Trinity Today Summer 2024

Trinity

EDITOR

KEVIN MCCONAGHY Director of Marketing & Communication

DESIGN/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CLARISSA WONG ’19 Graphic Designer & Publications Coordinator

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

HAVEN BURGOON ’16 Digital Media Specialist

CAREY ESTRADA Photographer

JAY PARKER Sports Information Director

ALUMNI OFFICE

BETH HARWELL Director of Alumni

ADVISORY BOARD

DR. JEFF D. WILLIAMS ’88 Head of School

SCOTT BERTHEL

BEV BIRMINGHAM

KRISTY KEGERREIS

JENNIE KESLER

FRAN LEGBAND

BECKY LEWIS

CHRISTINE METOYER

NOEL PIERCE

AMY EDWARDS PRIDEAUX ’89

CAMILLE LANGFORD WALKER ’82

LISA WONG

JUSTIN ZAPPIA

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

STACEY DORÉ Chair

DERIC EUBANKS Vice Chair

MARK DYER Past Chair

LISA CHOU

DAVID HARPER

WENDY HERMES

BRANDON WADDELL

CRAIG WENNING

LISA WHITAKER

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

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CONTACT US

Send story ideas to Kevin McConaghy at kmcconaghy@trinitychristian.org and alumni information to Beth Harwell at bharwell@trinitychristian.org.

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SORGHUM FIELD PHOTO 1990

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

This 50-year-old photo shows part of the origins of Trinity Christian Academy. The students are looking out at a field that would soon become the TCA campus. This same land now contains TCA’s buildings, playgrounds and athletic facilities, which have been built and added to in stages over the years as the school has developed and grown. The students in this photo could see none of that at the time; they could only guess and dream of what the future might hold for TCA. With TCA growing children instead of sorghum and our fields now covered with artificial turf, today represents the distant future that those students could only imagine. A lot of history has passed between then and now. A lot of students, faculty and staff have passed through our doors and made their marks on our school. New traditions and technologies have been invented. The world around us has certainly changed, although the truths we teach remain the same. We can look back on the past and appreciate all that God has done for us.

However, much like those students in the past, we can also look out over this place as it exists now and try to anticipate what is to come. TCA has always been about preparing children for the

future; what is the future we are preparing them for? It may look just as different 50 years from now as it did 50 years ago.

This edition of Trinity Today looks ahead to what may happen in the future while also looking back at what has come before. Some things have changed; other things likely will change as we seek to continuously improve and to better equip students to live in tomorrow’s world. But we know that what is truly important never changes, because we serve an eternal and unchanging God. He has proven His faithfulness thus far, and we trust Him to guide us through whatever may come.

Director of Marketing & Communication

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY

FEATURES

Looking Forward and Looking Back 38

How has TCA changed over the years? How will it look differently in the future? We asked alumni to look back on their time as students here, and we asked current students to give their predictions of how the school will change in the coming decades.

Leading TCA Into the Future 44

This summer, TCA welcomes some new leadership in the Middle School and Upper School. Meet some of the people who will be guiding TCA going forward: new Head of Upper School Craig Wilson, Head of Middle School Cindi Di Iorio and Assistant Heads of Middle School Sara Fusco and Brian Spence.

TROJAN ATHLETICS ALUMNI

The Importance of Innovation 48

Lisa Wong

Today’s students are tomorrow’s future leaders and problem-solvers. Chief Innovation Officer Lisa Wong explains how TCA prepares students to innovate new solutions, use discernment with new technology and make a positive difference in our world.

Unchanging Truth in a Changing World 52

Bob Dyer

We live in an ever-changing world, but we serve an unchanging God. Director of Biblical Worldview Bob Dyer reminds us to look back on God’s faithfulness and stand firm on the eternal truths of His Word.

Looking to the Future of Sports 54

TCA’s newest sports team doesn’t play on a field or a court. But electronic sports, or “esports,” is a rapidly growing activity that encourages teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship and fun.

A Tradition of Excellence 56

Jay Parker

The Trojan golf program has won 21 state titles, including the last seven years in a row. With Marshall Edwards retiring as head coach, we look back at what has made the team successful.

Sports Season Recaps 58

Alumni News 74

Alumni Spotlight 76

We highlight two alumni who are still on campus each day making a difference: Visual Arts Teacher Adria Warner ’95 and Athletic Chaplain Wes Tarbox ’86.

In Memoriam 80

Prayer Guide 81

From the Head of School

When I look back at my TCA experience and look forward to the future, two words jump out at me: first, gratitude for the unbelievable experiences that I had, and second, hope for what God has in store for TCA.

Gratitude: I am beyond grateful for my parents who worked to provide the opportunity for me to get a Christian education. Every day as a student at TCA, I was surrounded by unbelievable faculty and staff. I remember a fifth-grade teacher who challenged me to read a devotional book every morning before I came to school; this habit has stuck with me every single day since then. I remember receiving a citizenship award for character and standing up for what was right; the way faculty and staff recognized gifts that God had given me made a lasting impression on me. When I think back on my Upper School experience, I remember the amazing faculty who stretched me and told me that I could do really hard things even though it was going to require great effort. I remember taking art classes and being surrounded by unbelievably gifted artists who challenged me to be innovative and to use the creativity inside of me in order to bring glory to God. I remember being in athletics and having the opportunity to learn sportsmanship, character and leadership lessons that I would never have been able to learn from a book. When I think about TCA, I remember the lifelong relationships that have been developed: people that I went to college with, were in my wedding and that I now get to work alongside. I remember having great pride in knowing that I had experienced a Christ-centered education with strong academics, which ultimately prepared me not just for college but for life. I remember that this school fulfilled its mission by developing me as a whole person, not just in one discipline. TCA provided a tremendous amount of growth in grace and knowledge, and this place helped me to be a faithful disciple.

Hope: When I think about what is ahead, I believe the best is yet to come for TCA. I believe our task in front of us is great, and it’s becoming even more complex by the day. But if our vision is to glorify God first and foremost, and our focus is on honoring the Lord in all that we do, He will take care of everything else.

We will continue to pursue excellence; TCA must be the very best that it can possibly be not for our own glory, but ultimately for His glory. I believe that if we fulfill our mission at the highest level our graduates will be beyond prepared for the world. The enemy hates what we are doing, so we must pray without ceasing for our students and our community. We have hope because we rely on a trustworthy God.

I have tremendous gratitude for my experiences at TCA and unwavering hope for the future of the school. Together, we can continue the tradition of educating, equipping and preparing young men and women for a lifetime of faithfully following Christ.

PHOTO BY JEFF MCWHORTER '05

From the Board of Trustees

Iam often asked if TCA is the same as it was when I graduated over 25 years ago. My response is always the same: “It’s not—it’s even better.” I was fortunate to attend TCA from kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated in 1997. Even when I was a student, the school’s mission was to “educate and develop the whole person for the glory of God.” But what makes TCA stand out compared to other schools, and what makes its mission possible, are the families, the faculty and the facilities.

During my time at TCA, I made lasting friendships with not only fellow classmates but also with their families. I truly felt like I had dozens of parents, whether it be the football moms, the parents that would host study groups at their houses for late-night study sessions or the parents of close friends who were always there to give an encouraging word or a gentle sense of redirection. A hallmark of our school has always been the common dedication of our parents to raising their children to seek God first, and that has not waivered. I consistently see our community come together to support one another and help each other as we navigate raising Christian children in ever-changing times and welcome new families into our community with our increased enrollment. I’m happy to see that TCA is still much more than a student body; instead, it’s a community of believers.

On that note, another thing that has remained is TCA’s dedication to employing and empowering an amazing faculty and staff to guide, teach and impact our children throughout their time here. When I was a student, Connie Nixon taught me to love math, David Johson taught me that “the extra point is the most important” and countless others guided me through my formative years. Today, while the names and faces might have changed, our faculty remains dedicated to equipping our children with faith-based knowledge and mentoring them as they grow. Teachers are trained to challenge our students as

they strive to obtain academic excellence, while at the same time encouraging them through their challenges and failures and pointing them to Christ. I’m always delighted to hear of the countless testimonies of how our faculty is inspiring our students, and I appreciate that this hallmark of TCA continues to flourish.

As for the facilities, many of the buildings that I enjoyed have given way to new construction. Yes, I feel old, as I was in the first graduating class in the Upper School building; but seeing the transformation of our campus over the years has been encouraging. The Lower School is a special building where amazing things happen, and the new Middle School is state-of-the-art. Additionally, recent and ongoing upgrades to athletic facilities will benefit our students as they endeavor to excel on the field. When I was a student, I took for granted the sacrifices of the families who made TCA possible, and as we seek to continue to upgrade our campus to deliver the mission of excellence, I’m humbled and encouraged by the task ahead. The Board of Trustees continues to develop its vision for our campus as we seek to provide first-class facilities, and over the years, with God’s provision, our campus will continue to transform for the better.

TCA profoundly impacted my life. There is no doubt that God used this school to make me who I am, and He continues to use our beloved school for that purpose today. The future of TCA is bright, and our family is blessed to continue to call it home.

BRANDON WADDELL ’97 Trustee

LUCKY LOCKETT says he is honored to join and serve TCA on the Board of Trustees. “I am delighted to contribute to TCA’s mission and commitment to excellence, innovation and the nurturing of future Christian leaders. I am looking forward to a journey of shared growth and service to an exceptional school which continually blesses our family.”

Lucky serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of QEO Group. Lucky and his wife, Cristi, have twin daughters at TCA, Laurel and Laine (seventh grade). Their daughters have been at TCA since kindergarten.

Kyle Morrill 41 Years

Kyle Morrill was a 25-year-old teacher and coach in Plano when, in the spring of 1983, he had a fateful conversation with another coach.

“We were talking about our career paths. I wanted to be a head baseball coach. He said he knew of a school named Trinity Christian Academy that needed a baseball coach. TCA was not on most people’s maps at the time. I knew nothing about it. I ended up calling Mike Beane, who went to my church and was the athletic director at TCA. One conversation led to another, and I accepted the job as head baseball coach, varsity football assistant coach, junior high basketball coach, American history teacher and government teacher. That sounds like a lot, but I was young and loved all of it.”

Mr. Morrill went on to fill even more roles at TCA over the years, including varsity girls basketball coach, Bible teacher, history/English teacher, assistant head of Middle School, assistant athletic director, Upper School dean of students and head of Upper School.

Soon after coming to TCA, he started dating a fellow TCA teacher and coach, Sue LaBoon. They got engaged at home plate on the baseball field in 1984 and were married in December of that year. They have three kids who all graduated from TCA.

Mr. Morrill took over as head of Upper School in 2000. “My dad was a principal in DISD for 30 years, and when I got into education, I said I would never be a principal. God had other plans,” Mr. Morrill explains. “It is one of the toughest jobs on campus, but I enjoyed it immensely.”

One of the highlights from Mr. Morrill’s time at TCA was the 2001 girls basketball state championship. “Every coach wants to win a state championship,” he says. “We were definitely a Cinderella story, because we came in third in district but got hot in the playoffs. It was also my first year as head of Upper School, and our headmaster had asked me to make that year my last one coaching, so winning state was such a blessing straight from the Lord.”

Upper School faculty and staff often mention appreciating Mr. Morrill’s sense of humor and his uncanny ability to remember the name and graduation year of every TCA student. Coworkers also praise Mr. Morrill for the impact he has had on the school and on their own lives, as well as his lifetime of faithful service. “You would be hard-pressed to find someone as loyal and dedicated to Trinity Christian Academy and its mission as Kyle,” says Bob Dyer, TCA’s director of biblical worldview.

Chief Academic Officer Fran Legband, who worked in the Upper School for over 20 years, says that Mr. Morrill “made his mark here at TCA.” She also talks about learning from his example: “The most important lessons Kyle taught were to trust in God’s faithfulness. He never fretted when an employee was leaving at the end of a school year; he wanted God’s will for their lives. God is faithful; Kyle knows that and trusts Him.”

Upper School Humanities Department Head Diane Walton says, “What stands out most is how Kyle supported, defended and protected the classroom — and especially his teachers. His belief in the power and importance of what happens in the classroom has served as an inspiration for us all to hone this craft and calling and to be content area masters. It has been a singular joy to work with him.”

Others mention his commitment to relationships. “Kyle cares about people, dearly and deeply. The relationships I have watched him grow and foster over the last 14 years have motivated me to do the same,” says Sara Fusco, who led the Upper School science department before transitioning to Middle School assistant head this summer. “As a boss, mentor and friend, Kyle leads with grace, laughter, joy and wisdom.”

When asked what stands out about his time at TCA, Mr. Morrill also says that “it has always been about relationships. Relationships make everything important and eternal.”

“I have so many great memories from my many years at TCA, but they all revolve around shared experiences with kids, coaches and teachers,” says Mr. Morrill. “It has been a great ride.”

Kunthea Davis

34 Years

Kunthea Davis’s journey to TCA began on the other side of the world. She grew up in Cambodia during the time of the Khmer Rouge regime. “If you see the movie The Killing Fields,” says Kunthea, “that is exactly my story.” She moved to the United States in 1981 to escape the violence and instability in her home country.

Kunthea did not know any English when she first arrived in the United States; she has learned the language through immersion and patient listening. She also did not know Christ before coming to this country, but she became a Christian here and has faithfully attended the same church ever since.

She joined TCA’s janitorial staff in 1990 and later moved on to working in maintenance at the school. In 2018, she joined the volunteer services department, where she provides support for all of the many events that happen at TCA.

“We have over 200 events that we do each year,” explains Camille Walker, director of campus events and volunteers. “It’s been huge having her in our office, because we do a lot. It’s very busy. And Kunthea is very capable. She gets to work early and probably averages 20,000 steps a day.”

“More than that when I have football,” confirms Kunthea. “I walk nine miles when I have football games.”

Kunthea is known at TCA for being hard-working and helpful. “I try do the best I can,” she says. “I love getting a job done. I don’t like rest. And I love to help people. God gave me a heart to do that.”

“I love to make people happy,” she says. “Not just do the job, but make sure the people are happy. That’s very important for me to do.”

“She helps people all the time,” says Camille. “That really is her role.”

“Kunthea will be greatly missed,” says Amy Prideaux, director of admission at TCA. “She is always smiling, always working harder than anyone and always doing a fabulous job!”

One of the things that Kunthea says she is looking forward to in retirement is spending more time with her three daughters, all of whom graduated from TCA, and with her four grandchildren. She also plans to volunteer with her church, which she says might include a mission trip to Cambodia. Though she does not know exactly what the future will hold for her, Kunthea says that she trusts God in whatever direction He would have her go and whatever He would have her do. And it doesn’t sound like she will slow down much: “I like to be busy,” she says. “I don’t like to sit at home. I like to do things.”

One of the themes that comes up repeatedly with Kunthea is the concept of gratitude and giving thanks to God.

“I am so thankful that God brought me to TCA,” she says. “People here are so wonderful and so nice to me. I’m so grateful. I am so grateful.”

Bottom Left: Kunthea Davis

29 Years Medina Webber

Medina Webber came to TCA in 1995 through an introduction from a church friend, Judy Lins, who served at that time as head of the TCA Middle School math department. Previously she taught for eleven years at the collegiate level including seven years at the University of Texas at Arlington.

For 29 years, Medina Webber served as a sixth-grade Latin and math teacher at TCA. “I love this age and all the growth that we, as teachers, are blessed to see and experience, such as at special sixth-grade traditions like the Sky Ranch or Camp of the Hills trips,” she says. “And the sixth-grade teaching team is one of the sweetest blessings of all!”

Looking back on her time at TCA, she takes great joy in the integration of her Christian faith with student relationships. “At TCA, I’ve been encouraged to share my faith in the Lord with my students and colleagues,” she recalls. Jason Woodard, a graduate from the TCA Class of 2018 who now serves as a pilot, remembers one such day in particular. “Mrs. Webber helped lead me to Christ in sixth grade, which has influenced me every day since! She loved her students well and will be greatly missed!”

Leah Kegerreis ’20 says that “Mrs. Webber was a constant reminder of faith and compassion. Throughout my time in her class, it was evident that she cared about students’ lives, and that compassion extended far beyond my years in her classroom. To this day, I love catching up with her as if no time has passed!”

