31 minute read
TCA FOUNDATION: CONSTRUCTION BEGUN ON NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
Meeting in the Middle . . . SOON!
Construction begun on new Middle School
BY BECKY D. LEWIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FOUNDATION
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!
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.
“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.”
NEXT STEPS
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.
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
YOU DID 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
GOLF TOURNAMENT WINNERS 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
TENNIS TOURNAMENT WINNERS Red: Katelyn Parks and Lori Pinto White: Mary Helen Nine and Jen Huffman Blue: Karen Springer and Shannon Sykes
SPECIAL THANKS 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
GOLF SPONSORS TBK Bank Healthcare Services Group Higginbotham The Long Family Skin Care Consultants and Elevate Medical Spa Knightvest Residential Marshall Edwards Toyota of Dallas evolv consulting Munsch Hardt Elvebak Orthodontics Texas de Brazil North Dallas Bank & Trust FreshOne Holdings BV Capital Thomas Printworks Freedom Profit Recovery KeyCity Capital Chick-fil-A
TENNIS SPONSORS Mary Kay and Brett Sheldon Even Embers Grill North Texas Therapy & Home Care O.S. and Susie Hawkins Texas de Brazil Abrams Royal Compounding
Pharmacy Dallas Design Group Paper Affair
NEW TCA FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS
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 equipment for stadium video board HUDL subscription for all sports Team banners displayed on campus Sound system for ATC Pool heater for Bent Tree West pool, where swim teams practice
Track hurdle carts Softball pitching machine ATC summer workout assistance ATC equipment Baseball hitting facility
Ready, set,
HOST!
TCA’s new admission team sets a high bar for excellence in hospitality
BY AMY PRIDEAUX, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Students in all three school divisions recognized for demonstrating Christ-like virtues
ILLUSTRATIONS BY ADELAIDE WALKER ’21
SOME OF THE MOST REWARDING AND IMPORTANT WORK
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. BY BEV BIRMINGHAM, We follow a program in which we are able to look more deeply at what ASSISTANT HEAD OF a virtue means and how we can apply it and live it out every day. LOWER SCHOOL 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!
READ WHAT OUR TEACHERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE WINNERS OF THE VIRTUE-OF-THE-MONTH AWARDS:
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 RAMIREDDY 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.
CRAZY SOCKS AND FOOTIE PAJAMAS IN CHAPEL? ABSOLUTELY!
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 music, film, theater, etc., the idea was to recognize Seventh- and eighth-grade Jammie Award winners with Middle School faculty award presenters excellent displays of character in our Middle School students. Middle School teachers Brian Spence (7th/8th Bible), Kerry DeWeese (5th science) and Marcelle Hamilton (speech/drama) worked with Dr. Matt Lambro, director of student development, to bring The Jammies to life to celebrate what we hope to do on a regular basis in our Middle School.
Because middle-schoolers can easily be categorized as immature, self-centered and temperamental, we love to catch kids in the act of doing good as they are 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 of how they have seen a student demonstrate godly character. Students in every grade level were then recognized by a faculty or staff presenter who shared about their character, either describing a specific moment in time or a pattern that had been seen throughout the year. As students were welcomed up on stage to the applause of their peers, they were honored with their choice of crazy socks or a pair of footie pajamas. While there were no acceptance speeches given, the looks of surprise, the way in which classmates and peers helped to cheer on and honor the recipients and the fun we all had mean that it is highly likely that The Jammies may make a return appearance next year!
READ WHAT OUR TEACHERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE JAMMIE AWARD WINNERS:
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 TRAVIS 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. Trojan Jammie for Perseverance: GREYSON McCAULEY Earlier this year, this fifth-grade boy fell and unfortunately broke both of his wrists. Though this was painful, he was never seen complaining or showing frustration despite the limited use of his hands. He completed all of his work on time and pushed through the difficulties to perform with academic excellence.
Trojan Jammie for Respectfulness: MADDIE GRIFFEN This sixth-grade girl is talented at showing respect even without using words! Multiple teachers nominated her for ability to consistently maintain great eye contact and stay cheerfully engaged each and every class period. She daily greets each teacher by name as she enters her classes and regularly pays teachers compliments. She never fails to thank her teachers at the end of each class in a meaningful and appreciative tone.
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 RAMSEY 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.
EACH SPRING 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. MATT LAMBRO, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT instead of their character. While TCA DEVELOPMENT 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.
READ WHAT OUR TEACHERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE CHARACTER QUALITY AWARD WINNERS:
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.
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 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: KYLIE 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 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 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:
“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.”
