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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
This painting presented to Little Rock Christian by the Class of 2014 — Artists: London Farrar, Hayden Hickingbotham.
TABLE of CONTENTS 4-7 GRADUATION 8-9 ATHLETICS 10 ALUMNI STORY
11 ALUMNI STORY 12 ADMISSIONS 13 ADVANCEMENT
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FAITH, FASHION, FILL-ANTHROPY
14-15
PETER PAN
16-17 FINE ART'S WEEK 18 STUDENT LIFE 19 TORNADO RELIEF
DR. ARNOLD
RECAPS SPRING 2014
On May 23, 2014, a rite of passage occurred in the lives
• Spirit barbell
of 138 Warriors. Over 2,000 guests witnessed the Class
• 2014
of 2014 cross the threshold to higher education and a new cycle of maturation and impact for Jesus Christ. Combining the 2,500 hours of formation at church with
• 138 (Seniors graduating) • 6 (National Merit Scholarships)
the 16,000 hours of formation at school, these students
• Golden Triangle
have banked 18,500 hours of an education where truth
Each object reflects memories only this individual class
and love were modeled and fleshed out, brimming with a
would understand. We thank you LRCA for all these years
tested biblical worldview.
at this amazing school. Gone, but never forgotten, Senior
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the class
Class of 2014.
gift. I had heard the Class of 2014 wanted to present the school with a gift that would be very personal and endure. Few things are more personal or endure more than art. With that in mind, two artists from the Class spent weeks painting a large oil canvas to produce a legacy piece pregnant with meaning. The painting is shown on this
We cherish this gift and will hang it proudly on various walls across our campus for all to enjoy. Moms and Dads, 16,000 hours of Christian schooling bears fruit. Commencement 2014 is living proof.
page. Let me share with you the meaning embedded in the artwork. The following letter from the Class of 2014 accompanied the painting: The Little Rock Christian Academy 2014 Senior Class presents this painting by Hayden Hickingbotham and
Gary B Arnold President / Head of School
London Farrar as a gift to the Warrior family. This painting represents the class in many unique ways - some obvious, some hidden. See if you can find the hidden objects: • Lobster • Blue ribbon • Emu • The number 7 • Middle School trailer
Smart device users, using your phone or other smart device, scan the Quick Response (QR) code to the left to view video about the 2013 Annual Fund
• “W” in sign language • Bonfire • BP oil logo – freshman homecoming • Emerald Castle – senior homecoming
“Like” Little Rock Christian Academy on Facebook Follow us on Twitter at @lrcawarriors THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2014
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Commencement 2014 Little Rock Christian Academy held its eighteenth commencement exercise on May 23, 2014 at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. The class of 138 was the largest graduating class in the history of our school, boasting many academic, arts, and athletic honors including over $11.2 million in scholarships offered. The Warrior Choir, under the direction of Pam Davis, opened the evening by performing “Omnia Sol” and “The Plans I Have for You” for the over 2100 friends and family in attendance. The Warrior Band, directed by Danielle Hodges and senior Geoffrey Flemmons, was also in attendance and did an outstanding job playing the processional. A special presentation of the Kindergarten Club was made by Dr. Gary Arnold, Head of School, and Mrs. Ann Chami, Lower School Principal. It was an endearing presentation that recognized those students that have spent their entire educational experience (K-12) with Little Rock Christian Academy and encouraged all of the graduates to remember the foundations of love they have experienced from their parents and