Imagine Magazine Fall 2023

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Insights From Leadership

Mount Dora Children’s Home aims to help improve the lives of children and families impacted by the many difficulties we face in our challenging world. As a Christcentered organization, the spiritual aspect of MDCH is our greatest strength. It is foundational to every service provided in our residential group home and single parent program.

We desire for every child in our residential home to be emotionally, physically, and spiritually nurtured. Those attending the Academy participate in chapel and Bible class each day. Thompson House is full of life, laughter, and daily spiritual conversations. Our goal is to not only alter their physical circumstances, but also transform their well-being as they learn about God’s purpose for their lives.

Our single parent program offers a multiweek training series that assists each parent in approaching the day-to-day challenges of raising children, managing a home, and maintaining work. Parents also learn financial management, basic car and home maintenance, how to identify healthy relationships, and crisis management.

Dear Readers,

As the new head of school, I am excited to be a part of the rich history we have here at Mount Dora Christian Academy. Visiting the churches of Christ in the area and hearing from alumni, parents, and current/former staff has increased my excitement for the Kingdom work going on here at MDCA — past, present, and future. Thank you for the stories, the perspective, and the love that has been expressed for both the Children’s Home and the Academy.

MDCA is a vibrant community committed to developing its students to love like Jesus and bring glory to God. We are guided by our vision and mission:

“We believe in the power of a Christ-centered community to cultivate faith-driven world changers. Building on our legacy of faith and service, we desire to educate, equip, and empower our community to love God and others, pursue excellence, and impact our world."

This year we have nearly 800 students and 130 staff building community, making connections, and engaging in rigorous instruction. Our faculty work together to carefully craft learning activities and provide instruction that is relevant, challenging, and engaging — all

All are taught from a Christian perspective, and our supportive culture allows skills to be practiced each day. These practical skills improve our families’ current circumstances while also nurturing their faith.

We also provide many opportunities for our children and families to further their spiritual growth through involvement in faithbased activities such as the Equip Conference, Sonquest, Central Florida Bible Camp, youth group events, mission trips, and volunteer projects.

Ultimately, we hope that the daily walk within our programs will create a path of sustainable excellence, Christian kinship, and the shared experience of God’s love, safety, and security to children and families in

Chuck Shepherd, Vice President of Social Services

delivered within the context of a Christian worldview. Faith and character education are key elements of the daily routine, which includes chapel and grade-level

To our readers, and those who love MDCA&CH, I want to let you know that my commitment to God’s word, revealed to us through scripture, will direct my goals and vision for the Academy moving forward. I hold a very high view of scripture and believe it is important to be able to share scripture to provide understanding on why we believe or make decisions. In the churches of Christ, we do not decide or hand down policy, decisions, or organizational beliefs. At its core, the beauty of the Churches of Christ is that we simply want to look at and study what God has revealed to us in His word. Nothing more and nothing less. We may not always agree, but we should be willing to show why we believe and be humble enough to always knock, seek, and study.

In all things, we, like Christ, extend love, grace, and mercy. I am humbled and grateful that God has extended these to me, and so I seek to pass them on. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who

Dr. Hadley Departs MDCA

Summer brought many new changes to our MDCA family. One of these included the departure of our head of school, Dr. Lori Hadley, to Pensacola, Florida, where she began her tenure as head of school at East Hill Christian School.

Hadley spent 21 years filling various instructional and administrative roles at MDCA. Initially, she joined our faculty in 2002 as a preschool teacher. After two years, she moved to elementary, where she taught kindergarten and first grade.

In 2013, she was named elementary principal, and in 2017, the lower school was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School, a distinction given to only 12 schools in the state. She was named Supervisor of the Year in 2014.

She became head of school in 2018, bringing with her a desire to blend rigorous academic expectations with Biblical values and content.

Preschool Director Shannon Davis says, “Lori did an excellent job of focusing on long-term policies to improve the school. She implemented programs that helped improve

MDCA’s curriculum, staff development, technology, and school safety.”

Elementary Principal Cleta Horton praised Hadley’s ability to motivate her faculty: “Lori was a visionary leader with an unrelenting passion for Christian education that generated inspiration,” she says. “We will miss her.”

Hadley’s husband, Cary, was also an integral part of the MDCA community, teaching Bible and Spanish in our secondary school. He was named Middle/High School Teacher of the Year in 2016. All three of the Hadleys’ sons graduated from MDCA: Andy (2008), Aaron (2013), and Will (2017).

Perhaps the best insight into the Hadley impact at MDCA comes from students themselves. The 2019 Pinelogue was dedicated to both Lori and Cary Hadley, a testimony to their connections with our student body. The reflections written about each mention kindness, inspiration, passion, open doors, and listening ears.

We wish Dr. Hadley and her family all the best as she moves on to lead and inspire at East Hill.

Head of School Seeks to Connect Faith & Learning

On July 1, 2023, MDCA welcomed Keith O’Neal as our new head of school. O’Neal, who came to us from Nashville, Tennessee, brings with him a passion for developing educators and more than 20 years of organizational leadership experience in K-12, university, and church settings.

His work in educational technology, faculty training and

support, e-learning, and administration has provided him with the tools to be an effective leader — both spiritually and academically — here at MDCA.

“The path I have traveled to this point may not be a traditional one,” said O’Neal. “But I believe that God has continually opened doors to equip me in a way that uniquely qualifies me to be head of school at MDCA.”

