The Trojan Fall 2021

thetrojan

www.wesed.org

WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY NEWSLETTER FALL SEMESTER

2021

STUDENTS HONOR FALLEN

by placing 2,977 U.S. flags on soccer field surrounding 9/11 memorial anchored by cross made from Twin Towers

2020-2025 Strategic Plan Moving Forward

Those of us who have the unique privilege to have been called to work and minister at Wesleyan firmly believe that it is our responsibility, to the Lord and to our families, to lead our school forward in such a way that our students are prepared and fully equipped for the world they will enter upon graduation. Thanks to God’s incredible grace and provisions over the years, coupled with an outstanding Board of Directors and Leadership Team, Wesleyan has stayed on mission for 50 years!

Praise be to God, in 2022, Wesleyan’s leadership is still fervently committed to the vision and mission God gave us so long ago. In the current environment that we live, our mission, “to partner with families by providing biblicallybased, college-preparatory education so that students will be equipped to serve Christ and influence the world,” holds even greater meaning and intentionality on our part.

In 2020 Wesleyan was awarded the prestigious CESA Accreditation, making it one of 45 Christian schools in the U.S. to be CESA accredited. In addition, ACSI awarded Wesleyan with their Exemplary Level Accreditation in 2021, making us one of 17 of the 3,000 member schools having reached this level. These accreditation accomplishments serve our graduating seniors well by affirming Wesleyan’s reputation of academic excellence among the most wellrespected colleges and universities across the country.

Last year, Wesleyan shared our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan with all of our families. Today, we are excited to share that in the midst of the challenges of the pandemic, we have still managed to move forward with many of our strategic initiatives. The purpose of this section of the newsletter is to review with you some highlights of our progress.

Within the Strategic Plan, there are four focus areas: Academic Distinction, Servant Leadership, Christian Community and Stewardship. In this issue of the Trojan, I’d like to share more about Academic Distinction and Servant Leadership. We will then follow up in the Spring Trojan with Christian Community and Stewardship.

ACADEMIC DISTINCTION

Wesleyan Christian Academy is committed to providing a rigorous and comprehensive college-preparatory experience, creating 21st Century learners.

In 2020, at Mr. Rickman and Mrs. Ledbetter’s directive, WCA entered into a dualenrollment partnership with Liberty University and Southern Wesleyan University, providing another channel for our students to earn college credit prior to graduation. In 2021, we expanded this partnership to include Colorado Christian University.

In 2021, Wesleyan began the comprehensive but very worthwhile task of Curriculum Mapping. Through extensive collaboration between faculty in all grades and divisions, Wesleyan’s teachers are providing an academically and biblically-integrated, aligned curriculum from Kindergarten to 12th grade. This process ensures that each class and subject not only builds on the previous, but are cohesively linked with one another.

Through the strong leadership of Dr. Ray and the Leadership Team, in early 2021, Wesleyan began incorporating MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing for our elementary and middle grade levels. This testing is geared toward identifying growth and mastery areas for each student, enabling our faculty to understand our students’ individual needs more accurately.

In 2020-2021, Wesleyan’s elementary school implemented the Intervention and Extension program. This program provides time in a small group setting each day for students

who need additional support to master skills. It also offers students who are excelling to “extend” their growth and tackle more challenging curriculum and concepts.

We are excited to report that Wesleyan is officially a 1:1 (one- to-one) school, meaning, every student from kindergarten to 12th grade has an individually assigned Chromebook. This achievement will provide for expanded educational opportunities in and out of the classroom. We are thankful for the PPP and EANS federal assistance that provide funding for items like this.

Beginning next fall, Wesleyan will implement a financial literacy program in high school that is based on biblical principles. We believe this is a critical life skill that will equip our students to make wise financial decisions early in life.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Intentionally see transformation and spiritual maturity in the life of every student as our top priority.

Wesleyan’s vision has always been to teach our students “to know and live the truth”. But assessing their understanding of the truth, application of God’s Word and where they are in their relationship with the Lord can be challenging. To that end, we are working with a variety of resources to identify a means to better track and understand the spiritual beliefs and events in our students’ lives. Recognizing that only the Lord knows an individual’s heart, we pray this information will provide us insight into our students’ spiritual development.

To begin this endeavor, Pastor Deon Parker distributed an anonymous survey in September that was well received by our students. In short, it gave us a birds-eye view of our students’ spiritual beliefs. It is our hope that by surveying students annually, we will be able to track grade levels in such a way that we will be able to identify trends and key indicators in the spiritual lives of our students.

As part of our initiative to implement a service component throughout all extracurricular activities, the Athletics Department (Joe Woodward) and Spiritual Life Department (Pastor Deon Parker) teamed up to identify an impactful way for our student athletes to serve the community together— and “Wesleyan Athletics Cares” was established. This year alone, 70 student athletes have prepared and distributed 300 meals for families in need through the Macedonia Family Resource Center and support from our Flik Dining family.

What a blessing to be able to work alongside such amazing and gifted people who desire to provide our children the greatest opportunities in pursuing God’s desires and excellence in their lives. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support as we continue to forge ahead for God’s glory and our children’s good!

