WINTER 2020
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
A LETTER FROM
DR. ARNOLD
Editors Heather Bennett Phillip Bridges Sheri Swindler Graphic Designer Karen Mitchell Contributors Dr. Gary Arnold Heather Bennett Sarah Berry Phillip Bridges Tyler Eatherton Michele Glover June Hendren Beth Highfill Caitlin Jones Bekah Johnson Sydney McGowan Dr. Justin Smith Photographers Sarah Crabill Karen Mitchell Lela & Lyla Michael Baxley Cover Photo by Sarah Crabill - Warrior Images 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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The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:16-17)
Scripture makes it clear. We are heirs in Christ. By faith and by grace, His riches are passed on to us who believe. We’re also heirs of the men and women who had the vision to plant this school fortytwo years ago. If these men and women of vision and courage had abandoned the mission, if these pioneers had given up or let go of the dream, we would not be able to teach the children of graduates. We would not be able to pass on the blessing. Webster defines “legacy” as something of value passed on and left to another. It follows, then, everything we are experiencing as a school today is their legacy to us. And, it prompts us to think seriously about the legacy we will leave to those who follow us. Our alumni, for example.
1,974 boys and girls have graduated from Little Rock Christian Academy since 1997. Careers launched, families established, the sadness of death-too-soon and the joy of new birth, faith challenged, faith strengthened. Increasingly, our graduates are returning to enroll their children at LRCA. They are choosing to pass on the blessing. Grandparents, parents, children – all part of the legacy of our founders.
The growth of our campus, the gains of our student body, the generosity of our givers, the greatness of our stories all stem from one thing - the magnificent grace of our good God. I think of Mrs. Ann Chami and her 35+ years of servant-leadership. The impression of her daily prayers, inspirational counsel and loving hugs leaves an indelible mark on two generations. That’s a legacy! I think of Scott and Dede Ford who helped the school turn the corner in 2006 with key land acquisition and the capital to build a new high school at just the right time. Other faithful men and women have followed their example and propelled the school forward in immeasurable ways with gifts toward Warrior Hall, grand athletic facilities and the north campus. That’s a legacy! I think of Mr. Roger Yancey and Mr. Boyd Chitwood who led the school through the unknowns of temporary facilities, relocation and a name change. And, former board leaders, too many to name, who nurtured the Board of Trust to be mature and strategic. That’s a legacy! What do these Kingdom forebearers ask of us? To steward well what we have been given. To make sure we are true to the founding mission, more mature in our love, serving families in 2060 even better than we serve you in 2020. May it be so! And, remember – “neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (I Corinthians 3:7)
Gary B Arnold, Ed. D. President / Head of School @ArnoldDrLRCA
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Photo by Erica Stilwell
IN THIS ISSUE
ELEMENTARY The Forge
18
4-5
18-19
HOMECOMING Dr. Seuss-Infused fun
MIDDLE SCHOOL The Middle School Science Experience 6 Teaching Children How To Change the World
7
A House To Call Home
8
Cross Campus Launch
9
HIGH SCHOOL 10-11
20-21
FINE ARTS 22-25
12
STAFF SPOTLIGHT Ann Chami
JUNIOR HIGH
Blueprinting Harkness
12
ADVANCEMENT
26-27
ALUMNI NEWS Once a Warrior Always a Warrior
28-31
COMMUNITY Running with Perseverance
32
WarriorTalk Brings A New Voice to Warriorville 33
J-TERM
6
12-13
SNAPSHOTS
ATHLETICS Fall Sports Review
14-17
34-35
14
26
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ELEMENTARY
THE FORGE
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As Iron Sharpens Iron
By Sydney McGowan, Third and Fourth Grade Assistant
It’s not every day that you walk through elementary halls and see a group of boys smartly dressed in checkered bow ties, sweater vests, and suit jackets. For the fourth grade boys Bible study “The Forge”, though, this is what you can expect to find every other Thursday in the Elementary building at LRCA. The Forge was established by new fourth grade teacher, Chance Bankhead. Chance is the first male elementary teacher in the House of Love. With no male faculty in the building in the past to shepherd the boys of the elementary, Chance saw this as a real opportunity to invest and build into the lives of these young men. “I wanted to give boys the opportunity to join a club where Christ is the center, where they could
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learn to be godly gentlemen, and could serve others,” says Bankhead. The name “The Forge” was chosen based out of the Scripture, Proverbs 27:17. It says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Just as metals are heated up and molded by a welder, so do these young men of The Forge want to be molded and shaped not only by godly peers around them, but also by Jesus. While most 10-year-old boys would rather use their recess and lunch time to play football and hang out with friends, the boys of The Forge come together in Mr. Bankhead’s room and talk about stuff that really matters like responsibility, respect, fairness, courage, and manners. Each value/ trait The Forge explores is related to a verse or passage from Scripture.
ELEMENTARY CLUBS SPOTLIGHT The Forge then meets every other week to discuss these traits. Even our Head of School, Dr. Arnold has gotten in on the action in the Elementary. Dr. Arnold was the first guest speaker and spoke to the boys about being warriors for Christ, and being strong and courageous while serving Him. Already, the boys of The Forge have been able to serve both our school community and the community around them. Each week, Forge members open doors for students entering the building, get out chairs for teachers to sit in during chapel, and work to be good stewards of the building by cleaning up trash. This past Thanksgiving, The Forge got to participate in a bigger community service project by delivering food that the Elementary collected during a food drive to Lighthouse Academy. Forge member, Nolan Moore, says about the experience, “It was special to be able to go because a lot of kids at other schools don’t get to do the stuff we get to do like going on field trips and giving food away.” One practical way that the boys are trained to become responsible young men is to wear their Sunday best each day that they meet. This teaches them to dress like gentlemen, and makes them stand apart from the students around them. “We dress up nice to show that we want to do this for God,” says Judah Johnson. The experiences and lessons learned that these boys are taking away from being in The Forge are invaluable. “The Forge has taught me that if you act better to other people, you’re going to be treated better,” says Gideon Carlisle. “Even if someone is rude to you or does the worst thing you still need to love them and pray for them as a friend.” Another member, Jaxsen Wesley, says The Forge has taught him, “more about being a man and how to be a gentleman and remember Bible verses.”
