from DECATUR HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2016–2017 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 4

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 Our Leadership Mr. Scott Mayo Headmaster BEING COUNTER-CULTURAL Mr. Jeremy Jones K-12 Chief Learning Leader I have always been fascinated by the evolution of Mr. Michael Holiday Assistant Principal languageI have – newalways words been coming fascinated into by usage, the evolution old words of Mr. Ty Patterson Athletic Director Mr. Steve Atchley Facility Manager & Assistant AD languagebecoming – new archaic, words and coming existing into words usage, taking old onwords new Mrs. Scarlet Bolan Food Service Director becomingmeanings. archaic, These changesand existing are reflectivewords taking of changes on new in the Mrs. Melissa Ross Guidance Counselor Mrs. Heather Sasser Chief Financial Officer meanings.culture in These which changes the words are arereflective used to of accurately changes in the Board of Trustees culturecommunicate in which ideas. the words As a caseare used in point, to accurately I grew up in a world Mr. Blake Temple, Chairman Mr. Dan Hicks communicatewhere “trolls” ideas. were Asmythical a case increatures point, Iliving grew upunder in a bridges. world Mr. Em Barran Mr. Neal Holland Mrs. Blythe Bowman Mr. Stratton Orr whereToday, “trolls” these wereare very mythical real, very creatures nasty livingpeople under who frequentbridges. Mrs. Lyn Cook Mr. Jeff Parker Today,social these media are and very the real, comment very nasty sections people of whoonline frequent media. Scott Mayo Mrs. Laura Hellard Dr. Jay Suggs ScottHeadmaster Mayo Mrs. Tricia Heyward Mr. Skip Thompson socialHow media big of and a problem the comment has the sectionsmovement of online of trolls media. from fairy Headmaster Faculty and Staff Howtale bigto Internetof a problem been? has Online the movement periodicals ofranging trolls from fairy Mrs. Patty Annerton Math & Spanish taleChristianity to Internet Today been? to Online The Week periodicals to Popular ranging Science from have Mrs. Paula Armstrong Business Math & Bible Mrs. Noelle Barron Kindergarten Christianitynow dropped Today their to commentThe Week sections to Popular entirely. Science have Mrs. Debbie Bishop Second Grade Mrs. Glenda Briley Music now dropped their comment sections entirely. Mrs. Libby Brown Projects Coordinator Mrs. Leigh Ann Chiles Instructional Enhancement Facilitator While trolls are the poster children for our cultural malaise, the Mrs. Kathy Coffey First Grade problemWhile is more trolls widespread.are the poster Arthur children Brooks, for our president cultural of malaise, the American the Mrs. Debbie Crews Third Grade Mrs. Jennifer Densmore Science problemEnterprise is more Institute, widespread. describes Arthur it this Brooks, way: “From president this year’s of the ghastly American Mrs. Bethany Eze Lower School Secretary Mrs. Amy Francis Financial Secretary Enterprisepresidential Institute, race, to describes the reality it thisentertainment way: “From thatthis spawnedyear’s ghastly it, to the open Mrs. Tracey Gladish Office/CFE Aide presidential race, to the reality entertainment that spawned it, to the open Mrs. Beverly Gorden Fifth & Sixth Grade sewer backing up from your Twitter feed, it looks like the worst behavior is Mrs. Teresa Hall Instructional Aide sewerbeing backing publically up fromrewarded, your doesn’tTwitter it?”feed, His it looksantidote, like onethe worstthat he behavior calls a is Mrs. Katherine Helms Government & English Mrs. Mary Kay Hodges Media Center beingcountercultural publically rewarded, statement, doesn’t is a call it?” to His be antidote,nice. He admitsone that that he niceness calls a “…is Mrs. Amy Holdbrooks Instructional Aide Mrs. Yvonne Holiday Physical Education counterculturalnot a substitute statement, for more isactive a call virtues to be nice.like generosity He admits andthat courage,” niceness “…isbut it Mrs. Sandra Howard Science not a substitute for more active virtues like generosity and courage,” but it Mrs. Carole Janorschke Upper School Secretary is something we can all practice to make the world a better place. Mrs. Donna Jarnagin Math is Interestingly,something we since can allniceness practice is soto raremake in the our world culture, a better it will place. be highly Mrs. Rosellen Jones Office/CFE Aide Mrs. Karen Keith Science Interestingly,noticeable when since practiced! niceness is so rare in our culture, it will be highly Mrs. Tammy Legg Food Service Staff Mrs. Becky Linderman Fourth Grade noticeable when practiced! Dr. Cynthia Lovelace Math Mrs. Kerstin Lynch Fourth Grade In a world of rampant political correctness, aren’t a little brutal Mrs. Alyssa Maddox Third Grade honestyIn a and world confrontation of rampant politicalneeded? Ascorrectness, Christians, aren’t in fact, a little aren’t brutal we Mr. Jason Marshall Physical Education Mrs. Donna Mayo Office/CFE Aide honestycommanded and confrontation to stand for ourneeded? convictions As Christians, and to inbe fact,unwilling aren’t towe Mrs. Melissa McCulloch Writing Enhancement Facilitator Mrs. Julie McGough English commandedcompromise to truth? stand Yes, for ourthese convictions rhetorical questionsand to be areunwilling true, but to they don’t Mr. Steve Meek Physical Education & History compromise truth? Yes, these rhetorical questions are true, but they don’t Mrs. Dustin Mitchell Technology propose to tell the whole story. Ephesians 4:15 captures the fuller Mrs. Connie Murray Instructional Enhancement Facilitator proposeunderstanding to tell the as whole“speaking story. the Ephesians truth in love.”4:15 captures In the prevailing the fuller cultural wind Mrs. Kim Parker Health Room Facilitator Mrs. Paizley Peebles First Grade understandingof nastiness, have as “speaking we forgotten the truth the “inin love.” love” qualifier?In the prevailing Likewise, cultural wind Mrs. Leah Reid Fifth & Sixth Grade Mrs. Cathy Schmid Fifth & Sixth Grade ofI nastiness,Peter 3:15 haveprescribes we forgotten the tone the of our“in love”approach qualifier? to reasoning Likewise, with unbelief as Mrs. Melissa Simpson Food Service Staff I Peter 3:15 prescribes the tone of our approach to reasoning with unbelief as Mrs. Brenda Smith Second Grade needing to be done with gentleness and respect – respect in that we might Mrs. Sandy Stephenson Kindergarten needingbe in the to wrongbe done in withour understanding;gentleness and respectand gentleness – respect in in that, that if we we might are in Mrs. Sylvia Teague Math Mrs. Angie Teichmiller History bethe in right,the wrong it is but in our by theunderstanding; grace of God. and Do gentleness these sentiments in that, accuratelyif we are in Mrs. Holly Thompson Athletic Secretary Mrs. Amy Tubbs Art thedescribe right, itour is butinteractions by the grace with of others God. outDo thesein the sentiments world? accurately Mrs. Laura Frasher Tuttle English describe our interactions with others out in the world? Mr. David Walker Band Mrs. Irina Washburn Russian Mrs. Barbara Wright Technology (Continued on Page 3)1 Mrs. Angela Wynn English (Continued on Page 3) BEING COUNTER-CULTURAL

