the roots go deep - Covenant Christian Academy

the
canvas
Portraits of Life at Covenant Christian Academy
Spring 2014 Issue 2
keith
castello
A Decade of
Faithful Leadership
the roots
go deep
a legacy of love
Sherie Buckingham’s Retirement
length
of service
awards
Honoring Employees for
Their Dedication to CCA
preparing
daniels
for battle
Update on the Capital Campaign
frames in this issue
Keith Castello
the roots go deep
3 An Unexpected Call
drawing by CCA Senior
Gavin Martin
Gavin has been at CCA
since he was in
Kindergarten
2
Castello photos
courtesy of
Jeff Owens
Photography
6 A Legacy of Love
7 Alumni Corner
of Service
8 Length
Awards
11
12
14
Daniel Project Update
New Facilities
Update
Preparing Daniels
for Babylon
17
18
20
Annual Report
22
Classical Christian
Education for the
21st Century
23
2012-2013 Donor Wall
New Employee
Portraits
Classical Christian
Early Childhood
Education
Fitting the Pieces Together
25
Science:
Not Just a Collection
of Facts
For a Thousand
26 OTongues
Update on the Foreign
Language Department
27
This is NOT Your
Father’s Latin Class
Technology Updates
28
Yourself”
29 “Consider
a Fine Arts Student
Cougar Athletics
32 The Groundwork Was Laid
Ten years ago, CCA Chancellor
cogitated over the matter for a couple of days, and
Bill Anderson was leading an extensive external
every time I asked the Lord about it, He said, ‘Of
search for a new Headmaster. “After the sudden
course.’”
loss of our esteemed headmaster,” remembered
Pastor Anderson, “one of my first duties was to
“When I met with Keith, I learned that his life goal
seek his successor. It was a disciplined process,
was to become the headmaster of a classics-based
and I was committed to finding the best headmas-
Christian academy. After he prayed and sought
ter on the planet for CCA. I spoke with all sorts of
counsel about it, Keith agreed to take the position.
“Keith will be remembered for bringing beauty to our campus. We don’t just have
buildings; we have beautiful surroundings that nurture our souls. He has left a legacy of
growing the school into what the vision of it maybe always was (and we didn’t know how to
articulate it).” –Kathi McCord
At the meeting of the Board of Trustees, his ap-
experts all across the country.”
pointment was unanimously approved.
“One night I received a call from Karen May—my
daughter, and a passionate advocate of the school.
April 2014 will mark the Tenth Anniversary of the
‘Dad,’ she said, ‘Katie (her own daughter and a
installation of Keith Jackson Castello as Headmas-
CCA student) just said to me, “Mom, tell him not
ter of Covenant Christian Academy.
to overlook Mr. Castello.”’ I put the phone down
and immediately thought, ‘Of course!’ I prayed and
Tami Peterson, former Director of College Guidance
Athletics
32 2012-2013
Highlights
34 Admissions Update
God Knew
35 But
The Love Story of
Two CCA Graduates
Keith Castello
An Unexpected Call
by Dan Delph
Back Cover
The Beginning
and the End:
Our CCA Story
by Keith and Shannon Chatham
COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
901 Cheek Sparger Road | Colleyville, Texas 76034
817.281.4333 | www.covenantchristian.net
design and layout by:
Bradie Fisher | 2004 CCA graduate
beeFish designs | www.bee-fish.com
33
recalls, “When it was announced in Chapel that
Parochial Schools in Colleyville.’ I didn’t even know
Keith took this as a challenge and I believe it has
tends to think BIG, I never expected many of his
Keith was going to be our new headmaster, I was
what a parochial school was,” he said.
made a difference. One of Keith’s greatest legacies is
ideas to come to fruition. His perseverance, dili-
the mirror image at CCA of the work-in-progress in
gence, and wisdom have enabled him to accomplish
his own life.”
much of what I feared were ‘castles in the air’. When
so relieved that I cried. I had known Keith as an
instructor, and his potential was obvious to ev-
“After coming across Covenant Christian Academy, I
eryone. He has the sensitive spirit and keen mind
called and Sherie Buckingham answered the phone.
needed to lead a group of intellectually minded
I explained that I was an English major attending
When asked how he has seen Keith grow in these
teachers.”
DTS and was looking for a job. It turned out that a
ten years, former Board Chairman Ted Brooks
teacher had withdrawn two weeks before and they
related, “He has discerned that God is in charge and
The son of a Church of Christ pastor, Keith was
were desperately seeking someone who could teach
that we need to let the Lord do things His way and
born in Abilene and lived in nine different cities
Latin and History/English.”
not ours. He listens to those around him—even
he presents some big idea now, I wait expectantly
when he may not necessarily agree with them.”
“Keith has an artistic side that flows into music, movies, and art. He really has so many
gifts, and I am so glad he has chosen to use them at CCA.” –Tami Peterson
“I have known Keith and Alicia for nearly 10 years,”
said Mandy Renfrow, now a first-year teacher at
CCA. “In all of that time, Keith has been passion-
before transferring to Grapevine High School in the
10th grade. He pursued a degree in Aerospace Engi-
Former CCA Board Chairman Norm Cox remem-
neering at the University of Texas at Austin where
bers, “The first time I met Keith, he impressed
his roommate gave him advice that would change
me as the sort of man that kids could relate to
the course of his life. “Keith, you’re really good with
and model themselves by, since he was not so far
people—and you’ll never be happy in engineering.”
removed from school himself. He was athletic
and strong, with an academic streak and a gentle
Keith began exploring the liberal arts and discov-
nature... a good mix and model of mind, body and
ered a passion for the humanities. He attended four
spiritual development for young people.”
different colleges before completing his bachelor’s
degree in English Literature, then spent three years
Growing Up Together
at Dallas Theological Seminary. “While I was at
“When I assumed the Headmaster role,” he said, “I
DTS,” he said, “I prayed that God would call me to
realized that God knew what I needed and had al-
the pastorate, but that call never happened. God
ready put everything in place. We had an extraordi-
obviously had another plan, but I had no idea what
nary faculty. Everyone knew that I was new to this
it was.”
role and they all wanted me to succeed. They were
An Unexpected Call
gracious. When I made mistakes, they gave me the
benefit of the doubt. They were humble, energetic
In 1998, while scoping out the city of Colleyville as
and willing to do whatever was necessary because
a potential location for his wife’s, Alicia, chiroprac-
they were committed to the mission of the school.”
“Keith is a consummate theologian. He has a firm grasp of deep theological truths and is
able to articulate them in a very understandable manner. Not only this, Keith is a compassionate shepherd. His desire is not to just convey sound doctrine, but to pastor people with
God’s Word.” –Rodney Brown, Senior Pastor of Metro Bible Church
Keith went on to earn a Masters of Humanities at the
University of Dallas in 2003. He will soon complete
both a Master of Arts in Christian School Education
from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and
a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas
Theological Seminary. He and Alicia will celebrate
their 20th wedding anniversary next August. They
have two sons, Aiden (class of 2024) and Timothy
(class of 2027).
ate about CCA. His passion is infectious. I caught it
many years ago. He is the reason I sit in my classroom today, blessed by this beautiful school. All
those years ago, he planted a seed in me... that
“what if”... that “wouldn’t it be nice to send our
kids there someday”... and today Keith is still the
same passionate, educator that I knew then.”