We asked O’Neal to share a few thoughts with us. Read on to learn more about our new head of school:

Introduce us to your family:

My wife, Tara, and I have been married 21 years. We have three children: Amelia, 20, a junior English major at Freed-Hardeman University; Grant, 18, a freshman business and accounting major at Freed-Hardeman; and Ethan, 14, a freshman at MDCA. Amelia is engaged to Aidan Young, a senior kinesiology major at FreedHardeman currently applying for physical therapy school.

Do you have a favorite sports team?

O-H-I-O. I’m a Buckeye through and through. Growing up on the East Side of Columbus, I became a Buckeye from birth. When it comes to basketball, I’m a fan of the pre-2000 NBA and acknowledge Michael Jordan as the GOAT.

Tell us about your educational philosophy: Teaching students how to think for themselves is the foundation of learning. A culture of thinking promotes growth and learning, both academically and spiritually. In a world that often tries to shame or tell people what to believe, it is important for students to stand out by understanding how to think — through issues, situations, problems, and opportunities that will arise in life.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

My favorite verse is Philippians 1:21: “For me to live

is Christ, to die is gain.” This verse puts everything in perspective for our lives as followers of Christ. The successes we obtain academically, athletically, and relationally are all for Christ and to the glory of God.

However, the best part of that verse is the second half. If we have lived for him, then to die is gain. Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.” When I was younger, I definitely did not understand this concept, but as I’ve grown in the Lord and my understanding of His word, this has become my favorite verse because of the perspective it gives.

Who is your favorite Bible character? Why?

Digging a little deeper than the obvious answer of God or Jesus, I would choose Paul as my favorite Bible figure. Paul was looking to serve God but failed by following man's wisdom in trying to give God glory. God then chose that man — a man who had messed up, killed, mistreated, and failed to understand — to bring true glory to God. When others boasted in their accomplishments, Paul boasted in God. When others let their opinions dictate their actions, Paul boldly stood for God's truth. When others were petty, argumentative, and superficial, Paul called them to remember what was important: “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”

To learn more about O’Neal’s spiritual vision for MDCA, see page 3. For his full bio, visit our website: www.mdcacademy.org/about/bulldog-news

The Class of 2023

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

Valedictorian: Elijah Atwood

Salutatorian: Emma Ferebee

High School Student of the Year: Allison Horsford

Mr. and Miss MDCA: Caroline Oldham and Isaiah Bryant

Christian Leadership Award: Abigail Romano and Kevin Frederick

Christian Athlete Award: Abigail Romano and Kevin Frederick

President’s Award: Samantha Thomas and Isaiah Bryant

Scholarship Money: $4.8 million+

Hours of Community Service: 8,539

MDCA CLASS OF 2023 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

Albion College

Baldwin Wallace University

Barry University

Baylor University

Brevard College

Cairn University

Cedarville University

City College of New York

Concordia University Chicago

Davis and Elkins College

Dean College

Duke University

East Georgia State College

Elmhurst College

Faulkner University

Flagler College

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida International University

Florida Polytechnic University

Florida State University

Freed-Hardeman University

Full Sail University

Georgia State University

Harding University

High Point University

Indiana Wesleyan University

Johnson University

Kennesaw State University

Lake Sumter State College

Lake Erie College

Lake Technical College

Lander University

Louisiana State University

Marshall University

Michigan Technological University

Montreat College

Moore College of Art and Design

Newberry College

North Carolina State University

Notre Dame College

Oberlin College

Ohio State University

Ohio University

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Ripon College

Roanoke College

Rollins College

Rome City Institute

Saint Leo University

Santa Fe College

Seminole State College

Southeastern University

Stetson University

Stevenson University

Tallahassee Community College

Texas Christian University

The University of Alabama

The University of Texas at

Dallas

The University of Utah

Thomas University

United States Naval Academy

University of Central Florida

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Maine at Augusta

University of Maine at Machias

University of Maine Farmington

University of Michigan

University of North Carolina

University of North Florida

University of Notre Dame

University of South Florida

University of Southern Maine

University of Tampa

University of West Florida

Valencia College

Vision Christian Bible College & Seminary

Warner University

Wartburg College

Webber International University

Wingate University

Xavier University

York College

Schools selected in bold

ATHLETIC SIGNEES

Jeffer Johnson Football Baldwin Wallace University

Amalia Vamvakitis Basketball Cairn University

Dominic Jones Baseball Davis and Elkins College

Dallas Dale Baseball Louisiana State University

Eddie Tooke Football Faulkner University

Dillon Gordon Football Brevard College

Collin Priest Baseball University of Michigan

Chase Marsh Baseball Thomas University

Sammi Thomas Softball Lake Sumter State College

Isaiah Bryant Football United States Naval Academy

Josh Hair Baseball Newberry College

Mayson Rodden Baseball Notre Dame College

Wynter Craft Softball East Georgia State College

Christian McFarlane Track and Field Flagler College

Alyson Cetnarowicz-Brown Cheerleading Faulkner University

Kycen Pruett Basketball Marshall University

James Andrews Track and Field Webber International University

Claudia Velazquez Cross Country Faulkner University

From Scout to Scholar

2023 MDCA graduate Elijah Atwood has accomplished a remarkable feat by achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. His achievements as a Boy Scout testify to the valuable lessons Scouting can offer young people. His dedication and hard work have set him on a path toward success in all areas of his life. Along his journey, he had a close example to follow.

“My dad inspired me to become a Boy Scout,” he said. “He also completed his Eagle Scout as a teenager, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”

Through his experiences in Scouting, Atwood has acquired valuable tools that have helped him in various areas of his life.

