Trinity Today Summer 2021

Trinity TODAY

CO N N ECT IN G

THE

T RI N I T Y C H RI ST I AN ACAD E M Y CO M M U N I T Y

FINDING OUR WAY to TCA FAMILIES, FACULTY AND STAFF SHARE THEIR STORIES OF HOW THEY ENDED UP AS A PART OF OUR COMMUNITY

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E D U C AT I N G A N D D E V E L O P I N G T H E W H O L E P E R S O N F O R T H E G L O R Y O F G O D

VOLUME 15 • NUMBER 2

EDITOR/ CREATIVE DIRECTOR KENDALL ELLIS

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE KRISTINA SPEARS, Director of Marketing and Communication MADISON CHURCHWELL, Digital Media Specialist

ALUMNI OFFICE BETH HARWELL, Director of Alumni

A DV I S O RY B OA R D DAVE DELPH, Headmaster SCOTT BERTHEL BEV BIRMINGHAM DON ENGLISH JANIE HEARD KRISTY KEGERREIS JENNIE KESLER MATT LAMBRO BECKY LEWIS SUSAN MATTOX AMY PRIDEAUX JEFF SMITH CAMILLE LANGFORD WALKER ’82 LISA WONG JUSTIN ZAPPIA

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MARK DYER, Chair STACEY DORÉ, Vice Chair DERIC EUBANKS DAVID HARPER MATT HEIDELBAUGH WENDY HERMES MARK LAYMAN STEVE NOVAKOVICH STEPHANIE POLK JEFF PRICE WESLEY SNEED CRAIG WENNING

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

CONTACT US Send story ideas to Kendall Ellis at kellis@ trinitychristian.org and alumni information to Beth Harwell at bharwell@trinitychristian.org.

FOLLOW US FACEBOOK.COM /TCATrojans TWITTER.COM /@TCATrojans INSTAGR AM.COM /tca_addison

Equipped for success A S I SIT D OW N TO R E V IE W T HIS ISSU E OF TR IN IT Y TODAY, I do not take for granted the fact

that this spring we were able to enjoy events like the Middle School Willderness and Camp of the Hills trips, Lower School Easter egg hunts, the Upper School musical Tuck Everlasting, the AP Art Show and state athletic competions. I know as a parent what a positive impact all of our classroom and extracurricular activities had on my own children, and I know as an employee the enormous effort that was made so all of these things would be possible this year. Perhaps the most important by-product of these activities is the intentional relationships and connections that were formed and deepened and will impact our community for years to come!

In this issue you will hear from Amy Prideaux, our director of admission, about how her team’s approach and hospitality are drawing new families to our school and filling our classrooms.

Students and faculty alike were thrilled to be able to return to the Ozark Mountains for the annual Wilderness Trip, after having to forego last year’s trip due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In preparation, longtime trip leaders Hank and Diane Harmon trained this year’s counselors in rappelling, canoeing, camp cooking and all-around mountaineering, including properly packing and securing the heavyduty packs all the students carry on their hike through the mountains to their camp site.

Wilderness training photo and cover photo by Jeff McWhorter ’05

On page 26, you will read heartwarming stories from TCA families, several teachers and a soccer coach about how God led them to find their way to TCA from across our city, our country and even our world!

You will be encouraged by coach Marshall Edwards and the investment he has made for many years in the lives of numerous young men at TCA and how those relationships didn’t end at graduation but continue to play a role in the lives of our TCA alumni even today.

I hope as you read this issue you see God’s faithfulness to our community over this year. Enjoy!

K R ISTI NA SPEA RS Director of Marketing and Communication

contents

FEATURES

26 FINDING OUR WAY TO TCA Some super-great members of our TCA family—new and old— share their unique stories of how they ended up here.

20 COMMENCEMENT

Families, faculty, friends and administration celebrate the achievements and character of TCA’s most recent graduates.

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY

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FROM THE HEADMASTER AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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GOOD WORKS AND THE HONOR ROLLS

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FACULTY FOCUS: RECOGNITION OF RETIREES AND 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 35AND 40-YEAR SERVICE AWARDS

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CLASS ACTS

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TCA FOUNDATION: CONSTRUCTION BEGUN ON NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

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TECHNOLOGY@TCA

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TUCK EVERLASTING

TROJAN

F A M I LY P H O T O CO U R T E S Y O F F O S T E R F A M I LY

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READY, SET . . . HOST

CHARACTER AWARDS

Meet our new team in the Office of Admission, ladies whose gifts for welcoming new families are helping build and bless our TCA community.

ATHLETICS

Read about how Lower School, Middle School and Upper School faculty have honored students this year for excellence in Christ-likeness.

ALUMNI LEGACY

56 MENTOR

EXTRAORDINAIRE Boys Athletic Director Don English shares how TCA’s boys varsity golf coach, Marshall Edwards, works for the success of our young men on and off the green.

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WINTER AND SPRING SPORTS SEASON RECAPS

68 RETURN OF ALUMNI COLLEGE VISITS Director of Alumni Beth Harwell reports on spring trips with Assisant Head of Upper School Janie to drop in on TCA alumni at their college campuses.

G R A D U AT E P H O T O , G O L F P H O T O & C A M P U S T O U R P H O T O B Y J E F F M c W H O R T E R ’ 0 5 ; CO L L E G E V I S I T P H O T O S CO U R T E S Y O F B E T H H A R W E L L

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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI

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FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

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ALUMNI NEWS AND EVENTS

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IN MEMORIAM

SUMMER 2021

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HEADMASTER’S NOTE

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H AT A Y E A R! This time last summer, five different committees and dozens of people were working tirelessly to plan for

the 2020-21 school year, praying we would be able to provide on-campus learning and activities the whole year, and GOD PROVIDED! It certainly was the most challenging year for most of us—teachers, administrators, trustees, staff, parents and students—but we began the year with our TCA Together theme, and by His grace, we did it! Thank you to so many who made it happen.

In the midst of a difficult year, there were so many accomplishments. Here are just a few: • We served 1,344 students either on campus or at home.

• Through our amazing Tech Department and talented and dedicated teachers, we live streamed lessons from each classroom when students were at home by choice or due to COVID protocols.

• We competed athletically in every sport, claiming another state championship in boys golf and qualifying for the playoffs in almost every other sport.

• Our Upper School team won the TAPPS 6A State Academic Competition.

• We graduated 128 seniors, whose average GPA was 4.011. Sixty-five have been at TCA since kindergarten or first grade.

• Our Visual and Performing Arts programs once again received numerous awards amid a challenging year to compete.

• Families provided $1.9 million (the most ever) for Student Tuition Aid. • We’ve begun building a new Middle School building to be completed by August 2022.

• Our enrollment for next year will be more than this past year, thanks to our amazing Admissions team and parents sharing with friends the great things happening at TCA. Again, it was an amazing team effort to accomplish so much in the midst of COVID as protocols changed almost weekly. Flexibility, selflessness, ingenuity, empathy, resilience and prayer helped us succeed. In my blessing to the 2021 graduates, I reminded them (and all of us who trust in Him) of the truth that God wants us to dwell on in good or difficult times . . .

“Let’s be reminded of the truth that God wants us to dwell on in good or difficult times.”

I am the Creator, and you are My creation (Genesis 2:7). I created you in My own image (Genesis 1:27). I knitted you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). I know the number of hairs on your head, and before a word is on your tongue I know it (Matthew 10:30; Psalm 139:4). You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

I have crowned you with glory and honor as the pinnacle and final act of the six days of creation (Psalm 8:5; Genesis 1:26).

However, you have sinned and fallen short of My glory (Romans 3:23). You turned aside from Me (Psalm 14:2–3). While you were still enemies of Me, Jesus died for you (Romans 5:8, 10). Sin doesn’t have the last word; grace does (Romans 5:20).

So, now you are My children, My heirs (1 John 3:2; Romans 8:16–17). You are no longer orphans. You belong to Me (John 14:18; 1 Corinthians 6:19). And I love you as a perfect Father (1 John 3:1; Luke 15:20–24).

In My eyes, you are a brand new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). All your sins are forgiven (1 John 1:9). You are now righteous in My sight with the very righteousness of My perfect Son (Romans 4:5). Nothing will be able to separate you from My love in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). No one is able to snatch you out of My hand (John 10:29). And I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Remember, I have given you the Holy Spirit to be with you and in you (Romans 5:5; John 14:17). The Spirit will guide you into all truth, help you to obey Me and empower you to do My work (John 16:7, 13; Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:16).

You will enter My rest, inherit the kingdom I’ve prepared for you and step into fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (Hebrews 4:9–11; Matthew 25:34; Psalm 16:11). But most of all, you will see My face and be with Me where I am (Revelation 22:4; John 14:3).

I have chosen you (Revelation 17:14). I have called you (2 Peter 1:3). So, walk in a manner worthy of your calling (Ephesians 4:1).

You are now a saint, a servant, a steward and a soldier (Romans 1:7; Acts 26:16; 1 Peter 4:10; 2 Timothy 2:3). You have a glorious future (Romans 8:18). You are a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20). And you are an ambassador for My Son (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Thank you for your prayerful support of our mission, and may God continue to bless His school for His glory in good and difficult times!

D AV E D E L P H , H E A D M A S T E R

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TRUSTEE NOTE

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A PPY SU MMER! As I write this, I am praying that our entire

TCA community—students, alumni, families, faculty and staff— is enjoying a restful and rejuvenating summer after what was undoubtedly one of the most challenging school years any of us has experienced. With challenge always comes opportunity, especially for followers of Christ. In the midst of an academic year marked by cancellations, delays and closures all around us, TCA not only began the school year on time and in person but also remained in person for the entire year. And even more remarkably, we broke ground on a brand new Middle School building, which you can read about in more detail in the pages of this issue. Your Board of Trustees has prayed for many years for the Middle School project to come to fruition, and we are thankful for God’s provision to begin construction on His timeline.

In Psalm 1, the psalmist writes that a person who delights himself in God’s Word and who meditates on it day and night “is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:3, ESV). At TCA, we are blessed to have an administration and faculty who delight themselves in God’s Word and meditate on it day and night and who teach our children to do likewise. The Lord blesses that commitment in numerous ways, including by prospering our school.

There are three points of interest in Psalm 1:3 that might be applied both to individuals seeking to delight in God’s Word and to communities like our TCA family, seeking to build our mission on God’s truth: • The tree (i.e., the person who delights himself in God’s Word) is “planted,” denoting an affirmative act of God in placing the tree by streams of water, not an accident or coincidence. As Charles Spurgeon notes, it is “not a wild tree but one chosen, considered as property, cultivated and secured.” Similarly, God has “planted” TCA and our new Middle School in our precise location and at this precise time so that TCA can continue to be a beacon of light in our fallen world.

• Spurgeon also notes that the tree in Psalm 1:3 is planted near multiple rivers, not just one, “so that even if one river should fail, he hath another. The rivers of pardon and the rivers of grace, the rivers of promise and the rivers of communication with Christ, are never failing sources of supply.” God has supplied the source of funds to start our new Middle School, and He will continue supplying our needs to finish the Middle School successfully.

• The tree in Psalm 1:3 will yield fruit “in season.” Fruit does not always come forth immediately after planting, but it is always produced in God’s perfect timing for those who follow Christ. Similarly, though we started the capital campaign for the Middle School more than five years ago and have been eager to begin construction, God made sure that we waited for the right season to begin. That season is now.

When our family came to TCA in 2013, our kids were in the Lower School, and the following year was our first year in the Middle School. That year, we were asked to consider giving to a new capital campaign to build a Middle School building. Dave Delph, Becky Lewis and others recounted the rich history of TCA parents and alumni “paying it forward” by contributing to the cause of constructing new buildings in which their kids would never attend class. In 2015, with prayer and thanksgiving, our family was humbled and delighted to become one of many families paying it forward by participating in the Pursuing Excellence Campaign.

Now, with a sophomore in the Upper School, our family could not be more excited to be able to see the fruit of that campaign come to life. Because of the Lord’s provision for TCA, our beautiful new facility will provide an innovative and collaborative space for the critical learning and development that takes place during the middle school years, and it will do so for many generations to come. The Board of Trustees is immensely grateful for the Lord’s provision for this new project.

STAC E Y D OR É , V IC E C H A I R , B OA R D OF T RUST E E S

SUMMER 2021

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GOOD WORKS National Merit All four of our National Merit Semifinalists—Hannah Burke, Ryan O’Shea, Ashley Woo and Annie Xia—were named Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program, and Hannah Burke and Annie Xia were National Merit Scholarship Winners! These students were among the highest scorers on the PSAT in Texas and the nation.

TCA Academics Team Wins 6A TAPPS State Championship Congratulations to the Academics Team for winning the 6A TAPPS State Championship.

The team consisted of sixteen students who competed in the TAPPS Academic Championships back in March. The students took their tests online this year instead of traveling to Waco to compete. Thank you to our teachers Holly Bator, Diane Walton, Jason Groezinger and Debra Jones for preparing our students during the school year to take each test.

Congratulations to the following winners on a job well done!

Ready Writing: Katherine Novakovich – Second Place Reagan Rodgers – Fifth Place Literary Criticism: Morgan Hausz – Second Place Jenna Branstetter – Fourth Place Science: Hannah Burke – First Place Grace Weir – Sixth Place Math (9th–10th grade): Kazia Handoko – First Place Jocelyn Youn – Second Place Richelle Kim – Third Place

Calculator: Kazia Handoko – Second Place Justin Miller – Third Place Hannah Burke – Fifth Place Number Sense: Kazia Handoko – Second Place Annabelle Lee – Fifth Place Social Studies: Justin Miller – First Place Katherine Novakovich – Seventh Place Yearbook – Sixth Place

UT Austin Scholarship Winner Senior Leah Kegerreis was named to the Texas Exes Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2025.

Seventeen students were selected out of more than 4,700 that applied for the elite scholarship program which provides a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to The University of Texas at Austin. The Forty Acres Scholars Program inspires and nurtures visionary leaders and helps them use their talents to benefit society.

Advanced Math: Emily Keramidas – Sixth Place Hannah Burke – Seventh Place

French and Spanish Honor Societies Congratulations to the following students who were recently inducted into the French and Spanish Honor Societies for excellent academic achievement, active involvement and genuine interest in their respective language.

French: Mary Margaret Bell, Collin Dewey, Mark Nilson, Luke Peron, Juliana Voth and Sydney Wayte.

Spanish: James Badger, Daniel Baker, Cecilia Banderob, Heath Booker, Olivia Brennan, Shannon Burchett, Alyssa Clemovitz, Avery Copple, Amelia Corliss, Lauren Elvebak, Ainsley Ferrell, Isabela Figueroa, Lynnson Fort, Ben Francis, Kate Goodman, Mary-Michael Graham, Reily Hamilton, Payton Harper, Anna Heidelbaugh, Hannah Helt, Halle Hermes, Isabella Jackson, Hollis Jarrell, Lila Johnson, Emily Jones, Emily Keramidas, Jonah Key, Brooks Krantz, Jack Layman, Annabel Lee, Johnny Lipscomb, Katelyn Long, Jenna Lowrey, Derek Martinez, Allie Mays, Kayla Meyer, Justin Miller, Jayden Moore, Emily Morris, Alan Morrison, Emma Neeman, Mary Neuhoff, Olivia Priest, Dhamar Ramirez, Katie Reding, Markus Schumacher, Caroline Sharp, Henry Smith, Sheridan Thexton, Luke Tredennick, Mary Lauren Westover, Max Wheless and Camden Williams.

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Photo Competition TCA had 19 pieces selected for exhibition in the Fort Worth Country Day Black and White Images contest from over 500 submitted from 16 schools in Dallas and Fort Worth.

Congratulations to these TCA photographers: Luke Babler

Wilson Roe

Aly Bayliss

Claire Shodeen Two pieces accepted

Blake Beal Elleanna Berthel Cece Bogda Honorable Mention, Photo Essay Heath Booker Katherine Broyles Hannah Buford Hannah Burke Lauren Elms Second Place, Still Life (right) Dustin Holliday

Young American Talent Competition TCA had eight pieces accepted with two major award winners!

Congratulations to the following artists: Rose Duncan

Olivia Priest Third year in a row

Reilly Hanna Anna Heidelbaugh First Place, Mixed Media (above)

Patricia Sharon Second Place, Printmaking (right) Adelaide Walker Two pieces accepted

Aidan Mills

Christopher Lampe Two pieces accepted Allie Mays Jack McNeill

Dallas Young Artist Exhibition

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Eight AP Art students were selected to be showcased in the Dallas Young Artist Exhibition: Reilly Hanna (below-1), Sydney Johnston, Leah Kegerreis (below-2), Ashley McCuller, Patricia Sharon, Claire Shodeen (below-3), Adelaide Walker and Landry Walton (right-4) all represented TCA at the Blue Print Gallery. Leah Kegerreis was awarded third place for her mixed media piece! Congratulations to all of our brilliant creatives!

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SUMMER 2021

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GOOD WORKS Band Competition

College Commitments

This spring, the TCA Middle school and Upper School bands performed in the TPSMEA concert competition. The seventhand eighth-grade band received an “Excellent” rating, and the Upper School band received a top rating of “Superior.”

Congratulations to the following TCA athletes who will continue their sports at the collegiate level:

Honor Bands Congratulations to the following students for selection for region bands with the Association of Texas Small School Bands and the Texas Private School Music Educators Association:

ATSSB High School All-Region Band Flute – Lucy Dennis; Clarinet – Ayla Francis, Sarah Gerard; French Horn – Ally Gerard; Trombone – Hannah Burke, Owen Ellis, Kylie Jones

Rex Ah Chu – Soccer, Bates College

Collin Groezinger – Soccer, Wheaton College

Luke Jun – Golf, Hardin-Simmons University

Joseph Nash – Football, Yale University

TPSMEA High School Honor Band Flute – Lucy Dennis; Clarinet – Sarah Gerard; French Horn – Ally Gerard; Trombone – Kylie Jones

ATSSB Middle School All-Region Band: Clarinet – Sergio Zuniga, Avery Wells, Taylor Ramsey; Percussion – Jackson Duke

TPSMEA Middle School Honor Band: Clarinet – Avery Wells; Trumpet – Avery Womble; Percussion – Jackson Duke

TPSMEA Vocal Music Awards Congratulations to the following students for their music achievements at the TPSMEA Region 1 Vocal Solo/ Ensemble Contest: Excellent Rating, Class 2 Song – Audrey Bryant Superior Rating, Class 2 Song – Avery Booker, Sneha Daniel, Haley Janacek, Ivy Jordan, Madeline Prescott, Hattie Sykes

Math Olympians Congratulations to our Middle School math students who competed at the ACSI Math Olympics. This year we competed on TCA’s campus with schools across the country in Virginia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Texas. Great job, Trojans!

