today SUMMER 2015
THE MAGAZINE OF TRINITY
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
VOL. 9
NO. 2
The legacy of
Rod Morris Page 2
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l A L S O I N S I D E : S T R O L L D O W N M E M O RY L A N E W I T H S N A P S H O T S O F T C A M U S I C A L S T H R O U G H T H E Y E A R S.
today
EDITOR’S NOTE
VOLUME 9 • NUMBER 2
Editor Joy Konstans, Director of Communications
There’s more! AS YOU’LL READ ON PAGE 28, TCA has launched a new campaign, There’s More, to increase awareness and communicate the message of TCA to potential new families and the greater Dallas community. The campaign asserts that, yes, TCA is a school, but it is so much more. As I read through this issue of Trinity Today, I see evidence of this more on every page.
Lower School Head Rod Morris is retiring this year after 38 years of serving the TCA community. He was so much more than just a teacher and administrator, and his legacy will live on through our students, families and alumni. Read about his lasting impact in our cover story. In his Trustee Note, TCA Board of Trustees Chairman Steve Novakovich honors past and present board and foundation board members for their service, vision and commitment. Prayerfully leading our school and ensuring that TCA stays true to its mission and foundation, these members do so much more than oversee the finances and operations of our school. The educational experience at TCA is far more than textbooks and written curriculum. From mobile devices to SMART products to hands-on science and robotics, our students engage their minds and develop 21st-century skills that prepare them to excel in this technology-rich world in which we live. In her feature story, Technology Integration Specialist Lisa Wong charts the TCA journey through STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Beyond the classroom, you’ll see how TCA is making a difference for Him through athletics, performing arts, visual arts and through so many other avenues. Read how our alumni are fostering new relationships by connecting with current TCA seniors, how alumni parents stay connected by praying for our classes and how our college-age alumni are thriving in their respective schools. And, there’s more!
Art/Design Kendall Ellis, Publications Coordinator
Advisory Board David Delph, Headmaster Julie Abell Anne Salmon Badger ’90 Scott Berthel Jackie Schimmer Harrison ’86 Beth Harwell Janie Heard Kristy Kegerreis Sheila Langford Becky Lewis Greg Merrifield Jeff Smith Kristina Spears Diane Taylor Camille Langford Walker ’82
Board of Trustees Steve Novakovich, Chairman Mark Layman ’84, Vice Chairman Ron Crosby Mark Dyer Christi Ferrell David Harper Sheffie Kadane Stephanie Polk Jeff Price Wesley Sneed
About us
Trinity Today is published two times a year: Winter and Summer.
Joy Konstans EDITOR OF TRINITY TODAY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Trinity Christian Academy 17001 Addison Road Addison, Texas 75001 972-931-8325 www.trinitychristian.org
Contact us Send story ideas to Joy Konstans at jkonstans@trinitychristian.org and alumni information to Beth Harwell at bharwell@trinitychristian.org.
WHAT’S INSIDE
Curtain call!
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The first TCA musical, Fiddler on the Roof, took the stage in 1986. Since then, there have been 19 main-stage productions. Take a look at TCA’s own Broadway revue.
Class of 2015
Another class of TCA graduates crossed the stage, ready for the next chapter of life. Here’s a look at that very special day!
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TCA athletics
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A lasting imprint
For 38 years, Lower School Head Rod Morris has blessed TCA students, parents and families with his love, dedication, wisdom and service. His trademark phrases and the impact of his career at TCA will carry on!
TCA Community Picnic
The TCA family enjoyed a great evening of fellowship, praise and old-fashioned fun at this year’s TCA Community Picnic at the Dallas Arboretum.
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TCA winter and spring sports teams celebrated great seasons, including a final-four finish for baseball, state runner-up medals for boys basketball and boys golf and state championships for wrestling and girls golf!
Road trip Director of Alumni Beth Harwell and Upper School Assistant Head Janie Heard set off on their annual road trip to visit our alumni at various colleges and universities. Read how these young alumni are making TCA proud!
Departments Upper School Middle School Lower School Alumni Legacy
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COVER STORY
By Joy Konstans
Director of Communications
T
HE PRESENCE OF MR. MORRIS in the TCA Lower School has been a constant for 38 years. His fingerprints are on every facet—from the actual building, to the incredible playground to the exceptional faculty who fill the classrooms—they all seem to claim, “Rod Morris was here!” Rod is known for his sayings and exclamations, and through the years, his “Mr. Morrisisms” have become synonymous with life at TCA. Not only do they bring back memories for all who have been touched by his service, but they also give a glimpse into the heart of the man who has given so much of himself to his beloved school.
“What an opportunity!”
Rod discovered his passion for education and teaching through his experiences as a wrestler. While captain of his high school wrestling team in Burnsville, Minnesota, Rod and his teammates would visit local elementary schools and meet with young boys to educate and encourage them in the sport of wrestling. It was through these experiences that Rod realized his interest in teaching and coaching. While in college, Rod was extremely involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, and through that organization, he found friends and fellow believers who encouraged him in his faith and also held him accountable. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in elementary education, he began teaching in a public school in Minnesota. In the three years that Rod taught in public school, he realized that he had a gift for teaching and developing young minds, but in a public school, he was only able to give part of himself to his students. His school celebrated Winter Holiday and Spring Break, not Christmas and Easter. There was so much more he wanted to share with his students, but he was unable. “My faith was too important to me,” said Rod. “It was like I was watching kids swim in sharkinfested waters, and I wasn’t allowed to throw a life preserver.” Around that time, Rod’s brother, Ron, was in Texas with Campus Crusade for Christ and attended Fellowship Bible Church with TCA board members and parents Gene Getz and Bill Millet.
Bill Millet recalls, “One Sunday morning, I was having coffee with a friend at church. We were discussing the needs of TCA, especially the need for excellent faculty, and he just blurted out, “What you need is my brother.” After some discussion I turned in the brother’s name to Headmaster John Schimmer as a recommendation. A few months later I sat in a board meeting as we looked over the application for employment from that brother. He would be the first male teacher in our elementary school. There were some misgivings since some felt that such a position was normally reserved for the ladies. As we discussed the momentous decision before us, one of the board members discovered that the applicant had not only taught on the elementary level, but had been on the wrestling team in college. A number of board members slammed their hands on the table and roared, ‘Hire him!’” So began Rod’s opportunity at TCA. In the summer of 1975, Rod loaded up his U-Haul trailer and made the drive down to Texas with his wife, Debra, who was six months pregnant. Rod began teaching in August, and his daughter, Jeaneen, was born in September. He brought her to class for show-and-tell when she was only six days old!
For almost four decades Rod has believed and taught that a school culture where learning is a joy is the best launching pad for student success. Rod had 24 students in the only section of fourth grade at TCA. For what he lacked with minimal facilities, no technology and outdated classroom furnishings, Rod more than made up for with his passion, enthusiasm and creativity. He recalls doing a unit on the human body with his class, when they had the opportunity to dissect a cat cadaver. One student commented on how the cat was just a compilation of muscles, bones and organs, just as humans are. “So, what makes us be us?” she asked. Another opportunity! For the first time, he had the opportunity to integrate Scripture and truth into academics.
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COVER STORY Rod had such an impact on the students in his class that at the end of the year, the fourthgrade parents sent a letter to the headmaster that remains in Rod’s file to this day. The letter, signed by all the parents in the class, held high praise for Mr. Morris and expressed their gratitude for his commitment to their children:
Rod built toy trains for TCA kindergartners, 1978
“As Christian parents, we are very sensitive to the training and guidance that our children receive outside the home. We are particularly protective and sometimes critical because we don’t feel that coaches, Sunday school teachers or academic teachers can properly motivate or care as much for our special ‘loves’ quite the way we think they should. However, this year has been special, so special that we feel the need to go on record… Mr. Morris embodies a composite of all the natures and attributes we look for in a teacher… He has made school learning time a joy… He must have sacrificed many of his evening hours to construct in his workshop the various teaching and learning tools which are used in his classrooms, such as the electric math board and geometric figures. He rewarded the children for their excellence by providing incentives, and at the same time, did not discourage the children who were not doing well. Graded papers brought home always had personal remarks on them to reward and encourage…There are not enough superlatives to describe how we, the parents of fourth grade, feel about Mr. Morris and what he has done for our children.” Rod loved teaching at TCA, but the young school was struggling, and the salary was not enough for him to support his family. After four years, Rod left TCA to take a job in a steel mill in East Texas. He worked there for two years, until another opportunity emerged. Then headmaster Mike Beidel contacted Rod and told him that the board wanted him back, and the parents wanted him back. Rod agreed to return when he was told that a board member stepped up and wrote a check. The school could pay Rod what he needed to support his family and return. Rod spent two more years in the classroom, finished his master’s degree and became the Lower School head when Diane Lopez retired in 1983. In his 32 years as Lower School head, Rod has had countless more opportunities to touch student lives and impact them for Christ.
“Proverbs has something to say about that!”
From conversations with students and parents to Bible lessons on KTCA to faculty division meetings, Rod is intentional in living the lessons in Scripture and using them to mentor, mold and encourage. His students and teachers alike can all recall moments where Rod has referred to Proverbs in the daily administration of his duties. Headmaster Dave Delph comments, “Rod has many Proverbs on the tip of his tongue and pulls them out at just the right moment. He is gifted at disciplining young children, especially boys, by getting their attention, pointing our their poor behavior and wrapping it all in Scripture.” Rod cites Proverbs 15:2, “A wise teacher makes learning a joy; a rebellious teacher spouts foolishness,” as his main philosophy for lower school. Rod firmly believes that a school culture where learning is a joy is the best launching pad for student success. A nurturing environment that encourages students to explore and discover within boundaries produces kids who are competent and confident. He asserts that the best part of his day is often the hardest part of his day—the phone call he has to make to a parent, the time in his office with a student or the conversation with a teacher. “These are the moments that matter,” said Rod. “Kids come back and tell me that they remember these times. I really strive to balance grace and truth.” “Rod has a calmness about him that puts people at ease, especially if they’re anxious. He’s gifted at reassuring and encouraging them that everything will be OK,” said Dave Delph. Rod’s desire for every Lower School student to hide God’s word in his or her heart is the foundation for his leadership. From the Scripture lessons on KTCA to chapel programs to one-onone student conferences to faculty workshops— all point to the same foundation.
“The Lower School is the same size as Noah’s ark!”
Daily Bible lesson for Lower School KTCA broadcast
Rod’s desire for every Lower School student to hide God’s word in his or her heart is the foundation for his leadership.
Rod was instrumental in the planning and design of the current Lower School building. He was passionate that TCA provide the classroom space, design, equipment and personnel that allow students to learn in the way that the Lord has designed them. The Lower School is a testimony to that passion. The ample space in every classroom allows for multi-sensory learning, movement, exploration and play. Rod also involved his teachers in the planning and design of the Lower School building. He sought input from them to meticulously create the plans for this “ark” of learning. T R I N I T Y
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COVER STORY
Mr. Morris-inspired classroom lofts featured in new Lower School building, 2002
In addition, the loft/forts that have become fixtures in TCA Lower School classrooms originated in the fourth-grade classroom of Mr. Morris. Using his woodworking skills, he constructed the first classroom loft, and students were allowed to climb up to read books and play games as reward for completing various classroom work. The Lower School classrooms aren’t the only TCA structures to bear the mark of Mr. Morris. Rod is just as passionate about recess time and playground equipment as he is about classroom learning. He believes playgrounds offer students opportunities to challenge themselves, build confidence, conquer fears and develop in ways not possible inside a classroom. Rod actually constructed many of the items on the original Lower School playground, and he was intentional about the selection of equipment and design of the current playground. KTCA, the student-run broadcast studio, is another fixture with the fingerprints of Rod Morris. Students develop communication, leadership, planning, cooperative and technical skills from writing, producing and running a morning broadcast each school day. More importantly, they develop confidence and creativity.
“Go TTRROOJANNSS!”
Coach Morris with 1984 wrestling team
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Rod’s love for all things TCA is apparent to all. While he’s spent his professional career as a teacher and administrator, he’s spent a great deal of his own personal time these past 38 years serving TCA in all sorts of capacities. Rod maintains his love of wrestling and his belief that the sport is a great tool for strengthening and developing young men. As a result, he spent 20 years as an assistant wrestling coach at TCA. In addition, Rod spent 31 years as the PA announcer for all the varsity home football games, showing the same attention and enthusiasm for the team as he does for his students every day. It’s impossible to speak of Rod Morris and not mention Super Soaker battles, motorcycle rides, auction parties, blue tickets (now Fruit of the Spirit tickets), state float parades, his famous kazoo and the treasure chest in his office. These fixtures of Lower School life unite all TCA students over the past decades and will forever bind our TCA memories to Rod and his contributions.
“Let my people go!”
Rod made a career of hiring amazing faculty members who are committed to the mission of the school and share his passion for teaching kids in the ways they learn best. TCA will be reaping the fruits of his labors for generations to come, and his contributions are not just what he leaves behind, but what he’s passing forward to all who have had the privilege of his wisdom and leadership. Justin Ridnour ’90 was a student in Rod’s class and will forever treasure the impact that Rod had on his life. In a note to Mr. Morris, he shared, “You helped me to become a leader and to follow my heart in pursuit of growing closer to God. You reached my heart through the hand-carved, wooden awards. I still have many of them, and I received these for learning Scripture verses, the books of the Bible in order, states and capitals, etc. I was so proud of these awards. The amount of time that it must have taken you to carve the wood and to write the personalized notes so accurately reflected your heart and passion…Thank you so much for being a wonderful example to me and all the thousands of students who have attended and are attending TCA. I cannot think of another leader in my early years that had a greater impact on my learning and early Christian growth. You are a loved man. The students, current and former, parents, teachers, administrators and the like all sing your praises. I am quite certain that one day when you meet our Lord and Father, He will reward you handsomely for your Christ-like leadership and diligent representation of Him over your 38 years at TCA.” It’s hard to quantify the legacy and impact of a servant like Mr. Morris. As TCA “lets him go,” it’s comforting to know that he will still be around, as an alumni parent and as a TCA grandparent. Indeed, he is a loved man, and TCA has been blessed by his selfless service and passion for educating children.
Rod leading the crowd during Lower School pep rally
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 Rod and wife Elaine with their grandson at TCA Grandparent Day
TCA TECHNOLOGY
STEM at TCA begins in PreK. Throughout their fourteen-year journey at TCA, students are trained in advanced computer skills, equipped with state-of-the-art devices, given innovative, handson science projects and challenged with an outstanding math curriculum. Students have the opportunity to take cutting-edge technology and computer science courses, as well.
science ∙ technology ∙ science ∙ technology ∙ engineering ∙ math
The Journey The STEM journey begins in Lower School, where students use specific curriculum, which teaches multimedia, word processing, spreadsheets and desktop publishing. Students use Microsoft Office on an Apple computer. Keyboard training begins in the first grade, and those skills are developed throughout the Lower School years. Students also learn important digital citizenship topics. From there, Middle School students attend technology class to build computer skills using a Windows 8.1 touch screen computer and cover topics such as digital citizenship, email, keyboarding and file management. Students in grades 5-8 are issued iPad devices to integrate technology into all areas of curriculum. Students in grades 9-11 are issued Toshiba Windows 8.1 tablets. The included digitized pen allows Upper School students to use the device for math and science classes. Students have access to immediate research, annotate class notes and connect their devices to probes for data collection in science labs.
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Courses and Offerings Middle School students who take the High Tech Robotics elective participate in a national competition called First Lego League, where teams of students design and build robots and use EV3 software. Each team is required to come up with an innovative solution to a challenge question or problem to present at competition. TCA teams consistently advance to the regional level. In Upper School, students can choose from a variety of courses, not only to meet their technology graduation requirements, but also to expand their STEM knowledge and experience. Technology courses include: Honors Introduction to Technology, Honors Mobile Programming/App Development, Honors Web-Based Technologies, Honors Intro Web Page Design and Introduction to Web Page Programming – JavaScript & Graphics. Upper School science courses also give students a wide variety of STEM choices, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics Mechanics, AP Physics Electricity & Magnetism, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Astronomy and Field Ecology. TCA’s award-winning Visual Arts Department integrates the use of technology and offers courses like eMedia, ePhoto, digital art, electronic collage, video animation, photography and video documentary.
engineering ∙ math By Lisa Wong, Technology Integration Specialist
Collaboration, Clubs and Competitions Students also have many opportunities to serve their peers, increase their STEM knowledge and to compete in various STEM competitions. Upper School students staff the Tech Stop, a help desk for all Toshiba tablet technical issues and questions. Through training classes and on-the-job learning, students actively engage critical thinking skills, build collaboration skills and solve many technical issues for their peers. A student-run Tech Team plans and runs all the audio and visuals for weekly chapel and worship times, as well as all the awardwinning plays and musicals. Interested students with technology and audio/visual aptitude offer an invaluable service to the Performing Arts Department and to the school as a whole. In addition, starting in Lower School and continuing through Middle School, students compete in the ACSI Math Olympics. In Middle School, interested students also have the opportunity to join the Math Club and participate in math competitions through MATHCOUNTS and the Continental Math League.
The Upper School has formed a new studentled STEM Club. Over 35 students interested in science, technology, engineering and math fields meet once a month for robotics, math competitions, guest speakers and other fun activities. Upper School students also participate in the annual ACSI National Math League in the subjects of Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry and Calculus. In the fall, TCA is launching its first-ever Honors Engineering Design course. This senior-level course will allow students to integrate their knowledge of science, technology and math. Most importantly, they will be challenged to use their creativity and technological skills to solve real-world problems. About 25 percent of TCA graduates major in a STEM field in college and move on to advance in various technological fields. We are so excited to see how God uses our students to contribute to His kingdom and serve others in the world.
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TCA TECHNOLOGY
TIMELINE
Take a look by grade level at some of the exciting and innovative ways that STEM comes alive during a student’s career at TCA.
PreK students use a specialsized mouse to learn how to navigate within applications and are engaged using various developmentally appropriate sites, like Starfall.com and ABCmouse.com.
PreK
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students increase their technology exposure through daily interaction with the SMART board, as they learn the calendar, days of the week and counting by ones, tens and beyond.
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First-graders used FaceTime on the classroom SMART Board to experience a virtual field trip to a veterinary clinic, where the doctor gave a virtual tour of the clinic, demonstrated an exam on a dog, conducted an ultrasound on Jello and showed the class x-rays of a broken leg before and after a surgical pin is inserted.
1st Grade
2nd Grade Second-graders study the properties of air by observing its interaction with various objects. In one experiment, the students made their own parachutes and observed how they moved through the air once they were dropped from the second floor into the lobby.
Fifth-grade students use iPads on a science field trip around the TCA campus to learn about vegetative propagation. Different types of plants are studied, and students discuss and witness a bee’s involvement in the pollination process.
Third-grade students learn about the structures of life starting with the seed. Students excavate different kinds of seeds from fruits, count and record their findings. Seeds are then weighed and “planted” in sprouters. The young scientists record changes as they closely observe seed growth.
