The Warrior - Winter 2019

WINTER 2019

THE WARRIOR L I T T L E

R O C K

C H R I S T I A N

A C A D E M Y

Publisher Phillip Bridges Editors Heather Bennett Phillip Bridges Cindy McLeod

A LETTER FROM

DR. ARNOLD

Graphic Designer Karen Mitchell Contributors Dr. Gary Arnold Lynn Beardsley Heather Bennett Sarah Berry Sidney Hyatt Sarah Mathews Cindy McLeod Kelsey Nwokoro Dr. Margo Turner Photographers Sarah Crabill Karen Mitchell Sterling Imageworks Photography Kristin Taylor Photographe' Cover Photo by Sterling Imageworks Photography

“Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24) When a friend and fellow school head from Charlotte, North Carolina shared this verse with three dozen school heads, my ears perked up. My friend leads one of the schools that we benchmark against, emulate and spark as “iron sharpens iron.” As he was speaking, the truth of this scripture hit me between the eyes. It’s a timely and timeless mandate for every Christian school, every church, every home and every believer.

Three things define us.

Little Rock Christian Academy Mission Statement To serve families, churches and the community by providing a PK-12th grade education, characterized by excellence in the pursuit of truth from a Christ-centered worldview.

Little Rock Christian Academy 19010 Cantrell Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72223 501-868-9822 www.LittleRockChristian.com

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One looks to the future. (Fearing God keeps the Lord at the center of our decision-making, our plans, our resolve.) One lives in the present day. (Serving Him with gusto brushes back sin, boredom, FOMO, burnout, and bewilderment.)

One looks to the past. (Gratitude for all He has done for us revives our spirit and assures us all is well.)

Earlier this month, the LRCA Leadership Team joined me for a day’s retreat to start planning for 2019-2020. We began by zeroing in on the timely and timeless truths that make us who we are and propel us to do what we do. In essence, we camped out on the Warrior Way. Over the years, what memes have endured to craft that distinctive Warrior state of mind illustrated on the pages of this magazine?

Here’s a sample: We Believe!

BWV … to serve families …

The Golden Triangle The House of Love Daniels and Esthers 16,000 hours The emu No Jesus, no school Christian, independent, collegiate … pursuit of truth …

Timely and Timeless Truth W The difference is a gift.

Excellence Warriorville Onward and upward!

Growth mindset The Warrior cross

These words (and so many more) exemplify the Warrior Way. And, the list of ingredients is growing. As we press on, new words, traditions, symbols and themes will sprout up, take root and bear Kingdom fruit. I can’t wait.

Gary B. Arnold

President / Head of School

4 30 ELEMENTARY Motivate - Engage - Transform

EVENTS 4-5

MIDDLE SCHOOL First Annual House Competition Day

6-7

JUNIOR HIGH

Faculty Spotlight E is for Enthusiasm, Extraordinary and Eatherton 8-9

ACADEMICS

Me as a Curious Learner Class of 2019 National Merit Students

SENIORS

Your Story Matters

JTERM J-Term Jaunts

ADVANCEMENT Really, REALLY BIG!

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CONTENTS

10

12

Homecoming 2018

18

Fall Alumni Highlights

19

ATHLETICS

20-23

FINE ARTS

Warrior Art World Tour

24

Casts Form Unexpected Bond During Fall Series

25

Servant Leader Earns High Honor

26

Banana Manna - In Memory of Rachel Ekenseair

27

FACULTY/STAFF

11

12-13

14-15

ALUMNI NEWS Once a Warrior Always a Warrior

28-29

CHRISTMAS IN WARRIORVILLE

30-31

18

16-17

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ELEMENTARY

Motivate - Engage - Transform The Reading Institute’s strategies impact teachers and students alike

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Written by Kelsey Nwokoro, Second Grade Teacher

This past summer, three lower school faculty members attended the summer Reading Institute put on by the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) at Columbia University. First-grade teacher Dawn Sanders, second-grade teacher Kelsey Nwokoro, and lower school principal Ann Chami made the trip to New York City for the five-day institute with hopes of bringing new knowledge and tools for teaching reading back to LRCA. The institute is comprised of small and large group sections tackling, headfirst, the following topics and much more.

• curriculum development/planning in the teaching of reading • daily reading workshop, comprehension strategy instruction, phonics for growing readers • the importance of assessment-based instruction-the role of the read-aloud book • methods of holding students accountable for doing their best work • helping students grow ideas about literature • classroom structures that support inquiry and collaboration

the time in a busy school day to hit all these areas, and how do we decide what matters most?

The TCRWP Director, Lucy Calkins, saw the dilemma that many teachers were facing. She recognized the changing needs of young readers and sought a solution by forming the Reading and Writing Project, a group of lifelong learners seeking to help young people become avid and skilled readers, writers, and inquirers. The mission of the TCRWP states, “We accomplish this goal through research, curriculum development, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with students, teachers, and school leaders.” She and her team, after decades of research, recently released The Units of Study for Teaching Writing, Phonics, and Reading, which offers grade-by-grade curricula rooted in the Project’s best practices and newest thinking. It includes state-of-the-art tools and methods for teaching reading skills and strategies, grounded in the Project’s learning progressions for narrative and informational reading.

