of the things our students learn from doing volunteer work with the intellectually and developmentally disabled is that they don’t wear a mask - they portray a sense of innocence. Our challenge is to be a people who have nothing to hide and plenty to share. We want our students to have a genuine heart for others, whether they have much in common or share only one simple thing; being created in the image of God. When our students show hearts of service to their fellow man, they show their true colors. This is the Madison Academy mission.
strong minds. strong faith. www.macademy.org
This past January, Carmelita and I announced that this academic year would be our last as elementary principal and president of Madison Academy. This will mark my 20th year of service with the school, and every moment has been a grand adventure. I have worked with boards who have generously given of themselves. I have partnered with administrators, faculty, and staff who have a genuine heart for ministry. I have witnessed the transforming power of God in the lives of children. When all is said and done, everyone of us wants to believe we have made a difference. God instilled in each of us the capacity to love, along with the need to be loved, and to feel we are valued. One great paradox of life is that our greatest fulfillment is experienced by esteeming others greater than ourselves. Twenty years from now, our students will remember the teachers and coaches who went the extra mile to be at their game, play, or concert. They will remember the ones who gave up their break to lead them on a mission trip. They will remember the guide who took time to listen and help them sort out the issues of their young lives. Just as Jesus took a towel and basin and washed the feet of his disciples, we must lead from our knees. As Carm and I reflect on our tenure at Madison Academy, our hearts are filled with joy, and we are enormously humbled to know that God chose to use us to impact his kingdom one child at a time. We have shared in their victories, their hurts, and their hopes. We celebrate our time with all the beautiful souls who shared this mission. In my heart, I believe they embody these words of the apostle Paul: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17).
Dr. Robert F. Burton, President Emeritus
THE TORCH PASSES: BOARD ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT
The success of Madison Academy athletics begins with outstanding coaches. Five current head coaches display their MA state championship rings. Can you guess their names? (answer on p. 4) RoundUp is the annual report publication of Madison Academy, a Pre K-12th grade premier christian school located in Huntsville, Alabama. Madison Academy is a private institution affiliated with Churches of Christ, dedicated to moral and spiritual values, academic excellence, and service in a friendly, college preparatory environment. The Mission of Madison Academy: to provide a quality education in a christian environment that will help students grow in wisdom, stature, and The Madison Academy Board of Directors is pleased to announce in favor with God and man. the selection of Dr. Barry Kirkland as Madison the newAcademy president of qualified Madison admits Academy effective July 1. He succeeds Robert Burton, who studentsDr. of any race, color, national announced his plan to retire last January after origin 19 years president. or ethnic to allas the rights, Dr. Kirkland retired from the public school system 2013 to privileges, programs, andinactivities accept the position as Madison Academy’s of Instructional generallyDirector made available to students school. Technology. In his short time at MA, athethehas endeared himself to the PRESIDENT Dr. Robert F. Burton HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Dr. Mike Weimer DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT J. Glen Laird ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL Carmelita Burton LITTLE MA DIRECTOR Jodi McCaghren DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS Margie Smith
NCSA
school community. He has served as a teacher at the secondary and collegiate levels, an administrator, and superintendent. In accepting his new role,National Dr. Kirkland expressed an eagerness to build on Dr. Christian Schools Association Burton’s accomplishments: “I have come to love and appreciate the talented staff at Madison Academy, and my desire is to challenge them to even greater accomplishments as we set the example of servant leadership for our students.” Board Chairman Chris Lewter said the search committee considered 10 candidates, and Dr. Kirkland emerged as the right fit for Madison Academy. Dr. Burton will serve as president emeritus assuring a smooth transition.
MA BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Hargett, Tom McKee, Dr. Andy Knott, Dr. James Flatt, Chris Lewter (chairman), Scotty Sparks, Carey Rosenblum, Monica Hammond, Jerry Mercer, Tony Hoover (not pictured)
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President & Mrs. Burton with MA students in the Holy Land
If you have a smartphone or tablet with a QR reader app, snap a quick photo to view a Madison Academy Board Of Directors PDF version of this issue of Roundup or go to www.madisonacademy.org/roundup2013 David Hargett, Tom McKee, Dr. Andy Knott, Dr. James Flatt, Chris Lewter (chairman) 2013 Madison Academy. All Rights Reserved Scotty Sparks, Carey Rosenblum, Monica Hammond (not pictured: Polly Cason, Jerry Mercer)
Service: Commitment To A Higher Calling by Dr. Barry Kirkland, MA President
Student mission team prays prior to Orlando departure “Learning to Serve” can take on a myriad of appearances, but Christ-centered servant leadership starts with the daily routines of displaying character traits that follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Servant Leadership demands a conscious effort on behalf of an individual to exercise commitment to a higher calling and to others. Madison Academy is blessed to have a support structure that embodies meaningful stewardship toward Christ-centered education. Good intentions and words will always fall short in addressing the needs of others, whereas leading by example validates one’s actions through investing in the lives of others. Paul reminds us that our attitude is to be like Christ’s, in that we consider others better than ourselves and do nothing out of vanity or selfishness. Rather we look out for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). How we lead others is an intentional matter of choice. We can choose a role that depicts a “serve-me” attitude or a “servant” attitude that focuses on the well-being of others. So, “How do we accomplish the task of developing young men and women that are selfless?” At a recent worship service I attended, the message for parents revolved around the acronym “LOVE”:
Listen - listening intently and empathizing with our students Observe - observing their actions and behavior and redirecting them Validate - validating their actions by reassuring them they are significant and capable Empower - empowering them through Biblical coaching, building courage and character Servanthood must come from the heart. Our relationship with God and our acts of kindness and love toward others far outweigh any of life’s pleasures. Many of us have heard the old adage coined by Forest E. Witcraft: “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” “LOVE” is the foundational fabric of Christianity, and only love can bring such a liberating feeling toward fulfilling the needs of others through the good deeds of oneself. The MA family is faithful in its involvement to helping students grow spiritually through Bible classes, mission experiences, community service, and chapel. There’s no greater gift than a former student telling you how much you meant in nurturing him or her to becoming a devoted Christian and faithful servant to Christ. For our servant faculty, there is no higher calling and no greater reward. 4 ROUNDUP
It has been my great pleasure to be part of the Madison Academy family this past year, and I am grateful for the faith placed in me by the Board of Directors to lead the school at this important time in its history. My tenure in the public school system was rewarding, and I treasure the relationships with colleagues who became friends and the students I was blessed to influence. This past year has opened my eyes to the value of and need for private education. MA is able to focus on college bound students and provide them with the tools they need for success. While serving at my former school, I was drawn to MA because of its reputation for success with Apple. I wanted to know what we would have to do to become an Apple Distinguished School. It took a forward thinking board and administration for MA to jump out in front of other Alabama schools by changing delivery methods of information and adapting to learning styles of today’s student. I want to build on President Burton’s accomplishments and look forward to working with him and receiving his wise counsel. All of the pieces are in place for Madison Academy to set the standard of excellence in all that we do. It will take all of us working together to capture the vision of our potential and make it become a reality.
