GROUND BREAKING
CHA GOLF CLASSIC
CHAMPIONS!
Capital Campaign Moves Forward
Join Us This Spring At Deer Run
CHA Basketball Teams Win
CHAMagazine Official Magazine of Chapel Hill Academy
Spring 2016
from tragedy
Passion for Christ. Education for life. Published for Families and Friends of Chapel Hill Academy
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Friends, As we enter our 46th year of excellence in Christian education, I am proud of what this ministry has accomplished through the power of Christ, talented professionals, hearts of service, and families committed to raising their children to know and love the Lord. The many stories of growing faith and family through the Chapel Hill Academy experience are inspirational, and it is an honor to serve in this ministry as we head into a new era that remains steadfast in our mission: To glorify God and assist families by providing a Christ-centered education which inspires and enables students to pursue spiritual maturity and academic excellence. While we celebrate the rich history of CHA, looking to the future is exciting with the expansion of programming, facilities, and ultimately, this ministry. Our close community has been extremely supportive in our efforts, and hearts have been moved generously to help provide for our students. Over the past four years we have seen significant enhancements in programs such as Bible, fine arts, science and technology (STEM), English/language arts, and community service. Chapel services have provided a contemporary outlet for praise and worship along with exceptional teachings for our students to grow in spiritual maturity. Most importantly, following chapel services or meaningful faith discussions in the classroom, numerous students have made a personal decision to accept Christ as Lord and Savior .
In addition to these great blessings, our school community has overwhelmingly supported a facility improvement initiative that began with the fire recovery in 2013 and continues to build in momentum as we break ground on a major campus improvement project. The facility renovations and expansion will enhance our programs and serve students, teachers, and families well into the future. This past March, CHA achieved renewed dual accreditation through ACSI and AdvancEd. This accomplishment is another example of the CHA community working together for excellence in Christ to prepare and equip tomorrow’s Christian leaders. In this light, our climate feels more focused than ever on our mission of “inspiring and enabling spiritual maturity and academic excellence.” As educators, we eagerly embrace our partnership role in shaping the values, character, and leadership skills of our students in addition to their academic preparation. We have a very important task before us, and together, we will continue to honor and glorify the Lord through spiritual formation, academic growth, and community fellowship at Chapel Hill Academy. The momentum of this ministry is building in a direction that points to the Cross, fuels our mission, and propels us into the future. May the Lord continue to lead us! In His service,
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Kassie Grosz, Ed. S. The fifth Head of School of Chapel Hill Academy 952-949-9014 groszk@chapel-hill.org
CHAMagazine Spring 2016
Biggest, Baddest Rally 04
The CHA community comes together for a fun night celebrating the Capital Campaign.
Principal’s Corner 05
An inside view from Mr. Norman.
Page 6
Capital Campaign Update 06
Ground breaking ceremony scheduled for May 11, 2016.
Chapel Hill Academy Gala 08
Photos from the 2016 Chapel Hill Academy Gala.
From Tragedy to Praise 09
The story of CHA Alumna, Maggie Weiss, Class of 2008.
CHA Golf Classic 12
Support Chapel Hill Academy while playing golf!
Sixth Grade Camp Adventure 13
The sixth graders travel to Covenant Pines Bible Camp.
Page 9
CHA Earns Re-Accreditation 14
Accreditation team gives unanimous recommendation.
Music Program 16
A look back at Christmas season performances.
Band Program 17
CHA hosts annual instrumental music competition.
Soles4Souls 19
CHA students collect shoes to help people all over the world.
Athletics 20
Cougars’ winter sports season finishes with more championships.
Page 13
CHA Alumni News 22
See what is happening in the lives of CHA Alumni.
Admissions Corner 23
Watch and share our new Chapel Hill Academy admissions video.
ON THE COVER: First grade students All photos in this publication have been taken by CHA parents, staff, or alumni.
