THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF CORAM DEO ACADEMY FALL 2018

A View of the World CDA’s AP Art History Class Tours Europe Also in this issue: A look at the lives of CDA students and families: missions, accomplishments, and our culture

Training ethical servant-leaders & wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God Fall Edition Forum From the Office of the President

Contents elcome to the 2018 Fall Edition of the Coram Deo Academy Forum! As the largest Classical Legacy: Bryton Praslicka W and Rachel Meade 4 Christian school in the nation, and as the largest University-Model® school, CDA is uniquely positioned CDA Families: Daniel Family and to offer the most outstanding educational experience Kahn Family Stories 6 available in the country. With a mission of training Development: Diamonds & ethical servant-leaders and wise thinkers to shape BowTie Ball, and CDA Partners 10 the culture for the glory of God, CDA is making an CDA Staff Story: impact on the spiritual, educational, and cultural landscapes of the Barbara Rogers, Admissions Director 12 Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. We are tremendously excited to include you in this mission, and we encourage you to get to know CDA as a Cover Story: Art History, Observing the World Through Art 14 significant part of your community. In this issue, you will first see a snapshot of CDA from the outside looking in. What is Classical education? What is different about Lion’s Roar the University-Model®? Why is collaborative, classical, Christian education, the best way to educate a child? This first half of this issue Flip Magazine will help answer these important questions. You will then be able to CDA Dallas: flip the magazine and view our school from the inside out. This second Mrs. McMullin and Mr. Jordan 3 half, called “Lion’s Roar,” is focused on the lives of current students, Student Missions: Sarah Steib 4 teachers and families, and will allow readers to live a day in the life Aaron Dutka, TFA Debate Champ 6 of a CDA Lion. We want you to know CDA fully, so please peruse both perspectives! Student Successes: Latin 7 As we welcome you into our family, we would also like to invite you Track & Field: TAPPS 4A to celebrate with us at our First Annual Diamonds & BowTie Ball on State Champions 8 December 1, 2018, at the Dallas Lincoln Center! Come and enjoy an The Lionettes, National Champs 9 elegant evening of dining and dancing with your CDA friends and Student Successes: Athletics 10 family, followed by an auction of truly unique treasures. It promises to be a night to remember, and we hope to make some wonderful Student Successes: Fine Arts 12 memories with you! Allow me to close by thanking you for your time and interest in Coram CDA Campuses Deo Academy and our students. We truly believe in our mission, vision, and values, and seek to honor the Lord in all that we do. Collin County You are a blessing to us! Pre-K to 12 9645 Independence Pkwy Plano, TX 75025 Phone 469.854.1300

Dallas Dr. J. Alan Marshall, Col., USAF (Ret.) Pre-K to 8 Coram Deo Academy President 7777 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy Dallas, TX 75251 Phone 972.385.6410

Flower Mound Pre-K to 12 4900 Wichita Trail Flower Mound, TX 75022 Cover Photo: AP Art History students and Phone 682.237.0232 sponsors showing school spirit in front of www.Cor amDeoAcademy.org Chartres Cathedral, France, Summer 2018

2 CHRISTIAN CLASSICAL COLLABOR ATIVE Coram Deo Academy’s mission to train ethical servant-leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God is centered on three foundational principles that set the school apart.

ChristianWe are an interdenominational Christian community which guides students to see the world from a biblical point of view. Our families come from a variety of churches and denominations. We’ve witnessed students graduate with an appreciation for the diverse ways that Christians of different traditions understand the particulars of our shared Christian faith. Our instruction is rooted in the Bible. Christian theology makes its way into every course we teach, whether or not the textbook or other classroom tool is created by a Christian publisher.

We help our students applyClassical these biblical truths through the proven system of Classical Education. Christ-centered classical education focuses on cultivating wisdom and virtue through the contemplation of truth, goodness, and beauty. Coram Deo accomplishes this within the Trivium structure—Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric—through the study of language, science, and mathematics. Students learn to read, write, think, and communicate well. Acknowledging that all truth comes from God, we seek to expose our students to the best that has been written, thought, created, or discovered in history.

CollaborativeAs a University-Model® school, CDA offers a true educational partnership. Coram Deo Academy leverages the collaborative University-Model® of education. This combines the best attributes of traditional schooling with the best attributes of home education and integrates them into one model. The result is a quality, cost- effective, college-preparatory education that gives parents more time for imparting their own faith and values to their children. Students receive professional instruction on campus two to three days per week and complete their at-home studies under the tutelage of their parents.

3 CLASS OF 2015, FLOWER MOUND Bryton Praslicka

How did CDA help form your worldview? Bryton in the engineering lab at Texas A&M I believe work ethic, pursuit of community, and intentional University relationships were paramount. Even though it took a month (or more) of my freshman year at A&M for the culture shock to subside, I quickly sought out and joined a church my freshman year. I’ve also made numerous friends outside the church—of varying religions and atheism—and my foundation remains unshaken in Christ. I’ve learned to navigate tricky situations in balancing when to say “yes” and when to say “no” (1 Corinthians has been my guide). Finally, I have a greater standard for myself. While many students are there just to pass classes, I won’t be satisfied with being average as I live by Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” I studied abroad in a Sunni Islam country where you will be jailed for proselytizing, and I connected so well with the underground church that I still remain in contact with them. We call on the phone and connect on Facebook frequently. I love and miss that church.

How have you impacted culture around you for the glory of God? I’ve shaken a lot of people’s previous ideas about Christians. I’m often faced with students who see Christians as ignorant or sheltered. Through leadership in well-known activities, service, ryton Praslicka, CDA Flower Mound Class methods of handling conflict, evidence-based political opinions, of 2015, is currently a senior at Texas A&M B and knowledge of scripture, I have tried to break down the barriers University in College Station majoring in Electrical many have toward Christians. While I cannot yet say I personally Engineering. He will receive his Bachelor of have brought people to Jesus at the moment of conversion, I Science degree in May of 2019, and plans either to believe very much that I have shone His light and planted seeds attend graduate school or enter the workforce as a for others to water. I have hopefully shown others what effective management consultant in business, technology, Christian leadership in a public university can look like. or strategy (specifically in the areas of renewable energy, electric cars, or energy trading). What advice from your CDA experience would you give Bryton earned a Terry Foundation Scholarship to help future CDA graduates? which fully funded his undergraduate studies. He Three things come to mind. One, be the best version of is in the Engineering Honors program and Fast yourself always (and that is the version that reflects Christ) Track, a Texas A&M program that allows students and don’t waste a moment being anything else for anybody. to begin graduate studies at the end of their junior Two, be a good steward of the time you are given. David, year. Between January 2017 and August 2017, Bryton in Psalm 90:12, asks God to “teach us to number our days, studied abroad three consecutive times and travelled that we may present a heart of wisdom.” College flies by to nineteen countries. Inspired by innovative means unbelievably quickly. Don’t ever waste an opportunity. Use of sustainable living he witnessed during his time your Christmas and summer breaks to work on projects, abroad, Bryton pursued a startup project in College research, study abroad, etc. Finally, think of your university Station – smart bus stops. He has now been accepted as the size of CDA, no matter its actual size. That means say into the Startup Aggieland Business Incubator, an hello to everybody you sit next to. Thank your professor after application-based program to help him scale his every class and turn off your phone during lecture. Ask about smart bus stops into a full business. He also received others before you speak about yourself. And a meeting in a $34,500 grant from the Aggie Green Fund to person is always better than an email. implement this startup project.