It has been Madison Academy’s tradition each spring to take a group of students and staff to the Hacienda of Hope orphanage and school near Tabacundo, Ecuador. This year’s group of 26 had an amazing experience conducting camps for the students at the school and building a playground for the orphanage. Sunday was a beautiful day, perfect for pictures with the people we met at church. We were enjoying a typical day worshipping on the equator not knowing that events were in motion that would change the way we saw the world. An impoverished family from the community were being robbed while we were in church together. God would use us to turn their experience of tragedy into one of joy. We collected enough money from our team to buy a stove, bedding, clothes, and a few toys for the small children. Delivering the goods we bought, we walked past the outdoor toilet covered with plastic sheeting and ducked our heads as we walked through the small doorway into the house. It was lit with a single 60-watt bulb and the floor was cold dirt. True poverty hit us in the face. All that single mom and her four children could give us were hugs, smiles, and hearts of genuine gratitude. Madison Academy students are taught the joy that comes from serving others. This results in students choosing life paths focused on effecting real change in the world. There is no higher calling.
MA’s fall mission trip takes students into a unique oppportunity to immerse themselves in the world of a child with a lifethreatening illness. “Give Kids The World” is a program designed to serve gravely ill children and their families by providing them with an escape to the theme parks in the Orlando area at no charge. Our volunteers serve meals in the Gingerbread House, dish up ice cream sundaes to help beat the heat, play characters in a parade - anything to help these families take a vacation from their illness. The work is emotionally draining, but helping put a smile on the face of one of these special children is its own reward.
Equador Service Through World Missions Provides High Impact
"The experience was so powerful, we had trouble processing our emotions. Tears came easier than words." - Addison Rucker
Orlando Students Bring Joy To Special Children
The Kirkland Family: Mason, Mallory, Beverly and Barry I am anxious to introduce my family to friends of the school. My wife, Beverly, is a principal in Marshall County. We have two beautiful children, Mason and Mallory. Mason works in Research Park and Mallory is a recent graduate of Maryville College and plans to pursue a career in medicine. We all feel blessed that God has called us to this wonderful challenge. May all we do be done to His glory.
Dr. Barry Kirkland President, Madison Academy
"The memories of bringing joy to these special children struggling to live are etched forever in our minds." - Mallory Sherzinger
SUMMER 2014
5
PICTURE PER FECT ENDING Championships are won in the weight room, on the practice field, and in the batting cage. They happen when desire leads to preparation. A player can’t control certain elements of the game like a bad hop or a missed call, but mental and spiritual preparation impact the attitude, and attitude determines response to adversity. No one can deny that something special is happening with Madison Academy athletics these days, with athletes bringing home nine state championship trophies already this decade.
For the second year in a row, the Mustangs brought home the coveted “Blue Map” in two of the major team sports, this time in football and baseball. These student athletes will carry with them the exhilaration of victory and the lessons they learned from adversity along the way. We thank them for the thrills and the images leading to their picture perfect endings.
see complete story on page 18 6 ROUNDUP
SUMMER 2014
7
BAND OF BROTHERS
Families Give Thanks For A Great Experience
Service: Paying It Forward by Glen Laird, MA Director of Advancement
I have had many conversations with Steve Hill over the years on numerous topics. He is an MA parent and the CEO of AEgis Technologies, a company he co-founded with partner Bill Waite in 1989. I wanted to talk with Steve because of AEgis' leadership with Special Olympics. The basic who, what, when, and where questions were among my discussion points, but it was the "why" that took up the majority of the hour and fifteen minutes we spent together. He is very sensitive about anything that hints of self-promotion. He is clear that this is not about Steve Hill or AEgis. They have created a "pay it forward" culture, and though others might have different motivations, it is clear that Steve's stems from a devotion to Christ: "God has really blessed our business and we feel a responsibility to give back. It's really good for our corporate culture and our people. They Steve Hill want to give back to their community. We want to provide that opportunity through AEgis." About CEO, AEgis Technologies ninety of his employees and spouses take part in the event that provides competitive, Olympic-style athletic contests for over 600 local students and adults with intellectual disabilities. It also draws 1200 students from Madison Academy and other local schools who serve as volunteers to provide these athletes with their Olympic moment. Two of Steve's employees have special needs children who participate in this event each year. This makes it personal to the volunteers from AEgis. Steve notes, "It's good to support causes financially, but participation makes the biggest impact on people. It changes their perspective." We are blessed to have many parents who model servant leadership. We often tell stories about the direct impact of volunteerism on campus life, whether it is through LAMA, athletic support organizations, driving buses, and the list continues. The quality of our programs is greatly impacted by their gifts of time and money. What is unique about AEgis and Special Olympics is the scope and diversity of people who are drawn together to serve our disabled neighbors. Madison Academy is blessed to be among the schools to interact with this special group of athletes. This event proves that some of our greatest lessons are learned outside of the classroom.
Service Opportunities Unlimited Each year, Madison Academy plays host to young men and women who function with intellectual and developmental disabilities by putting on a carnival complete with arcade games, dunking booth, and cotton candy. This gives our students the opportunity to see the beauty and value in people who deal with these disabilities and understand the challenge they and their families face each day. In the fall, our students go off campus for a day of service projects, assisting area non-profit organizations like The Botanical Gardens; His Way rehabilitation center; and 305 8th Street, a care center for intellectually disabled adults, just to name a few. Elementary students honor those who serve our country as first responders during “I Love America” day. Whether our students are helping kids with disabilities play America’s past time through the Miracle League or practicing random acts of kindness, they have learned from some great role models - their parents. Madison Academy parents are actively involved in the success of our academic, artistic, and athletic extracurricular programs. Our moms pour themselves into LAMA to help raise money that goes directly into the classroom. Service is intentional - it is our culture. 8 ROUNDUP
Special Needs Carnival
Coaching in The Miracle League
Remembering Veterans Day
Random Acts Of Kindness Day
Train Rides For The Handicapped
Fall Service Day Cleanup
"La Markus joined our family over four years ago with an open heart and hope for a brighter future. It’s been a joy to see him grow closer to God and closer to us. He learned how to submit to authority and receive guidance. He learned to lead in our home and on the football field. He learned how to serve others before himself. He learned what it means to set a goal and complete it, despite the cost. We pray that he will continue to grow into a man of God who will pour into the next generation." - Nathan and Stephanie Faught
"In the time that Quan has been with our family it has been amazing to watch him grow and mature into the young man he is today. We are so proud of the way he has embraced challenges that have come his way. The Lord has taught each of us to love deeper, commit fully, and serve one another. Quan quickly became a protector and big brother to Drew and Reese. Our family has truly been blessed!" - Andy and Stacy Blackston
"Since Sam became part of our family, it has been amazing to see God at work not only in his life, but also in our lives and the lives of our children, Emma and Andrew. The life lessons for our entire family of faith, courage, selflessness, and sacrificial love have truly been immeasurable and have enriched our lives in ways we will treasure for a lifetime." - Brian and Jane Hinson
Madison Academy takes great pride in being a diverse family, comprised of students from all economic backgrounds and communities. As incoming freshmen, three special seniors demonstrated great potential and needed an opportunity to prove themselves. To assure success, they would need families willing to fully invest in their lives, giving them structure and helping them envision success beyond their self-imposed boundaries. Now they are college bound freshman because of the love of a biological family and a mentoring family who loved them as their own. We celebrate these examples of service.