Dr. Rob Brown, Head of School

Cover photography: Blythe Glover

2-3 Letter from the Head of School Wesleyan Recommended for ACSI Exemplary Accreditation

4-7 Academics | EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Students at Every Age and Stage are Succeeding

8 We Are Wesleyan | ACCOMPLISHMENTS Current Students & Alumni Pursue Excellence

9-11 Athletics | MEET JOE WOODWARD Wesleyan's New Athletic Director...

12-18 Campus Life | HOMECOMING Traditions return to campus

19-20 Fine Arts | VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS THRIVE Students are on Point

21-23 Development | ANNUAL GIFT GIVING New Scholarships Added for Students

24-25 Alumni | CONGRATULATIONS! Weddings, Birth Announcements and More...

26-27 Spiritual Life | GODWARD Growing in Faith & Service

Our sincere thanks goes to Blythe Glover Photography for serving as the official photographer for Wesleyan Christian Academy.

Disclaimer: Any photographs of students taken without a face covering signifies one of three things: 1) the photo was taken when face coverings were not mandated, 2) students removed their face coverings for the purpose of taking the photograph, 3) students were involved in athletic activities, or 4) images were taken outdoors, meeting CDC guidelines.

ALUMNUS

FIGHTS

FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN NATION’S HIGHEST COURTS

Wesleyan Trojan (‘03) and attorney, Jake Warner, J.D., returned to campus the Friday of Homecoming 2021 to speak to our high school students and to receive the “Alumnus of the Year” award. Warner received his undergraduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill and his J.D. from Regent School of Law.

He and his wife Ashley—also an attorney— live in Arizona with their three children where he works in litigation for the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) ADF defines itself as "the world's largest legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, marriage and family, parental rights, and the sanctity of life." ADF representatives defend these freedoms in Congress, state legislatures, and courtrooms across the country, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

In 2015, Warner, as part of an ADF legal team, represented Jack Phillips, who owned a bakery in Colorado. When Phillips declined to create a wedding cake for a same sex couple because of his Christian faith, Phillips was charged by the state with discrimination. Ultimately, the case landed in the Supreme Court, where the court ruled in Phillips' favor.

Warner has also been part of an ADF team defending the rights of the unborn before the Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization This case, heard in December, challenges a Mississippi law that bans most abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy. Per the SCOTUSBlog.com, “The case was … positioned to be one of the highest-profile arguments of the 2021-22 term, because the state had specifically asked the court to overrule its landmark decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.”

Wesleyan

Warner challenged our students to listen and be watchful for God’s calling on their lives. As a young law student, Warner never envisioned himself doing the work he is today. But as God prompted him along his life journey, all roads led to ADF. Please continue to pray for Warner and for the Alliance Defending Freedom as they continue their important work.

academics Experiential Learning

ENJOY THESE STORIES STRAIGHT FROM OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.

LET'S READ! What a fun morning with our K1 families at Books and Breakfast! Thank you to A-1 Sandrock for sponsoring our breakfast.

WORLDVIEW Once our High School Leadership arrived in D.C. safe and sound, it was off to the ACSI Leadership conference. Then who do our seniors meet? None other than Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries and author of our 12th grade “Understanding the Times” textbook. Per Mrs Hoots, some of the kids even managed to get his autograph!

FOLLOW US ON

FACEBOOK @wcacademy & INSTAGRAM wesleyanchristiannc

to enjoy more stories like these.

OPERATION General surgeon, Dr. Eric Lance, worked with our Anatomy students this morning as they became “Doctors for a Day”. It was an action packed morning as students learned to sew stitches (using chicken legs), perform laparoscopic surgery, read X-rays, and perform CPR. Dr. Lance was also gracious to talk to students about the many different careers in medicine. This has become an annual event that our anatomy students look forward to each year! Thank you Dr. Lance!

DISSECTION In recent weeks, our high school anatomy and physiology classes have been studying the skeletal system. To wrap up the chapter and prepare for the test, Mrs. Cozart's students teamed up in groups of two's or three's to dissect owl pellets. This gave students the opportunity to see and identify the different bones of animals the owl had consumed. As part of the exercise, students also classified the types of bones and what their function may be. Keep up the great work!

FURRY FRIEND Well, you just never know what may show up in our science classes! Our high school students enjoyed having a very special visitor on campus! And Mrs. Turman got some extra snuggles!

MATH FUN We found Mrs. Barber's 3rd grade class using their trendy pop-it toys to learn about arrays as they begin to learn multiplication! According to Mrs. Barber, "Learning IS fun!!" We agree Mrs. Barber! Thanks for your creativity!

academics

Growth Mindset

BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE Wesleyan’s AP Government classes wrote over 50 letters of encouragement to our deployed U.S. soldiers.

These young men and women studied the impact of 9/11 and wanted to take a moment to thank the soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen that have selflessly served our great nation.

Thanks to Mrs. Hoots, the letters were handled and delivered through the military charity, “Support our Troops”.