4 legacy

CLASS OF 2015, COLLIN COUNTY Rachel Meade

How did CDA help form your worldview? I can definitely thank CDA for my ability to think critically about not only intellectual challenges in my life but also about the spiritual and personal challenges I face. CDA provided me with a firm theological foundation upon which to plant my faith while giving me opportunities to analyze non-Christian belief systems within the context of Christianity. This has allowed me to relate to people of different faiths and communicate my beliefs more effectively with them.

How have you impacted culture around you for the glory of God? I credit my passion for biology to a fascination with God’s creation. I see all life as a reflection of His glory. Thus, achel Meade is currently a working to understand biology brings Rsenior at the University of Texas me a greater appreciation of Him. I at Dallas majoring in molecular work to encourage others in the same biology. She plans to pursue a PhD way by teaching biology and training in genetics with a focus on virology lab students, fostering a passion for life and pathology and then a career in in my peers, and opening the door to academia as a research professor. more philosophical conversations about Her collegiate studies were funded purpose and faith at a secular university. in whole by the Eugene McDermott Scholars Program. Last spring, What advice from your CDA she won the Barry M. Goldwater experience would you give to Scholarship, a national award help future CDA graduates? for undergraduate researchers I would say to use your time at CDA in STEM fields. She was one of meditating on your personal ideology. It is seven students selected through certainly possible to study at CDA without the Pasteur Foundation Summer understanding who you are or what you Internship Program to fill positions truly, individually believe. But as a CDA in labs at the Institute Pasteur in student, you are in a safe and supportive Paris, France, during the summer environment full of people who want to of 2018. She has also conducted offer you intellectual, emotional, and research in Dublin, Ireland, and spiritual support. Ask questions. Think. Marburg, Germany. The cancer Don’t confuse simply attending church research she has contributed to at and a Christian high school with truly UT Dallas has been published in The being a Christian. Don’t go to college Prostate. Rachel is a member of the without having answered for yourself Rachel on European tour Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and why YOU follow Christ. Intentional and in Venice, Italy an associate member of Sigma Xi thoughtful faith is necessary for the rest Research Honor Society. of your life as a Christian. Work on it now!

5 From T to B: Koshy Daniel Sneha (7th grade) Andrew (12th grade) Simmi Daniel

Daniel Family

What led your family to CDA? Why did you then choose to enroll your children at CDA? Why have you continued to reenroll your children? The Lord led our family to CDA in an unusual way. We were seeking the Lord to show us a school community that shared our values and desire to teach and train our children in the way of the Lord. Psalm 86:11 says, “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth: give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.” As an answer to prayer, He used a car decal to draw our attention to CDA. We had never heard of classical Christian education, but after seeing that car decal, we decided to tour the Collin County campus. After prayerful consideration, we enrolled our children into 7th and 2nd grades. Seeing CDA’s mission emphasized in all aspects of life at CDA by teachers and many other families encouraged us to reenroll year after year.

6 CDA FAMILIES

Is there a particular insight about classical Christian What impact has a CDA collaborative style of education which triggered your decision to enroll your education had on you as a parent? What are the child at CDA? best and most challenging parts of walking through Although we did not know about classical Christian education, material with your child in this collaborative style of we were curious to try this older, time-tested method of education? instruction. We believe that parents are truly the primary By the grace of God, we made the sacrifices necessary to adjust educators of their children, and to find a school that partnered to the collaborative model because we felt in our hearts the with parents in this collaborative way was intriguing. Lord’s leading in this direction. Walking through material with our children stretched us since we were not trained in What expectations did you have about CDA prior to classical education. Many parts of it were enjoyable, but others enrolling? In what ways, if any, did those shift after were difficult. Sometimes we called on other CDA parents to becoming a part of the CDA community? consult. Now that both our children have moved on to Logic We feared Latin, especially for our 7th grader, would be too big and Rhetoric levels, they have become more independent. of a challenge. But the Latin summer camp and 7th grade Latin We are now reaping the rewards of this method of education teacher made it easier such that Latin became a subject our as our children manage their schedules and take initiative to son really enjoyed. Also, we did not expect to continue at CDA complete their work in a timely manner. all the way through high school. We feared that our children might not find good friends at CDA, or that it would be too big What are you thankful for about CDA? a change, or if it would be financially feasible. But soon after CDA has been a blessing in many ways. But the collaboration in they started classes, our fears were relieved. The community “training servant-leaders and wise thinkers to shape culture embraced our kids as their own. Each year our children have for the glory of God” stands above all else. When these three said that they love CDA and have wanted to continue. key principles of wisdom, leadership, and servanthood merge, it’s a beautiful thing! That is truly our desire: to bring up our Has CDA made a difference in your family culture and children before the Lord in a way to influence their generation or schedule? Could you tell us a story illustrating that? for the glory of God. Living out that mission in a community The University-Model® is a great asset in training up students, of believers, whether in the classroom or extracurricular but the schedule was not easy for our family in the beginning. activities, has truly been a blessing. Previously, our children had attended school five days a week, and both of us worked outside of the home. Changes had to be If you could help a family who is curious about CDA, made to fit CDA. But the sacrifices have been worth it. CDA has what advice or insight would you give them? made our children independent initiators who know how to CDA is a community of mentors and friends! There are many take responsibility for their work. helping hands willing to assist. Prior to CDA, our children attended a Christian school where Bible was one of the Could you give an example that demonstrates CDA’s courses, but a Christian worldview was not intentionally influence (or a teacher’s influence) with an important incorporated into other classes. CDA takes a different decision in your family or your student’s life? approach. A biblical worldview is incorporated into almost CDA’s influence is multifaceted. Teachers have played all subjects and extracurricular activities. This method is many roles in shaping our children throughout their years truly transformational in a child’s life as they learn to see at CDA. A culture that emphasizes godliness and servant- God’s hand all around them. Another rare blessing of CDA leadership is modeled and encouraged in every classroom. is the collaborative model that allows parents to connect Students are given leadership opportunities to incorporate with teachers and other parents to work as a community for these principles, and decisions are made with prayerful their students’ education. Through this model, students and deliberation. The result is an environment thriving with a parents develop meaningful friendships. We have now been strong Christian worldview. We see glimpses of that every at CDA for 6 years. We praise God for His goodness as we look day in our children’s choices. forward to many years to come!