2017-20182017-2018 2017-2018EnrollmentEnrollment ProceduresProcedures

LastLast year,year, wewe initiatedinitiated onlineonline registrationregistrationEnrollment viavia Procedures .. WeWe willwill continuecontinue thisthis processprocess forfor thethe upcomingupcoming 2017-20182017-2018 schoolschool year.year. PleasePlease bebe awareaware thatthat studentstudent recordsrecords willwill bebe generatedgenerated byby thethe Last year, we initiatedinformationinformation online asasregistration itit appearsappears via inin .. CapitalizationWeCapitalization will continue andand this punctuationpunctuation process for rulesrules the willwill applyapply forfor thethe upcoming 2017-2018process.process. school ForFor year. example,example, Please ifif informationbeinformation aware that fieldsfields student areare ininrecords allall caps,caps, will rere becordscords generated willwill bebe by generatedgenerated the inin allall capscaps asas information as it wellwellappears asas allall in lowerlower casecase entries.entries. . Capitalization InstructionsInstructions and forfor punctuation onlineonline registrationregistration rules will willwill apply bebe furnishedforfurnished the viavia emailemail inin process. For example,FebruaryFebruary if information 2017.2017. fields are in all caps, records will be generated in all caps as well as all lower case entries. Instructions for online registration will be furnished via email in February 2017. PRIORITYPRIORITY RE-ENROLLMENTRE-ENROLLMENT FORFOR 2017-20182017-2018 WELCOMEWELCOME NEWNEW FACULTYFACULTY Begins March 1 and Ends April 2 PRIORITY RE-ENROLLMENTBegins March FOR 1 2017-2018and Ends AprilWELCOME 2 NEW FACULTY During the priority enrollment period (March 1 - April 2), you Begins MarchDuring the 1 priority and enrollmentEnds April period (March 2 1 - April 2), you maymay re-enrollre-enroll currentcurrent students,students, includingincluding siblingssiblings whowho werewere notnot During the priorityattendingattending enrollment duringduring period thethe (March 2016-20172016-2017 1 - April schoolschool 2), you year.year. TheThe registrationregistration may re-enroll currentfeefee of ofstudents, $175$175 perper including studentstudent siblings willwill bebe whodiscounteddiscounted were not toto $150$150 duringduring thisthis attending during thetime.time. 2016-2017 Additionally,Additionally, school anan assessmentassessment year. The registration feefee ofof $75$75 willwill bebe chargedcharged DustinDustin MitchellMitchell joinedjoined thethe DHCADHCA facultyfaculty toto teachteach fee of $175 per studentfor ALL will new be students. discounted Open to $150 enrollment during begins this Monday, April technologytechnology andand willwill alsoalso serveserve asas yearbookyearbook sponsor.sponsor. for ALL new students. Open enrollment begins Monday, April Originally from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, she earned a Dustin Mitchell joinedOriginally the DHCA from faculty Tahlequah, to teach Oklahoma, she earned a time. Additionally,3rd.3rd. an assessment AllAll re-enrollmentsre-enrollments fee of $75 receivedreceived will be onon charged oror afterafter thatthat datedate willwill bachelor’s degree in fine arts with an emphasis in technology and will alsobachelor’s serve as degr yearbookee in fin sponsor.e arts with an emphasis in for ALL new students.require Open the enrollment full $175. begins Monday, April graphic design. She has worked as a free-lance graphic require the full $175. Originally from Tahlequah,graphic Oklahoma, design. Sh she hase earned worked a as a free-lance graphic designer. Mrs. Mitchell has published two books, 3rd. All re-enrollments received on or after that date will bachelor’s degree in findesigner.e arts with Mrs. an Mitchell emphasis has in published two books, For those using the FACTS payment plan, their enrollment fee "Alivia's Angels" and "Freshman Year : A Youth require the full $175.For those using the FACTS payment plan, their enrollmentgraphic design. fee Sh e has"Alivia's worked Angels" as a free-lanc and "Freshmane graphic Y ear : A Youth Devotional for Teen Girls.” willwill bebe $45.