Imagine Magazine Spring 2024

The Wishart Academic Success Center is making a tremendous contribution to the lives of children at Mount Dora Children’s Home. Many students who come into our program are initially behind academically. They often come from environments that do not emphasize the importance of excellence in education and need extra help to catch up and meet grade-level expectations. The ASC is giving these students the tools to be academically successful and achieve their full potential, both inside the classroom and beyond. This facility is life-changing for our students. When students are struggling in academics and behind their peers in the classroom, the consequences are devasting. Their selfesteem, confidence, and dreams are crushed, and in some cases, students may act out or question if they should drop out of school.

Over the years, I have seen an increasing need to help students with planning, time management, and organizational skills. With proper training and support, students can overcome these obstacles. The Wishart ASC is providing strategies to increase student learning and productivity in these areas. The goal is to help students become academically successful during their time at MDCH and reach their fullest potential regardless of their past experiences.

However, the ASC is not just a facility for academic and tutoring services. Additionally, the center seeks to provide participants in our Single-Parent Program with opportunities for multiple educational and counseling services. Classes and services include individual and group counseling, life skills training, parenting classes, financial management, developing healthy relationships, self-esteem improvement, remedial education, and academic coaching.

The ASC is allowing the students and adults we serve to be successful and have a positive vision for the future. Thank you to the Wishart and Chaffin families for providing the resources for this new state-of-the-art facility in which we can truly make a significant impact toward fostering excellence at Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home.

Chuck Shepherd Vice President of Social Services

Insights

As you will read in our cover story, the Wishart Academic Success Center and accompanying staff have been a great addition to our campus in many ways, both missionally and academically. The academic aspect is evident; however, I would like to highlight how the ASC has aligned with our spiritual focus here at Mount Dora Christian Academy. The Academic Success Center allows us to support everyone in our MDCA&CH community — the students at the Academy as well as residents of the Children’s Home and Single-Parent Program.

The ASC resources help us to lift the tide for all ships, which is a key aspect of helping both the individual child and the classroom as a whole. When our teachers know students are getting reinforcement and individualized help outside the classroom, they can dive deeper into content in the classroom. Diving deeper also means increased opportunities to tie in our biblical worldview and apply the spiritual foundation we are looking to provide alongside our academic instruction.

The other key missional aspect of the Academic Success Center is our ability to use our own students to give back. The ASC manages our Teacher Assistant Program, in which juniors and seniors serve and work with younger students on campus. These students can assist teachers by helping with classroom activities, serving as tutors for one-on-one instruction, and mentoring younger students. This program not only benefits our student body academically but also provides upperclassmen with spiritual growth opportunities to love like Jesus. Our younger students receive the service, but our older students reap the biblical truth that when you give of yourself, you truly do receive.

We want all of our students at MDCA to grow and develop as world changers with a heart for serving in God’s kingdom. Opportunities like this under the guidance of our Academic Success Center are helping them do just that.

Glory to God!

AROUND CAMPUS

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

Congratulations to MDCA’s 2023-2024 Homecoming Queen, Cora Welter, and King, Xavier Dalton! The Bulldogs also defeated Duval Charter 37-6.

Our 3-year-olds participated in the preschool’s annual Teddy Bear Picnic, a delightful outdoor adventure shared with family and friends.

Our elementary school participated in the worldwide Rock Your School event in which teachers created an outside-the-box educational experience designed to engage their students and bring learning to life in their classrooms.

Eight MDCA juniors were honored during the Biomedical Sciences Institute White Coat Ceremony, taking their first step toward becoming part of the medical community.

“It was important for me to come back to MDCA today to the White Coat Ceremony, as this is a place I hold near and dear to my heart. I’ve been a member of the Mount Dora community for 17 years … and I plan on staying here. I wanted to give back to the school that gave me so much and the community that helped me grow.”

— 2017 MDCA alumna and physician assistant Natalie Farinas at our BSI White Coat Ceremony

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

“You can never say enough about the country’s veterans. History teaches us that it is very easy to forget about the things they’ve done. There are veterans everywhere, even active ones, who are struggling. The more we do these events, the more it makes them realize that they are not alone.”

— 2006 MDCA alumnus Capt. Aaron Monkman at our annual Veterans Day Parade and Program

Light Up MDCA has become a much-loved event at the beginning of December each year — a special thanks to our grounds crew who work tirelessly to illuminate our entire campus.

Faculty, staff, and students — from our youngest Bulldogs to our high school seniors — represented MDCA in the Dec. 2 Mount Dora Christmas Parade. We are so thankful to be part of the Mount Dora Community.

JANUARY

Dr. Keith Schramm joined our science faculty for spring 2024 as MDCA’s first Scholar-in-Residence. He comes to us from Searcy, Arkansas, where he taught for 30 years in Harding University’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. This new program is designed to provide students with unparalleled access to academic expertise and real-world knowledge taught from a Christian worldview. This innovative program aims to bridge the gap between high school and higher education by bringing distinguished educators and successful men and women into the MDCA community to engage, inspire, and mentor our students.

If you or someone you know would like to share your knowledge with our students as a Scholar-in-Residence, contact Keith O’Neal at keith.oneal@mdcacademy.org.

