SUMMER 2017
V O L U M E 11 , N O . 2
GRADUATION 2017 / 8 A NIGHT AT THE STAR / 14
TODAY CONNECTING
THE
TRINITY
CHRISTIAN
ACADEMY
LEARNING COMES TO LIFE / 30 ALUMNI LEGACY / 53
COMMUNITY
HOW TCA PREPARED
ME
EDUCAT IN G A N D DE V ELO PIN G T HE W HOL E PERSO N FOR T HE GLORY OF GOD
TODAY
EDITOR’S NOTE
Vo l u m e 11 • Nu m b e r 2
EDITOR
Joy Konstans, Director of Communications
Senses engaged, passion ignited
ART/DESIGN
I N EV E R TO C E A SE TO M A RV E L at how the Lord
Kendall Ellis, Publications Coordinator
created us. The human body is an incredibly complex and
A DV I S O RY B OA R D
Dave Delph, Headmaster Scott Berthel Bev Birmingham Beth Harwell Janie Heard Kristy Kegerreis Matt Lambro Becky Lewis Deahn Marsh Greg Merrifield Kirk McJunkin Bunny Heard Mitchell ’94 Jenni McCabe Parrent ’87 Kristina Spears Diane Taylor Camille Langford Walker ’82 Lisa Wong BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mark Layman, Chairman David Harper, Vice Chairman Stacey Dore Mark Dyer Christi Ferrell Matt Heidelbaugh Steve Novakovich Stephanie Polk Jeff Price Wesley Sneed ABOUT US
Trinity Today is published two times a year: Winter and Summer. Trinity Christian Academy 17001 Addison Road Addison, Texas 75001 972-931-8325 TrinityChristian.org C O N TAC T U S
amazing being. Every organ, bone, joint, nerve . . . serves a specific purpose, all working together. And the brain—with its
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3 GOOD WORKS 9 FACULTY FOCUS 14 TCA FOUNDATION 44 ATHLETICS 53 ALUMNI LEGACY
capacity to learn, grow and remember—controls every system of the body. Every one of our senses is uniquely designed to gather information, transfer it to the brain and aid in our learning and performance. It goes to reason that in order to properly develop the brain and learn to our fullest potential, it’s necessary to exercise all parts of the brain and body. TCA’s curriculum, programs and classrooms are designed to engage all of our students’ senses, activate learning in all areas (visual, tactile, auditory, etc.) and develop important critical thinking skills from the earliest ages. Our teachers are intentional about incorporating hands-on learning into their lessons and curriculum to help make learning come to life for our students.
16 CLASS OF 2017 Congratulations to the TCA Class of 2017! Another class of graduates moves from students to TCA alumni. Here’s a look at that special day!
While it might be interesting to read about things like volcanoes or animal habitats from a book or even online, it’s much more exciting to actually experience a volcanic eruption on the playground or build a crayfish habitat in the classroom! In this issue of Trinity Today, we invite you to read about the ways learning comes to life at TCA—in Lower School, Middle School and Upper School. Our students are encouraged, challenged and equipped to succeed. You’ll also hear from several alumni in this issue, as they share how TCA prepared them for college, inspired their future careers and encouraged their relationships with Christ. There are great things happening in the TCA community, both on campus
44 TCA ATHLETICS It’s been another great year for TCA athletics! Our TCA teams turned in great seasons, and many athletes earned district and state awards. Check out the successes of our winter and spring teams this year.
and beyond. It’s a privilege to share these things with you and to be part of such an incredible body of believers committed to Him.
Send story ideas to Joy Konstans at jkonstans@trinitychristian.org and alumni information to Beth Harwell at bharwell@trinitychristian.org. FOLLOW US
DE PA RT M E N T S
54 A PASSION FOR SERVICE J OY K O N S TA N S E D I T O R O F T R I N I T Y T O DAY D I R E C T O R O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
TCA alumnus Ben Utley ’11 reflects on the fourth-grade Austin field trip and how it sparked an interest in government that has taken him from the halls at TCA to the Texas Capitol.
WHAT’S INSIDE F E AT U R E S
20
HOW TCA PREPARED ME TCA alumni often return with stories of how their TCA teachers and the education they received prepared them well for college and beyond. Several alumni share their stories in this issue.
30
THREE DECADES OF SERVICE Headmaster Dave Delph has spent 30 years leading and teaching at TCA. Faculty, students and alumni offer words of gratitude and appreciation for his years of dedicated service.
42
POWERED BY GRIT 30
LEARNING COMES TO LIFE There’s so much more to learning than simply studying a textbook. In these three articles, administrators from each school share how a TCA education includes hands-on experiments, in-field studies and real-life applications.
TCA Assistant Athletic Director Don English illustrates the importance of instilling perseverance and a never-quit attitude in the next generation and how athletics can play an important role in that pursuit.
HEADMASTER’S NOTE
It begins with the heart T H E L A ST I NST RUCT IONS given to the
How do we focus our hearts toward Him? How
faculty and staff in June after faithfully working
do we prepare our children’s hearts to hear His
themselves to a point of “sweet exhaustion”
voice? How do we daily face the truth that we
was to rest and renew. I am so thankful for the
are in a battle . . . a battle for our minds, souls
opportunity summer provides to do just that. As I
and hearts? Curtis continues, “Communion with
consider what God has accomplished in the lives
God is replaced by activity for God. There is
of students, families, faculty, coaches and staff
little time in this outer world for deep questions.
through Trinity Christian Academy over 47 years,
Given the right plan, everything in life can be
I can’t help but get excited with the impending
managed except your heart. The heart does not
start of yet another new school year—the oppor
respond to principles and programs; it seeks
tunity to influence the lives of everyone in our
not efficiency, but passion. Art, poetry, beauty,
community, especially the next generation, by
mystery, ecstasy: These are what rouse the
encouraging and training faithful disciples of Him.
heart. . . . And the voice that calls to us in this place is none other than the voice of God. We
Proverbs 4:23 states, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life,” so it
cannot hear this voice if we have lost touch with our heart.”
is the heart that we, as a community, need to nourish, nurture and protect. In Brent Curtis’s
In Luke 10:27, Jesus replied to an expert in the
and John Eldredge’s The Sacred Romance,
law when asked what one must do to inherit
Curtis describes the Christian life as a “love
eternal life, “Love the Lord God with all your
affair of the heart. It cannot be lived primarily
heart and with all your soul and with all your
as a set of principles or ethics. It cannot be
strength and with all your mind, and love your
managed with steps and programs. It cannot
neighbor as yourself.” This is a simple and
be lived exclusively as a moral code leading to
profound truth, yet herein lies our battle.
righteousness.” One of my greatest fears is that
I hope you have chosen to be still and listen to
our teachers, curriculum and programs might
His voice this summer. I pray we will provide
encourage a works-based, rules-based or image-
opportunities for all of us to be touched by Him
based faith rather than a love affair of the heart.
whose voice is constantly trying to speak to,
God mourned, in Isaiah 29:13, “These people
nourish, nurture and protect our hearts. Please
honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far
pray as we join in encouraging our students,
from me.”
parents, teachers and alumni to look no further than their own love affair. . . . It all begins with the heart! Blessings,
B Y DAV E D E L P H , H E A D M A S T E R
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GOOD WORKS
600-Win Coach! In his 35th season as a Texas high school baseball coach, TCA varsity baseball coach Don English joined an elite club of 600-career winners. The milestone was met on February 24 with the win over W.T. White. Congratulations, Coach English!
TABC Coach of the Year
Varsity boys basketball head coach Randy Feemster was named “Coach of the Year” for large private schools by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Congratulations, Randy!
TPSMEA Band Awards
All-State Musicians
Congratulations to Jackson Withrow (All-State Band, Trombone), Michelle Raybourn (All-State Choir), and Nicolas Fandrich (All-State Orchestra, Violin).
National Merit Finalists
Congratulations to the following students for their TPSMEA band achievements:
TPSMEA Middle School Honor Band • Ryan Ainsworth • Seth Bator • Elizabeth Branstetter • Bryce McElroy • Avery Overberg • Connor Wines
TPSMEA North Region High School Band • Dodd Weyandt • Jackson Withrow
Two TCA seniors, Nathan Holden and Will Traweek, were named 2017 National Merit Finalists. As finalists, they were among the highest scorers on the PSAT in Texas and the nation.
Outstanding Student Athlete TCA senior Christopher Wines was one of five finalists selected for the prestigious Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship Award.
Athlete of the Year TCA senior Jack Savage was named the TAPPS 6A Male Athlete of the Year as voted on by the TAPPS Athletic Executive Committee. Jack had an outstanding senior year at TCA; he was named All-State in football, soccer and track.
Letters about Literature
Sophomore Avery Gann won third place in the Texas State Library’s Letters about Literature Competition. More than 2,000 high school students across Texas entered the competition, making personal connections to literature.
Super Spellers
Congratulations to the following students who placed at the ASCI District Spelling Bee: • Rosalind Chang – Second Place, Fourth Grade • Jonathan Eldhose – Fourth Place, Third Grade
• Ana Penton – Second Place, Eighth Grade • Luke Penton – Fourth Place, Seventh Grade, Third Place Overall • Sebastion Silva – Fourth Place, Sixth Grade Luke Penton also placed third in the ACSI Regional Spelling Bee and qualified for the National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC, where he placed seventh in the nation.
Schmidt & Jones Awards
TCA received eight nominations for its production of Cinderella in the Schmidt & Jones Awards for excellence in high school musical theater this year and won in the following three categories: • Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role: Melinda White as Madame • Outstanding Actor in a Minor Role: Macrae Smith as Jean- Michel • Outstanding Actress in a Minor Role: Caroline Pino as Charlotte
• Ben Francis – Second Place, Seventh Grade, Fourth Place Overall • Ava Mills – First-Place, Fifth Grade • Lilly Parker – First Place, Eighth Grade, Second Place Overall SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
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GOOD WORKS
College Signings Congratulations to these student athletes who signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers in college:
2016 Duke University Talent Identification Program
• JB Bowman will play football at Oklahoma Baptist University. • Peyton Stone will swim for Ouachita Baptist University.
College Commitments Congratulations to the following athletes who will be participating in college sports: • Maya Abrams – Cheerleading, University of Miami
• Kenny Nelson will play football at Missouri State University.
• Alexis Everett – Cheerleading, University of Mary Hardin Baylor
• Cole Yeatts will play football at Abilene Christian University.
• Blake Hinton – Football, Hendrix College • Georgia Moore – Tennis, Austin College • Molly Rader – Cheerleading, University of Mary Hardin Baylor
TVAA Awards
Memorable Teacher Honored Seventh-grade History/English teacher Dennis Saffold was one of two teachers honored by the Baylor School of Education as a “Memorable Teacher” at the school’s annual banquet this year. He was nominated by TCA graduate Alexa Roush ’13, a Baylor senior elementary education major. Alexa decided to pursue teaching because of the influence Mr. Saffold had on her.
• Alexandra Mills – Encore Exhibit
Middle School
• Nicholas Wong – Best in Show, First Place-Painting, Encore Exhibit
• Isabela Figueroa – Honor AwardMixed Media
2016 Art of Architecture Competition Congratulations to the following students for earning awards at the Texas Visual Arts Association competition: • Lindsay Bartol – First-placeDrawing, UTD Dean’s Award • Riley Chandler – Honorable Mention • Michelle Lee – Honorable Mention • Brie McCracken – Honorable Mention • Autumn Sonju – First PlacePrintmaking • Nicholas Wong – UTD Dean’s Award
Young American Talent Congratulations to the following students for placing in the Young American Talent High School Art Competition
Congratulations to the TCA award-winners from the 2016 Art of Architecture Competition sponsored by the Dallas Center for Architecture:
• Lindsay Bartol – Third PlacePainting, Encore Exhibit • Jack Blocker – Encore Exhibit • Bailey Chaffin – Encore Exhibit • Kelsey Ferrell – Encore Exhibit • Jordyn Goodman – First PlaceMixed Media, Encore Exhibit
Upper School
• Lindsey Hayden – Encore Exhibit
• Amara Asrawi – Citation AwardDrawing
• Isabelle Heldenfels – First Place-Printmaking, Encore Exhibit
• David Dembicki – Honor AwardSculpture
• Ellie Kauffman – Encore Exhibit
• Kelsey Ferrell – Best of Show, Honor Award-Printmaking • Colby James – Citation AwardPrintmaking • Clarissa Wong – Honor Award- Painting
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SUMMER 2017
This year, 75 TCA seventhgraders qualified for the TIP/ Duke program by demonstrating advanced aptitudes on gradelevel assessments. Of these students, 28 chose to take the SAT or ACT. Daniel Kwon and Juliana Voth were awarded Grand Recognition, the highest recognition in the program and were honored at Duke University in a Grand Recognition Ceremony. In addition, 9 students qualified for State Recognition: Lauren Elvebak, Daniel Kwon, Justin Miller, Emily Morris, Schuyler Noordhoff, Katherine Novakovich, Olivia Priest, Juliana Voth and Max Wheless. Congratulations to all who participated!
• Lauren Deaton – Citation AwardMixed Media • Emily Jones – Best of Show, Honor Award-Drawing
PSI Art Competition TCA students admirably represented our school in the 2016 Private School Invitational Art Competition this year. Congratulations, award winners: • Morgan Amison – First Place-3D, Fifth Grade • Owen Ellis – Honorable Mention2D, Fifth Grade • Reid Neatherlin – Third Place-3D, Sixth Grade • Isabella Jackson – Honorable Mention-2D, Seventh Grade
Math Olympians The following Lower School and Middle School students placed in the ACSI Math Olympics this year:
Third Grade • Nathaniel Eldhose – Fourth Place, Reasoning, tied • Evan Wang – Fourth Place, Reasoning, tied • Nathan Youn – Third Place, Computation
Fourth Grade • Rosalind Chang – First Place, Computation • Karys Karlow – Fourth Place, Computation • Logan McIntyre – Third Place, Computation • Daniel Yang – Second Place, Reasoning
Fifth Grade • Alex Kim – First place, Computation • Annabelle Lee – Second Place, Computation • David Meiser – Fourth Place, Reasoning • Molly Youn – First Place, Reasoning
Sixth Grade • Bethany Grim – First Place, Reasoning • Kazia Handako – First Place, Computation • Richelle Kim – Second Place, Computation • Grace Kwon – Third Place, Reasoning, tied • Sebastian Silva – Third Place, Reasoning, tied
Seventh Grade • Ben Francis – Third Place, Reasoning • Daniel Kwon – Second Place, Reasoning • Katie Parker – Fourth Place, Reasoning
Eighth Grade • Anthony Cundari – Second Place, Computation • Jack Maust – First Place, Computation • Lilly Parker – First Place, Reasoning • Wilson Roe – Fourth Place, Computation • Annie Xia – Third Place, Reasoning • Jason Yang – Second Place, Reasoning
TAPPS Academic State Championship Several TCA Upper School students competed in the TAPPS 6A Academic State Championship this year. Congratulations to the following students: • David Carstens – State Champion, Current Events & Issues • Kelsey Ferrell – Second Place, Ready Writing • Ryan Fitzpatrick – Fourth Place, Advanced Math; Seventh Place, Number Sense; Eighth Place, Calculator Application • Nathan Sanders – Sixth Place, Science • Andrew Willison – Seventh Place, Science
National Latin Exam
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:
Grades 9–11 Awards Bible: Jake Bryans, Deven Gann Drama I: Haleigh Brown Drama II: Molly Grace Beddingfield Advanced Drama: Macrae Smith Spring Show Award: Brijit Crosby, Riley Bagnall
Eighth Grade
Men’s Chorus: Matthew Harvey
Summa Cum Laude – Gold Medal: Lilly Parker, Reagan Rodgers, Wilson Roe, Claire Shodeen and Annie Xia
Women’s Chorus: Allison Jones
Maxima Cum Laude – Silver Medal: Lexy Babler, Hannah Burke, Dawson Chaffin, Nathan Clark, Anthony Cundari, Victoria Dahncke, Lolly Elms, Reagan Havel, Leah Kegerreis, Lauren Lee, Georgia Leeds, Austin Marquardt, Reagan Pierce, Patricia Sharon, Joel Smitherman, Grace Weir, Lauren Wright and Jason Yang Magna Cum Laude: Hannah Alpert, Claire Andrews, Molly Berryman, Ava Brown, Luke Chan, Emily Clay, Reilly Hanna, Evan Hennes, Morgan Locke, Jack Maust, Anna Muccio, Ryan O’Shea, Zoe Rodriguez, Landry Walton, Connor Williams and Caroline Woodward Cum Laude: Charlie Crawford, Claire Floyd, Cash McStay, Delaney Meiser, Will Mercer, Avery Overberg, Mason Sonju, Avery Sponsler, William Sullivan, Adelaide Walker and Jackson Wells
Seventh Grade
Outstanding Musician: Meghan Betts Outstanding Musician’s Band Award: Sean Fox, Ethan Merrifield, Foti Pakes, Jackson Withrow eMedia: Cole Rea Sculpture: Jillian Delp, Ashley McWhorter H Studio Art: Amanda Choi H Drawing/Painting/Printmaking: Jordan McFarlane H Digital Art/Electronic Collage/Video Animation: Grant De Paoli H Drawing II/Painting II/Printmaking II: Emily Dyer History/English Grade 9: Blake Mercer, Danielle Parker, Jessica Young History/English Grade 10: Daniela Figueroa, Noah Morrison, Abby Muschalek History/English Grade 11: AJ LaGassa, Natalie Miller, Colin Wiegand Algebra I: Jenna Larson, Ben Murphy
Perfect score: Justin Miller
Geometry: Savannah Sims
Outstanding Achievement Certificate: James Badger, Lauren Elvebak, Jack Layman, Emily Morris, Katie Parker, Juliana Voth and Sydney Wayte
Algebra II: Max Thomas Honors Trig/Intro Calculus: Karly Douglass, Colby James
Achievement Certificate: Ellie Blocker, Shannon Burchett, Alyssa Clemovitz, Ben Francis, Kate Goodman, Amelia Griege, Claire Grimes, Payton Harper, Anna Heidelbaugh, Halle Hermes, Emily Jones, Emma Layman, Katelyn Long, Allie Mays, Schuyler Noordhoff, Katherine Novakovich, Luke Penton, Madeline Prescot, Jackson Singer, Preston Spears, Jordy Sucilea, Mary Lauren Westover and Max Wheless
Pre-AP Trig/Calculus A: Daniel Hsu
Eighth-Grade Awards
H Intermediate Technology: Elle Clark, Mason Moreland
Art: Grace Weir, Annie Xia
H Mobile Programming: Griffin Maurice
Band: Luke Babler, Seth Bator, Elizabeth Branstetter, Blaine Grimes, Peyton Hall, Avery Overberg
H Computer Science Foundation: Daniel Jones, Michael Ruch
Bible: Reagan Pierce, Reagan Rodgers
French I: Landry Hays
Choir: Lilly Parker, Georgia Leeds, Lexy Babler, Charlie Crawford, Jack Maust, Wilson Roe High Tech: Press Hebert, Jackson Wood History/English: Lexy Babler, Annie Xia, Leah Kegerreis, Ryan O’Shea, Reagan Rodgers Latin: Leah Kegerreis, Lilly Parker, Wilson Roe, Reagan Rodgers
Pre-AP Biology: Isabella Berthel, Matthew Harvey Biology: Belle Holden, Logan Rock Pre-AP Chemistry: Lindsay Bartol Chemistry: Caroline Tate Physics: Riley Walton, Ramie Rice AP Physics Mechanics: Ryan Fitzpatrick
AP Computer Science: Ryan Fitzpatrick French II: Jillian Delp H French II: Emily Floyd French III: Sacha Francois Pre-AP French III: Emily Miller Spanish I: Anna Beth Lowrey, Henry Ridley Spanish II: McKenzie Moore
Math: Wilson Roe, Annie Xia, Jason Yang
H Spanish II: Jessica Lee, Abby Muschalek
Science: Annie Xia, Jason Yang, Jaxx Hatton
Spanish III: Courtney Fish, Tara Williamson
Speech/Drama: Emma Hodge, Delaney O’Shea, Reagan Rodgers
Pre-AP Spanish III: Ramie Rice, Sydney Riordan, Caroline Winslow
SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
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GOOD WORKS
Senior Awards Valedictorian: Morgan Ku Salutatorian: Nathan Holden Trinity Spirit: Michael Waters D.A.R.: Nathan Holden, Abby Mathai Trojan Heart: Georgia Moore, Jack Savage Scholar Athletes: Nathan Holden, Morgan Ku
Outstanding Theater Student: Travis Josephs
Trig/Intro Business Calculus: Lauren McLain
Outstanding Musicians: Jordan Jones, Travis Harrison, Alec Jordan
Finite Math: Melinda White
Choral Director’s Award: Emily Stanton, Madeleine Wilson
AP Chemistry: Andrew Willison
AP Biology: Daniel Heard, Ellie Kauffman H Engineering Design: Travis Josephs
John Philip Sousa Award: Cole Adams
Field Ecology: Gayden Williams
Band Student of the Year: Jack Bolton
Astronomy: Delia Rowland
Band Director’s Award: Alex Clemovitz Trojan Band Award: Christopher Tarantino
H Anatomy & Physiology: Lauren McLain, Julia Willison
AP English: Caitlin Hickney, Madeleine Wilson
AP Art: Nicholas Wong
Speech: Nicole Willison, Christopher Wines
Senior Thesis finalists: Nathan Holden, Melinda White
ePhoto: Bailey Chaffin
Technology: Alex Clemovitz
H Photography: Erica Henri
AP French IV: Ginny Kestel
Spring Show Award: Jordan Jones, Travis Josephs
AP Government: Burke Wofford AP Calculus BC: Juliann Hall
AP Spanish IV: Lillie Harrington, Lauren McLain
Drama Director’s Award: Caitlin Hickney
AP Calculus AB: Alexandra Mills
Yearbook: Lauren McLain
Bible: Sarah DeWhitt, Gayden Williams
ROTARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH FEBRUARY
NATHAN HOLDEN Nathan is a good-hearted, responsible young man who makes the most of his time and talents. He has an innate sense of right and wrong and a desire to interact with others. Whether he is working with middle school students at church, studying for classes or producing videos in his spare time, Nathan conducts himself with maturity and kindness. In the classroom, Nathan excels. In addition to balancing a rigorous course load of AP and honors classes, Nathan has found a love for the school yearbook. He is a tremendous asset to the staff, contributing through his love for the visual arts. Outside of his studies, Nathan is
heavily involved with his church, leading a group of fifth- and sixthgraders each Wednesday evening. He expresses himself creatively by writing, filming and producing videos and making cards and gifts for his friends and family. Nathan is well respected by his classmates and faculty alike. He has a good attitude about life, even when things get challenging. His smile can be seen above the crowd in the Upper School hallways on a daily basis. His natural gift of encouragement is felt by all with whom he crosses paths.