According to Columbia Teachers College colleagues, all of these elements are essential for developing strong readers and thinkers in today’s world. However, the challenge is finding the time and tools to meet the many needs of growing readers while preparing them for the changing world.

While attending the June Reading Institute, Sanders, Nwokoro, and Chami were able to see first-hand how other schools across the nation use The Units of Study to enhance the way readers learn and grow.

They saw how schools with a variety of student populations and needs were taking these research-based Units of Study and implementing them to give students the skills and tools necessary to reach their full potential as readers.

All teachers understand the importance of quality teaching of reading.

Most teachers would probably agree, teaching reading often feels like a balancing act. How do we properly prepare young readers for all they will be required to do out in the real world? How can we possibly find

Although LRCA has not made a decision to fully adopt this reading curriculum, several lower school teachers have made the leap this year and are teaching reading using the Lucy Calkins Units of Study.

The lessons are written with Reading Workshop as a central focus. In

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ELEMENTARY

a whole group setting, students are taught a mini lesson at the beginning of their reading block that teaches a specific reading skill or element.

Next, students break out into either reading groups, reading partners, or individual reading spots. Teachers then begin the workshop time, visiting with individual readers, leading small group coaching sessions, and hearing their students read out loud.

Each session through the curriculum includes a whole group lesson, conferring and small group work, mid-workshop teaching, and a group share. The curriculum largely focuses on putting books into the hands of children and allowing them the time and space to fall in love with reading. These lessons help students understand concepts like how a book works, how books want to be read, the intentions of the author, and understanding characters’ points of view.

Lower School Principal, Ann Chami, says this about working directly with Lucy Calkins during the summer institute, “Lucy Calkins is a learner. During our time with her, she was constantly engaging in how to implement literacy in each individual school attending. She listens and offers best practices that fit a school.”

One goal that Mrs. Chami brought back to LRCA was to continue to fill classrooms with books of all genres, styles, and interest levels. We have been fortunate this year to have worked toward this goal by adding hundreds of books to our shared elementary book room.

Gail Williams and Dawn Sanders, both first grade teachers, have been implementing the Units of Study for Teaching Reading as well as Phonics

into their classrooms this year. Gail says, “My children are amazed at the hard words they are able to decode. More than anything, my students are excited about the number of books they are reading.”

“Throughout this year, I have been encouraged by the growth I have seen in my readers. Through teaching these lessons, I have gained more confidence as a reading teacher. I know each of my readers on a more personal level than I have in past years, and I find myself constantly seeking to match my students with books they will love. My students and I love our reading sessions together. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from Lucy Calkins and her colleagues. My students are inspired and challenged by the highly engaging mini lessons and are eager to read more and more," says second grade teacher, Kelsey Nwokoro.

Emily Gentry, a second grade teacher, says, “These reading lessons motivate even my most reluctant readers to be engaged in text. At the beginning of the year, my students' independent reading stamina was only a couple of minutes complimented with a few grumbles and avoidance behaviors. Now, my students ask if they can ‘Read to Self’ throughout the whole day and could be perfectly content there for a while! They are eager to read.”

Strategies learned by LRCA teachers at The Reading Institute have transformed classroom efforts to engage and motivate young students toward greater success.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

First Annual House Competition Day

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Written by Sarah Berry, Middle School English Teacher

Loud chants, capes, and tutus oh my! The excitement surrounding Middle School's First Annual House Competition Day is something that we will not soon forget. Imagine being in a cafeteria where 180 middle schoolers are yelling at the top of their lungs to cheer on their team. I believe all of our ears were ringing. We could literally feel the excitement of the students like never before.

As a middle school staff, we decided to implement the House System to increase comradery and leadership amongst the 5th and 6th graders and to continue to build a sense of belonging and family amongst the students and staff. The House System has done this and much more.

The Houses were determined by the student's advisory teacher.

Each 5th grade advisory was paired with a 6th grade advisory and each house was born. Houses include The Loyal Lions, Thunder Pavandas, Uningos, Leviathans, and the Little Falcons. The first meetings with the Houses consisted of designing a crest to represent the House as well as creating a chant. While the teachers were there to guide the students, we asked the students to work together and create each of these on their own. We loved seeing

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"As a middle school staff, we decided to implement the House System to increase comradery and leadership amongst the 5th and 6th graders and to continue to build a sense of belonging and family amongst the students and staff."

MIDDLE SCHOOL

middle schoolers develop their social skills by working together to create a unique crest and chant to represent their House.

The days leading up to the First Annual House Competition Day, part of Warrior Blitz 2018, were exciting and the anticipation was evident amongst the students. Walking down the hallway you could hear students calling out to each other and cheering their House on, whispers of plans for costumes for the chant reveal, and discussions about each of the events that were to come.

When the day of the competition arrived, we as teachers were blown away to see how the students went above and beyond to represent their Houses. They were dressed head to toe in their house color and without being asked, members of each house had also made posters, banners, and buttons to further show their support for their house.

I am certain that the chants in the cafeteria that morning could be heard all across campus.

The House of Joy has experienced a new kind of joy this year with the implementation of the House System. While one House came out victorious on the Competition Day, we feel that every student and teacher won because of the relationships that were formed and will continue to grow throughout the year. We cannot wait to continue to add to the House program in our building as we gain ideas from other educators across the country!