FEBRUARY

Each year, MDCA&CH is blessed by the arrival of the Sojourners, retired Christians who travel in RVs to locations throughout the United States and Canada doing volunteer work with children’s homes, church camps, Christian colleges and schools, and other organizations associated with the churches of Christ. This year’s team assisted our maintenance and grounds crews with many tasks on campus, including pressure washing, installing shelving, painting, replacing heating elements, and converting lighting throughout the warehouse. We are so thankful for their service to our campus.

A new partnership: UF Health of Central Florida became the official medical provider for MDCA Athletics, supporting patient care related to injuries and conditions that affect the ability of students to participate in athletics and those families and faculty members needing healthcare services.

AROUND CAMPUS

Welcome, New Bulldogs!

We began the 2023-2024 school year with 203 new students on campus. We also added many new faces to our faculty and staff. We are so thankful for the following men and women who have joined us in our mission at MDCA&CH:

Allison LaCourt Preschool Assistant

Elodie Wacaster VPK Lead Teacher

Elementary

Amber Beliz Fourth Grade

Rebecca Ellis Second Grade

Secondary Office of Development Support Staff Preschool

Tracy Gant Fifth Grade

Brandie Harp P.E.

Lisa Lowery Fifth Grade

Jennifer Marietta Fourth Grade

Joanne McGuire Academic Instructional Specialist

Nikki Numbers First Grade

Tara O’Neal Administrative Assistant

Dana Armstrong English

James Bayly Athletic Field Maintenance

Louis Daranda Bible

Chris Horton Athletic Trainer

Matthew McLeod English

Cooper Monn Science

Jackson Montgomery History

Dr. Keith Schramm Science

Wishart Academic Success Center

Judith Ann LeMoyne Director of Academic Support

Trista Spencer Secondary Success Coach

Jessica Vann Elementary Success Coach

Heather Hartmann Office Manager

Jodi Seabrook Coordinator of Corporate and Alumni Relations

Ashlee Artibee Dining Hall

Kevin Bishop Grounds

Jason Headrick Maintenance Supervisor

Renee Jackson Security Officer

Ben Kelly Information Systems Specialist

Rebecca Rogers Dining Hall

Latoya Scott Housekeeping

Fine Arts at MDCA

Take a look at some of the incredible talent our students brought to the canvas, stage, and screen last semester:

1. In December, high school theatre students performed the musical “Little Shop of Horrors,” bringing to life the bustling streets of Skid Row and the quirky flower shop of Mr. Mushnik.

2. Our pep band struck a perfect rhythm to fuel the excitement of football season.

3. Art 1 Students made ceramic bowls. Once glazed, students were able to test the functionality of their ceramic ware by using them for snacks in a class party. This Santa themed bowl was made by 11th grader Jennifer Sipos.

4. Dakota Williams, a 12th-grade Art 2 student, was tasked with painting a two-part series: one painting on a very small canvas and one painting on a large 30”x40” canvas. The theme was “All Creatures Great and Small.” This is Dakota’s largest scale piece of artwork to date.

5. Digital Art students completed a realistic digital painting project. 12th grader Abby Rutherford chose to render bell peppers for her project.

1.

3.

4.

5.

2.

MDCA Athletics

Our varsity competitive cheerleading squad won the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders National Championship. This was the Bulldogs’ first year as a coed team and their first year back after several years’ hiatus from competition. The team earned several other awards, including Best Showmanship and Choreography and Best Stunts and Pyramids.

The varsity football team won the SSAA 5A Conference Championship with a win over St. Stephens.

Girls soccer won the FHSAA Class 2A District 4 Championship.

Both boys and girls varsity basketball teams won their respective FHSAA Class 2A district championships.

Athletic Director Megan Ziegelhofer participated in book launches at the 54th Annual National Athletic Directors Conference hosted in Orlando in December. She wrote a chapter in All Star Athletic Director and was featured in the 3rd Edition of the Athletic Director’s Toolbox.

Perry Petruccelli was named the 2024 Lake & Sumter Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. Senior Maisey Anderson placed 1st in both traditional and olympic weightlifting at the 2024 FHSAA 1A District 9 meet.

Christian Home & Bible School opened its doors to 55 students on Sept. 10, 1945. Its goal: to develop the whole child — mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually.

On Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 — 78 years, two weeks, five days, and one name change later — Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home celebrated yet another opening. That afternoon, under cloudy skies and a slight drizzle, students, faculty, staff, parents, community leaders, and friends came together to cut the ribbon on the Wishart Academic Success Center.

Welcome to the Wishart

The Wishart ASC represents a shared vision between MDCA&CH leaders and the Chaffin and Wishart families of Miami, Florida. Its goal is to provide a nurturing and resource-rich environment that fosters academic achievement and personal growth for learners of all ages in the MDCA&CH community, an aim very much in line with our founding purpose eight decades ago.

The facility is named in honor of the late Jack and Maxine Wishart, a farmer and an educator whose greatest desire was to help connect children in need to Christian families and homes. From humble beginnings in Ocala, Florida, to their transition to Miami in the late 1950s where they became successful farmers, Jack and Maxine Wishart never wavered from this commitment.

