SPRING 2021
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 Sheri Swindler
A LETTER FROM
DR. ARNOLD
Graphic Designer Karen Mitchell Contributors Dr. Gary Arnold Heather Bennett Phillip Bridges June Hendren Bekah Johnson Dr. Justin Smith Photographers Michael Baxley Sarah Crabill Shannon Earls Tierani Frazier John Isaac Majors John Paquette Tyler Rosenthal Bailey White ('18)
Our faculty and staff are true Warriors. I recently reminded them that this school year was fifteen months long. From March 2020 through May 2021, they valiantly served the school community in pioneering ways. I am grateful and awed. As always, the school's theme and theme verse proved timely and true: "In all these things we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS in Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) There is no way you and I - parents and teachers could have been valiant or victorious without the Lord. We conquered in Him; without Him, we would have flagged and lost heart. Thank you for your trust, partnership, flexibility and perseverance. Each year in May, we award eight high school students with the Warrior Award - four young women, four young men. Two freshmen, two sophomores, two juniors, two seniors. The Warrior Award is the dearest award a student can receive at LRCA. Selected by faculty, recipients display the following:
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. Cover Photo By Tyler Rosenthal
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A strong work ethic
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Maturity in fair and unfair circumstances
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Respect for authority
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Care for the world, property and environment around them
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Honor, grace and regard for peers and underclassmen
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Openness to instruction, critique, change and challenge
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Submission of their will for the influence of Christ through just actions, love and mercy and humility in their daily walk
When you dwell on these words, you realize the depth of character in earning the title, Warrior. Yes, "our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." On that foundation, we help shape lives that work hard, respect authority, don't whine, honor others, keep learning and follow Christ. As always, this is done best as partners of the Golden Triangle - the home, church and school working together on the same page, walking together in the same direction. One more time: thank you for your trust, partnership, openness and perseverance.
Little Rock Christian Academy 19010 Cantrell Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72223 501-868-9822 2 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
Gary B. Arnold, Ed. D. President / Head of School @ArnoldDrLRCA
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IN THIS ISSUE
22
WARRIOR SNAPSHOTS PARENT TEACHER What's Up in Warrioville 4-5 FELLOWSHIP The Heart of a Volunteer
ELEMENTARY Hello, Welcome to The House of Love
6-7
MIDDLE SCHOOL
21
WINTER WARRIORS Warrior Winter Wonderland 22-23 ATHLETICS
Game On! Education Outside the Middle School Box 8-9
The Champion Room Puts Athletic History and Excellence on Full Display 24-25
JUNIOR HIGH
Sports Review
Horizons
10-11
Student Art Winners Spring Musical and Fine Arts Updates
HIGH SCHOOL
Hope and Hard Conversations Striving for Racial Shalom
Colson Fellows
ADVANCEMENT
Let's have fun with a syllogism.
32-33
33
STAFF SPOTLIGHT 14-17
SPIRITUAL LIFE
30-31
12-13
COMMENCEMENT Class of 2021 Highlights
FINE ARTS
26-29
The Music Man - Stephen Curry, Director of Choral Music 34-35
ALUMNI NEWS 18-19
Grads Giving Back 36-37
ALUMNI NEWS 20
Once a Warrior Always a Warrior
38-39
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THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 3
WARRIOR SNAPSHOTS 20+ YEARS OF SERVICE TO LRCA First Community Bank recently honored four outstanding faculty members who are retiring after each serving over 20 years at Little Rock Christian. Ms. Sarah Hambrice (26 years), Mrs. Sheri Swindler (26 years), Mrs. Teresa Walker (26 years), and Mrs. Nancy Armstrong (21 years) were gifted specially engraved school bells. We are grateful for the incredible impact these women have had on the lives of so many Warriors over the years!
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS COMPETITION Fifth grade students competed in the Sumdog National Mathematics Competition. Five Warrior students placed in the Top 500 out of over 11,000 Competition students who entered. They answered 1,000 questions each! The class came in 52nd place overall out of 1,772 classes that entered. 139 Middle School Students' Poems Published Middle School had 139 students whose poems were selected to be published by Creative Communication. Communication The organization has awarded over 2 million dollars in cash prizes, school supplies and free books.
IN MEMORIAM Deborah Walsh passed away on April 16, 2021. Mrs. Walsh served as a Kindergarten Assistant Teacher for 27 years. She retired from LRCA in 2019. She is survived by her husband of nearly 41 years, Mike Walsh; a daughter, Jessica Huffty and her spouse, Justin Huffty; and a granddaughter, Audrey Huffty.
ELEMENTARY HOSTS FIRST EVER ECONOMICS FAIR Third Grade hosted their inaugural Market and Economics Fair. Fair Students learned all about supply and demand, scarcity, profit and loss, and budgeting. Each student made a product to sell and earned "currency" to spend and buy others' products.
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AP COMPUTER SCIENCE DIVERSITY LRCA received the College Board’s Female Diversity Award for AP Computer Science Principles.
WARRIOR SNAPSHOTS TWO STUDENTS HONORED BY U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
STUDENT PUBLICATION HONORS Annie Carter, Carter chief editor and designer of the Little Rock Christian yearbook, won the 2021 BEST OF THE ARKANSAS SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION for Cover Design with the cover of this year's yearbook, "One". Also winning BEST OF THE ARKANSAS SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION in other student publication submissions for 2021 are: Elise Peeler for Literary Magazine Design and Emma Hodnett for Literary Magazine Photograph.
Isabella Adeola(11) and Ryan Wheeler (12) were named Recipients of Congressman French Hill's Educational Awards Program. The Program, instituted by Rep. Hill, is designed to recognize high school juniors and seniors who have shown significant commitments to academics, their school and the community.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT Dr. Arnold was named the Educator Award Honoree by Junior Achievement of Arkansas. Junior Achievement's purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
The school's 2020 literary magazine also brought home ALL-ARKANSAS HONORS from the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association, one of only four schools in the state recognized with this honor.
FBLA STATE QUALIFIERS Fifteen students qualified to compete at the FBLA National Competition this summer.
TO BE SEEN AND KNOWN
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD The LRCA Warrior Science Olympiad team took second place in the regional tournament. Lawson Wood and Landon Tucker won silver in the Anatomy and Physiology event. Anna Jeffrey and Landon Tucker won silver in the Circuit Lab. Grace Turner, Turner Jayda Sorenson, Sorenson and Ben Thompson contributed with points that helped the team score second overall.
CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD AP Chemistry students competed against 76 students from central Arkansas in the Chemistry Olympiad. Paul Douglas and Jackson Edds placed in the top 10 qualifying for the National Chemistry Olympiad. The competition is sponsored by the American Chemistry Society.