$45. PleasePlease contactcontact thethe financefinance officeoffice totodesigner. updateupdate Mrs. youryour Mitchell Devotional has published for T eentwo Girls.” books, For those using theFACTSFACTS FACTS accountaccount payment ifif youryour plan, bankingbanking their enrollment informationinformation fee hashas changed.changed."Alivia's Angels" and "FreshmanMrs.Mrs. MitchellMitchell Year isis married:married A Youth tt oo MichaelMichael andand theythey attendattend will be $45. Please contact the finance office to update your Devotional for Teen Girls.”NewNew SongSong FamilyFamily Church.Church. Mrs.Mrs. MitchellMitchell learnedlearned If you are not currently enrolled in the FACTS plan and wish to about Decatur Heritage from former teacher Kristi FACTS account if Ifyour you banking are not informationcurrently enrolled has changed. in the FACTS planMrs. and Mitchell wish isto married about to MichaelDecatur andHeritage they attendfrom former teacher Kristi Long and served as a guest teacher before joining the useuse thisthis optionoption forfor tuitiontuition paymentspayments oror ifif youyou havehaveNew anyany Song otherother Family Church.Long andMrs. served Mitchell as alearned guest teacher before joining the faculty full time. If you are not currentlyfinancialfinancial enrolled questions,questions, in the pleaseplease FACTS contactcontact plan and AmyAmy wish FrancisFrancis to aboutinin thethe Decatur financefinance Heritage faculty from fullformer time. teacher Kristi use this option forofficeoffice tuition atat payments 256-432-2691.256-432-2691. or if you have any other Long and served as a Mrs.guestMrs. MitchellMitchell teacher commentsbeforcommentse joining “I“I believbeliev the ee thatthat II havhavee aa lotlot toto financial questions, please contact Amy Francis in the finance faculty full time. sharsharee withwith ththee studentsstudents andand plentyplenty ttoo contributcontributee toto DHCA.” office at 256-432-2691.BeBe suresure toto reservereserve youryour spotspot duringduring thethe prioritypriority Mrs.enrollmentenrollment Mitchell commentsDHCA.” “I believ e that I have a lot to period!period! share with the studentsWelcomWelcom and plentyee Mrs.Mrs. t MitchellMitchello contribut ttoo ethth toee DHCADHCA family!family! Be sure to reserve your spot during the priority enrollment DHCA.” period! Welcome Mrs.2017-20182017-2018 Mitchell to the DHCA SchoolSchool family! CalendarCalendar AugustAugust 88 FirstFirst DayDay ofof SchoolSchool 2016-20172016-2017 AnnualAnnual FundFund2017-2018SeptemberSeptember School 44 CalendarLaborLabor DayDay HolidayHoliday SeptemberSeptember 1919 StudentStudent Half-dayHalf-day DismissalDismissal August 8 October 9 First Day of School Fall Break Holiday September 4 October 9 Labor Day Holiday Fall Break Holiday 2016-2017 Annual$16, Fund495 November 10 Veterans Day Holiday $16,495 September 19 November 10Student Half-day DismissalVeterans Day Holiday as of December 16, 2016 November 20-24 Thanksgiving Holidays as of December 16, 2016October 9 November 20-24Fall Break Holiday Thanksgiving Holidays December 12-15 Upper School Exams $16,495 November 10 December 12-15Veterans Day HolidayUpper School Exams December 15 Classes Dismiss for Holidays as of December 16, 2016 November 20-24 December 15Thanksgiving HolidaysClasses Dismiss for Holidays January 4 Classes Resume December 12-15 January 4 Upper School ExamsClasses Resume January 15* MLK Day Holiday December 15 January 15* Classes Dismiss for MLKHolidays Day Holiday FebruaryFebruary 19*19* Presidents’Presidents’ DayDay HolidayHoliday January 4 March 6 Classes Resume Student Half-day Dismissal January 15* March 6 MLK Day Holiday Student Half-day Dismissal MarchMarch 19-2319-23 SpringSpring BreakBreak HolidaysHolidays February 19* March 30 Presidents’ Day HolidayGood Friday Holiday March 6 March 30 Student Half-day DismissalGood Friday Holiday May 22-25 Upper School Exams March 19-23 May 22-25 Spring Break HolidaysUpper School Exams May 25 Classes Dismiss for Summer ThankThank youyou forfor youryour investmentinvestmentMarch 30 toto May 25 Good Friday HolidayClasses Dismiss for Summer May 25 Senior Graduation May 22-25 May 25 Upper School ExamsSenior Graduation prepareprepare studentsstudents forfor liveslives ofof impacimpactt!! *Inclement weather make-up days Thank you for your investment to May 25 Classes*Inclement Dismiss weather for Summer make-up days May 25 Senior Graduation prepare students2 “...until for liveshe knew of thatimpac thet !Most High God rules the*Inclement kingdom weather of mankind make-up and days sets over it whom he will.” Daniel 5:21b (Continued from front cover) The context of much of the cultural nastiness in America is being played out in what seems to be a deeply divided populace. Some of those dividing lines fall in familiar places – politics, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. What appears to be unique to our times is how widespread and virulent the tribalism has become. Opposing sides are demonized, giving little room for any sort of constructive dialogue. As Christians, how do we keep from being seen as just one more screaming interest group in this seething mass, demanding respect and accommodation while taking no prisoners? Is that the witness God desires?

