SCS Life | Winter 2018

WINTER 2018 Introducing the Martin Science Exploration Center P10

Class of 2018 Class of 68 received: Class of 2018 College Acceptances Abilene Christian University Queens University of Charlotte Andrews University Rhodes College 75College Acceptances to Auburn University Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Austin College Samford University colleges in 21states, Baylor University Savannah College of Art and Design Belmont University Savannah College of Art and 220 CanadaandHongKong Biola University Design - Hong Kong Burman University School of the Art Institute of Chicago Over$7.3 million California Baptist University School of Visual Arts Centre College Southern Adventist University in SCHOLARSHIPS offered Clemson University Southern Nazarene University Colorado School of Mines Southwestern University 89% of students attending a Colorado State University St. Edward's University four-year college received Dallas Baptist University Stephen F. Austin State University SCHOLARSHIPS DePaul University Tarleton State University Duke University Texas A&M University 7 1,436SCEOAUGTLSE DUAL Elon University Texas Christian University CREDIT Fordham University Texas Lutheran University hours earned Furman University Texas State University Grand Canyon University Texas Tech University 12,700 hoursofCOMMUNITY Harding University Texas Wesleyan University SERVICE DONATED Hardin-Simmons University The King's College Hollins University The University of Oklahoma Cumulative total for 4 years of high school Howard Payne University The University of Texas, Arlington Hunter College of the CUNY The University of Texas, Austin Indiana University at Bloomington The University of Texas, Dallas Liberty University Trinity University Louisiana State University University of Arkansas Loyola Marymount University University of Cincinnati Millikin University University of Dallas New York University University of Hawaii at Manoa Oklahoma Baptist University University of Kentucky Oklahoma Christian University University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Oklahoma City University University of Mississippi Oklahoma State University University of North Texas Pace University, New York City University of South Carolina Pepperdine University University of Tennessee, Knoxville Purdue University West Texas A&M University *Bolded colleges are where students are attending Acade2micallSyOEUxTcHelWleEnStT C|HRGIlSoTbIAalNlySMCHinOdOeLd| SC| SDLiisfetinctively Christian www.southwestchristian.org

ON THE COVER: 8 10 Chisholm Trail student, Audrey, experiments with coding at the Martin Science Exploration 12 14 Center. The center’s ribbon cutting took place INSIGHTS 4 16 FOLLOW ME 6 on November 28, after several months of TRANSLATING TALENTS 8 construction and extensive planning. M ARTIN SCIENCE DEDICATION 10 ACCREDITATION MATTERS 12 EXECUTIVE EDITOR SPORTS UPDATE 14 Craig Smith FINE ARTS 16 BIRD’S EYE VIEW 18 Associate Head of School ALUMNI EXPERIENCES 20 CLASS OF 2018 22 MANAGING EDITOR FINAL THOUGHTS 23 Dena Lewis Director of Marketing and Communications ART/DESIGN Tara Huffman Marketing Associate Dale Henry Design PHOTOGRAPHY Kimberlea Bass Glenn Ellman Joyce Marshall Danny Roberts Ephrain Villarreal ADVISORY BOARD Brian Johnson, President and Head of School Jennifer Harnish Tracy Howard Justin Kirk Brandi Lott Dr. Joey Richards Danny Roberts Emily Smith (’03) Dr. Lesli Welch Cyndi Woodward SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Chisholm Trail Campus (PreK – 6) 6801 Dan Danciger Road Fort Worth, Texas 76133 (817) 294-0350 Lakeside Campus (7 – 12) 6901 Altamesa Boulevard Fort Worth, Texas 76123 (817) 294-9596 The mission of Southwest Christian School is to provide a Christ-centered, college preparatory education that graduates young adults equipped as Christian leaders in the world. CONTACT US Send story ideas or alumni updates to Dena Lewis at [email protected]. southwestchristian.org SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life 3

