A Letter to the Juniors

Class of 2011, there is no one who can tell you what to expect in Mexico. There are few who can put into worthy words what happened to them, let alone prepare you for the adventures you will find in the streets of Mérida, the huts of Tabi and Hocaba, and in the homes of a people you cannot hope to imagine. Mexico has changed the lives of three graduating classes already—expect only that you will continue the tradition.

There is a long history between Calvary Merida and Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, but no one trip is the same. I cannot tell you what to expect because I really don’t know. God is creative, and He will find a place in His plan for your class. We cannot fit God into our plan as well as He can fit us into His, so let flexibility and spontaneity rule. For a week, you could be an actor, a singer, a basketball player, a painter, but it’s guaranteed that whoever you were when you left, you won’t be any more. The God that is crucified, risen, and living in His followers is not status quo. Neither is His Body.

Ultimately, it’s simple: you cannot prepare your mind. There are names, faces, and places that will be revealed to you, every detail adding another color to the mental picture of Mexico you won’t be able to forget. But you can prepare your heart.

How can anyone understand a legacy they have not yet inherited? The richness, the fullness of a gift still to be received? There is nothing I can tell you but this: be ready, but even that won’t be enough. No one can truly “be ready” for the unknown, and I promise, you will be thrown wildly off course.

You are going to see a different country, culture, and people. You are going to speak another language, eat different foods, do things you never thought you could, but none of it changes the God who sent you. Nothing else will make sense but Him. You will be forced to leave every barrier behind, any comfortable limit, and it will feel as natural as breathing.

In a world you cannot recognize, the God you thought you fully understood is going to show you how little you understood even about yourself. Did you know that you can pet an alligator? Did you know that you can hold a conversation in awkward Spanglish and still get your message across? Did you know that you can fall in love with a family it took you seventeen years and a missions trip to find? Did you know that the God you serve has no borders, no boundaries? Guess what? Neither do you.

So be ready.

A Heroic Prophecy for Next Year

The day will come when students at CCA will embrace academic excellence with passion out of a sense of calling from God,” says Dean of Administration, Dr. Tony Bryan, and despite his lack of sandals and Judaic robes noted among prophets of old, Dr. Bryan has good reason to predict such a day. With a combination of new curriculum, courses, and zeal, Dr. Bryan stepped into his role at CCA this past year seamlessly, and feels that next year is looking to be brighter than any before.

 

Like all change, Bryan’s vision for the high school involves both personal aspirations and detailed technicalities. Class scheduling will be in the forefront. With a total of eight periods, the schedule will begin with a ten-minute homeroom determined by grade level each day, followed by six periods that will “snake” in order throughout the week. Each block will be 55 minutes, including the Small Group block every Tuesday before lunch and Chapel every Friday. There will also be a single lunch that will include all high school grade levels and all students for 50 minutes of decadent reprieve.

 

Perhaps the most notable change, though, does not include blocks and scheduling, but a more subtle, lasting change in thinking. “I’d like to see us change from seeing academic progress as a chore. In the same way a student would be proud of a painting he did, so should he be proud of his grades,” says Dr. Bryan. The excellence of the school in select varsity programs and the fine arts department can be equally evident in its academia, but no change in scheduling or staff can achieve that alone.

 

“Everybody needs to have something to be shooting for; everybody needs a hero,” and in that respect, says Bryan, “we have to recover heroes of the Christian faith. Men like Isaac Newton and George Washington Carver.” Dr. Bryan is working to ignite the passion of students to excel and  achieve the calling from God to “be transformed by the renewing of the mind,” (Romans 12:2).

 

Night of Worship

Never have the musical talents at CCA been more evident as they were on May 21st. That Thursday night, the instrumental melodies of the band combined with the superior vocals of the choir to produce an unprecedented performance in a single, night of worship concert called Songs of Faith.

 

“Their melodies and rhyme are at once engaging and inviting in their simplicity. Yet the gospel message of conviction, faith, redemption, hope, comfort, strength, and encouragement, freely given in Christ through His limitless love and sacrifice, are expertly woven throughout each piece, making each one deeply moving and profound,” writes Mr. Jim Mullen, Band Director, in the spring recital’s program.

 

All fifteen pieces captured the ears and hearts of the audience. From the introduction, followed by “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus,” featuring solos by Mikele Sammaritano on the Alto Saxophone and Chris Bellaflores on the flute, there was no doubt of a captivating performance.  Adding to the evening’s highlights were the notable piece by senior, Jessica Thomas, in “My Help” based on Psalm 121, which concluded her high school performing experience.  Freshmen Johnny Jones so astounded the auditorium of listeners with his voice, that Academic Dean, Dr. Bryan, asked Jones to repeat his rendition of “Great is Thy Faithfulness” the next day at the high school chapel alongside Mrs. Monica Colon, Choral Director, on the keyboard.