Excellent Rating, Class 1 Song – Bryn Correa, Reagan Havel

Seventh-Grade Computation:

Superior Rating, Class 1 Song – Aubrie Amado, Allie Arthur, Hannah Ball, Gable Delp, Bailee Dortch, Anna Kutz, Rachel Mills, Peyton Townley, Ashley Woo

Fifth Place: Sophie Dennis

Excellent Rating, Class 1 ensemble: Allie Arthur, Avery Booker, Avery Coppell, Sneha Daniel, Bailee Dortch, Hannah Helt, Ivy Jordan, Rachel Mills

Second Place: Jackson Duke

Superior Rating, Class 1 ensemble: Allie Arthur, Sneha Daniel, Hannah Helt, Haley Janacek, Ivy Jordan, Peyton Townley

Third Place: Chloe Kimbrough

Eighth-Grade Computation: Fourth Place: Alexis Meyer Fifth Place: Takashi Shaw

Seventh-Grade Reasoning: First Place: Nathan Young

Superior Rating, Class 1 ensemble: Aubrie Amado, Gable Delp, Reagan Havel, Rachel Mills, Madeline Prescott, Hattie Sykes

Third Place: Ally Ballard

Superior Rating, Class 1 ensemble: Aubrie Amado, Hannah Ball, Ryan Berry, Bryn Correa, Gable Delp, Reagan Havel, Anna Kutz, Madeline Prescott

Second Place: Karys Karlow

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Eighth-Grade Reasoning: Third Place: Ana Sofia Zuniga

National Latin Exam Each year, seventh- and eighth-grade Latin students are given the opportunity to participate in the National Latin Exam with over 140,000 other students. Congratulations to these outstanding Latin students:

Eighth Grade (pictured right) Summa Cum Laude – Gold Medal: Addy Orozco, Lily Gossett and Ana Sofia Zuniga

Grades 9–11 Awards

Senior Awards

Bible: Mary Margaret Bell, Cody Polk

Valedictorian: Annie Xia

Magna Cum Laude: Claire Millet, Luke Oliver, Anna Garcia, Jackson Dean, Gael Garcia, Emma Helt, Ryan Elms, Avery Wells and Noah Rodgers

Drama I: Katherine Broyles, Landon Littleton

Salutatorian: Hannah Burke

Drama II: Cara Smith

Trinity Spirit: Kathryn Callahan

Spring Show Award: Ainsley Ferrell

Cum Laude: Molly Mattox, Sophia Latham, Logan McIntyre and Eliot Brookshire

Good Citizenship Award: Lauren Elms, William Sullivan

Men’s Chorus: Payne Bator

Trojan Heart: Kathryn Callahan, Collin Groezinger

Women’s Chorus: Sneha Daniel

Seventh Grade

Outstanding Musician Choir Award: Gable Delp, Soprano; John Badger, Tenor; Ben Sorgen, Bass

Scholar Athletes: Hannah Burke, Anthony Cundari

Maxima Cum Laude – Silver Medal: Ella Stewart, Karys Karlow, Alexis Meyer, Daniel Yang, Ava Dewey and Carlos Luna

Perfect Score/Summa Cum Laude–Gold Medal: Nathan Youn Summa Cum Laude – Gold Medal: Grace Fuller, Shea Spivey and Ally Ballard

Louis Armstrong Band Award: Owen Ellis

Maxima Cum Laude – Silver Medal: Victoria Zuniga, Scotty Drake, Cavanaugh Tripp, Chloe Mae Kimbrough, Madison McKenna, Lucas Cavazos, Reid Lindsay, Kellett Giles, Madison Parks, Kate Kroeger, Olivia Hammonds, Camille Williams, Kennedy Wood, Kendall Truitt, Evangeline Estrada, Hagan Casey, Hannah Coleman, Sebastian Lee, Summer Jakubek, Delaney Borud, Ryan Janacek, Theo Cheung and Caroline Hatton

H Photography: Kate Barclay

Magna Cum Laude: Kieffer Barclay, Collin Kilgore, Jaime Leyva, Lucy Anderson, Lauren Prideaux, Clary Bogda and Adysen Thibaudeau Cum Laude: Carsen Prideaux, Sophie Dennis and Hayes Hermes

Eighth-Grade Awards

H Studio Art: Sawyer Tripp H Drawing/Painting/Printmaking: Ally Lee, Josie Wilder H Sculpture: Gabrielle Parker H Drawing II/Painting II/Printmaking II: Emma Layman

Bible: Reagan Rodgers, Ashley Woo AP English: Luke Babler, Elizabeth Branstetter Senior Thesis: Hannah Burke, Leah Kegerreis, Adelaide Walker Advanced Drama: Lauren Elms, Evan Hennes Theater Director’s Award: Bryn Correa,Charles Crawford

History/English Grade 9: Nathan Chou, Lucy Dennis, Kylie Jones

Outstanding Theater Student: Lexy Babler, Austin Marquardt

History/English Grade 9: Carly Haggard, Morgan Hausz, Daniel Richardson

Outstanding Musician: Bryn Correa-Alto

History/English Grade 9: Mary Michael Graham, Justin Miller, Parke Turner

John Philip Sousa Award: Sarah Gerard

Algebra I: Zach Dodgen H Geometry: Owen Ellis

Spring Show: Will McIntosh Choral Director’s Award: Reagan Havel, Anna Kutz Band Director’s Award: Seth Bator, Hannah Burke, Peyton Hall, Jason Yang

Algebra II: Caroline Sharp

Trojan Band Award: Will Greenstein, Blaine Grimes, Avery Overberg

H Algebra II: Bethany Grimm

Band Member of the Year: Elizabeth Branstetter

H Trig/Intro to Calculus: Markus Schumacher H Trig/Calculus A: Justin Miller

Band: Jackson Duke, Brynn Lawrence, Avery Wells

Biology: Jackson Deuillet, Sawyer Tripp

Bible: Ava Dewey, Ryan Elms, Tee Parker, Ella Stewart

Pre-AP Biology: Alex Kim, Ally Lee

Bible Memory: Jackson Duke

Chemistry: Cece Bogda, Matthew Campbell

Choir: Ryan Elms, Sloan Nelson, Taylor Rasor, Shealy Seitz

Pre-AP Chemistry: Alana Soileau, Daniel Richardson

High Tech/Robotics: Hudson Joseph, Claire Millet, Tee Parker

Tri-Athletes: Sarah Gerard, Connor Graham

Physics: Brooks Krantz, Johnny Lipscomb, Preston Spears

AP Art: Sydney Johnston, Leah Kegerreis, Adelaide Walker Digital Art: Eva Kutz AP Government: Reagan Havel Finite Math: Sydney Johnston Trig/Intro Business Calc: Claire Andrews AP Calculus AB: Anthony Cundari AP Calculus BC: Landry Walton

AP Physics Mechanics: Max Wheless

AP Biology: Grace Weir

History/English: Ava Dewey, Ryan Elms, Karys Karlow, Carlos Luna, Ella Stewart

AP Computer Science: Richelle Kim, Dylan Kinley

Honors Anatomy & Physiology: Claire Andrews, Hannah Little

H Python: James Crawford, Bethany Grimm

Field Ecology: Boone Simms

Latin: Eliot Brookshire, Karys Karlow, Addy Orozco

TNT Award: Seth Pinto

AP Chemistry: Hannah Burke

Mathematics: Karys Karlow, Takashi Shaw

EMS Award: Emma McIntyre

Honors Astronomy: Leah Kegerreis

Science: Eliot Brookshire, Karys Karlow, Lily Gossett

French I: Heather Brownlee

Honors Engineering Design: Will Mercer, Lauren Wright

Speech/Drama: Claire Lazenby, Brennan McNaught

H French II: Elleanna Berthel, Gabrielle Parker Pre-AP French III: Sydney Wayte

Tech-Stop Intern: Brooks Heard

Visual Art: LaTaijah Lewis, Alexis Meyer, Maya Nguyen, Addy Orozco, Ana Sofia Zuniga

Spanish I: Grace Leverton, Molly Youn Spanish II: April Elkhay H Spanish II: Jake Callahan, Jack Drake Spanish III: Markus Schumacher Pre-AP Spanish III: Isabela Figueroa

Senior Level Computer Science: Kelly Dance, Evan Hennes AP Spanish IV: Reagan Rodgers AP French IV: Ashley Woo Yearbook: Paige Cotter, Kjirsta Olson, Peyton Prideaux, Reagan Rodgers

SUMMER 2021

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The

Honor Roll Congratulations to all these students who made the Second Trimester Honor Rolls:

Summa Cum Laude GPA of 4.2 or higher Seniors Rex Ah Chu Claire Andrews Lexy Babler Luke Babler Libby Barnes Seth Bator Molly Berryman Elizabeth Branstetter Taya Burgett Hannah Burke Brianna Byrd Kathryn Callahan Dawson Chaffin Emily Clay Bryn Correa Jack Courtney Charlie Crawford Anthony Cundari Victoria Dahncke Kelly Dance Connor Dewey Brady Doyle Lauren Elms Claire Floyd Sarah Gerard Jake Gore Connor Graham Collin Groezinger Reilly Hanna Jaxx Hatton Reagan Havel Evan Hennes Riley Herzog Emma Hodge Sydney Johnston Luke Jun Leah Kegerreis Lauren Lee Georgia Leeds Hannah Little Morgan Locke Austin Marquardt Luke Mays Will McIntosh Sophie McNeill Lane Meiser Daniel Nelson Kjirsta Olson Ryan O'Shea Avery Overberg Reagan Pierce Peyton Prideaux Brianna Queen

Reagan Rodgers Wilson Roe Patricia Sharon Claire Shodeen Boone Simms Joel Smitherman William Sullivan Ashton Karoline Waldrop Adelaide Walker Landry Walton Grace Weir Jackson Wells Addison Willey Conner Williams Ashley Woo Caroline Woodward Lauren Wright Annie Xia Jason Yang Kate Yanof Catherine Yates

Katherine Novakovich Madeline Prescott Olivia Priest Josie Raftelis Katie Reding Jackson Rogers Markus Schumacher Caroline Sharp Henry Smith Landrie Smith Preston Spears Sheridan Thexton Luke Tredennick Parke Turner Juliana Voth Lucas Walsh Sydney Wayte Mary Lauren Westover Max Wheless Camden Williams Connor Wines Emelie Wong

Juniors

Sophomores

Favour Abebefe James Badger Daniel Baker Cecilia Banderob Isabela BarrientosFigueroa Ellie Blocker Heath Booker Shannon Burchett Caroline Cinatl Alyssa Clemovitz Amelia Corliss Collin Dewey Lauren Elvebak Ainsley Ferrell Lynnson Fort Ben Francis Ryan Freese Mary-Michael Graham Payton Harper Anna Heidelbaugh Halle Hermes Isabella Jackson Emily Jones Emily Keramidas Brooks Krantz Emma Layman Jack Layman Annabel Lee Johnny Lipscomb Katelyn Long Jenna Lowrey Will Martin Allie Mays Mason Merchant Kayla Meyer Justin Miller Jayden Moore Emily Morris Mary Neuhoff

Courtney Anderson Kate Barclay Elleanna Berthel Cece Bogda Hannah Buford Jake Callahan Matthew Campbell Lauren Deaton Gable Delp Jack Drake Rose Duncan Ayla Francis Ally Gerard Ajay Goluguri Bethany Grimm Carly Haggard Kazia Handoko Morgan Hausz Aly Heidelbaugh Camie Jobe Richelle Kim Dylan Kinley Caroline Laible Charley Kate Ledebur Landon Littleton Joshua Liu Trinity Martin Emma McIntyre Maddie McMullen Lola McNeill Lexi Meador Max Merrifield Blake Muschalek Evan Olson Olivia Ouimette Gabrielle Parker Hailey Parmenter Seth Pinto Parker Prideaux Dhamar Ramirez

Jack Rea Kendall Reding Daniel Richardson Carson Roach Jordan Rutledge Sebastian Silva Cara Smith Alana Soileau Kate Solomon Joshua Staz Hunter Stegman Justin Sunwoo Collin Truitt Logan Walters Lily Yassa Andrew Yates Jocelyn Youn Samantha Zuniga

Freshmen Carolina Anderson John Badger Jacob Brennan Harrison Brown Kassadi Brown Heather Brownlee Teegan Burgett Nathan Chou Jared Courtney James Crawford Sneha Daniel Lucy Dennis Karalyn Ehmke Owen Ellis Bailey Ellsworth Joseph Fitzgerald Samuel Jenkins Kylie Jones Ivy Jordan Alex Kim David Kramp Ally Lee Annabelle Lee Grace Leverton Eliotte Lin Harper McFarlane David Meiser Aidan Mills Ava Mills Jake Overmann Dylan Rock Anna Sharpe Cate Woodward Christian Yang Molly Youn

8th Grade Eliot Brookshire Ella Eubanks Lily Gossett Karys Karlow Sean Meador Ella Stewart Avery Wells Ana Sofia Zuniga

7th Grade Ally Ballard Caroline Broyles Scotty Drake Grace Fuller Chloe Mae Kimbrough Kate Kroeger Katelyn Westover Nathan Youn

Magna Cum Laude GPA of 3.8–4.19 Seniors Blake Beal Luke Chan Audrey Anna Chance Zach Clift Paige Cotter Daniel Delp Olivia Dewey Will Greenstein Blaine Grimes Ella Grace Hattendorf Brooks Heard Andrew Ho Cade Holliday Anna Kutz Eva Kutz Jack Maust

Will Mercer Anna Muccio Caroline Murzin Delaney O'Shea Lindsay Shipley Emily Watters Luke Webber Jackson Wood Christopher Woodhouse

Juniors Aly Bayliss Mary Margaret Bell Kaylee Connell Avery Copple Abigail Crane Charlie Franke Kate Goodman Riley Hamilton Hannah Helt Hollis Jarrell Katie Johnson Lila Johnson Jonah Key Derek Martinez Alan Morrison Emma Neeman Schuyler Noordhoff Luke Peron Cody Polk Rhett Rice Anna Claire Somich Blaire Weiss

Sophomores Will Bowling David Boylan Jenna Branstetter Tanner Conine William Ferem Hannah Garcia Caitlyn Hackney George Hall Landon Ham Peyton Hatfield Taylor Hervey James Jeter Luke Johnston JJ Leverton Jaxon Liethen Aidan McCauley Emily Mercer Reed Neatherlin Tyler Osterloh Lilly Pool Kathryn Richardson Reese Ryland Kate Smith Emma Kate Sullivan Ruby Watts Josie Wilder

Freshmen Allie Arthur Cody Baker Finn Barton Payne Bator Gabriel Bibawi Tripp Black Avery Booker Katherine Broyles Audrey Bryant Georgia Clay Trey Costolo Zach Dodgen Luke Dore Deacon Dortch Audrey Hestwood Haley Janacek Lauren Janson William Lehman Trey Malin Erick Martinez Mycah McKelvey Erick Mills Luca Palazzo Cate Pou Ensley Pounds Avery Sulzen Sawyer Tripp Cade Trotter Luke West

8th Grade Lyla Brown Parker Burch Ava Dewey Jackson Duke Annabella Hays Emma Helt Alexa Herrington Abby Jun Brynn Lawrence Elijah Liu

Kelsey Long Katherine Lowrey Carlos Luna Molly Mattox Ava McNaught Alexis Meyer Claire Millet Ellie Neeman Sloan Nelson Blair Neumayer Maya Nguyen Caleb Olson Addy Orozco Tee Parker Lilly Parrill Sophia Pfannstiel Rachel Rice Noah Rodgers Lexie Ronde Shealy Seitz Mae Sharpe Takashi Shaw Daniel Yang Sergio Zuniga

7th Grade Lucy Anderson Brent Baker Ellery Barton Bliss Bell Delaney Borud Ella Bricker Hagan Casey Theo Cheung Tyler Chiang Hannah Grace Coleman Sophie Dennis Isaac Duhaney Evie Estrada Hunter Flatt Cameron Ham Olivia Hammonds Caroline Hatton Camie Hausz Lily Jeane Hayes Hayes Hermes Summer Jakubek Caitlin Johnson Collin Kilgore Campbell Laible Sebastian Lee Reid Lindsay Morgan Lohr Madison McKenna Charlie Montgomery Dutch Murzin Kate Overmann Madison Parks Carsen Prideaux Lauren Prideaux Addie Rackley Taylor Ramsey Shea Spivey Adysen Thibaudeau Cavanaugh Tripp Kendall Truitt Annie Turner Camille Williams Avery Womble Kennedy Wood Charlie Zimmerman Victoria Zuniga

Cum Laude GPA of 3.5–3.79 Seniors Ben Branning Ian Collier Trey Dyess Gracie Hudgins Jon Paul Lipe Evan Mawhee Ashley McCuller Jackson McFarlane Jack McNeill Joseph Nash Jake Schneider Gavin Thornton Kate Walliser Caroline Williams

Juniors Grace Anderson Madyson Benschneider Olivia Brennan Brody Davis Claire Grimes

Rachel Mills Anna Roussos Gehrig Scott Ben Sorgen Will Spivey Sterling Wyman

Sophomores Hannah Ball Luke Berglund Kyle Causey Cole Coronado Harrison Crow Rex Day Michael Graham Hayden Heflin Wyatt Merrill Sophia Miller John Montgomery Maxwell Morland Charlie Nine Jake Nolan Ella Kate Priest Hannah Schneider Christopher Sharon Mason Smith Chance Snyder Hunter Springer Nick Wenzel Brian Yates

Freshmen Chloe Borud Bretton Brantley Blake Broekemeier Lexi Cowan Olivia Cundari Lindsey Dorman Aidan Dortch Bailee Dortch Dylan Eubanks Camille Getz Dawson Harper Beck Henry Brooks Higginbotham Kate Hurley Kennedy Jacocks Jace Lamb Olivia Ledebur Dillard Leeds Quade MacFadyen Eleni McInnis Lexi Mikula Annika Powers Steven Ramos Bree Ramsey Braden Shults Evelyn Sullivan Hank Valenta Maddox Vines Tex Walliser

8th Grade Jenna Barker Hannah Belf John Clark Taylor Clarke Jackson Dean Ryan Elms Lauren Greenstein Hudson Joseph Sophia Latham Shelby Martgan Max McConathy Logan McIntyre Luke Oliver Brayden Rice Parker Springer Brett Yanof

7th Grade Rivers Amison Caroline Antush Clary Bogda Lucas Cavazos Reese Cherry Brandon Chou Annabelle Hestwood Will Hubbell Ryan Janacek Mae Johnson Ella Krone Parker Matthews Beck Nelson Samantha Niederhofer Jaime Ramirez Leyva Megan Ryland Katie Scott Libby Smith Katie Spears Scotland Stewart Noah Stinson Violet Truly Caleb Van Duinen

Congratulations to all these students who made the Third Trimester Honor Rolls:

Summa Cum Laude GPA of 4.2 or higher Seniors Claire Andrews Lexy Babler Luke Babler Libby Barnes Seth Bator Molly Berryman Elizabeth Branstetter Taya Burgett Hannah Burke Brianna Byrd Kathryn Callahan Dawson Chaffin Audrey Anna Chance Emily Clay Bryn Correa Jack Courtney Charlie Crawford Anthony Cundari Victoria Dahncke Kelly Dance Connor Dewey Brady Doyle Lauren Elms Claire Floyd Sarah Gerard Jake Gore Collin Groezinger Reilly Hanna Reagan Havel Evan Hennes Riley Herzog Emma Hodge Luke Jun Leah Kegerreis Lauren Lee Georgia Leeds Hannah Little Morgan Locke Austin Marquardt Luke Mays Sophie McNeill Lane Meiser Will Mercer Anna Muccio Ryan O'Shea Avery Overberg Reagan Pierce Peyton Prideaux Brianna Queen Reagan Rodgers Wilson Roe Patricia Sharon Claire Shodeen Boone Simms Joel Smitherman William Sullivan Ashton Karoline Waldrop Adelaide Walker Landry Walton Emily Watters Luke Webber Grace Weir Jackson Wells Addison Willey Conner Williams Ashley Woo Caroline Woodward Lauren Wright Annie Xia Jason Yang Kate Yanof Catherine Yates

Juniors Favour Abebefe James Badger Daniel Baker

Cecilia Banderob Isabela BarrientosFigueroa Ellie Blocker Shannon Burchett Alyssa Clemovitz Amelia Corliss Collin Dewey Lauren Elvebak Ainsley Ferrell Lynnson Fort Ben Francis Ryan Freese Mary-Michael Graham Payton Harper Anna Heidelbaugh Hannah Helt Halle Hermes Isabella Jackson Emily Jones Emily Keramidas Brooks Krantz Emma Layman Jack Layman Annabel Lee Johnny Lipscomb Katelyn Long Jenna Lowrey Will Martin Allie Mays Mason Merchant Kayla Meyer Justin Miller Jayden Moore Emily Morris Mary Neuhoff Schuyler Noordhoff Katherine Novakovich Luke Peron Madeline Prescott Olivia Priest Josie Raftelis Katie Reding Jackson Rogers Markus Schumacher Caroline Sharp Landrie Smith Preston Spears Sheridan Thexton Luke Tredennick Parke Turner Juliana Voth Lucas Walsh Sydney Wayte Mary Lauren Westover Max Wheless Camden Williams Connor Wines Emelie Wong

Sophomores Courtney Anderson Kate Barclay Elleanna Berthel Jenna Branstetter Jake Callahan Matthew Campbell Lauren Deaton Gable Delp Jack Drake Rose Duncan Ayla Francis Ally Gerard Ajay Goluguri Bethany Grimm Carly Haggard Kazia Handoko Morgan Hausz Aly Heidelbaugh Camie Jobe Richelle Kim Dylan Kinley Caroline Laible Charley Kate Ledebur Landon Littleton Trinity Martin Emma McIntyre Maddie McMullen