LRCA. Artists London Farrar and Hayden Hickingbotham, Senior Class President, presented Dr. Arnold with a canvas painting as a gift from the class of 2014. Mr. Joe Neff, Upper School Principal, gave a reflection speech of the class commenting on their individualism and uniqueness which have made them such an outstanding group. Hayden Henderson was chosen by his classmates as the 2014 Memory Speaker. He reminisced about humorous and sentimental moments shared over the years. Katie Dreher, Salutatorian, and Karis Yoon, Valedictorian gave inspiring, motivational speeches that also reflected on key moments in the lives of the class of 2014. Mr. Frank Hickingbotham, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hickingbotham Investments, gave the Commencement Address challenging the graduates to think about who they are, where they are going, what they are going to do and to dream big. As the grandfather of a graduate, his inspirational speech also bore a personal touch. The diplomas were presented by Mr. Neff and Mr. Stuart Miller, Chairman of the Board of Trust. Mr. Miller charged the graduates to continue their pursuit for excellent education and keep God in the center of their lives. A festive reception was held afterwards where graduates, friends and family celebrated the class of 2014. 4
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COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES American University
Oral Roberts University
Anderson University, SC
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkansas State University
Rhodes College
Arkansas State University
Rutgers University
Honors College
Saint Louis University
Arkansas Tech University
Santa Clara University
Baptist Health Schools
Sewanee, The University of the South
Baylor University
Southern Arkansas University
Belmont University
Southern Arkansas University Tech
Centenary College
Southern Methodist University
Central Baptist College
Texas Christian University
Charleston Southern University
University of Alabama
Colorado State University
University of Arkansas
Duke University
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Eastern Illinois University
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Emerson College
University of Arkansas
Georgetown College, KY
Honors College
Harding University
University of Central Arkansas
Henderson State University
University of Central Arkansas Honors College
Hendrix College
University of Colorado
Hult International Business School
University of Georgia
Jackson State Junior College
University of Kansas
John Brown University
University of Mary Washington
King's College
University of Mississippi
Lipscomb University
University of Missouri
Louisiana State University
University of Oklahoma
Louisiana Tech University
University of Southern California
Lyon College
University of Texas
Mid South Community College
University of Texas at Dallas
Millsaps College
University of Tulsa
Missouri State University -
Utah Valley University
West Plains
Washington University in St. Louis
Northwest Arkansas Community College Oklahoma State University THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2014
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2014 GRADUATING CLASS Victoria Grace Adams, Nathan Garrett Alberius, Jamie Lee Allen, Tori Alan Allred, Toluwani Emmanuel Amole, Houston Don Angel, Jared Matthew Arnold, Alexandra Rose Baden, Karsen Leigh Baer, Travis Lane Barber, Erin Elizabeth Bell, Joseph Hall Bentley, Nathan Alan Bentley, Mitchell Thomas Benton, Jayma Lynn Blankenship, Matthew T. Blaszak, Taylor Marie Bowersock, Jeffrey Larkin Brantly, Jr., Blake Alan Brewer, Nora Grace Brineman, Bailey Ann Broach, Alexander Scott Caroom, Allyson Diane Carroll, Matthew Christopher Carter, Caroline Grace Chalupka, Dylan Emerson Chesher, Alexander Harrison Clerget, Michael Christopher Cockmon, Eden Danielle Coker, Davis Tate Couch, Kristen Elizabeth Curtis, Cole