BRAINGAMES
BrainGames explores different ways that the brain keeps students in touch with the world around them. Students participate in fun activities that require them to use critical thinking skills to solve real world problems. BrainGames incorporates physics, logic, engineering, science, and technology. It is a fun package that truly takes STEM to the next level.
GLOW
GLOW is a girls' Bible study that builds community and dives deep into God's Word while learning to glow with true beauty from the inside out. During GLOW, students seek to answer questions like Who am I? And who is God?
KLRC
KLRC is a club that allows fourth graders to go on location and report Warrior news to the House of Love. Students get to create storyboards, write questions, conduct interviews, film, and edit. Each week they produce a news segment that is shown to the entire Elementary School.
Even more clubs for elementary students of all ages:
Art Club Elementary Choir
Girls Book Club The Helping Club
Running Club STEM Club
As the boys “sharpen” one another, they are also so grateful to have a male leader to sharpen them as well. New student, Deacon Cicero, says that, “Mr. Bankhead is nice and he teaches us to do the right thing. He always has stories of when he has taught his own sons life lessons that he also teaches us.” Discipleship is such an important part in the Christian walk, and those of us who are a part of the Little Rock Christian family get to experience this each day in the classroom.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
DOING SCIENCE
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The Middle School Experience
By Michele Glover, Middle School Science & Art
The days of learning science by reading a chapter in a textbook and answering the questions at the end are no more. Science in the middle school classroom at Little Rock Christian Academy is about the “doing” of science. Students are producers, rather than consumers. First and foremost, students are learning the importance of stewardship of this amazing planet that the Creator has entrusted to our care until we live in our forever home. Reflect back to the days of childhood when a puddle was a place of fascinating discovery, an entire ecosystem waiting to be explored. Climbing a tree led to question after question...why do the leaves change colors, why do the squirrels gather nuts, how many creatures call this tree their home? Minds were open to questioning and speculating on possible answers. There was no fear of being incorrect, and each answer led to a new question.
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This is the basis of the science program in the Little Rock Christian Middle School. Students learn to take chances without fear as they make connections between content and process. The inquiry-based, processdriven approach challenges students as they share thoughts among their peers. Teachers answer student questions with another question, encouraging students to own the next step. As students work on labs with their groups, they learn to compare and contrast, dialogue with peers, summarize data into charts and graphs, and communicate their findings in verbal and written form. Students benefit greatly from having a voice in the learning process. They learn to value the perspective of their peers, and to take chances in voicing their own thoughts. One of the most important lessons learned is that failure is a stepping stone toward success. Thinking in new ways involves grit and risk. The skills and mindset developed in middle school science will empower and impact students throughout their lifetime.
TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD
MIDDLE SCHOOL
By Sarah Berry and Caitlin Jones, Middle School English
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Growing students as readers and writers while educating them to be globally literate forms the foundation of sixth-grade Language Arts. As global problems and possible solutions are explored in the year-long “Everyone Can Be a Changemaker Project”, students begin to recognize positive contributions that they can make to change the world around them. During the fall semester, students learn about a new topic each week through reading articles, researching, listening to guest speakers, and writing written reflections on their learning. The students also have a chance for multiple hands-on experiences through field trips. One of those field trips is a MobilePack with Tacos 4 Life benefiting Feed My Starving Children. In the spring semester, the students choose a specific topic for their individual research project. The students dive deeply into the issue and examine how they can be a part of the change. Students write a research paper and create a presentation to share their learning both with their classmates and beyond the classroom. Through these presentations, we love to see how the students engage in making a change in the world around them. Many students make personal and proactive connections with their topics. This year, we had the opportunity to present our project to other educators from around the country at the Association of Middle-Level Education (AMLE) National Conference. We are grateful for this opportunity to share with other teachers and empower them to help their students to become globally literate. In addition, we got to return to our alma mater, Ouachita Baptist University, and present to future educators. The feedback we received from the college students was so encouraging. One student commented, “Being able to incorporate needed world education while still teaching a rigorous curriculum is an amazing feat!” We loved getting to share our passion with these future teachers and cannot wait to see how they too will equip their students to make a change in our world.
Middle School Math teacher Beth Highfill also represented LRCA as an AMLE presenter. She states, “It was a great experience to share and collaborate with other middle school teachers around the country.” Mrs. Highfill presented to three groups of teachers who rotated to different tables. She spoke to them about what she is doing in her classroom as the “flipped classroom model”. Students watch videos over basic concepts at home and then come to class ready to practice and collaborate with other students. THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020 7
JUNIOR HIGH
A HOUSE TO CALL HOME New Ways to Build Community and Develop Leaders
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By Tyler Eatherton, Junior High Assistant Principal
This past August, the Junior High unveiled a new approach to building small communities and promoting student government within our building. We established our very own student house system! To kick off this new approach, each child was sorted randomly into one of five houses at our First Annual JH Sorting Ceremony in Warrior Hall. The houses include: Mare House, Bratus House, Ventus House, Petram House, and Ignis House. Inspiration for the house names are derived from the Latin names of the major elements found within God’s creation. Each house is led by two elected student leaders that serve within our student government. These student leaders include one Head of House and one Viceroy. These student leaders create house cheers, organize service projects, facilitate devotionals, and run house meetings. Since our student leaders are developing their individual shepherding style, four teachers are placed in each house to offer intentional mentorship. Ultimately, the purpose of our student houses is to provide: Community and Supportive Friendships Devotional Groups Leadership Opportunities Teacher Mentorships Friendly House Cup Competitions Service Opportunities Rewards for Acts of Kindness FUN!