The Beginning of a Legacy
When asked about
Keith’s legacy at CCA,
Norm Cox confidently
replied, “CCA has
truly developed into
the quality school that
the Board envisioned
10-15 years ago and
the embodiment of the
CCA Mission Statement.
Keith’s long tenure and
singleness of purpose
has helped CCA achieve
its place as a premier
educational choice.”
tic practice, Keith sensed the prompting of God.
4
for its accomplishment. He gets things done.”
“While driving through Colleyville, God literally
Lance Webber, one of Keith’s closest friends
Kathi McCord agreed.
stopped me in my tracks—in the form of a kind po-
recalled, “Keith’s brother once told him a very
“He has put feet to
lice officer who pulled me over for a traffic violation.
sobering fact when he took the position of Head-
many of the grandiose
I was struck by that encounter and felt God saying,
master at CCA. The school would eventually take
ideas he had at the
‘Go home. Open up the Yellow Pages and look at
on Keith’s personal traits—both good and bad.
beginning. Since Keith
?
What Do You Know About Mr. Castello That Few Others Know?
“Keith builds things to last. In a pinch, he offered to build a staircase for a theatrical production.
When we took down the set, we could hardly disassemble his stairs. I could have put this staircase in my home and it would have lasted centuries.”
“His plans for the Ultimate Treehouse.”
“He is terrified of llamas. He was chased down by one and almost trampled.”
“Keith picks a pretty mean guitar.”
“He has a subtle sense of humor. At a recent football game where a young running back was making great effort, he commented to those around us, “Now that was a spectacular half-yard run!”
“I know that he would walk down a snowy mountain to keep his wife from crying!”
“He designed and made his bedroom furniture as a present for Alicia. He didn’t have it made by
the time he wanted of course, but it is a beautifully handcrafted set of furniture.”
“He taught Latin by singing all the conjugations.”
“In 1998 (Keith’s first year at CCA), a group of CCA female coaches and moms played the alumni
girls basketball players, and the moms were winning. So Keith put on a wig and played on the
girls team—and they won.”
“On Reformation Day one year he came as The Ten Commandments. He had made a costume to
look like the tablets.”
5
As Shakespeare reminds us, “Parting is such sweet
sorrow.” The retirement last spring of our beloved friend and co-worker,
Sherie Buckingham, triggers a flood of fond memories. A devoted follower of Christ, Sherie graciously and joyfully served CCA in a myriad of
different positions for twenty-two years. Though her presence here
will be sorely missed, her legacy of love will continue to be felt in
the community.
I first met Sherie in 1991 when she began working at the
school and brought her daughter, Rachel, to be enrolled
in the 7th grade, the same class as my older son, Jon.
The early years of Covenant, of which Sherie and I
were a part, looked very different than what we
enjoy today. There was no Redeemer or Jireh
Hall, no basketball court or football field, and
the Westminster office building was a private
home! The school owned no property, and class-
alumni
corner
Where are CCA graduates now?
Drew Stallard (class of 2005) graduated from Texas A&M in 2009. He then taught high school
biology for a couple of years in Mesquite. Drew went back to school at UTD to get the qualifications to
apply for medical school and is currently in his first year of medical school in Pennsylvania.
Margaret Hutchison McMillan (class of 2006) is in her second year as an English
Literature PhD student at Notre Dame University where she is a Teaching Assistant, teaching English
Composition to Notre Dame Freshmen.
Joshua Nichols (class of 2007) married Allison Nichols in 2009. They have a 2 ½ year old
daughter named Brynlee, born in 2011. In May of 2013, Josh graduated with an Associates Degree and
is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Human Resource Management at UNT.
rooms and offices were located in Colleyville
Presbyterian Church facilities and in portable
buildings that began to sprout up as the
school grew.
Julia Stallard (class of 2008)
A Legacy of Love
by Anne Smith, Grammar School Division Head
Over the years, Sherie taught English and computer, served as Admissions Director and Administrative
Assistant, worked in both the business and development offices, and was the unofficial janitor and nurse
on many occasions. She worked under eight headmasters and at two off-site campuses! Sherie was not
graduated from West Point in May, 2012. On November 27th
she received her “wings” from Army Flight school at Fort Rucker. She is a Blackhawk helicopter pilot
stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
Lance Corporal Nicolas Daniel Bourgeois (class of 2009) is currently serving with the United States Marine Corps. He has been deployed in the Pacific at Okinawa, Japan, Camp
Hansen.
Ty Drewski (class of 2009) graduated from Oklahoma State University in May of 2013 with a
major in Marketing and a minor in International Business. He is currently employed as an Accounts
Manager with Pepsico and is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
only ready and willing, but her work in every area was done with excellence and graciousness. Our clos-
Jake Heffley (class of 2009) graduated from Baylor in May 2013 with a BS in neuroscience.
est relationship began twelve years ago when Sherie became Grammar School Administrative Assistant.
Summa Cum Laude. He is currently in his first semester of grad school for neurobiology at Duke University. It is a PhD program designed to train people to become research scientists in neurobiology.
God gave us a sweet fellowship, and she was my constant support and
encouragement.
Shea Starkey (class of 2009) and Cameron Hutchison (class of 2009) were married
In Sherie’s many years of service, it was evident to all that her work was
not “just a job.” Her love and devotion to Covenant Christian Academy,
its faculty and staff, families and students were abundantly evident. The
fruit of her labors, as well as that of so many like her over the years, are
ours to enjoy. God has been so faithful to give us a rich heritage that we
celebrate today as we give glory to Him for all He has done.
Sherie’s husband, daughter and grandson
6
Jeffrey Hyde (class of 2008) recently took a new position. He is currently serving at Richardson High School as Varsity Offensive Line Coach.
May 27, 2013 and are now living in California where Shea is attending Loma Linda University pursuing a master’s degree in Speech Pathology. Cameron graduated from Chapman University in May, 2013
with a degree in Film Production and is working in the industry pursuing admittance into the Director’s
Guild of America and has worked and is working as a Production Assistant on various projects such as
The X-Factor, ABC’s new production Back in the Game, and FOX’s Bones.