Allen Daniel, Caroline Addison Davis, Francis Christina Day, Katie Nicole Dreher, Garrett Michael Duke, Carlee Michelle Earls, London Olivia Farrar, Taylor Ann Ferguson, Gibson Wesley Fischer, Benjamin Thomas Fiser, Geoffrey Thomas Flemmons, Meredith Jett Garner, Suzanna Marie Gibbs, William Kenneth Russell Goodrich, David Matthew Graf, Claire Olivia Griffin, Kyler Latrece Grigsby, William Hunter Groce, Natali Gray Misak Hall, Hayden Warren Henderson, Cole Michael Hendrixson, Hayden Paige Hickingbotham, Jonathan Vincent Hill, Savannah Jane Hill, Hannah E. Johnson-Goolsby, Samantha Dee Johnson, Windsor Roark Johnson, Stacey Belinda Johnston, Erica Michele Jolliff, Haley Elizabeth Jones, Wesley A. Keener, Peter Brannon Keltner, Paige Madison Kendrick, Corban Lee Kenyon, Blakeley Alexandra Kepesky, Jacob Young Kim, Anna Grace Ledbetter, Joshua Levy, Davis Edward Liddil, Martha Anne Lucas, Jade Iris Mason, William Holt McConnell, Lauren Davidson McGill, Jacob Ryan McMillan, Maggie Elizabeth McMorran, Macy Elizabeth Meckfessel, Brooks Powell Meek, Ashley Brooke Miller, Madison Lee Miller, Jackson Bullitt Millwee, Brandon Pledger Monk, Michael Anthony Munevar, Daniel Anderson Newton, IV, Caleb James Nissen, Benjamin Nix, Erin Leigh Norman, John Thomas Otwell, Ryan Walker Panyard, Dan Lee Parker, Jr., Clifton Bolen Peck, V, Elizabeth Everett Phillips, Caitlyn Ann Powell, Jacob Wright Prather, Joseph Keith Richardson, Callie Elizabeth Robbins, Andrew Michael Roberson, Rebecca Ann Roberts, Sam Holloway Rogers, Aaron Mitchell Rosenthal, Rachel Ashley Ruddell, Molly Beth Russ, Meredith Hope Schellhase, Alexander Payton Segalla, George Matthew Smith, Michelle Estefany Elena Smith, Will Conner Smith, Zachary Dalton Smith, Luke Stephen Snyder, Sheffield Spence, Haley Annette Stotts, Parker Lavelle Strom, Kara Elizabeth Strong, Leah Britton Sunwall, Tristan Dean Talbert, Paxton Samuel Thomas, Joseph Benzick Thompson, Rudy James Timm, Megan Kirsten Tulgetske, Stuart M. Upson, Anna Caryl Vanderford, Tong Wan, Han Wang, Zhi Wang, Hannah Marie Ware, Blake Christopher Webb, Joshua Ryan Whalen, Alexandra Michelle White, Claire Mabry White, Jacob McKinney White, Peyton Andrew White, Robert Michael Williams, Hunter David Wilson, Zachary William Winston, Nicholas Grady Worden, William True Wright, Karis Ha-Eun Yoon, Elizabeth Schaefer Zuerlein 6
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ATHLETICS Baseball
5A Conference Champs State Qualifier 5A Coach of the Year – Matt Lane 5A All State – Nate Alberius, Joe Hampton 5A All Conference – Nate Alberius, Joe Hampton, Dylan Hays, Brandon Monk, Ryan Panyard, Austin Ply, Paxton Thomas Warrior Award – Ryan Panyard
Softball
4th in Conference State Qualifier 5A All State – Kristen Curtis 5A All Conference – Kristen Curtis, Jayma Blankenship, Aspyn Satterwhite, Anna Caryl Vanderford, Christian Watkins Warrior Award – Claire Newton
Athletic Awards — Paxon Thomas - Male Athlete of the Year, Carlee Earls - Female Athlete of the Year, Haley Stotts - Ken Joliff Award, Ben Fiser - Ken Joliff Award 8
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Boys Soccer
5A Conference Champs State Qualifier 5A Coach of the Year – Barry McCaskill 5A All State – Tanner Ligon, Hunter MacFarlane, Brandon Olsen 5A All Conference – Alex Blankenship, Tyler Carter, Will Johnson, Robert Thompson, Nick Turner, Kevin Zust Warrior Award – Stu Upson
Girls Soccer 5A Conference Champs State Qualifier 5A Coach of the Year – Beth Wendl 5A All State – Victoria Neblett, Annalee Rhodes, Haley Stotts 5A All Conference – Brenna Allen, Olivia Allen, Kendall Byrd, Emma Chesher, Jessica Phelps, Ellie Zuerlein Warrior Award – Victoria Neblett
Archery LRCA Archery attended its first ever National Archery Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky. These twenty one archers competed in the state tournament several weeks ago to earn the right to compete at Nationals.
