�imagine� MAGAZINE
SPRING 2021
Contents
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About the Cover: Junior, Emily Allen goes in for a spike during the Senior Night volleyball game.
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Editor & Director of Public Relations Kayley White Editors and Contributors Cheryl Abbate Michele Baker Laura Barker Diana Bay Cindy Brown Tim Deem Lori Hadley Dave Hogan Brian Mast Brandi Perkins Kathy Pruitt Printing Ford Press Imagine Magazine is produced by the Office of Public Relations for the parents, friends, supporters, and alumni of Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children's Home. Mount Dora Christian Academy and Children's Home 301 W. 13th Avenue Mount Dora, FL 32757
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4 15
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2 Letter from the President 9 Student Life 3 Development
14 Arts
4 Social Services
16 Memoriam
@MDCAcademy
5 Academics
17 Memorials and Honors
@MDCAcademy @mount_dora_childrens_home
7 Athletics
18 Alumni
/MDCABulldogs /MountDoraChildrensHome
From the President “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” - Psalms 118:24 Mount Dora Christian Academy and Children’s Home is blessed. We have much to celebrate! We continue to honor our rich 75-year history, and we look forward to graduating our 75th class of seniors. The Executive Leadership Team has a tradition of starting our weekly meetings with a time of celebration. We simply allow an opportunity for everyone to share a celebratory moment with the team. I love hearing the excitement as someone shares academy achievements, student successes, defining moments in our social services program, or personal achievements. God is good, and we must continue to rejoice and celebrate each day as He intends for us to do. We want to take every moment to celebrate, even though this has been a challenging year. As you will read in this edition of Imagine, a mighty oak has fallen with the passing of Sister Mildred Boyd. I wish I could have known her during her years of service to CH&BS. She most definitely left a tremendous legacy with her passion for education and for helping children and families. She was a shining light, and we will continue to celebrate her legacy at MDCA&CH.
As we move closer to the end of the academic year, I want to celebrate our amazing teachers, staff, and administration. Perhaps the toughest year in the 75-year history of MDCA&CH, teachers consistently meet students each morning with a warm welcome as they get out of their cars and enter classrooms. Teachers continue to plan lessons for in-person classes and remote learning classes tirelessly. I have witnessed teachers pulling into parking spaces well before the sun rises, only to leave well after the sun sets and then continue the work into the nighttime hours. Our teachers at MDCA are simply the best, and we celebrate the work they are doing each day with our amazing students. Our staff and administration continue to do everything in their power to keep our campus running smoothly and safely. We are a team, and we rely heavily on each person to be a strong team member. Our MDCA&CH team is 75 years old, and even though we add new team members each year, we are strong and are all working on the same outcome: “Educating for Life and Eternity.” Go Bulldogs!
Imagine · Spring 2021 | 2
DEVELOPMENT
The Joy of Giving The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on our way of life. It has altered our behavior and changed how we view the transmission of disease and illness. For many, it has inflicted sickness and even death. The economic impact has been tremendous, especially for those who have lost work or been forced to stay at home. Fortunately, a bipartisan agreement was made by the US Congress on March 25, 2020 to help people and businesses through these uncertain and tough times. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided fast and direct economic assistance for Americans. While there were many provisions in the CARES Act, here are three that may have an effect on your charitable giving and financial planning. 1. Charitable Contributions for Standard Deduction. With the passage of the Trump Tax cuts, nearly 90% of taxpayers now take the standard deduction when filing their annual tax return. This means that most taxpayers do not receive any direct tax savings from making charitable contributions. However, the CARES Act allows single and married filers who take the standard deduction to claim an above the line deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made to qualifying charities in 2020. For 2021, single filers may take up to a $300 deduction and married filing jointly filers may take up to a $600 deduction. 2. Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Resumes in 2021. The CARES Act suspended the RMD requirement for 2020 but it will return for 2021. The suspension was intended to help individuals avoid withdrawing from their retirement accounts during times of market volatility. Additionally, the SECURE Act increased the RMD age from 70 ½ to 72, effective Jan. 1, 2020. Please check with your accountant or financial advisor for more information on when you are required to take your RMD. 3. Stimulus Check (Recovery Rebate Credit). If you received a stimulus check, it will have no tax implications on your 2020 tax return. Your 2019 tax return determined your eligibility using adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $75,000 for single filers or up to $150,000 for married filing jointly. However, if your 2020 AGI is above those amounts, you do not have to give it back. Eligible filers who did not receive stimulus checks in April or May of 2020 or January of 2021, can claim a recovery rebate credit on their 2020 tax return. This credit may increase the amount of your tax refund, or lower the amount of tax you owe. Excerpts taken from Nelson Financial Planning, Winter Park, FL. The legal and tax information contained herein is merely a summary of our understanding and interpretation of current tax law. Please consult with your accountant, financial planner, or attorney for additional information.
Search for New House Parents
Do you feel God is leading you to work with young people and help them have a better future? Mount Dora Children’s Home is searching for a set of house parents. Our goal is to provide a loving, nurturing, Christian environment for children in need of a stable home and family. Our services seek to provide opportunities for each child to learn, grow, and thrive as individuals. House parents play a critical role in the success of this program. Mount Dora has provided residential care for children since its founding in 1945. Employees in our Christ-centered residential services program receive the following benefits: • Competitive Salary • Paid Time Off • Paid Tuition at Mount Dora Christian Academy • Paid Health Insurance • Housing • Utilities • Food Allowance • Vehicle for Work Use If you would like to learn more about being a house parent at Mount Dora, please call the Social Services Office at (352) 383-9906 or email chuck.shepherd@mdchome.org.
