Voicethe Ma Gazine of Charlo Tte Christian School
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VOICETHE MAGAZINE OF CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - 2010-11 n ISSUE 2 WIZARD OFOZ , MIDDLE SCHOOLMUSICAL 60 CHAR LOT TE C E C L H E B R 1950-2010 R I A S T T I I N A G N 6 0 S Y C E A H R O S O O F L EX CEL LENCE SENIOR STAFF Head of School Barry Giller Chief Financial Officer Terry Efird Lower School Principal Thomas Tuttle Middle School Principal Amanda Poole Upper School Principal Allen Nielsen Director of Admissions Cathie Broocks Director of Athletics Tom Jamerson Director of Communications Laura Goodyear Director of Development George Courtney Director of Fine Arts Michelle Long Director of Human Resources Shannon Edwards Send story ideas to [email protected] Send alumni news to [email protected] Send address changes to LAMB LOONIES [email protected] THE MAGAZINE OF CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2010-11 n ISSUE 2 CONTENTS FEATURES 2 LEAVING A LEGACY Twenty-four students of alumni and eight alumni employees make up the Charlotte Christian community. 6 AN AFRICAN adveNTURE Second grade teacher Jerri Lotze was blessed with a unique teaching trip to the International School of Nairobi. 8 growing tHe wReStLing progRAM New varsity wrestling coach provides opportunities for younger students to experience the sport. 10 JUniOR PeRFORMS At CARnegie HALL Bass clarinet student honored with performance at prestigious venue. 13 nAtiOnAL teacheRSCOUnt campaign Upper school teacher Chad Fair joins Stephen Curry (‘06) in national campaign to promote the teaching prefession. 5 ACADEMICS 7 ATHLETICS 9 FiNE ARTS 11 SPiRitual LiFe & SeRviCe 13 COMMUNITY 15 CAMPUS nOtAbLeS 19 development PHOtO CReDitS Accolade Staff Communications Staff Keith Barraclough Stan Craddock LAMB LOONIES The Voice is printed in color this year thanks to Jeff buseick and United Printing. SCHOOL OF D HEA , GILLER Y barr Dear Charlotte Christian Community, In March I had the privilege to spend a few days with 62 members of the senior class in Breckenridge, Colorado. The senior trip is always a special time for a graduating class to reflect on their experiences at Charlotte Christian as well as begin to consider the journey ahead of them. I was pleased to have three sessions to speak with the students regarding transitions. We talked about their game plan for college and having a faith that thrives on a campus away from the safety of home and Charlotte Christian. At our first session I asked the seniors to take out their Bibles, and I was surprised when many pulled out their cell phones. At first I was worried about a texting revolution, but then I realized that many of the students had Bible apps on their phones. Though I was impressed that they had the Bible on their phones and thus constantly with them (for what teenager does not take their phone everywhere?), I began to wonder about Christian over-exposure for our students. My fear is that when we have too much of something, be it wealth, health, freedom, or even God’s word, we begin to take it for granted. Our students, especially the lifers who have been at Charlotte Christian for 13 years, may do the same with Christian education and a biblical worldview. Consider how many Bibles you have in your house. Do you treasure God’s word like those in other countries where in some situations they have to smuggle in the Scriptures? This edition of the Voice celebrates legacy and how we as a community should celebrate Christian education. Though life is rapidly changing, it was not too long ago that we did not even have cell phones. We must remain rooted in God’s call for Charlotte Christian. The legacy we need to pass along is the recognition that though we are fortunate to be immersed in Christian culture, we should never take for granted the blessing of Christian community and excellence in Christian education. As always, the best manner in which to pass on legacy is via the life stories of those who went before us. We rejoice in having alumni return to teach at Charlotte Christian and with the other alumni who enroll their children at the school. This validates that though we may be over-exposed at times, we still value the legacy of an education of excellence at Charlotte Christian. As always your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. God Bless, Barry Giller Head of School 1 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL L eaving CHARloTTE CHRISTIAN STUDENTS OF ALUMNI A legac Y Leaving a LEGACY Legacy. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “something “In 1976 the school had the gym and the Graham Building transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor with its small attached chapel,” said Mr. Ector. “Now we or from the past.” The many years of Christian education, cover dozens of acres along Sardis Road, from the three faithful prayers, and financial generosity that have led to homes on the north end of the campus to the Swim and what we know as Charlotte Christian today are certainly a Tennis Center south of the campus. In 1981, I graduated testimony to the legacy that has been passed down from with 18 students. In 2011, we will graduate 107 students. generation to generation. The improvements and growth have been remarkable.” The current student body of Charlotte Christian includes 24 KIM ALDRIDGE EMBREY (’91) agrees. “The physical students who have a parent who graduated from the school. changes to the campus are amazing,” said Aldridge. “I In addition, there are currently eight faculty and staff learned in mobile trailers in fifth and sixth grade, and we members who were once students at Charlotte Christian. This had to walk from our buildings (with no covered awning), group of alumni is living proof of the value of the legacy left all the way to the main building just to go to the bathroom. to them by decades of Christ-like teachers, administrators, The integration of media (computers, video production, students and families. We recently asked them to take a closed circuit TV, NetClassroom for parents, FLIK pre-paid trip down memory lane. Special teachers and events came meal plans) is right in line with the times. We hand wrote to mind as they looked back on the influences that shaped on library check-out cards during our weekly trip to the them and made them who they are today. library (and yes, it was still called the library, not a Media Center). There were no computers in all of my elementary A common feeling shared among alumni is their marvel at classrooms.” the tremendous physical growth and progress that has been made around campus. BEN ECTOR (‘81), current upper For all the differences, though, there are still similarities. school English teacher, and parent of Evan, a freshman, remembers vividly the campus in its earlier years. 2010-11 n ISSUE 2 2 Y legac A leaving ALUMNI FAMILIES “I am glad that Charlotte Christian never stopped going on and for what He desires from us is a quality that is beyond the fall retreats,” said Mr. Ector. “From Awanita to Lurecrest to measure.“ Windy Gap, these events at these special places always made memories for us, and those memories center on developing MARGARET FLENNIKEN JacksoN (‘89) agrees. “So much friendships and growing closer to Christ. has changed, but the one thing that remains exactly the same is the fact that the school has not faltered in teaching the “I love that a small handful of the same teachers still remain at biblical truth, God’s Word, throughout the JK-twelfth grades,” Charlotte Christian from back when I was in attendance,” said said Mrs. Jackson. “That biblical foundation is why my family Mrs. Embry. “Kids still have tons of fun and don’t even realize makes the sacrifices we do to be able to send our kids to all that they’re learning. They are introduced to so many Charlotte Christian. Everything else, the excellent faculty facets of education (academic, intellectual, cultural, arts, etc.) and academics, awesome sports programs, superior fine arts and are afforded so many different opportunities to grow programs, etc., is just icing on the cake!” and develop into well-equipped adults.” What makes Charlotte Christian what it is, though, has never LOOKing bACK... been the physical structures, school events or co-curricular activities, but the people who work inside them. For DORIE BROWN NEIL (’91), the loving and Christ-like teachers and in the last 45 years... the biblical foundation are what drew her back to her alma mater. The 1967 student council saw many firsts this year “My husband and I debated between Christian education including a school store, and public education,” said Mrs. Neil. “I knew we would love a spiritual emphasis Charlotte Christian, but I didn’t realize just how much. Knowing week and a Christmas that my children are learning the same things at school about banquet. A big project the Lord that they are at home is truly a gift. It really feels was the revision of the student body constitution, like a partnership with the teachers and staff in raising our stressing the unity and children. I feel incredibly blessed that they want to know my spirit of the school in the child and pray for them with intention. The love they have ideals of democracy and shown is more than I could have asked for. As important as Christian principles. a strong education is, instilling in my children a love for God 3 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL leaving “I cannot imagine a better fit for my son,” said Mr.