Learning to Serve
by Sydney Homan, class of 2015
"Our record shows great improvement on the court, but the real growth happened inside we improved our serve."
Three years ago the Madison Academy Varsity Girls Tennis Team record was 0-12, but you could not tell it. We were just as encouraging and enthusiastic then as we are today with our undefeated area play record and fourth place State finish. Going from nearly winless our first year to undefeated in area play was thrilling. It makes you feel great to see your hard work pay off. Each girl truly cares about the other, and it shows. We yell across the courts constantly, making the normally quiet game of tennis sound a little more like a Mustang baseball game. Each girl is playing not just for herself but for each of her teammates. This past year, I began thinking about something that the tennis team could do to give back to the community. Since we are always so hungry when school is out and we head off to practice or matches, I realized that there are many kids right here in Huntsville who are just as hungry but don’t have snacks at all. So, the tennis team sponsored a food drive that we called “Ace Hunger.” We really did “ace” hunger for the inner city kids by collecting more than 4000 snacks in just a few weeks. We stocked bare shelves at Lincoln Academy and The Learning Center in Huntsville. With a heart of service, we made a huge difference in other people’s lives. SUMMER 2014 9
“YOU CAN’T OUT-GIVE GOD” by Haley Palmer, class of 2015
This year the Tanner Lady Rattlers began their season with players, but no coach. They had uniforms, but they were old and worn. They had funds, but only $138. By God’s grace, Regina Montgomery was able to be their coach and kicked off the season. “Coach Princess” encouraged her girls to have a Christ-like attitude in everything they did, inspiring them to be a leading example in sportsmanship on and off the field. About halfway through the season, Tanner lost a precious girl, Alexis Hamilton, a dear friend to the Lady Rattlers. Selflessly, the girls gave their hard-earned funds to Alexis’s family to help cover costs and expenses. Afterwards, the girls began fundraising again. They lived just as Christ desired and gave everything, all they had, much like the widow who gave her only two coins (Mark 12:41-44). The Madison Academy boys and girls soccer teams have the Owens family to thank for sharing the Tanner ladies’ story and for making us aware of an opportunity to show God’s love. In response, we came together and raised over $4440, enough to pay for uniforms, equipment, and future expenses. On the evening of the presentation, both Tanner and Madison Academy girls teams gathered as one at the center of the field. The warm spring air was mixed with confusion and excited anticipation. When Coach Jay announced the reason for the gathering and the amount of money that the girls would receive, gasps and whispers of thanks were heard throughout the circle. After speeches were made and pictures taken, tears of joy were wiped from eyes and many hugs were given. We were all one team at that point, each supporting the other. There are none more deserving than the Tanner girls, and I will always remember that moving night. Their courage was evident in their selfless act. They had no idea what God had in store for their team, yet they had faith and helped out a family in need. As Christians, God tells us to help in anyway we can and that in turn, we will also benefit. That night, I was reminded of God’s everlasting love and was blessed to experience an overflowing sense of joy that will last forever.
Anchor Club PARCELS FOR PRAETORIA by Salena Koester, Anchor Club Sponsor
“Where is Madison Academy? Can I go there?” troops in the Praetorian Platoon stationed in Qalat, Afghanistan, asked upon receiving packages from MA’s Anchor Club in March. According to Lieutenant Tyler Matthews, his platoon, young and inexperienced, needed some encouragement. As soon as Anchors heard that these soldiers were as young as 18 and that many were not receiving packages from any loved ones, these young ladies went to work. Within 3 days, they collected a mountain of goods and began sorting them into 30 boxes--one for each member of the platoon and one each for the brothers of our own Meri Wheeler and Krysten Meyers. Anchors labeled boxes and completed customs forms for these packages stuffed to the brim with beef jerky, Charmin, baby wipes, magazines, drink mixes, and handwritten letters. Because Lieutenant Matthews provided a list of favorite snacks and unique interests for each platoon member, artists received colored pencils and pads of paper, sports enthusiasts received newspapers and magazines covering March Madness, candy lovers received Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers, caffeine lovers received packs of Red Bull, and the medic received first aid supplies and medicines. When the troops opened the packages, they were so excited that they created an entire album of pictures with their care packages on Facebook, showing off their abundance of goodies. After a week, emails and letters began pouring in from the platoon, showing their gratitude. Staff Sergeant Travis Kittleson wrote to Anchor Jordan Bacon, “Thank you for the letter and the support. Everyone here is very grateful that there are still people out there that support our military though we have been at this for almost thirteen years now. We enjoyed receiving the boxes that you all sent out. It is always nice to know that people out there are thinking about you.” These letters and pictures thrilled Anchors, for they knew that their small act of service made a great impact on those who deserve it the most: our soldiers, our heroes.
Blood For The Bank
MA & Tanner girls soccer teams offer thankfulness for answered prayer 10 ROUNDUP
When LifeSouth contacted Anchors to explain the urgent need for blood in our community, club members determined to put on the largest drive yet, leaving no time slot open. Shattering our previous school record of 40 donors, this year’s drive boasted 70 donors--students, teachers, and parents who filled up the bloodmobile, willingly giving of their time and themselves. Many juniors and seniors bravely gave blood for the first time, benefitting our neighbors in north Alabama who need us the most. 70 donors endured a momentary discomfort so that, through Anchor Club’s efforts, as many as 210 lives can be saved!