Shera Niemirowski (class of 2012) is attending Abilene Christian University, focusing on
Sports Journalism and working for the ACU Optimist sports as a sports broadcaster. Shera appears
weekly on TVs all across Abilene. You can watch her in action at: http://www.acuoptimist.com/category/
sports/collums-show/
7
Length of Service Awards for 2012–2013
Last spring, CCA had its first official recognition of length of service for employees. CCA
is blessed to have a staff with relatively low turnover. We grouped people to the closest 5
year mark and recognized 36 employees who had served between 5 and 9 years. Below
30 YEARS
15 YEARS
Amy Barnes – Teacher
Dennis Harris – Teacher/Coach
Becky Hyde – Director of Human Resources
Justice Kerr – Rhetoric School Head
Lisa Martin – Teacher
Liz Rudolph – Teacher
Lisa Snyder – Foreign Language Dept. Head
Wendy Stackable – English Dept. Head
Diane Stephenson – Logic School Head
Steve Turner – Teacher/Coach
Debbie Samples Gentry – Teacher
Julie Brabon – Teachers Aid/Purchasing
Tami Peterson – College Guidance
Cindy Taylor – Admissions
20 YEARS
10 YEARS
are our honorees with their respective years of service:
Sherie Buckingham – Executive Asst.
Kevin Culberson – Academic Dean
Anne Smith – Grammar School Head
Kathi McCord – Teacher/NHS sponsor
Kathi McCord’s roots at CCA truly run deep. There is, arguably,
no other teacher on campus who has had the influence on the
life of our school as Kathi. Kathi is the longest tenured teacher
at CCA; she has been here since 1983, and she is the one teacher who has taught almost every grade. Kathi began her career
at CCA teaching grammar school. She taught 1st grade and 2nd
grade before moving up to the middle school (it wasn’t called
Logic School back then!). In the mid-90s, Kathi began teaching
several high school classes including Spanish, History, Yearbook
and U.S Government. As the school grew, Kathi settled into
teaching the 11th grade AP European History/Literature class
and the U.S Government class. This past year, because of the
size of our 11th grade class, Kathi now teaches AP Euro exclusively. While her resume alone is impressive, it is the unwritten aspects of Kathi’s career that
have had the most impact. Through her tireless devotion to her subject (whatever subject she
happens to be teaching) and her endless love for her students, Kathi McCord has become one
of the most talented and most beloved teachers at CCA. Many students come back every year
to see “Mrs. McCord” and are always greeted by a warm smile and a big hug. Kathi has lived
out a life of godliness, truly modeling the heart of Christ for her students. Kathi frequently
reminds her students that “all your subjects are interrelated,” and she frequently draws on
her vast experience and knowledge to pull together information from across the curriculum.
The subject that she integrates best, however, is her faith. Kathi uses every teaching opportunity as a way to help students grasp what it means to take every thought captive for Christ.
CCA would not be the same without Kathi McCord as a part of its life and we are very thankful for the influence and impact that she has had during her many years here.
kathi’s teaching experience:
1st grade
2nd grade
6th grade: World Geography, English
7th grade: Ancient World history, English, Texas History, Bible
8th grade: U.S. History, English, Bible
9th grade: English, Home Economics, PE, Spanish I, Physical Science
10 grade: Spanish II, World History, Yearbook
11th grade: History/English, Spanish III, Yearbook
12th grade: U.S. Government, Yearbook
8
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th
o
s
t
g
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CCA has been a great opportunity for our boys, Peyton and Preston
Lynn, to have a highly effective learning experience in any CCA classroom because they are in a Christian environment where scholarship
is encouraged by teachers and fellow students. That same dedication is
also carried out in CCA’s athletic program. My wife, Dawn, and I are
often inspired during many ball games by the extra effort given by the
CCA student athletes and victory is ultimately achieved even though
it would seem to most spectators that a loss was imminent just prior
to the victory. The Christian characteristics of loving God and loving
your neighbor are clearly evident in the way the CCA students treat
each other, their teachers and coaches, their parents and their fellow
students’ parents. This makes the CCA experience truly feel like an
extended family experience with people who have the same Christian
values. I, Brooks P. Lynn, and my wife, Dawn, and our boys, Peyton and
Preston Lynn, are happy to be part of the CCA family and we would
encourage others to join the CCA family.
Brooks and Dawn Lynn
CCA family of 12 years
CCA has been such a wonderful gift to our family!
From the strong spiritual foundation to the solid
classical education to the stellar athletics to the
deep friendships formed, we have been immeasurably blessed by our 11+ years at Covenant.
Ray and Sheila McDoniel
CCA family of 12 years
We are so thankful for CCA. Our sons are getting
an excellent, challenging Christian education,
and the community of families and teachers is
like another church family to us. We have been so
blessed by what they have been taught and by the
friendships we’ve all made here.
Tim and Lauren Calabrese
CCA family of 13 years
When I reflect back on the 13 years we have attended CCA many thoughts come to mind. Our family considers CCA to
be an exceptional school that offers a classical Christian worldview education that is second to none. It not only provides our children with an advanced college prep education but it does so with the objective of challenging our children
and pushing them to succeed not only in the classroom but also in the real world - not only academically but as a person
as well. The whole child is challenged in a fun, loving, and caring way that is academic, spiritual, mental, physical,
etc. Secondly, CCA is a partnership between the faculty and the parent(s). Covenant means “promise”. That promise is
met by both parent and faculty to provide a loving, caring atmosphere in which the children learn and are encouraged
and then the parent continues the same atmosphere in the home. We partner together to provide all children with a
loving, nurturing, God centered life. We partner to teach our children to stand firm in their faith and become the godly
men and women that God is molding and shaping them to be. Thirdly, CCA is a family. We don’t just attend school for
the education but for the community this school provides. The CCA community is a group of Christian men and women
that have come together to share our faith, to provide love and support to not only the children but the school body as
well. We rejoice with those who rejoice, we mourn with those who mourn, we provide comfort to those who are sick,
having hard times, or just need a shoulder to cry on and lean on. To get personal, this was never made more clear to my
family then when my husband became ill and went home to be with Our Heavenly Lord and Savior. The CCA community reached out to our family with cards, letters, text, emails, gifts, and most importantly prayer. They genuinely
provided a shoulder to cry on, shared Gods word, a source of encouragement, inspiration, strength, and provided the
true meaning of Christian love. The CCA community is a community of brothers and sisters in Christ. We are so blessed
to have been a part of CCA for the past 13 years.
Kristina Mabey
CCA family of 13 years
9
The Daniel Project:
Update on CCA’s
Capital Campaign
by Lisa Campanella, Director of Development
In 1979 the Lord established
tion of our students based on the Biblical profile of
Covenant Christian Academy through the faith-
Daniel. Our desire is for each student to be pre-
ful obedience of two dedicated servants; Dale and
pared for the modern day Babylon they face. Em-
Anne Smith. Never in their wildest dreams did
phasis on character development is seen in chapel,
they envision the CCA that we have today; nor did
the classroom, fine arts and the athletic fields on a
they anticipate that God would continue to bless
daily basis. As our students graduate and leave the
and grow CCA for a future of equipping students
green house of CCA we can be confident that the
to serve Him faithfully through academic, athletic,
foundation has been laid for each one to stand for
fine arts and spiritual training. From the first six
the Lord, just like Daniel of the Bible.
sweet little kindergarteners to the 695 students
now attending, CCA has not lost our focus or
The first phase of The Daniel Project is to meet our
desire to fully equip children to grow into godly
immediate physical needs by giving us the room
young men and women who stand for His Word,
to continue the calling the Lord has set before us.