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Passion for Christ. Education for life. Spring | 3
biggest baddest rally
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hapel Hill Families packed the gymnasium on Friday, January 15th, to partake in the Biggest, Baddest, CHA Rally ever! Families came decked out in CHA spirit wear, blue and gold accessories, and loads of face paint. There was some pretty stiff competition, but the Antonovich family walked away with the coveted title of “Family with the Most School Spirit.” The evening was all about celebration! Kids enjoyed basketball contests in the gym, including a dunk contest won by Jack Widdifield, a Kendama demonstration by Sweets, and a school spirit station with face painting, poster making, and cheerleading. While kids were being entertained in the gymnasium, parents heard from the Capital Campaign Team about the 100% In challenge, an initiative to raise money for the building improvements to our school campus. Speakers A.J. Aumock, Dan Mauer, and Mike Eidem shared why they are 100% In and encouraged CHA families to be part of this important opportunity to continue the legacy of providing quality Christian education to our own children and generations to come. Families reunited in the gym for the Biggest, Baddest CHA Rally! The school mascot, Max, ushered families into the rally with spirit cheers, high fives, and some pretty impressive dance moves. The rally included a 1/2 court shooting contest, a darling cheer by the “Cougar Cubs”, a spontaneous dance mob, and the always popular Parent vs. Student basketball games. Some of the post event comments were, Best night in our ten years at CHA!, I’m already thinking about what I’m going to wear next year!, and Did I really see Mrs. Grosz doing the Whip and Nae Nae? Many have asked if we could make this an annual event to celebrate our CHA Community. You willl just have to wait and see what we come up with next year!
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principal’s corner
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ave you ever asked yourself “What kind of inheritance do I want to leave for my children?” God has recently brought situations into my life that have led me to ponder those kind of thoughts.
A Kindergarten student and his mom were in my office and the little guy picked up one of my old books and asked what it was. I told him that it was a Christian Workers New Testament that I inherited. The Bible’s copyright date is 1924 and it was passed down to me and signed by our “Grandpa Fritz.” I am not sure what relation we had with Fritz, but I know he was not really my grandpa. He did love Jesus, and he was a Christian worker; he was a difference-maker. Alongside his signature his old hand had scribbled “John 13:34” on the title page of this antique book. In the Authorized King James Version the verse reads, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” It doesn’t matter what version you use, the simple point of this verse is the same. We are commanded to love others the way Jesus loves us. We know this is an impossible task that we will never live up to, but as Christians, we want to help your children understand what a verse like that means. That is why Christian education is so important. We have the privilege of opening the Word of God and share His commands with your children. Every day we can share the love of Jesus with them. At Chapel Hill Academy we are so thankful we have that privilege. I hope you are just as thankful that the Scriptures are available to you for your children. Things in education are not neutral – they are either drawing us toward Jesus or toward the world. Which direction do you want your child moving? The financial inheritance I received from my parents was not much. I used it to buy a used car. But as you can see, what I received from “Grandpa” contributed to my spiritual formation. How important is it for you to pass that kind of inheritance on to your precious children? How important is it for your child to be in a school where he or she is seen as an image bearer of God? Does that change how their day goes? Does that change how they interact with their teachers? Absolutely! We will probably come up short every day, but our intent will always be to love them the way Jesus loves us. Can a student learn that God delights in them, just the way they are, from their school experience? Can they learn God has a plan for them, that only they can complete, so therefore they make a big difference in this world? How important is it to have that foundation in a world where our next Presidential election will have a huge impact on what it means to be a Christian in America? A world where the appointment of the next Supreme Court Justice could determine what Christian values our country will abide by. So what do you want your children to learn in school? Sure, they need math, science, and English so they can be contributing members of society but there is more, is there not? We want to see our children becoming the difference-makers for Christ in the next generation. Kids who have learned what they need to know to stand up for what is right. We want to pass on to your kids the same thing my “Grandpa Fritz” passed on to me. Let’s saturate them in the Word of God as they live and learn at Chapel Hill Academy. Will they be ready to follow, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another?” We hope so. That’s why Chapel Hill Academy exists and I pray that Christian education continues to be the most important inheritance you want to pass on to your children.
Mr. Ken Norman, Principal
Spring | 5
capital campaign update
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ust a over a year ago, CHA launched the “Building a Legacy of Faith” capital campaign to raise funds for addressing needed renovations in our aging facility and provide for various facility improvements to enhance programming and grow CHA’s ministry. We are excited to announce that $1,859,490 has been pledged to the capital campaign and on March 15, 2016, the CHA Board of Directors voted to begin the first phase of CHA’s campus improvement project!
Praise be to God for His great faithfulness!