Insights Craig Smith Associate Head of School On a recent trip to China, I visited with the families of current SCS students and talked with others who might be interested in coming to SCS. As I interviewed a 13-year-old Chinese girl, who spoke excellent English, she told me her life is determined by three tests in the Chinese educational system. She’s only completed the first one— the test after elementary school—and she said, “Already, my life is set for a life in the middle and I don’t want a life in the middle. I want a chance to grow.” My heart melted and my wheels started turning on ways I could get her to Southwest Christian School. Growth here—the growth that really matters—happens in the classroom, on the athletic field, on the stage and any of the myriad of opportunities at SCS. We see growth when our students achieve, help each other, serve at Rivertree Academy and raise money for the Virginia Clay Dorman Breast Care Center. At our annual 7th grade trip to Washington D.C., led by Dr. Joey Richards, SCS Middle School Principal, our students deepened their knowledge of our nation’s heritage and the incredible sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. A comprehensive curricular assessment that will further bolster our high school academics—the quality, not the quantity of the experience—is also underway, led by Coby Bird, SCS High School Principal and Lori Massey, Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. Facilities are an important part of the growth at SCS. Our new Martin Science Exploration Center, funded through the leadership of the Martin and Sable families at SCS, along with many others who generously contributed, will be a difference maker in the lives of our young learners and set us apart in STEM education among public and private schools in Fort Worth. Justin Kirk, our Chisholm Trail Campus Principal, leads this initiative and others. I’m proud of the new Gathering Place for our faculty and staff at the Chisholm Trail Campus. Our wonderful PTO guided the way in creating a special environment that takes care of the people who teach and take care of our students—basically, the ones who do it all. SCS has been blessed with enrollment growth over the past two school years which is a basic barometer of school health. We are not seeking to be the largest school numerically. We are seeking to provide the best experience in Christian education in our community. Financially, the school has made some important strides and strengthened its reserves. Major planning is underway for the future of SCS, led by the SCS Board of Trustees, Brian Johnson and the SCS Senior Leadership Team. Whether you are a current student, parent, alum or alum parent or a special friend of SCS, you are part of growth at SCS as we work in our current environment where we are so blessed, and stand on the shoulders every day of those who paved the way. Thank you for your partnership. Craig Smith Associate Head of School 4 SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life

The Difference is Your investment in Christian education and the Excellence Fund makes a difference by helping equip young adults as Christian leaders in the world. Give Today Make a Difference in the Lives of Our Students Support SCS online at www.southwestchristian.org/support-scs

As an educational institution, one of SCS’ goals is to WEEKLY Chapel develop lifelong learners. It is important for critical Schedu le: thinkers to look at significant teachers and their teachings of the past to consider how these wisdoms can and will Monday – Middle School Chapel in the Snelson impact one’s personal life. Without a doubt, one of the Gym on Lakeside Campus 1:55-2:20 p.m. most influential teachers of all times is Jesus Christ. People flocked to him and crowded around him to be able to hear Tuesday – High School Chapel in the Snelson what he was saying. He taught with great authority; his Gym on Lakeside Campus 1:55-2:25 p.m. teachings set a new standard of religious living that often caused conflict within Jewish leadership. During his time Wednesday – Grades 2-6 Chapel in the of ministry, he would offer an invitation for people to follow Chisholm Trail Gym 8:30-9:05 a.m. his teachings. And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily Wednesday – Grades Pre-K – 1 Chapel in the and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Chisholm Trail Cafeteria 8:30-9:05 a.m. This year, our spiritual life theme for the entire school Thursday – All Lakeside Chapel in the Snelson Gym on Lakeside Campus 1:55-2:25 p.m. (PreK through 12th Grade), FOLLOW ME, will examine the teachings of this great teacher. We will study several of his popular stories (parables), the famous Sermon on the Mount, lessons on how to live, and what he said of who he was as the divine God. To be able to accept his invitation and follow him, we need to understand his instructions and commands. The Bible Department is responsible for a variety of experiences that allow our students to grow deeper in their walk with Christ throughout the year; these incorporate Bible study, worship experiences, service opportunities and various mission experiences. We lead regular chapels with guest speakers and worship from our very own Praise Bands. We have special week long chapel focuses. Christian Heritage Week (November 12-15) and Spiritual Impact Week (April 15-18) will challenge us to dig deeper. This year’s Christian Heritage Week was capped off with celebrating 10 years of participation with Operation Christmas Child and Samaritan’s Purse and packing 450 boxes. Retreats are also one of the favorite activities the Bible Department hosts. Our Middle School Kick-Off Bash took place the first Friday of school. These events allowed for team building, introduction of the Spiritual Life theme and fun activities off campus for the day. Our High School Retreat, entitled “The Summit,” was held at Allaso Ranch in Hawkins, Texas. We studied the teachings from the Sermon on the Mount and were led by YM360 Generate Leadership Team and the SCS Praise Band. We are excited to sit at the feet of the Master Teacher and learn what it means to follow him. 6 SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life