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During the sorting ceremony, students entered Warrior Hall to dramatic classical music and fog descended from a formidable castle on stage. Each student was individually called to the stage to be ceremoniously sorted. Once on stage, students ripped open an envelope to reveal a wristband to represent the color of their official placement. As a member of the junior high, our students now have a HOUSE to call HOME.
JUNIOR HIGH
CROSS CAMPUS LAUNCH
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Getting a Taste of Life Across the Creek By Heather Bennett, Communications
Every year, many students from central Arkansas area schools and elsewhere visit the Little Rock Christian campus and shadow for a day to see what student life is like in Warriorville. A large number of visiting families specifically consider transitioning for their child’s high school years. All of the outside interest inspired the annual event called Cross Campus Launch. “We wanted to let our current 8th graders experience what shadows experience...life across the creek,” shares Heidi Brandt, Director of Admissions. The “almost freshmen” are immersed in high school culture for a day. “The greatest benefit for our students is to begin viewing themselves as future Warrior graduates. On this day, they sit in the very seats where they will be supported, challenged, and molded into the young men and women God has called them to become. Cross Campus Launch gives them a glimpse into THEIR future,” describes Tyler Eatherton, Junior High Assistant Principal. Students provide input about their interests and what high school classes they would like to attend. They are divided into groups of five or six fellow classmates and rotate as a group during two blocks while sampling four classes. All students receive a class t-shirt and begin the day during APP in the High School with an upperclassmen-led program covering arts, academics, athletics, and student life. The 8th graders enjoy a complimentary lunch in the High School Commons accompanied by members of the Student Orientation Staff.
Dr. Justin Smith, Head of Upper School explains, “Our purpose of Cross Campus Launch was to give the 8th grade students a taste of what we love in high school. In addition to engaging in lessons, they heard from an array of high school student leaders. It was a monumental day in the House of Warriors! The High School experience encompasses so many opportunities for students to think, grow, and belong. It is a high school experience unlike any other!”
“We had such a great time with the 8th graders in our 10th grade Biblical Worldview class. They became extras in our movie about the life of Joseph from the book of Genesis. They jumped right in and got to interact in a positive setting with students they could study with the next couple of years.” -Erin Diaz, High School BWV Faculty THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020 9
HIGH SCHOOL
I
BLUEPRINTING HARKNESS By Dr. Justin Smith, Head of Upper School
In October 2019, Little Rock Christian Academy played an important role in the first Harkness Leaders Conference held at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Founded in 1781, Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter) has long been the leader in prestigious American boarding schools. The faculty at Exeter have helped train and improve teaching, moving it from a passive, lecture-based approach to one that engages students in active, inquiry-based learning. This fall, Exeter launched a Harkness Leaders Conference to learn how Harkness pedagogy has been implemented, improved, and sustained in various school settings. Little Rock Christian Academy was selected as one of five schools to present and demonstrate the progress we have made in Harkness teaching and learning. Academic leaders were from schools in London (England), Chicago, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Presenting on Harkness in the context of Christian education to a group of talented school leaders from five vastly different settings forced us to consider common threads and distinct differences amongst our contemporaries. During the conference, each school shared the initial successes and outcomes of student-centered, discussion-based pedagogy, as well as challenges in implementing this approach and its lasting benefits. Our audience of fellow educators was fascinated as we shared our distinct mission, highlighting Biblical integration, the pursuit of Truth, the principle behind our 3-tier policy for doctrinal differences, and our Biblical Worldview program. In our session, we were able to answer questions 10 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020
and articulate our common desire to have students discuss meaningful and complex texts, work together through challenging problems, and enhance understanding by way of a shared learning experience. We finished by showing how we have leveraged Harkness to promote Truth-seeking and deepen understanding of LRCA humanities classes. One question our campus has wrestled with has been how do we help students create meaning while distinguishing that idea from creating Truth? Making meaning of content and creating Truth are two very different objectives. As Christian educators, we champion the former and oppose the latter. In other words, Harkness discussions are not intended to promote a type of thinking that allows students to create their own truths. We ardently hold to absolute Truth. At the same time, we have seen the valuable contribution Harkness discussions have provided for our diverse population of students in helping them to develop a robust Christian Worldview. They are growing in their ability to use textual references to support their ideas, to listen closely to peers, to explore new perspectives, and mature as collaborators. We have witnessed the systemic change at Little Rock Christian Academy in how our teachers approach student learning and how our students perceive the learning experience. When asked about Harkness learning, Emily Bunch (Class of ‘21) says, “I think Harkness has proven itself to be an advantageous tool that encourages collaborative thinking, teamwork, and the value of listening to understand rather than to respond. When all of the participants get into the same
HIGH SCHOOL “...in Harkness discussions, I see people who never talk speak up about what they believe. I also see students who never talk to one another communicate like they talk to each other every day. Yes, Harkness has definitely benefited learning by allowing us to hear different sides and opinions, but it also has bettered us as a people and as a school by allowing us to step out of our comfort zones and speak to one another as a community.” Wynter Rogers , Class of ‘21
"LRCA has done a fantastic job pushing students to achieve stellar intellectual and headspace to realize the importance of quality over quantity, the environment becomes one that fosters creativity, questioning, and profound thinking.” In the words of Kim Fullerton, Academic Dean at LRCA, “The deep value of Harkness discussion transcends geography, setting, size, and access to physical or financial resources. Allowing students to wrestle with ideas from a Christ-centered worldview under the guidance of our loving and skilled faculty equips them to embrace their role as Christian thinkers and leaders.”
