West, a military man for 22 years and the first black Republican congressman from the state of Florida since 1876, was introduced by Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Senior Pastor Bob Coy. He began the session by asking Congressman West to speak on his views on various topics such as the American and global economy, the fiscal situation and national debt, for which he noted the differences that will affect the next generation’s future and job opportunities.

“Our deficit refers to the amount that we spend in excess of what we make,” explained West. “We’ve been running a deficit for decades. If the revenues coming in are outweighed by the expenses going out, we are increasing our deficit. And simply raising taxes won’t fix that.”

The tax issues led to others for discussion, including unemployment in Florida, which according to him is close to 11 percent. What does that mean for us who are in high school or planning our future careers? “You may not have that summer job you wanted because you’re competing with adults 30+ who are out of work,” explained West. “Fast food places that typically hired students are now hiring breadwinners, not students.”

According to him, things like unemployment will begin to turn around in this nation only when the way things are done in Washington D.C. also begin to change. It starts with leadership and servitude—at the very top.

“When you get ready to vote next November think about this: Thomas Jefferson once said that a government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take it away. So if you want a government that gives you a free car, free education, a cell phone, etc, then be prepared to pay for it,” he said.

As the talk session came to a close, Pastor Bob welcomed some more questions. And while some were a bit silly, others were smart and to the point, like “What makes a great leader?”

“I would tell you this: in my training and in my travels, I believe that leadership has five main components, and if you can understand them you’re on your way,” said West. “The first one is courage, and Pastor Bob talked about that. If you go to Joshua 1:5-9, God commands to be strong and of good courage.The second is about being competent, and that’s why it’s so important that you do well in your studies. No one is going to follow a dummy and trust me, I’ve seen some.”

Congressman West defined the third thing as “commitment,” which goes along with the fourth aspect, which is conviction. He said that you have to have a set of values and principles that you believe in, that no matter what the situation is, you’re committed to them and you’re convicted to always follow them.

“At the end of the day there are three things you must have when you look in the mirror. You see, people can take away your name; people can take away your possessions; people can even take away your life. But they cannot take away your honor, your integrity, or the thing that is the fifth most important part of being a great leader, and that’s your character.”

That means doing what is right when no one is watching. So being a great leader is about the five Cs, as Congressman West calls them.

He encouraged students to be ready for the upcoming election and to remember that a person who wants to be the president of the U.S. should have all three of those key elements. He reminded us that every decision we make is important, because every one has its own unique consequence.

“When you make a decision, you gain options, maintain your options, or lose options. But when you look in the mirror at the end of the day, make sure you have those three things. Only you can give them away, no one can take them away.”

“People can take away your name; people can take away your possessions; people can even take away your life. But they cannot take away your honor, your integrity, or the thing that is the fifth most important part of being a great leader, and that’s your character.”— Congressman Allen West

“There are some that have said the world is divided between followers and leaders. And I will say to you that you can’t really be a good leader until you first become a good follower. Here’s a man who is a very decorated military guy who, for the first stage of his life had to take orders… and became a real true leader. Congressman Lieutenant Colonel, Allen West.”

—  Pastor Bob Coy, as he introduced Congressman Allen West

What can you be doing RIGHT NOW to make the most out of your college years? Wait, a minute…college? For some of us that thought has not registered in our minds, but for others, that next step is closer than we think. Whether you are a senior or a freshman in high school, there are changes that you can be making TODAY—minor adjustments or major changes to experience the college life to the fullest.

The following pages are filled with some great advice and tips to ignite your
college experience…

Like high school, four years in college goes fast.  Preparing for it is not just smart; it’s vital for your career success. While you are still in high school, work at being a “successful” student in every way. Maximize life in the moment, with an eye to the future. Keep in mind that college is not just about another four and then some years of school; it’s about accomplishing your lifelong dreams.

As a Calvary Christian Academy student, you are not only challenged to think more, but to pursue all those things that are good, not only for you, but for others. Commitment, dedication, and discipline are key.  Make them part of your daily routine today and watch God do wonderful things in your life.

Selecting a College

Where should I go to college? Is a tough question most high school students ask, especially seniors. But it’s not as hard to answer as this next one: what should I study?

As students get closer to graduation day, finding and getting into the college of their dreams takes precedence over “what am I going to wear for prom?” Yes, while a night’s wardrobe selection is tough enough and should be chosen carefully, a lifetime career choice takes preparation, dedication, and a lot of prayer.

