The Grove Hickory Grove Christian School Magazine by SoLucy

THE GROVE NEWS MAGAZINE

HICKORY GROVE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CHARLOTTE, NC | SPRING 2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 - 03 OPENING 04 - 05 GUIDANCE 06 - 07 MENTAL HEALTH 08 - 11

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

12 - 15

MIDDLE SCHOOL

16 - 17

HIGH SCHOOL

18 - 19

ARTS

20 - 21 ATHLETICS 22 - 23 ALUMNI 24 - 25 BIBLICAL INTERGRATION 26 - 27 INTERNATIONAL 28 - 29 EARLY EDUCATION CENTER 30 - 31 AFTER SCHOOL 32 - 33 SENIORS

HEAD OF SCHOOL Dr. Jimmie Quesinberry

The Grove magazine is published by the HG Yearbook Staff CONTRIBUTORS Photographer Mrs. Jeanette Riesenberg

EDITORIAL STAFF Sponsor Mrs. Tammy Nelson

HS PRINCIPAL Mr. Adam Hamilton

Editor-in-Chief Brooke Bamberg

MS PRINCIPAL Mrs. Kim Staples

Design Editor Sophia Park

MS PRINCIPAL Mrs. Lori Cheuvront

HGCS ADVISORY BOARD Carey Moreno Kevin Church Tiffany Morrison Richard Jennings Khanpasha Feaster

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BEAUTY FROM ASHES PERSEVERANCE Recently, I shared with seniors about their experience of walking through a global pandemic. Unfortunately (or fortunately...depending on your perspective), Hickory Grove Christan School trudged through an entire year while staring fully in the eyes of a difficult, yet not impossible, journey. Together we have matured, grown, developed, and been transformed into stronger, more resilient people -people who are able to see the beauty in the ashes and a school that has been refined like steel as the dross of our fragility was ford into something stronger, something more resilient. I began prayers in August, hoping that we would remain face-to-face until at least Labor Day, believing that if the Lord allowed us to bring students in for that period, we would provide enough online preparations until the pandemic eased. Today, we have arrived at the end of the school year, having never experienced a complete shutdown of our school. God is so good! Life presents challenges and will continue to do so, but often God gives us glimpses of Heaven to sustain us in trying times and prepare us for unknown times. Seeing each other laugh and smile gave us greater joy this year than we received in the past as we all too often overlooked the small gestures of kindness and the simple pleasures in life. Some of the most important lessons learned center on being more mindful and aware of those subtle rose petals silently dropped before us that we often described as coal. HGCS is not your typical, run-of-the-mill Christian school. As we learned to habitually walk through these challenges, we developed a unique hardness that will serve us for the rest of our lives. We recognize the abundant blessings that God has mercifully given us. We will tell the world of His goodness. We will be the godly arrow that attacks society's ills, the Lord’s champion who points others to the Savior even in the time of ashes -- especially in the time of ashes -- who better than HGCS, to be not only beacons of light to the world, but ones who have lived through such times and have persevered. I am excited about what is happening here at Hickory Grove. We are resolute in our desire to be compassionate, yet convictional citizens of God’s Kingdom learning how to make Him known wherever we land.

Dr. Jimmie Quesinberry Hickory Grove Christian School Head of School

"...who better than HGCS, to be not only beacons of light to the world, but ones who have lived through such times and have persevered."

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PERSEVERING IN A PANDEMIC In June of 2020 HG formed the COVID Task Force, which consisted of a couple of church staff members and about 15 staff from all areas of the school -areas from athletics to cafeteria to cleaning staff to principals. Dr. Similton led the task force, and all principals participated along with Nurse Shelton and Dr. Quesinberry. We started the year with 115 remote students. We started the year taking student temperatures at morning carline and mid-day. The mid-day temp check was a precautionary measure to be sure students were not developing a fever after arriving at school. Several companies developed Health Apps in July/August of 2020 in response to the need for schools to screen students and campus visitors. Our Health App made the process easier since we did not have to use paper forms, but because it was brand new there were also technical difficulties on occasion. I would say that 95% of our parents were great with submitting the Health App each school day. But unfortunately, several of our staff had to take on the extra responsibility of reminding parents and screening elementary children who were not screened before they came to school. We persevered through, but I am so thankful for a great team of colleagues who helped keep us safe! About half of the remote students returned to campus after Christmas Break. By the beginning of 4th quarter, all but 42 had returned to in-person learning.