How LRCA has implemented Harkness learning and instruction: •
•
•
•
•
Annual LRCA Harkness Training - a two day summer workshop conference for LRCA teachers and teachers from other Christian schools across the country. Professional Learning Plan (PLP) - LRCA teachers, using four domains of Danielson’s Framework, create a PLP that incorporates instructional risk and reflection. Teachers also conduct multiple peer-to-peer observations and give written feedback. Harkness readings - LRCA teachers regularly read articles on Harkness learning, discussion-based instruction, inquiry and active learning models. Teacher 1:1 meetings with Dr. Smith, Kim Fullerton, and Tyler Eatherton - conversations include feedback, discussion of peer observations and feedback forms, PLP progress, and professional goals. Harkness articles - LRCA has written several articles for publications, such as the Warrior Magazine and the Warrior Roundtable, to inform families, students, and community members of the work we are doing in teaching and learning.
communication skills. I want to push us all to our absolute best and strengthen the areas where we are weak. Overall, Harkness has helped mature us and we, the students, have stepped up to the plate. I absolutely cannot wait to see where we all go from here.” Elizabeth Peiserich, Class of '21
“[Harkness] discussions have also given me valuable insight into new perspectives. Every discussion, I go in with my own ideas, but getting to hear what my classmates think aids me in critically evaluating the merits of my own conceptions and gaining new ideas about how to think.” Katelyn Lyle, Class of ‘21
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J-TERM Unique growth opportunities await all high schoolers by way of the House of Warriors’ annual “January Term”. Mission trips, cultural adventures, outside the box educational offerings, and internships broaden students’ horizons and in many cases impact their lives and aspirations forever.
COURSES A Life Refined: When Less is More ACCESS Service Project ACT English Prep and Math Practice Archery Arkansas FoodBank Service Project Automotive & Internal Combustion Engine Design Bible Journaling Biomechanics: Physical Activity, Sports & Exercise Comedy in Film Creativity and Character Designing Escape Rooms Easter Seals Riverdale Service Project Forensics Hunter Safety Education Jane Austen in Literature and Film Middle East Geopolitical Studies Modern American History Through the Ears Our House Service Project Photojournalism Rube Goldberg Inventions Science Olympiad Sequential Arts Sustainable Garden Design & Construction Thompson Driving School Weird Science 12 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020
J-TERM WARRIORS SERVE AND LEARN By Heather Bennett,
J-TERM
2020 LOCALLY AND ACROSS THE GLOBE Communications
TRIPS Bahamas: Servant’s Heart and Service Ireland: The Emerald Isle Jamaica: Serving the Least of These New York: Experience the Arts of NYC Passion Conference: Atlanta, GA Washington, D.C.: Foundations of Freedom
INTERNSHIPS Apparel Merchandising Architecture Broadcast Journalism Contracting Education Engineering Flight Training Government Consulting: Lobbying and Campaign Management Graphic Design/ Advertising Journalism Law Media/Marketing Medical/Dentistry/Therapy/ Pharmacy Ministry Non-Profit Real Estate Research Small Business Social Service Speech Pathology Sports and Recreation Veterinarian THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020 13
ATHLETICS
POM TEAM 5A STATE CHAMPIONS LRCA POM WINS BACK-TO-BACK STATE TITLES
The LRCA Pom team won the 5A Dance State Championship for the second year in a row. This is the fourth State Dance title for LRCA. The team took first place in the Jazz, High Kick, and Pom Divisions.
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ATHLETICS
FOOTBALL
5A State Runner-Up 5A Central Conference Champions 5A Central Coach of the Year Dr. Eric Cohu Arkansas Record Most Kicking Points in a Season Isaiah Hankins (113 points) Hooten's AR Farm Bureau 5A Player of the Year Finalists Chris Hightower (offensive) Jackson Woodard (defensive) Gatorade AR Player of the Year and Landers Award Finalist Chris Hightower All-Arkansas Preps Football Team Isaiah Hankins Chris Hightower Jackson Woodard
5A All-State Pearson Dennis Akeem Gilmore Kendel Givens Isaiah Hankins Chris Hightower Corey Platt Jackson Woodard 5A Central All-Conference G Allen Joshua Baker Titus Colquitt Colin Cooper Isaiah Hankins Ben James William Parker Kerfoot Luke Lee Alexander Veasey
ATHLETICS CROSS COUNTRY 5A All-State Kate Barnes 5A West All-Conference Claire Barnes Kate Barnes Drew Bryant David Wood
WARRIOR CROSS COUNTRY
BOYS GOLF 5A West Conference Champions
WARRIOR
GOLF
5A West Coach of the Year Franklin Featherston 5A All-State Ben Brogdon 5A West All-Conference Ben Brogdon Matthew Parker
TENNIS 5A State Runner-up (boys) 5A Conference Runner-up (boys) 5A All-State Eli Pierce Mary Kathryn Nelson and Anna Young (doubles)
WARRIOR
TENNIS
VOLLEYBALL 5A All-State Harper Stokes
WARRIOR
VOLLEYBALL
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5A West All-Conference Caitlyn Chapple Abigail Jansen Hannah Tomlinson
ATHLETICS
ATHLETIC SIGNINGS On November 13th two LRCA Warriors signed with NCAA Division 1 colleges. G Allen - Baseball
Texas Christian University Darby Stotts – Soccer
Arkansas State University
WARRIOR AWARDS Kate Barnes - Cross Country Drew Bryant - Cross Country Jackson Woodard - Football Hudson Seago - Golf Sarah Kathryn Hankins - Tennis Caleb Roystuart - Tennis Mackenzie Tingle - Volleyball
ADVANCEMENT
Warrior Arena opened on December 11, 2019. Dr. Arnold cut the ribbon with the help of Jay Chesshir (President & CEO, Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce) and Tommy Vaughan (Chairman, Little Rock Christian Board of Trust) and opened the doors to nearly 1,000 guests. The evening featured a time of dedication and worship, a signature Warriorville prayer circle, and faculty and Warrior alumni basketball games. This incredible new space adds so much to our campus and will be used for generations to come. To God be the glory!