Let us remember two things to help temper our interactions with our culture. First, God says that much of the division we create has no place in the Kingdom. Our standing before our Creator is not based on being Jew or Greek, male or female (Galatians 3:28). We have an eternal bond with believers, regardless of what team they support, what lever they pull in the voting booth, or on which side of a border they live. We should try acting that way more often.

Second, as we go about our daily lives, we should intentionally and conscientiously strive to be nicer. There are all sorts of ways to embody that sentiment: be winsome, be polite, be friendly. As a start, maybe we should just try to be civil if to be nice is too hard! Yes, being redeemed is so much richer and fuller than just being nice. It shouldn’t mean less, however, especially when doing so would be an authentic, visible way to be counter-cultural.

Students serving the community and the Decatur Heritage family...

Late November, an area south of Decatur was struck by an EF3 tornado, destroying homes and businesses. The business of one of our Decatur Heritage family was SENIOR destroyed. Fellow sophomore classmates of Lance SCOPE Callahan spent a day cleaning the family business. written by Jacob Quinn President, Class of 2017 As the end of the school year comes closer, it is exciting to think ahead towards our college education. DHCA has prepared each senior not only for the transition to more challenging classes but also has taught us how to be involved in our school and community to make an impact. As each senior begins to decide what major to pursue, it is important for us to think beyond our own plan and focus on God’s plan for our life. At Decatur Heritage, we have been faithfully taught that our life has a purpose and that God will use our education to fulfill His plans. In just a few short months, we will be leaving Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, DHCA. We take with us all we have been taught as we since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without go to different places for college and then onward to opportunities God has for us in our lives. I encourage grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good each student to find what interests you, whether it be a stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of favorite subject or career, and start to think how God God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies- can use you to fulfill His plans. in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:10

Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent 3 allowed by law. Memorials, honorariums, and gifts may be mailed to DHCA, P. O. Box 5659, Decatur, AL 35601-0659. HERITAGE HEADLINES ALUMNI A VETERANS’ CELEBRATION... God Bless the U.S.A. SPOTLIGHT

Donnie, Nathan, Lindsey Dotson My name is Lindsey Brown Dotson and I am a 2009 Students, teachers, parents, and administrators paid tribute graduate from Decatur Heritage Christian Academy. I in a community-wide celebration of veterans and their attended DHCA from first grade through my senior year of families for their service to our country. Before entering the high school. After graduation, I attended University of reception in the cafetorium, our honored guests were North Alabama, Calhoun Community College, and Athens greeted with "The Walls of Honor" and student artwork. A State University, where I graduated with a bachelor of festive celebration was held in the gym which included science degree. I am now married to the love of my life, “Programmed Prose” by the DHCA Forensic Team, musical Donnie Dotson, and we have a two-year old son, Nathan. performances by the DHCA varsity concert band, students, While I plan to pursue my career within the next couple of and Mrs. Heather Kyle, and comments from LTC. Darrell Martin, Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr, and Alabama years, I have highly enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom. House Representative Mrs. Terri Collins. Thinking back on my twelve years at Decatur Heritage, I am overwhelmed with so many wonderful memories. Without question, the best memories I have were playing basketball for Coach John Cochran. He started working with me in the seventh grade and continued to push me until my senior year of high school. From athletic P.E. to basketball camps, our team shared many laughs, tears, and sweat. I will never forget Coach Cochran lying face down on the gym floor looking for a piece of jewelry that was lost during practice. Coach Cochran genuinely loved us and treated us as if we were his own daughters.

Another lasting memory would be Mr. Holiday’s Bible class. During our senior year, he earnestly tried to prepare us for college. Before graduating, we were all required to defend our faith using scripture. While I honestly never thought that I would actually be questioned about my faith, I was. I had a couple professors who had completely different views than I did. In classroom discussions, speeches, and tests, I ended up having to defend my faith on numerous occasions. This was very different for me because I was in the minority, which was unfamiliar to me. I am forever grateful for my parents sending me to Decatur Heritage. They had to sacrifice so much so that we could grow up in a Christian environment. Lindsey Brown Dotson

4 “OUR MISSION is to assist families by providing their children with an education Why We Chose Decatur Heritage... Center For Excellence Spring 2017 March 29 - May 10

Julie, Riley (’26), and Mike Burleson

We are Mike and Julie Burleson. Both of us are from Decatur. Mike graduated from Austin High