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
Each day, fourth-grade students deliver the daily news, sports and weather and read from teleprompters in a live broadcast that is streamed in all 25 Lower School classrooms, across campus and on the TCA website. Behind-the-scenes, students run the cameras, operate the sound and lights and do the video switching.
In Physics and AP Physics, juniors are challenged with understanding the physical world God has created. Topics covered are motion, work and power, momentum, energy and kinematics.
Eighth-graders study Newton’s Laws of Motion as they design, build and troubleshoot a mousetrap Car. They end the year with building a working, splintstick bridge while discovering the topics of structural strength, architecture and design.
Sophomores spend hours in the lab studying atomic structure, chemical formulas, periodicity, stoichiometry and acid-base chemistry. Students benefit from many hands-on experiments.
Sixth-grade students collaborate as they work on the annual science fair project. Students learn the scientific method and how to professionally present their information displays.
6th Grade
7th Grade
Seventh-grade students learn about responsible consumption and care for our environment as they convert used cooking oil from the cafeteria into usable biodiesel to make soap.
8th Grade
9th Grade
10th Grade
Freshmen experience what real life biologists do by using the correct entomological methods for classification, the taxonomy of animal kingdom, relationships between living organisms and animal structure and development as they work on the “bug project.�
11th Grade
12th Grade
Seniors who take Honors Astronomy use Astronomica to find asteroids. TCA is one of only seven Texas schools that participates in the International Astronomical Search Collaboration. In the fall campaign, the students found 16 asteroids. One asteroid has been upgraded to the provisional discovery level, so it now has a tracking number.
Coming in 2015-16: Honors Engineering Design will give students a perspective on various engineering disciplines by the introduction of design principles and practices, as well as current and emerging challenges within the field. Students will design, model, prototype, and manufacture products using 3D solid modeling software and a 3D printer. Throughout the year, students will develop professional presentations, learn the importance of design ethics, hear from engineering professionals and visit various industries or engineering firms. T R I N I T Y
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ACADEMIC UPDATE
By Diane Taylor, Academic Dean
A dream comes true
OMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE AN ADMINISTRATOR,
you have “dreams” of things you would like to happen to support teachers and administrators or just to have an opportunity to add energy and new life into a school. Often we have files of ideas that we store for the future. While our teachers regularly participate in all kinds of professional development in division meetings, local and national conferences and on-campus studies as a regular part of our budget, I had several “dream” possibilities in my files—sending teachers to the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta and hiring Kagan trainers to come to TCA to train our Lower School and Middle School teachers in Kagan Cooperative Learning were two such dreams. These two dream files were fairly expensive and were just ideas waiting to happen. The Lord turned these “dreams” into blessings in an unexpected way. Three years ago, our Office of Development, under the leadership of Becky Lewis, added a new position for grant acquisitions and hired Eileen Resnik to research the possibilities of grant money for Trinity Christian Academy. One day shortly after Eileen arrived on campus, she showed up
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in my office wanting ideas for what could be a significant grant opportunity for TCA. We needed to act quickly, and as it turned out, the dream file provided just what we wanted and needed. Over the next three years, TCA received over $60,000 in funds through the generosity of the M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation for the Ron Clark Academy conference and the Kagan training opportunities. Upon receiving the first year of grant money (2012–13), Middle School Head Scott Berthel accompanied 11 teachers to the Ron Clark Academy (RCA), a highly regarded middle school in Atlanta, Georgia, developed by Ron Clark, an international educational leader, author and visionary. The academy is set up to be a model school and is visited by over 3,000 educators a year. RCA has had a high level of academic success resulting from its high learning standards, energetic teaching and school structures that promote characterbuilding and self-discipline. A number of teachers have returned from their
visit saying that going to the Ron Clark Academy conference has renewed their energy as teachers and given them great ideas to implement in their classrooms. Because of the grant money, the majority of the Middle School teachers have attended the RCA conference over the past three years. Mr. Berthel has added some wonderful elements to our Middle School that were inspired by RCA. He started the 2014-15 year by teaching our students “The Trinity Way”—character, behavior and responsibility guidelines that frame interactions within the TCA Middle School. A number of teachers have implemented and trained students in behavior standards that come out Ron Clark’s “The Essential 55” (rules of politeness and community). TCA is thankful to the Hudson Foundation for enriching our school with its generosity. The teachers expressed such sincere gratitude in their thank-you notes to Ms. M. K. Larson, president and CEO of the Hudson Foundation:
Educational leader and trainer Ron Clark teaches a model class as conference attendees observe.
“The Ron Clark Academy Educators’ Conference was an exciting three days of inspiring ideas, building relationships and rekindling the passion for teaching. This conference provided a wealth of fresh approaches for enriching my classroom with a new arsenal of engaging techniques!” “The Ron Clark Academy was truly a great opportunity to be exposed to some sensationally effective teaching methods! The event was an outright full-throttle, high-octane blast, and the energy of the weekend returned with me to Dallas.” “I left the Ron Clark Academy with an ignited passion, wishing school could start next week so that I could experiment with the techniques we practiced during the training.” The grant money from the Hudson Foundation also allowed TCA to bring in national-level trainers to help our teachers know how to implement Kagan structures. Cooperative learning strategies promote learning by a high level of involvement
from students. Research highly commends student engagement as a key feature to great learning. TCA was able to train all Lower School teachers for two years in a row, and this year, we brought in a trainer for all of the Middle School teachers, as well. Many teachers have dedicated a lot of time to implementing these instructional strategies. One teacher, on the way out of the training, said, “That’s the best professional development I’ve ever had.” Two of our Middle School teachers have given a great deal of time and attention to implementing Kagan cooperative learning strategies in their classrooms. According to Jan Marshall, seventh-grade History/ English teacher, “Kagan is a catalyst for teaching skills, sharing ideas, problemsolving and working in cohesive groups that encourage each other.” Karen Compere,
I left the Ron Clark Academy with an ignited passion, wishing school could start next week.
Middle School math teacher, said that as the students “verbalize their solutions, they internalize and deeply own them.” These two teachers agreed that the strategies help develop thinking skills for their students as the students work together to problem solve, and both agree that the cooperative learning structures help create a sense of community as all the students work together to help everyone be successful. They are pleased to use the strategies at appropriate times where they fit well. Our Lower School and Middle School administrators are excited by the number of teachers they have seen implementing Kagan strategies in their classrooms. Our teachers are extremely dedicated to this school and our students, and they are constantly working to improve the learning experience. It is rewarding to see them renewed and encouraged in their dream to impact students’ lives “for the glory of God!”
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A LOOK BACK
Fiddler on the Roof
May 1987
Drama teacher and TCA parent Margie McCabe agreed to join us in our first musical adventure, and we were wildly successful. God met every need from Wally Linebarger and the Visual Arts Department’s help with the set to Highland Park Presbyterian’s loan of Tevye’s house. The two performances were enhanced by the Trojan band under the direction of Billie Nero, the violin of David Fandrich ’88 and a cast that featured Andy Galloway ’88, Leslie Williams Blum ’89, David Precopia ’90, Piper Loney Lee ’87, Chip Waggoner ’87, Bren Holman Jones ’90, Herb Albertson ’88 and Kris Maples ’87.
The History of the TCA Musical By Norma Browning, Upper School Performing Arts Chair
In the spring of 1987, TCA embarked on its first musical performance. Twenty-eight years and nineteen musicals later, the TCA Performing Arts Department is still producing top-notch shows with extremely talented students. Take a look back through the years at the musicals of TCA…
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South Pacific
Oklahoma!
April 1988
We understudied many of the roles, knowing that Cliff West ’88 (Will Parker) would need Reagan Dixon ’88 to step in so that he could go to the state golf tournament. When our Laurey, Stephanie Gilkerson Young ’88, became ill, Leslie Williams Blum ’89 knew the role well enough to play Laurey opposite Mark Sanders ’89 (Curley), and Emily Dansby Kaler ’90 stepped into the Ado Annie role. Thank you, Dr. Dansby, for your help getting Stephanie well before the Saturday evening performance.
April 1989
We had warned all the girls in the fall that Nellie would have to have short hair in order to wash it on stage. Emily Dansby Kaler ’90 took that challenge, playing Nellie with Mark Sanders ’89 as Emile de Becque. Art teachers Georgeann Shafer and Christi Fedora transformed the MCB Auditorium into our own South Pacific isles, and Rob Waples and the Maintenance Department built our dock out onto the pews. Our nurses, including Jill Cox ’90, Shirlene Albertson Katzmeier ’90, Sharon Metz Duncan ’90 and Lisa Campbell McCorkle ’89 were as delightful as our sailors, Stephen Predtechenskis ’89, Paul Howard ’89, Chris Messick ’89, Miles Misso ’89, Jason Williams ’90 and Chuck Thompson ’90.
The Music Man April 1990
The Music Man featured Bren Holman Jones ’90 as Marian, Randy McCabe ’90 as Harold Hill and the amazing quartet of Clepper Bonham ’90, Barrett Jackson ’92, John Stone ’92 and Jason Williams ’90. To augment the cast, several adults helped with the opening scene as salesmen. Teachers John Adcox and Chuck Burdette, parent Bob Browning and maintenance guru Rob Waples rapped “Iowa” style. (A little-known fact: After this production in which Jason Williams ’90 sang bass for the quartet, he was asked to sing first tenor for a McKinney summer theater production, and he did both equally well!)
A LOOK BACK
Bye Bye Birdie
Once Upon a Mattress
April 1992
This choice deviated from the standard musicals, but it proved to be a perfect fit for this cast. Lynn Blackburn Ferguson ’94 was Princess Winifred, and Chris Hatcher was Prince Dauntless, whose mother, Queen Aggravain, was played hilariously by Ashley Borden ’94, and father, the King, was “silently” portrayed by Matt Heininger ’94. The most memorable of rehearsals was when Patrick Orender ’92, one of the knights, asked permission to dip a sophomore lady-in-waiting, Elizabeth Rawles Kindred ’94, who had no clue what the handsome senior was going to do!
April 1994
Deni Kington combined forces with drama director Chris Williamson to bring the TCA community Bye Bye Birdie, a perfect choice for the comedic talents of Kim Schlegel Whitman ’94, Lynn Blackburn Ferguson ’94, Joanna Elliott ’95, and Bonnie Lodovic Palomo ’95.
Brigadoon
April 1996
Leslie Williams Blum ’89, TCA’s Upper School theater teacher, suggested that, with the popularity of Braveheart, now might be the time for Brigadoon. The gentlemen were told that they must wear bicycle shorts under their kilts, and we found an EDS employee who could play the bagpipes. The cast included BJ Staten ’96, Millie Frisbie ’96, Nikki Khoury ’97, Matt Harmon ’96, Beau Edmondson ’96 and Aubrey Fasulo ’96.
The Boyfriend
Into the Woods
April 1998
For this production, the Brownings scoured the east Texas countryside looking for a carousel horse, only to find a gentleman in a nearby neighborhood willing to loan us one of his refurbished ones. Ashli Burbridge Avery ’98 played the Witch and terrorized the Baker and his Wife, Bill Kopitke ’98 and Meagan Burdette Swinney ’99, while David Gillespie ’98 played the Wolf and frightened Little Red Riding Hood played by Anne Underwood Da Rosa ’00. Cori Van Noord Gummelt ’98 portrayed Cinderella, and the antics of the two brothers, Cinderella’s Prince, Paxton Kelso ’99, and Rapunzel’s Prince, Billy Lawley ’99, kept us laughing.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers April 2000
April 2002
After graduating many of the “seven brothers,” Brice Kelso ’02 and some of the brides, Sarah Foley Decorret ’02 and Brittany Murray ’02, were still with us to take on a production of The Boyfriend. TCA’s own Chace Crawford ’03 played one of the boys who became enamored with one of the girls in the boarding school, Dulcie, played by Caroline Lewis ’04 and newcomer Blaire Bender ’02 was cast as Polly. Of course, the couples that resulted from this 20s farce were not limited to the teenagers, which made for a few surprises in the audience!
The most vivid memory from this show was when we took the “seven brothers” to get their hair dyed red and then watched them all walk into the Upper School building together! During the show, we held our breath hoping that Tim Summey ’00 would not drop Debra Granberry Milam ’01, and then continued to hold our breath as we took home the shirts of those seven brothers to clean before the next performance!
T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
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A LOOK BACK
Fiddler on the Roof
April 2003
Assisted by new theater teacher Kristi Robison, we decided to produce Fiddler on the Roof. With J.R. Rasberry ’04 as Tevye, Elizabeth Voelker Marsh ’03 as Golde, his wife, and Clara Utley ’03, Jennifer Lenz Ehlert ’03, Emily Hulen Thompson ’04, Lindsay Lamberth ’05 and Emily Browning ’11 as his daughters and Roland Adcox ’03 as butcher Lazar Wolfe, we believed we had another great cast for this timeless show. While Chris Emery’s set was stunning, his cameo role as one of the Russians (a tenor) was a delightful surprise to many in the cast and in the audience. Tender moments were also enjoyed, as we watched Kyle Morrill moved by the Tevye/Golde duet, “Do You Love Me?” and seeing Leslie Williams Blum ’89 (who had played Golde herself) watch some of her voice students on stage.
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T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
Hello, Dolly!
Once Upon a Mattress
April 2005
We enjoyed the antics of Chelsea Brown ’07 as Fred and Tyler Cloud ’05 as Prince Dauntless. Not only did Sarah Huggins ’05 portray the Queen, but she also designed the program cover and playbills. Lindsay Lamberth ’05, who went on to study musical theater at Oklahoma City University and find work as an actress in New York, found that Lady Larken could indeed be very funny, to the delight of the audiences. We were also able to showcase Nick Pavey ’07 and his violin skills as Minstrel.
April 2007
The intricacies of the set (complete with a staircase in the middle of the MCB stage) were not too much for Chris Emery and students. So much comedy—from so many! Jason Delph ’07 (Barnaby) and Nick Hauser ’07 (Cornelius) won the crowd over with their antics to win the girls, Meredith Moore ’08 (Minnie Faye) and Brianna Milam ’07 (Irene Malloy). Chelsea Brown ’07 as Dolly Levi and Ryan Lescalleet ’07 as Horace Vandergelder also raised the bar. Ernestina Money, also known as Mary Katherine Allen ’07, and Rudolph Reisenweiber, whom we know as Kevin Ward ’08, made their characters lovingly and hysterically memorable.
The Secret Garden April 2009
Avery Walker ’09 played the 12-year-old Mary Lennox, and Tommy Hart ’12 portrayed her bereft Uncle Archibald Craven. Many of the Upper School students portrayed those who had passed on, in this musical referred to as dreamers, as did Andrew Debter ’09, Ashley Alvarado ’12 and Emily Browning ’11. Paige Glosser ’10 wowed the audiences with her music, especially the power ballad, “Hold On,” while Adam Hagenbuch ’09, who went on to study theater at Carnegie Mellon University, worked diligently to successfully portray Dr. Neville Craven. Blake Barnes ’12 and Blake Henri ’12 discovered their singing talents that would be rewarded throughout their high school years.
Les Misérables
April 2011
With the opening of TCA’s Performing Arts Center and the realization that we had the talent available to do so, we decided on Les Misérables for our spring production. We warned the students, “This is a marathon, not a sprint—pace yourselves.” It became abundantly clear that this was the right choice for this very talented group of students. The Cappies audience was overwhelmed with standout performances from Ashley Alvarado ’12 (Fantine), Emily Browning ’11 (Cosette), Blake Barnes ’12 (Marius), Lizzie Dockery ’12 (Eponine), Kyle Cox ’11 (Enjolras), and Matt Huggins ’12 and Christina Ward ’12 (M. and Mme. Thenardier). Blake Henri ’12 (Jean Valjean) was especially impressive, and everyone agreed that Tommy Hart ’12 (Javert) was a master in a class by himself, especially during “Stars.” Thanks to an anonymous donor, we were able to hire extra musicians and rent a revolving stage for this massive undertaking, and it proved successful in winning the top honor of Best Musical from the Cappies organization.
Into the Woods
April 2012
It was such a pleasure having many from the Into The Woods cast of 1998 join us in our PAC to celebrate this new production. With Matt Huggins ’12 as the Narrator, Blake Henri ’12 and Amanda Hock ’12 as the Baker and Wife, Ashley Alvarado ’12 and Tommy Hart ’12 as Cinderella and her Prince (with Tommy doing double duty as the Wolf), Emily Davidson ’14 and Addison Debter ’12 as Rapunzel and her Prince, Ashton Brown ’12 as Little Red, Blake Barnes ’12 as Jack, Shea Smitherman ’12 as the Witch, and the hilarity of Lizzie Dockery ’12 as the stepmother, her daughters, Caroline Richardson ’14 and Avery Travis ’13, and Trevor Pownell ’14 the Steward, the show was deemed successful by the former cast and new audiences alike. But the most moving moment of all was at the all-day rehearsal when we heard of Mr. Massinger’s passing—hearing the students lift the family up in prayer really validated the work we do here. T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
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A LOOK BACK
Oklahoma!
The Music Man
April 2013
Because River City, Iowa, needed some children, we opened auditions up to students in grades 4–6 to fill the roles of Winthrop and Amaryllis, as well as the children of the town. We also had a few surprise auditions, as was the case with Brian Kegerreis ’13, who filled the role of Olin Britt, the bass of the quartet. He was joined by Kevin Chou ’13 as Ewart Dunlop, freshman Sam Liu as Oliver Hix, and freshman Cameron Pino as Jacey Squires. The Music Man himself was played by Jeff Wright ’13. Marian Paroo, the librarian, was portrayed by Emily Davidson ’14, while sophomore Kat Tate played her mother, Mrs. Paroo.
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T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
April 2014
With sophomore Sam Liu as Curly opposite Emily Davidson ’14 as Laurey and Caroline Richardson ’14 as Ado Annie with her beaus, Creighton Gerlach ’14 as Will Parker and Trevor Pownell ’14 as Ali Hakim, and the pathos and gravitas of Jud Fry by sophomore Cameron Pino, the hilarity of the story and the exuberance of the dance numbers enchanted the audience and the returning 1988 cast members. With the help of our extremely talented choreographer, Katie West, we were able to stage the dream sequence of this show in such a way that it was a highlight of the production, thanks to the dancing skills of juniors Kenzie Krantz and Will Choi and several of the drill team members. The show won many technical and acting awards, including Best Musical from the Schmidt/ Jones awards sponsored by Irving Theatre.
Guys and Dolls
April 2015
Guys and Dolls gave the cast, led by Sam Liu, Kenzie Krantz, Colin Schuster, Audrey Gerthoffer and Cameron Pino, the opportunity to practice their varied New York accents that included many of the boroughs as well as a Celtic cop who also doubled as a Cuban dancer. Much of the choreography this year was so different from years past, and Katie Massinger West was creative enough to make the “guys” not only look like great dancers, but also continue to look very manly, as well. The “dolls” never disappointed, serving as Hot Box dancers and giving stellar performances.