His Purpose, and His Truth.
$7.2 million is needed for the Nissi Hall Expansion and remodel of Redeemer Hall. Nissi Hall will
The campus has been transformed over the past 5
house our entire Logic School and enhance our
years with the removal of the portable buildings
Fine Arts program. The remodel of Redeemer Hall
and the construction of first Nissi Hall and then
adds classroom and athletic space for our Rhetoric
Jireh Hall. Both of these buildings met a critical
School students. This phase of The Daniel Project
need in our history to house our Pre-Grammar,
will give CCA the facilities to persist in preparing
grammar and early logic school students. It be-
“Daniel’s” and “Danielle’s” for battle.
came evident that CCA was in need of a master
campus plan that allows us to utilize the land the
Join CCA in the Daniel Project today! To view a
Lord has given us and meets our immediate and
video highlighting our history and legacy, please
future needs. The long process of developing a
visit the Daniel Project page at http://www.
master campus plan began in 2010. This plan then
covenantchristian.net/daniel-home. Background
was presented to and fully approved by the City
information can also be found on the webpage,
of Colleyville during the spring of 2013 allowing
including several other short videos, as well an op-
us to move forward and build, thus, The Daniel
portunity to make a commitment or donation. We
Project has begun.
pray that you will find the information encouraging, as well as inspiring and that you will prayer-
What is The Daniel Project? It is a capital cam-
fully consider joining us in this calling so that each
paign for the Master Campus Plan and an inte-
CCA student is fully equipped to stand for the
grated character campaign for the spiritual forma-
Lord, just like Daniel!
11
Update
Facilities
Our God is Big Enough
by Rusty Beam, Facilities Director
CCA continues to improve and add additional facilities
to our campus. During the summer of 2013, God provided us with the much needed
parking spaces on the NE corner of our campus. In addition to the parking, He also
provided the appropriate lighting for the new lot. We were able to complete this
project while still protecting our large trees in a fashion that will integrate with the
future build out of the campus. Also, during this process we removed a portion of the
fence behind Nissi Hall and constructed a more attractive concrete retaining wall. To
New Garden Center and New Grammar School Playground
finalize this project we installed new sod and an irrigation system which will ensure a
manicured appearance that falls in line with our overall CCA campus-wide beautification efforts. In addition to the added parking, you will also notice an exquisite new Garden Center for the Grammar
school that is centrally located next to the CCA pond. This new Garden Center was prayerfully thought
out and built to last for years to come. Coupled with the Garden project, an appropriate shed was built
to house all CCA’s gardening tools as well as a compost site which is located near our sport court. For
Redeemer Hall, we renovated the stage area to allow space for an additional classroom along with an
office for our female coaches that includes a bathroom as well as a dressing space. The public event
restrooms and lobby in Redeemer Hall were fully renovated providing an appealing appearance for our
CCA family and all who enter our school. The construction to the Southern end of Redeemer Hall is
completed, and resulted in the integration of 2 full functioning locker rooms, the addition of a math
classroom as well as a new studio arts area with an exterior production space. God has already provided
so much for our CCA family! We are truly grateful for His love and grace over our facilities, our students,
faculty and families! We wait with great expectations as we know He has supernatural blessings in store
for The Daniel Project. I will look forward to the future updates we are able to provide you. Our God is
big enough!
the
r
s go deep
t
o
o
We love our CCA family! We are so richly blessed to walk
with other families and staff that love The Lord, have similar
morals, values, goals and expectations in raising productive,
responsible, God seeking adults.
Richard and Lisa Jorge
CCA Family of 12 years
13
Preparing
Daniel
for Babylon
by Justice Kerr, Rhetoric School Division Head
It would not be a stretch to think
found wiser than all the wise men in the kingdom.
Meshach, and Abednego and start filling in the
of the world that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-
This grabs me in a way I hope I can do justice as
blanks. Our hope for our children is that they will
nego lived in was that different from ours. Think
I share it with you. The reason that I think that
not forget the promises of the God of Abraham,
New York City. Needless to say all the things that
they were wiser was because of their education
Isaac, and Jacob. May they remember the God
a young man would need to love the world was
as children. They would have been taught Deuter-
of their youth, who is able to rescue them from
at their fingertips. These young men were highly
onomy 6: that the Lord their God was the one true
physical or spiritual death in the face of a hostile
educated, and the argument can be made that they
God. He was faithful to keep His promises. They
culture. Our world, like Babylon, bows to whatever
were educated in a similar fashion as our students
would have had a faith rooted in evidence, not a
music plays, but may our children stand strong.
at Covenant. Daniel 1 tells how they were educat-
blind leap of faith. It is with this type of education
Let the testimony of our brothers, better yet the
ed in the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
in mind that I believe in a place like Covenant.
testimony of the God of the universe, convict our
They most likely would have read, or at least been
It is not simply because of the curriculum and
hearts that we may join with them and say, “we
familiar with, the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the
the rigor, rather it is because of the philosophy
will not bow down.”
same books our students read. What an amazing
behind the curriculum. You see, if you understand
thought that our students would have the ability
the foundations of the universe, in which God is
to have a conversation with Daniel. The reason
the maker and sustainer of all things, that man is
that this is important is that it gives the book of
created in the image of God and we are all sinners,
Daniel historical context. These are not just sto-
then you begin to understand the world around
ries, but real people who lived out their faith in the
you in a very different way. In fact you would see
face of difficult circumstances. Why do these men,
it the way that Daniel and his friends would have
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have
seen it. When the world has seemed to have lost
the courage to stand up for the things of God? The
all hope, and despair is the rhetoric of the age, we
key to preparing our students for Babylon is to
have hope because of the promises that we have
cultivate their desires for the things of God.
been taught in the word of God. We recall all of
the scripture that we have memorized and the fact
14
Chapter one of Daniel concludes with the young
that God’s word will not return void. I want us to
men standing for their final exams and being
think through the remarkable story of Shadrach,
“Do not be afraid,
Daniel, for from the
first day that you
set your heart on
understanding this
and on humbling
yourself before your
God, your words were
heard, and I have come
in response to your
words.”