The Wisharts were avid supporters of Christian Homes for Children Inc., which has provided foster care for over 1,300 children across South Florida. The organization was founded in 1979 by Maxine’s brother, the late Dr. George Brown, of Ormond Beach, Florida, and has been supported by four generations of the Wishart and Chaffin families.

Lisa Chaffin, daughter of the Wisharts, serves on the board of CHFC and works to carry on her parents’ legacy. She has also been instrumental in connecting their wishes with opportunities on our campus.

She first partnered with MDCA&CH during the construction of the Jerome B. Thompson Science Center, providing funds for one of our science classrooms to honor Maxine, a teacher for many years.

She reconnected with us in 2020 through former President Dr. Brian Mast and former VP of Development Tim Deem. The timing was perfect. MDCA&CH was in the planning stages of an academic success center. Chaffin and CHFC had been struggling to find ways to use the funds in her parents’ foundation that matched Jack and Maxine’s requests.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Chaffin explained how it all came together.

“I couldn’t even believe it,” she said. “I live in Miami, Florida, and up here in Mount Dora, they are talking about the same things we were trying to do in Miami. I went to our board, and the rest is history. The funds given to Christian Homes for Children from my parents were re-donated to you, Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home.”

Other guests of honor for the event included Joe Fernandez, president of the board of Christian Homes for Children Inc. Fernandez, who was born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States via the last of the freedom flights in 1971, spoke about the shared goals and vision of CHFC and MDCA&CH.

“There’s no greater love than Jesus’ love,” he said. “I have experienced that in being here today with the love that you

have expressed. I think your core values are amazingly on target — show Jesus’ love above all.

“Today is a new beginning for Christian Homes for Children. Today is a special moment as we continue to grow and serve institutions like yours. You have an amazing place here, and I’m overwhelmed by how beautiful it is and how much love there is. I couldn’t be more excited and thankful for the opportunity to serve CHFC and to help bring this special gift to Mount Dora Christian Academy.”

The celebration on that fall day marked the beginning of one of the most impactful initiatives we have ever brought to campus. In the months that have followed, the Academic Success Center has become an integral part of campus life. It’s hard to remember what MDCA was like without it.

Throughout the day, the ASC buzzes with activity. Director of Academic Support Judith Ann LeMoyne and her academic success coaches stand ready to offer guidance and assistance, providing listening ears and words of encouragement. Students pour over textbooks and laptops, absorbed in their studies, while others engage in lively discussions and collaborative projects.

Since opening its doors, the ASC has provided whole-class support, peer tutors, learning strategies, professional development for faculty, SAT and ACT prep resources, small group collaboration, technology assistance, testing support, and skill-specific workshops.

From our kindergartners to our seniors, there is a place for everyone, including children and residents of the Children’s Home Single-Parent Program. The ASC seeks to provide participants with opportunities for multiple educational and counseling services to prepare them for success when they leave MDCH. Classes and services include individual and group counseling, life skills training, parenting classes, financial management, remedial education, and academic coaching.

Jack and Maxine Wishart

All of it is possible because of a dream held by Jack and Maxine Wishart.

“My parents were precious. They were the salt of the earth,” said Chaffin. “When I walked into the ASC, I said, ‘I wish my mother was here because she would just love the atmosphere.

“Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home matched my parents’ desire to serve hurting children and all of God’s children in growing physically, spiritually, and academically. This facility will meet those needs.”

by the numbers

5,795 student visits have been recorded since August, in which students received a variety of services, including peer tutoring, planning, oneon-one study sessions with ASC coaches, and more.

Over 342 visits to elementary classrooms by our 19 teacher assistants to help with small groups and other activities.

46 elementary and secondary classes have visited the ASC to utilize the different resources and services that the ASC provides.

Meet our Academic Success Center staff!

From left to rightJudith Ann LeMoyne, Trista Spencer, Jessica Vann, and Kelly Morales

A Father and Daughter Connection

Connection. It’s what the Wishart Academic Success Center is all about. From peer tutoring to learning strategies to testing accommodations, the ASC connects students to the resources they need to be successful learners.

But for Director of Academic Support

Judith Ann LeMoyne, that connection holds a deeper, more personal meaning. For LeMoyne, the ASC represents more than academic connection; instead, it brings full circle a family connection to Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home that began with her father more than 60 years ago…

The year was 1960. Charles Holmes (’63) and his siblings lived with their widowed mother in Orlando, Florida. Resources were scant for single parents, and the effects of grief and poverty had taken a toll on his mother. The neighbors noticed. One of those neighbors happened to be the Concord Street Church of Christ. The church connected with the family and then connected them with MDCA&CH (then Christian Home & Bible School).

That spring, Holmes and younger siblings Barbara (’66) and John (’70) arrived on campus to live in the Children’s Home and attend school. He was in 9th grade. The next three years would alter the trajectory of his life in ways he could have never imagined.

First, he developed his faith. Life had not been easy for the Holmes family, and it took him a while to settle into Boys Dorm under Sister Smotherman. Eventually, he found his way, with his houseparents and teachers doing everything they could to help redirect him.

“He always talks about how this school saved him,” says LeMoyne. “It changed his life. He was two steps away from poor choices.”

Second, he gained an education and learned the value of hard work.