COOKIE CREATIONS Mrs. Cozart's Anatomy class has been studying the structure of a cell, the organelles within the cell, and how movement through the cell membrane takes place. Mrs. Cozart challenged her students to create a "Cookie Cell Cake" replicating the parts and movement of a cell with different kinds of candy. Here are the results! Nice work you guys!

H20 Mrs. Alexander's 9th-grade Biology class began the year studying the properties of water, including polarity, surface tension, density, etc. The class split into 6 groups for some hands-on investigation and data gathering. Felicia Musembi, Jones Barber, and Isaac Hoots' group observed water's properties of adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension using a penny and droplets of water. Above are just a few photos of their group and others in action!

Wesleyan

49 STUDENTS NAMED NATIONAL AP SCHOLARS 2021 NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM MEDALISTS

In 2021, 49 Wesleyan students were recognized by the College Board as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars by demonstrating exemplary college-level achievement on AP exams. Below you’ll find three categories of scholars and the young men and women who received those awards:

AP SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION (18)

Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Robert D. Bryant

Sydney A. Buck

Boris Crnjak

Jayne E. Hinson

Sarah H. Huneycutt

Jaina C. Kelly

Claire M. Custer Erika J. Lance

Chandler N. Deese

Davidson E. Dew

Nora G. LeFever

Yu Xi Ng

Eden L. Reitnour

Ethan M. Twiddy

Harrison C. Gardner Jacob S. Wood

Lauren R. Hale Ashton L. Wooten

AP SCHOLARS WITH HONOR (17)

Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

Claire L. Atkinson

Jacob A. Bowersox

Ava E. Brown

Roberto De Cataldo

Ryan M. Dix

Carter D. Glover

Isabella G. Heinbach

Zebulun B. Hunt

Davis C. Jones

AP SCHOLARS (14)

Zachary Maready

Stephen C. McGee

Kaitlyn S. McNeill

Savannah L. Medlin

Gabriel J. Mieding

Logan M. Prillaman

Alexis N. Smith

Sydnie L. Stewart

Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.

Kevin M. Brown II

Carson Cavanaugh

James A. Dodson

Isabella L. Dunning

Mason J. Hale

Matthew M. Rush

Aaron G. Satko

Molly E. Sullens

Grace A. Thurman

Connor M. Weist

Meghan P. Howell Carlin S. Wright

Samuel K. Lundy John H. Yoakum

In collaboration with Mr. Rickman, Mrs. Charwyne Baker (High School Spanish teacher) has worked hard over the years to build our Spanish program into one that takes our students to the next level in foreign language. The 2021 National Spanish Exam achievements by our Spanish students demonstrates a strong and growing program built to ensure our students can use their foreign language experience at Wesleyan in college and beyond. Below are the results of the 2021 National Spanish Exam.

GOLD MEDAL ACHIEVEMENT

95th percentile or above.

Spanish I: Liam Railsback and Eden Reitnour

Spanish II: Roberto DeCataldo and Kaitlyn Tat

Spanish III: Jayne Hinson, Sarah Huneycutt and Jaina Kelly

SILVER MEDAL ACHIEVEMENT

85th-94th percentiles.

Spanish I: Sophie Crawford, Emmalie Spry, and Madison Tat

Spanish II: Jake Bowersox

Spanish III: Logan Prillaman and Ethan Twiddy

Spanish IV: Mason Hale

BRONZE MEDAL ACHIEVEMENT

75th-84th percentiles.

Spanish I: Savannah Lambert

Spanish II: Claire Atkinson, Josh Buchanan, & Kyla Pesayanavin

Spanish III: Ashton Wooten

Spanish V: Erika Lance

HONORABLE MENTION ACHIEVEMENT

50th-74th percentiles.

Spanish I: Gracie Callicutt, Nathan Calvino, Jake Chilton, Heather Duensing, Ally Ford, Ethan Jamroz, Landon Kerry, Yianna Kotrotsos, Jake Lowe, Addison Miller, Anna Royster, Lillie Sarkisian, Megan Spence, Noah Stewart, Yancy Veach, and Andrea Zavala

Spanish II: Fletcher Allen, Christine Cathey, Jonathan Cimpean, Elizabeth Cox, Chandler Deese, Harrison Gardner, Emma Gilchrist, James Heeden, Meghan Howell, Daniel Langfeld, Maddie Mayer, Gabe Mieding, XiXi Ng, and Riley Parks

Spanish III: Boris Crnjak, Davidson Dew, Lauren Hale, Brady Hoffman, and Sydnie Stewart

Spanish IV: Kevin Brown, Rachel Poplin, Sharon Perez (Bilingual Category), and Nathan Zavala (Bilingual Category)

are wesleyan we

BO YOKELY (2006) CONGRATULATIONS TO BO YOKELY ON HIS LEADING ROLE IN THE LIFETIME MOVIE, "SWITCHED BEFORE BIRTH", BASED ON A TRUE STORY, THAT AIRED IN OCTOBER.

Yokely has appeared in several films, including "Christmas at Greyhorse Inn", "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2", and "Baywatch".

Claire received the award for exemplifying standards of the DAR: Dependability, Service, Leadership, and Patriotism which she wrote about in an essay entitled: "Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It".