Lola McNeill Lexi Meador Max Merrifield Reed Neatherlin Evan Olson Olivia Ouimette Gabrielle Parker Hailey Parmenter Parker Prideaux Dhamar Ramirez Daniel Richardson Carson Roach Jordan Rutledge Sebastian Silva Cara Smith Alana Soileau Joshua Staz Justin Sunwoo Collin Truitt Logan Walters Ruby Watts Lily Yassa Andrew Yates Jocelyn Youn Samantha Zuniga

Freshmen Carolina Anderson Allie Arthur John Badger Finn Barton Payne Bator Jacob Brennan Harrison Brown Kassadi Brown Heather Brownlee Nathan Chou Jared Courtney James Crawford Sneha Daniel Lucy Dennis Karalyn Ehmke Owen Ellis Bailey Ellsworth Samuel Jenkins Kylie Jones Ivy Jordan Alex Kim David Kramp Ally Lee Annabelle Lee Grace Leverton Eliotte Lin David Meiser Aidan Mills Jake Overmann Dylan Rock Cate Woodward Christian Yang Molly Youn

8th Grade Eliot Brookshire Ava Dewey Ella Eubanks Lily Gossett Karys Karlow Sloan Nelson Addy Orozco Cole Pritchard Rachel Rice Takashi Shaw Ella Stewart Daniel Yang Ana Sofia Zuniga

7th Grade Ally Ballard Grace Fuller Olivia Hammonds Chloe Mae Kimbrough Carsen Prideaux Lauren Prideaux Kendall Truitt Camille Williams Nathan Youn

Magna Cum Laude GPA of 3.8–4.19 Seniors Rex Ah Chu Blake Beal Zach Clift Paige Cotter Daniel Delp Connor Graham Will Greenstein Blaine Grimes Jaxx Hatton Brooks Heard Andrew Ho Cade Holliday Sydney Johnston Anna Kutz Eva Kutz Jon Paul Lipe Jack Maust Will McIntosh Jack McNeill Caroline Murzin Daniel Nelson Kjirsta Olson Delaney O'Shea Lindsay Shipley Caroline Williams Jackson Wood Christopher Woodhouse

Juniors Grace Anderson Aly Bayliss Madyson Benschneider Heath Booker Olivia Brennan Caroline Cinatl Kaylee Connell Avery Copple Abigail Crane Charlie Franke Kate Goodman Claire Grimes Riley Hamilton Sophie Hunt Hollis Jarrell Katie Johnson Lila Johnson Jonah Key Derek Martinez Alan Morrison Emma Neeman Mark Nilson Cody Polk Rhett Rice Anna Roussos Anna Claire Somich Ben Sorgen Blaire Weiss Sterling Wyman

Sophomores Cece Bogda Will Bowling David Boylan Hannah Buford Cole Coronado Rex Day William Ferem Hannah Garcia Caitlyn Hackney Peyton Hatfield James Jeter Jaxon Liethen Joshua Liu Aidan McCauley Emily Mercer Wyatt Merrill Sophia Miller

Blake Muschalek Tyler Osterloh Seth Pinto Lilly Pool Jack Rea Kendall Reding Kathryn Richardson Reese Ryland Kate Smith Mason Smith Kate Solomon Nick Wenzel Josie Wilder

Freshmen Cody Baker Gabriel Bibawi Avery Booker Blake Broekemeier Katherine Broyles Audrey Bryant Teegan Burgett Georgia Clay Trey Costolo Zach Dodgen Luke Dore Deacon Dortch Joseph Fitzgerald Dawson Harper Beck Henry Audrey Hestwood Brooks Higginbotham Dillard Leeds William Lehman Trey Malin Sam Martin Harper McFarlane Mycah McKelvey Ava Mills Erick Mills Luca Palazzo Cate Pou Avery Sulzen Sawyer Tripp Cade Trotter Maddox Vines Luke West

8th Grade Hannah Belf Lyla Brown Jackson Dean Jackson Duke Ryan Elms Annabella Hays Emma Helt Alexa Herrington Abby Jun Brynn Lawrence Elijah Liu Kelsey Long Katherine Lowrey Carlos Luna Shelby Martgan Molly Mattox Ava McNaught Sean Meador Claire Millet Ellie Neeman Blair Neumayer Maya Nguyen Luke Oliver Caleb Olson Tee Parker Lilly Parrill Sophia Pfannstiel Reagan Ramsey Brayden Rice Lexie Ronde Shealy Seitz Mae Sharpe Avery Wells Sergio Zuniga

7th Grade Lucy Anderson Brent Baker Ellery Barton

Bliss Bell Delaney Borud Ella Bricker Caroline Broyles Lucas Cavazos Reese Cherry Theo Cheung Tyler Chiang Hannah Grace Coleman Sophie Dennis Scotty Drake Isaac Duhaney Evie Estrada Hunter Flatt Caroline Hatton Lily Jeane Hayes Hayes Hermes Caitlin Johnson Collin Kilgore Kate Kroeger Campbell Laible Sebastian Lee Reid Lindsay Morgan Lohr Madison McKenna Charlie Montgomery Macie Munoz Dutch Murzin Kate Overmann Madison Parks Addie Rackley Taylor Ramsey Megan Ryland Libby Smith Katie Spears Shea Spivey Adysen Thibaudeau Cavanaugh Tripp Annie Turner Katelyn Westover Kennedy Wood Charlie Zimmerman Victoria Zuniga

Cum Laude GPA of 3.5–3.79 Seniors Ben Branning Luke Chan Ian Collier Olivia Dewey Will Duncan Trey Dyess Ella Grace Hattendorf Ashley McCuller Jackson McFarlane Brian Morris Joseph Nash Jake Schneider Gavin Thornton Kate Walliser

Juniors Aubrie Amado Mary Margaret Bell Brody Davis Weston McCabe Rachel Mills Jack Morrison Samuel Rodriguez Gehrig Scott Henry Smith Will Spivey

Sophomores Kyle Causey Tanner Conine Michael Graham Landon Ham Taylor Hervey

Luke Johnston JJ Leverton Christopher Sharon Chance Snyder Hunter Springer Hunter Stegman Emma Kate Sullivan Brian Yates

Freshmen Tripp Black Chloe Borud Bretton Brantley Max Burchett Lexi Cowan Olivia Cundari Jackson Deuillet Aidan Dortch Bailee Dortch Dylan Eubanks Camille Getz Ryleigh Habern Bruce Hinson Kate Hurley Kennedy Jacocks Haley Janacek Lauren Janson Jace Lamb Olivia Ledebur Quade MacFadyen Erick Martinez Eleni McInnis Lexi Mikula Wesley Moss Holden Persefield Ensley Pounds Annika Powers Steven Ramos Bree Ramsey Sydney Ridnour Anna Sharpe Braden Shults Evelyn Sullivan Lucy Tredennick Hank Valenta Tex Walliser Natalie Weissinger

8th Grade Jenna Barker Parker Burch Hudson Joseph Sophia Latham Tommy Linquist Alexis Meyer Noah Rodgers Noah Simpson Parker Springer Brett Yanof

7th Grade Rivers Amison Caroline Antush Olivia Arnold Kieffer Barclay Clary Bogda Rhett Breedlove Hagan Casey Brandon Chou Cameron Ham Camie Hausz Annabelle Hestwood Summer Jakubek Ella Krone Parker Matthews Samantha Niederhofer Katie Scott Avery-Kate Spence Scotland Stewart Landon Studer Olivia Tristan Violet Truly Caleb Van Duinen Jonah Webber Avery Womble Jonathan Yeh

FACULTY FOCUS

Extraordinary

Educators

Frances Gannon, 27 years

“Mrs. Frances Gannon retires from TCA after serving for 27 years as a teacher of Latin, leading the Middle School Latin Department, overseeing different grade-level teams and impacting the lives of both students and colleagues. Generations of students who have come through Mrs. Gannon’s classroom have benefited from broadening their vocabulary, growing in their understanding of grammar, deepening their background knowledge of Western civilization through research projects and tackling the challenge of taking the National Latin Exam. Generations of colleagues who have worked with Frances have benefited from her listening ear, her high professional standards and educational experience, her sense of humor and her wisdom in navigating the challenges of life outside of school.

“One of the best examples of her dedication to her students and to her chosen subject was her commitment to teaching Latin to Upper School students in a ‘zero hour’ setting— coming to school and teaching a class before the start of the school day—for half a decade.

“Gratias tibi ago, Mrs. Gannon, for showing us what it looks like to consistently and faithfully love God, your students, their parents, your colleagues and Latin over all your years here at TCA!” —Scott Berthel, head of Middle School

Laurie Dickens, 24 years “Laurie is musically gifted, energetic and has an abiding love for the gospel. As the elementary music teacher, she led countless productions, always pointing others to Christ through her students’ performances.

“Laurie stomped with second grade, traveled around the world at Christmas time with our third-graders and finished each year with the rousing patriotic musical, In God We Trust. This twenty-year tradition is a highlight of our fourth-graders, and ‘Eagle Eye’ is always mentioned in senior memories at graduation. She has given children the opportunity to discover a lifelong passion for the arts. The seeds planted have bloomed into brilliant artists who understand their God-given gifts are used to honor God and serve others. We expect Laurie’s name to be mentioned in gratitude during an Oscar acceptance speech some day!

“We love you, Laurie, and are immensely grateful for your 24 years of joyous service in the Lower School.”

—Anne Badger, head of Lower School

Nancy Cunningham, 23 years “Nancy is the Lower School worker bee. She was often the first teacher to arrive and the last teacher to leave in the evening. She diligently tutored children after school and for many students provided that much needed reinforcement to master challenging skills. She quietly cheered on struggling learners with her encouragement and patient instruction.

Nancy’s classroom was always brilliantly organized, and she created a classroom community where students thrived. The Lower School staff will also miss her amazing culinary skills at our Mary & Martha celebrations.

Nancy is a warm and gracious hostess.

“Her colleagues and families appreciate her steadfastness, attention and care for each of her students and her immense joy in sharing the grace and truth of Jesus with her class. Nancy understands the mission of TCA and faithfully upholds this vision in her classroom.

“We love you, Nancy, and are thankful for your 23 years of faithful service!”

—Anne Badger, head of Lower School

12 TRINITY TODAY

These dedicated employees who are leaving this year have served our TCA students, families and community with excellence and grace over the last two decades! Read what our school heads had to say about these TCA treasures whom we will miss dearly.

Donna Miller, 21 years “Donna Miller is a beloved master teacher. Her students and families have seen what it means to be a fully devoted follower in love with Jesus, to sacrificially give of one’s talents and gifts for the benefit of others and how to boldly love others without judgment. As Dave Delph noted, ‘The impact you had in my Lauren’s life (the very year she chose to make a public declaration of her faith in Christ) was clearly a turning point in her spiritual growth . . . and you attended her baptism at SMU’s natatorium. What an impact that had on her—and her mom and dad! I’m certain I am only one of 400 who are thankful to you for planting seeds, watering them and allowing us to watch them grow. You have been ever faithful.’

“Donna’s humility, wisdom and discipleship have set the bar high for her fellow colleagues. In her classroom she has led her students in joyous cheers, faithfully conferenced with students at her desk and on bended knee demonstrated complete submission to God’s will through her fervent prayer life. We have all been blessed by Donna’s prayers.

“We love you, Donna, and congratulations on your 21 years of faithful service to TCA!” —Anne Badger, head of Lower School

Suzy Gooch, 21 years “Mrs. Suzy Gooch has been a fixture in the Middle School Learning Lab for 21 years, but that is a designation which deserves explanation! While she has faithfully served in the Learning Lab all these years, she has rarely been ‘fixed in place’ during that time. In her calm, steady and methodical way, she is constantly moving among her different students as she tracks their work, attends to their questions, holds them accountable and consistently reminds them that they can do this . . . whatever ‘this’ may be!

“With her kind, gentle and loyal spirit, Mrs. Gooch has been instrumental in creating a place in which students are consistently shown and reminded that they are created in the image of God and endowed with the ability to fulfill the purposes for which He designed them. Helping students, parents and teachers understand how to navigate the presence of learning differences during the Middle School years means that there is no such thing as a ‘typical, normal, predictable day’ in the Learning Lab. A fixture, yes; fixed in place, no! Constantly moving, constantly thinking about her charges, constantly caring for their hearts as she challenged their minds and habits, Mrs. Gooch has loved and served our Learning Lab students with wisdom, patience and hope.”

—Scott Berthel, head of Middle School

Janie Heard, 17 years “Janie Heard is known for ‘taking care’ of kids. Whether the student is in a discipline situation, has a chronic illness or condition or is suffering a broken heart, Janie spends time above and beyond what is asked or expected. She spent her work hours engaged in conversation and problem-solving for students and any issues they confronted. Janie’s business as an educator was people, and love was her currency. We will miss her participation in all aspects of school life, which often included her answering the teacher’s questions in the classes she was observing, her wacky costumes she wore during homecoming dress-up weeks (Miss Piggy was a fan favorite) and her faithful attendance to all the performing arts shows as well as many other student events. Mrs. Heard loved the faculty, students and their parents here at TCA over the last seventeen years and loved them well.

She will be missed. We wish her the best as she satisfies her love for travel with many trips planned with Mr. Heard. Bon voyage, Janie!”

—Kyle Morrill, head of Upper School

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40

FACULTY FOCUS

YEARS Bill Bradley

35 YEARS Dave Delph

20 YEARS

25

Julie Scheer, Radu Sucilea and Angie Cox

YEARS

Dawn Pownell, Joseph Acker, Didi Henderson, Vicki Gillespie, Dan Mills and Lynne Klein

15 YEARS

Cindy Neff (not pictured) and Teresa Rosario

10

YEARS Caryn Thexton, Karen Fields, Donna Connell, Jennifer Moore, Holly Bator and Kendall Ellis Not pictured: Pam Heard

5

Front row: Julie Francis, CeCe Scott, Emily Eyre, Belinda Branstetter and Allison Freet, Back row: Pam Larson, Jalyn Wells, Joel Partin and Matt Lambro YEARS Not pictured: Heidi Hanna, Kelly Olson and Tina Shodeen

Faithfully

SERV ING 14 TRINITY TODAY

THANK YOU and BEST WISHES Thank you to these special employees who are leaving us: Chris Allen (2 1/2 years), Gia Berryman (12 years), Keri Brookshire (1 year), Nancy Cunningham (23 years), Laurie Dickens (24 years), Kelli Duhaney (6 years), Susie Feldman (13 years), Frances Gannon (27 years), Suzy Gooch (21 years), Tenley Gummelt (3 years), Janie Heard (17 years), Christi Hemmeline (1 year), Ashley Joseph (2 years), Tami Merchant (3 years), Donna Miller (21 years), Kelly Olson (5 years), Chelsea Paterson (3 years), Cindy Reding (1 year), Kathryn Rossi (1 year), Charla Thomas (14 years), Aileen Vidaud (3 1/2 years), Cyndi Walton (12 years) and Kara Williams (7 years)

PARENT-TEACHER FELLOWSHIP

Junior-Senior Banquet This year’s Junior-Senior Banquet took place on Sunday, April 11, at the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center. This event is a long-standing TCA tradition in which the junior class hosts a banquet to honor the seniors and present them with their individual character quality. Working closely with the hotel on COVID guidelines and restrictions, we were pleased to find a way to have this event! The junior students presented the seniors with their character qualities written by them. The senior parents and students were seated in the ballroom for the entirety of the event, and the junior students were able to join their senior on stage for the presentation. Jason Groezinger was the speaker chosen by the senior students to give the address for the event. Jason is the chair of the Upper School Math Department and gave a message on “What It Means to Commence.” The message was thoughtful and inspiring. Since no dinner was served, the seniors and their parents were given a charcuterie bag as they departed.

Thank you to Lynn Wines, this year’s Junior-Senior Banquet chair, and her committee members for all their work on this event! And thank you to all the junior parents who helped make this event such a special night for the seniors and their parents and to the additional volunteers who signed up to help as well.

JSB Committee: Lynn Wines, chair, Caryn Blocker, Christi Hays, Wendy Hermes, Tracy Krantz, Brianna Long, Niki Lowrey, Stacy Noordhoff, Cindy Reding, Wendy Sorgen, Andrea Spivey, Allison Sykes, Ashley Turner, Tricia Westover

Grateful for their Leadership A tremendous thank-you to the 2020-21 PTF Board: President Susan Mattox, Vice President Becky Jones, Secretary Shawnnah Parrill and Treasurer Noel Pierce. TCA is grateful for all the time you devote to the school and all the support you provide through the room mother program, uniform resale, rebate programs, teacher appreciation events held throughout the year and the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon that you host. Thank you for your service and for volunteering in such a signifcant and crucial role!

SUMMER 2021

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CLASS ACTS

EASTER TREASURE HUNT Our Lower School community sure does know how to throw an Easter party! We had bunny-shaped treats, wore bunny hats and shared the gospel to our parents with our amazing treasure boxes. Such a wonderful day to have our families together outside!

HISTORY IN THE MAKING We were thrilled to be able to have our fourth-grade musical, In God We Trust, this spring. This year marked Lower School music teacher Laurie Dickens’s 20th production of the musical paying tribute to the faith of the founding fathers of our country.

Our fourth-graders did an incredible job, and we are so proud of their talent and hard work!

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I N G O D W E T R U S T P H O T O B Y D AV I D C H A F F I N

LOW E R S C H O O L

WONDER-FUL LEARNING As a part of their study of ancient wonders of the world, kindergarten classes had fun learning about the Egyptian pyramids. They revisited the story of Moses and Pharaoh in Egypt, created their own Egyptian masks and built pyramids with all kinds of materials.

CHARLOTTE’S WEB DAY It was an absolutely RADIANT and TERRIFIC day to have a picnic! To cap off their reading of the beloved story, our third-graders and their parents celebrated Charlotte’s Web Day all together at Tom Landry Stadium!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN! Kindergarten and preK took over the gym for Field Day with their footballs, hula hoops and bowling pins.

First- and second-grade Field Day were a blast at Tom Landry Stadium.

Games were played and memories were made!

We are thankful for our Dads Club and everyone who made these Field Days possible.

P H O T O S B Y T C A F A C U LT Y

SUMMER 2021

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CLASS ACTS

ROME IN A DAY

INTO THE WILD

This is one of TCA’s most loved traditions.

Our fifth-graders sold their goods to their teachers and other middle school friends just like the Romans did! By using their math skills and creative marketing, our students made today a huge success.

In May, we were excited to get to return to the Ozark Mountains for our traditional Wilderness Trip for eighth-graders. In 2020, we only had a virtual trip due to COVID-19. This rite-of-passage trip allows our students the opportunity to see God’s handiwork in nature and provides experiences that challenge them

CAN-DO CAMPERS Camp of the Hills was huge success! Our sixth-graders worked hard to help the Camp of the Hills staff prepare their facilities for summer camp. Our sixth-grade students and their wonderful Upper School student counselors did everything from painting wood signs to clearing out pastures. They also spent their days doing fun camp activities such as canoeing, swimming, high ropes, low ropes and volleyball. Then they gathered each evening for worship and to learn about the importance of loving and caring for each other. Overall, our sixth-graders had an amazing time serving with each other and deepening their relationship with the Lord and each other.

18 TRINITY TODAY

R O M A N F O R U M & R E N A I S S A N C E D AY P H O T O S B Y K E N D A L L E L L I S ; C A M P O F T H E H I L L S P H O T O S CO U R T E S Y O F M I C H E L L E B A I N & H O L LY B AT O R

M I D D LE S C H O O L & U PPE R S C H O O L

physically, emotionally and spiritually. The students were able to rappel down cliffs, canoe and raft down the Buffalo River, hike up the beautiful Indian Creek and help the Camp Orr Boy Scout Camp get ready for their summer programs. The adults and Upper School student counselors enjoyed leading and experiencing this exhausting week as they came alongside the eighthgraders to help them get the most of this unique end-of-the-year experience.

SENIOR TRIP The beginning of the year brought so much uncertainty for all of us.