School in 1998 and Julie did the same in 1999. Mike is a robbery homicide detective for the Decatur Police Department. Julie is the owner and a hair stylist at Silkroad Salon in downtown Decatur. We have attended First Bible Church for about 13 years. Classes will include painting, cooking, robotics, fencing, ballet, tumbling, Bricks 4 Kidz, “Mad  There were several things that led us to choose Scientists,” and a variety of sport offerings. Decatur Heritage for our daughter Riley. We had, Registration begins early March! until this year, spent three years in Decatur City Schools and had been reasonably unhappy. We wanted Riley to learn in a place that teaches and upholds biblical principles. We knew that was not possible within the public school system. Other than that, there were several other things that attracted us to Decatur Heritage including smaller class size, Matthew Sasser warm, welcoming environment, fantastic staff, and a alumnus 2013 true sense that everyone in the school cared about us and wanted to help raise our daughter in a true Christian environment. Matthew Sasser recently conducted the Auburn University Men's Chorus at their fall choral concert.  After visiting several times, we were convinced Under the direction of choral director, Dr. William Powell, Matthew was able to select the piece, teach that Decatur Heritage was the place we wanted Riley it to the choir, and conduct it at the concert. The to get her education. Since she has been a student at piece, “O Lux Beatissima” is a latin piece that Decatur Heritage, we have been amazed at how much means: O Light most blessed, fill the inmost heart of she has learned and how she has thrived in school. all thy faithful. Without your grace, there is nothing in us, nothing that is not harmful. She loves school even more now and has even said that she doesn’t like having days off for the weekend. Matthew is a senior at Auburn University with a Even after just one semester at Decatur Heritage, we double major in Music Performance (Classical Guitar) and English. can’t imagine her going to school anywhere else. Mike and Julie Burleson Classes resume January 4 that is excellent and which instills Biblical principles to guide their lives.” 5 DHCA Students

Missions Team Spelling Bee The seventh grade missions team has adopted Ms. Bishop’s second grade class at Nungester while the eighth grade missions team has adopted Mrs. Penley’s class at Austinville. Each month, the teams read, do a seasonal craft, and have snack with the students. For Christmas, our students made an ornament for their friends at Nungester and Austinville.

Pictured left is Juliana Hudry (’21), Grand Champion 2016, the winner of the DHCA Spelling Bee. First alternate is Hanish Edupuganti (right) and second alternate is Ashlyn Jones (center). Juliana will advance to the Morgan County Spelling Bee to be held in February. Rising Golf Star Students competing were Lexi Brown, Juliana Hudry, Ellie Jinger Heath’s (’23) win in PGA Junior League Regional Metzgar, Alex Malone, Hanish Edupuganti, Kinley Terry, Golf Tournament in Oklahoma entitled her a trip to the Ashlyn Jones, Riggs McLeod, Miller McLeod, Kendal national tournament held in Phoenix, Arizona. Jinger Davis, Tori Vandiver, Braden Weathers, Lucy Daigre, trained in the Bocking Golf Academy with Craig Bocking, Kaylee Bryant, and Lexi Scott. PGA Pro.

She also won the 49th Annual Forensic Team News Pigeon Dove Junior Championship The Heritage Forensic Team and the Bud Burns Championship. competed in two venues. Justin McCleskey (’19) earned fourth place in the Varsity Lincoln- Congratulations, Jinger! Douglas debate at Spain Park High School. In the PrattVegas Christmas Classic, Grace Haulie Johnson (’19) and Marilyn Robotics Team Sample (’18) competed in public forum debate and Justin McCleskey placed fifth in the Lincoln-Douglas debate. Congratulations!

The Robotics Team recently competed in the BEST (Boost Engineering, Science, and Technology) competition finishing fifth place and celebrated its first female driver, How are Decatur Heritage seniors scoring on the ACT? Katelyn McDaniel (’22). The BEST program excels at Below is a breakdown so far this year. preparing youth to become technologically proficient. Seniors Pictured front row are Connor Francis, Katelyn McDaniel, 37 of the 40 seniors have taken the test. Aiden Garriss, and Gabe Wallace. Pictured back row are 17 students (46%) scored 25 or above Owen Trippany, Hunter Dupes, Seth Thompson, Aaron and 9 (24%) of the forty scored 30 or above. Francis, Taylor Lindley, and Justin McCleskey.

6 Visit our website at www.dhca.org. HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS “Sing We Now of Christmas” presented by kindergarten Welcome New Students and first grade students Katilyn Viers, 6th grade, and Jackson Nance, 2nd grade children of Johnetta Viers

Tag Love, 3rd grade son of Ali Love and Travis Cline

“All About That Baby” Sacks Love presented by second through sixth grade students of

S.A.C.K.S. of Love Ministry Students Acting with Compassion and Kindness through Service On the third Friday of each month, DHCA delivers S.A.C.K.S. of Love to 50 students at Somerville Road Elementary School. The S.A.C.K.S. provide food for the weekend. We are in need of nonperishable, individually wrapped food that a child could prepare independent of an adult such as: “The Sounds of the Season” Breakfast - Pop Tarts, granola bars, individual servings of cereal presented by Decatur Heritage Concert Band Lunch - soup, canned spaghetti and meatballs, Easy Mac Dinner -Vienna sausages, beanie weanies, Ramen noodles Snack - peanut butter and crackers, cookies, popcorn Donations of food or money may be delivered to the main school office.

A fundraising event sponsored by the Decatur Heritage Earn Cash for DHCA Parent Association!

Register at www.imathlete.com Use a Target “REDcard” or Target check card and DHCA receives 1% of your purchase. Simply designate Decatur Lower School Fun Run Heritage as your choice of schools on your account. Friday, March 10

5K Run Cards are available in the main school office. Present your Saturday, March 11, 8am card at check-out and DHCA receives quarterly rebates from your grocery purchases. Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools 7 and is a member in good standing with the Association of Christian Schools International. SPORTS SCENE VOLLEYBALL Decatur Heritage AthleticVOLLEYBALL Department is pleased to recognize the following Decaturplayers Heritage for their Athletic achievements Department during is pleasedthe 2016-2017 to recognize volleyball the season.following players for their achievements during the 2016-2017 volleyball season.