Daniel 10:12
15
2012–2013 Financial Report
17%
4.9M Long Term Debt
Redeemer Hall—Original Construction
$2,741,200
Jireh Hall—Expanded B3 Project (includes unhonored pledges)
$1,321,650
Wayne Drive Property$832,150
56%
27%
$12,000,000
$9,000,000
CCA’s Relationship
of
Debt to Assets
$6,000,000
$3,000,000
2010
2011
2012
2013
2010201120122013
Property & Equipment $10,187,831 $11,580,598 $11,169,126 $10,487,720
Long Term
$2,687,835 $5,335,000 $5,115,000 $4,895,000
Short term
$88,831 $125,501 $0
$0
Total Debt
$2,776,666 $5,460,501 $5,115,000 $4,895,000
3% 3%
CCA’s Use of Funds
August 2012–July 2013
7%
15%
60%
3%
9%
Compensation
$4,392,958
Facilities $660,926
Interest
$229,521
Administration
$1,062,511
Curricular $477,783
Programs$223,777
Designated Purchases
$218,201
Total$7,265,677
$9,000,000
$6,750,000
CCA’s Previous Years’
Expense and Income
$4,500,000
$2,250,000
2010
2011
2012
2013
2010201120122013
Income
$4,747,180 $5,943,522 $6,761,894 $8,149,270
Expense
$5,048,964 $6,384,402 $6,853,868 $6,993,622
Net $(301,784)$(440,880)$(91,974) $1,155,648
2013 Income includes Daniel Project Pledges
17
2012donor
-2013wall
Each person should do as he has
decided in his heart,—not reluctantly
or out of necessity, for God loves a
cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
18
portraits
Tonya Krebs
Position: Administrative Assistant –
Fine Arts & Systems
Degree: BS in Economics from Texas A&M
Hometown: Native Texan – Houston
Julie Bates
Position: Pre-Grammar Instructional Aid/
Cougar Club Lead Teacher
School Division: Pre-Grammar
Degree: BA in Business Administration
and Psychology from Dallas Baptist University
Hometown: Richland, Washington
Position: 4th grade teacher
School Division: Grammar
Degree: BS in Elementary Education
from Abilene Christian University
Hometown: Native Texan – Mesquite
Natalie Martinez
Tammy Boatright
Sarah Meisel
Position: Administrative Assistant/Grammar School
Hometown: Native Texan – Fort Worth
Position: Director of After Care and Summer Programs
Degree: BA in English Composition
from University of North Texas
Hometown: Native Texan - Irving
Tom Browning
Position: Bible Department Head
School Division: Rhetoric
Degree: BS from Arlington Baptist College
Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary
Hometown: Native Texan – Arlington
Katie Bruhn
Judith Culpepper
Position: Instructional Aid
School Division: Grammar
Degree: BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
from Texas Tech University
Hometown: Native Texan – Hurst
Mandy Renfro
Position: English Teacher
School Division: Logic
Degree: BS in Secondary Education,
Specialization – English from Baylor University
Hometown: Native Texan – China Springs
Position: 5th & 6th Bible/Latin teacher
School Division: Logic
Degree: BA in Elementary Ed;
English minor from Shelton College
MAT in Education;
Reading minor from Rollins College
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Position: Bible instructor/ Soccer Coach
School Division: Rhetoric
Degree: BA in English from Texas Tech University
MA in Theological Studies from Southern Seminary
Hometown: Native Texan – Colleyville
Lynda Duvall
Brandon Sterrett
Position: Athletic Administrative Assistant
Hometown: Native Texan – Corpus Christi
Position: Drama/PE teacher
School Division: Grammar/Logic/Rhetoric
Degree: BFA in Theater Studies
from Southern Methodist University
Hometown: Native Texan - Lubbock
susie Fergus
Position: Grammar School Music
Degree: MA in Music Education
from University of St. Thomas
BS in Choral Music Education from
Auburn University
Hometown: Native Texan – Houston
Kim Garcia
Position: Assistant to the Headmaster
Hometown: Native Texan – Dallas
Adam Harvell
Position: Assistant Facilities Manager
Degree: BA in Anthropology from
Auburn University
Masters in Archaeology & Biblical Studies
from Southwestern Baptist Seminary
Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama
Lauren Sierra
portraits
Position: Spanish and Latin Flex
School Division: Grammar
Degree: BFA from International Academy
of Design and Technology
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Allyson Powers
new employee
new employee
Crissy Barton
Position: Pre-Grammar Music
School Division: Pre-Grammar
Degree: BM in Music Education
from Howard Payne University
Hometown: Fort Madison, Iowa
Karon Sutton
Position: 5th & 6th grade Writing Teacher
School Division: Logic
Degree: BA in Christian Education
from Louisiana Baptist University
Hometown: Native Texan – Irving
Beth Williams
Position: 2nd grade teacher
School Division: Grammar
Degree: BA – in Social Work and Child Psychology
from Texas Tech University
Master level education courses
from Texas Women’s University
Hometown: Native Texan – Colleyville
Jule Howe
Position: Drama instructor
School Division: Logic
Degree: BFA in Theatre from Texas Christian University/
Degree from the John H. Roach Honors College
Hometown: Native Texan – Dallas
20
21
Classical
Christian for the 21st Century
Education
by Kevin Culberson, Academic Dean
Classical Christian education has
were an exciting mix of intellectual stimulation
l
a
c
i
Class
Christian
Early Childhood Education
become more widespread in recent years and with
for further study and practical considerations for
this popularity has come greater variety and ma-
how to make Covenant a better school. The ses-
turity. One of the most impressive organizations
sion by Dr. Smith, for example, emphasized the
supporting Classical Christian schools is the Soci-
necessity of teaching students why and how to
Piece by piece, a child’s educational
ety for Classical Learning (SCL). The SCL accom-
acquire virtue. Rather than valorizing autonomy
experience comes together to form the big picture
plishes this goal primarily through its educational
and independence, the educational process must
of the learner. For Covenant Christian Academy’s
journal and annual conferences.
begin with the example of virtuous teachers and
Pre-Grammar School, fitting three key pieces into
end with the formation of moral character in our
the educational puzzle are essential to teaching
students.
the whole child—and thus laying a solid founda-
Last June a dozen administrators and department
fitting the
pieces
together
by Myrandi Ballesteros,
Pre-Grammar School Division Head
tion for a lifelong learner. This foundation is laid
heads from Covenant attended the annual SCL
conference in San Antonio. At the conference we
Next June the annual SCL conference will be in
by combining the goals, philosophies, and meth-
heard many ideas about how to improve Covenant
Austin, and we are planning to send many teachers
odologies of classical, Christian, and early child-
and better implement our vision of classical educa-
from each level – Pre-Grammar, Grammar, Logic,
hood education.
tion in the classroom. The pre-conference was
and Rhetoric Schools – to attend the conference.
devoted to improving Mathematics instruction.
We hope to send as many faculty as are available.
Piece 1: Classical Education
One particularly significant take-away was the
The annual SCL conferences are the most exciting
The goal of classical education is to equip students
importance of teaching problem solving skills.
and dynamic way for teachers and administra-
with the tools to become lifelong learners. Using
tors to learn more about classical education, to be
its philosophy in the grammar stage of classical
At the main conference we attended many great
challenged by hearing about what other classical
education, where building up a knowledge base
sessions, such as Louis Markos on the “Dangers of
schools are doing, and to consider how best to bet-
and absorbing facts regardless of full under-
Value-Free Education” and James K. A. Smith on
ter fulfill the classical Christian vision of Covenant
standing are essential, students are exposed to a
“Self-Examination for Teachers.” These sessions
in the classroom.
more natural way of learning. Systematic studies are chronological, and frequent repetition
help students memorize math facts, phonics and
spelling rules and passages of poetry or literature.