By Hope Winburn, Junior High English Teacher Self-imposed barriers Hoarding heartaches Somehow choosing A room of darkness When you’ve given me A house of light Whispers of rest If I only open my eyes Relinquish the heart-shaped key I desperately grasp All your doors are unlocked If only mine were too Prevailing peace A choice you’re waiting for me to make Spiraling thoughts Catalyzed by enemy lies That reveal the doubt that divides My attention, my belief, my time Every mountain of achievement I continue to relentlessly climb While you patiently wait To lovingly transform my mind Less fear, more truth Less control, more patience Less comparison, more gratitude Less worry, more trust Less me, more You! THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 5
ELEMENTARY
HELLO, WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF LOVE FIRST IN A SERIES SHOWCASING DIFFERENT TEACHERS AND DIVISIONS OF WARRIORVILLE
LENARD BLOCKER Mr. Lenard Blocker teaches Elementary Recess and is a Junior High Basketball Coach. Lenard has worked at LRCA for three years. He is from Russellville, AR, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Lenard and his wife, Shrepre, have three children, Layden (10th), Landren (9th), and Langsten (3rd) who all attend LRCA. Lenard loves to listen to motivational podcasts, as well as watching, coaching, and talking about basketball. Favorite Part of Your Day: My favorite part of the day is seeing the smiles on the kids' faces that I’m blessed to work with everyday. Some of the conversations I get to engage in with them make me laugh. Laughter is good medicine. The best thing about working at LRCA: I love the culture and family atmosphere. It’s a privilege and honor to serve at LRCA. Fun Fact: Lenard is a huge fan of Cinnamon Toast Crunch an Captain Crunch!
MEGAN KELLEY Miss Megan Kelley teaches 1st grade and has taught at LRCA for four years. She graduated from LRCA in 2012. Megan is from Little Rock and earned her degree in Elementary Education from Ouachita Baptist University. Megan enjoys spending time with friends and family, typically around a fun meal, being outside, and building chicken coops (a new project while in quarantine). Favorite Part of Your Day: My favorite part of the day is teaching Bible to my 1st graders. They all know that Miss Kelley runs on a little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus! There is just something so special about seeing Jesus shape and mold the hearts of these tiny humans. 6 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
The best thing about working at LRCA: There are so many things that make working at LRCA amazing. For one, I absolutely love having the opportunity to teach at a school that I attended as a student. There are mornings that I am walking in, hearing the music outside, and saying to myself "Wow! I love my job!" Being at LRCA is being at home to me. Fun Fact: Fact Megan took piano lessons for 10 years and loves to spend time with the Lord while playing and singing worship music.
KELSEY NWOKORO Mrs. Kelsey Nwokoro teaches 2nd grade and has been at LRCA for seven years. Kelsey is originally from Marion, Massachusetts, and graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She also has a masters of science in Education: Reading and Dyslexia from the University of Central Arkansas. Kelsey loves being outdoors, baking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Her husband, Peter, is a professional videographer and has trained Kelsey as his second-shooter for lots of projects. Favorite Part of Your Day: Those moments throughout the day when students get fired up about our awesome God, excited about learning something new, or when things click for the first time. Those are the moments right there! The best thing about working at LRCA: The JOY, the LOVE, the PEOPLE, and the AWESOME GOD who is at the center of it all!
ELEMENTARY Fun Fact: Fact Kelsey was on a competitive Whaleboat Racing team in high school and was the member who got to “harpoon” the “whales” (they were fake, of course).
MITZI PENICK Mrs. Mitzi Penick teaches kindergarten and has been teaching at LRCA for a total of 11 1/2 years. She is from Little Rock and earned her master of arts in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas. Mitzi and her husband, Whit, have two children, Macy (9th) and Brady (7th), who both attend LRCA. Mitzi loves photography and anything involving the outdoors. Favorite Part of Your Day: Teaching Bible to kindergartners. The best thing about working at LRCA: The community, encouragement, and support. Fun Fact: Fact Mitzi is a huge fan of Wheel of Fortune and even tried out for the show.
Favorite Part of Your Day: Entering my classroom first thing in the morning and greeting the children. The day is full of possibilities! The best thing about working at LRCA: My coworkers are one of the best things about working at LRCA.The kindness, commitment, and talent they bring each day inspires me. Fun Fact: Holley willingly drove an unairconditioned Ford truck for three years.
GAIL WILLIAMS Mrs. Gail Williams teaches 1st grade and has worked at LRCA for 24 years. Gail is originally from Dallas, TX, and received her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas. She and her husband, David (of 36 years), have three sons who all graduated from LRCA, John (‘08), Jay (‘10), and Grant (‘12). Gail loves reading, walking, traveling, and visiting national and state parks. Favorite Part of Your Day: When a child is working at something understanding a new concept or reading and they get it - the light bulb turns on. I also love reading what a student writes. Seeing growth in a student brings such joy! The best thing about working at LRCA: The children and the families are the best thing about our school. We have the best children! We have supportive families and visionary administrators. Fun Fact: Fact Gail chose to go to the University of Arkansas to go to a “small school” in a “small town."
HOLLEY WHITE Mrs. Holley White teaches 4th grade and has been at LRCA for nine years. Holley is originally from Ft. Worth, TX, and earned her degree in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University. Holley has been married to her husband Marc for 30 years and they have three children, Wesley (‘12), Claire (‘14), and Andie (‘17), a son-in-law, and a daughter-in-law. Holley loves birdwatching and claims the title of “crazy bird lover." She also enjoys gardening and traveling.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
GAME ON!
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EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE MIDDLE SCHOOL BOX By Heather Bennett, Communications Specialist
For middle school students and teachers, the phrase “Game On!” was not just the theme of this spring’s Transformation Day. It was the mantra for the whole semester. Middle school faculty addressed academics in creative ways throughout the spring months. Middle School Assistant Principal LeAnn Murry affirms, “Even in the midst of a crazy year, our teachers still have a heart for designing experiences for our students. That’s just what our teachers do. Transformation days build excitement for new learning experiences and provide opportunities to engage students in meaningful, memorable learning. While our goal for transformation days is student-centered, I love what it does for teachers. Teachers experience their own 'Ah-ha' moments - those same moments that they love to see in students in the classroom. There's nothing like the anticipation of waiting for students to arrive at school on transformation days.” The Transformation Day concept implemented by LRCA’s Middle School and Junior High even inspired a Des Moines, Iowa school to visit Warriorville to learn more about how House systems successfully work. All student led, the MS and JH House Leaders met with the 8 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
Des Moines officials in the morning. Afterward, the visitors observed the Transformation Day classrooms, activities, and House System operations. The day rounded out with a Little Rock Christian teacher panel and brainstorming session.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The “Game On!” Transformation Day was influenced by the movie “The Greatest Showman”. Each teacher designed lessons around familiar games. Examples included a large scale Operation game, Plinko board, Jeopardy and TV game shows, a giant Candyland, cake walks, and more. GLOW (God Lighting Our Way) was not held as a fall event this year, because of pandemic restrictions. It was held in the spring as a day at school during a modified Spiritual Emphasis Week. The theme was Matthew 5:16, “...let your light shine before men.” All school decorations and class activities had something to do with glowing including black lights, glow in the dark necklaces, and materials. “In my classes, we learned about animals that glow (bioluminescence). We researched different animals that glow and created our own bioluminescent creatures on glow in the dark paper. Students put them around the room and we turned off the lights to see them glow,” describes Beth Highfill, Middle School Science Teacher. Middle School faculty rose to the challenge of educating outside the middle school box in a host of ways. The semester rounded out with a rousing Middle School Music Luau and imaginative water games on the last day including Pool Noodle Hockey and Beach Towel Volleyball.