As your mind begins to form ideas of what you would like to do after high school, and where that decision may take you…start preparing a list that looks something like this:

God’s call in my life.

Personal and academic requirements for college.

Typical college characteristics and factors that would fulfill your requirements.

People, organizations, and other resources that will provide information that you may consult again when new questions arise.

A timeline for additional research and information gathering.

Major or field of study information.

Places you can intern during high school that are related to your field of study (i.e. If you’re interested in becoming a Book Editor, intern at local newspapers, magazines, book stores, etc.).

TIP: Learn your field of study inside and out. Match your gifts and talents with your major.

College Admission Process

You write 500-word essays as part of your required tests to enter the college arena. You drive miles away to visit colleges.  And just when you think you have it all figured out, more information comes your way that leaves you with more questions than answers.

If that’s you, consider this. Planning for college can be one of the most exiting times of your life. But it can also be stressful. A lot usually happens before you enter your dorm room! So, prepare early to remedy that.

Do your homework. Research everything there is to know about your selected field of study and the colleges you want to attend.

Christian school vs. Secular. Which is it? (Read more about this on page—-)

In state vs. Out of State? Do you want to stay close to home, in state or out of state? (Read more on page —–)

The college admission process may seem tedious and difficult but once you know where you want to go, what you want to do, and college applications are turned in, fears and stress disappear.

“It’s rough, and takes up a lot of time,” admits senior, Michie Alvaro. “You can sit on the computer for a whole day just filling out applications. But, it’s worth it, because it helps you get closer to where you want to go.”

In this special college edition, we’ll make the college admission process a lot simpler. For starters, know this: every college is different and so is its application process. Review each carefully and learn what that is. But there’s a common thread: the process of selecting a college or university, and applying to them typically starts around the time you take your PSATs, and concludes (hopefully with a happily ever after story) around April of your senior year.

TIP: Visit your guidance counselor today to know where you are at and what your next step should be.

Paying for College

To understand all your options when it comes to paying for college, students must develop their “paying for college” strategy today to take the stress out of the process.

There are numerous resources out there, including the www.collegeboard.com, where you can get “the latest information about college costs, scholarships, financial aid applications, education loans, and college financing.”

The College Board has a plethora of information on the subject. Here are some of their best resources and what you need to know:

Financial Aid EasyPlanner: Use our EasyPlanner to get help doing the math and finding ways to make college affordable.

Net Price Calculator:
Many students do not pay the sticker price for college. Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your potential financial aid and the “net” price your family will be expected to pay.

Financial Aid Calendar:
Applying for aid? Learn what to expect. This monthly calendar will lead you step-by-step through the financial aid application process.

Scholarship Search: Match yourself to over 2,300 awards.

TIP: Get the facts. Download a copy of Paying for College Guide at www.roybal-allard.house.gov/Students.

College—Is it Your Next Step?

The College Board says it well: “Sometimes the toughest part of planning something is just figuring out where to start. Get on track to finding an education and career track that matches your skills and preferences. Learn about all your options — and how you can achieve them.”

But Mrs. Laura Quinn, CCA science teacher, says it best: “It [college] becomes a tool for you to use in doing what God has called you to do.” So, go for it!

Senior, David Vendrell, who has been accepted to Palm Beach Atlantic University,

Baylor University, Biola University, as well as University of Miami, known for its great Motion Pictures department, is looking forward to all the opportunities he will have in film school. Imagine the possibilities of this great Christian filmmaker as he uses his talent to be a missionary in Hollywood. With that thought in mind, imagine the opportunities God has for you.

]]> http://www.theccamessenger.org/top-stories/2011/04/07/major-search-exploring-the-possibilities-finding-your-passion/feed/ 0 http://www.theccamessenger.org/top-stories/2011/01/10/ccas-first-literary-magazine/ http://www.theccamessenger.org/top-stories/2011/01/10/ccas-first-literary-magazine/#comments Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:13:15 +0000 maritzacg http://www.theccamessenger.org/?p=2425 This school year, CCA is introducing a new publication entitled, Journey, the school’s first literary magazine, which will be released in the spring of each school year. According to Maritza Cosano-Gomez, Journalism teacher and Creative Director of CCA’s
Communications Department that’s sponsoring this publication, “Its mission is to expose and uncover the artistic talents of our secondary students as they journey through life, discovering what their talents and gifts are and what God’s purposes for them might be.”