Teachers provide a language-rich and interactive
environment for students to explore and experiment. Along with other core subjects, Music, Art,
and Foreign Languages are all taught in short lessons with varied instructional methods. Piece 2: Christian Education
The goal of Christian education is to cultivate and
nurture spiritual development. As a Christian,
believing that all truth is God’s truth, educators
find God’s Word as foundational to a true education. Christian education recognizes parents as a
22
23
science:
More than just a
collection of facts
by Paul Laywell, Science Department Head
According to the French
they are both knowledgeable and passionate about
mathematician, theoretical physicist, and philoso-
their disciplines, what is more significant is that
pher of science Jules Henri Poincare, “Science is
they make science accessible to their students.
built with facts, just as a house is built with bricks,
but a collection of facts cannot be called a sci-
Finally, while mortar holds one brick to another in
ence any more than a pile of bricks can be called a
a house, it is a vertically-aligned curriculum replete
house.” I believe the same thing can be said for a
with intra-disciplinary connections that cements a
young person’s science education: it is built with
science education together. For example, students
facts, but it is more than just a collection of facts.
first learn about fluid pressure when studying
meteorology in seventh grade. However, they’ll
be exposed to the concept repeatedly throughout
several prerequisites for turning a pile of bricks into
their time at CCA: in eighth grade during the study
a house: knowledge of basic construction principles,
of fluid forces, in ninth grade during the study of
careful planning, and lots of mortar. Analogously,
gas exchange as a part of cellular respiration, in
turning a pile of facts into a science education
tenth grade when studying gas behavior, and again
requires an understanding of basic scientific facts,
in eleventh grade when they study fluid dynamics.
careful planning, and a carefully developed cur-
This is but one example of how concepts introduced
riculum delivered by teachers dedicated to making
early in a student’s science education appear repeat-
intra-disciplinary connections. Metaphorically
edly and, with each appearance, the concept and its
speaking, the challenge with which the CCA science
applications are examined more thoroughly.
child’s primary teacher and encourages/supports
Therefore, curriculum that is responsive to the
the family in the educational process. These early
individual needs of students is implemented—not
preschool years represent the most important
forcing growth and development, but fostering it.
faith-shaping years and therefore the partnership
Teachers guide learning by designing stimulating
with parents is essential to forming that biblical
play experiences that are hands-on and multi-sen-
worldview. Teachers in the Pre-Grammar school
sory. Engaging children’s thinking through conver-
integrate biblical truths into every aspect—the
sation, offering open-ended materials that provide
environment, and the experiences within the
a range of challenges, and finding a balance of
environment, shape the hearts of students. They
child-initiated activities and teacher-directed
model a passionate faith before the students with
experiences are important teaching methods for
the hope that the children will be prepared for life
early learning.
So, how do we go about trying to accomplish this?
results are seen. Likewise, turning a collection of
Again, consider Poincare’s analogy. If we’re building
facts into a science education is time-consuming
etc.)—“thoroughly equipped for every good work”
Fitting the Pieces Together
a house with bricks, we’d want our bricklayer to be a
and costly. However, our students are much richer
(2 Timothy 3:17).
These three pieces fit perfectly together and create
master craftsman. We’d want someone thoroughly
for the investment.
(as in knowledge, skills, beliefs, values, attitudes,
something wonderful for our littlest learners in
Piece 3: Early Childhood
Education
the Pre-Grammar school: A beautiful and com-
The goal of early childhood education is to facili-
focuses on the whole child, an educational start
tate experiences that encourage learning through
that launches these early scholars into a journey of
active participation in exploration, discovery, and
lifelong learning. interactions with the environment. The philosophy behind early childhood education lies in the
fact that providing quality care and education in
the early years fosters success in the later years
of schooling. The belief that children develop at
unique stages/rates of growth is a central theme.
24
Continuing with Poincare’s analogy… There are
plete foundational education, an education that
the roots go deep
We’ve loved CCA since our daughter was enrolled for
Pre-K. We love the family feeling, the Christian
education and the rigorous academics.
George and Eva Girgis
CCA family of 14 years
department is tasked is to help students build houses as opposed to merely amassing piles of bricks.
While turning a pile of bricks into a house is timeconsuming and costly, no one objects when the
proficient in the basics, capable of evaluating the
project’s requirements, capable of
visualizing the finished structure, and
capable of putting a plan in place that
would bring the desired structure
into existence. And, if our objective
is to produce a scientifically educated
young person, we’d want educational
artisans with identical attributes. The
CCA science department is blessed
with personnel that are veritable artists in science education and, while
25
to explore initiatives to move to
more proficiency-based classrooms, transforming our teaching
to facilitate true functionality and
more natural and eloquent use of
the language.
In May 2013, the entire department (French, German, Latin,
and Spanish) enjoyed a full day
seminar with Blaine Ray, the
leader in a highly engaging methodology called TPRS: Teaching
Through Reading and Storytell-
CCA’s foreign language department:
go to https://www.youtube.com/
nurturing students in foreign language instruction
watch?v=kEz3Ue2xlhs for a video
such that they will grow in diligence and delight
presentation from John Ruther-
in their pursuit of proficiency in both classical and
ford, our Advanced Logic Latin
modern languages ad summa Gloria Deo.
instructor.
We started this year in Pre-Grammar with our
In the interest of energizing stu-
New Harvest curriculum, introducing the first
dents in 9th–12th grades to take
phase of a two-stage transition to incorporate
ownership of their linguistic profi-
more modern language instructional time into
ciency, Dan Delph helped us create
the curricular program, integrate age appropriate
Proficiency Profiles to upload video
benchmarks, and offer after school clubs.
and written evidence of students’
level and their achievements.
The heartbeat of the program remains the same:
teach students to love language and give them
Finally, this year, we have two
the tools to learn languages. Mrs. Cyndi Burt has
Rhetoric students pursuing two
spearheaded the Spanish instructional time in-
modern languages simultaneously.
crease with the youngest students this fall.
At a recent college interview, I
watched Hannah Allen and Chloë
A second aspect of our changes this year intro-
Snyder engage the Samford World
duced a set of benchmarks; FLE3X (Elementary
Language chair, switching between
Spanish and Exploratory French and German)
French, Spanish, and German. It
instructors utilize a small passport folder with a
was both dizzying and inspiring.
set of functional “I can” statements.
The girls’ diligence exemplifies how
Since August, our clubs for French and Spanish
God’s gifting and unique calling for
have provided additional time for cultural ex-
their lives work in concert.
ploration and language acquisition for our 2nd
26
by Lisa Snyder, Foreign Language Department Head
ing. For more information, please
O for a Thousand Tongues!
through 6th graders. We continue
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techn olog y
UPDA TES
“Consider Yourself”
a Fine Arts Student!
by Jessica Owens, Fine Arts Director
from th e I T d e partme nt
by Bill Kuhn, I.T. Director
CCA’s information and communication
Jireh Hall
systems have been expanded in almost every area
• Pre-Grammar SmartBoards installed
over the past year. This includes:
PK-4 through Pre-1st classrooms
• Bell System
Campus-Wide
• Campus-wide interior WiFi
Nissi Hall
• Guest network
• Bell System
• Increased firewall capacity
• Networked copier/scanner/printer upgrades
These improvements have enhanced our ability to
• Classroom PC’s for classrooms and Library
manage our campus technology, save money and
• Help desk ticket system to better serve our
increase classroom productivity. We are currently
faculty/staff
working on the configuration and management
system for the COWs, along with expanding WiFi
Redeemer Hall
to cover outdoor sports and playing fields, as well.