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JUNIOR HIGH
JUNIOR HIGH HORIZONS LIVING IN THE MOMENT AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
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By Heather Bennett, Communications Specialist
Merriam-Webster defines horizon as "the line or apparent junction where the earth seems to meet the sky." Junior high is that metaphorical maturation horizon where childhood teeters along the lines of high school and young adulthood. Little Rock Christian Junior High faculty work hard to create many meaningful and creative educational experiences and events specifically geared towards the students in this phase under their charge. Whether that is accomplished through Transformation Days, the 8th Grade Promotion celebration, House competitions, and more, students are encouraged to aim high and enjoy the now. Junior High Assistant Principal Tyler Eatherton urges his students, “Don’t grow up too fast. Remain carefree, joyful, and under the care of your parents. When you go to high school, break outside your normal friend group. Meet new and interesting people. Challenge yourself spiritually.” Mr. Eatherton describes the junior high years as “a stepping stone on the journey to becoming men and women.”
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The Junior High and Middle School cooperatively hosted and mentored a Des Moines, Iowa school for implementing House Systems and Transformation Days. Junior High students conducted discussion panels with the Iowa school representatives, which exemplified in turn how an 8th grader can mature and learn to lead their own peers. Each (student) House leader also presented a speech at the 8th Grade Promotion event. “I was so proud of them - their poise and confidence. It was a real reflection of the mentorship that goes on at our school. I also loved the event, because it was the first time we and the parents had been able to be together all year,” explains Mr. Eatherton. “Ultimately, the things we do all together are really beautiful, because they make junior high not just years you’re trying to get through, but years students enjoy.” shares Mr. Eatherton.
JUNIOR HIGH
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HIGH SCHOOL
HOPE AND HARD CONVERSATIONS STRIVING FOR RACIAL SHALOM AT LITTLE ROCK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
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By Dr. Justin Smith, Head of Upper School
It is now cliche to speak of 2020 being a most unusual and difficult year. Political and racial tensions, differences regarding masks, vaccines, social distancing, loss. Definitely a year unlike any other, marked by anxiety, fear, and suffering for many. And yet, we are comforted by words from the apostle Paul when he says, “we know that God works all things for good for those who love him and are called.” All things . . .for good . . .for those who love Him and are called called. (Romans 8:28) In late spring 2020, our Head of School Dr. Arnold designated 15 cross divisional teams charged with a variety of tasks to help our school community flourish during this difficult, chaotic year. The teams collaborated creatively, working hard throughout the summer to prepare for meeting the needs of students, teachers, and families. Out of this collaboration, the high school group of the Student Support team prioritized creating a structure for supporting students emotionally and spiritually in order to cultivate humility, kindness, and a deeper love for God and others. These intentionally small Advisory Groups of 12-13 students grouped by grade level, and meeting two to three times per week, provided that structure. The 12 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
weekly time was spent in discussion based on a curriculum written in-house called The Warrior Way, and included community building activities, and prayer. Contributors to The Warrior Way included student writers. The material was designed to bring glory to God and offer hope and encouragement to our students by exploring a variety of topics. During the spring semester, our students and their advisors spent six weeks exploring the concept of honor and race using selected text and videos from Pastor Miles McPherson’s The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation. We asked the question: How could we embrace hope on such a tough subject as racism? Isn’t hope what is being offered in Romans 8:28 in spite of difficulty and suffering? Biblical hope was just what we wanted to explore with our students in these discussions. Pastor Miles McPherson wrote his best-selling book and created an e-course to help believers understand the concept of honoring the image of God in one another and to provide an antidote to the tendency we have to ignore or be at a loss as to how to talk about the issues of race that divide our country and our communities.
HIGH SCHOOL
LRCA is committed to Racial Shalom, which includes peace, harmony, wholeness, and unity within our school community.
bearers and cultivating a desire to show honor to others help us love one another better?
The Bible’s teachings and precepts charge us to be peacemakers. Therefore, we consider worldview conversations - even those on sensitive topics where finding the right words is hard - to be incredibly important as we seek to grow disciples for Christ and His Kingdom. If students can’t practice having such conversations here amidst those who love them and desire to guide them into Truth, how can they be effective communicators of Truth on such important topics as they move out into our culture? Having hard conversations is possible with Biblical hope.
As image bearers, when we sin or offend, we are called to humble ourselves, and to repent and to seek forgiveness. These are necessary steps in reconciliation. Conversely, when we are hurt or offended, we also have a responsibility to bear one another’s burdens, to love one another, and to forgive one another. Relationships are hard work and require humility, sincerity, understanding, love, and forgiveness. These are difficult conversations to have. But practice makes us better at them. How different would our campus, our families, our communities be if we regularly practiced humility, seeking and asking for forgiveness with the goal of reconciliation? Would it look like Shalom? Would it feel like Shalom?
Just as Christ came to reconcile us to Him, we are called to be reconcilers one to another, to be peacemakers, to repeat regularly in our own lives the pattern of repentance, seeking and extending forgiveness and experiencing the joy and freedom of reconciliation. We want to provide for our students more than just an awareness of the sin of racism. By coupling awareness and dialogue in advisory groups, our students were able to use content rooted in Biblical Christianity as common ground to uncover what the doctrine of the Imago Dei is all about. We were able to ask ourselves the question: How can delving more deeply into an understanding of being image
As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:9), “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” The promise of Romans 8:28 is real. The hope for Shalom is real, not in a Utopian fantasy sort of way, but in the daily realities of following the Biblical directives to love one another, forgive one another, honor one another, and recognize one another as fellow image bearers, precious in His sight. We are called to be peacemakers. Peacemakers are called children of God. How beautiful it is to see children at play, laughing, and free to enjoy one another. A picture of Shalom.
