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/2011/01/07/history-fair/ http://www.theccamessenger.org/news/2011/01/07/history-fair/#comments Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:42:00 +0000 maritzacg http://www.theccamessenger.org/?p=2394 Laborious weekends. Long nights. Typing. Writing. Information. Outlines. Process papers.  Websites. Tri-boards. Bibliographies. Need to say more? These are all words that describe this year’s effort being put into the 2010 History Fair.

The History Fair is a national competition, held on December 6, that judges the amount of effort and research put into the project. Either an exhibit, documentary, website, or performance can be judged. You can either do it with a group or individually. In a group, you can split the work evenly, or you can do it by yourself in the individual category.

Why do you even have to participate in the fair? The importance of the fair is one word. RESEARCH. Would you rather do a long boring research paper, or a more interesting exhibit or website? Many CCA students will agree that exhibit or websites are better. And the best part is, well at least for the teachers, that you learn just as much research skills, as you would have learned with the research paper. “ This teaches the students how to research at a very sophisticated level, but makes it fun because it is real topics that actually happened once before,”  said Mrs. Sandy Perrin, the department head of history for high school.

Still, you might be wondering: “Is there any other reason we do this History Fair?”  Prizes. They give away 1000’s of dollars as cash prizes toward college. At CCA, there is one student from middle school and one from high school that gets to go to the county competition. Even though history may not be your favorite subject, you can make it come alive. In the end, you will learn a lot about it, and who knows? If you put your heart into it, you might just win!

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by their nation,”

This statement was the heart behind CCA’s first real celebration of Veteran’s Day. This year, our secondary school truly honored our nation’s veterans for the great sacrifices they have made for us. Our Secondary Principle, Mr. Lofthouse, felt that CCA needed to start doing something special for our veterans. He said, “This is really a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Just as God commanded the Israelites to do things to remember special victories, we need to continue to have special events to teach our students and help them remember the past.”

Mrs. Sandy Perrin, head of the History Department, along with Mr. Lofthouse, Miss Laura Torres, Florencia Yalale, Drew Anderson, and the entire History department, helped put together this Veteran’s Day event. Anderson created a website where students and faculty could submit a bio of family members that were in any war. This information was then posted on a wall in the hallway outside the reception area, which was called the “Wall of Heroes.” The wall was built to honor specific veterans whether living or dead. In an effort to further honor those who fought, CCA had a special broadcast over the intercom on the morning of Veteran’s Day. These announcements featured students who had memorized the Declaration of Independence and had the opportunity to recite it to the whole school over the intercom. The special broadcast also allowed us to take a moment of silence to remember those who fought and died for our country.

Throughout the day, patriotic music was played in between classes and flags were brandished down the hallways by select students. Secondary school also got to wear patriotic T-shirts and eat free cupcakes at lunch.

This year, CCA did a fantastic job of truly honoring those who give so much to America. “I personally thought it was so cool because I got to go back and dig out a picture of my dad who was a glider

pilot in WWII,” said Mrs. Perrin. “And I got this cool picture, which I mounted of him when he was about 20 years old and it was just so exciting to me to be able to actually write him a bio and honor him…It really does mean a lot when you know somebody personally who has fought. Sometimes we take for granted what we have here in this country. They give so much and this generation doesn’t realize what it means to know war.”

It’s exciting to see how passionate people at CCA are about honoring those who sacrifice so much. Mrs. Perrin has already begun looking ahead to next year’s Veteran’s Day. She says that she plans on inviting some of the veterans to visit CCA and to have students write letters to send to veteran’s homes and hospitals. This year’s celebration has prayerfully started a tradition that CCA will continue for many years to come.

Four years ago a group of college-aged students started a ministry to reach out to the homeless in Broward County.  Then this outreach was brought to the youth ministry as Love Bags about fifteen months ago.  Love Bags is “equipping youths who want to learn about God’s heart for the poor, to take good news and supplies in a zip-lock bag to the outcast in our own backyard,” explains Christabel Chuah.

Each time we see a homeless person along the streets we can judge them, look the other way, have momentary compassion, or do something.  Because a group of youths decided to do the latter, God has been doing an incredible work.  Christabel observes that “over the last three years, we have seen homeless folks restored to God; giving up their drinking or drugging habits, going back to school for re-education, finishing their GEDs, finding work, getting into apartments, being reconciled with families in other States… Of course, sharing the gospel is the only way we have seen restore joy, hope, purpose, and direction of these men and women.”