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YOUSCIENCE® APTITUDE TESTING: translating talents into real world careers Students have a lot of academic decisions to make during the last part of their high school careers. What college do I want to attend? How do I get the most scholarship money? And the toughest of them all: What do I want to major in? Enter YouScience®. An exciting new tool that has been made available to SCS students through the school’s college counseling department. The goal of this unique aptitude assessment program is simple -- help students navigate the age- old and important question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” YouScience, is designed to determine a student’s talents and strengths, suggest work environments where the participant will succeed, and provide detailed information on possible majors and careers that will match the participant’s skills and interests. YouScience focuses on the fact that everyone is made up of a combination of innate qualities, or aptitudes. Some people call these “talents” or “strengths”. Because aptitudes are stable in nature, they can serve as a reliable navigational tool throughout a lifetime of decisions. Interests are also taken into account during testing, but are considered only a piece of the puzzle due to their likelihood to change. 8 SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life

“One of the things we like about YouScience is after they graduate, so they can use it as a basis that it takes into account that students’ interests for future educational decision making. Overall may change, but their God-given abilities stay reception to the program has been very positive the same,“ said Kim Hoffman, SCS College from students, teachers and parents alike. Counselor. “For example, if you are right-hand dominant, even if you are forced to use your left “I have loved the YouScience test,” said Emily hand, you will still likely use your right hand in a Wardlaw, senior Bible teacher and SCS alum. natural response scenario. Whereas, the interests “It gives our students many career option of 16-year-olds will likely change by the time they recommendations and makes thinking about are eighteen, and YouScience factors this into the the future exciting! It has helped our students results.” connect the dots and understand that God created each of us uniquely, and with those The YouScience program is administered unique talents, there are tons of ways that each of through SCS’ junior Bible classes. Students us can impact the world.” continue to have access to the results, even SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life 9

IntroduMcinagrthtein Science Exploration Center Southwest Christian School is excited to introduce the new Martin Science Exploration Center at our Chisholm Trail Campus. This unique facility will allow our elementary students (PreK-6) to use their natural curiosity to be problem solvers, critical thinkers and innovators, as they prepare for a world filled with science and technology. “We are incredibly grateful to have this resource for our students,” said Brian Johnson, Southwest Christian School President and Head of School. “It’s truly a game changer for us, as we strive to provide a learning environment that inspires students to apply their God-given talents and interests to an engaging and rigorous study of the world around them.” The Martin Science Exploration Center is a fully-equipped lab and collaborative space that will support the school’s science curriculum, while allowing students to experience hands-on learning through a variety of STEM opportunities including robotics, coding, engineering, biology, chemistry, mathematics, life science and much more. From the facility’s intricately designed flooring “For years, we have featuring atom and double helix models, to the 3D printers and hydroponic towers, had a strong science the exploration center is equipped to program at SCS, but provide an invaluable STEM experience with the Exploration for our students as they form their science Center, we will be foundation. Helping students succeed in science and able to challenge our technology is a top priority at SCS. Having students even more.” 10 SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life

a cutting-edge environment like the Exploration Center, had a strong science program at SCS, but with the and excellent science enrichment teachers like Melissa Exploration Center, we will be able to challenge our Eldridge and David Gibson, are essential to reaching students even more.” this goal. Together, this environment and expertise will bring science to life for our students as they engage in A special thanks goes out to the Sable and Martin real-world scientific exploration and applications. families for their generous support of this project, as well as the many donors who championed the Martin “Mr. Gibson and I are so excited about this amazing Science Exploration Center through their auction and space,” said Melissa Eldridge. “For years, we have Excellence Fund gifts. SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life 11