She participates in four (4) varsity sports and is also at the top of her class academically. Chandler plans to study environmental science and policy in college.

Jacob Cozart, former WCA Trojan baseball catcher now playing for NC State, was named #32 in @perfectgameusa‘s Top 75 College Freshmen ahead of the 2022 spring season!

CLAIRE ATKINSON (2022) DAR 2021 GOOD CITIZEN AWARD WINNER

JACOB COZART (2021) PERFECT GAME'S TOP 75 COLLEGE FRESHMEN (#32)

CHANDLER DEESE (2022) SENIOR CHANDLER DEESE WAS NAMED THE HIGH POINT ROTARY'S NOVEMBER STUDENT OF THE MONTH.

Meet Joe Woodward, Athletic Director athletics

Wesleyan welcomed Mr. Joe Woodward, of High Point, N.C. as the academy’s new Athletic Director in July 2021. Woodward is a familiar face to many people within the Wesleyan community as he has served as an assistant coach for Wesleyan’s varsity boys basketball team and as head coach of its junior varsity boys basketball team.

“Mr. Rickman, Mr. Kohns and I interviewed several candidates throughout the U.S.”, shared Dr. Rob Brown, Head of School, “and ultimately, we found the best person was already right here.” Woodward came highly recommended by coaches within the Wesleyan program including former AD Elijah Denton. Varsity Boys Soccer Coach Scott Reitnour stated, “Joe personifies class, character, discipline, enthusiasm and integrity. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Joe‘s work ethic, and I believe our athletic program will be in good hands for years to come.”

Woodward added, “In life you have very few opportunities to combine the gifts and experiences God has

given you with your passions to make a lifelong impact in the lives of others. For that reason and many more, I’m thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of growing this fantastic athletic program.”

Joe and his wife Kailee have twin four-year-old girls, Joella and Isabella, who attend Wesleyan’s Early Education Center, and Georgia Kate who is nine months old. The Woodwards are members of Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church where Joe has served in various capacities over the years, including the youth program and the security team.

Wesleyan Athletics Cares

One of Woodward’s first goals was to team up with Pastor Deon Parker to establish a new servant leadership program for Wesleyan athletes, giving them an opportunity to serve the people of our community. Appropriately named "Wesleyan Athletics Cares," each month a

different WCA sports team prepares more than 60 meals for families in need. With Chef Scott's assistance in providing a delicious and healthy meal, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, athletes box the meals which are then delivered to High Point's Macedonia Family Resource Center.

The athletes' excitement to help with this endeavor is visible. "I couldn't be more proud of these young athletes,” shared Pastor Deon, “They jump right in with unreal enthusiasm, camaraderie, and a humble attitude.”

athletics

Fall Athletic Teams

"FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING IS OF SOME VALUE, BUT GODLINESS HAS VALUE FOR ALL THINGS, HOLDING PROMISE FOR BOTH THE PRESENT LIFE AND THE LIFE TO COME." 1 TIMOTHY 4:8

MS Boys Soccer (Red)

Varsity Boys Soccer

MS Girls Tennis

MS Volleyball

MS Boys Soccer (Gold)

Cross Country

JV Volleyball

Varsity Volleyball

JV Boys Soccer

Varsity Girls Tennis

Varsity Girls Golf

VARSITY SOCCER

Fall Athletic Awards

Offensive MVP Riley Parks

Defensive MVP Patrick Hissim

Coach's Award Macoy Strawn

Most Improved Player Noah Stewart

JV SOCCER

Coach's Award Donovan Calhoun

Most Improved Player Will Gonzalez

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Offensive MVP Ava Brown

Defensive MVP Faith Hedrick

Coach's Award Maggie Harrell

Most Improved Player Morgan Collins

JV VOLLEYBALL

Captains Award Carly Chambers

Captains Award Kate Patton

VARSITY GIRLS GOLF

Most Valuable Player Molly Jardina

Most Improved Player Emma Gilchrist

Coach's Award Mackenzie Gilliat

VARSITY GIRLS TENNIS

Most Valuable Player Alexis Cruz

Most Improved Player Kyla Pesayanavin

Coach's Award Chandler Deese

VARSITY BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Most Valuable Player Jones Barber

Most Improved Player Ethan Hoots

Coach's Award Robert Pollio

VARSITY GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Most Valuable Player Bailey LaRue

Most Improved Player Gabriella Johnson

Coach's Award Rebekah Ray

campus life

9/11 Memorial Reaches Triad Community and Beyond

When Wesleyan parents Jason and Stacey Barbour, who work with Young America's Foundation, approached Pastor Deon Parker in late August with a donation of 3,000 American flags to be used as we wished, a seed was planted. In short order, a group formed with 9/11 in mind, determined to honor the lives of those lost, share the legacy of this life-changing event with the community and the next generation, and give glory to God for providing hope even in the midst of this evil attack on our nation.