"What I’m looking forward to most is bringing back daily hugs! This was especially hard for elementary teachers!"

In April, the N.C. Department of Health & Human Safety allowed schools the flexibility of not checking temperatures daily. Since our data over the school year showed that students were not developing fevers during the school day, we stopped taking mid-day temps. Also, because our parents were doing such a great job of keeping their students home when they were sick we stopped taking temperatures at carline.

Dr. Mildred Similton

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PREVENTION

All students and staff wore face coverings. A daily health screening was required of all students and staff using the Health App. Classrooms were restructured to allow for social distancing. Drinking fountains were only used to fill water bottles, not to drink from.

VICTORIES

The cleaning staff used an electromagnetic sprayer to keep the building sanitized throughout the day. It was one person’s job to spray all areas that were touched frequently by students and staff such as door knobs and stair rails.

We never had to go fully remote because of an outbreak of COVID! The Lord is always good, and our school year is great evidence of that. Only two classrooms in elementary had to quarantine for 14 days due to two or more students testing positive. This was great compared to some other private schools in the Charlotte area who experienced more frequent instances of quarantining classrooms. Although a few of our students tested positive for COVID, none of them experienced serious illness or hospitalization. Many of our staff developed skills that we never realized we had! This is another example of God’s goodness. He always equips us with what we need! We have so many teacher HEROES for teaching in a mask throughout the school day! Overall, our student body was GREAT with wearing their masks, keeping reasonable distance, and keeping their hands clean!

Everyone pitched in! Parents donated masks, sent words of encouragement and followed our restrictive visitor policy until we were able to allow them back in our building in April. We were able to have our athletic seasons, end-of-the-year celebrations, and an in-person graduation ceremony.

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GUIDANCE

COUNSELING TOPICS FOR PARENT NIGHT Mental Health Related -- ES through HS Recognizing & Addressing Anxiety & Depression Smartphone Addiction -- Navigating Social Media Spring Guidance Night & College Fair Transitioning from ES to MS Transitioning from MS to HS Financial Aid Overview Navigating the College Planning Process Athletic Recruiting Dual Enrollment vs. Advanced Placement The Gospel & College

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ROLES OF GUIDANCE

SMARTLUNCH

Every Wednesday was designated as Guidance Smartlunch. Small groups of students met with teachers to discuss and access college and life goals. Guidance also utilized this time to welcome a variety of college representatives to share information with students. Seniors - We focused our attention on the college application process, as well as financial aid/scholarship process throughout the year. Students completed a YouScience assessment to identify strengths and interests related to possible careers.

We seek to walk alongside students from freshman through senior year as students begin to hone in on academic strengths and weaknesses, as well as interests and passions. We work with students to create a four-year plan that meets their needs related to academic and college/career goals. Additionally, we support our students’ spiritual and emotional health as they face obstacles and challenges. We do all of this while pointing out the importance of calling as it relates to how God will use their talents, abilities, and future career for His glory and for the advancement of the gospel.

Juniors - We spent time with standardized test preparation, resumes, and acclimating to Scoir, the college search process. Freshmen & Sophomores - We focused on Goal Setting, growth mindset, learning styles, Crash Courses (related to Studying for Exams, Focus & Concentration, Procrastination, Time Management), dealing with anxiety, introduction and continuation of Raise Me.

Mrs. Tracey Bennett

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TAKING "YOU" Teachers and students deal with varying forms of mental heath.

MENTAL ILLNESSES

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY "Mental health is a very sensitive topic, and people don't realize how easy depressive cycles are triggered for symptoms of panic attacks, and PTSD, so I think we all need to kind of be aware that a lot of people are dealing with their own problems and it might not seem like it, but always check up on your friends even if you think they're okay."

PUSHING FORWARD

Teachers and students give answers on what helps them keep pushing.

"Breathing exercises, surrounding myself with good people who will be patient with me and keep me accountable."

"When I feel a panic attack or anxiety attack I like to listen to music and sing because it calms me down or walk, like just get up and start walking."

"Try to tell myself that things will get better and that everything works out for the will of God. I also try to tell myself that people would care if something happened to me."

"I try to learn about different mental health issues, so I know the difference between what helps and what hurts. Sometimes it's important to stop what you're doing and just love on them and get them the help they need."