One thing in particular was the Senior Trip. The traditional kick-offthe-year getaway in August couldn’t happen due to COVID-19. But the importance of this trip can’t be understated so Upper School Head Kyle Morrill worked feverishly to secure a trip for the class of 2021. Though the location and timing changed, our seniors had a wonderful experience at Young Life’s Trail West Camp. Each day was​ full of activities—disc golf, volleyball, cornhole, hiking, rafting, even horseback riding. In addition, the seniors enjoyed a trip to Monarch Pass for some pictures. God’s beauty combined with a fun and communal setting made for a trip that surpassed the students’ and faculty’s expectations by far.

W I L D E R N E S S T R I P P H O T O S B Y E T H A N F R A N C I S ; S E N I O R T R I P P H O T O S B Y K AT H R Y N C A L L A H A N ’ 21

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OU R W HOL E TC A COMM U N IT Y WA S ST R ETCHED T HIS Y E A R

in partnering together to pursue our mission of developing the whole person for the glory of God, and it was a challenge that was met head-on by this year’s seniors. On Thursday, May 20, family, friends, faculty and administration celebrated a succesful end to this trying year and the oustanding accomplishments of this year’s graduating class.

This year’s class boasted two National Merit Scholarship Winners, two National Merit Finalists, six National Merit Commended Students, two National Merit Recognition Scholars, five students going on to play varsity athletics in college, over $7.6 million in scholarships offered, a class average GPA of 4.011 and over 17,000 hours of community service in the last four years. Our seniors were accepted to over 100 colleges and universities, spanning 37 states, attesting to the excellent educational training that our students receive at TCA. Congratulations, Class of 2021! We anticipate and pray that you will continue to represent TCA and the Lord well both in your achivements and in your lives of service to Him!

PH O T O G R A PH Y BY J E F F M cW H O R T E R ’0 5

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SUMMER 2021

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Saying Goodbye to the Place WE Love O N M Y D O O R AT TC A I S A R E D H E A R T with this saying written on it:

And yet, graduation is a bittersweet time. Our students are leaving

“Before I became an administrator, I had no idea you could fit so many

their families and homes and churches for the next four years and

kids in one heart.” My heart has been full of students for 50 years, but

perhaps beyond that. And they are saying goodbye to this place,

while they will always be in my heart, each year I have to say goodbye

Trinity Christian Academy, that they love. While our college-prep

to the new graduates.

school has required hours and hours of study and practices, TCA has

Graduation is one of the favorite events at TCA. About 125 students

been a safe place in which they have grown and grown up. For some it

leave us each year—students that we believe are not at TCA by

has been 13 years; for others, perhaps only a few years, but during this

accident but by God’s providential design. The ceremony symbolizes

time, they have gotten ready for life. Now, it is time to go—and yes, it

a sweet ending and yet a monumental beginning. As each student

is bittersweet for them and for their families.

crosses the stage, the parents think about how quickly the years

It is bittersweet for me as well because I, too, am saying goodbye

went. At times, the days seemed long, but in a blink of an eye, the high

to this place I love. I also came to TCA by the good Lord’s direction.

school years are over.

In 1984, we were looking for a Christian school for our third-grader

It is an exciting time because we know our students are incredibly

when a neighbor told us about TCA. Little Bunny started that fall and

ready for the next phase of their lives. They have been taught by

graduated in 1994, and after a career in the Richardson schools, I

exemplary educators, they have expanded their knowledge, and they

came to TCA in 2004 to be the assistant head of the Upper School. I

have learned to think deeply and well. They have matured spiritually,

was here when my granddaughters, Emsley and Catie Grace, came to

made life-long friends, increased their talents, become better athletes

kindergarten. They left only because our son-in-law had a job transfer

and deepened their character and confidence. They have been loved,

to California. I saw what this good school did for my daughter and

mentored and prayed for. And now, they are truly

what it was doing for my granddaughters, and I know firsthand what

ready for the plans that the Lord has laid

an extraordinary place this is. It has been a privilege to spend these 17

before them, just as He promised in

years at TCA, where I have been loved and appreciated by students,

Jeremiah 29:11.

parents and colleagues—and where I have unconditionally loved these same people in return. What a gift the good Lord gave me!

So congratulations to our grads. To each I say we have faith in you, we care very deeply for you, and we thank you for enriching our lives.

For me personally, I thank you, TCA, for letting me finish my career as a teacher, counselor and administrator here at this God-ordained place and for giving me the most amazing students, families and colleagues to mentor, care for and love. And thank you, Jesus, for letting me serve You by serving Your children for all these 50 years. So as the students and I say goodbye, please know that our hearts are deeply touched as we say goodbye to this place we love.

B Y JA N I E H E A R D , A SSISTA N T H E A D OF U PPE R SCHO OL

24 TRINITY TODAY / 2021 COMMENCEMENT

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Joshua David Abebefe

Luke Jih Hsien Chan

Jacob Alexander Gore

Lauren Elisabeth Lee

Jonathan Blake Neve

Ashton Karoline Waldrop

Rex Taylor Ah Chu

Audrey Anna Chance

Connor Wade Graham

Georgia Camille Leeds

Delaney Lee O’Shea

Mary Adelaide Walker

Carter William Aiken

Emily Louise Clay

William Jason Greenstein

Jonathan Paul Lipe Jr.

Ryan Thomas O’Shea

Kate Marie Walliser

Claire Francis Andrews

Zachary Athens Clift

Blaine Kennedy Grimes

Hannah Elizabeth Little

Kjirsta Margaret Olson

Landry Kate Walton

Alexa Belle Babler

Ian Michael Collier

Collin Dalen Groezinger

Morgan Renae Locke

Avery Rose Overberg

Emily Kate Watters

Luke Jackson Babler

Bryn Annaliese Correa

Peyton Riley Hall

Austin Douglas Marquardt

Reagan Hayes Pierce

Luke Aaron Webber

Elizabeth Ward Barnes

Paige Caroline Cotter

Reilly Erin Hanna

Jackson Robert Maust

Peyton Elise Prideaux

Grace Olivia Weir

Robert Cade Barringer

Jack Worden Courtney

Ella Grace Hattendorf

Evan Bradford Mawhee

Brianna Elizabeth Queen

Jackson Christopher Wells

Kristian Joseph Batista

Charles Thomas Crawford

Jaxx Landry Hatton

Luke Tillman Mays

Reagan Avery Rodgers

Addison Grace Willey

Seth Edward Bator

Anthony Frank Cundari

Reagan Lisanne Havel

Ashley Nicole McCuller

Wilson Randy Roe

Caroline Grace Williams

Blake Henry Beal

Emma Victoria Dahncke

Jon Brooks Heard

Jackson Bain McFarlane

Jake Edward Schneider

Conner Steven Williams

Molly Kathryn Berryman

Kelly James Dance

Evan Antony Hennes

William Charles McIntosh

John Lukas Schumacher

Ashley Saem Woo

William Blake Birmingham

Daniel Silas Delp

Riley Kate Herzog

Jack Gaston McNeill

Patricia Marguerite Sharon

Jackson Carter Wood

Benson George Hebbard Branning Connor Michael Dewey University of Arkansas

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Andrew Le Huan Ho

Sophie Louise McNeill

Lindsay Michelle Shipley

Christopher Gregory Woodhouse

Elizabeth Grace Branstetter

Olivia Grace Dewey

Emma Grace Hodge

Cash Dewitt McStay

Claire Marie Shodeen

Caroline Mae Woodward

Dustin Cade Holliday

Delaney Ruth Meiser

Boone Buchanan Lee Simms

Andrew Roman Wright

Grace Elizabeth Hudgins

William Paul Mercer

Joel Wesley Smitherman

Lauren Avery Wright

Sydney Grace Johnston

Charles Brian Morris

Blake Gardner Sorrels

Annie HX Xia

Luke Andrew Jun

Anna Marie Muccio

William Perry Sullivan

Jason Yang

Leah Elizabeth Kegerreis

Caroline Conner Murzin

Gavin Jackson Thornton

Kathryn Grace Yanof

Anna Marie Kutz

Joseph Paul Nash

Jackson Robert Thornton

Catherine Anne Yates

Eva Christine Kutz

Daniel Cooper Nelson

Blinn College

Bates College

Baylor University

University of Georgia

University of Oklahoma Baylor University

University of Oklahoma Texas A&M University

University of Oklahoma

The University of Texas at Tyler Texas A&M University Texas A&M University Blinn College

Baylor University

Taya ReNea Burgett

Blinn College

Baylor University

Texas A&M University Blinn College

Grayson College

United States Air Force

Texas Christian University Texas A&M University

Oklahoma City University

The University of Texas at Austin Texas A&M University

Colorado School of Mines Austin Community College

Parsons School of Design at The New School

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Brady Scott Doyle

Hannah Grace Burke

William Peyton Duncan

Brianna Gabrielle Byrd

Jerry Clyde Dyess III

Kathryn Elizabeth Callahan

Lauren Lee Elms

Robert Kent Causey III

Claire Elizabeth Floyd

Dawson James Chaffin

Sarah Rachel Gerard

Washington and Lee University Baylor University

The University of Texas at Austin Baylor University

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University Baylor University

University of Oklahoma Texas A&M University University of Oklahoma Baylor University

University of Oklahoma Texas A&M University Texas A&M University University of Tulsa Wheaton College

University of Mississippi Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Southern Methodist University Baylor University

Oklahoma State University Southern Methodist University Fordham University Texas A&M University

The University of Texas at Austin Texas A&M University

University of Texas at Arlington University of Arkansas

Hardin-Simmons University The University of Texas at Austin Baylor University Baylor University

Washington University in St. Louis Texas A&M University

Louisiana State University Baylor University

The University of Texas at Austin University of Oklahoma Texas A&M University

University of Arkansas Texas A&M University

University of Colorado Boulder Texas A&M University Texas A&M University Auburn University

The University of Texas at Austin Texas Christian University University of North Texas Texas A&M University

Texas Christian University University of Arkansas The University of Texas at Austin The Taft School-Yale Prep School

University of Mississippi University of Arkansas Texas A&M University

University of Arkansas

Colorado School of Mines Texas A&M University

University of Oklahoma University of Virginia

The University of Texas at Austin Brown University

Louisiana State University Abilene Christian University The University of Texas at Austin Baylor University Baylor University

Clemson University

Texas A&M University Blinn College

Texas A&M University

University of Mississippi Baylor University

Baylor University

The University of Texas at Austin University of Oklahoma Baylor University Baylor University

The University of Texas at Dallas Texas A&M University Davidson College

Baylor University Baylor University

Texas A&M University

Johns Hopkins University Pennsylvania State University Louisiana State University Texas A&M University

East Texas Baptist University Baylor University

Northwestern University Rice University The University of Texas at Austin Baylor University

University of Memphis

SUMMER 2021

25

FINDING OUR

WAY TO

TC A F E E L S LI K E A B I G FA M I LY,

probably more so than many schools do. There is a common mission, the importance of which is felt strongly by all. There is a common commitment to one another that serves as a foundation for strong relationships as well as success. And there is love and affection. We are all a part of Trinity Christian Academy because we love being together, learning together, growing together and celebrating milestones together.

But how did we all get here? How did we all get to this place of calling people “my TCA family” who otherwise may be strangers? We asked some of our newer additions to the family, as well as some who have been around for a while, to tell us their stories of how they found their way to TCA. We hope you’ll be encouraged hearing how God has used these various TCA experiences as blessings that have significantly shaped these families’ and individuals’ lives. After all, most of us have similar stories of our own.

PHOTOGR APHY BY JEFF McWHORTER ’05

26 TRINITY TODAY

TCA

A

THE FOSTER FAMILY It has been a work of God in our lives to bring us to be a part of the TCA community because private school was never on our radar before we came to TCA. To see God work through the whole process was amazing.

Alix grew up in the projects in Houston and had never even heard of private school until he was in his twenties. We had planned on sending our kids to public school because it was how we were raised and all we really knew. We had been in full-time ministry for six years with Aparment Life, which is apartment ministry involving helping the tenants of an apartment complex with needs, helping new people move in, building community, showing love, planning events and eventually being able to share the gospel with people. Being a family in full-time ministry, our finances were tight. That was another reason we had not considered private school for our daughter.

But when the wheels started to turn on the process of applying to TCA, I don’t think it could have been more clear that God was a part of it. We could not have been able to connect the dots and make it all come together, but God had a plan.

We attend Watermark Community Church, and when we were first married, Hill and Lizabeth Bowman were our Foundation Group leaders. We got to know them and their son, Jackson, who was a TCA student, and we saw how involved they were at TCA, what amazing things the school was doing and how much their son had grown in Christ at such a young age. Sending a kid to college as a believer, prepared to be launched out into the world was something we desired for our family.

Alix had coached youth basketball, and the Wallisers were a TCA family whose son he coached. So TCA kept coming up in the people we met. Knowing what these families were doing at home and then seeing how the

school was coming alongside them to help their kids grow in Christ was something we strongly desired.

Not knowing if it would work out or not to send our kids to TCA, we said, “Why don’t we just apply? What can we lose?” And we are so glad we took that step. Hannah was accepted and has now finished her preK year. It has worked out amazingly. Hannah is thriving from an educational standpoint, and it has definitely been the best thing for her developmentally and spiritually. In our routine of talking about what was the best part of our day, she always tells about how she has made friends, how she loves her teacher, Mrs. Smith, and what activities she did.

She is eager to tell us the Bible verses she has memorized.

She loves to learn and is always thirsty for more, and TCA is a place where she can drink deeply.

One day Hannah told us, “I asked Jesus to come into my heart.” We asked her why she decided to do that, and without skipping a beat, she said, “I can’t love and be kind to my brother like I want to be, so I know I need Jesus in my heart.”

That is truly something that has to be a part of the foundation we have been able to lay through our faith and through connecting with other believers, family and now TCA, which has become another leaf, so to speak, on Hannah’s tree of faith. That has been the most amazing thing about the whole experience for us.

“Private school was never on our radar before we came to TCA. To see God work through the whole process was amazing.”

SUMMER 2021

27

MICHELLE BAIN, SIXTH-GRADE HISTORY/ENGLISH TEACHER While my dream to become a teacher stems back to my five-year-old self teaching my little brothers in front of my Little Tykes chalkboard as they sat at Playskool desks in our Michigan basement, my path specifically to TCA kicked off when I was seven. When Mrs. Berthel, the witty, energetic second-grade teacher, sat on her stool in front of my class at my Christian school near Detroit, reading to us from Little House on the Prairie, I knew, someday, that would be me.

The way God weaves intricate aspects of our lives together is mind-boggling. Only an omniscient God who transcends time could have placed me in Sally Berthel’s second-grade class, in Scott Berthel’s eighth-grade Bible class, and under Scott’s administrative leadership as a high school student. Only God could intertwine the threads of my mom taking over Sally’s librarian job at the same Detroit school and keeping up connections, while I voyaged off to several other states and countries after graduation, and the Berthels moved to Texas. Only God’s ultimate wisdom could turn my husband’s California business school internship into a job in Dallas, just miles from TCA, and lead me to hear about the school via my mom’s lunchroom conversation six states away. Only a God of love could encourage me to apply for this teaching job, have Scott Berthel pull my resume out of the stack based on his memory of me from 15 years prior and help me create an impression even though I was burnt out from some tough years at my school near Los Angeles and ready to throw in the teaching towel altogether.

The way God orchestrated my relationship and future with TCA decades before I ever imagined such a school existed blows me away and reminds me of the precision and love He exercises in each of our lives daily. God isn’t surprised by coincidences.

He constructs them.

The loving, supportive, encouraging community at TCA, within both the staff and student families, has poured new life into me, and I’m thrilled to watch my own children grow up in these halls under the love and Christ-centered leadership that marks TCA.

28 TRINITY TODAY / FINDING OUR WAY TO TCA

HOLLY FLOYD, UPPER SCHOOL LEARNING LAB DIRECTOR To begin with a bit of my background, I earned a master of arts degree in education administration along with a bachelor of arts in education. My teaching experience includes years of actively working in the public school arena, in the private Christian education sector and in community college. Specifically, I served as an assistant high school principal and head middle school principal at a Christian school in Austin, Texas.

My eyes were opened when my children began attending high school as two of the six of them have learning differences. As I began to search for assistance and support, I was disappointed and, quite frankly, concerned to find that there really were no reinforcements available, even at a private Christian high school in Austin. It was during this revelation that I felt God place on my heart to develop a learning lab for students with learning differences like those that my kids struggled with. From that point forward, I began my quest to discover everything I could about learning differences and successful support programs already set up in other schools.

While working as an administrator in Austin, I heard a lot about the learning lab at TCA from parents whose children attended there and had moved to Austin. In an effort to better

serve our students, I visited Trinity Christian Academy to learn more about the learning lab that was in place. After my visit, I began the process of developing a learning lab for students K–12 in Austin that was modeled after TCA’s.

I wanted to provide the same learning environment that fosters academic excellence and to establish a program to encourage and support students diagnosed with learning differences in order to ensure meeting their full potential.

My husband and I were in the Dallas area for the birth of our granddaughter in the summer of 2012. As our family was growing we knew we wanted to be near our grandchildren and be part of their lives. God began to lead me in a search for employment in the DFW area. I happened to run across TCA’s openings for employment. Kyle Morrill, head of Upper School, and Janie Heard, assistant head, provided me with the opportunity to interview, and I was hired! For nine years, I have been blessed to serve as the director of the Upper School learning lab.

Prayer with my students has been an integral part of life at TCA as the Lord provides a path for them to grow spiritually and become lifelong Christian leaders. Just as the Lord led me to TCA, I know He has a plan for all my students and will continue to bless our TCA family in the years to come!

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BARRY BIRMINGHAM, SEVENTH-GRADE BIBLE TEACHER, AND BEV BIRMINGHAM, ASSISTANT HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL Moving around the world with your family to work at a school may seem a bit unusual, even crazy to many, but the plans of the Lord are often much bigger than we can imagine. In 2015, God was leading our family to return to the United States after living several years overseas in Turkey and in South Korea working in missions through education. Our desire as a family was to find a Christian school where we could serve and where our children could thrive.

After learning of the position for the TCA Lower School assistant head and then the opening in the Middle School for teaching Bible, we were excited about the opportunities. Following interviews with all of the time differences, the Lord allowed our family to join this amazing community here at TCA. We are now in our sixth year here, and the relationships that have been built with our wonderful administrative team and faculty continues to be a blessing today. We have two children that are graduates of the school who have learned and grown tremendously through their opportunities. Our daughter, Mollie, graduated in 2017, and our son, Blake, just graduated in May. We truly love the work in the lower and middle schools and the children and families with which we partner. To see how God’s plans are greater than our own is something that we can testify to through our own personal experience, and we are grateful that He brought us to TCA.

30 TRINITY TODAY / FINDING OUR WAY TO TCA

SOLANGE KEMAJOU, UPPER SCHOOL FRENCH TEACHER I am God’s miracle. When people ask, “How did you become who you are?” or “What did you do to be where you are?”—I always give the same answer: Looking back at my past and my trajectory, my life is a true testimony of God’s miracles.

I come from an underprivileged family in Cameroon. When I was a kid, I knew that my parents were Christian merely because they went to church, and they baptized me when I was a baby. But being Christian did not have any meaning in my mind beyond going to church and being a kind and good person. It wasn’t until after my high school years that I came to experience the harsh realities and adversities of life. The years of being a college student were the worst times of my life: away from my family and on my own, I had to adjust to new rules and new ways of living. I came to understand that no matter how much of a “good person” I was trying to be, it didn’t make much of a difference. Then it became clear to me that accepting God in my life had less to do with checking a box but was all about acknowledging that Jesus is my savior. I then came to a deeper understanding of God’s love and presence, which in turn gave me the strength to wake up and fight for what I wanted. Accepting Jesus as my savior without trying to prove or showcase any “good deed” to earn God’s love marked the start of my Christian journey.

As I completed my master’s degree in Cameroon, I couldn’t find a job and had to confront joblessness, stress and sometimes idleness. And yet, I never gave up, for my faith in the Lord had grown stronger and deeper. After several years of “crossing the desert” as I love to think of it, God revealed himself through a miracle: I obtained a scholarship to come and pursue my doctoral studies in the United States. In retrospect, knowing where I came from and looking at what I have been able to achieve—earning a PhD and becoming a faculty member at TCA—there is no better way to put it than to say that I am God’s miracle, indeed.