3 | Imagine · Spring 2021
SOCIAL SERVICES
Houseparents Troy and Becky Allen What kind of newlyweds offer to take a homeless child into their home when they’ve only been married a few months? Ask Troy and Becky Allen, because that is exactly what they did. Troy and Becky are house parents at Mount Dora Children’s Home. Taking a two-year-old boy into their home when they were young and newly married set the stage for a lifetime devoted to working with children in need of a loving home. They were sitting in church at Highlands Church of Christ in Lakeland, FL, when an announcement was made that a young child needed a loving couple to take him into their care. The boy’s real name was Willie, but the person making the announcement at church called him Woody. “I turned to Becky and said ‘Hey, Woody Allen, let’s take him,’” Troy said, in a joking reference to the famous actor with the same name. “She looked at me and said ‘seriously, why can’t we do it?’ I said ‘because we’re 20 and 19 and just got married.’” They approached the church and offered to take the child. While never formally adopted, Willie Hayes spent most of his childhood in the Allen home, calls Troy and Becky mom and dad, became the first person in his family to graduate from college, and is now a successful real estate agent. In the years that followed, and prior to coming to Mount Dora in 2016, Troy and Becky had seven children, including four adopted boys, and provided foster care for nearly 40 children. At one point, they had 11 children in their home at the same time. Both Troy and Becky say being house parents at Mount Dora is their dream job because of their long-held desire to work with children. “I told my mom that I wanted 12 kids someday,” Troy said, recalling a moment from when he was a young teenager. “I didn’t care if I actually had 12 kids because there were plenty of kids out there who need a home. When I met Becky, I told her the same thing, and she didn’t run away.” High school sweethearts, Troy and Becky got married during their freshman year of college. Working with children has been their passion ever since. “We’ve always loved helping kids, especially teenagers,” Becky said. “As insane as they are at times, I feel I can relate to them. To me, they’re fun. They stress you out on some days, but they keep you on your toes and keep you busy.”
Troy and Becky also share a love for sports, and that is something they’ve encouraged the children in their lives to pursue because of sports’ ability to build character, strength, and confidence. “I’ve learned more from athletics than I ever learned in a classroom about how to deal with life,” Troy said. “When you compete in a team sport, it’s not just about you, but it’s about the other people. It’s also about the people you’re competing against and doing it the right way. You have to learn to accept defeat as well as victory and be humble about it.” Working with teenagers with difficult backgrounds requires special parenting skills. “They have to understand that you care about them,” Becky said, noting that her job requires good listening skills and lots of patience. “You have to understand why they act that way, but still make it clear that you won’t allow it (misbehavior).” A priority for both Troy and Becky is modeling Christian conduct in the home and a healthy marriage to their teens, something most of them have not experienced previously. “I want them to see a representation of what a good married family, husband and wife, are supposed to look like, how they treat each other, how they love each other, how they deal with their problems,” Troy said. Becky said their teens at Mount Dora need to see how a Christian married couple deals with challenges. “We try to show them that we are a team and are working together,” Becky said. “We don’t fight ever, and even if we did, it would not be in front of them.” Loving and caring for kids in need is their mission in life. “This is what I always wanted to do,” Troy said. “This was my dream job at age 13. My dream job is to take care of kids until the day I die. That’s who I am.” Imagine · Spring 2021 | 4
ACADEMICS
The First of Many White Coats
On September 27th, Ariana Cawthon, Alyssa Meeks, Sophia Kainz, Rebekah Baker, Amelia Deleon, Abigail Fleming, and Jerianne Todd became the first students to receive their white coats at MDCA. The students who received a white coat have satisfactorily completed two of their four years in the Biomedical Sciences Institute. This allows them the privilege of wearing their coat as a part of their PPE during labs for the next two years. Our BSI program gives students skills and knowledge in the biomedical science field and workforce.
Exam). This exam is given by Mrs. Laura Barker, an approved University of Florida e-learning proctor. Credential are given through the University of Florida and will allow the students who pass the exam to work in the Biotechnology industry while getting a higher degree. Other classes that are part of the PTLW program are Environmental Sustainability, taught by Michele Baker, Medical Detectives, with Amanda Colwell, App Creators, and Computer Science for Innovators and Makers, taught by Doug Horton.
“My students enjoy coming to class every day because there is always a new challenge to overcome and opportunities for hands-on activities. My main goal as a teacher of the BSI program is to have my students 100% prepared for college whether they choose a medical career or not.” - Mrs. Laura Barker
Students in the BSI program are frequently researching careers in the medical field to help them discover what they would potentially like to do in the future. We have several guest speakers each year to discuss career opportunities with the classes. This helps our high schoolers determine if they truly desire a career in the medical field before they invest time and money in a particular college program.
The BSI program is made up of four different yearlong courses. The courses are meant to be taught in a specific sequence, as each one builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the previous course. Each relates to biomedical sciences and are taken in the following order: 1. Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) 2. Human Body Systems (HBS) 3. Medical Interventions (MI) 4. Biotechnology Honors (Biotech) At the end of the four courses, students can take the BACE Exam (Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing
The BSI classes enable students to operate biomedical technology and equipment used in the workforce such as incubators, gel electrophoresis, micropipettes, ELIZA, thermocyclers, water baths, and balances, just to name a few. The BSI program encourages students to build models and answer many openended questions. They develop problem-solving skills alongside critical and creative thinking. Students in these classes practice and improve communication and collaboration skills. These skills will help them succeed in any future career.