ADVANCEMENT
HOMECOMING
DR. SEUSS-INFUSED FUN
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By Heather Bennett, Communications
Oh, the places Warriors went! Warriorville’s Homecoming week transformation into Seussville was full of whimsical, high gear hijinks. Rainy, cold weather couldn’t even put a damper on the fanciful festivities. Popular Dr. Seuss tales and characters inspired hall decorations, spirit contests, and hilarious dress up days. Annual parade participants green eggs and hammed it up with fun floats, costumes, music, and more! Dr. Arnold created a new Seussical character “Thing 3” inspired by this year’s school theme “3 Things”. The Grinch even stole a member of the Pom team during the incredibly entertaining pep rally, while the Homecoming maids and their senior football player escorts stole our hearts. The Warrior football team warmed things up and topped off the week on Friday, October 25, with a 28-16 victory over the White Hall Bulldogs. No matter where you go, there’s no place like Warriorville!
Football Homecoming Court 2019 Senior Maids Heidi Denny Taylor Moran (Queen) Darby Stotts Junior Maids Julia Molleston Emily Proffitt 20 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020
Sophomore Maids Eden Boles Ella Scheer Freshman Maids McKenzie Huffman Peri Mitchell
HOMECOMING
Photography by Lela & Lyla
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HOMECOMING WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS By Bekah Johnson, Advancement and Alumni Relations
This fall was a special time for LRCA as two graduating classes – 1999 and 2009 – celebrated their reunions during Homecoming weekend. This was the first time that two class reunions were simultaneously held on campus. Both groups enjoyed catching up with a crowd of alumni spanning many classes Friday, October 25, at the Alumni Football Homecoming Reception in the Indoor Athletic Facility. The class of 1999 reminisced over dinner in Little Rock Saturday evening. Alumni from the class of 2009 enjoyed a play day with their families in the Warrior Indoor Athletic Facility on Saturday afternoon, followed by dinner and photos at Chenal Valley Country Club.
Class of 1999 Reunion
Class of 2009 Reunion THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020 21
FINE ARTS
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS PROGRAM GIVES TEENS PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
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By June Hendren, Director of Student Publications
Practical experience and real-life application is a primary goal of Student Publications, a newly created program under the Fine Arts Department umbrella. Including the yearbook, high school newspaper, web publications, and a newly resurrected literary magazine, Student Publications provides avenues for students to produce campus-wide articles, announcements, photos, poetry, essays, and artwork to be published both in print and online media. While the yearbook is probably the most familiar student-produced product, high school students are also key generators of articles and announcements published as part of the school’s overall communication plan. Many may not realize that students in the high school Journalism class, in addition to publishing a high school newspaper, have also been producing regular content for the school’s website since 2017. The dualpurposed class provides journalistic writing fundamentals for print and online media and exposes students to elements of design and layout using Adobe Creative Cloud, the industry standard software. High school students are also getting an opportunity to showcase their works of literature and art in the school’s literary magazine. The school’s first literary journal, In Media Res.., was created and published in 2008 by 10 student staffers and one passionate English teacher, Sandy Bakke. The literary magazine took a brief hiatus after Bakke’s retirement in 2016, but it was her original vision and passion that helped resurrect the magazine and the class which produced it. The new Fine Arts elective, taught by June Hendren, is ultimately a legacy to Bakke’s enthusiasm and genuine 22 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020
love for creating an outlet where quality student works could be formally recognized. The 2020 literary magazine, which will be published later this spring, will feature literature and art created by dozens of high school students. It was designed and put together by the 14-member class led by Managing Editor Anna Maack, a senior. The award-winning yearbook continues to be the flagship student produced publication at Little Rock Christian. As a 2019 recipient of the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association’s prestigious All-Arkansas award, the PK through 12th grade yearbook masterfully encapsulates the entire school year in one publication and provides a unique creative outlet for students who excel in design, writing and photography. Printing more than 850 copies each year, the 2020 yearbook, led by Chief Editor Rachel Chrisman, a senior, will be published and distributed in late April or early May.
FINE ARTS
WARRIOR HALL IS HOME TO ALL THINGS FINE ARTS AND FABULOUS! By Heather Bennett, Communications
From the fall evening of one acts, Murder and Manners, to instrumental and choral concerts, band, art (as seen on next pages), and much more, there is never a dull moment. Fine Arts programs at Little Rock Christian Academy truly provide a feast for the senses. Enjoy this sampling of talent, sights, and sounds captured from the fall semester.