“Two skills I have learned through Boy Scouts are leadership and salesmanship,” he said. “As I grew older, I advanced through the ranks and continued to take on larger leadership roles. This allowed me to naturally work into positions inside and outside of Scouting. I learned salesmanship by learning to sell products such as popcorn to help pay for camps.”

Being a Boy Scout has also taught Atwood the importance of giving back to his community. Many adult volunteers are helpful and caring, and they don't receive any pay for what they do. He hopes to do the same.

“I plan to pay forward the help that they offered me by volunteering with Scouts in the future because I couldn't have completed everything without their assistance,” he said.

Atwood has also gained crucial leadership experience through Scouting.

“The most valuable lesson I learned through Scouting is to be an understanding leader,” he said. “Often, as a leader, it can be difficult to see the perspectives of others, so I try to put myself in their shoes whenever I lead to be more effective in influencing others in a way that they will understand and enjoy.”

As a Scout, Atwood has served in multiple ways: helping fellow Scouts with their Eagle projects, completing his

own Eagle project, cemetery cleanups, food drives, and more. He also renovated an old basketball court at his church by replacing the hoops and improving the paint.

One of the most impactful projects was participating in the Scouting for Food program. Scouts distribute bags to the homes of local citizens and then pick up the donated food on their porches. In the Mount Dora area alone, thousands of pounds of food are routinely collected for the Lake Cares Food Pantry.

“I volunteered at this pantry on my own time, which allowed me to see the impact the food had firsthand,” he said.

Atwood has had to balance Scouting with school, sports, work, and other extracurricular activities.

“It can be difficult to balance everything,” he said. “My main way to organize my time has been dedicating large chunks to what I need. I typically focus on Boy Scouts over the summer and in between sports seasons. Luckily, I have a flexible work schedule. Most of the time between these activities and school is dedicated to Beta, other clubs, and schoolwork.”

Despite the challenges, Atwood has found Scouting to be incredibly fulfilling.

“The most rewarding aspect is the useful life skills that I have learned,” he said. “The required merit badges to achieve Eagle, such as first aid and personal management, are frequently helpful. I use some of the skills I’ve learned daily, such as cooking.”

As for the future, Atwood has begun working toward a degree in industrial engineering at the University of Central Florida. He hopes his time-management skills will help him with the rigorous course load. He also hopes to encourage more elementary school students to join Cub Scouts — and hopes the positive experience will entice them to stick with it.

“That way, those who like it can continue to progress and eventually work their way to Eagle.”

A Journey of Compassion

In a world driven by self-interest, compassion and dedication shine brightly through the efforts of MDCA sophomore Kaitlyn Smith. This summer, she embarked on a medical mission to Jamaica, igniting a desire to serve and forging a path of self-discovery.

Founded in 2012 by Smith's grandmother, Lorna Rawle, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), the United Mission of Goodwill Inc. (UMG) has been a beacon of hope, providing free medical and surgical services to communities in need in Jamaica. The organization’s commitment to delivering essential health care services has remained steadfast. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, UMG has persisted in its mission, exemplifying the resilience of compassion.

This year, the UMG team set its sights on Falmouth General Public Hospital in Trelawny, Jamaica. Armed with a diverse array of medical services — including general surgery, dental, gastroenterology, urology, ophthalmology, and CPR training — and donations of medical supplies, the team aimed to make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.

“Health care can be wildly expensive for residents of Jamaica,” Smith says. “To know that we were able to go there and make a difference in people’s lives was so touching.”

For Smith, the decision to join the medical mission was driven by a potent blend of curiosity and compassion. With a familial background steeped in medical expertise, her desire to contribute to the greater good was deeply ingrained.

“I've always been around medical professionals and have been interested in working in the medical field, so I thought it would be a great opportunity,” she says.

Smith emerged from the mission with a trove of invaluable skills. From time management to effective

decision-making, her daily involvement from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. offered a glimpse into the demands of a medical practice. More than just a spectator, Smith had the privilege of shadowing seasoned medical professionals, gaining insight into their daily routines and responsibilities.

She also witnessed the seamless coordination among the medical practitioners. The collaborative spirit, effective communication, and delegation of responsibilities within the team left a lasting impression.

“Being a leader doesn't mean that you load all the work on yourself,” she says.

While the mission may have concluded, its impact on Smith’s future has continued. The experience left her contemplating her educational and vocational aspirations. She now stands at a crossroads of limitless possibilities.

“This trip definitely opened my eyes to so many different opportunities and routes that I could go and the education and specialties I would need to get to certain places,” she says.

Reflecting on her time in Jamaica, Smith expresses an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. The influence on individual lives, exemplified by a patient in need of glasses, reaffirmed to her the transformative power of health care.

In an era marked by uncertainty, Smith’s commitment to service stands as a testament to the next generation’s compassion and dedication. As she strides into her sophomore year, poised to leverage the knowledge gained, she reminds us all that each small act of kindness has the potential to illuminate the path ahead, shaping not only our lives but also the lives of those we touch.

A Passionate Writer Making a Difference

Leah (Monkman) Flaherty's captivating storytelling and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others through writing make her a remarkable author worth discovering.

Flaherty, a 2003 MDCA alumna, developed a deep love for reading at an early age, immersing herself in various stories and genres. However, her fascination with fantasy ignited her desire to create her own narrative. This led her to embark on her writing journey, with her daughter, Aurelia, inspiring each story and heartfelt message conveyed in her children’s series. Motivated by the idea of crafting a book series exclusively for her daughter, Flaherty also aimed to assist others by donating all the proceeds from her books.