It has been inspiring to see how our CHA community has rallied together in prayer and financial support of building the platform to train up Christian leaders at CHA. We are very excited to share that our CHA community and friends are strongly behind this campaign as we prepare our school to educate children for the years to come. Now, more than ever, holding on to our Christian values, honoring God’s Word, and teaching and training our children in the way of Christ is vital! Beginnings After much prayer, planning, and preparation, the campaign fundraising process began with the formation of a campaign leadership team comprised of CHA parent volunteers and CHA staff. The campaign leadership team met monthly to pray, plan, and execute a fundraising strategy under the counsel and direction of The Timothy Group, a Christian consulting firm, and the oversight of the CHA Board of Directors. Fundraising efforts began with a quiet/leadership phase. During that time campaign leadership met one-on-one with lead donors to communicate the vision for Building a Legacy of Faith, create momentum, and raise lead financial support for the campaign. Additionally, 100% of the CHA Board members and campaign leadership team committed to pledge and pray for the campaign. 100% In Building on the great momentum and generosity of the quiet phase, the eight-week public phase of the campaign launched in January as the CHA community rallied together at the “Biggest, Baddest CHA Rally.” This was an amazing evening full of fun, food, fellowship, and faith, uniting together as a body of believers committed to sustaining and growing the ministry of our Christ-centered school! At the rally, we were blessed to announce a generous $50,000 matching gift from a friend of the CHA ministry to help energize the launch of the 100% In public phase of the campaign. During the 100% In campaign, our CHA family faithfully and generously responded with 81% of our current school community (current CHA parents and staff) committing to financial and/or prayer support for the campaign. This is a very high percent of participation compared to most non-profit campaigns and speaks to the vesting and heart of the CHA community to move forward in faith with the capital campaign. CHA Gala The CHA Gala was vital to our school operations and propelled the capital campaign. Each year, the Gala includes a special Fund-A-Need focus, dedicated to raising funds for a special project for our school. This year’s Fund-A-Need was dedicated to raising money for a new, high-level security system as part of the capital project for our school. We are pleased to announce that the grand total raised at the CHA Gala was $163,321, enough to cover the security system portion of the capital campaign, as well as Gala expenses, and needed supplemental support for CHA’s operating budget. 6 | CHA Magazine
This year’s Gala really captured the powerful way that the CHA community rallies together in love and support for one another and for the Kingdom building efforts at our school. We had the privilege of hearing a powerful testimony from the Weiss family (see page 9). Tad and Wendy, and their children, Maggie (CHA class of 2008) and Peter (CHA class of 2011) shared what God has done through a horrific accident that Maggie endured while studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. Tad’s heartfelt testimony of God’s love, healing miracle, and the support of the Christian community, including the CHA Family, was truly inspirational! This momentum of ministering to the children and families of CHA continues on! Reflecting back over the past year and on the powerful testimony shared by the Weiss family at the Gala, we are reminded again of the powerful truth and dynamic call of the theme verse for the “Building a Legacy of Faith” campaign, We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, H i s p o w e r , a n d t h e w o n d e r s t h a t H e h a s d o n e . P sa l m 7 8 : 4 b More Than A Building Building a Legacy of Faith is about so much more than a building. While the CHA capital campaign deals with brick and mortar projects, the heart behind the campaign from the beginning has focused on the ministry that happens within the building versus the building itself. As Tad Weiss so beautifully articulated at the Gala, “It’s not about the facility itself; it’s about what is facilitated through the campaign.” The main focus of this campaign has been, and continues to be, stewardship for what the Lord has provided and ministry expansion to uphold and further CHA’s commitment to a Passion for Christ and an Education for Life. As we begin construction and look to the future, let us continue to move in faith that through friends and family of Chapel Hill Academy, God will provide the needed resources to finish remaining elements of the building project. Our prayer is that enrollment will increase, and CHA will be a shining light for Christ in the western suburbs. The main motivation for this campaign is to point the children to Christ in every aspect of their lives, to instill a passion, commitment, and dedication to our Lord. We are so thankful to God for His provision and want to thank you for your support as we continue “Building a Legacy of Faith” at Chapel Hill Academy!