On the morning of 9/11/21, our high school leadership team placed 2,977 American flags on the Wesleyan soccer field representing each American life lost on that day, surrounding a memorial placed at the center of the field, constructed just hours earlier by Wesleyan alumni parents Donna Griffin and Terri Cromer. The focus of the memorial was a steel cross, made from remnants of the World Trade Center Twin Towers and loaned to Wesleyan by David and Donna Griffin of D.H. Griffin – the Triad company that helped lead the Towers’ demolition.

MEDIA RESPONSE

We were blessed to have WGHP FOX8 with us the entire morning and were pleasantly surprised that the FOX News network used a photograph from Wesleyan’s Memorial via a larger story on “The Five” about Young America’s Foundation which had provided us with the American flags. The photo featured Athletic Director Joe Woodward who is also a U.S. Marine veteran.

Without question, this 9/11 memorial struck a chord throughout our community. Over the 9/11 weekend, we had hundreds of people from around the Triad visit our campus to walk through the memorial. One of our on-duty police officers shared that one evening, one Greensboro fireman who had finished his shift drove to our campus to see the memorial and remained there for 30 minutes. What a blessing it was to share this with our community as we remembered the 20th Anniversary of 9/11.

Wesleyan

Grandparents' Honor Day

"TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS, THAT WE MAY GAIN A HEART OF WISDOM." PSALM 90:12

After the pandemic forced cancellations of our traditional Grandparents Honor Day in 2020, Wesleyan faculty, staff, and especially our young learners were excited to see this day finally arrive. It was evident that our grandparents were looking forward to this special day as well with hundreds in attendance. Following Wednesday’s K1 & K2 program, our 1st and 2nd graders invited their grandparents to school Thursday, and our 3rd and 4th graders enjoyed having their grandparents on campus on Friday! Seeing our students walking hand in hand with their grandparents through the halls brought a wonderful normal back into the life of our school early in 2021. Oh how we love our grands!!

campus life

Homecoming 2021

" THEREFORE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD EACH OTHER UP, JUST AS IN FACT YOU ARE DOING." 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11

Spirit Week activities kicked off Homecoming 2021, followed by the parade and pep rally, complete with skits, the hokey pokey and the spirit stick. Our Trojans battled Carmel Christian in an unbelievable double-overtime game, ultimately falling 0-1 to the nationally ranked Carmel. During half time, senior Lilly McRae was crowned Homecoming Queen and junior Lizzy Cox, Princess. Finally, Saturday night brought the annual Homecoming Dance and all was right with the world again! Yes, we love our Wesleyan traditions!!

campus life

Christmas at Wesleyan

AND MARY SAID: “MY SOUL GLORIFIES THE LORD AND MY SPIRIT REJOICES IN GOD MY SAVIOR,." LUKE 1:46-47

When Christmas comes around each year, something very special happens inside the walls of Wesleyan. The decorations go up, the Christmas carols are sung and the story of Jesus’ birth is heard in every classroom. There’s a special joy that comes with this season that is palpable as you walk our halls. From classroom Christmas parties and the high school homeroom door decorating contest, to our annual Christmas Performing Arts programs and a visit from Santa, rarely a day goes by without something to point us to the joys of the season. This year, our elementary students were even able to enjoy Polar Express Day watching the day’s namesake movie wearing Christmas pajamas and eating popcorn in the auditorium. It’s a fun season, but as the precious 3 and 4 year olds reminded us in the Early Education Center Christmas program, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is truly our greatest joy of the season!

AMY MCNEILL, EEC DIRECTOR

Upon the recommendation of our accrediting organizations, Wesleyan made the inaugural step of creating an Assistant Head of School position during the summer of 2021. After careful consideration, Dr. Rob Brown and the school board extended an offer to Dr. David Ray, Elementary Principal to serve in this position, which he accepted.

Thankfully, Dr. Brown and the Board did not have to look far for the ideal candidate for the Elementary Principal in Mrs. Emily Orman. After serving in the position of EEC director for 5 years, Mrs. Orman had made several improvements and key strategic decisions that have placed Wesleyan’s EEC at the top of its game.

That said, when Mrs. Orman accepted the position as Wesleyan’s new Elementary Principal, the challenge to find the right Early

campus life CAMPUS LIFE Wesleyan Christian Academy thetrojan | Fall 2021

Education Center Director position was next. As the Administration interviewed candidates throughout the fall, Wesleyan’s parents were blessed to have Mrs. Casey Fowler serve as Interim Director.

In God’s perfect design, After School Care Program Director Amy McNeill, felt the Lord leading her to apply for the Early Education Center Director position. In the last three years, Dr. Brown and the administration team had been consistently impressed by Mrs. McNeill. Like Mrs. Orman, McNeill had taken the After School Care program and the Summer Camp program to new heights.

In early December, Dr. Brown and the Administration announced that McNeill would be the new Early Education Center Director supported by Casey Fowler as the new Associate Director. Both ladies

CASEY FOWLER, EEC ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

are exceptional representatives of Wesleyan and already have a wonderful working relationship through their years working with Orman.

EMILY ORMAN, ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

fine arts

High School Visual Art Students are on Point!!