“I thought it would be so awesome for her (Aurelia) to have her own book series and to help others by donating all the proceeds,” she says.

Flaherty’s writing endeavor began years ago when she conceptualized a story that had been persistent in her thoughts. Over time, she diligently worked on the manuscript and in April 2021 published her debut novel, “Memories of the Khassos.”

The writing journey was not without numerous obstacles. Overcoming fear and self-doubt proved to be one of her biggest challenges. The editing process was also a significant challenge. However, with the unwavering support of friend Erika Bennett (’05), she was able to publish her first book successfully. Flaherty’s determination and guidance from Bennett propelled her forward.

Says Flaherty, “She helped me so much throughout the entire process when I had no idea where to begin.”

She got the idea for her children’s book series one day when her daughter refused to nap. Flaherty made up

a little rhyme about Aurelia using her nickname, the Bunny Queen, and started saying it to her to help her fall asleep.

“I recited it to her so much; it became like her own little book.” she says. “I asked the publishing company I used for my first book to help me work on a children’s book. They set me up with an illustrator, and I now have three books in the series.”

Regarding her writing process, Flaherty has found creating her children's books a much faster and more fluid experience. Each book is based on a real-life parenting lesson she has learned with her daughter, and the words flow effortlessly. Conversely, crafting her full-length novel involves meticulous planning, character development, and storyline mapping. The initial idea for her book originated from an episode of “Cosmos” in which Neil deGrasse Tyson discussed quantum entanglement. Inspired by this concept, Flaherty envisioned a scene that gradually became a complete story.

Navigating through writer's block and other obstacles, Flaherty discovered a writing exercise that involves crafting a scene unrelated to her main storyline.

“Write a scene that won't be in your book starring one of your characters to help you overcome writer's block or feelings of being stuck,” she says. “This has helped me better flesh out some of my characters’ personalities by writing something about them that had nothing to do with my main storyline or character arc.”

Additionally, Flaherty finds inspiration by constantly reading, which often sparks fresh ideas.

She has profound aspirations for her readers. Through her children’s series, she aims to demonstrate the ease with which mindfulness can be incorporated into

everyday situations, especially in teaching children. Mindfulness, she believes, holds tremendous benefits, particularly in early learning. As for her novel, Flaherty wants readers to enjoy the immersive experience and be transported into her meticulously built world.

For budding writers embarking on their own journeys, Flaherty offers valuable advice. She emphasizes that writing is a challenging path: Statistics show that only 1 percent of individuals see their work through to completion and publication. However, she encourages aspiring writers to remain passionate about their craft, persevere through challenges, and reap the immeasurable rewards that await them. Her own accomplishments testify to the power of dedication and determination.

Flaherty has exciting projects in the pipeline. She intends to write a sequel to “Memories of the Khassos” and expand her Bunny Queen book series. In response to requests from young readers, she is contemplating a Christmas/holiday Bunny Queen book and a Thanksgiving/gratitudethemed edition.

Becoming a published author has profoundly impacted her personal and professional life. Through her books, she has been able to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Donating all proceeds to charity, Flaherty has contributed thousands of dollars to support children and adults involved in foster care, provided hundreds of books to elementary schools, and delivered over 6,000 meals.

“It has also been such a rewarding experience to participate in different author events and book fairs where I get to read my books to children,” she says.

Flaherty spent most of her early life in Central Florida, attending MDCA (then CH&BS) from third-12th grade. She participated in softball, volleyball, tennis, cheerleading, Beta Club, and yearbook. She received her Bachelor of Arts & Science in economics from Rollins College. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, Chris Flaherty (’03), and Aurelia.

Reflecting on her time at CH&BS, she cherishes the memories of meeting her lifelong best friends. Among the teachers who inspired her, Jeannie Reed stands out as a kind and genuine role model, consistently radiating positivity and displaying a remarkable dedication to her students.

“She always had such a positive attitude and a smile on her face,” says Flaherty.

To current students at MDCA, she offers this advice: “Cherish the beautiful campus and maintain the friendships made.”

Flaherty's books are available online on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For access to her books and updates, visit Flaherty’s linktree at https://linktr.ee/ Leahflaherty. You can also follow her on Instagram @BunnyQueenBook.

Alumni Updates

1963

Harold Allen Walker has retired as a mathematics teacher from Freed-Hardeman University.

1970

Robert Keith Boyd recently turned 71 years young. He is currently living on his beautiful acre in LA (Lower Alabama).

1976

Karla (Rogers) Perkins moved to Abilene, Texas in 2013 and in 2018 began working at Abilene Christian University in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. She is the Institutional Review Board (IRB) administrator as well as the Research Administration project manager.

2012

Maisie Wilson received a promotion to senior creative project manager at Vanderbilt University where she works with a team of graphic designers, videographers, and photographers to produce marketing materials for the university.

Chelsea Massaro successfully defended her dissertation “Novel Approaches to Modulating ERK Signaling by Targeting Protein-Protein Interaction Sites” and received her PhD in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin.

2013

Josef Alleyne graduated from the University of Florida with his master's in sports management.

Megan (Elliott) Ketchum and her husband, Matt, welcomed their son, Reese, into the world.

2014

James Pilgrim has been promoted to district manager of all Lake County, Florida for Cellular Sales.