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JUNIOR HIGH

Faculty Spotlight

E is for Enthusiasm, Extraordinary and Eatherton

J

Written by Heather Bennett, Communications

Just finishing out his first semester at LRCA, newlywed and first-time home-buyer, Tyler Eatherton serves as the new Junior High Assistant Principal. He brings with him middle school teaching and leadership experience in private and public school educational institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Middle-Level Education from Harding University and is currently pursuing his Masters in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.

Mr. Eatherton is passionate about educational energy and ideas, so we wanted to make sure all of Warriorville had a chance to get to know this fun and dynamic leader. Here, we sat down with Mr. Eatherton to dive into a little bit more of what makes him who he is.

HB: What was your inspiration for going in to education?

TE: My mom was a teacher and administrator for 35 years. It was her example and the example of all of the great teachers I had over the years.

HB: What have been some of the most impactful lessons in teaching you’ve learned over the years?

TE: The first two years of my career, I taught ESL in southern Missouri – all subjects in 5th grade. Most kids spoke non-native languages. I learned early, you never judge a student by what they appear to know.

There’s so much more going on in there.

HB: What is your favorite part and also the most challenging part of your job at Little Rock Christian?

TE: I love working with the teachers on curriculum and brainstorming the “what if” in creative lesson planning. They should never feel shackled to something. And, the most challenging part of my job is being a little removed from students, impacting them very indirectly.

HB: How would you describe the concepts of intentional discipleship and engaging instruction?

TE: We do this very naturally here. It means really coming along with the kids, understanding the individual hearts of the kids. In junior high, high drama is so real, but it’s very important to them. It’s not just rainbows and cookies though, it’s establishing strong boundaries that students crave and need. The instruction incorporates changing things up daily, multiple transitions and high energy.

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JUNIOR HIGH

HB: What is your favorite food?

TE: Toasted ravioli and Imo’s Pizza in St. Louis. I also love blueberry donuts from Shipley’s and really all things unhealthy.

HB: What has been your favorite adventure?

TE: Backpacking through Scotland. I traveled a lot solo before I was married and had one last solo trip where I went from Edinburgh to Glasgow to Loch Ness and back (See Tyler's photo above).

HB: What is your favorite book?

TE: “Wild At Heart” by John Eldredge really changed my spiritual life.

HB: What is your vision for your work?

TE: We literally have moved furniture and we’re moving to the “House” system. Next year, five houses will take the place of advisory groups and focus on character development. There’ll be house banners in the lobby and above doors. The ARC will be a roundtable room designated for Harkness discussions, professional development and more. The inspiration for all of this is the Ron Clark Academy*. Junior High teachers from Little Rock Christian representing each department and team leaders will be heading to train at RCA in April. It’s literally a life dream of mine.

HB: Morning person or night owl?

TE: Night owl.

HB: What’s something unusual people may not know about you?

TE: I love the show “Survivor” and have seen all 39 seasons. I keep applying to be on the show. I would love to get on one day. But, I’m terrified of heights.

HB: Pet peeve?

TE: I hate when people touch my car windows.

HB: Dream vehicle?

TE: Old school Land Rover

We’re also implementing the workshop model where skills and content combine so there’s individualized, independent work after the lesson… keeping kids engaged all period.

HB: What’s your favorite scripture or book of the Bible?

TE: Oh, it’s always changing. Right now, 1 John. I see so much value in it. Also, the book of James.

HB: Are you musically inclined or have any talents you’d like to share?

TE: I’m absolutely not musical. I love to sing, but I’m not good at it. I love photography. I also love to clean and organize things. I kind of feel like if my surroundings are clean, life isn’t falling apart. I also love maps and I’m really good at geography.

HB: What kind of student were you in junior high?

TE: I was very quiet and didn’t want to stand out. My goal was to be invisible. In middle school, I was voted “Most Likely to Become a Teacher or a Politician”.

HB: What is your favorite activity or sport?

TE: I’m very competitive and I love Orange Theory. I also run and hang out with my wife and dog. I play tennis, swim and hike. Although, I’m not from Arkansas, I’m learning to get in to the Razorbacks. My in-laws have season tickets.

HB: Only child or siblings?

TE: I have an older sister who is an English professor in college and her hubby is head of IT at the same university. *RCA is a highly acclaimed, non-profit middle school in Southeast Atlanta. It has received both national and international recognition for success in educating students representing various socio-economic and academic backgrounds and communities with academic rigor, passion and creativity balanced by a strict code of discipline.

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ACADEMICS

Me as a Curious Learner

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Written by Dr. Margo Turner, Junior High Strategies Teacher

Derived from early days at Google, 7th grade students use "20% Time" during their Strategies for Learning, Research and Writing to explore personal topics of interest. Google's idea that giving employees company time to work on their own projects would increase their creativity on Google projects.

1.

The first step for 20% time is for the students to observe babies and toddlers to rediscover their own curiosity.

2.

Students then create "Me as Curious Learner" Google Docs and list ten things that they want to know more about and select three to focus on for the first quarter of the school year. The list is updated each quarter.

3.

Students are provided 20% of a class period about every other week throughout the year to be curious about their listed topics and to learn more by researching, practicing, or experimenting.