Mrs. Webber recalls, “Being able to pray with my kids and for them in times of need or rejoicing has always

brought me much joy and peace!” Coworkers echo Medina Webber’s commitment to pray as the foundation of her teaching ministry at TCA. Sixth-Grade History/ English Teacher Melissa Smith notes that “Medina is and always will be an advocate for students. As a teammate and friend, she is known for her unwavering faith in God and tenacity as a prayer warrior. Her true gift to TCA is her servant’s heart.” Wanchi Lowe, sixth-grade math department head, also celebrates Medina Webber’s devotion to covering TCA in prayer. “Medina has been a dedicated teacher, faithful prayer warrior and cherished friend,” says Mrs. Lowe. “Her ministry of prayer will continue to uphold TCA long after she retires.”

Through the years since 1995, there have been changes to the physical campus, with the additions of the Upper School building, the Lower School building, the ATC, the Performing Arts Center and the new Middle School building. Mrs. Webber says, “What has NOT changed is the best part of TCA: the heart of the school embodied within the hearts of its people who love God, our students and each other.”

Mrs. Webber doesn’t have firm plans for her next chapter after TCA, but she is confident in God’s steadfast love in the days ahead. “He has given me ‘peace that passes understanding,’ and I’m enjoying His perfect peace!” she notes.

Bottom Left: Medina Webber

28 Years Joseph Acker

In June of 1996, Joseph Acker stepped onto the Trinity Christian Academy campus for the first time and observed the Upper School building, then under construction. He was not particularly seeking a new job and was happily teaching physics in Georgia, but he quickly found intellectual companionship with Dan Russ, then head of school, and Dr. Donna McBride, then head of Upper School. “I vividly remember two things in Donna McBride’s office. She had a paperweight that said ‘Fides quaerens intellectum,’ which is a quote from Saint Augustine meaning ‘faith seeking understanding.’ There was a poster of the starship Enterprise hanging on the wall behind her desk. I so identified with that juxtaposition of Augustine and Jean-Luc Picard. I still do! I also appreciated their vision for TCA: Christ-centered without making any academic compromises.”

Even from his first months on campus, Mr. Acker made lasting and meaningful connections with students. “I first met Mr. Acker his first year at TCA as he volunteered to watch Middle School kids who had late carpool. He had brought some chess boards out. What impressed me was his passion to teach,” recalls Nic Martinez ’01. “I’ll never forget when he convinced me to try out for chess tournaments. I did not think I was any good, but I competed with Mr. Acker as my coach. I was astonished when I won a tournament.”

Over the last 28 years, Mr. Acker has taught at least six different physics curricula. He served as science department head for five years and developed a unique Honors Astronomy course. When asked for his greatest joys at TCA, he remembers moments of empowering students and forming relationships as they marveled together over God’s creation. “Taking astronomy classes on overnight field trips to the Comanche

Springs Astronomy Campus in Crowell, Texas, was a fantastic experience. It was the highlight of the year for those classes,” he recalls.

Students recall these astronomy trips with just as much joy. “Mr. Acker was a fantastic teacher! He always helped to gain knowledge of astronomy while also making lessons exciting for his students,” says Jacquelyn Rector Switalski ’16. “The astronomy trip was phenomenal, and I still use those pictures to this day. Studying under him was such a privilege!”

For 28 years, Mr. Acker has inspired kids to find joy and worship in scientific study. “Mr. Acker helped me realize my passion for science and gave me the tools to tackle unfamiliar challenges, all while being the picture of Christ’s kindness,” says Brian Kegerreis ’13.

Over the course of his teaching career at TCA, Mr. Acker has been instrumental in guiding dozens of young men and women into science careers. For Dr. Kevin Bagnall ’06, Mr. Acker was a key mentor as a scientist and Christian. “I’m very grateful for Joseph Acker’s commitment to teaching. Clearly, Mr. Acker loves science (although he has many lesser-known talents in language arts and other subjects). However, Mr. Acker is also a lover and seeker of the Lord Jesus and is a role model for living a Christian life as a teacher, husband and father. I was fortunate to observe his life of caring for students.” Going further, Dr. Bagnall credits Mr. Acker as a career catalyst. He says, “Learning foundational physics from Mr. Acker led to me earning a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. May the Lord bless this next chapter of Mr. Acker’s life!”

2003

26 Years Karen Compere

This spring TCA celebrates Karen Compere, who is retiring after 26 years of investing in the lives of students at TCA. Initially, Mrs. Compere was drawn to TCA as a parent as she searched for a school that would reinforce her family’s Christian values in addition to providing a challenging academic curriculum.

Soon, she found herself serving as Middle School library assistant, then as a teaching assistant in fifth through eighth grades. In the fall of 2002, she began her long tenure as a seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher specializing in prealgebra and algebra. Mrs. Compere is most proud of the moment when a math concept clicks for a student. She recalls, “The most gratifying moment is when a student says, ‘I get it now’ or ‘That makes so much sense.’”

Over the years, she notes that the school has grown significantly. But all the while, as TCA grew around her, Mrs. Compere remained committed to student learning. Tee Parker, a rising senior of the class of ’25, remembers, “I had Mrs. Compere for two years in Middle School, and I truly believe she laid the foundation for my love and proficiency in math. She pushed us, and her humor made math fun.” Another rising senior, Brett Yanof, recalls, “Mrs. Compere was able to turn the class environment into one where she made learning more engaging because she was a joy to be around. She had a perfect balance of humor and passion to teach kids. She frequently reminded us how blessed we are to go to a school like TCA that integrates Christian faith in the classroom.”

Her colleagues agree. Seventh-Grade History/English Teacher Jan Marshall notes that Mrs. Compere “is a dedicated educator who uses her remarkable gift of humor to teach, encourage and support students to become stronger learners and better people.” Fellow Seventh- and Eighth-Grade Math Teacher Samantha Friday says, “Karen’s impact at TCA is beyond words. Her legacy mixes her ability to encourage students to rise to a high standard while engaging them with her

wit and humor.” Rising senior Daniel Yang echoes the joy of Mrs. Compere’s humor in math class, noting that she “put a smile on our faces through both the ups and downs of the challenging COVID season.”

Following her retirement, Mrs. Compere looks forward to spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren. Congratulations and hearty thanks, Mrs. Compere, for 26 years of faithful investment.

Left: Karen Compere

Scott Berthel

Outgoing Head of Middle School

Scott Berthel has been at TCA for “only” 19 years and is moving on not to retirement, but to new opportunities as head of school at Veritas Christian Academy in Wayland, Massachusetts. But as we look ahead with new Middle School leadership, it is fitting to also look back on our outgoing head of Middle School.

Mr. Berthel came to TCA from Southfield Christian School in Southfield, Michigan, where he previously served as head of school. As he explains, “In January 2005 I sensed God guiding me to a different role, a different school and a different place to be more present with my family.

At that time, my wife, Sally, and I had a threeyear-old and a two-month-old infant. I knew what I wanted in a school and knew I wanted to take a couple of steps back down the administrative ladder ... God was kind to give us the opportunity to practice discernment as we considered three offers. The opportunity to work with former Head of School Dave Delph and former Head of Middle School Bentley Craft was the deciding factor for me.”

Mr. Berthel started at TCA as assistant head of Middle School and coach of the eighth-grade girls soccer team. After seven years of juggling those two roles, he was named head of Middle School in 2012. His wife, Sally, also put her previous experience as a teacher and librarian to use at TCA, serving as a substitute for several years and

then as the Lower School Library media specialist.

Coworkers appreciate how Mr. Berthel has led the Middle School with wisdom, compassion and humility. “Throughout my entire time at TCA, I have been blown away by Scott’s wisdom and discernment in handling all kinds of situations,” Sixth-Grade History/English Teacher Michelle Bain says. “God has given Scott the judgment to know exactly when to listen, when to give advice and when to act. That kind of wisdom in a guy who’s also not afraid to don a wig or a onesie in front of 500 kids really made him a perfect leader for our Middle School!”

“I can’t imagine a more compassionate, caring and humble leader,” says Middle School Science Head Stephen Megison ’06.

Former Head of School Dave Delph says he admired Mr. Berthel’s “knowledge, wisdom, skill and walk with God ... As a leader, he shepherded his faculty, staff, students and parents with humility, gentleness, kindness and grace.”

Looking back, Mr. Berthel says that “seeing the reality of Jesus at work in and through the lives of people” is what stands out from his time at TCA. “The pages of this magazine,” he says, “offer a few glimpses into the many stories taking place each year in which the presence, truth and lovingkindness of Christ are changing lives in our midst.”

He thanks everyone for their prayers: “Whether through the monthly prayer guide, the former ‘Wall of Prayer,’ an MPACT meeting, the email prayer chain or in small groups of friends, your support of the work of TCA through personal and corporate prayer remains one of the great testimonies of the faith that binds us.”

S Remembering Stephanie Scott Assistant Head of Middle School

tephanie Scott joined the TCA community as assistant head of Middle School late in the summer of 2020. She immediately jumped in to help bridge the gap between the spring 2020 COVID-19 closure and the effort to launch on-campus learning in the 2020-21 “COVID year” of school. Her second year featured additional, unique, COVID-related challenges as the Middle School faculty and staff prepared to move, and her third year included the move into our new 7/8 building and remodeled 5/6 building and all the subsequent adjustments to the new locations and layout. Ms. Scott and fellow Middle School staff laughed often during the August 2023 in-service training about the fact that it took four years for her to experience her first “normal” opening day of school. In the joy and hope that marks the start of the school year in our Middle School, we did not know of the physical struggles she would face in the autumn, the cancer diagnosis which would come in November, or of her passing from this world in late December. Her service at TCA – which she often referred to as her dream job – was marked by her smiles for students as she greeted them each day, her care for and encouragement of teachers, and her steadfast faith in Christ. Although we know she is now healed and is with her Savior, we miss her greatly and mourn our loss along with all her family and friends.

Years of Service

We are grateful for the way so many people faithfully devote their careers to making the TCA community what it is. At the close of the 2023-24 school year, we honored these faculty and staff for notable work anniversaries:

30 YEARS

Bob Dyer – Director of Biblical Worldview

25 YEARS

Jason Groezinger – US Math Teacher

Kristy Kegerreis – Chief of Staff

Cheryl Utley – Fourth-Grade Teacher

20 YEARS

Amy Burns – Fourth-Grade Teacher

Casey Churchwell – Eighth-Grade History/ English Teacher

Steve Mercer – Dean of Students, Varsity Football Assistant Head Coach

Ann Uselton – Fifth-Grade Teacher

15 YEARS

Angie Azevedo – US Spanish Teacher

Steve Hayes – Varsity Football Head Coach

Becky Lewis – Executive Director, TCA Foundation

Melinda Newman – Fifth-Grade Teaching Assistant

Brandie Rodgers – Second-Grade Teacher

10 YEARS

Katie Kilpatrick – US Humanities Teacher

Jalyn Wells – US Math Teacher

Bob Williams – US Humanities Teacher

5 YEARS

Koshy Daniel – US Chemistry Teacher

Jeremy Gregory – US Bible Teacher

David Goerk – Visual Arts Teacher

Marcelle Hamilton – MS Speech/Drama Teacher

Solange Kemajou – US French Teacher

Carrie Kunkel – Kindergarten Teacher

Jill Lehman – Accounting Manager

Melissa Lindsay – Kindergarten Teacher

Haleigh Manhkong '09 – Third-Grade Teacher

Erica McFarland – Sub Coordinator

Monica Mercer – Accountant

Jennifer Pool – US Attendance Secretary

Morgan Potts '08 – PreK Teacher

Nikki Stinson – Visual Arts Teacher

Jennifer Tristan – US Administrative Assistant

Justin Zappia – Director of Auxiliary Programs 30 25 20 15 10 5

Good Works

Getterman Scholar

This spring, Lucy Dennis was named a Getterman Scholar at Baylor University. Only three incoming Baylor students are chosen for this prestigious award each year. Each Getterman Scholar receives a full merit scholarship that covers the entire cost of tuition, room and board. It also provides for multiple study abroad, mission trip and internship opportunities. The Getterman scholarship is valued at over $300,000. Congratulations, Lucy!

Book Awards

Ella Stewart – Dartmouth Book Award, awarded by the Dartmouth Alumni Association to a junior student who demonstrates achievement inside and outside of the classroom

Anne Marie Martinez – Yale Book Award, awarded for outstanding scholarship, character and intellectual curiosity

Daniel Yang – University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award, awarded to high school juniors who embrace creativity and innovation while demonstrating citizen leadership by working to improve their community

Senior Awards

Trinity Spirit Award: Blake Broekemeier

TCA Good Citizenship Award: Carolina Anderson, Aidan Mills

Bible

Senior Bible: Cody Baker

Humanities

AP English Literature: Kylie Jones, Ally Lee

Senior Thesis: Lucy Dennis, Molly Youn

Government: Harrison Brown

Economics: Grace Leverton

Leadership

Senior Leadership: Carter Bielecki

Mathematics

Finite Math: Anna Sharpe, Will Schewee

Honors Trigonometry/Intro Calculus: Max Burchett

AP Calculus AB: Ivy Jordan

AP Calculus BC: Collin Dumas

Performing Arts

Spring Show Award: Katherine Broyles

Choir

Choral Director’s Award: Payne Bator, Ivy Jordan

Outstanding Musician Award: Sneha Daniel, Beck Henry

Theater

Outstanding Theater Student: Katherine Broyles

Advanced Drama: Lulu Janson

Theater Director’s Award: Sneha Daniel

Band

Trojan Band Award: Molly Youn

Science

AP Biology: Annabelle Lee

AP Chemistry: Jacob Overmann

Honors Anatomy and Physiology: Kassadi Brown, Natalie Weissinger

Field Ecology: Heather Brownlee, Hank Valenta

Honors Engineering Design: James Crawford, Christian Yang

Technology

Honors Game Design: Luca Palazzo

Yearbook: Teegan Burgett, Karlayn Ehmke, Aidan Mills

Visual Arts

AP Art Award: Ally Lee, Hank Valenta

Media Design: Samuel Jenkins, Sarah Smith

Digital Art: David Meiser

World Language

AP Spanish: Kassadi Brown

AP French: Ivy Jordan

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10

College Athletic Commitments

Multiple Trojan athletes from the class of 2024 will be competing at the next level in the coming year. Congratulations to all of these athletes; we’ll be rooting for you in college!

John Badger Washington University in St. Louis, Football

Sam Jenkins Baylor University, Baseball

Evan Acevedo University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, Golf

Aidan Dortch Texas Christian University, Golf

Zoë Dodson University of Texas at Austin, Soccer

Avery Booker Harding University, Softball

Niko Michaelides Hillsdale College, Baseball

Steven Ramos Navarro College, Baseball

Will Lehman Hillsdale College, Baseball

John Henry Flatt Auburn University, Football

Harrison Brown Wheaton College, Baseball

Grace Leverton Haverford College, Basketball PHOTOS

Good Works

TAPPS Academic Champions

The TCA TAPPS Academic Team are champions for the fourth year in a row! Students competed in various academic subjects, earning points in math, literature, writing, science, social studies and current events. Congratulations to these talented students.