2018

James Lacy Raulerson (Jace) earned his bachelor of Science in business/marketing from UCF. He has also obtained his Florida real estate license. He joined Ben Crosby & Associates in late August. Jace and Lacey Sexton, a 2017 graduate of MDCA, are engaged to be married in December of this year. They will be building their home in the Mount Dora/Eustis area.

2019

Kailey Daniel graduated from Harding University and accepted a job at Clarksville Christian School in Clarksville, Tennessee. She is the activities coordinator which involves coordinating after school clubs and activities for the grades K-5. Kailey is also coaching cross country. She is excited to learn, grow, and positivly impact the CCS community.

Mckenna Ross graduated from Harding University with her bachelors in education. She is currently teaching second grade at eStem Public Charter School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

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.

As MDCA&CH experiences unprecedented growth, we also have ever-increasing roles to fill on campus. While many new faculty and staff members joined our team this fall, we also made several changes from within.

Four members of our faculty and staff received promotions over the summer. Michele Baker, who taught in our science department for 26 years, was named dean of students. She has taught all levels of science, mentored new teachers, and served as department chair. In her new leadership role, she aims to both support faculty in the classroom and provide campuswide consistency in disciplinary matters.

Kevin Ross has been named cybersecurity and infrastructure engineer. Ross, now in his fourth year at MDCA, previously served as IT specialist. His promotion comes as our security needs, including the protection of our networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access, continue to grow. His expanded role will also include designing, building, deploying, evaluating, and maintaining campus infrastructure and ensuring our systems function efficiently and seamlessly.

Faculty and Staff Updates Shared Spaces

Looking for the Development Office? It’s now in a new location on campus. The Development staff, which oversees fundraising and donor relations for Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home, is now sharing newly renovated office space with the Social Services team in the Donnelly Building on West 13th Avenue.

“It is exciting for the Social Services team and Development staff to be sharing the same office complex,” said Chuck Shepherd, vice president of social services. “These two offices are essential in accomplishing our vision and mission of serving children and families. This expansion is a great opportunity to engage with our donors and make them more aware of the services we are providing. Their contributions are truly making a difference in the children and families served at Mount Dora Children's Home.”

The merging occurred this summer to allow the Enrollment Management and Public Relations offices to

Jason Sanders left his position in the history department to join athletics as assistant athletic director. In this role, he will assist with compliance, student support, scheduling, and field maintenance for our 33+ athletic teams and 300+ events on campus each school year. He will also continue his role as head varsity baseball coach.

Chuck Shepherd was named vice president for social services. Shepherd has been with the organization for more than 35 years. For the last 33 years, he has served as director of social services. He is also a member of our executive leadership team. To learn more about Shepherd and his role in the success of Mount Dora Children’s Home, see p. 18.

Several other personnel also made moves across campus. Kelly Morales moved from first grade to the Academic Success Center and is one of our new academic success coaches. Jenn Marcussen moved from VPK to public relations to serve as coordinator of strategic communications. Lisa Campbell transitioned from preschool assistant to library assistant.

relocate to the remodeled house on West 13th Avenue formerly used by the Development Office. The newly renovated location gives Enrollment Management greater visibility and more convenient access to parents and prospective parents and students.

Natalie Yawn, director of enrollment management, believes first-time visitors will benefit from the more desirable and accessible location. "Moving the office to a more desirable and accessible location on campus will greatly benefit first-time visitors by providing them with a welcoming and easily accessible point of contact. The new location will offer clear signage, making it easier for prospective parents to locate and navigate for a tour. As a result, our guests will feel more comfortable and supported in their initial interactions with the campus, increasing their overall satisfaction and fostering a positive impression of the institution."

Joy of Giving

If things stay the way they are, do you feel America’s best days are ahead of us? Should we as Christians just throw in the towel and say “enough” to the madness of the world surrounding our children and grandchildren?

If you answered “no” to both questions, you will find a willing and able partner in Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home. At MDCA&CH, we bring together people of faith who are making a difference by helping to restore God’s place in the lives of children. In a world where children often face complex challenges, the opportunity to contribute to their holistic development, including — most importantly — a moral compass based on God’s commandments, resonates deeply with us.

I feel fortunate that every day I see joy on the faces of our children who now have a safe space to express their emotions, develop coping skills, and embrace the love of Jesus Christ. Witnessing a child overcome challenges and grow emotionally resilient elicits a profound sense of fulfillment and hope.

I also interact with supporters of MDCA&CH who, through their giving, find a deeper connection to Jesus and sense of purpose beyond themselves. There are many worthy causes to champion, but supporting Christian education has the potential to create lasting impact. The joy of giving to children transcends

Progress as Promised

Thank you to everyone who donated on Giving Tuesday 2022. Together we raised $144,000 toward campus improvements. Your generosity provided a muchneeded new structure for the elementary playground, upgraded Chromebooks for faculty use, water bottle filling stations, and new furniture for our Student Center. Thank you for helping to provide the tools we need to educate, equip, and empower the MDCA community.

immediate gratification as donors become instrumental in shaping a brighter future for children, their families, and society. Who can put a price tag on eternity?

Helping to put Jesus Christ in the hearts of our students will have the greatest impact of all — getting to Heaven.

The benefits of supporting Christian education and the Children’s Home extend beyond individual children. By addressing the spiritual needs of children, MDCA&CH is fostering an environment of empathy, understanding, and cooperation, which leads to the positive transformation of the entire community.