FIRM FOUNDATION
Honored visionary, entrusted vision HAT A WONDERFUL EVENT and time of celebration in February 2015. Trinity Christian Academy Foundation honored TCA alumni parent Bill Millet for 41 years of service as a long-standing member of the school’s boards and founder of the Student Tuition Aid program, which offers financial aid to qualified student families to offset the cost of tuition. Since its inception, the STA program has funded more than 3,500 students equating to approximately $15M in funds. Nearly 100 guests gathered at III Forks Steakhouse in Dallas to celebrate Mr. Millet’s decades of service and to recognize past and present trustees and foundation board members. Bill Millet, who is fondly referred to as the “father of STA,” created the initial fund in 1974 with just $1,850. Today, the program raises more than $1M each year and helps more than 120 students receive the financial aid to attend TCA every year. The Millet family has also contributed to TCA in many other ways, as well. Jon Millet ’84, Bill’s son, is currently the head of the Visual Arts Department, and many of Bill’s grandchildren have attended the school.
Becky Lewis, Bill Millet and Dave Delph at TCA Foundation event honoring Mr. Millet’s years of service to the school
In addition to honoring Bill Millet, TCA also recognized all board members, current and past. We have such a rich history of humble yet powerful leadership. This leadership is one of the reasons TCA stands firm in tradition, not wavering in our commitment to provide a rigorous education focusing on Christ. We have been connected by a caring and passionate community for more than four decades. It is a blessing to serve Christ at TCA.
While the tuition granting process takes place in the spring, there is always a great need for funds throughout the year. Please consider a gift to TCA for the Student Tuition Aid program. You can go to our website at TrinityChristian.org under the Give to TCA tab, or feel free to call me directly at 972.447.4609. Best,
Becky D. Lewis
Executive Director of Development
T R I N I T Y
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FIRM FOUNDATION
TCA Community Picnic blooms at the Dallas Arboretum
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T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
TCA’s Community Picnic,
sponsored by Baylor Scott + White, blossomed into an evening full of laughter, praise and appreciation of old-fashioned fun. Families and friends gathered at the Dallas Arboretum to hear the TCA Upper School Worship Team, honor retiring Lower School Head Rod Morris, fellowship with friends and families and enjoy delicious food! Over 900 guests were welcomed with gourmet picnic baskets, personalized family blankets and a Grammynominated band, Building 429. TCA parent Jena Hattendorf said this event is exactly what our community needed. “TCA families love to come together to just be. We are a family, and we love to hang out with our sisters and brothers.” Building 429 delivered an intimate, private concert to families nestled on blankets and relaxing in beach chairs. As the music reverberated across the terrace, kids could be found playing life-sized Jenga, Connect 4 and Lite Brite games.
As the raffle drum rolled and rolled and more than 23,000 tickets tumbled, the winning number was announced live by Huffines Auto Dealership owners and TCA alumni parents Ray and Ann Huffines. Raffle sales were up again this year, topping more than $115,000. Congratulations to our winner, TCA parent James Clay. Mr. Clay popped up from his chair and made this way to the stage to claim his prize, a brand new car! “What a blessing for so many families to gather together and celebrate our community, God’s faithfulness, Rod’s 38 years of service and just to have a good time visiting!” said TCA Headmaster Dave Delph. “The food, the music, the games, the conversation and the amazing beauty of the Dallas Arboretum…it was a special evening.” The evening ended with the smell of nightblooming jasmine in the air, positive prayer and an abundance of applause. Many could be heard saying, “I hope we do this again next year.”
Ray Huffines with car raffle winner James Clay
Building 429 performing for the TCA crowd T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
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GRADUATION 2 0 15
On Thursday, May 14, 2015,
120 TCA students (55 of them who have attended TCA since kindergarten) crossed the stage, received their diplomas and officially became “TCA alumni.” This year’s class boasted four National Merit finalists, seven National Merit commended students, nine students going on to play varsity athletics at NCAA Division I schools, over $8.5 million awarded in scholarships, a class average GPA of 3.99 and over 23,000 hours of community service in the last four years. The evening was spent celebrating the achievements and success of another outstanding TCA class. Congratulations, Class of 2015!
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T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
Photography by Jeff McWhorter ’05
C O L O S S I A N S
T R I N I T Y
2:6–7
T O D A Y
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GRADUATION 2 0 15
Florence Kam giving valedictory address
Looking ahead Grayson Lee Aldrich
Addison Anne Gibson
Jane Conoly Neuhoff
Brandon Cole Anderson
Garrett Christopher Glanton
Milcah Suubi-Kumugonza Ntende
Henry Weldon Autrey
Taylor Davis Goode
Joshua Colin Parks
Khloe Lamorea Benton
Mackenzie Morgan Gossett
Emily Kirkland Parnell
Carrigan Jean Blagburn
Augustus Bedford Harrison
Paige Lauren Patterson
Rachel Eleanor Bolton
Jessica Reneé Harrison
Kathryn Anne Quinn
Alec James Bove
Taylor Nicole Hayden
Alexander Paden Rader
Anson Mark Brady
Parker Jane Heard
Marshal Delle Reid
Emily Dade Brayton
Graham George Hill
Reagan Elizabeth Rice
Laura Ellen Buchanan
Ashley Gayle Hodges
Jonathan Lee Ripley Jr.
Emily Diane Callison
Bradley Richard Holder
Daniel Alexander Rodriguez
John Hayden Carlson
Sydney Christina Hurst
Hudson Truitt Roe
Connor Michael Carpenter
Christian Montgomery Hutzler
Lauren Vi Roquemore
Harold Mack Carter
Rebecca Cynthia Johnson
Samantha Jane Sadler
Ryan James Chianese
Florence Yee-Ling Kam
Abby Katherine Selzer
William Jinsung Choi
Brandon Scot Kesler
Camille Ruth Loren Smith
Brandon Youngho Chu
Jeremiah Sung-Eun Kim
Harper Alexander Sneed
Mackenzie Ann Cimpl
Andrew Charles Konstans
Caitlin Ann Stephens
Noah McCall Clark
Christianna Marie Konstans
Kathryn Elizabeth Tate
Garrett Preston Clifford
Makenzie Laine Krantz
Paige Elizabeth Test
Alexis Victoria Coley
Waverly Brooke Kundysek
Gabrielle Analiese Tiner
Bryce Landan Noel Couch
Jon Michael Lauck
Joseph Paul Tkach
Analiese Danielle Cos Crane
Hunter Lovell Lawrence
Delaney Nicole Torti
Christopher David Crosby
Adam Francis LeBlanc
Connor John Travis
John Taylor Denzer
Charidy Blair Lee
Peyton Nicole Travis
Rachel Elizabeth Doshier
Molly Shelfer Legband
Amanda Gail Trostel
Andrew James Douglass
Amanda Jordan Lilly
Hannah Jane Uselton
Travis Robert Ehringer
Emma Katherine Liu
Alaina Claire Van Fleet
Nahshon Thomas Ellerbe
Alden Faye Longbotham
Dylan Powell Walker
Blake Turner Ellis
Marina Denise Maale
Christian Pfaehler Walsh
Texas A&M University University of Texas
University of Arkansas University of Arkansas University of Arkansas University of Arkansas Texas A&M University
Oklahoma State University University of Texas Baylor University
Oklahoma State University Texas Tech University
Texas A&M University Clemson University
University of Arkansas
Rod Morris declaring his customary “Let my people go” to dimiss the Class of 2015 one last time
Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi Dartmouth College Baylor University
Georgetown University Gap year
Oklahoma State University Georgetown University Texas A&M University
University of Arkansas
University of Rochester Belmont University Virginia Tech
Texas Christian University Rice University
Kansas State University
Texas A&M University
Abilene Christian University University of North Texas University of Arkansas Texas A&M University Belmont University
Dallas Baptist University Oklahoma State University University of Arkansas
Texas Christian University Texas A&M University
University of Oklahoma Duke University
Hendrix College
Southern Methodist University Baylor University
Cornell University
Southern Methodist University Texas A&M University Samford University
Pepperdine University Rhodes College
University of Mississippi
University of Colorado Boulder Baylor University
Texas A&M University Texas A&M University Belmont University
Texas Christian University
Texas A&M University, Galveston
Pepperdine University
Georgia Institute of Technology University of Alabama University of Texas University of Texas
University of Hawaii at West Oahu Louisiana State University University of Arkansas Baylor University
Belmont University Purdue University
Texas Tech University University of Texas Duke University
Texas A&M University
Texas State University
Oklahoma State University Texas A&M University, Commerce Mississippi College
Texas Tech University Abilene Christian University Baylor University Baylor University
University of Denver University of Texas
Oklahoma State University University of Oklahoma Texas Christian University Oklahoma State University Texas A&M University
Isabel Gabriela Bengzon Esclamado Peter Nicholas Manos University of Texas
Belmont University
Michael Andrew Ward
Lindsey Elaine Esparza
Jace Kahler Martin
Sarah Katherine Warnke
Texas A&M University
Karoline Ruth Fields
Stephen F. Austin University
Hayden Jane Foster University of Texas
Christopher Aaron Fox
Georgia Institute of Technology
Anna Elizabeth Frazier
The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina
Andrew Russel Maust Rice University
Andrew David Monroe McBride Ouachita Baptist University
Olivia Ann McClay University of Texas
Oklahoma State University University of Texas
Daniel Lawrence Whiddon Blinn College
William Reed Whitmire
University of Notre Dame
Karsten Anthony Wilkinson University of Texas
Britain Elizabeth Winchell
Baylor University
Madeline Nicole Miller
Emma Elizabeth Gabriano
Stephanie Kathryn Wofford Elizabeth Madison Miriam Morris Baylor University
Westmont College
Tyler Christian Galvin Texas A&M University
Robi Anastasia Gammill Harding University
Corbin Gene Getz
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University Georgetown University
William Ronald Morris III Georgetown University
John Michael Morton
University of Colorado Boulder
Madison Nicole Mueller Texas A&M University
T R I N I T Y
Texas A&M University
Enoch Jonah Wong University of Texas
Lauren Sara Wood
University of Arkansas
Brittany Leigh Wright Texas A&M University
T O D A Y
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HEADMASTER’S NOTE
Education by HIS design
A
By Dave Delph, Headmaster
S WE WRAP UP the 2014-15
school year and look forward to greeting students and parents this coming August, I am reminded of how important our school is in the lives of so many and why a Christ-centered education is such a blessing, a gift. Our mission to educate, develop the whole person (socially, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually) and shepherd students to become faithful disciples of Christ is a not only noble; it is biblical.
Throughout Scripture, God instructs parents to teach His/their children. Deuteronomy 11:19 states, “You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” God is instructing us to teach our children His commands and precepts all throughout the day! Matthew, Mark and Luke document Jesus’s embrace of Deuteronomy 6, the two greatest commandments: “‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31, ESV) Teaching our children through words and actions (modeling) should happen throughout the day, and those who have chosen to place their children in the care and nurturing of a Christ-centered school should expect that the two greatest commandments are foundational in their children’s education.
Getting the word out This spring, TCA kicked off a new campaign called There’s More to communicate the message of TCA to potential new families and increase brand awareness in the greater Dallas community. This campaign includes our website, online banner ads, billboards on the Tollway and print pieces, so keep your eye out for these new messages and help us spread the word that “there’s more” at TCA!
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T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
Training the heart, mind and soul is no small task. Providing an environment, godly teachers, coaches, administrators and a curriculum that is centered in Christ is paramount to that goal. As secularism is quickly becoming the faith of this land, a Christ-centered education is critical to addressing the issues our students are facing. Our post-Christian culture is espousing antibiblical principles. Tolerance has become one of the greatest virtues, not truth. Faith is mocked as only for the intellectually weak. God’s creation is by chance. Parenting is ultimately stewardship of children, His children, and providing an education that values the heart, mind and soul rather than a secular worldview prepares children to be salt and light in a world that so desperately needs Jesus. Your investment is worth it! I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 4
TRUSTEE NOTE
By Steve Novakovich, Board of Trustees Chairman
T
HE END OF A SCHOOL YEAR is a time that is filled with milestones. There are the obvious ones—seniors committing to their college choices, end-of-year class parties, and, of course, graduation. Then there are the notso-obvious ones—the last time a teacher has a chance to look out across a classroom full of students that he or she has grown to love, the last curtain call for the spring theater production and the last lap of the last track meet of the year. One point of commonality of passing milestones is a reminder of the march of time and our place in it. Our Heavenly Father has built this feature into the very structure of His creation using the stars and the planets that He placed in the night sky to serve as signs and to mark our days, seasons and years (Genesis 1:14). Recently an event was held which reminded the TCA Board of Trustees of that same march of time and our brief place in it. It was a dinner honoring Bill Millet, an early trustee (1975–85), Foundation Board member (1990–present), founder of the TCA Student Tuition Aid program and a faithful contributor to TCA in many other ways. We chose to honor Bill for his love of TCA and his unmatched tenure of service to the Lord at TCA, but we also sought with this event to pay a debt of gratitude and respect to all former trustees who have given so freely of their time, talents and treasure across the 45 years that TCA has been in existence. It was a wonderful evening where Bill’s family, former and current trustees and administrators shared stories from the early days of TCA and recent developments, which highlight the ways
Milestones the Lord has blessed and multiplied the investments made in the past as each successive generation has built upon the work of those who came before. In all, 80 men and women have served on the TCA Board of Trustees. Most have been current TCA parents or grandparents. We’ve had pastors, business leaders, doctors, authors, lawyers and moms. Our most famous former trustee is Tom Landry—yes, that Tom Landry. Tom served on the TCA board from 1975 to 1978, a period during which Tom was busy coaching Super Bowl teams with the Dallas Cowboys. Our board members with the longest tenures to date are Bo Miller (1975– 93) and Ron Crosby (1997–present). With the recent passing of Don Hodges (1981–84) and Dick Crews (1974–86), 18 former board members are now with the Lord. While milestones and events like the evening honoring Bill Millet tend to impress upon us the things that have changed, they can also serve to underscore the things that have not. In our case, successive generations of trustees have purposed to hold on to some core principles that have endured the test of time and have provided continuity and guidance for the school as it has grown and matured. One fundamental principle is that TCA belongs to the Lord and that we are merely stewards and beneficiaries of it. The current trustees will serve for a short time and then hand our responsibilities over to others who will carry them forward for a season before handing them off to their successors. It is the Lord who remains constant and who can be trusted to continue His work here. Another longstanding principle is that one of our most important duties as a board is to pray for the needs of the
school. And we do. Not perfunctory “open the meeting”-type prayer, but serious, intentional prayer in which board members bring the needs of the school and the TCA community before the Lord at every meeting. Prayer of this nature reminds us that it is ultimately the Lord who protects and provides for the school, and it directs us to seek His wisdom and recognize the limits of our own human abilities. A core principle with very practical implications which we hold dear is our no-debt policy. We believe we honor the Lord when we trust Him to move hearts in our community to give to the capital needs of the school, and we also believe that it is best for each generation to give out of its abundance in order to bless and provide for the needs of those who will follow. In this way, past contributors to TCA have provided the facilities that we now enjoy, enabling us to avoid burdening today’s tuition with capital expenses and debt service. Maintaining these core principles serves to connect us to the past and to guide us into the future. Milestones should also prompt a feeling of gratitude. On behalf of the current Board of Trustees, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the TCA faculty and staff for loving, teaching, coaching, inspiring and so ably caring for our kids over the past school year. I would like to thank our community for your love and support for TCA and for the trust you place in the Board of Trustees and the administration. And I would also like to thank all of our former trustees for the way you so faithfully carried the baton and for the good things you entrusted to us. May current and future trustees live up to your wise and godly example. T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