After my doctoral studies from the University of Louisiana Lafayette, I reunited with my husband in Dallas. It was time to think about the next step, transitioning from a graduate

student’s life to a professional one. I spent almost five months looking for a job, and through the process I made the decision that it would be better for my son (going into preK at the time) for me not to pursue a career as a university professor. My prayers to the Lord were to open a door for me teaching in high school.

I knocked at two ISD doors, even ready to work as a substitute, but unfortunately, I kept hearing the same answer: “Why high school? You should apply to teach at a university!” I however never felt discouraged because deep in my heart I kept hearing this voice that boosted my optimism: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

One day, my husband had lunch with a friend from a Dallas university where he once gave a public lecture and was told that there was an open position for a high school French teacher at Trinity Christian Academy. He conveyed the news to me as soon as he came home. Interestingly, that day was our first time hearing about TCA. The fact that the school abides by Christian values reinforced my hopes, and I applied immediately, even before canvassing the school website to learn more. A few days later, I was invited for an interview and received a warm welcome during my first visit on campus. The atmosphere was so convivial that I felt like I had been a member of the TCA family before then.

Ever since, and until today, I can’t be grateful enough as I see the TCA community as a big family in which everyone is very friendly, ready to guide and help you genuinely. On that note, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Mrs. Janie Heard, assistant head of the Upper School, who has been a great source of courage and resilience and ultimately a great mentor since my initial interview. Altogether, the great work atmosphere has made it possible for me to share my knowledge with my amazing students, who are so engaged and engaging. Working at TCA clearly evidences what I said at the beginning, which is that I incarnate God’s miracle.

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THE TRIPP FAMILY We are a family of four, Michael and Katrina with our daughters, Sawyer, who just finished ninth grade, and Cavanaugh, who just finished seventh grade. We have relocated numerous times with Michael’s job as an executive at Lexus/Toyota, having lived in Belgium (most recently), Tokyo, Southern California, San Francisco and Denver. We enjoy traveling as a family and learning about other people, cultures and cuisines. We have visited over 30 countries together.

We joined TCA in the fall of 2019 when our family moved to Plano from Brussels, Belgium. During assignment in Brussels, Lexus & Toyota US Corporate Headquarters moved from Southern California to Plano, Texas, bringing us here upon our return from overseas. Schooling was a primary driver in deciding where we would purchase our home in the Dallas metro area, so we began looking almost a year before our return date, researching schools in the area while we were still in Belgium.

Some of our top considerations for our school choice were 1) a smaller size where the girls could complete middle school and high school without changing campuses, 2) a faithbased school, 3) offerings of studying French language as well as Japanese if possible, 4) a quality academic focus with a broad curriculum and extensive art program and 5) a family feel and opportunity for parent engagement. We first heard about TCA from Steve Brown, an executive at Toyota/Lexus and a TCA dad. We narrowed our search and decided on TCA, “surprising” the girls with taking TCA’s

required standardized admission tests during a Christmas break visit in 2018. It was not the best test-taking situation for them due to the time change flying in from Brussels the prior day, but the girls were ultimately admitted after our interview process. We shed tears of joy when we got news of our girls’ acceptance to TCA because we had fallen in love with the school during our visits.

TCA’s values of investing in and developing the whole person for the glory of God aligned with our beliefs and family values. Walking the halls, you could feel the positive energy and see the genuine interaction between faculty and students. The structure and protocol including a family contract, drug/alcohol policy and mandatory school uniforms set the appropriate expectations, aligning families with the school and holding all parties accountable to biblical standards.

Scott Berthel, head of Middle School, genuinely invested time getting to know our family, background and unique situation. It was clear from the beginning that Mr. Berthel had taken the time to get to know our girls before the video call, and he asked the best questions designed to get to the heart, soul and character of our girls beyond just their academic achievements.

In our experience of TCA over two years so far, the school, administration

32 TRINITY TODAY / FINDING OUR WAY TO TCA

and teachers walk the talk, bringing the school’s mission to life in how they act and specifically in their personal investment in our daughters as individuals. Our girls are developing Christ-like character and getting an incredible education. They are building good relationships with friends, teachers and faculty. Representing TCA in sports and being exposed to experiences like Friday Night Lights are new for the girls, having lived abroad. Experiencing the commitment, hard work, communication, planning, execution and flexibility by the TCA administration and teachers throughout the pandemic has been nothing short of incredible.

We can say with humility and sincerity that it is the grace and hand of God that brought our family to TCA. A process of eight moves across three continents over the past fifteen years has led our family to North Dallas and TCA. We cannot imagine a better school or group of faculty and friends to surround our girls with during these critical years in their life, and we are extremely grateful to be part of the TCA family.

EMMANUEL KIWELE, SOCCER COACH

I was born in the most difficult time, when my country, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was at war.

My family and I were forced to leave our country in 1998 because of the civil war. At the time, I was only one year old. My parents and I spent about two years in the jungle trying to find a safe place to stay, jumping from village to village. The situation in my country was really bad, so my family and other people decided to cross the border to Zambia in 2000. Not everyone survived.

Living in the refugee camp was the worst place ever. There is no prospect of future opportunities in the refugee camp; the only thing we did was work and try to survive. Children were dying of malaria and other illnesses, and there were no hospitals nearby for medical treatment. Seeing people die each day, seeing my mom cry each day and not knowing where the next meal will come from, it was like I was living in a nightmare. I kept asking God, Why am I here? Why us? Why are we suffering? Why are my people poor?

My family and I lived in a tent in the refugee camp. But no matter what, we were always supportive of each other. I remember my mom kept telling me to have hope and faith. She kept saying, “I know we don’t have

“I think coaching is a great way to share the love of God through the love of soccer.”

much, but what we have is what God wants us to have, and we need to be more thankful.” It was really hard for me to believe that, but I kept praying, and Jesus heard me.

Jesus comforted me, though I was too blinded to see it. I remember seeing my mom pray every day. All I can say is that God was watching over us, and he was in control of everything.

We left the camp in 2008, moving from Zambia to Dallas. It was the happiest day of my life. It was a dream come true. To me, it was like I was going to heaven. At that point, I knew I would show my talent to the world so people could see that a refugee kid can become a great man and achieve anything.

I met coach Zach Loyd in 2012 when he came to volunteer at Vickery United. Vickery United is a soccer team for young refugees living in the Dallas neighborhood at Vickery Meadow. Vickery United is also a faith-based nonprofit that is passionately reaching out to the refugee community with the love of Christ and the wonderful message of the gospel. From there Zach and I became really good friends; he became my mentor. I call him my brother from another mother.

As a kid, one of my dreams was to become a coach. So I talked to Zach about becoming a soccer coach, and he helped me get a job at TCA. I think coaching is a great way to share the love of God through the love of soccer. I am so blessed to have Zach and his family in life. I am also blessed to be living a dream and knowing if it all goes away tomorrow, I would still have peace. That’s the kind of peace Christ gives.

I wouldn’t be here without Christ. I also want to say thank you to TCA for allowing me to be a part of the family.

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THE LEYVA FAMILY My name is Jessica Leyva, and I work as a Navy recruiter in Carrollton, Texas. My son, Jaime, just finished his seventh-grade year, and this was our second year at TCA. God has used unique circumstances in my life and encouraging, godly people to get us to the point of being a part of the TCA community, and we are grateful for how He has worked.

In a way, TCA was a part of my testimony of coming to the Lord years ago. I became pregnant with Jaime when I was sixteen and in high school, which was a big event in my life that caused a lot of struggles and doubts.

During that time, my whole family and my friends shunned me and turned their backs on me. I was so confused at that time. My Sunday school teacher from when I was in the eighth grade was Sunni Stokeld, who was the TCA Middle School counselor for many years.

I figured people at my church were going to reject me, so I stopped going to church, but Sunni reached out to me. She was always there for me. She told me, “Yes, you sinned, but you can be forgiven and move on to what God wants for you. Being pregnant now is not a sin.” That was an epiphany for me, because I thought my life was over. Sunni gave me this little bit of hope about my future. I didn’t know it at the time, but she had asked some people from TCA to pray for me since I was so young and going through this. So there are some people at TCA now who know me. They maybe don’t know my face, but they know me because they prayed for me.

Fast forward twelve years or so, and my friend Meghan Betts (’18, daughter of TCA athletic trainer Russ Betts) and I went on a mission trip together to the Amazon. My son, Jaime, went with us. It was December 26, 2018. There had been a delay of our flight, and we had to stay at the airport. I was telling Meghan about all that was going on with me—closing on a new house and Jaime being about to start middle school, going

into sixth grade. She told me I should think about TCA and started telling me everything about the school. I had always heard about TCA from Sunni, and also from another TCA family—Sandy Feemster, who was my adult Sunday school teacher at the time, and her husband, Randy, a TCA coach. I had always thought it sounded so great, but I knew that there would be no way I could afford it, being a single mom. I wished and prayed that Jaime could attend such a great school, especially because my middle school years were when I started to rebel and follow some bad paths, so I wanted an environment for him where there would be good influences for him to make good choices in life. Meghan went on and on about all the good things about TCA and told me about the Student Tuition Aid program and encouraged me to apply. So that very day, while we were waiting for our flight, I started the application on the website. I was so excited.

What made it all come together was when we were doing the interview with the head of the Middle School, Scott Berthel, and I was sharing my testimony of how God had worked through my pregnancy to bring me to the Lord, he started to get emotional. He told me that he had prayed for me all those years ago. It made me realize that prayer is the most powerful thing. To meet someone years later who prayed for you and didn’t even know who you were built my faith even more.

God brought me through a lot of things to get me where I am, and I know it was due to those prayers of people at TCA. This school is a complete blessing to Jaime and to our family. The teachers care about the students and are passionate, and the students want to learn. Jaime is a good student, is so smart and is often ahead of kids his age, so it was such a good fit for him when we transitioned to TCA so that he would always be challenged and meet his full potential. I couldn’t ask to be at a better school for him!

34 TRINITY TODAY / FINDING OUR WAY TO TCA

Want to hear more from people in the TCA community?

Check out the Let’s Talk TCA podcast As a part of our continued desire to connect and partner with parents, TCA launched a new podcast—Let’s Talk TCA. This podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the people, the purpose and all the things that make TCA the amazing community it is!

We have published six podcasts on a wide range of topics with over 1,700 downloads so far!

Episode 1: Getting to Know Headmaster Dave Delph Episode 2: Emotional Impacts of COVID-19 on Our Kids with Lower School Counselor Emily Bush Episode 3: A Podcast for Every Middle School Parent Episode 4: What Your Upper School Student Needs You to Know

We invite you to listen and subscribe! Let’s Talk TCA is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and Stitcher.

Episode 5: Senior Insights on TCA

Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on the podcast?

Episode 6: Kick Off Your Summer

Send your ideas and feedback to podcast@trinitychristian.org.

Don’t miss reading blog posts from TCA parents!

Beginning in January, the TCA Communications Department launched a series of parent-written blog posts called the Trojan Voice in hopes of encouraging others in the TCA community as we entered 2021. Each post in the twelveweek series gave heartening insight and shared wisdom on a variety of topics. Take advantage of this resource to strengthen and inspire your faith by viewing these blog posts on our website: www.trinitychristian.org/about/communications/blog

Trojan Voice Thank you to the parents who shared their hearts with us!

Brett Billman

Truman Blocker

Jada Edwards

Adam Hawkins

Becky Jones

Christine Leite

Heather MacFadyen

Robin Pou

David Rea

Robbie Rice

Cari Trotter

Ben Wong

SUMMER 2021

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TCA FOUNDATION

Meeting in the Middle . . . SOON!

G I V E B AC K

Construction begun on new Middle School

BY BECK Y D. LEW IS, EX ECU TI V E DI R ECTOR, T R I N I T Y C H R I ST I A N AC A DE M Y F OU N DAT ION

We are excited to provide an update on the Pursuing Excellence Campaign. To date, over six hundred families and foundations have invested in the lives of generations of TCA students by supporting the campaign. Your generosity has allowed TCA to complete the new PreK Center, which opened last August, as well as prepare for construction of a new Middle School. Thank you!

The TCA Board of Trustees believes God is leading our school to proceed with Phase I of the Middle School building project. TCA contracted with Balfour Beatty and GFF Architects, and we began construction on the new Middle School in June!

TCA FOUNDATION

PHASE I Phase I of the new Middle School includes a modern learning environment and will enhance the educational experience of our students. The three-story, 44,600-square-foot building will include: • Classrooms for grades 7 & 8 – including history/English, math, science labs, Bible and Latin • Library (fortified to serve as a required storm shelter) • Technology/Robotics Lab for grades 5–8 • Learning Lab and Literacy Center for grades 5–8 • Commons area • Collaborative workspaces • Office suite for Middle School administration, including conference rooms and faculty lounge Construction for Phase I began in June, and we will be ready to welcome students into the building in August 2022. No disruption of classes is anticipated while construction is underway.

A CELEBRATORY BEGINNING On June 2, the addition to TCA’s forty-plus-acre campus was celebrated with a groundbreaking following the annual all-boards dinner and meeting. Attendees included TCA trustees and board members, faculty, staff and local leaders, including Addison Mayor Joe Chow and Addison City Manager Wes Pierson.

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“We are celebrating much more than a building today,” said Headmaster Dave Delph. “We are celebrating God’s faithfulness in providing the opportunity to impact generations of young people for His glory during one of the most formative times of their lives. The new Middle School will provide an environment where students will be educated, challenged, nurtured and inspired for years to come.”

G R O U N D B R E A K I N G P H O T O B Y J E F F M C W H O R T E R ’ 0 5 ; R E N D E R I N G CO U R T E S Y O F G F F A R C H I T E C T S

G I V E B AC K

We believe now is the time TCA should move forward with the funds God has provided through your generosity and sacrificial giving. The estimated cost of Phase 1, subject to final construction documents, is $16.8 million. To complete Phase I debt-free, an additional $6.5 million must be raised. We ask you to prayerfully consider donating to the completion of our Middle School.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NEXT STEPS

To learn more about the campaign, make a one-time gift or set up a multi-year pledge, visit www.tcapursuingexcellence.org.

A donation envelope is attached to mail a gift.

We are grateful for God’s faithfulness over the past five decades. We are trusting Him to provide the remaining funds for this project and eager to see the new building become a reality over this next year!

My heart is full of gratitude for the TCA parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who have supported our Pursuing Excellence Campaign as we seek to prepare our campus for future generations.

Where will the new Middle School be located?

The Middle School will be located on what is currently the Middle School playground, next to Tom Landry Stadium. There will be a covered walkway connecting the new Middle School to the MCB. Can I give a multi-year pledge to support the Pursuing Excellence Campaign?

Yes. You many make a pledge to the campaign and fulfill it over a period of up to 3 years including a scheduled yearly installment, monthly recurring installments or other options.

Can I make a stock gift to the Pursuing Excellence Campaign?

Yes. If you wish to donate stocks or mutual funds, please contact Becky Lewis at 972-447-4609 for transfer instructions.

How will students be affected during construction?

TCA has developed construction plans and timelines to ensure classes will not be interrupted or displaced during school hours.

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TCA FOUNDATION

YOU DI D IT ! Because of your support, the 2021 Trinity Classic Golf & Tennis Tournament and the Trinity Classic Online Auction this spring were a great success! Thank you to our sponsors, golf and tennis players, volunteers, auction donors and bidders. We are grateful for your generosity and support of Student Tuition Aid (STA).

• Over $400,000 raised (cash and gift-in-kind)

• 27 tournament sponsors • 200 golfers

• • • •

44 tennis players 63 auction items 339 bidders 653 bids placed

GO LF TOU R N A M E NT W I N N E R S Flight 1–King’s Course: Kenny Doré, Steve Malin, Doug Ekstrom, Wes Hay Flight 2–King’s Course: Jay Henry, Draegan Majors, Larry Miller, Scott Polk Flight 1–Queen’s Course: Forrest Pool, Dru Landrum, Matt Watson, Rick Hogle Flight 2–Queen’s Course: Dan Dodson, Blake Miller, Tanner Vick, Chris Kent TE N N I S TOU R N A M E NT W I N N E R S Red: Katelyn Parks and Lori Pinto White: Mary Helen Nine and Jen Huffman Blue: Karen Springer and Shannon Sykes S PE CI A L TH A N K S Golf Chairs: Darren Dortch and Blake Priest ’92 Tennis Chairs: Monica McGraw and Mary Kay Sheldon Auction Committee: Lauren Burch, Megan Gean, Danielle Long and Angela Morris GO LF S P O N S O R S

BV Capital

TBK Bank

Thomas Printworks

Healthcare Services Group

Freedom Profit Recovery

Higginbotham

KeyCity Capital

The Long Family

Chick-fil-A

Skin Care Consultants and Elevate Medical Spa

TE N N I S S P O N S O R S

Knightvest Residential

Mary Kay and Brett Sheldon

Marshall Edwards

Even Embers Grill

Toyota of Dallas

North Texas Therapy & Home Care

evolv consulting

O.S. and Susie Hawkins

Munsch Hardt

Texas de Brazil

Elvebak Orthodontics Texas de Brazil

Abrams Royal Compounding Pharmacy

North Dallas Bank & Trust

Dallas Design Group

FreshOne Holdings

Paper Affair

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PHOTOS BY K ENDA LL ELLIS

G I V E B AC K NE W TC A FOUNDATION BOA R D ME MBE R S Ka Cotter was an original employee of The Staubach Company and member of the executive team.

She helped grow the company from a small boutique commercial real estate firm to a multinational commercial real estate services firm that successfully merged with Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). Ka has served on the boards of multiple nonprofits and private companies in and outside of Dallas. She is an executive coach and has a passion for mentoring.

Ka is an alumni parent and legacy grandparent to Brandon Cotter (Madelynn Cotter ’19, Shaw Cotter ’19 and Ella Kate Cotter ’20) and Leslie Cotter McCabe ’90 (Cole McCabe ’19, Gray McCabe ’20, Weston McCabe and Hayes McCabe ). Ka’s late husband, L.L. Cotter, served on the TCA Foundation Board from 2003 to 2020.

Barry Beal is a partner and managing director of Covenant, a wealth management firm in Dallas.

Prior to joining Covenant, Barry served in leadership positions at JP Morgan Chase, BOK Financial and True North Advisors. In addition to serving on the TCA Foundation Board, Barry is the chairman of the TCA Foundation investment committee and has served on boards of various nonprofit organizations, including Social Venture Partners in Dallas, the Salvation Army of Tulsa and the Dallas Children’s Theater.

Barry is a graduate of Baylor University, and he and his wife, Allison, are parents to Benjamin ’17 and Blake ’21.

RAISING THE BAR This school year, because of your support through the Athletic Booster Club, we were able to raise the level of excellence of our athletic programs with the following: Handheld cameras & production Track hurdle carts equipment for stadium video board Softball pitching machine HUDL subscription for all sports ATC summer workout Team banners displayed on campus assistance Sound system for ATC

ATC equipment

Pool heater for Bent Tree West pool, where swim teams practice

Baseball hitting facility

JOIN THE ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB ON NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY, SEPTEMBER 23.

Ready, set,

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HOST! TCA’s new admission team sets a high bar for excellence in hospitality

BY A M Y PR I D E AU X , D I R E C T O R O F A D M I S S I O N

TCA became a part of my life when I was a new fourth-grade student in 1980. Fast forward over forty years, and I now have the privilege of educating prospective families about our incredible school and guiding them through the admission process. Though the Lord used years of great experiences at TCA to prepare me to do my job, I could not do it without the amazing team in our Office of Admission. They have been incredible in welcoming new families as well as facing the challenges of introducing those families to our wonderful campus and community in the midst of COVID restrictions.

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I marvel at how God orchestrated the path for me ultimately to become the director of admission three years ago. I never would have imagined landing in such a dream role. Besides being a TCA parent (Peyton—just graduated, Parker—incoming junior and twins Carsen and Lauren—incoming eighth-graders), I served six years in the kindergarten classroom as a teaching assistant and then decided to interview for a position in the Middle School.

The same day God closed the door to the Middle School position, our headmaster, Dave Delph, called to see if I would be willing to come alongside the newly hired director of admission and help him, given my history and knowledge of the school. I was honored and thrilled at the prospect of working in admissions and happy to have the chance to share our school with others. In the spring of 2019, I was asked to take over as the acting director, and then I officially became director of admission in the spring of 2020 (right after the pandemic hit).