Jeans For James
When Anchor officers heard about 22-yearold James Johnson’s New Year’s resolution, learning to walk again, they decided to make his goal become a reality. A cousin of Robby Koester who sustained traumatic brain injury in a tragic car accident, James requires the intensive therapy offered at Deer Run Rehabilitation in Midland, Michigan, but his insurance will not cover the cost: $200 per day. By encouraging their peers to put aside Spirit Wear for a day in exchange for denim, Anchors raised $2,000 for James’ rehab on a day they dubbed “Jeans for James,” covering 10 days in his facility. James, who was not expected to walk or talk again, sent a video message to thank the student body for the donation: “Madison Academy, thank you... I love you a lot!” SUMMER 2014 11
A PORTRAIT OF SER VICE Burtons Leave a Lasting Legacy
He was dubbed “Dr. Bobba” in Ecuador, but it was the Big Papa moniker given him by the children of Ghana that stuck. His 6’5” frame literally placed him head and shoulders above most of his peers, and made him sometimes bigger than life to the children he loved to serve. Madison Academy was crying out for leadership when the Board of Directors hired him for the presidency in 1995. There was no endowment, the school was landlocked in a declining north Huntsville neighborhood, and enrollment was dwindling. He led the school to the Promise Land, a name reflecting his faith that its best days were yet to come on a new campus. His vision became reality when students first walked through the halls of the new Ashburn campus in January 1998. Since then, Madison Academy has flourished. It sits on a nearly 150-acre landscape and is on solid financial footing. It is one of the best known private schools in the state. Locally, it seems like it is to private schools as Xerox is to copiers and Coke is to soft drinks. Its athletic programs have won 17 state championships since 1999, and it was recognized as Alabama’s first Apple Distinguished School because of its leadership in technology integration in the classroom. President Burton has influenced Christian education on a national scale through his 15 years of service on the board of the National Christian School Association and, most notably, his four years as chairman. Big Papa has led students on mission trips to Baja, Ghana, and Ecuador where they did food relief, built houses and dormitories for orphans, and helped establish The Peggy Good School Of Hope. Madison Academy’s culture of service is founded on the Burton model. His leadership has inspired many to pursue careers dedicated to addressing social needs. This will be his legacy - inspiring leadership demonstrated through service. 12 ROUNDUP
For 26 years, Carmelita Burton has been a fundamental part of Madison Academy’s elementary and preschool success. She began her journey with Madison Academy in 1988 as a 5th grade teacher with 10 years of experience in education. In a leadership role as principal since 1994, she has been instrumental in transitioning the elementary into teaching the 21st century child. During her tenure, chalkboards have been replaced with whiteboards and PC computer labs have been traded in for an iPad one-to-one initiative and traveling laptop labs. When you walk the elementary halls and view the colorful bulletin boards of Madison Academy, you will be entertained and even taught through interactive displays. Mrs. Burton’s leadership reaches beyond the 21st century classroom. She encourages spiritual growth in students, parents and staff through daily chapel, Bible studies and participating in mission trips throughout the year. She is genuine in speech and action. She encourages a family atmosphere by knowing every child’s name and greeting students each school morning as they walk through Madison Academy’s doors. She speaks with sincerity and grace as she partners with parents to raise their children in the admonition of the Lord in a world so eager to distract children and families from what is important. Bob and Carmelita Burton have been an influential partnership. Their absence in leadership roles will be felt, but the school they love will continue the its mission because of their careful guidance and servant leadership throughout the years. SUMMER 2013 1313 SUMMER 2014
SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT
ILY M FA G IN V R E S A R FO S IE R O M E M me Service Formation Begins At Ho
Mustangs Celebrate First NFL Draftpick
Monica & Olivia Hammond create mother/daughter memories while serving together in Equador
Matt and Monica Hammond are typical of many MA families. They are highly educated and have good jobs. They are heavily involved in their church, and they are engaged in the lives of their two children, Patrick and Olivia. They want to instill strong character in their children, so they provide the structure, boundaries, and encouragement necessary to put them on the right path. Two years ago, Matt accompanied Patrick on a school-sponsored mission trip to Ecuador. Patrick had already joined his classmates on a trip to Ghana and, while there, made the life decision to become a medical missionary. The South America experience affirmed to Patrick that this was the right decision. The experience of serving and working side-by-side with his dad solidified their bond. This year, it was Monica’s turn to join Olivia on the Ecuador trip. You could tell from the beginning that they had a close relationship. They enjoyed each other’s company, but each gave the other space to enjoy time with people her own age. Both parents had strong spiritual values, and both teens had developed their own unique faith relationships. “I missed exposure to activities like these when I was growing up,” Monica said. “Observing Olivia’s commitment made me want to understand what was driving her to spend her spring break serving in a third world country. I am also trying to relate to my son’s desire to be a medical missionary. I felt the only way to understand their commitment was to be a doer myself.” MA Campus Minister, Dr. Jonathan Jones, notes that our annual Spiritual Life Survey continuously reveals that our Fall Student Service Day and our Spring Spiritual Emphasis day remain two of the most anticipated school activities of the year. If you want your family to capture the heart of Jesus through service, Dr. Jones offers a few foundational principles worthy of implementing:
• The most successful parents I know are not just “sayers,” but “doers.” Jordan Matthews blazed a new trail for Mustang athletics when he became the school’s first SEC football recruit. His accomplishments at Vanderbilt are well documented by setting two SEC records as a receiver. In May, he was selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, a team known for its passing game. The Eagles traded up 12 spots to make sure they could get Jordan. He will be given the opportunity to make an immediate impact. He was named The Huntsville Times Sports Person of the Year for 2013, beating out Dr. Eric Cohu, his former coach, who was also nominated. In The Time’s article, the Madison Academy alumnus spoke of how a school-sponsored mission trip to Ghana changed his life. “It meant a lot to me,” he says. “It put everything in perspective for me. It helped me not take so much for granted. We went to Ghana trying to be a blessing to the kids and it became more a blessing for us.” Jordan spent much of the week before the draft on campus inspiring students with his story. He addressed the varsity football team, sharing the qualities to which he attributed his success. He stressed that those habits were developed during his years as an MA athlete. He told the student body that they are developing character during these formative years and character is the key to success. Jordan’s integrity and work ethic were major themes to his story as a rising star, and his alma mater could not be prouder. It is fair to say that the Philadelphia Eagles just increased their fan base in Alabama. 14 ROUNDUP
Lead your family by example, not as dictator. Never ask your family to do something you are not willing to do or to model.
• Let’s not allow our kids to out-serve us.
Much of teen service is motivated by the promise of a better looking resume. However, the intrinsic value of philanthropic service lasts much longer than the paper on which the resume is written. Model a lifestyle of service as you mentor your children into healthy citizenship.
• A family that serves together stays together.
Find a service outlet in which the entire family can participate. We’ve learned in recent months that our family of four can all contribute to our Mercy Ministry at church. My sons, Canaan and Jonah, bagged groceries while Kristen and I counseled and prayed with mothers, fathers and grandparents in the community.
• Service in the name of Jesus is service TO Jesus.
Matthew 10:42 tells us that when we help the less fortunate, it is as if we are helping Christ himself. I can’t think of a better way to express our gratitude for His grace, than to love Him by serving others. In so doing, we fulfill Paul’s command for us to serve Christ (Col. 3:24). Jordan speaks to his high school team in Mustangs locker room
Service is a deeply instilled aspect of MA’s culture. It is not meant to exalt ourselves, but The One we serve. Families at MA are encouraged to be deeply rooted in living out the kingdom of God through leading our students to a fuller understanding of the joy found in a servant lifestyle. SUMMER 2014 15
SOLDIER ON Grad Appointed To Prestigious Military Academy
Madison Academy takes great pride in announcing the appointment of Taylor Kelly to the United States Military Academy at West Point. While this has been a life long dream, he began purposeful preparation about four years ago. He began making both curricular and extra-curricular decisions that would put him in a competitive position. More than 10,000 seniors apply each year for only 1,300 positions. Taylor is no stranger to competition. Knowing athletic accomplishments would be an important element in his application, he joined the football team and is a bearer of two state championship rings. Academic success would also be critical and would have to be supported by excellent grades and ACT scores. He was an Honor Graduate with an Advanced Diploma and a member of the National Honor Society. West Point is a service academy and service was another critical element in the selection process. Taylor credits his experience with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as an activity that stood out to the selection committee. FCA students engage in numerous volunteer efforts designed to serve the needs of young people who need a helping hand in life. Taylor was also the founding president of The MA chapter of The Optimist Club, a nationwide service organization. He cites a family tradition of military service, the most influential being his father and grandfather. Needless to say, Taylor Kelly had plenty of options to consider for the collegiate phase of his life. West Point is about more than an education. It is about pride in his country and a sacrificial commitment to defend its constitution and serve its people. Soon the exhilaration of a West Point appointment will give way to the realities of life as a plebe. He will take with him the prayerful support of his grateful Madison Academy family.