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TheHonorRoll Congratulations to all these students who made the Second Trimester Honor Rolls:
Summa Cum Laude
GPA of 4.2 or higher Seniors
Grayson Aldrich Brandon Anderson Carrigan Blagburn Alec Bove Emily Callison Mack Carter Brandon Chu Mackenzie Cimpl Lexi Coley Bryce Couch Analiese Crane Jack Denzer Rachel Doshier Andrew Douglass Isabel Esclamado Lindsey Esparza Christopher Fox Garrett Glanton Brad Holder Rebecca Johnson Florence Kam Jeremiah Kim Andrew Konstans Christianna Konstans Makenzie Krantz Waverly Kundysek Jon Lauck Adam LeBlanc Charidy Lee Molly Legband Amanda Lilly Emma Kate Liu Alden Longbotham Marina Maale Andrew Maust Olivia McClay Madeline Miller Elizabeth Morris William Morris Michael Morton Madison Mueller Milcah Ntende Colin Parks Emily Parnell Katy Quinn Reagan Rice Jonathan Ripley Lauren Roquemore Samantha Sadler Abby Selzer Kathryn Tate Delaney Torti Connor Travis Peyton Travis Amanda Trostel Hannah Uselton Sarah Warnke Will Whitmire Karsten Wilkinson Brit Winchell Stephanie Wofford Enoch Wong
Juniors
Trace Akin Olivia Ashmore Georgia Autrey Elizabeth Barnes Savannah Bass Haven Burgoon Katie Camp Aaron Cho David Choi Meredith Cole Courtney Dow Aaron Feldman Dawson Fields Lili Figueroa
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T R I N I T Y
Reagan Freeman Matthew Galvan Audrey Gerthoffer MacKenzie Glosser Jennifer Harbour Joshua Harper Nicala Hatton Emma Heath Madison Helms Brandon Hilger Ashley Hock Anna Holder Josh John Gavin Jones Lauren Kennedy Sydney Lee Brandon Legband Mitch Little Sam Liu Melanie Marshall Donovan Mbroh Chandler Noordhoff John Novakovich Parker Oliver Mark Paterson Matt Paterson Cameron Pino Alexandra Powers Elizabeth Priest Chase Rea Jacquelyn Rector Mary-Todd Ridley Campbell Roe Ryan Rogers Isabel Ruch Georgia Scalfano Collin Schuster Shelby Smith Reagan Stringfellow Sarah Tholen Nicole Thomas Cole Williams Carlie Woodard Matthew Young
Sophomores
Berklie Baker Brett Bartol Riley Chandler Jasmine Chock Alex Coronado Timothy Darby Sarah DeWhitt Caroline Fischer Chase Hackney Juliann Hall Lillie Harrington Lindsey Hayden Daniel Heard Caitlin Hickney Alexandria Ho Nathan Holden Isabella Jackson Alec Jordan Travis Josephs Ellie Kauffman Ginny Kestel Morgan Ku Kathryn Kuhlman Kenedy Kundysek Abigail Mathai Lauren McLain Tylre Meeks Alexandra Mills Georgia Moore Nicole Muschalek Callie Orten Kat Petersen Kate Rector Ryan Roquemore Mary Ashley Samuelson Jack Savage Matthew Springfield Michael Waters Andrew Willison Julia Willison Nicole Willison Madeleine Wilson Christopher Wines
T O D A Y
Burke Wofford Nicholas Wong Chandler Wright
Freshmen
Presley Baker Lindsay Bibby Alea Brady Addison Branning Karsen Burgess Cade Burgoon Lance Chu Nicolas Deadman Karly Douglass Cassidy Ellison Josh Esclamado Ryan Fitzpatrick Molly Henegar Cody Henson Kayley Howard Daniel Hsu Evan Janson Sara Kukuk Allison Lau Sarah Lipe Lauren Lott Griffin Maurice Evan McAuliffe Natalie Miller Hudson Neuhoff Alyson O’Shea Haley Kate Patterson Jared Payne Caroline Pierce Caroline Pino Ramie Rice Sydney Kathryn Riordan Claire Roever John-Michael Sadler Nathan Sanders Autumn Sonju Leslie Wolff Michael Young
8th Grade
Georgia Ballew Lindsay Bartol Jessica Lee Abby Muschalek J.D. Powers Avery Schuster Connor Williams
Magna Cum Laude
GPA of 3.8–4.19 Seniors
Rachel Bolton Emily Brayton Ellie Buchanan John Carlson Connor Carpenter Ryan Chianese Will Choi Noah Clark Garrett Clifford Travis Ehringer Nahshon Ellerbe Blake Ellis Karoline Fields Anna Frazier Emma Gabriano Tyler Galvin Corbin Getz Addy Gibson Gus Harrison Jessica Harrison Taylor Hayden Parker Heard Graham Hill Sydney Hurst Christian Hutzler Brandon Kesler
Andrew McBride Jane Neuhoff Paige Patterson Alex Rader Marshal Reid Hudson Roe Camille Smith Alaina Van Fleet Christian Walsh Brittany Wright
Juniors
Tatyana Ah Chu Bailey Bacon Will Ballew Blair Blackburn Tori Canter Devon Collier Spencer Ellison Hayden English Brett Fair Theo Fandrich Joseph Fares William Gilbert Lauren Golden Austin Gurney Addison Herritage Jessica Hock Ethan Howard Allison Jackson Hannah Keplar Courtney Kesler Emma Lunceford M.J. Massinger Cory McQuilkin Jackson Noakes Hayden Perschbacher Connor Posavitz Everett Ray Paul Rosario Alex Stiegler James Tardy Ben Thornton Julia Wickes Gracen Wilder Alex Wishnick Hunt Wood
Sophomores
Grace Abell Maya Abrams Cole Adams Benjamin Beal Chad Bekarian Spencer Bennett Joshua Black Jack Blocker Jack Bolton Hallie Callison Bailey Chaffin Monica Choi Chipper Daniels Poppy Eriksen Connor Harwell Tyler Helbing Erica Henri Macy Holliday Jordan Jones Ansley Marquardt David Muery Reagan Robbins Mira Sewaiseh Emily Stanton Stephen Sullivan Christopher Tarantino Macey Walker Melinda White
Freshmen
Ben Berggren Catherine Bigham Parker Blackburn Jake Bryans Mack Bush Michael Casella Sam Clare Alisa Coley Marissa Douglass Caroline Dow Emily Dyer
Nicolas Fandrich Courtney Fish Libby Floyd Sean Fox Sacha Francois Luke Glover Bryce Harwell Isabelle Heldenfels Colby James Sarah Konstans A.J. LaGassa Caroline McClay Abbey McCutchen Allie McWhorter Emily Miller Hogan Molthan Jung Park Jessica Pitts Maddy Rinker Emma Scalfano Kara Stiegler Tori Troop Riley Walton Natalie Warrick Dodd Weyandt Colin Wiegand Caroline Winslow Ethan Woodward
8th Grade
Molly Grace Beddingfield Kate Blocker Robert Caldwell Bobby Carstens Elisa Cavazos Summer Chaffin Bella Correa Madelynn Cotter Brijit Crosby Grant De Paoli Jillian Delp Emily Floyd Avery Gann Parker Hadley Kelsey Hancock Gracie Harris Lauren Head Madeline Jackson Townley Jordan Catherine Josephs Brett Kauffman Grace Lee Michelle Lee Clara Liu Blake Marsh Kennedy Mason Ashley McWhorter Noah Morrison Shelby Niederhofer Sam Norris Regan O’Shea Annika Olson Maddie Parrent Riley Stringfellow Caroline Tate Max Thomas London Thornton Tanner Wayte Elijah Westover Kennedy Wiegand Kaleigh Wilkinson John Wright
7th Grade
Zoe Bator Isabella Berthel Haleigh Brown Olivia Clark Will Compton Riley Conine Avery Cotter Ella Kate Cotter Kyle Cotter Abigail Dalton Jayce Frady Carter Getz Cameron Gilmore Barrett Jessen Natalie Konstans Jenna Larson
Leslie Anne Lodwick Anna Beth Lowrey Cameron May Ross McKay Blake Mercer Ethan Merrifield Garrett Orten Henry Ridley Logan Rock Michael Ruch Savannah Sims Caroline Spears Justine Walker Gracy Watts Jack Wenzel Lily Westover Brendan Williams Audrey Wines Elizabeth Yeary Jessica Young
Cum Laude
GPA of 3.5–3.79 Seniors
Hank Autrey Anson Brady David Crosby Hayden Foster Kenzie Gossett Ashley Hodges Hunter Lawrence Daniel Rodriguez Paige Test Gabbie Tiner Dylan Walker Daniel Whiddon Lauren Wood
Juniors
Nathalie Azzi Alexander Baldwin Lexie Blair Josh Graham Cameron Hall Grace Harvey Brooke Herman Freddie Anne Hodges Makenzie Kesler Andrew Nace Catie Rebensdorf Jacob Sloan Scotty Williams Ashley Young
Sophomores
Carter Burns Mary Cash Alex Clemovitz Davis Conley Travis Harrison Blake Hinton Haley Hodges Hannah Hoffman Averie Kadane Janna Kelly Laurence Lundy Ashton Miller Weston Porter Molly Rader Delia Rowland Allison Smith Justin Thompson Will Traweek Ellie Whitmire Cole Yeatts
Freshmen
Bryn Barringer Meghan Betts Laura Bowling Caroline Bush Maddy Courtright Riley Crow Daniel DeWeese
Kelsey Ferrell Jarod Frantz Brady Freeman Deven Gann Brooks Glanton Jordyn Goodman Kennedy Hatton Mallory Heard Harrison Lawrence Lauren Mawhee Ryan McWhorter Gil Nelson Parker Nelson Foti Pakes Kyndall Richardson Jordan Rodgers Davis Rogers Chad Rutledge Kiley Wilson Cathy Jean Wood Jason Woodard R.C. Yeary
8th Grade
David Asche Riley Bagnall Trevor Cobern Shaw Cotter Katherine DeWeese Trevor Douglass Daniela Figueroa Kyle Green Haston Habern Jackson Hinckley Austin Ho Cade Klinger Georgia Nine Savannah Pate Jake Payne Laura Pomberg Cailin Redden Robert Rowland John Shaw Zach Speck Lauren Sulzen Whit Traweek Emily Uselton Jordan Walters Alayna Weyandt Clarissa Wong
7th Grade
Amara Asrawi Ariana Asrawi Olivia Baldwin Olivia Berggren Catherine Binkley Nicholas Boyd Andrew Buser Ellie Bush Jonathan Chock Amanda Choi Giovanna Cinello Elle Clark Chase Colquitt Lindsey Crow Alan Fandrich Claire Franke Audrey Gradick Colton Hackney Mason Hinckley Kyndal Hinton Kathryn Janson Gracie Massinger Joshua Matthews James Mayo Gray McCabe Dutch McStay Jasmine Miller Ben Murphy Danielle Parker Ashleigh Rutledge Pierce Sandlin Zoe Schiefer Lauren Smith Nathan Stara Marie Kathryn Waldrop Ella Ward Grant Winslow
TheHonorRoll Congratulations to all these students who made the Third Trimester Honor Rolls:
Summa Cum Laude
GPA of 4.2 or higher Seniors
Grayson Aldrich Carrigan Blagburn Alec Bove Emily Callison Connor Carpenter Mack Carter Brandon Chu Mackenzie Cimpl Lexi Coley Bryce Couch Analiese Crane Jack Denzer Rachel Doshier Andrew Douglass Isabel Esclamado Karoline Fields Christopher Fox Emma Gabriano Brad Holder Florence Kam Jeremiah Kim Andrew Konstans Christianna Konstans Makenzie Krantz Jon Lauck Adam LeBlanc Charidy Lee Molly Legband Amanda Lilly Emma Kate Liu Alden Longbotham Marina Maale Andrew Maust Olivia McClay Elizabeth Morris William Morris Michael Morton Madison Mueller Colin Parks Emily Parnell Reagan Rice Jonathan Ripley Lauren Roquemore Samantha Sadler Kathryn Tate Gabbie Tiner Delaney Torti Connor Travis Peyton Travis Amanda Trostel Hannah Uselton Sarah Warnke Will Whitmire Brit Winchell Stephanie Wofford Enoch Wong
Juniors
Olivia Ashmore Georgia Autrey Bailey Bacon Elizabeth Barnes Savannah Bass Haven Burgoon Katie Camp Aaron Cho Courtney Dow Spencer Ellison Dawson Fields Lili Figueroa Reagan Freeman Matthew Galvan Audrey Gerthoffer MacKenzie Glosser Jennifer Harbour
Joshua Harper Nicala Hatton Emma Heath Madison Helms Brandon Hilger Ashley Hock Jessica Hock Freddie Anne Hodges Anna Holder Josh John Gavin Jones Lauren Kennedy Hannah Keplar Brandon Legband Mitch Little Sam Liu Melanie Marshall Chandler Noordhoff John Novakovich Parker Oliver Mark Paterson Matt Paterson Cameron Pino Alexandra Powers Elizabeth Priest Chase Rea Jacquelyn Rector Mary-Todd Ridley Campbell Roe Isabel Ruch Georgia Scalfano Collin Schuster Shelby Smith Reagan Stringfellow Sarah Tholen Nicole Thomas Cole Williams Carlie Woodard Matthew Young
Sophomores
Berklie Baker Brett Bartol Riley Chandler Jasmine Chock Alex Coronado Chipper Daniels Caroline Fischer Chase Hackney Juliann Hall Lindsey Hayden Daniel Heard Tyler Helbing Alexandria Ho Nathan Holden Isabella Jackson Alec Jordan Travis Josephs Ellie Kauffman Ginny Kestel Morgan Ku Kathryn Kuhlman Abigail Mathai Lauren McLain Tylre Meeks Alexandra Mills Nicole Muschalek Callie Orten Kat Petersen Kate Rector Mary Ashley Samuelson Sam Sheeder Matthew Springfield Michael Waters Andrew Willison Nicole Willison Madeleine Wilson Christopher Wines Burke Wofford Nicholas Wong Chandler Wright
Freshmen
Presley Baker Lindsay Bibby Catherine Bigham Alea Brady
Jake Bryans Karsen Burgess Cade Burgoon Lance Chu Nicolas Deadman Karly Douglass Josh Esclamado Nicolas Fandrich Molly Henegar Kayley Howard Daniel Hsu Colby James Evan Janson Sara Kukuk Allison Lau Sarah Lipe Lauren Lott Griffin Maurice Evan McAuliffe Caroline McClay Natalie Miller Alyson O’Shea Jared Payne Caroline Pierce Caroline Pino Jessica Pitts Maddy Rinker Sydney Kathryn Riordan Claire Roever John-Michael Sadler Autumn Sonju Dodd Weyandt Leslie Wolff Michael Young
8th Grade
Lindsay Bartol Bella Correa Avery Gann Jessica Lee Michelle Lee Abby Muschalek J.D. Powers Avery Schuster John Wright
7th Grade
Isabella Berthel Gracy Watts
Magna Cum Laude
GPA of 3.8–4.19 Seniors
Brandon Anderson Khloe Benton Rachel Bolton Anson Brady Emily Brayton Ellie Buchanan Will Choi Noah Clark Travis Ehringer Nahshon Ellerbe Blake Ellis Lindsey Esparza Hayden Foster Anna Frazier Tyler Galvin Corbin Getz Addy Gibson Garrett Glanton Jessica Harrison Taylor Hayden Parker Heard Graham Hill Sydney Hurst Christian Hutzler Rebecca Johnson
Brandon Kesler Waverly Kundysek Hunter Lawrence Kahler Martin Andrew McBride Madeline Miller Jane Neuhoff Milcah Ntende Paige Patterson Katy Quinn Alex Rader Marshal Reid Abby Selzer Camille Smith Paige Test Alaina Van Fleet Christian Walsh Daniel Whiddon Karsten Wilkinson Lauren Wood Brittany Wright
Juniors
Tatyana Ah Chu Blair Blackburn Lexie Blair Tori Canter David Choi Meredith Cole Devon Collier Hayden English Theo Fandrich Joseph Fares Aaron Feldman William Gilbert Lauren Golden Josh Graham Austin Gurney Ethan Howard Allison Jackson Courtney Kesler Sydney Lee Emma Lunceford Donovan Mbroh Andrew Nace Hayden Perschbacher Everett Ray Ryan Rogers Paul Rosario Alex Stiegler James Tardy Ben Thornton Julia Wickes Gracen Wilder Alex Wishnick Hunt Wood
Sophomores
Grace Abell Maya Abrams Benjamin Beal Chad Bekarian Spencer Bennett Joshua Black Jack Blocker Hallie Callison Bailey Chaffin Timothy Darby Sarah DeWhitt Lillie Harrington Caitlin Hickney Macy Holliday Jordan Jones Kenedy Kundysek Georgia Moore Ryan Roquemore Delia Rowland Jack Savage Mira Sewaiseh Emily Stanton Stephen Sullivan Christopher Tarantino Will Traweek Macey Walker Melinda White Julia Willison
Freshmen
Ben Berggren Meghan Betts Parker Blackburn Addison Branning Mack Bush Michael Casella Alisa Coley Caroline Dow Emily Dyer Cassidy Ellison Courtney Fish Ryan Fitzpatrick Libby Floyd Brady Freeman Luke Glover Jordyn Goodman Cody Henson Sarah Konstans A.J. LaGassa Lauren Mawhee Abbey McCutchen Allie McWhorter Ryan McWhorter Emily Miller Hudson Neuhoff Haley Kate Patterson Ramie Rice Kyndall Richardson Nathan Sanders Emma Scalfano Kara Stiegler Tori Troop Riley Walton Natalie Warrick Colin Wiegand Kiley Wilson Caroline Winslow Cathy Jean Wood
8th Grade
David Asche Georgia Ballew Molly Grace Beddingfield Kate Blocker Bobby Carstens Elisa Cavazos Summer Chaffin Madelynn Cotter Brijit Crosby Grant De Paoli Jillian Delp Emily Floyd Parker Hadley Kelsey Hancock Gracie Harris Lauren Head Austin Ho Townley Jordan Brett Kauffman Grace Lee Kennedy Mason Ashley McWhorter Noah Morrison Shelby Niederhofer Sam Norris Regan O’Shea Annika Olson Maddie Parrent Jake Payne Riley Rice Riley Stringfellow Caroline Tate Max Thomas London Thornton Whit Traweek Tanner Wayte Elijah Westover Alayna Weyandt Kennedy Wiegand Kaleigh Wilkinson Connor Williams
7th Grade
Olivia Baldwin Zoe Bator Olivia Berggren Catherine Binkley
Haleigh Brown Elle Clark Olivia Clark Will Compton Riley Conine Avery Cotter Ella Kate Cotter Kyle Cotter Abigail Dalton Jayce Frady Carter Getz Cameron Gilmore Kathryn Janson Natalie Konstans Jenna Larson Leslie Anne Lodwick Anna Beth Lowrey Gracie Massinger Ross McKay Blake Mercer Ethan Merrifield Danielle Parker Henry Ridley Logan Rock Savannah Sims Caroline Spears Nathan Stara Justine Walker Ella Ward Lily Westover Audrey Wines Elizabeth Yeary Jessica Young
Cum Laude
GPA of 3.5–3.79 Seniors
John Carlson Ryan Chianese Garrett Clifford David Crosby Gus Harrison Ashley Hodges Daniel Rodriguez Harper Sneed Dylan Walker
Juniors
Trace Akin Nathalie Azzi Will Ballew Hannah Berggren Brett Fair Cameron Hall Grace Harvey Hannah Harwell Brooke Herman Addison Herritage Makenzie Kesler M.J. Massinger Jackson Noakes Connor Posavitz Catie Rebensdorf Scotty Williams
Sophomores
Cole Adams Jack Bolton Carter Burns David Carstens Monica Choi Alex Clemovitz Poppy Eriksen Travis Harrison Connor Harwell Erica Henri Janna Kelly Laurence Lundy Ansley Marquardt David Muery Weston Porter Reagan Robbins Allison Smith
Freshmen
Caroline Bush Sam Clare Riley Crow Daniel DeWeese Carson Dodge Marissa Douglass Kelsey Ferrell Sean Fox Sacha Francois Deven Gann Brooks Glanton Bryce Harwell Kennedy Hatton Mallory Heard Isabelle Heldenfels Harrison Lawrence Parker Nelson Jung Park Davis Rogers Chad Rutledge Lauren Warner Jason Woodard Ethan Woodward R.C. Yeary
8th Grade
Riley Bagnall Will Barnes Robert Caldwell Erin Clay Katherine DeWeese Trevor Douglass Andrea Ehringer Kyle Green Brooke Henegar Jackson Hinckley Madeline Jackson Gentry Jarrell Catherine Josephs William Kennedy Clara Liu Blake Marsh Georgia Nine Savannah Pate Laura Pomberg Cailin Redden Robert Rowland John Shaw Lauren Sulzen Tyler Townley Jordan Walters Clarissa Wong
7th Grade
Amara Asrawi Ariana Asrawi Nicholas Boyd Ellie Bush Amanda Choi Chase Colquitt Lindsey Crow Alan Fandrich Audrey Gradick Colton Hackney Landry Hays Mason Hinckley Kyndal Hinton Barrett Jessen Allison Jones Cameron May Gray McCabe Dutch McStay Jasmine Miller Garrett Orten Michael Ruch Ashleigh Rutledge Pierce Sandlin Zoe Schiefer Lauren Smith Marie Kathryn Waldrop Jack Wenzel Brendan Williams Grant Winslow
T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
3 1
GOOD WORKS
The Rock wins first-place award n The spring 2014 issue of The Rock, TCA Upper School’s student-produced magazine, recently won a first-place award from the American Scholastic Press Association in the ASPA’s annual magazine competition. The magazine issue was judged for content coverage, organization, design, presentation and creativity. Congratulations to the outstanding student staff of The Rock and especially to Executive Editor Lexi Coley and to Managing Editors Elizabeth Morris and Lauren Roquemore.
MATHCOUNTS
n Six TCA Middle School students participated in the 2014-15 area MATHCOUNTS competition at the University of Texas at Dallas sponsored by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. The competition featured 200 participants from more than 30 schools. Participants from TCA were eighth-graders Sam Norris, Riley Stringfellow and Whit Traweek and seventh-graders Jonathan Chock, Zachary Coronado and Mark Johnson.