Holmes states, “Not only did I learn about the value of hard work from Cletus [Stutzman], Sam [Ayers], Vernon [Means], and Preacher [Orvel Boyd] while digging and raking the baseball field, but they talked to me while I worked. They taught me the value of a Christian attitude about life. Spending quality time with these men meant the world to me.”

By his senior year, he had grown into a leader, becoming captain of the varsity basketball team, serving as yearbook editor, and being elected student body president.

Third, he met Judy Fisher (’65). She was two years younger than Holmes, but that didn’t stop them from developing a deep friendship during his first year on campus. The Fisher family lived in Leesburg, where Judy’s family attended Northside church of Christ. The Fishers were warm and welcoming, intentionally seeking out those who needed a family.

Fisher’s parents wanted to welcome Charles into their home. However, she had to inform them that they were going steady. So, she suggested inviting Shirley Arnold (’65) into their home. Shirley became a member of the Fisher family and Judy’s sister. She later married James Moore, president of MDCA&CH from 19902020, creating yet another campus connection.

The relationship between Holmes and Fisher deepened throughout high school, but they decided to see other people after Holmes graduated. After a brief time away, he returned to Lake County and began his career as a plumber. Fisher, however, graduated and went off to college.

Charles and Judy were voted “Best Personality” in the 1963 Pinelogue

During her junior year of college, she brought home a boyfriend. Holmes happened to stop by for a visit.

“And that was that,” says LeMoyne, noting that her parents were together from then on.

Charles and Judy were married in 1968 and have made their home in Lady Lake ever since. Charles owned Holmes

Holmes’ senior portrait

Holmes was the captain of the varsity basketball team during his senior year at MDCA.

Plumbing for 56 years, and Judy taught public school for 44 years. They frequently visit campus, sharing stories of their time here with their children and grandchildren.

LeMoyne followed in her mother’s footsteps, becoming a public school teacher. She married her husband, Rich, in 2003, and they welcomed two children together, Ethan, now 16, and Belle, 13. She was content teaching in Lake County Public Schools and truly believed she was where she had been called.

Then came 2020. The world shut down, and suddenly people found themselves with time to stop, think, and assess the direction their lives were taking. One night, Ethan came to his mom and expressed a desire to change schools. After much discussion and prayer, he began attending MDCA that fall. Belle followed in 2022. Both children were happy and thriving at the Academy, and LeMoyne began to consider making a change as well.

Last spring, she took a leap of faith and applied to become the Academy’s first ASC director. She knew she didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to do what she loved in a place dear to her family. When she was offered the position, she jumped in head first to complete the vision brought to life by MDCA and the Wishart and Chaffin families (See p. 10 to learn more about these amazing families.).

She first assembled her team. She brought experienced educators Trista Spencer and Jessica Vann to serve as secondary and elementary success coaches. Kelly Morales, a member of our faculty since 2019, transitioned from elementary to serve as our testing coordinator and success coach.

Experts in place, she and her team next charted out the plans for the year and how they could have the greatest immediate impact. Academic Coaching, Peer Tutoring, and Success Strategy Workshops are just a few of the services now in place for our students (See the stats on p. 13). They also developed our teacher assistant program, which has become a unifying

force on campus this year. She was also instrumental in finetuning the building design and layout, planning each room and fixture with a purpose. It has been a work of love from the start to the official move-in on Dec. 1. And just as the Fishers once welcomed a young Charles Holmes and many others into their homes and lives, everyone is welcomed at the ASC.

“I feel blessed to be able to start and mold a new addition to the Academy,” says LeMoyne.

“The most important part of the ASC is for all students at MDCA to feel loved and welcome, to create an inviting atmosphere for learning and growing. Anyone can be part of our family.”

Today, nearly one year later, the Wishart ASC has become a family affair for the LeMoyne and Holmes families. While Judith Ann is overseeing the day-to-day operations and events, Rich can often be found nearby capturing the moments in photos. Ethan serves as a TA during his 5th period. Belle visits for study sessions and test preparation. Judy Holmes, now retired, volunteers in the ASC, working with elementary students, checking students in at the front desk, or even baking and serving fresh cookies. Charles is always eager for opportunities to visit campus and brag about his daughter’s work.

“All of my life, I have been blessed by MDCA,” says Holmes. “It gives me great pleasure for my daughter to provide leadership to the ASC and for my wife to volunteer. I have always been a receiver, but now I am able to give back through my daughter and grandchildren. I feel so blessed.”

Charles and Judy Holmes on the bridge at MDCA along with their daughter, Judith Ann LeMoyne, and their grandchildren, Ethan and Belle.

Alumni Updates

1. Art Meryman (‘67), who lived in our Children’s Home from 1964-1967, was recently named president of the board of directors at the Lecanto Church of Christ. He is married to Susan (Sandh) (’65).

2. Richard “Ric” Walton Rose (‘71) moved to Taylors, South Carolina, in 2019 with his wife, Karen.

3. Kim Wright (‘77) is now living in Jacksonville and has been working in nursing administration since 1998. She is enjoying life with her family and grandchildren.

4. Lt. Colonel Jeff Simpson (‘79) retired from the U.S. Air Force after 30 years of service. He graduated from Harding University in 2018 with his Master of Ministry degree. After ministering in Florida for several years, he and his wife of 45 years, Kathy Catlett-Simpson, relocated to Southside, Arkansas.