6 | Imagine · Spring 2021 White Coat Inductees Ariana Cawthon, Alyssa Meeks, Sophia Kainz, Rebekah Baker, Amelia Deleon, Abigail Fleming, Jerianne Todd
Hear it from our students: “I decided to join the BSI program because I have always wanted to be a nurse, so when I heard of a medical program starting at our school I knew it would give me the perfect opportunity to start learning now. I have learned new skills that will help me interact with others in the medical field, and I have gained a deeper knowledge of biology, which will help me excel in future nursing programs.” -Abigail Fleming, Junior “In BSI, we have learned so much ranging from investigating a crime scene to growing our own antibiotic resistant bacteria. This class has been super eye opening. It has taught us many things that we can apply in the real world. I have learned many things that you would not expect to learn in a regular science class. We are able to work with different tools and equipment like micropipettes and Gel electrophoresis that professionals are using. This class has made me excited and eager to work in the medical field because of how educational and fun it is.” -Ariana Cawthon, Senior
“I chose to be involved in the BSI program simply to grow my knowledge in the science and also medical field. I am so happy with my decision. BSI teaches you more than just science. Because of this program, I feel better equipped to be in a working environment. The BSI program has made me truly figure out what I want to do as a career. Mrs. Barker has really influenced me to join the medical field after I leave this campus. I couldn’t imagine doing anything different.” -Amelia Deleon, Junior “I plan to use what I have learned to help me in my college academics, medical school, and my future job. I believe that the BSI program is a huge stepping stone in ultimately reaching my goal of becoming a doctor. Through this program I have learned countless laboratory techniques, collaboration techniques, medical interventions, problem-solving skills, and communication skills. BSI has taught me how to use the same tools used by those in professional hospitals and labs and how to apply these techniques to realworld situations.” -Jerianne Todd, Junior
Lake County Regional Science Fair Rankings: MIDDLE SCHOOL First Place Conor Hagerman - Biomedical & Health Sciences
Third Place Megan Levendoski - Physics Honorable Mentions Braden Hunston - Engineering Audrey McConnell - Chemistry
HIGH SCHOOL First Place Alyson Cetnarowicz-Brown - Chemistry *Eli Atwood - Physics *Emma Ferebee - Physics Hayley Austin - Cellular/Molecular Biology & Biomedical
Second Place Riley Novack - Chemistry Gavin Ellis - Physics Mayson Rodden - Cellular/Molecular Biology & Biomedical * Denotes they will be moving on to the State competition. Imagine · Spring 2021 | 6
ACADEMICS
New Coach in Town MDCA has introduced Darnell Harrison as the Head Track and Field coach for the 2021 season. Coach Harrison brings with him a wealth of experience over his 20+ year high school coaching career, coming to us from Lake Mary High School where he has coached track and field and football for the past four seasons. During his time at Lake Mary High School, the track and field team won back-to-back district and regional championships. Prior to being at LMHS, Coach Harrison earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Western Illinois University where he also played WR/DB for the Leathernecks football
Junior, Jerianne (Tootie) Todd, placed second in the bowling Junior Gold Qualifiers in October. This gives her the opportunity to compete in the Junior Gold Championship this summer. Her love of bowling began at a young age. “Bowling is something that I have been around since I was a little girl. I spent most of my evenings playing in the game room or sitting on the floor playing while my dad and papa bowled in their leagues. The summer of 8th grade I decided to give bowling a chance, and I began to practice hours at a time. From the help of many people, I became very trained, and developed a love for the sport. My freshman year I joined a youth league on the weekends and joined the MDCA bowling team. This is when I knew that bowling was my home,” she said. Tootie has a long list of friends and family that support her bowling career. “My mom is always there to love me, and my dad, a bowler himself, is always there to encourage me and help me when I’m struggling. My Papa Glenn, also a bowler, is such a big fan of mine. He is always watching me and critiquing me on how I could improve. No matter how bad I may be doing, he is always there to lift me up and hug me when I’m 7 | Imagine · Spring 2021
team. Outside of working with high school athletes, Harrison is a certified personal trainer and has trained professional athletes including NFL Wide Receiver, Brandon Marshall. Coach Harrison also built the track and field program at Lake Mary Prep from the ground up, earning three district and regional championships and five individual state championships. MDCA’s Athletic Director Megan Ziegelhofer says, “Coach Harrison is a quality person who shares our commitment to fostering growth through Christ and continuing to build our track and field program in all facets. His passion and enthusiasm for athletics is contagious, and he will without a doubt motivate, inspire, and challenge our student-athletes. MDCA is blessed to have Coach Harrison as part of our family”.
Bowling Her Way to the Championship in need. The moment I met Coach Z, she became my other mom. Not many people really understand the love I have for bowling, but right from the beginning I knew that she would always support me and my bowling career. Lastly, one of my number one fans is my best friend Hailie. She is definitely hard on me at times, but I know it’s because she wants me to be the best I could possibly be. I have so many supporters that were not named, and I’m so thankful for each and every one of them.” Tootie will be competing against thousands of national bowlers in the Junior Gold Championship in Indianapolis this summer. “It will definitely be one of the hardest challenges I will ever face, but I’m always up for a chance to learn and grow. I will prepare for this championship by training and working on my technique. I have a lot of room to improve before the championship, and I will not take the time I have to prepare for granted. I’m so excited for this experience, and I can’t wait to see how far I will go!” The championship will take place in July 2021 and will be a nationally televised tournament.
Sports Highlights pions and
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STUDENT LIFE
Senior Begins Her Entrepreneurial Journey Hannah Leto is a current senior attending Mount Dora Christian Academy. She has attended MDCA since preschool and even learned to walk in the early childhood center while her older sister, Emily, was in the four year old class! Hannah has always had a huge passion for art and creating things. “I have tried just about every medium you can think of, and I was constantly switching to find my favorite. Recently, I discovered macrame. Macrame was very popular in the 70s, and has recently made a huge comeback. I decided to try it out while in quarantine this year, and it quickly became a hobby of mine. I began creating as many different things as I could while attempting to teach myself different techniques. I soon discovered that my friends and family loved my work and asked to buy some things from me. Quickly, more and more people bought things from me, and I sold way more than I had anticipated.” That is when she decided to try to start a small business through Instagram and sell to mainly friends and family. “I never anticipated that it would grow as quickly as it has. Over the past six months, I have been a part of different art shows, partnered with amazing women-owned small businesses, and am even featured in two local shops. I am in love with what I do and hope to continue growing as a business.” The people that who inspired her the most are the community of womenowned businesses that have helped her throughout the process. “I did not know until recently how many awesome different local small businesses there truly were around me. It has been very inspiring to witness and learn from their journeys while creating my own. I believe that it has definitely made me stronger as a person, and especially as a woman.” Hannah shares that one of the hardest challenges for her in starting her business as a high school student has been time management. “Juggling the many struggles of senior year, such as submitting applications and applying for scholarships, all while running a small business, can definitely become crazy sometimes. I think that through this I have learned that even when there seems to be a million things pulling you in different directions, you have to take a second to step back and breathe.” After high school, Hannah plans to attend college on a volleyball scholarship and study graphic design. She also hopes to be able to continue to grow her business while in college.