Pictured above are Kayla Grimes - All-County, All-State team; Kaitlyn Cheatham - All-County;Pictured above Maggie are KaylaHolsclaw Grimes - All-State - All-County, team; All-State Hope Gladish team; - All-StateKaitlyn Cheatham team. - All-County; Maggie Holsclaw - All-State team; Hope Gladish - All-State team. Pictured below are Emily Hubbard - All-County; Ensley Johnson - All-County; andPictured Emakay below Arnold are - EmilyAll-County. Hubbard - All-County; Ensley Johnson - All-County; and Emakay Arnold - All-County.

Congratulations, Lady Eagles! SENIOR ATHLETES SENIORBASKETBALL ATHLETES BASKETBALL BOYS BOYS

Patrick Benefield Jacob McCamon Shawn Metzgar Clay Shaw Grayson Wakefield Patrick Benefield Jacob McCamon Shawn Metzgar Clay Shaw Grayson Wakefield GIRLS GIRLS

Andrea Ayers Timara Bowers Brianna Cagle Cassidy Cheatham Emily Herbert Andrea Ayers Timara Bowers Brianna Cagle Cassidy Cheatham Emily Herbert

8 Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is a member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. Thank you, Dr. Vernon Hurst! Thank you, Dr. Vernon Hurst!

Thank you, Dr. Vernon Hurst! Thank you, Dr. Vernon Hurst!

The Eagle Eyes shooting team represented DHCA quite wellThe Eaglein competitiveEyes shooting shootsteam throughoutrepresented the southeastDHCA quite and inwell Sparta,in competitive Illinois at shootsthe Worldthroughout shoot. Itthe is asoutheast great outletand The Athletic Department wants to recognize in Sparta, The Eagle Illinois Eyes at shooting the World team shoot represented . It is a great DHCA outlet quite Dr.The Hurst Athletic for Departmenthis service to wants coach to the recognize cross- for buildingThe Eaglerelationships Eyes shootingamong team representedstudents and DHCAtheir quite for buildingwell in competitive relationships shoots among throughout students the and southeast their and countryDr. Hurst team for his for service the past to 14 coach years. the Thank cross- you, familieswell. inOur competitive students shoots are very throughout competitive the southeast at a high and in Sparta, Illinois at the World shoot. It is a great outlet Thecountry Athletic team Department for the past wants 14 to years. recognize Thank you, families . Our students are very competitive . at a high TheCoach Athletic Hurst, Department for your faithfulwants to servicerecognize to the level whilein Sparta, competingIllinois atagainstthe World muchshoot largerIt is ateams great andoutlet Dr.Coach Hurst Hurst, for his forservice your to faithful coach theservice cross- to the for building relationships among students and their Dr.students Hurst for and his toservice Decatur to coach Heritage. the cross- leveleven whilecollegefor buildingcompeting shooting relationships againstteams .among muchSeveral studentslarger of ourteams and shooters theirand country team for the past 14 years. Thank you, families. Our students are very competitive at a high countrystudents team and for to the Decatur past 14 Heritage. years. Thank you, even collegefamilies .shooting Our students teams are. verySeveral competitive of our shootersat a high Coach Hurst, for your faithful service to the have earnedlevel while awards competing and recognition against much at larger the state teams and and Coach Hurst, for your faithful service to the level while competing against much larger teams and students and to Decatur Heritage. havenationalearnedeven level collegeawards. The shooting mostand recognitionrecent teams. honor Severalat went theof ourstate to shooters Abbyand students and to Decatur Heritage. even college. shooting teams. Several of our shooters Support your Terrynational havewholevel earnedparticipatedThe awardsmost at andrecent the recognition Rebelhonor Yell wentat shoot the tostate inAbby and Support your have earned awards and recognition at the state and Decatur Heritage Eagles! MontgomeryTerry nationalwho participated. levelAbby. The shot mostat inthe the recentRebel 200 honor singlesYell shootwent event toin Abby and national level. The most recent honor went to Abby DecaturSupport Heritage your Eagles! MontgomeryTerry who. Abby participated shot in at the the 200 Rebel singles Yell shoot event in and Support your scoredTerry a total who of participated 186 and claimed at the Rebel first Yell place shoot in inthe Lady Decatur Heritage Eagles! scoredMontgomery a total! of 186. Abby and shot claimed in the 200 first singles place eventin the and Lady Schedules availableDecatur at www.dhca.org/athletics/schedules Heritage Eagles! 1 divisionMontgomery. Abby shot in the 200 singles event and scored! a total of 186 and claimed first place in the Lady Schedules available at www.dhca.org/athletics/schedules 1 divisionscored a total of 186 and claimed first place in the Lady 1 division! Schedules available at www.dhca.org/athletics/schedules SPRING1 division! SPORTS ARE JUST AROUNDSchedules available THE at www.dhca.org/athletics/schedules CORNER...... SPRINGSPRING SPORTS SPORTS ARE ARE JUSTJUST AROUNDAROUND THE THE CORNER...... CORNER...... SPRINGBASEBALL SPORTS ARE JUSTSOFTBALL AROUND THE CORNER...... GIRLS’ SOCCER BASEBALL GIRLS’ SOCCER Coach BASEBALLSteve Meek SOFTBALLSOFTBALL GIRLS’Coach BeverlySOCCER Gorden BASEBALL CoachSOFTBALLDon Smith GIRLS’ SOCCER CoachCoachSteve SteveMeek Meek CoachCoach Don Smith Smith CoachCoach BeverlyBeverly GordenGorden Coach Steve Meek Coach Don Smith Coach Beverly Gorden January 9th January 9th January 23rd JanuaryJanuary 9th 9th JanuaryJanuary 9th9th Throwing Januaryand 9th ThrowingJanuary 9thand JanuaryJanuary23rd 23rd ThrowingThrowing and and ThrowingThrowing andand JanuaryPractice 23rdBegins Conditioning Throwing and ConditioningThrowing and PracticePractice Begins Begins Conditioning Conditioning ConditioningConditioning Practice Begins Conditioning Conditioning