Todd & Krista Anderson Capital Campaign Chairs
GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY W e d n e s d a y, M a y 1 1 , 8 : 3 0 A M Spring | 7
See more photo highlights online at facebook.com/chapelhillacademy
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from tragedy to praise
T Maggie Weiss, 8th Grade Class of 2008
his spring CHA was honored to have the Weiss family share their personal story at the 2016 Gala. It was 1999 when the Weiss family was first introduced to Chapel Hill Academy. Tad and Wendy Weiss started researching where to send their daughter, Maggie, to school. They came across a Christian school named Chapel Hill Academy. Soon after visiting, they enrolled Maggie and she started kindergarten that fall. Her younger brother, Peter, would follow in her footsteps three years later. In total, their family spent 12 great years at CHA. Maggie graduated from Chapel Hill Academy in 2008. She attended Minnetonka High School where she excelled and graduated with honors in 2012. She enrolled at St. Olaf College in Northfield to continue her academic career. Maggie declared a Spanish major and went on to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain in May of 2014. Story continues on page 10
Spring | 9
the lord is faithful On Maggie’s 10th day in Sevilla, June 5, 2014, she headed out for a morning run at 7:30 AM. As Maggie stepped off the curb to cross the street at a busy intersection, a bus ran a red light and hit her head-on. The bus was a double-decker bus, weighing 20 tons, and traveling 37 miles per hour when it hit Maggie. Maggie’s head broke the windshield, and her hip broke a headlight. She was propelled 25 meters through the air by the impact, bouncing off a guard rail, and landing in the street. The bus driver swerved and narrowly missed running Maggie over, coming to a stop 10 meters past where she lay. When the paramedics arrived, they rushed Maggie to the hospital, but they didn’t think she would make it. It had taken 7 1/2 hours for the authorities in Spain to identify Maggie after which they contact her parents in Minnesota. Upon hearing the news, Tad and Wendy dropped everything and got on the first of three flights to Spain. Their flight from Chicago to Madrid, with no internet or phone service, was the longest eight hours they have ever experienced. The only option they had was to put their trust in God. When they arrived at the hospital in Sevilla, the hardest part was seeing Maggie for the first time in the ICU hooked up to numerous machines and monitors. Tad and Wendy recalled, “She didn’t even look like our daughter through all the swelling and bruises.” Despite the tragic circumstances they were facing, Tad and Wendy were about to take a front row seat to witnessing the awesome power of God, the miraculous healing power of Jesus, the complete and total truth of scripture, the power of prayer, and love from the body of believers. As Maggie’s parents came to understand the severity of the accident, there was no doubt in their minds that God reached down from heaven and performed a miracle by saving Maggie. God showed Tad and Wendy firsthand His mighty power in taking a tragic event and using it for good. Romans 8:28 says, And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. As Maggie’s story spread, there were numerous accounts of how, through Maggie’s accident, someone grew in their faith, went back to church, reconciled a broken relationship, saw the truth of scripture, and came to faith in Jesus Christ. Tad and Wendy were blown away as they learned how the Lord works, and He used their situation to help others. Tad recalled, “God used Maggie’s accident to draw me back to Him, fully and completely. These events, all of which brought glory and honor to God, simply would not have occurred without Maggie’s accident. God taught us in His plan that He sometimes allows suffering; our job is to trust Him, praise Him, and to tell others about our awesome God!” 10 | CHA Magazine
Maggie arrived home in time for her 20th birthday. She started walking and healed at a miraculous pace. Maggie headed back to college just three months after the accident. Her orthopedic surgeon cleared her to run, noting it was the soonest he had ever cleared a patient with her injuries. Tad and Maggie were able to participate in the Red, White and Boom half-marathon last summer with the purpose of giving God glory for all He had done for their family. Throughout the time of Maggie’s accident and recovery, behind the scenes and all around the Weiss family, were a number of Chapel Hill Academy friends they have remained connected to long after Maggie’s time at CHA. These friends provided support in a number of ways such as steadfast prayer, navigating Spain, answering medical questions, sharing stories, and words of encouragement supported by scripture. Tad shared, “This support carried us when we didn’t have the strength ourselves. The Chapel Hill Academy ‘family of families’ was there for Maggie, and for us, at the time of our greatest need.” This past fall Maggie returned to Sevilla and completed a full semester studying abroad in Spain. She is currently back at St. Olaf and will graduate this May. Recently, Maggie was discussing her post-graduation plans with her parents. She recalled saying, “I just wish God would tell me what His will is for my life!” Maggie’s dad responded, “There is a Bible verse about that!” Maggie’s mom recited the verse, “In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul writes, ‘Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.’” Maggie began to laugh as she remembered memorizing that Bible verse at Chapel Hill Academy. She realized that God does not always put His will on a billboard for us to see, but He does tell us how to find it. We are instructed in God’s Word to not live for the world; live for God and follow His teachings, and He will reveal His will for our lives. The Lord is faithful!