Team Members: Angelina Crook, Luke Doré, Jackson Duke, Collin Dumas, Gael Garcia, Sophie Huang, Andrea Johnson, Kylie Jones, Karys Karlow, Caleb Kim, Annabelle Lee, Eliotte Lin, Claire Millet, Cate Pou, McLain Schulte, Andrew Wei, Andrew West, Luke West, Molly Youn, Nathan Youn and Victoria Zuniga

Individual Awards

Number Sense

McLain Schulte – Seventh Place

Andrew Wei – Eighth Place

Calculator Applications

Andrew Wei – First Place

Jackson Duke – Third Place

McLain Schulte – Fifth Place

Math 1

Caleb Kim – Second Place

Nathan Youn – Fourth Place

Advanced Math

Andrew Wei – Third Place

Jackson Duke – Sixth Place

Science

Annabelle Lee – Second Place

Molly Youn – Third Place

Collin Dumas – Fourth Place

Literary Criticism

Karys Karlow – First Place

Cate Pou – Sixth Place

Social Studies

Andrea Johnson – Eighth Place

Current Events

Andrew West – Fourth Place

Yearbook

Yearbook– Eighth Place

Rising Readers

Second- through fourth-grade teachers each chose one student who has shown a desire to read, progressed in their Accelerated Reader goals and enjoyed reading throughout the school year. The following students were chosen by their teachers to receive this award: Simeon Arasaratnam, Cooper Armstrong, Aiden Avery, Lauren Crawford, James Curran, Ryan Gulbas, Reagan Ingram, Braxton Jones, Hannah Kappes, Alexander Konstans, Jonathan Long, Olivia Powell, Raegan Sanderson, Juliette Tapella and Jane Worley

Middle School Math Olympics

National

Tanya Chiang: First Place, Computation

Daniel Russ: Fourth Place, Reasoning

Divisional

Margaret Clack: Fourth Place, Fifth-Grade Reasoning

William Kim: Fifth Place, Fifth-Grade Computation

Henry Chen: First Place, Sixth-Grade Reasoning

Tanya Chiang: First Place, Sixth-Grade Computation

Chloe Li: Second Place, Sixth-Grade Computation

Hanna Furr: Fifth Place, Sixth-Grade Reasoning

Landon Tapella: Top 15, Sixth-Grade Computation

Parker Lowe: Fourth Place, Seventh-Grade Computation

Henry Dickinson: Top 15, Seventh-Grade Computation

Daniel Russ: First Place, Eighth-Grade Reasoning

Will Anderson: Second Place, Eighth-Grade Reasoning

Eighth Grade Awards

Art: Matthew Carter, Molly Ellis, Julien Gean, Lena Hotchkiss

Band: Duncan Ramsey, Parker Reed, Jon Ross

Barnabas Award: Matthew Carter

Bible: Winnie Henderson, Anya Ouimette, Jackson Pattillo, Kinley Poole

Bible Memory: Jackson Pattillo

Choir: Sawyer Bland, Gage Gruner, William Ledebur, Ally Matthews, Greyson McCauley, Jackson Pattillo, Miles Pool, Kinley Poole, Hank Womble

History/English: Bri Eidsvig, Addy Gadoci, Ellie Hammonds, Winnie Henderson, Jackson Pattillo, Parker Reed

Latin: Jordan Macatee, Duncan Ramsey, Jackson Pattillo

Math: Nicholas Banderob, Jordan Macatee, Duncan Ramsey, Jackson Pattillo

Science: Addy Gadoci, Parker Reed, Jackson Pattillo

Speech/Drama: Jordan Macatee

Technology: Mo Crum, Max Lin

Grades 9-11 Awards

Bible

Junior Bible: Alexa Herrington

Humanities

9: Caroline Craighead, Sophie Huang, Izzi Opsal

10: Lucy Anderson, Olivia Hammonds, Nathan Youn

11: Eliot Brookshire, Ava Dewey, Meredith McGraw

Leadership

Junior Leadership: Gisselle Mariscal

Mathematics

Algebra I: Jackson Shaul

Honors Geometry: Boaz Henderson

Geometry: Libby Smith

Algebra II: Ava McNaught

Honors Algebra II: Chloe Kimbrough

Honors Trigonometry/Calculus A: Nathan Youn

Business Calculus: Alexa Herrington

AP Statistics: Daniel Yang

Performing Arts

Drama I: Anna Gurganus

Drama II: Caroline Broyles

Spring Show Award: Jaylan Beckley

National Latin Exam

Outstanding Soprano: Olivia Hammonds

Outstanding Tenor: Ryan Elms

Director’s Inspirational Award: Jaylan Beckley

Director’s Award: Rylann Mikeska, Austin Sonju

Louis Armstrong Award: Brian Rodriguez

Outstanding Musicianship Award for Woodwinds: Sophie Huang

Outstanding Musicianship Award for Brass: Kieffer Barclay

Outstanding Musicianship Award for Percussion: Jackson Duke

Band Member of the Year: Avery Womble

Science

Biology: Presley Griffin

AP Biology: Eliot Brookshire

Chemistry: Hannah Yeager, Jackson

Welwood

Honors Chemistry: Adysen Thibaudeau Physics: TJ Friesen, Anna Garcia

AP Physics: Daniel Yang

Honors Astronomy: Gavin Farley

Technology

Honors Web Programming: Tyler Chiang

AP Computer Science: Caleb Olson

Congratulations to these outstanding Latin students:

Eighth Grade

Summa Cum Laude (Gold Medal): Duncan Ramsey, Jackson Patillo

Maxima Cum Laude (Silver Medal): Will Anderson, Nicholas Banderob, Abby George, Campbell Quisenberry, Mack Sykes

Magna Cum Laude: Ellen Bang, Nathan Cheung, Carter Fagan, Addy Gadoci, Braden Lee, Jordan Macatee, Kinley Poole, Parker Reed, Jonathan Ross, Olivia Spence

Cum Laude: Owen Burch, Eden Dudley-Berry, Bella Helt, Greyson McCauley, Daniel Russ, Leighton Weber

Seventh Grade

Maxima Cum Laude (Silver Medal): Henry Dickinson, Zachary Dorroh, Harper Foley, Anaiya Jackson, Grace Kim, Riley Lindsay, Jackson Solomon, Olivia Stone

Magna Cum Laude: Tyler Basom, Scarlett Dougherty, Tatum Giles, Gavin Hamrick, Griffin Sedberry, Warner Stone, Chloe Voss

Cum Laude: Kimberly Ball, Thomas Clack, Jenna Doyle, Drew

Fletcher, Rachel George, Camden Haas, Everleigh Herrell, Henry Norris, Anne Charlotte Pittman, Sophie Pritchard, Benjamin Solomon, Walker Spence, Caroline Taylor, Mason Wagers, Stephen Woods

Honors Python: Kevin Carter

Honors Entrepreneurship and Marketing

Strategies: Chloe Kimbrough, Reid Lindsay

Honors Tech Intern: Hudson Smith

Visual Arts

Honors Studio Design: Charlie Cox

Product Design: Sadie Wayman

3D Design: Andrew Beumer

Honors Photography: Peyton Eastep

Honors Drawing/Painting/Printmaking: Milena Berezhna, Carsen Prideaux

Honors Drawing/Painting/Printmaking II: Addy

Orozco, Laine Sykes

Honors Sculpture: Evie Estrada, Boaz Henderson

World Language

French I: Andrew Beumer

French II: Allison Rylander

Honors French II: Boaz Henderson

French III: Zoe Wong

Spanish I: McLain Schulte, Trent Sedberry

Spanish II: Caitlin Johnson

Honors Spanish II: Nathan Youn

Honors Spanish III: Anna Garcia, Brynn Lawrence, Molly Mattox

Honors Spanish IV: Ben Davis

Good Works

Emerging Texas Artists

TCA’s visual arts program continues to excel. This year, TCA participated in the first annual Emerging Texas Artists (ETA) Exhibition, hosted by Lovejoy High School. 13 area public and private schools participated in the exhibition. TCA was the clear winner; 23 out of the 52 pieces of art chosen to be exhibited came from TCA students, and Trojans took home the top honors. Senior Ally Lee won first place and junior Ava Dewey was awarded second place. The 17 other TCA artists accepted into the competition were Bliss Bell, Milena Berezhna (3 pieces accepted), Nataleigh Brown, Laura Cook, Peyton Eastep, Wagner Graham, Kendall Hamrick, Kate Jackson, Dannica Jenkins, Karys Karlow (2 pieces accepted), Lucy Massinger, Bobby McLaughlin, Addy Orozco, Avery Kate Spence, Cavanaugh Tripp (2 pieces accepted), Sawyer Tripp and Jackson Welwood

Championing Nonprofits

For the first time in what is hopefully a new tradition, eighth-grade students were assigned to research and give presentations on their favorite nonprofit organizations. The students were tasked with researching their chosen organization, explaining why they were passionate about that nonprofit’s ministry, describing how that ministry makes a real impact in the world and making a case for why their organization deserves support. Students competed against each other in different rounds of presentations, with the top three being chosen as winners. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the three winning students were each able to give $10,000 to their featured nonprofit! The winners were Bri Eidsvig with Joni and Friends Texas; Winnie Henderson with Hope Spring Community; and Duncan Ramsey with My Belongings.

Lyrics of Praise

In February, TCA sophomore Sophie Dennis published a book of Christian poetry, titled all again: lyrics of praise. In her poetry, Sophie draws on Scripture and personal experience to cover the narrative of God’s redemption of His creation through four stages of sin, surrender, salvation and singing praise. We are proud of Sophie’s hard work and the way she is using her talents and the power of the pen to glorify God.

Destination Imagination

TCA’s fifth-grade Destination Imagination team placed in the top 10 worldwide this spring. The team, consisting of Margaret Clack, Micah Covington, Wyatt Miller, Taylor Ramsey, Dylan Reed, Grayson Sheetz and Sam Shuck, finished ninth at the Destination Imagination Global Finals. The team designed and built a catapult, finishing second in launching distance and accuracy out of all teams. They placed fourth in the Instant Challenge, which requires teams to think quickly and work together to solve a new problem in a matter of minutes. Congratulations to these young engineers!

PHOTO BY JEFF MCWHORTER '05

PHOTO BY HAVEN BURGOON '16

Good Works

Prefect Selection

The 2023-24 academic year included the first-ever class of prefects at TCA. Prefects serve as leaders at the school in different areas, from academics to unity. Prefects are chosen at the end of their junior year through an application and interview process and serve throughout their senior year. Many thanks to the 2023-24 prefects who helped establish and define the roles: Head Prefect Molly Youn, Academic Prefect Kylie Jones, Admission

Prefect Lucy Dennis, Publicity Prefect Aidan Mills, Service Prefect Kassadi Brown, Student Life Prefect Will Lehman and Unity Prefect Lulu Janson. And congratulations to those selected as new prefects for the upcoming 2024-25 school year: Head Prefect Tee Parker, Academics Prefect Tiegan Friesen, Admission

Prefect Jaylan Beckley, Publicity Prefect Katie Craighead, Service Prefect MC Petersen, Student Life Prefect Ryan Elms and Unity

Prefect Ella Eubanks

Lower School Virtue of the Month Awards

September (Friendship): Grant Nelson

October (Integrity): Corrinne Miller

November (Gratitude): Brooke Lee

January (Responsibility): Sam Henderson

February (Kindness): Amelia Luna

March (Peace): Charlotte Lowe

April (Patience): Ethan Heckel

2024 Eagle Scouts

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable for Boy Scouts. It represents years of hard work, including a significant service project. Congratulations to Trojans John Badger, Kieffer Barclay, James Crawford, Zach Dodgen, Wyatt Nilson, Brian Rodriguez and Parker Walton for achieving Eagle Scout status this year!

Lower School CLASS ACTS

HISTORY COME TO LIFE

What do Tom Brady, Jane Goodall, Martin Luther King, Jr. and George Washington have in common? They were all in the third-grade wax museum! Third-graders honed their research and public speaking skills as they dressed up as their favorite changemakers in history. Students gave an autobiographical presentation to museum-goers that highlighted the accomplishments of their chosen subject. In the future, perhaps we’ll have third-graders dressed up as some of this year’s participants as they live out the lessons of courage, love, excellence and perseverance they learned from this project.

PICTURE-PERFECT PARADE

First-grade Storybook Character Day was a fairy tale! Parading through the halls highlighting their favorite book characters is the perfect way for our first-graders to celebrate all their reading accomplishments and the books that make reading fun.

WE’VE GOT A GOLDEN TICKET!

Oompa, loompa, doompa-dee-dee, Wonka Day is our favorite, you see! Second-graders dressed as their favorite characters from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as they enjoyed a fun day of sweet treats and recalling their favorite moments from the book. Nothing beats a dress-up day in Lower School, especially when Willy Wonka himself makes an appearance!

OLDER AND WISER

We caught a glimpse into the future on kindergarten’s 100th day of school celebration! Gray hair, walkers, sweater vests and sudden loss of hearing filled the halls as our kindergarten classes joyfully looked back on their growth in and out of the classroom during their first 100 days of school. Hope they’re looking forward to the next 2,175 days with the same excitement!

FOLLOWING JESUS'S EXAMPLE

Our littlest Trojans put self-sacrificial love into practice after learning about Jesus washing His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. As they washed their classmates’ feet, preK students took a moment to say what they appreciated most about each friend. Their joy in celebrating and serving each other was contagious and a great way to celebrate Easter!

PHOTOS BY HAVEN BURGOON '16

Middle School CLASS ACTS

ROMAN FORUM

The fifth-grade Roman Forum always stands out as a formative TCA tradition for our students. Fifth-graders tried their hand at bartering and selling as they attempted to win customers in our very own open-air forum in the style of the ancient Roman marketplace. Additionally, each year, the fifth-grade class donates a portion of their earnings to Feed My Starving Children, and this year, our fifth-graders donated $2,592.

DADS, DODGEBALL AND DISCIPLESHIP

Our second annual eighth-grade sons and dads discipleship event was impactful for all. Eighth-grade boys and their dads spent the morning growing closer together through an epic game of dodgeball and had conversations about what discipleship looks like as students begin their journey into high school. Fathers and sons expressed their gratitude for the ways God has blessed their relationship as well as looking forward to the ways He will shape each of them in the years to come.

PHOTO BY JAY PARKER

PHOTO BY CAREY ESTRADA

IN SYNC

One of our newer TCA traditions, Lip Sync Battle has quickly become a fan favorite in the Middle School! Teams from each of our four houses choreographed an extravagant dance routine to wow the judges and impress fellow classmates. This year’s theme was “decades,” and we have a feeling we’ll be reminiscing on these incredible routines and hilarious moments for decades to come!

RENAISSANCE KIDS

Renaissance Day is always one for the ages! Sixthgraders came to the TCA castle to try their hand at various Renaissance skills like calligraphy, archery, baking, court dancing and painting. Their fun-filled day living out history wrapped up their study of the Renaissance as they looked back on the incredible achievements of the period.

TICKET TO ROME

Gladiators of old had nothing on our seventh-grade charioteers this spring! Students built and raced miniature chariots during the first annual “Ticket to Rome” day. Togas, teamwork and ingenuity reigned supreme as teams raced to achieve the victor’s crown. We can’t wait for next year’s event!

PHOTO BY JAY PARKER

PHOTO BY JEFF MCWHORTER '05

PHOTO BY HAVEN BURGOON '16

Upper School CLASS ACTS

YOU PLAY BALL LIKE A GIRL

If you thought Friday Night Lights was fun, wait until you see powderpuff games! US girls took their turn on the field at Tom Landry Stadium to face off in flag football this spring. Coached by football players in their grade, the girls tackled grade-level competition in true TCA style!

THE ART OF INVENTION

Art, technology and business combined in the Upper School product design class. Students spent the year brainstorming ideas, bringing those ideas to life by designing and constructing new products, and working on the branding and marketing of their inventions. The class even sold one line of products – customizable charm bracelets – in Big Blue, with all proceeds going to a local charity.

PHOTO BY JEFF MCWHORTER '05

TALE AS OLD AS TIME

Since its opening in 2010, the Performing Arts Center has seen several showstopping productions, and this spring was one for the books! The US production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast was magical. We loved being their guest as they entertained us with this tale as old as time!

AP ART SHOW

For fourteen years, seniors in AP Art have finished their final year in TCA’s decorated art program by installing and presenting their year-long projects for their last art show. The Trinity Art Gallery has hosted incredible competitions and artwork, but some of our favorite shows have been the ones where we get to celebrate the talent and hard work of our graduating seniors. The TAG’s walls have held incredible work, and we’re just getting started!

Every year, US students throw an incredible event for the incoming freshmen as a way to welcome them to the Upper School. Teams of US students and eighth-graders run around Tom Landry Stadium decked out in color and face paint as eighth-graders get a taste of the fun and loving community they’re about to enter. They cap off the night with worship and prayer. We’re looking forward to the ways the class of 2028 will impact our school and our community!

THE BRIDGE

PHOTO BY JEFF MCWHORTER '05

PHOTO BY JEFF MCWHORTER '05

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CHAN

PHOTO BY EMERSON DALE '25

Congratulations to the Senior Class of 2024!

Looking back at their time at TCA, the class of 2024 has accomplished much. Their academic achievements include nine Trojans being named as National Merit Commended Students, four National Merit Recognition Scholars and four National Merit Finalists. They have served others through 3,978 hours of community service, and in four years they have been part of an athletic program that has won seven team state champions.

Looking forward to their future plans, this year’s 129 seniors earned a total of 499 college acceptances from 177 different colleges and universities, receiving over $14 million in scholarships. Twelve of them are also signed to play sports at the collegiate level. Way to go, seniors!