Math Olympians
The following Lower School and Middle School students placed in the ACSI Math Olympics this year: THIRD GRADE n Morgan Amison – First Place, Reasoning n David Meiser – Second Place, Reasoning n Annabelle Lee – Fourth Place, Computation n Emsley Mitchell – Excellent Ribbon, Reasoning FOURTH GRADE n Kazia Handoko – First Place, Reasoning n Bethany Grimm – First Place, Computation n Grace Kwon – Second Place, Computation n Connor O’Dowd – Third Place, Reasoning n Richelle Kim – Third Place, Computation n Jocelyn Youn – Superior Ribbon, Reasoning FIFTH GRADE n Daniel Kwon – Fifth Place, Reasoning SIXTH GRADE n Lilly Parker – First Place, Computation n Annie Xia – First Place, Reasoning n Joel Smitherman – Second Place, Reasoning n Ryan O’Shea – Second Place, Reasoning n Leah Kegerreis – Fifth Place, Computation SEVENTH GRADE n Amanda Choi – Third Place, Computation n Logan Rock – Third Place, Reasoning n Henry Ridley – Fifth Place, Reasoning EIGHTH GRADE n JD Powers – First Place, Computation n Max Thomas – Second Place, Reasoning n Lindsey Bartol – Third Place, Reasoning 3 2
T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
Honor Choir Selection
Computing Educator Award
National Latin Exam
National Merit Finalists
n Seventh-grader Allison Jones will represent TCA at the 2015 Texas Choral Directors Association Middle School Honor Choir in San Antonio this summer. Allison was selected from hundreds of auditions from public and private schools throughout the state of Texas and is the first TCA singer to be selected for this prestigious choir. Each year, seventh- and eighth-grade Latin students are given the opportunity to participate in the National Latin Exam with over 120,000 others from all 50 states and nine foreign countries. Congratulations to these outstanding Latin students: EIGHTH GRADE n Summa Cum Laude – Gold Medal (missed no more than two questions): Tanner Wayte n Maxima Cum Laude – Silver Medal (answered at least 32 questions correctly): Lindsay Bartol, Kate Blocker, Jillian Delp, Grace Lee, Jessica Lee, Michelle Lee, Ashley McWhorter, Noah Morrison, Abby Muschalek, Riley Stringfellow and Avery Schuster n Magna Cum Laude (answered at least 30 questions correctly): Molly Grace Beddingfield, Bobby Carstens, Elisa Cavazos, Summer Chaffin, Bella Correa, Avery Gann, Brooke Henegar, James Muery, Annika Olsen, Cailin Redden and Caroline Tate n Cum Laude (answered at least 28 questions correctly): David Asche, Robert Caldwell, Kelsey Hancock, Lauren Head, Kennedy Mason, Regan O’Shea, Maddie Parrent, Laura Pomberg, Aeris Rabroker, Brielle Stein, Ryan Trostel, Kaleigh Wilkinson, Connor Williams and John Wright SEVENTH GRADE n Outstanding Achievement Certificate (missed no more than three questions): Isabella Berthel and Ross McKay n Achievement Certificate (missed no more than eight questions): Amara Asrawi, Ellie Bush, Gigi Cinello, Zach Coronado, Kyle Cotter, Abby Dalton, Micah Giblaint, Landry Hays, Kyndal Hinton, Jenna Larson, Leslie Lodwick, James Mayo, Danielle Parker, Henry Ridley, Pierce Sandlin, Nathan Stara, Justine Walker, Ella Ward, Gracy Watts, Jack Wenzel, Lily Westover, Brendan Williams, Elizabeth Yeary and Jessica Young
Inspirational Teachers Award
n Nominated by Brianna Adams ’11, Upper School World Languages Department Head Lorna Griffin was recently named as one of the top three finalists for the University of Alabama’s Capstone Inspirational Teachers Award.
n Upper School Technology Department Head Kent Pendleton was recently awarded the 2015 NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Educator Award by the Metroplex Technology Business Council.
n Four TCA seniors, Jeremiah Kim, William Morris, Enoch Wong and Florence Kam, were named 2015 National Merit finalists. As finalists, they were among the highest scorers on the PSAT in Texas and the nation and represent less than one percent of our nation’s high school seniors.
Schmidt and Jones Performing Arts Awards
n TCA’s Performing Arts Department received nine nominations, including Best Musical, for its production of Guys and Dolls by the Fifth Annual Schmidt and Jones Awards, one of three major high school musical theater awards programs in the DFW area. Junior Brett Fair won the award for Best Actor in a Minor Role.
TVAA Awards
Art of Architecture
Congratulations to the TCA award-winners from the Art of Architecture Competition sponsored by the Dallas Center for Architecture. UPPER SCHOOL n Presley Baker – Best of Show and Honor Award, Photography n Nicole Muschalek – Citation Award, Photography n Nicholas Wong – Citation Award, Photography; Citation Award, Painting n Lindsey Hayden – Honor Award, Drawing n Daniel Heard – Honor Award, Mixed Media n Sarah Kukuk – Citation Award, Mixed Media n Ryan McWhorter – Citation Award, Mixed Media n Emma Lunceford – Honor Award, Painting n Milcah Ntende – Honor Award, Printmaking n Kate Rector – Citation Award, Printmaking n M.J. Massinger – Citation Award, Sculpture MIDDLE SCHOOL n Michelle Lee – Citation Award, Drawing n Alexis Locke – Citation Award, Mixed Media n Emily Uselton – Citation Award, Mixed Media
Congratulations to the following students for earning awards at the Texas Visual Arts Association competition: n Analiese Crane – Dennis Kratz UTD Dean’s Award and Juror’s Choice Award n Nahshon Ellerbe - Dennis Kratz UTD Dean’s Award n Blake Ellis – Volunteer’s Choice Award and Juror’s Choice Award n Chandler Noordhoff – Juror’s Choice Award n Waverly Kundysek – Honorable Mention
Young American Talent
PSI Art Competition
TCA students admirably represented their school in the 2015 Private School Invitational Art Competition this year. Award-winners were: n Lindsay Bartol – Best of Show n Leah Kegerreis – First Place, sixth grade n Olivia Priest – Second Place, fifth grade n Clarissa Wong – Third Place, eighth grade n Tessa Ward - Honorable Mention, eighth grade
Congratulations to the following students for placing in the Young American Talent High School Art Competition: n Emily Brayton – Third Place, Printmaking n Aaron Cho – Second Place, Digital Imaging; Third Place, Digital Imaging n Hayden Daniels – First Place, Digital Imaging n David Dembicki – Third Place, Mixed Media n Nahshon Ellerbe – Second Place, Mixed Media n Addy Gibson – Second Place, Sculpture n Nicholas Wong – Second Place, Drawing; Third Place, Painting
College commitments n Senior Brandon Chu will play
football at Dartmouth College.
n Senior Garrett Glanton
will play golf at Abilene Christian University.
n Senior
Nahshon Ellerbe will play football at Rice University.
T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
3 3
GOOD WORKS
2015 Duke University Talent Identification Program
n This year, 64 TCA seventh-graders qualified for the TIP/Duke program by demonstrating advanced aptitudes on grade-level assessments. Of these students, 31 chose to take the SAT or ACT. Pierce Sandlin was awarded Grand Recognition, the highest recognition in the program and will be honored at Duke University in a Grand Recognition Ceremony. In addition, ten students qualified for State Recognition: Haleigh Brown, Cameron Gilmore, Landry Hays, Leslie Lodwick, Blake Mercer, Logan Rock, Pierce Sandlin, Savannah Sims, Gracy Watts and Jack Wenzel. Congratulations to all who participated!
Eighth-Grade Awards
n Art: Lindsay Bartol, Michelle Lee, Tessa Ward, Clarissa Wong n Band: David Asche, Noah Morrison, Cailin Redden, Riley Stringfellow, Tanner Wayte n Bible: Lindsay Bartol, Jessica Lee, Abby Muschalek, Laura Pomberg, Connor Williams, John Wright n Choir: Will Barnes, Brooke Henegar, William Kennedy, McKenzie Moore, Jordan Walters, Elijah Westover n High Tech: Parker Hadley, Jessica Lee n History/English: Lindsay Bartol, Bella Correa, Jessica Lee, Michelle Lee, Abby Muschalek, Avery Schuster, Connor Williams n Latin: Lindsay Bartol, Grace Lee, Avery Schuster, Tanner Wayte n Math: Lindsay Bartol, Jessica Lee n Science: Lindsay Bartol, Noah Morrison, Max Thomas n Speech/Drama: Molly Grace Beddingfield, Andrea Ehringer, Max Thomas n Barnabas Award: Abby Muschalek, Sam Norris
9–11 Awards
n Bible: Jennifer Harbour n Drama I: Parker Blackburn, Courtney Fish n Drama II: Caitlin Hickney, Travis Josephs n Advanced Drama: Nicala Hatton n Director’s Award: Anna Holder n Spring Show Award: Collin Schuster n Men’s Chorus: Colin Wiegand, Michael Young n Women’s Chorus: Meghan Betts, Deven Gann n Outstanding Musicians: Caroline Pino, Cameron Pino n Band: Devon Collier, Joshua Harper, Jacquelyn Rector n H Studio Art: Lindsey Hayden n H Photography: Janna Kelly n H Sculpture/3D/Ceramics: Ellie Kauffman n H Drawing/Painting/Printmaking: Isabelle Heldenfels n H Digital Art/Electronic Collage/Video Animation: Chandler Noordhoff n H Drawing II/Painting II/Printmaking II: Nikki Thomas n History/English, Grade 9: Allison Lau, Natalie Miller, Sydney Riordan n History/English, Grade 10: Sarah DeWhitt, Nathan Holden, Morgan Ku n History/English, Grade 11: Savannah Bass, Aaron Cho, Collin Schuster n Algebra I: AJ LaGassa n Geometry: Michael Young n Algebra II: Mary Ashley Samuelson n H Trig/Intro to Calculus: Matt Paterson, Isabel Ruch n Pre-AP Calculus A: Cole Williams n Pre-AP Biology: Sydney Riordan n Biology: Leslie Wolff n Pre-AP Chemistry: Chipper Daniels, Chandler Wright n Chemistry: Cole Yeatts n Physics: Mark Paterson, Matt Paterson n AP Physics Mechanics: Chase Rea n H Intermediate Technology: Sacha Francois, John Sadler n H Mobile Programming: Dawson Fields, Matthew Young n H Webpage Programming: Hudson Molthan n H Computer Science Foundations: Nathan Sanders n AP Computer Science: Brett Bartol n French I: Presley Baker n French II: Monica Choi n H French II: Sarah DeWhitt n French III: Olivia Ashmore n Pre-AP French III: Sarah Tholen n AP French IV: Charidy Lee n Spanish I: Catherine Bigham, Addison Branning, Molly Henegar, Sydney Riordan n Spanish II: Macy Holliday, Madeleine Wilson n H Spanish II: Chandler Wright n Spanish III: Shelby Smith, Hunt Wood n Pre-AP Spanish III: Lili Figueroa, Sydney Lee n Outstanding Staffers for The Rock : Sacha Francois, Molly Henegar, Allison Layman
Senior Awards
n Valedictorian: Florence Kam n Salutatorian: Bryce Couch n Trinity Spirit: Emma Kate Liu n D.A.R.: Molly Legband, William Morris n Trojan Heart: Nahshon Ellerbe, Emma Kate Liu n Scholar Athletes: Christopher Fox, Florence Kam n Triathlete Award: Alex Rader n Bible: Alex Rader n AP English: Jeremiah Kim, Jonathan Ripley n Senior Thesis: Bryce Couch, Milcah Ntende n Advanced Drama: Rachel Bolton n Drama Director’s Award: Kat Tate n Outstanding Theater Student: Makenzie Krantz n Spring Show Award: Karsten Wilkinson n Outstanding Musicians: Molly Legband, David Crosby n Choral Director’s Award: Lexi Coley, Andrew Maust n Louis Armstrong Distinguished Jazz Award: Bryce Couch n John Philip Sousa Award: Grayson Aldrich n Band Student of the Year: Ryan Chianese n Band Director’s Award: Emma Gabriano, Enoch Wong n Trojan Band Award: Chistopher Fox, Florence Kam n AP Art: Blake Ellis n eMedia: Ellie Buchanan n ePhoto: Mack Carter n Government: Mack Carter, William Morris n AP Calculus BC: Grayson Aldrich n AP Calculus AB: Connor Carpenter n Pre-Calculus: Abby Selzer n Finite Math: Garrett Clifford n AP Biology: Isabel Esclamado, Samantha Sadler n AP Chemistry: Lexi Coley n AP Physics E&M: Christopher Fox n Field Ecology: Alex Rader n H Astronomy: Brit Winchell n Astronomy: Charidy Lee n H Anatomy & Physiology: Adam LeBlanc n Outstanding Science Achievement: Alex Rader n Speech: Taylor Hayden, William Morris n H Spanish IV: Amanda Trostel n AP Spanish IV: Bryce Couch, Lauren Roquemore n Yearbook: Tyler Galvin
UPPER SCHOOL
Then (1983) Now (2015)
I
WELL REMEMBER THE DAY
that my husband Bill and I arrived at TCA in 1983 to be interviewed as a prospective family with a potential third-grader, Bunny. The Dallas North Tollway didn’t reach north of LBJ in those days, so we wandered “up north” on Inwood and Addison Road. The entire school (K–12) was in what is now the Middle School—and because I was a consultant for the Richardson Schools and accustomed to large school buildings, I remember being both worried and comforted that the building was small. We were not, however, coming for a building; we were coming for a Christ-centered school with a good curriculum that could prepare our daughter for college, life and eternity. And that’s exactly what we got. When I think of being a parent at TCA from 1983 to 1994, I have such fond memories. We ran the auction one year, and we were the slide-picture parents (no video in those days) for the Junior-Senior Banquet. I was a room mother countless years, and we volunteered for everything. We loved the teachers, the staff, the administrators, the families and the kids. Rod Morris was our daughter’s Lower School principal. Connie Nixon was both her math teacher and her cheerleading sponsor. She was taught by Bob Adams, Chuck Burdette, Bill Bradley, Hank Harmon, Dennis Saffold and Dave Delph. I returned in 2004, not as a parent, but as the assistant head of the Upper School. Some things were still the same: The Rock was moved, but kids were still painting it. Tom Landry Stadium was improved; there were bigger and better facilities. And there were more kids, families and faculty. However, what was important to me as a parent in 1983 was still important to me
as an educator in 2004—a Christ-centered school with excellent curriculum. It became apparent immediately that God had continued to bless TCA. I saw that TCA was still true to its mission to develop the whole child for the glory of God. The spiritual atmosphere was strong, and the athletic program was doing well. As I began to learn the curriculum, I quickly saw that it was better than it had been when our daughter graduated, although it was quite good in her day. She had been well prepared and excelled at the university level and in graduate school. But I know curriculum, and I was pleased to see that TCA was still committed to continuously improving its curriculum. Fast forward to today—2015—and I am astonished by the quality of our school. There is no doubt that the Lord continues to bless TCA. Today when I look at the Upper School, I see students sold out for the Lord, serving Him in so many capacities and being ambassadors for Him. Chapels are meaningful and intentional. Our students have many opportunities for leadership roles, and there are clubs and organizations in which the kids can be involved. Our athletic teams are varied and do extremely well in TAPPS. Our fine arts programs are easily some of the best in the Dallas area. And our core curriculum is even better now than it was in 2004 when I first arrived. We have expanded offerings in science and technology and more course options in general. More students take AP classes, and our scores are higher than ever. Our SAT/ACT scores continue to go up, and we have a good number of National Merits for a school our size. All of our students go to outstanding universities, and more of our kids are getting into top-tier and Ivy League schools. When I visit our alumni
By Janie Heard, Assistant Head of Upper School
at their universities, they continue to report that they are extremely well prepared for college and that they are the best writers in their classes. Our staff is incredible, and we have hired additional exemplary teachers. We have deliberately studied and improved our subject curriculum and rewritten where needed. Our teachers have mapped the curriculum, and they constantly improve their lesson designs to better meet the needs of their students. We receive good training in curricular areas and in technology, and we have an excellent teacher evaluation system in place. I had been an educator for over 30 years when I came here to be the Upper School assistant head. I had been a teacher, a school counselor, a central administration consultant in two areas and a building administrator in excellent school districts. Now, after eleven years here, I believe that TCA holds its own with any private school in the metroplex, with the added bonus of being a school that truly cares about the soul of each of our students. And I feel blessed that my two granddaughters (third grade and preK) will have the privilege of attending our excellent school for their entire school careers. T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
3 5
UPPER SCHOOL
Peak performance The Advanced Drama class in the Upper School performed The Curious Savage the weekend of January 22–25. Kat Tate led this talented cast of juniors and seniors in this clever, funny and heartwarming production. The Upper School Performing Arts Department presented Guys and Dolls this spring with a cast and crew of nearly 80 students. Sam Liu, Kenzie Krantz, Collin Schuster, Audrey Gerthoffer and Cameron Pino led the talented and dynamic cast. The audience truly enjoyed the new renditions of the classic songs, “Luck Be a Lady Tonight” and “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.”
Raku firing 3 6
T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
TCA Honors Ceramics students explored an ancient Japanese firing process called Raku firing. In this process, the ceramic wear is fired, taken out of the kiln while still extremely hot (around 1500 degrees) and then placed in a covered container and smothered with newspaper, cardboard and plant matter. This starves the oxygen out of the glaze, which changes the color characteristics. The finished product is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art.
CLASSACTS It’s creepy...
Freshman biology students completed the annual “bug project” this spring, where students are required to catch, pin and correctly classify different orders of insects.
Elizabeth Morris
Articulate, athletic, studious and multi-talented are words that best describe Emma Kate Liu. Emma Kate excels in her academics and has continuously chosen a rigorous course of study while still maintaining a competitive GPA. Teachers praise Emma Kate for her intellectual curiosity and her ability to maintain academic excellence while still participating in several extracurricular activities.
Excellence is the word that best describes Elizabeth Morris’s standard for everything that she undertakes. Driven, intellectual, poised and conscientious, she is an engaged student who sets high expectations for herself.
Emma Kate is a valuable member of the TCA girls golf team, and her time and commitment to the sport helped her team win a State Championship. Emma Kate also plays varsity volleyball. She is a natural leader and well respected by her peers for her character and integrity. She was elected repeatedly to Student Council, as well as to the Honor Council, where she continues to be a role model and inspiration for those around her. Driven, self- motivated and full of life, Emma Kate is a phenomenal young lady who brings a level of distinction to everything she does by exemplifying dedication and conscientiousness.
She has maintained a stellar GPA, while not shying away from taking the most rigorous course of study offered at TCA. Not only is Elizabeth a serious student, but she also has a heart to serve and a passion for helping others. She has given countless hours to volunteer work through The Ronald McDonald House, Meals on Wheels and various other charities. She has earned several community service awards for her time and contributions. In other extracurricular activities, Elizabeth has served as editor-in-chief for the 2014-15 TCA yearbook, where she has put her organizational and leadership abilities to good use. Additionally, she has been a writer and managing editor for The Rock, TCA’s student-produced magazine. She is also captain of the varsity softball team and is the starting pitcher.
Rotary Students of the Month
feb.
jan. Emma Kate Liu
Elizabeth is clearly an example of self-discipline and determination, and she has earned the respect of her peers, teachers, administrators and coaches. T R I N I T Y
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
The “Meaningful Life in TCA
“I will not be returning next year as the TCA Middle School counselor.”