9 | Imagine · Spring 2021
Hannah runs her business through Instagram @handmadebyhannahleto. All of her featured items can be seen on Instagram. She also has a website where she sells all of her available products www.handmadebyhannahleto.com. Her products are even featured in three stores in Central Florida. Ruby and Rust is a store in Winter Garden that carries a variety of her products including plant hangers and wall hangings. Sweet Sassy and Southern is a boutique in Windermere that carries a variety of her products including wall hangings and jewelry. You can also find her products in the Bloom Room in Mount Dora that carries a wide variety of plants and Hannah’s plant hangers.
Lake County Days Essay Winners In December, three MDCA students were named winners of the Lake Country Days essay contest. Students could choose to write their 500-word essay that answered one of the following two questions: 1. There appears to be apathy among youth today as political involvement. If given the opportunity, what would you do to change it? OR 2. Should politicians be held to a higher ethical standard than you and I? The winners are usually awarded a VIP trip to Tallahassee, but due to COVID, students have been awarded a $500 scholarships.
Anna Davis
Katelynne Sanders
Leah Marshall
Imagine · Spring 2021 | 10
STUDENT LIFE
Student Views From Madison Conway
We all have lost something in the past year, some more than others. All of us lost freedoms and privileges we took for granted. Students across the globe have lost normalcy when it comes to their daily routine at school. And worst of all, some of us lost the people closest to us. 2020 was not kind, and I know we all fear that 2021 will not be much better. 2020 broke my heart in many ways, and I hope that 2021 finds a way to mend my spirits. Simply put, so much has happened in the last 12 months. At just 17 years old, I have experienced enough generational events to last me a lifetime. Not only have we bared witness to the desecration of our beloved world, but we have also had to make drastic changes and sacrifices in our lives. Most adults had to work from home for a period of time or, sadly, possibly lost their jobs. Many students had to transfer to virtual learning, which was a challenge for all ages. I have the utmost respect for the parents and teachers of the younger generation. I know that it is not easy. I especially admire the senior class of 2020 and the class of 2021. This year’s graduating class has not
Students zoom in a class mate to work together on their class project.
11 | Imagine · Spring 2021
received enough recognition for their resilience and what they have accomplished, all the while not being able to make the traditional senior year memories. So, where does that leave me and the class of 2022? Due to the safety guidelines and precautionary measures Mount Dora Christian Academy has taken, I was able to start my junior year, back in August. I am blessed to be able to attend school in-person, while many cannot. My sophomore year was the peak of my social and academic achievement. I had a stable, supportive, loving friend group and my GPA was pristine. I was saddened by the reality of virtual school since I was unable to see my friends and teachers every day, but I still managed well. At the end of last school year, when we were all being virtually educated, I thrived. I got all of my work done on Monday and then had a 6-dayweekend. Unfortunately, a lot of students struggled (and still do struggle) with this type of learning format. I did not start to feel the true effects of this pandemic on my social life until a few months later. Not seeing my friends every day and the lack of daily communication damaged our friend group. I felt as if I had lost the friend group I once cherished. We are all still friends, of course, but it is not the same as it was before.
Shields have been placed at each student's desk.
Fourth grade student, Bailey Adams, video calls a classmate to work together on their math assignment.
Shields have been placed at each lunch table.
Academically, I did not realize the pandemic’s mental effects on me until recently. This semester, I am taking three dual enrollment classes, an AP class, and an intensive honors-level Anatomy & Physiology class. I can say without a doubt I have lost all motivation to do any of it. This mindset is out of character for me. I am your typical overachiever who doesn’t study, but still puts in enough effort to get all A’s however, this year, I am burnt out. I am too stubborn to let my grades slip too much, but the passion I once had for learning is no longer there. In subjects I adore, like English and History, I still find some academic fulfillment; but every single course I am taking feels mentally exhausting. The biggest thing this pandemic has taken away from me is my motivation. I do not say this in attempts to receive pity or as a cry for help. I know many of my peers feel this exact same way. I still have close friends, I still enjoy going to school, but things are not the same. It is not a matter of, “What can be done to change this?” or, “What can be done to reverse the effects of this pandemic on our students?” The only
thing that can cure this is time; so many things just need time to heal. But, don’t get me wrong, 2020 was not a continuous sad song on loop. There were some highlights and good times: rekindling an old friendship, going on outdoorsy road trips with my Golden Girls, counting down the days until I turn 18 this year, strengthening the bond I have with my mom and stepdad, finding new friends in the oddest of places, and overall spending a lot of time reflecting. This world is not always easy to navigate, nor to simply understand. We cannot always control the situation we are in; sometimes we must have patience and just ride out the storm. As cynical as I want to be and tell you about how 2020 has continued to take and take from my life, I cannot. Even in darkness, there is light; and when all else fails, we shall always have hope. And that’s what we all have to do. Hope. Hope and pray that 2021 will be the year of return: the return of normalcy and our peace. We cannot regain all of what we have lost, but we can hope to salvage what we still have. Imagine · Spring 2021 | 12
ARTS