4. Students list goals, make plans and reflect on their 20% time learning.

The intent of 20% time is for junior high students to become selfdirected learners.

20% time is just one example of how students at LRCA are invited to pursue their personal interests.

Goals for 20% time: This time in 7th grade can help determine J-Term internships or opportunities in 9th-11th grades for further study and experiences, which lead to Senior Capstone Projects in 12th grade, which lead to college programs of study, which lead to careers.

"When students are asked 'What do you want to know?' it doesn't always line up with our curriculum standards, but it is an amazing catalyst for learning.

Intrinsic motivation is a powerful force that can change the world."

- Dr. Margo Turner 10 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2019

ACADEMICS

CLASS OF 2019 NATIONAL MERIT STUDENTS

Semifinalists: Caroline Blanscet, Trinity Abdulkhalik, Justin Patty, Luke Weiner, Luke Hankins, Matthew DiLeo Commended Students: Parker Moore, Harrison Roberts

E

Each September, high schools across the country anxiously await the results of the National Merit Scholarship Competition.

Currently, more than 1.6 million students from about 22,000 schools enter the program by sitting for the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). This exam measures one's ability to understand and process elements of reading, writing, and mathematics. Approximately 16,000 of the high scorers, representing less than one percent of the nation's high school graduating seniors, qualify as Semifinalists in each annual National Merit Competition. For Little Rock Christian Academy, the National Merit program is a perfect mission fit, as it encourages the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education. These eight Seniors marked the second largest class of National Merit students in LRCA history.

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SENIORS

YOUR STORY MATTERS

By Sidney Hyatt, Class of 2019

D

Ding! An email suddenly appeared on my phone late on a Thursday night. Was it from a college? Junk mail? No. The Director of Student Life, Mr. Salman, had emailed me on an odd occasion. “Remind me what you did for your internship last year,” he asked. Thoughts flooded my mind. Had information gone missing? Did I fail to meet the J-Term requirements? I quickly replied and headed to bed.

I arrived curious and excited at school the next day. I walked into the high school office to see Mr. Salman. “Hey, Mr. Salman! Did you see my email from last night?” He responded, “Yes! The reason I asked was because we have a representative from the U.S. Department of Education who wants to visit with some of our students about their J-Term internship last year. Would you be interested?” Memories of fun times and good learning experiences first leapt into my mind, but

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little did I know what was to come of that discussion the following Tuesday.

Fast forward to Tuesday. I was finally getting checked out for the panel discussion. My heart started beating faster. My stomach started grumbling. Thankfully, my fellow seniors and I were early, so we had time to share our J-Term experiences with each other. “I interned at THV 11 news, thinking I wanted to be a journalist”, said Meg Sinha. Ben Brandt shared that he “got to intern a pilot and fly in a flight simulator”. I shared that I had I interned at Arkansas Children’s Hospital with Dr. Richter who saved my life the summer before eighth grade after a near death bicycle accident. Slightly intimidated by the wide array of internships though, I thought of mine as nothing special.

SENIORS A hot sunny day, riding my bike, getting ready to go babysit. Hurry up and get home! You only have twenty minutes before you have to be there. Pedaling fast with my left hand clutching my phone and halfway hovering over my brakes. Down my sloped driveway, thoughts disappeared. Crash! Through the dining room window. My life flashed before my eyes and suddenly changed my entire future.

Dr. Andrea Ramirez from the United States Department of Education walked into the panel and instantly I was able to see her confidence and poise. “Call me Andrea”, she said. Suddenly, all nerves went away. From the head of school to the other five senior students, it was sure to be a great group of people to talk with.

The first question from Dr. Ramirez arrived. “What is something that stood out with the person you interned?” I decided to step up to the plate and share first. “Doctors may come across to some people as cocky and with the mindset that they are better than everyone else.

But, that wasn’t the case for me. I interned Dr. Gresham Richter, an

someone was there for me, never giving up, was just a feeling like no other. Being faced with death is nothing you can really fathom until you go through it”.

As I looked around the room with my cloudy tear-filled eyes, I noticed others were doing the exact same thing. Principals along with others were all wiping their tears from becoming as noticeable as mine were.

Dr. Arnold stood up and shared his gratitude for me working alongside him as a Teacher’s Assistant and handed me a tissue box. “Thank you so much for sharing”, Dr. Ramirez said as she gave me a hug.

Suddenly, something overcame me, something almost impossible to describe. It was like I was in the face of death all over again. While I was proud of myself for sharing, I also felt guilty for making everyone else cry. I knew I couldn’t help it, but I had not talked about the accident in almost a year. Vulnerability is something I struggle with, but that day I truly felt like I did what God had been wanting me to do for so long.

When you’re thirteen, you never fully understand how close you were

“Your story is going to impact a lot of lives," While Dr. Ramirez certainly didn’t come to hear my testimony, I think it impacted others and allowed me to realize that while my story may seem small, it will at least touch one person in some way.

Otolaryngologist, at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He really treated me like a friend and a colleague rather than a high school student interning.”

Seeming to start the conversation off right, my comment spread to the ideas that began others. This was going really well. I was making myself come across just like I wanted to, not arrogant, but confident in my words. Having a passion for this school and a possible pursuit of a career in the medical field, I was so ready to hear the next question.