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Based on students' and teachers' answers to our mental health questionnaire, social media has a negative effect on many by portraying people who seem to live the perfect life. People on social media can post about their life, with the option of selecting the best of themselves to make public. In reality, people are all struggling. This misrepresentation can lead to feelings of physical and emotional inadequacy. Teens often compare themselves to these "perfect" people on social media and think less of themselves, thus decreasing their self-esteem and harming their mental health. This false comparison causes people to neglect face-to-face relationships, distracts them from work or school, and leaves them feeling envious, angry, or depressed. thus multiplying their self-negative feelings even more. Though social media may at first seem an answer to the pandemic isolation and boredom, in actuality, this ubiquitous tool only multiplies people's negative emotions.

SOCIAL MEDIA

MOST COMMON

"I seek professional and medical help, but I also make sure that I take care of myself at home. Painting my nails, looming, and taking walks in my neighborhood always help. They clear the mind and leave you refreshed. Also, drinking a ton of water, eating healthy, and getting adequate sleep is crucial."

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ONLY 7%

are willing to speak about it.

Mental illness is a well-hidden disease. But there are signs: Persistent sadness — two or more weeks Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself Talking about death or suicide Outbursts or extreme irritability Out-of-control behavior that can be harmful Drastic changes in mood, behavior or personality Changes in eating habits Loss of weight Difficulty sleeping Frequent headaches or stomachaches Difficulty concentrating Changes in academic performance Avoiding or missing school

WARNING SIGNS MAYO CLINIC

93%

HAVE or KNOW someone who struggles with mental illness and

"Mental health is not something to be ashamed about or something that is wrong with you. It is a part of someone's life that one has to work through just like everyone else. Talking to others helps, not hurts."

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"ONCE A BUSYBEE, ALWAYS A BUSYBEE." As the elementary principal during a pandemic, I have relied on God for every decision. This is God’s school, and our responsibility has been to maintain our excellence in learning as we stayed healthy and safe. As a school, we start our days with morning announcements and devotions with our Biblical truths, verses, and Christian virtues. These are immersed through our days as we learn reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. We have learned how to use technology to help us communicate our studies. During our reading challenge, we read 165,379 minutes during the month of March. We found lots of opportunities to read outside in God’s creation! We all learned and understood the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments during our Bible challenge. Our immersion students accomplished this in Spanish. We have experienced so many of our fun activities and celebrations as we creatively accommodated our masks and distances. We have been extremely blessed with incredible teachers, assistants, families, and students who have banded together to do their very best to the glory of God! We all prayed, worked, and shared together as our days were filled with joyful learning!

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LORI CHEUVRONT

Not even COVID masks could dampen the excitement of teachers and students this spring term. The elementary school continued their ROARing Good Behavior program and their newly implemented Reading Challenge. Students were encouraged to push themselves both academically and spiritually. To help better serve their students and maintain their own spiritual walk with the Lord, teachers participated in a Bible study which focused around Max Anders' 30 Days to Understanding the Bible.

Each month elementary teachers select students who exemplify ROARing great behavior - qualities of Respect, Obedience, Appreciation, and Responsibility. This year we also recognized additional characteristics of hard work in math, reading, spelling, and creativity. Every month there was a special award in addition to what we have had traditionally. All of these characteristics are emphasized to remind students that we should do all things to the best of our abilities for the glory of God. -Kelly Rogante

Elementary school teachers have been working their way through 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders which provides the means to establish a Biblical survey framework through the use of repetition and tight summarization. This study has been a grace in getting to grow together in Biblical literacy and deepen our contextual understanding of God’s Word. It has been beneficial both personally and professionally -- personally, as we continue to grow as followers of Jesus; professionally, as we grow in the excellence of our craft, teaching our students to treasure, value, and competently study the Bible. -- Emily Wilhelm

This year we implemented an exciting and engaging reading challenge inspired by Donalyn Miller’s book, The Book Whisperer. Fifth graders were encouraged to read books of their choice. They quickly adapted to our quiet, independent reading time for the first 15 minutes of class. Our daily book talks, along with our First Chapter Friday sessions generated even more excitement for students as they listened to their peers share their love for their books. Many students are already building a list of books they want to read over the summer. This program has been a blessing, and the growth we are seeing in student reading levels, fluency, and comprehension has been extraordinary! -- Rebecca Mullinax

"I am honored, humbled, and blessed to win the Teacher of the Semester award. I am thankful the Lord nudged me to pursue teaching as my second career. To work with such an incredible staff and administrators to teach our amazing 5th graders is truly the greatest reward." -- Rebecca