7 Kahn Family

What led your family to CDA? Why did you then choose to enroll your From L to R: children at CDA? Why have you continued to reenroll your children? Ruth (6th grade) We considered public school and home school for our oldest child as she approached Andy Kahn kindergarten. We had friends from church who had children at CDA. Initially the Betty (4th grade) schedule was what drew us to CDA. We liked the idea of having more time with our Amy Khan kids while they still got classroom experiences. Over the years we have been very thankful for the amazing teachers at CDA. We have also really enjoyed learning with Daniel (Kindergarten) our children. Each year, our conversations delve into deep and very meaningful topics. Lucy (4th grade) We have especially enjoyed learning history and how that relates to God’s kingdom and current events.

8 Is there a particular insight about classical Christian What are you thankful for about CDA? education which triggered your decision to enroll your We are thankful for the teachers and administrators. They child at CDA? really care about our children. We are grateful for the friends No, we were not familiar with classical Christian education our children have made and the families in the CDA community. before enrolling. If you could help a family who is curious about CDA What expectations did you have about CDA prior to what advice or insight would you give them? enrolling? In what ways, if any, did those shift after There are lots of great models for schooling. CDA has been becoming a part of the CDA community? an amazing fit for our family. We are so thankful for this We were most excited about the schedule which would allow opportunity. We would recommend looking into all the options us flexibility with our jobs and with travel. Now we are really and doing what God leads your family towards. excited about the education our kids are receiving.

Has CDA made a difference in your family culture and or schedule? Could you tell us a story illustrating that? We have gotten better at how to learn together as a family. We have enjoyed traveling during the school year and learning on the road at times.

Could you give an example that demonstrates CDA’s influence (or a teacher’s influence) with an important decision in your family or your student’s life? Our family decided to move to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in April of 2015 during our adoption process. We appreciated CDA working with us to make it possible to get school work done and graded while we were in Africa. They understood the importance of following God’s will in our lives and continue to help us instill that in our children each day.

What impact has a CDA collaborative style of education had on you as a parent? What are the best and most challenging parts of walking through material with your child in this collaborative style of education? The best thing about collaborative education is the shared success. It has been a great learning experience to struggle through things with our kids and then feel the joy of finally succeeding together. We have also really enjoyed walking through subjects with our children and spending quality time in the learning process. The hardest part has been Wednesday afternoons when there is less time to get everything done and the kids are sometimes tired of doing schoolwork. The Kahn family vacationing in Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee

9 Honorary Chairs: Chad Hennings lives a lifestyle of excellence through his various roles as a local businessman, a CDA alumni parent, a combat A-10 Chad and Tammy pilot, a 3-time Super Bowl champion, and an Air Force Academy Hennings graduate. Tammy Hennings enjoys her role as a devoted wife and mother. Her precious time and myriad of talents shine through her many volunteer efforts. She richly blesses those around her.

10 The mission of Coram Deo Academy CDA Diamonds & BowTie is to “train ethical servant-leaders Partners Keep Us Going and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God.” This In addition to our regular fundraising efforts, CDA’s partners have always constant mission can be likened to provided invaluable support. the “city on the hill” – it is the goal of all we hope to accomplish through our education model.

CDA has now developed a vision that focuses on the road to climb that hill and a strategic plan that provides the details of how to prepare for the journey. Both the vision and the strategy are broken into lines of operation which illuminate specific goals and metrics to the people entrusted to lead.

Coram Deo Academy will pursue these lines of operation as one school in multiple locations.

• Ensuring standardized and well managed operations • Building and maintaining attractive, CDA- branded facilities to have optimized learning and extracurricular environments with visual appeal, effective security, and managed traffic flow • Creating an integrated development program coordinated to encourage stewardship giving

Whereas recently our goals have involved funding specific building campaigns, CDA now hopes to support our strategic plan through an annual event called the Diamonds & BowTie Ball. An elegant evening including dinner, dancing, and fellowship will allow our families an opportunity to share Coram Deo Academy’s Mission and Vision with those in the larger DFW community. Let’s expose the value and the vision of Christian, Classical, and Collaborative education and ignite a shared interest in training the next generation of Christian leaders!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT Jenni Engman (972) 584-9159 [email protected]

