Photo by MAC

Living in tents. Every week a new country. Never enough sleep or clean clothes to wear.  All these things and more
senior, Jodi Stoligrosz experienced on her six-week mission trip through
Europe this summer.

At first grance, you could say that Jodi is an ordinary student at CCA. Like most of her peers, she’s active in school activities, mainly as a member of F.I.G.H.T. and Drama clubs.  Passionate about theatre, she’s been involved in almost every single CCA threatrical presentation. So it’s no surprise that she likes to  use her passion to reach the world.

During this summer ‘s European travels, Jodi  visited many different countries. But this wasn’t just any ordinary trip. It was a missions trip, one that included a new set of rules and responsibilities, along with a new team.

To hear her tell it, Jodi was clearly out of her element. And yet, she was determined to serve the Lord.

“Jodi has surrendered her life to the Lord, and in turn, He has done incredible things,” said Mrs. Allison Stapleton, secondary guidance counselor and Jodi’s small group leader. “I am excited to see what our Lord has in store for Jodi’s future.”

Her future is not set in stone, but as we met up with her and talked about what the Lord has done in her life, we got a glimpse of Jodi. The girl. The friend. The missionary and soldier for Christ, who simply said “Yes, Lord, here I am, SEND ME!”

A.A:  Where did you go in Europe?
J.S: France, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Slovenia, etc.

A.A:  What calls you to go on mission trips?
J.S: I have always had a heart for missions and instead of just being educated about the Gospel, I want to live it.

A.A: How did you prepare for it?
J.S: I had to work a lot to raise all the money necessary to go, but it also took a lot of time to prepare with all the right tools for this trip. It was amazing to see the amount of support I received both spiritually and physically.

A.A: What did you like about it?
J.S: I loved every moment of it pretty much. I mean, sure there were days you were tired of a rainy damp tent but at the same time we got to experience the cultures from an organic perspective.

A.A: How were the language and culture barriers?
J.S: We never had a language barrier, really. Almost everyone in Europe speaks English and it’s a required language.

A.A: Any trials or obstacles before, during, or after the trip?
J.S: Our biggest obstacle was the police. We did street evangelism and they tend to not like 46 teenagers in their city squares trying to speak about Jesus. They’re pretty closed off to displays of religious beliefs in certain areas.

A.A: What was your favorite part of this trip?
J.S: I have so many amazing parts of this trip. But the people on my team were amazing and I love them to pieces. I think I wouldn’t have had such an amazing experience if it weren’t for those people I encountered.

A.A: What was the biggest lesson God taught you?
J.S:  I learned to surrender every part of me, even the things I want to control. I learned to give it all to Him.

A.A: Who was in your team?
J.S: I went with Royal Servants Missions Group. It’s an amazing organization.

A.A: What was your family’s response when you told them you wanted to go?
J.S: My family has been supporting me in missions since 7th grade, so I know they always have my back.

A.A: How did you hear about this trip?
J.S: I researched it on the Internet.

A.A: Are you planning any other mission’s trips for the future?
J.S: I have a whole list, in my head, of places I want to go next. Now, if I get there is another thing, because my next destination is wherever God wants me.

A.A: Are you called to be a full-time missionary?
J.S: Yes, I will be majoring in intercultural studies and missions for college to learn how to live in certain cultures and do missions work there. But, I’ve been involved in theatre my whole life and it’s a part of me so I am also minoring in theatre and going to use it as an effective way of doing ministry.

A.A: Any advice for anyone desiring to go on the mission field, internationally or locally?
J.S: Yes, so many times people go on missions trip to experience a culture. If you want to do that, go on a vacation but don’t go on a missions trip. Make sure your focus is on God; and if it is, it will be truly life-changing. Get involved in international missions at a young age, it helps develop you as a Christian. Also never worry about how you’re going to raise support. Obviously you have to work hard for it and talk to several people about sponsoring you but God will always provide if your heart is in the right place.

Her AP Calculus teacher, Mr. Henry, is extremely pleased with her decision. “This is like a dream come true for me. God has clearly blessed her with a love for Him, a heart to learn math excellently, and a compassion for people. I wish she didn’t have to graduate . . . I will miss her, but am confident that she will shine brightly for our Father for many years to come.”

Not only has Alex been an exemplary student, but she has been involved in several Fine Arts productions, Varsity Volleyball, Track and Field, and is now currently working at Chick-Fil-A.

From sports to creative arts, Chris Day is the complete package and a well-rounded addition to the community. A senior at CCA, Chris is one of the few who has attended Calvary since its doors were first opened in 2000. Thirteen years of hockey, four years of soccer, and a newly acquired interest in tennis have defined Chris athletically, but he has also had his share of experience instrumentally. He plays the guitar and bass for the worship band at Calvary Chapel’s high school youth group, Liquid.

One of Chris’ most notable qualities however, is his ‘git-er-done’ attitude. His love for art led to the beginning of his own clothing line. Oneword! Apparel, resulted from Chris’ well-known nickname, the line began in mid-2008 with a few cans of spray paint and some friends just for fun, but the artist in Chris came out when he took it a step further and began printing out of his garage. Though artistically talented, Chris does not desire to pursue art in his future. “It will always be a hobby to me. I don’t want it to be my job because then it wouldn’t be fun anymore.”

Unsure of what the future holds, Chris will be graduating high school in May and is deciding between attending Florida Atlantic University and the University of Central Florida. “If I get into UCF I’m going to go there to play hockey,” after having been offered a scholarship. He plans on majoring in Business or Entrepreneurship, and will hopefully start a business. “I don’t have one genre,” says Chris, and his variety of talents and his easy-going personality allow him to befriend mostly anyone. Jon Flake, one of Chris’ closest friends, says, “We eat Big Al’s Philly cheese steaks and ride our bikes to Steak n Shake at 2am. He‘s easy to hang out with and has good character.” Jon, along with many others, will attest to the fact that Chris’ personality is contagious, and his love for Christ is evident in all he does.