JACK SAVAGE
MARCH
Character, leadership and excellence are three words that best describe Jack Savage. Admired by his fellow students for his godly character and testimony, Jack has become an outstanding role model. Likewise, the faculty and staff hold Jack in high regard and selected him for the coveted position of a Sky Ranch counselor his junior year. Additionally, Jack has been involved in mentoring many students as a DIGs leader and through the Camp David program, where he helped lead weekly devotionals. In academic achievements, Jack has earned Magna Cum Laude Honor Roll status and membership into the National Honor Society.
Keep up with TCA today and every day. Facebook facebook.com/TCATrojans Instagram tca_addison Twitter – TCA School Account @TCATrojans Twitter – TCA Addison Sports @TCA_Addison 6
TRINITY TODAY
SUMMER 2017
In extracurricular activities, Jack has participated as a member of the varsity football, soccer and track teams and has won recognition in several regional and state events in each of these sports. Most importantly, Jack has a heart for God and a passion for helping others. He has given countless hours to volunteer work in his community. Moreover, Jack demonstrates his desire to serve by his willingness to assist and lead WOW, a local children’s worship program at Jack’s church. Jack is an exceptional young man and an effective studentleader at TCA who will be successful wherever he goes.
TheHonorRoll
Congratulations to all these students who made the Second Trimester Honor Rolls:
Summa Cum Laude GPA of 4.2 or higher Seniors Grace Abell Berklie Baker Benjamin Beal Mollie Birmingham Carter Burns Riley Chandler Alex Coronado Caroline Fischer Chase Hackney Juliann Hall Lillie Harrington Connor Harwell Lindsey Hayden Daniel Heard Erica Henri Caitlin Hickney Alexandria Ho Nathan Holden Macy Holliday Isabella Jackson Alec Jordan Travis Josephs Ellie Kauffman Ginny Kestel Morgan Ku Ansley Marquardt Abigail Mathai Lauren McLain Tylre Meeks Alexandra Mills Georgia Moore David Muery Nicole Muschalek Callie Orten Kat Petersen Molly Rader Kate Rector Mary Ashley Samuelson Jack Savage Mira Sewaiseh Matthew Springfield Emily Stanton Stephen Sullivan Court Walker Macey Walker Michael Waters Melinda White Julia Willison Nicole Willison Madeleine Wilson Christopher Wines Burke Wofford Nicholas Wong Chandler Wright
Juniors Presley Baker Ben Berggren Lindsay Bibby Catherine Bigham Alea Brady Addison Branning Jake Bryans Caroline Bush Lance Chu Alisa Coley Nico Deadman Karly Douglass Emily Dyer Cassidy Ellison Josh Esclamado Courtney Fish Ryan Fitzpatrick Libby Floyd Sean Fox Jordyn Goodman Kennedy Hatton Mallory Heard Molly Henegar
Kayley Howard Daniel Hsu Colby James Evan Janson Sarah Konstans Preston Krantz Sara Kukuk AJ LaGassa Allison Lau Sarah Lipe Griffin Maurice Evan McAuliffe Caroline McClay Emily Miller Natalie Miller Hudson Neuhoff Alyson O'Shea Haley Kate Patterson Caroline Pierce Jessica Pitts Ramie Rice Kyndall Richardson Sydney Riordan Claire Roever Chad Rutledge Nathan Sanders Autumn Sonju Riley Walton Dodd Weyandt Colin Wiegand Tara Williamson Caroline Winslow Jackson Withrow Leslie Wolff Michael Young
Sophomores Riley Bagnall Georgia Ballew Daniela BarrientosFigueroa Lindsay Bartol Molly Beddingfield Kate Blocker Robert Caldwell Bobby Carstens Elisa Cavazos Summer Chaffin Erin Clay Bella Correa Madelynn Cotter Brijit Crosby Jillian Delp Emily Floyd Avery Gann Kelsey Hancock Lauren Head Jackson Hinckley Daniel Jones Catherine Josephs Brett Kauffman Grace Lee Jessica Lee Michelle Lee Jordan McFarlane Ashley McWhorter Noah Morrison Abby Muschalek Shelby Niederhofer Sam Norris Broc O'Brien Annika Olson Regan O'Shea Laura Pomberg JD Powers Michelle Raybourn Cole Rea Cailin Redden Robert Rowland Avery Schuster Macrae Smith Michael Stauber Riley Stringfellow Caroline Tate Max Thomas London Thornton Tanner Wayte Elijah Westover Alayna Weyandt Kennedy Wiegand
Kaleigh Wilkinson Connor Williams John Wright
Freshmen Amara Asrawi Olivia Baldwin Isabella Berthel Haleigh Brown Jo Anna Bryans Elle Clark Olivia Clark Riley Conine Abby Coronado Avery Cotter Ella Kate Cotter Kyle Cotter Lindsey Crow Carter Getz Matthew Harvey Landry Hays Mason Hinckley Belle Holden Caleb Key Natalie Konstans Jenna Larson Anna Beth Lowrey Ross McKay Blake Mercer Ethan Merrifield Mason Morland Danielle Parker Alex Ramsland Henry Ridley Logan Rock Michael Ruch Savannah Sims Ruthie Turner Ella Ward Gracy Watts Lily Westover Brendan Williams Audrey Wines Jessica Young
8th Grade Lexy Babler Hannah Burke Leah Kegerreis Georgia Leeds Morgan Locke Ryan O'Shea Lilly Parker Reagan Rodgers Wilson Roe Claire Shodeen Landry Walton Grace Weir Conner Williams Annie Xia
7th Grade Justin Miller Max Wheless
Magna Cum Laude GPA of 3.8–4.19 Seniors Maya Abrams Cole Adams Brett Bartol Travis Bell Spencer Bennett Jack Bolton Hallie Callison Jasmine Chock Monica Choi Alex Clemovitz Davis Conley Timothy Darby David Dembicki Sarah DeWhitt
Julia Eggleton Kylie Ellis Poppy Eriksen Nate Hanley Tyler Helbing Blake Hinton Haley Hodges Kaki Hodges Jordan Jones Averie Kadane Janna Kelly Christopher Konstans Kathryn Kuhlman Kenedy Kundysek Laurence Lundy Weston Porter Reagan Robbins Ryan Roquemore Delia Rowland Allison Smith Garrett Starks Peyton Stone Christopher Tarantino Justin Thompson Will Traweek Ellie Whitmire Andrew Willison
Juniors Bryn Barringer Brandon Bass Meghan Betts Parker Blackburn Cade Burgoon Mack Bush Michael Casella Riley Crow Daniel DeWeese Nicolas Fandrich Sacha Francois Jarod Frantz Brady Freeman Deven Gann Luke Glover Preston Gossett Bryce Harwell Isabelle Heldenfels Cody Henson Lauren Lott Abbey McCutchen Allie McWhorter Ryan McWhorter Gil Nelson Jared Payne Caroline Pino Davis Rogers John Sadler Kara Stiegler Tori Troop Jake Walsh Lauren Warner Natalie Warrick
Sophomores David Asche Michael Callahan Trevor Cobern Shaw Cotter Grant De Paoli Harrison Gossett Haston Habern Parker Hadley Weston Haggard Gracie Harris Brooke Henegar Brooke Hutzler Madeline Jackson Gentry Jarrell Clara Liu Sophia Lopez Blake Marsh Cole McCabe James Muery Georgia Nine Rachel O'Brien Jake Payne Scott Raybourn Coleman Rector Slade Savage John Shaw
Lauren Sulzen Tyler Townley Whit Traweek Bethany White
Freshmen Jonathan Chock Amanda Choi Jayce Frady Claire Franke Colton Hackney Michael Heidelbaugh Kyndal Hinton Barrett Jessen Mark Johnson Allison Jones Luke Langford Alexis Locke Cameron May James Mayo Katherine McLain Jasmine Miller Ben Murphy Garrett Orten Philip Petersen Clarke Pino Pierce Sandlin Zoe Schiefer Lauren Smith Caroline Spears Nathan Stara Marie Kathryn Waldrop Jack Wenzel Major Wheless Elizabeth Yeary Dylan Young
8th Grade Hannah Alpert Claire Andrews Luke Babler Ava Brown Taya Burgett Kathryn Callahan Dawson Chaffin Bryn Correa Paige Cotter Charlie Crawford Anthony Cundari Victoria Dahncke Lolly Elms Blaine Grimes Collin Groezinger Reilly Hanna Jaxx Hatton Evan Hennes Lauren Lee Austin Marquardt Jack Maust Luke Mays Delaney Meiser Will Mercer Anna Muccio Reagan Pierce Peyton Prideaux Brianna Queen Patricia Sharon Mason Sonju Avery Sponsler Ashton Waldrop Jackson Wells Caroline Woodward Lauren Wright Jason Yang Kate Yanof
7th Grade James Badger Isabela BarrientosFigueroa Ellie Blocker Shannon Burchett Alyssa Clemovitz Collin Dewey Lauren Elvebak Lynnson Fort Ben Francis Kate Goodman Halle Hermes Isabella Jackson
Emily Jones Daniel Kwon Jack Layman Katelyn Long Allie Mays Mason Merchant Emily Morris Schuyler Noordhoff Katherine Novakovich Katie Parker Madeline Prescott Olivia Priest Jackson Rogers Landrie Smith Preston Spears Juliana Voth Lucas Walsh Sydney Wayte Mary Lauren Westover Camden Williams Connor Wines
Cum Laude
GPA of 3.5–3.79 Seniors Alex Aarant Joshua Black Jack Blocker Caleb Carpenter Bailey Chaffin Richard Dodd Alexis Everett Travis Harrison Hannah Hoffman Peyton Hurst Bo Parker Truman Stein Hamilton Tarbett
Juniors Laura Bowling Katie Callaghan Sam Clare Patrick Davidson Drew Douglas Marissa Douglass Kelsey Ferrell Caleb Getz Brooks Glanton Jake Johnson Lauren Mawhee Hogan Molthan Josh Robinson Emma Scalfano Kiley Wilson Jason Woodard Ethan Woodward RC Yeary
Sophomores Isaac Agumadu Jackson Bowman Hayden Brown Charles Cash Simon Dennis Gordon Katherine DeWeese Andrea Ehringer Mia Gradick Kyle Green Austin Ho Taylor Kalahar William Kennedy Anna Lipe Kennedy Mason Justin Moore McKenzie Moore Maddie Parrent Hannah Plemons Riley Rice Zach Speck Brielle Stein Clarissa Wong Thomas Wyman
Freshmen Ariana Asrawi Jackson Barringer Olivia Berggren Catherine Binkley Carter Burgoon Andrew Buser Alan Fandrich Cameron Gilmore Audrey Gradick Faith Johnson Gracie Massinger Joshua Matthews Austin Mattox Dutch McStay Ashleigh Rutledge Erin Smith Michael Wilmotte Grant Winslow Chandler Woods
8th Grade Libby Barnes Seth Bator Molly Berryman Elizabeth Branstetter Sam Brown Brianna Byrd Luke Chan Emily Clay Ian Collier Kelly Dance Landry Davis Daniel Delp Connor Dewey Claire Floyd Connor Graham Reagan Havel Emma Hodge Sydney Johnston Hannah Little Evan Mawhee Mason Murphy Kjirsta Olson Avery Overberg Lindsay Shipley William Sullivan Adelaide Walker Emily Watters Addison Willey Jackson Wood Catherine Yates
7th Grade Ryan Ainsworth Katie Armstrong Mary Margaret Bell Madyson Benschneider Daniel Choi Avery Copple Amelia Corliss Zac Crosby Nick Dore Ainsley Ferrell Riley Hamilton Payton Harper Anna Heidelbaugh Hannah Helt Emma High Emily Keramidas Emma Layman Jenna Lowrey Rachel Mills Jayden Moore Cody Polk Armen Rea Rhett Rice Markus Schumacher Caroline Sharp Henry Smith Ben Sorgen Luke Townley Luke Tredennick Parke Turner Justin Wiegand Avery Williams
SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
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TheHonorRoll
Congratulations to all these students who made the Third Trimester Honor Rolls:
Summa Cum Laude GPA of 4.2 or higher Seniors Grace Abell Maya Abrams Berklie Baker Brett Bartol Benjamin Beal Carter Burns Riley Chandler Jasmine Chock Alex Coronado David Dembicki Sarah DeWhitt Caroline Fischer Chase Hackney Juliann Hall Nate Hanley Lillie Harrington Lindsey Hayden Daniel Heard Erica Henri Alexandria Ho Nathan Holden Macy Holliday Isabella Jackson Alec Jordan Travis Josephs Ellie Kauffman Janna Kelly Ginny Kestel Morgan Ku Kenedy Kundysek Laurence Lundy Ansley Marquardt Abigail Mathai Lauren McLain Alexandra Mills Georgia Moore David Muery Nicole Muschalek Callie Orten Kat Petersen Molly Rader Kate Rector Mira Sewaiseh Allison Smith Matthew Springfield Emily Stanton Stephen Sullivan Court Walker Macey Walker Michael Waters Melinda White Andrew Willison Julia Willison Nicole Willison Madeleine Wilson Christopher Wines Burke Wofford Nicholas Wong Chandler Wright
Juniors Presley Baker Ben Berggren Lindsay Bibby Catherine Bigham Addison Branning Jake Bryans Cade Burgoon Lance Chu Alisa Coley Nico Deadman Karly Douglass Emily Dyer Cassidy Ellison Courtney Fish Ryan Fitzpatrick Libby Floyd Sean Fox Sacha Francois
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TRINITY TODAY
Brady Freeman Jordyn Goodman Preston Gossett Mallory Heard Isabelle Heldenfels Molly Henegar Cody Henson Kayley Howard Daniel Hsu Colby James Evan Janson Sarah Konstans Preston Krantz Sara Kukuk AJ LaGassa Allison Lau Sarah Lipe Griffin Maurice Evan McAuliffe Allie McWhorter Ryan McWhorter Emily Miller Natalie Miller Hudson Neuhoff Alyson O'Shea Haley Kate Patterson Caroline Pierce Caroline Pino Jessica Pitts Ramie Rice Kyndall Richardson Sydney Riordan Claire Roever Davis Rogers Chad Rutledge Nathan Sanders Autumn Sonju Tori Troop Riley Walton Lauren Warner Dodd Weyandt Colin Wiegand Caroline Winslow Jackson Withrow Leslie Wolff Michael Young
Sophomores Georgia Ballew Daniela BarrientosFigueroa Lindsay Bartol Molly Grace Beddingfield Kate Blocker Robert Caldwell Bobby Carstens Elisa Cavazos Summer Chaffin Erin Clay Bella Correa Madelynn Cotter Brijit Crosby Jillian Delp Emily Floyd Avery Gann Haston Habern Kelsey Hancock Gracie Harris Lauren Head Jackson Hinckley Madeline Jackson Daniel Jones Catherine Josephs Brett Kauffman Grace Lee Jessica Lee Michelle Lee Clara Liu Jordan McFarlane Ashley McWhorter Noah Morrison James Muery Abby Muschalek Shelby Niederhofer Georgia Nine Sam Norris Broc O'Brien Annika Olson Regan O'Shea Laura Pomberg
SUMMER 2017
JD Powers Michelle Raybourn Cole Rea Cailin Redden Robert Rowland Avery Schuster Macrae Smith Michael Stauber Riley Stringfellow Caroline Tate Max Thomas London Thornton Tanner Wayte Elijah Westover Alayna Weyandt Kennedy Wiegand Kaleigh Wilkinson Connor Williams John Wright
Freshmen Amara Asrawi Olivia Baldwin Isabella Berthel Haleigh Brown Jo Anna Bryans Elle Clark Olivia Clark Riley Conine Avery Cotter Kyle Cotter Lindsey Crow Carter Getz Matthew Harvey Mason Hinckley Belle Holden Caleb Key Natalie Konstans Jenna Larson Anna Beth Lowrey Blake Mercer Ethan Merrifield Mason Morland Danielle Parker Alex Ramsland Henry Ridley Logan Rock Savannah Sims Ruthie Turner Ella Ward Gracy Watts Lily Westover Brendan Williams Jessica Young
8th Grade Lexy Babler Hannah Burke Dawson Chaffin Leah Kegerreis Lauren Lee Georgia Leeds Morgan Locke Austin Marquardt Ryan O'Shea Lilly Parker Reagan Rodgers Wilson Roe Claire Shodeen Grace Weir Conner Williams Annie Xia Jason Yang
7th Grade Justin Miller Max Wheless
Magna Cum Laude GPA of 3.8–4.19 Seniors Cole Adams Spencer Bennett
Mollie Birmingham Jack Bolton Hallie Callison Monica Choi Alex Clemovitz Chipper Daniels Timothy Darby Julia Eggleton Kylie Ellis Poppy Eriksen Alexis Everett Connor Harwell Tyler Helbing Caitlin Hickney Blake Hinton Kaki Hodges Hannah Hoffman Jordan Jones Averie Kadane Christopher Konstans Kathryn Kuhlman Tylre Meeks Weston Porter Reagan Robbins Delia Rowland Jack Savage Garrett Starks Peyton Stone Christopher Tarantino Justin Thompson Will Traweek
Juniors Meghan Betts Parker Blackburn Alea Brady Caroline Bush Mack Bush Michael Casella Sam Clare Riley Crow Daniel DeWeese Marissa Douglass Josh Esclamado Nicolas Fandrich Jarod Frantz Deven Gann Luke Glover Bryce Harwell Kennedy Hatton Jake Johnson Lauren Lott Lauren Mawhee Caroline McClay Abbey McCutchen Gil Nelson Jared Payne Josh Robinson John-Michael Sadler Emma Scalfano Kara Stiegler Jake Walsh Tara Williamson Kiley Wilson Cathy Jean Wood Jason Woodard Ethan Woodward RC Yeary
Sophomores David Asche Riley Bagnall Hayden Brown Michael Callahan Trevor Cobern Shaw Cotter Grant De Paoli Andrea Ehringer Harrison Gossett Brooke Henegar Austin Ho Brooke Hutzler Gentry Jarrell Taylor Kalahar William Kennedy Blake Marsh Cole McCabe McKenzie Moore Jake Payne
Scott Raybourn Coleman Rector Riley Rice Slade Savage John Shaw Zach Speck Lauren Sulzen Whit Traweek Bethany White Clarissa Wong Thomas Wyman
Freshmen Jackson Barringer Amanda Choi Abigail Coronado Ella Kate Cotter Alan Fandrich Jayce Frady Claire Franke Audrey Gradick Colton Hackney Landry Hays Kyndal Hinton Barrett Jessen Alexis Locke Joshua Matthews Cameron May Ross McKay Katherine McLain Dutch McStay Jasmine Miller Ben Murphy Garrett Orten Clarke Pino Michael Ruch Pierce Sandlin Lauren Smith Caroline Spears Nathan Stara Marie Kathryn Waldrop Jack Wenzel Major Wheless Audrey Wines Elizabeth Yeary Dylan Young
8th Grade Rex Ah Chu Hannah Alpert Claire Andrews Luke Babler Molly Berryman Ava Brown Taya Burgett Kathryn Callahan Luke Chan Emily Clay Bryn Correa Charlie Crawford Anthony Cundari Victoria Dahncke Daniel Delp Connor Dewey Lolly Elms Blaine Grimes Collin Groezinger Jaxx Hatton Reagan Havel Emma Hodge Hannah Little Jack Maust Luke Mays Will Mercer Anna Muccio Avery Overberg Reagan Pierce Peyton Prideaux Brianna Queen Patricia Sharon Mason Sonju Avery Sponsler William Sullivan Ashton Karoline Waldrop Landry Walton Emily Watters Jackson Wells Caroline Woodward Lauren Wright