11 Looking Back with Gratitude and Forward with Hope Barbara Rogers Admissions Director

empus Fugit! Time flies! partnership—we didn’t feel like we had My little girl in the photo abandoned our God-given role as the toT the right graduated from primary educators of our children but college last May. Even last year’s rather that we were walking alongside family photo can’t keep pace as others we could trust. It was such a the number of grandchildren blessing to have other adult Christian jumped to four. role models reinforcing what we valued in our home. Reflecting on our early schooling years brings a flood of wonderful Because of CDA’s collaborative memories. Not every day was approach, we knew what our children spent happily studying outside were studying and continued to discuss on a blanket, basking in the literature and history around the sunshine, but I am deeply grateful dinner table. Our kids benefitted from for the experiences we shared. CDA’s fine arts and athletic offerings My husband, Greg, and I invested a lot of time, talent, and as well as science labs. They were well prepared for college treasure to educate our five children. We did so largely through academically and well anchored spiritually. a partnership with Coram Deo Academy, and I’m here to attest We now see in our kids’ lives the fruit of our partnership with that it was a successful one! CDA. Two are on faculty at a classical school. One is completing Our family had been homeschooling, and trying to follow a PhD in Philosophy of Science at a top-tier university. Another the classical approach, when we first learned about a new is in seminary, and the youngest is gainfully employed while collaborative school starting up in Flower Mound. I was starting pursuing her passion for theater. to struggle—I didn’t know Latin, for example, and it was hard Most importantly, each of them has a close walk with the Lord for me to evaluate writing assignments appropriately. I felt I and maintains close relationships with their siblings. They wasn’t juggling all the balls very well and began to pray with read for fun and go to museums! Our holiday gatherings are full another home schooling mom about our need for a university- schedule school. of mirth as well as philosophical and theological discussions. Soon thereafter, Coram Deo Academy was founded! There I continue to work at CDA because I love helping parents as were only 59 students enrolled the first year, and two of them they explore their educational options. I know it’s an incredibly were ours. It was a little scary for Jonathan and Catherine important decision which will affect a lifetime (eternity even!). entering Logic School since they had never been in a formal I believe families are well served by CDA’s Christian focus, school setting. But they rose to the challenge. They wanted to classical methods and curriculum, and collaborative structure. please their teachers and were willing to work much harder I’m grateful to count my own children among the hundreds for them than they had for me. We witnessed such growth whose hearts and minds have been molded by their years at in their learning that two years later we enrolled our middle CDA. I see the mission of the school “to train ethical servant- daughter, Marian, in fourth grade. I continued to homeschool leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory our youngest until Matthew started at CDA as third grader and of God” being fulfilled in my adult children and other alumni. Ellen as a first grader. These formative years fly by in the blink of an eye, and I treasure We were grateful for the expertise and accountability the the way CDA magnified our voice as parents during them. CDA faculty provided. Greg and I appreciated that it was a

12 Christian, Classical & Collaborative the Absolute Best Way to Educate a Child

ACT Composite Comparison SAT Composite Comparison ACT Composite Comparison AT Composite Comparison 30 277 275

1,273 1,270

21.0 20.7 1,081 1,041 20 1,000

10

0 0

Class of 2018 CDA Class of 2018 CDA 5-r Avg The Class of 2018 scored CDA 5-r Avg The SAT scores for the Nat’l 5-Yr. Avg. in the top 11% nationally on Nat’l 5-Yr. Avg. Class of 2018 were in the Texas 5-Yr. Avg. the ACT test. Texas 5-Yr. Avg. top 15% nationally.

Of the high school students Available AP Courses who took AP tests in the 10 250+ Area Churches last 5 years, CDA had an Required for graduation represented by the student 4 body of CDA AP PASS RATE % 7 Dual Credit Courses – % 87 (5-YEAR) credit through Colorado 82 of the Class of 2018 In the last 5 years, all Christian University volunteered in their church Texas students had a or community, and 51% pass rate 47% had been on a mission CDA National Merit 2018 trip in high school GRADUATES 3 National Merit 564 SINCE 2002 Commended Students & trained to shape culture for the glory of God 1 Hispanic Scholar

13 cover story

AP Art History A Class on the Move, Observing the World Through Art

What do you see? Perhaps one of the most counter- cultural aspects of the study of art history is its requirement to linger as we look more and more closely at a visual work of art.

he art of seeing is not something that comes naturally for most in our fast- paced society. More often “seeing” is a quick glance through a news feed or Instagram account, where we categorize and move on. Interestingly, the study of art history increasingly is being employed in fields like medicine and law Tenforcement to enhance visual intelligence, where keen observation can mean the difference between life or death. In an early short story, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle penned a scene where Sherlock Holmes counters Watson’s claim that he had eyes that were just as good as his. “You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is

14 clear. For example, you have frequently “Pairing the physical location of a AP Art History students on a field trip seen the steps which lead from the hall to the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort legendary place with the student’s Worth, TX, viewing a Maya stele to this room.” extensive historical and art history “Frequently.” knowledge is truly an unforgettable “How often?” and powerful experience.” “Well, some hundreds of times.” “Then how many are there?” Abby Weatherford (’17). “How many? I don’t know.” AP Art History students are eligible for a European trip that has become “Quite so! You have seen and not a biennial tradition. So far, we have observed. And yet you have seen. That’s traveled to Italy in 2016, and this past just my point. Now I know there are summer we were blessed to visit France, seventeen steps, because I have both Belgium, and the Netherlands. seen and observed.” When students are asked why they Observation requires sight, but is a choose to take this optional course, they deliberate, thoughtful, and careful act. give a variety of reasons—still needed The study of Art History uniquely trains a fine art credit, travel opportunities, students to develop and strengthen visual GPA “bump”, potential for 3-6 hours of analysis, an important lifelong skill. college credit, etc. But by the end of the Assessing the form and content of art course, most students realize they have strongly contributes to the process received much more than they came for. of critical thinking. Questions like The course does prepare students for the “Who made this and why?” create AP Exam in Art History, but the primary an intersection of cross-curricular purpose is not to prepare for a test but to answers, touching a variety of academic foster a lifelong love for art and expand fields. Though the political socio- their ability to really see. As AP Art economic aspect of history is always in History students hone their observation play (and more familiar to students at skills, patterns across time and cultures first), a more complete picture forms emerge. They come to see that there is when looking at an art object along with always more than meets the eye. The its cultural context. Religious belief, art course equips students to navigate our and literature, science and technology own image-saturated culture with help to uncover the meaning behind a discerning hearts and minds that can created object. Frequently art history truly see beyond the surface. highlights what is truly important to a culture. Art always reveals what we For more information about the details worship. In fact, this course provides and benefits of taking AP Art History access to a variety of global cultures at CDA, contact Rebecca Kendall at (hopefully paving the way for future [email protected] Mrs. Dwyer, Mrs. Kendall, and Dr. Heitschmidt gospel conversations which are at St. Peter’s Cathedral – Rome, Italy, 2016 informed, respectful, and attuned to others’ perspectives). Students discover that art can be a unifying force that shows us our humanity, and that we are far more alike than different. A foundational and unique aspect of the AP Art History class is observing actual works of art firsthand in local museums 4-5 times a year. The benefits of seeing art up close cannot be overstated. Also, not surprisingly, after studying the visual history of the world as told by 250 works of art that stretch across time and geography, students are excited to travel abroad.