Looking Back...

sixth grade renaissance day 2018

<— Middle School House Competition 2019

Operation Christmas Child 2015

<—

seventh grade vs. teachers basketball game 2019GraceLeverton,CeceScott

Sydney Ridnour, Bobby Fish

Collin Dumas

Annabelle Lee

Top: Lucy Dennis, Aidan Mills Bottom: John Badger, Aiden Dortch

Lulu Janson, Mycah McKelvey, Luca Palazzo, Alex Kim, Owen Ellis

Plans for the Future

Evan Acevedo

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Natalia Ah Chu

Syracuse University

Michael Aiken

University of Arkansas

Graham Akin

Pepperdine University

Carolina Anderson

Auburn University

Francesca Arenas

University of Arkansas

Allie Arthur

Clemson University

John Badger

Washington University in St. Louis

Cody Baker

LeTourneau University

Finn Barton

Auburn University

Payne Bator

University of Texas at Arlington

Jack Behrman

University of Oklahoma

Gabriel Bibawi

Texas A&M University

Carter Bielecki

Baylor University

Avery Booker

Harding University

Chloe Borud

Texas Tech University

Sam Bowman

Baylor University

Bretton Brantley

University of Arkansas

Jacob Brennan

Auburn University

Blake Broekemeier

Auburn University

Harrison Brown

Wheaton College

Kassadi Brown

Northwestern University

Heather Brownlee

University of Texas at Austin

Katherine Broyles

Samford University

Audrey Bryant

Texas A&M University

Max Burchett

Southern Methodist University

Teegan Burgett

Auburn University

Nathan Chou

Baylor University

Georgia Clay

Texas A&M University

Ava Copeland

Link Year-Kanakuk

Catherine Copple

Texas Christian University

Jared Courtney

Southern Methodist University

James Crawford

Texas A&M University

Olivia Cundari University of Oklahoma

Sneha Daniel

Harding University

Lucy Dennis

Baylor University

Jackson Deuillet

Oklahoma State University

Gur Dhillon

Brewster Academy

Sarah Dobry

University of Oklahoma

Zach Dodgen

Colorado School of Mines

Zoë Dodson

University of Texas at Austin

Luke Doré

Florida State University

Lindsey Dorman

Texas Tech University

Looking Forward...

Aidan Dortch

Texas Christian University

Bailee Dortch

Baylor University

Deacon Dortch

Baylor University

Collin Dumas

Purdue University

Karalyn Ehmke

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Loni Ekstrom

Kansas State University

Owen Ellis

Louisiana Tech University

Dylan Eubanks

Auburn University

Bobby Fish

Blinn College

Joseph Fitzgerald

Texas A&M University

John Henry Flatt

Auburn University

Cecilia Garner

University of Tennessee

Camille Getz

Grand Canyon University

Ryleigh Habern

University of Arkansas

Dawson Harper

Florida State University

Beck Henry

Baylor University

Audrey Hestwood

The University of Texas at Austin

Brooks Higginbotham

University of Kentucky

Bruce Hinson

Texas A&M University

Kate Hurley

Samford University

Olivia Ibeto

Texas Christian University

Kennedy Jacocks

University of Oklahoma

Haley Janacek

Auburn University

Lauren Janson

University of Mississippi

Samuel Jenkins

Baylor University

Kylie Jones

Baylor University

Ivy Jordan

Pepperdine University

Alex Kim

Princeton University

Nathan Kim

University of Oklahoma

David Kramp

Baylor University

Jan Kruger

New Hampton School

Jace Lamb

University of Oklahoma

Christopher Lampe

Point Loma Nazarene University

Olivia Ledebur

Blinn College

Ally Lee

Washington University in St. Louis

Annabelle Lee

Amherst College

Dillard Leeds

Texas A&M University

William Lehman

Hillsdale College

Grace Leverton

Haverford College

Eliotte Lin

Texas A&M University

Quade MacFadyen

University of Tennessee

Sam Martin

Auburn University

Erick Martinez

Baylor University

Harper McFarlane

Texas A&M University

Mycah McKelvey

Auburn University

Bobby McLaughlin

Florida State University

David Meiser

Texas A&M University

Niko Michaelides

Hillsdale College

Aidan Mills

Auburn University

Ava Mills

Auburn University

Erick Mills

Texas A&M University

Elizabeth Moore

University of Mississippi

Wesley Moss

Texas A&M University

Lleyton Myers

University of Oklahoma

Will Neuhoff

Blinn College

Wyatt Nilson

Oklahoma State

Jake Overmann

Texas A&M University

Luca Palazzo

University of Arkansas

Cate Pou

Auburn University

Ensley Pounds

University of Mississippi

Annika Powers

University of Arkansas

Steven Ramos

Navarro College

Bree Ramsey

Savannah College of Art and Design

Sydney Ridnour

University of Oklahoma

Holt Roberts

Auburn University

Dylan Rock

Oklahoma State University

Will Schewee

Hendrix College

Anna Sharpe

Texas A&M University

Braden Shults

University of Oklahoma

Sarah Smith

University of Kansas

Danny Sotelo

University of Oklahoma

Audrey Spence

Texas A&M University

Evelyn Sullivan

Belmont University

Avery Sulzen

Texas A&M University

Peyton Townley Blinn College

Lucy Tredennick

University of Alabama

Sawyer Tripp

Marist College-Italy

Hank Valenta

Auburn University

Maddox Vines

Baylor University

Riley Wade

Auburn University

Andrew Wei

The University of Texas at Austin

Natalie Weissinger

Baylor University

Luke West

Southern Methodist University

Natalie Wilcox

Texas A&M University

Christian Yang

University of Texas

Molly Youn

Vanderbilt University

SENIOR BANQUET

This year’s Senior Banquet featured some new additions to an old tradition. For the first time, every senior received a “Royal Envelope,” which is a keepsake filled with heartfelt letters from family and friends. As in past years, each senior was also presented with a character quality. A character quality is a positive trait that best describes a senior’s character. This year, the character qualities were written by faculty or staff members who, after spending years in the classrooms with the students, know each of them well.

Senior students chose Upper School Government/Economics Teacher Steven Kimbrough as the faculty speaker for the event, which also included a video presentation and memories shared by students.

Thank you to Senior Banquet Chair Melissa Hays and Co-Chair Monica McGraw, along with their entire committee, for all their work to make this event such a special night for the seniors and their parents.

CONCESSIONS

Thank you to Lacy Ingram and Shelley Kilgore for serving as concessions coordinators for the 2023-24 school year. Lacy and Shelley led hundreds of parent and student volunteers who manned the concession stands for TCA home sporting events for the entire year. If you were an opener, closer or a member of the Friday night football team, we could not have done it without you! All of the money raised from concession sales goes to the sophomore class and is used to fund their senior class trip.

UNIFORM RESALE

We also want to thank Carla McClanahan for serving as the uniform resale manager. TCA’s uniform resale program is a great service to many families, and it would not have been possible this year without her work making sure uniforms were sorted, mended, washed and made ready for new students to wear.

PARENT-TEACHER FELLOWSHIP

A big thank you goes out to our PTF board members for 2023-24: President Noel Pierce, Vice President Natalie Gard, Secretary Wendi Byerly and Treasurer Lancia Herzog. The Parent-Teacher Fellowship does so much throughout the year to serve our school community, and we are grateful for everyone’s help.

Hometown Homecoming

The TCA community came together this May for an unexpected, impromptu Homecoming of sorts. After starting out as an underdog whom the judges weren’t even going to have on the show, TCA alumnus Jack Blocker ’17 won his way into the finals of this year’s American Idol competition. As a finalist, he was flown back home for a nationally televised hometown visit. The TCA community celebrated the return of Jack and his wife, Georgia (Autrey) Blocker ’16, with an on-campus parade, pep rally, Homecoming mums and more. No one, not even the producers of American Idol, knew for certain whether Jack would be voted into the finals until about 36 hours before the hometown visit, so the way that the TCA community came together and the number of people who cheerfully worked to make it all happen so quickly was impressive. Jack ended up finishing third overall on American Idol, and we look forward to what the future might hold for his music career.

TCA Foundation

You've done it again!

TCA community, you are the BEST! Your generosity throughout the 2023-2024 school year was an answer to prayer. I am grateful and humbled by your continued support.

Looking back over the past 54 years, TCA families have consistently answered the call to invest in the lives of TCA students. Through the faithful generosity of our community, generations of young people have been educated, nurtured and equipped to do with excellence all that God has called them to do.

The TCA Foundation, under the leadership of its Board of Directors, is a non-profit corporation separate from TCA and its Board of Trustees. The Foundation raises funds outside the TCA operating budget for Student Tuition Aid (STA), capital projects, the TCA Foundation Endowment and other initiatives.

Thank you for making the 20232024 school year a great success! Your compassion and investments will continue to bless young lives for many years.

I look forward to sharing more TCA Foundation project and initiative updates with you next school year.

BECKY D. LEWIS Executive Director TCA Foundation

SCAN BELOW TO MAKE A GIFT TO TCA

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Thanks to the generosity of several TCA families, significant upgrades were funded for athletic venues during the 2023-2024 school year.

BASEBALL STADIUM

State-of-the-art turf was installed for the 2024 baseball season. The surface includes a special component to absorb heat and regulate field temperature. The high-quality infield turf plays like clay, and the outfield plays like grass. In addition, the outfield fence was moved in to match other high school fields, and the bullpen was designed at the same angle as the game mound, an advantage for the Trojan pitchers.

MCB GYM AND TOM LANDRY STADIUM

SOFTBALL FIELD

The softball field was repositioned and leveled to create proper drainage and to avoid playing into the sun. New turf was installed that includes the same components and benefits as the baseball surface. In addition, new lanes were installed with both turf and dirt to help pitchers prepare to play on both surfaces. A large concrete surface was created to host Trojan fans. Other enhancements for baseball and softball are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.

Over the summer, the MCB gym floor will be resurfaced to be ready for the 2024-2025 seasons for Trojan basketball, volleyball, cheer and dance. In addition, new turf and track will be installed at Tom Landry Stadium for football, soccer and track and field.

STUDENT TUITION AID

Student Tuition Aid (STA) was established in 1974 to help families afford a TCA education when faced with unexpected financial challenges. Over 3,550 students have received STA since the scholarship program originated. Gifts to STA help equip future leaders and are an investment with eternal significance. Your support is important and makes a difference in young lives –thank you!

Looking Back:

During the 1974-75 school year

• $1,850 awarded

• Three students received STA

Looking Forward:

During the 2023-24 school year

• $1.6 million awarded

• 145 students received STA (1 out of 10 students)

• 90 families blessed by STA

PHOTOS BY JEFF MCWHORTER '05

NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY

Hosted by the Communities Foundation of Texas, North Texas Giving Day is the largest oneday giving event in the country. For over ten years, you have supported TCA initiatives such as STA and the Athletic Booster Club on this annual giving day. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

Looking Back: 2013

• First year TCA participated in North Texas Giving Day

• $228,012 raised

Looking Forward: 2023

• Tenth year of participation in North Texas Giving Day

• $575,566 raised

• Finished in third place on the School Leaderboard for Total Amount Raised (out of 372 schools)

• Finished in seventh place on the Large Organizations Leaderboard for Total Amount Raised (out of 817 nonprofits – wow!)

On February 9, TCA Foundation hosted TCA TEXFEST, a fundraising event featuring guest speaker Evan Carter, outfielder for the World Series Champion Texas Rangers.

From the lively game of “Heads or Tails” to the exciting live auction and wonderful fellowship, TCA TEX-FEST was full of joy as over 600 guests gathered at the Hilton Anatole. The event raised $500,000 for Student Tuition Aid.

The fundraising efforts culminated as a former STA recipient and current TCA parent shared how the trajectory of his life was changed through his experience at TCA. “You may never fully know the impact of your generosity; however, I know it is an investment in a young life that has lasting, even generational, value.”

TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT

We unveiled the new TCA Foundation Endowment Wall located outside the Upper School administration suite in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center in June 2023. The inaugural wall celebrates 16 of TCA’s largest endowments. These endowments were established by donors to provide annual funding for STA or teacher enrichment and have touched the lives of many students and teachers over the years.

Families representing seven of the endowments gathered to commemorate the good works perpetuated by these funds, and in April of 2024, an additional plaque was added to the wall.

The TCA Foundation endowment includes over 50 named scholarships and teacher enrichment funds. Many times, donors establish an endowment to honor or remember someone who has made a significant impact on their life, and these funds become a lasting legacy. The minimum amount to establish an endowment is $25,000.

During the 2023-2024 school year, we celebrated the establishment of two new endowments.

For more information, please contact Belinda Branstetter at bbranstetter@trinitychristian.org.

PHOTOS BY HAVEN BURGOON '05

PHOTOS BY JEFF MCWHORTER '05

Looking Forward and Looking Back

alumni how the school they work at today differs from how it was when they were students. And then we asked current students to predict how the TCA of the future will compare to their experiences today. Here are some of their answers.

Robots

"I think there will be safety robots and electric scissors. The safety robots will keep teachers and students safe and nicely treated. The electric scissors cut things by themselves. Also I think specials will have assistant robots and they'll have their own building."

-Ella Bahlmann, Third Grade

"When I was in high school here there were no computer science or tech classes, but we did have typing class with actual typewriters – and it was a required class for all high schoolers."

-Tricia Nolley Westover '86

"TCA remains Christ-centered; that has not changed. Having faculty and staff who love the Lord with all their heart, soul and mind; who love kids; and who love their craft has not changed. The world has changed, which demands even more a TCA that is focused on its mission, vision and passion."

-Dr. Jeff Williams '88

AI-GENERATEDIMAGE

"It might look like a giant castle and have a better playground."

-Sadie Kent, Second Grade

Made of Technology

"In the future, TCA will be made out of technology."

-Charlie Snead, Kindergarten

"A lot is different! The girls only wore navy skirts; the plaid skirt was rolled out after I graduated. The teachers wore uniforms."

-Camille Langford Walker '82

Back in Style

Future Castle

Looking Forward and Looking Back

Playground Tunnels

"When I was at TCA, I vividly remember playing in the blue and red tunnels on the playground before school in the mornings!"

-Skylar Hurt Worley '07

AI-GENERATEDIMAGE

Virtual Reality

"We will learn in VR."

-Ryan Butts, Seventh Grade

Lower School Construction

"When I was in Lower School at TCA, the new Lower School building was being constructed and I missed being able to be in it by one year, but now I get to enjoy it every day being a teacher inside of it! "

-Haleigh Lee Manhkong '09

1990

Pre–PAC

"When I was in the Upper School, the PAC didn’t exist so we had all assemblies and chapels in the US Commons."

-Stephen Megison '06

Carpool Upgrades

"I think that TCA will have pastel flying limos in the carpool line."

-Blakely Johnson, Third Grade

Trojans

on Ice

Senior Prank Day

"Senior skip day used to be senior prank day. We came to school but did not have to go to class. My year, we brought a trampoline, swimming pool and volleyball net to the Jesus statue lawn and relaxed and played all day. We also built a jail to lock up the senior teachers and moved Mr. Gustafson's desk out of his office and into the foyer! That might have been the last year for the senior prank day tradition!"

-Leslie Cotter McCabe '90

Committed to the Gospel

"In the coming years I believe that TCA will be one of the last schools in Dallas to be truly committed to sharing the gospel."

-Graham Akin, Senior

AI-GENERATEDIMAGE

"There will be new calendars made out of snowflakes."

-Stella Barrentine, PreK

"I think TCA would have a hockey team. I think TCA should have a hockey rink. I would have no teachers. Every day would be a silly day. The hockey team would be called 'The Learners.'"

-Walker Marchant, First Grade

"We would have flying backpacks. And spaceships would take us to school. Also, there would be no uniforms."

-Dylan Hollmuller, First Grade

"When I was in high school at TCA the Field House gym did not have air conditioning. It was so hot."

-Amanda Mowrey Rogers '88

Snow Days

Looking Forward and Looking Back

High School Sweethearts

"When I was at school here at TCA, there were no new buildings. Not sure how we all fit!! The most memorable thing for me was Mr. Williamson (senior Bible teacher) mentoring my husband and me when we were dating as seniors. He married us three years later. So precious!"

Flying Cars

The Outback

to class in the "outback." These were portables where the new Middle School is, and they eventually became Big Blue too."

-Kimberley Carter Hechtner '09

No

Longer Science Fiction

"In 100 years this is what I think TCA will look and operate like. KTCA will probably not be on a TV; maybe it will be a hologram. Maybe chapel will be on virtual reality, and maybe we will get to school by teleportation."

-Pierce Panzino, Fourth Grade

"I think TCA will be different in the future. How? Well, I believe there would be only one big cafeteria where Upper, Middle and Lower School could eat lunch. I would also like flying cars where there would be a regular parking lot and a flying cars parking lot on top of the Middle School building. Probably different logo, too, like this."