Whether you have contributed to the Change for Children program, purchased grocery cards, sent a donation, or added us to your will, annuity, or charitable remainder trust, you have played a pivotal role in shaping the future of children and society. As the writer said in Psalm 127:3-5, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb, a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

May you be blessed as you support the well-being of the next generation, ensuring a brighter and more compassionate world for all.

And, yes, as we turn back to God, America's best days will be ahead of us.

New Coordinators Strengthen Church Relations

To further strengthen our valued relationships with the 200-plus Churches of Christ that support us, Mount Dora Children’s Home is introducing a new team of regionally based church relations coordinators. With this change, our number of church relations officers has grown from one to three.

The new team consists of Andy Bonner, who will cover churches in Central and South Florida — from Daytona Beach to Tampa and south; Philip Box, who will be responsible for interacting with churches in the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia; and Dave Hogan, whose territory includes churches primarily in Northeast Florida, including the Jacksonville area. The coordinator positions are part time.

THE NEW TEAM

Each church coordinator will be responsible for coordinating benefit dinners in his region. Bonner’s benefit dinners will include Sarasota, Tampa, and Palm Beach. Box’s dinners include Nashville, Pensacola, and Montgomery. Hogan will oversee the benefit dinner in Jacksonville.

“We are excited about the strategic decisions we made to increase our presence with supporting churches,” said Dr. Tony Kinkel, vice president of development. “Andy, Philip, and Dave will be responsible for different geographic regions, which will allow our team to target visits, phone calls, and other communications in an unprecedented way. Moreover, this team, consisting of a former minister and chaplain, a church administrator, and a public relations professional, brings together a talent level that will most certainly allow us to excel.”

Andy Bonner serves as the office administrator and youth event coordinator for Rockledge Church of Christ. He attended Faulkner University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in math. Bonner began his career as a high school math teacher and later served as a store manager and stockbroker. Bonner is the proud father of four children.

“I see my work as a church coordinator as an extension of my work and ministry with youth,” Bonner said. “This great ministry can best succeed with the help and support of our local congregations. I am excited to join the MDCH family and look forward to spreading its story and mission.”

Philip Box is a chaplain for Corporate Chaplains of America. He served more than 16 years as pulpit minister for Elba Church of Christ in Elba, Alabama, and 5 1/2 years at Niceville Church of Christ in Niceville, Florida.

Box and his wife, Paige, who is a fifth grade teacher in Enterprise, Alabama, have three children: Brantley, Bryson, and Brewer. Box is a graduate of Troy University.

“I am looking for speaking opportunities, and in this new role, I am available to fill in or simply visit your congregation,” Box said.

Dave Hogan has worked in full-time and part-time roles in church relations and development for the past nine years at Mount Dora Children’s Home. In addition to church relations, Hogan’s position includes educating churches and donors about tax-favored planned giving opportunities. Before coming to MDCH, he worked at Faulkner University and Abilene Christian University. Hogan's career includes jobs in journalism, public relations, and personal finance. He is a Certified Financial Planner.

Hogan is married to Kathy, and they have two daughters and one grandchild.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to represent Mount Dora Children’s Home to churches in the greater Jacksonville area and other portions of Northeast and Central Florida,” Hogan said.

Changing Lives Through Change

In his 35 years at Mount Dora Children’s Home, Chuck Shepherd has seen many changes both in society and in how institutions like ours serve children and families. Among those changes are the decline of residential group care programs for children and the steady growth of single-parent families.

“There are many more single-parent families in today’s society than there were 20 years ago,” said Shepherd, who is the vice president of social services. Statistics show that one in four American children are being raised today in single-parent households, compared with only 9 percent in 1960. About 19 million U.S. children are being raised in single-parent homes.

Seeing these trends, MDCH has put its focus on growing the Single-Parent Program, which Shepherd said is allowing us to serve more children than before and with far greater success.

These successes include single parents earning college degrees (one was the commencement speaker for her graduating class), becoming first-time home buyers, and learning trade skills that allowed them to earn a better living. Graduates of the single-parent program are now working in various career fields including education, healthcare, and law enforcement. (See the separate story on single parent Melissa Unwin, who earned her certification as an HVAC/Refrigeration technician).

More than a decade ago, MDCH made the strategic decision to launch its Single-Parent Program, where single parents who are needing help and are eager to make a fresh start can live on our campus for two years, rent-free, and participate in a program that includes individual and group counseling, goal setting, and training in everything from how to manage their money to better Christian parenting skills. Their children

also receive counseling and tutoring; most of them also attend Mount Dora Christian Academy. After single parents successfully graduate from the program, their children have the opportunity to continue their education at MDCA, with the tuition being waived.

MDCH operates one group home, the Thompson House for girls ages 11-18, and provides housing on campus for 10 single-parent families. The decision to begin serving single-parent families was made not only because of the growing need for help among singleparent families but also because of the decline in the number of children available for residential group care. State governments began to turn away from placing children in group care because of the high expense and an overall poor success rate of children in group care. Instead, states began to favor foster care and providing in-home social services designed to keep families together.

“In the continuum of care for children being removed (from their homes) for whatever reason, it follows that first the children will be placed, if possible, with relatives,” said Shepherd.

“The first thing the state or government will say is, ‘Hey, are there any relatives who will take the children?’ Often, the next step is temporary placement in a shelter, going into foster homes, or providing in-home services to the children. Residential group homes become the last option for placement of children needing services. When you’re at the bottom, you get the most challenging children in the system. For those tougher kids, group homes are the last stop.”

As a result, MDCH opted several years ago to stop accepting children from the state system, relying instead on private placements and referrals. That has resulted

in a smaller number of children being served at MDCH through group care.