Emotions that I have never experienced coursed through my heart and mind as I wrote that sentence at the beginning of January. This was the first sentence in a note to the faculty that I have loved and served with for 18 years. The note would tell them I would no longer be working with them in ministry at TCA Middle School. Emotions of gratitude, fear and sadness overwhelmed me as I pressed the SEND button. What an incredible gift to spend 18 years working with this staff and the wonderful students who have traversed these halls! I have always felt called to minister to students, particularly middle school students. But only God, who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we ask or think (Eph. 3:20) would call me to minister in a place as excellent as TCA. In all my years of training and practice prior to my experience at TCA, I was taught to “manage” middle school students, to help parents “survive” this time and to help the students themselves to “grow out of it.” However, it has been my time spent at TCA that has really taught me the power of the “meaningful middle.” It began with Dan Russ as my headmaster. I will never forget my first year as a fulltime employee. Dan challenged me to
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think so differently about education and the ministry of integrating my faith into the classroom. It was genuinely mindblowing as I read great articles and books about education and the difference a Christian worldview should make in my work as a middle school counselor. My education continued under the leadership of Dave Delph as the head of the Middle School. Dave deeply loved (and still loves) middle school students. He was able to see the worst of their behavior, grieve over it, hold them accountable, yet allow everyone to move on. He wisely brought Dr. Paul Warren, a local and nationally respected pediatrician in the area of adolescent mental health, into the Middle School to teach the faculty about our incredibly important role in the lives of these students. Dr. Warren was the first person I heard that truly believed the middle school years were the most important in the development of the whole person, not a time of life to “just endure.” He taught us that in middle school, children begin to ask the foundational questions of life. “Who am I?” “What is my purpose?” “Do I have value apart from what I do?” The answers to these questions will determine the choices made all through our lives. As students spent
eight hours a day in our halls, we, as a Middle School faculty, were the first people outside their families that would answer these questions for them. What answers would we give? Would we tell them, by our actions and attitudes, that they were a group to “endure,” that they really did not have much value ”yet,” and that “one day” they would be really important in the kingdom of God? Or would we teach the truths found in Scripture: that every person was created in the image of God for His glory, that each person was created for God’s purposes starting today and that our value is based on what Jesus did for us, not what we do? Each head of school under which I have served over these 18 years has taught me more and more about how to answer those questions for middle school students in a way that affirmed the truth that God has prepared works beforehand for us in Christ Jesus, and we are to walk in them (Eph. 2:10)—even in middle school. To truly minister to middle school students, it was necessary that I and everyone who touched their lives recognize that God is at work in their lives at this VERY time!! For three short years as the interim head of Middle School, Dennis Saffold served our school well by exhibiting humility,
CLASSACTS
Middle”
Middle School kindness and a deep compassion for both students and teachers. He consistently showed students that they were loved because they were a creation of the Almighty God. Bentley Craft taught the deep truths of the value of God-centered education during this time of life. He led the faculty to understand, first and foremost, that we could not share what we did not have. Our Friday afternoon division meetings were his time to pour into us the truths of Scripture that we needed to know and understand to love middle school students well. We would never be able to teach students the answers to the fundamental three questions if we did not have those answers ourselves. Bentley was intentional about us being on the cutting edge of THINKING about our school and our students. I never felt that he would “fall” for every new gadget or trend, but he did want us to learn from the frontrunners in educational thought. He supported the faculty when we sought to go to conferences on brain development or non-traditional methodologies. He then expected us to filter this training through the lens of Scripture to be excellent in the pursuit of best educational practices. Scott Berthel was the first person I heard use the phrase, “meaningful middle,” and I
remember thinking, “That is brilliant.” That sums up the attitude that should be evident and practiced in the life of a healthy middle school. Much like Dave Delph, Scott treats every middle school student with respect and honor—as someone useful in God’s kingdom right now. He recognizes that neither they (nor we) are a finished product, but we are accountable for what we know today. Scott has continued to lead and support the faculty well by his expectation of excellence in all things, his unwavering kindness toward students and adults and his deep desire to serve and obey God first in all things. As I close, I must mention the faculty, the “soldiers on the ground,” working with the students day to day. What an amazing group of people! As I told one of them, “Teaching in Middle School is difficult because we plant the seeds of trust, faith and responsibility but very rarely get to see the finished results. We don’t often get to experience the deep conversations with students that our Upper School colleagues enjoy, and we obviously don’t feel the unconditional love from students that our Lower School colleagues enjoy.” Yet none of us would trade the opportunity to watch the transformation of children into adolescents that takes place in the halls of our Middle School.
By Sunni Stokeld, Middle School Counselor There is not a greater joy for me personally than to see a short, somewhat awkward fifth-grade boy stroll in on the first day of fifth grade and four years later graduate a tall, gangly eighth-grade young man. I know the investment of prayer, thought and time given by our teachers into his life. I know that the growth I see physically is nothing compared to the explosion of growth taking place inside his brain and heart. And I know after all these years that there is no better place for a student to begin finding meaning and purpose to his or her life than in the classrooms of TCA’s Middle School. As you can imagine, one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made is to leave this community. However, as I answer the questions of my purpose and my value, I must answer to my Creator. He has blessed me in this meaningful middle time of my life. Now I must move on as He calls. I am going on to pursue further graduate studies on children and adolescents, but I am a different person today professionally, spiritually and personally because of my time here in TCA’s Middle School. To God be the glory!
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
Taking the stage
Shakespeare’s most delightful comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, was brought to life this spring by the Middle School Drama II class. Lead roles were played by Georgia Ballew, Max Thomas, Maddie Parrent and Jackson Bowman, and seventh-grade History/ English teacher Dennis Saffold took the stage with the students as the character Egeus!
Service with a smile
Seventh-graders visited the Dallas Life Foundation this year for their mission project. Students served food, washed dishes, cleaned and did various other tasks to help this worthwhile ministry.
Wipeout 2015 4 0
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Middle School students celebrated another successful year of raffle ticket sales with a wet, crazy, fun-filled, obstacle-course event called Wipeout! Middle School teachers joined in the fun that culminated in full-blown water balloon battle.
CLASSACTS Eating pie on pi
Teachers and students alike celebrated Pi Day this year. This is the only day this century that the value of pi ( π = 3.141592653) would match the actual date and time on 3-14-15 at 9:26 and 53 seconds. Middle School students were challenged to take “selfies” of themselves eating pie at that exact time.
Roman Forum
Fifth-graders donned their togas and set up their Roman marketplace indoors this year for the annual Roman Forum. Students peddled food, crafts, toys and games to culminate their studies of the Roman Empire.
Royal fanfare
The annual sixth-grade Renaissance Day featured students dressed in authentic period costumes as royalty, clergy, knights, damsels, lords, ladies, jesters, peasants, musicians and artisans. The students participated in classroom rotations, which included a crossbow and weaponry demon stration, Renaissance baking, noble dancing and the annual catapult contest. T R I N I T Y
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LOWER SCHOOL
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
These are Paul’s words written while Paul was nearing the end of his life and was reflecting on his time on earth. My reflection is not about the end of my life (hopefully), but rather the end of this season in my life. I began teaching fourth grade at TCA back in August of 1975, and with the exception of a two-year stint working in a steel mill, I have been at TCA for 38 of the past 40 years. During those years I have invested my time in the following ways: n Six years as a fourth-grade teacher
(during 1975–1983 )
n 32 years as head of Lower School
(1983–2015)
n 20 years as an assistant wrestling coach
(1983–2003)
n 31 years as the PA announcer at varsity
football games (1983–2014)
n One year as interim headmaster
(1993–94)
To my former students: Thank you for the sweetest years of my life. I am convinced that my spiritual gift is in teaching, and my joy was complete when I was in the classroom. There is something deeply satisfying and fulfilling with the opportunity to spend a year with each community of students that comes into your classroom. I loved the chance to light a fire for learning, shape a child’s character, partner in meaningful ways with parents and truly know that each day offered a direct opportunity to be fully involved in a work with eternal significance. To my current and former teachers and administrative team members who shared the challenge of educating and developing the whole child for the glory of God:
Thank you for your tireless dedication to working together to create one of the best learning environments in the country. You embrace a camaraderie and shared purpose similar to the “band of brothers” featured on the TV mini-series. There are deep bonds formed among the soldiers who go to battle together in the same manner teachers and administrators
Last With that background, I would like to offer the following insights and encouragements.
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know that there is a spiritual battle that is waged for the hearts and minds of our students. You have a synergy and inspiration to push and pull each other to new levels of excellence and insight that make the classrooms at TCA sacred places in which we worship God by graciously and tirelessly working as unto the Lord. Friendships that are forged as teachers often last a lifetime.
To the current and former parents of our TCA students: Thank you for
entrusting us with your most precious possessions. There is a tremendous and irreplaceable bond between a parent and child, and lower school is the first structured organization to enter into that world and create an entirely new world for the child. You, as parents, allow and encourage your child to develop competence and confidence in a world that is separate and distinct from the home. This is a critical but, at times, stretching challenge, because the teacher will become a very significant voice of authority and modeling for the child. It is a step of faith for parents to share this responsibility with us, and we treasure that opportunity to partner with you in this endeavor.
To those I coached, the parents of the athletes and the fans who cheer on the athletes: I rejoice in my
20 years as an assistant wrestling coach, because there are unique opportunities to build character and maturity through the physical challenges, adversity and visceral joy that come from athletic competition. Athletics is a tremendous blend of being part of a team and owning your role as an individual whose contribution is essential to the outcome of the competition. The passion, both emotional and physical, of athletics has always been the crucible in which Christian values and character are shaped and refined. Wrestling has always been a great model of the Christian body of believers, because boys of all shapes and sizes are both necessary and of equal importance to the team’s success.
To the entire TCA community: This is a unique time in Christian education. There is a cultural challenge to the Biblical worldview. Our country desperately needs young men and women who are intellectually well prepared and equipped to be the leaders for the next generation.
Of equal importance is the need for these same leaders to be ambassadors for Christ who are well equipped to be salt and light to a world that is increasingly oppositional to spiritual truth. Let us continue to run the race with endurance and faith, knowing that our best years are ahead of us and that we are confident in our mission. Thank you for letting me be a part of the TCA community.
Lap
By Rod Morris Head of Lower School
as Head of Lower School T R I N I T Y
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LOWER SCHOOL
Spring emerges
PreK students monitored the metamorphosis cycle of a butterfly this spring, from its early days as a caterpillar to its adult stages as a butterfly. The class then took part in a butterfly release, giving each student the opportunity to hold a butterfly before sending it off into the world.
Wax museum
Our third-graders researched community heroes this spring and shared their knowledge in a wax museum, where they were the exhibits. The “exhibits� came to life and delivered short speeches about community problems and the heroes who solved them. From George Washington to Bethany Hamilton, many famous people were represented and honored by our spectacular third-graders.
On parade
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To culminate their studies of the 50 states, fourth-grade students created state floats and dressed to represent their chosen states. They paraded through the Lower School led by Rod Morris, Officer Brad Freis and the TCA drum line!
CLASSACTS Willy Wonka Day
After reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, second graders celebrated by dressing up as characters from the book, watching the original movie and enjoying lots of chocolate-dipped goodies!
Wacky Day
First-grade students celebrated 100 days of school with a Wacky Day and wacky activities. Children could be seen dancing for 100 seconds, doing 100-piece puzzles and creating pictures using 100 Q-tips or cotton balls.
Oui, oui
Kindergarten students finished their study of France with a French CafĂŠ. The girls dressed as Madeline, and the boys dressed as Pepito. They each invited one parent to dine with them at the cafĂŠ. It was lots of fun! T R I N I T Y
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LOWER SCHOOL
Captured in time
To commemorate TCA’s first preK class, a time capsule was buried on the LS playground this winter. It will be opened in 2028 when those students are seniors.
Chillin’ with Dads Club
The Lower School Dads Club provided students with snow cones several times during the spring. The kids loved seeing the dads and enjoyed the special treat.
Rising Star Readers
Million-Word Readers
Second Grade
Second Grade
Miranda Aviles Jackson Duke Shelby Martgan Ava Wolff
Third Grade
Maddox Murphy Alexa Nunez Sydney Ridnour Natalie Weissinger Luke West
Fourth Grade
Luke Bennett Erica Culbertson JJ Leverton Daniel Summerall
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Eliot Brookshire Cade Burk Rosalind Chang Jackson Dean Ava Dewey Ryan Elms Colin Hamilton Karys Karlow Shelby Martgan Sloan Nelson Luke Oliver Sophia Pfannstiel Noah Rodgers Noah Simpson Daniel Yang
Third Grade
Drew Betts Gabriel Bibawi Bretton Brantley
Harrison Brown Katherine Broyles Nathan Chou Lucy Dennis Lindsey Dorman Karalyn Ehmke Bailey Ellsworth Emma Erhart Dylan Eubanks John Henry Flatt Dawson Harper Alex Kim Ally Lee Annabelle Lee Aidan Mills Ava Mills Ava Rodriguez Jackson Runyan Molly Youn
Fourth Grade
Katherine Barclay Elleanna Berthel Cece Bogda Lauren Deaton
Rose Duncan Lauren Freeman Bethany Grimm Morgan Hausz Sydney Hinckley Camie Jobe Richelle Kim Dylan Kinley Grace Kwon Caroline Laible Landon Littleton Trinity Martin Aidan McCauley Emma McIntyre Connor O’Dowd Tyler Osterloh Gabrielle Parker Kendall Reding Camryn Reed Jordan Rutledge Ava Stewart Collin Truitt Payton Wright Jocelyn Youn Samantha Zuniga
FA C U LT Y A W A R D S
Faithful
35 YEARS
Chuck Burdette and Conie Nixon
service 30 YEARS
Mary Helen Noland and Annette Metz
25 YEARS Kunthea Davis and Curtis Blagburn
20 YEARS
Jan Marshall, Joe Hartman, Medina Webber, Donna Lamb and Vicki Hall
10 YEARS
Back row: Scott Berthel, Brian Spence, Brandon Graham, Dawna Debter and Kim Pino. Front row: Joy Konstans, Diane Taylor and Joanna Hayden.
15
YEARS
Back row: Adria Warner, Donna Miller, Steve Kimbrough, Sharla Davidson and Jane Rodgers. Front row: Teri Lynam, Patti Macmanus, Karen Schaid and Laurie Dickens
5 YEARS
Back row: Don Mitchell, Sherry Romano, Tiffanie Mutlu, Molly Klinger, Sara Fusco and Anne Badger. Front row: Ginger Chaffin, Veronica Esclamado, Wendy Muñoz and Allison Lee. (not pictured: Denise Jarrell, Marcus Moore and Stanley Wang)
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
JUNIOR-SENIOR BANQUET This year’s Junior-Senior Banquet took place on Sunday, April 12 at the Marriott Legacy. During this banquet, a long-standing TCA tradition, the junior class hosts a dinner to honor the seniors and present them with their individual character qualities. This year’s theme was “Road Trip.” Thank you to Maria Pope, this year’s Junior-Senior Banquet Chairman, and her entire committee for all their work on this event and to the additional volunteers who signed up to help as well. Fran Hilger and Paula Bass headed up the decoration committee, and David and Janice Connolly produced the senior highlights video with assistance of junior mom Wendi Kesler. Retiring Lower School Head Rod Morris was chosen by the senior class to be the speaker for the evening. He spoke to seniors about the chapter in their lives that was ahead and the importance of surrounding themselves with strong believers and people to hold them accountable. It was very inspiring.
An enormous thank you to Lorraine Harwell, this year’s concession coordinator for the sophomore class. Thank you also to Susan Bartol, the volunteer coordinator, who made sure the concession stands were staffed for every athletic event! Lorraine has led dozens of parent and student volunteers in this sophomore class fundraising effort of manning the concession stands for TCA home sporting events. Monies raised from concession sales are used for the senior class trip for these students. Thank you to Lorraine and her entire team for all the hard work; you all did a tremendous job!
UNIFORM RESALE PTF would like to thank Kristi Walliser, this year’s uniform resale coordinator. This project is under the leadership of PTF officer Holly Caldwell. Over the past year, Kristi and her volunteers have been sorting, washing, steaming and mending uniforms to prepare them for resale in BIG BLUE. The community is so grateful to PTF for providing this service to TCA families. It is a huge cost savings in uniform purchases for so many families, and it cannot be done without the help from these ladies. Thank you so much, Kristi!
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Thank you
for being a TCA Athletics Fan!
Our student-athletes thank you for being a member of the TCA Athletic Booster Club! This year, over $55,000 of membership revenue has been raised and invested in support of TCA Athletics. Become a TCA Athletic Booster Club Member: Join Online at trinitychristian.org/boosterclub All membership revenue is invested in funding sports and spirit in TCA’s Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. Visit the TCA website to learn more... T R I N I T Y
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SPORTS BEAT
I
have been a Texas high school football coach for the past 28 years.
I’m originally from Oklahoma (started my coaching career there), and as the saying goes, “I wasn’t born in Texas but got here as fast as I could!” I’ve been married to my wife, Elaine, for 33 years and have a son, Zach, and a daughter, Lynzi. Lynzi is a special education teacher and is married to John, who is also a football coach. Zach is a football coach, as well, and we were blessed to be able to coach with one another for the past six years. So, you might say we are a football-coaching family of sorts.
After finishing college, I went through
a discipleship program at Kanakuk Kamp called Doulos. I was part of the very first group (Doulos 1), and toward the end of my training thought I was going into full-time youth ministry. I was actually offered a youth director’s position at a church in Missouri, but after praying, I just didn’t feel God was calling me there. Part of my time in Doulos was spent working as a Young Life leader at a nearby school in the Branson area, so I knew there was a huge need for ministry in the public schools. I really felt the Lord was steering me in that direction, and I ended up taking my first teaching/coaching job in Oklahoma that fall. I’ve been a football coach ever since, and I thank God continually for blessing me with this unique ministry. I have an opportunity each and every day to help impact kids for Christ.
I’ve always believed athletics and being
part of a team truly help mold and shape character. Encountering adversity, and learning to overcome it as a team member, is a wonderful life lesson. I think athletics can help prepare every participant to be the best person he or she can be no matter the situation. And when you are able to integrate God’s word and a Christian perspective into that element, then great and mighty things can happen!
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Meet Mark Howard Boys Athletic Director
There is so much pressure on
athletes to be successful and WIN! One thing I think we can do, as parents and as athletes, is to keep the meaning of the word “winning” in the proper context. The world’s view of winning teaches us to look at the scoreboard after every contest, whereas Jesus teaches us to look at the heart. That being said, God’s perspective on winning could be summed up as the following: “Winning is the total release of all that you are toward becoming like Jesus Christ in every situation.” What that means is that you try to emulate Jesus as much as humanly possible in every single little thing you do. I wish I could say that is original, but it’s not. I learned that definition of winning years ago from the founder of the Institute of Athletic Perfection, Wes Neal. Wes’s premise was that as Christians and athletes we should focus on being more like Jesus in all we do. If we can do that then we take the pressure of performing and competing for others out of the picture. That, in turn, allows us to think about only doing our best for God, who is an audience of one. It sounds simple, but it takes effort to reform and reshape our
thinking. The most important thing we must remember is that our worth as an individual is not defined by the outcome on the scoreboard. It’s defined by who we are in Christ and the power the Holy Spirit has in us.
Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” We don’t always know why things happen the way they do, but it’s not for us to question. The Lord uses people and circumstances in our lives to help us grow in our faith, and ultimately that’s what He wants from us—our complete trust and faith in Him. I’m so excited to be a part of the Trinity family! I never would have imagined when my previous school played TCA’s JV team back in October that I would soon be working with the same group of coaches against whom I had just coached. It goes to show that you never know what God has in store for you next! GO TROJANS!
WINTERSPORTSRECAP
Varsity Boys Basketball The boys basketball team had a tremendous season this year, going 33-5 on the year, 12-1 during district, making it to the State Championship game against Prestonwood Christian and finishing as the TAPPS 5A State Runner-Up. The team was 15-1 in tournament games, won three tournaments (Scots Classic, Houston Christian Tournament, Wills Point Tournament) and placed second in one (Byron Nelson Tournament). The team was also ranked first in the area for least amount of points given up (40.4 ppg) and ranked second in the state for TAPPS. The team had a tremendous run in the playoffs, winning two games in College Station to get to the Final Four. Then the Trojans defeated Concordia Lutheran, 63-45, but fell short 49-32 to Prestonwood Christian in the State Championship game. The team also had tremendous fan support throughout the season. Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: n Reagan Freeman – Honorable Mention All-District n Brandon Legband – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State n Mark Paterson – First Team All-District, First Team All-State, TAPPS All-State Tournament Team, Academic All-State
n Everett Ray – First Team All-District, First Team All-State, TAPPS AllState Tournament Team, TAPPS All-Region Tournament Team, Academic All-State, District Newcomer of the Year, Team MVP n Miller Williams – Second Team All-District
n Matt Paterson – First Team All-District, Second Team All-State, TAPPS All-State Tournament Team, TAPPS All-Region Tournament Team, Academic All State
Varsity Girls Basketball The varsity girls basketball team had a nice turnaround season this year. The team finished with an overall record of 17-17 and laid a foundation for years to come. The Lady Trojans performed well in three tough tournaments, placing third at Highland Park, second at Wills Point and second at the St. Michael’s Christmas Tournament in Austin. The girls played very well in the state’s toughest district and won several games including two signature victories over Ursuline and one against a very good Parish Episcopal team. They also competed well against perennial power Bishop Lynch and the eventual state champions, Argyle Liberty Christian. The girls played short-handed most of district play, due to a string of injuries, but battled hard to gain a spot in the TAPPS playoffs. At the Super Regional in College Station, the Lady Trojans played Tomball Concordia Lutheran, the undefeated district champs from Houston, but fell short, as Concordia slipped off with a hard-fought victory. For the season, freshman Sarah Konstans led the team in scoring and rebounds. Freshman Sarah Lipe was second on the team in scoring and rebounds and first in blocked shots. Freshman Abbey McCutchen led the team in three-pointers, assists and steals. Junior Chandler Noordhoff started every game and was a strong rebounder, while two-year starter and captain, senior Christianna Konstans, contributed well in many categories. The other two captains, seniors Jessie Harrison and Lindsey Esparza, provided a spark for the Lady Trojans, as did freshman Presley Baker and junior Emma Lunceford. Congratulations, ladies, on an outstanding season! Congratulations to the following athletes for district and team awards: n Sarah Konstans – Second Team All-District, Team Co-MVP n Sarah Lipe – Second Team All-District, Team Co-MVP n Abbey McCutchen – Honorable Mention All-District T R I N I T Y
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WINTERSPORTSRECAP
SPORTS BEAT
Varsity Swimming This year’s TCA swim team won the North Regional Championship for the second year in a row. The victory was definitely a team effort as every swimmer added to the team score. Senior captain Jeremiah Kim led the team and swam to victory in the 100 Breaststroke and was a member of the winning 200 Medley Relay Team with Andrew Willison, Brett Fair and Gordon Montgomery. TCA swimmers also performed extremely well at the TAPPS State Swim Meet in San Antonio. Congratulations to Jeremiah Kim, this year’s state champion in 200 IM and state runner-up in the 100 Breaststroke; both times set new school records. Also placing in the top three at state were: n Boys 200 Medley Relay, Third Place: Andrew Willison, Brett Fair, Jeremiah Kim, Gordon Montgomery (new school record) n Boys 200 Freestyle Relay, Third Place: Brett Fair, Brooks Glanton, Gordon Montgomery, Jeremiah Kim (new school record)
Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: n Tatyana Ah Chu – Academic All-State n Emily Brayton – Academic All-State n Rachel Doshier – Academic All-State
Additional TAPPS state meet qualifiers included Tatyana Ah Chu, Emily Brayton, Rachel Doshier, Jennifer Harbour, AJ LaGassa, Marina Maale, Alexandra Mills, Peyton Stone, Nicole Willison and Michael Young.
n Brett Fair – Academic All-State, TAPPS State Third Place 200 Medley Relay, TAPPS State Third Place 200 Freestyle Relay, Prep National Qualifier, TISCA All-State First Team
The season ended with TCA swimmers Jeremiah Kim, Brett Fair, Andrew Willison, Gordon Montgomery and Brooks Glanton competing at Eastern National Prep School Swim Meet in Philadelphia. The five boys placed 17th as a team. Jeremiah Kim qualified for finals in both the 100 Breaststroke and 200 Individual Medley, and both the 200 Medley and 200 Freestyle Relay teams qualified for finals.
n Jennifer Harbour – Team MVP, Academic All-State
n Brooks Glanton – TAPPS State Third Place 200 Freestyle Relay, Prep National Qualifier, TISCA All-State First Team
n Jeremiah Kim – Team MVP, Academic All-State; TAPPS State Champion 200 IM, TAPPS State Runner-Up 100 Breaststroke, TAPPS State Team Runner-up, TAPPS State Third Place 200 Medley Relay, TAPPS State Third Place 200 Freestyle Relay, Prep National Qualifier, Prep National Finalist 200 IM, Prep National Finalist 200 Breaststroke, TISCA All-State First Team n Marina Maale – Academic All-State n Gordon Montgomery – TAPPS State Third Place 200 Medley Relay, TAPPS State Third Place 200 Freestyle Relay, Prep National Qualifier, TISCA All-State First Team n Andrew Willison – TAPPS State Third Place 200 Medley Relay, Prep National Qualifier, TISCA All-State First Team
Varsity Boys Soccer The 2014-15 varsity boys soccer team had a exceptional year, finishing with the best district and overall records in school history (10-4 in district, 16-4-1 overall) and securing a third-place finish in district. Following in the footsteps of last year’s state runner-up team, the team found early success and chemistry winning the Liberty Christian Fall Classic Tournament Championship to open a truly thrilling season. As usual, the competition in district remained the most fierce in the state, but this year’s team, best characterized by upperclassmen defensive leadership and underclassmen offensive dominance, led to a stifling defense and the most goals scored overall (51) in the district. District play was highlighted by wins over powerhouses Ft. Worth Nolan and Bishop Lynch, and multiple wins over Liberty Christian and Prestonwood Christian gave proof that TCA was a real contender for a district title. The season ended in thrilling fashion with the last three district victories coming in overtime (two shoot-outs) but was stopped short of the state finals by a heartbreaking, one-goal loss in the playoffs. Coach Tarbett describes this team best in saying, “Every year is different, every team is different, and every legacy is different. This year’s Trojan soccer team had a pure belief in each other and achieved great things while glorifying the Lord in the process.” Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: n Connor Carpenter – First Team All-District, Academic All-State, Team MVP n Landon Gibson - Honorable Mention All-District n Bo Parker – Honorable Mention All-District
n Davis Rogers – First Team All-District, Honorable Mention All-State n Jack Savage – Second Team All-District n Matthew Springfield – Second Team All-District n Hunt Wood - Honorable Mention All-District
Varsity Girls Soccer
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The 2014-15 varsity girls soccer team fought through one of the most difficult districts in the country but grew as a team throughout the season. “The quality of soccer in TAPPS 6-5A is second to none,” said Head Coach JP Findley. “Multiple teams in our own backyard are nationally ranked, and every evening you better bring it. What impressed me most is how our girls never quit competing. Every day, they came to practice determined to improve.”
Coach Findley said, “To hold Ursuline to a single goal for an entire half just shows how much work our girls put in throughout the season. In fact, in every district match that we played, our results were stronger the second time around than when we first played our opponents. With the excellent core group of players that we currently have, along with several strong classes of girls coming into the Upper School over the next few years, the future is very bright for soccer at TCA.”
Highlights of the season included two strong wins against an improved Bishop Dunne team, several non-district wins, and holding national power Ursuline to a 1-0 score for an entire half.
What was most impressive to Coach Findley was the godly character and selfless spirit that the players exhibited throughout the season. Senior Madison Mueller was named team MVP.
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SPRINGSPORTSRECAP Varsity Girls Track and Field The team verse this year was 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” The team motto was, “Ask me why.” Why do you run track? Why do you work so hard to run in circles? These are questions that track athletes get asked all the time. If you asked the TCA runners why they ran track, it wasn’t for the glory they receive or the accolades they may win. They ran for the pleasure of running and bringing glory to God every time they stepped on the track. When they were tired and felt like giving up, they would ask each other why they were there, and it would spur them on to persevere to the end. There were races won and personal records set throughout the season, but their ultimate victory was found in bringing glory to their God. The girls had a successful season, and with such a young team, their future looks very bright. Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: n Emily Dyer - TTFCA Academic All-State n Deven Gann – TTFCA Academic All-State, Team Rookie of the Year
n Ansley Marquardt – TTFCA Academic All-State, Team MVP Field n Callie Orten – TTFCA Academic All-State
n Ashley Hock – TTFCA Academic All-State
n Delia Rowland - TTFCA Academic All-State
n Hannah Hoffman – TTFCA Academic All-State
n Hannah Uselton – TTFCA Academic All-State, Team MVP Track
n Isabelle Jackson – TTFCA Academic All-State n Janna Kelly - TTFCA Academic All-State
n Caroline Winslow - TTFCA Academic All-State
Varsity Boys Track and Field The boys track and field team had a great season. Each week, the majority of the team members improved their personal best times, heights and distances. The team verse this year was 1 Corinthians 16:13: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” The team won two meets this season and finished third at the TAPPS 5A North Regional Championships. This was the best team finish at regionals since 2001. The 4x100m relay team of Jack Savage, Nahshon Ellerbe, Karsten Wilkinson and Parker Oliver broke a school record that was set in 1999. Parker Oliver also broke the triple jump school record that was set in 2001. The team had six athletes qualify for the TAPPS 5A State Championship Meet. At state, the team finished fourth in the team standings, its best finish in 14 years. For the second consecutive year, Parker Oliver was the State Champion in the 100m. He also finished as the State Champion in the triple jump, second in the 200m, and fourth in the long jump. The 4x100m relay team of Jack Savage, Nahshon Ellerbe, Karsten Wilkinson and Parker Oliver placed second. Preston Krantz placed ninth in the high jump, and David Muery placed ninth in the shot put. Nahshon Ellerbe placed third in the 100m and fourth in the 200m. Parker Oliver was also named the TAPPS 5A Athlete of the Year. Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: n Parker Oliver – TAPPS 5A Athlete of the Year, State Champion 100m, State Champion triple jump, Second Team All-State 200m, Second Team All-State 4 x 100, Academic All-State, Team MVP n Nahshon Ellerbe – Second Team All-State 4 x 100, Honorable Mention All-State 100m, Academic All-State, Champion Redefined (most Christ-like)
n Ethan Howard – Most Improved n Jack Savage – Second Team All State 4x100, Newcomer of the Year n Karsten Wilkinson – Second Team 4 x 100, Academic All-State
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SPORTS BEAT
Varsity Baseball The varsity baseball team finished its season with an overall record of 23-9 and a berth in the State Final Four. The team was led by seniors Connor Carpenter, Mack Carter, Ryan Chianese, Jack Denzer, Corbin Getz, Brandon Kesler, Jon Michael Lauck, Hunter Lawrence, Connor Travis and Will Whitmire and juniors Trace Akin, William Gilbert, Jackson Noakes and Alex Stiegler. Team highlights from the 2015 season included: n Traveling to Tampa, Florida, during Spring Break to visit the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees training facilities, as well as defeating two of three Tampa area high schools n Defeating five of six 5A public schools in non-district play n Sweeping Bishop Dunne, Parish Episcopal, Nolan and Bishop Lynch in district play n Winning two consecutive elimination playoff games on the road n Reaching the Final Four Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: n Jack Denzer – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State, Steve Adair Award n William Gilbert – Second Team All-District n Jackson Noakes – Honorable Mention All-District n Alex Stiegler – First Team All-District, Second Team All-State, Academic All-State and All-State Tournament Team, Team MVP n Will Whitmire – Honorable Mention All-District, All-State Tournament Team
Varsity Boys Golf The varsity boys golf team had the largest number of golfers in the school’s history with 15 players. The team included senior captain Garrett Glanton, juniors Henry Bould, David Choi, Aaron Feldman, Jacob Sloan and James Tardy, sophomores Spencer Bennett, Bo Parker, Matthew Springfield, Stephen Sullivan and Justin Thompson and freshmen Brooks Glanton, Hogan Molthan, Parker Nelson and Chad Rutledge. Including the state tournament, the Trojans completed a very demanding golf schedule this past year, playing in 12 golf tournaments beginning in September and ending with the state tournament in late April. In preparation for defending its 2014 state title, TCA again competed in three of the top high school golf tournaments in the country, the Antigua National in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Classic in Texarkana, Arkansas, and the Champions Invitational in Palm Springs, California. Most of the elite high school golf teams in the US are invited to compete in these tournaments. Leading up to the state tournament, TCA captured both the district and regional championships. Then the team made its tenth consecutive trip to the State Championship this year, finishing second to Prestonwood. The Trojans have won six of the past eight 5A championships. Overall, it was an outstanding season for boys golf. Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: n Spencer Bennett – All-District, All-Region n David Choi – All-District, All-Region, All-State, Academic All-State n Aaron Feldman – Academic All-State n Garrett Glanton – All-District, All-Region, Academic All-State, All-State, Team MVP
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SPRINGSPORTSRECAP Varsity Tennis Led by senior captains Tyler Galvin, Madeline Miller and Amanda Trostel, the TCA tennis teams had a very successful year. Seniors John Carlson, Hudson Roe, Dylan Walker and Enoch Wong also contributed to the boys team’s success. In district play, the boys team went 3-3. Both a doubles team and a singles team qualified for state. Dylan Walker, Tyler Galvin and Campbell Roe all played well in Waco’s state tourney but lost in the first round. The girls team went undefeated in district play. The doubles team of Georgia Moore and Madeline Miller were district champions in doubles with a perfect district record. Two doubles teams and one singles team qualified for state. Molly Henegar won her first round at state and lost to the eventual state champion. Lauren Golden and Nicole Muschalek made it to the semi-finals but lost in a very tight match, and Georgia Moore and Madeline Miller also made it to the semi-finals but lost in a close match to the eventual state champions. Overall, the girls team placed third in state and had a stellar season. Congratulations to all the players on a very successful season.
Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: n Tyler Galvin – Academic All-State, Boys Team MVP n Lauren Golden – Academic All-State n Molly Henegar – Newcomer of the Year n Madeline Miller – Academic All-State, Girls Team MVP n Campbell Roe – Academic All-State n Dylan Walker – Academic All-State
Varsity Softball The varsity softball team was led this year by senior captains Elizabeth Morris and Brittany Wright. The team finished the year strong with a big win over Prestonwood. TCA was down 8-1 going into the last inning and scored 8 runs to win 9-8. Every player on the team contributed to this win to end the season on a high note. Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: n Elizabeth Morris – First Team All-District, Academic All-State, Team MVP n BrittanyWright – Honorable Mention All-District
TAPPS 5A Athletes of the Year Senior Emma Kate Liu and junior Parker Oliver were named the TAPPS 5A Athletes of the Year. The athletes are nominated by the school, then voted on by the TAPPS Athletic Executive Committee. This prestigious award signifies great accomplishment in athletics for the entire school year. Parker excelled in football and track, while Emma Kate excelled in volleyball and golf.
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CHAMPS ON THE MAT Varsity Wrestling Team Wins State Tournament The 2014-15 Trojan wrestling season can be summarized in one word—CHAMPIONS. The team spent the last several weeks of the season concentrating on Paul’s words to Timothy—“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!” The team responded by winning the TAPPS State Wrestling Championships, the Texas Prep State Wrestling Championships, the Texas Prep State Duals, and placing 11th at the National Prep Wrestling Championships at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. At nationals, three Trojan wrestlers, captain Garrett Clifford, Coltan Williams and Cole Williams, earned Prep All-American honors. The Trojan Wrestling Team also finished in the Top 10 at the prestigious Prep Slam in Atlanta, Georgia. Earning TAPPS All-State honors for the Trojans were senior captain Andrew McBride (first place at 106 pounds), sophomore Kennedy Cross (first place at 113 pounds), freshman Foti Pakes (fourth place at 120 pounds), sophomore Nate Hanley (third place at 132 pounds), freshman Riley Crow (first place at 138 pounds), sophomore Coltan Williams (first place at 145 pounds), junior Cole Williams (first place at 170 pounds), senior captain Kahler Martin (first place at 182 pounds), junior Alexander Baldwin (second place at 195 pounds), and senior Joey Tkach (first place at 220 pounds). Andrew McBride, Cole Williams, and Joey Tkach also earned TAPPS Academic All-State honors.
Andrew McBride, Foti Pakes, Garrett Clifford, Coltan Williams, Riley Crow, Cole Williams, Kahler Martin and Joey Tkach earned Prep AllState honors and participated in the National Prep Wrestling Championships. Kennedy Cross also qualified for and participated in Prep Nationals. Garrett Clifford finished in third place, Coltan Williams finished in eighth place and Cole Williams finished in seventh place in their respective weight classes. Kahler Martin joined the Trojan Wrestling Team’s Century Club by winning his 100th career varsity win in a TCA uniform on January 24 at the Texas Prep State Duals.
n Kahler Martin – TAPPS All-State, Prep All-State, Prep National Qualifier, TCA Wrestling Century Club, Team Coaches’ Award
Congratulations to the following athletes for these state and team awards:
n Andrew McBride – TAPPS All-State, Academic AllState, Prep All-State, Prep National Qualifier
n Alex Baldwin – TAPPS All-State, Team Most Improved Wrestler
n Foti Pakes – TAPPS All-State, Prep All-State, Prep National Qualifier
n Garrett Clifford – Prep All-State, Prep National Qualifier, Prep All-American, Team Wrestler of the Year, Team MVP
n Joey Tkach – TAPPS All-State, Academic All-State, Prep All-State Prep National Qualifier
n Kennedy Cross – TAPPS All-State, Prep National Qualifier n Riley Crow - TAPPS All-State, Prep All-State, Prep National Qualifier n Nate Hanley – TAPPS All-State
n Cole Williams – TAPPS All-State, Academic AllState, Prep All-State, Prep National Qualifier, Prep All-American n Coltan Williams – TAPPS All-State, Prep All-State, Prep National Qualifier, Prep All-American, Team Newcomer of the Year
STATECHAMPIONS
Champs on the green Varsity Girls Golf Team Wins State Tournament
As the defending state champions, the girls began the year on a quest
to prove themselves against not just the best teams in Texas, but in the country. The top five-team roster included seniors Emma Kate Liu and Abby Selzer, junior Courtney Dow, sophomore Macy Holliday and freshman Caroline Dow. The fall season started at the Antigua National High School Invitational in Scottsdale, Arizona, where TCA placed sixth out of 18 teams from Texas, Arizona, Nevada, California and Florida. The girls returned to North Texas and began what would be a dominant run through a schedule of six more tournaments. The team won five of the six tournaments, beating fields full of strong public-school golf programs and gathering numerous individual awards along the way.