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COMMENCEMENT
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021 Abby Aduddell Gage Armbrister Sophia Baden Joseph Baker Abdul Bangura Dalton Bartel Maddie Belin Regan Belue Jewelia Black Reid Bowman Alex Bratton Emily Bunch Natalie Carnahan Annie Carter Jack Castleberry Caitlyn Chapple Kendall Christian Delaney Clinton Colin Cooper Garrett Cottrell Jadyn Cross Elizabeth Dickey Ethan Edge Preston Edwards Drew Fox Tierani Frazier Sadie Fuller Audrey Garner Charlie Gordon Piper Greer Isaiah Hankins Sarah Kathryn Hankins Claire Hart Emma Claire Hatfield Kyndal Hazlewood Grace Heard Caroline Horne Wyatt House Christopher Irby
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Abigail Jansen Anna Jeffrey Kandace Jimmerson Reese Jones Trey Jones Dane Justice Angelina Ke Benjamin Kelley Gabe King Parker King Luke Lee Sophia Lee Ashley Ligon Morgan Liles Trey Lord Katelyn Lyle Mary Mabry Emma Martin Chandler Mason Haley Mayes Tyler McCormick Angelina McCraw Anna McDonald Raegan McElmurry Emily McMennamy Ethan McSweeney Savannah Meacham Lela Miller Julia Molleston Isabel Moore Preston Moore Jacob Morrison Landon Nelson Mary Kathryn Nelson Isaac Nowell Hannah Page Michael Palmer Allie Parkinson Caroline Parkinson
Evan Parnell Elizabeth Peiserich Abigail Perry Meredith Pinkston Helen Pittman Corey Platt Addi Pledger Emily Proffitt Anthony Pugh Kinley Ramsey Kylie Robinson Wynter Rogers Aidan Ross Benjamin Santiago Jackson Schmitt Nathan Schrader Luke Smith Luke Spears Elizabeth Sterling Madison Stockwell Shelby Sweetin John Trieschmann Landon Tucker Nick Turner Brinkley Vines Louis Waddell Tommy Wadsworth Julian Walker Nathan Warford Whit Waters Ryan Wheeler Conner Whipple Katelyn White Ava Wisinger Faith Wolf Alli Wood Lawson Wood Wesley Wygal Chandler Yung
COMMENCEMENT
2021 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Agnes Scott College Arkansas State University Arkansas Tech University Baylor University Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Clemson University Colorado State University Columbia University Cornell University Elmhurst University Georgia Institute of Technology Grand Canyon University Harding University Henderson State University Hendrix College Ithaca College John Brown University LeTourneau University Liberty University Louisiana State University Lyon College Middle Tennessee University Mississippi State University Murray State University Northeastern University Ohio State University Oklahoma State University
Oregon State University Ouachita Baptist University Princeton University Radford University Rhodes College Rochester Institute of Technology Rockford University Rollins College Rutgers University - New Brunswick Saint Louis University Samford University Savannah College of Art & Design Southern Arkansas University Southern Methodist University Syracuse University Texas A&M University Texas Christian University The King's College (NY) The New School Tulane University Union University University of Alabama University of Arkansas University of Arkansas at Little Rock University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College University of Arizona
University of California Irvine University of California Los Angeles University of California Santa Barbara University of Central Arkansas University of Chicago University of Colorado Boulder University of Dallas University of Edinburgh (UK) University of Holy Cross University of Houston University of Kentucky University of Oklahoma University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Memphis University of Mississippi University of North Texas University of Oregon University of Rochester University of San Diego University of Southern California University of Tulsa University of Virginia Valencia College West Virginia University Wheaton College Wofford College
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COMMENCEMENT
COMMENCEMENT 2021
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MOVING ONWARD AS MORE THAN CONQUERORS By Heather Bennett, Communications Specialist
“We made it. In masks and socially distanced, but we made it,” emotes 2021 Memory Speaker Ben Kelley at Little Rock Christian Academy’s 25th Commencement Exercise on Friday, May 28 in Warrior Arena. Kelley reminded the audience, “Commencement doesn’t mean the end. It means the start. We faced a lot of adversity, but we pushed through and ended our race...Warriors strong!” The Class of 2021 gained acceptance into 82 colleges and universities in 24 states and the United Kingdom. 94% of the graduates qualified for academic scholarships totaling well over 14 million dollars. The earthly list of accolades and achievements for this class is truly robust. Their spiritual focus extends beyond the physical though to an eternal reward. Salutatorian Wyatt House conveyed, “Whether you were in the spotlight or in the shadows during the past four years, God is yearning for you to draw near to Him and use the gifts He has given you to make a change in this world...Don’t let your life pass you by, but cherish every moment and pick up your cross daily remembering His love.” Valedictorian Alex Bratton illustrated the connection between her experiences and relationships that sparked her passions and successes along the way. She encouraged, “Whether it’s when the diploma hits your hand, or your favorite teacher gives you a giant hug after the 16 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
ceremony, I urge you to look for sparks that set your heart on fire for God, this school, and yourself, for this next chapter of your life.” “To comfort you in the midst of all the goodbyes, I encourage you all to look forward to the hundreds of hellos you will be saying this fall. We are each like mosaics of those we love. We are composed of the most precious fragments of our friends, families, and role models…We have amazing memories behind us to be thankful for and even better futures ahead of us...,” said Valedictorian Katelyn Lyle. The evening saw many highlights including two Valedictorians, profound student speeches, and musical numbers. Commencement opened with Joseph Baker (‘21) performing “Beyond the Sea”. The High School Choir performed “The Plans I Have For You”. Isabel Moore (‘21) and Ava Wisinger (‘21) sang the duet “For Good”. Head of School Dr. Gary Arnold and Head of Upper School Dr. Justin Smith shared heartfelt words of encouragement and blessings. LRCA Board of Trust members Jeff Hankins, Natalie Hankins, and Dr. Cedric Pratt prayed for the Class of 2021 prior to Board Chair John McMorran extending the charge to graduates. A beautiful reception followed in the Warrior Pavillion. As this year’s school year theme conveyed the message in Romans 8:37, the members of the Class of 2021 were certainly “More Than Conquerors.”
COMMENCEMENT
THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 17
SPIRITUAL LIFE
ENGAGING OUR CULTURE AS CHRISTIANS COLSON FELLOWS PROGRAM & BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW AT LRCA
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By Heather Bennett, Communications Specialist
“Now more than ever, it is critical that our Christian faith remains fresh in our hearts and minds. At LRCA, we never stop growing or learning. When we were approached by the Colson Center for Christian Worldview to be one of five Christian schools to pilot the program, we were VERY interested. Seven teachers and our upper school head, Dr. Justin Smith, immersed themselves in the best of Christian thinking, and what it means to worship God with our minds,” shares Dr. Gary Arnold, Head of School. “I commend and congratulate Little Rock Christian’s Colson Fellows for their drive and commitment. I know they will leverage what they have learned in order to serve and coach teachers and students. Not only that, we are very excited to bring parents into the conversation,” Dr. Arnold continues.
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Warriroville’s Colson Fellows graduated from the program in spring 2021. Shonda Phelps (JH Science) and Faith Best (HS BWV) represented LRCA at the culminating event called the Wilberforce Weekend hosted by the Colson Center. Colson Fellows’ namesake Charles Colson explains, “It is not what we do that matters, but what a sovereign God chooses to do through us. God doesn’t want our success; He wants us. He doesn’t demand our achievements; He demands our obedience. The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of paradox, where through the ugly defeat of a cross, a holy God is utterly glorified. Victory comes through defeat; healing through brokenness; finding self through losing self.”
SPIRITUAL LIFE Dr. Gary Arnold, President/Head of School “The beauty of the Colson Fellows experience for me is the opportunity to talk frankly with others about the deep mysteries of our faith and the hardest questions.”
Jennifer Byrd, High School English & Communications “In many ways, the influence has been subtle and organic, but in one particular way, I've been able to implement material from the program directly. My JBU English I (Comp I) class centers around researching and writing about a social issue for the entire semester. I've been able to speak more directly about how to address brokenness in our culture from a Christian perspective and how to incorporate a Biblical worldview into a plan for restoration. This has not only changed the way I've helped students enter social conversations, but it has shifted my own perspective.”
Jenny Farias, High School Spanish “It supplied us with tools to be proactive to fight against negative influences of culture...tools to engage with our culture and give an answer. For my two children and 100 students, I want to infuse Truth into everything we’re talking about...how to be reasonable and ask good questions.”
Shonda Phelps, Junior High Science “I feel equipped to discuss harder topics with students in positive ways. I have more tools in my armory to defend faith. In 7th grade Life Science, we studied Genesis 1 and 2, the creation story and how science supports the idea of literal biblical creation. Faith and science are not antithetical to each other. I’m helping my students have the knowledge to defend what they believe.”
Dr. Justin Smith, Head of Upper School "Reading books on the way of Jesus, Christian Worldview, and modern societal issues, vis-a-vis the Colson Fellows, has provided us a framework for thinking about ideas and movements that are prevalent in this cultural moment. Learning to think in Christian categories is important as we live in community with our neighbors in loving ways. This type of thinking is especially important to Christian school leadership. I'm truly grateful for the Colson Fellow education."