“I have so many great memories of my days at Chapel Hill Academy. The teachers and staff were awesome. I was prepared both academically and spiritually for when I moved on to a public high school. The friends I made at Chapel Hill remain my friends today even though we have taken different paths after Chapel Hill. I know that we will remain friends throughout our lifetimes, as we share the common bond of going through elementary school and junior high together, and we share a love for Jesus.” —Maggie Weiss, CHA Alumna Spring | 11
cha golf classic Join us for the 14th Annual CHA Golf Classic! Monday, May 16, 2016 | Deer Run Golf Club, Victoria, MN 11:00am Registration and Lunch | 1:00pm Shotgun Start | 6:30pm Auction & Dinner $150 Individual â—? $600 Foursome
Entry includes: buffet lunch, patio dinner, beverage cart, green fees, swag bags and refreshments throughout the course.
register online at www.chapel-hill.org/golf Sponsorship opportunities available. For more information contact Anne Engler at englera@chapel -hill.org
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sixth grade camp adventure
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Written by CHA 6th Grade Students Ella McIntosh, Paige Lemkuil, Haven Aumock and Karissa Ramsay he sixth graders at Chapel Hill Academy traveled to McGregor, Minnesota, in February for an unforgettable adventure at Covenant Pines Bible Camp. We all had a blast! We learned a lot about our awesome God while having a ton of fun in the great-outdoors.
Some of the highlights of the trip included participating in a super exciting broomball tournament, playing blacklight dodgeball in a dark gymnasium, doing a crate-stacking challenge, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, playing kickball, football, and basketball. Another fun highlight of the trip was learning how to camp in the winter! Our camp counselor taught us how to most effectively build a campfire and how to build a quinzhee, which is a house made entirely out of snow! It was really interesting and fun to think about how people actually live in snow houses like the ones we built! The fun activities weren’t the only reasons camp was so delightful though. Many students said the food at Covenant Pines was the best food they have ever had while at camp! Everyone loved free-time each afternoon because we were able to choose from great activities like playing sports outside or in the gym, playing board games in the café, drinking extra-yummy hot chocolate from the café, and shopping in the camp store. People also shared impactful testimonies during our worship time in the evening. We had wonderful worship songs, videos, devotionals, and teaching from our counselors and leaders that touched our hearts and taught us more about our relationships with God. Another great memory we have is looking up into the night sky and seeing the stars; they are exceptionally bright at Covenant Pines! We enjoyed looking for the different constellations and planets because the stars felt so much closer to us up north at camp! We will always remember our special 6th grade camp experience because we made fun memories together and learned more about God in a beautiful place! Covenant Pines is the best camp ever, and we are grateful to our teachers for our time there as a class!
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cha earns re-accreditation
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hapel Hill Academy has been recommended for dual re-accreditation from both ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and AdvancED (formerly North Central Accrediting Association). The two organizations have joined together to evaluate the educational program, school culture, and practices of schools that are striving for excellence. To desire excellence is to take seriously our commitment to Christ, whose name is excellent, for His glory (Psalm 8:1). ACSI accreditation is developed around two major themes: 1. Reflection on the Christian philosophy of education and spiritual aspects of each component of the organization 2. Evaluation of the educational quality and integrity of the organization Following more than a year of preparation, CHA invited an outside team to review, compare, and inspect the school program at all levels. Preparation included a thorough review of each component of the ministry, evaluation of performance, documentation of strengths, identification of areas for improvement, and planning for continuous improvement. The final step in the process was the on-site visit by a five-member evaluation team. These specially chosen Christian School educators and administrators spent 3 ½ days pouring over documentation; reviewing artifacts; observing teachers; and interviewing Board Members, parents, students, teachers, and staff. Their findings were documented and shared with the CHA administrative staff. Written reports and recommendations will be presented to the National Accreditation Board which will meet in June.
I want to send a quick note saying "thank you" for the wonderful environment that is present at CHA. I was at chapel today and it was such a blessing to see the 7th graders pouring themselves out in ministry to the rest of the students and also to see the younger kids responding so freely. What a blessing and that blessing does not happen by accident - so, thank you for the daily investment you make with the Lord, in the kids and for the families!