5. Sylvia Ross (‘82) retired in January from 30 years of teaching English at the community college level. She is now relocating to Panama.

6. Kristen Bay (‘09) and her husband, Billy Buck, welcomed their son, Miles Kent Buck, on Sept. 20, 2023.

7. Hunter Sexton (‘11) and his wife, Lauren, welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth Aurora Sexton, on Oct. 19, 2023. Proud grandparents are Ronnie (’86) and Laura (’86) Sexton Elizabeth is the great-granddaughter of Carolyn (’53) and the late Cletus (’52) Stutzman

8. Lacey Sexton (‘17) and Jace Raulerson (’18) married on Dec. 8, 2023, at Mision Lago Estate.

9. Sophia Akel (‘18) graduated from FSU Law School on Dec. 15, 2023. She has earned her Juris Doctor degree. She plans to pursue her PhD.

10. Gabriel Curtis (‘19) graduated from Florida State University in December 2023. He is CEO and executive director of Insight Studios Productions, LLC, a media production company based in Tallahassee.

11. Cole Kainz (‘20) is graduating from Vanderbilt University in May with a degree in computer science and economics. After graduation, he will be working for Microsoft as a software engineer.

Not Pictured:

Penny (Harriet Young) Stewart (‘71) is retired and a longtime volunteer for Pet Alliance.

Sebastian Rolon (‘18) has graduated nursing school and has accepted a position as an R.N. at AdventHealth Waterman in the emergency department.

MDCA Alumni: We would love to know what is going on in your life! Let us know about graduations, awards, a wedding, a birth, job changes, promotions, etc. Please email your news to alumni@MDCAcademy.org.

The Joy of Giving

The Cletus M. Stutzman Center for Christian Education

Building on the past to prepare for the future

The last few years have seen tremendous growth in the demand for Christian education in our state and across our nation. Simultaneously, Central Florida continues to experience exponential population growth, with new families continually moving to the area. These developments present Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home with the opportunity to educate, equip, and empower more students and their families to impact our world for Christ.

However, to make the most of these opportunities, we need the facilities to offer top-notch academics infused with biblical teachings. Thus we are excited to introduce you to our latest initiative: The Cletus M. Stutzman Center for Christian Education. Named in honor of our former president, the late Cletus Stutzman, who served in the role from 1981 to 1990, this building will serve as the cornerstone for Christian education and biblical studies on our campus.

The Stutzman Center aims to provide a home for our daily Bible classes, which are required of every student, and a dedicated planning space for faculty and staff as they prepare for daily chapel services, a cherished tradition for MDCA&CH students. With the intent of being cost-effective, we are creating the Stutzman Center by converting an

existing building that has been underutilized since 2008. The renovation will allow us to create five Bible classrooms, research space, conference space, and storage in this 5,500 square-foot space.

“ The impact the Stutzman Center will have on our campus cannot be measured,” said Jeff Hubbard, chair of the Bible department.

“With a dedicated space for biblical studies and state-ofthe-art classrooms, it will help us honor and build upon MDCA&CH’s legacy of faith and service.”

With the relocation of the Bible Department, other classrooms will open up on campus. This additional space is critical to meet the growing academic needs of our campus, which includes adding third sections of next year’s fifth, sixth, and ninth grades. We will also be able to expand both our Bible class offerings and selection of electives.

By supporting the creation of the Stutzman Center, you will play a pivotal role in encouraging and enriching our commitment to providing a distinctive Christian environment. We invite you to join us in this endeavor, one that seeks to create a physical space to ultimately change lives spiritually.

Getting on the wrong bus can change everything.

Cletus Stutzman (1934-2018) came to Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home by providential design. His family moved to Zellwood, Florida, when he was in seventh grade. One morning, while waiting for the neighborhood bus to take him to public school, he accidentally boarded the wrong bus. Instead of arriving at the local school, he ended up at our campus, then called Christian Home & Bible School. That proved to be the turning point in his life and a defining moment in the history of our organization.

Upon graduating from MDCA&CH, Stutzman attended Alabama Christian College (now Faulkner University). He then returned to his alma mater to teach in 1954. He went on to serve as a coach, guidance counselor, athletic director, vice president, executive vice president, and president. He was involved in all aspects of campus life and often could be found cooking the fried chicken for our chicken suppers. He was a passionate athlete and coach, leading our 1961 boys basketball team to a state championship. He was later inducted into the MDCA Sports Hall of Fame.

His love for basketball fostered a special relationship with varsity boys head coach Steven Hayes.

“Cletus was a mentor, a friend, and a Christian role model,” says Hayes. “He was always there for me and really helped me to understand the importance of being a Christian role model as a coach. Cletus inspired everyone to be better and to do it in a godly way. I am so thankful for the time I had with Cletus and for being able to watch how he followed God’s path throughout his entire life.”