“Then I will go to the alter of God, To God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God” (Psalm 43:4). For CCA Senior Ian Denson, music is more than just notes and rhythms: it is a way of connecting to God. When Ian was only two years of age, God called him to be a worship leader, and after his family consulted CCFL Worship Director Pastor Clay regarding when tobegin, the young pianist started taking lessons at the age of six. For the past twelve years, Ian has applied intense dedication and commitment to his calling. “[Piano] is a way for me to pour out my emotions, relax when I’m stressed, or take my mind off of ailments when I’m sick,” Ian explains. “Also, because I’m a perfectionist at heart, it is sometimes difficult for me to worship in a group. When I play piano privately, I can really spend time with God.”

Ian recently won 2^nd place in the National Steinway Society Scholarship Competition and will therefore receive a $750/Full Scholarship to Florida Gulf Coast University, where he plans to major in Piano Performance. He also received Superior ratings in the “Children in Arts” Pompano Competition, as well as the FSMTA Piano Festival in both the Solo and Hymns categories. Furthermore, he achieved High Honors for earning 100% on all tests in the Student Day Piano Theory Evaluations. These competitions demanded constant dedication, and Ian practiced two to four hours daily, working on scales, pieces, and “troublesome” measures. “Piano has taught me that life is never easy,” Ian states. “There have been plenty of times in my study where I have seriously considered quitting…Often times it is difficult for me to sit down and focus on homework or classical music when all I want to do is play recreational music or do anything but homework. However, with competitions, tests, and examinations always around the corner, I have always had to remain focused on the task at hand. Even if I sometimes lose track, I will always find it sooner or later.”

Ian offers some advice to musicians out there: “I am good friends with many who are more skilled than me at the piano, and I don’t have a problem with that. I am doing what God wants me to do and I am content with that,” says Ian. “To those who WANT, really want, to learn an instrument, just try to fall in love with the gift God has given you. If you don’t practice, rehearsals, and performances are going to seem like a chore more than an enjoyment. And don’t expect to be the best. There will always be someone better than you. Just stick with it.” Ian’s goal is to worship and exalt God through music, and this is truly the key to his success.

Every year, the overwhelming need for scholarships floods the minds of high school seniors determined to attend the college of their choice. This, however, is no easy feat. It is always a blessing when scholarship opportunities come your way. Meagan Tabb was nominated by Christine Mitchell, Spanish teacher, for the Miami Herald Silver Knight Award for Foreign Language. This award “recognize(s) outstanding students who have not only maintained good grades but have also unselfishly applied their special knowledge and talents to contribute significant service to their schools and communities (Miami Herald).”

Meagan’s ability and enthusiasm to pick up the Spanish language was exceptionally noted, and last Wednesday, March 4, she, along with eight other nominees for different subjects, traveled to the Signature Grand where they were interviewed based on their knowledge of their subject, as well as their involvement in the community.

Meagan’s most practical use of the Spanish language took place last summer on the CCA junior class mission trip to Merida, Mexico.  “It was a fun, yet challenging experience to overcome the language barrier. We were able to take the skills we learned in Spanish class and use them to communicate with people.” Meagan’s opportunities in Mexico made Spanish class come to life, and increased her enthusiasm to learn the language and be able to use it in the future. She plans to become a teacher, and hopefully do some missionary work by means of teaching in Central America where she hopes to put her skills to use. This award is not only an honor, but also an encouragement for her to pursue her gift in foreign language.

Twenty or so small desks and matching chairs — all metal with rubber floor guards — stand in the middle of Mrs. Martin’s fourth-grade class.  Estefania Hernandez, a girl with long, brown hair, sits and listens to her teacher. At close range, she seems like any other kid in her class. But as you meet her, you realize this fourth grader is confident and quite mature for her age. 

Estefania loves CCA and she’s not new to its surroundings. She’s been here for four years and one of the things she likes best about our school is our teachers. “I love the way they are concerned with my relationship with the Lord,” she says. A creative type, Estefania has demonstrated a gift for singing and acting, and her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Outside of school, Estefania enjoys skating, riding her bike, playing with her neighbors, and reading. Although she is an only child, she has a big family to keep her company. In her future she would like to be a teacher or a missionary, but then again, she says that she’ll be ready to do whatever God calls her to do. “I am very blessed to have Estefania in my class,” says Mrs. Martin. “She’s an attentive listener and a conscientious student. Estefania’s love for the Lord is evident in all her actions in and outside the classroom.”

With great faith and a desire to please God, Estefania is a wonderful example to her fellow students. If you see her in the hallways, don’t miss your chance to meet her.

Not only is Katie  a leader among her classmates, but she is also a godly and spiritual role model for the entire school. She leads by example, her actions are always pointing to Christ. One of her favorite memories at CCA was the junior missions trip to Mexico. She says, “Our class trip to Mexico was definitely my most memorable experience. It was amazing to see the body of Christ—my classmates come together and meet the physical and spiritual needs of the Mayan villagers.”

Katie says, “God provided CCA as both a haven in desperate times and springboard into a new, growing relationship with Christ. God has blessed me immensely through endless opportunities to serve others, meaningful relationships, and rock-solid pastors and mentors.” On behalf of CCA, we will all miss you Katie! Your solid faith and love for Christ has been an example to all of us and we know God will use you in an amazing way wherever you go!