The Show Must Go On The secondary play, South of Broadway, was an idea that was birthed out of COVID. When school started back in the fall, it didn’t look like we would be able to do any kind of performance at all. Then, as MDCA’s administration figured out safety guidelines and procedures for sports to continue, Mrs. Abbate went to one of the school nurses, Mrs. Fleming, and asked her what social distancing might look like for us if we wanted to have a show. Actors could never be closer than six feet for more than 15 minutes at a time. That ruled out a traditional script. So, we chose a series of scenes, songs and monologues that were all under ten minutes. In addition, we sat the cast in the audience so that they would not be bunched up together backstage. Each actor performed their scene, song or monologue, and then returned to their seat in the audience during the blackout or scene change. We chose all light or comic scenes, because after months of dealing with COVID, we all needed a laugh. One thing that helped tie the pieces together was to play songs in between each scene that related to the scene before. Some songs were performed by singers. This helped give an overall flow to the show. Because the scenes were chosen for length and comic value, and they had no real connection to one another, the show needed a name. Since Broadway was, and still is, shutdown in NYC, we decided to call it “South of Broadway,” referencing our location here in Florida. 13 | Imagine · Spring 2021
In order to protect our audience, VIP tables were removed and the seating was rearranged so that families could sit together in groups of 2-6, but each group was six feet from those around them. Individual seats were sprinkled in and among other seats, and ushers were used to seat each group in the correctly sized seating. Temperature checks were taken at the door, and prepackaged concessions were available in the lobby. At the beginning and the end of the show, the actors entered and exited through a side door so that they were not in close contact with the audience. Each actor was equipped with their own microphone, even for songs, so that no two people had to touch the same handheld mic. One of the biggest changes the secondary show had to make due to COVID was when one of the actors was quarantined. The student was going to miss the performances and the whole scene would have been cut, but Mrs. Abbate and Mrs. Perkins figured out a way to zoom and project him onto the large screen above the stage. His partner was on stage while he was projected, and it worked out very well. They knew the scene so well that they were able to perform it even with one of the members not being able to actually see the other. He was acting based on what he heard only!
The Elementary play, Pied Piper the Musical, is a play that was scheduled for last year, but we were not able to perform due to the shutdown. It is the story of a village that is overrun with rats. The mayor of the town is a somewhat greedy man who doesn’t want to spend good money on what he deems as a nonexistent issue. When he can’t deny the rat problem and its impact anymore, a stranger shows up in town who claims he can solve the town’s problem and rid them of the rats. Enter the Pied Piper who comes to town and claims to lead the rats away from the village with his hypnotic flute playing, but he wants to be paid a fee to do so. The mayor, and the townspeople, however, have second thoughts about paying the piper, and they decide to go back on their word. Not a good idea. When the king refuses to pay, the Piper leads their children out of the town the same way he led the rats. We won’t tell the ending, but let’s just say the town learns a valuable lesson in keeping their promises. Normally, the elementary plays have a main cast of about 20 (2nd thru 5th graders with speaking and/or singing parts) with about 30 more “extras”. This year, we had to think completely outside of the box. How could we safely rehearse with so many actors? What if someone got COVID and couldn’t perform? So this year, it was decided to limit the cast to only the main characters with speaking roles and to double cast the show. We can safely rehearse 18 actors Mondays, and the other 18 on Thursdays, and if one of the actors gets sick, their counterpart can go on for them. So,
there is a Blue Cast, and a White Cast. Each cast will perform for one night, trying to shorten everyone’s exposure. The audience will be set up just as it was in the fall with the secondary play, but the staging for this show will be a little different. Mrs. Abbate has a great vision when picturing how to set the stage. In the balconies, curtains will be hung to form sort of individual fabric cubicles. Three to four actors will be spaced apart and will remain in their cubicle until it is time for their lines or song. At that point, they will come out from inside their cubicle, but remain stationary, keeping everyone socially distant. On the stage, window frames will be hung with curtains to establish individual spaces for about six more actors. Lastly, there will be some cubicles along the front of the stage for our rats. Like the secondary play, this one will be a fine arts collaboration with Mrs. Perkins handling the musical portion, along with Mrs. Benton and her art classes helping with the set and props. As always, 6th through 12th grade theatre students will make up the crew as stage managers, and the running crew including lights, sound, costumes, props, ticket sales, ushers, etc. Not only do they serve to encourage the littles, but they learn skills required to produce a show beyond acting on the stage.” Come out to watch our elementary play, Pied Piper the Musical on Friday, April 16th and Saturday, April 17th.
Imagine · Spring 2021 | 14
MEMORIAM
Mildred Boyd Leaves a Legacy
Mildred Tally Boyd was born in Grananas, CO, on January 18th, 1923 and attended Lineton High School in Tacoma, WA. She received her undergraduate degree from Pepperdine University in 1946. She received her Masters of Education degree from the University of Florida in 1956. Mildred met Orvel Boyd while they were both students at Pepperdine, and they were married on July 20, 1945. Mildred and Orvel were parents to Melba, Nelda, Bill, and Monty, all graduates of CH&BS.
After retiring, she served the school as a member of the Executive Board of Trustees for many years. In announcing her retirement, Former President Cletus Stutzman stated, “We are most grateful to Mrs. Boyd for her years of service to Christian Home and Bible School. She will now turn her attention to public relations and fundraising as she works and travels with her husband, Orvel Boyd, president emeritus of Christian Home and Bible School.”
The Boyds on their wedding day.
The Boyds had a passion for youth and education, especially Christian education. In September of 1946, Orvel and Mildred Boyd arrived in Mount Dora, along with Alden and Almeda Norton, ready for school to begin. Mildred was assigned to teach bookkeeping, home economics, and typing. In addition to teaching at the “Mount Dora Bible School”, as it was commonly called, Mildred also taught for many years in both the Florida's Lake and Sumter County school systems. After teaching for over 20 years in the county schools, she returned to CH&BS as elementary principal in 1966, and retired in 1987.
1983 Teachers: Faye Shyers, Mildred Boyd, Cheryl Verge, Cheryl Cole, Ida Bass, Dawn Adams, Ernie Brady, Loretta Goss, Mary Sue Kincaid, Susan Fellers.