Throughout the season, golfers Bryn Barringer, Jen Harbour, Erica Henri, Natalie Miller and Claire Roever also represented TCA as medalist participants in multiple events, and Presley Baker, Abbey McCutchen and Chandler Noordhoff joined the golf team after a long basketball season and worked diligently on their games all spring. For the second straight year, the TCA girls won the TAPPS 5A Regional Tournament, with Courtney Dow finishing first, Macy Holliday second, Emma Kate Liu fifth and Abby Selzer tenth. The girls team then made its fourth consecutive trip to the TAPPS 5A State Championship, where the team finished first and Courtney Dow won the individual title. Emma Kate Liu finished in third place, and Macy Holliday finished in fourth place. Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: n Courtney Dow – All-District, All-Region, All-State, Academic All-State, District 1-5A Individual Regional Champion, TAPPS 5A State Individual Champion n Macy Holliday – All-District, All-Region, All-State, District 1-5A Individual Regional Runner-Up n Emma Kate Liu – All-District, All-Region, All-State, Academic All-State, TAPPS 5A Athlete of the Year, Team MVP n Abby Selzer – Academic All-State
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ALUMNI LEGACY
By Beth Harwell, Director of Alumni
S
PRING BRINGS THE JOY
of warmer weather, rain showers and beautiful
flowers to many people,
but to me it means “road trips”
with Janie Heard, Upper School assistant head.
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I look forward to our annual college visits each spring to see our alumni and hear about all the amazing things they are doing. We wish we could go visit all the colleges and universities our students are attending, but realistically we are only able to visit a few. So we pick the ones that are closest in proximity and that many of our students attend. This year, it was the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, the University of Arkansas, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas and Baylor University. We spend hours talking to our students about their college days and all their activities. When we leave, Janie and I talk about how impressed we are by what our students are doing on these different college campuses and the impact they are making. Our alumni are in leadership positions at every university, including
dorm presidents, Young Life leaders, writers for their university newspapers and websites, presidents of sororities and fraternities, executives at school events like Texas A&M’s Big Event and counselors to incoming freshmen at summer camps. They are all making a difference on campus! In addition to being involved and serving on their college campuses, our alumni will be studying and serving in many countries around the world this year, including Australia, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, England, France, Sweden, Vienna, Argentina and Greece. In fact, Janie and I are trying to figure out how we can go back to school and study abroad! We treat our students to dinner each visit, so it is always a good meal with great conversation and plenty of hugs, too! It is
2015 the highlight of my year to see what our alumni are doing once they leave TCA, and I am honored to be able to spend this time with them. This year, Janie and I asked our students several questions during our visits.
Did TCA prepare you for college?
The overall consensus was, “Yes, it did!” Many particularly mentioned History/ English. We heard countless compliments on their ability to write papers in college. While other college students cringe at writing a five-page paper, our kids are prepared. Our alumni were very complimentary of their teachers and the impact they had. Students at UT also said they actually have used their notebooks from their classes at TCA to help them with their college courses!
What could TCA do better to help students prepare for college?
The main answer we received was to help students improve their note-taking and time-management skills. Many of the students are also taking flip classes in college and have benefited from the flip lessons they did at TCA. Others are still adjusting to how that works.
What do they miss about TCA?
Two answers were the most popular. The first one was the teacher-student relationships. They said they don’t really get to know their professors in college like they did at TCA. They were truly appreciative of how willing our TCA faculty was to help them with their studies.
The second was the community at TCA and being around familiar faces, including friends, staff and faculty. They said you really miss it once you leave! Janie and I both agree that our students are well adjusted and enjoying college life. So many of them go to church on Sundays and are involved in so many activities on campus. In addition, they are interning, studying and serving abroad in the summer. Our graduating seniors are finding jobs quickly and preparing for their lives in the real world. After each visit, I am even more proud of our school and our alumni. I’m already looking forward to next spring!
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ALUMNI LEGACY
By Jackie Schimmer Harrison ’86, Alumni Association Board President
S I PREPARE to turn
Our goal as the Alumni Association Board is to touch the alumni board over every part of our community. to our new president, Bunny Heard Mitchell ’94, We start getting to know our it made me think back over students in high school through our new initiative, Trinity Connects. my past two years as president. We have joined with the Interact I realized it might be good to give the community a peek into who we Club, and once a month we are and a little of what we do. Over provide a pizza lunch and speakers discussing different careers. the last two years, we have tried to expand on some efforts already Each meeting has a theme, and we try to have an alumnus in in place, and we have added some new initiatives about which we are that field or profession as our speaker. (If you are interested in very excited! coming to speak to the Interact Our purpose statement reads, Club, please send your name “The purpose of the Association and number to Beth Harwell at shall be to develop the community bharwell@ trinitychristian. org.) of Trinity Christian Academy by We build relationships with connecting TCA alumni families the seniors during their senior to TCA and to each other; year by giving them locker treats promoting alumni participation during special events, organizing in the development of the their Senior Giving Project, giving school; providing support and them a pizza party and their encouragement for TCA’s current first official TCA Alumni t-shirt students, faculty, administration in early May and finish the year and trustees; and generally by hosting an “after graduation supporting TCA’s mission of party.” The Senior Giving Project ‘developing the whole person for is one of our new initiatives in the glory of God.’” which each member of the class
Interact Club meeting with TCA alumni from the University of Texas and Texas A&M 6 0
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donates money and that is used to purchase a gift from their class to the school. This year’s class of 2015 has purchased two fountains that will be installed in our newly named Alumni Garden outside the Performing Arts Center. Come by sometime to see the new fountains and find your paver. The Alumni Association Board also sends each member of the newly graduated class a care package in the fall and sponsors the Christmas party for them to reconnect after their first semester away at college. Another area we are focusing on is our young alumni—our college-age members. Our initiative for this fall is to connect our TCA alumni on various college campuses. We are trying to organize upperclassmen on each campus to take the new freshmen to coffee or dinner and give them “helpful hints” pertaining to their new campus. We would love to see the TCA connection helping our students away from home. Janie Heard, our assistant head of Upper School, and Beth Harwell, our director of alumni, visit several college campuses each spring and treat our TCA alumni to a free meal and visit with them. Read Beth’s article in this issue of Trinity Today to hear more about these special visits. In the future, we are looking at growing our Trinity Connects initiative to include events for our young, college graduates—for career advice, internships and even possible jobs from the TCA professional community.
The newest member of our alumni family is now our alumni parents. Last fall, our board voted to now include the parents of TCA graduates into the definition of alumni. After all, they were at TCA just as long as their children. We are excited to begin planning events and serving this special new group of alumni. We already have three events for the moms of our newest graduates. We have a coffee in early September so moms can reconnect, fellowship and see how all our young adults are doing at college. We assemble care packages for our freshman alumni and have lunch together in November, and then have one more coffee in January when the students go back to college. We look forward to more events for all our alumni parents. Our legacy families are another very special part of our community. These are the alumni who have chosen to send their children to TCA. In the fall, we have a doughnut breakfast and give out Legacy Kids t-shirts that these students can wear that day. We also have a big legacy family dinner in the spring with the Hamburger Man, snow cones and bounce houses. And last but not least, we plan Homecoming and class reunions each year. We look forward to seeing everyone come back. Join us this fall on October 9, 2015. Make your plans now to attend! Our board is growing and working hard to serve our TCA community in every way we can!
ALUMNINEWS
Announcements and upcoming events Homecoming Information Friday October 9: Homecoming (7–8:30 p.m. Alumni Dinner, 7:30 p.m. Varsity Football Game) Saturday, October 10: Individual reunion events in the evening
Reunion contacts
Legacy Graduates
n Ten legacy families have students in the Class of 2015. Congratulations to these graduates! Travis Ehringer (Kevin and Betsy Thompson Ehringer ’84) Corbin Getz (Kenton ’84 and Carla Getz) Taylor Goode (David ’85 and Joni Goode) Taylor Hayden (Jeff and Joanna Deffinbaugh Hayden ’86) Jessie Harrison (Kai and Jackie Schimmer Harrison ’86) Andrew Konstans (Greg Konstans ’86 and Nina Konstans) Christianna Konstans (Stephen ’83 and Joy Konstans) Hunter Lawrence (David ’85 and Lee Lawrence) Caitlin Stephens (David and Stacey Hampton Stephens ’91) Joey Tkach (Paul and Deborah Riccio Tkach ’93)
Pavers
n A brick paver is the perfect way to honor a student, alumnus, faculty, staff or family member. For $150 a paver may be purchased and placed in the Alumni Garden (the courtyard next to the Performing Arts Center). All proceeds benefit the Alumni Association and Student Tuition Aid. For more information, please contact the Director of Alumni Beth Harwell at bharwell@trinitychristian.org.
New Legacy Families
n Welcome back to Trinity! We have several alumni who will be returning to TCA as current parents. Fritz Barton ’95, Chris Carreker ’98, Lindsey Fusch Durrett ’95, Ken Frisbie ’90, Katy Argo Gruner ’98, Jill Killion Karrh ’92, Daniel Larsen ’99, Ryan Long ’98, Casey Nutter ’00, Kyle Scott ’99 and Linda Box Taylor ’93 will have children at TCA for the 2015-16 school year.
Alumni Board for 2015–16 President – Bunny Heard Mitchell ’94 VP of Communication – Jeni McCabe Parrent ’87
1975
n Barlow Irvin: barlow@irvincompany.com
1980
n Denise Millet Owen: ldenisermt@yahoo.com
1985
n Melinda Moore Grandell: melinda@thegrandells.com
1990
n Leslie Cotter McCabe: lesliekamccabe@mac.com
1995
n Trey Bowles: treybowles@gmail.com n Carter McCaslin Bill: cartermbill@gmail.com
2000
n Emmy Harmon Riley: emmybray@aol.com
2005
n Clayton Bell: b.clayton.bell@gmail.com n Callea Bogdon DeLong: calleabogdon@gmail.com
2010
n Scott Beckwith: scott.beckwith@me.com n John Bundren: jbundren82@aol.com n Sean Ku: seanie.ku@gmail.com n Gabby McGarity: gabrielle_mcgarity@yahoo.com n Katie Morrill: kmorrill4@gmail.com n Graham Shelby: grahamtshelby@gmail.com
VP of Community – Shelly Stewart Rogers ’95 VP of Continuing Connection – Robert Taylor ’07 VP of Contribution – Stephen Konstans ’83 Past President – Jackie Schimmer Harrison ’86 Members: Lane Conner ’99 Brad Dickens ’07 Betsy Thompson Ehringer ’84 Rebecca Grimm Novakovich ’85 Amy Edwards Prideaux ’89 Sarah-Graham Turtletaub ’07 Director of Alumni – Beth Harwell
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Where are they now? T H E
L A T E S T
O N
W H A T
Y O U R
2000
2001
n Kate and John Hinckley proudly announce the birth of their first son, Ford Taylor Hinckley, on October 23, 2014. Ford weighed 7 pounds and 2 ounces and was 19.75 inches long. John, Kate and Ford live in Dallas, where John is co-founder and CEO of his company, Modern Message, specializing in digital marketing technology.
n Amy Bastian Richards and her husband, Matt, celebrated the birth of their first child, Boone Taylor Richards, on March 30, 2014.
C L A S S M A T E S
2004
A R E
Katie Burns and Jessica Neal Johnston ’05. The couple returned to Oklahoma City in January 2015 to join The Fulmer Group, Harrison as managing partner and Kristyna as the public relations manager and a legal assistant.
D O I N G
B Y
B E T H
H A R W E L L
2007
n Rachel Cook Zobeck and husband Mark are pleased to announce the birth of their first child, Audrey Kay Zobeck, born on July 20, 2014, in Houston.
Go Team Thunder! TCA alumni Ford Baker ’82, Doug Walker ’82 and Jeff Holder ’84 formed Team Thunder this spring and rode in this year’s MS 150, a 150-mile bike ride to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis, in honor of TCA alumni parent and Middle School Learning Lab teacher Angie Cox. Team Thunder raised over $11,000 for the fight against MS. Ford, Doug and Jeff enjoyed the challenge and the camaraderie, but they got involved to show their support and to raise money and awareness for those suffering from MS, like their dear friend Angie. According to Ford, “Team Thunder was started so these former Trojans, who are also parents of TCA alumni, and in the case of Jeff Holder, a current TCA parent, could “bring the thunder” for Angie and the Cox family, a TCA mainstay for 19 years.” Angie’s students also showed their support by making posters for the event.
n Courtney Huggins Bryson and her husband, Dave, were blessed with a precious baby boy, Bear Matthew Bryson, on December 1, 2014. Bear weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20 inches long. Big sister Callie loves her little brother so much and is excited to start kindergarten at TCA in the fall!
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n Kristyna Mills Coats married Harrison Cole Lujan on March 14, 2014, on a tropical estate in the Bay of Banderas, Punta Mita, Mexico. The couple met at the University of Oklahoma. The wedding was attended by family and close friends. Sisters Kasey Coats ’07 and Karaline Coats ’11 were bridesmaids. Harrison’s father and brother served as groomsmen. TCA alumni in attendance were Sarah Dupre Helffrich,
To learn more about the MS 150 and Team Thunder, visit http://biketxh.nationalmssociety.org/goto/BringTheThunder or check out their video on You Tube, http://youtube/watch?v=yTU-aCGOqxM.
WHEREARE THEYNOW?
The Power of Prayer TCA alumni moms from the classes of 2000 and 2001 have continued to gather together and pray for their children (and now grandchildren), even 15 years after their kids have graduated from TCA. What an inspiration to all and a testament to their faith! The Class of 2000 is led by Sandy Ash and has been meeting since those kids were in the seventh grade. It started out as once a month, but soon turned to every Monday morning, where the moms would get together and pray for the kids in the Class of 2000. For years, they met on campus even after their children graduated. About three years ago, they moved to meeting in someone’s home. The Class of 2001 is led by Candy Carby and meets once a month. The moms meet at noon to pray and then go to lunch at a nearby restaurant. These moms have been meeting since they started gathering for TCA grade-level prayer times when their children were in kindergarten. Candy said about their prayer meetings, “Prayer is the most uplifting thing we can do for one another. It is easy. Prayers used to be about tests, teachers, sports and dates to the dances, etc. Now that we have all aged and our kids are having kids, we pray for our health, our families and our Christian legacy. We pray for TCA and are thankful for the opportunity our kids had to go there. Many of them still have friends from kindergarten on up through twelfth grade. Our prayers are also for our kids’ potential spouses and birth of grandchildren, infertility and grandkids born with disabilities. Some of us have aging parents. We pray for those not walking with the Lord to do so. We pray for the requests that Bob Dyer sends to us. A sibling of a student of the Class of 2001 just had brain surgery, and we all prayed for her. Some of us do mission trips, and there’s lots of prayer for our country, our leaders, media, teachers and politicians. There is nothing that we do not pray about.” If you would like to start a prayer group within your child’s grade, current or alumni, please contact Beth Harwell, director of alumni, for more information.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Alan Crawford, Drew Waggoner and Clay Miller. Brad works at Walters, Balido & Crain, Attorneys at Law, in Dallas.
2010 n Brad Dickens graduated from Baylor Law School on May 3, 2014, and married his college sweetheart, Jessica Purnell, on May 17, 2014. TCA alumni in the bridal party included Wesley Dickens ’10, Sarah Mullis ’06,
n Will Pendleton proposed to Haley Moore ’12 on November 26, 2014, at
White Rock Lake under the tree where they had their first date. They became friends on the TCA Africa trip in 2009 and are getting married on July 3, 2015.
applicants for this highly competitive, prestigious award program.
2011
n Brianna Adams, a graduate of the University of Alabama, has received a Fulbright teaching assistant award to teach in the Czech Republic. Brianna was one of only 1,500 recipients chosen from more than 11,000
n Emily Browning is engaged to Daniel Pons from State College, Pennsylvania. They met their freshman year at the University of Oklahoma and will be
married on December 19, 2015, in Norman, Oklahoma. Emily will be graduating in December 2015 with a BA in music education and hopes to teach middle school music while Daniel attends pharmacy school in Kansas. She gave her senior recital on March 28, 2015, at Pitman Recital Hall at the University of Oklahoma.
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ALUMNI LEGACY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 65
2012
In Memoriam Dr. Cynthia Sessions, alumni parent J U LY 3 1 , 2 0 1 4
Martha (Marty) Parkey, alumni parent AU G U S T 2 9 , 2 014
Charles (Dick) Crews, former Foundation Board and Board of Trustees member, alumni parent n Peyton Werra was elected president of the Chi Omega fraternal organization at the University of Texas at Austin, and Chloe Robinson was elected president of the Chi Omega fraternal organization at Texas A&M Univsersity.
O C TO B E R 2 3 , 2 014
Helen Beidel, former faculty member and alumni parent N OV E M B E R 15 , 2 014
Lloyd Bowles Jr., alumni parent D ECE M B E R 2 , 2 014
Don Hodges Jr., former TCA Board of Trustees member and alumni parent JANUARY 21, 2 015
Franklyn (Lyn) Ballard, alumni parent JANUARY 24, 2 015
Got News?
Sharon Weindorff Doering ’85
n Drop us a line and let your classmates know what you are doing. Email Beth Harwell, director of alumni, at bharwell@ trinitychristian.org. Please note that all submissions for the next issue of Trinity Today must be received by October 1, 2015, and that all submitted electronic photos must be in high-resolution jpeg format to be suitable for printing.
J A N U A R Y 2 7, 2 0 1 5
Rodney Moore Sr., alumni parent FEBRUARY 12 , 2 015
Larry Littleton, alumni parent F E B R U A R Y 2 7, 2 0 1 5
Daphne Nichole (Nikki) Khoury Glickman ’97 MARCH 10, 2015
Nancy Elizabeth Underwood, alumni parent MARCH 26, 2015
Susan Bryans, parent MARCH 28, 2015
Jessica Wren, former staff member and alumni parent APRIL 1, 2015
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T R I N I T Y
T O D A Y
LAST WORD
Fifth-grader Aubrie Amado works on a vocal selection with Middle School choir teacher Sharla Davidson during the Singing and Acting Audition Workshop at TCA’s Summer at the Academy.
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6 TRINIT T RY CHRISTIAN I N I T ACADEMY Y T OPRINTED D A YBY MILLET THE PRINTER, DALL AS, TX Š62015,
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