• Network Wiring
CCA is stepping up to be on the cutting edge of
• New Classroom and Office Wiring for
technology for our faculty, staff and students.
phone system
dividuals and ensembles. As a school, our Fine Arts
• New phone wiring
• Fiber-Optic Network Connectivity
• New phone wiring
Colleyville Presbyterian
Leased Classrooms
• Fiber-optic link for 8 leased classrooms
• New phone wiring to 8 leased classrooms
28
enjoy a comprehensive Arts education. This past
of creativity and success with many awards for in-
purchased
• Network Wiring
Pre-K to the time he graduates, students at CCA
year, the Fine Arts department reached new heights
• Laptop Carts (COWs or Computers on Wheels)
Westminster
From the time a student enters
the roots go deep
Covenant has been a 2nd family to our
boys. It truly is a home away from home.
Chad & Tiffany Alvarez
CCA family of 13 years
department continues to grow and develop while
becoming known in the community as a center for
the Arts and Arts education in Northeast Tarrant
County. As a testament to the achievements of our
students, 28 Rhetoric School students (grades 9-12)
earned a Varsity Letter in Fine Arts, and Andrew
Bullard, son of Jerry and Emily Bullard, was named
the Outstanding Fine Arts Student of 2013. Andrew is currently a freshman at ACU majoring
in Theatre.
29
Theater isn’t the only area of the Arts where Cov-
A highlight of the year is Gallery Night where stu-
honors; Morgan and Cameron Bandy were both
enant excels. In February, for the first time, CCA
dents have the opportunity to display their created
chosen for the TPSMEA All-State orchestra, while
hosted the TAPPS District Art Meet. Nine area
works for friends and family to view.
Donny Snyder and Ethan Owens were selected for
the Fort Worth Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.
private schools participated in this one-day event
held in Jireh Hall. As students brought over 600
On another note, CCA had three choirs qualify
pieces of art to be judged, they attended a drawing
for state competition in TAPPS this year. All three
CCA’s School of the Arts (SOTA), our after school
seminar taught by professional artist and CCA par-
choirs did exceptionally well in sight reading and
Arts program, has grown from 50 students in its
ent, Lee Hurst, and a watercolor seminar taught by
received excellent marks for their performances. In
inaugural term to nearly 150. Students may take
art instructor, Amy Ehrlich. Providing art seminars
addition to the TAPPS competition, every fall Cho-
private music lessons, specialized art classes, or
to students as they wait for their pieces to be evalu-
rale students may choose to audition for the Texas
participate in theater productions all taught by
ated was a new concept to the TAPPS meet, and art
Private School Music Educators Association All-
highly trained Christian teachers. Highlights of this
teachers from around the district liked the idea so
State Choir. This year, the highest honors went to
year include The Aristocats (SOTA summer musi-
much that they are planning to model this at future
Hannah Allen, soprano, and Joshua Hauser, tenor.
cal), Jack and the Beanstalk (SOTA Fall production)
meets. CCA’s art students placed third overall at
Both earned spots in the All-State Choir. They will
and our annual Music Festival held in February in
district and many individual pieces advanced to
take part in the clinic and concert in San Marcos
which 40 students received adjudications for their
Covenant’s Fine Arts program extends to our
the state art meet in March. At the state meet, six
in late January 2014. They will also sing with the
pieces.
community. In March, an estimated 1000 people
of our art students received top honors for Senior
TPSMEA All-Region Choir at Trinity Christian
came to see sold-out performances of CCA’s musi-
Portfolio, Applied Design, Relief Sculpture, Mixed
Academy in Addison on January 11. Vicente Juarez,
Through dedicated instruction, hands-on applica-
cal production of Oliver! Two hundred area senior
Media, Pottery, and Drawing.
bass, made the All-Region Mixed Choir along with
tion, and opportunities to compete, The Fine Arts
citizens experienced a complimentary performance
Hannah and Joshua. The following Chorale sopra-
department at Covenant Christian Academy is tak-
that included the addition of a live orchestra and
nos earned spots in the All-Region Treble Choir:
ing students to a new level so they may experience
stellar performances of our students. CCA ultimate-
Meagan Brown, Abigail Chitty, and Breana Murray.
the importance and true beauty of the Arts.
ly received two nominations for the Betty Buckley
Our Early Logic school choir, Alpha Chi, also com-
Awards, celebrating excellence in High School Musi-
peted in the ACSI contest in the spring and received
cal Theater. CCA junior, Sarah Allen, was nominat-
a superior rating.
ed for Best Actress for her portrayal of Nancy, and
the production also received a nomination for Best
Did you know that CCA has three worship ensem-
Ensemble. The Buckley Awards are sponsored by
bles? Under the direction of Kimberly Turner, these
Casa Manana. Plans are already underway for next
groups are growing and learning how to serve the
spring’s musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Lord by leading worship each week for our chapel
services. Last January, as a part of CCA’s Home-
Our Logic School (grades 7-8) drama classes per-
coming festivities, the Rhetoric School Worship En-
formed a series of skits last spring that connected
semble presented a worship concert at 121 Church
in one way or another to Shakespeare’s play Mac-
in Grapevine.
beth. This fall, Rhetoric School Theater students
presented “Skinflints and Scoundrels” a translation
Our strings program continues to impress audi-
and adaptation of Moliere’s classic play, The Miser
ences with their concerts. Highlights of this year,
set in the opulent court of Louis XIV, and eighth
in addition to regularly scheduled concerts, include
grade drama students presented a drama workshop
playing for the Texas Colloquium for Classical
performance for parents and friends. Audience
Schools meeting, and the December meeting of
members participated in some fun theater games,
the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce. Our string
and then enjoyed two plays written entirely by
students also gave a concert for the residents of
the students.
Elmcroft Senior Living Center in Bedford. Several
of our strings students are also winning individual
behind the scenes at Oliver! the musical
30
31
CCA Cougar Athletics finds itself
by Barry Morgan
Athletic Director
athletes. CCA experienced many of the growing
athletic competition. A solid athletic budget and a
at a very exciting place as we close out the year
pains that young, private, Christian school athletic
very active and supportive Athletic Booster Club
2013 and look forward to 2014 and a bright future.
programs must endure. Since that time CCA has
have provided outstanding financial support as
Many new challenges and opportunities are on
taken very big strides forward. Covenant partici-
well as contributed to school spirit for our Cougar
the horizon for our CCA Cougar Athletic Program.
pates in athletic competition as a member of the
Athletic teams and coaches.