"God, country, and family - I believe in these things, and I believe that they are worth fighting for. I believe that serving my country is a service to all of these things and the beliefs that surround them." Taylor Kelly (class of 2014) accepts appointment for - Taylor Kelly U.S. Military Academy at Westpoint N.Y. 16 ROUNDUP
VILLAGE VANGUARD
Changing The Culture of Huntsville’s Inner City by Joanna Walker, MA English Department Chair In the heart of Huntsville lies a village of children who are dear to the heart of God, so He brought someone all the way from Iceland to awaken us to the children living in our own “backyard.” About ten years ago, Bjarni Thor Erlingsson, life-long friend of Saevar Sigurmundsson (MA class of 1999), was compelled to begin ministering to families in Lincoln Village when he discovered that there were children who were not showing up for school, who did not have after-school support, and who often times went for days without a warm, home-cooked meal. Thor first enlisted his church family to pick the children up for Becky Mercer Greene (class of 2006) church on Sundays, to bring them to their homes for family Director of The Linc time, and to provide them spots on MA’s youth sports teams for a place to belong. SSoon, volunteers began tutoring and holding a mid-week Bible study for the kids on Wednesday evenings. MA board member Jerry Mercer recalls his decision to open his accounting office for those early tutoring sessions: “We were doing a small group Bible study and looking for a topic. We decided to start doing something to help. . .instead of just studying about what to do.” A tiny mustard seed of faith was planted and The Linc took root. In 2005, directed by Natalie Faught Balch (MA class of 2000), The Linc volunteers provided 15 students a warm meal every afternoon, individual needs-based tutoring, and a weekly field trip to expand the students’ boundaries and give their dreams tangible life. Next school year, current director Becky Mercer Greene (MA class of 2006) and Assistant Director Amanda Greene (class of 2011) plan to offer an expanded enrichment program to more than 60 students. I In addition to the numerous individuals and churches who volunteer at The Linc, MA’s service clubs and athletic teams regularly visit to play with the kids in order to build a sense of community between the two schools. “The children there are a joy to get to know, and it is neat to see God work through the girls on my team,” explains Brian Privett, Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. Andy Blackston, MA Athletic Director and Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, adds, “It is great for our guys to get outside their comfort zones and look to invest in the lives of others.” Sierra Jones (class of 2014) AAll of those who have ever visited or volunteered at The Linc soon realize, however, that the serves with her team at The Linc investment is very small when compared to the reward of working so close to God’s heart. for more information on how you can be a part of The Linc ministry: staff@thelincprogram.com
FLYING HIGH The 2013-14 Mustang Cheerleaders had both the talent and desire to bring competitive cheerleading back to Madison Academy. The girls put in numerous hours and overcame many obstacles to achieve their goals. With a solid performance at Regionals, they were able to earn a spot at Nationals in Orlando, Fl. Senior Chelsea Key was a large part of the squad’s success - she will be cheering for the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the fall! SUMMER 2014 17
ULTIMATE SEASON
"I'm looking for the ability of players to separate themselves from the crowd. Honesty, hard work, sacrifice, and teamwork are the cornerstones of success. " - Dr. Eric Cohu Let’s face it! This is a football crazy state, and winning a State Championship draws attention. Winning two in a row - well, that’s a really big deal. The Mustangs were the first from Huntsville-Madison County to accomplish that feat in 2012. How do you top it? How about going a perfect 15-0 the next year? You knew you were witnessing something special at the end of game five when the Mustangs took revenge on the only two teams to blemish their season the year before - 2A State Champion Tanner and 5A Cullman. But it certainly wasn’t a cakewalk. There were plenty of character building moments along the way. In 2012, the Mustangs had the luxury of hosting all four playoff rounds before advancing to Auburn. To repeat, they would have to travel to hostile territory in the final two rounds. Piedmont came within an eyelash of an upset in the quarter final round, but MA came out on top 34-33 in a game that literally went down to the last second. The next week took them to Saks where it seemed the Mustangs were always running uphill. Even the coaches left the field at halftime thinking the season would probably end one week shy of their goal. It took a touchdown-saving tackle inside the five on a kickoff return, a five-play goal line stand, and responding with a bruising running attack to shift the momentum that resulted in a 10-point win. The Leeds Green Wave, a team who swept the Mustangs in their previous three meetings, stood in the way of a perfect season. They were big, athletic, and loaded with talent, bsut they would have to beat a confident team that had been ranked number one all season and were making their third consecutive trip to the championship game. Two great programs collided, but in the end, the Mustangs ran away with a 31-14 victory and opened the 2014 season with a 25 game winning streak. A rematch takes place on August 22nd in a nationally televised game on ESPNU.
18 ROUNDUP
PERFECT CHEMISTRY
"Looking back on the school year, the team chemistry which produced a State Championship trophy began with a service project at the Downtown Rescue Mission.” - Coach Mike Good For several years, the Madison Academy Home Run Club has supported numerous charitable outreach programs in Madison County and abroad. Student-athletes, with the help of parent volunteers, are routinely involved with the Miracle League for physically and mentally handicapped youth, as well as collection drives for those in need, reaching as far as the Eugemot Orphanage in Ghana, West Africa. This year, students participating in the baseball program raised money and solicited toy donations for the Children’s Christmas Party at the Downtown Rescue Mission. In total, over 500 toys were collected and distributed. The team also served pizza, worked with children, and formed the clean-up crew afterwards. When asked about the baseball team’s involvement with the Downtown Rescue Mission, Coach Good said, “In addition to helping those less fortunate, service projects help our Madison Academy students develop leadership skills and can change a teen’s perspective. We see a sense of camaraderie develop among teammates, and these service-learning experiences often form the basis for player-to-player and player to-coach relationships during the season. It’s a great team building exercise that yielded powerful results!” Coach Good went on to say, “As coaches, we spend most of our time concentrating on the development of athletic skills and focusing on player utilization as well as game strategy. However, I’ve learned team chemistry is as important an element when facing tough competition and surviving throughout the playoffs. Looking back on 2014, the team chemistry which produced a State Championship trophy began at the Downtown Rescue Mission.” Needless to say, Coach Good was happy with the season results and lauded the leadership, determination, and effort put forth by our senior class. “Greg Lambert, Chris Moorefield, Logan McDonald and Bo McLaughlin were just outstanding!” The Mustangs finished the 2014 campaign hoisting the Blue Map at Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium and posted a 34-13 win-loss record. This is the second State Championship for the Mustang baseball program and the fourth time in six years they have found themselves in the state finals. With the overall number of Madison Academy students participating in the program, the future is very bright!