7th Grade James Badger Isabela BarrientosFigueroa Madyson Benschneider Ellie Blocker Shannon Burchett Collin Dewey Lauren Elvebak Lynnson Fort Ben Francis Kate Goodman Claire Grimes Anna Heidelbaugh Halle Hermes Isabella Jackson Emily Jones Emily Keramidas Daniel Kwon Jack Layman Katelyn Long Allie Mays Mason Merchant Emily Morris Schuyler Noordhoff Katherine Novakovich Katie Parker Cody Polk Olivia Priest Armen Rea Landrie Smith Preston Spears Juliana Voth Sydney Wayte Mary Lauren Westover Camden Williams
Cum Laude
GPA of 3.5–3.79 Seniors Alex Aarant Travis Bell Joshua Black Jack Blocker David Carstens Bailey Chaffin Davis Conley Richard Dodd Haley Hodges Peyton Hurst Bo Parker Ryan Roquemore Mary Ashley Samuelson Ellie Whitmire
Juniors Caroline Alvarado Bryn Barringer Brandon Bass Katie Callaghan Caleb Getz Foti Pakes
Sophomores Isaac Agumadu Will Barnes Benjamin Binkley Jackson Bowman Charles Cash Simon Dennis Gordon Trevor Douglass Mia Gradick Parker Hadley Weston Haggard Anna Kathryn Lipe Sophia Lopez Kennedy Mason Noah Miller Justin Moore Rachel O'Brien Maddie Parrent Savannah Pate Hannah Plemons
Brielle Stein Tyler Townley Emily Uselton Payton Willey
Freshmen Ariana Asrawi Catherine Binkley Andrew Buser Jonathan Chock Cameron Gilmore Michael Heidelbaugh Faith Johnson Mark Johnson Allison Jones Mali Krone Luke Langford James Mayo Anna Kate Parrent Philip Petersen Zoe Schiefer Erin Smith Michael Wilmotte Grant Winslow Chandler Woods Clara Woodward
8th Grade Libby Barnes Seth Bator Elizabeth Branstetter Sam Brown Brianna Byrd Nathan Clark Ian Collier Paige Cotter Colin Cundari Kelly Dance Landry Davis Claire Floyd Connor Graham Reilly Hanna Evan Hennes Cade Holliday Sydney Johnston Delaney Meiser Kjirsta Olson Lindsay Shipley Adelaide Walker Jackson Wood Kate Yanof Catherine Yates
7th Grade Ryan Ainsworth Aly Bayliss Zoe Binkley Daniel Choi Avery Copple Amelia Corliss Brody Davis Nick Dore Ainsley Ferrell Ryan Freese Payton Harper Hannah Helt Emma High Brooks Krantz Emma Layman Annabel Lee Jenna Lowrey Will Martin Rachel Mills Jayden Moore Madeline Prescott Serop Rea Rhett Rice Jackson Rogers Markus Schumacher Caroline Sharp Henry Smith Luke Tredennick Parke Turner Lucas Walsh Justin Wiegand Avery Williams Connor Wines
FACULTY FOCUS
WARMLY WELCOMED TO THEIR WORLD B Y E M I LY B U S H , L OW E R S C H O O L C O U N S E L O R
laborate with parents and talented teachers in my office. As a trained play therapist, I to maintain a happy and healthy school enviuse toys and play to connect with children, is Emily Bush, and I am so excited to be the ronment within which children may flourish. new Lower School counselor. While I did not to ease the sharing process and to work One of my favorite gifts to offer parents is my attend TCA, I knew of this wonderful school towards goals of increased confidence and basic counseling skills, the most important persistence, among others. One of my while growing up in Dallas, and I am very of which is how to listen well. By adding to graduate professors once said, “children live blessed to be a member of this community, parents’ skills, I can help create effective and in the land of metaphor.” Children naturally especially in a counseling role. intentional communication within a family incorporate their internal and external From a young age, I knew that I long after a child has left my care. worlds into their play to make sense of their wanted to be in a helping role and explored I am also overjoyed to have the experiences. By adopting their natural various ways to fulfill that desire, such as opportunity to use my counseling skills language of play, we gain insight into their working with my church’s youth group, an emergency home repair ministry and later, a interpretation of events and their view of self. within a Christian environment and use my faith in my work. I love being able to invite As children grow, they adopt our form of college ministry. While working at St. Jude the Holy Spirit to work in a student’s difficult verbal communication, but until that time, Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, friendship or family member’s illness and play is a useful tool for adults to use in order Tennessee, the Lord continued to mold my to have that student hear my petition to the to communicate, listen and teach. desire to help into a desire to counsel young Lord. I love having the ability to point to Not only are your children a joy to be children. Since moving back to the Dallas our brothers and sisters in the Bible as great around, I have loved the opportunity to colarea to pursue my master’s in counseling at examples of human the University of North nature—men and Texas in Denton, I women who made all “As a trained play therapist, I use toys and play to connect with have had the privilege the wrong choices and to counsel children in children, to ease the sharing process and to work towards goals used all of the wrong a variety of settings, of increased confidence and persistence, among others.” coping skills—as well as including schools, pointing to the ones who domestic violence turned to the Lord for shelters, mental health help and were enabled clinics, nonprofits, to make better choices. cancer support centers By using these familiar and in private practice. stories, children are Throughout all able to assess their own of that experience, choices and motives. the Lower School I hope this gives you at Trinity Christian a quick introduction Academy is by far to who I am and my the most joyful heart for working with environment in which your children. I know it I have worked. I have will take me some time loved my time on the to learn the faces and playground, visiting names of the extended classes, having children TCA community, vie for me to eat but I do welcome the lunch at their tables opportunity to know and working with you all. students individually H E L LO, TC A COM M U N I T Y! My name
SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
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FACULTY FOCUS
30 YEARS Kent Pendleton, James Howard and Norma Browning
25 YEARS
Steve Williamson, Bill Lipman and Jon Millet ’84
20 YEARS
Dee Moore, Marge Bos and Greg Merrifield
15 YEARS Front row (L to R): Pam Huggins, Fran Legband, Jimmie Hudson and Haley Moore ’97 Back row (L to R): Suzy Gooch, Kristi Robison and Amber Helton (not pictured: David Connolly ’93)
10 YEARS
Front row (L to R): Candace Redden, Christy Nicholson Robbins ’84, Erin Cunningham and Wanchi Lowe Back row (L to R): Diane Walton, Charla Thomas, Amy Crawford Burns ’78, Sharon Bush and Kari Rector
5 YEARS
Front row (L to R): Michelle Bain, SarahGraham Turtletaub ’07, Bethany Simkins and Rome Francois Back row (L to R): Bennie Rovelo, Felicia Townley, Amanda Mowrey Rogers ’88, Stephen Megison ’06 and John Garcia (not pictured: Sharon Duncan, Don English, Holly Floyd and Amy Edwards Prideaux ’89)
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CELEBRATING THEIR
These dedicated employees who are leaving this year have given over 25 years of faithful service to TCA: CHUCK BURDETTE, 37 YEARS “Chuck served TCA as a math teacher for 37 years. His colleagues praised him for being the “go to” math guy in the department. Members of the math department enjoyed presenting “stumper” math problems to Chuck for him to solve. “Always the team player, Chuck served the school tirelessly behind the scenes for many years as a part of our mission efforts with the Rio Bravo Orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico, which TCA has supported for over 25 years. Chuck is a patient, faithful follower of Christ who is loved for his dry sense of humor and his infamous Zorro imitation, while standing on his desk and working through difficult math concepts. Thank you, Chuck, for your impact on so many lives at TCA over these many years.” —Kyle Morrill, head of Upper School
HOPE DAKEL, 28 YEARS “During the 28 years Hope Dakel served in our Middle School, she played an instrumental role in shaping the structure of TCA’s Learning Lab into a program that became an example for many other Christian schools. Hope is an educator who exemplifies what it means to work off of one question: What is best for our students? Over the course of her career, she has been involved in countless meetings, conversations, decisions and follow-up discussions aimed at answering that question for individuals and groups of students in our Learning Lab. “I think what most Learning Lab students and parents see and appreciate is an educator who lives out her given name because of the way in which she gives kids hope. One of her unique gifts is the ability to help Middle School students understand that God has indeed created them with unique gifts and talents and to help students understand how to bring those gifts and talents to life in the context of school. In this way, Hope has not only shaped the Learning Lab program at TCA, she has shaped the lives of generations of Learning Lab students.” —Scott Berthel, head of Middle School
JAMES HOWARD, 30 YEARS “James Howard has served TCA for the past 30 years. He’s always been one who would easily take on responsibilities, even sometimes without my asking. His institutional knowledge of TCA is massive. We’ve spent the last two years populating our Schooldude event software with every detail for the 5,000 plus events we host. We came to learn that if we did not know how something was done in the past, James would amazingly remember. “Through various situations, I’ve learned that James is always looking out for our students and knows most of them by name. He has been present at almost every drama production, concert, athletic event and graduation each year. We’ve been blessed to know him and have him here. He truly cares about the TCA community, and I know he will be missed by all who have known him over the years.” —Kevin Folsom, director of campus operations
SERVICE
THANK YOU and BEST WISHES Thank you to these special employees who are leaving us: Marge Bos (20 years), Sharon Bramer (15 years), Chuck Burdette (37 years), Hope Dakel (28 years), Judy Darby (3 years), Joe Hartman (22 years), Suzanne Holland (13 years), James Howard (30 years), Priya Mathai (13 years), Caroline Megison (3 years), Sarah Pape (1 year), Lou Renz (19 years), Guadalupe Sanchez (2 years), Susan Shapard (7 years), Laurie Springer (12 years), Kris Springfield (11 years), Cynthia Vittetoe (22 years), Stanley Wang (7 years), Jalyn Wells (3 years), Janet Wiese (16 years) and David Zeiger (9 years)
SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
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TRUSTEE NOTE
TCA’s brand promise R EW I N D TO 19 8 4 . . . Ronald Reagan was
president, Apple unveiled the first Macintosh personal computer, phones still had cords, and the term “Internet” didn’t even exist. 1984 was also the year that I, along with 74 of my classmates, graduated from TCA. What was TCA like back then? Well, for starters, authentic Christ-centered biblical faith was something very real at TCA, and it was evident everyday I was there. The teachers were there because they wanted to do more than just teach; they wanted to be a part of a higher calling by developing students into young men and women well equipped to live their faith outside of TCA. They were excellent academic teachers, as well. I know they inspired and taught this pretty average kid (me) to be well prepared for college and laid the foundation for the opportunities that came in my career. But TCA was more than just faith and academics. I remember how it felt to be a proud Trojan stepping onto Tom Landry field and Christian coaches who shared from their heart, sometimes with encouraging smiles and sometimes through tears. They taught me about humility in victory and perspective in defeat, character and perseverance. I also remember the families of TCA. Through their love and daily lives, they showed me what godly families look like and ultimately had a huge influence on how I would later prioritize my own family. When graduation came, I remember wishing it wasn’t over. We were a family, all of us who were a part of TCA, and it felt awesome. In 1984, TCA was a pretty spectacular place to be. But I wasn’t alone in my perspective. I believe most students and families during that era considered themselves incredibly blessed to be at TCA and considered TCA to be the premier Christian, K–12 school in Dallas. They knew they could count on TCA to deliver on its proposition.
Fast forward 33 years to 2017. Between my years on the board and 30 “tuition years” now paid for my kids (just 11 more to go!), I have both a “front line” and “behind the scenes” view of TCA today. What’s it like? First and foremost, authentic, Christ-centered biblical faith is still the center of gravity for TCA. The TCA teachers and coaches boldly live their faith and are constantly working to develop strong convictions and biblical worldviews in our children. TCA has so many excellent teachers today. I’ve observed them through my three kids, and I routinely hear about them from other parents. The curriculum is also far stronger today. (Perhaps this is why when we hired a well respected consulting group a few years ago to benchmark TCA against the premier public and private schools in DFW, they concluded that TCA was at the top of the list in developing the academic potential of a child.) Athletics at TCA are still focused on making the most of the opportunity to develop Christian character in student-athletes, and TCA has averaged #1 in overall athletic competitions in TAPPS over the last six years. TCA drama and arts programs have also improved significantly. They were good in my day, but today, they are recognized as excellent. In fact, the professional consultants mentioned earlier concluded that TCA’s visual arts program is the very best in the DFW metroplex. The reality is that TCA is a far better school than in my day; measure it by the metrics (ACT, SAT, awards/recognition, etc), by the parents survey (94% overall satisfaction), but most of all by the amazing young men and women who graduate from TCA each year. In 2017, TCA is still a spectacular place to be, and our community can still count on TCA to deliver on its proposition.
B Y M A R K L AY M A N ’ 8 4 , C U R R E N T PA R E N T A ND CH A IR M A N, B OA R D O F T RU S T E E S
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TCA’S BRAND PROMISE When I was a student, I learned what TCA was all about by experiencing it for myself. When I chose to enroll my children in TCA, I did so because I believed I could count on TCA to deliver a certain type and level of education and experience. In the corporate world, we would say that I was counting on the “brand promise” of TCA. A brand promise is the promise a company or organization makes to its customers— what they tell customers they can count on if they choose the brand. However, true brand promises only really develop over time, by proof and reputation, when those promises are kept. TCA has a brand promise, and it is captured in its philosophy, “developing the whole person for the glory of God,” and its mission statement, “providing Christian families and their children a demanding, college preparatory curriculum within a Christian community committed to integrating biblical faith and learning.” TCA’s brand promise is a commitment to develop the faith and biblical perspectives of all students so they are equipped to stand strong in their faith and serve the Lord in whatever they do. (And has there ever been a more important time for this than right now?) It’s a promise to provide excellent teaching and a curriculum that prepares every student for college and beyond. It means you can count on TCA to use academics, athletics, the arts and other extracurricular activities to develop the whole person for the glory of God. Collectively, this is the TCA brand promise to all of us in the TCA family.
SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE
LISTENING, EVALUATING AND MOVING FORWARD TCA isn’t perfect, so we are continually listening and evaluating the TCA brand promise. We must continually improve today and prepare for tomorrow. Over the last few years, the board and leadership of TCA have become increasingly focused on taking significant steps forward, while preserving our values. We have a strategic plan for each major area of the school, which includes specific priorities, expectations, metrics and deadlines. Here are a few of the current priorities: • Ensuring consistency of excellence across TCA’s teaching staff • Improving our athletic programs • Evaluating and refining the “typical” homework load to ensure we are achieving an appropriate balance between academic excellence and maintaining a “balanced life” with family, church and extracurricular activities • Further developing our prekindergarten (preK) programs • Tightly managing tuition increases • Implementing a master campus plan (including a new Middle School, as well as athletic and arts facilities, just to name a few). TCA turns 47 this year. I know TCA has kept its brand promise to my family over the decades, and I hope it has to your family, as well. ALL credit goes to the Lord for His provision and blessing on TCA. Looking forward, with my hope placed in the Lord to continue to bless TCA, I am confident TCA will continue to keep its brand promise to future generations. This fall, my younger sister’s little girl will begin her journey at TCA, which means she won’t come across the finish line until 2031, and I will be looking forward to that day and to hearing a future chairman giving all glory to God for keeping the TCA brand promise to all of us in the TCA community!
PTF BOARD
A tremendous thank you to the 2016-17 PTF Board: Treasurer Jackie Harrison, Secretary Christi Hays, President Deahn Marsh and Vice President Holly Caldwell. TCA is grateful for all the time you devote to the school and all of the support you provide through the Room Mother program, Mini School Night receptions, Uniform Resale, Rebate Programs and the appreciation luncheon that you hosted for the entire TCA faculty and staff. Thank you for your service and volunteering in such a mighty way.
BIG BLUE VOLUNTEERS
BIG BLUE would like to thank Casey Babler and Kristi Walliser, this year’s BIG BLUE Volunteers. Casey and Kristi have faithfully served in BIG BLUE this year selling snacks and TCA spirit wear to the community. If you’ve ever been in BIG BLUE after school, you know extra hands are a blessing! Thank you so much, Casey and Kristi, for your willingness to serve.
CONCESSIONS
Thank you, Lisa Harris! Lisa served as the concessions coordinator for the sophomore class and did such a fantastic job for this fundraiser. We are so grateful for her sacrifice of time on behalf of TCA. Thank you also, Susan Bartol, the volunteer coordinator, who made sure we were staffed for every athletic event. We are incredibly grateful to all of the parent and student volunteers, especially our purchasers, openers and closers, who helped with this 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.
JUNIOR- SENIOR BANQUET
This year’s Junior Senior Banquet took place on Sunday April 9 at the Marriott Legacy. This banquet is a long-standing TCA tradition, where the junior class hosts a dinner to honor the seniors and present them with their individual character qualities. The senior parents were invited to join the students for the dinner portion, and we had a tremendous turnout. This year’s theme was “Set Your Course.” Middle School Bible teacher Brian Spence ’98 was chosen by the senior class to be the speaker for the evening, and he was very inspiring. Special thanks to Wendy Patterson, this year’s chair, and her entire committee: Becky Baker, Sheree Dyer, Susie Floyd, Kristen Heard, Becky Henson, Courtney Howard, Ruth Ann Janson, Suzanne McWhorter, Keli Miller, Pam Troop, Cyndi Walton and Denise Yeary. The senior highlights video was produced by David and Janice Connolly, with the assistance of Teri Lynam. Thank you again to all the junior parents who helped make this event such a special night for the seniors and their parents!
A NIGHT AT
TCA FOUNDATION
New Major Gifts Officer
Belinda Branstetter recently joined the TCA Foundation
OVER 1,000 PEOPLE from the TCA community
Thank you, TCA community, for helping us raise
team, serving as a major
gathered for a wonderful evening of fun and
gifts officer. Belinda has over
fellowship at The Star in Frisco on Sunday,
a record $130,750 from raffle ticket sales.
20 years of development
April 2. There were tours, games, performances
experience working for
from TCA cheerleaders and the TCA drum line
Baylor University, Children’s
and music from DJSC—the official DJ of the
Medical Center and Buckner
Dallas Cowboys!
International. Belinda and her family are members of Valley Ranch Baptist Church in Coppell, and both she and her husband, Brad, are proud graduates of Baylor University. Their daughters, Elizabeth (8th) and Jenna (6th), joined the TCA Middle School last fall. We welcome them to the TCA family!
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TRINITY TODAY
SUMMER 2017
Student Tuition Aid and Facilities Enhancements benefitted greatly from your commitment to this campaign.
THE STAR
Congratulations to Andria Beakley, the winner of the
Special thanks also to the following sponsors:
2017 Toyota Car Raffle, and congratulations to preK
The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, Joint
student Haven Gulbas, who sold the winning ticket!
ownership with physicians; Baylor Scott & White
Thank you to Toyota of Dallas and the Dortch family for making the raffle possible. And thank you to Big O’s Auto Wash for sponsoring the raffle ticket printing.
Sports Therapy & Research at The Star; Parker School Uniforms; PepsiCo; TCA Athletic
FALL 2017
EVENTS
Booster Club; TCA Parent-Teacher Fellowship and TCA Alumni Association Board.
Mark your calendar for these events in 2017:
NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY September 14
NEW PARENT BREAKFAST September 19
NEW PARENT LUNCH September 20
HOMECOMING October 27
LOWER SCHOOL GRANDPARENT DAYS November 16 and 17
SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
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BUIL
GRADUATION 2017
ON THEREFORE, AS YOU RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS THE LORD, SO WALK IN HIM, ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM AND ESTABLISHED IN THE FAITH, JUST AS YOU WERE TAUGHT, ABOUNDING IN THANKSGIVING. —Colossians 2:6–7
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SUMMER 2017
DING
SUCCESS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF McWHORTER ’05
ON THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017, 123 TCA students (61 of them who have attended TCA since kindergarten, pre-first or first grade) crossed the stage, received their diplomas and officially became “TCA alumni.” This year’s class boasted two National Merit Finalists, five National Merit Commended Students, 14 Eagle Scouts, 12 students going on to play varsity athletics in college, eight at NCAA Division I schools, almost $7.5 million awarded in scholarships, a class average GPA of 3.93 and over 20,000 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 2017! SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
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GRADUATION 2017
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TRINITY TODAY
SUMMER 2017
David Alexander Aarant Texas A&M University
Grace Ann Abell
University of Texas
Maya Danielle Abrams University of Miami
LOOKING AHEAD Tyler Scott Helbing Texas A&M University
Cole Walker Adams
Erica Joy Henri
Berklie Campbell Baker
Caitlin Patricia Hickney
Brinley Bowen Price
Brett Joshua Bartol
Blake Everett Hinton
Martha McLaurin Rader
Benjamin Dean Beal
Alexandria Uyen-Mi Ho
Kathryn Lynne Rector
Travis Giddens Bell
Haley Ann Hodges
Reagan Nichole Robbins
Spencer Miller Bennett
Katherine Belle Hodges
Ryan Minh Roquemore
Mollie Elizabeth Birmingham
Hannah Jill Hoffman
Delia Marie Rowland
Joshua Christian Black
Nathan Daniel Holden
Mary Ashley Samuelson
John Forest Blocker
Macy Lynn Holliday
Jack Henson Savage
Jackson Mershon Bolton
Peyton Elaine Hurst
Mira Sewaiseh
John Bradley Bowman
Isabella Beatriz Jackson
Allison Grace Smith
Carter Andrew Burns
Jordan Elizabeth Jones
Samuel Jenkins Sorgen
Hallie Grace Callison
Alec Stone Jordan
Robert Matthew Springfield
Caleb James Carpenter
Travis Craig Josephs
Emily Lynn Stanton
David William Carstens Jr.
Averie Elizabeth Kadane
Garrett Stephen Starks
Bailey Rose Chaffin
Ellie Kristine Kauffman
Truman Spencer Stein
Riley Kate Chandler
Janna Lynne Kelly
Peyton Lee Stone
Jasmine Elizabeth Chock
Virginia Helen Kestel
Stephen Austin Sullivan
Monica Sooryun Choi
Christopher Gregory Konstans
Christopher Joseph Tarantino
Alex Michael Clemovitz
Morgan Paige Ku
Hamilton Davis Tarbett
Davis Eugene Conley
Kathryn Virginia Kuhlman
Justin Crowell Thompson
Alexander Charles Coronado
Kenedy Faith Kundysek
Michael Austin Trantham-Klein
Paul LeDell Daniels III
Laurence Wayne Lundy
James William Traweek III
Timothy Michael Darby
Ansley Julia Marquardt
Sarah Catherine Utsey
David Carl Dembicki
Abigail Mercy Mathai
John Samuel Reid Venker
Sarah Elizabeth DeWhitt
Lauren Alexis McLain
Jarrod Court Walker
Richard Austin Dodd
Tylre Sinclair Meeks
Macey Walker
Julia Chelsea Eggleton
Alexander Chance Miller
Michael Christopher Waters
Kylie Elizabeth Ellis
Ashton Win Miller
Melinda Sherie White
Lauren Avery Eriksen
Alexandra Elizabeth Mills
Elizabeth Ann Whitmire
Alexis Rae' Everett
Gordon Thomas Montgomery
William Gayden Williams
Caroline Christine Fischer
Georgia Noelle Moore
Andrew Wayne Willison
Chase Ryan Hackney
David Nicholas Muery
Julia Camille Willison
Juliann Louise Hall
Nicole Anne Muschalek
Nicole Margaret Willison
Nathaniel Patrick Hanley
Kenneth Stanley Nelson II
Madeleine Claire Wilson
Lillian Belle Harrington
Braeden Terence O'Brien
Christopher William Wines
Travis Kai Harrison
Callie Olivia Orten
Burke William Wofford
Connor Jacob Harwell
Robert Hampton Parker
Nicholas David Wong
Lindsey Grace Hayden
Rigney Kathryn Petersen
Chandler Michaele Wright
Daniel Robert Heard
John Weston Porter
University of North Texas Texas Christian University University of Texas Baylor University
University of Arkansas Rhodes College
Texas A&M University
University of Alabama
University of Arkansas University of Mississippi
Oklahoma Baptist University Baylor University
Oklahoma State University Blinn College
Kenyon College
Texas A&M University University of Texas University of Texas
Belmont University Belmont University
University of Oklahoma
Colorado School of Mines University of Texas
Texas A&M University Auburn University
St. Edward’s University University of Arkansas University of Arkansas University of Arkansas Texas A&M University
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Texas Christian University
Oklahoma State University Texas A&M University University of Oklahoma Auburn University Blinn College
Texas A&M University Biola University
Southern Methodist University
University of Texas University of Denver Hendrix College
Texas A&M University
University of Oklahoma Auburn University
Texas A&M University Auburn University
University of Mississippi
University of Texas
Texas Christian University
University of Texas Baylor University
Texas A&M University Belmont University
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
Oklahoma State University Texas A&M University
Pepperdine University Vanderbilt University Baylor University
University of California, Los Angeles Louisiana State University Gap Year
Texas A&M University
Wheaton College
Oklahoma State University University of Oklahoma
Ouachita Baptist University University of Texas
Texas A&M University
Austin Community College
University of Texas
Southern Methodist University Texas A&M University
Southern Methodist University University of Texas Furman University
Texas A&M University
Southern Methodist University Ouachita Baptist University University of Washington University of Mississippi University of Arkansas
University of Mississippi University of Arkansas
University of Arkansas Southern Methodist University Southern Methodist University University of Texas
Texas Tech University Austin College
Texas A&M University Texas A&M University
Missouri State University Baylor University
University of Texas Baylor University
Texas A&M University
University of Oklahoma Texas A&M University
University of Oklahoma Texas A&M University Texas A&M University University of Texas
Texas A&M University
University of Texas
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Southern Methodist University
Texas State University
Samford University
Abilene Christian University
University of Texas
Florida State University
Cole Riley Yeatts Abilene Christian University SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
19
HOW TCA
PREPA ME
ARED TCA ALUMNI OFTEN RETURN WITH STORIES and examples of how their
years spent at TCA and the faculty and staff who poured into them made significant impact on their future lives and careers and how they were prepared for college and beyond. From SPIRITUAL GROWTH to ACADEMICS to LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, the benefits of a TCA education are evident even decades after graduation. We asked several alumni to share their experiences with us on the fruits of a TCA education.
JEFF
FRITSCHE CLASS OF ’96 Lead Pastor, White Rock Fellowship, Dallas
THEIR FAITH IN JESUS ACTUALLY SHAPED THE WAY THEY LIVED. THIS WAS REAL. THIS WAS PRACTICAL. THIS WAS ATTRACTIVE.
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since I was a scrawny new seventh-grader at TCA? As an awkward 13-year-old whose body had not quite grown into his large nose and long arms, I was nervous! I had grown up going to church and was a Christian, but I was a little intimidated by the Bible classes. Of course, I had been sufficiently warned about how challenging History/English was going to be. Mostly, I was just hoping that I would make new friends. On my first day, Drew Harding ’96 and Travis Tuttle ’96 invited me to come sit with them at lunch. Whew, at least I didn’t sit by myself on the first day. It didn’t take long for me to realize that they didn’t talk or act like me! I was shocked that their faith in Jesus actually shaped the way they lived. This was real. This was practical. This was attractive. I wanted to taste what these guys had tasted. It was only the first week, and I saw something I had not really seen—kids taking their faith seriously. Over the next year, God used friendships, teachers, Coach Hank Harmon’s Bible class and the eighth-grade Wilderness Trip to capture my heart for the Lord. It was truly a “beautiful morning in the Ozarks” when I rededicated my life to the Lord. I am truly grateful for the foundation of faith that I received at TCA. Upper School was a challenging yet shaping time for me. It wasn’t six months after the Wilderness Trip when I shockingly learned of my parents’ separation and pending divorce. In tenth grade, my cousin, who was like a brother to me, started a losing battle with cancer that would take his life three years later. And then my dad’s surprising remarriage my senior year in high school capped off a season of trial for my young faith. God was gracious, and He used the friends and teachers at TCA as a safe place to process those trials and to grow closer to Him. While all this was going on, I was also given my first taste of leadership and ministry. God used those experiences to set a trajectory of ministry in my life. As a Sky Ranch counselor for the TCA trip, my passion was born for intentional discipleship and ministry. As a pastor, I look to my senior year when I was one of the teachers of “voluntary chapel” as the birthplace of my love for teaching the Bible. I am forever grateful for those days at TCA and how they shaped my future. TCA was an incubator for my faith to grow! Thank you to the teachers who modeled Christ in the way they loved, listened and taught. It may have seemed fruitless at times, but your faithfulness made an impact on students every day. To my classmates and friends, I am thankful that you took a risk on the scrawny new kid in 1990! OW HAS IT BEEN 27 YEARS
PREPARED PREPA
TRINITY TODAY
SUMMER 2017
TREY
BOWLES CLASS OF ’95 CEO, Dallas Entrepreneur Center Cofounder, Dallas Innovation Alliance
“G
It is March 15, 1985, and remember, this is the only March 15, 1985, you will ever have, so you should make the best of it.” Those words reverberate in my mind more than 30 years after I heard them. Rod Morris, then-head of TCA’s Lower School, would welcome us to start school every single day with the same salutation. It was this word of encouragement that began to serve me at a young age as a small nugget of wisdom that has become a key motivator for how I view life today. OOD MORNING.
SPIRITUALLY My experience at TCA began in kindergarten and spanned all the way through graduation in 1995. I credit much of my academic, athletic and spiritual development to the teachers, staff and friends I made during this time. When I think back to my academic experiences at TCA, I appreciate how well I was prepared for college. The staff, curriculum and the arts at TCA were delivered with such intentionality that I could never have appreciated enough how that training and preparation would put me in a place to excel at college. I appreciate how I was trained athletically to work hard, be a part of a team and sacrifice in order to succeed on the field of play. I also know for a fact that TCA played the largest role (other than my parents) in my growth as a believer and follower of Christ. It was through my TCA journey that I really began to understand who God was, how much He loved me and what freedom and acceptance I had in Him. It was the principles, truth and faith I was
taught at TCA that help formulate the way I lead and love my bride and family today. Most importantly, what I remember about TCA are the people. I remember my seventhgrade Bible teacher, Wayne Broderick, teaching us the story of Abraham by having us act it out together in class. I will forever appreciate men who played a key role in my development to understand what it meant to be a “mighty man of God in the making” as my father used to call it. Kyle Morrill was a stalwart of encouragement, continuity and kindness. David Johnson, with whom I still talk to today, taught me the importance and impact of living a life of integrity. Barry Morgan, our then-head football coach, taught me about a commitment to excellence on the football field but also how that paled in comparison to my relationship with Christ. When you have the opportunity to look up to men like Dennis Saffold, Hank Harmon, Curtis Blagburn and so many others, you are unknowingly being trained in what a godly man looks like,
how a godly man acts and ultimately how a godly man will rest fully in the grace and mercies of Jesus Christ. More than anything, the relationships have stayed with me since I left TCA all those years ago. I still spend time and live life with people I graduated alongside, and the greatest blessing from all of those experiences is that I found my bride, Taylor Wise Bowles ’01, through my time at TCA. Throughout my entire life, my TCA friendships have been the most precious, the most consistent, the most faithful and, ultimately, one of the most important parts of my life. Today, I wake up every morning, and I can almost still hear Rod Morris’s booming deep voice urging me to carpe diem (seize the day) and to make the best out of the day that the Lord has made. I still look back on my time and experience at TCA with fond memories, deep appreciation and utmost gratitude for shaping the man of God I am trying to be today.