"YET

NCAIS HONOR BAND CLINIC

Students Addison Miller, Emmalie Spry and Lily Streeton (pictured right) were selected to participate in the NCAIS Honor Band Clinic held on the campus of Catawba College Monday and Tuesday, October 11 and 12. They prepared and performed a selection of tunes led by Dr. Steve Etters and Mrs. Tara Harris. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

Taylor Hawley, a 10th grader, has been at WCA since 9th grade. Not only are her basketball skills on point, but her drawing skills are making heads turn as well. As a high school Art II student, she enjoys stippling in pen using tedious repetitive dots. One drawing can have 5, 000 or more dots.

Kristin Barnes, Class of 2022, is a senior enrolled in Art IV Honors class. She, too, enjoys creating art with meticulous detail. One painting takes two months of layering dots one at a time. Kristen was inspired by the Post-Impressionism Movement and French artist, George Seurat’s pointillism methods found in the famous painting A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. Both practice and patience make our WCA artists outstanding!

YOU, LORD, ARE OUR FATHER. WE ARE THE CLAY, YOU ARE THE POTTER; WE ARE ALL THE WORK OF YOUR HAND." ISAIAH

fine arts

Performing Arts

WESLEYAN TEACHING STUDIOS

Wesleyan Teaching Studios resumed normal programming beginning in July with our Drama Kids Summer Camp. Students from Wesleyan Christian Academy, as well as the surrounding community, participated in a week-long intensive drama camp learning stagecraft, acting skills and how to project a character (and themselves) with selfconfidence and assurance.

Instrumental recitals also were held to showcase the hard work of the fall semester's private lesson students. The elementary studio art class gave students the opportunity to expand their creative talents using different media and techniques in the visual arts. Included in the studio's varied offerings are dance, drama and art classes as well as piano, guitar, percussion, string and woodwind/ brasswind lessons.

HOMECOMING

Faith and Men of Servant were pleased to be able to return to the field for Homecoming to sing the National Anthem. It was a joy to see the faces of WCA families, alumni and friends of Wesleyan joining with us to honor our country with a patriotic salute.

PEP BAND

Pep band spent the first nine weeks preparing for the homecoming game and pep rally. We played "stand music" much like what most bands do during football games. We also played the fight song on the field as part of the pre-game activities at the soccer game.

FALL DRAMA

Wesleyan’s High School Drama class performed their fall production of The Rainbow Fish on November 18. The class worked on this production for nine weeks while they developed their acting skills and learned about producing a play. Students also performed the play for Elementary Chapel.

PRAISE BAND

Praise band led worship at chapel each week as well as the high school retreat. In addition, they had the opportunity to lead worship at Church Under the Bridge on December 4th prior to a message delivered to several dozen homeless guests.

ROTARY CLUB CHRISTMAS CONCERT

After a long hiatus from singing in the community, Men of Servant and Faith were invited by the High Point Rotary Club to sing at their Christmas Meeting at the High Point Country Club. Their presentation of Christmas musical selections was enjoyed by all those attending. A special thanks to the Rotary Club for their gracious invitation to sing for this special occasion.

CHRISTMAS AT WESLEYAN

The middle and high school choirs proudly presented their Christmas at Wesleyan Concert in early December. Students were excited to perform for a live audience again and a packed house for each performance. The pep band transitioned to wind ensemble for our Christmas at Wesleyan concert. Everyone was very happy to be performing live for the first time in two years! We were joined in the evening by the middle school bands. We performed a variety of traditional carols as well as other popular Christmas tunes. The Wind Ensemble capped off the evening with their favorite arrangement of music from The Polar Express!

THE DONOR DIFFERENCE

The prayers and generous financial support of many families allow the ministry of Wesleyan Chrisian Academy to provide the best Christian education possible. Below are some highlighted areas that donors are making a difference. Many thanks to our special friends, alumni, and current families that support this ministry!

IN-HOUSE SENIOR COLLEGESCHOLARSHIPS

• PTO Presidential Freedom Scholarship

• Rebecca K. Garcia Memorial*

• Jerry L. Kyle Memorial*

• Tim Shaw (’10) Memorial

• Philip Schrum (’03) Memorial

• Renee Case Memorial

• Gary Case Memorial

• WCA Christian College

• Tire Max

• Tufco

• Pepsi

DESIGNATED GIFTS

• Sandy Ridge Expansion – continued development of our new campus.

• Greg Young (’10) Memorial –Supporting AGG projects.

• Spiritual Life - Missions & Outreach

• Nelson Silver Memorial

• Performing Arts

• Athletics

• STEM Lab

• Early Ed/Childcare

TUITION ASSISTANCE

Approximately 260 students per school year receive need-based tuition assistance. Support comes from the following funds:

• The Scholarship Endowment

• Scholarship Fund

• Special Needs Scholarship (assist with families facing unique challenges)

• Leroy & Lois Vernon Pastoral Scholarship

• Legacy Scholarship for Alumni’s Child*

• Brian McHenry (’01) Memorial Scholarship*

* RECENTLY ADDED SCHOLARSHIPS

development

"Imperfectly Perfect"

Wesleyan’s Annual Gift Giving (AGG) kicked off its yearly campaign with an opening assembly on Thursday, October 7th. But, like most things in 2021, it was a bit different. Wesleyan’s AGG committee works hard to be creative in planning the school's largest fundraiser and this year was no different.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

James Mayer - Chair

Robbie Wooten - Co-Chair

Mason Garner

John Hodges

Lisa Nelson

Ashley Veach

Cheryl Martin

Chris Glover

Michael Wallace

Anissa Roy

Chris Cox

Michael Prilliman

Suzanne Cook

Amber McGee

The committee was tasked to organize not one but two assemblies, one of which consisted of the elementary and middle school students and the second designated for high school students.