I’ve always been up for a challenge, but taking on a new role with a new team during a pandemic was not what I had necessarily envisioned. I am beyond proud, though, of all that our team has accomplished these past two admission seasons, and I would love to officially introduce the admission team to you and give you a peek into our world.

SHANNON FRANTZ serves as my assistant and is usually the first person prospective families encounter.

Shannon and her husband Joel have one son, Jared, a 2018 TCA graduate who is currently an engineering major at Texas Tech. Shannon served in the Lower School Library for twelve years, and her joyful nature and contagious laugh make our office a very happy place each day. Shannon has been instrumental in streamlining the online enrollment process for our applicant families, and we are grateful that she keeps us all organized and the office running efficiently.

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HEATHER LIPSCOMB is an admission associate, and her focus is working with those families applying to the Middle School and Upper School. Heather has also been instrumental in helping with the student ambassador program and shadow days we offer to our Middle School and Upper School applicants. Heather first served as the Upper School receptionist, but her background in admissions at another Dallas private school made her the perfect choice for the TCA admissions team. Heather and her husband Chris have three children. Johnny will be a senior at TCA in the fall, Baker a sophomore at St. Mark’s School of Texas and Kate an eighth-grader at Providence Christian School. I am personally grateful for the professionalism and calm demeanor Heather shares with the families she encounters.

LESLIE McCABE is an admission associate and focuses on working with our alumni families as well as those families applying to the Lower School. Leslie graduated from TCA in 1990, is married to Randy (a 1990 TCA grad as well) and has four boys: Cole, class of 2019; Gray, class of 2020; Westy, an incoming senior; and Hayes, an incoming seventh-grader.

Given her history and love of TCA coupled with the fact that she is also a third-grade teaching assistant, Leslie is the perfect person to help those families looking at the TCA Lower School. Leslie has also served as a soccer coach, and she is one of the most creative and compassionate people I know.

Her servant heart and genuine love for others make her a perfect fit to round out our team!

More than anything, we desire our guests to feel the warmth, love and commitment to excellence that the TCA community embodies.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2021-22 ADMISSION SEASON:

• Successfully converted in-person previews for all three schools to a virtual format.

• Conducted in-person tours for over 200 •

• •

families while many private schools did not allow on-campus visits all year.

Worked with families relocating from thirteen states: New Jersey, California, New Mexico, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Alabama, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, South Carolina, Illinois, Ohio and New York.

Reviewed three times as many applicants for first grade than in previous years.

Multiple grades are at capacity and have a waitlist.

Our team’s desire is to be as authentic and transparent as possible about our school community.

Given today’s culture, I often tell prospective parents that we are not trying to be a school for everyone, but if they are looking for a school committed to academic excellence and biblical truth, then they have found the perfect school home here at TCA. More than anything, we desire our guests to feel the warmth, love and commitment to excellence that the TCA community embodies.

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Students in all three school divisions recognized for demonstrating Christ-like virtues I L L U S T R A T I O N S B Y A D E L A I D E WA L K E R ’ 2 1

SOME OF T HE MOST R E WA R DING A N D IMPORTA N T WOR K

that we do in the Lower School at TCA involves shepherding the hearts of our students. A child’s spiritual growth and character development remain a top priority during their formative years. To help towards that work, we purposefully study a different virtue or character quality with the students each month of the school year.

We follow a program in which we are able to look more deeply at what

BY BEV BIR MINGH A M, ASSISTA N T H EA D OF a virtue means and how we can apply it and live it out every day.

L OW E R SCHO OL The students are able to understand and make connections to the character qualities through our daily devotionals with KTCA and through our chapel programs each week. They have fun as well, playing games that showcase the particular virtue for that month. For example, some of our kindergarten students will play a game during our opening chapel time that shows the rest of our students what it looks like to practice patience or to show kindness. All of our students can volunteer throughout the year to be a part of these opening chapel games that demonstrate our character qualities.

The virtues are also discussed in the classrooms on a regular basis as teachers intentionally show children how a virtue is tied to a lesson, whether it be in math, reading, writing, social studies or science. It is true biblical integration at its best. At the end of each month, students who are nominated by their teachers are awarded special buttons that represent the virtue of the month.

One special student who is seen living out the character quality by teachers and the administrators will receive the virtue poster of the month that hangs in the Lower School lobby. It is very special to watch how excited all of the students are for those noted virtue winners. They cheer for one another as the names are called during KTCA. Developing the whole person for the glory of God continues to be our goal as we work with young children. It is a joy to watch our students connect with a biblical character quality and live that quality out on a daily basis. What a blessing it is at TCA to be a part of this work!

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R E A D W H AT OU R TE ACH E R S H A D TO S AY A BOU T TH E W I N N E R S O F TH E V I RTU E - O F -TH E - M O NTH AWA R DS :

Integrity Award: AMASA THEXTON Mrs. Radovic noticed Amasa was following directions in line, and Amasa told her that it was actually another student that was following directions and that she was just following that student’s example. We love that she didn’t want to take the credit for herself.

Patience Award: ELLE ROBINSON Elle is one of the most patient students I have had in class. When she needs supplies or has a question, Elle always raises her hand and quietly waits. You will not see her getting out of her seat or repeatedly calling out. She is also very kind to her classmates on the playground and waits her turn for the equipment. I learn about how to wait patiently when I see Elle in class. She is such a blessing to me!

Kindess Award: JESSIE WAYMAN Jessie has a heart of gold! She shows others they are valuable by being patient through taking turns listening and talking. She also has a caring heart, showing empathy to her friends and classmates. Jessie is a friend to everyone and never has a negative thing to say. She is a ray of kindness in our class and for our school.

Friendship Award: AALIYAH WILLS Aaliyah makes sure all of the girls are included in the lunch conversation each day. She’s actually gone over to students not talking with anyone, asked them to come join the group and helped them move their lunch. She’s also been aware of students not involved in the whole group and reached out to them. It has been very special to watch her live out what we are talking about in devotions and chapel. I love that Aaliyah has shown initiative, kindness and inclusiveness. What a great example for the Lower School family!

Responsibility Award: ZOE R AMIREDDY Zoe honors the Lord with her positive attitude and can-do spirit. With every assignment, both large and small, she puts forth her best effort. Her work is beautiful to behold and shows creativity, discipline and attention to detail. But Zoe isn’t just responsible for her school work. She shows great responsibility in the way she honors others as well. She carefully guards her words and actions, always looking for ways to be helpful and encouraging. I am honored to witness the graceful way in which Zoe stewards the blessings and opportunities the Lord has given her.

Gratitude Award: JASMINE CHOINIERE Jasmine constantly displays a happy heart when she comes into school each day and shows her teachers how much she cares for them by honoring them with her words and actions. Jasmine is always content with the gifts she has been given and is always looking for ways to show love to others by making cards or drawing pictures for her teachers, friends and family. Her caring heart displays consistent gratitude and encouragement to all the people that are in her life! Jasmine is a true joy to have in class!!

Peace Award: MOLLY THOMPSON Molly has the ability to bring a soft smile to any situation and puts the needs of others before herself. She knows how to communicate well with people in an amicable way, even when the situation is heated. Molly has shown time and time again that she is willing to be a friend rather than a competitor in social situations.

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CR A Z Y SO CK S A N D FO OT IE PA JA M A S IN CH A PEL? A BSOLU T ELY!

After Jesus arrives in Jerusalem to great acclaim, John’s

BY SCOTT BERTHEL , Gospel records many HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL powerful moments and statements, including these words of Jesus at the end of John 12:26: “My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

The goal behind the Middle School’s creation of The Jammie Awards program this year was to join God in honoring those who serve Him. Playing off of the myriad awards programs recognizing excellence in Seventh- and eighth-grade Jammie Award winners with Middle School faculty award presenters music, film, theater, etc., the idea was to recognize excellent displays of character in our Middle School students. Middle School teachers Brian Spence (7th/8th Bible), Kerry DeWeese (5th Trojan Jammie for Perseverance: GREYSON McCAULEY science) and Marcelle Hamilton (speech/drama) worked with Dr. Matt Lambro, Earlier this year, this fifth-grade boy fell and unfortunately broke director of student development, to bring The Jammies to life to celebrate what we both of his wrists. Though this was painful, he was never seen hope to do on a regular basis in our Middle School. complaining or showing frustration despite the limited use of his Because middle-schoolers can easily be categorized as immature, self-centered hands. He completed all of his work on time and pushed through and temperamental, we love to catch kids in the act of doing good as they are the difficulties to perform with academic excellence. continuing to learn how to live out their faith in Jesus. Middle School faculty and staff were asked to nominate students for The Jammies by writing a brief summary Trojan Jammie for Respectfulness: MADDIE GRIFFEN of how they have seen a student demonstrate godly character. Students in every grade This sixth-grade girl is talented at showing respect even without level were then recognized by a faculty or staff presenter who shared about their using words! Multiple teachers nominated her for ability to character, either describing a specific moment in time or a pattern that had been consistently maintain great eye contact and stay cheerfully seen throughout the year. As students were welcomed up on stage to the applause engaged each and every class period. She daily greets each of their peers, they were honored with their choice of crazy socks or a pair of footie teacher by name as she enters her classes and regularly pays pajamas. While there were no acceptance speeches given, the looks of surprise, the teachers compliments. She never fails to thank her teachers at way in which classmates and peers helped to cheer on and honor the recipients and the end of each class in a meaningful and appreciative tone. the fun we all had mean that it is highly likely that The Jammies may make a return appearance next year!

R E A D W H AT OU R TE ACH E R S H A D TO S AY A BOU T TH E J A M M I E AWA R D W I N N E R S : FIFTH- AND SIXTH-GRADE JAMMIE AWARDS

Trojan Jammie for Kindness: KINLEY POOL This fifth-grade girl is willing to help anyone all the time. She is constantly serving others, whether it is academically or by just being a great friend and showing empathy to others. She is an encourager to everyone else, and she has a contagious positive attitude!

Trojan Jammie for Inclusion: LOLA RENDALL, MAE LARSEN and KENNEDY TR AVIS These three fifth-grade girls have gone above and beyond this year to help make TCA a place where no one feels left out. On multiple occasions they were spotted moving from their table at lunch to go sit with students who were alone. Sometimes they even wait to go through the line at the end so that they can scan to see who might need a friend once they get their food. They have also invited new students to meet with them outside of school prior to their arrival at TCA. They really know how to make others feel loved!

Trojan Jammie for Integrity: ELI DUHANEY This fifth-grade boy found $20 on the ground in the fifth-grade hall. Knowing it wasn’t just his lucky day but instead that the money wasn’t his, he thought how upset the person might have been who lost the money. So he took the $20 and turned it in to a fifth-grade teacher.

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Trojan Jammie for Honesty: THOMAS WEST This sixth-grade boy is quick to share if he has done something accidentally or incorrectly. Where other students may make excuses or try to cover up their behavior, this young man owns the action and tries to make it right.

Trojan Jammie for Service: OLIVIA WHORTON This sixth-grade girl does whatever it takes to help others. She was seen on multiple occasions helping her peers prepare for upcoming tests and/or helping them with questions on their homework. She loves to serve others.

Trojan Jammie for Integrity: MJ SMITH This sixth-grade boy is an incredibly honest young man. He had so much conviction about using his iPad to use games through a new website that hadn’t been blocked that he went to the Technology Department on his own to inform them of this new gaming site. He told them he knew it was a distraction for him, and he didn’t want others to be tempted to play games instead of focusing on their coursework!

SEVENTH- AND EIGHTH-GRADE JAMMIE AWARDS

Trojan Jammie for Respectfulness: CHASE GRIFFEN This seventh-grade boy is intentional at showing respect to his teacher and his peers with his manners and words. He is very aware of those around him and looks to meet others’ needs without hesitation.

Trojan Jammie for Encouragement: TAYLOR R AMSEY This seventh-grade girl made individual portrait drawings as a gift for each of her teachers! She included details about their hobbies, interests and the classes they teach. This was such an encouragement to her teachers!

Trojan Jammie for At-Home Learning: THEO CHEUNG and MADISON PARKS

These two students are always on time for class, have positive attitudes and cheerfully and willingly participate in their classes.

Both students had multiple teachers take note of their diligence and hard work! One teacher commented about the two of them, “I have been so impressed with their organization, time management, determination and positive attitudes to make the best out of their at-home learning experience.”

Teammate Trojan Jammie: AVA DEWEY and EMMA HELT These two young ladies happily gave up lunches to meet with their coach to discuss how they could be better leaders and teammates throughout the season. They have great attitudes and were quick to put others’ needs before their own. They were great leaders on and off the field.

Trojan Jammie for Most Uplifting: CLAIRE LAZENBY This new-to-TCA seventh-grade girl took the time to encourage each and every one of her peers who were auditioning for the Middle School musical. She was caught cheering on her new friends, saying things like “you’ve got this!” She changed the whole nervous vibe into an atmosphere of care and encouragement. Claire was ultimately cast as “Ursula” in the show and was awesome on stage, but the character she showed off stage shines even brighter!

Trojan Jammie for Leadership: RYAN ELMS and ELIOT BROOKSHIRE These two eighth-graders have consistently shown leadership in their classrooms, on their football and basketball teams and most notably, on the stage as leaders in the eighth-grade worship team. Their willingness to stand on this stage in front of all of their classmates and lead in worship has shown great leadership that has blessed the Middle School.

Trojan Jammie for Resilience: MAX McCONATHY and CALEB VAN DUINEN Max broke his leg early in football season but continued to be at every practice, encouraging his teammates the entire season. He kept having a positive attitude despite his injury and was a shining example to the team of how to deal with a setback.

On the Friday before the snow days, Caleb Van Duinen not only volunteered to help collect materials for a seventh-grade classmate who had been at home but also helped Mrs. Jones in the office collect all the materials for that classmate’s fifth-grade brother.

Even loading the car in the freezing cold weather and as the paper bags, full of books, continued to tear and rip, he never gave up and continued to help and serve with a positive and resilient attitude.

Trojan Jammie for Respectfulness: JoVAHN BERNARD This eighth-grade boy represents the Trinity way in his actions. His respectful demeanor makes him a role model to others. He is a very thoughtful, kind and appreciative student.

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E ACH SPR ING TCA does an

extraordinary job of celebrating the many accomplishments of our students.

With a myriad of athletic and academic ceremonies and banquets, often it can seem like our school is celebrating only the task accomplishments of students

BY DR. M ATT L A M BRO, instead of their character. While TCA DIR ECTOR OF STUDENT DEV ELOPMEN T annually celebrates senior students’ character qualities at the annual JuniorSenior Banquet, we recognize the need also to celebrate the character of ninth- through eleventh-grade students. With this in mind, we hosted the first TCA Upper School Character Quality Awards Ceremony this spring. Faculty submitted student nominations along with stories of students living out their character in extraordinary ways.

R E A D W H AT OU R TE ACH E R S H A D TO S AY A BOU T TH E CH A R AC TE R QUA LIT Y AWA R D W I N N E R S :

CQ Award for Authenticity: DANIEL RICHARDSON In a culture that implies one must be a self-promoter, Daniel bravely chooses to model Christ’s service to others. He not only is quick to find ways to help his peers in Men’s Chorus but also looks for ways to affirm them and his teacher. What a joy!

CQ Award for Initiative: ZACH CLIFT, GABLE DELP and BEN SORGEN With all the protocols needed to make this year run smoothly, there have been several students who saw beyond themselves and were willing to pick up the spray bottle and clean chairs when the teacher was busy with other issues.

CQ Award for Helpfulness: OLIVIA OUIMETTE To make the musical successful, Olivia shared demonstration videos with others to make sure they wouldn’t fall behind in the choreography.

CQ Award for Cultural Appreciation: DANIEL BAKER Daniel is very kind to everyone and has a compassionate heart for others. He has a special interest in and heart for the Spanish-speaking community here in Dallas.

Recently, he volunteered for an eight-hour shift at a voting site in Dallas as someone who was there to help Spanish-speakers with the voting process. I see him seeking opportunities to help others out. He makes efforts on his own to learn Spanish out of a love for the language, but he also wants to serve others.

CQ Award for Kindness: ALY BAYLISS Aly is an extraordinary friend to others. She has been supportive to her friends as they have endured trials, and she has worked to create an inclusive, positive environment wherever and whenever she is able.

CQ Award for Diligence: MARY LAUREN WESTOVER Mary Lauren loves details and organization. While many students have helped with The Bridge in the past, she went above and beyond to make color-coded check-in sheets for registration and even brought her own clipboards. She consistently anticipated needs before they arose and was thoughtful and intentional with her communication to others. Her heart for attentiveness to detail is what stands out. She wanted everything to be organized and perfect so that the eighth-graders could have a wonderful evening.

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CQ Award for Teamwork: LUKE BABLER, DELANY O’SHEA, KATIE JOHNSON, EMELIE WONG, CAMIE JOBE and OWEN ELLIS This group of students demonstrated leadership, teamwork and initiative as they worked as the technical team for Tuck Everlasting. They were problem solvers, rarely needing to ask for direction. When I would point out something that needed attention, their responses included “I’ve already added that to our list” or “I just made a note so we won’t have that issue again.” Their work produced a beautiful show with clear sound so we could hear every word, lights that enhanced the scenes and elicited emotion from the audience and set changes that looked like choreography. Bravo and well done!

CQ Award for Curiosity: LOGAN WALTERS Logan is actively participating in class every day, asks how I am doing and engages in spiritual discussions with me. He enjoys talking about the news and current events with the library staff and is clearly a deep thinker. Also, he stays after to make sure the classroom is left the way he found it when he first arrived. When we had a work day, he finished early and then walked around to help all his peers finish before he began his own homework.

CQ Award for Reliability: KATE SOLOMON As a new student, Kate has assimilated flawlessly. From the very first moment she walked into my class, it was readily apparent that she was a woman after God’s own heart. Ever humble, she never fails to put others first. Ever poised, she never allows any one moment to overwhelm her. Ever resolute, she never yields to a challenge. She is a steadying influence in the classroom and beyond. She will impact the TCA community in myriad positive ways over the next two years.

CQ Award for Class Culture Enhancer: HEATHER BROWNLEE Heather is an absolute spark to discussion and community bonding!! I made a silly suggestion to name a pet after the Assyrian king Asherbanipal . . . and the next day she walks in with a “pet” locust. It was a female, so we quickly made up the feminine version and christened the insect “Asherbanipalina”!

CQ Award for Servant Leadership: LUKE TREDENNICK Luke brings joy and enthusiasm to even mundane situations. He just enjoys life. He goes above and beyond. I’ve noticed since his sophomore year that he is willing to put others before himself in all situations. It truly demonstrates his heart to serve others. He doesn’t lord his influence over others but seems genuinely to try and discern how to be an effective leader in each situation.

CQ Award for Most Welcoming: RYAN FREESE At The Bridge this year, junior leaders were challenged to create the most welcoming atmosphere possible to the incoming ninth-grade students.

While the entire class did a spectacular job in creating a welcoming culture for the evening, Ryan went above and beyond as a greeter. With his cape on, waving in the wind as he jumped up and down relentlessly, he rushed to every car door and greeted nearly every student as they hopped out of their cars.

CQ Award for Resilience: MARKUS SCHUMACHER Markus is a very hardworking student—you can count on him always to have his work completed. He doesn’t seek out the spotlight but always rises to the occasion when asked. Markus overcame the injury he endured this year while remaining a steadfast friend and positive influence to many.

CQ Award for Positivity: OLIVIA BRENNAN Olivia makes every day a joy. Her smile will light up a room. She accepts correction without becoming defensive. No matter if she is in a hurry or working on an assignment during her study hall, she greets every adult by name and with a smile on her face.

CQ Award for being a Good Listener: KATE GOODMAN Kate is quiet and consistent, treats everyone with respect and is a good listener.

She puts others at ease when they spend time around her. She demonstrates good active listening habits through her non-verbals, whether in class or in conversation with a friend at lunch.

CQ Award for Encouragement: K YLIE JONES Kyle is always helpful, positive and willing to go out of her “circle” to pray or encourage others. She always looks to cheer up others and recognizes that her joy comes from the Lord.