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STUDENT ART
Ali Wood '21
Emma Otwell '20
Hallie 24 THE Martin WARRIOR • '22 WINTER 2020
Hadley Ezell '20
STUDENT ART
Ellis Dillard '23
Allie Mooney '20
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FACULTY/STAFF
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
35 Years of Ann Chami: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
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By Heather Bennett, Communications
Dynamite comes in small packages. The phrase certainly rings true of Head of Lower School Ann Chami. She is dynamic, determined, and infuses a positive passion into all she does. For 35 years, Mrs. Chami has played an integral role in Little Rock Christian’s forward motion while standing ever firm on the foundational biblical principles of the school’s mission. She has directly influenced hundreds upon hundreds of lives of children and adults through her roles in teaching first, second, and third grades, Early Childhood Director, and Head of Lower School. Her indirect impact through all of these roles is immeasurable. Mrs. Chami can be spunky and surprising and then powerfully empathetic and laser-focused. She is humble, wise, and takes her role as a light-bearer in this world very seriously. Her accessible, huge heart and fun personality are clearly demonstrated here as we take a moment in print to celebrate Ann Owen Chami and her 35 years in Warriorville! HB: How would you describe your childhood? AC: I grew up in “Pine Bluff proper” and had the best mom and dad in the world. My sister “Sissy” is seventeen months younger than me and is very dear to me. Our parents died when we were in our twenties, so we only had each other. We’re thick as thieves. HB: What were you like growing up? AC: I was most people’s friend and enjoyed most people. I was involved and did what you’re supposed to do. I loved reading and language arts. I liked math until I hit geometry! 26 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020
HB: What led you to become a teacher? AC: It was in the Lord’s plan. I knew since I was five years old. I would teach my baby dolls. My mom was a music teacher. My sister and I went to Ouachita Baptist University where I majored in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development. HB: How have your roles at LRCA varied? AC: As a teacher, I cared for and served 20 children in the classroom and their families. As principal, I serve 500. My goal from day one was to serve, so I kind of see it as serving more people. HB: What is your favorite part of the day? AC: Greeting students in the morning HB: Favorite food? AC: Chocolate chip cookies HB: Favorite scripture? AC: Habakkuk 3:17-19 HB: Favorite book? AC: To Kill a Mockingbird HB: If you could be anything else, what would you be? AC: A Walmart greeter, but when I was younger I wanted to be a Solid Gold Dancer!
FACULTY/STAFF
HB: Hobbies? AC: Reading. Walking (sometimes). I love to visit with people! HB: Favorite color? AC: Red HB: Favorite vacation destination? AC: Charleston, South Carolina HB: Bucket list item? AC: Go to Italy. HB: What inspires you in your work? AC: Children HB: What’s the most rewarding part of your job? AC: Seeing children everyday...children, children, children! HB: What is the most challenging part of your job? AC: Every day is different...dealing with lives and the sense of ‘Did I do what’s right in the life of this child?’ HB: Lessons you’ve learned? AC: God’s ways are not our ways. God does what is best even though it’s hard. Children really are a gift from the Lord and not having children of my own, I feel like I have 500 every year. Not a lesson. That’s a truth.
HB: What are your fondest memories of working at LRCA? AC: Honestly, every day provides a memory. From a child sharing something or saying I love you to moving out to Highway 10...the Lord has given me so many and each day holds one. Children are the memories! HB: What’s on your horizon? AC: Come to school tomorrow. Come back and do this again.
Mrs. Chami shared that one of the greatest things her mother taught her was to “Do the next thing, Ann.” Even when life had her flummoxed or when a situation was difficult, it was important for her to remember to look ahead and be proactive. For 35 years, Mrs. Chami has helped fuel individuals to keep going even when the going got tough.
A MESSAGE ABOUT ANN CHAMI FROM DR. GARY B. ARNOLD, HEAD OF SCHOOL The best place to be on earth at 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. is in the Little Rock Christian Academy elementary school. At those times, you’ll hear a soft voice say, “Good morning, boys and girls. It’s time to pray.” And, then it happens. Hundreds of Warriors stop in our tracks, bow our heads, and let Mrs. Chami lead us to the very throne of God. With mesmerizing tone, the rightest of words, and the softest of voices, Ann Chami graciously teaches, exhorts, entreats, commends, guides, loves and leads us as she prays to her Father - our Father - in Heaven. Twice a day, we stop and pray with her; we stop and listen to her; we stop and thank God for her. When Ann Chami calls upon the name of the Lord, we know it’s a direct line and we can’t help but agree with every word she lays before the Lord for us and with us. It’s a rare experience unique and native to Little Rock Christian. No. Where. Else. Unless you’ve experienced it, my words will fall short in describing the gentle, sincere, penetrating power of an Ann Chami prayer. I call it Kingdom pixie dust.
