de·vel·op·ment
noun
the building, over time, of a continuous, powerful and life-long connection between a
donor/philanthropist and the organization or cause represented.
THE
8
KNIGHTLY NEWS
also available online at GraceAcademyOnline.org
synonyms: growth, advancement, progress
by David (Lu, Xin) and Kimber
Morgan
Hello! Here are a few updates on development-related items at Grace Academy from yours
truly, Kimber Morgan.
On November 4, Grace Academy’s
nutrition class went to Western
Maryland Food Bank Branch located
in Hagerstown, Maryland. Going to
the food bank helped Grace Academy
students become more aware of
poverty in the community and taught
them a valuable lesson of reaching out
with a helping hand.
“The food bank is for people who
cannot afford to buy food,” said Paige
Our stage project: Thanks to all of our generous donors who have given gifts specifically
for the stage! We have obtained our building permit (hooray!) and are making plans to begin
the construction in the back portion of the gymnasium. We are still about $16,000 away
from our goal in order to build the stage well, but we are confident God will provide the
funds.
Year-end giving: This year’s response to giving absolutely blew my goal and expectations
out of the water! It has been an amazing learning experience for me since starting in this
role June 1, 2015, and I’ve been graciously blessed as I’ve seen God work through each of
our families and donors. Your generosity of gifts of prayer, time and funds grow our school
forward, and we are so thankful for growth.
As we look forward to the last half of our school year, we ask that you continue to pray for our
school, leadership and teachers and walk forward with us to see what great works God has in
store for Grace Academy.
Best wishes,
Kimber Morgan
Director of Development & Marketing
graceacademyonline.org
301-733-2033
13321 Cearfoss Pike
Hagerstown, MD 21740
VOLUME 7, ISSUE. 2
Students reach out
to help local food
bank
An Update on Giving
Contact
JANUARY 2016
photo by Kimber Morgan
Dawson, a senior at Grace. “It feels good to help people in the community.”
The students in the nutrition class learned that many different groups in the community are impacted by lack of food
including children, seniors, and the homeless. Often, lack of faith and hope for the future impacts their lives.
“I learned that we need to help poor people by giving them some support and talking to them,” said senior Shimei Cao.
“This trip really changed my thinking. I learned that people who are living in poverty are the same as us. We should
help them and have no discrimination.”
Inspired by what they learned about how food insecurity impacts Washington County during their field trip, students
decided to lead a food drive at Grace Academy. Students promoted the food drive and collected specifically dried foods
such as pasta, instant potatoes and ramen noodles.
Between December 7-16, the nine Grace Academy high school students collected more than 130 dried food items to
aid local families in need through the local food bank. The food collected was sent directly to the (continued on page 2)
READ MORE...
“Varsity baseball
team pre-season
tournament and
service trip”
page 7
Questions about the Knightly News?
Contact Kimber Morgan
724-614-0530
[email protected]
“Grace Academy
selected as Under
Armour Highlight
School”
page 6
“Alumni Perspective: Upcoming Events
Sam Saxena”
page 3
page 2
“Gobble! Gobble!
Gobble!”
page 4
Upcoming Games
page 6
Mission Team gives
Christmas gifts to
local children
page 2
Development Update
page 8
2
7
Western Heights Middle School to help stock their pantry.
Students such as Junior Howie Yang who participated in the Nutrition Class and food
drive walked away from the experience with a new perspective.
“The Food Bank trip inspired me that I can do the same thing in my country in order to
help people who need food,” Yang said. “I learned that people are very benevolent, and
that I can volunteer to make a difference.”
The nutrition class at Grace Academy is offered through Hagerstown Community
College’s Essence Program, which offers dual enrollment courses for high school and
college credits.
(continued from page 1)
Stand tall. Talk small. Play ball.
by Zack Crowner and Ben Zhao
photo provided by Sam Saxena
Alumni
Perspective:
Sam Saxena
I work with a program called
Community HealthCorps,
which focuses on the
overall health of people
in underserved areas. The
health center I work at is
focused on preventing the
spread of HIV in Baltimore.
During my time at Grace
Academy, I learned the
importance of serving others
and how it is one of the most
rewarding things you can
do. The people, especially
the teachers, helped lay
the foundation for a lot
of personal growth after
I graduated in 2011. For
example, Mr. Rotz taught
me to never take things too
seriously and always have fun
with whatever you’re doing!
photo provided by Ken Garber
photo by Betsy Ljubic
Mission Team gives Christmas gifts to local
children
The Grace Academy Mission team surprised local children with Christmas gifts
thanks to Grace families and their generous donations. Throughout October
and November, each class collected items and filled stockings for the local
Salvation Army. The Mission Team members were able to deliver full stockings
at the end of November.
Mrs. Ljubic, Mission Team leader, expressed her gratitude to all who donated.