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The Boyds at Central Florida Bible Camp.
Mildred’s contributions to the growth and development of the Home and School have been far-reaching and have touched the lives of hundreds of children. Her professional approach to education was an asset in efforts to become accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. She and Orvel blessed CH&BS tremendously with their leadership and their love for children. Mildred was a strong, compassionate, loving, woman of God. In addition to teaching and being an administrator, Mildred was very involved in the childcare program at the Christian Home and Bible School. She and Orvel served as house parents on campus on many occasions, and also cared for more than 52 children in their home through the years. Mildred also spent a great deal of time at the Central Florida Bible Camp and the Orange Avenue Church of Christ in Eustis, FL, and organized countless mission trips to Jamaica.
“Her love was more expressed by her servant’s heart. A simple illustration of this was when we would have chicken for dinner (which would sometimes be our family plus a house full of kids who lived with us). She would wait until everyone was served, and then take her piece - the back. I remember someone asking her wouldn’t she rather have a different piece, and she replied, “No, the back is my favorite piece.” Her work with the children at the home and school, being instrumental with the beginning of the Orange Avenue church, and the school and children’s home in Jamaica are other examples of her love and concern for others - especially regarding their eternal wellbeing.” -Bill Boyd, son
Monty, Adrian, Scott, Nelda, Mildred, Melba, Jim, Joan and Bill, July 3, 2009.
Mildred Talley Boyd died peacefully at her home in Eustis, FL on December 17, 2020. A private graveside service was held by her family at the Pine Forest Cemetery in Mount Dora, FL where she was interred next to her husband. Sister Boyd was a very special lady and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. She will always be remembered for her wonderful years of service to a place she loved, Christian Home and Bible School. Mildred Boyd was greatly loved and admired by not only her family, but by many more. She made an eternal impact on thousands throughout her life of service to others and to her Lord. Memorial donations to honor the life of Mildred Boyd may be made to the Boyd Scholarship Fund, Mount Dora Christian Academy, www.mdcacademy.org, 301 West 13th Avenue, Mount Dora, Florida 32757, and to the Jamaican Mission Fund of the Orange Avenue Church of Christ, www.orangeavenue.org, 1511 East Orange Avenue, Eustis, FL 32726.
Passages Jeannie Reed (September 1, 1949 - July 29, 2020) passed away after her battle with cancer. Jeannie was a bright light at MDCA for 21 years. During her time at MDCA, she taught English and coached the girl’s golf team. She is survived by her husband, David, and her children, Luana, Kimberly, and Jonathan. She has five grandchildren, Kaley, Ansley, Kinsley, Zane and Reese.
Ida Bass (March 18, 1946 December 13, 2020) moved to Mount Dora, Florida in 1970 and started a 40-year career as an elementary teacher at Mount Dora Christian Home and Bible School. Ida was active throughout her life in church activities, and especially loved teaching cradle roll classes, ladies bible classes, and working with the food pantry at Mount Dora Church of Christ. She is survived by Jerry Bass, her husband of 49 years, her daughter, Chrystal Bass-Hindman, and her son, William Scott Bass. She has three grandchildren, Clayton, Chloe and Colton Bass. Annette Miller (February 22, 1996 - December 2, 2020) passed unexpectedly on December 2nd, 2020. She was a 2014 graduate of MDCA. Annette played the trumpet and was a drum major in the band. Annette leaves behind two young children: a one-year-old daughter, Gentry, and a three-year-old son, River.
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MEMORIALS
Memorials
Memorials August 28, 2020 to January 31, 2021 Jerry Allen Mr. and Mrs. Frank Allen Edna Anderson Mrs. Frances McManus Linda Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Michal Mr. and Mrs. Larry Wyatt Marguerite Atchison Mr. Robert Atchison Mike Avery Mr. and Mrs. Charles Griffy Sam Ayers Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Tillery Velmarine Barnes Blackman Church of Christ Mr. and Mrs. Verne Ragle Helen Barton Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lipford Mr. and Mrs. Jack McDonald Wanda Barton Mrs. Ashley Berman Mr. Pat Kempe and Ms. Kathi Grist Cliff & Ruby Blane Mr. and Mrs. Wayne L. Anderson Mildred Boyd Ms. Rose G. Anderson Mr. Harvey Boyd Mr. and Mrs. Russ Corley Mr. and Mrs. Randy Cornwell Mr. William E. Dean, III Mrs. Barbara Hackney Mr. and Mrs. R. Wayne Lindsay Miss Martha Sue McCain Mr. and Mrs. Zeta Floyd McClane Mrs. Melba Meriwether Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Ramsey Mr. and Mrs. Leslie G. Reynolds Mrs. Judith Roney Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Teague Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Tillery Mr. and Mrs. John Williams, Jr. Monty Boyd Mr. and Mrs. Philip Lukas Mr. and Mrs. John McMeen Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Tillery Orvel H. Boyd Mrs. Melba Meriwether Mrs. Judith Roney Durward B. Bradshaw, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robin B. Leonard Katie Breakfield Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Breakfield Paul T. Breakfield, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Breakfield Robert “Bob” Brooks Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eads Dr. and Mrs. L. D. Burbank Mrs. Laurie B. James Doris Butts Mr. Ray F. Butts Romy Campbell Mr. William Holladay Carolyn Cardwell Mr. and Mrs. Earl E. Arnold Altheria Carter Mrs. Virginia C. Henley Mary Frances Clark Ms. Ginger Clark Mr. and Mrs. Bruce E. Daugherty Ms. Jane Dickerson Wyman Clark Ms. Ginger Clark Tom Collins and Sue Collins Mr. and Mrs. Darrell S. Cooper Ms. Sarah Davis Ms. Martha Hall Patricia Jo Karr Mr. and Mrs. Charles Killian Mrs. Myra Messer Mr. and Mrs. Billie J. Queen Mr. David Samples Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery D. Weathers