-Ella Wright, Fourth Grade

Kicks

"When I was in Middle School, we were required to wear brown penny loafers and a very specific style of socks – but the rules changed to allow tennis shoes a couple of years later, thank goodness!"

-Haley Moore '97

My Dog Ate My Homework

"Possibly pets at school. I know my dog wouldn't like the schoolwork, but she'd definitely like recess."

-Taylor Parks, Fourth Grade

"The future TCA will be like a hoverboard. It will be connected by metal bridges. The playground will have BUMPERCARS! It will be fun. I hope I'm still alive."

-Will Kilpatrick, First Grade

AI-GENERATEDIMAGE

Country Roads

"DNT only ran up to about 635. Dallas Parkway was the road that extended toward Addison and north, and was only two lanes wide."

-Wes Tarbox '86

"When I was here, all we worried about was getting dysentery on the Oregon Trail, and now my kids are monitoring everything through iPads."

-Jeff Stone '99

On the Trail

years with new buildings and new athletic facilities, one thing that remains the same is the intentionality of the teachers and the relationships built at TCA. The most memorable moment for me during my time at TCA is when a teacher approached me about discipling me. When I was struggling with my relationship with the Lord and friends, this teacher saw me and asked me to be part of a small Bible study. Her pursuit to walk with me through some hard moments in Upper School reminded me that I was seen by the Lord and to depend on Him. It will be a memory that not only I will remember but has influenced my life."

-Chrisey Hodges Billman '05

Introducing New Heads of School

Craig Wilson

New Head of Upper School

“Coming to TCA joins together my two passions of education and ministry. I finally get to be a whole person at my job.”

For most of his adult life, Craig Wilson has worked in both education and ministry. While working as a teacher and administrator at local schools, he also served as a pastor at his church. Coming to TCA, Mr. Wilson says, “joins together my two passions of education and ministry. I finally get to be a whole person at my job.”

Mr. Wilson starts his new role as head of the Upper School this summer. He comes to TCA from the Ann Richards STEAM Academy, where he served as principal resident and assistant principal. He also has almost two decades of experience teaching math at the high school level, including AP calculus courses, and has won awards including teacher of the year, AP teacher of the year and general educator of the year. Since 2009, he has also been the teaching pastor of Lifewell Church, and he served as youth minister for a decade before that. A Baylor University graduate, he also holds a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Looking back, Mr. Wilson sees clear moments that God used to propel him toward becoming a high school administrator. “It is a bit ironic that I am a principal. Because I was too energetic and talkative, I got into some trouble at school as a child, but I had a strong advocate: my mother. She worked with me to improve my skills, focus and behavior so that I could grow from a problem kid to a top honors graduate. When I became a teacher, I saw others like me, but without advocates, so I learned to advocate for them,” he recalls. “I had to experiment with creative

ways to engage all types of learners. I found success getting students with low motivation or support to excel in the classroom. Over the years, I began to take on leadership roles that allowed me to share what I’d discovered with others so they, too, could have breakthroughs with students. Becoming a principal was not really my ambition; it is the natural result of wanting to help more students by equipping their teachers. Praise God that I now have an opportunity to serve a new community at TCA.”

Mr. Wilson has been married to his wife, Rachel Wilson, for almost twenty years. “After fifteen years of teaching, Rachel is thrilled to join the TCA faculty this fall as a kindergarten teacher. We’ve been hoping for the opportunity to work on the same campus,” Mr. Wilson says. “We have four kids: Jacob (age 21), Jubilee (age 13), Asher (age 10) and Shiloh (age 7). Asher and Shiloh will be attending TCA this coming school year. Jubilee will finish her middle school career at her current school and then join TCA the following year for ninth grade. So, this is more than a career change. Coming to TCA is life-changing for the entire Wilson family ... a change we believe God is calling us to make!” Looking forward, Mr. Wilson is prayerful and excited for his new role as head of Upper School at TCA. “I look forward to learning more and spending time with the faculty, staff, students and families that make up the TCA community. My prayer is to discover how I can best serve this community with the experience and skills God has given me.”

Cindi Di Iorio

New Head of Middle School

Cindi Di Iorio has led and taught at private schools from Chicago to Plano, and she brings that experience to the TCA Middle School.

“I feel very blessed to be welcomed into this community of like-minded believers and know that I have found a place that is truly glorifying God,” says Mrs. Di Iorio. “I am excited for this new journey as I answer His calling to Trinity Christian Academy.”

Mrs. Di Iorio served as head of school for Fusion Academy in Plano and in Lake Forest, Illinois. During her seven years at Fusion, her school won two different “School of the Year” awards. Prior to that, she served as the head of middle school and dean of students at Roycemore School in Evanston, Illinois; the head of school at Salem Christian School in Chicago, Illinois; and head of middle school at Catherine Cook School in Chicago. She also has 13 years of teaching experience.

Originally from Alabama, Mrs. Di Iorio graduated from Samford University and earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also received an Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business. She and her husband, Chris, have three children and two grandchildren.

Looking back on the journey that has brought her to TCA, Mrs. Di Iorio reflects, “The Lord has taken me down the path of leadership in schools for the past 20 years, and I have leaned heavily on Him to guide and support me. It was when I was in

eighth grade that I made the decision to be an educator and, through my church, also committed to ministry work. This position at Trinity Christian Academy allows me the opportunity to combine my training and experience as an educational leader with my heart’s desire to help build God’s kingdom.”

Though she has taught and led in schools serving students at a variety of ages, Mrs. Di Iorio has a particular passion to shepherd middle schoolers as they navigate the challenges of early adolescence and often encounter Christian faith in a newly personal way. In addition to forming disciples among the student population, Mrs. Di Iorio is committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with Middle School faculty and staff in a collegial, unified, productive manner.

“As I step into this role, I plan to spend time in a learning phase to determine what has been working well and what is ready for some alteration in the Middle School program,” she says. “As a true advocate for students in these transitional years, I want to ensure that the TCA Middle School continues to provide them with an experience that truly aligns with their academic, emotional, social and spiritual needs.”

TCA welcomes Mrs. Di Iorio and looks forward to her leadership in the Middle School.

“As a true advocate for students in these transitional years, I want to ensure that the TCA Middle School continues to provide them with an experience that truly aligns with their academic, emotional, social and spiritual needs. "

Introducing New Assistant Heads of Middle School

Sara Fusco

New Assistant Head of Middle School

“Middle School students wrestle with who they are. I want to help them know their true identity in light of God’s love and gifting. I look forward to working with students who are moldable and hungry to grow. "

Trinity Christian Academy is pleased to welcome Sara Fusco as a new assistant head of Middle School.

Miss Fusco first came to TCA in 2010 as a teacher. “I wanted to be in a boldly Christian environment, and TCA was on a mission I could fully get behind,” she recalls. In addition to teaching Upper School biology, health, physics, anatomy and field ecology, she has also served as science department head and coached several levels of girls soccer.

More than anything, Miss Fusco finds great joy in relationships built with colleagues and students as well as the spiritual integration at TCA. “I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to teach God’s truth in my classroom and in chapel. I challenge my students to grow academically and spiritually.”

Rising senior Anna Garcia has seen Miss Fusco’s care firsthand. She says, “Miss Fusco was my honors biology teacher freshman year. Even when she wasn’t my teacher anymore, I confided that I would have a second knee surgery, and she was right there supporting me and praying for me.”

Upper School Assistant Head Christine Metoyer has seen these same strengths in Miss Fusco. “I respect and admire Miss Fusco’s steadfast commitment to the Lord, to those around her, and to TCA. She has an uncanny ability to prioritize the things that really matter. One student shared that Miss Fusco opens each class in prayer, bringing a sense of calm. Miss Fusco maintains high

expectations while intentionally loving each student. While students may not remember an exact physics detail years from now, they will always remember the Christ-like love and grace in her class. What a gift she will be to the Middle School students, teachers and families.”

Miss Fusco is excited to step into a new role as Middle School assistant head, and she particularly looks forward to being able to support teachers on a greater level and mold students for God’s glory. She says, “I feel I will be able to use even more of God’s gifting in this new role.” Rising senior Chloe Copeland shares her enthusiasm. She notes, “I think Miss Fusco will be incredible as the new assistant head of the Middle School because she is very engaged with students and she portrays Christ through the way she lives!”

Reflecting on her educational philosophy for fifth-through eighth-graders, Miss Fusco says, “Middle School students wrestle with who they are. I want to help them know their true identity in light of God’s love and gifting. I look forward to working with students who are moldable and hungry to grow. Middle School can be a rough time, but I love that TCA is a place where students can work through these years in God’s truth and grace.”

Brian Spence

New Assistant Head of Middle School

TCA is delighted to welcome Brian Spence ’98 as a new assistant head of Middle School. As a proud alumnus, Mr. Spence credits TCA with transforming not just his mind but also his heart. “As a student, TCA changed my life,” he recalls. “I’d even go so far as to say that TCA saved my life through the love, guidance and prayers of a couple teachers and coaches in particular. I owe more than I will ever be able to pay back.”

Mr. Spence remembers his time as a student in the TCA Middle School fondly. He remembers, “The TCA Middle School was a place where I met grace and forgiveness. TCA is a place of soft landings.”

After graduating from TCA, Mr. Spence spent his college years investing in international mission work whenever he could. He spent time in Uzbekistan, China, Croatia and Germany, and after his marriage to Julie in 2004, the newlyweds planned to relocate to the mission field long-term. Yet, a chance encounter with a TCA staff member changed the course of his life. “In God’s providence, I returned to the United States for a wedding and happened to reconnect with an administrator from TCA. Before long, I was convinced to return to TCA and coach basketball in the fall of 2004. The rest, as they say, is history.”

Mr. Spence taught P.E. and coached boys basketball, cross country and girls soccer. For the last sixteen years, he has formed disciples in the classroom through teaching seventh- and eighth-grade Bible. Reflecting

on his adult years at TCA, Mr. Spence recalls, “I do my best to pour my love, my guidance and my prayers back into the school I love, where I was prayed for. I think I am most proud that my own four kids have had the opportunity to experience what I did.” Rising senior Sophia Pfannstiel recalls her time in Mr. Spence’s Bible class as an inspiration. She says, “Mr. Spence has been such an impact on how I approach having a biblical worldview now; he is so incredibly rich in biblical knowledge and has an open heart to people.” Fellow rising senior Claire Millet agrees. She recalls, “Mr. Spence brought an energy and depth to his Bible class that truly helped me spiritually engage with Scripture by not only allowing our class to discuss and grapple with our beliefs but also consistently showcasing his love for the Lord within the way he taught each day.”

Mr. Spence has a special vision for the unique Middle School years. “In the TCA Middle School, we have taken the narrative of Middle School as ‘years to forget’ and completely flipped that on its head. TCA Middle School is still Middle School, but now it is anything but forgettable. Every teacher I know feels called to be where they are and to make fifth through eighth grade at TCA memorable and impactful.”

As he moves into a leadership role in the Middle School, Mr. Spence feels grateful to have been the beneficiary of so much love and wisdom from other excellent faculty. “Over nearly twenty years of working at TCA, the most difficult thing for me has been seeing

the Godly men and women that had such an enormous effect on my life retire. I truly feel I’m standing on the shoulders of giants. So my prayer and my excitement in this new role as MS assistant head is being able to take what I’ve learned in the past and then keep the legacy alive,” he says. “TCA’s mission has always been ‘educating the whole student,’ and we must keep doing that moving forward into the future.”

“I do my best to pour my love, my guidance and my prayers back into the school I love, where I was prayed for. I think I am most proud that my own four kids have had the opportunity to experience what I did.”

BY LISA WONG, CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER

THE IMPORTANCE OF INNOVATION

When you think of the future, do you imagine exciting new inventions, scientific progress or even how the innovations today will change how we live tomorrow?

The word “innovation” is derived from the Latin verb innovare, which means “to make new.” It refers to something new being created, or to something old being improved upon and turned into something new. God is the ultimate Innovator, for He is the Creator and Designer of everything in the natural world (Colossians 1:16). The building blocks of the universe, like oxygen and carbon, He created out of nothing and fine-tuned to work together so that they can be combined into new things. He even created us, and since He made mankind in His own image (Genesis 1:27), God has given each of us the ability to innovate. Since creation, innovative humans have used the resources that God provided to make advancements in many areas, such as engineering, healthcare, energy and technology.

Although innovation is not a new concept, we must consider how to prepare our students to be innovators who are wise stewards of the future in a rapidly changing world. Our students are our future leaders and problemsolvers, and the next great innovation may come from someone who is at TCA right now.

INNOVATION IN EDUCATION

This summer, I am honored to take on a new role as chief innovation officer at TCA, and I am thankful for the many positions God has allowed me to serve in throughout my career that have prepared me for this opportunity.

Growing up, I was a creative child who loved to figure out how things worked. My dream was to study mechanical engineering and design toys. As it turned out, the toy companies weren’t hiring upon my graduation in the early 1990s, but the defense companies were. So, I ended up working with missiles instead of toys!

In 2013, I joined TCA’s technology department, eventually serving as director of technology and STEM. I transitioned from the engineering industry into education because I wanted to invest in this next generation of leaders and problem-solvers. I am so thankful for the opportunities I've been given over the past 11 years to develop programs with this goal in mind. These include the Lower School STEM Club, which inspired the development of the LS STEM Lab, and the Upper School STEM Club to spark students’ interest in innovation at an early age. It is exciting to see many students involved in the Lower School STEM Club who, years later, continue to be involved in the US STEM Club. When we began issuing each student a school device through TCA’s 1:1 program, I created the Honors Tech Stop Intern class as a creative way of offering technical support for students and teachers while introducing Upper School interns to the field of information technology. Tech Stop Interns gain real-world troubleshooting experience while developing a knowledge of hardware and software concepts. Learning on the job, students engage critical thinking skills while becoming confident and knowledgeable about technology and developing skills they can carry into college and the working world. The current teacher, Tricia Westover ’86, brings her industry experience at Microsoft and has done an excellent job developing this class.

The most rewarding opportunity I’ve had at TCA was to create and teach the Honors Engineering Design class for students interested in pursuing a career in the engineering field. The class teaches students about design, manufacturing, failure analysis, prototyping and more. The current teacher, Teresa Rosario, is a former engineer and has done an outstanding job of leading the engineering class.

With technology accelerating at a rapid pace, the United States hopes to increase the number of patents generated in our country to keep up with the rest of the world. I had the honor of being selected

by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, among roughly twenty other educators nationwide, to train our schools on the need for invention and intellectual property development. Our country has recognized that creating a culture of innovation begins at a young age. Beginning in Lower School, we must promote and foster a culture of innovation, invention, creativity, entrepreneurship and problemsolving. Students must be encouraged to adopt an innovative mindset to prepare them for life and contribute to the betterment of our world in whatever career they pursue, whether it be in STEM, business, humanities, the arts, ministry or perhaps a new field that does not even exist yet.

“Students must be encouraged to adopt an innovative mindset to prepare them for life and contribute to the betterment of our world in whatever career they pursue...”

LOWER SCHOOL STEM CLUB

HONORS TECH STOP INTERN CLASS

LOWER SCHOOL STEM LAB

INNOVATING FOR GOOD

My favorite aspect of my ministry at TCA is helping students enlarge their vision of who they are and the difference they can make in this world. Sometimes, it is easy to tend toward short-sightedness and self-centeredness in our work, so it is essential to have people in our lives to challenge us, equip us and show us how to think outwardly. Teaching students to use their God-given gifts to bless others is important because it instills in them an understanding of our purpose as believers to love God and others (Matthew 22:36-40).

I love sharing 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” It is so fulfilling to see students capture this vision for themselves and to see the work of their hands tangibly help others.

The Honors Engineering Design class ends with a capstone project where students design and manufacture products for children with disabilities in the DFW area. In 2016, during the final presentations of the inaugural class, students presented their product to a child born with severe hydrocephalus who is non-functioning from the waist down. It was the most touching moment. Tears fell from his family’s eyes, as they were so grateful to be given an innovative product that would improve the quality of their child’s daily life. Even the students shed tears, thankful for the opportunity to serve the family. I could not contain my own tears of joy when considering that the culmination of my years in the engineering industry and my desire to teach students to use their gifts to serve others had finally come to fruition. I am so thankful that this class still designs products for children with disabilities in the DFW area! On April 25, this year’s engineering students presented their final design to a 16-year-old boy with LimbGirdle Muscular Dystrophy. Senior Christian Yang said, “It was an awesome opportunity that I had because I got to impact someone in my community and use the talents that God has given me to bless someone else.”