Boys Track
6th in Conference 5A All Conference – Zach Blocker, Hayne Keaton, Ben Fiser Warrior Award – Zach Blocker
Girls Track
Trap
Warrior 1 and Warrior 2 will represent Little Rock Christian at the State Trap Tournament on June 7. Warrior 1 finished in 4th place and Warrior 2 finished in 16th place making the final cut off for State.
3rd in Conference 7th in State 5A All State – Erin Woodward, Summer Meadors, Bailey Neal, Ashley Cheatham 5A All Conference – Erin Woodward, Summer Meadors, Ashley Cheatham, Hannah Fiser, Carley Brown, Samantha Campbell, Aubrey Timm Warrior Award – Alyssa Osterholm THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2014
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A LUMN I STORY
Will Strickland How did Little Rock Christian Academy prepare you for college? Mrs. Swedenburg’s Oral Communication class is the best communications class I have ever taken. I became a better speaker from that class, which prepared me for the numerous presentations I made at the Walton College of Business. Every prospective business major should take Mrs. Thompson’s accounting class at LRCA. In her class, the accounting basics and accounting cycle were drilled into my head. When I encountered those concepts in my courses at the Walton College of Business, I was able to relax, because I had already mastered them at LRCA. Congratulations on your recent graduation from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Tell us about your awards and accomplishments along with some of your college experiences. I graduated in May from the Sam M. Walton College of Business, Magna Cum Laude, with a BSBA in Accounting and a minor in Finance. During my senior year, I was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, an international honor society recognizing business excellence, which is reserved for the top 10% of the graduating class. Prior to graduation, I was recognized as a “Graduating Student Leader” and as “Distinguished Lectures Outstanding Student Member.” Throughout my college career I was involved with the Associated Student Government (ASG) serving on two campus committees, the Parking and Appeals and Distinguished Lectures Committee (DLC). The DLC decides which dynamic and pertinent speakers to bring to the University of Arkansas campus. While serving on the DLC I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Jane Goodall, Steve Wozniak, John Legend, and Dr. Condoleezza Rice. During the summer of my junior year, I had the privilege
to study abroad at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on scholarship from the University of Arkansas Honors College. I took coursework in Alternative Investments and Advanced Corporate Finance. While abroad, I was able to travel and visit eleven cities spanning seven different countries in Europe. I highly recommend studying abroad while in college. The cultures, people, and places you visit will truly put “Worldview” in perspective. Now that you have graduated what are your plans? In June, I will be starting my career at Walmart Stores, Inc. in the Accounting Finance Development Program (AFDP) as a Business Analyst. I will be working in Bentonville, Arkansas at the Walmart corporate office. The AFDP position is a highly visible two year rotational program designed to provide exceptional learning opportunities and development for undergraduates and graduates. While in this position I will rotate through four, six- month rotations within the Controller’s Office (Walmart US, International, Sam's Club & Global Controllers). What is your advice for LRCA graduating seniors? Get involved as soon as you step onto your college campus and take advantage of everything your college has to offer. Student government, Greek life, student organizations, campus ministries and other opportunities will make your college experience more meaningful. I would also recommend continuing to apply for scholarships while in college. Universities often have general scholarships to award to students currently enrolled at the university and will help fund study abroad. A paper, resume, letter of recommendation and a few hours of your time can easily translate into thousands of dollars.