SUMMER 2014
19
ELEMENTARY It is not hard to motivate our little ones to serve. As a matter of fact, it almost seems to come naturally. Whatever project our school initiates, the elementary students get on board. Just last year alone, we participated in shoes for Mexico, money for premie babies, toys for the Upper School Spiritual Emphasis Day, and school supplies for Lincoln Academy, an inner city Christian school. Several of the elementary classes adopt an angel at Christmas to help another child have a Christmas. Throughout the year, students send cards and notes of appreciation to faculty and staff. The sixth grade Student Government Association provided a breakfast for staff members during the Christmas season. When you see the heart of a child and the willingness to give, it is not hard to see why the Lord said that we should “become like one of these.” Example is the best teacher. Madison Academy faculty and staff strive to emulate the heart of a servant each and everyday for the young ones to model.
Little Madison Academy children love visits from students at “the big school.” Whether it is a volunteer reading to them, the band pumping them up, or just getting a piggy back ride, the interaction is good for both the young and the “old.” It’s another way our students serve.
Mr. James Nichols (pictured), Lynnwood Cockerham, and Bob Trammell were among honorees during the Super Citizen’s awards ceremony sponsored by Liberty Learning Foundation.
THE GOAL OF EXCELLENCE by Dr. Mike Weimer, MA Principal
Madison Academy holds dual accredited status with AdvancED (formerly Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) and with the National Christian School Association (NCSA). As part of this accreditation, periodically all accredited schools go through a re-certification process that involves an extensive internal review followed by an on-campus peer review visit. This past school year, MA went through this process that concluded with a peer review team visit in mid-April. This process literally picks up all the rocks of the school and looks under them to identify strengths to reinforce and opportunities for improvement. One on-going aspect of this healthy process of accountability is the formulation of a School Improvement Plan designed to enhance our strengths and remediate our weaknesses. Madison Academy’s School Improvement Plan has been designed to stand on four legs of emphasis: A focus on both of the core academic areas of language arts and mathematics; a continuing emphasis upon the instructional integration of technology; and, core to our mission, a re-dedicated stress upon student spiritual formation. In succeeding years, our annual reports to AdvancED will particularly monitor these four areas of emphasis.
Dr. Weimer honors Valedictorian Kaylyn Bartley at this year’s graduation. Sixty-eight seniors received their diplomas and charted their course to new vistas of higher education around the world, receiving a record $5.2 million in scholarship offers. During their visit, the Peer Review Team, led by Dr. Misty Overman from Atlanta, was particularly complimentary of the school climate at Madison Academy. They commented that one can feel that students and teachers like being at MA and they like being with each other. They also focused on the sense of mission at Madison Academy; it is evident that there is a commitment to “quality education in a Christian environment.” In their report to AdvancEd and NCSA, they wrote: “Overall, the external review team noticed that the learning environment was the strong characteristic of the school. As the team interviewed and observed stakeholders, the most common themes that emerged were the feelings of love, care, family, respect, and positive support. . . . The staff, led by the board and administration, had a sense of sacrifice and a willingness to go the extra mile to create the environment that helps each of their students learn best and enjoy their educational experience. Each area of the school modeled a Christ-like attitude.” Any thorough review needs to identify areas that need attention and improvement. In particular, the visiting team noted a need for: • more formalized structure of internal accountability, monitoring, evaluation, and communication • the development of an instructional growth plan for each teacher involving mentoring and coaching • more consistently developed school-wide curricular scope and sequence that evidences a departmental and K- 12th grade alignment
Finally, we want to thank all the parents and students who participated on committees, who shared in meetings, and who completed the surveys associated with this review process. Your input greatly contributed to our school’s academic vision. Once a year, Little Madison Academy’s children, ages three through five, strap on their helmets, hop on their trikes, and pedal hard to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital! The Kindergarten and Pre-1st classes take a leadership role through fundraising and cheering for the younger Mustangs. It is heart-warming to see the children wave their homemade signs and hear them yell for the children to not give up and to keep trying; they jump up and down in victory when the Little Mustangs accomplish their mission. The week before the Trike-AThon, there is an emphasis on bike safety and the importance of helping those in need. This year the day before the event, the children met a child who received treatment at St. Jude’s. He and his mom shared their experience with St. Jude’s and thanked the children for raising money for the hospital. Typically, a Trike-A-Thon event raises an average of $500. Little Madison Academy families have raised an average of $4,182 each year since 2011, helping sponsor cancer research that has taken the childhood cancer survival rate from 20%, 50 years ago, to 80% today! St. Jude’s Trike-a-thon is one way that Little Madison Academy helps children grow in godly and academic wisdom; in stature by teaching good choices for a healthy body, soul, and mind; and in favor with God and man.
SUMMER 2014 20
Accreditation Flashback
The year was 1977, and Madison Academy had been dreaming, planning, and working hard to meet the standards of SACS, one of the nation’s most prestigious academic associations. Their independent review validated that the school had met or exceeded the academic and operational requirements to become accredited. We celebrate the achievement of these trail blazers and work hard each year to build on their accomplishments. SUMMER 2014 21
July 2013 - June 2014
Gold Circle ($10,000 - $19,999) T-H Marine Supplies, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Robert Burton Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Jones Mr. and Mrs. Mark McDaniel Rosenblum Realty, Inc. Twickenham Church of Christ Ms. Dianne Whitaker Mr. and Mrs. Tim Yeager Maroon Circle ($1,000 - $9,999) Mr. and Mrs. Lennie Acuff AEgis Technologies Alabama Pediatric Dental Asso. Mr. and Mrs. Rey Almodovar Mr./Mrs. Raymond Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Butch Atchley Mr. and Mrs. Richard Baker Mr. and Mrs. Philip Barnett Beason & Nalley, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Brent Bingham Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Blanchard BOEING Mr. and Mrs.Tom Branner Mr. and Mrs. Everett Brooks Dr. Thomas Buckle Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Buie Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Cambra Capturing Life Photgraphy Mr. and Mrs. Rayon Carlisle Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cayson Center for Wellness Chambers Bottling Company, Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Christa Dr. and Mrs. Eric Cohu Mr. and Mrs. James Cole Conditioned Air Solutions