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A
blessed years in the comfortable and safe environment of Trinity Christian Academy, moving to Washington, DC, to study at Georgetown University was one of the biggest challenges of my life. I often needed to remind myself of James 1:2–3, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” Looking back over the past two years, I now recognize that I was, in fact, more prepared than I realized. The Lord knew the plans He had for me ( Jer. 29:11) and had ensured that I was academically, spiritually and mentally equipped for life on my own. In hindsight, I see that my teachers, coaches and mentors at TCA who diligently worked in my life were God’s hands and feet. In my classes at Georgetown, I’m pushed to improve but never feel overwhelmed. TCA’s AP courses provided a firm foundation in their respective subjects that allowed me to confidently jump ahead in my course selections. Furthermore, TCA’s course load trained me to synthesize and critically analyze, which has served me well with every thesis and paper I have penned. I feel particularly at home in Georgetown’s American Studies Department, which I recently declared as one of my two majors along with
24
FTER SPENDING TWELVE
WILLIAM
MORRIS
CLASS OF ’15 Sophomore, Georgetown University
government. American Studies examines the intersections between history, culture, government, theology and literature, which are novel for many of my classmates, but feels natural to me after years in TCA’s History/English program. I can also say that my spiritual life has remained solid. Looking around my dorm room, it is easy to find tokens from my days at TCA that reinforce my commitment to Christ. On my bookshelf sits Tim Keller’s The Reason for God. We studied that book during senior-year Bible class, and I can honestly claim that I have revisited every chapter at one time or another when conversing with friends or professors about my faith. On my wall hangs a plaque gifted to me by a TCA friend that displays Ephesians 6:13, “Put on the full armor of God to stand firm.” Despite Georgetown’s Jesuit heritage, I face more adversity in
college than I ever did at TCA and often find myself needing that very encouragement. I am reminded that the armor of God is not forged overnight but is built and reinforced through prayer, study and conviction. In this respect, my years at TCA allowed me to arrive at Georgetown fully furnished for the difficulties that lay ahead. With all this groundwork in place, I have even been able to attain unique opportunities and leadership positions in many of my extracurricular activities around campus. I am currently serving my second year as a senator in Georgetown’s student government and have just completed a term on our Finance and Appropriations Committee, which allocates over $1 million in funding for student activities to all the 400+ clubs at Georgetown. I was a leader during New Student Orientation 2016 and was chosen to lead a faith group with my campus ministry, Chi Alpha. This spring, I have also interned for Congressmen Pete Sessions in his office at the US Capitol. Cumulatively, I have been blessed in more ways at Georgetown than I ever thought possible. The most rewarding part of it all is looking back and seeing how God has been with me since day one guiding and strengthening me. I still have no idea what my future holds, but I maintain the firm conviction that my tomorrow is secure in the hands of the Maker of heaven and earth.
PREPARED
TRINITY TODAY
SUMMER 2017
LCDR
KRISTOFER
WOMACK
WRITTEN AND VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS HAVE BEEN VITAL TO MY ENDEAVORS AND HAVE GIVEN ME THE PRIVILEGE TO LEAD.
CLASS OF ’02 US Navy Reserve Submarine Officer, Johns Hopkins University PhD Student
T
and experiences in life that define a person’s trajectory. I am grateful to say that Trinity Christian Academy contributed greatly to where I am and what I am doing today. As I look back over the last 15 years since I graduated, I can credit TCA with laying a firm foundation in four areas that have been vital to my journey: college preparatory academics, computer programing, communication and biblical theology. Just a few months after graduating, the exceptional college preparatory academic training that I received at TCA influenced my path significantly. I had taken several AP classes, which allowed me to place out of six college courses at the US Naval Academy. This left time in my schedule for independent research, which I believe was a key factor in my acceptance to pursue graduate degrees at The University of Texas at Austin and Johns Hopkins University. These higher education opportunities set my career path to where I am today. Computer programming skills are essential for modern scientists and engineers. I learned object-oriented programming in C++ from Kent Pendleton at TCA. Pushing the boundaries of modern science and engineering requires sorting and under standing vast amounts of data. The most powerful data analysis tools require mastery of computer programing; yet at the time I did my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering, most universities still did not require computer programming classes. To this day, the only formal training that I received in computer programming is Mr. Pendleton’s AP computer science class. Leadership is exercised through clear and persuasive communication, and TCA taught me how to lead well through rigorous training in both written and verbal communication. Written communication HERE ARE CERTAIN MOMENTS
TO LEAD skills on college essays and resume cover letters are a discriminator for all colleges and professional jobs, and I can affirm my training opened doors to every position that I have been offered since graduation. Furthermore, clear and confident articulation is a leading indicator of a person’s education level and standing in our society. Many times, it gives a leader his or her initial credibility to lead. Written and verbal communication skills have been vital to my endeavors and have given me the privilege to lead in my career, research and volunteer work. Living a life that is honoring to Jesus is my goal as a Christian, and the Bible is a guide to living that life. TCA taught me a biblical worldview and systematic biblical theology. Systematic theology was embedded in the History/English and Bible curricula. I have attended six churches since graduating from TCA, and many of these churches had Bible classes to train people in the gospel and theology. However, none of them has been as thorough as TCA.
A solid foundation of biblical knowledge has helped guide me through life’s challenges countless times and helps me now as I participate in church leadership. As one who did not attend higher education at a Christian university, I do not know where I would have learned the depth of biblical understanding that comes from studying systematic theology without TCA’s gospel-centered education. TCA laid a firm foundation for my life by preparing me with several skills vital to the path that I have taken. AP classes enabled me to reach higher graduate education more easily, computer programming class enabled me to be successful in research endeavors, excellent training in effective communication has opened doors and allowed me to lead, and biblical training has helped me navigate life’s challenges. For each of these things, I can point to teachers, classes and experiences at TCA as the genesis. My life has been significantly impacted by the investment TCA made in my life and future. SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
25
DR.
WILLIAM ANDREW
“DREW”
HARTMAN CLASS OF ’98
Physicist on Space-Environments Team
I CONTINUE TO APPLY THE SAME RESEARCH AND WRITING PROCESS I LEARNED AT TCA IN MY PUBLICATIONS AND NASA DOCUMENTS.
PREPARED G
RADUATING IN THE CLASS OF 1998
was the beginning of an exciting adventure through college, gradschool, marriage and becoming the father of three children: a four-year-old boy and two-year-old boy/girl twins. This journey also led to a fascinating career in space science and plasma physics. As a physicist on the International Space Station (ISS) Space-Environments Team, my work includes analyzing solar activity, space weather, ionospheric/ magnetospheric electrodynamics, ionizing radiation and spacecraft charging. I also forecast the conditions of the ionosphere to support planning extravehicular activities (a.k.a. spacewalks). TCA played a large part in getting me to where I am today. I truly believe that my life could have been very different without such an excellent introduction to the physical sciences. I was intrigued by the subject when Ken Madden demonstrated the conservation of energy by allowing a bowling ball to swing toward him and not even barely flinching. The faculty recognized my interest, and Joseph Acker
26
TRINITY TODAY
SUMMER 2017
urged me to delve deeper by taking AP physics in conjunction with AP calculus. Those courses solidified my passion for the field by showing me how math can have very useful applications in explaining scientific observations. I was motivated to learn more, and TCA gave me the necessary resources and guidance to do so. I continue to be grateful for the education and mentoring I received. It prepared me for advanced studies in science, mathematics and computer science. It also gave me the confidence and discipline required to earn a PhD in physics. TCA also provided a strong foundation in analytical skills and creative thinking. These traits are very important for resolving anomalies on external ISS payloads and interpreting new observations we make in the experimental data. The math and science I learned at TCA not only expanded my knowledge in the subjects but also taught me how to attack difficult problems by dissecting them into manageable parts and understanding what questions need to be asked. Often times the answers are found in unexpected places.
I give special thanks to Mr. Madden, Mr. Acker and Mr. Pendleton for showing me that approaching problems by thinking outside the box can be exciting and very rewarding. As Mr. Pendleton often said, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” The research and writing process Jim Eckhardt and other teachers from the History/English Department ingrained in me have also made a significant contribution to my further education and career. These techniques were crucial while composing my dissertation, and I continue to apply the same method in my publications and NASA documents. The ability to communicate is also essential while cooperating with people in other disciplines, such as chemistry, spacecraft contamination, orbital debris, electrical engineering and even medicine. The skills I gained at TCA have been invaluable in helping me share my knowledge and insights with others. My four years at TCA were instrumental in forming me into the man I have become. I thank God for the education and discipleship I received.
A
KYLE
SCOTT
the last eighteen years since graduating high school, I clearly see how my education at TCA impacted my career as an aerospace engineer and now as a petroleum engineer. Mathematics Reservoir Engineering Manager, and engineering always interested me, Pioneer Natural Resources but passionate teachers gave me a greater appreciation for the joy of problem-solving. Three teachers in particular opened my eyes to the fun and pride that can be found within the realm of mathematics. First was Chuck Burdette, who would entertain me with his dry wit while revealing glimpses of a hidden secret that many never grasp: geometry and trigonometry can actually be fun . . . and they were! Watching him draw perfect white-chalked circles, hearing him repeatedly shout, “soh, cah, toa!” and (my personal favorite) hearing him quote from my favorite movie of all time, “One ping only, Vasili,” continually kept me entertained and engaged. Next in line was Ken Madden, who taught physics. I was not the easiest student to keep focused, and that is putting it lightly. Somehow Mr. Madden quickly figured me out and taught in a way that kept my attention and curiosity peaked. I may not have fully appreciated it at the time, but I now recognize how much he cared for my academic learning and also for my personal and spiritual growth. This is why I went to him several times for advice on personal issues. I knew he would listen and help without judgment. Last but not least was Kent Pendleton, who taught calculus. To put it bluntly, Mr. P. was a nerd; he is still a nerd. And he played a big role in making me WANT to be a nerd. What could be better than fully embracing your own “nerdity” and mixing it with humor? Like Mr. Pendleton, I wanted to grasp difficult calculus derivations, quote Pinky and the Brain and say quirky things like, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” Mr. Pendleton may not realize it, but he taught me to be comfortable in my own mathematical shoes and have fun doing it. Beyond the fun and problem-solving, a deeper spiritual quality existed in these three men. Part of why I trusted them and wanted to emulate them is because they were genuine. I saw they truly cared and purposefully followed Christ’s calling in their lives. I am now thirteen years into a very exciting engineering career, first designing the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and now developing the most prolific oil fields in the US. Every day brings new engineering challenges that I wholeheartedly welcome because they allow me to comfortably embrace my inner-nerd, embed humor into an often dry profession and look beyond the calculations to connect with people. As life often does, things have come full circle. I now have the opportunity to pass along these lessons as I lead a team of engineers and also coach a TCA first-grade boys soccer team. I hope I can do Mr. Burdette, Mr. Madden and Mr. Pendleton justice by leading with a Christ-centered passion and joy. S I LOOK BACK OVER
CLASS OF ’99
ACADEMICALLY SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
27
BECAUSE OF THE EASE AT WHICH WRITING NOW COMES FOR ME, DOORS WERE OPENED.
PREPARED CALLIE
STOKELD
CLASS OF ’07 Kindergarten Teacher, West Dallas Community School
M
was a wonderful experience! I grew academically and spiritually and made lifelong friendships. The ability to think critically and communicate my thoughts clearly as a result of TCA’s rigorous writing program were among the best gifts I received. TCA encourages Y TIME AT TCA
its students to think analytically about a topic and then equips them to effectively communicate these thoughts. Obviously, this skill didn’t develop overnight. The task was challenging and difficult at times. But Vicki Hall, my eighth-grade History/English teacher, made writing fun and purposeful through our interactive notebook. We would write as if we were civil war soldiers writing home to friends and family or as if we were creating propaganda posters to recruit for WWI after the Lusitania sank. In Upper School, I was fortunate to have Fran Legband as my teacher twice, freshman year and senior year. She showed me how to think critically about Dante’s Inferno and Raskolnikov’s Crime and Punishment and encouraged us to find Truth in all texts. As a kindergarten teacher, I didn’t expect to use this skill as often as a journalist
or author might, but because of the ease at which writing now comes for me, doors were opened for me, which were closed to some of my colleagues, to continue my studies in graduate school at Southern Methodist University. I have been complimented on my ability to communicate my thoughts by both undergraduate and graduate professors. I have been able to share my testimony effectively to non-believers, travel abroad as a representative for my university during my student teaching, speak coherently on the implementation of best educational practices at my school and write up reports on a child’s progress behaviorally and academically, to name a few examples. Learning how to think critically about diverse topics and express those thoughts clearly to others has been one of the biggest blessings in my life and continues to bless me today.
TO WRITE
IN COLLEGE AND CAREER 28
TRINITY TODAY
SUMMER 2017
MEGAN
YBARRA
CLASS OF ’14 Junior, Auburn University
“W
HERE DID YOU LEARN TO WRITE
like this?” asked my literature professor at Auburn University. I smiled and simply said, “I went to a really good high school.” It was my final paper in the American Literature Before 1865 course and required multiple articles in support of my thesis. As I worked on draft after draft of this collegiate paper, my mind drifted back to our senior thesis or Critical Research Paper (CRP) for senior year of English at TCA. The CRP is a senior-year project in which seniors select a work of literature, create a thesis and compile a collection of research articles that support the argument.
The hours spent in the Upper School Library finding book sources and online articles prepared me well for this type of assignment. Using my skills from the CRP, I collected articles, found supporting quotes and submitted a thorough research paper to my professor. In our next class meeting, my professor, a published novelist, pulled me aside after class to ask me that question, “Where did you learn to write like this?” She then proceeded to explain to me that out of her three classes, a total of 100 students, I was the only one awarded a perfect score on that paper. While thankful for the praise, I knew that it would not have been possible without my TCA education. TCA prepared me to write concisely, effortlessly and efficiently. I was taught the mechanics of research papers and the skills needed to articulate any argument. But I was also taught to enjoy writing, which I attribute to my English teachers at TCA. Each teacher, year after year, challenged us as students to keep improving, keep editing and keep rewriting until our papers were our best. Although I was awarded a perfect score on my paper, I know there is always room for improvement and critique. While I am proud of my work in my literature class, the writing skills TCA taught me have also benefited me in my major, clinical laboratory sciences. Because of TCA, I can articulate and describe each of the different processes and ideas necessary for lab reports and scientific papers. As I prepare to continue my education into my senior year at Auburn and into graduate school, I know my ability to write efficiently and communicate effectively will benefit my career. My writing skills, and the skills of each student who graduates from TCA, are a true testament to TCA’s curriculum and the teachers who push each student to be his or her best.
TCA is incredibly proud of our alumni and grateful to them for sharing their stories.
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G N I G N I R B
O T 30
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E F I L
G N I N R A E L T EN
IN T ND A . TE –12 NA SI O reK
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S PA
SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
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G N I N R A L E L U F Y JO
, OL ER HO G C D S R BA WE NE O N L A OF BY D A HE
inds M ng u o ing Y g a in Eng oom r s s the Cla
WHEN YOU WALK INTO a Lower School classroom,
you will feel a buzz of excitement as young learners engage in lessons designed to develop a love of learning. Teachers plan instruction daily that propels students to use their minds and invest in rigorous and meaningful learning experiences. In the Lower School, we desire for all students to love learning and view themselves as confident learners. Eager students partnered with passionate teachers create a vibrant learning environment where joyful learning takes place each day. The Lower School faculty considers it our privilege and responsibility to nurture young minds. Students develop a love of learning that becomes a catalyst for future school achievement. Foundational skills in reading, writing and math integrate within dynamic content to motivate students and provide opportunities to practice and expand academic proficiencies. Our young learners mature into fluent readers and writers who can solve problems creatively, communicate their ideas clearly in spoken and written word and apply mathematical and scientific concepts for inquiry and study. It is with confidence we send our blossoming students to enter Middle School and the world beyond. Lower School students remember with joy their fourth-grade Austin field trip, kindergarten French CafĂŠ, KTCA newscasts and third-grade wax museum. These memorable experiences highlight an ever-growing number of hands-on learning opportunities provided students during their years in the Lower School. In addition to these treasured traditions, our Lower School faculty continues to introduce new learning experiences that engage young minds in our classrooms.
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CELEBRATE ASIA –
Discovering cultures beyond the classroom Kindergarten students travel across the globe to experience cultural traditions from Japan, Korea and China. The teachers PARACHUTES AND BALLOON ROCKETS – plan activities that help students embrace cultural differences Exploring properties of air and further reinforce early literacy and math skills. It is a joySqueals of delight can be heard over the lobby balcony as ful experience to hear students share their family customs, students watch their parachutes descend from the second and we desire each of our student’s cultures to be part of our to the first floor of the Lower School. These second-grade school culture. students explore properties of air in this hands-on earth “Teaching children at an early age about other cultures science unit. During the sequence of lessons, students around the world not only makes for a fun learning environment experience air as matter, discover that it takes up space but also teaches them to value and appreciate differences as and can be compressed and that compressed air builds up well as things we have in common. Just think about how much pressure that can push objects around. In the culmination the children can grow socially and academically when our teachof this unit, students excitedly construct and compare ing reflects the traditions and contributions of different cultures parachutes and balloon rockets. around the world. The pure joy the children took in experienc“My favorite lessons to teach involve the ones where the ing Celebrate Asia confirmed my belief that children can be kids don’t even realize that they are learning—lessons that deeply affected when given the opportunity to learn about other involve discovery, exploration, trial and error. Students are cultures,” said kindergarten teacher Candace Redden. highly engaged when they get messy and get involved. Our Air Authentic food is tasted from each of the countries, and and Weather unit is packed full of lessons that are built this our youngest students create crafts that feature traditional way. I mean, what better way to learn about air resistance, customs in China and Japan, including an ornamental fan pressure, and compressed air than by creating rockets or and Chinese dragon puppet. One of the highlights of the celby dropping things from the second floor?” said Bethany ebration is the students’ exploration of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Simkins, one of our second-grade teachers. other various volcanoes. Students experiment erupting their Active investigations are the heart of the Lower School own volcanoes using vinegar and baking soda. To keep our science curriculum. Students often conduct investigations young learners active, we also have the students participate in collaborative groups, with each student taking a role to in various forms of fitness and exercise, including contribute to the learning experience. Also, writing about Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Chinese jump rope. their learning is a key element in these investigations. Engaged students experience Even our young learners keep a notebook to organize their learning with all their observations and data, process their data and maintain a senses. record of their learning. They use evidence generated during their investigation to support their ideas and also document questions. Engaged learners talk and write about their learning.
LS
S T C A S S A L C
CRAYFISH –
Investigating animal behavior The excitement continues in the Lower School with the annual shipment of crayfish. No, this is not a special crustacean lunch entree, but a science experiment, where students observe and record some of the structures of crayfish and compare them to other organisms. This third-grade science unit engages young learners in life science. The crayfish make their home in the third-grade classrooms, where students establish a feeding and maintenance schedule for the organisms. Students are responsible to care for the animals and learn how to handle the crayfish gently. Recording in their science notebooks, students investigate crayfish behavior and map where the crayfish spend time within their habitat. They observe crayfish interacting together and learn about adaptations of these organisms. Third-grade teacher Molly Klinger explains, “This unit is great because students are engaged by observing, handling and caring for the crayfish. Students are not required to handle the ut RY MET rned abaonds-on crayfish if they are uncomfortable, but it is amazing that most O E N G le a t , h o w s students, even those who are reluctant at first, end up holding S-O tudentsh a grearshmalltogether D N HA grade s res wit ing ma orked nsional the crayfish by the end of the first week.” figu n. Us nts w ime unt r th Observations, discussion, readings and videos are all Fou metric lesso stude ree-d to co h o y ge metr picks, t y of t them integrated within this unit to further enhance students’ eo ooth varie used es. g t language development and communication skills. Another a n ic and reate d the d ver t n focus of this lesson cycle is to teach students the skill of preto c pes a es an g sha s, ed diction. They make predictions about why God gave crayfish e fac certain adaptations, structures and behaviors that help them to survive. Their observations throughout the unit may support their predications, and sometimes they learn their predictions were incorrect. Learning comes alive for students engaged in this investigation. The joy of learning can be seen throughout these thoughtfully planned units. Meaningful hands-on experiences foster student confidence and lay a foundation of academic skills required for a college-preparatory curriculum. The Lower School faculty desires to facilitate a learning environment that engages the hearts and minds of our young learners each day.