“Thank you for the generous outpouring of support for the stocking drive,”
Ljubic said. “Grace Academy families filled more than 80 stockings for children
If anyone has any questions
about college, life after school in need right here in Washington County.”
The donations collected were distributed by the Salvation Army to children who
or want to learn more about
AmeriCorps, don’t hesitate to otherwise would not receive Christmas gifts this holiday season.
After attending the
University of Maryland
Baltimore County, I really
wanted to be able to give
back to the community, and
the HealthCorps program
allows me to do that.
reach out to me!
Basketball season is underway, and the varsity boys are
hoping to improve their teamwork and have a successful
season. Bret Fogle, the captain of the team, has reflected
on last year and is trying to set a few goals for the team
this year.
When asked about the future success of the team, Fogle
said. “We have the possibility to have a good season, but
it all depends whether or not we learn to play well as a
team.”
The boys varsity team also has a new coach this year, Jeff
Summers. Summers is assisted by Andy Koontz, who is in
his second year helping with the boys varsity basketball
team.
Fogle is looking forward to having a good season with
Summers as the new coach and a hard working team.
As of Dec. 31, the boys varsity basketball team held an
overall record of 4-5 and are 3-1 in the Mason Dixon
Christian Conference.
photo by Kimber Morgan
A special thank you to our friends at Myers Building Systems for replacing our leaky
gutters on the building.
Thanks for helping us keep our families, students and staff safe this winter season!
6
UPCOMING
GAMES
Times listed denote start of girls
varsity games with boys varsity
games immediately following.
vs. Broadfording
Christian Academy
(Homecoming)
Fri. Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
vs. Shalom Christian
Academy
Tues. Jan 12 at 6:30 p.m.
@ Calvary Christian
Academy
glory of God on and off the field,” Coach Mark Koontz, Jr. said.
Koontz has created a GoFundMe page to reach his goal of $3,500 to cover the cost of
the trip and bless South Carolina communities still recovering from the October 2015
flooding. All funds will be used to pay for tournament fees, accommodations, travel
expenses, and food and drink, and any additional funds raised beyond the $3,500 goal
will be used toward blessing a local community outreach/ministry to aid in continued
flood relief.
“We are really looking forward to using our time and talents to serve,” said Koontz.
“We would be extremely thankful for your support and contribution toward helping
the Grace Academy baseball team make a difference on and off of the baseball field.”
To designate your gift toward the Grace Academy Varsity Baseball team’s pre-season
tournament and service trip, you may donate directly at https://www.gofundme.
com/97f4wjpp. GoFundMe is a reliable online fundraising platform that allows people
to raise money for various causes, like celebrating graduations or assisting others
through illnesses.
(continued from page 5)
ARTS & STUDENT LIFE
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Homecoming
Jan. 8 at *6:30 p.m.
Grace Academy
Gymnasium
*varsity games begin
Games vs. Broadfording
Open House
Fri. Jan 15 at 5:30 p.m.
@ Heritage Academy
We are very grateful for the generosity
of Tim Klick and OneSeventeen A/V for
providing and installing the new sound
system in our gymnasium!
Jan. 19 at 6:15 p.m.
@ Cumberland Valley
Christian School
Fri. Jan 22 at 6:45 p.m.
Grace Academy
selected as Under
Armour Highlight
School
Mon. Jan. 25 at 6:30
vs. Shenandoah
Christian Academy
Fri. Jan. 29 at 6:45 p.m.
@ Broadfording
Christian Academy
Tues. Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
@ Shalom Christian
Academy
Mon. Feb. 8 at 6:45 p.m.
View the complete
basketball schedule
for middle school
and varsity teams
at http://schedules.
schedulestar.com/
Grace-AcademyHagerstown-MD
photo provided by NAILE
Carper sisters succeed at NAILE 2015
by Kimber Morgan
vs. Smithsburg High
School
by Kimber Morgan
We are pleased to announce Under
Armour has selected Grace Academy
to be a Highlight School, which will give the company exclusive rights to outfit Grace
Academy’s varsity athletic teams in head-to-toe Under Armour gear.
“Our athletes and coaches are very excited to be a part of this program,” athletic
director Tessa Umstead said. “The quality of Under Armour athletic products will
really enhance what our athletic program offers our students.”
The benefit of becoming one of Under Armour’s Highlight Schools positively impacts
not only the athletic program but also Grace Academy’s parents and branding efforts.
Through the Under Armour program, school-branded Under Armour merchandise
will be available for sale to parents and family members.
With the signed agreement, Under Armour offers Grace Academy a discount on
uniform purchases for the next five years, with the stipulation that all varsity teams
will compete wearing Under Armour uniforms commencing with year three of the
partnership.