Just 10 years ago, CCA hired a young teacher/coach
Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools.
named Keith Castello as Headmaster. This visionary
It has been in the past 10 years that CCA has won
With the recent addition of new dressing rooms
leader would begin to put in motion the “wheels of
20 TAPPS state athletic championships and mul-
and the launch of the Daniel Project, much needed
positive change and proactive progress” for the CCA
tiple district titles in athletic competition. During
academic and athletic facilities will continue to ex-
community. The “Little Classical Christian School”
this period of time athletic facilities have greatly
pand the campus into the next decade. The recent
on Cheek Sparger Road, at one time unknown to
improved with the building of an additional gym
realignment move from TAPPS 3-A to TAPPS 4-A
most of the DFW community, changed from an
facility, a new athletic field area, and the remodel of
competition in most sports is both exciting and
“upstart athletic program” staffed by a small group
weight room, dressing room and storage facilities.
very challenging. This is a big step for our Athletic
Program. Our CCA Family can look with excited
of volunteer coaches to a highly competitive and
We continue to move forward with sustained
anticipation for what God has in His plans for our
growth throughout the campus. Over this decade
future. It becomes even more imperative that all of
In our beginning stages facilities and equipment
the CCA coaching staff has grown to 40 coaches
us commit to being faithful and committed
were either borrowed, temporary or very limited as
with over 50% being full time employees working as
Cougar fans.
our young Cougar Athletic program began to take
teachers, administrators or support staff members.
form. It was just 10 years ago that some athletic
CCA is committed to hiring dedicated Christian
teams were unable to put together full teams on
men and women to lead our athletic teams in per-
a consistent basis due to low numbers of student-
sonal growth and character development through
The 2012-13 Athletic Year for the CCA Cougars
with a very young team. Our swim program con-
The Covenant Christian Academy Cougar Athletic
was outstanding from start to finish. The Cougar
tinues to build and improve placing several medal-
program continues to challenge young men and
Volleyball team advanced all the way from being
ists in the state meet.
young ladies with the pursuit of excellence in all
successful program.
Athletic Highlights
district champs to the TAPPS 3-A state final game
areas of their life through athletic competition.
and received the runner up plaque for the state
In the spring, the Boys and Girls Track programs
CCA Athletics desires to apply the life lessons
tournament. The Cougar Football team finished
continued the proud tradition at the State Meet in
found in competing to mold and build Christian
the season at 12-1 and finished as district champs
Waco bringing home both the Boys and Girls 3-A
character into our student-athletes.
and state semi-final qualifier. The Cross Country
State Championships. Coach Harris and staff did
team was well represented and made a good show-
another outstanding job. Our Boys Baseball team
ing in the state meet for both the boys and girls
won the district and made it into the bi-district
teams.
game series. Our Competition Cheer Team finished in the national top five.
In winter sports, the Boys Soccer team had a great
year taking our first State Championship in the
Four senior athletes were awarded the Teleios
state tournament in Houston. Our Girls Team had
Award for lettering in 3 varsity sports during
another outstanding year and finished as State
their senior year. 2013 award winners were Austin
Runner-Up.
Troup–football, basketball, golf; Chris Shurtleff–
football, basketball, golf; Garrett Krebs–football,
Our Boys Basketball team was district champs and
soccer, golf, and Donovan Jeanne–football, bas-
advanced to the State regional finals. Our Girls
ketball, track. Congratulations to these student-
Basketball team under new coach, Michael Sons,
athletes for finishing the race strong.
improved greatly and made it into the play-offs
32
Little did Stephen Fisher and
Bradie Huckins know back in 1991 when
they were assigned seats next to each
other in their Pre-K class at Covenant Christian Academy that 17
years later they would become Mr. and
Mrs. Stephen Fisher. But God knew. And
little did Bradie’s parents know that when
they were filming her at her Kindergarten
graduation program there was a reason that
Stephen Fisher was standing right next to their daughter.
Little did they know they would use that footage in their daughter’s
wedding video to show the sweet love story that had emerged from a Kindergarten friendship. But God
knew. He knew before the foundations of this world were laid that He would create a legacy of love between two CCA students that would begin in Pre-K and continue through a wedding and a family.
Emerson Lee Fisher was born to now Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Fisher on August 23, 2013.
God is so good to provide a place like CCA where families can educate their children in an environment
of spiritual like-mindedness so that kids can grow up together with a safety net of His favor surrounding them.
Parents and grandparents, be diligent to pray everyday for your child or grandchild’s spouse. Who knows
that He isn’t already planting the seeds for more legacy of love stories like this one in the hearts of a few
unsuspecting Pre-K kids. Might one of them be yours?
Adm
issio
UPDA ns
TE
These are exciting times in the
Admissions department at CCA! Early in the year we
reached the highest enrollment in the history of CCA
at 698! Our cup is overflowing as we reinstated the
waiting pool for several of our grades this year. Another example of these exciting times is the growing
success of our Student Ambassador Program. Ambassadors are selected from our 5th grade through
Pre-K 1991
Pre-K 1991
12th grade students and are extensions of our
Admissions department. Ambassadors represent our
student body to potential new families interested in
experiencing a day in the life of our school. January is a busy month for us as we kick off 2014 with
our annual Open House on the 25th where we will
be showcasing the exceptional talent of our strings
ensemble directed by their classroom instructor,
by Cindy Taylor
Silke Holdys. Also during the month of January our
Director of Admissions
current families will be finalizing re-enrollment for
Graduation 2004
the 2014-2015 school year and in February we will
34
open our enrollment to the public.
35
The Beginning and the End:
Our CCA Story
by Shannon Chatham
The Chatham family got its first look at CCA years ago when we took a tour of the Pre-Grammar building. The first students we saw were four year olds that happened to be singing “Thank you Jesus for my
snack!” Even though it sounds corny, that experience had a lasting impact on both Keith and me. Our
hearts were instantly drawn to the school and the godly learning environment that we observed. After
all of these years, I would tell anyone that it has absolutely been worth the expense of private Christian school. Our girls have taken away truth taught by caring faculty. They have been prayed over and
loved. They have been mentored and encouraged. Katelyn, Caroline and Mary Claire know where to go
and who to call on when they need help with the struggles of life. They have been taught to seek godly
wisdom above any other advice. Our job as parents is not to try and raise perfect Christian kids. It is to
help them learn to seek God for directing their paths and to love and
serve others. CCA is a place where that mission is supported.
We have witnessed it firsthand. While this is our last year to
have a student at CCA, we will carry with us lasting friendships made over the years. So I guess it is fair to say that
our CCA experience really isn’t ending. CCA families are
family. Keith and I are so grateful for everyone at CCA
who has supported our endeavor of giving our girls
an education in a Christian environment.
Editor’s Note: Keith and Shannon Chatham have
been part of the CCA community since 1995.
Katelyn graduated in 2009 and went on to graduate from Baylor University. Caroline graduated in
2013 and has spent one semester at Baylor. Mary
Claire is a senior. All three started in Pre-K. Keith
and Shannon are currently serving as the CoChairs of the Daniel Project.
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