LRCA’s Colson Fellows Dr. Gary Arnold, President/Head of School Faith Best, HS Biblical Worldview Jennifer Byrd, HS English & Communications Jenny Farias, HS Spanish Shonda Phelps, JH Science Caroline Phillips, JH Social Studies Tony Saegert, HS French Dr. Justin Smith, Head of Upper School Dr. Margo Turner
Colson Fellows Program Overview Reading: Up to 5,000 pages of content Reading Daily Study: Study 130 hours (Biblical study and commentary) Daily Podcasts: Podcasts BreakPoint Commentaries Webinars: 20 hours Webinars Teaching: 12 hours Teaching Videos: 16 hours Videos Three-Year Plan: Plan During the last half of the program, Fellows formulate their plans for implementing what they learned. 21 Readings Readings: The assigned books, articles, and essays include “How Now Shall We Live” by Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey, C.S. Lewis’ “Mere Christianity”, “Letter From a Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr., and much more. THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 19
ADVANCEMENT
Dr. Gary Arnold and Linda Casstevens (Photo by Bailey White, '18)
LET'S HAVE FUN WITH A SYLLOGISM. A WHAT? A SYLLOGISM.
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By Gary B. Arnold, President/Head of School
A syllogism is a classic "trick play" in logic where a questionable conclusion is drawn from two related facts.
gift from the Dr. John Daniel family.
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Fact #1 - Strong, mature schools (and universities) have an endowment fund.
"By giving a gift that generates a gift," I replied.
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Fact #2 - LRCA has an endowment.
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Therefore, LRCA is a strong, mature school.
Sounds good to me, but, we all know an endowment alone does not make a school strong or mature. It certainly helps, but our hope and strength is in the Lord. This year, proceeds from our endowment were dedicated to helping our teachers hard-pressed by the pandemic. Several of our teachers' families were negatively affected by the economic squeeze of COVID-19. We encouraged those teachers to apply for tuition assistance from the earnings of our endowment fund - just the kind of example that Linda Casstevens and I envisioned when the endowment fund was inaugurated by the lead 20 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
"How can we help our teachers thrive at LRCA?," the family asked.
Gifts to our Linda Casstevens - Gary B. Arnold Endowment Fund are invested with a long view of our mission. Our goal is to build a fund that will generate future gifts to the school. Your endowment gift to the school is wisely invested, not spent. Over time, your gift grows to produce even more capital, available to bless the mission and teachers of the school a second time. Does the stewardship and leverage of the Endowment Fund intrigue you? We'd love to talk to you more about it. The Daniels, Heidi Brandt, Debbie Baer, and I are available to answer your questions and share more facts about the size of our endowment and how it is invested. Whether or not the Endowment is right for you, we are bold to encourage you to love lavishly and give generously - just like Jesus.
PTF #LRCAWarriorRun
2020-2021 PTF Board of Directors
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THE HEART OF A VOLUNTEER By Debbie Baer, Executive Assistant to the Head of School/Advancement
In a typical school year, members of the Parent Teacher Fellowship are a vital part of day-to-day school operations due to countless hours spent volunteering on campus. However, volunteering was a challenge during the pandemic when parents and volunteers were not allowed to enter school buildings. While 2020-2021 could have easily been an “off year” for volunteering and fundraising, that was simply not an option for the LRCA Parent Teacher Fellowship. PTF President Stacey Knoernschild said, “The most challenging thing for PTF this year was definitely not being able to access buildings.” She added, “It is hard to plan an event and not be able to execute that plan. We relied heavily on school staff for the last mile logistics. They were the heart of our school this year.” The same can easily be said for LRCA’s parent volunteers. They give so much time and effort to support the staff and to enhance campus with programs and improvements. Through a lot of hard work and creativity, PTF was able to provide many enhancements this year including Chromebooks, Harkness tables, musical instruments, Learner Services testing, outdoor sun shades, and so much more. Despite the challenges of a pandemic year, they did not miss a beat! PTF managed to fundraise safely in March with the Warrior Run Virtual 5K. They had 265 runners register for the event, and over $9,000 was raised. In addition, generous sponsorships were provided by Pediatrics Plus, Thrivent, and Northshore Golf Range. PTF also hosted a tuition raffle that coincided with the spring production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. This also raised $9,000 and provided a lucky winner with $5,000 off the cost of tuition. These fundraisers were just a piece of the $135,000 PTF gave back to LRCA
this year - the most ever given by PTF in a single year. The Lord has blessed LRCA tremendously through this incredible group of volunteers. Thank you Parent Teacher Fellowship for working extra hard to serve Little Rock Christian Academy and helping the school thrive throughout a challenging year.
The Lord has blessed LRCA tremendously through this incredible group of volunteers. Thank you, Parent Teacher Fellowship for working extra hard to serve Little Rock Christian Academy and helping the school thrive throughout a challenging year. THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 21
WINTER WARRIORS
WARRIOR WINTER WONDERLAND
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MAKING SCHOOL AND SNOW A WINTRY MIX By Heather Bennett, Communications Specialist
A historic winter weather event gave Little Rock and surrounding areas an astounding Valentine’s week cold shoulder. Warriorville was blanketed, blanketed, and blanketed again with the white stuff. LRCA faculty, staff, and students persevered through the sub-zero temperatures and mounds of snow to keep the virtual learning and good times rolling, or in this case...sledding. KATV Chief Meteorologist and Warrior parent Barry Brandt shares his expertise and insight into the weather event that he says, “will probably never happen again in our lifetime. Very rare bitter cold and two giant snows back to back.” BB: A giant chunk of polar air broke off of the main flow up north and BB 22 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
down to the middle of the country. When cold air is in place, anything can happen. Thursday, February 11, was the appetizer with rain and sleet. The cold reached all the way down to northern Mexico. It got even colder after that first round to -1 degree on the morning of February 16, with coldest temps in over 31 years. Snow kept pouring in and piling up with no melt. We were still broadcasting from home because of the pandemic, but we had to go into the studio all that week and a little more. And, there wasn’t any "should we or shouldn’t we have school or work." Everyone knew it was coming and stayed off the roads. Airlines all cancelled. It wasn’t the best sledding snow, because it was dry and powdery like in the mountains...really fluffy. Amazingly, only 1.44” of liquid made 20” of snow!
WINTER WARRIORS
Snowmageddon 2021’s Historic Stats Greatest snow depth at any one time EVER at the recording spot in Little Rock 20.3” snow accumulation in Little Rock Snowiest February EVER 2021...3rd snowiest year EVER
THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 23
ATHLETICS
THE CHAMPION ROOM PUTS ATHLETIC HISTORY AND EXCELLENCE ON FULL DISPLAY
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By Phillip Bridges, Director of Marketing and Communications
When the doors of Warrior Arena opened in December 2019, everything was ready except for one unfinished and empty room connected to the lobby. Athletic Director Johnny Watson had a surprise up his sleeve that he had planned since the first drawings for the arena were made. The Warrior Arena Champion Room is exactly as it sounds, a “Hall of Champions” that contains all of the state championships and rings, state runner-up, and conference championship trophies. The Champion Room invites visitors into a state-of-the-art experience with ideas for the space borrowed from similar displays across the country. The Champion Room was a way to put the school’s athletic history on display in an interactive way that reflected the excellence of the program. One reason the Champion Room is so fun for visitors is the interactive touchscreen kiosks. These two kiosks contain fun facts, the history of Warrior Athletics, along with every All-State athlete in the history of the school. You can search by sport, year, or player to get a snapshot of an individual sport or player. Coach Watson was the sole collector and curator of the trophies and state rings. He has worked the past several years tracking down any missing rings. For Coach Watson, it was worth the effort to make sure these Warrior 24 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
legacies were remembered and recognized by others. Currently, every state ring is on display except for one - the 2009 Boys Soccer ring (Coach Watson commissioned a replacement ring that is currently on order). The funding for the room was built into the original plans and budget for the arena, all of which was provided through generous donations. Prior to the room’s construction, items were stored in spots all over campus including the old athletic trailer and various closets. When asked his favorite part of the Champion Room, Coach Watson said, “The state ring display." The ring display has a Smithsonian-like feel; and looking at the rings, visitors can feel the rich legacy of Warrior Athletics. Step inside the Champion Room and there is no denying the force that is Warrior Athletics. Alumni can reminisce of their time as a Warrior athlete. Young Warriors can step in and be inspired to pursue their own dreams of being a champion. Visitors can see the passion, integrity, and hard work that has gone into each trophy. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the gold, silver, and shine of the trophies and rings, but as visitors exit the room they can’t miss the sign above the door that says, "Jesus Is The Way;" a not so subtle reminder that Warrior Athletics is first and foremost Christ-centered.