Grace Academy expects to update its varsity baseball team uniforms in time for the
spring 2016 season.
photo by Kimber Morgan
3
For two Grace Academy middle school students, their passion lies not on a
basketball court but in a livestock show ring. Sisters Hannah and Bailey Carper
participated in the North American International Livestock Expo (NAILE)
hosted in Louisville, Kentucky in November.
(continued on page 4)
After showing their animals November 15, 16 and 18, both
Start the new semester on the right foot!
Have you lost your motivation in school? Bombed your exams? For many students,
the second semester is a difficult time to stay on top of studies. Reduce your stress
and keep your grades up this semester with these simple tips!
• Plan ahead – Write down your assignments and keep track of them; Use the
technology available to your advantage.
• Avoid procrastination – You need to do the assignments at some point, so
get them done as soon as possible!
• Take notes – Make sure to take clear notes to help you prepare for exams.
• Study – Making review sheets for tests and quizzes is one of the best things
you can do to improve your test scores.
• Pay attention – If you know a test is coming up, give extra attention to what
the teacher is saying because most of the time he/she will outline what you
need to know for the exam.
• Take care of yourself – Studying is great, but without proper sleep and
nutrition, you can become ill. Make sure to take care of yourself, too!
Jan. 26 from 3:30 - 6 p.m.
Grace Academy
Tour our academic facility,
meet our caring teachers
and learn how your child
can benefit from a Christian
education at Grace Academy!
Winter Formal
Jan. 23 at 6 p.m.
Grace Academy
Gymnasium
Spring Break
Mar. 7 - 11
See you back in school on
Mon. Mar. 14!
Spring Play,
“Haphazardly Ever
After”
Mar. 18-19
Visit our website for show
times and ticket information.
“It’s Your Move!”
Auction
April 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Same great auction, different
theme and auction items!
Friends, family, children and
community members are
welcome.
Alumni Reunion
May 28 (time is TBA)
Mingle with old classmates
and friends while enjoying
some food, fun and prizes!
Families are welcome!
4
ATHLETICS
THANK YOU TO
OUR GENEROUS
SUPPORTERS!
5
photo by Kimber Morgan
“Gobble! Gobble! Gobble!”
by Jeffery Crampton
In celebration of Thanksgiving, the elementary classes performed for family
and friends during their Thanksgiving Christian Soldiers Club (CSC) on
November 19. The elementary students sang songs about Thanksgiving and
told what they’re thankful for. The gymnasium was filled with about 200
parents and grandparents that evening who were happy to see their kids
and grandkids perform in CSC.
Christian Soldiers Club is a Grace Academy program hosted at the school
once per month where children in grades K3 through 6 memorize verses
and have the opportunity to perform and speak in front of a large crowd.
Hannah and Bailey walked away with several first place
prizes, including Supreme Grand Champion, Grand Champion Heifer, Grand
Champion Bull and Grand Champion Bred & Owned.
“I get really nervous in the minutes leading up to entering the ring, but once
I am in the show ring, I really like parading and setting up my animals to
be judged,” Hannah said. “Obviously getting a grand champion banner is
awesome, too.”
The Carper sisters show Fullbood Fleckvieh Simmentals, which are red and the
original Simmentals. They also own Purebred Simmentals, which are mostly
black and are what a majority of Simmental breeders have today. For the
NAILE, both girls had the honor of showing two heifers for Little Creek Farm
from Starkville, Mississippi.
“I enjoy spending time with my family; doing what I enjoy most; seeing and
meeting new friends along the way; showing our cattle; and making good
impressions,” Bailey said.
Bailey has showed livestock since she was six years old and has competed in
the West Virginia State Fair, the Washington County Ag Expo, the Maryland
State Fair, and the Dixie National in Mississippi. Likewise, Hannah has showed
since she was seven years old. Hannah has competed in shows alongside, and
sometimes against, her sister.
The NAILE is an annual livestock show in which tens of thousands of exhibitors
from around the world compete.
(continued from page 3)
photo provided by Mark Koontz, Jr.
Varsity baseball team pre-season tournament and service trip
by Mark Koontz, Jr.
The Grace Academy varsity baseball team has an exciting opportunity to participate in the pre-season baseball
tournament Mingo Bay Classic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina March 20-26, 2016. In addition to the tournament, the
18 students and four coaches will participate in a ministry/community outreach project during their trip. This will be
the first year Grace Academy’s varsity baseball team will participate in the Mingo Bay Classic and a blended trip of this
kind.
“As head baseball coach, my mission is to not only produce great baseball players, but, first and foremost, to produce
young men who embrace the importance of becoming leaders who can impact the community for the (continued on page 6)
Congratulations! All Conference Teams are recognized for students’ outstanding athletic accomplishments and sportsmanship
each season and are chosen based upon MDCC coaches’ votes. Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own athletes.