Just like the theme for this year’s campaign, Imperfectly Perfect, our fundraiser was not perfect but was no surprise to God. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

God’s message was clear to our students as the speaker, Mr. Richie Parker spoke from his heart and delivered a message to our student body encouraging them to look within themselves for their imperfections and turn them into ways to glorify him and influence others.

A-1 Sandrock, Inc.

A Cleaner World

Angie Byrd-Keller Williams Realty

APC Pipeline Services, LLC

Atlantic Coast Toyota Lift

Barberitos

Bar-B-Que House

Beacon Pointe

Blue Moon Benefits Group, Inc.

Blue Ridge Companies, Inc.

Blythe Glover Photography

Brooke Cashion - Allen Tate Realtors

Brookstone Rest Home & Retirement Center

Bryson Industries, Inc.

Byrd Builders

Carley Mann and Associates

Carolina Chair & Table Company

Carolina Dental Supply, Inc.

Carolina Services of the Triad, Inc.

Certainty Home Loans

AGG Corporate Sponsors WESLEYAN CHRI S

Charles W. Carter Plumbing, Inc.

Church Outlet, Inc.

Citrin & Whitman, P.A.

Coldwell Banker Advantage Triad

Cook Out Restaurants

Creative Branding Designs

Creative Snacks

Crescent Ford

D & T Designs, LLC

D. H. Griffin Wrecking Company, Inc.

DARI

Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics

DBA Vanity Resource

Decorative Magic, Inc.

Dix Defense

Dow Craver & Associates

Downtown Fitness on Elm

Drake's Fresh Pasta Company

Edward Jones Investments

Energy Innovations by Harry Boody, Inc.

Epic Development Group

Fidelity Bank

Fire-Ade Inc.

First Citizens Bank

Flik, Independent School Dining

FNW Investments, LLC

Four Seasons Furniture

Franchise Finders, Inc. dba Subway

GJP Enterprises

Good Ol' Boys, Inc.

Grant Martin, Realtor Help-U-Sell

Greene Construction & Design, LLC

Guy M. Turner, Inc.

Hardscape Concepts, Inc.

Hodges Triad Electric, LLC

Home Detective Company

Impact Golf Marketing

Integrity Marble & Granite, Inc.

iSurity, Inc.

JAB Remodeling & New Construction

Jersey Mike's Subs

JFW Investment Group, LLC

KWM Properties LLC

Lifetouch

Lomax Brothers

M5 Investments, LLC

Maaco Paint and Autobody

Mabe & Company Realtors

Marsh & McLennan Agency

Martin & Rush Machining

Matthews Mobile Media

Merhoff & Associates Pediatric Dentistry

Mid South Land Services

Millwood's Transport

Movement Mortgage

Murrow's Transfer, Inc.

OKI Scoop Shop

OTB Machinery, Inc.

Pay Tel Communications, Inc.

Piedmont Chiropractic Center

Pinnacle Financial Partners

Proforma Total Print Solutions

Property Management Services

Pure Diesel Repair

Quality Graphics Equipment Service, Inc.

Randolph Pediatric Dentistry

Reunion by Matthew Williams

Roberson Haworth & Reese, PLLC

S and T Nail Salon

Samet Corporation

Scott McLamb Insurance Agency, Inc.

ServiceMaster of High Point

Shades of Gray Painting, LLC

Sheetz, Inc.

Sledge and Company, PLLC

Smith & Shore Oil Company

South-East Lumber Company

Starz Elite Dance Center

Subway of High Point & Archdale

Tarheel Paper & Supply Company

The Assurance Group, Inc.

Thrivent Financial of the Triad

Tire Max

Tom Norris AIG Retirement Services

Triad Cosmetic Dentistry

Triad Investments

Tufco Flooring

United Anesthesia

US Funding

Vann York Auto Group

Vertical Church Greensboro

Wake Forest Baptist HealthDr. Barry Cheek

Wake Forest Baptist HealthDr. Kenneth Lennon

You Grow It, I'll Mow It

Zavala Masonry, LLC

Zibster, LLC part of Photobiz, LLC

Alumni News!