A LUMN I STORY
Mary Anne Short Struthers
M
ary Anne Short Struthers graduated from LRCA in 2003 and has gone on to pursue a career as an elementary teacher. Mary Anne recently told us about her experiences at LRCA and how they helped shape who she is today. LRCA: How did Little Rock Christian Academy prepare you for college? Mary Anne: I knew what to expect from college classes thanks to the rigorous curriculum and high expectations at LRCA. I left LRCA well prepared to study for an exam, write an essay, conduct research and think critically. LRCA: What were some of your favorite classes, teachers and memories at LRCA? Mary Anne: Mrs. Ann Owen Chami was my first grade teacher. She is one of the teachers that inspired me to pursue a career in education. The kindness and love she showed her students was amazing. Mrs. Walker was my high school English teacher and she had a huge impact on my life. She taught me English as well as lessons on growing up as a young lady in Christ. LRCA: What impact did LRCA have on your spirituality? Mary Anne: Little Rock Christian taught me how to read and
understand the Bible. I was also able to develop different perspectives of the world through the Worldview classes. LRCA: Tell us about your teaching career. Mary Anne: After graduating from LRCA I earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from UALR. I began working in the marketing department at First Class Textbooks. I’ve always known that I had a passion for teaching so I decided to go back to school to pursue a master’s degree in Education. I began teaching fifth grade at Williams Magnet Elementary. After five years of teaching I was awarded the honor of being the Little Rock School District Elementary Teacher of the Year. I give all the credit of my success as a teacher to God. I know he called me to be in my current profession. LRCA: How do you like spending your time when you’re not in the classroom? Mary Anne: I love running, swimming and cycling. I have run in the Little Rock Marathon for the past three years and this year I completed the Sylamore 50K trail run. This summer I plan to compete in my first Half Ironman 70.3 in Kansas. LRCA: Do you have any advice for LRCA graduating seniors? Mary Anne: The advice I would give them is to put God first and to choose their friends wisely. When we put God first, everything else seems to fall into place. It is important to surround yourself with people who exemplify the type of life you want for yourself. Friends are like elevators, they only take you in one of two directions – up or down.
Admissions As the Warrior community celebrates the successes of our largest graduating class of 138 students, the admissions office is simultaneously preparing for the addition of over 80 new families and 150 new students for the 2014-15 school year. Thirty of those families joined Dr. Arnold and the Leadership Team in Warrior Hall on the evening of June 2 to learn about the Little Rock Christian mission, core values and college-preparatory education. The remaining new
families will attend this required “partnership class” at one of two additional sessions to be held this summer. The admissions office is making every effort to add to our body and will be open all summer to visit with prospective families. We can be reached at 501-868-9822 or by email to Jason.carson@littlerockchristian.com or Heidi.brandt@ littlerockchristian.com.
Warrior Club Golf Tournament
Warrior Club supporters teed off at Pleasant Valley Country Club on Monday, May 5 for the annual Warrior Club golf tournament. Dr. Gary Arnold, Head of School, and Scotty Caroom, Tournament Director, greeted the golfers and presented them with bags filled with Warrior Wear products. Over 120 golfers enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by First Security Bank before starting the tournament. Throughout the day the weather was picture perfect as the golfers played the course. Immediately following, the golfers reassembled to the club patio for the announcement of the winners. Prizes were awarded for first, second, third 12
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and fourth place overall teams, first and second place in the putting contest, closest to the pin and longest drive. Thanks to West Tree Service, Russ Berryhill Insurance, Riser Nissan and Ford, Morgan Stanley and Chick-Fil-A for providing the prizes. Thanks to our event sponsors Crews&Associates, VanTassel Proctor, Huffman Drywall, Charlotte John Co., Pediatrics Plus, The Janet Jones Company, Titleist, First National Title Company and Excel Energy Group for assisting us with the most successful golf tournament to date by raising over $75,000 for our Warrior athletes!
Advancement On May 8, 2014 a worshipful bronze cross sculpture was erected in front of Warrior Hall. Standing twenty feet tall on a landscaped, stone foundation, the sculpture was commissioned by the Herren Hickingbotham family as a perpetual reminder of our obligation to “press on to the goal of the upward call of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 3:14) The Warrior Hall cross, crafted by local artisan Kevin Kresse, complements our original Warrior cross, sculpted by the same artist. These gifts enhance our campus and beckon all with the words, “Believe in me…and have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Annual Fund As the inaugural year of the LRCA Annual Fund campaign draws to a close, the Advancement office reports that substantial funds will be allocated to benefit students, families, and faculty. The generous gifts of many people will advance the mission of the school without encroaching upon the operating budget which is funded by tuition dollars. Some of the areas to benefit from the Annual Fund include: • Physical campus and equipment
• Curriculum mapping software
• Endowment fund
• Student testing software
• Financial assistance
• Professional development
• Security cameras
Stories of ways that these gifts have served specific people and programs will be coming in the Fall.