In February, Southwest Christian School hosted an accreditation team from AdvancEDTM, an international organization of education professionals whose accreditation efforts are designed to help schools along their journey of continuous improvement. The four-day visit, which was split between the Chisholm Trail Campus and the Lakeside Campus, allowed the team to review data, observe classrooms, and talk to faculty, staff, students, and parents in order to build a complete picture of Southwest Christian School’s culture, community, and commitment to a quality Christian education. AdvancED’s accreditation efforts seek to gain information about the leadership, learning, and resource capacity of the school. To aid in that endeavor, teams of teachers and administrators on both campuses gathered pertinent data, sought feedback from students, teachers, staff, and families, and presented that information to the visiting team. Specifically, both campuses distributed surveys designed by AdvancED to gather information about the climate and culture of the school. Students and teachers also shared their thoughts about strategies, programs, and expectations related to instruction and learning at SCS. A team of teachers and administrators culled through the data alongside the visiting team and collaboratively built a profile of the leadership, learning environment, and resources of SCS. This information was then used to help shape campus goals, initiatives, and professional development opportunities for the future. We are happy to report that the visiting team enthusiastically recommended SCS for reaccreditation, and in June, the AdvancED Corporate Commission awarded their approval and our subsequent accreditation. And while it is rewarding to have a professional organization like AdvancED acclaim the manner in which families, teachers, staff, and administrators all come together to support the mission of providing a Christ-centered, college preparatory education that graduates young adults equipped as Christian leaders in the world, it is also exciting to identify actions and opportunities that can help us continue to improve and grow. Regularly going through the accreditation process is another way Southwest Christian School affirms its commitment to maintaining and surpassing educational standards while being academically excellent, globally minded, and distinctively Christian. WHY ACCREDITATION 12 SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life

“Using a set of rigorous research-based standards and evidence based criteria, AdvancEDTM Performance Accreditation examines the whole institution – the policies, programs, practices, learning conditions and cultural context – to determine how well the parts work together to carry out the institution’s vision and meet the needs of every learner.” M ATTERS SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life 13

Sports Recap – WINTER & SPRING BASEBALL BASKETBALL- GIRLS SCS’ Baseball Program had a record number of participants in 2018 The SCS Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team ended the season with a with 39 players in high school and 26 players in middle school. We winning record. Grace Harrison and Victoria Navarrete had big fielded five total teams that all experienced significant growth and scoring seasons.  Varsity won 2nd place in the SCS Family Toyota success in both development and on the scoreboard. This year we Shootout Tournament and consolation champions in the TVS expect to have more than 50 players participating in our high school Shootout Tournament. We are looking forward to having several baseball program, and will field up to four teams. This is extraordinary returning seniors and juniors to this year’s team, in addition to a few for a school of our size. Our varsity’s cumulative record was 29-12. newcomers. This is expected to be a great season. You will not want to miss it! – Coach Jacqueline Navarrete 1st Team All-District: Branson Wilson - (Co-District 1st Team All-District: Pitcher of the Year) Grace Harrison Nico Sharp Victoria Navarrete 2nd Team All-District: 2nd Team All-District: Katie Gear Sal Camilleri Jill Norman Mason Reynolds Honorable Mention: Caroline Comer Honorable Mention All-District: Academic All-State: Gage Bane Benji Chase Katie Gear and Grace Harrison Lance Brinkman Hunter Jenkins SOFTBALL Dylan Still Curtis Warren The 2018 season was a time of rebuilding for the SCS Varsity Softball Team. The highlight of the season was beating Midland Christian 1st Team All-State: twice. Our season came down to the final game and even though we Branson Wilson did not make the playoffs, the girls made a great run. We are excited about the 2019 season! – Coach Jennifer Cline 2nd Team All-State: Nico Sharp Academic All-State: Sal Camilleri BASKETBALL- BOYS TAPPS Division 2, District 1 Defensive Player of the Year: Jordan Taylor The SCS Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team had a great season last year, 1st Team All-District: with some notable district wins, including advancing to the first round Jordan Taylor of the playoffs. The Eagles have several returning players from last Megan Holley year’s playoff squad and are looking forward to a successful season! 2nd Team All-District: Grace Harrison 1st Team All-District: Stephanie Kubes Amari Crowder Jillian Norman Artan Jabbar Katie Saenz Zachary Swift Academic All-State: Grace Harrison, Megan Holley, and Stephanie Kubes 2nd Team All-District: Brett Boynton GIRLS’ SOCCER Cameron Hodges Jason Norman When I think of pure joy, I think of our first District game when we went out and dominated Fort Worth Christian. It was a moment that all Honorable Mention: of our hard work and early mornings felt validated on the scoreboard. Josh Holt The attitudes, the effort, and the growth of this team were so encouraging to me. We didn’t end the season exactly how we hoped, 2nd Team All-State: but this group fought as a team, never quit working, and I couldn’t be Amari Crowder more proud. – Coach Jenifer Winn Zachary Swift Academic All-State: Jason Norman 1st Team All-District: Tatiana Grimaldos and Lindsey Fairchild 2nd Team All-District: Carlie Barnes and Kirsten Sibley Honorable Mention: Mara Ondrizek, Katie Saenz, Sophie Smith, and Emma Tenery Academic All-State: Tatiana Grimaldos and Lindsey Stark-Fairchild 14 SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life