The accreditation team was pleased to report their unanimous recommendation of dual re-accreditation for Chapel Hill Academy!
I thank God for all of you!
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I am so grateful for the privilege of having [my son] at CHA - he loves being at school, with his friends and he especially loves [his teacher] - she has been such an awesome teacher! -CHA Parent
Three general themes related to student success and organizational effectiveness were identified by the team and the following is an excerpt from their final report: First, the overall commitment by all stakeholders to ensure that Christ is central was evident in every effort at CHA. From the Board, to administrative leadership, to teachers, staff, parents, volunteers and students, CHA strives to keep Christian education and biblical teaching at the heart of what this ministry. Through intentional prayer over decisions, relationships, devotions, Bible classes, and testimonies by numerous individuals, CHA is committed to a PASSION FOR CHRIST, EDUCATION FOR LIFE.
“CHA is living out the school’s tagline...
Passion for Christ. Education for Life. ” —ACSI Accreditation Team Second, the ERT (External Review Team) was overwhelmed by the commitment levels of all stakeholders at Chapel Hill Academy. Many avenues are available for parents to volunteer and these sacrificial efforts enhance the school. Teachers and school administration resource these volunteers to create a more positive environment for all. In addition, Board Members, administration, staff, and teachers are committed to making CHA exceptional and serve above and beyond their job Accreditation is descriptions. This commitment was noted at all levels and all a process of stakeholders are committed to and passionate about CHA.
Third, the students of CHA are being prepared to be successful at the next level of education. Current educational efforts in the area of STEM, science curriculum adoption, and Bible curriculum are leading towards improved student outcomes. Engaging students in their learning, in addition to higherorder and critical thinking skills, were noted as strategies being desired at CHA. Though the process was rigorous, the time spent reflecting on educational practices and well-established standards of excellence was valuable and extremely encouraging for the CHA staff. Stakeholders affirmed their overwhelming satisfaction with the quality of Christian Education at Chapel Hill Academy and the accreditation team heartily agreed with the assessment. To God be the glory, He is doing great things at Chapel Hill Academy!
recognizing educational institutions for their standards, performance, integrity, and quality. Lowrie, 1984
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music program
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his past Christmas season, our K-4 students performed the Christmas musical, A Tree Lot Christmas. The musical illustrated what it means to be part of God’s family tree and the importance of sharing His love with others. We were blessed by our students sharing their gifts and talents, and most importantly, the love of Christ through their performance. Also, during the Christmas season, the choirs performed at our Christmas Chapel highlighting the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. The performance included, A Christmas Cannon, Little Drummer Boy, and our yearly standard, Carol of the Bells. The students performed beautifully. They mustered energy and intentionality towards the performance of each piece which is a difficult thing to do the day before Christmas break! In weekly rehearsals the choirs continue their studies in music literacy, highlighting sight-singing and the use of solfege in preparation for future performances. The worship teams have been outstanding throughout the year. The initiative, leadership, and character the students have demonstrated are a testament to the presence of the Holy Spirit at work in the preparation for our weekly chapels. The students have not only challenged each other to grow in leadership skills but also as musicians. They have admirably planned whole services, rehearsed as bands, and effectively ministered to the entire school. Though the students would admit it wasn’t always an easy process, the gifts accompanying each personality helped contribute to rich and meaningful chapels - chapels directing our student body and staff towards the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mr. Ari Zink,
Worship Arts, Choir, and Music Teacher
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band program
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riday, March 4, 2016, marked the annual instrumental music competition at Chapel Hill Academy. Mr. Randall Grist served as the adjudicator. Twenty six soloists received ratings of Superior (1) or Excellent (2). It was an excellent day for all the students who participated. Mr. Runyan stated that the band performance was the best he has heard so far this school year and that all the students deserve to be complimented. Instrumental Solo and Ensemble Competition The Superior ratings were won by: CJ Velgersdyk, Sophia Sorci-Heles, Alexandra Wagner, Lauren Phillips, Joseph Larson, Vivienne Larson, Genevieve Larson, Daniel Bozanich, Estelle Haugen, Truman Haugen, Isaac Haugen, Bethany Velasco, Katie Nykanen, and Luke Schwen. Luke Schwen was also designated as “Best of Site". The small ensemble of Rachael Jaegar and Oliva Schultz received a superior. The CHA Band's three selections all received a Superior. The Excellent ratings were received by: Noah Schultz, Olivia Schultz, Anna Jaeger, Rachel Jaeger, Kaitlin Bryhn, Austin Kimble, Lucas Barke, Amelia Anderson, Michael Phillips, Bennet Beckering and Caleb Beckering. Congratulations to all the participants of the 2016 solo and ensemble contest! Mr. Runyan
2016 CHA Band Festival 7 P M , Tu e s d a y, M a y 1 0 Spring | 17
T h i r d
A n n u a l
CHAPEL HILL ACADEMY
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 5K RUN | 1M FUN RUN | CARNIVAL
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soles4souls
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everal CHA classrooms collected shoes for the ministry, "Soles4Souls,� that provides shoes for people all over the world. We were excited to surpass our goal and send 200+ pairs! Thank you, students! What a blessing it is to bless others! About Soles4Souls: Since 2006 Soles4Souls has collected and distributed 26 million pairs of shoes to those in need in 127 countries around the world and all 50 states in the U.S. Every day children are prevented from attending school, adults are unable to work. Walking becomes unbearable. A new pair of shoes provides relief today so thousands can succeed tomorrow.