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SPANISH IMMERSION El Programa de Inmersión

There are many benefits to a bilingual education. Bilingual students are better able to focus and pay attention than their monolingual counterparts, better at switching from task to task with slight pauses. These dual learners exhibit empathy and adapt easily to diversity -- making them better at interpersonal relationships. They also become better readers and overall better school performers than one-language students. And early studies also show that this additional language acquirement fights cognitive decline and dementia. In addition to the cognitive benefits, students who are bilingual will have greater jobs and travel opportunities available, opening not only career but relationship and missionary doors. We are excited to see what God is doing and will continue doing with these Immersion classes -- inside and outside these school walls. The world is ripe for the harvest. Let us continue training up the workers. -- Kelly Rogante

BILINGUE Bilingual

LOVING LEARNING LANGUAGE

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MOVING ON ES CEREMONY

BIG SMILES AND HAPPY HEARTS Parents and teachers cheered on the thirty-three 5th graders in their Moving On ceremony on Tuesday, May 18.

KINDERGARTEN CELEBRATION

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"Serve & Work together to Honor the Lord." Last year in the midst of the COVID challenge, our teachers and administrative team rallied to navigate the world of virtual instruction. Thankfully the Lord had walked before us and provided the resources and opportunities to increase our knowledge of digital platforms. Within 48 hours, we shifted to online learning for the remainder of the school year. We spent the summer drafting COVID-19 policies and procedures that would allow us to reopen school in the fall. Teachers prepared to serve their students both in person and online simultaneously. In middle school, we had lunch in the classroom, remained socially distanced and masked, expanded the length of our classes, explored some new topics with the additional time gained and accepted the challenge of reading more books in a school year than we ever had before. We grew in our knowledge of His word and examined the virtues of perseverance, courage, love, prudence, justice, humility, diligence, and charity through our virtual chapels. We gained independence. We persevered. I could not be more pleased with the combined efforts of our teachers and students to adapt and serve and work together to honor the Lord in all things.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

KIM STAPLES

There was a new commander and chief at the helm in middle school. However she is a familiar face and a much loved teacher at Hickory Grove, Mrs. Kim Staples. Mrs. Staples has taught at all three school levels and even supervised the early education program at HG. This year as MS Principal, she helped implement several new programs, including the the Reading Challenge and the Christian Virtue Awards as well as networking with the 5th grade team to pave the way for a smooth transition to middle school.

Though all classes are taught from a Biblical Worldview, the MS Bible department is the hub. The Bible curriculum from Summit Ministries helps students to answer the “big questions” about God, the universe, human beings, truth, and morality. Teachers help prepare students to engage with the world around them by understanding the key tenets of Christianity and how it relates to Islam, naturalism, and new spirituality. One of our goals is to equip and strengthen our staff as they prepare students academically and inspire them to grow closer to Jesus Christ. Our desire is to see students grow in their understanding of who Christ is and what He has done for them.

One of the strengths of the middle school lies in a positive learning environment as seen with small class sizes, low teacher to student ratio, and zero tolerance for missing work; learner-centered activities through interactive notebooks and student choice in reading and writing topics. The middle school ELA team set up a dedicated, independent reading time to help foster independent learning, which has led to a natural improvement in their writing skills as well. Last year, the language arts departments (upper elementary and all of middle school) purchased Shurley Grammar and continues this year with emphasis in sixth grade with the addition of Sadlier Oxford for seventh and eighth grades.

Middle School students have a heart for missions and a compassion for helping others. Although the pandemic limited us to serving within the school, we found a way. Students participated in several canned food drives to support our HG Food Pantry community ministry, collected Toys for Tots, and packed and prepared boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Middle School also held grade-level sponsored bake sales to raise funds to cover shipping fees on these boxes. Grade levels enjoy competing with one another, but we all know the true winners are those we serve.

I have the privilege of teaching and working with a group of wonderful professionals who give so much to the planning, implementation, and execution of lessons on a daily basis. I was truly humbled to know that they recognized my efforts. HGCS has provided me with such great love and support, and I am blessed to be a part of such a hardworking staff. -- Erin Askins

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"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Proverbs 19:20-21

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HIGH SCHOOL BOUND

MS Moving On Ceremony Surrounded by family and

teachers, thirty-three eighth graders participated in their Moving On ceremony on Tuesday, May 18. Hickory Grove Baptist pastor Jacob Prince was the guest speaker.