I love opportunities to involve students in innovation that thoughtfully serves others, like in 2023 when our US STEM club designed a water system for a village in Nicaragua or when our lower school STEM students used construction paper to design a playground accommodating children with disabilities. Also, it is

a blessing to hear from our alumni and how they have taken on college projects focusing on creating products for underserved or vulnerable people.

INNOVATING THE FUTURE OF TCA

As a private preK-12 Christian school, TCA cultivates a culture of innovation and creativity that aligns with our mission to educate and develop the whole person for the glory of God. We aim to be leaders in empowering learners to design a better world, bridging the gap between school life and real-life challenges in an innovative educational setting. Our students should be equipped to thrive in a dynamically changing environment with complex challenges. At TCA, we want to encourage students to engage in real-world problem-solving, fostering a positive impact locally and beyond. As graduates, they are empowered to leverage their God-given gifts to make a meaningful difference. We envision TCA as a hub of inquiry, innovation and impact.

My new role as CIO will drive transformative and continuous improvement within our school. I am excited to partner with Chief Academic Officer Fran Legband to help manage change, build partnerships and inspire a culture of forward-thinking education. I am

2024 Honors Engineering Presentation

2024 Honors Engineering Presentation

excited to develop programs that offer students creative experiences both on and off campus that advance the goals of TCA’s mission. These experiences will further develop meaningful relationships between students and faculty and allow students to develop new passions, interests and skills applicable to their personal and professional lives.

Moving forward, we must teach our students to adapt to new situations, challenges and technologies to prepare them for life. We must teach students to solve problems and come up with creative solutions. We must provide opportunities for students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset characterized by initiative, risk-taking and resilience. Starting in preK, we must provide opportunities for students to develop skills in collaboration and communication, which are crucial for success. We must encourage our students to be lifelong learners by fostering curiosity and challenging them to have a growth mindset.

INNOVATING WISELY

With the launch of generative AI in late 2022, our world is changing faster than ever. Generative AI’s ability to model scenarios and generate solutions to complex problems is revolutionizing development in numerous industries, including healthcare, finance, entertainment, engineering and education. Because technology is advancing so quickly, we are facing new challenges in all sectors, including education. The pace of innovation is so fast that the presence of novel technology is becoming our norm. We must be aware of innovation so we can discern how best to use it in our environment. More importantly, we must equip our students for success in an ever-changing world by teaching them to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers and adaptable problem-solvers.

Now, more than ever, we must teach our students discernment. Students need to be able to discern between what is true and what is false as they navigate a world in which AI-produced deep fakes, virtual reality and social media impact their everyday lives. They will need to discern how to leverage the technology available to them in ways that glorify God and benefit others. Though technological innovation can sometimes end up disconnecting or distracting us from each other and our Creator, it also holds the potential to create new possibilities for connection with each other and to bring more glory to God as we use it to serve others.

Teaching our students discernment enables them to confidently approach both the physical and digital worlds, knowing that God is the source of truth and goodness. Though new technologies and the ways of using them continually evolve, nothing will ever replace their need to know God and make Him known. I desire to see our students

“Though new technologies and the ways of using them continually evolve, nothing will ever replace their need to know God and make Him known.”

serve the world while exemplifying the fruits of the spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in whatever ecosystem God has placed them in.

It is also essential to teach our students that our God is the most innovative Designer of all. Knowledge of His creation, from our solar system to our bodies, enriches their appreciation for our infinitely creative and innovative God. At TCA, we have the unique opportunity to teach students to be innovators in the context of being individuals made in the image of God. As people made in His image, we have a purpose for our innovation that transcends any desire for monetary gain or earthly glory. Following the standard God has established to value human life and steward His creation well, our innovation brings Him glory.

As I humbly serve at TCA, it is a privilege and honor to be a part of developing this next generation. What a blessing it is to provide our students with an experience that calls them to become who God created them to be in order to bring Him glory, wherever that may be in the world.

2024 Product Design Class

2024 Product Design Class

BY BOB DYER Director of Biblical Worldview

Unchanging Truth in a Changing World

We live in a world where it sometimes seems like change is the only constant. From the inevitable ebbs and flows of life to broader societal and technological trends, it is easy to feel uncertain or anxious about what lies ahead.

Trinity Christian Academy has seen and gone through its own changes. Just as the tides of the ocean rise and fall, so too do the circumstances of our community evolve and transform. We encounter seasons of growth and seasons of pruning, moments of joy and moments of sorrow, all interwoven into the fabric of our journey. Change permeates our lives, manifesting in both subtle shifts and tumultuous upheavals. Whether it’s the excitement of new opportunities or the chaos of unexpected obstacles, the constant flux of life is undeniable.

However, amidst this ever-changing landscape, there is one source of stability: the unchanging nature of God and His timeless truths. These truths are unyielding and unwavering. One of the reasons why we teach

a biblical worldview at TCA is so students can stand firm in these truths and not be swayed by winds of change.

As we embark on the journey of “Looking Back and Looking Forward,” let us take a moment to reflect on the unchanging nature of God and His enduring wisdom that guides us through time and mission. In a world where trends come and go, and ideologies shift like the shifting sands of the desert, TCA finds solace in the unchanging character of God Himself. The Scriptures declare, “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed” (Malachi 3:6). God’s unchanging nature is not subject to the whims of time or the fluctuations of human understanding. He remains the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Timeless Truth

Amidst the chaos of modernity, where moral relativism reigns and truth is often viewed as subjective, the unchanging truth of God stands as a beacon of light in a darkened world. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The truth of God, encapsulated in His Son, Jesus Christ, transcends cultural norms and societal constructs. It is the bedrock upon which we can build our lives with confidence and assurance. The truth of God’s Word transcends “earthly” norms because it originates from a sovereign and timeless source. Unlike human constructs that are influenced by cultural biases, societal trends and evolving norms, God’s truth remains constant and unchanging. It is rooted in the character and nature of God Himself, who is eternal and unchanging.

Furthermore, God’s wisdom, as revealed in His Word, remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. The psalmist declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). In a time and space inundated with information and plagued by uncertainty, the timeless wisdom found in Scripture provides us with a compass to navigate the complexities of life. It offers guidance on matters of morality, ethics and purpose, serving as a timeless roadmap for the journey ahead.

Considering the future that lies before us, let’s live by conviction, comfort and hope, knowing that our God does not and never will change. At Trinity Christian Academy, we are reminded of the importance of instilling a firm grounding in God’s unchanging truth in the hearts and minds of the next generation. The apostle Paul exhorts Timothy, his spiritual protégé, saying, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Equipped with the unchanging truth of God's Word, our children are fortified to face the challenges of an uncertain future with courage and conviction.

Standing Firm

Let me conclude by encouraging all of us in the TCA community, as we look back on God’s faithfulness and look forward to His promises, to anchor our hearts and minds in the unchanging truths of God’s Word. Though the world is characterized by flux and uncertainty, His steadfastness remains a source of hope and assurance. May we stand firm in the timeless wisdom found in Scripture, trusting in the unchanging nature of our God. The unchanging nature of our God is our comfort and assurance. We find solace in the steadfastness of our Creator. The Scriptures affirm that God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and His promises remain unwavering amidst the shifting sands of time. This unchanging nature means that we can trust in His faithfulness, rely on His steadfast love and find security in His unending grace. No matter what challenges we may face or how the world around us may change, our God remains constant — our rock, our refuge and our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Therefore, let us take heart and stand firm in the knowledge that the God we serve is eternally faithful, and His purposes will prevail throughout all generations.

Isaiah 40:8 proclaims, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Let us, therefore, build our lives upon the solid foundation of God’s unchanging truth, knowing that, in Him, we find stability amidst the shifting sands of time. In innovation and change, let us find our compass in the unchanging truths of God’s Word, for therein lies the assurance of a future grounded in eternal principles.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE OF SPORTS

Pop quiz: What’s the hottest new sport in TAPPS?

Hint: it doesn’t involve a ball, track, field or court.

Tomorrow’s biggest sports may well be digital, played in virtual arenas. “Esports” teams are popping up in high schools and universities around America, growing exponentially to claim over 400 million fans worldwide. This year, the TCA Upper School launched an innovative esports program helping develop discipline, selfesteem and sportsmanship amidst funfilled camaraderie.

WHAT IS ESPORTS?

What exactly is esports? Esports, short for “electronic sports,” is a category of competitive gameplay between individuals or teams in certain multiplayer video games. According to Hamlong Nguyen, who served this past year as the esports program coach at TCA in addition to his role as system administrator in the technology department, esports “takes video gaming to another level with organized competitive gameplay between two teams, governed by its own strict set of rules and guidelines.” Esports is a sport in the same way that Formula One racecar driving or Olympic skeet shooting are considered sports. Although it is not a strenuous athletic activity like basketball

or track, esports does require excellent hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes and in-game strategy. Mr. Nguyen notes that esports “demand critical thinking, communication, teamwork and creativity in order for students to succeed.” In addition, esports programs are lauded for being inclusive and highly engaging, particularly for kids with high interest in STEM.

High school students in TAPPS esports can compete in over twenty different video games. Detailed rules govern esports, specifying character selection, stage selection, features and time limits. The TCA esports program currently plays Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch.

Five TCA Upper School students competed in the inaugural spring esports season: Cale Thexton, Beck Neatherlin, Reid Lindsay, Jackson Wellwood and Boaz Henderson. In their first year in TAPPS Super Smash League, TCA came in eighth place out of 22 teams and advanced to the playoffs. Following the team competition, students could also compete individually. TCA student Jackson Wellwood placed 13th out of 45 individual competitors, also advancing to the playoff round.

“Esports gives me and my friends an opportunity to take one of our favorite pastimes and mold it into a competitive skill,” Beck says.

“We want to represent Trinity Christian Academy well in the TAPPS gaming scene.”

THE NEXT LEVEL OF ESPORTS

Beyond the short-term fun, high school esports have become a significant bridge to higher education, with more than 200 colleges and universities offering tens of millions of dollars in scholarships and actively recruiting the best esports players. Right down the street from TCA, the University of Texas at Dallas is among the universities investing in esports. According to Alexa Reed of the Dallas Business Journal, UTD is currently constructing a $13 million esports center. Measuring over 17,000 square feet, the facility will be adjacent to the Student Union and will include a gaming arena as well as a broadcast and production space. UTD added varsity esports to its athletic department in 2018, with competitors considered student-athletes who may receive athletic scholarships. By 2021, UTD esports had captured a national title playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

North Texas at large has become something of a hub for esports. Esports Stadium Arlington, a 100,000-square-foot facility opened in 2018, is now the largest esports stadium in North America. Last year it hosted the third annual College Esports Commissioners Cup, a competition for 64 collegiate esports teams. Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena will host the world championship for Rocket League, another popular esports game, in September 2024.

Even prominent Dallas business leaders are getting in on the esports craze. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban have each made significant investments into esports, becoming part owners of Complexity Gaming and Mavs Gaming, respectively, in the last few years. Perhaps those investments should be no surprise, considering that esports is often reported to be a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide and is projected to continue growing quickly.

GOOD SPORTS

But regardless of the big business esports have become, for TCA rising junior Beck Neatherlin, representing one’s school and friendships formed around the gaming console are the best parts. “Esports gives me and my friends an opportunity to take one of our favorite pastimes and mold it into a competitive skill,” Beck says. “We want to represent Trinity Christian Academy well in the TAPPS gaming scene.”

Whether for friendship, fun or the thrill of competition, TCA’s new esports program brings a joyful, innovative new addition to student life.

PHOTOS BY JAY PARKER

BY JAY PARKER

Information & Media Manager

A Tradition of Excellence

The Trojan Golf program is a tradition worth celebrating. The studentathletes, coaches and dedicated volunteers who helped build the program over the last 33 years, while too numerous to mention by name, certainly deserve a moment of our time. The 21 state titles since 1991 need to be emphasized. And, of course, who could forget the current streak of seven TAPPS trophies since 2017?

Simply put, this program knows how to win. Six golfers have won individual titles under the leadership of 11-time champion Marshall Edwards. Sixteen have gone on to play collegiately, and three more have taken their talents all the way to the PGA Tour.

It would be a disservice to overlook such success. But according to coach Edwards, it’s an even greater error to simply stop here. To broadcast the program’s accomplishments without sharing how it prepares and equips students for life would misconstrue its true mission and fail to describe how it became successful in the first place.

DOING THE RIGHT THING

“I can’t think of another sport that teaches young athletes more about life than golf,” says Edwards. “You're pretty much out there on an island by yourself. Competing against the course, competing against other individuals and, at the high school and college level, competing against other teams. Every shot isn’t going to be perfect. There’s going to be ups and downs. So, you’ve got to learn how to deal with that."

He looks down and thumbs a rubber bracelet around his wrist. It’s a physical reminder of the team’s creed and is inscribed with the letters DTRT, meaning “Do The Right Thing.” “To be honest, I don't remember where I first heard

it, but I know I’ve always liked it. I wanted this program to have a tradition of excellence, and I realized the best way to build that tradition is by doing the right thing each and every day ... You have to ask yourself what the right thing to do is on every shot in golf. What approach should I take? What club should I use? So, I want our players to always think about doing the right thing on the course. But I also want them to think about doing the right thing in the classroom and even when they think nobody is watching.”

Marshall can’t see everything happening on the course all at once. Nobody can. But the veteran coach tests the boundaries of space and time like few others, carting around practices offering advice and motivation to his players almost simultaneously. “Practices need to be intentional, and they need to be competitive,” he explains while zooming across the Northwood Club in early May. In a manner of seconds, he’s helped one student locate his lost ball, shuttled a second over to the green and prevented a third from using the incorrect club an entire hole over.

LASTING SUCCESS

Edwards loves to talk about the program’s success. If you ask him to discuss his greatest accomplishments, however, you may be surprised by the answer he provides. You won’t learn about his TAPPS Coach of the Year awards, the 13 NCAA Division I athletes he’s helped produce or the detailed accomplishments of program cornerstones and PGA Tour qualifiers Will Zalatoris ’14, Kramer Hickock ’11 or Tucker Wadkins ’11. You'll hear instead about how his athletes developed and matured into men of character and followers of Jesus Christ. He will share with you which ones have recently married, had a baby or are serving as missionaries overseas. When his Trojans won their sixth straight title in 2023, Marshall promptly delivered the plaque and banner as casually as one would bring in the morning paper.

There’s no secret formula for the success. The Trojans win championships because they practice to win at everything they do. They follow a program set in place by a coach who is equal parts hard-working and servant-leader. But what happens when that leader decides it’s time to move on?

Edwards, age 79, formally announced his retirement in May, and while it’s tremendously sad to see a pillar of the TCA community walk away, you would be hard-pressed to find fault with his decision. He’s transformed Trojan Golf into a collegiate-style program. The team now competes in the fall and spring and frequently travels across the country to face the best programs in the nation.

While it’s true that TCA won championships prior to Edwards being named head coach in 2009, his 11 titles in 15 years have elevated a great program to one that more closely resembles a dynasty. You can’t accurately

Sports

tell the story of Trojan Golf without telling the story of Marshall Edwards. And as much as Edwards may prefer a discussion about his team to stay focused on the great players he’s coached, the simple fact is that he’s the common denominator behind this success.

A LOVE FOR SPORTS AND FOR TCA

Marshall met his wife, Carole, at Southern Methodist University almost 60 years ago. He was regarded as one of the top high school runners in the country and received a full scholarship from the SMU track and field program. A mutual friend approached Marshall at a school party and encouraged him to meet Carole, claiming she may be the only person on campus who knew more about sports than him.

“A love for sports and a love for Trinity (TCA) have always been important to our marriage. I feel like we’ve grown up with this place,” Carole explains during the TAPPS golf tournament. After a short interview, she rides off in a golf cart to distribute water and protein bars to the rest of the team, faithfully serving alongside Marshall just like she has for the last 15 years.

“She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met,” said Marshall. “She’s a die-hard sports fan. Her dad attended SMU on a football scholarship, and her mother was a state tennis champion. She understood when we got married that I planned to be involved in sports for my whole life, and she’s been incredibly supportive. She has never once complained. We often have players over to the house for dinner, and a number of them view Carole as a second mom. Many still come by now and seek her out because of the positive impact she made on their lives.”

“Everyone knows right where they sit,” says

“

I

want our players to always think about doing the right thing on the course. But I also want them to think about doing the right thing in the classroom and even when they think nobody is watching.