I remember that tears started streaming down my hot face that was slowly turning red. I shared, “Just seeing that in the midst of my pain,

to dying until you get older. Being injured less than a centimeter from my carotid artery is unfathomable.

Afterward, I became proud and thankful that I shared my story with others. “Your story is going to impact a lot of lives”, the Junior High Assistant Principal Tyler Eatherton said. While Dr. Ramirez certainly didn’t come to hear my testimony, I think it impacted others and allowed me to realize that while my story may seem small, it will at least touch one person in some way. Ultimately, your story matters, whether you believe it or not.

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JTERM

J-TERM JAUNTS

WARRIORS SERVE AND LEARN LOCALLY AND IN FOREIGN LANDS Written by Heather Bennett, Communications

Every year, freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors look forward to LRCA’s unique “January Term."

Term is an eight-day opportunity to step outside the usual school box or outside the country even to embark on educational adventures and broaden horizons, literally. Exciting and unusual classes, internships, and trips are organized to peak interest and student engagement.

This year’s bounty of class offerings included such topics as apparel arts, entomology, sustainable gardening, automotive internal combustion engines, guitar, service projects and on and on.

Student internships ranged from chemical engineering to graphic design, veterinary medicine, guiding duck hunts and everything in between.

J-Term travel included going to the Passion Conference in Atlanta, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Italy. Activities on these trips included hauling concrete, construction, conducting vacation Bible schools, glorifying God through service and worship, studying foreign cultures, and much more!

CLASSES AND INTERNSHIPS

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JTERM

PASSION ITALY

BAHAMAS

JAMAICA

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ADVANCEMENT

REALLY, REALLY BIG! Written by Cindy McLeod, Director of Advancement

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Those two words about sum up the feelings of fall 2018 on the Little Rock Christian campus. The Indoor Athletic Training Facility has proven to benefit upper school athletes. And, exuberant lower school students have enjoyed the massive indoor field for recess on rainy and cold days, as well as for several fun community events.

When plans were drawn for the Indoor, one could only imagine the greatness of the facility. We watched with awe as the structure took shape. However, the actual use of the facility has already surpassed anything we could have imagined.

Similarly, we will soon witness Warrior Arena rise above the buildings on the west side of campus. It, too, promises to amaze by its stature alone. Slated to open for the 2019-2020 basketball season, the 1,500-seat arena will receive Warrior athletes and fans with splendor.

Features of the arena, being constructed on the land between the high school and Warrior Hall, include innovative instruction spaces for science, robotics and art classes, and spacious locker 16 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2019

ADVANCEMENT

Campus map showing rendering and location of Warrior Arena rooms for men and women. Chair-back seating will provide comfort

and will magnify the impact of your gift to Phase II of the Warriors

and room for crowds of sports fans. The upper-level mezzanine

Rising Campaign. These additional funds will provide for the

and concession area have been designed to build community. The

finishing of the classrooms and additional parking lots that have

large, welcoming lobby area will also provide ample space for social

long been needed near the high school.

functions and meetings.

If you would like to be a part of Warriors Rising, please contact Cindy

While anonymous foundations have provided the major funding for

McLeod at 501-868-9822. And, make plans now for a December 2019

Warrior Arena, a matching gift of $1,000,000 has also been pledged

celebration of God’s provision for Little Rock Christian Academy.

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EVENTS

Written by Heather Bennett, Communications

H

Homecoming week is always a huge hit in Warriorville and this year was no exception! Student Government and the Homecoming Committee mapped out a course for fun and excitement. Senior maid Rachel McCarley was crowned homecoming queen. The final pit stop was a colossal 63-7 football victory over the JA Fair War Eagles on Friday, October 5.

“Road Trip” inspired hall decorations, spirit contests, and hilarious dress up days heightened anticipation for what many people called ‘the best Homecoming Parade ever’! Unseasonably warm temps didn not create a roadblock for students and faculty wearing crazy costumes and crowding on to festively themed floats. College Guidance guru Matt Foster was even unrecognizable in an inflatable alligator suit. The maids looked marvelous and beautiful horses, spirit groups and the band helped make each moment along the parade route memorable. Travel coast to coast and you’ll not find anywhere like Warriorville!

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Football Homecoming Court 2018 Freshman Maids Jordan Greenwood Sadie Lewis Sophomore Maids Sadie Fuller Emily McMenammy Junior Maids Lily Margaret Greenway Hailey Smith Senior Maids Reagan Garner Rachel McCarley (Queen) Caroline Shew

EVENTS

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS Written by Heather Bennett, Communications Eliza Young and Jonathan Randle organized a wonderful event, even with Eliza living abroad as part of the International Chinese Language Program at the National Taiwan University, and Jonathan working as a physical therapist in El Dorado!

VETERANS DAY EVENT High School History Teacher Terri Swedenburg organized and presented a very meaningful and emotional Veterans Day program on Monday, November 12. All high school students, faculty and staff gathered in Warrior Hall to pay tribute to a host of veterans that included several Warrior alumni (Josh Best - 2016, Steven Ronza 2009, Brooks Boshears - 2015), parents, faculty, staff and community members like 100-year-old World War II Veteran Luther Powell.