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Mr. Jack D. White Bill Collins Mrs. Betty Chattman Ms. Judy D. Julian Blaine Cook Mr. and Mrs. Jack McDonald Diane Cox Ms. Geneva Overturf Aileen Craig Ms. Ashleigh Craig Mr. and Mrs. Charles Craig Miss Chelsea Craig Mr. Joe H. Craig Mr. and Mrs. Michael Craig Mrs. Caitlin Smith James L. Cribbs Mr. and Mrs. James T. Cribbs Stephen Cribbs Mr. and Mrs. James T. Cribbs Ronald Ned Cullom Ms. Kimberly Cullom Grace Cumings Lynne Keller Nicole Curley Mr. Randy Young Ruby Cyrus Mr. and Mrs. Hershel J. Harrison John Davies Mrs. Linda Davies Bill Dempsey Mr. Wyman C. Clark Tom Collins and Sue Collins Fairview Church of Christ Ms. Martha Hall Patricia Jo Karr Mr. and Mrs. Billie J. Queen Mr. David Samples Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith Mr. Jack D. White Mark Ellmore, Sr. Ms. Sue Ellmore Beverly Fair HR Services Auto‑Owners Insurance William Ferguson Stuart Church of Christ Bonnie Fewell Ms. Elizabeth A. Fewell Toby Fewell Ms. Elizabeth A. Fewell Betty Jean White Floyd Mrs. Betty J. Burkhead Fred & Juanita Focks Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Nicholson Marilyn Gallo Mr. and Mrs. Jack Swisher Polly Garner Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Dragomire Joseph Gentile Mrs. Donna Gentile Joyce Gilbert Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Smith Cliett Goodpasture Mr. and Mrs. James L. Moon, Jr. Gary Grizzell Ms. Rebecca D. Little Mr. and Mrs. James L. Moon, Jr. Dwayne Hawkins Mr. Rick Becker Mr. Les Craft Mr. Randall Crisorio Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dimmitt FADA Charitable Foundation Mr. John Forehand Mrs. Maria Kastrenakes Mr. and Mrs. James R. Myers Mr. David Pilkington Rays Baseball Club, LLC Mrs. Carolyn Ritacca Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Schmidt Mr. John Schnepp Mr. Bert Smith Thomas Family Ventures, LLC
JoAnn Hawkins Mrs. Carolyn Ritacca Lamar Heath Ms. Valerie Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Russ Corley Dr. Elva Farrell Mrs. Mary Jane Reblin Patricia Hess-Edgar Mr. J. Stewart Edgar Bette Houck Mr. and Mrs. Danny Cunyus Dr. Lisa Hammond Ms. Nelda Harris Dr. and Mrs. Forrest Jerkins Mr. and Mrs. Greg E. Kelley Kelly’s Foods LCDR and Mrs. Paul Lipford Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Mayberry Miss Martha Sue McCain Mr. and Mrs. Jack McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Bill Sasser Spring Garden Avenue Church of Christ Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thornhill Mr. Russell J. Warder Jim Houck Mr. and Mrs. Danny Cunyus Mr. and Mrs. Bill Sasser John Hunter Mrs. Betty Hunter Mrs. Gwen Sweat Mrs. Charles Whitehead Cathy Hyde Mr. and Mrs. David R. Mulliniks Marcus Hyde Mr. and Mrs. David R. Mulliniks Edith Jackson Donna Bailey Thomas F. Jett Mr. and Mrs. James C. McDermott John Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Wayne L. Anderson Linda Forte Jones Wildwood Graduating Class of 1959 Madan Mohan Kamalapur Mrs. Frances McManus Karen Snead’s Parents Miss Karen Snead Gray Kemp Mr. and Mrs. Zeta Floyd McClane Eugene Kessinger Mr. and Mrs. Zeta Floyd McClane Alice King Mr. and Ms. William H. King Eva Kirkley Mrs. Julia McFarland Mrs. Charlene North Donald Knox Mrs. Jennifer Floyd A. L. and Naomi Lankford Mr. Lyle Lankford Ann Lovelace Ms. Rebecca D. Little Tom Martens Mr. and Mrs. Lance Collier Glenn E. McCallister, Sr. Mr. David Coffman Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Duncan Mr. and Mrs. Phillip W. Ellenburg Mr. and Mrs. Max Farley Mr. and Mrs. Peter Feniello Ms. Ruth B. Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Steve Phelps Mrs. Betty Ruttledge Mr. Edward Stahley Mr. and Mrs. Donald Villa Mr. and Mrs. Art Woods Panny McElroy Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eads Ann McLean Mrs. Patricia S. McRee
James R. Meriwether Ms. Jeanina Cobb Mrs. Melba Meriwether Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Meriwether Makta Madan Mohan Mrs. Frances McManus Robert Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. David B. Yunger Mrs. Vanna D. Cameron Mr. and Mrs. Tibor Deak Shirley Arnold Moore Mrs. Judith Roney Mr. Scott Woodbury Mae Moreland Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Breakfield Dennis Moritz Mrs. Frances McManus Elenora Murlock Mr. and Mrs. Homer Thompson Gloria Murphy C & K Systems, Inc. Mary M. Music Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. Jackson Charles “Bud” F. Myer, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steven J. Gardner Jim & Doris Noblitt Mr. and Mrs. John Burkett Margaret Greeson Norman Mr. and Mrs. Guerry Riley Howard Reed Oliver, Jr. Ms. Geneva Overturf Harold Orum Ms. Linda A. Orum Beth Owen Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blaise Mr. and Mrs. Paul Buchanan Mrs. Edith Davis Mr. Steven P. Hollander Mr. and Mrs. Jack B. Owen, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Russell Jean Pendergrass Mr. Billy Atchison FishHawk Fellowship Church Mrs. Sandra Kelcourse Mr. and Mrs. Brian Smith Houston Pewett, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Myatt Adrian Merle Pewett Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Myatt Herb Pruitt Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lipford Mr. and Mrs. Jack McDonald Alonzo & Bobby Rackley Stuart Church of Christ Virginia Rasmussen Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eads Elsie Fern Reed Ms. Alicia L. Solomon Jeannie Reed Mr. and Mrs. Pete Adams Mr. Lloyd B. Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Jenks Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Tillery William Reinhardt Mr. Emmitt S. Howell Donald Roberts Ms. Shirley M. Roberts Rubin Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Zeta Floyd McClane Harold Nelson Roney Mrs. Judith Roney Flavius L. Rose Mrs. Judith Roney Nellie Rose Mrs. Judith Roney Robert Earl Ruck Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eads Forrest Schoen Margaret Schoen Harold Schwable Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eads Dorothy Scobey Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eads
Mary Jane Scott Mr. and Mrs. Jack McDonald Lavon Settles Airport Road Church of Christ Mrs. Betsy Blackerby Mrs. Shirley Ransom Mamie A. “Dean” Sexton Central Church of Christ Jillene Rose Smith Mrs. Judith Roney Kimberly Spring Mrs. Frances McManus Bryan Stenstrom Mr. and Mrs. Joe Wild L. Glenn Stephens Mrs. Maudeann McKendree Walter Allen Stone Ms. Alicia L. Solomon
Linda Studer Mr. and Mrs. Lance Collier Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clark Dennis & Virginia Stults Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Stults Cletus Stutzman Mr. and Mrs. John Burkett Mr. and Mrs. Philip Lukas Mrs. Judith Roney Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Tillery Katie Summerlot Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clark Donna Sutton Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Faust Harold Sutton Mr. and Mrs. Glenn S. McGehee, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Price Mrs. Frances Sutton
Jon Swanner Mr. and Mrs. John Holmes Sandy Swearingen Mr. and Mrs. Ryan S. Frederick Mrs. Freeda S. Knight Mr. Michael Wilson Mr. And Mrs. Tom Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eads Nicki Thielen Mr. and Mrs. R. Daryl Mixon Marie Thorpe Mr. and Mrs. Lance Collier Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clark Lee & Eva Tillery Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Tillery Richard Towery Mrs. Jonnye Towery
Cassandra Charon Troupe Mr. William Holladay Gertrude Turner Ms. Vicki Wilson Ensley Webster Ms. Judy Thomas Carl Weinheimer Mr. and Mrs. Gerald W. Ledgerwood Peggy Weldon William A. Ferguson Clara Welsh Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eads Barbara A. Wright Mr. Gerald W. Wright Ann Youree Mr. and Mrs. Wendol R. Thorpe
Honors
Memorials August 28, 2020 to January 31, 2021 Shirley Wilder Beckham Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth A. Edmunds Don & Judy Betts Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Paregien Will Burdett Dr. Robert Knowles Johnnie Coley Mrs. Barbara Dulebohn Gloria Doty Ms. Holly Root Stephanie Gardner Mr. and Mrs. Linwood Wade, Jr. Kailey Marie Holden Mr. and Mrs. Charles Holden
Mr. and Mrs. Chase Holden Caroline Massie Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Davis Brian Mast Mr. and Mrs. Scott Deuschle The James W. Carr Family Martha Sue McCain Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Itson MDCA&CH Development Office Dr. and Mrs. Brian A. Mast Allen Means Mr. Patrick W. Hogan Melba Meriwether Mr. and Mrs. Russ Corley
Mr. and Mrs. David C. Meriwether Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Meriwether Dr. James E. Moore Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eads Mr. Patrick W. Hogan Mr. Gerald L. Smith Brian Musbach Mrs. Marilyn McMahon Roger & Mandy Myers Mr. and Mrs. Terrence Cannada Foxx Raulerson Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Frost Chuck Shepherd Mrs. Liz Wilhelm
Linda Gainey Smock Dr. and Mrs. Alan Campbell, Jr. Hillard & Alma Story Mr. and Mrs. Brice Holland Dr. and Mrs. Harold Sutton Mr. and Mrs. John K. Bornstein Robert Thornhill Mr. and Mrs. Philip Lukas Bob Weller MTH Tool Company
Alumni Spotlight
Class of 2010 Jessica (Doyle) Carbonelli and her husband welcomed their baby girl, Vanessa Noelle on December 20.
Class of 2013 Davis Brown received his MBA from Lipscomb University.
Class of 2011 Robert Hussey worked the past 7 years to become a referee for the NBA.
Class of 2015 Kiley Brock married Josh Frantz on December 11th.
Class of 2012 Lindsay (Dotson) and her husband, Matt Conod (c/o ‘15) welcomed twin girls this year, Harper and Hadleigh.
Class of 2019 Jesiah Pierre has decided to transfer to Texas Tech University to continue his football career.
Join Our Alumni Network
On Facebook: Search for “MDCA Alumni” or type www.facebook.com/groups/177037157018665/ into your browser. Then, click the blue “Join” button and answer the questions. On our website: www.mdcacademy.org/apps/pages/alumni Then, fill out the form to join our Alumni Network. 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 alum@MDCAcademy.org. Imagine · Spring 2021 | 18
ALUMNI
Memorials Continued
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301 W. 13th Ave., Mount Dora, FL 32757 Phone (352) 383-2155 Fax (352) 383-3112 mdcacademy.org mdchome.org
Save the Dates: MARCH 15-19 Spring Break APRIL 2 Good Friday MAY 28 31
Last Day of School Graduation Memorial Day - Offices Closed
AUGUST 9 First Day of School SEPTEMBER Early Dismissal 1 6 Labor Day - Offices Closed
OCTOBER 1 Grandparents Day - Early Dismissal 8, 11 Fall Break NOVEMBER 11 Veteran’s Day Program 22-26 Thanksgiving Break DECEMBER 14 Elementary Christmas Program 20-31 Christmas Break JANUARY No School - Teacher Workday 3 MLK Day - Offices Closed 17
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