Third Annual Faith, Fashion and Fill-Anthropy
The Advancement office hosted its 3rd annual luncheon and fashion show on Monday, May 12 in Warrior Hall providing a high level of fashion and fun for LRCA mothers and grandmothers! Guests enjoyed a catered lunch by Simply the Best, followed by a panel of LRCA mothers and grandmothers who shared their hearts and wisdom on motherhood. Fabulous door prizes donated by Dillard’s and Massage Envy were then awarded to several lucky winners.
Dillard’s high energy show featured the season’s hottest fashions running the gamut from dressy to casual. Faith, Fashion and Fill-Anthropy is organized as a way to give back to the mothers and grandmothers who give so much love and support to the LRCA community all year long. A big thank you goes out to the sponsors Massage Envy, The Good Earth, Dillard’s and Simply the Best Catering for making this event a success! THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2014
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ARTS
The Little Rock Christian Drama Department presented Peter Pan, the musical based on the play by Sir James Barrie, to kick off the Fine Arts Festival. Over sixty actors, musicians, vocalists and crew members participated in the outstanding production the first musical to take place in Warrior Hall. In this magical tale about the boy who refuses to grow up, Peter Pan (Sheffield Spence) and his mischievous fairy sidekick Tinkerbell (a ball of light) visit the nursery of Wendy (December Ensminger), Michael (Dalton Johnson), and John Darling (Isaac DuBose). With a sprinkling of pixie dust, Peter and his new friends fly out the nursery window and over London to Never-Never Land. The children experience many wonderful and exciting adventures with the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily's (Suzanna Gibbs) Indian tribe, and Peter's arch enemy, the dastardly pirate Captain Hook (Gene Austin). All the young men and women who played pirates, Indians, lost boys and the many other characters worked together beautifully and gave us a high-energy and joyous show. The “pit” orchestra filled with student musicians did an excellent job of bringing the score to life. They were under the direction of Danielle Hodges, Orchestra Director, and 14
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Pam Davis, Show Conductor and Accompanist. Debbie Hill and Leslyn Jacks did a fabulous job as the Vocal Directors. Kay Basham served as director and Leslie Basham as choreographer. “Peter Pan is a perfect play for the young and the young at heart. None of these actors will ever forget their roles, and we won’t forget their performances”, said Mrs. Basham. Congratulations to all the students and adults who worked to make this production a success!
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ARTS
"We Believe"
T H E F I N E A R T S F E S T I VA L
The Fine Arts Festival, “We Believe”, took place in Warrior Hall from April 28 – May 16 celebrating the gift and talents of our students, emphasizing the distinct components of our fine arts program. Visual art was displayed in the gallery during the time of band, orchestra and choral concerts, as well as performances of Peter Pan. The theme “We Believe” was chosen based on the verse from Acts 4:32 which states that “All the believers were united in heart and mind.” The festival began with a special reception and the opening of the art gallery. All mediums of art were on display including pottery, drawings, paintings, and digital illustrations. The Drama Emphasis Week began with an entertaining Improv performance, impressing us with student wit and spontaneity. Later in the week our actors, musicians, and vocalists treated us to five performances of the musical production Peter Pan. The Choir Emphasis Week followed with our five choirs performing in concert. The sixth grade choir opened with 16
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“Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burnin’”. The Junior High Choir, Sounds, Belles, and High School Warrior Choir followed with a variety of choral music and solos. The program concluded with an inspired performance of “Clare Benediction” by the combined choirs. The Instrumental concert focused on the school verse of the year - 2 Peter 1:5-7. The program had an international flair with musical selections from Spain, Russia, Ireland, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia and Africa. Each country was represented by one of the seven things mentioned in 2 Peter: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Fine Arts Director Brittan Sanders encouraged the audience: “We Believe takes us to the core of our existence – our belief in an almighty God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Because of this belief, we can rejoice each and every day. As we watch and listen to our talented students perform, help us celebrate our common belief!”