 

Life is often very difficult, and God many times seems to be silent among the deafening difficulties of life. “Then God sends us just the right song at the precise moment needed to encourage us in our walk, teach us about His ways, and touch our hearts at a deep and profound level,” explains Colon. That is the God that is so true, perfect, and involved. Right down to a night of worship.

 

Junior Class Trip Raises Good Leaders

The triangle is the most stable geometric shape, the Holy Trinity is a three-part Godhead, and Jesus rose on the third day—there is something about the number three that holds such a spectacular quality, and time and time again, where there are three, there is something unbelievable left in wake. It took three others, besides me, to plan a trip that would not only fill the calendar void of the postponed Mexico trip, but would serve as a springboard spiritually and emotionally into the missions field and prepare the individual as an evangelist, and more so, a leader.

         

April 28^th, it was officially announced that the Mexico missions trip had been pushed back to next fall. What wasn’t announced was that Kristi Weise had begun to work an hour before that meeting to plan an alternative, and I was her sidekick. Two hours later, there were four of us: Kristi, Alex Garcia, Carlos Rivera, and me.

 

Why though? Perhaps it was because our class needed a trip to lead us into summer, or we wanted one more chance to say good-bye to all those leaving next year. Yet undoubtedly, it was more. “Through this trip, we hope to ‘light a fire’ in the hearts of our classmates that will give them a passion and desire to serve and follow our God wholeheartedly,” says Kristi.

 

As Carlos said, the three day camping trip in Westgate River Ranch “will be a great means for the students to prepare spiritually for missions trips,” and with a Patmos-infused itinerary, the challenge of the woods will break and rebuild each student on a personal level. The trip will take place June 3^rd-5^th immediately after the first exam block.

 

Three weeks later, here we are. After fasting and prayer, meetings and revisions, God used three days to raise up four people, three weeks to ready a class, and will use another three days to renew lives.

He Said, She Said… PROMptly Asking Your Cinderella

He Said…
Perhaps the worst time for the chivalry-is-dead philosophy is prom asking season. As high school boys try their best to adopt the gentile image of the classy date, boys become men with a single word: yes. Unfortunately for most “cooty”-crazed juniors and seniors, no Romeo or Prince Charming used text to sweep their maidens away, and neither can any modern prince-hopeful.

First of all, guys and girls don’t think alike. Sorry, but I have no insight into the labyrinth of the female mind—that’s for the “She-said” half of this column. What I do realize is that what guys view as practical, including asking through friends, girls view as wimpy. So whether it really is the fear of losing dignity with a rejection or the incapability to comprehend that girls don’t see a voicemail as a convenient way to ask, there are a few ways to avoid an embarrassing dismissal, and it begins long before the walk of shame back to watching friends.

Number one: pick carefully. As weird as that sounds, it’s important to try and pick someone that small talk will prevail over awkward silences for the majority of the night. Which means if conversation hasn’t breached the “hey, do you have paper?” level, either there needs to be a lot of catch up, or it may be time to think realistically, even if that means letting go of day dreams.

Number two: ask her friend first. Every girl has a list, written or not, and all her friends know who’s on it. Trust me, if there is hope of one, this is where a very honest answer comes from, and it’s better to cut the losses at this stage than to take a major blow when it’s time to put it all on the table. If she says that there is a chance, then that is a green light to use whatever creative license sent from God to make the asking experience a good one. Of course, some girls are too nice to crush the dreams of a nice guy and are willing to let an unsuspecting romantic walk into the cruel clutch of reality. Which brings us to…

Number three: take a hint. There are some horrible stories of poor guys falling on their faces because they couldn’t read into the uncomfortable sentences and unusual facial expressions. From planted conversations to weird hand gestures, these precious warnings have too often fallen on deaf ears. But it also works from the other side. If a girl keeps coming up in conversations with an abnormal emphasis, it means something. If the question “so who are you taking to prom?” won’t go away, there is usually a certain name that is supposed to follow. Realize that these breadcrumbs are the pathway to a happy prom, so follow them before they disappear.

These are the preliminary preparations that can either make or break the asking phenomenon, and they should be well heeded. May no man fall victim to a needless rejection, nor be dwarfed from the smooth prince he is because he picked up the wrong Cinderella. This is where it begins.

 

She Said…
She sees him slowly approach her out of the corner of her eye and turns to avoid his steady gaze. She strikes up another conversation with her friend who’s standing next to her but she doesn’t seem to notice. Her heart beats faster and faster as she realizes a pathetic, wilted rose is dangling from his hand.