FOOTBALL HOMECOMING TAILGATE for WARRIOR ALUMNI The new Indoor Athletic Facility was the perfect venue for this year’s Warrior Alumni Homecoming Tailgate reception courtesy of LRCA’s Advancement Office. Hosts of former students including those in town for the Class of 2008 reunion and their families filled the rooms with laughter and good times. Alumni toured the massive new facility and enjoyed a buffet of delicious selections created by Gina’s Catering of Benton. After the tailgate they joined the throng of football fans in Warrior stadium to celebrate the night’s impressive victory!

2008 CLASS REUNION Well over 60 Warrior Alumni gathered to celebrate their 10-year high school class reunion on Saturday, October 6. The festive event was held in Cajun’s Wharf’s Pontchartrain Room where guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner, music and more. Class of 2008 Representatives

Mrs. Swedenburg set the tone with a poignant Ronald Reagan quote at the beginning of the program. “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same.” Videos and a speech by Class of 2019’s Cade Daniel reiterated how freedom and the freedom to worship God are blessings to be treasured.

The audience was so moved by the event they gave the veterans a standing ovation and then gathered along the stage to shake every one of their hands and thank them for their service and sacrifice. It was certainly a great day to be a Warrior!

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ATHLETICS

FOOTBALL 5A STATE CHAMPIONS #WARRIORSTATEOFMIND

(Images courtesy of Sterling Imageworks Photography) On Sunday, December 2, 2018, Little Rock Christian earned its first state championship with a rousing 52-38 victory over Pulaski Academy. The atmosphere was electrifying in War Memorial stadium. And, the crowd stayed on its feet as the impressive Warrior football team dominated the Bruins. Although the win was truly a team effort, many players earned post-season honors.

5A Coach of the Year – Dr. Eric Cohu All-Arkansas Preps Team – Justice Hill, Chris Hightower, Alex Veasey Arkansas Football Gatorade Player of the Year, Hooten’s 5A Offensive Player of the Year, Landers Award Winner & LR Touch down Club Player of the Year – Justice Hill 20 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2019

Hooten’s 5A Defensive Player of the Year Finalist – Grant McElmurry USA Today All-Arkansas Team – Justice Hill and Grant McElmurry 5A All-State Kendel Givens Justice Hill MJ Loggins Garrett Sansom

5A All-Conference Drake Bradley Phillip DiLeo Bernard Givens, Jr. Chris Hightower Lawson Howard William Parker Kerfoot Jack Mabry Grant McElmurry

ATHLETICS

POM TEAM 5A STATE CHAMPIONS

The LRCA Pom Team brought home their third state championship in November. Senior Co-Captain Rebecca Brogdon shares her thoughts on the experience, “Winning state was so rewarding for our team because it meant that all of our 6:00 a.m. practices had finally paid off! We couldn’t have won the title without Coach, Carrie Long. She showed incredible kindness and humility as she led our team toward unity in Christ. We were nervous to compete with our Jazz routine, because it was to the worship song, “So Will I” by Hillsong. It was a risky move because we weren’t sure how the judges would respond to a Christian song. But, the dance ended up scoring higher than any other dance in the Jazz category that day!

This routine meant so much to us, because it was not only a dance we performed; it was an act of worship to the Lord.” Brogdon also received All-State honors.

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ATHLETICS

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ATHLETICS

ATHLETIC SIGNINGS On November 14 four LRCA Warriors signed with NCAA Division 1 colleges.

Reagan Bradley - Basketball Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX Amber Brown - Basketball University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Justice Hill - Basketball University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Cason Tollett - Baseball University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

WARRIOR AWARDS Kate Barnes - Cross Country Ellie Fuller - Tennis Stevie Gibbs - Golf Sam Jeffrey - Cross Country MJ Loggins - Football Hannah Tomlinson - Volleyball Chase Venn - Golf Luke Weiner - Tennis

Golf 5A West Conference Champs - Boys Coach of the Year – Brandon Cowart 5A West All-State Chase Venn 5A West All-Conference Ben Brogdon Ben Clark Matthew Parker Chase Venn Cross Country 5A All-State Kate Barnes 5A West All-Conference Kate Barnes Audrey Funk Allie Parkinson Tennis 5A All-State Eli Pierce 5A West All-Conference Hannah Frueh Carson Griffin Eli Pierce Jack Ruddell Ella Beth Wengel Anna Young Volleyball 5A West All-Conference Harper Stokes THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2019

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FINE ARTS

WARRIOR ART WORLD TOUR Cultures come alive in creative classrooms

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Written by Heather Bennett, Communications

Sixth graders on down to the pint-sized Picassos in elementary have spanned the globe for inspiration this year in visual arts.

Elementary Art Teacher Melony Fielder says, “This is the first year we’ve done this.

Everyone is excited and has enjoyed learning about new places…to see what’s the same as our culture in America and to see what’s different.”

The cultures/countries students are studying

The program has not just been about specific art from each region or country though.

Middle school and elementary students are diving in to entire cultures through the arts.

Lessons incorporate foods, famous artists, populations, capitals, languages, religions, and fun facts about each. One example is, “Did you know you have to be a certified electrician to change a light bulb in Australia?”

In addition, culture-specific art supplies that are readily available are used in lessons such as rice paper and bamboo paintbrushes for the upcoming Asian unit.