This literary magazine has actually been a dream of hers, finally made real after four years of planning. “I’ve always envisioned CCA having a literary magazine, and that came true when Pastor Mark Davis gave us the “green light” a few months ago.”

According to Mrs. Gomez, “Journey celebrates life and its complexities through the medium of creative art: writing, art, and photography. Our students’ essays, poems, short stories, scripts, reviews, drawings, sculptures, paintings, and photographs explore the beauty and challenges of life, found in the lives of ordinary people from the artist’s personal perspective. The submissions that stood out were those art pieces that had one thing in common: the powerful urge to uncover the truth—no matter how beautiful or how ugly it might be.”

Students should realize as well that Journey is not only a publication to showcase their talents, but it’s also a great way to open college doors for those who wish to major in the arts as a career. Universities look well upon applications and transcripts that show students being published in a literary or other school publication. On some occasions, students with a slightly lower GPA than required by a chosen university, have been accepted because their work samples, which included published clips from their high school literary magazine, showed true strong points that related to the chosen field of study.

As the Messenger went to print and Journey, its sister publication, began its pre-production, with the selection process going underway, Mrs. Gomez’s vision couldn’t be anymore clear. “Jesus calls us to a higher standard and many times it is through our gifts and talents that He reveals His purpose in our lives. He entrusts each and every one of us with a talent and expects we do something with it. He also wants us to be His ambassadors and messengers, and oftentimes He uses our talents to do that. I hope that Journey is one of those extracurricular tools that Jesus uses to tell the world who He is and why we are His disciples. This publication is as much a reflection of Him as it is a reflection of us. After all, we are His salt and light in a very tasteless and dark world that many times uses art as a means to distort the beauty of His creation.”

If you have a flair for the fine arts, be it writing, art, or photography, and for whatever reason you didn’t submit your work to Journey this time around, remember there’s always next year. But in the meantime, do what God is calling you to do. Use the talents He’s given you and someday you’ll hear…

“‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” —Matthew 25:21

Before volunteering, though, you should pray about where God wants you to lend that helping hand.  “I would say there are more ways to get community service hours through CCA and Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale than any other place,” says Miss Allison Stapleton, CCA Secondary Guidance Counselor. “There are over 60 ministries at Calvary Chapel, so there are tons of things students could get involved in here that they wouldn’t even have to leave the campus to get their hours in. [Community Service] is essential for college; it’s not just a graduation requirement and you definitely want to go far above the minimum.”

According to Miss Stapleton, colleges aren’t just looking for a 4.0 GPA, they want to know that you are involved in helping out in the community as well. “They want to know that the student is globally minded and has ambition outside of themselves. Most importantly, they want to see devotion and consistency, and that you are truly passionate about helping out in the community and not just because you have to, but because you want to.”

If you’re not sure where you can serve, check out the sidebar for a comprehensive list of opportunities, and start planning and praying about your community service now!

Like Burke, Christian Americans, have the responsibility to speak up in our nation for what is right, and one of the ways we can do that is by voting for godly men and women into our government to lead our nation closer to God. This is an incredible responsibility for anyone, let alone people who have just turned 18 and are
voting for the first time. Many CCA seniors are in this exact situation. And yet, a very popular question among young voters is: Why should I vote?
“We live in a republican democracy where the government is only righteous if the people who vote choose righteous leaders to represent them,” said Mrs. Sandy Perrin, CCA high school history teacher. She encouraged us to do some research, which led us to Projectvote.org, which states: “Fewer than half of the 3.7 million 18-year-old citizens have registered to vote, a rate of 22 points lower than the general population.” So, the real question is,  if you are not going to vote, who will?