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"TO KNOW GOD AND MAKE HIM KNOWN." The administration and faculty of the high school at HGCS strive to connect with the student body spiritually, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. HGCS is a Christian school where the spiritual culture is created through venues of daily Bible classes, monthly chapels, and the integration of biblical worldview principles within our academic curriculum. The college preparatory high school curriculum is designed to challenge the student to his/her maximum potential by focusing on instructional strategies that will engage students and encourage the development of critical thinking skills. HGCS offers an array of advanced placement courses, a full honors track, as well as a variety of electives. HGCS students are encouraged to participate in our fine arts and athletic programs. We currently offer an assortment of art classes and performing arts classes. Athletically, we have established programs with over 450 participants. The fine arts and athletic programs offer opportunities for students to continue to build harmonious relationships with their peers. Our staff desires that each child who graduates from our secondary education program possesses not only solid academic skills but also the emotional, moral, and spiritual maturity to flourish in our community and to glorify God.

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HIGH SCHOOL

ADAM HAMILTON

The high school at Hickory Grove Christian School is a unique combination of high academics and true Christian beliefs and education. We maintain a delicate balance of the two with the goal of graduating highly educated believers who not only can defend their faith but live it out in the service of others, making God known to all.

AP Capstone

In 2017, Hickory Grove began participating in the College Board’s AP Capstone Program. Only 2000 schools participate internationally in the program. HG is one of only five Christian schools in the state of North Carolina with AP Capstone. The program is broken into two sections: AP Seminar which is taken during a student’s junior year. Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and work alone and in a group to communicate their ideas. AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, is taken during the student’s senior year and allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. -- Billy Hutchinson

Aquaponics

Aquaponics’ hands-on approach to agriculture, science, and mathematics makes this class one of the students’ favorites. Unlike the traditional methods of farming, aquaponics does not involve the use of soil. It is the combination of aquaculture (farming fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water). This method of vertical growing and storage racks of horizontal beds gives farmers the ability to grow food in small areas. The lab has become a missionary tool for the school and students who serve the local community with fresh vegetables and fish. -- Staff

Dual Enrollment

In January of 2016, Hickory Grove and the College of Southeastern began a concurrent dual enrollment agreement. Our school continues this partnership which allows students to receive college credit while still in high school. This coming fall, HG will also be working with Grand Canyon University in a similar capacity. These collaborations will expose students to college-level classes and gain college credit hours. These high school classes are taught by highly qualified teachers who received their training at the Master's level. -Staff

"I am honored, humbled, and blessed to win the Teacher of the

Semester award. Working with amazing students and fellow teachers everyday is the greatest career I could have ever imagined. Teaching students content I am passionate about, but more importantly, showing the love and gospel of Jesus Christ everyday, is the greatest reward possible. " -- Becca

Turner

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THE ARTS

And the Band Played On Life was very different in our performing art classes this school year. Though students could not perform in front of a live audience, teachers and students got creative. One bright moment was the ACSI competitions for singing and drama which entailed the recorded performances of both groups.

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CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONS: Julien Johnson, Jake Ottinger, Sean Dickey, Daniel Coker. Jake Ottinger: 400m - State Champion and new school record Jake Ottinger, Daniel Coker, Julien Johnson, Sean Dickey: 4x100 relay 2nd in State, new school record Sean Dickey: 100m - 3rd in State

A WINNING

SEASON

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME: The Hickory Grove Christian Baseball team won the 2021 Metrolina Athletic Conference along with winning the NCISAA 3A State Championship. The team finished off the season with a 28-2 record, winning 25 games in a row to close out the season. In addition, the team received recognition from Prep Baseball Report as the top ranked team in N.C. regardless of classification and achieved a top 50 national ranking from MaxPreps.

FRONT ROW: Luke Little, Jordan Rowell, Austin Turner, Brady Johnson, Ryan Wilson SECOND ROW: Assistant Coach Jimmy Quesinberry, Trey Hagar, Riane Franklin, Travis Snell, Ryan Quesinberry, Kameron Miller, Laz Santos, Jordan Little, Jordan Santos, Conner Barozzino, Drew Lanzo, Sam Snell, and Coach Heath Blackmon

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FANS IN THE STANDS Hickory Grove had a lot to shout about with 29 different sports in which to participate and attend. Though COVID made attendance near impossible for fall and some of the winter season, spring heralded in a different tune with parents and students filling the stands.