“We could not take the types of children they (the state) wanted us to take,” Shepherd said. “We are not prepared for the toughest children primarily because of staffing. Our staff is not trained to deal with children who are suicidal, violent, physically aggressive, abusive to staff or other children, or addicted to drugs or alcohol. We are not a treatment center or wilderness camp.”

Caring for these more difficult children also carries high risk and legal liability, as these children are more likely to get into fights or commit crimes. In addition, these students often do not meet the high academic standards to attend Mount Dora Christian Academy.

“We had to find other ways to serve children,” Shepherd said, noting that the Single-Parent Program has proven highly successful and has several advantages compared with group care. Those advantages include:

• We can serve more children. Thanks to the SingleParent Program, we currently have 26 children living on our campus. This is double the number of children we could serve in group care even if both Thompson House and Lugar Cottage were full.

• As noted, the success rate is higher. Not only have the single parents fared better, but so have their children.

• No house parents are required when children stay with their mom or dad. House parents are increasingly hard to find, especially ones with the proper training and temperament.

• It keeps the family unit together. “In group care, we would have children coming kicking and screaming against their will. They weren’t excited about being here. They didn’t want to be here or make any changes. They were being removed from their parents. Regardless of how bad their parents were, they still

wanted to be home. The Single-Parent Program keeps the family unit together. We can work with all of the family, serving the children along with the parents.”

• Many of the children in the Single-Parent Program are younger, which is advantageous. “The younger we get them, the more opportunity we have to change their lives. It allows them to attend school here. As a rule, the children from the Single-Parent Program tend to fare better at the Academy than group care children.”

• Spiritual growth and baptisms: “We’ve seen a lot of spiritual growth, including more participation in church. Many of the children of the single parents are participating in church youth group activities, attending Central Florida Bible Camp, and participating in activities such as the Equip Conference and SonQuest. We have had several baptisms.”

• Single-parent family care is more cost-effective than group care.

Shepherd said he’s received a very positive reaction to the Single-Parent Program when speaking to churches.

“We’re giving more hope with our Single-Parent Program to both children and families as opposed to the group care program. They (donors and other supporters) I have talked with are more interested in how many children we are serving rather than how we’re serving them.”

The transition toward single-parent family care is just the latest of many changes Shepherd has seen in his long career at MDCH, but he thinks this is one case where the change is clearly for the better.

“Life has changed. Churches have changed. Family dynamics have changed. We live in a changing world, whether we like it or not. The way we care for children and families has changed. I think the changes we’ve made are all positive.”

Empowering Our Community

Six months.

That’s how long Chuck Shepherd planned to stay in Florida when he took a social worker position at Mount Dora Children’s Home (then Christian Home & Bible School).

That was 1982.

Now vice president of social services, Shepherd is the longest-tenured employee at MDCA&CH with more than 33 years of continuous service and 35 in total.

“I was going to come for six months and do all the Florida things — Disney, the Space Coast — and then go back to Nashville,” says Shepherd. “But I liked it here.”

It didn’t hurt that he met his wife, Joy, during that time.

It all started with an empty gas tank.

“At the time, the Children’s Home had a cottage in Wildwood,” he says. “The houseparents were on their way to Mount Dora and ran out of gas. I took them gas, and they asked if I had met the preacher there (in Wildwood) … and his daughter. She didn’t like me at first and thought I was too preppy.”

He persisted and eventually won her over with tickets

to a Gators game. They married not long after and planned to raise a family here.

Then Agape — a Christian foster care and adoption agency — called. They wanted Shepherd to come to Enterprise, Alabama, and open up a branch there. He could not turn down the opportunity. The young couple moved to Alabama so that Shepherd could successfully develop the agency known today as Agape of Central Alabama.

However, after four years, the Children’s Home was in need of a director, and Shepherd felt called to return to Mount Dora. He and Joy have been here ever since.

Together, they raised two sons, Drew ('07) and Phillip ('09). Drew and his wife, Amy, live nearby in Sorrento, Florida. Phillip, his wife, Hillary, and their daughter, Palmer, live in Franklin, Tennessee. Despite the distance, the family is close, and Shepherd credits that to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, including his children from an early age, and providing them with a spiritual environment in which to learn and grow.

“This is a good place,” says Shepherd. “This is the place I wanted to raise my family. Christian education was important for my children. We had such a good support system. The church, the organization — they took us in.”

In return, he has spent his career providing support to others by helping children and families heal and start anew. A native of Dalton, Georgia, Shepherd fell into social work while a student at Lipscomb University. At the time, it was a relatively new program. In fact, he was a member of its second graduating class. Then, as now, he chose the field because he saw it as a ministry.

“I knew I wanted to be in ministry, but I knew I didn’t want to be a preacher,” says Shepherd. “I prefer to be one on one, and I was drawn to social work. It is the way I can use my talents and abilities to minister to others.”

Throughout the decades, Shepherd’s proactive approach has helped the Children’s Home stay attuned to societal challenges and adapt services to address current issues. Of all the initiatives he has spearheaded, the one he is most proud of is the establishment of the Single-Parent Program in 2013.

“Not a lot of agencies had a single-parent program,” Shepherd says. “We were one of the first — and now we are changing two generations at one time. We have seen tremendous progress and success.”

The two-year residential program provides struggling single parents with the tools they need to start fresh: housing, food assistance, career guidance, parenting skills, budgeting, child care, and academic opportunities. Everything is approached through a biblical lens, including the love, education, tutoring, and counseling provided to their children.