Students, teachers, and sponsors at the Palace of Versailles – France, 2018 Visit coramdeoacademy.org/arthistory for additional photos

15 CDA’S STUDENT PUBLICATION FALL 2018

2X State Champion! Elizabeth Lohstroh In this issue — A look at the success stories in athletics, fine arts and more! Chivalry & Modesty A Word on Virtue by Dean of Schools, Bill Rector

s Coram Deo Academy enters its Of all the places on the Values A20th year, we are entering a new Values Triangle Triangle, Coram Deo Academy is phase in our growth as a school. We likely the place where students have always felt it was important to interact more frequently with others. partner with parents since they are We have a unique opportunity to Family biblically established as the primary teach and learn the art of loving educators of their children. That others as yourself. Because of this, we partnership is still improving over 20 are beginning a series of Character years – and we’re not going to stop Development seminars for students improving it, but we have over five Child of all ages. The first of these will be hundred graduates that testify to the based upon Chivalry and Modesty. fact that it works. Church School The Chivalry and Modesty seminars Because of our mission, model, and will begin with a general discussion methods, we found that the school of the parable of the Good Samaritan works best with those families who also (Luke 10). This is a great way to introduce have a strong partnership with their local all ages to Jesus’ radical interpretation of church. These relationships can be illustrated loving your neighbor. in a “Values Triangle” (above). I have often said to prospective families (with the warmest intent), that they Older students (8th grade and up) will have opportunities first must have a strong relationship with their local church. If to discuss more specific questions like: that hasn’t happened, CDA can patiently wait. Are there still codes of conduct that Christian men should know? If you examine this triangle for even a short time, you will How can young women today rest secure in their identity in Christ? notice it displays the importance of the relationship between the School and the Church. This year we are beginning new We have been working with a few pastors to get some ideas, initiatives to strengthen that relationship. but we will be discussing our plans with the advisory groups to get their wisdom as well. The dates and content of these Sometime during the year, we will be asking your pastor or seminars will be available to you as parents well in advance youth leader to attend our first ever “Pastor’s Day.” We are along with resources that you can use at home to go further in excited to invite pastors and youth leaders from your church the discussion. to CDA and seek their partnership. We also think it would be great to have them see your kids (who are also their students) I am looking forward to starting these new endeavors this year. in our school setting. From this, we hope to establish a church I pray you all have an excellent year! advisory group for each campus.

This will take some time – over 250 local congregations are God bless you, represented by the people of Coram Deo Academy across our three campuses in the Dallas metro area. But it’s worth it to have that vital input to our vision of providing Spiritual and Character development in addition to the intellectual growth. We may send a letter home that you can use to invite your pastor or youth leader – look for that as a way you can help. Bill Rector The Vision Statement for CDA (read the complete statement on the website) identifies Spiritual Development as Bill Rector is the Dean of Schools for Coram Deo Academy. helping students learn to love the Lord with all their heart. He has been with Coram Deo Academy in various capacities Likewise, Character Development embodies loving your since 2000. He is also the Teaching Pastor of Highland Country neighbor as yourself. Fellowship in Dallas.

2 CDA Dallas Jon Jordan, Logic Principal, and Beverly McMullin, Campus Administrator & Grammar Principal

n the recent CDA Annual Survey, 100% of Dallas classical pieces of art, teaching students to mine them for campus parents agreed that they were satisfied glimpses of God’s truth. with the education their children were receiving at As the Logic school continues to grow, we have added volleyball Coram Deo Academy (17% Agreed, 83% Strongly and girls basketball to athletics this semester. Our Lion Agreed)! Considered with a remarkable 17% annual Leadership Club has participated in a number of leadership growth rate at the campus, the future of Coram Deo and service projects both inside and outside of school. We Academy Dallas is bright! recently adopted a school in North Carolina that was hit hard Let’sI see what the campus leaders, Jon Jordan and Beverly by Hurricane Florence. McMullin have to say about the future: The Board of Coram Deo Academy has recently voted to support We believe that Jesus, who once received a small basket of food, the launch of a Rhetoric School for our Dallas campus in the Fall of blessed it, and multiplied it to feed the crowds, is still in the 2020! Our current 7th grade students will have the opportunity to business of receiving our meager offerings, and blessing them be our inaugural 9th grade class. We are thrilled to serve as Dallas’s to feed the Church and the World. We are trying to keep this first Classical Christian University-Model® Rhetoric school. in mind as we grow and prepare for the future at the Dallas campus. For each of the past two school years, our enrollment Our faculty has deep roots here. Over 70% of the Dallas faculty has been higher than ever before, and we are thankful for the and staff have been with Coram Deo for ten years or more. The growing impact brought by our newest families. investment of their time and energy is evident in the learning community they have built in Dallas. As we grow in numbers, we want to ensure we are helping our students grow deep as well. Our Grammar school has This is just some of what we are doing here at the CDA Dallas added a new Pre-K and Kindergarten Soccer Pals program campus this year and beyond. Would you join with us in praying teaching coordination, fitness, and teamwork to our for God to bless and multiply our efforts as we seek to train youngest students. Our PE program does the same for the ethical servant-leaders and wise thinkers for His glory? We rest of our Grammar students. Kim McClure, one of our Logic can’t wait to see how God uses our students to feed the Church faculty, visits every classroom four times a year to explore and the World for generations to come.

Mrs. McMullin Mr. Jordan Campus Administrator of the Dallas Jon is the Logic School Principal for the campus since 2007, Beverly is Dallas Campus, where he also teaches grateful she was called to pray over, History and several Theology electives. nurture and love children, teachers He also serves as a Pastor at Church of the and parents. Incarnation.

3 christian living

Sarah demonstrating to children in Zambia how to fly a paper airplane

My name is Sarah Steib, and I am a junior at the CDA Collin County campus. Mission trips and outreach have always seemed to play a big role in my life.

hrough my church, family, and Coram Deo, God has truly opened my eyes to how big His world is and His call to share His love with others. This particular Ttrip though, was quite different than anything I’ve ever experienced. To be completely honest, I knew next to nothing about what to expect on this trip before I caught a plane to Zambia, Africa. A couple of months before this, the founder of an organization called Mission Regan came to speak at our church about their mission to bring medical supplies and care to anyone in need, locally and internationally. He also mentioned a medical mission trip the group takes to Zambia every year to set up and run a weeklong clinic in an area virtually completely lacking in accessible or affordable medical care. There were a few spots left in the group, so after a lot of prayer, God led my dad and me to apply and participate. In this group, there were dentists, nurses, paramedics, and people like us, without medical abilities.