Melanie Buchanan of Upper School Visual

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this year include African, Asian, Australian, Cavemen, Egyptian, Grecian, Italian, Mexican, Polynesian, and much more! “My hope for this class is that they see tolerance and better understanding of other people and cultures different from them,” shares Jill Hutchins, Middle School and Junior High Visual Arts.

Arts conveys, “Viewing our shared artistic experiences is one way students can clearly see how we are all created in the image of God. We are all made to desire to create and many cultures have very similar themes within artwork – themes of love and victory, pain and struggle, beauty and glory. The cultural explorations are also a great way to get kids thinking globally from a young age and raise up kids who are concerned about God’s whole kingdom.”

FINE ARTS

ALL REGION BAND, CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA Top Row Left to Right: Kennedy Burkett, Kaitlyn Hawkins, Grace Caroline Gardner, Natalie Lyle, Clara Bozzay, William Roach, Paul Douglass, Carter James, Christian Pratt, Grayson Waters, Lexie Phelps, Lily Margaret Greenway, Leigha Heard, Allison Kirtley.

Bottom Row, Left to Right: Meg Sinha, Sophie McFarland, Lyndsey Gardner, Isabella Adeola , Katelyn Lyle, Madison Stearns, Jenna Johnson, Portia Probst, Veronica Ivester, Lili Jones, Alice Li, Emma Knecht

CASTS FORM UNEXPECTED BOND DURING FALL SERIES

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Written by Lynn Beardsley, Director of Fine Arts

This fall, the High School performance of "12 Angry Jurors" sparked a unique turn of events in Warrior Hall. While the high school cast was preparing for their shows, the 6th grade theatre class was simultaneously rehearsing for a parody entitled "12 Angry Pigs". While the plots and characters were remarkably consistent, each script contained level appropriate challenges for our student thespians, which they by far exceeded.

The bond which developed between the two casts was completely unexpected. Each "pig" cheered for their equivalent "big", and vice versa, with notes, posters, backstage visits, and of course, attendance at performances.

This experience serves as a unique benefit found in K-12 campuses, offering students the opportunity to try new things in addition to forming and encouraging relationships with older/younger students who are engaged in the same.

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FACULTY/STAFF

SERVANT LEADER EARNS HIGH HONOR

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Written by Phillip Bridges, Director of Marketing and Communications

Little Rock Christian CFO Jim Fink was awarded the CFO Lifetime Achievement Award from Arkansas Business. The awards ceremony was held on November 7th at the Embassy Suites in Little Rock. The award was chosen by an independent panel of judges. Jim was previously nominated for and won the Arkansas Business 2014 Nonprofit CFO of the Year. Jim has served at LRCA since the summer of 2010. Four of his grandchildren currently attend LRCA. When asked the meaning of this lifetime achievement award Jim said, “This award reflects on all the good people God has allowed to pour into my life including family, friends, teachers, mentors and co-workers. I am so blessed to be able to work alongside such dedicated, loyal and trustworthy leadership, faculty and staff here at Little Rock Christian Academy. It is such a pleasure to be able to go to school every day with my grandchildren and to keep learning and growing in stature and favor with God and man.

It is my fountain of youth.”

COMMUNICATIONS AWARD Among a field of stiff competition and large advertising agencies, Little Rock Christian Academy won the Public Relations Society of America’s ARcom Prism Award for the 2017 Annual Review in the Promotional Printed Pieces category. LRCA’s Warrior Magazine was also a finalist in the Periodicals: Printed Version category. The ARcom Awards banquet was held Thursday, September 13 at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.

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FACULTY/STAFF

BANANA MANNA In Memory of BWV Teacher Rachel Ekenseair

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Written by Sarah Mathews, High School Psychology Teacher

“You could've healed her. You've done it before. You could've sent the angels down, and turned it around. Wouldn't that have meant so much more? Instead you took her. Left a young family behind, and I'm wondering where you are. You seem so far, while we're all here asking why.” Mandisa’s song continues to echo in so many of our hearts.

Why did the Lord need Rachel when she spent her life in servitude and was loved by so many here?

Although it’s unbelievably hard to see, the Lord’s provision is evident through both her Earthly and now her Heavenly eternal life.

In Exodus 16 we read that after being released from slavery and wandering the wilderness, the Israelites were hungry and angry with Moses, so God rained down manna. This sweet bread, the bread of Heaven, is a symbol of God’s provision for His people. He provided food to fill their stomachs, which was the sustenance they needed both physically and spiritually. The manna served as an opportunity for Israelites to trust and rely on Him. Rachel Wait Ekenseair spent her life fully trusting in God’s provisions.

She knew what it meant to have her faith tested. She knew what it meant to walk in the valley and the shadow of death. She knew that no matter how her story here on Earth ended, God would provide a better ending. She knew this because she embodied John chapter 6 and she believed that “Jesus was the bread of life; and

whoever came to Him shall not hunger, and whoever believed in Him shall never thirst."