ATHLETICS
Little Rock Christian joined the Arkansas Activities Association in 2000, while operating under the name Walnut Valley Christian Academy. The following year, WVCA officially became Little Rock Christian Academy. Since joining the AAA, the Warrior Athletic program has won numerous conference and state titles in almost every one of its athletic offerings and has been recognized as one of the best overall athletic programs in the state. As a part of the total education program, coaches and athletic administration strive to develop student-athletes into spiritually alive, intellectually alert, and physically disciplined individuals.
THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 25
ATHLETICS WARRIOR
BOYS 5A ALL-STATE Layden Blocker 5A CENTRAL ALL-CONFERENCE Layden Blocker Trey Jones Creed Williamson
GIRLS 5A CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS ALL-STATE TOURNAMENT TEAM Wynter Rogers 5A ALL-STATE Ashton Elley Wynter Rogers 5A CENTRAL ALL-CONFERENCE Ashton Elley Ashley Hopper Wynter Rogers Mia Smith
WARRIOR
5A ALL-STATE Ethan Edge George Garner
26 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
5A WEST ALL-CONFERENCE Ethan Edge George Garner Michael Palmer
2021 Basketball Homecoming Queen Kyndal Hazlewood
ATHLETIC SIGNINGS Abdul Bangura - Soccer University of Central Arkansas
Ashley Ligon - Marching Band University of Arkansas
Isaiah Hankins - Football Baylor University
Corey Platt - Football Tulane University
ATHLETICS
WARRIOR
SWIM
Conner Whipple - Football Ouachita Baptist University 5A CENTRAL STATE RUNNER - UP (GIRLS) 5A CENTRAL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS (GIRLS) INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONS Clara Carle Hannah Hall Grace Heard Angel Ke John Isaac Majors Addison Southerland Olivia Paczewitz 5A ALL-STATE Phillip Byrd Clara Carle Hannah Hall Grace Heard Angel Ke John Isaac Majors Olivia Paczewitz Addison Southerland
WARRIOR AWARDS
Basketball - Colin Cooper Basketball - Wynter Rogers Wrestling - Ethan Edge Swim - Connor Lynn Swim - Addison Southerland
5A WEST ALL-CONFERENCE Phillip Byrd Clara Carle Hannah Hall Grace Heard Angel Ke Connor Lynn John Isaac Majors Olivia Paczewitz Christian Pratt Addison Southerland THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 27
ATHLETICS WARRIOR
WARRIOR
SOCCER
BASEBALL
5A Central Conference Champions State Qualifier 5A Central Coach of the Year Brandon Eller 5A Central Outstanding Infielder Reid Bowman 5A Central Outstanding Outfielder Isaac Nowell 5A All-State Reid Bowman Charlie Carter Isaac Nowell Reece Tarini 5A Central All-Conference Reid Bowman Charlie Carter Nate Gross Isaac Nowell Nathan Schrader Reece Tarini Conner Whipple
28 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
BOYS SOCCER
GIRLS SOCCER
5A Central Conference Champions State Semi-Finals
5A Central Conference Champions State Semi-Finals
5A Central Coach of the Year Barry McCaskill
5A Central Coach of the Year Beth Highfill
All-Star Nominees Charlie Gordon Jacob Morrison
All-Tournament Caroline Fuller
All-Tournament Charlie Gordon 5A All-State Jacob Griffith Isaiah Hankins Benjamin Kelley Wyatt Thomas 5A Central All-Conference Charlie Gordon Ethan McSweeney Jacob Morrison Ben Ridings
5A All-State Regan Belue Caroline Fuller Madison Stockwell 5A Central All-Conference Delaney Clinton Sadie Fuller Meghan Murphy Meredith Pinkston Lillie St. Pierre Emma Thompson Sunnie Woodard
ATHLETICS WARRIOR
SOFTBALL
SOFTBALL State Qualifier 5A All-State Kadence Armstrong Gwinn Hall 5A Central All-Conference Kadence Armstrong Gwinn Hall Sadie Smith Peyton Whipple
WARRIOR
TRACK
TRACK & FIELD 5A All-State Ashley Dillman 5A Central All-Conference Madelyn Baxley Drew Bryant Ella Marie Davis Ashley Dillman Drew Fox Addison Southerland Joseph Warren David Wood
WARRIOR AWARDS Baseball - Reid Bowman Baseball - Isaac Nowell Softball - Peyton Whipple Track & Field - Madelyn Baxley Track & Field - Drew Fox Boys Soccer - Benjamin Kelley Girls Soccer - Regan Belue
THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 29
FINE ARTS
Arts THE
AT
L ITTLE ROCK
C HRISTIAN
New Media - Sadie Fuller, "RU-4-Life" Drawing B/W - Kylie Robinson, "Wash for 20 Seconds"
Painting - Ellis Dillard, "Summer Morning"
Senior Portfolio - Individual Piece BEST IN SHOW Alli Wood, "The Suburbs"
30 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
FINE ARTS
Drawing - Color - Callie Workman "Rhythm" Mixed Media - Clara Carle, "My Home"
Ceramics - Advanced - Grace Heard " Large Flat Piece"
Ceramics - Beginning - Brynn De Bruyn "Thrown Bowl"
Sculpture - Lexi Strother, "Respectable Yet Unremarkable"
THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 31
FINE ARTS
JUBILEE AWARDS
BASHAM RETIRES FROM DRAMA DEPARTMENT By June Hendren, Director of Student Publications Kay Basham, a long-time staple in the Little Rock Christian theater department, recently retired after nearly 20 years of service. Basham’s impact harkens back to 2003 when she directed Little Rock Christian’s first extra-curricular drama event, the “High School Drama Showcase.”
Performing Arts Louis Waddell
With a bachelor's degree in theater from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a master’s in fine arts (directing) from the University of New Orleans, Basham began to invest in the theatrical development of students of Little Rock Christian when her daughter was a junior. Known for her impeccable casting abilities, she has spent the past 18 years helping nurture the school’s drama program into a thriving, engaging, entertaining experience. Basham has discovered a number of unexpected stars on campus over the years and has directed such theatrical hits as “The Sound of Music,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” and her personal favorite, “Fiddler on the Roof.” Most recently she served as costume designer/manager for the spring musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” An event to honor her retirement is planned for the fall.