4 STUDENT ON MISSION Sarah Steib

“Despite having little idea of what the week had in store, God gave me His peace and willingness to serve however I could.” Upon arriving, I was met with an came into the clinic complaining of abundant love from the Zambian people. loss of hearing and ear aches. Upon They were loving and open, holding examination, it was discovered he had nothing back (including caterpillars… a bug in his ear, and it had been lodged yum?). Despite having little idea of what there for three years. The doctors were the week had in store, God gave me His able to remove it, and the man rejoiced peace and willingness to serve however and could not contain a smile as he could I could. My job at the clinic was to help hear for the first time in years! Among people find the correct reading glasses. cool stories like that, there were equally Over the course of the week I learned so as many sad, irreversible illnesses, much about the Zambians’ relational including preventable deaths of children culture, met and played with so many from malaria. Hopefully those sad precious babies and children, and saw situations will decrease in number once God working through the hearts of all the permanent clinic opens. who fearlessly served Him with their Through this experience, I am even medical gifts. We also partnered with more convinced of how important local churches to host a showing of The mission trips are. Lives are changed Jesus Film. Over one thousand people attended. We prayed with and for the through acts of service and our own people after they were cared for. One of hearts through serving. I am forever the coolest things that happened over changed by the people and culture Sarah with Zambian students the course of this trip was the ground that met me in Africa. Coram Deo has breaking of a permanent medical taught me to embrace new cultures facility that will provide greatly needed and find what connects us all, despite constant and reliable care for anyone our differences: being a part of God’s who needs it. plan and creation. So, I encourage others to seek new adventures and Since I’ve returned home it has become opportunities, no matter how foreign extremely evident how much we take or scary they may seem. for granted that our basic medical needs will be met the moment an issue arises. Look up and look around at God’s big Most of the severe cases I witnessed world, He may be calling you to serve in Zambia could have been prevented right outside your door or across an if they were treated properly or in a ocean. Be ready! timely matter. There was one man who

5 Aaron Dutka TFA DEBATE CHAMP

ntimidation. That’s the name, I was briefly baffled until I found clearest memory I have myself in the unforgettable realization of my first congressional that I had been named the Texas State debate tournament. As I Champion for Congressional Debate arrived, my opponents from Senate. It was unreal. I thought, “How Ilarge schools poured off buses, did this happen?” many gathering in circles to Looking back, I realize God had been perform ritualistic team chants preparing me for years. My love of debate as a battle cry. Their size and started in Mr. Powell’s 7th grade speech solidarity unsettled me as an class, and training continued each immediate reminder of what year in my core classes as my teachers I feared as a debate contender provided feedback on presentations, from a small school. debates, and papers, requiring me to Unlike athletic conferences deliver convincing contentions that where schools of similar size stand up under scrutiny. My 2019 compete, debate tournaments classmates and Speech & Debate include schools of all sizes – peers also sharpened me with their some of which are notorious exceptional thinking, speaking, and for building multicampus debating skills. I have been privileged factions that use their voting to have excellent coaches from both of power against smaller schools our high school campuses, and I have like Coram Deo. We may be the benefitted from Mrs. Colvin’s goal in largest classical, Christian, leading our team – that above winning, University-Model® school in our primary objective is to become the country, but in the debate skilled communicators who effectively community, we’re somewhat of influence our generation. a David in a land of Goliaths. As for the large schools I initially found So when I headed to the Texas intimidating, in them I gained many Aaron showing his 2018 Texas Forensic Forensic Association (TFA) State supportive friends who went out of Association State Tournament Tournament that included over 200 their way to congratulate me after the Congressional Debate Senate State Texas schools, I wasn’t expecting to ceremony. I value those relationships Champion trophy and plaque slay any giants. I was honored just to be and all I have learned through them. there. After intensely debating nearly Debating foreign and domestic policy not 30 bills across three days, with very only has broadened my understanding little sleep and multiple elimination of the complexities of our society, but it rounds, I was shocked to find my name also has heightened my desire for God on the list of eight finalists invited to the to use me to make a difference. I am stage for the awards ceremony. When grateful that my debate experiences and the announcer counted down from 8th CDA education have been preparing me to 2nd place without mentioning my to reach toward that goal.

Aaron Dutka won top honors in the Congressional Debate Senate in the spring of 2018 as a junior and earned a scholarship from the TFA organization. Texas Forensic Association’s Congressional Debate competition simulates the U.S. legislative process. Debaters alternate delivering speeches for and against the topic in a group setting. Students are assessed on their research, argumentation, and delivery skills, as well as their knowledge and use of parliamentary procedure. Over 200 schools, public and private, are represented at the TFA State tournament each year.

6 NATIONAL JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE AWARDS 2017 - 2018 SCHOOL YEAR

STATE AWARDS – LOGIC SCHOOL STATE AWARDS – RHETORIC SCHOOL

Adelaide Baker Aubrie Baker LatinLatin Derivatives I 3rd Place Classical Art III 5th Place Reading Comprehension I 3rd Place Ellia He Jace Brasnick Greek Derivatives II 5th Place Roman Life 1/2 5th Place Vocal Solo 5th Place Pentathlon III Maxima Cum Laude Kiley Furber Reading Comprehension 1/2 1st Place Isabel Nichols Latin Oratory 1/2 4th Place Latin Oratory III 3rd Place

JB Lilley Madison Pitts Mythology I 3rd Place Pentathlon Magna Cum Laude Pentathlon Summa Cum Laude

Alexandria Machuca Pentathlon Cum Laude

NATIONAL AWARDS – LOGIC SCHOOL NATIONAL AWARDS – RHETORIC SCHOOL

Adelaide Baker Aubrie Baker National Latin Vocabulary Exam Silver Medal National Latin Exam Cum Laude National Latin Exam Magna Cum Laude National Classical Etymology Exam Silver Medal Alexa Barthel Owen Gerth National Classical Etymology Exam Silver Medal National Latin Vocabulary Exam Silver Medal National Latin Exam Cum Laude Kirsten Browne National Classical Etymology Exam Bronze Medal Andrew Havard National Classical Etymology Exam Bronze Medal Kiley Furber Greek Life and Literature 1/2 1st Place Ellia He Latin Literature 1/2 2nd Place National Latin Vocabulary Exam Silver Medal Reading Comprehension 1/2 3rd Place National Latin Exam Silver Medal Ancient Geography 1/2 5th Place National Classical Etymology Exam Gold Medal Greek Derivatives 1/2 5th Place Hellenic History 1/2 5th Place Ethan Joseph Academic Heptathlon 1/2 7th Place National Latin Exam Magna Cum Laude Latin Vocabulary 1/2 7th Place Medusa Mythology Exam Corona Olivae Latin Derivatives 1/2 9th Place AnnaMarie Miller Mythology 1/2 10th Place Dramatic Interpretation 1/2 4th Place National Latin Exam Cum Laude 7th-8th Grade Essay 6th Place National Classical Etymology Exam Bronze Medal Latin Oratory 1/2 8th Place Isabel Nichols Decorative Stitching 7th-9th 8th Place National Classical Etymology Exam Bronze Medal Overall Academics at Nationals 20th Place Latin Oratory III 8th Place Jonathan Havard 10th Grade Essay 10th Place National Latin Exam Certificate Drew Walker Stephen Hemsworth National Classical Etymology Exam Bronze Medal National Latin Vocabulary Exam Gold Medal Lauren Joseph National Latin Exam Certificate JB Lilley National Latin Exam Magna Cum Laude National Classical Etymology Exam Silver Medal