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S T C A S S A L C
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AT TCA, IT IS OUR GOAL to make learning experiences meaningful and interactive. Our teaching methods are
innovative, and our engagement level rivals any of the best schools in the country. Walking the halls, one is often met with loud classrooms full of students discussing pertinent topics at high levels. One might also find that a class has spilled into the hallways and is testing a scientific principal rather than just hearing about it. There are several lessons or experiences that every TCA Middle School student fondly remembers. The trips to Sky Ranch and Wilderness, fifth-grade Roman Forum and sixth-grade Renaissance Day are events that any former TCA student will recognize as major milestones. Digging a little deeper into the TCA Middle School experience, it is easy to see that the engaging daily lessons are so plentiful that most students take for granted the time and effort that teachers take to make sure each activity comes to life. Here are some of the new learning opportunities that each student in the TCA Middle School will experience during his or her four years.
N W O G D N I K C O N K S L L A W E TH
ing n r a Le ond y s e e nc at Go b e i r ion e th t p c S, x u r EN E t R s BE OF In N m AD o YA E R o L R. sr T H s OO Y D TA N a l H B S C SC SI LE AS MI
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DD
n bur r g a l B or ou s s erou d urti level f om a m C u r r n n d f nts her atio the ’ve hea s. n e y teac articip e move Stude ver s be hat the tin clas nt . e p ew e a b c n h a n d l e n Sci rest a d sinc scene at they ome ell me t e of La ompone a c t l u e o e id t h o t e o s t ing ome to ic outs a key c erson—thSch “The in increa ur crim clues ig.” d r a p c p w o op g , en s ly dle st re ts have ment t cepts i elligent aid sev Mid mented as real unit to coverin nside a o m o t i s n s n e com ents h ection with di round “Th s stude olden M ese co and in dent,” . GOLDEN MOMENTS – a s d e h u s u h G d i d t t g t t e d n s tim een a e of Latin for the future nde TCA s ldsmi u cal oncern snoopi i o r r p s a y o y t so c or g aw well r ever yn G As part of the TCA Middle School curare are ze they Bein eing a goal fo r Kathr riculum, students in grades 6–8 study Latin. TCA i l a e r of b hwhile teache Latin provides students with a solid linguistic foundation her t teac “In wor e Latin and teaches them the skills necessary to successfully learn n Lati lained, nts’ grad any language they choose to study in the future. With an eye l e p CSI PIG choo on ex ur stud oped towards preparing students for their Upper School experience S h DISSECTION – Solving ann ng o n and generally increasing cultural literacy, the Middle School dle Mid ces G ncreasi , we Golde l crimes and learning science Latin teachers devised a process in which seventh- and i n y e a Fr tion to literac of th Schoo e As seventh-graders, students eighth-grade students engage with antiquities to include i add sical ddition Middle provid / are thrust into the role of crime topics that are part of the Upper School History/English clas the a o the would History t scene investigators, and they must program and are frequently referenced on the National t that ents culum assical ill mee l. determine who committed the crime, Latin Exam. i l m Mo how they committed the crime and why curr the c they w r Schoo s “Golden Moments in Classical History” was added to n o i t t La idge riculum e Uppe of topic / they committed the crime. The learnthe Latin curriculum to familiarize students with important r ing opportunity begins as students are a b ish cur de in th ed list History t terms, phrases, people and places in classical Rome. Golden l presented with a crime scene that has been Eng nth gra propos chool eir inpu r Moments include a combination of Latin abbreviations (i.e., i i r laid out in an outdoor location on campus. In in n ent ou per S seek th for the o e.g., n.b., a.m./p.m.), figures from Greek and Roman mythology p s t l U o u the first week, students work to find clues that We the (Pandora, Daedalus and Icarus, Elysian Fields, Zeus/Jupiter), lty t st usef orward of u c will assist them in determining the perpetrator to ish fa mo ok f class e people and places students will need to know for ninth-grade s l of the crime. They learn to do typing of blood that Eng he one We lo en the h som History/English (Odysseus, Troy, pietas, muses, Hellenistic t is discovered at the crime scene, then they work to on iculum. ck wh m wit lace!” era) and frequently used Latin phrases (caveat emptor, a p e match hair, fur or feathers with possible suspects, and curr feedb es th dge in carpe diem, per capita, status quo). Each student receives h r e i c l finally, they create a summary of their initial findings. the ow rea a Golden Moment topic each trimester and is responsible 21 ound kn “This project emphasizes gathering evidence and 0 2 for researching the importance of that topic. Students are kgr following where it leads. Students have to overcome bac asked to create two-minute presentations on their iPads and assumptions to correctly interpret their findings and then to share the information with the rest of the class. Each ultimately solve the case,” said seventh-grade science teacher trimester, 22 items are covered, eventually acquainting David Zeiger. students with 124 specifically selected topics Week two begins with students performing an autopsy of the after the completion of their eighthvictim (a fetal pig) to find clues as to how the victim was killed. grade year. Students examine the individual organs of the victim to look for potential causes of death and to determine which of the body systems has been attacked. Finally, students take the information that has been gathered and compare it with the suspect dossiers to logically determine which of the suspects committed the crime in their particular scenario. The project culminates with students creating a presentation that includes crime scene photos, evidence, autopsy results and blood test results. The information is presented before a jury of their peers and a decision on the guilt of the suspect is rendered. Through this activity, students engage in hands-on learning and the use of scientific processes. They are involved in a classroom activity that goes beyond the four walls of the classroom and puts them into a real-world situation. It is also worthy to note that in presenting students with a dissection opportunity that has been folded into an engaging activity, students are more willing to actively engage in the dissection.
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TCAIRWAYS – Flying into knowledge across the curriculum As a culmination of the sixth-grade geography unit and the kickoff of the study of the science of flight, students participated in a day of simulated travel around the globe appropriately dubbed TCAirways Day. Students entering the sixth-grade hall had their world transformed into an airport, complete with runway, terminal, airplane cabin, ground crew, flight attendants, passports and inflight refreshments. Throughout the day, students traveled from one room to the next experiencing languages, food and clothing from different countries around the world. “Our goal was to create a memorable experience as stu dents shared their research of different countries and were introduced to the wonders of flight,” said sixth-grade science teacher Stephen Megison.
Prior to TCAirways Day, students had been taught geography skills, such as learning to use latitude and longitude, and were asked to create a Keynote presentation about the culture of their assigned country. Sixth-grade science classes had completed an exploration of aerodynamics through a paper airplane activity. In this activity, students investigated what changes to their paper airplane caused increase flight time or allowed their plane to fly in a straight line. On the day of the event, students were greeted at the door by a travel agent and were provided with a passport and travel guide. Traveling through the hallway, each classroom served as a different continent, and, as students entered, their passports were stamped and they were greeted with music from that region. Sixthgraders
N N G I O N S I R O G PE
Life l a Re ations e e s nt S pplic as e e d r u A St ct A e j b Su r i e of th eld D, i F AR OF E e D H A h t E E I in T H AN OL Y J AN B
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As you can see, TCA Middle School teachers were also responsible for filling out their travel guides with the information they were are adept at making learning experiences able to glean from their classmates’ presentations and completing calculations of come to life and relating those speed, distance and time traveled between continents in their math classes. experiences to the TCAirways Day also served to excite students about their upcoming study of flight. real world! Mr. Megison’s classroom was transformed into an airplane cabin, and students spent the subsequent week learning about flight while feeling like they were inside an airplane. Sixth-grade History/Literature/English teacher Casey Churchwell said, “By integrating our two units of study, we wanted to create a sense of adventure and make learning come alive for our students. This day was a great opportunity to show students how our amazing world is connected and how science and aviation have allowed us to experience it. We hope that our students learned a new appreciation for different cultures, as well as the wonders of flight, all while having fun.”
an nts e d stu my and the o n i t lling nature out in i t s n hem and ve i n of “I lo eciatio etting t fields eyes r r app oors. G arshes, en thei o cool d out ams, m s to op d. It’s s ass stre sts help al worl e to cl th FIELD ECOLOGY r i fore e natu nts com ting w to FIELD TRIPS – Life science u h e to t n stud kend o voices experienced in real life whe r a wee in their t they Science teacher Bob Adams takes his Field Ecology afte tement me wha ,” seniors on a variety of trips to the field to reinforce what exci e with r heard they are learning in the classroom. Once a week, the WE’VE r o sha seen ams. students are able to study fish life in a local stream, ALL HEARD e hav Mr. Ad life underneath rocks and logs, aquatic plants in a local OF THE THREE R’s said wetland, amphibians and reptiles, tracks and signs, and
of education, but the CEO of the US trees and vines found in a local forest. Travel Association adopted a fourth “R” for Occasionally, Field Ecology goes on half-day or fullhis children’s education—reading, ’riting, ’rithmetic day trips. Recently, they took a full day to observe winter and roaming. We tend to agree! In the Upper School at TCA, we birds after several weeks of learning to identify them by understand that studying in the field in authentic settings cements learning. their songs and their unique physical characteristics. The TCA believes in active and engaged learning and further believes that hands-on students went to Josey Lake to see a variety of waterfowl, to experiences and opportunities help students connect the dots to the content they have Towne Lake to observe a large assortment of forest-dwelling studied. It has been said that studying in the field makes education “come to life.” birds and to Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge near Lake Research tells us that field trips and field studies help students build Texoma, where they encountered thousands of wintering on classroom instruction, gain better understanding of topics, expand on the snow geese. The Field Ecology students were able to see curriculum, strengthen observation skills, increase engagement and intellectual and hear over 65 species, including a bald eagle, which curiosity and expand awareness, while helping students apply what they’ve prompted the students to break into a rousing rendition of learned to something relevant in their education. “The Star-Spangled Banner.” As Mr. Adams says, “Being out TCA’s Upper School takes that to heart. Our students have the opportunity in the field is the heart and soul of the class.” to participate in many field trips and field studies throughout their high school careers. Learning truly comes to life when students can engage hands-on with their topics of study.
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ASTRONOMICAL SUCCESS – Student stargazers
LAB VISITS –
Upper School physics teacher Joseph Exploring the medical field Acker schedules campus-observing sessions for his Upper School science teacher Courtney Astronomy students. He knows that even using binoculars Bryson takes her AP Anatomy and AP Biology and telescopes, students won’t be able to make out most students annually to UT Southwestern Medical School in constellations, since only the brightest stars are visible due Dallas to participate in the STARS program, where her students to light pollution. However, while studying the moon, they are get an inside look at medical research, life as a medical student, able to identify maria, crates, mountain ranges and peaks career options in the medical field and behind-the-scenes tours and ray systems, and they can see the brightest planets. of advanced medical laboratories. The students see the anatomy They observe the cloud bands on Jupiter and the motion of its and pathology lab where they view and touch cadaver organs and four largest moons, and they look at Saturn and its rings and compare healthy organs to diseased organs. bright double stars. In addition, they tour the emergency rooms at Parkland He also plans an overnight trip each year to the Comanche Memorial Hospital and Children’s Medical Center, the Springs Astronomy Campus (CSAC), near Crowell in the Texas prosthetics and orthopedics labs, the neuropathology lab and Panhandle. The campus has numerous large telescopes which the neuroscience lab, all of which enrich the curriculum as the can be used at night and also has heated bunkhouses where students study what they’ve learned in a practical environment. the students can sleep during the day. From CSAC they can Anatomy and biology students also have the opportunity to speak clearly see thousands of stars and trace the Milky Way and with high-level medical researchers and doctors about careers numerous star clusters and nebulae. With the telescope, they and summer internships, and several of TCA’s students have trace the spiral arms of galaxies and the wispy details of the participated in the STARS summer research program, a highly Orion nebulae and planetary nebulae and supernovae remnants. selective, eight-week summer internship opportunity. During the day, the students look at the sun through a special “The UTSW Medical School trip is always a highlight of solar telescope that enhances the details of the surface of the our year! Personal experience in the medical school and sun and see prominences, flares and sunspots in great detail. research environment is so valuable for our students According to Mr. Acker, the students return tired but thrilled with interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. what they’ve seen in the heavens. Several students over the years discovered “Our trip to the CSAC is the most significant thing we do all a new and interesting career as a year in Astronomy. Looking at pictures in class is helpful, but result of this field trip,” it is no substitute for the students seeing things themselves. said Mrs. Bryson. At CSAC the students see the heavens as God made them, far away from the light pollution of urban skies. For some students, it is the first time they have ever seen the Milky Way or the Pleiades and Orion in all their splendor,” said Mr. Acker.
ENGINEERING MARVEL – Student engineers with eyes on the future
Upper School engineering teacher Lisa Wong has taken her Honors Engineering students into the field, as well. This year, they visited the UT Dallas Design Center, which is a 30,000-squarefoot facility devoted to undergraduate engineering student projects. Our students were able to see how teams partner with local companies to design and manufacture products. In addition, the students learned about manufacturing, design efficiencies, different engineering roles involved with manufacturing, lean manufacturing and other design details. Visiting UT Dallas Design Center was a great way for the engineering students to see what engineering in college looks like. Then before returning to school, Mrs. Wong took the students to a donut shop to analyze the donut machine. Students were able to see the complexity of the design and its efficient processing methods. Mrs. Wong explained, “Visiting actual machine shops, manufacturing plants and university engineering programs has allowed the students to be exposed to real-life engineering. Students are able to see first-hand how a design is manufactured from an engineering drawing to an actual product. They are also able to see true engineering collaboration in action.” Along with these and other class field trips, there are other optional trips where classroom learning is also reinforced. Included in this list are art trips to New York to visit museums; the scuba trip to the Cayman Islands to dive and learn about sea life; the Europe trip where students visit the great museums, see antiquity and see where history happened; the theater trip to New York to see Broadway plays and the Israel trip where the Bible comes alive. TCA believes in experiential learning, and going into the field is an outstanding way to achieve that experience.
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rt der Mo n g a t h e . S e ei g o o d d i t e y e ar n t o f o v is nd n t s t h t hi s p o n e s o f t e a n d e d m s tu . Wor r y co c tion x ture ar t. u t e a Ar t f A P m o f F e c e s s r ep r o d p t h, t e c e o e i u n d p s e , a a s d e , u s e s i t n M nd t io u r p o - c r a f p t ha ll uc a fir s r t ed re the a we a u f y of t p ca uali q no t
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t y as th d u ni or t o life es an . p p o e t plac glish t he am g n h a d nin g c s e ein t o r y / E s t r n s a — i e e e H d s t u a k . L e ni c d in T C A g b r e a n d V s t u die x i n s e i r e n t y r sp r enc h av Twe ly ove e, Flo they t m a a t o t o I r e d R ar t t h t ou
S T C A S S A L C
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TROJAN LIFE
BY DON ENGL ISH, A S S I S TA N T AT H L E T I C D I R E C T O R A N D VA R S I T Y B A S E B A L L H E A D C OA H
GRIT. WE KNOW IT WHEN WE SEE IT— the single
mom working two jobs to provide food, shelter and clothing for her children; the first responder, willing to give his life, running into danger while others are running out; the athlete who perseveres in spite of an injury or, with Olympian Michael Phelps, water in his goggles; the homeless student, who perseveres and ultimately graduates from college. One commonality among all gritty people is an authentic passion for what they do and/or whom they love. 42
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As a baby boomer growing up in the 60s, John Wayne represented grit—a toughness and resolve to do what’s right and what’s necessary to win the day, to be a champion for innocent men, women and children. Ralph Waldo Emerson referred to these types of exceptional men and women when he said, "One man with a passion can do more than a hundred men with an interest.” So how do you instill this stick-to-it, never-quit attitude? How do you impart a belief that wills itself to succeed against all odds, to leave a lasting legacy of love and purpose? Mark Batterson, pastor and bestselling author, examines a gritty-like strength of character in his book, All In, by asking tough questions: “When did we start believing that God wants to send us to safe places to do easy things? That faithfulness is (simply) holding the fort? That playing it safe is safe? That there is any greater privilege than sacrifice? That radical is anything but normal? Jesus didn't die to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.” As believers, we must look to Jesus who demonstrated a perseverance and resolve, ultimately giving ALL He had when He “endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
Jeremiah 1:5 speaks of God’s intimate foreknowledge and love for His children: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” He greatly desires to provide what each one needs for his or her eternal destiny. Jesus reiterates this incredible love in Matthew 7:11: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Our heavenly father is masterful at orchestrating the good AND difficult circumstances to prepare His children to be on a mission for Him. As we know, this path provides real peace and joy in life. Worrying about our children’s future and daily attempting to manipulate their paths show a clear lack of faith. When we seek to make our children’s lives nothing but free and easy, God’s work is impeded. My dad, Lowell English, is the grittiest man I know. Dad is a tough, courageous, John Wayne-like character who has consistently and sacrificially provided wonderful opportunities for his family that he never had. He, like our heavenly Father, has allowed us to fail, learning difficult lessons along the way, trusting that God is in control. C. S. Lewis describes these inevitable difficulties as “testing points.” Today many parents believe it’s their
job to remove obstacles so they don’t see their children struggle. Research consistently demonstrates that when children are insulated by parents, they learn to trust only in their safety net, rather than in their God-given ability, will and grit. However, the more we diligently prepare our children for life’s messiness and unpredictability, the more we help strengthen their resolve, not only to succeed but also to excel in God’s calling. As we’ve often heard, we, as parents, should never prepare the path for the child, but rather prepare the child for the path. When our parenting style resembles a leaf blower, removing all obstacles from our children’s path, what happens when we no longer can protect them from life’s difficulties, and the wind begins to blow directly on them? In a recent INC.com article, Eric Greitens, a US Navy SEAL, pleads for parents to systematically teach children six particular essentials at an early age: 1. Take responsibility for their actions, good and bad. No excuses or passing the blame. Own mistakes, learn from them and move on. 2. Serve others, understanding that life isn’t really about us. Children who know that they have something to offer others will learn that they can shape the world around them for the better.
“When we seek to make our children’s lives nothing but free and easy, God’s work is impeded.” 3. Practice daily gratitude, realizing that even on their worst days, they are better off than the majority of the world. 4. Solve their own problems, age-appropriately of course, learning that good can rise from bad. 5. Embrace failure, a prerequisite to success. Learn how to struggle with adversity, how to confront fears and subsequently correct mistakes in order to get better results. 6. Take risks; success and failure go together. Life can be a scary place for children, but God is still on the throne. He has an awesome plan for all of us, and in that alone, we can rest. May our parental prayer be that we trust God daily with our most treasured possessions, our children. Let us be
mindful of the exhortation of James 1:2–4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” It’s hard to imagine God loving my three sons more than their mother and I do. Life’s problems and heartbreaks can be devastating. Yet, for our children to attempt to follow the two greatest commandments, to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love their neighbors as themselves (Luke 10:27), they will need GRIT. Serving their fellow man in the name of Jesus IS the abundant life He came to share! And that gritty redemptive work on the cross is for all mankind!