CQ Award for Helpfulness: KATIE JOHNSON and JULIANA VOTH These two students have been so helpful to me all year as I worked to master all the new pieces of technology in the Upper School. Because I do not have a classroom and have to restart everything fresh upon entering, I faced many daily challenges. These two young ladies stepped up to the plate! They now come into my room early each day, often even before I arrive, and begin to set up the devices. They are happy, energetic and relational, and they have eagerly served me and TCA in an incredible way!

Servant-Hearted CQ Award: KATIE JOHNSON Several teachers independent of one another nominated this student: “I see this student working very hard all the time helping with audiovisual equipment during chapels, school plays, assemblies, athletic events, etc. She is always looking for opportunities to help serve in that capacity.”

“This student regularly comes to class early to help me get set up on the Promethean and Swivl and also is our own built-in Tech Stop for when other students are struggling with tech issues in class.”

“She has such a servant heart. She often stays after class in anatomy class to help clean up labs, including our current cat dissection. She is always willing to go the extra mile to help others. She even offers to take my eighth-grade daughter’s clarinet to the band hall when she sees it sitting on my desk—she knows I’ll have to drop it off later but takes care of it for me.”

Ninth- through eleventh-grade Character Quality Award winners

51

TECHNOLOGY@TCA

Class of 2021 serves Class of 2034

BY L I SA WONG, DI R E CT OR OF T E CH NOL O GY

L

E A R N I NG T O BE F L E X I BL E A N D CR E AT I V E

has been

the name of the game this year. Many of us have learned firsthand that we are not in control, but God, in His infinite love for us,

and rebuilding multiple times. It truly is special that these seniors were able to experience these real-life industry challenges at such a young age.

I am thankful that the Lord provided us to have “customers” right on campus!

shows us glimpses of His grace every day. Each year, the Honors Engineering

We had a great partnership with Kimberley Hechtner and the preK team.

Design class works on a capstone project which is usually designing and

Mrs. Hechtner was so excited because when she taught in Tulsa, Oklahoma,

building products for children with disabilities from the DFW area. Because of

prior to teaching at Trinity Christian Academy, engineering students from the

limitations due to COVID restrictions, I was challenged to find a creative way for

University of Tulsa designed and built a mobile kitchen station for her preK class

students to complete projects this year. Students spent the first two trimesters

there. Kimberley loved the partnership they had in Tulsa and was excited to work

learning about the engineering design cycle, manufacturing, functional testing,

with TCA engineering students on a similar project. PreK teachers do quite a bit

failure analysis, collaboration on technical teams and much more. The final

of cooking to go along with lessons and books they read. They make apple sauce,

design project allows the students to experience what it is like to work on

green eggs and ham, cookies, playdough and much more. Lessons incorporate

a real industry project. This year’s project allowed students to learn some

measuring, mixing, cutting, cooking and baking.

of the challenges engineers face in industry, including supply chain delays,

March 8 was project launch day. Students were excited to learn that the task was

out-of-stock items, defective items, miscalculations, working with others who

to design and build a mobile kitchen station to rotate to all the TCA preK classrooms.

may think differently than they do, working under a tight budget, meeting

Students were assigned to one of four teams, and all held specific roles: project

deadlines, understanding customer needs, using power tools and redesigning

engineer, financial manager, quality control engineer or chief technical engineer.

52 TRINITY TODAY

ENGINEERING STUDENTS’ PROJECT GOALS MAIN FR AME

Design and build the main frame for a mobile kitchen station. The main frame needs to be mounted on casters that are easy to roll with brakes. The design must include storage areas and space to mount electrical requirements. Must collaborate with the Adaptable Work Surface team to pick the same countertop material and meet location requirements for their adjustable height assembly. Must collaborate with the Safety and Integration Systems team to incorporate critical features. Must collaborate with the Induction Cooktop with Safety Barrier team to allot enough space for their assembly. Frame must have a professional level paint finish. Consider safety, stability, size (height of counters and dimensions of storage area in the preK area), weight and ease of use.

On Thursday, April 29, students presented the final product to their customers and parents.

They summarized their design process and decision matrices, presented financial statements and

ADAPTABLE WORK SURFACES

described issues they ran

Design and build the adaptable work surfaces for a mobile kitchen station. Design two fold-out countertop tables that mount to the each side of the main frame. One surface can be at a static height, and the other surface needs to have an adjustable height. Must collaborate with the Main Frame team to use the same countertop material and to ensure the tables properly integrate into the main frame. The legs need to be able to safely tuck under the table, and both tables need to be designed to fold up while the station is in storage in the preK area.

Table edges must be rounded for student safety. Use primary colors for the legs. Consider safety, stability, size, weight and ease of use.

into. They also presented

INDUCTION COOKTOP WITH SAFETY BARRIER

Design and build the induction cooktop assembly for a mobile kitchen station. An induction cooktop is safe because it only heats up when the pot/pan is made of specific materials. Select the safest induction cooktop that is the correct size based on cookware needs. Task is to design a safety barrier that will surround the cooktop area. This barrier will prevent students’ hands from being burned. The barrier must be mounted to the main frame countertop. Barrier must be able to withstand hot temperatures and have space for the cooking utensils.

Purchase two induction pots: a frying pan and a stock pot. Work with the customer to determine optimal pot sizes. Pot diameters will determine cooktop size. Must collaborate with the Safety and Integration Systems team to incorporate cord management for power. Consider safety, stability, size and ease of use.

user instructions with safety precautions to the preK teachers.

Kimberley Hechtner expressed the preK teachers’ and students’ delight at the end product of the the mobile kitchen station and the whole process: “As we have been trying to look at this year and think about ways that God has blessed us, even during COVID-19, for preK this is a big one. I am so grateful, and we are so blessed to be able to work with the Upper School engineering students and truly get to see them love and bless preK. They got to come see us on the playground, see our classrooms and ask lots of questions. I have been so overwhelmed by these kids. They are so professional and impressive.”

My goal in teaching the Honors Engineering Design course is to is to teach students that they can use STEM fields to bless others in the world. I am so thankful that the Lord provided a way for this to happen, even during this COVID year.

SAFETY AND INTEGR ATION SYSTEMS

The main goal is to integrate key aspects of the station.

Route all electrical cords and find the best location to mount a chosen surge protector, mount the provided fire extinguisher for quick access, install easy-to-use child safety locks on all cabinets and drawers and attach slipproof material to all appliances to prevent slippage. Must collaborate with the Main Frame team to incorporate critical features. Must collaborate with the Induction Cooktop team to incorporate power cords. In addition, purchase the following appliances: mixer, toaster oven, apple peeler/cutter, safety locks, mount for fire extinguisher, measuring cups, cooking utensils and surge protector with extra long cord. Consider safety, stability, size, weight and ease of use.

P H O T O S CO U R T E S Y O F L I S A W O N G

SUMMER 2021

53

PHOTOGR A PH Y BY J E F F M cW H O R T E R ’0 5

Nominated for Nine Schmidt & Jones Awards: Best Show, Best Ensemble, Best Actor–Will McIntosh, Best Actress–Bryn Correa, Best Supporting Actor–Charlie Crawford (winner), Best Actress in a Minor Role–Lexy Babler (winner), Best Actress in a Minor Role–Lauren Elms, Best Actor in a Minor Role–Evan Hennes and Best Female in an Ensemble–Olivia Ouimette (winner)

ATHLETICS

Marshall Edwards: Mentor Extraordinaire

W

BY DON ENGLISH, B OYS AT H L ET IC DI R E CT OR

HETHER COACHING middle school basketball

hope to become like him one day.” There is no greater compliment of modeling

(sixteen years) or boys golf (thirteen years), Marshall Edwards

biblical values than that!

transcends the title of coach! When a local newspaper asked him about being a mentor for life, he stated that it is what gives

Marshall Edwards, an outstanding track athlete at Hillcrest High School and SMU, taught himself how to play golf and then began teaching his son,

him the most joy. “The thing I enjoy the most is helping teach kids what life

Alan, a member of TCA’s first-ever state championship team in 1992. (Another

is really all about. In many cases, a coach can be as influential as a student’s

player on that team was Blake Priest, currently one of Marshall’s assistant

mom and dad. That is why I remain close to the kids I coach and try to lead

coaches.) Coach Edwards not only teaches young men how to play golf but

them in the right direction.” Coach Edwards believes that coaching is much

also exemplifies a leader who prepares the child for the path, not the path for

more than what happens on the scoreboard, although with few losses during

the child. One way Marshall prepares the child is “DTRT” (Do the Right Thing),

his basketball career as well as eight golf state titles (more than any other TCA

and it’s on every royal blue wristband the boy golfers wear. This practical

sport), he loves to win and believes that winning is important. For the record,

reminder and his Tuesday morning meetings discussing biblical examples of

he can quickly recite current details of where most of his former players

character, integrity and living out one’s faith are some of the key ways Coach

are either attending school or which career path they have chosen. Justin

Edwards shares life with his golfers. Will Zalatoris ’14, second-place finisher

Thompson, former TCA and current SMU star, gives credence to this: “Coach

at the Masters this year and arguably TCA’s most famous golfer, exudes his

Edwards became and has remained a mentor for me since graduating from TCA.

appreciation: “Coach Edwards’s coaching record in terms of winning state

The values he displayed and passed on to us are values I still try to improve on

championships and producing players that have gone on to play golf at the

in my own life every day. He has the amazing ability to develop young golfers

collegiate level speaks for itself. That being said, he spends exponentially

by showing them how golf can be a path towards becoming a strong Christian

more time mentoring his players into godly men than he does working with

leader. I can easily say playing golf for Coach Edwards was one of the greatest

them on their golf games. He is a father figure for so many of his players, past

honors in my life.”

and present.” Amy Prideaux, TCA director of admission and more importantly,

Sports—especially amateur sports—are an incredible means of impacting

Marshall’s daughter, agrees: “I’ve always been so impressed by my dad’s golf

the lives of young people. Strong mentors can lead young men and women

handbook and the standards he sets up front! Bottom line, he is a life coach,

to tremendous success on and off the field of play, especially throughout

not just a golf coach. He is often having lunch with or attending the wedding

life’s ups and downs! The saying “Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day,

of one of his former players. It’s been a sweet experience working with my

but teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime” is an excellent example

dad and seeing several families coming to TCA for the golf program as well as

of how outstanding mentors like Coach Edwards go the extra mile to teach

interviewing many alums who had my dad as their basketball coach.”

and mentor young athletes how to live successfully on and off the field or

Having known Coach Edwards for nine years, I can say he clearly “gets it”

court. Michael Heidelbaugh, TCA’s most recent state champion, now playing

when it comes to raising boys in the world of athletics. He understands that

for Texas A&M University, says, “While Coach Edwards has been a big influence

being an outstanding mentor requires one to be committed to perfecting one’s

on my golf, he has been a bigger influence on my life. He taught me how to

craft—the X’s and O’s—while simultaneously earning trust to build life-long,

become a man of Christ and how to always do the right thing, regardless of

life-changing relationships. Sports can be a really poor god, but mentors with

the consequences. I am forever grateful for how he has invested in me, and I

a proper perspective, a diligent work ethic and a strong desire to connect with

56 TRINITY TODAY

T ROJ A N LI F E

“Coach Edwards spends exponentially more time mentoring his players into godly men than he does working with them on their golf games.”

—Will Zalatoris ’14

been around—possibly even more competitive than I am, and that is saying something. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor as a golf coach. I learned just as much about how to become a man as I learned how to become a better golfer. He taught me how to be disciplined, channel my competitiveness and work harder than I thought I could, and that greatness can be achieved by anyone as long as you believe in yourself. But most importantly, Coach Edwards taught me the importance of putting God first in my life. I truly don’t know if I would be where I am today without Coach Edwards.”

It has been my honor to know Marshall Edwards. For nearly two decades, he has been pouring into athletes here at TCA! This is a wonderful testimony of how God can use someone fully committed to a life of service. Marshall is a mentor whom I regard as an excellent model not only to younger, less experienced coaches but also to us older coaches as well! He substantiates the maxim “Say what you mean and mean what you say” by spending countless hours of his own time and expense to help lead young men toward Christ and young people can help kids both seek the true God and find success on and off the field.

Kramer Hickok ’11, who placed second at the Travelers Championship in June after an eight-hole playoff, when asked how Marshall has influenced his life, states, “Coach Edwards has had a huge impact on my life, both on and off the golf course. Before he was ever my golf coach, he was actually my basketball

true success in life. What else could we ask of a coach and mentor!

T O P - Coach Edwards with the 2011 TAPPS State Golf Championship

team: Tanner Harrington ’12, Will Harrington ’11, Will Zalatoris ’14, Kramer Hickok ’11, Jacob Springfield ’11, Tucker Wadkins ’11 and Preston Harrington ’13

L E F T - Coach Edwards advising RJ Rieman ’20 on a shot during the 2018

TAPPS district tournament

coach. Coach was probably one of the most competitive people I have ever

2 0 11 T E A M P H O T O F R O M T C A A R C H I V E S ; P L AY E R P H O T O B Y J E F F M c W H O R T E R ’ 0 5

SUMMER 2021

57

ATHLETICS TH E VA R S IT Y BOYS B A S K E TB A LL TE A M faced adversity

during the 2020-21 season due to COVID-19, but they had a good year in spite of it, finishing 18-7 overall and ranking in the top 10 in TAPPS. The team went 6-1 in tournament play this past season, finishing in third place in the McKinney Christian tournament and winning the First Baptist Academy Tournament. The Trojans went two rounds into the playoffs, beating El Paso Cathedral in the Bi-District game before dropping a heart breaker to Liberty Christian by two points in the area round. The team was made up of seniors WILL DUNCAN , WILL MERCER , WILL McINTOSH , BLAKE BIRMINGHAM , BLAKE SORRELS , PEYTON HALL and GAVIN THORNTON . The juniors on the varsity team included JONAH KEY, JACK LAYMAN and RHETT RICE . Also playing for the varsity this year were sophomores LUKE JOHNSTON , BLAKE MUSCHALEK , CHANCE SNYDER and NICK WENZEL . MARCUS SCHUMACHER suffered a season-ending injury in football and was unable to play this season.

TCA was led in scoring by Blake Muschalek averaging 15.5 points per game, in assists by Gavin Thornton (4.0 apg) and in rebounding by Will Duncan (129).

VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL

Post-season honors were awarded to the following players: Gavin Thornton – First Team All-District Blake Muschalek – First Team All-District Will McIntosh – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State Will Duncan – Honorable Mention All-District

FO R TH E TROJ A N E T TE S , this year was one for the books!

As with many other groups this year, we were faced with numerous obstacles and challenges. One thing that remained strong and true was the meaning and heart behind their team theme, "Dancing for Him." This year we launched our Dance Technique Classes in the summer, which helped strengthen and improve the girls’ technique and conditioning.

They learned and perfected their field and competition routines during our pre-season camps in August. The Trojanettes had a fantastic football season performing at halftime under the Friday night lights.

TROJANETTES

The team launched into the competition season in January at TAPPS, where MADELINE PRESCOTT received the prestigious Leap Award. We placed third overall as a team in our virtual second competition with American Dance/Drill, and OLIVIA OUIMETTE won first overall with her solo. We ended with a spectacular “Old Hollywood” themed banquet hosted by our social officers. Our director awards were presented to CAROLINA ANDERSON for Radiance, CECE BOGDA for Beautiful Transformation, Madeline Prescott for Miss Congeniality and ASHLEY WOO for Team Leader. The coaches and parents are proud and amazed how these girls handled this pandemic with grace and resiliency. We will miss our incredible seniors! Go, Trojanettes!

S P O R T S B E AT

TH E L A DY TROJ A N B A S K E TB A LL TE A M took giant steps this season in

becoming a competitive force in the DFW area, both with public and private schools.

The team ended the season BI-DISTRICT CHAMPIONS with a 46-26 playoff win over Midland Christian before losing to perineal power Bishop Lynch. Some of the highlights of the season were defeating 14 playoff teams, winning the McKinney Christian Tournament and upsetting state-ranked Prestonwood Christian Academy twice.

The team will surely miss the three senior captains, BRIANNA QUEEN , CAROLINE MURZIN and KATE WALLISER , as they provided great play and leadership during the season.

Congratulations to these players who received post-season honors!

OLIVIA BRENNAN – First Team All-District, First Team All-State, Academic All

State, led the State of Texas in three-point shooting and free throw percentage SCHUYLER NOORDHOOF – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State GRACE LEVERTON – Second Team All-District

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL

SOPHIA MILLER – Honorable Mention All-District

PHOTOS: JEFF McWHORTER ’05

SUMMER 2021

59

ATHLETICS TH E VA R S IT Y BOYS S OCCE R TE A M had a great year. The players were rewarded for their hard work and commitment with a district championship. The Trojans also won area and regional championships during their playoff run. We will miss the seniors who led the team well and left us a standard to follow.

Congratulations to the following players who won team, district and state honors: REX AH CHU – First Team All-District, First Team All-State, Academic All-State, Team MVP COLLIN GROEZINGER – First Team All-District, First Team All-State, Academic All-State LUKE MAYS – First Team All-District, First Team All-State, Academic All-State DAWSON CHAFFIN – First Team All-District, Honorable Mention All-State, Academic All-State CONNOR GRAHAM – First Team All-District, Honorable Mention All-State, Academic All-State JAYDEN MOORE – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State JACK REA – Second Team All-District

VARSITY BOYS SOCCER 60 TRINITY TODAY

PHOTOS: JEFF McWHORTER ’ 05

S P O R T S B E AT

VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER

TH E TC A VA R S IT Y G I R L S S OCCE R TE A M had a great season. The final record

didn’t reflect the success of this team that accomplished some unique milestones amid a season filled with COVID restrictions, injuries and a snow storm. The team started with a victory at Bishop Lynch which marked the first time we have beat BL at their place in over a decade. Led by our senior captains (PAIGE COTTER , LIBBY BARNES , AK WALDROP and BRIANNA BYRD), the team overcame adversity to grow stronger as the season moved on and finished the season with their best soccer. After losing 4-0 to John Paul II, the girls faced the same challenge one week later and beat JP II 3-2 to end the regular season. After the snow storm delay, the girls faced a playoff game against top team Nolan Catholic, who had beat them handily earlier in the season, only to come so close to a win before falling 2-1.

Freshman SYDNEY RIDNOUR had a breakout season, leading the team in scoring along with sophomore HANNAH SCHNEIDER , each with seven goals. The senior captains, assisted by RILEY HAMILTON and ALLY HEIDELBAUGH , created a midfield that could pass and defend with the best of teams. The defense was anchored by JENNA LOWREY on the back line and ALYSSA CLEMOVITZ in goal. The team finished with seven All-District selections and scored 30 goals in 14 games. Coach Blocker, Coach Pedrosa and Coach Fusco are so proud of the girls and the character they showed throughout the season.

Congratulations to these ladies for their post-season recognition: Jenna Lowrey – First Team All-District, Academic All-State Riley Hamilton – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State Alyssa Clemovitz – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State Sydney Ridnour – Second Team All-District Hannah Schneider – Second Team All-District Libby Barnes – Honorable Mention All-District Paige Cotter – Honorable Mention All-District

SUMMER 2021

61

ATHLETICS

TH E TROJ A N S W I M TE A M ' S Y E A R started very differently from

years past. We started the season at the Bent Tree West pool since our normal training facility was closed due to COVID-19. The team rapidly adjusted to the new normal of swimming outside, health screens and masks. Meets were few and far between due to the pandemic. As the weeks passed, temperatures dropped, and the Loos Natatorium was still not open. The swim team started a new training regiment of dryland strength and conditioning to keep the swimmers in shape. The new buzz words were “star jumps” and “plank.”

Meets finally began to open, and the swim team was able to compete in a limited schedule starting in the late fall. Meets definitely looked and felt different with COVID protocols, but the team was happy to return to competition. The team did exceptionally well in spite of sporadic quarantines and the new normal. Another unexpected turn of events happened just after New Year’s when TAPPS decided to cancel the regional swim meets and advance all swimmers to the state meet.