Last year in January a friend invited me for the first time to take part in Love Bags.  I was apprehensive in the beginning, but God really opened my eyes and changed my perspective through it.   My challenge to you is to come out on a Saturday morning to the Hub around 9:30.  See for yourself what God is doing with the homeless in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. “Do not be intimidated by them,” encourages Christabel, “they want friends just like we do.  They want us to be real with them and real to them.  In fact, after being their friends over the last three years, I know they want us to correct and speak truth to them in love.  Especially, if you want to share Christ but don’t know how, come and learn.  The Holy Spirit will teach you how if you are available.”  You will be able to live out your faith and grow in it at the same time.  I know I have.

Trust. Trust your peers, trust those who love you, trust your authority, and most importantly, trust God. That was the message our 9th grade class received  on April 19-21, as we spent three days bonding together during the Freshman Class Retreat at the  Gold Coast Christian Camp in Lake Worth, Florida.

The first day started looking somewhat dreary, due to rain and dark clouds. But as an answer to prayer, the sky cleared up and we were able to begin our activities, which included a forty-foot rock climb.  The intention behind it was to teach us to trust our peers, who held the ropes beneath us in case we were to fall. All the rest of the activiites and teachings promoted this central theme. Pastor Topher Harrison’s teachings were excellent, and always tied the main theme of trust in such a unique and unexpected way. We also experienced small groups, which helped us open up to our peers, and of course, trust in them as we shared our hearts. Different questions were asked in our small groups, and while some groups shared their testimonies, others used that special time to get to know each other better.

Free time was available, in which we were able to socialize as peers. The basketball courts were almost always occupied, the game room often filled, and laughter surrounded the campus wherever we went.  On Tuesday night, a Calvary tradition took place and changed many hearts, as we participated in the Light of the World activity.

As we all piled into a small room, a candle was lit in the middle. Pastor Topher explained that this was a serious time set aside to give us the opportunity to share with our classmates how they have been lights to us. Many tears were shed, unexpected apologies were exchanged, and as a result we became closer as a class. Looking back, it’s safe to say that fears were conquered on this retreat, and trust became more than just something you hear or read about. During those three days, God had His hand over each of us, molding us for the years ahead.

10TH GRADE RETREAT

I never really thought how this class retreat trip would impact our lives. I’d heard from others who had gone before me that it was all about relationships, but other than that, I really didn’t have too many details.

As we arrived at the Holiday Inn in Delray Beach, we immediately split into teams and went to the beach behind the Holiday Inn. Everyone participated in team activities, and each taught us to draw closer to each other. My team consisted of people I hardly knew, so for me, being able to trust them and work together with them was a hard thing to do.

If I thought the first day was intense, the second day had me gasping for air–this was team building boot camp! There was one course that had you up in the air and the only thing between you and the ground was a rope held by a person who had suddenly become your lifeline. I knew this person was there to catch me if I fell, but as I  began to climb up all my fears materialized before me like a large brick wall. There was no way penetrating it, and I didn’t want to! I began to climb down, but my new friend down below would not let me, not until l I completed the course. And I did! I faced my fears, but I didn’t do it alone. I knew right then and there that that’s how I had to face my life. Fearless, but trusting that God will be there to catch me if I fell. After conquering those fears, we tackled the next phase: DATING.  The guys were dressed in their best attire and presented the girls with gifts. Throughout the night, they treated us with absolute respect, and I know I’m not the only girl who was impressed by their gentlemen’s courtesy.

After a delicious dinner, Pastor Doug Sauder  gave a message that taught us how to honor each other.  This exercise proved to be quite insightful,  as we got to tell other people how we saw them and the things that we admired most in them. The exchange ended in prayer, and to top off the night, we got to wash each other’s feet, just like Jesus did for His disciples. Although the experience was odd at first, it helped to open our eyes to how much Jesus cared for His disciples. He taught us an invaluable lesson then, and that’s how  we should care for each other now.

On our last day of our trip, we learned the most important lesson of all: how to reconcile, whether it was with family, dating relationships or friends. I wrote a letter to a person whom I’d held a grudge against since last year. After I wrote the letter I felt a sense of freedom, the kind I’d never really thought you could feel when you forgive somebody.  What was so amazing is that the person gladly accepted my apology!

“When you sow a thought, you reap an action” explained Director of Discipleship, Aaron Mills. “ When you sow an action, you reap a character. When you sow a character, you reap a habit. When you sow a habit, you reap a destiny.”

This retreat taught me many things, but more than anything it taught me that I want my actions and thoughts to be of God , and not of Satan. One day when I go  to heaven, I want to be remembered as God’s child–someone who showed that clearly in the way I loved others and in the choices I made in my life.