From the classroom to the court — and now the Cletus M. Stutzman Center for Christian Education — his legacy of service will influence the lives of students here at Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home for generations to come.

fast facts

Current Bible Classes

Life of Christ

Old Testament Survey

Wisdom in Proverbs

The Inner Man

New Bible Offerings

Acts of the Apostles

Christian Ethics

Christian Leadership

Potential New Electives

Coding/Artificial Intelligence

Additional World Languages

Exercise Science & Athletic Training

Introduction to Coaching

5,500 square feet of learning space

5 classrooms

Research space/archive

36 daily Bible classes

Budget: $850,000

A Foundation of Hope:

Single parents at Mount Dora Children’s Home realize their dream of home ownership

With rising home prices and soaring rents, securing a stable place to live is challenging for many families today. That was especially true for most of the participants in the SingleParent Program at Mount Dora Children’s Home before they joined the program. As a result, the Children’s Home recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter to offer our single parents a six-week financial education course designed to equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to become homeowners.

Single parents met on campus during February and March to attend Habitat’s course. To earn a certificate of completion, they were required to attend all six sessions. MDCH provided childcare during the sessions. Topics included budgeting and money management, savings, fraud protection, credit management, debt management, and home-buying basics. They also learned details about Habitat’s homeownership program.

place to call their own, a place for the parent and children to call ‘home.’”

Since its founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 59 million people improve their living conditions. The local Lake-Sumter office of Habitat for Humanity describes itself as “dedicated to partnering with families and the community to create simple, decent, affordable housing for families in need” because they believe a home “provides the strength, stability, and independence to create a better life.”

“Stable housing and home ownership can be key components to building a sense of security and belonging in a child and family — a stable place to experience peace and joy, foster relationships, and create family traditions,” said Tonja Rambow, a social worker for MDCH.

“This financial literacy course through Habitat for Humanity is an excellent opportunity for a parent to gain essential financial knowledge and tools toward self-sufficiency and making homeownership a reality.”

Finding an affordable, stable, and safe place to live was a real struggle for many of those in the Single-Parent Program before coming to MDCH, Rambow said.

“Many of the families we serve have a history of financial hardship and housing instability. They dream of having a safe

In the past four years, three graduates of the SingleParent Program have become homeowners, two of them through Habitat for Humanity and one through a similar nonprofit, Homes in Partnership. Other recent graduates are still working toward the goal of homeownership. Rambow said equipping and encouraging program participants to become homeowners is just one of many skills we seek to teach.

“The MDCH Single-Parent Program seeks to educate and equip families with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency. While a parent is in our program we provide housing, childcare services, life skills education and training, counseling services, and parenting classes. We encourage parents to contribute regularly to a savings account for their future, exercise sound financial practices, pay their bills on time, resolve past debt, and thereby improve their credit score to be in a better financial position when they exit the program. Yet, as a faith-based organization, all of these services are provided within a Christian context where a person’s spiritual well-being is held paramount to their physical and financial well-being.”

Sheena Tynes and her children celebrate their new home. Tynes was the first participant in the Single-Parent Program to receive a Habitat for Humanity home.

Imagine Magazine editor

Jenn Marcussen recently sat down with Dr. James Carr to ask a few questions about his time with us at MDCA&CH.

Dr. Carr joined us as interim president in August 2023 as we began our search for a new leader. A native Floridian, Carr brought with him decades of educational leadership in multiple arenas. He served 25 years as executive vice president and professor of business at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. Prior to joining Harding, he served in various administrative positions at Florida State University and 12 years as regional director for the American College Testing Program. He is currently president and chairman of Highland Home Holdings, an Arkansas-based investment company.

Carr has consulted with hundreds of institutions of higher education and received many national recognitions. In 2005, he was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to join the National Security Education Board. In 2018, he was nominated by former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. He currently serves on the Arkansas Board of Higher Education and the board of First Community Bank in Searcy, Arkansas. He also serves on the board of directors for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce. He joined the MDCA&CH Board of Trustees in 2013.

Here are highlights from that conversation.

Can you share some of our key accomplishments during these last six months?

From a mere 55 students in 1945 to more than 800 students today, we remain steadfast in our mission to educate, equip, and empower our community to love God and others, pursue excellence, and impact our world. Although in a period of transition, we have not wavered from this commitment. Our campus is stabilized. We are not just surviving; we are thriving and responding to the ever-growing demand for Christ-centered education.

The numbers speak for themselves. Our enrollment currently stands at 808, and our applications are up 30% from this time last year. One of the best indicators of student and family satisfaction is retention. Ours is currently 95 percent. Our faculty retention rate is currently 95 percent, a number unheard of in the field of education. The Children’s Home continues to see great success in the Single-Parent Program, with numerous applications being received weekly.

We are fortunate to have generous and thoughtful donors who see our work and want to partner with us. They allow us to dream of the future and ways we can expand our offerings and physical plant. These projects include short-term plans to replace the old green walkway covers and long-term plans such as a new fieldhouse for football, soccer, and track.

End Note

What would you share with a prospective family about MDCA? Why should they send their children to our school?

At MDCA, we are on a journey to become faith-driven world changers. We began the journey nearly 80 years ago with one singular focus: to provide a top-tier education that is unapologetically Christian. We honor God first, strive for academic excellence, and emphasize the importance of character. Our faculty and staff support and share your values rather than seek to undermine them. We offer a high-quality education at a fair price — many comparative institutions are priced twice as much as we are.