Wild About Warriors
Over 375 people attended “Wild About Warriors” and many others participated from home using the new Bid Pal mobile bidding application on their smart phones. There were 34 sponsors who also helped make the event a success. A total of $112,000 dollars was raised that will go directly to enhancing technology in LRCA classrooms. The Wild About Warriors committee consisted of twenty five volunteers led by Jonie Burks, chairman, "I continue to be amazed by the overwhelming support our parents, faculty
and community members have for Little Rock Christian” said Burks. “It was an honor to lead an extraordinary team of volunteers to make this year’s event the best ever." The PTF wants to thank the families who supported programs and events this year. PTF will be able to underwrite the cost of more than $140,000 worth of enhancements to our classrooms next year with the support received through Boosterthon, Box Tops, Kroger Card, and Wild About Warriors.
Grandparents’ Day 2014
Press On – Add Goodness, Knowledge, Self-Control, Perseverance, Godliness, Mutual Affection and Love to our faith. Over 1000 grandparents filled Warrior Gymnasium the morning of April 25 to show their love and support for their grandchildren as well as for Little Rock Christian Academy. The three year olds through fourth grade students treated the grandparents to a phenomenal review of their year at LRCA. The review was composed of Bible, History, Science, Math, Language Arts and Spanish songs and recitations. A few highlights were the singing of “Fifty, Nifty, United States”, “The Ten Commandments”, “Todo Lo Puedo En Cristo” and “How Great is Our God”. Students
recited scripture throughout the program that emphasized this year’s school theme and the verse 2 Peter 1:5-7. Afterwards grandparents were invited to visit classrooms to meet teachers and view their grandchildren’s work. They enjoyed refreshments and photo booth pictures with their grandchildren. One grandmother said it best with a post on the LRCA Facebook page “This was a wonderful day. We loved the program. Praise the Lord that my grandchildren are able to attend such a Christ filled school!” THE WARRIOR • SPRING 2014
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Student Life Highlights from our Spring Quarter – Mr. LRCA, Honors Night, 2nd grade Science Fair, 6th grade Scavenger Hunt, Prom, The Amazing Race, Field Day, and Warrior Walk.
TORNADO RELIEF AND RECOVERY On April 27, 2014 a powerful tornado touched down in western Little Rock before cutting a swath of destruction through the small towns of Mayflower and Vilonia, Arkansas. Many students and families responded across afflicted neighborhoods to assist LRCA families and others affected by the tornadoes. LRCA quickly assembled a disaster relief drive collecting four truckloads of product and thousands of dollars to buy additional supplies for the families in need. Lynn Beardsley, PTF President, said “It was a blessing for many to participate in these efforts this week, as well as witness the hearts of our children in action.”
The sophomore class was originally scheduled to travel to Moore, Oklahoma in May to help with tornado clean up as part of their class service assignment. Once the tornados hit in Arkansas, the class voted and decided to assist those in need from their home state. The sophomores spent three days in Faulkner County doing tornado recovery and cleanup work. The students displayed teamwork and patience while at the same time enjoyed being together and bonding as classmates. Patrick Salman, Director of Student Life, said “I am proud of the Class of 2016. It was an honor to work alongside them and watch God put this trip together.”
“What impressed me most was the spirit with which the students worked – they worked without complaint, not grudgingly but with joy in their hearts and songs on their lips. They were grateful to God for the “privilege” of sacrificing part of their summer vacation to help out others!” – Danny Erlandson, BWV teacher and trip chaperone
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Little Rock Christian Academy 19010 Cantrell Road • Little Rock, AR 72223
at LRCA
August 11 — New Family Back to School Ice Cream Social 5:30-7:00 p.m. August 12 — Meet the Teacher 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. August 14 — First Day of School