Mr. and Mrs. Denny Cooper Mr. and Mrs. John Covert Mr. Thomas Dashner DataPro, LLC Decatur Maxillofacial & Cosmetic Surgery Cntr Mr. and Mrs. Alan Dietz Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Dorney Mr. and Mrs. Jason Edgemon Mr. and Mrs. Howard Eisenhart Family Pet Care, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Nicky Faught First Financial Group of Hsv. Dr. and Mrs. James Flatt Mr. and Mrs. David French Mr. and Mrs. Ray Fulkerson Mr. and Mrs. Marc Geis Mr. Fred and Dr. Lynda Gilliam Mr. Jae Gleason Mr. Michael Good Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Green, III Greenbrier Church of Christ Dr. & Mrs. Richard Gualtieri Mr. and Mrs. Dana Guy Mr./ Mrs. Matthew Hammond Mrs. Anita Hand Mr. and Mrs. David Hargett Mr. and Mrs. David Harrison Hays & Son Oil Company, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Steven Hill Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hinson Mr. Jeff Hipps Home Choice Windows & Doors, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Vinson Huegele Huntsville Burgers, Inc. Huntsville Colon & GI Cons. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Hursman Industrial Contractor Supply Innovative Plastics, Inc. Irene E. Taylor Mgmnt. Trust Mr.Rick Jarrell Dr. Loncar-Jarrell Jason W. Swindle, P.C. Jay Real Estate Enterprises
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Donors
President’s Circle ($20,000 +) Ashburn Foundation Matt Curtis Real Estate Landers McLarty DJC Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Palmer
Jerry Damson Mr. and Mrs. Joel Key Mary-Jane Khodanian Mr. and Mrs. Tim King Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Knott Knoxville Tours & Travel Center Koonce Anesthesia Svcs, Inc Mr. and Mrs. Glen Laird Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lambdin Larry’s Pistol & Pawn Lee Company Mr. and Mrs. James Lewter Mr. and Mrs. Chris Lewter Lifetouch School Studios Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Lindsey Mr. and Mrs. Tim Logan Madison Family Practice Madison Orthodontics Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Mann Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Matthews Mayfair Church of Christ Mr./Mrs. Stephen McCafferty Mercer & Associates, PC Michael Lind Underground Svcs. Mr. and Mrs. James Mills Mrs. Jennifer Mills MNT Machine, Inc Mr. and Mrs. Michael Moore Dr. and Mrs. Billy Sam Moore Dr. and Mrs. Jack Moore Mr. and Mrs. Tim Naff Network For Good New Millennium Technologies Larry Stolz Dr. and Mrs. James Nix Noel D. Tallon, CPA, PC Northrop Grumman Mr. Brian D. O’Dell Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Owens Mr. Jeffrey and Dr. Joan Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Chris Pendergrass Publix Alabama Quality Lawn & Landscape Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Rozek
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Rucker Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Sanders Ms. Virginia Scott Scrubs Stat! Sides Auto Body Repair, Inc Slaughter Rd. Child Dev. Cen. Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Smith Lyn Smith Mr. Guy Smith Mrs. Anita Mobley-Smith Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Snell Mr. and Mrs. J. Scott Sparks SportsMed Stewart Electric Co., Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Sutton Mr./Mrs. John Swearengen Target Mr. and Mrs. Todd Taylor Taylor Electric, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Teague The Benevity Community Impact Fund Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thome Mr. and Mrs. Wil Thornthwaite Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Tomlinson Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Waite Dr. and Mrs. Michael Weimer Mr. Glen West Mr. and Mrs. Jeff West West Birm. Christian School Ms. Elisabeth Whitten Mr./Mrs. Marlin Williamson Mr. and Mrs. Jason Young Friends ($300 to $999) 2080 Media Inc. DBA PlayOn! ACME Brick Company Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Acuff Ms. Patricia Adams Advanced Eyecare of Madison, P.C. Alabama Basketball Academy Alabama Cleaning Service Alabama Custom Flooring & Design, Inc.
Alabama Driving Academy Alabama Farm Credit All Star Real Estate Carolyn Allen American Defense International, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. George Armstrong Austin Physical Therapy, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Greg Bacon Bankston Motor Homes, Inc Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barfield Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Bartley Mr. and Mrs. Stacy Bates Mr. Mike and Dr. Cheryl Bazzle Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Benner Mr. and Mrs. James Bennett Mr. and Mrs.Gerald Bennett Bentley Buick GMC, Cadillac Bizzy Pizza, Inc DBA Pizza Inn Darla Blackburn Mr. and Mrs. Andy Blackston Ms. Tara Blose Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bogardus Ms. Karla Bolin Brenda J Morrison CPA PC Ms. Clara Brewer Brian A. Bellomy the Agency Mr. and Mrs. David Browning Mr. and Mrs. John Bryson Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Burks Mr. and Mrs. Jason Bybee Canebrake Club Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. Bart Carter Mr. Alan Cash Center for Women’s Healthcare Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cheatham Mr. and Mrs. William Cobb Coldwater Ministries Commercial Landscape Service, Inc Complete Physical Therapy Dr. and Mrs. Mike Conrad Mr. and Mrs. Brian Coward Mr. and Mrs. Brad Cox
Mr. Scott Coy Mr. and Mrs. Steve Crabb Mr. Michael Craig Mr. and Mrs. Chris Crawford Creekside Family Practice, P.C. Crestwood Medical Center Mr. and Mrs. Brad Dahlke Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Danner Mr. and Mrs. James Darnell, III Mr. and Mrs. Mark Davis Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Davis Mr. and Mrs. J. Mark Debro Ms. Eunice Dinsmore Dixie Waste Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Drensek Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Dunbar Durable Designs Durham Orthodontics Eagle Collision Center Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Earp Mr. and Mrs. Lee Edminson Educational Outfitters Dr. Ted Edwards Dr. Belinda Savage-Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Harold Elkins Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Elkins Mr. Perry Ellis Mr. Cecil Endsley Ms. Leah Engler Mr. David Falkner Mr. and Mrs. Brian Farnsworth Mr. and Mrs. Charles Farrior First Boll Products LLC Ms. Shannon Kaye Fisher Mr. and Mrs. John Fletcher Fountain, Parker, Harbarger Fuqua & Partners Architects Mr. and Mrs. Bob Gaffin Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Garcia Garner Auctions, Inc General Shale Mr. and Mrs. Keith Giboney Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Graham Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gray Mr. and Mrs. Eric Greene
MADISON ACADEMY 2014 FINANCIAL SUMMARY The Board of Directors, along with Dr. Burton and MA Business Manager Carol Brittain, analyze the financial data of Madison Academy regarding our efforts to maintain tuition and fees at the most reasonable rates possible based on our payroll, educational, and facilities expenses. As in previous years, we have determined that we met the goals set out by the board in the previous year regarding the number of students. Further, we have also been successful in managing the budget during that same period so that we are able to maintain reasonable tuition and fees. We work diligently in a tough economy to find the right mixture of attaining cost management while working to increase the quality of education, services, equipment and facilities for our Madison Academy family. Madison Academy’s stated educational goal of training our students to grow in their knowledge and experience in God’s Word is accomplished by hiring qualified Christian instructors. The Madison Academy board and staff believe the educational opportunities, service projects, and mission involvement offered to our students are very important for them to learn to serve people as Jesus did. Madison Academy continues to rely on the support of our donor base to provide assistance that allows us to maintain the strong Christian education we offer our students. As always, we ask that those of you who see strong Christian teaching as an important ministry of our school consider making a donation to assist us. Madison Academy has planned and budgeted in a manner that has put the school in stable financial condition. The real estate value of our campus continues to exceed our debt, causing the board to be confident about our capital position. We are very comfortable with the terms and the amount of the bonds used to finance our real estate. As with all private schools, our vision is to the future of the school and the ability for us to survive in an economic environment that has been unstable in our nation. We are proud of our administrators for their approach during this period of time to manage our funds appropriately to provide an attractive, quality education for children in the Madison County area. We appreciate those of you who have included MA in your estates and lifetime giving plans. We encourage more of you to contact the Development Office to assist you in making these plans to make a lasting difference in our current and future students’ lives. The Board of MA is pleased to share information regarding the state of our finances. Our financial goal is to keep our tuition costs reasonable, while maintaining educational quality comparable to the top schools in this area. - Jerry Mercer, CPA - MA Board Treasurer 22 ROUNDUP