7 TAPPS 4A Track State Champions

Mark Twain once wrote, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Seven members of the CDA Flower Mound Boys Track & Field program proved that was true when the team tied for the TAPPS 4A State Championship this past spring making history at CDA with the first state championship for any CDA winter or spring athletics team.

t the beginning of the track season, a state championship Cohen). The successes of Isabel Casper, Katie Steele, and did not seem possible. The team didn’t have a track for Elizabeth Lohstroh pushed the boys to accomplish more Apractices and faced other challenges including constant and more. I believe seeing Elizabeth accomplish her goals of practice location changes, major injuries, and weather concerns. winning the State Titles in both the 200m and 400m really Our team had so much to overcome. I knew we would do well helped our boys trust in what they could accomplish and that individually if we could avoid major injuries and maintain our the training had set them up for success. focus, but I never imagined that we would win the regional Moving forward our objectives for next season are to continue championship much less the team state championship. to get stronger and improve technique. This year’s program set At the state meet, the CDA boys won five individual medals: the bar high for programs to come. We want to use this team’s Brooks King (1st place 100m, 2nd place 200m Class of 2018), success to springboard the growth of our track & field program Caleb Johnson (1st place 400m Class of 2018), Hunter Longcrier into next spring as we continue to build a team that is not only (3rd place shot put Class of 2018), and Jackson Jarvis (3rd place competitive but sets the standard for all of our athletic teams 200m Class of 2018). CDA also won 1st place in both the boys to want to reach. 4x200 relay (Brooks King, Caleb Johnson, Hunter Longcrier, Jackson Jarvis, and alternate Max MaCalley) and 4x400 meter relay (Caleb Johnson, Hunter Longcrier, Jackson Jarvis, Taylor Behm, and alternate Erik Halldorson). During the meet I knew we were doing well, but I didn’t consider the possibility of a state title because of our team’s Coach Bartlow size. Before the final event - the boys 4x400 relay - we realized Cody Bartlow has been coaching in youth athletics since that if we won that event, we would tie Cypress Christian from 2001. He attended Dallas Baptist University where he Houston for the overall title. As I absorbed that, I knew what obtained a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies, a Master we were about to accomplish because we had been at least 4 of Education in Kinesiology, and a Master of Arts in Sport seconds faster in that race than anyone else we were running Management. Coach Bartlow has experience coaching against throughout the year. As the final runner crossed the three different sports: track & field, soccer, and football. finish line, I was overcome with gratitude for our team and In addition to leading the CDA boys track team to the state their accomplishment in meeting this goal and bringing home championship in 2018, he also led the boys and girls soccer a state championship for our school and community. teams to their respective regional championship games. This title could not have been accomplished without the “Sports have a way of teaching individuals about life that are tremendous support and accomplishments of our girls team vital to a person’s development. Athletes learn the value of (Elizabeth Lohstroh, Katie Steele, Tessa Doerstling, Julia servant-leadership, how to handle success and failure, and Westerberg, Isabel Casper, AnnaMarie Miller, Elizabeth what it means to work for a common goal.”

8 The Lionettes, National Champions Danceline USA, First Line, Small Team Division

n their first national competition, the first dance officer line Assistant director Lyneé Elliott says, “Although we are a dance for the Lionettes won the national title! After competing team, our main priority is teaching our dancers to be confident, Iagainst numerous teams in their regional division, the graceful young women of God and help them translate that Lionettes qualified for nationals and saw all of their hard work into their everyday lives.” The Lionettes at Coram Deo are and dedication pay off. The Lionette drill team is a family already steeped in tradition and have established a legacy in comprised of a line of dancers along with their leaders, the grace, elegance, respect, and unity. It is our pleasure to bring officer line. Nationals were held in March 2018 at Sea World glory to God through this program. in San Antonio. The Lionettes’ officer line took three dance routines that qualified at regionals to be adjudicated by a panel of judges at nationals. Dance officerKaris Toleman said, “When they announced that the Lionettes were national champions, my heart almost beat out of my chest!” When asked how the program was so successful in its first year, Lionette director Coach Whaley Summyr Whaley replied, “The discipline and dedication allows Summyr Whaley is the founding and current director of the dancers of all levels to be successful. The Lionette program Coram Deo Academy Lionettes. She graduated from the is designed to bring glory to God in all that they do.” Dance University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in captain Nichole Lengyel added, “What I love most about dance. Summyr was a Radio City Rockette in New York the team is the high standard that makes us all strive to give City for six years where she was seen on Oprah, Macy’s our best in every circumstance. I love that our directors care Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the current Netflix special The enough to push us past what we think we are capable of. I have 75th Celebration of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. She grown so much as a dancer and a person because of this!” has been a teacher/choreographer for the past seventeen The Lionettes also took a small ensemble number that was years. Her love of teaching dance has always been one of her comprised of four Lionettes who won one of the highest honors passions. She instills hard work, grace, honor, and dedication at nationals – a platinum award. Olivia Harrison, a Lionette into her dancers. Excellence is attainable within the Lionette in the ensemble dance said, “In my time with Lionettes I have program because she believes this drill team is steeped in learned there is absolutely nothing wrong with hard work, lean tradition and allows dancers to reach their full potential to glorify into it, and come out better on the other side. The amount of God by following its principles. Teaching opportunities allow pride you will feel knowing you have earned your place and her to travel around the country giving master dance classes, given your all – to God, your team, and your school – is worth all choreography, and preprofessional dance seminars. Summyr the practice time!” We are very excited about our 2nd year as a is regularly brought in to choreograph for junior colleges, dance line. Dance officerHannah Harrington offers advice for future studios, drill teams, and conventions in Texas, where she Lionettes saying, “Work hard every practice/performance to currently resides with her husband, three children, and teacup grow both as a dancer and a person. The hard work pays off!” Yorkie after living and performing in NYC for seven years.