Visual Arts Annie Carter
REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 1 FOR FALL 2021 Friends of the Arts Scholarship Alli Wood
PIANO • ART • VOICE • DANCE • THEATRE
Register at 32 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
www.LittleRockChristian.com/FineArtsAcademy
FINE ARTS
SPRING MUSICAL BOASTS DUPLICATE CASTS
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By June Hendren, Director of Student Publications
While this year’s spring musical has been around since 1967, LRCA’s version of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” was anything but ordinary. The simple, yet distinctive, set was the backdrop for two separate casts who performed the story of Charlie Brown and his Peanuts gang as they explored life through playing baseball, struggling with homework, singing songs and celebrating the joy of friendship. Even with limited capacity and socially distant audiences, sold-out performances were held April 22-26 In Warrior Hall.
Having two distinct casts had specific purposes, according to Director Hollie Shepherd. “It allowed us the opportunity to involve more kids since the production only has six characters,” Shepherd said, “and with COVID, it would allow us to continue with the show if a cast member got sick.” Miraculously, the production went off without a hitch, and no substitutes were needed due to illness. However, a beneficial byproduct of having two casts, Shepherd said, was that they became really supportive of each other throughout the production. Cast members even came to see each other perform multiple times and brought each other encouraging gifts, she said. Cast members included: Joseph Baker and Drew Knecht as Charlie Brown, George Garner and Josiah Johnson as Linus, Allison Hatfield and Mairyn McGilvray as Lucy, Louis Waddell and Max Johnson as Schroeder, Ella Scheer and Veronica Ivester as Snoopy, and Lyndsey Gardner and Annie Carol Rypkema as Sally. In addition to Hollie Shepherd as director and production manager, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” was directed and choreographed by Abby Curry. Musical director was Stephen Curry, conductor was Angela Goff, composer and music arranger was Taylor Brandon, and technical director was Jim Faulk. Stage manager was Leigha Heard, and crew heads were Grace Heard and Allie Trieschmann. THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 33
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
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THE MUSIC MAN
STEPHEN CURRY, LRCA DIRECTOR OF CHORAL MUSIC By Heather Bennett, Communications Specialist
Stephen Curry attended Little Rock Christian Academy from kindergarten to graduation in 2011. He grew up in a Christian family with three brothers. His mother, Holly Curry, and wife, Abby Curry, work in the Warrior Fine Arts Department as well. “I hated singing and singing in front of my parents,” proclaims Stephen Curry about his younger self. Part of Mr. Curry’s passion to come back to teach in Warriorville is that he recognizes a lot of students are afraid to express faith through song and arts. “I rededicated my life to the Lord when I was a junior in high school. My faith was very intertwined with my shyness. I realized a Christlike life was a relationship, not a set of rules,” Mr. Curry shares. Mr. Curry encourages his students to explore God’s gifting to help them grow and flourish. He stresses the importance of owning their relationship with Christ which helps their talents pour out. Mr. Curry’s energy and positive attitude have propelled growth in the LRCA choral program, but most importantly spiritual growth in his students. Here, Mr. Curry shares a few high notes from the composition of his life. HB: How would you describe your younger self and as a student? SC: I was very shy. I wouldn’t talk...would look straight ahead. Loved SC reading and took band...never choir. I loved LRCA and the importance then placed on arts, academics, and athletics just as it is now. The Golden Triangle is still as strong. 34 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
HB: Favorite subject(s) in school? SC: Band and English HB: What was it like portraying Schroeder when you were in high school and then musically directing “Charlie Brown” this spring? SC: At our cast party, we watched the 2010 version of “Charlie Brown” SC where Elizabeth Hill and I were Lucy and Schroeder. There was just a piano in the high school cafeteria. Our students watched the whole thing and cheered. It was super surreal. This was the first show I got to direct musically. I definitely had flashbacks to high school and now I get to coach kids. When I was in college at OBU, the choir teacher randomly approached me on campus and said, “You should join choir.” I don’t love singing by myself. I had no idea then that I’d want to teach choir. HB: What wisdom would you share with your junior high or high school self? SC: You never know where God will take you. You’re only going to see it SC when you try to look more like Jesus. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you. You can get out of your comfort zone when you yield to what God wants to do in your life.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT HB: Favorite movie or book? SC: Harry Potter SC HB: Inspirations? SC: Kay Basham and Debbie Hill at LRCA. Dr. Gerber, OBU Choir Teacher. SC They all saw something in me and pulled it out. HB: Talents and hobbies? SC: Piano, guitar, reading, puppetry SC HB: Favorite vacation destination? SC: Branson...Sight & Sound Theatre, Big Cedar...We’re old people. SC HB: Bucket list items? SC: I’d like to compose and publish choral music. SC HB: What superpower would you choose? SC: Perfect pitch SC
HB: What education and experience prepared you for your work at LRCA? SC: I have a Bachelor of Music Education (Choral Education). I was a camp SC counselor at Pine Cove and realized working with students was so fun and what I wanted to do. HB: If you could work as anything else, what would it be? SC: A worship pastor in a church SC HB: How would you describe your personality away and as a teacher? SC: Abby and I are homebodies. We are really singing and dancing all the SC time at home. I’m less reserved than I am at school. HB: What is your favorite part of the day and teaching? SC: My favorite part of the day is getting to see my wife at lunch. My SC favorite part of teaching is experiencing the magic of when the light bulb goes off for a student...hearing themselves sing. I love choir rehearsals. HB: How did you and your wife, Abby, meet? SC: When I changed my major to education, I ended up sitting by her in SC our “How To Be a Teacher” class. I proposed to her in that same classroom. LRCA alums and friends Tyler Rosenthal and David Winkler shot the photos and video of the proposal. And actually, Tyler played Snoopy and David did the sound and lights in our LRCA production of "Charlie Brown" in 2010. HB: Favorite date night and food? SC: Going to Raising Canes. We eat chicken tenders exclusively. Our “only SC food group”.
HB: Favorite scripture(s)? SC: Psalm 33 has carried us (the choir) through the stress of COVID. Our SC focus has been on music literacy, but also praising God in the midst of this storm. Hebrews 11 describes the heroes of faith despite their weaknesses... none were perfect. HB: What do you want readers to understand about Warrior Choir? SC: The program is non-auditional, but we do have auditioned groups. We SC place everyone in choir and hold students to high standards. They learn they are better and stronger together and that it’s not about individual voices. Some of the most humble students take choir. It takes humility and character. I love the quote by John Rudder, “A school without choir is like a body without a soul.”
The choir program has grown tremendously in recent years necessitating remodeling in Warrior Hall to be completed this summer to accommodate 40-50 students at a time. There will be dedicated practice rooms and wrap-around risers. In addition to choir members, worship teams from middle school to high school will utilize the new space.
THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 35
ALUMNI
GRADS GIVING BACK: ALUMNI CAREER PANELS
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By Bekah Johnson, Advancement & Alumni Relations
The spring 2021 semester kicked off a series of inaugural virtual alumni career panels for high school students. Elizabeth Hill (‘13), LRCA Academic and College Counselor, took a student interest poll earlier in the year and determined the highest-ranking career fields to be healthcare, psychology/counseling, and business. “I have wanted to connect students with alumni in various career fields since I first started working at LRCA five years ago,” said Elizabeth. “I want our students to be exposed to careers so that they can make informed decisions about internships, job shadowing, and college majors. These unscripted panels have led to many encouraging conversations in which students hear not only about career options, but also about how to make decisions and follow God's lead one step at a time.” Questions about a typical day, the most rewarding and challenging parts of the job, and why each alum chose to go into their particular field led to great discussions filled with invaluable advice to students:
BUSINESS:
Ashley Ascher Steele (‘05) Founder and Lead Strategist at Obtain Creative “I think being open to opportunities and not living by a checklist has been an important lesson that I learned on my journey.”