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ALUMNI NEWS
Emerson, Courtney, Peyton, Ava Jane, Adam, and Lawson Head
BACK TO HER ROOTS
PTF President and Warrior Alumna Courtney Head (Class of 2000) Shares Why Her Family Calls Warriorville Home By Heather Bennett, Communications
HB: How do you feel about being the first Warrior alum to serve as President of the Parent Teacher Fellowship? CH: When I was asked to be the PTF President, I felt overwhelmed CH and honored all at the same time. I had some HUGE shoes to fill. However, being able to represent this school that I have such a rich history with has been a complete and total pleasure. Getting to work with some of the most talented faculty and staff and to have such a wonderful board of ladies whose desire is to come alongside the school and to help make it shine even brighter to the current, new and even potential families has been a real treat for me. Being a part of the PTF has given me a greater appreciation for what this school provides and has reinforced my deep love for Little Rock Christian. HB: Why do you think Warrior alums are choosing to send their own children to LRCA? CH: It is so fun to see more and more alums enrolling their kids. As CH alums consider where to send their children, the positive experiences they had at LRCA, the memories they made, the friendships they developed all topped off with an excellent college preparatory education...makes the decision a no brainer. We have our four children here for several reasons. Having another voice in our kids’ 28 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020
lives pointing them back to the Lord and what His word says is huge to Adam (Class of '99) and me. To hear Mrs. Chami pray at the start and conclusion of each school day literally brings tears to my eyes. To have teachers across this entire campus who invest regularly in my kids is a gift. The fact that there are smaller classroom sizes, opportunities for learner services, and a staff who from PreK through 12th grade can come alongside to support, edify and encourage not only my kids but us as their parents, makes Little Rock Christian the stand out school that it is. HB: What are some of your favorite memories as a Warrior student? CH: If asked to relive my high school years or college days, I would CH hands down repeat my time as a Warrior for sure! When I think back on my time as a student my fondest memories center around cheerleading at High School basketball games in the white Warrior Dome (with the waffle style flooring) and practicing for hours upon hours for our National Cheer competition in Orlando, Florida. Hanging out on the couches in Mrs. Bakke's English classroom was always a place where my friends and I could chill out in between classes or on our lunch break. I'll never forget the time when some of the High School boys went out in the parking lot and turned Mr. Erlandson's
ALUMNI NEWS little red car sideways. Nor can I forget all the puns he would use, and still uses when I see him on campus to this day! HB: What current LRCA faculty/staff did you also know as a student? CH: I started out as a Warrior in second grade when Mrs. Linda Johnson CH was my teacher at the old Bible Church of Little Rock campus. Getting to see her regularly as she still works as the Elementary librarian is such a treat! She now has helped all four of my children find books in the library that they enjoy which has helped to foster their love for reading. Miss Fullerton was my Spanish teacher in High School. Mr. Erlandson taught Western Civilization and my Worldview classes. Mrs. Swedenburg and Mrs. Tarpley were both there during my high school years as well, always found with a smile on their faces and a warm embrace. Mrs. Sheri Swindler, my Girls' Chorus teacher, helped us to shine in all of our performances. Evie Ford Scherrey (Class of 2001), who now works at the school, was also in that Girls' Chorus with me. Mrs. Chami (formerly Miss Owen) and I worked together several summers while answering phones in the Welcome Center on my summer breaks from college. As I think about these people who influenced my years as a Warrior, the thing I know for sure, is that though the school’s name changed (two years after I graduated) and though the campus looks vastly different, the feelings I got from these teachers years ago are the same feelings I get from these
teachers today. They truly care. They are genuinely interested and they are fully invested in this place called Warriorville. Their impact on me (and all the students who have walked these halls) has left a mark for which I am forever grateful. HB: What legacy do you and Adam want to leave your children? CH: Our prayer is that they would seek to honor the Lord in all they say and do whether its playing with friends on the playground, learning in the classroom, studying for tests or planning for the future. No matter what they do in school, no matter what their grades are, no matter what accolades they receive (or don't receive) the things they are learning during these formative years at Warriorville will last a lifetime. The legacy I hope they will walk away with is that, "People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel." Adam's and my prayer for our kids is that they would learn to listen to the Lord, seek to obey Him (even when it's hard), to trust that His ways are higher than our ways and to treat others the way they want to be treated. These attributes are learned. These attributes must be practiced. As long as we are living, we will all be in a process of refinement. May we be growing ever closer to the Lord on this journey.
FORMER WARRIOR STUDENTS WORKING IN WARRIORVILLE
Front Row: Sarah Berry (‘06), Stephen Curry (‘11), Jessica Jordan, Elizabeth Hill (‘11), Amanda Glenn (‘05), Megan Kelley (‘12), Bekah Caraway Johnson (‘04), Megan Snipes Kinley (‘08). Back Row: Evie Ford Scherrey (‘01), Megan Elmquist Rochell, Rachael Gatewood Metcalf (‘04), Keith McLeod (‘12), Sarah Glenn Crabill (‘06), Rebekah Raine Kuhn (‘11). THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020
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ALUMNI NEWS
WALKS DOWN THE AISLE
Kyle Alan Baer (Class of 2013) married Abigail (Abby) Gillam on October 26, 2019 at The Inn at Carnall Hall in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Kyle is the son of Debbie Baer, Executive Assistant to the Head of School.
Lindsey Horton Carney (Class of 2008) married Justin Carney on May 11, 2019 at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. The couple resides in Little Rock.
Jacob Jefferson Critz (Class of 2002) married Emily Marie Furillo Critz on August 10, 2019 at Christ Church Anglican of Austin. The couple resides in Austin, Texas.
The Baers live in Dallas, Texas.
30 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020
Katherine Grace DeYmaz (Class of 2016) married Patrick Brock Ferguson (Class of 2016) on November 17, 2019 at Waterview Estates in Little Rock, Arkansas. The couple resides in Little Rock.
Catherine Glenn Kinderknecht (Class of 2006) married Jay Kinderknecht on October 13, 2018 at Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Catherine’s sister Amanda Glenn (Class of 2005) teaches Biblical Worldview at LRCA. Her sister Sarah Glenn Crabill (Class of 2008) is the Elementary School Director of Student Life at LRCA.
Victoria Joy Neblett Odom (Class of 2015) married Jonathon Joseph Odom on June 8, 2019 at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock. Victoria’s mother, Julia Neblett, is a member of the Little Rock Christian Board of Trust.
David Snell (Class of 2013) married Molli Pugh Snell (Class of 2013) on September 14, 2019 at The Ballroom at I Street in Bentonville, Arkansas. The couple resides in Bentonville.
