Veterans day is more than just another day off, it’s a day to gratuitously recognize and pay homage to the ones whose lives are spent on liberty. On Veteran’s Day, CCA appreciated these men and women, among these being French teacher Matthew Ozolneiks, by displaying a wall of heroes that honored the veterans in the families of our student body.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them,” said American President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.  Through an interview with History Teacher, Steve Mayo, it became apparent that his view coincided with John F. Kennedy’s.

“Two days is not enough to honor our troops. The least we can do is honor those who sacrifice for us 365 days of the year…not just one,” said Mr. Mayo.

The resonance of these words should evoke the realization that soldiers become veterans for life. The turmoil they’ve endured is a memory that remains with them. For this alone, we should be grateful that they are willing to be our protection, and that God can use them to defend His precepts.

That’s not the case at CCA, which sponsors another that kind of History Fair—one with flair and creativity. The History Department encourages their students to think outside of the box as they plan and prepare their history projects. In the end, what you see is anything but “just another essay or school-wide project,” which ultimately ends up in the garbage can after it is presented.

“I think that if anyone were to come to the History Fair they would see all the creativity the students here have,” said History Teacher, Mr. Mark Dineen. “I know I have sometimes looked at a project and thought ‘wow I never even thought about it like that.”

On Monday and Tuesday of last week, a selective group of students from the 6th-12th showcased their projects in the Discipleship Building’s first floor in the main hallway, which is adjacent to the school office. The History Fair competition for all of Broward County School will take place in March 2012, when CCA’s best projects will get a chance to participate.

Shawn was on the ground for about five minutes. The trainer rushed over and helped him off the field while he was in pain.  About ten minutes later he was picked up by his parents and taken to the hospital. The doctors confirmed that he had two fractures in his back, and would be on the disabled list from two to six weeks.

One week later, he went in for another evaluation, and was told that he would only be out from two to three weeks.

“It’s rough that I am missing out on a couple games’ but it’s a chance for others to step up and be a big part of the team”, said—Shawn Lashbrook. He expects to be back before the season ends.

Keep Shawn in your prayers and pray for a speedy recovery!

On that evening, during the Miami Dolphins Monday Night Football game against the New England Patriots, Shashaty was recognized by The Miami Dolphins Organization as the High School Player of the Week for his record-breaking performance against Highlands Christian Academy, where he threw for over 500 yards, 8 touchdowns and only 1 interception.

 “It was a really cool experience,” said Shashaty, who got to go down on the field at the end of the second quarter, and remained there the majority of the third quarter, right next to where all the NFL players were.

These are the kinds of nights, one might wonder, that could make a young athlete prideful, even boastful about their accomplishments, but not Shashaty.  In fact, for him it’s quite the opposite affect. He never hesitates to give all the glory to God, giving credit where credit is due.

“God has really blessed me with all these platforms—that’s what I like to call them—it just presents some really cool ways to show how God has used me that it’s not just me personally, or what I am working for, but it’s all about what He’s been doing in my life.”

This athlete’s humility and seemingly never-ending success makes him a great role model and has caused him to receive respect on and off the field. When news broke on our campus that he had been honored at the Monday Night Football game, one of America’s favorite night during the fall and winter season, Shashaty had a new list of fans yelling his name at the next CCA football home game. But the Dolphins game was forever in-printed in his mind.

“It’s every high school athlete’s dream,” he added, as recalled the night—seeing himself standing on NFL turf, surrounded by thousands of Dolphin and Patriot fans. Was he thinking of the future? Was he imagining himself playing on that field one day? Regardless of what was going through his mind, we know this: he carries the weight of the award heavily on his mind, but not the way most people might think.

“I think it’s a really awesome opportunity and with that comes a lot of responsibility, knowing that everything you do is under the spotlight, and I’ve found that out from both sides. It’s just a privilege for me to have that kind of an influence on the student body and it’s something that I do not take very lightly.”

As colleges around the country comb South Florida high schools to find the next superstar, CCA’s football quarterback is looking to play his name game. His focus is clear; his determination to win even more so, but most notably is his heart, which is connected to God. That strength is driving him and his team to success.