JanuaryJanuary30th 30th JanuaryJanuary30th 30th

PracticeJanuaryPracticeJanuary 30thBegins 30thBegins PracticeJanuaryPracticeJanuary 30thBegins 30thBegins PracticePractice Begins Begins PracticePractice Begins Begins SeasonSeason Begins Begins SeasonSeason Begins Begins SeasonSeason Begins Begins Season Begins Season Begins FebruarySeasonFebruary Begins 20th 20th SeasonFebruarySeason BeginsBegins 20th FebruaryFebruarySeason 13th Begins 13th February 20th February 20th February 13th February 20th FebruaryFebruary 20th20th February 13th

BOYS’ TENNIS GIRLS’ TENNIS TRACK & FIELD GOLF BOYS’BOYS’ TENNIS TENNIS GIRLS’GIRLS’ TENNIS TENNIS TRACKTRACK & & FIELD FIELD GOLFGOLF Coach Randy Stephenson BOYS’ TENNIS GIRLS’Coach Sandy TENNIS Stephenson CoachTRACK Jason & Marshall FIELD GOLF CoachCoachRandyRandyStephensonStephensonCoachCoach Sandy Sandy Stephenson Stephenson CoachCoach Jason Jason Marshall Marshall Coach Randy Stephenson January 16th CoachJanuarySandy 16thStephenson FebruaryCoach Jason10th Marshall January 30th January 16th January 16th January 30th JanuaryPractice 16th Begins JanuaryPractice 16th Begins FebruaryPractice Begins10th 10th PracticeJanuary Begins 30th Practice Begins Practice Begins Practice Begins Practice Begins PracticeJanuary 16thBegins PracticeJanuary 16thBegins FebruaryPractice Begins 10th PracticeJanuary 30thBegins Practice Begins Practice Begins Practice Begins Practice Begins

Season Begins Season Begins Season Begins Season Begins Season Begins Season Begins Season Begins February 6th February 6th MarchSeason 2ndBegins February 20th

SeasonFebruary Begins6th SeasonFebruary Begins6th MarchSeason2nd Begins FebruarySeason20th Begins

SeasonFebruaryBegins 6th FebruarySeason Begins 6th MarchSeason 2nd Begins FebruarySeason Begins 20th February 6th February 6th March 2nd February 20th 9 JANUARY

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Classes resume today!

REPORT CARDS available on

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Basketball schedules are available at www.dhca.org under “Athletics” Kim Parker’s Leigh Ann Chiles’ Birthday Birthday

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Holiday Melissa McCullough’s Teresa Hall’s Birthday Birthday Yvonne Holiday’s Birthday 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

10 FEBRUARY

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

ProgressProgress ReportsReports Progress Reports availableavailable viavia Progress Reportsavailable via TournamentTournament playplay detailsdetails willwill bebe announcedannounced atat Tournament play details will be announced at available via www.dhca.orgwww.dhca.org under underunder “Athletics”. “Athletics”.“Athletics”. AmyAmy Francis’Francis’ Tournament play detailswww.dhca.org will be announced under “Athletics”. at Amy Francis’ BirthdayBirthday www.dhca.org under “Athletics”. Amy Francis’ Birthday Birthday

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Stars Fall “““StarsStars Fall Fall Stars Fall on DHCA “ on“onStars DHCA DHCA Fall”””on DHCA dinner and ” dinnerondinner DHCA and and”dinner and talent show talentdinnertalent show show andtalent show talent show 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Visit www.dhca.org under VisitVisit www.dhca.orgwww.dhca.orgVisit www.dhca.org underunder under the “Athletics” tab for theVisitthe “Athletics” “Athletics”www.dhca.orgthe tab tab“Athletics” forfor under tab for springthespring “Athletics” sportssports schedules schedulestab for HolidayHoliday spring sports schedules HolidayBeverlyBeverly Gorden’sGorden’s spring sports schedules Holiday Beverly Gorden’s JulieJulie McGoughMcGough BirthdayBirthday AmyAmy Tubb’sTubb’s JulieBeverly McGough Gorden’s Birthday Amy Tubb’s BirthdayBirthday Birthday BirthdayBirthday Julie McGough Birthday Amy Tubb’s Birthday Birthday Birthday 26 27 28 Priority enrollment for 2017-2018 school PriorityPriority enrollmentenrollmentPriority forenrollmentfor 2017-20182017-2018 for 2017-2018 schoolschool school year begins March 1 for current students Priorityyearyear beginsbegins enrollment yearMarchMarch begins 11for forfor 2017-2018March currentcurrent 1 studentsforstudents schoolcurrent students year begins March 1 for current students