Birth Announcements

The following alumni have welcomed new babies into the world recently:

Spencer & Lauren Turner Harrell

Class of 2012 & 2014

(Baby: Wyatt David Harrell)

Natalie Schram Ray & Taylor Ray

Class of 2012

(Baby: Sutton Elizabeth Ray)

Sam McEuen & Audrey Corliss McEuen

Class of 2009

(Babies: Peter Samuel & Alice Jean McEuen)

Daniel Mallard

Class of 2012

(Baby: Selah Jo Mallard)

Austin & Rachel Anderson Hooper

Class of 2014

(Baby: Salem Caroline Hooper)

Caitlin Crawford York & Ben York

Class of 2010

(Baby: Emery Kate York)

Jesse Millis McGee & Justin McGee

Class of 2013

(Baby: Brooks Daniel McGee)

Wyatt David Harrell

Emery Kate York

Peter Samuel & Alice Jean McEuen

Selah Jo Mallard

Salem Caroline Hooper

Brooks Daniel McGee

Sutton Elizabeth Ray

David Gordon (WCA class of 2008) married Kristen Putch on November 7, 2021.

Hunter Robinson married Abbie Harrison (WCA class of 2017) on May 23, 2021.

Ashton Prillaman Overby (WCA class of 2013) married Jessie Overby on December 4, 2021.

First Annual Alumni Homecoming Tailgate

For Wesleyan students, homecoming has always been a special tradition that creates so many fantabulous memories. This fall, the alumni joined the homecoming excitement with a new tradition. Over one hundred alumni showed up for the homecoming tailgate to celebrate Jake Warner (Alumni of the Year), pick up some swag, reconnect with friends, enjoy a meal together and support the current students. It was a wonderful event and the alumni

committee plan to continue this tradition.

Special thanks to alumni parents Donna Griffin and Terry Cromer for creating an absolutely spectacular atmosphere with the tents, lights, flowers, etc. Thanks to the Alumni board and Trojan Club for helping make this event successful!

Courtney Craft Passed her boards. DNPCRNA

Brett Kerry married Lilly Cline (WCA class of 2018) on January 23, 2022.

Lorin C. Bell Completed doctorate of pharmacy.

spiritual life Growing in Faith this Fall

"BUT GROW IN THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. TO HIM BE THE GLORY BOTH NOW AND TO THE DAY OF ETERNITY." 2 PETER 3:18

SENIOR CHAPLAINS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Being a leader is important; however, serving in a spiritual leadership role requires even more of an individual. Wesleyan’s senior chaplains not only challenge their classmates in high school chapel to pursue God and submit to him with their whole hearts, they serve as mentors to younger students. In turn, Pastor Deon has the pleasure of regularly meeting with our senior chaplains to mentor them as they serve. Senior Chaplains Claire Atkinson, Jenni Harrell, and Ethan Hoots have done an excellent job leading Spiritual Life events at Wesleyan. Before the school year ends, these gifted student chaplains will speak in at least one chapel service for each school division,

including the Elementary School and Early Education Center. One of Wesleyan’s hidden blessings is witnessing how the younger students look up to the older ones and listen and learn from them. How wonderful it was to recently hear Ethan speak to the Early Ed. students where his

little brother attends as he talked about Peter's faith to obey Jesus's call to get out of the boat and walk on water. Or Jenni, who shared with our 3 & 4-year olds about David, the young shepherd boy's battle with Goliath. Or when Claire explained how she has matured as a Christian since she was a middle schooler. Claire, Jenni, and Ethan continue to grow as spiritual leaders and are making a difference in the lives of others, and for that, we are grateful!

STUDENTS GATHER TO PRAY FOR THEIR NATION AND SCHOOL

What a blessing it was to see 125 middle school and high school students voluntarily show up an hour before school on September 22, to participate in the annual global

day of student prayer: "See You At The Pole." Led by our praise team, students sang, read bible verses, and prayed about specific topics corporately. But mostly, those in attendance collectively and individually cried out to God, because they know He loves us, hears us, and nothing is impossible for Him. Later that morning, all of our elementary students and teachers followed up with a prayer gathering of their own! We give all praise to our Lord for his faithfulness!

CHAPELS AT WESLEYAN

Chapels this fall have set the stage for an awesome year for our students as we focused on our theme, “Godward.” We thank God for his hand that is upon Wesleyan Christian Academy. In days such as the ones we all are experiencing now, there is no greater time to encourage and spur one another on with the hope and peace that only Christ can bring. Every week, students gather in the auditorium to worship our Lord with

music led by Sarah Gray (elementary school), Jon Pavlack (middle school), and the praise band, led by Kyle Auman. We thank God for being able to be together this year and for these individuals who give their time to prepare and lead our students to the throne room of worship. The Lord has also greatly blessed Wesleyan with a long list of local ministers who visit our campus to boldly share the message God has given them. Students have also resonated with Pastor Deon’s staff member interviews, giving them insight into the spiritual journey of those they look up to and respect. Students leave challenged and better-equipped to continue their journey of moving Godward!

CHRISTMAS UNDER THE BRIDGE

There's no better time to share the love of our Savior than during the Christmas season! Wesleyan high school students were able to do just that this December with the homeless people of Greensboro via Church Under the Bridge, sponsored by 16 Cents Ministry. Close to 30 students prepared and served a warm meal to guests, set up for the event, and helped unpack donated clothing for those in attendance to sort through after the service. Our high school Praise Band led worship, and Pastor Deon shared the “Ultimate Cure" that we have in Jesus Christ with close to 50 guests. This event is becoming one of our students favorite ways to serve each year!