]]> http://www.theccamessenger.org/top-stories/2010/05/03/9th-10th-grade-retreats/feed/ 0 http://www.theccamessenger.org/news/2010/03/18/inside-a-colleges-p-o-v-of-you/ http://www.theccamessenger.org/news/2010/03/18/inside-a-colleges-p-o-v-of-you/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:53:37 +0000 maritzacg http://www.theccamessenger.org/?p=2017 As high school progresses and time moves forward, college automatically shifts into the lives of many students. Most of the time, junior year is when the long going process of preparing and applying for college begins. One of the main questions is usually focused around, “what do I do?” Most students do seek to go to college and strive in school in order to achieve their goals, but how do you start the process?

For students in grades 9 through 11, it is vital to build up your resume and make yourself stand out in preparation for college. Definitely focus on academics, as they are the main area a college looks at. GPA, SAT, and ACT are vital to a student’s position. However, colleges also look at the other side of a student… “We also take into account the student’s personality and the activities they participate in outside of school,” remarked a representative from Palm Beach Atlantic during the College Fair that took place at CCA on March 4, for the sole purpose of introducing college options to students. So, good grades and test scores combined with clubs, volunteering, leadership, and work experience can create a phenomenal resume, and definitely make a student “stand out.”

Now, how do students approach the matter of improving themselves? Work hard! Take SAT classes to improve your score and also keep in mind the mark you need to hit for your school of choice, as collegeboard.com offers every college’s requirements for SAT and ACT scores. Maintain a high GPA and try to take honors and AP classes to boost it. Lastly, always be involved with activities outside of school. Be organized and remember that everything you do is making yourself appear better in the eyes of a college!

Their motto is, “Why not use Super Bowl weekend, a time when people come together for football and fun, to also unify the nation for a higher good: collecting dollars and canned food for the needy?”

For the past two years, CCA has been involved in the Souper Bowl of Caring, and this year, from January 17 to February 5, most of our teachers and over 100 students participated in donating and serving. We held the Souper Bowl of Caring Cook-off, where CCA teachers and staff made their best homemade soup to be voted on a tasting contest by CCA students. Mrs. Hendry won the contest, and was a given a golden trophy. Out of all donations by CCA students and staff, we raised hundreds of dollars and 625 can goods. Being a great success, the CCA community is proud to be a part of such a great movement, and will continue every year.

Yes, Miss Allison Stapleton may be CCA’s newest guidance counselor but it seems that she’s been here for years. Her ready smile is hard to miss and her friendly personality is already scoring high points with both students and parents alike that have been coming to her with a myriad of issues: from counseling issues to hard schedule conflicts, and college applications and planning, to name a few.

“I come to you from the other side of Florida,” she joked with the staff earlier in the school year, when she was first introduced at a staff meeting. By the “other side,” she means central Florida, where she worked as a college recruiter. Although Lakeland does seem like a faraway land, she says her job was and still is helping students find the right college, or with any other counseling needs.  At the time, she was a recruiter for Southeastern University, and although she enjoyed her job, she says the one thing it lacked was completion. “I never got to see how they (students) were doing after that first initial contact,” she explained.

As a college recruiter, she often wondered what it would be like to work for a high school. When that thought entered her head, only two Christian schools came to mind, and Calvary Christian Academy was one of them. “It was my college headmaster, Dr. Tony Bryan, who encouraged me to apply to CCA,” said Stapleton, who prayed about it hard and saw God tugging on her heart to work here. The next thing she knew, she was on her way down to the sunnier side of Florida—Fort Lauderdale.

Already she loves the CCA students and staff, and the sense of community. “Right away I sensed something different about the school,” she said. “What I like most about working here is the freedom to talk about God in the workplace. I plan to work here until God tugs on my heart and leads me elsewhere.”

Under the direction of High School History Teacher, Sandy Perrin, the girls work to babysit CCA staff ranging in grades from Pre-k through 5^th. Hannah Carignan, a sophomore at CCA and member of the babysitting club comments, “Well God is showing me that in serving others and blessing them it brings such a great joy to my heart in knowing that I blessed them with my actions.”

The club’s first official service opportunity was the ‘Drop and Wrap,’ a great success in which the staff was quite blessed. Half of the girls volunteered to wrap presents for staff members while the rest volunteered to babysit the children. The girls play with the children, sing songs, make crafts, read books, watch movies, have a snack time, and do other various activities.

If you are a high school girl and you are interested in serving in this ministry, and being a part of this club, pray about it and see if this is something God would want you to be involved in. If you have any questions, contact Hannah Carignan at hcarignan@ccaeagles.org or Mrs. Sandy Perrin at sandyp@ccaeagles.org.