BOYS’ SOCCER TENNIS This past season we had a young team with some key returning starters. The focus of this year’s tennis Many of them were asked to step into positions that they had never coaching staff was to build a played before and grew a lot throughout the year. This team truly loves formidable team on last year’s the game and enjoys playing tennis foundation. We had together. No matter what two SCS players advance to situation they were put in, they the Advanced Singles Finals responded really well. This of the Denton High School was a great opportunity to gain Tournament. Kirsten Sibley was experience, and I’m excited to runner up, and Alex Cooper build on what we gained. won the tournament. We also had six students qualify from our roster of ten –Coach Tucker Christenson players to participate at district in Waco. Both girls’ and boys’ teams placed third out of eight district team participants. Two of our players advanced to 1st Team All-District: this year’s State 1-5A Championships in Waco. – Coach Mike Remotigue Sam Corley Honorable Mention All-District Honors: All-District: Alex Cooper – Boys’ TAPPS District 1-5A Tennis Tournament Jared Gallagher, Jacob Gonzales, and Justin Nguyen 2nd Team All-District: Runner-Up Christian Brasher, Samuel Britain, Christian Kelly, and Kirsten Sibley – Girls’ TAPPS District 1-5A Tennis Tournament Christopher Roman Runner-Up Academic All-State: All-State Honors: Samuel Britain Alex Cooper – Boys’ TAPPS District 5A State Tennis Tournament Top 8 Kirsten Sibley – Girls’ TAPPS District 5A State Tennis Tournament Top 16 Academic All-State: Alex Cooper TRACK The SCS Track Team had a successful season and built on the momentum from our previous year’s team. The boys finished as district runners-up for the second consecutive year, and saw gains in all events. The girls also competed well each week, and put forth their best effort at the district meet. We look forward to another great year on the track and field from these student athletes. SWIM 1st Team All-District: Sam Corley-400 and Long Jump Last season SCS sent ten swimmers to the TAPPS Division II Regional Andy Le-1st Team All-District 100 Swim Meet, where we competed in multiple individual and relay events. Qualifiers to moved on to the TAPPS State Final Swim Meet. As for the 2nd Team All-District: girls, this was their first year to swim competitively. These young ladies Sam Corley-Triple Jump and worked diligently on their personal events and their relay team, and are poised for greater success next year! – Coach Jeff Pennington High Jump Andy Le-Long Jump State Qualifiers: Christian Brasher-Boys’ 200 Medley Relay; Boys’ 400 Freestyle Relay; All-District Honorable Mention: Christian Brasher-3200 and 1600 Boys’ 200 Freestyle; Boys’ 500 Freestyle Sam Corley-4x200 Relay Eric Coburn-Boys’ 100 Butterfly; Boys’ 400 Freestyle Relay Jared Gallagher-300 Hurdles Cy Manous-Boys’ 200 Medley Relay; Boys’ 100 Breaststroke; Boys’ 100 Josh Holt-Shot Put Glen Kromann-4x100 Relay Backstroke Andy Le-High Jump and 4x100 and Chaz Sullivan-Boys’ 200 Medley Relay; Boys’ 400 Freestyle Relay Stratton Thomas-Boys’ 200 Medley Relay; Boys’ 400 Freestyle Relay 4x200 Relays Academic All-State: Ethan Metz-400 Stratton Thomas Wyatt Mott-4x100 and 4x200 Relays Victoria Navarrete-High Jump Eli Prater-4x100 and 4x200 Relays Academic All-State: Andy Le SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life 15