]]> http://www.theccamessenger.org/top-stories/2011/10/04/miami-dolphins-honor-javan-shashaty-as-high-school-player-of-the-week/feed/ 0 http://www.theccamessenger.org/news/2011/09/06/new-student-new-teacher-practicing-in-a-whole-new-world/ http://www.theccamessenger.org/news/2011/09/06/new-student-new-teacher-practicing-in-a-whole-new-world/#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:25:14 +0000 maritzacg http://www.theccamessenger.org/?p=2719 It is six in the morning on August 17, 2011 and Junior, Caitlin McCrary, a new student, is frantically getting ready for her first day at school at Calvary Christian Academy. At the same time, Coach Rob Harley is also preparing for his first day as a teacher at CCA. Although one is a teacher and another a student, it is a whole new world for both.

McCrary found out about CCA from the Shashaty family whose three boys have attended the school for several years.  “The people are nicer and more accepting,” McCrary states comparing CCA with her old school. “I decided to come to CCA last year once I knew that my friends and I from my old school were going in different directions.” Caitlin has made the Varsity Volleyball team, and has become friends with many of the girls on the team. She is excited that she will be surrounded by Christian students, a great contrast to her previous school.

Coach Harley tells his story about God leading him to CCA. “My friend Kirk Hoza told me about CCA.  We have been friends for 20 years, and so I knew what was going on with him, and that he had recently taken on the position as the new head football coach. We stayed in close contact talking often about CCA and coaching.”

Harley brings 18 years of college football coaching experience to CCA, most recently at Evangel University in Springfield, MO. On April 8, Coach Harley agreed to accept the position as our new Offensive Coordinator and strength coach. “The main difference for me is transitioning to the high school level. But it is obvious to me that this is where God was leading my family. My wife and I both visited and interviewed in March, and felt like we saw the hand of God working here and we are at the right place, at the right time.”

Lindsay Foreman, sophomore, and a native CCA student says, “I think that they (new students) are all really cool and fit in well.” Foreman has attended Calvary for a decade, and states, “This year feels much different because there are so many new faces and more friends to make!”

It is six in the evening and McCrary is finishing up volleyball practice while Coach Harley is concluding football practice. They can both go to sleep with a peace that this is where God has them, for such a time as this. They made it through their first day at their new school!

On this day, CCA will join thousands of  high school seniors who will don their caps and gowns to reach that monumental milestone.

This can be an exciting yet frightening experience, as students may not know what exactly to expect. While looking back at his high school experience and thinking of graduation day having finally arrived, senior David Vendrell was at a loss for words, “I don’t think I have any real expectations for graduation. It’s almost surreal at this point.”

For Vendrell, as for many other seniors, the facilities at Calvary Christian Academy are great, but nothing makes you want to stay more than the phenomenal teachers and your friends. Vendrell said, “I am definitely excited to pursue my dreams in film, but anxious about leaving everyone I’ve known for so long.”
“I think, collectively as a class, we are all beyond excited for finally taking the next step forward,” said Vendrell, who is one of the Top Twelve graduates:

Melissa King                       4.666

Macie Sweet                         4.660

Brianna Marecki                 4.628

John Bartos                          4.608

Tyler Middlebrooks            4.477

Joshua Rich                          4.496

Jessica Leutzinger               4.469

Drew Anderson                    4.428

Drew Kendall                        4.434

Meagan Kreisel                     4.421

David Vendrell                      4.385

Amanda Romagnolo            4.369

Brittany Vasquez                  4.364

Amanda Romagnolo and Brittany Vasquez were tied for 12th place.

As a whole, the Class of 2011 is an extraordinary group of students who is unquestionably united. God has done amazing things through this class and our prayers are that He will continue to guide them individually as they venture out into the world doing His work.

Graduation is going to be a sad time this year as we see these godly students leave. We will miss them immensely and strive to follow their example in the upcoming years.

Summe

•  Remedial Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Integrated Math or Geometry

Cost: No charge/No credit

Dates: June 14 – July 1

Time: 9 am – 12 noon

•  Math Courses – (For Credit, Half or Full)– Subjects: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Integrated Math

Dates: Sem 1 – June 14 – 25

Sem 2 – June 28 – July 9

Time:  9 am – 4 pm

•  Spanish I and II – (For Credit, Half or Full) – These courses further increase listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as cultural awareness.

Dates: Sem 1 – June 14 – 25

Sem 2 – June 28 – July 9

Time: 9 am – 4pm

•  Technology – (For Half Credit)

Computer Applications – Graduation requirement for students who did not test out of the course.

Review and expand the basics of word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.

Dates: June 28 – July 9

Time: 9 am – 4 pm

•  Creative Writing – (For Half Credit) Introduction to the Forms of Creative Writing– Discover your writing voice within the context of a supportive and relaxed, learing environment.  Explore fiction, writing for the screen, stage and television, as well as memoir writing.