Will Ford (‘12) Group President at Westrock Coffee Company “Life is about who you partner with. Whether that be your spouse, your friends, your business, or your mentors.”
Connor Van Hemert (‘12) Account Executive at Call Box in Dallas, TX “When we choose a career or a job, it’s important to see these opportunities through an eternal perspective. God has a purpose for your life and your work.”
Trent Childress (‘13) Senior Tax Accountant at Little, Shaneyfelt, Marshall & Co. “It’s important to find a place where you feel motivated by the work you’re doing and the people you’re doing it with.”
36 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
ALUMNI Haley Stotts (‘14) Business Development & Marketing Officer at First Security Bank in Jonesboro “A job is more than just a paycheck. It’s critical to know yourself and what motivates you to have a healthy and happy career and therefore life outside of it.”
PSYCHOLOGY/COUNSELING: Derek Edwards, LAC (‘04) Youth Home, Inc. and Mosaic Wellness Counseling “One of the cool things about this field is that no matter what your personality, I think you can fit it and tailor it to who you are. You don’t have to fit into one role.”
HEALTHCARE: Stephen Dalby, MD (‘08) Arkansas Children’s Hospital “Take it one step at a time. You find things that you enjoy at each step along the way, so [the journey] doesn’t really seem that long. It’s possible to do all this and not stress and worry about how long it takes to actually finish, and just enjoy the path and the process.” Claire Chesshir Foster, MD, MPH (‘09) UAMS/ACH Pediatric Critical Care Medicine & Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Fellow “This journey isn’t about being perfect. It’s about just persevering and getting it done and being comfortable with some failure.”
Anna Maris Kirkes, LCSW (‘05) UAMS Family Treatment Program “Being with people as they’re vulnerable and on that journey - it’s an honor. It’s really beautiful to watch people heal.”
Madalyn Wallace Duncan, BSN, RN (‘13) Arkansas Children’s Hospital Pediatric ICU “The thing I love about pediatrics is that you get to care for both the child and their parents.”
Emily Keener Johnson, MA (‘07) Psychology Doctoral Candidate, Southern Methodist University “We get to be instruments of God’s common grace to people to help them grow and recover, and that’s really powerful to be part of that.”
Brad Stone, MD (‘13) UAMS Anesthesiology Resident “The smartest people in med school aren’t always the most successful. So just knowing that being a real, authentic human being who likes to take on challenges is kind of the crux of all of this.”
Libby Carrico Hansen, MA, LPCC (‘13) Colorado Christian University “Being able to see two sides of something is a really special skill. It’s not just empathy, it’s an empathy for all parties.” Carley Brown, LMSW (‘15) Ozark Guidance in Fayetteville “Compassion and empathy are important. On the hard days, remember what brought you into the field. Keep an open mind.”
If you are an alum and interested in participating in a future career panel, please email Bekah Johnson at Bekah.Johnson@LittleRockChristian.com.
THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 37
ALUMNI NEWS
WALKS DOWN THE AISLE
Anna Christine McCulloch Burton (‘10) married Andrew James Burton on October 24, 2020 at the Country Club of Little Rock. The Burtons make their home in Little Rock.
Sarah Berry Davis (‘06) married Ian Davis on March 21, 2021 at Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The couple resides in Little Rock. Sarah has taught middle school English at LRCA since 2010. Her mother, Cindy Berry works in the LRCA Business Office.
Natalie Christine Gooding Dyson (‘11) married Dillon Milton Dyson on July 10, 2020 at Angelo’s Garden in Mayflower, Arkansas. The Dysons live in Cabot, Arkansas.
Ellie Parker Errickson (‘05) married Brady Errickson on November 21, 2020 at Sherwood First Baptist. The Erricksons reside in Little Rock. Ellie’s mother is former Warrior faculty member, Rosemary Parker.
Anna Carol Parker Ferguson (‘12) married Jacob Austin Ferguson on February 13, 2021 at her parents home in Ferndale, Arkansas. The couple resides in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Carrington Crain Propes (‘15) married Dylen Propes on March 13, 2021 at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock. The Propes make their home in Kansas City, Missouri.
Ben Shuffield (‘12) married Joanna Marie Calhoun Shuffield on September 27, 2020 at The Grandeur House in Little Rock. The Shuffields live in Little Rock. Ben has taught High School Biblical Worldview at LRCA. 38 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
Ashlyn Leigh Quickel Vogel (‘15) married Hagen Philip Vogel on November 14, 2020 at MattLane Farm in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Vogels reside in Kansas City, Missouri.
Allyson Diane Carroll Worden (‘14) married Nick Grady Worden ('14) on February 20, 2021 at The Grandeur House in Little Rock. The Wordens make their home in Little Rock.
ALUMNI NEWS
BUNDLES OF JOY
Erin Howland Dalby (‘08) and Stephen Dalby (‘08) welcomed their baby girl Hannah Beth Dalby (6 pounds, 15 ounces) on December 23, 2020. The Dalby family lives in Little Rock. Stephen’s mother is former LRCA teacher, Kay Dalby.
Adam Deacon (‘11) and his wife Allie gave birth to Davis James Deacon (7 pounds, 15 ounces) on February 10, 2021. The Deacon family lives in Maumelle, Arkansas.
Bobby Erickson and his wife, Katelyn Parker Erickson (‘10), delivered Emma Gayle Erickson (8 pounds, 1 ounce) on June 27, 2020. The Ericksons make their home in Bella Vista, Arkansas.
Ben and Sadie Smith Gregory (‘07) welcomed their baby girl, Hattie James Gregory (7 pounds, 14.5 ounces) on January 12, 2021. The Gregory family lives in Little Rock.
Tanner Kilburn and his wife, Tori Manning Kilburn (‘07) delivered Tucker Michael Kilburn (7 pounds, 11 ounces) on February 27, 2021. The Kilburns live in Little Rock.
Davis Kinley (‘12) and his wife, Michaela Held Kinley (‘13), gave birth to Charlotte Desha Kinley (8 pounds, 2 ounces) on November 18, 2020. The Kinleys reside in Little Rock.
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 Bekah.Johnson@LittleRockChristian.com. Baby announcements need to include both parents’ names (including maiden), the graduation year(s), the baby’s name, weight, birth date, along with the city and state in which the family resides.
Lauran De Vries Medlock (‘10) and Jeremy Medlock welcomed their baby girl, Kinsley Danielle Medlock (7 pounds, 12 ounces) on July 15, 2020. The Medlocks make their home in Maumelle, Arkansas.
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. Also, include bride and/or groom parents’ names IF they are current LRCA employees or board members. THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021 39
Little Rock Christian Academy
Nonprofit U.S. Postage PAID Permit #1568 Little Rock, AR
19010 Cantrell Road • Little Rock, AR 72223
BACK TO SCHOOL 2021
LRCA HOMECOMING
SAVE THE DATE ALUMNI RECEPTION AT FOOTBALL HOMECOMING FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 5:30 P.M. For summer assignments, supply lists and important back to school dates visit
Alumni classes of 2000, 2001, 2010 and 2011 will be recognized during the evening.
LittleRockChristian.com/BackToSchool
Stay tuned for more details!
40 THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2021