There aren’t many sports that Sean Dickey hasn’t played and … excelled at. Between track, basketball, and football, Sean manages to remain at the top of the academic ladder as well. Though he loves all the sports he plays, he loves basketball the most. He loves that “it is skill based, because it pushed me to sharpen my skills and learn new skills that made me a better player. I also like that I can help my teammates improve.” Sean has played basketball for over 11 years, starting in kindergarten. His college dreams are more on the academic side, but he hopes never to let go of the love of sports. He plans on playing at the intramural level. Sean gushes when it comes to talking about his HG coaches: “Coach Baucom is a phenomenal coach who loves God and his team. He has helped me become a great football player and an even better man. Coach Stover has helped me grow my faith. He reads Bible verses everyday to encourage runners to grow in their faith. He pushes me to be great but not so hard that track isn’t fun anymore. Coach Turner is another God-loving man who has strengthened my faith and helped me become a better man. He pushed me to be a great basketball player, and he always believed in me even when I was having bad games.” Sean credits HG as helping him improve all of his sports but more importantly helping him create strong bonds with his teammates. He stated, “I’ve also grown closer with God while playing sports at HG.”

SEAN DICKEY, 11

MILLA SYSKA, 11

Thirteen years on a soccer field may seem like an eternity for some, but for Milla Siska, one of HG star soccer players, it is a dream come true. Milla has been playing soccer since she was four years old. She not only plays for the Lady Lions, she is a member at CSA on the ECNL National Team. Her future holds soccer dreams as well. She plans to play D1 soccer in college and has hopes even beyond university. She gives HG some credit for her success on the field as well: [Hickory Grove] has helped me with my leadership skills and how to be a good example for other players on the field … as well helping me with my patience and how to be more encouraging, these things all transfer over to my club games too!” Milla has nothing but respect for her Coach Fernando Rogante who is one of her “fav coaches of all time. He always tries to beat us in scrimmages during practice, but never does!”

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ALUMNI

"This Place Is Home." ASHLEE BOOKSH Hickory Grove Christian School has been like a second home to me since I was in the 6th grade. I started school here in 2002, graduated from high school here, and started teaching here a few months after graduating from college. Attending middle school and high school here was so good for me. My teachers prepared me well for what I would face in college. They taught me how to think critically and how to see things from a biblical perspective. I am so very thankful for that! I was able to grow a lot spiritually throughout college because of the foundation my parents and Hickory Grove had provided. After college I taught in public schools for a year but really wanted to be back at HG. When Mrs. Wanda Royal offered me a position to teach high school Spanish, I did not hesitate! I knew I wanted to be here and hoped to help develop a biblical worldview and a love for Christ in my students just like my teachers here had helped me do.

PHIL YOUNG Hickory Grove has always felt like home to me. Growing up I was here almost every day of the week either for school, church, or Saturday rec leagues. Many of my teachers at Hickory Grove have had a huge impact on shaping me into the man I am today and guiding me in my spiritual growth. It was not until college that I truly realized the impact of my Christian education. Going to a major secular university and studying in the field of philosophy required me to critically engage with other worldviews and reasonably defend my views. After college, I began to feel God calling me to education, and there was no better place I could think of than Hickory Grove. I believe in the mission of this school and hope that I can serve my students in the way that my former teachers (and now colleagues) served me.

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FAMILY AUSTIN TURNER The reason I came back to teach at HG is simple … this place is home. I have spent my whole life here. I was raised here, and I want to raise my kids here. There are so many people that shaped my childhood at this place. I want to carry on the legacy and help shape the lives of my students in a similar manner.

KEITH AND JANICE WHITE Anyone who has been at Hickory Grove for any length of time knows the names “Rhodes” and “White.” Keith and Janice White are retired teachers who have taught, coached, and subbed at HG for over 20 years. But not even retirement could keep them out of the hallways and off the sport fields of HG. Both are frequent substitute teachers, and Mr. White can be found several days a week on the golf course coaching the Ladies and Mens golf teams. Why do the Whites keep coming back year after year? That's easy. It's all about family. The White’s love of Hickory Grove has been passed down to their children and grandchildren. Their daughter Crystal Rhodes and her husband Jim Rhodes currently serve as Hickory Grove’s Athletic Academic Advisor / Assistant Athletic Director and Athletic Director. The Rhodes three children Reed, Ty, and Riley attend HG as well.