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SPORTS BEAT
THE BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM had another tremendous season, going 21-12 on the year, 9-5 during district and making it to the regional final game against Houston St. Thomas. This year’s highlights included finishing as the runner-up in the Wills Point and Prince of Peace tournaments, giving up 50 or more points in only six games and earning a TAPPS #9 ranking and a #8 ranking by the Texas Basketball Coaches Association . The Trojans were led in scoring by senior BLAKE HINTON with 11.0 ppg, followed by sophomore JOHN SHAW with 9.0 ppg. Sophomore BRETT KAUFFMAN led all shooters, shooting 42% behind the three-point line. Junior HUDSON NEUHOFF proved to be a defensive power, averaging 3 blocks per game. Senior ALEC JORDAN was the floor leader, while sophomore SAM NORRIS contributed with valuable minutes off the bench. A strong point for the Trojans this year was the role played by seniors TRAVIS HARRISON and JB BOWMAN, along with juniors BRADY FREEMAN, LUKE GLOVER and RC YEARY. These young men worked extremely hard every day to make the team better and were extremely important to the overall success of the team. The team had a tremendous run in the playoffs, beating St Pius out of Houston, 49-47, before losing to Houston St. Thomas 49-42 in overtime. This team battled adversity all year and under the leadership of Alec Jordan and Blake Hinton, finished the year upholding the long tradition of winning TCA Basketball.
Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: Blake Hinton – First Team All-District, Second Team All-State, Academic All-State, Team MVP Brett Kauffman – Second Team All-District Hudson Neuhoff – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State John Shaw – Second Team All-District Alec Jordan – Honorable Mention All-District
VARSITY showed flashes of great things to come from this past season. The Lady Trojans started off the season with an impressive 8-2 record over their first ten games, while finishing the season with a 16-14 overall record and losing to Tomball Concordia in the first round of the playoffs. This year’s team highlights included finishing in first place at the Wills Point Tournament and runner-up at the Highland Park Tournament. THE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: SARAH KONSTANS – First Team All-
District, Second Team All-State, Academic All-State, Team MVP
VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL 44
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SARAH LIPE – First Team All-District,
Second Team All-State, Academic All-State ABBEY McCUTCHEN – Second Team
All-District, Academic All-State
VARSITY
BOYS BASKETBALL led by senior captains JASMINE CHOCK, NICOLE WILLISON and ANDREW WILLISON, had an amazing swim season this year, breaking record after record. All the hard work and early THE TCA SWIM TEAM,
morning practices paid off as the boys team finished the season as the TAPPS State Runner-Up. Two weeks prior to the state meet, the boys team won its fourth straight regional swim meet title. The regional win was definitely a team effort, with most every swimmer on the team scoring points and swimming personal best times! Congratulations to GORDON MONTGOMERY, BROOKS GLANTON, MICHAEL YOUNG and JAKE WALSH for qualifying for the Easterns National Prep School Meet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The four boys set school records in all three relays, qualified for finals in all three relays and placed 19th as a team. Brooks Glanton also qualified for finals in the 50 Freestyle, and Michael Young set a new school record in the 100 Butterfly.
SWIMMING
Season highlights and TAPPS state meet point scorers and award winners: Brooks Glanton – TAPPS State Champion, 50 and 100 Freestyle (both new school records), First Team All-State, Academic All-State, First Team TISCA All-State, fastest time in the 50 Free for all private schools in Texas, Boys Team MVP Jake Walsh – 50 Free and 100 Breaststroke, Academic All-State, TISCA Honorable Mention Michael Young – 50 Free and 100 Butterfly, Academic All-State, TISCA Honorable Mention Gordon Montgomery – Second Team All-State PEYTON STONE – 200 Individual Medley and 100 Backstroke, Academic All-State AJ LaGASSA – 100 Breaststroke, Academic All-State WESTON HAGGARD – 100 Breaststroke JESSICA YOUNG – 100 Butterfly Nicole Willison – Academic All-State MARY ASHLEY SAMUELSON – Academic All-State EMILY FLOYD – Girls Team MVP
200 Freestyle Relay – Second Place TAPPS State Meet, Second Team All-State – Glanton, Walsh, Montgomery, M. Young 200 Medley Relay – Stone, Walsh, Haggard, Montgomery 400 Freestyle Relay – M. Young, Stone, Montgomery, Glanton 200 Freestyle Relay – First Team TISCA All-State – Glanton, Walsh, Montgomery, M. Young 200 Medley Relay – Second Team TISCA All-State – Stone, Walsh, Haggard, Montgomery 400 Freestyle Relay – Second Team TISCA All-State – M. Young, Stone, Montgomery, Glanton
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under the leadership of coaches Charles Fergason and Kendall Cross and captain FOTI PAKES, was a rebuilding one for the team. With several first-year wrestlers on the squad, combined with returning some key veterans, the Trojan wrestlers finished in fifth place at the TAPPS State Wrestling Championships and sixth place at the Texas Prep State Wrestling Championships. The Trojans finished in 30th place at the National Prep Wrestling Championships at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The team also finished in 15th place at the prestigious Prep Slam in Atlanta, Georgia. At the TAPPS State Wrestling Championships, Trojan wrestlers earning TAPPS AllState honors were NOAH MILLER (first at 113 pounds), Foti Pakes (first at 138 pounds), GAYDEN WILLIAMS (first at 285 pounds), ALAN FANDRICH (second at 120 pounds), MASON MORLAND (third at 126 pounds) and JOSH ROBINSON (third at 220 pounds). Foti Pakes was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler for the tournament. Foti Pakes also earned TAPPS Academic All-State honors. At the Texas Prep State Wrestling Championships, Trojan wrestlers earning Prep AllState honors were Noah Miller (first at 113 pounds), Riley Crow (first at 145 pounds), Foti Pakes (second at 138 pounds) and Gayden Williams (fourth at 285 pounds). Noah Miller and Foti Pakes both participated in the National Prep Wrestling Championships. RILEY CROW qualified but was unable to compete due to an injury. For the second year in a row, Noah Miller earned Prep All-American honors when he placed fourth in the 113-pound weight class. THE 2016-17 TROJAN WRESTLING SEASON,
VARSITY WRESTLING
Congratulations to the following athletes for these team awards: Noah Miller – Wrestler of the Year, Team MVP Alan Fandrich – Newcomer of the Year Mason Morland – Most Improved Wrestler
THE 2016-17 BOYS VARSITY SOCCER TEAM and season were exceptional. As the defending TAPPS 6A Division I 2016 state champions, the Trojans entered the season in the crosshairs of every opponent and the toughest schedule in school history and responded by breaking school records in goals scored (94) and district goals allowed (12) and winning the 6A District I title for the first time in school history. Finishing the season 13-1 in district play, 23-2-0 overall (both school records), the Trojan men rose to #10 in the region and #43 in the nation by USA Today/NSCAA national poll.
The Trojans' season kicked off by winning the Liberty Christian Fall Classic as "threepeat" champions, which started a string of 21 straight victories and a season-long #1 state ranking in the TAPPS Division I coaches poll. Another season highlight was the marquee victory over the #20 nationally ranked, Public 9-6A Division I defending district champions and soccer powerhouse Dallas Jesuit Rangers 2-1. The Trojans played their season with superior upperclassman leadership, explosive offense, stifling defense and a chemistry on and off the field that led to huge crowds and packed houses. After a dominating first-round playoff win over Katy St. John 9-2, the Trojans were stopped short in the quarter finals by a heartbreaking overtime loss, preventing them from their ultimate goal of back-to-back state championships. The boys displayed Christ-like character throughout the season and exhibited loyalty and commitment each and every week. Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: JACK SAVAGE – District MVP, First Team All-District, First Team All-
State, Academic All-State, Team MVP MATTHEW SPRINGFIELD – First Team All-District, Second Team All-
State, Academic All-State CHRISTOPHER WINES – First Team All-District, Honorable Mention
All-State, Academic All-State, Team MVP HAMILTON TARBETT – Second Team All-District CALEB CARPENTER – Second Team All-District BO PARKER– Honorable Mention All-District DAVIS ROGERS – Honorable Mention All-District MICHAEL WATERS – Honorable Mention All-District
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MICHAEL (TK) TRANTHAM-KLEIN
and Gayden Williams – Coaches’ Award
had a great season. There were eight seniors on the team this year, which is the largest senior class in girls soccer in many years. This group of seniors has given four years to the program and did a great job leading a change in the culture and putting the program on the rise for years to come. This year, the girls made a commitment to improving defensively as a team and were successful. They cut their goals against stat by 50% in district over the previous year. Some key highlights of the season included making it to the semi-finals of the Liberty Tournament and sweeping Prestonwood for the first time. The girls won 1-0 at Prestonwood in a game that included a 90-minute weather delay in the second half. Then they completed the sweep at TCA by coming from behind late in regulation to send the game into overtime and finally winning in penalty kicks on Senior Night and Teacher Appreciation Night. THE VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER TEAM
VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER
Congratulations to KATE RECTOR for making Second Team All-District and earning Academic All-State honors and to TORI TROOP for being named Team MVP.
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verse was Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” The athletes improved individually and as a team each week. The team placed in the top three in every meet before the State Championship, including placing third at the TAPPS 6A North Regional Championship. Ten athletes qualified for the State Championship in nine events. New school records were set in two events this season. Congratulations to the team; it was a great season.
THE VARSITY BOYS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM
Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards and records: DAVID MUERY – TAPPS State Champion, Honorable
Mention All-State, Academic All-State, new school record in Discus (151’3”), Team MVP Field JACK SAVAGE – Second Team All-State, Academic All-State, Team MVP Track PRESTON KRANTZ – Honorable Mention AllState, Academic All-State, new school record in High Jump (6’5”) BROOKS GLANTON – Honorable Mention All-State JARROD WALKER – Honorable Mention All-State NICOLAS DEADMAN – Academic All-State BLAKE HINTON – Academic All-State ETHAN WOODWARD – Academic All-State
VARSITY GOLF 48
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VARSITY BOYS TRACK & FIELD
verse was Romans 5:3, “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.” With hard work and perseverance, this year’s team focused on “rejoicing in the Lord” in the midst of difficult workouts and tough competition. Led by team captains EMILY DYER and DEVEN GANN, the girls encouraged each other and pushed each other to work hard and compete with honor. Team members found encouragement at the end of the season when their hard work paid off as they ran their personal bests at the TAPPS Regional Meet. THE GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM
Congratulations to the following athletes for the following team awards: LYRIC DENSON – Team Track MVP LAUREN SULZEN – Team Field MVP ABBY CORONADO – Rookie of the Year
Emily Dyer – Team Leadership Award Deven Gann – Team Trojan Heart Award
VARSITY GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
captured the TAPPS 6A State Championship again this year! The Trojans posted a 36-hole total score of 632, finishing 10 strokes ahead of Beaumont Kelly. This state title marks the seventh in the past 11 years for the Trojans. Including the state tournament, the Trojans competed in 12 tournaments, finishing with victories in the district and regional tournaments before winning the State Championship. Senior JUSTIN THOMPSON led the Trojans by winning both the district and regional individual titles and finishing second in the state tournament. Other Trojans on the state championship team included junior HOGAN MOLTHAN, finishing sixth, seniors SPENCER BENNETT and GARRETT STARKS and freshman MICHAEL HEIDELBAUGH. In addition, junior CHAD RUTLEDGE and sophomore COLE McCABE also qualified to play as individual medalists at the state tournament. A special moment for the Trojans was Justin's celebration at TCA with his signing a commitment letter for a golf scholarship to play at the collegiate level for SMU. THE BOYS GOLF TEAM
Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: Justin Thompson – Individual District Champion, Individual Regional Champion, Individual TAPPS State Runner-Up, All-State, Academic All-State, Team MVP, Team Player of the Year Hogan Molthan – All-State Spencer Bennett – Academic All-State Chad Rutledge – Academic All-State Garrett Starks – Academic All-State again fielded a youthful roster that had to learn quickly and gain experience in order to prove itself in the highly competitive North Texas area. Led by senior team captain MACY HOLLIDAY, the team claimed two second-place finishes in its fall events, including an individual victory by Holliday at the Flower Mound Jaguar Invitational. At the Byron Nelson Classic, Holliday claimed third, and sophomore BRIJIT CROSBY took fifth place in the field. Sophomore LONDON THORNTON, along with freshmen AMANDA CHOI, JORDAN KARRH and HAYLEY SCOTT, all competed in the top five most of the season and made great personal improvements as the year progressed. In the first TAPPS competition, the team claimed third place in the district tournament, with Holliday finishing in second place overall. At the regional event, the team finished in fourth place, narrowly missing by four strokes a sixth consecutive trip to the state championship as a team. TCA qualified three girls individually for state, as Holliday finished in third place and Choi and Crosby also finished in the top 15. At the TAPPS 6A State Championship, Holliday finished in fifth place overall. THE GIRLS GOLF PROGRAM
Congratulations to senior Macy Holliday for the following 2017 awards: All-District, All-Region, All-State, Academic All-State and Team MVP.
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VARSITY TENNIS ended its outstanding season as the District 1-6A Champions, with an overall record of 25-8 and a district record of 12-2. From the beginning of the season to the end, the Trojans improved dramatically in spite of being an incredibly young team with only four seniors. THE VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM
Season highlights included a team dinner with TCA graduate, former MLB pitcher and current TCA pitching coach DAVID PURCEY ’01, and friends from North Dallas High School, Lower School Night, Teacher Appreciation Night and BRETT BARTOL’s game-tying single in the 7th and walk-off double in the 10th to defeat PCA at home. By the end of the season, the Trojans had defeated seven 5A/6A public schools and 15 private-school playoff teams and were ranked #9 overall by the Dallas Morning News in the 5A/Others category. The team is also grateful for the support of parent volunteers JEFF WESTOVER, KEVIN HARWELL, VIC ESCLAMADO and CHUCK BLACK. Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: JOSH ESCLAMADO – District 1-6A MVP, First Team All-District, First Team
All-State, Team MVP, Academic All-State BLAKE MARSH – District 1-6A Pitcher of the Year,
First Team All-District, First Team All-State Brett Bartol – First Team All-District, Honorable Mention All-State, Academic All-State NICK CLIFT – First Team, All-District, Honorable Mention All-State CALEB GETZ – Second Team All-District BRYSON BYRD – Second Team All-District MICHAEL CALLAHAN – Honorable Mention All-District JAKE WALSH – Honorable Mention All-District CONNOR HARWELL – Steve Adair Award for excellence in leadership 50
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VARSITY BASEBALL
fought well against several strong teams this year and improved its record over the previous year. Led by senior captain NICOLAS WONG, this young team improved greatly in both singles and doubles as the season progressed. THE BOYS TENNIS TEAM
won district after finishing last year’s season as district runner-up. Undefeated throughout the district season, the girls met Ursuline again for the district championship match. Winning three matches to two, the Lady Trojans completed an undefeated district season and won first place. At regionals, the girls continued their dominance by winning the team trophy, as well. GEORGIA MOORE and BROOKE HENEGAR also won first place in girls doubles in both district and regionals. THE GIRLS TENNIS TEAM
Congratulations to the following athletes for district, state and team awards: Brooke Henegar – Doubles District Champion, Doubles Regional Champion, Team District Champion, Team Regional Champion, TAPPS State Semi-Finalist MOLLY HENEGAR – Team District Champion, Team Regional Champion, TAPPS State Qualifier, Academic All-State NATALIE KONSTANS – Team District Champion, Team Regional Champion Georgia Moore – Doubles District Champion, Doubles Regional Champion, Team District Champion, Team Regional Champion, TAPPS State Semi-Finalist, Academic All-State, Team MVP ABBY MUSCHALEK – Team District Champion, Team Regional Champion, TAPPS State Quarter Finalist NICOLE MUSCHALEK – Team District Champion, Team Regional Champion, TAPPS State Quarter Finalist, Academic All-State, Team MVP
AVERY SCHUSTER – Team District
Champion, Team Regional Champion ELLIE WHITMIRE – Team District
Champion, Team Regional Champion Nicholas Wong – Team MVP
THE VARSITY SOFTBALL TEAM IN THE 2017 SEASON
continued to see a transition to a much more competitive program. Last year’s theme was “building on the foundation of Jesus,” not only in our spiritual lives, but also physically, in trusting Him with our daily lives. This year’s theme was “building on that foundation.” With the Book of Nehemiah as the backdrop, the team discussed throughout the season how to literally build and pursue things that last and are eternal and how to spiritually grow in our faith. As a secondary, less significant pursuit, the team is beginning to build something lasting on the softball field, as well. There were only two upperclassmen on the team—six of the players were freshmen, and seven were sophomores. Despite the youth of the team, the team competed well in a very talented and deep district, and this ability to compete will only continue and increase. Next year, 11 players will return, along with a strong group of rising freshmen. In the upcoming years, the team will strive to build on the foundation of faith and also on the foundation laid these last two years towards a team that will compete for a district title. Congratulations to the following athletes for district and team awards: AUDREY GRADICK – Second Team All-District, Team MVP JILLIAN DELP – Honorable Mention All-District JASMINE MILLER – Honorable Mention All-District
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DID YOU
KNOW? North Texas Giving Day is the TCA Athletic Booster Club’s primary source of funding, and your donation includes membership in the TCA Athletic Booster Club.
______________________________
G ET I N T H E GA M E Join TCA’s Athletic Booster Club on September 14, 2017! Go to NorthTexasGivingDay.org. By giving on that day, your gift will count toward a generous funding match put in place by a group of TCA families. Membership in the TCA Athletic Booster Club gives you the pleasure of investing in facilities, equipment and special opportunities for all TCA sports teams. In addition, the Athletic Booster Club invests in school events, while also providing campus-wide spirit and character messaging.
The Athletic Booster Club supports and funds sports and spirit, campus-wide, for
almost
1,500
Lower, Middle and Upper School students.
______________________________ Each year, TCA’s Athletic Booster Club purchases new equipment for ALL
21 sports and
60 teams.
______________________________
80%
of TCA’s Middle and Upper School students participate in TCA Athletics.
______________________________ During 2016, the Athletic Booster Club was able to grant
100% of TCA’s athletic wish lists! Items purchased included the following:
Athletes and our community benefit from your generosity.
Baseball Scoreboard Basketball Score Table Inflatable Tunnel/Helmet Resurfaced Track Ice Machine Gator Utility Vehicle
ALUMNI LEGACY
“I now understand what it means when you hear that someone is the
hands and feet of Jesus.”