All kinds of people vote. Believers and non believers, from all sorts of walks, including those whose values and beliefs don’t match God’s way. What you get in return is a country whose president states that “this is not a Christian country.” And by definition, it doesn’t follow Jesus Christ. And if doesn’t follow Jesus Christ, who does it follow? Something to think about. This brings up the key point of what a voter must do to elect the right people into office. According to Mrs. Perrin, “An informed “electorate” —that’s YOU—needs to read up on the issues, decide what is a biblical world view on these issues and then see where the candidates stand. Then, do ALL you can to vote and remind others (including your parents) to VOTE!!”  A great resource for voters is www.votesmart.org,  where you can find who is running in your area and where they stand on the issues. Before voting, you also need to register.
The General Election is taking place on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, from 7am to 7pm.  There is also early voting, which started on October 18 and will run through October 30. To find out where your Precinct is and more information on when to vote, please go to www.browardsoe.org.
If you’re under 18, but still would like to be involved in the voting process, you can volunteer at your favorite candidate’s headquarters or office. If you’re sixteen, you can get a head start on registering and your registration card mailed to you after your eighteenth birthday. You can also remind your parents to vote and have their voices heard!  “This mid-term election is extremely important because all of our House of Representatives (438) are up for re-election and one third of the Senate (33),” said Mrs. Perrin. “This is the best way to have your voice heard in our form of government.” So pray, research, and most importantly: VOTE!

From elementary school to middle school
For those of us who have seen the progression of elementary students crossing the bridge to the “other side of the campus,” perhaps you are likely to view this experience not as a train ride but as a step—taken from one side of a bridge to the other. As you cross it, you find yourself on secondary school terrain. Scary?  According to Secondary Principal, Rob Lofthouse, moving up grades isn’t meant to be scary, but exciting. He says, “Be confident and enjoy the year, it is just a small steppingstone to middle school.”

From middle school to high school
Now, if you are an eighth grader, the adventure you’re about to embark on is not just a step, but a giant leap! Don’t be afraid. That leap certainly sounds much higher than it really is. For one thing, your days of poster projects are behind you. But then again, your days of writing papers have just increased! Papers, papers, papers. Did we say papers? So, sharpen your writing skills over the summer. You’ll be glad you did.

Sign up for a writing class over the summer, where you will learn writing techniques, practicing the craft in a multitude of forms. Check out the Creative Writing class insert in this publication for more information. This class, as well as other similar ones, will be extremely valuable as you take your SATs, PSAT’s, and begin applying for colleges and universities during your senior year. Yes, that sounds like millions of years away, but four years go by rather quickly while you’re busy having fun. For your high school years will be that. They may be challenging, but they may be some of the best years of your life.

KEY LESSONS: take the clutter out of your life. Learn to prioritize. Sharpen your study skills. Write well, write often! Not just for school but rather, for fun! Learn to be true to your word. Don’t over-commit yourself. When you commit, let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no. Say what you want to say, but learn to think first. Place God in the center of all things. Be bold. Share your faith. Love unconditionally.

Should eighth graders get excited about high school? Absolutely! Should fifth graders cross that bridge with their eyes wide open. Oh, yeah! Clearly, graduation is a big but exciting step or giant leap, depending on how you look at it. But whether you’re going from elementary to middle school or from middle school to high school, there are four key things you must remember:

Change is certain.

You will be challenged.  So, stay focused.

Loving God over all things is not just the smart thing to do, it’s a commandment.

Loving others like yourself is not just a good phrase—it’s God’s Word. Keep it. Learn it. Apply it.

My trip to Israel wasn’t a missions trip, but a tour of the Holy Land. Before I left, I wasn’t sure if I would be “life-changed” as most are after such a trip, but I was hoping to find something—perhaps a change of heart, a better relationship with my Savior? I found both.

I also found myself fascinated by this country—with its rich history, bound not in scripts and scrolls, but in tangible places like the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed those who came to be cured; and actual artifacts left behind, as a testament that what’s in the Bible is real. And they are! The Bible stories that I had been reading for so long suddenly became real to me, and the settings were some of the most beautiful places I’ve seen.

The first day, we were taken to a place called Joppa, also known as Jaffa. It was a city with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea. But that was not all, as the biblical reference to Joppa reminded me of Jonah 1:3, which says, “But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tar shish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tar shish to flee from the LORD.” After hearing that this was the port that Jonah sailed from, I immediately felt connected with God’s Word.

One particular place that affected me was the Garden Tomb. Although not completely proven, there was much evidence pointing to the burial of Jesus in this specific tomb. It really amazed me that our King was placed in just a stone cave. This was not a proper placement for a King. As I walked in the there, I was flooded with anger that my Savior was treated with so much disrespect.