One of the final conversations I had with Rachel Ekenseair went something like this: “Happy birthday, Rachel.” “Thanks”, she said. I assured her that everything gets better with age... unless you’re a banana! She laughed, and true to form, she replied, “Yes, but old bananas make the best banana bread.” Only Rachel could celebrate her birthday in the hospital and find humor in the midst of suffering. The conversation ended with “Well, here’s to celebrating many more birthdays and lots of banana bread!” A few short days later, Rachel left this world behind to go and celebrate her new life with Jesus. I pray that we all have the strength to allow her Earthly ending be our new beginning. I would like to share Rachel’s favorite sweet bread recipe with you. I pray that you allow this Banana Manna to fill your home with the aroma of God’s grace, love, and life. Bake it with a loved one and reflect on the woman we all love and treasure so much. I challenge you to serve the bread to someone and share the love of Christ. Why? Because God provided us all with an opportunity to know one of His blessed children, so we must now pick up the torch and continue to serve, love, and live like Rachel.

For full recipe go to

www.LittleRockChristian.com/P

ublications

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ALUMNI NEWS

Once a Warrior Always a Warrior

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS for a Homerun BEYOND THE GATES event!

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Razorback Baseball Tailgate for LRCA Alumni Tuesday, April 2nd at Baum Stadium Starting at 5:30 p.m.

ALL Warrior alumni at the University of Arkansas, UALR, and those living in Northwest Arkansas are invited to attend this FREE pregame tailgate event as the Razorbacks host the Trojans for what’s sure to be an exciting in-state match up. Contact Bekah Johnson for more information at 501-868-9822 or email HOMECOMING Bekah.Johnson@LittleRockChristian.com.

LRCA

Tuesday, April 2nd Beyond the Gates: Razorback Baseball Tailgate Baum Stadium

WEDDING & BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

5:30 p.m. magazine include current year births and wedding announcements to help fellow Warriors stay in Alumni updates in The Warrior LRCA alumni at the University of Arkansas, UALR, and those living in Fayetteville and surrounding areas are welcome to touch. attend Other alumni news is shared through the LRCA website and social media. Please direct questions or send your Warrior Alumni this tailgate event at the 6:30 p.m. Razorback baseball game vs. UALR. Updates submissions to Heather.Bennett@LittleRockChristian.com. See LittleRockChristian.com/Alumni for submittal instructions.

Friday, October 25th Alumni Reception at Football Homecoming Indoor Athletic Training Facility (adjacent to Warrior Field) 5:30 p.m.

BUNDLES OF JOY

Join us for a reception for all LRCA alumni prior to the 7:00 p.m. homecoming football game.

Enjoy a catered dinner while connecting with old classmates, and be sure to pick up wristbands

for you and your family for free admission to the game. Alumni classes of 1999 and 2009 will be recognized during the evening.

Contact for Class of 1999 reunion: Adam Head, adam.head@carti.com Contacts for Class of 2009 reunion: Madeline Ferguson, m.kate@comcast.net Geneva Galloway, genevaelizabeth@gmail.com

Josephine Schaffner Belcher (Class of 2013) and her husband Cody Belcher welcomed their daughter Shilo Ann Belcher (6 pounds, 10 ounces) on February 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas.

Mallory Meckfessel James (Class of 2009) and her husband Rob James welcomed their baby boy John Decker James (8 pounds, 9.9 ounces) on June 20, 2018.

The James family makes their home in Little Rock.

Lauren Brown Linz (Class of 2012) and her husband Adam Linz welcomed their daughter Ellington Grace Linz (7 pounds, 7 ounces) on October 24, 2018. The Linz family resides in Little Rock.

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Megan and Clayton Kinley (Both Class of 2008) welcomed their son Henry Clayton Kinley (8 pounds, 9 ounces) on October 6, 2017 in El Paso, Texas.

Haley Whisenhunt McCaskill (Class of 2008) and her husband Barry McCaskill welcomed a baby boy, Hayes Daniel McCaskill (7 pounds, 9 ounces) on December 20, 2017. Barry serves as High School Engineering Teacher and Varsity Boys Soccer Coach at Little Rock Christian Academy.

ALUMNI NEWS WALKS DOWN THE AISLE

Adam Davis Deacon (Class of 2008) married Alexandra Leigh Wilson on May 26, 2018 at The Grandeur House in Little Rock.

Madalyn Wallace Duncan and Will Duncan (Both Class of 2013) were married on September 16, 2017 at Cold Springs Events in Paron, AR.

Ann Claire Cook Gaydos (Class of 2016) married Charles Conradt Gaydos on August 18, 2018 at St. Andrews Church in Little Rock.

The couple currently resides in Fayetteville.

Kelsey Salman (Class of 2008) wed Kristyn Howk on October 3, 2015 in Mount Pleasant, Texas. Kelsey is the son of Patrick Salman, LRCA’s Director of Student Life.

McKenzie Cooper Smith (Class of 2013) and Cody Smith were married on May 19, 2018 at Pleasant Valley Country Club. McKenzie’s mother Monica is a former teacher at LRCA. Her father Gary is a former member of the Board of Trust.

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CHRISTMAS IN WARRIORVILLE

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Little Rock Christian Academy

Nonprofit U.S. Postage PAID Permit #1568 Little Rock, AR

19010 Cantrell Road • Little Rock, AR 72223

Little Rock Christian academy Fine Arts Department Presents

MEET ME in

ST. LOUIS

APRIL 4-7, 2019

www.LittleRockChristian.com/MeetMeinStLouis 32 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2019

Saturday, March 9th 2019 www.LittleRockChristian.com/WildAboutWarriors