Consider the Wishart Academic Success Center (p. 10) and Stutzman Center for Christian Education (p. 17). The creation of these facilities speaks volumes to our students, parents, and community: MDCA&CH is a place of unwavering values, where students are both challenged and supported academically and where the study of God’s word is paramount.

I believe we are one of the finest faith-based preparatory schools in the Southeast United States, and I can’t think of a better place for children and families.

What would you share with a prospective teacher?

Why should he or she come work at MDCA?

In my time here, I have had several teachers tell me that working at MDCA is their “dream job.” They are not only helping students grow academically but also guiding them in the development of their character and faith. They get to share their love for learning and subject expertise with students serious about their studies. They also believe MDCA provides a supportive and positive work environment and an atmosphere of camaraderie among colleagues.

You have also met many potential donors. Why should they give to MDCA&CH?

I am always excited to meet individuals and families who share our values and want to support the work here at MDCA&CH. Without them, we could not continue to grow and achieve excellence. They are vital to our success.When donors partner with us, they are helping to develop tomorrow’s Christian leaders, build stronger families, and educate the next generation of Americans. Donors to the Single-Parent Program at MDCH support both parents and their children, impacting two generations at one time. While the financial gifts are often sacrificial, the outcomes are priceless.

When will a new president be announced?

How do you intend to ensure a smooth transition for the permanent president who will succeed you?

I believe we are coming to a close in our search for a new president. We have narrowed the field to a handful of qualified candidates representing industry, education, and the nonprofit sector. We have a wonderful executive leadership team that will assist in making a smooth transition, and I will also be here short term to provide guidance. I have full confidence that the board will select the right individual to lead us in the coming decade(s). The future is bright for Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home.

Memorials

Helen Rose Albright

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hartt

Joan H. Hartt Grove, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Jonas

Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Metcalf, Jr.

K Bayly

Ms. Annette Coller

Elsa G. Beal

Mr. Craig G. Beal

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert J. Martinez

Orvel & Mildred Boyd

Mr. and Mrs. Garry D. Allison, Jr.

Katie Breakfield

Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Breakfield

Paul T. Breakfield, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Breakfield

Josie Brian

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

Novel Brown, Jr.