When I returned from Israel, I was overwhelmed with questions from others wanting to know all about my experience in the Holy Land. I am still having a hard time to put it all into words. Israel was an incredible experience, no doubt, but I didn’t feel as if I was measuring up to everyone’s expectations of how I should be changed. I’ve soon realized that my experience hasn’t been completely “absorbed” yet. There were a few things that happened that stuck with me immediately, but I wonder… Will God use this trip at some point in my life to speak to me? I’ll have to wait and see, but this I know: my heart changed when I walked where Jesus walked.

Thank you for putting up with me all these long years. For teaching me to tie my shoes and enduring countless hours of Sesame Street and Arthur; for making me eat my vegetables and keeping me on a leash, literally, so I wouldn’t get lost. For protecting me from the hungry wolves hiding in my closet and for putting notes in my lunchbox, and for being patient with me—even when I spilled my milk on top of the new tablecloth or lost my sweater for the fourteenth time.

When I was a teenager, you came to my soccer games and cheered, whether we lost or won; you bravely took me driving, where you quickly learned how to hold on. You held me when my heart had been stolen, and you never complained that you didn’t have any time for me. Thank you for standing by my side in the hospital room; for teaching me to fight for the truth and to never give up.

Mom, you are a counselor, a teacher, a cook and a maid; a chaperone, a weather forecaster, a laundress, and a doctor. The list could go on and on. But most importantly, you are my mother and my friend, a prayer warrior whose strong faith I have always looked up to. You have no idea how important you are to me. I’m sorry for my temper tantrums when I was little and for my rebellious fits, but thank you for loving me through it all. You are an incredible blessing to me, mommy, and I cannot stop thanking the Lord for putting you in my life.

Happy Mother’s Day to all! Thank you so much for all the hard work you do for us! I love you mommy!

From the posters displayed all around campus to Pastor Bob Coy’s plug from the pulpit, talk of CCA’s Fifth Annual Golf Tournament has definitely been going around. One of the most anticipated events of the year for its direct effect on school advancement, this year’s golf tournament has high goals for what its organizers hope will continue to advance school discipleship.

If you saw the school’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” or have watched the high school-produced “Focus” monthly shows, or even read the CCA Weekly lately, you have seen the fruits of CCA’s advancement efforts. Last year, money that was raised provided tuition assistance and funded several computer labs. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit tuition assistance, athletics, and the completion of the secondary media center and science labs. Although a golf tournament may seem limited to golfers, it’s actually an event that provides opportunities for everyone, from students and staff to the broader community, to get in the game and participate in CCA’s advancement.

“The golf tournament has rallied support both from within CCA and from our broader community every year,” notes Director of Advancement, David Salvatelli. “It presents an excellent opportunity for students, staff, families and the community to collaborate in support of education in general and CCA in particular.” One way to get involved is through Tee Flag sponsorships. Each elementary class that collects $250 through sponsors wins a movie and popcorn party as well as the honor of having their class name on a tee flag in the golf tournament. Each secondary student who brings in a minimum of $40 to their homeroom teachers, can enjoy a half-day off from school with food and fun on the West Field. Whether it’s registering to play as a single or foursome, sponsoring, or volunteering on tournament day, whatever one gives will further the Kingdom of Heaven. So shine up your clubs and sign up to support CCA’s advancement today! For more information, check out ccaeagles.org/golfevent.

When Kaitlin was about seven years old she started writing for fun, only to later blossom into a creative, colorful writer when she began fifth grade. What is Kaitlin’s inspiration, you might ask? Her loving grandparents. Kaitlin vividly remembers her grandmother’s passion for writing and expressing the beauty of the world through words. As her grandmother would sit down and write with her, Kaitlin’s eagerness to write flourished. Her grandmother would always say to her, “It doesn’t matter what you write, as long as you have fun while doing it.”

Today, as Kaitlin sits down to write, her thoughts travel onto the paper as she expresses the explosion of her dazzling imagination going on inside her mind. Kim McDuffie, an English teacher at CCA comments, “Kaitlin seems to have a natural God-given way of expressing herself in a way that makes you feel you are there in the story with the characters. She has a very ‘mature’ style as well.” According to Kim McDuffie, one of the stories that communicates Kaitlin’s brilliance in writing is a memoir of her grandparents.  Truly, she has applied well that old writing technique: “Write what you know.”

Kaitlin also enjoys reading and playing fast on the soccer field. Her life verse is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Clearly, this young lady’s walk with God is clearly evident as she is beautiful, both inside and out. And that shows well in her written words.