ALUMNI NEWS
BUNDLES OF JOY
Lauren Hill Calhoun (Class of 2005) and Whit Calhoun (Class of 2005) welcomed their second baby girl, Sutton Elise Calhoun (8 pounds, 5 ounces) on October 23, 2019. The family lives in Fayettville, Arkansas
Katlyn Lepine and John Lepine, Sr. (Class of 2009) welcomed their third child, Ruby Mae Lepine on September 17, 2019 in Duncan, Oklahoma. The family resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Kendra Stuart Cooke (Class of 2007) and James Cooke gave birth to their son, Silas Robert Cooke (7 pounds, 12 ounces) on October 29, 2019. The family resides in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Mary Whisenhunt Harrell (Class of 2009) and Bubby Harrell gave birth to their son Noah Harrell (7 pounds, 2 ounces) on May 30, 2018. Mary's father, Gene Whisenhunt, is a member of the Board of Trust. Bubby teaches High School Biblical Worldview and coaches football at Little Rock Christian Academy.
Chase Rackley (Class of 2009) and his wife, Casey, welcomed their third son, Rocco Rackley. The family resides in Little Rock, Arkansas. Brooks Rogers (Class of 2007) and his wife, Kathryn Rogers gave birth to William Brooks Rogers (6 pounds, 14 ounces) on August 20, 2019 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Rogers make their home in Little Rock.
Whitney Harris Smith (Class of 2009) and her husband Tanner Smith had their first baby, Scout Charlotte Smith (6 pounds, 6 ounces) on April 23, 2019 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The family lives in central Arkansas.
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior WEDDING & BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alumni updates in The Warrior magazine include current year births and wedding announcements to help fellow Warriors stay in touch. Other alumni news is shared through the LRCA website and social media. Please direct questions or send your Warrior Alumni Updates submissions to Heather.Bennett@LittleRockChristian.com. Wedding announcements need to include the bride’s and groom’s full names (including maiden), the graduation year(s), the wedding date and location and where the couple intends to reside. Baby announcements should include both parents’ names (including maiden), the graduation year(s), the baby’s name, weight, birth date, city and state in which the baby was born. THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020 31
COMMUNITY
F
Running with Perseverance By Bekah Johnson, Advancement & Alumni Relations
For many in the running community, a marathon signifies a test to one’s discipline of mind and body. It means achieving personal goals, building confidence and overcoming obstacles. But for alumna Summer Meadors (’17), completing the New York City Marathon on November 3rd was about something much bigger. In 2015, Georgiana Burnside, also a 2017 LRCA graduate and one of Summer’s closest friends and running partners, was tragically involved in a skiing accident that shattered her spinal cord and left her paralyzed from the waist down. “It was just a botched take off on a simple jump,” explains Summer, “but the ice that caught her ski changed her life forever.” While Georgiana was in rehabilitation, in the midst of her own kind of marathon, Summer would often visit and help in some of the sessions, soon discovering her passion for occupational therapy. Summer’s close friend and mentor Kelly Lamb is the girlfriend of J.D. Bruning, who in 2013, dove off a bridge into unexpected shallow water and suffered a broken neck and spinal cord injury. Through Kelly, Summer learned of The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which was established with the mission to cure spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. For the NYC Marathon, Summer joined Team Reeve and fundraised leading up to the race, surpassing her goal of $4,000. Her inspiration was “J.D. and George's resilience, determination, strength, and sheer will to fight at every day harder than anyone else I know. We cannot take for granted the able bodies we have, and we cannot sit there and do nothing while other people agonize to run, walk, or just live like we are able to do.” 32 THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2020
When Summer finished the NYC Marathon, Georgiana was there to celebrate with her at the finish line. Summer is hopeful for the future with her friend by her side: “George still remains one of the most active people I know, and we want to run together again.”
COMMUNITY
WarriorTalk Brings a New Voice to Warriorville
T
By Phillip Bridges, Director of Marketing and Communications
This past fall Dr. Arnold added a channel of communication for parents in the form of WarriorTalk, the official podcast of Little Rock Christian Academy. With over 12 episodes to date, WarriorTalk gives parents insights and responses into some of the pressing issues facing students today as well as campus updates and life in Warriorville. We sat down with Dr. Arnold to get a behind the scenes look at the creation of WarriorTalk. PB: What inspired you to start a podcast? GA: In a way, podcasts are FaceTime without the face, which is a good thing! This summer I longed for more conversation with our parents. Churches have the pulpit. The school needs a mouthpiece and a short, peppy podcast fits the bill. PB: We talk often about the Golden Triangle. How does WarriorTalk fit into the triangle? GA: My hope is that Warrior Talk will help us talk to each other about things that matter. We all need to remember why we do what we do. Why make the sacrifice? Teachers sacrifice; parents sacrifice; staff sacrifices. Why? The home and church don’t have enough time in a week to raise the next generation. A school centered on Jesus can help. PB: How do you choose which topics to cover and which guests to invite? GA: I ask a lot of questions about what questions our families are asking.
PB: Parents have lots of options when it comes to podcasts on Christian parenting, what makes WarriorTalk unique for Warrior parents? GA: Ours is short and sweet. And, we don’t want to limit ourselves to just parenting. I’d like the podcast to talk about school life and culture, too. PB: Most people probably don’t realize you record, edit, and produce each episode yourself. Tell us more about that. GA: It takes more time than I thought it would. I’d say each episode takes 2 hours to record and edit - probably because I’m learning as I go. PB: What has been your favorite part so far of launching WarriorTalk? GA: Two things: positive feedback and recording with Mrs. Chami and Dr. Smith. PB: If a parent has not yet listened to WarriorTalk where should they jump in? Maybe one of your favorite episodes? GA: Episode 1 - The Drive Home. It is one of my favorites and sets the tone for the entire podcast! WarriorTalk is available wherever you stream podcasts. If you have an idea for a future episode topic or guest, email Dr. Arnold at Gary.Arnold@LittleRockChristian.com
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SNAPSHOTS
SNAPSHOTS
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