JIM AND CRYSTAL RHODES Crystal and Jim Rhodes carry on the White’s legacy. They made a concerted decision to work at HG and to raise their own children here. The Rhodes’ story is a tale full of transitions and more than a few basketball camps. Both played sports in high school and college and actually met at a basketball camp in Ohio, Athletes in Action. That ordained meeting set in motion a lifetime of playing and coaching various sports: soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, and softball and of course wedding bells! Crystal has been attending church at Hickory Grove since 1980. Both became coaches at HG in 2004 but took a stint away as a stay-at-home mom and as a public school teacher. But they knew they had to return to Hickory Grove even though it would mean making financial sacrifices. They have a bigger prize in mind: a solid academic education with an eternal Christian focus for their children.

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BIBLICAL

WORLDVIEW

God's Word Can Never Be Silenced Though chapels had to be recorded in front of empty pews, the music, God's Word, and the Holy Spirit moved students and staff in their individual classrooms.

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Many people think Bible is taught only in Bible class. That is not true! In Elementary we use Bible time to teach the truth and wisdom that all students need in order to build a strong foundation in God’s Word. Scholars must first learn how to know, love, and obey God. Teachers are intentional about helping scholars see how to use God’s word and how God is in everything -ensuring that Biblical lessons are woven into Math, Spelling, Reading, Writing and Science. Biblical worldview thinking happens in all classes. -- Timisha Brynildsen, First Grade Teacher

What I love about teaching history is that all of existence is “His Story.” Whether we are discussing early Americans living in 1200 BC, Europeans crossing the Atlantic, or the fight for Civil Rights, a Biblical Worldview provides relevant context and meaningful dialogue that allows students to connect their faith to their heritage. Students can clearly see that God has always been there throughout the world’s history; therefore, they can be assured He will be with them as they walk into their future. -- Ric Atwell, High School History Teacher

English is one of the best disciplines to incorporate and live out Biblical Worldview in class. The truths we find in literature - be that Hamlet's belief that "the readiness [of death] is all" to Gatsby's failure in a godless society - parallel Biblical truth. The stories may be fictional, but the lessons often advocate our belief that truth is NOT relative. Truth belongs to God. Literary class discussions become life discussions. -- Tammy Nelson, High School English Teacher

Typically, the Bible is seen as an independent subject and its truths unrelated to the rest of academic areas. At HG we teach Bible from a worldview perspective demonstrating that our beliefs affect all areas of life. Furthermore, as we teach Biblical truths, we also consider other worldview options to analyze their inconsistencies, thus showing students that our basic ideas about God, creation, ethics, meaning, identity, and destiny cannot be disconnected from each other and have implications for the way we live. In addition, we try to demonstrate this through current events that happen in our society and the world. -- Melvin Jaynes, Fifth Grade Teacher

Science helps students develop their Biblical Worldview by allowing them to to see the precise and intelligent design of God’s world. Science can see God’s hand in the design of the smallest atoms to the largest compounds and molecules. Students can recognize how everything was designed for a purpose and how all things are interconnected to work for His glory. They learn how we are to be good stewards to God’s creation and how ungodly decisions by man have caused our many ecological issues found in today’s world.-- Scott Moser, High School Science Teacher

Typically, the Bible is seen as an independent subject and its truths unrelated to the rest of academic areas. At HG we teach Bible from a worldview perspective demonstrating that our beliefs affect all areas of life. Furthermore, as we teach biblical truths, we also consider other worldview options to analyze their inconsistencies, thus showing students that our basic ideas about God, creation, ethics, meaning, identity, and destiny cannot be disconnected from each other and have implications for the way we live. We strive to demonstrate this strong connection through current events that happen in our society and the world. -- Fernando Rogante, High School Bible Teacher

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BRINGING THE WORLD

TO HICKORY GROVE

Hickory Grove Christian School (HGCS) is blessed to be a part of an international student program that brings the world and its cultures to our doorstep. In 2013 HGCS began an exciting journey into the world of international missions -- not just going into the world, but by inviting the world to come to us. In that year, our high school opened its doors to international students wishing to study in the United States. We are an F1 approved school by the U.S. State Department which means we can issue documents for “non-immigrant” students to obtain a visa so that they may legally come and study in the United States. In the past eight years that have followed, it has become apparent that the students that have come to us have filled the pages of our school’s history book with global insight and personal growth for all students -- both international and domestic. This year, 2020-21, we have eight students from five different countries. If you walk through our halls, you can be greeted by students from Vietnam, Ivory Coast, The Congo, Jamaica and China. Remember: The world is yours to explore …………………...from the halls of HG and beyond. Mrs. Missy Smith