The Trojan varsity swim team competed in the State Championship Invitational on February 10 in San Antonio. All members of the varsity team attended the state meet. ALY BAYLISS , ALLY GERARD, AYLA FRANCIS

VARSITY SWIMMING

and SARAH GERARD placed in the top 16 in all their relays (13th – 200 medley, 9th – 200 freestyle, 9th – 400 freestyle), and BRUCE HINSON , CHRISTOPHER LAMPE , MASON SMITH and EVAN OLSON

placed in the top 16 in all their relays as well (14th – 200 medley, 12th – 200 freestyle, 12th – 400 freestyle). Aly Bayliss had a great 14th-place finish in the 50 freestyle, and Ally Gerard placed 11th in the 100 breaststroke.

The team celebrated the accomplishments of graduating seniors ELIZABETH BRANSTETTER , HANNAH BURKE and Sarah Gerard.

Two swimmers, Aly Bayliss and Sarah Gerard, have qualified for Academic All State. We had a very challenging year, but the Trojan swimmers finished the year with lots of great swims and best times! We can’t wait for next year!

62 TRINITY TODAY

PHOTOS: JEFF McWHORTER ’ 05

S P O R T S B E AT

OU R TROJ A N W R E S TLE R S were challenged with

many obstacles on and off the mat this year, but they faced this adversity with a positive attitude and a desire to compete. The individual growth and team growth far outweighed any one memorable moment this year.

Senior BROOKS HEARD, juniors HEATH BOOKER , LUKE TOWNLEY and MARK NILSON and freshmen LUCA PALAZZO and WYATT NILSON all competed

strongly this year. We look forward to growing the program’s success next year and the fans’ continued support.

Congratulations to these wrestlers for outstanding accomplishments this year: Brooks Heard – 8th place All-American at Prep Nationals Mark Nilson – 4th place at Prep State Heath Booker – 4th place at TAPPS State, Academic All-State

VARSITY WRESTLING P H O T O S : T C A Y E A R B O O K S TA F F

SUMMER 2021

63

ATHLETICS

TH E TROJ A N B A S E B A LL TE A M defied expectations after the pre-season polls picked the Trojans to finish at the bottom of the district in 2021. Doing just the opposite, they went 7-5 in district, finishing in second place in the standings. The second-place finish provided a first-round playoff bye and a bi-district home matchup vs. Liberty Christian. In front of a packed house at TCA’s Adair Field, the Trojans defeated the Warriors 7-5. The win put the Trojans in regionals, where Nolan Catholic took the two-out-of-three series and ended the Trojans’ 2021 playoff run. The Trojans had big regular season wins vs. Argyle, Little Elm, Creekview and Crandall in addition to district series wins vs. Bishop Lynch, PCA and Parish Episcopal. With an overall season record of 13-14, second-place district finish, area championship title, 12 All-District selections, three All-State selections and many starters returning in 2022, the Trojans look to build off this year’s success.

Congratulations to the following players who won team, district and state honors: IAN COLLIER – First Team All-District, First Team All-State, Academic All-State, District Defensive Player of the Year BEN FRANCIS – First Team All-District, Second Team All-State, Academic All-State CHARLIE FRANKE – First Team All-District, Honorable Mention All-State, Academic All-State RYAN O’SHEA – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State, Steve Adair Award STEVEN RAMOS – Second Team All-District, District Newcomer of the Year

AJAY GOLUGURI – Second Team All-District EVAN MAWHEE – Steve Adair Award SAMUEL JENKINS – Honorable Mention All-District WILLIAM LEHMAN – Honorable Mention All-District JOSHUA LIU – Honorable Mention All-District ANDREW YATES – Honorable Mention All-District

TH E 2 0 2 1 TC A BOYS TR ACK season was exciting. After missing the entire 2020

season, the boys came back determined and hungry. We took a partial team to our first meet of the season and finished third as a team. The team went on to win the next five meets. That included the TAPPS 6A-2 District Championship. The outstanding season was capped off with the team being TAPPS 6A North Regional Runner-Up and TAPPS 6A State Runner-Up. We had several amazing individual performances and school records broken throughout the season.

Congratulations to the following athletes on their individual state performances: LUKE TREDENNICK – All-State in the 100M, All-State in the 4x100M relay, Second Team All-State in the 4x400M, Academic All-State (Team Track MVP) KJ BATISTA – All-State in the 4x100M relay, Second Team All-State in the 4x200M, placed sixth in triple jump (Team Field MVP)

VARSITY BOYS TRACK & FIELD

S P O R T S B E AT

VARSITY BASEBALL ALAN MORRISON – All-State in the 4x100M relay, Second Team

All-State in the 4x200M, Academic All-State, placed sixth in the 100M BROOKS KRANTZ – Honorable Mention in high jump, All-State in the 4x100M relay, Second Team All-State in the 4x200M, Academic All-State JP LIPE – Honorable Mention in triple jump, Second Team All-State in the 4x400M relay, placed fifth in the 400M BROOKS HIGGINBOTHAM – Second Team All-State in the 4x200M, Second Team All-State in the 4x400M relay CONNOR GRAHAM – Second Team All-State in the 4x400M relay, Academic All-State HUNTER SPRINGER – Placed fifth in high jump DANIEL NELSON – Placed seventh in pole vault, Academic All-State New School Records: 4x200m relay, 4x400m relay

VARSITY GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

TH E VA R S IT Y G I R L S TR ACK TE A M had an amazing end to its

season at the TAPPS State Championships in Waco on May 1. The 4x400M relay with BRIANNA BYRD, CECI BANDEROB , LAUREN ELMS and JENNA LOWREY placed fifth and broke the school record! Jenna Lowrey placed second in the 400M. ANNABEL LEE placed sixth in the 100M and fifth in the 300M hurdles. In addition to their wins, all five athletes were awarded Academic All-State. Congratulations to our athletes for their outstanding efforts throughout this season and making TCA history by breaking long-standing records!

PHOTOS: JEFF McWHORTER ’ 05

SUMMER 2021

65

ATHLETICS

TH E TC A BOYS GO LF TE A M achieved its team goal of achieving a “four-peat” by winning a fourth consecutive TAPPS 6A State Championship this year. This was the ninth state title over the past twelve years won by the Trojans.

Following a district and regional championship, the Trojans trailed San Antonio Antonian by seven strokes after the first round of the state tournament. However, with outstanding play during the final round in very tough weather conditions, the Trojans captured the state title by 24 strokes!

The Trojans enjoyed a terrific 2020-21 season, competing in 13 tournaments and capturing five titles, including the state championship. The team never finished worst than seventh in all of the top-ranked tournaments. The Trojans were led by junior WESTY McCABE , who finished the season with an excellent stroke average of 73.9 over twenty competitive rounds of golf. Westy won two individual titles and collected eight top-ten finishes.

Senior captain LUKE JUN had an outstanding year, finishing with a stroke average of 77.7. Other Trojan team members completing the season with terrific sub-80 stroke averages included freshman DAVID KRAMP (76.9), junior JACK MORRISON (77.1), junior LUCAS WALSH (79.4), freshman DEACON DORTCH (79.8) and freshman AIDAN DORTCH (79.8). Other Trojan golf team members included senior BOONE SIMMS , sophomores JOHN MONTGOMERY, HARRISON CROW and LUKE BENNETT and freshman EVAN ACEVEDO. Westy and David earned All-State honors by finishing in the top ten at state.

VARSITY BOYS GOLF

Congratulations to the following Trojan golfers for TAPPS and team awards: Westy McCabe - All-State, Team MVP Luke Jun - Academic All-State David Kramp - All-State, Mr. Trojan Golfer Award Lucas Walsh - Academic All-State, Good Shepherd Award

TH E G I R L S GO LF TE A M had a

great year! The team played in many tournaments throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons and were very successful. The Lady Trojans made it to the state tournament and placed fifth! Three new stellar freshmen joined the team this year—BAILEE DORTCH , LEXI COWAN and BAILEY ELLSWORTH — and played most tournaments as well as district, regional and state competitions.

The team was also very proud of two seniors, EMMA HODGE and LEAH KEGERREIS , who have lettered on varsity and played since their freshman year. Emma Hodge was named the MVP this year for her dedication to the team and the sport, as she led the team all the way to state as the team captain. Both Emma and Leah received Academic All-State recognition, and both will be missed next year. Coach Cannon and Coach Shapard are immensely proud of these girls and their accomplishments through this unprecedented season. Way to go, Trojans!

66 TRINITY TODAY

VARSITY GIRLS GOLF

S P O R T S B E AT

TH E TC A S O F TB A LL PL AY E R S demonstrated perseverance throughout their season and especially during the first round of the playoffs playing Nolan Catholic—a program that had been a state semi-finalist for four straight years. The game was back and forth for six innings, with Nolan leading 6-4 going into the seventh inning. With grit on full display, TCA exploded for six runs in the seventh inning. TCA defeated Nolan 10-8 to advance to the TAPPS Division I state quarter-finals. The girls fought hard in the second-round matchup against Ursuline but came up short, ending their season.

The end of the team’s season also marked the end of the softball careers for four extraordinary seniors: SARAH GERARD, SYDNEY JOHNSTON , BRIANNA QUEEN , and KATE YANOF. Sarah was a star the moment she started high school, being named all-district second team as a freshman.

While hampered with injuries, she showed her own grit in persisting through to her senior year. Sydney dominated as a leadoff hitter for four years, playing everywhere from pitcher to infield and outfield. She was a three-time all-district first-teamer. Brianna was one of the most feared catchers in the district for four years. Along the way, she was named all-district first team and catcher of the year. Kate made her mark the moment she entered high school, being named newcomer of the year and first-team all-district as a freshman. She was named first-team all-district each year of high school and was named defensive player of the year as a shortstop who only made a single error her entire district career. Sydney, Brianna and Kate also received Academic All-State recognition.

The legacies these seniors left cannot be overstated, not only as players but as culture changers and leaders.

Looking ahead to next year, TCA returns a strong team led by starters AMELIA CORLISS (a captain), PEYTON HATFIELD, JORDAN RUTLEDGE and

standout freshman AVERY BOOKER . Amelia, Peyton and Jordan were alldistrict second-team and had breakout years. Avery was named freshman of the year and all-district first team. During her first two playoff games she clinched a pitching win against Nolan and hit two home runs. We thank our seniors and will miss them so much yet can’t wait to get back on the field in the fall.

VARSITY SOFTBALL

ALUMNI

Letter from the Director of Alumni

B

ACK TO NOR M A L— Is that even a possibility? That has been our goal for

the past year or so, but I’m not sure if things in life will ever be back to our pre-COVID days. This past year has been difficult, but times are changing for the positive, and TCA is too!

We opened our campus to parents in March for events like concerts, plays and class parties. This included the TCA Alumni Association treating seniors to our annual pizza lunch with distribution of their first alumni shirt, hosting their graduation party and resuming college visits with Janie Heard, assistant head of Upper School. After cancelling these visits over the last year, we were able to travel in April and visit with over 125 alumni at Texas A&M University, University of Texas and Baylor University (photos right). It was wonderful to see them in person and hear about how college has been this past year. Even through a pandemic, our alumni still stayed involved in church, college organizations and their studies. I am so proud of all our college students who finished the year strong!

For our new alumni, the class of 2021, we will be praying for your first year of college and that all university campuses will have in-person classes and activities back to normal. Look for our college care package in November during your first semester.

We are planning our events on campus this year to be in person, including our alumni events hosted by the TCA Alumni Association. The annual Homecoming Alumni Dinner is planned for Friday, October 8, at 6 p.m. We are planning reunions and Spring Alumni Weekend on April 25–27. Plus, we are looking forward to the legacy family breakfast on September 30.

We are excited to see our alumni on campus. It has been a while, and we have missed you! As always, we want to stay connected with you! Please take a few minutes to update your contact information on the TCA website, follow us on social media and submit your good news so we can share it!

BET H H A RW E L L Director of Alumni

68 TRINITY TODAY

LE G AC Y

ALUMNI, why did you decide to send your kids to TCA? “We both decided to send our children to TCA because of the desire for our children to receive a Christ-centered education on a daily basis. It was important to us for our children to have an experience of growing up with friends around them who will be friends for life—to be mentored by teachers, coaches and other parents who can pour their love and care upon them as well.

The TCA community is unique; it’s different because of the families who attend, the teachers who serve and the education that is taught, focused around Christ being the center of the learning experience.

That’s why we chose TCA.” —DANIELLE AND RYAN LONG ’98

“We were excited to choose to place our kids in such a loving Christian environment where they can grow in their faith while getting a topnotch education. Having teachers who can pray with our kids and teach them about God’s love is priceless. We’ve only just started our many years to come as TCA parents, but we are excited to get involved with a supportive, involved and faith-focused community. We knew the moment after our preview tour that TCA was going to be the best fit for our family and an education experience we would be so blessed and excited to provide for them.

It’s so nostalgic for me being back on campus now, and it brings back so many great memories of all my years at TCA.” —JESSICA (HORNER) ’03 AND MATT LEMMOND

“We choose TCA for our daughter, Isabella, because the biblical foundation I received at TCA made me who I am today and is invaluable in developing one’s Christian character. What we liked most about TCA is there is no other school that compared to TCA in Christian education and developing the whole person to the glory of God!” —MELISSA (MOORE) ’87 AND DAN JACKSON

“We chose to send Katherine (9th) and Caroline (7th) to TCA because we wanted a school where the entire community was pursuing Christ and teaching biblical values along with the strong academics and variety of sports and fine arts.

After ten years, we decide every year to continue to make the financial sacrifice and remain at TCA because we love the teachers and the other families, and we see both the academic and spiritual knowledge our kids have as a result of their time at TCA.”

“We chose TCA for our kids because we believe TCA teaches the whole child. We love how Christ-centered the education and community continue to be as well as academically challenging. After graduating from TCA, we both felt more than ready to tackle our undergraduate and graduate degrees. TCA teachers prepared us well, and we are encouraged by how much we know our children’s teachers are building them, loving them and encouraging them to become the best they can be.”

—CHRISTY

—CARRIE

(SKEETERS) ’91

(GAROUTTE) ’00

AND

AND

SAM BROYLES

MIKE KUNKEL ’00

SUMMER 2021

69

ALUMNI

Letter from the Alumni Association President

O

V ER T HE PA ST T WO Y E A R S, it has been my distinct honor to serve as the

president of the TCA Alumni Association. And, like those that came before me, I am stepping aside to bring on new leadership and ideas to this position.

One of the things I was reminded of during my term as president is that change is constant. Looking back at my initial Trinity Today article from 2019, I am reminded of the goals that we wanted to accomplish for our Alumni Association over my two years as president, including a successful 50th-anniversary weekend celebration and the start of an internship program and job fair. Like any number of well-intentioned plans, we did not have the chance to follow through with what we envisioned due to an outside force that shifted our priorities. COVID-19 changed everything.

How many times have you been so sure about a plan only to watch it evaporate in front of your eyes due to circumstances that were out of your control? Life is full of these examples, and it is always interesting to have the benefit of hindsight.

Going through these past two years in my role at TCA, in my family life and at work has reaffirmed my faith. The saying “Let go, and let God” often comes to my head. Pride is one of the most pernicious sins. Its tentacles can envelop. Trying to control a situation in the face of inevitable change is some of the worst type of pride.

So the Alumni Association Board shifted its plans. We became a lot more self-reflective. We inspected everything and asked the question “Why” a great deal. We did surveys. We talked to people. We wanted to know how we could be of better service to the larger TCA community.

What do we need to be stronger moving forward? We need your involvement. If you have come this far in reading this, don’t let another day go by without reaching out to find a way to connect. We need your participation, and we need your ideas. We need people.

Speaking of people—the people whom I have had the pleasure of serving with have been of the highest character and quality. The men and women on the Alumni Association Board are from all different graduating classes from the very beginning to some of the most recent class years. They are all volunteers who thanklessly give so much of their time to make TCA a better place. I cannot thank each and every one whom I have had the opportunity to work with enough for their wisdom, love and sacrifice of time to serve on the board. The same goes for Beth Harwell, the director of alumni—a servant’s heart if I have ever seen one!

When you lead something, you hope that you left it better than you found it. Time will tell.

Again, it has been my utmost honor to have served in this capacity. Looking forward to what is next for the Alumni Association and our school!

LA N E CON N ER ’99 Alumni Association President

70 TRINITY TODAY

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS HOMECOMING WEEKEND

CALLING FUTURE TROJANS!

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD

O C T O B E R 8 – Join us Friday night for the

Alumni and alumni parents, have you considered TCA for your children or grandchildren? We invite you to discover how TCA can serve your family today. If you are interested in applying, contact the Office of Admission at 972-931-8325, ext. 2921, for more information and the alumni code to waive the application fee. Learn what’s new at TCA and what traditions are still the same!

Thank you to our Alumni Association Board for serving during the 2020-21 school year.

We are honored to have you serve our alumni!

TCA varsity football game and the alumni dinner under the tent starting at 6 p.m. The football game and dinner are free for all alumni and their families.

NEW LEGACY FAMILIES Welcome back! We have several alumni who will be returning to TCA in 2021 as parents: RICHARD MOORE ’90

AMY SMITH CASTRO ’99 CHAD GONO ’01 DAVID DANCER ’04 MEREDITH WAIT BIERY ’04 CASSIE JONES MEEKS ’04 COLLIN PR ATER ’04 MEGAN DENNY SOLIS ’05 HEATHER FOGLIETTA MENTESANA ’06 BARRY POTTS ’06

STAY CONNECTED

ROBERT COX ’08

Vice President of Connections JACKIE SCHIMMER HARRISON ’86 , MICHAEL NOVAKOVICH ’13 ,

Honor a current student, alumnus, faculty, staff or family member with a brick paver.

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 or go to www.trinitychristian.org/alumni to order online.

JANA HARMON MADDOX ’99

ASHLI BURBRIDGE AVERY ’98 ,

Vice President of Seniors

PAVERS

WHITNEY BARRETT ROMAN ’94

LANE CONNER ’99 , President

Vice President of Data BR ANDON WADDELL ’97,

Vice President of Community ANNIE ARMES WOOD ’14 JO ANN FERRELL HODGES ’87 TYLER GALVIN ’15 KENTON GETZ ’84 KATE LYNCH ’97 DAVID PURCEY ’01 BETH HARWELL , Director of Alumni

Be sure to follow us on social media:

STEPHANIE LOWE DAVILA ’08

www.facebook.com/ TCAAlumniAddison www.instagram.com/tca_alumni_ addison

2021 LEGACY GRADUATES Ten 2021 graduates are children of TCA alumni. See their senior photos below, along with their alumni parents’ senior photos.

Congratulations to these legacy graduates!

Cade Barringer

Raegan Barringer ’90

KJ Batista

Clark Hodges ’84

Molly Berryman

Gia Valesano Berryman ’88

Brianna Byrd

Sydney Johnston

Niki Moore Johnston ’85

Peyton Prideaux

Amy Edwards Prideaux ’89

Gavin Thornton

Lisa Ramirez Thornton ’93

Adelaide Walker

Camille Langford Walker ’82

Kate Walliser

John Walliser ’86

Caroline Williams

Russ Williams ’89

Stephanie Adair Byrd ’89

SUMMER 2021

71

IN MEMORIAM SUMMER 2021

Scott Alan Benschneider, parent January 29, 2021

Daniel Trevor Mabery ’82 February 7, 2021

Christopher Michael Murzin, parent February 11, 2021

Jared Matthew Sherman ’99, parent April 4, 2021

Stacy Tate McWilliams ’91 April 18, 2021

Kristyn Kunkel Vrab, parent June 17, 2021

LAST WORD CHARGING AHEAD WITH SUMMER CAMPS Young TCA footballers aren’t letting the fact that the school year ended keep them from having fun and giving it their all with their fellow Trojans. Here Parker Oliver ’16 and freshman Cade Trotter lead tackling drills with some of the boys from one of the weeklong Trojan Flag Football camps. Our Summer@TCA program allows lower-schoolers and middle-schoolers to have a blast each day during weekly camps with a wide variety of offerings from outdoor sports and games to STEM activities and arts and crafts to academic preparation for the start of the new year in their subject areas.

PHOTOS BY JEFF McWHORTER ’ 05

17001 Addison Road Addison, TX 75001

NOTE TO PARENTS

If this publication is addressed to a graduate who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify Beth Harwell at bharwell@trinitychristian.org of his or her new mailing address. Thank you!

© 2021 TRINIT Y CHRIS TIAN AC ADEMY, PRINTED BY MILLE T THE PRINTER , DALL A S, TE X A S