athletics Basketball at Chapel Hill Academy has recently wrapped up after a fantastic season! We had eight basketball teams this year for boys and girls in grades 4-8. Our teams competed in the South Side Youth Organization, which is made up of about 20 private schools in the metro area. A couple of highlights from the season include our 4th grade girls and our 6th grade boys taking first place in the SSYO
tournament. The girls defeated Annunciation by two points in a battle to the final seconds of the game. The 6th grade boys knocked off the #1 seeded Minnehaha team by one point in the semifinals. They took their momentum into the championship game and defeated Annunciation taking home the 1st place trophy. The 8th grade boys played their final games as CHA Cougars at our home court. They made it to the championship game and took 2nd place in a hard fought game. Almost every CHA team made it into the 2nd round of tournament play this year. We kicked off our annual Spirit Week with our basketball games
between parents/teachers and our 7th/8th grade teams. This is a game the players look forward to every year. It is not clear who enjoys it more, the parents or the kids! “Pack the Gym Nights� were also a huge success during Spirit Week. We had so many fans come and support the Cougars, we truly packed the gym! We had home games that week for our teams in grades 5-8. Each night we had games, prizes and announcers. It was great to see the support of all the CHA families as they showed their school spirit and cheered for our teams.
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Basketball Chapel Hill Academy has a high expectation for our players, coaches and parents to represent our school in a way that is honoring to God. Basketball has been a great teaching tool for our athletes. The athletes learn many life lessons as they play throughout the year. Each coach was asked to honor one player from their team to receive the “Cougar Award,” a player showing great character, respect, and effort throughout the season. The following players received the “Cougar Award” this year: Noah Schultz, Lauren Jones,
Caden Winters, Isaac Harrison, Jon Brain, Becca Moore, Austin Kimble, Marcus Banegas, Gabby Antonovich, and Parker Johnson. Hoopsters We had our third year of basketball for our 2nd and 3rd graders called “Hoopsters.” Hoopsters is an in-house basketball skills program for boys and girls in 2nd and 3rd grade. We had five weeks of skill development and we ended with a small tournament with another SSYO school. All the teams did a great job working hard and encouraging one another. It was a great opportunity for all the kids who participated in the Hoopsters program this year. Track The CHA track team is in their 6th year of competition. We have another great group of kids in grades 4-8 training hard and learning about everything that track and field has to offer. Thanks to the leadership of coaches Robert Jones and Jay Scott.
Mrs. Jessica Santjer, Athletic Director
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cha alumni news CHA Alum Selected for Army All-American Bowl Congratulations to Carter Coughlin, CHA alum 8th Grade Class of 2012, and his family on the selection to be captain and play in the Army All-American bowl as one of the five best linebackers in the entire nation!
CHA Alum Named Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year Zach Wigle, CHA alum 8th Grade Class of 1995, and principal of Keokuk High School in Iowa, has been named the 2016 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year by School Administrators of Iowa.
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B L U E PA R T N E R S TADS | Sweet Endings Gourmet Sweet Treats | Belong | Countr y Inn & Suites For more information on becoming a Corporate Partner, please contact Anne Engler at englera@chapel-hill.org 22 | CHA Magazine
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