“Uh, Uh…Hey, Jane,” stammers John.

It was so sad, so…desperate. How could she say “no” now?

 

Many girls find themselves in Jane’s shoes with the countdown to prom now at only two weeks away. So what happens next? Jane could say “yes” and compromise her expectations for the night of her dreams, or say “no,” leaving John heartbroken, and her “dateless.” So just what should a girl do when she would like nothing more than to say “no” but is afraid of hurting a guy’s feelings? Here are some quick and easy steps to remember when it comes to making prom preparations for you and your possible date.

 

Rule number one: learn how to say “no” kindly and truthfully. No guy would want to go to prom with a girl who is merely giving him sympathy and who sees it as a “pity date.” Believe it or not, he would definitely rather go solo. When giving your reply, ladies, be sure to include a thoughtful “thank you” for flattering you with his invitation, but also give a reason for your decline. But be honest. Maybe you are planning on going with a group of friends, or are waiting for someone else to ask you…the guy will totally understand. Lame excuses just won’t cut it and can even leave the guy feeling even more rejected than if you had given him a cordial reply.

 

Now for those brave, outgoing girls who have adamantly decided to take the initiative themselves to ask a guy, wait just a moment and give some consideration to this action. How will your dream date take this bold step of yours? If you want to guarantee that he won’t be scared off, just let him be the guy and allow him to do the asking. That’s right…don’t ask the guys—rule number two. You wouldn’t want him to feel weak after your overpowering proposal. You can be sure that he’s already intimidated by you and is having to work up the guts just to ask you to prom. Be easy on him; don’t switch roles and drop an even more unsuspecting bomb on him.

 

Lastly, rule number three, make the plans and preparations for the big night, crystal clear and in advance. You don’t want to reach May 21st and find yourself wondering if your date has purchased your ticket yet. Don’t be afraid to talk to your date ahead of time to decide on transportation, who’s paying for what, and the color tie he needs to wear to match your dress. This simple step, very often forgotten, can allow for a much more peaceful and stress-free evening.

 

Prom 2009 is meant to be a special, and uncomplicated memory. . . whether you decide to go with friends, or are asked out by the guy of your dreams. Just stick with your gut feeling and don’t do anyone any favors.  

 

 

 

 

 

College Board: On The Subject of Subject Tests

Competition for college admission is heating up, and students are scrambling for ways to get the upper hand on the floods of applicants. But how? The SAT is a measure of overall logic, and the ACT is a general test of—everything! For all linguist geniuses and history buffs, there isn’t much of a chance to demonstrate their strength in the areas they want to pursue, besides the SAT Subject Tests.

   

The Subject Tests include various exams that evaluate a student’s prowess in a number of areas. From Hebrew to Biology, the wide variety of tests enables the student to pick and choose based on interest and strength.  The comprehensive list of the seventeen (not including foreign language with listening) possibilities that are included in the SAT II can be found at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATII.html.

 

But these tests do not simply put a nice shine on transcripts.

    

Many colleges range in opinion regarding the Subject Tests; Ivy Leagues require a minimum of two, and other top colleges around the nation place a heavy consideration on scores, if it’s not mandatory. Research a potential school and find out where that university stands on the SAT II in comparison to the ACT. Some colleges find them interchangeable, yet other admission offices ask specifically for the Subject Tests, if they do not already designate particular Tests based on major choice and other factors.

    

It is recommended to take the Subject Tests late Junior year or early Senior year to be on schedule for the application calendars for the five or so chosen colleges left on the list of potential schools, which should be developed at this time during the college search.

    

The SAT II has many benefits, but it’s important to balance out the remaining time before making a final decision based on requirements and building a solid resume. If it takes a Subject Test or two, then it’s best to be prepared.

College Board: Taking the Lead

College-educated people have changed the world. Generals have won wars, politicians have established global committees such as NATO and the United Nations, and philosophers have redefined thought as a whole. Teachers have raised a future generation, pastors have touched lives, and even peers have established a strong base for the future. Leadership seems more of a life skill than a college major, but there are several different areas of interest for those looking to lead.

           

Granted, all professions maintain some potential for leadership, but the quality of that capability is generally divided into two categories: personal and universal. The simplest way to think of personal leadership is to find out who in daily life affects the way people think. Teachers, friends, parents, and youth leaders are all examples. For that intimate relationship, consider careers in theology, psychology, or education, because it is the person’s mindset and well-being that matters most.