Blessed beyond measure T H I S PA ST Y E A R has been the most
difficult year of my life. Many of you know I lost my beloved husband, Mark, this past year from cancer. He battled cancer for two years, and it was a devastating process watching him go through all the pain and suffering that comes from this terrible disease. I have four children, two alumni from TCA, Audrey ’12 and Hannah ’16, and two who are current students, Meredith (10th) and Jack (4th). I have been a mom at TCA for 18 years and have worked here for 10 of those years. Nothing prepared us for what we would face during those two years in taking care of Mark, and yet nothing prepared us for the love and support that literally surrounded us from the TCA community. I now understand what it means when you hear that someone is the hands and feet of Jesus. I saw it every day in the TCA community, and it has been the most humbling experience of my life. While caring for Mark, it was so hard for me when I was asked, “What can I do?” or “What do you need?” or “How can I help?” In all honesty, I didn’t know what to say; I was so busy just trying to get through each day that I could not even think about what we needed. The TCA community knew what we needed and just took over. They provided meals for six months, and not only for my immediate family, but also for family from out of town. The Lower School faculty organized meals from faculty and staff members for three of those months. They gave gift cards to restaurants, made donations to help pay our bills and ran errands, including picking up my children.
Donna Miller, Jack’s fourth-grade teacher, Anne Badger, head of Lower School, and Bev Birmingham, assistant head of Lower School, would visit Jack weekly at home while Mark was on hospice. The fourth-grade teachers held a prayer meeting with all of the Lower School to pray for Mark and my family. I had so many friends who put together prayer groups and daily sent me verses for continued strength. Meredith’s varsity volleyball team dedicated a game to Mark, and the girls all wore t-shirts designed for him that were coordinated by head coach Steve Collins. After Mark passed away, we held a visitation where Scott Berthel, head of Middle School, stood in line for over an hour just to tell me that when Jack is in Middle School next year, he will be taken care of by Scott and the faculty. He said that Jack would be loved and poured into by the faculty and not to worry about him when he was in Middle School; they would take care of him. These are just
B Y B E T H H A RW E L L , DI R ECTOR OF A LU M N I
a few examples of the support we received from the community. While we experienced the worst with Mark’s passing and are still grieving his loss, my children and I are so very thankful to everyone who cared for our family over this past year. We are especially grateful for all the prayers said for Mark and our family. I felt the prayers and support everyday. You all have blessed me countless times, and I am so very thankful for everyone who poured into my family. TCA is an amazing Christ-centered school with great acadamics and extra curricular activities. Those are reasons enough to have your children at TCA, but in my opinion, it is the community that is invaluable. It is the sense of family you have when you send your children here. I felt it the first year Audrey went to kindergarten
18 years ago, and I feel it even more today. In today’s world, when things can seem so crazy and out of control, I am very thankful that I can step back and take great comfort in our Lord and know my kids are surrounded by love and are right where they need to be. SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
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ALUMNI LEGACY
ROAD TO AUSTIN
Ben Utley ’11 as a fourth-grader in 2003 meeting Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst during the Austin field trip
BY BEN UTL EY ’11
ON APRIL 7, 2017, a group of eager TCA students crowded into the office of Representative Jason Villalba, who represents House District 114 in North Dallas. They had just concluded the annual fourthgrade tour of the Texas State Capitol building, and I met with them to answer questions about the political process and show them the working office of a Texas lawmaker. As they explored our office and asked questions, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own fourth-grade Austin trip and the years in between. 54
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As a fourth-grader at TCA, I looked forward to the big field trip to Austin and tour of the Texas State Capitol for all the wrong reasons. I was thrilled to miss a day of school, ride on the bus with my friends and eat a box lunch from Jason’s Deli. I remember being a little in awe of the size of the Capitol building, and I thought meeting David Dewhurst, lieutenant governor of Texas, was cool, but other than that, I took for granted the display of rich history and culture of the state where I was born and raised. It never crossed my mind that years later I would call Austin home and spend most of my waking hours in that magnificent building. I attended TCA for 12 years, and, in retrospect, I realize how profoundly I was affected by the teachers and community. Ideas were planted and doors were opened that changed the course of my life. During my senior year at TCA, I found my passion. I began the mandatory senior government class taught by Steve Kimbrough without any expectations other than homework and likely boredom, but something unexpected happened . . . Coach Kimbrough opened my eyes. I’m sure he didn’t know it at the time, but his class piqued my interest in government and politics. That spark of interest was the single greatest influence on my educational and career path.
The following fall I began my freshman year at the University of Texas in Austin and started the process of educating myself on issues I had previously ignored. Beyond my studies as a political communication major, I sought ways to immerse myself in the political process and was fortunate enough, in large part due to members of the TCA community, to secure intern positions with Congressman Pete Sessions, President George W. Bush and in the Public Affairs Department at Mary Kay. Exposure to each and every facet of the political process brought revelation, and it became increasingly clear I had found my calling. During my senior year of college, four years after graduating from TCA, I was employed by a political consulting firm in Austin, allowing me to increase my knowledge of the political process during the 84th Legislative Session in 2015. Those experiences prepared me well for my current position. After graduating from UT, I was fortunate enough to land my next dream job as a legislative director. In the past year, I’ve learned and grown tremendously, serving and being mentored by Representative Villalba, a policy maker for whom I have the utmost respect. As part of his team, I play a role in addressing a wide range of issues from the Dallas Police pension to transportation infrastructure in North Texas to public education and public safety across the state. The job often requires long, tedious hours, but, as the cliché goes, it never seems like work when you are doing what you love.
In April, as the fourth-graders exited my office and headed out for a picnic lunch on the Capitol grounds, I returned to my desk and reflected on how much my life has changed since my own fourth-grade Austin trip. I pondered how my experiences at TCA led me to where I am today and how they will continue to influence me as my career progresses. The academics, community and alumni network at TCA continue to play a vital role in the pursuit of my dreams. TCA is a special school with an incredible community, and I am grateful to be a part. I’m also hopeful that one day the fourth-graders who visited this year will look back on the TCA experience with the same gratitude. And who knows? They might just find their own calling in politics!
“As the fourth-graders exited my office and headed out to the Capitol grounds, I pondered how my experiences at TCA led me to where I am today and how they will continue to influence me as my career progresses.”
Ben Utley ’11 with Cheryl Utley’s fourth-grade class touring the Texas State Capitol
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UPCOMING EVENTS & ALUMNI NEWS HOMECOMING OCTOBER 27:
Homecoming
6:30–8:30 p.m. – Alumni Dinner for ALL alumni and their families Senior Abby Mathai interviews a panel of TCA alumni (Matt Marks ’14, David Crosby ’15, Christianna Konstans ’15 and Rachel Fikse ’13) during the January Interact Club meeting about what TCA students can expect in college.
7:30 p.m. – Varsity Football Game
SPRING ALUMNI WEEKEND **NEW** APRIL 27–29, 2018 SAVE THE DATE!
Staying active on campus
Reunions are being moved from the fall to the spring, and for this firsttime event, we will be celebrating 16 reunions:
BY BU NN Y HE A R D MITCHEL L ’94,
1972, 1973, 1977, 1978, 1982, 1983,
A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N B OA R D P R E S I D E N T
1987, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2012 and 2013
WITH EACH GRADUATING CLASS AT TCA,
we are blessed with another amazing group of alumni! It is awesome to see all that our alumni do for our school, and I am excited to watch their footprint continue to grow on campus. One place that many of our alumni are featured is during Interact Club. Each month, the Alumni Association Board, along with the Upper School Guidance Office, hosts Interact Club, sponsored by the Rotary ClubAddison Chapter. This is an opportunity for students to hear from professionals in the community (many are TCA alumni) speak about their professions. Our topics have included medicine, oil & gas, banking, education, journalism, broadcasting, PR and even scientific research. Additionally, once a year, we highlight various universities and bring in students who are currently attending different schools to take questions from the students. The Alumni Association Board committee that spearheads the Interact Club is led by Robert Taylor ’07. This last year, we created officer positions so that the students could be even more involved in leading this club. We have been grateful for the service of Alexandria Ho, Abby Mathai, Kat Petersen, Daniel Hsu,
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Michael Young, Cailin Redden, Riley Stringfellow and Laura Pomberg and their sponsor, Caryn Thexton, Upper School college counselor. An additional place for our alumni to plug in is by coming to speak in TCA classrooms. This year, we have had both Jeff Stone ’99 and Ryan Long ’98 speak to the Business Calculus students. Jeff spoke on business ownership, the benefits and challenges of being a small business owner and the dangers of credit cards and consumer debt. Jeff and his wife, Angela, have a kindergarten daughter, Olivia, at TCA. Ryan spoke on financial planning, investments, the stock market, managing assets and working in the corporate financial industry. Ryan and his wife, Danielle, have a first-grade son, Bentley, at TCA. Another fun way our alumni give back to TCA is by working at the school. We recently counted up the number and realize we have 37 alumni employed at TCA! Thank you to all of the alumni who have been active participants through our various programs. We look forward to increasing our reach and impact as our wonderful alumni base grows!
We will have a TCA baseball game, family cookout, tours of the school, Saturday night combined reunion party for all at the Westin in the Galleria and an Upper School Drama production matinee to attend. Look for your invitation to be coming soon, and make plans to spend the weekend connecting with old friends at TCA! For more information, contact Director of Alumni Beth Harwell at bharwell@ trinitychristian.org or at 972-447-4747.
PAVERS 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 next to the TCA Performing Arts Center. All proceeds benefit the Alumni Association and Student Tuition Aid. For more information, contact Director of Alumni Beth Harwell at bharwell@ trinitychristian.org.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD ( AU G U S T 2 017 – J U LY 2 018 )
LEGACY GRADUATES Twelve 2017 graduates are children of TCA alumni. See their senior photos below along with their alumni parents’. Congratulations to these legacy graduates!
Stephen Konstans ’83, President Bunny Heard Mitchell ’94, Past President and Vice President of Community Events
Jackie Schimmer Harrison ’86, Vice President of Alumni Parents
Robert Taylor ’07, Vice President of Connections
Carter Burns
Amy Crawford Burns ’78
Julia Eggleton
Mary Cook Hatcher ’84
Travis Harrison
Jackie Schimmer Harrison ’86
Lindsey Hayden
Joanna Deffinbaugh Hayden ’86
Jeni McCabe Parrent ’87, Vice President of Communication
Lane Conner IV ’99, Vice President of Social Media
Aimee Bloom ’99 Kristen Crosby ’08 Katie Lynam ’09 Rebecca Grimm Novakovich ’85 Sarah-Graham Turtletaub ’07
Craig Hodges ’82
Lane Wells Wiggins ’04
Craig Hodges ’82
Beth Harwell, Director of Alumni
LEGACY GATHERING On Thursday, March 30, TCA legacy families (over 100 people in all)
Jo Ann Ferrell Hodges ’87 Haley Hodges
Jo Ann Ferrell Hodges ’87 Kaki Hodges
gathered on the Middle School playground for dinner. The Alumni Association provided dinner from Burger House and a bounce house for the kids.
NEW LEGACY FAMILIES Welcome back! We have several alumni who will be returning to TCA
Jordan Jones
Bren Holman Jones ’90
Christopher Konstans
Greg Konstans ’86
Georgia Moore
Rodney Moore ’80
Reagan Robbins
Christy Nicholson Robbins ’84
Christopher Tarantino
Chris Tarantino ’80
Will Traweek
Emily Whitman Traweek ’88
as current parents. Chris Millet ’82, Clark Hodges ’84, Brooks and Gretchen Herndon Weir ’84, Chrissy Layman Vanasse ’93, Brandon Waddell ’97, Jay Henderson ’00, Justin Simmons ’00, David Purcey ’01, Kate Manverse Purcey ’03, Sarah Denny Robinson ’03, Bobby and Mary Lauren O’Connor Kirwan ’04, Brett Billman ’05, Chrisey Hodges Billman ’05 and Candice Crawford Romo ’05 will all have children at TCA for the 2017-18 school year.
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Where are they now? T H E
L AT E S T
O N
W H AT YO U R C L A S S M AT E S A R E D O I N G BY BETH HARWELL , DIR ECTOR OF A LUMNI
2000
2006
JAMES GRANBERRY and wife Sara welcomed their daughter, Mary Alice, on July 21, 2016. She joins big sisters Kate and Eleanor, and they reside in Nashville, Tennesee.
2005
KATE DELPH DECKER and husband Scott welcomed their second son, Callen Jens, on March 15, 2017. His proud big brother, Henry David, loves his baby brother. The Decker family resides in Colorado.
PAIGE HARDISON married Chris O’Rourke on September 17, 2016, at Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina. The maid of honor was Paige’s sister, HOLLY HARDISON PRICE ’98. The couple met in Dallas, and they currently reside in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Paige graduated from SMU in 2010 with an art history degree. Chris is a PGA member and employed with Titleist in Massachusetts.
2010
MORGAN LEIGH BEACH is attending Columbia University in New York and is getting her masters degree (MFA) in stage management. She has been privileged to shadow several stage managers on Broadway shows this past year. Her most exciting experience so far was working as production assistant alongside the production stage manager for Hamilton during working auditions/ rehearsals for new ensemble cast members last fall.
AVERY WALKER married William Bradford Ross IV on June 18, 2016, in Washington, DC. Given
Got news? Drop us a line and let your classmates know what you are doing. Email Beth Harwell in the Alumni Office at bharwell@trinitychristian.org. Please note that all submissions for the next issue of Trinity Today must be received by October 15, 2017, and that all submitted electronic photos must be in high-resolution JPG format to be suitable for printing.
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TRINITY TODAY
SUMMER 2017
in marriage by her father, James Kenneth Walker Jr., and mother, CAMILLE LANGFORD WALKER ’82, the bride was attended by sister ADELAIDE WALKER (8th) and Taylor Foster as maids of honor, and bridesmaids included MOLLY McCANN KYSER, KATIE HOLT and KATIE FELDMAN ’11. Groomsmen included JAKE WALKER ’13.
The ceremony was held at Christ Church Georgetown, followed by a reception at the historical Anderson House in Washington, DC. The couple resides in Alexandria, Virginia.
2012
2013 TRAVIS BEACH graduated from the US Naval Academy in May and received a commission in the US Navy. Travis is currently in flight training in Milton, Florida, and is the third generation of navy fliers in the Beach family.
KATHERINE KONSTANS and REED BASTIE were married on December 31, 2016, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas. TCA wedding party members included maids of honor CHRISTIANNA KONSTANS ’15 and SARAH KONSTANS (11th), best men TRAVIS BEACH and TOM POSTMAN, bridesmaids BROOKE BASTIE ’14, NATALIE KONSTANS (9th) and ANNIE WELLS, groomsmen ADDISON DEBTER, NICK GALBRAITH,
DANIEL RUSS (1st). Other TCA classmates in attendance were MATTHEW ANDERSON and JONATHAN HARPER.
MATT HUGGINS, STATHI PAKES ’13, CONNOR THOMPSON and TRENT WIEN and ushers ANDREW KONSTANS ’15 and CHRISTOPHER KONSTANS (12th). Katherine is in medical school at UT-Houston, and Reed is a chemical engineer for Chevron Phillips Chemical. The couple resides in Houston.
AUTUMN ADAMS was recently awarded the John C. Pittman Award from the Brock School of Business at Samford University. This prestigious award is the highest award given by the Brock School of Business and is awarded to the graduating senior who has exhibited an exceptional combination of qualities in leadership, academic excellence and Christian commitment.
CLAIRE CLAYTON has been selected as Mays Business School’s Class of 2017 Gathright Scholar Award recipient. Named in honor of Texas A&M’s first president and first established in 1973, the Gathright Award recognizes sophomores, juniors and seniors with the best academic record in each of Texas A&M’s colleges, making this the most prestigious award granted for academic performance.
After graduation, Claire will begin work at Goldman Sachs in its US commercial real estate division.
BRIAN KEGERREIS married Caroline Brown on New Year’s Eve at a plantation in Roanoke, Virginia. The two met through a church fellowship group while studying at the University of Virginia. The wedding party included bridesmaid LEAH KEGERREIS (8th), best man TAYLOR POSAVITZ, groomsman MICHAEL NOVAKOVICH and ring bearer
The couple lives in Charlottesville, Virginia. Brian earned his degree in biomedical engineering and physics in May and works in bioinformatics at Ampel BioSolutions. Caroline earned her degree in biology last year; she currently works for the Southern Environmental Law Center and has plans to attend PA school next year.
DALLAS BUSINESS LEADER RECOGNIZED LANE CONNER IV ’99 received the Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award for 2017 out of over 500 nominations. The winners are executives who stand out and who have excelled in their professional roles and still make time for their communities. Lane is founder and CEO at Fuzse.
SUMMER 2017 TRINITY TODAY
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Where are they now?
2016 FULBRIGHT AWARD WINNER
JACK MUELLER, a true freshman at the University of Virginia, earned AllAmerican honors at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships this year. Jack, wrestling in the 125-pound weight division, upset both the #7 seed and the #2 seed en route to finishing in sixth place (the top eight are considered All-Americans). He also received the NCAA award for the most technical falls scored by a Division I wrestler in the season.
NATHAN MATHAI ’13 received the Fulbright US Student Program Grant from the US Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Nathan was one of three seniors from Furman University who received this honor. He is among over 1,900 US citizens who will teach, conduct research and provide expertise abroad for the 2017-18 academic year through the Fulbright US Student Program. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected based on academic and professional achievement, as well as record of service and demonstrated leadership in their respective fields.
Fulbright alumni have achieved distinction in many fields, including 54 who have been awarded the Nobel Prize, 82 who have received the Pulitzer Prize and 33 who have served as heads of state or government. Congratulations, Nathan!
Donald Dudley Huffmaster, alumni parent
Catherine Ann Mouzon, alumni parent
Diane Lopez, alumni parent
Thomas N. Gerthoffer, alumni parent
Christian James Sanchez, TCA student
Nicholas “Nic” William Smith, former TCA student
John Thomas Stupka, alumni parent
Ann Clark Buller, alumni parent
Mark Alan Harwell, parent, alumni parent
Karey Jezek Reno, alumni parent
LaFonda Cook, alumni parent
Nancy McBride, alumni parent
Janice Huffman, alumni parent
Jane Ann Henning, alumni parent
Eugene Green, alumni parent
Sandy Soto-Koehler, alumni parent
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Nathan completed an accounting major at Furman, and with the grant from the Fulbright US Student Program, he will serve as an English teaching assistant in Malaysia.
TRINITY TODAY
SUMMER 2017
LAST WORD
This spring, Upper School students hosted the eighth-grade class at The Bridge, an evening of fellowship, prayer, worship and messy, good fun, to welcome eighthgraders to the Upper School. New friendships were made, and the incoming freshman class got a taste of what it feels like to be part of the Upper School family.
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© 2017 TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, PRINTED BY MILLET THE PRINTER, DALLAS, TEXAS
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