Fine Arts Elijah Simpson - “Dad’s Eyes” Natalie Neale - “The Dark Path” Madison Monte - “Reaching” Fine Arts Update Southwest Christian School’s award-winning Visual Arts Department had a successful spring semester. Students created work for both displays and contests, most notably the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). At the 2018 regional event, SCS students competed with 2,000 students from over 40 area public and private schools. This year SCS took 72 pieces to the contest. Of that work, 68 received a Gold Medal, nine had perfect scores and three advanced to the state event. At state VASE, each student won an additional Gold Medal. Southwest Christian School artists also concluded the year with multiple state awards at TAPPS and the Association of Texas Photography Instructors contests. Following competition season, a select few had the honor of showing their artistry in the Fort Worth area through the Fort Worth Community Arts Center and Mayfest. The recognition SCS artists received is well deserved and speaks to the hard work each of them put into their artwork. 16 SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCSLife

Anything Goes Cast, crew, and orchestra for the SCS At the 2018 DSM Awards, the SCS musical Anything Goes were “all aboard” for production, Anything Goes, received five four tremendous performances, February nominations: 15-17, 2018 at the W.E. Scott Theatre. While delighting the SCS community and beyond • Best Direction with this tap-comedy extravaganza, the production was also entered into the 2018 • Best Lighting Design Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards. This program hosts more than 80 public and private schools from all over the • Best Scenic Design state of Texas. Since DSM’s first High School Musical Theatre Awards • Best Costume Design in 2012, the program has grown to be the largest program of its kind • Social Star Award in Texas and the second largest in the nation. The 2018 DSM Awards The production also received three culminated at the Musical Hall in Honorable Mentions (Choreography Fair Park with a sold out (3,400 in - Rachel Massey, Assistance in attendance) awards ceremony on Choreography, Supporting Actress - Sydni Thursday, May 17, 2018. The event Walker as Bonnie, and Leading Actor - is modeled after the Tony Awards® Brayden Welch as Moon). to recognize outstanding high school musical theatre productions SCS Anything Goes won the 2018 DSM and students. To date SCS has Award for Best Costume Design executed garnered 35 nominations and two by SCS designers Jylian Humber and wins! This is the most nominations Dorian Parkhurst. These ladies delivered for any private school since the a classy, God-honoring acceptance speech DSM Award program’s inception. that made us all Eagle-proud! Join us this year for the SCS production of Cinderella, February 14-16, 2019, at the W.E. Scott theatre. Tickets will be available starting January 16. SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life 17

SCS Junior Senior Prom 2018 took place at the Fort Worth Omni Hotel last April. The students looked amazing and the night was one that will be remembered by all who attended. Our Chisholm Trail students let off a Congratulations to Brady Nelson, Jillian Romack, Andy Le and Nicole Grimaldos for little end-of-year steam at SCS Field Day being recognized as NASA High School Aerospace Scholars! They were selected to 2018. What a great way to start winding be a part of this interactive online learning experience that encourages the study of down the school year and gearing up for mathematics, science, engineering and computer science. Through the program, the summer! students were able to interact with engineers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center through interactive web-based activities and distance learning. 18 SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life