at www.dhca.org atat www.dhca.orgwww.dhca.orgat www.dhca.org at www.dhca.org

11 NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED PAID Decatur, AL 35601 Permit No. 805

P.O. Box 5659 • Decatur, Alabama 35601 • 256.351.4275

HERITAGE PREVIEW A FirstHERITAGEHERITAGEHERITAGE Hand Look at the PREVIEW PREVIEW Heritage Difference A First Hand Look at the Heritage Difference Do you realizeAA FirstthatFirstFirst YOU, Hand HandHand as a part Look LookofLook the Decatur at at the the Heritage Heritage Heritage family, are Difference the DifferenceDifference BEST source of advertising Do you realize that YOU, as a part of the Decatur Heritage family, are the BEST source of advertising DotoDo promoteyou you realizerealize Decatur thatthat YOU, YOU,Heritage? asas aa partpartA wealth ofof the of Decatur validity Heritage and credibility family, is areare conveyed thethe BESTBEST as sourcesourceyou relate ofof advertisingadvertising your DotoDo promote youyou realizerealize Decatur that that YOU, YOU,Heritage? as as a apart partA wealthof of the the Decaturof Decatur validity Heritage Heritage and credibility family, family, are isare the conveyed the BEST BEST source as sourceyou of relate advertising of advertising your totoexperienceto promote promotepromote DecaturandDecatur invite Heritage? Heritage?Heritage? your family, A AA wealth wealthwealth friends, of ofof validity fellowvalidity and church and credibility credibility members, is conveyed isis and conveyedconveyed business as you asas associates you yourelate relaterelate your who youryour are experienceto promote andDecatur invite Heritage? your family, A wealth friends, of fellowvalidity church and credibility members, is and conveyed business as associatesyou relate whoyour are experienceconsideringexperience and and school invite invite options your your family, family,for the friends, upcomingfriends, fellow fellow school church church year. members, members, and and business business associates associates who who are are experienceconsideringexperience andand school inviteinvite options youryour family,family,for the friends,upcomingfriends, fellow school church year. members, andand businessbusiness associatesassociates whowho are are consideringconsideringconsidering school school options optionsoptions for forfor the thethe upcoming upcomingupcoming school school year. year. An early introduction to see “Decatur Heritage in action” will help them as they discern their school An early introduction to see “Decatur Heritage in action” will help them as they discern their school AnAnoptions.An early earlyearly introductionVisitingintroduction the to school toto see seesee “Decatur “Decatur“Decaturand scheduling Heritage Heritage a inshadow inaction” action” day will will for help theirhelp them studentthemthem as theyasas allows theythey discern discerndiscern parents their theirtheir schoolto see schoolschool what options.isoptions. unique Visiting Visitingabout the the the school school school andand and prospectivescheduling scheduling a students shadowa shadow canday day experiencefor for their their student studenta Decatur allows allows Heritage parents parents toschool see to seewhat day. what options.isoptions. unique Visiting Visitingabout the thethe school schoolschool and andand prospective schedulingscheduling students a shadow can day experience for their studentstudenta Decatur allowsallows Heritage parentsparents school toto seesee day. what what isisOnceis unique uniqueunique the aboutparentsabout the thethe have school schoolschool previewed and andand prospective prospectiveprospective the school students students and the can canstudent experience experience has shadoweda Decatur aa DecaturDecatur Heritagefor Heritage Heritagea day, school the schoolschool enrollment day. day. day. OnceprocessOnce thethe may parentsparents begin. have have previewed previewed the the school school and and the the student student has has shadowed shadowed for fora day, a day, the theenrollment enrollment OnceprocessOnce the the may parentsparents begin. havehave previewedpreviewed thethe school and the student has shadowed forfor aa day,day, thethe enrollmentenrollment processprocessprocess maymay begin. begin. Please invite your family and friends who might consider or who are considering enrolling their PleasePlease inviteinvite youryour familyfamily and and friends friends who who might might consider consider or orwho who are are considering considering enrolling enrolling their their PleasechildrenPlease inviteinvite in Decatur youryour family familyHeritage andand to friendsfriendsdrop by who anytime might Monday consider through or whowho Friday areare considering8:30amconsidering to 2pm enrollingenrolling to tour their theirthe childrenchildren inin DecaturDecatur Heritage Heritage to to drop drop by by anytime anytime Monday Monday through through Friday Friday 8:30am 8:30am to 2pmto 2pm to tour to tour the the childrencampus,children inseein DecaturDecatur Decatur Heritage HeritageHeritage totoin dropdropaction, by and anytime talk with Monday an administrator. through FridayFriday No appointment8:30am8:30am toto 2pm2pm is necessary. to to tourtour thethe campus,campus, seesee Decatur Decatur Heritage Heritage in in action, action, and and talk talk with with an an administrator. administrator. No No appointment appointment is necessary. is necessary. campus,campus, seesee DecaturDecatur HeritageHeritage inin action,action, and talk with an administrator. NoNo appointmentappointment isis necessary.necessary. We look forward to meeting many prospective parents and students as the 2017-2018 enrollment WeWe looklook forwardforward toto meeting meeting many many prospective prospective parents parents and and students students as asthe the 2017-2018 2017-2018 enrollment enrollment WeWeprocess looklook begins! forwardforward toto meetingmeeting manymany prospective parents and students asas thethe 2017-20182017-2018 enrollmentenrollment processprocess begins!begins! processprocess begins!begins! Experience THE Difference ExperienceExperienceExperience THE THE Difference Difference

Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Memorials, honorariums, and gifts may be mailed to DHCA, P. O. Box 5659, Decatur, AL 35601-0659.