Dates: June 14 – July 9

Time: 9 am – 12 noon

Just last month, our Band, Chorus, English, History, and Math departments participated in their respective ACSI events. Upon their return, a few of them shared some pretty neat stories! Read on…

Band and Chorus

When it comes to the CCA Fine Arts Band and Chorus, the ACSI Music Festival is an important memory CCA students like to retain. For this artistic duo, it’s a chance to not only show their skills to others, but an opportunity to have fun and glorify God. On March 3-5, their adventure began as 65 band students and 30 chorus students boarded school buses and traveled up to Clearwater, Florida.  The High School Chorus performed at Calvary Christian High School, under the direction of High School Teacher, Katherine Salinas. “They sang a very challenging a capella piece in Latin, and our own Mr. Mullen accompanied us on the traditional Shaker tune called ‘Simple Gifts’,” said Salinas.

Mullen led his players to Skycrest High School, where they played three great pieces: one upbeat march and two slow melodies. The band received a Superior rating while the high school chorus received an Excellent rating for their performances. High school students, Kristina Florio and Johnny Jones also received Superior ratings for their solos.

As part of the tradition, the next day the singers and players, along with their music teachers, enjoyed a fun day at Busch Gardens. But their stories didn’t end there. As a matter of fact, the performances, although wonderful, weren’t the highlight of the trip. The bus ride was. “I had an opportunity to share my testimony with a couple students on the bus trip,” said Salinas. “Because we had so much time together, we were not only able to get to know each other better, but to share how Christ has changed our lives in a major way.”

Two sophomore students got into a deep discussion of the true “length” of eternity.  One said, “I just realized how long forever really is.”  Then they spent the next hour discussing the urgency of reaching others with this truth. Another freshman chorus student reflected on the bus ride, “I felt so lucky to talk to older chorus members about faith and then in turn share what I have learned with the younger band students who were with us.”

Spelling Bee

The ACSI Spelling Bee, like the other competitions, gives our CCA students a chance to compete against other schools, representing both CCA and Christ. But does the competition mean the same thing to both students and teachers? For Eighth Grade English Teacher, Mrs. Amy Lawson, it is “an opportunity for the students to show their knowledge of how to spell, much like an athletic game for those who play sports.”

When training for athletics, she explains, you practice and practice some more. You don’t stop until you get it perfected; the same goes with spelling, as students vigorously work, day in and day out, on all the words that could be used in the competition.

For eighth grader, Shelbye Fink, the Spelling Bee competition is her way to strengthen her faith: in herself, her family, but most of all… in God. Weeks and months go into the preparation that’s required to make it to the top. Not a newbie to Spelling Bee competitions, she’s been doing it since fourth grade, Shelbye often finds herself in a quiet place where she can study her words in seclusion. But at times, she welcomes her family’s assistance, as her father and little sister test her on her words. Throughout her training, though, Shelbye never loses sight of the goal.  She knos that on the day of the competition, God will be the only One she would be able to depend on to help her recall all the words that she has diligently studied.

Looking back, she remembers praying to God every day that He would help her finish the race strong, so that she could glorify His name in front of everyone. “I wish I could do it again, so I can glorify God again!” As it so happened, God granted Shelbye her wish. Her winning placement advanced her to the States competition.

God commands every husband to agape love (to unconditionally love) his wife, and every wife to unconditionally respect her husband. In August 1999, Emerson Eggerichs and his wife Sarah left their congregation at East Lansing Trinity church to start spreading this God-given message to revolutionize marriages around the country. Due to the overwhelming amount of divorces, even in the church, they launched the Love and Respect conferences.

On February 12th and 13th, the Love and Respect conference came to South Florida, here at Calvary Chapel. Many married couples, singles, and youth just wanting to understand this simple concept in order to make their relationships better, attended the conference. In fact, all Liquid students who signed up for the conference were able to have the opportunity to attend for free. Dr. Emerson finds it extremely beneficial for youth to learn more about the opposite sex and the beauty of marriage before entering into a serious relationship. During the conference both Emerson and Sarah spoke about the crazy cycle (without respect, he reacts without love, without love, she reacts without respect), how to get off of it, the energizing cycle (the process in which a couple jumps off the crazy cycle and reflects), and the rewarded cycle (the reward for cracking the male/female communication code). Overall, this experience was highly beneficial for all who seek to learn about God’s elaborate design for marriage.