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Global Ambassadors is a club designed to help international students feel at home in a strange new country. Our aim is to be the family and friends that these students left back in their home country. We know that it is hard to come to a new place where one may still be learning the language and then have to attend classes where one’s native language is not spoken. International students are great to have at HG; they add a unique layer of culture. We love learning about their traditions and home countries. As Global Ambassadors it is our job to welcome them into the HG family. -- Spencer Connor Global Ambassador President

"Our aim is to be the family and friends that these students left back in their home country."

Pauline Mbadjembe Akatshi

Hao Liang

Wei Cui

Clifton Morrison

Huu An Nguyen

Johanna Ottro

Wang Yaozheng

Zijian Lyu The Grove Spring 2021 | 27

EARLY EDUCATION

CENTER

The Word of God, as always, speaks clearly: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” HGCS 2020-2021 Bible Verse

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"This year our families, school, church, community, and the world PERSEVERED through the hardships of a Global Pandemic. Now, more than ever, a happy, healthy environment for young children is essential." HGCS continues to celebrate over 25 years as a distinctively Christian school and over 41 years in Early Education at our Harris Campus. We are also thankful to be able to celebrate our second year as a half-day Preschool Program at our Mallard Creek Campus. It is a joy and privilege to nurture and teach children in a safe and Christ honoring environment. The Early Education Center at Hickory Grove Christian School celebrates each child as a unique gift from God, made in His image and ready to be formed and shepherded for His glory. Our mission is to partner with your family to develop your child for Kingdom work through best developmental practice in early learning foundations. We were created to meet more developmental markers in the first five years of life than any other years combined. Therefore, birth through age 5 development is very rapid as 90% of our critical brain development occurs before Kindergarten. What children learn between birth and the time they start Kindergarten lays the foundation for their learning and development for years to come. Each month during these early years, synapses awaken and ignite which are critical to all areas of learning and development. Therefore, our center supports foundational developmentally age- appropriate best practices for early education. These practices partnered with a Biblical worldview will point young children toward future success spiritually, emotionally, behaviorally, educationally and socially. Because whole-child development in a play-based environment is foundational and best practice, our center uses several curricula which focus on the skills and knowledge that are most important for helping young children develop. The Creative Curriculum and The Gospel Project for Preschool will be incorporated in every classroom. At Hickory Grove Christian School, we are passionate about investing in lives. We look forward to foundational investment through early education. Partnered with your family and a steady focus on the Gospel, we truly will grow healthy, happy children for His Kingdom. Mrs. Lisa Smith Early Education Center Administrator

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AFTER SCHOOL MS. BRIANNA BAMBERG

"Ms. Brianna does an amazing job of making sure the kids, as well as her workers, receive the attention and care they deserve. She is sweet, creative, fun, and probably one of the best bosses I'll ever have." - Emily Torres Student Worker

The After-School Program at Hickory Grove Christian School is designed to create a safe and fun environment for enrolled students. Activities are designed to engage the children in organized play and also allow them the freedom to socialize with other children in their designated age groups. High seniors work with the students on their homework assignments, reading practice, and engage in exciting hands-on activities during after-school hours. The goal of the After-School program is to build a foundation of adequate social, emotional, and academic development for all students enrolled. The 2020-2021 school year has shown us the importance of unity and adaptability. Although we were forced to social distance, the after-school staff worked flawlessly as a team. COVID-19 changed the daily operations of the after-school program by decreasing the class sizes, developing a strict cleaning regimen, and emphasizing the importance of playing in a safe and healthy manner. This year, due to COVID-19 protocol, parents were not allowed to enter the building, and this created a disconnect that our program worked hard to fix. We strive to involve parents with daily interactions at pick-up every afternoon as well as conference calls or emails when necessary. Our program understands that the pandemic has been challenging for everyone and it is vital for us all to remain close and work together during this time.

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT AFTER-SCHOOL?

"There are the bestest teachers and everyone is so nice. We get to play and have fun. I also get to read with my teachers!" - Kaylyn Roberts

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$6,140,981 IN SCHOLARSHIPS

66 SENIORS

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28 LIFERS

ONE FAMILY

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7200 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. CHARLOTTE, NC 28215 (704) 531-4000 https://hgchristian.org

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