Amy Prideaux ’89, daughter of Carole and Marshall and director of admission at TCA. “They go right up to the top of the stands with their backs against the bleachers. That’s their spot. They have always been so supportive of TCA Athletics. They travel to playoff games and make sure to support varsity sports, even the ones my daughters (their granddaughters) don’t play.”

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Every year, Edwards asks his golfers to write their aspirations on a goals report. They’re tasked with choosing one personal goal and one athletic goal they hope to achieve during their time at TCA. When Aidan Dortch first joined the program, his wish list was simple: to grow closer to God and to one day play college golf. The 2024 TAPPS 6A Boys Golf Champion and recent TCU signee leaves campus with a completed checklist and a grateful appreciation for the impact Edwards has made on his life. “Coach Edwards has prepared me not only as a golfer but also as a person,” says Dortch. “He has instilled discipline and a strong faith that will last me a lifetime. The competitiveness and toughness

I faced here at TCA have prepared me for the challenges that come with playing golf at the Division I level.”

Edwards’ last act at TCA may be his greatest to date. Teammate Evan Acevedo is heading south to play college golf at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and rising senior Nate Miller is also committed to TCU and prepared to join Dortch in Fort Worth by this time next year. It feels like Edwards could keep the good times rolling. However, TCA must now set its sights on a future where he isn’t patrolling the greens and fairways across North Texas. A tradition of excellence must be maintained, and the decision to do the right thing must be made every day. When questions inevitably arise, and his help is needed, take comfort in the fact that everyone already knows right where to find him.

He will be at the top of the bleachers during any TCA sporting event, donning his signature johnnie-O vest and Trojan ball cap.

PHOTO BY JAY PARKER

T VARSITY CHEER

ROJAN CHEER won the TAPPS Division 2 Cheerleading Championship in Belton, Texas, on December 5. The Trojans dominated the Traditional Small Squad division, garnering a superior rating en route to the program's first state title since 2015.

Lucy Tredennick and Annika Powers earned First Team AllState selections to headline a TCA roster loaded with talent. Tredennick was also named a top-five finalist in the tumbling competition. The tandem was joined on the All-State roster by fellow Trojan Ella Bricker, who garnered Second Team AllState honors. Katherine Lowrey earned an All-State Honorable Mention for her contributions during TCA's routine. TCA won the state championship for the second time in program history and pushed the school's title count up to 89 before the boys golf team won the 90th state championship in May.

TROJANETTES

THE VARSITY DANCE TEAM placed in the top five at the TAPPS championships with a cumulative score of 94.33 and an overall superior rating. Senior captain Carolina Anderson garnered First Team All-State honors. Fellow Trojans Annabelle Johnson, Olivia Tristan and Lilly Parrill earned a spot on the second team. Sophomore Olivia Arnold also earned individual honors for her performance in the Kick Company.

The highlight of the season was the first annual spring show on March 14. The performance, titled "Legacy," celebrated 48 years of dance history on campus. The Trojanettes performed an incredible show in front of a sold-out crowd in the PAC, featuring special guest appearances from the team dads and the Trojan Belles!

I VARSITY SWIM

t was a stellar 2023-24 for the VARSITY SWIM TEAM. The highlight of the regular season was the Pre-Regional Classic on January 13. The 400 freestyle relay team of Bruce Hinson, Cody Baker, Reid Johannsen and Tyler Chiang placed second overall. Chiang also placed second in the 50 freestyle while bringing home the gold in the 100 breaststroke. For the girls, Sophia Pfannstiel won both the individual medley and the breaststroke.

Five Trojans qualified for the state championships after a strong showing at regionals on February 2. The relay team of Baker, Chiang, Johannsen and Hinson qualified for state in both the 200 medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay. Individually, Chiang qualified in the 100 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke, and Hinson also punched his ticket to San Antonio with the 100 breaststroke. Sophia Pfannstiel qualified for state for the third year in a row, earning a ticket to San Antonio in the 50 freestyle and the 100 butterfly.

At state, the dynamic duo of Chiang and Pfannstiel represented TCA in the medal count. Tyler placed third in the 100 breaststroke, and Sophia won the 100 butterfly for the third state title of her TCA career.

VARSITY WRESTLING

For the first time in recent history, TROJAN WRESTLING hosted multiple events on campus. The home duals brought an opportunity for the community to gather together and see the growth of the program under head coach Wes Brenner

One of the season’s highlights was the home dual in January versus McKinney Christian. TCA defeated the visiting Mustangs by a score of 24-18, with Austin Sonju, Caleb Olson and Josef Vidaud all picking up wins. The team then took its talents on the road to the TAPPS Wrestling Championships in February. Parker Walton earned third in his weight class and scored a team-high 17 points with wins over McKinney Christian, All Saints’ Episcopal, Bay Area Christian and Bishop Lynch. Walton closed out his season with an impressive overall record of 28-19. Caleb Olson also had a strong showing, placing fourth at the state tournament with 14.5 points.

The final event of the 2023-24 wrestling campaign was the National Prep Tournament, February 23-24 in Pennsylvania. TCA was represented on the big stage by first-year phenom Steel Meyers. Meyers made his presence known at the national championship, storming through the opening round of 32 and winning his way through the round of 16 before ultimately having to withdraw in the semifinals. He closed the book on the 2023-24 wrestling season as a national semifinalist, the Texas Prep State Champion and a sixth-place All-American. Meyers earned his bid to the Prep Nationals Tournament following a terrific regular season where he went a perfect 12-0.

TROJAN BASKETBALL

TROJAN BASKETBALL continues to be as consistently excellent as any other program in the state. In the past two years alone, TCA has won 54 games and defeated numerous teams ranked in the top 10 by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Dating back to the 2022-23 campaign, TCA has converted over 700 (722) 3-pointers, the fifth-most ever by a single team in back-toback seasons. The catalyst behind TCA's three-point barrage is junior shooting guard Reece Walker. The third-year sharpshooter ended the year with 121 3-pointers made, the most in the entire DFW across UIL, TAPPS and SPC programs.

In 2023-24, TCA posted 23 wins and placed fourth in TAPPS 6A District 1, a district widely considered one of the most competitive boys basketball conferences in the state. “We had big wins over state champion Parish, state runner-up John Paul II and a huge road victory at Bishop Lynch to end the regular season,” said coach John Price. “The true measure of success is playing to your full potential and maximizing the talents God gives us, and I feel like our team collectively hit those markers while maintaining character and class and glorifying the Lord. I am very proud of this team and thankful for the leadership our seniors provided from beginning to end.”

Coach Price celebrated his 500th career victory in a 59-46 triumph over Leadership Prep during Christmas break. In three seasons at TCA, Price has led the Trojans to a record of 73-38 for a .657 win percentage, three playoff wins and the school's first semifinal appearance in eight years. At season’s end, the following Trojans brought home postseason honors:

GUR DHILLON – Second Team All-State, First Team All-District, District Newcomer of the Year

NATHAN KIM – Honorable Mention All-State, Second Team All-District, Academic AllState

BRENNAN MCNAUGHT – Honorable Mention All-District

SLOAN NELSON – Second Team All-District

JJ PRICE – Honorable Mention All-District

REECE WALKER – First Team All-State, First Team All-District, Team MVP

LADY TROJAN BASKETBALL

It was a year of growth for the VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL team. The effort and grit the Lady Trojans displayed from game to game kept them competitive deep into contests throughout district play. The highlight of the year was a stretch in mid-November when TCA defeated Frisco Independence (48-33) and Legacy Christian (38-37) for back-to-back wins.

Veteran point guard Grace Leverton put the finishing touches on her TCA career with a dazzling display. The senior guard averaged over 16 points per game (16.7) and scored 20 or more on 10 occasions. During Senior Night versus Nolan Catholic on February 13, Leverton scored 28 points and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the foul line as teammates and Trojan fans celebrated her surpassing 1500 career points, a mark few have reached in the history of Lady Trojan basketball. At season's end, several Lady Trojans earned postseason honors under first-year coach Shannon Mathis

ELLIANA DARWIN – Honorable Mention All-State, District Newcomer of the Year, Second Team AllDistrict

ELLA EUBANKS – Girls Basketball Team Co-MVP

GRACE LEVERTON – First Team All-State, First Team All-District, Academic All-State, Team Co-MVP

SLOAN NELSON – Second Team All-District

JJ PRICE – Honorable Mention All-District

ELIOT BROOKSHIRE – Honorable Mention All-District

TROJAN SOCCER

THE BOYS VARSITY SOCCER TEAM played some of its best soccer during the final stretch of the regular season. The Trojans won two of their final three games to close out the year on the back of a resounding defensive effort. From January 4 through the end of the regular season on February 15, TCA held opponents to one goal or less in eight of 13 contests. The highlight of the season came in the form of a win at Prestonwood on February 8. An opportunistic rebound goal from freshman Grayson May put the Trojans on top of the Lions 1-0 in the closing moments of the game. A crucial save from keeper Jackson Deuillet in the closing seconds preserved a clean sheet for the Trojan defense en route to TCA’s statement win of the year.

JOHN BADGER – First Team All-State, First Team All-District, Academic All-State, Team MVP

JACK BEHRMAN – Honorable Mention All-District

DYLAN EUBANKS – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State

JOSEPH FITZGERALD – Honorable Mention All-District

LADY TROJAN SOCCER

LADY TROJAN SOCCER demonstrated flashes of high-octane offense throughout the year. TCA opened the season 3-1-1 and scored at least three goals in four contests. The biggest display of offensive firepower came in the form of an 11-0 victory over Oakridge on Senior Night. Seven Lady Trojans found the back of the net, with three racking up multi-goal games. By halftime, Sydney Ridnour already had two goals and was well on her way to an incredible hat trick performance. She was joined in the first-half score column by Olivia Cundari, Zoë Dodson and Hannah Yeager. Cate Pou and Emma Helt both scored twice in the second half, and Mycah McKelvey wrapped things up with the 11th goal of the match.

The Lady Trojans ended the year on a strong note. They closed out the season with an impressive 3-0 win over Nolan Catholic on the road. It was yet another multi-goal game for Ridnour, who scored a brace with the help of a Cate Pou assist. Anna Sharpe also got in on the action with the go-ahead goal early in the first half of play.

CATE POU – TAPPS All-District Honors

SYDNEY RIDNOUR – TAPPS All-District Honors

TVARSITY TENNIS

HE VARSITY TENNIS program grew tremendously in year one under coach Zane Nelson. The program traveled to Waco to participate in the TAPPS Tennis Championships April 15-16. Several TCA tandems won over the course of the two-day event, putting themselves in contention for deep tournament runs. Meredith McGraw and Annabella Hays won their opening round of doubles play 6-0, 7-1 to reach the second round of the tournament. On the boy’s side of the bracket, Holt Roberts and Graham Akin were also victorious in the opening round, besting a team from Houston St. Thomas 7-5, 3-6, 11-9.

But TCA’s story of the tournament was the mixed doubles team of Hayes Hermes and Lauren Boylan, who advanced all the way to the state quarterfinals before falling to a duo from Second Baptist, 9-7. Multiple Trojans on the boys’ and girls’ sides earned postseason honors for their tremendous efforts during a pivotal year for the program.

GRAHAM AKIN – TAPPS State Qualifier, Team MVP

FRANCESCA ARENAS – Team Captain

CLARY BOGDA – TAPPS State Qualifier

LAUREN BOYLAN – TAPPS State Qualifier

REESE CHERRY – TAPPS State Qualifier

JACKSON DEAN – TAPPS State Qualifier

ANNABELLA HAYS – TAPPS State Qualifier, Academic All-State, Team MVP

HAYES HERMES – TAPPS State Qualifier

MEREDITH MCGRAW – TAPPS State Qualifier, Academic All-State, Team MVP

HOLT ROBERTS – TAPPS State Qualifier, Team MVP

MACRADY ROEDER – TAPPS State Qualifier, Academic All-State

VARSITY TRACK & FIELD

THE BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD teams took another step forward in the 2023-24 season. In their second year as a combined program, 25 Trojans qualified for the state championships and seven earned medals on the big stage.

The girls placed fifth overall with 60.5 points, just a half point shy of fourth-place Antonian High School for the program's highest finish in over 30 years. The boys finished seventh and had their fair share of exciting performances. Sophomore Kevin Carter brought home gold in the pole vault with a mark of 11'0", and junior Ryan Elms broke a school record with first-place finishes in the 400m (48.83) and the 200m (21.90).

Both Elms and Carter earned First Team All-State honors for their championship performances. The Trojan duo was joined on the All-State team by Lucy Tredennick (second place in the pole vault) and Heather Brownlee (second place in the high jump). Lastly, the girls 4x200m lineup of Tredennick, Sawyer Tripp, Ella Eubanks and Lilly Nugent earned an honorable mention bid.

The strong season for the track & field program also carried over to the classroom, with 14 Trojans garnering Academic All-State honors: Heather Brownlee, Nathan Chou, Matthew Cortez, Ryan Elms, Ella Eubanks, Jan Kruger, Erick Martinez , Rachel Rice, Ben Schumacher, Hudson Smith, Lucy Tredennick , Sawyer Tripp, Maddox Vines and Christian Yang

VARSITY SOFTBALL

VARSITY SOFTBALL'S 2023-24 campaign will be remembered as the greatest season in program history. Despite playing 19 of 21 games on the road, the Trojans earned the No. 2 seed in the TAPPS Division I - District 1 standings en route to the first state semifinal appearance in school history.

TCA finished the year 14-9 overall and 10-2 in district play, sweeping district rivals Parish Episcopal, Bishop Lynch, Nolan Catholic and Ursuline Academy. Senior pitcher Avery Booker put the final touches on one of the most impressive careers TCA has ever seen, striking out her 700th career batter in her four years as a Trojan. Like baseball, softball also received significant renovations to its stadium. New turf was installed, batting cages were refurbished, and new, larger-capacity bleachers were put in place to bring fans closer to the action while providing better sight lines. Congratulations to the Trojan athletes who earned postseason honors:

HANNAH ADAMS – Honorable Mention All-State, District Newcomer of the Year, Second Team All-District

AVERY BOOKER – First Team All-State, All-Tournament Team, District Pitcher of the Year, First Team All-District, Academic All-State, Team MVP

HANNAH COLEMAN – Honorable Mention All-District

ANNMARIE MARTINEZ – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State

KATHRYN OVERMANN – Honorable Mention All-District

ANNA SHARPE – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State, Team MVP

ELLA STEWART – Second Team All-State, All-Tournament Team, First Team All-District, Academic All-State, Team MVP

VARSITY BASEBALL

THE VARSITY BASEBALL team went 20-12-1 this year, further establishing itself as one of the premiere programs in the state. After winning the TAPPS Division I title last year, the Trojans advanced to the postseason for the second consecutive year, defeating Cathedral High School 7-6 for the fourth playoff win in the last two years. TCA has won 41 games in the last two years and boasts a cumulative winning percentage of .626.

A defining characteristic of this Trojan ball club is its ability to win close games in adverse circumstances. Of the five ball games determined by one run, TCA won four of them. Including last year, TCA won three consecutive playoff games by a single run, further solidifying the mantra of “Trojans win close games.”

The program celebrated the grand opening of its new baseball field in April. New turf was installed across the playing field, and renovations to the batting cages and team bullpens have greatly increased the facility’s functionality. Numerous Trojans earned postseason honors following the completion of TCA’s second 20win season in as many years:

JACK BEHRMAN – Tri-Athlete Award

HARRISON BROWN – Honorable Mention All-State, Second Team All-District, Academic All-State

RYAN JANACEK – Honorable Mention All-District

SAM JENKINS – Honorable Mention All-District

WILLIAM LEHMAN – Second Team All-State, First Team All-District, District Defensive Player of the Year, Academic All-State, Team MVP

EVERETT MAY – Honorable Mention All-District

NIKO MICHAELIDES – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State

STEVEN RAMOS – Honorable Mention All-District

PHOTO BY JAY PARKER

LADY TROJAN GOLF

THE LADY TROJAN GOLF team earned a podium spot at the TAPPS 6A Golf Championships for the second year in a row. With a team of just four athletes, the quartet of Bailee Dortch, Alice Anne Belf, Abby Jun and Sophia Latham all delivered big-time performances that went to the team’s final total.

The Lady Trojans also placed second at the regional tournament for the second consecutive year. Bailee Dortch and Alice Anne Belf led the way for TCA, placing 11th and 13th, respectively, as the Lady Trojans punched their ticket to the state tournament at Cottonwood Creek Golf Club May 6-7.