         

On the other side of the spectrum, there are those destined to influence history in a more thematic way. Universal leaders are those fighting for the world, including doctors who head research on latest diseases to save lives from a laboratory, politicians who diplomatically point nations in the right direction, and journalists who paint the world in black and white. All ensuing majors are great options for these people itching to do their part in the big picture.

         

The possibilities for leadership are endless, and limiting such a vast subject into a classroom or major is utterly impossible, but that does not mean that ambition and compassion are in vain. The best part about an unclear path is that it’s okay to blaze your own trail—as leaders, what is more fitting?

SAT Breakdown

Hundreds of students cram into hard desks in a small, hot room. People are just as likely to sweat out of fear as out of perspiration, and there is a constant tapping pencil off in the distance. Nerves run high, and paranoia even higher. Every year, over two-million (2,000,000) students take the SAT, hoping for a decent score for their transcripts. Is it scary? Sometimes. Exhausting? Yeah, it’s a long one. But is it necessary? In every sense of the word.

 

The SAT is designed to evaluate a student’s scholastic ability based off of logic and basic reasoning skills, and is highly trusted by respectable colleges and universities within the nation. So, it’s very difficult to get into a top tier school without a shining SAT score. But what does that mean?

 

Not too long ago, the SAT was broken into two parts: Critical Reading and Mathematics. Both were worth 800 points, totaling to a perfect score of 1600. Recently, however, a new Writing section was added, valuing another 800 points, so the new scores are calculated out of 2400.

 

Many times, counselors suggest taking the SAT twice or even three times, and for juniors, one just past but the next SAT registration is May 5^th for the June 6^th SAT, so mark your calendars.

 

There is a lot of pressure to do well, but there are also several sources for preparation available. CollegeBoard.com will not only register you, but will make available practice tools such as daily questions and an updated calendar of your targeted schools and other dates. Go on, take a few minutes now and log on!

Impact: Not Just a Driving Force…A Class!

As the Chapel continues, hundreds of hands lift up in praise. Among them are fourteen people, unseen, unnoticed, and indistinguishable, but nonetheless, they are there. Memories of this Chapel’s beginning flash inside their minds, going back long before that hectic morning and the worship. What they see so clearly is a drawing board, and that is where this started. Their idea was coming to life, and the hours put into it seem so trivial now. They made all of this possible, but who are they? They call themselves the Impact Class.

No one person, or voice, is the same, and if anyone is to understand that completely, it would be Impact, but never has diversity worked so well. Senior Chris Day says, “When we say, ‘assess the needs (of the school),’ all of us in here are different,” and that includes the struggles, difficulties and problems CCA students face. Each student represents a different personality, carries distinct opinions, and has a unique voice that speaks out for their friends and classmates, and through this understanding, they have been able to create chapels that reach out and touch lives. Like the colors of the rainbow, they are diverse and individual, but their love for Christ binds them together, letting them lead as a solid white stream of light.

“Impact is my favorite form of leadership,” says Nick Seagraves, and year after year, that is what Impact has become: student leadership. Administration has handed the reigns to Chapels over to the student body through Impact, and the results are evident in the testimonies of changed lives. Whether it be one week or three months of planning for a single Friday, God is using the Impact class as His instrument to spiritually transform hearts. So what is the next step for Impact? On this, their answer was clear: “You’ll have to wait and see!”

 

 

 

 

Heart of Worship

On Friday mornings, the sound of a hundred voices echoes from within the theater. Fingers dance gracefully on guitar strings, and tears can be seen glistening on people’s cheeks.

           

“Cause you’re the name above all names! Worthy of all praise! My heart will sing how great is our God!”

 

Chapels are known as a time of reflection, and there is only one way to begin: pure, unrestrained worship. Before every Chapel message, the worship team, led by Drew Eales, gives the high school students that chance. To them, worship is a time of unity to come before the Lord, and according to electric guitarist Carlos Rivera, “It is our job, as a worship team, to be leaders to that end, and we will see it through.”

 

And they will continue to worship with transparency. “I am successful as a worship leader not when I sing a good song, or hit a good note, but when people forget I am there,” says singer Shannon Anderson. “God does not see the microphones, He does not hear our voices, but He sees our hearts.”

 

The worship team has truly brought the student body back to the heart of worship, not by being center stage, but by simply disappearing and letting the rising song of the student body lift from their souls, away from the stress and pain of this world. The students do not forget their troubles, but offer them up to the One who moves with their voices and sees their hearts.

 

Sit or stand, sing or pray, do whatever, but it is undeniable that Chapel has become what leader Drew Eales intended: a place “where they (the students) would be able to forget about themselves and their busy lives, and just focus and put their eyes on Christ.

Next Page »