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Hamlett Harmon Scrap Metal Mr. and Mrs. Jason Hawkins K. Jill Hearn Mr./Mrs. Milton Henderson Peggy Hickerson Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Hodges Mr. and Mrs. Van Hollis Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Homan Mr. and Mrs. Matt Homan Hometown Lenders Hoover General Contractors Mr. and Mrs. Larry Houston Mr. and Mrs. John Howard Mr. and Mrs. John Huffman Huntsville Hospital Foundation Mr. Charles/Dr. Debbie Hyder Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ikard Mr. Paul Jacks Jerry Minor Cleaning & Restoration, Inc. Ms. Alice Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Jolley Jon Peters Insurance Agency Jennifer H Jones Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Jones Mr. Tony J Jordan Mr. and Mrs. John Keeling Mr. Thomas Kelley Ms. Ann Kelley Mr. Jack Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Yousef Khouri Mr. and Mrs. Greg Kiel Ms. Rhonda G King Kinnucan Enterprises, Inc Dr. and Mrs. Butch Kinzer Mr. and Mrs. Willard Kistler Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Knox Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Koch Mr. and Mrs. Brian Koonce Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Laeupple Land & Lawn Dev. Services Laughlin, Marinaccio & Owens Advertising Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lawrence
Leasesouth LLC Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lewter Mr. and Mrs. Jon Liddie Mrs. Margaret D Lindsey Miss Anna Caroline Lisenba Mr./Mrs. William Lisenba Joann Longshore Ms. Kathy Manning Mr. and Mrs. Jim Marshall Mathnasium Mr. and Mrs. Tom McAlpin Mr./Mrs. Donnie McCaghren Mr./Mrs. Scott McCaghren Mr. and Mrs. Eugene McCaul Mr./Mrs. Mark McConkey Mr./Mrs. Timothy McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Terry McGee Dr./Mrs. Theodros Mengesha Mr. and Mrs. Todd Meredith Mr. and Mrs. Dan Meyers Michael J. Conrad, MD, PC Mr. and Mrs. Greg Milar Mr. and Dr. Marty Miller Mr. and Mrs. Lemeco Miller Mr. and Mrs. Robert Milton Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Minor Mr./Mrs. Rick Moorefield Mrs. Michelle Moorefield Ms. Dane Moorefield Mr. and Mrs. Greg Mordecai Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Craig Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Jason Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mullen Mr. and Mrs. Bill Mullins Multi-Tek Machining, Inc. Mr./Mrs. William Neiland Mr./Mrs. Gayland Nelson New Century Builders, Inc New Generation Foods, LLC Mr. Ralph Nichols Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nobrega North Al. Ed. Credit Union
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Ogden Mr./Mrs. Daniel Olberding Mr. and Mrs. Michael Oliver Oral Arts Dental Lab Mr. and Mrs. Willis Owens Parkway Burgers DBA Five Guys Mr. and Mrs. Keith Parrish Mr. Greg and Dr. Sheela Parrish Ms. Teresa Pendergrass Phil Sandovals, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Jim Phillips Pine Ridge Day Camp Mr. and Mrs. Tony Pitsinos Mr. and Mrs. Scott Pollard Precision Machine Service Mr. Steve Price Mr. Jonathan/Dr. Tracy Pulliam Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rankin Mr. and Mrs. Keith Reavis Redstone Federal Credit Union Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Reed Rehab & Neuro Services, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Ulysses Rhodes Mr. and Mrs. Dane Richardson Mr. and Mrs. Greg Riggins Mr. and Mrs. Troy Roeck Mr. and Mrs. Carey Rosenblum Rotary Club of Madison Mr. and Mrs. George Russell Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Schad Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Scherzinger Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schloss Mr. Chad Schrader Mrs. Carissa Scott Seabrook Solutions Dr. and Mrs. Lee Segrest September Twenty Sixth, Inc. Tutor Doctor Sharp Communication Shoe Fly Mr. and Mrs. David Siersma Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Simon Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sleasman Mr. and Mrs. Guillermo Soto Southern Sr. Baseball League
Southern Star Xpress, INC Spectrum Solutions, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Paul Sproul Stevi B’s Pizza Mr. and Mrs. Larry Stewart Sullins Eye Care Center, Inc. Superior Heating & Air, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Ira Swindle Mr. and Mrs. James Tash Telescreen, Inc. Tennessee Valley Ob-Gyn The Sheffield Fund Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Tidwell Total Realty Services, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Keven Trach Mr. and Mrs. Bob Trammell Trigreen Equipment, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Troxell Mr. and Mrs. John Troy Mr. and Mrs. Louis Tuck Earnstine Tucker Mr./Mrs. Herbert Underwood Valley Pizza/Domino’s Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Vaughan Mr. and Mrs. Tray Walden Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Waldron Mr. and Mrs. Adam Walker Mr. and Mrs. Travis Wammack Mr./ Mrs. Roderick Washington Mr. & Mrs. Greg Watson Mr. and Mrs. Keith Watson Watson Inc Mr. Charles Wesolowski Mr. and Mrs. Doug Westrope Mr. and Mrs. Myles Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne Wiginton Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Williams Mr. and Mrs. Frank Williams Mr. and Mrs. Masao Williams Mr. and Mrs. Michael Williams Mr. and Mrs. Shannon Wimberly Mr. and Mrs. Jason Winningham Mr. and Mrs. Edward Woodland Mr. and Mrs. Michael Worley Zoe’s Restaurants, LLC
MA ON-LINE STORE
shop.macademy.org The official site for Madison Academy merchandise. This constantly expanding shopping site is the place to go for everything from static stickers to athletic apparel. visit: shop.macademy.org
MA ATHLETICS WEBSITE
Cyber Supporters: Announcing MA Online Shopping
Helping Our School Has Never Been Easier! You may have noticed MA license plates around town or saw someone in a nice MA sweatshirt, but didn’t know where to get it. It is especially confusing when you are at a football game and fall in love with a jacket sold by the soccer boosters. Just knowing where to go and who to ask has been the problem. Not any more! Digital commerce has finally arrived at MA, giving buyers a one stop shop for fan merchandise and more. You make the purchase and the proceeds go seamlessly to the sponsoring club or organization. LAMA is on board, offering those Southern Tradition after-sale items. If you are one of those people who shop Amazon.com, be sure to route your purchases through Amazon Smile. The school receives .5% of all qualified purchases, which can really add up. Right now, iOS apps are not supported at checkout. You can, however, put items in your shopping cart and complete the purchase on the browser of your device. In addition to mail, donations can also be made conveniently online. Contributions to the Annual Fund, memorial gifts, and other charitable donations may be made online at: macademy.org/donate. It’s never been easier to support the great things going on at MA!
for more info, go to www.macademy.org
mamustangs.org Our new athletic website, mamustangs.org, is the source for news and information about Mustang sports. Live stream, live scoring updates, schedules, rosters, and news feeds are all available at: mamustangs.org