At state, TCA (654, +36) beat out John Paul II by 40 shots for the thirdplace prize. Senior Bailee Dortch (157, +8) placed ninth overall to lead the Lady Trojans in scoring. Freshman Alice Anne Belf placed one shot outside the top 10, with juniors Abby Jun (164) and Sophia Latham (172) following close behind.

In total, the four-player team earned a combined five postseason honors at the end-of-year award ceremony:

BAILEE DORTCH – All-State, Academic All-State, Team MVP

ABBY JUN – Academic All-State

SOPHIA LATHAM – Academic All-State

PHOTO BY JAY PARKER

T TROJAN GOLF

ROJAN GOLF claimed its seventh consecutive TAPPS 6A Championship on May 7 in Waco. The Trojans (283-279) won the tournament by 60 shots with a record-breaking 14-under par 562, the lowest total recorded in TAPPS 6A history. The win marks the program’s 21st state championship and the 11th under the leadership of coach Marshall Edwards

Six Trojans earned All-State honors for the second straight year. TCA’s Aidan Dortch shot 1-under on the day for a final tally of 7-under par, 137. The TCU commit battled back and forth with former champion and fellow teammate Nate Miller (-4, 140), making birdie on two of the final three holes to ultimately pull away and win the solo title.

The Trojans completely swept the top-five leaderboard. Behind Dortch and Miller finished Sean Meador (-1, 143), Deacon Dortch (+3, 145) and Carson Harris (+4, 146). TCA’s Evan Acevedo (+8, 152) shot the day’s low round, firing off a 4-under par, 68, to rocket up the standings for the 10th and final medal spot.

EVAN ACEVEDO – All-State, Academic All-State

AIDAN DORTCH – All-State, Academic All-State, Team MVP

DEACON DORTCH – All-State, Academic All-State

CARSON HARRIS – All-State, Academic All-State

SEAN MEADOR – All-State, Academic All-State

NATE MILLER – All-State, Academic All-State

PHOTO BY JAY PARKER

Alumni News

LEGACY FAMILY DINNER

What a fun night! The TCA Alumni Association hosted a dinner for legacy families on April 4 on the Middle School playground. Over 150 attended, including new legacy families starting in the 2024-25 school year. Families enjoyed dinner, snow cones, inflatables and games. It was a great night full of fun and fellowship. We love our legacy families!

What is a legacy family? A legacy family is when one or both parents of a current TCA student is a past TCA graduate. This past year we had 121 legacy families with 217 legacy students.

COLLEGE VISITS

Alumni Director Beth Harwell and Chief Academic Officer Fran Legband visited our alumni at several schools this spring. The college tour included Texas A&M in College Station, the University of Texas in Austin, Baylor University in Waco and the University of Oklahoma in Norman. TCA alumni enjoyed a complimentary dinner while sharing about their college experiences. Our alumni are thriving at these universities and are involved in many extracurricular activities including student government, internships, volunteering in their local churches, fraternities, sororities, school sports, theater and more. We are very proud of them and look forward to seeing how God continues to use them after college.

BETH HARWELL Director of Alumni

BY BETH HARWELL Director of Alumni

The TCA Alumni Association had a busy spring hosting several events for our alumni. Check out the calendar on the next page for our upcoming events, including Homecoming.

FIRST ALUMNI NETWORKING EVENT

The TCA Alumni Association held our first professional networking event on Thursday, April 11, in the Upper School. Over 50 alumni and alumni parents attended the event. Led by moderator Hutton Lunsford ’08, the expert panel of alumni parents Steve Mastor, Dan Paterson and Scott Dennis ’77 spoke on commercial real estate industry trends.

The next professional networking event, covering the financial services industry, will be held on October 3, 2024. We look forward to hosting more networking events in the future. Be sure to join the TCA Alumni Network group on LinkedIn.

2024-25 ALUMNI BOARD ALUMNI

We welcomed Tyler Galvin ’15 as the new alumni board president on May 1, with the previous president, Lane Conner ’99, moving to president emeritus. Thank you, Lane, for serving as president this past year and for all your accomplishments during your term. Tyler, we look forward to your leadership over the next two years.

2024 LEGACY GRADUATES

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

Legacy Breakfast on Friday, September 27, at 7:30 a.m. in the MCB gymnasium. All legacy families are invited to attend. Legacy students, come pick up your legacy T-shirts to wear to school that day and eat breakfast as we gather together. We will take a group picture at 7:45 a.m. See you there!

Alumni Networking Event on Thursday, October 3, on the topic of finance. More details to come!

Alumni Admission Preview on Tuesday, October 29. Our admission previews are designed for prospective families to get a comprehensive look at TCA. Hear from other alumni whose children are enrolled at TCA and take a tour. This preview is for our alumni only.

Tyler Galvin ’15

President

Lane Conner ’99

President Emeritus

Matthew Galvan ’16

Vice President of Spiritual

Nicole Lyles ’14

Vice President of Professional

Haleigh Manhkong ’09

Vice President of Relational

Michael Novakovich ’13

Vice President of Administration

Justin Arnett ’02

Meredith Wait Biery ’04

Daniel Davidson ’13

Craig Fusch ’00

Jared Grabow ’96

Hutton Lunsford ’08

Kate Lynch ’97

Chris Millet ’82

Patrick Rea ’14

Homecoming 2024 on Friday, November 1, in the Upper School Commons. All alumni and their families are invited to attend the free football game and alumni dinner.

Class Reunions on Saturday, November 2. The classes of 2019, 2014, 2009, 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979 and 1974 will be celebrating reunions ranging from five to 50 years. Alumni from those classes will receive more detailed information.

Class of 2024 Moms’ Luncheon and College Care Packages on Thursday, November 14, in the Athletic Training Center (ATC). Join us for a great time of fellowship as we prepare college care packages for the 2024 graduates and eat lunch together. Alumni Basketball Game on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Katherine Broyles Christy Skeeters Broyles '91

John Badger

Anne Salmon Badger '90

Ava Copeland

Shannon Remke Copeland '94

James Crawford Lindsey Harris Crawford '94

John Henry Flatt

Katherine Mouzon Flatt '91

Camille Getz Kenton Getz '94

Elizabeth Moore David Moore '95 Sydney Ridnour

Justin Ridnour '90

Luke West

Brooke Holman West '92

W Adria Warner ’95

“When I think of her, I think of light, safety, creativity and kindness.”

hat a litany of lovely labels! These illustrious words were chosen by Haley Pendleton ’12 to describe Adria Johnson Warner, a proud alumna from the Trinity Christian Academy class of 1995 as well as a beloved member of the TCA art faculty. Haley continues, “Mrs. Warner was always patient while encouraging beauty through adversity. When I felt like I didn’t fit in, she encouraged me and made me feel known. She taught me ways to create.” Alum Kelsey Ferrell ’18 had similar praise, saying that “Adria Warner is one of the most joyful and encouraging people I’ve ever met, and her fighting spirit has always been such an inspiration for me and so many others.”

Mrs. Warner has served as a beacon on the TCA campus for several decades. Her journey at TCA began in the fall of 1985. A longtime family friend, church elder and former TCA board member, Don Grimm, approached Mrs. Warner’s father about the idea of her attending TCA for her third-grade year. Mrs. Warner remembers, “The idea of a Christ-centered education, made available through Student Tuition Aid, was truly a gift that would last a lifetime. I remember the excitement of my first day fondly.”

During her years as a student at TCA, Mrs. Warner’s greatest joy was deep relationships. “I loved the community at TCA. The class of ’95 was truly special!” Mrs. Warner remembers. “There wasn’t a sweeter group of cheerleaders, more well-rounded athletes, scholarly learners and generally good-natured kids. Even the parents, whose homes we often descended upon, were extremely supportive and gracious.” Her coaches, in particular, made a strong impact during her ten years as a Trojan student. “My coaches truly prepared me and pushed me.”

During her senior year at TCA, Mrs. Warner received a track and field scholarship offer from Stephen F. Austin University. In addition to participating with the Ladyjack track and field team, she studied kinesiology and art at SFA. After college graduation she came home to TCA in 2000, serving as a member of the art faculty as well as coaching track and field. The early 2000s brought joy on the home front as well as she celebrated her 2002 wedding to Robert Warner, a man she describes as “my best friend.” Together they are raising Aidyn (age 17), Sage (age 15) and Selah (age 6).

Adria Warner joins a small but ever-growing club of individuals who wear the dual identity of TCA graduate and current faculty. A unique joy for Mrs. Warner is developing peer friendships with

faculty who were once her teachers. “My teachers’ love and enthusiasm always made me want to love their subjects too,” she says. “Their ability to teach the truth in love gained my respect and undeniably shaped me. Many began as my coaches or teachers, but later became colleagues who developed into friends as well as brothers and sisters in Christ.” Mrs. Warner is a leader in the TCA faculty community, recently serving on a significant faculty panel as well as blessing the staff with original compositions of spoken-word poetry.

As one of a few TCA teachers who have served in all three divisions, Mrs. Warner says, “Over the years, I’ve taught in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Though Middle School is undoubtedly the hardest, it’s also my favorite!” Recent graduate Ally Lee ’24 just completed her journey in the TCA art program, and she testifies to the love Mrs. Warner has for Middle School students. “Mrs. Warner was my seventh-grade art teacher, but she was so much more than that. She redefined my failures as opportunities for creativity. She embodies integrity and profound insight.”

Looking back on her journey, Mrs. Warner is grateful for the spiritual growth and home she has found at TCA. “God is the same good and faithful Shepherd that He’s always been,” she reflects. “And we, by His Spirit, are being conformed into His image daily. While the current of culture pulls us to and fro, He is continuously calling us back to truth, back to His Word and back to Himself in the most gracious way.”

"My

teachers’ love and enthusiasm always made me want to love their subjects too. Their ability to teach the truth in love gained my respect and undeniably shaped me."

Wes Tarbox ’86

From the red dirt of the baseball field to the squeaky jump stops of the basketball court, Wes Tarbox ’86 experienced all his favorite TCA memories in the arena of athletics. But when he graduated from TCA in the spring of 1986, he never predicted he would return home to serve as TCA’s athletic chaplain one day.

Mr. Tarbox first arrived on campus when his parents, Dan and Judy Tarbox, enrolled him at TCA for sixth grade after searching for a school with a solid biblical foundation. “They wanted me to have an avenue to live out my faith, develop close friendships with other Christ-followers, and be mentored by adults in my life who had a passion for Jesus,” Mr. Tarbox explains.

Just a few short years later, at age fifteen, Mr. Tarbox suffered the loss of his father, and the TCA family surrounded him with support as he grieved. “The love and compassion shown was tremendous,” Mr. Tarbox remembers. “Yet, there was also a healthy challenge and exhortation not to let difficulty define my days. The wisdom and care of the teachers, coaches and classmates not only got me through, but played a major role in helping me become the man, husband and father I am today.”

Reflecting on the formation he experienced at TCA, Mr. Tarbox recalls, “TCA definitely taught me Scripture. Furthermore, the character development, shepherding and mentorship shaped my life tremendously.” Specifically, he credits Kyle Morrill, who served as his high school baseball coach for three years, as a key mentor figure. “Coach Morrill had a unique ability to challenge each player,

utilize their strengths, and patiently work with their weaknesses to get the most out of us,” Mr. Tarbox says. “I was an intense competitor with high expectations; Coach Morrill didn’t stifle that, but he also refined me to made sure these qualities were used for the benefit of the team and as a reflection of Christ.”

After graduating from TCA in 1986, Mr. Tarbox studied business, economics and accounting at Austin College while earning honors as an all-conference baseball player. He worked on an MBA at the University of Texas at Dallas and spent a few years working at Frito-Lay before transitioning to a real estate investment company.

After leaving the corporate world, Mr. Tarbox served as a student pastor at Grace Church in Allen for sixteen years as well as coaching college-preparatory club baseball for eight years. “After I watched all sixteen of my athletes go on to play some level of college baseball, Lucas Christian Academy offered me an opportunity to start a baseball program there,” he says. Winning a state championship two years later brought deep satisfaction and a renewed desire to grow young men in baseball skills as well as spiritual formation.

In addition to investing in real estate and young people, Mr. Tarbox spent years building a family. He met his wife, Melissa, in college, and together they raised two children. “We are blessed that both of our kids are local. Tyler lives in Plano, while Kayley and her husband live in Melissa,” he says. Mr. Tarbox became a proud grandfather in January of 2024.

Through the years, Mr. Tarbox remembered his meaningful days at TCA with joy. He was thrilled to receive a call from Coach Leach and Coach English to come back to TCA as varsity baseball assistant coach and head coach of JV baseball. “Then, the Lord moved again,” he says, “and called me to be the TCA athletics chaplain while remaining on the coaching staff.”

Lately, Mr. Tarbox has seen the Lord’s hand in the creation of the new Athletics Chaplain role. “I see an opportunity to collaborate across all athletics programs to create an intentional strategy

for the spiritual formation of all student-athletes,” Mr. Tarbox says. “All of our coaches love Jesus and love their students. Synthesizing the spiritual strengths of each program to amplify them will benefit all students.” Mr. Tarbox has a vision for TCA sports that is larger than athletic skills. “Athletics is positioned to unify the TCA community, welcome new students and teach students to use their gifts for God’s glory,” he declares.

It is no accident that Mr. Tarbox now shepherds students with the same care he received during his days as a TCA student. Rising senior Jameson Dunigan recalls, “When I first transferred to TCA my freshman year, Coach Tarbox was such a blessing because he was instantly investing in me and helping me grow in my faith. To me, Coach Tarbox isn’t a coach but a friend. This school year, I served as a Middle School Bible study leader, and Coach Tarbox helped me prepare lessons to teach my fifth-grade boys. In the midst of a rough season for me with injuries, he emailed or texted me weekly reminding me that God has a beautiful plan for me. He constantly prayed over me.”

Another member of the class of ’25, Jonathan Cook, sees the same strengths. “Coach Tarbox is one of the best coaches I have ever had and is one the best men I have ever met,” Jonathan says. “Coach Tarbox is a God-loving man who loves to share the gospel with others. He has been a great mentor to me for the past three years at TCA and has helped me grow as a person.”

After the love of Christian adults at TCA carried Mr. Tarbox through difficult teenage years, he now echoes that same disciple-making pattern with student-athletes today.

"The wisdom and care of the teachers, coaches and classmates not only got me through, but played a major role in helping me become the man, husband and father I am today.”

In Memoriam

SHARON BROWN BRADSHAW

PAST FACULTY MEMBER AND ALUMNI PARENT

January 9, 2024

FREDDIE DONALDSON HODGES

ALUMNI PARENT

March 16, 2024

PIKE PETERSEN

INCOMING CLASS OF 2028

May 21, 2024

WALTER B. (WALLY) LINEBARGER

PAST FACULTY MEMBER AND ALUMNI PARENT

January 13, 2024

DON McWHINNEY

PAST FACULTY MEMBER AND ALUMNI PARENT

June 24, 2024

PRAYER GUIDE

At Trinity Christian Academy, we believe that every good thing we have been given comes from God (James 1:17) and that we can accomplish nothing apart from Christ (John 15:5). Prayer is therefore one of the most important things we can do. Prayer allows us to acknowledge and express gratitude for all the ways that God has blessed TCA thus far. It is also a way to ask for His continued help as we move into the future. Below are some suggested ways that you can pray for TCA.

LOOKING BACK

• Give thanks to God for how He has provided for TCA over the years through the generosity of His people.

• Thank God for the thousands of alumni who have been able to receive an education from TCA and who are living out what they have learned.

• Give thanks for the teachers, coaches and administrators who have devoted their careers to serving students here.

• Thank God for providing an army of volunteers who willingly work to make TCA a great place.

• Thank God for providing His Word as a light to our path and a foundation to build upon.

• Praise God for how He has guided and grown TCA over the past 54 years.

LOOKING FORWARD

• Ask God to continue to provide everything the school needs to train up the next generations.

• Pray that all current and future students will be fully prepared spiritually and academically for a lifetime of faithful service to Him.

• Ask God to raise up new faculty and staff who have a heart for educating and discipling students at TCA.

• Pray for gifts and opportunities to use those gifts to make a difference in our community.

• Ask God to provide wisdom to school leadership for decisions about the future.

• Pray that God would direct and protect the school in the coming decades.

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!

© 2024 TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, PRINTED BY MILLET THE PRINTER, DALLAS, TEXAS