Students had a fun time rockin’ around the clock at the annual PTO dance. Special thanks to all the parents and teachers who helped make this night so special! Thank you…thank you very much. Mrs. Chaulk held her annual mortar board decorating party for the seniors, complete with homemade cookies and ice cream punch! What a sweet way to spend the afternoon. SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life 19

aluemxpenriiences If you have any SCS alumni news you would like to share, please email your photo and information to Dena Lewis at [email protected]. Kelly Gross (’13) was the recipient of this year’s Jerry E. Dempsey Award at the University Erika Pope (’15) was awarded the Computer of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville. This recognition is presented to a second- Science Outstanding Undergraduate Award year medical student selected by his/her peers as someone who best exemplifies helpfulness, through the Upsilon Pi Epsilon honor selflessness, positivity, leadership, ethics and humility. society and the College of Engineering at the University of Alabama. Erika was also chosen as an Outstanding Computer Science Senior by the university’s Department of Computer Science. Ben Powell (’10) married Arianna Gibeault, from Madera, California on July 7, 2017. They met at Western State Colorado University. His groomsmen included his brother Matt Powell, Chad Butler, Jordan Dupree, Justin Jircik, Matthew Manning and Donovan Williamson – all alum from the SCS Class of 2010. Ben’s sisters, Kathleen (’04) and Meg (’10), were also in the wedding. 20 SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life

Garett Reband (’16) a member of the University of Oklahoma’s golf team, turned in the best round of his collegiate career at the 2018 Carmel Cup held at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. Garett, who posted a 54-hole score of 16-under 200 to finish in second place on the individual leaderboard, earned the first top-five finish in his collegiate career. Reband’s score was the fourth lowest three-round score in Sooner golf history. The Sooners went on to take the team title in the 2018-19 season-opening event. Stratton Thomas (’18) and his teammates from the Duke University Triathlon Club placed first and third in the collegiate category on both the men’s and women’s sides. The race was put on by Trivium Racing. Greetings, Eagle Family! We are Eagle Sweethearts (Class of ’96 and ’97) and are excited to take over the helm of alumni for SCS. We hope to make a grassroots impact with our alumni development and outreach efforts. Our immediate goal is to re-establish our SCS Alumni Council with a focus on achieving specific and actionable goals through service and meaningful connection. But in the meantime, we invite you to come back. Come back to see, hear and feel the atmosphere of your alma mater. Come back to see the campus, from the beauty of the lake and expansion of the single “hallway” to a sprawling secondary school, to the beautiful elementary campus down the road with its new Martin Science Exploration Science Center. Come back to hear the familiar strains of the fight song during the football game at Eagle Stadium. Come back to feel the pride that the newest students on campus feel at being part of such a special family. Come back because it is still your school, and never has there been a better time to renew your pride in all that it represents to our local community. If it’s been a while, let us know you’re coming and we’ll welcome you. And, please – reconnect with us! Let us know what you see, hear and feel about SCS, and we’ll do our best to represent you. We are always interested in hearing from you, whether to say “hi” or to share an idea for improving our alumni presence. And please join the Southwest Christian School Alumni Facebook Group page and Linkedin group. We look forward with great anticipation to another great year! Rich Blessings, Kristin (“Bartee” Class of ’96) and Greg (Class of ’97) Campbell SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | SCS Life 21

BOOTS and 14TH ANNUAL DINNER & AUCTION SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH Tickets available soon DINNER . LIVE AUCTION . SILENT AUCTION MUSIC AND DANCING! QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION ON SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Contact [email protected]

Final Thoughts 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. JEREMIAH 29:11 A close-up look at the college acceptance board located at the Lakeside Campus.

Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Fort Worth TX Permit 2172 6901 Altamesa Blvd Fort Worth, TX 76123 (817) 294-9596 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Academically Excellent | Globally Minded | Distinctively Christian Consider contributing to one of SCS’ endowment funds to help provide ongoing, yearly funding for Christian education. Contact Craig Smith at [email protected] for more information.