9 Our student-athletes CDA’s STATE CHAMPIONS GIRLS TRACK & FIELD had a remarkable year Elizabeth Lohstroh in the classroom and on 1st Place – 200 meter the playing field 1st Place – 400 meter

Each year, TAPPS awards Academic All State BOYS TRACK & FIELD honors to juniors (11th grade) and seniors (12th grade) who excel academically and athletically. Brooks King 1st Place – 100 meter During the 2017-2018 school year, 48 CDA 2nd Place – 200 meter student-athletes received Academic All State honors, 17 more than the previous year. Caleb Johnson 1st Place – 400 meter Athletically, we completed the 2017-2018 year with 11 teams/athletes finishing within the Top 3 at the state level.

OUR PROGRAMS ALSO ACHIEVED: 7 State Championships 10 Regional Championships 3 Area Championships 11 District Championships 1 Bi-District Championship

WE ALSO MADE: 8 Regional Finalist Appearances 4 Area Finalist Appearances 1 Bi-District Finalist Appearance

We are blessed and thankful for the accomplishments our young men and women achieved on the team and individual levels.

10 student successes

FOOTBALL INDIVIDUAL ACCOMPLISHMENT

Hunter Longcrier Ashley Faux All State 1st Team – Qualifier for Team USA, Defensive Linebacker and received an exclusive Offensive Back invitation to participate in the US Olympic basketball team Caleb Johnson trials for the U-17 group. All State 2nd Team – Defensive Secondary

Michael Perrone SOCCER All State 2nd Team – BOYS Offensive Linebacker

Andrew Farrier All State 1st Team BASKETBALL – Goal Keeper BOYS VOLLEYBALL Caleb Johnson All State 2nd Team Davis Henley Catherine Newton – Defense All State Honorable All State 2nd Team – Middle Mention – Point Guard Blocker GIRLS GIRLS Mia Dole All State 2nd Team – Setter Kennedy Hassmann All State 1st Team – Ashley Faux Emma Dwyer Defense All State 1st Team – All State Honorable Mention – Guard Middle Blocker Hannah Russell All State 2nd Team – Piper Brandenburg Offense All State 1st Team – Point Guard TRACK & FIELD Julia Westerburg All State Honorable Kacey Heitschmidt BOYS Mention – Midfield All State Honorable Mention – Point Guard Hunter Longcrier 3rd Place - Shot Put These student-athletes received SWIM Jackson Jarvis 3rd Place - 200 meter an All State honor (in one sport Bella Perry or more) from coaches across 2018 State Swim Bronze the state of Texas. This process Medalist in the women’s 200 was certified by our athletic yard individual medley and BASEBALL 100 yard backstroke governing body TAPPS.* Ryan Moore All State 2nd Team – Outfield/Pitcher

*Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools

11 Cast and Crew of Irena’s Vow 2017 TAPPS** One-Act Play State Runner-Up TheFine Arts A fine arts education— including music, theater, oratory, and the visual arts—has been a part of well-rounded curricula for generations. CDA’s students’ work in the arts supports and expands their studies.

TPSMEA* State Solo and Ensemble Choir students

CDA Visual Artists 2018 Region 11N VASE*** Winners Speech & Debate Team including three 2017-2018 State Finalists and one Runner-Up

TPSMEA* All-State Musicians

12 student successes

BAND – TPSMEA* All State Band CHOIR – TPSMEA* All-State Choir Competition

Taylor Brower Paul Lee 1st chair clarinet Caroline Crocker Johann Rajadurai F John Mark Davis Drake Livingston State Choir State Choir Caleb Hemsworth Seth Livingston Grant Hoffmann Alec Mathews Ethan Joseph AnnaMarie Miller SPEECH – TAPPS** Speech Championships Grace Kendall 1st chair flute Noelle Smurawa F Brendon Kofink Claire Swank Madeline Belknap Joanna Lee FRecognized as 4-year qualifiers State Champion – Persuasive Speaking Hattie Jefferies BAND – TPSMEA* State Solos State Champion – Lincoln-Douglas Debate Received a medal and the highest score, Superior (1 rating): Justus Furber State Runner-Up – Persuasive Speaking Jonathan Browne Grace Kendall Elizabeth Brownen Brendon Kofink † Genny Covert Joanna Lee SPEECH – TFA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS John Mark Davis Paul Lee Aaron Dutka Sophia Engman Drake Livingston TFA State Champion – Congressional Debate Senate Owen Gerth Alec Mathews Caleb Hemsworth AnnaMarie Miller Rachel Irizarry Michael Perrone THEATRE – TAPPS** One Act Play Championships Rebekah Irizarry Caden Rogers Ethan Joseph Noelle Smurawa One Act Play Brady Linebarger and Hannah Lauren Joseph Claire Swank State Runner-Up Yanowitch All-Star Cast Sarah Miller BAND – TPSMEA* State Solo & Ensemble Competition All Star Crew Libby Colvin and Michael Perrone Received a medal and the highest score, Superior (1 rating): Honorable Mention All-Star Cast

Clarinet Quartet: Trombone Trio: Taylor Brower John Mark Davis VISUAL ARTS – Paul Lee Ethan Kendall Alec Mathews Drake Livingston State Medalists Noelle Smurawa Ellia He Mallet Trio: VASE*** State Medalist Flute Quartet: Truth Clevenger (2 works) – Won the Best Elizabeth Brownen Conner Crawford Landscape Painting Sophia Engman Caroline Hamilton Award at the State VASE competition, a Rebekah Irizarry Percussion Ensemble: great honor awarded Grace Kendall to only one artist Ben Arnold out of over 35,000 Saxophone Trio: Alex Cannon artworks, adjudicated by Owen Gerth Truth Clevenger professional artists and art critics Zach Ledbetter Conner Crawford Tessa Linebarger Andrew Farrier Stephanie Phillip Josh Ledbetter VASE*** State Medalist Brass Quartet: Ryan Moore John Mark Davis Caleb Hemsworth Michael Perrone Claire Swank Stephanie Phillip and Elia He

*TPSMEA – Texas Private School Music Educators Association; **TAPPS – Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools; †TFA – Texas Forensic Association ***VASE – High School Visual Arts Scholastic Event – The Texas Art Education Association event for the University Interscholastic League (UIL), statewide competition. 13