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

John Burkett

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Lukas

Mr. Stanley Lukas

Ms. Cecelia Waldrop

Doris Butts

Mr. Ray F. Butts

Arline Chapman

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Adair

Chuck Clark

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

Blaine & Alene Cook

Mr. and Mrs. Burt A. McKee

Tom Cook

Mr. and Mrs. Jack McDonald

Diana Cox

Ms. Geneva Overturf

Mary B. Cuchens

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Hulion

Grace Cumings

Robert and Lynne Keller Charitable

James A. Cummings

Mr. Gene C. Gardner

Ms. Cheri Hopkins

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew H. Limbrecht

Cecil Glen Dawson

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

Paul Joe Deem

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

LaRene Marie J. DeNitto

Mrs. Debbie Woodson

Ralph Denney

Mr. and Mrs. Robin B. Leonard

Heather Noel Duncan

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Duncan

Mike Elledge

Midway Church of Christ

Bonnie Fewell

Ms. Elizabeth A. Fewell

Toby Fewell

Ms. Elizabeth A. Fewell

Tara Franey

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Dragomire

Richard Freseman

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

Barbara Fugerer

Mr. William Fugerer

Freida Gay

Mr. and Mrs. Paul McCormick

Edwin Geci

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Deem

Patricia C. Girtman

Mrs. Carmen Bernstein

Ms. Mignon Edwards

Mr. Eugene R. Girtman

Ms. Theresa Jackson Upchurch

Ms. Margaret Massari

Miss Paula Spring

Harriet Gregory

Ms. Shelley Sutton

Shirley Griffen

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

Hugh O. & Doris E. Grimes

Mrs. Dorilyn Pazera

Imogene Hand

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Bridges

Franklin Harbin

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cargle

Mr. and Mrs. Darrell S. Cooper

Ms. Martha Hall

Patricia Jo Karr

Mr. and Mrs. Randy Kea

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Killian

Mr. Kyle Loehlein

Mr. and Mrs. Billie J. Queen

Mr. David Samples

Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith

Mr. Erik Uebele

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery D. Weathers

Mr. Jack D. White

Lourie and Serenity Willard

Dwayne Hawkins

Mr. John Schnepp

Shirley M. Hawkins

Mr. and Mrs. Kendall Beckman

Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Carey

College Hills Church of Christ

James Hayes

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur R. Simmons

Jeanette Hendricks

Mr. and Mrs. Leon Hatch

Al Holcomb

Ms. Patricia P. Jessee

Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith

Mr. Jack D. White

Carla C. Jackson

Mr. Edward A. Jackson

Walter K. Jenkins

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald O. Beene

Dottie Jordan

Mr. and Mrs. Alan B. Wilson

Roy and Lucile Joyner

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Joyner

Thelma Justiss

Mr. and Mrs. Allan R. Cox

Richard Kapocsi

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Adair

Max & Marilyn Kelley

Ms. Janet M. Harper

Alice W. King

Mr. and Ms. William H. King

Phillip Michael Koon

Mrs. Jonnye Towery

Palma Ann Kreeger

Mr. and Mrs. Paul McCormick

A.L. and Naomi Lankford

Mr. Lyle Lankford

Bonnie Lipford

Anonymous

Mrs. Martha Austin

Dr. Erik Fetner

Mrs. Leesa Folmar

Mrs. Doris Franklin

Mr. Kevin Gray

Mr. and Mrs. Ashley Jones

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy A. Jones

Mr. Charles Lipford

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith

Mr. Doyle Smith

Mrs. and Mrs. Randy Williams

Mrs. Jane Young

Stanley T. Lukas

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Lukas

Maxwell McKee

Mr. William Holladay

Liberty Church of Christ

Patricia Sutherlin McRee

Mrs. Francine Grannell

Keener Family

Lucina Merchant

Mr. Matt Meynardie

Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Scroggins

James R. Meriwether

Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Meriwether

Dr. Robert Montgomery

Mrs. Deborah Montgomery Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. David B. Yunger

Phillip Brandon Moore

Mrs. Danna Stevens

Mae Moreland

Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Breakfield

Charles “Bud” F. Myer, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Steven J. Gardner

Julie Ann Norman

Mr. and Mrs. Knox Norman

Dot Oliver

Dr. and Mrs. David Oliver

Howard R. Oliver

Dr. and Mrs. David Oliver

Howard R. Oliver, Jr.

Ms. Geneva Overturf

Ms. Allyson Orum

William B. Pence

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Sanders

Santee Golfers

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Bailey

Mrs. Carol Greenway

Mr. and Mrs. David S. McGehee

Roger M. Phillips

Mr. and Mrs. Jack McDonald

Aaron Posey

Mrs. Jo Barton

Howard Poteet

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jacobs

Herb and Mary Pruitt

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jacobs

Dorothy Ricard

Mr. Rick Ricard

Cassie Rogers

Mr. David Rogers

Carleton Ross

Mrs. Karen Braden

Mary Margaret Salinas

Margaret Street Church of Christ

Ms. Barbara J. Myrick

Ms. Margaret O’Brien

Angeline Smith

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Smith

Mr. & Mrs. B.W. Smith

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Smith

Beverly Smith

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Smith

Georgia Smith

Ms. Julia W. Bumgarner

Ms. JoAnn Burnett

Ms. Janet Cook

Betty L. McCallister

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Nash

North Brevard Church of Christ

Ms. Joyce Rice

Ms. Jodi Sees

Mr. and Mrs. Terry H. Singleton

Wayland Smith

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Smith

Eleanor Addison Stephens

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hanegan

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thornhill

Vera Stevens

Fifth Street Church of Christ

George Stiffey

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Johnson

Alma Story

Mrs. Carol Barnett

Jameson Strother

Mr. and Mrs. Kasey Oakley

Cletus M. Stutzman

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ellison

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry B. Escue

Mrs. Darlene Hart

Mr. and Mrs. Doug Horton

Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Sexton

Nancy Kea Swain

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cargle

Mr. and Mrs. Darrell S. Cooper

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Killian

Mr. and Mrs. Billie J. Queen

Mr. David Samples

Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith

Mr. Jack D. White

Harold Todd

Mrs. Betty Ruttledge

Aurelia Underwood

Ms. Janet Ellett

Ross H. Walters

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hanegan

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thornhill

Elaine Whitmire

Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith

Darlene Wilke

Ms. Paula Belfer

Mr. Jay Copenhaver

Leslie and Ivynell Wyatt

Ms. Linda L. Wyatt

Honors

Michael & Ashley Allen

Embrace Florida Realty

Jimmie and Cherylann Banks

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

Hal Burleson

Mr. and Mrs. Doug Nastally

Dr. James W. Carr

The Pamela J. Poland & Robert R. Amis

Philanthropic Fund

Joel B. Conley

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Conley

Jon Evans Conley

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Conley

Richard & Syble Eads

Mr. and Mrs. James Caldwell

Don, Nancy, and Donnie Fields

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

Dorsey & Sandy Hightower

Mr. and Mrs. Todd Zeiler

Charles W. Jackson, III

Ms. Janet M. Harper

Caroline Massie

Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Davis

Jack & Beth McDonald

Dr. and Mrs. James W. Carr

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Stults

Ralph & Betty McQuiddy

Ms. Mariam Slaughter

Vernon & Gwen Means

Mr. and Mrs. Chandler Means

Melba Meriwether

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Meriwether

Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Meriwether

Mrs. Leigh Teague

David & Natalie Perez

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

Cody Price

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

Kathy Pruitt

Dr. and Mrs. James W. Carr

Armit & Swati Salmon

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

Chuck Shepherd

Ms. Janet S. McTee

Ryan & Phyonia Smedberg

Mrs. Patricia Fields-Clark

Steve & Dianne Wasson

Mr. Matthew Wasson

Leo & Angie Wells

Ms. Rita Blue

Creighton Wilson

Mr. and Mrs. Alan B. Wilson

Don & Ada Yoder

Software Tailors, Inc.

Educate. Equip. Empower.

301 W. 13th Ave.

Mount Dora, FL 32757

Phone (352) 383-2155

Fax (352) 383-3112

mdcacademy.org

mdchome.org

If this copy of Imagine is addressed to your MDCA Alumni, please update their contact information by emailing alumni@mdcacademy.org.