To learn more about the start of the Single-Parent Program, see page 16. Read about single-parent Melissa Unwin and her success in our program on page 20.

But Shepherd’s desire to strengthen families has extended beyond the MDCA&CH campus. A member of Orange Avenue Church of Christ, he served as both deacon of missions and as an elder for 13 years. He currently serves on the board of directors for Network 1:27, an outreach network that addresses the needs of children and families across the nation by providing adoption, counseling, foster care, maternity, residential, and medical services. As he looks to the future, Shepherd has no intention of slowing down. Instead, he plans to expand his advocacy. He is eager to get out into the community and our churches and tell the stories of MDCH.

“Most people in the church can relate to the program and to those struggles and frustrations our single parents are having,” he says. “My job is not finished yet. I know the legacy that I want to leave. No one can tell the story like I can. I’ve lived it for 35 years.”

Amy, Drew, Chuck, Joy, Phillip, and Hillary Shepherd

Resilience and Renewal: From Single Parent to Skilled Professional

Single-mom Melissa Unwin doesn’t think it is by coincidence or luck that she and her children are at Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home. She believes it’s part of God's plan.

“God lined everything up,” Unwin said. “I’ve always had faith, but the way everything lined up for me makes me feel so fortunate and so blessed.”

Unwin and her six children (a seventh child is already an adult and no longer living at home) experienced a real crisis when, through no fault of her own, she found herself without a home or income and unable to support herself and her children. After making inquiries to numerous shelters and social services agencies in Lake and Orange counties, Unwin applied for the SingleParent Program at Mount Dora Children’s Home and was accepted, joining our community in March 2022.

Today the future looks much brighter for Unwin and her children, thanks to God’s guidance, her hard work, and the benefits of the Single-Parent Program. After coming to live at MDCH, Unwin enrolled in a training course at Lake Technical College and earned a certification as an HVAC/refrigeration technician. Immediately after graduation this spring, she began working for Orlandobased Coastline Cooling.

“I feel very fortunate to have been hired right out of school, and the company I work for is a really good company,” Unwin said, noting she was the first one in her class to be hired.

Before being hired, Unwin was concerned about whether an employer would give her a chance. For starters, HVAC is a strongly male-dominated field of work. Plus, she had no work history since she married while still a teenager and was a stay-at-home mom. She

had never even been to a job interview. To top it off, Unwin was concerned whether anyone would hire a woman with six children still at home.

“I went from no education, no anything, to earning a good living,” Unwin said. “I was proud of that because I didn’t think I’d be able to do anything more than earn minimum wage.”

Unwin credits the Single-Parent Program at MDCH for providing stability for her family, financial support, and funds for her schooling.

“If I had not been accepted into the program, I don’t want to know — and I don’t want to even think about — what would have happened to us.”

The program has also been a blessing to her children. While all of them attend MDCA and are benefiting from Christian education, Unwin said her youngest son in particular has been blessed by the Academy in dealing with his anxieties.

“Being able to go to school and talk about God and pray in the middle of the day during chapel has helped him. He always says chapel is his favorite part of the day.”

MDCH Social Worker Tonja Rambow praised Unwin’s positive attitude and dedication.

“Melissa has done an incredible job of juggling academics with home life and the needs of her children,” Rambow said. “She has overcome many hurdles yet demonstrates an ongoing positive attitude, amazing resiliency, and an unshakable dedication to her family. We are so proud of all that she has accomplished in such a short time in our program and look forward to watching her continue to succeed in her new career.”

End Note: From the Desk of the President

Dear MDCA&CH community,

I am honored to be serving as the interim president of Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home. As a long-time board member, I am keenly aware of what a good institution this is. During my time here, I have learned I was wrong; it is truly a great organization. We have a nearly 80-year heritage of promoting academic excellence, athletic excellence, and the love of freedom and liberty — all while honoring God. This combination of values places the Academy among the finest preparatory schools in the Southeast. Our Children’s Home has also been a forerunner in the care of children and families with the establishment and success of our Single-Parent Program. We are truly educating, equipping, and empowering our community.

I recently shared with our leadership seven goals that I believe we should be committed to at MDCA&CH to help us continue to thrive, and I wanted to share them with you as well.

1. We will honor God in every aspect of our work. We were founded for that reason and will not drift from it.

2. We will strengthen our position and commitment to the Church and to our community. We will be dependable partners.

3. We will recruit faculty and students who fit and share our Christian commitment and who are committed to excellence in academics.

4. We will treat students, parents, faculty, staff, and residents with respect and appreciation.

5. We will continue to strengthen our financial position and build a fortress balance sheet. We do not want to be dependent on federal or state monies.

6. We will protect and improve our physical plant. We enjoy a beautiful and functional campus that requires regular maintenance and, as we grow, occasional additions.

7. We will hire a new president who is committed to our heritage and future as a distinctively Christian institution.

May God continue to bless our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Please pray for the future of MDCA&CH and for wisdom as we select a new leader.

Dr. James W. Carr Interim President

Dr. James W. Carr, of Searcy, Arkansas, joined MDCA&CH as interim president Aug. 1. His appointment followed the departure of Dr. Brian Mast to Nashville’s Lipscomb University. Carr, whose career includes serving as Harding University’s executive vice president for 25 years, is overseeing MDCA&CH as we search nationwide for our seventh president.

Read more about Dr. Carr and his numerous contributions to Christian education here: www.mdcacademy.org/about/bulldog-news

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