“Varsity baseball team pre-season tournament and service trip” page 7

“Alumni Perspective: Sam Saxena”page 2

“Grace Academy selected as Under Armour Highlight School”page 6

Upcoming Events page 3

“Gobble! Gobble! Gobble!” page 4

Upcoming Games page 6

Mission Team gives Christmas gifts to local children page 2

Development Update page 8

READ MORE...

also available online at GraceAcademyOnline.org JANUARY 2016 VOLUME 7, ISSUE. 2

KNIGHTLY NEWSTH

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Students reach out to help local food bank by David (Lu, Xin) and Kimber Morgan

On November 4, Grace Academy’s nutrition class went to Western Maryland Food Bank Branch located in Hagerstown, Maryland. Going to the food bank helped Grace Academy students become more aware of poverty in the community and taught them a valuable lesson of reaching out with a helping hand. “The food bank is for people who cannot afford to buy food,” said Paige

Dawson, a senior at Grace. “It feels good to help people in the community.” The students in the nutrition class learned that many different groups in the community are impacted by lack of food including children, seniors, and the homeless. Often, lack of faith and hope for the future impacts their lives. “I learned that we need to help poor people by giving them some support and talking to them,” said senior Shimei Cao. “This trip really changed my thinking. I learned that people who are living in poverty are the same as us. We should help them and have no discrimination.” Inspired by what they learned about how food insecurity impacts Washington County during their field trip, students decided to lead a food drive at Grace Academy. Students promoted the food drive and collected specifically dried foods such as pasta, instant potatoes and ramen noodles. Between December 7-16, the nine Grace Academy high school students collected more than 130 dried food items to aid local families in need through the local food bank. The food collected was sent directly to the (continued on page 2)

photo by Kimber Morgan

Mission Team gives Christmas gifts to local childrenThe Grace Academy Mission team surprised local children with Christmas gifts thanks to Grace families and their generous donations. Throughout October and November, each class collected items and filled stockings for the local Salvation Army. The Mission Team members were able to deliver full stockings at the end of November. Mrs. Ljubic, Mission Team leader, expressed her gratitude to all who donated. “Thank you for the generous outpouring of support for the stocking drive,” Ljubic said. “Grace Academy families filled more than 80 stockings for children in need right here in Washington County.” The donations collected were distributed by the Salvation Army to children who otherwise would not receive Christmas gifts this holiday season.

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Alumni Perspective: Sam Saxena I work with a program called Community HealthCorps, which focuses on the overall health of people in underserved areas. The health center I work at is focused on preventing the spread of HIV in Baltimore.

During my time at Grace Academy, I learned the importance of serving others and how it is one of the most rewarding things you can do. The people, especially the teachers, helped lay the foundation for a lot of personal growth after I graduated in 2011. For example, Mr. Rotz taught me to never take things too seriously and always have fun with whatever you’re doing!

After attending the University of Maryland Baltimore County, I really wanted to be able to give back to the community, and the HealthCorps program allows me to do that.

If anyone has any questions about college, life after school or want to learn more about AmeriCorps, don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

Western Heights Middle School to help stock their pantry.Students such as Junior Howie Yang who participated in the Nutrition Class and food drive walked away from the experience with a new perspective.“The Food Bank trip inspired me that I can do the same thing in my country in order to help people who need food,” Yang said. “I learned that people are very benevolent, and that I can volunteer to make a difference.”The nutrition class at Grace Academy is offered through Hagerstown Community College’s Essence Program, which offers dual enrollment courses for high school and college credits.

(continued from page 1)

photo by Betsy Ljubic

photo provided by Sam Saxena

UPCOMING EVENTS

Homecoming Jan. 8 at *6:30 p.m. Grace Academy Gymnasium *varsity games beginGames vs. Broadfording Open HouseJan. 26 from 3:30 - 6 p.m.Grace Academy Tour our academic facility, meet our caring teachers and learn how your child can benefit from a Christian education at Grace Academy!

Winter FormalJan. 23 at 6 p.m.Grace Academy Gymnasium

Spring Break Mar. 7 - 11 See you back in school on Mon. Mar. 14!

Spring Play, “Haphazardly Ever After”Mar. 18-19 Visit our website for show times and ticket information.

“It’s Your Move!” AuctionApril 9 at 6:30 p.m.Same great auction, different theme and auction items! Friends, family, children and community members are welcome.

ARTS & STUDENT LIFE

Start the new semester on the right foot! Have you lost your motivation in school? Bombed your exams? For many students, the second semester is a difficult time to stay on top of studies. Reduce your stress and keep your grades up this semester with these simple tips!

• Plan ahead – Write down your assignments and keep track of them; Use the technology available to your advantage.

• Avoid procrastination – You need to do the assignments at some point, so get them done as soon as possible!

• Take notes – Make sure to take clear notes to help you prepare for exams.• Study – Making review sheets for tests and quizzes is one of the best things

you can do to improve your test scores.• Pay attention – If you know a test is coming up, give extra attention to what

the teacher is saying because most of the time he/she will outline what you need to know for the exam.

• Take care of yourself – Studying is great, but without proper sleep and nutrition, you can become ill. Make sure to take care of yourself, too!

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Carper sisters succeed at NAILE 2015 by Kimber Morgan

For two Grace Academy middle school students, their passion lies not on a basketball court but in a livestock show ring. Sisters Hannah and Bailey Carper participated in the North American International Livestock Expo (NAILE) hosted in Louisville, Kentucky in November. After showing their animals November 15, 16 and 18, both (continued on page 4)

photo provided by NAILE

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“Gobble! Gobble! Gobble!” by Jeffery Crampton

In celebration of Thanksgiving, the elementary classes performed for family and friends during their Thanksgiving Christian Soldiers Club (CSC) on November 19. The elementary students sang songs about Thanksgiving and told what they’re thankful for. The gymnasium was filled with about 200 parents and grandparents that evening who were happy to see their kids and grandkids perform in CSC. Christian Soldiers Club is a Grace Academy program hosted at the school once per month where children in grades K3 through 6 memorize verses and have the opportunity to perform and speak in front of a large crowd.

Hannah and Bailey walked away with several first place prizes, including Supreme Grand Champion, Grand Champion Heifer, Grand Champion Bull and Grand Champion Bred & Owned. “I get really nervous in the minutes leading up to entering the ring, but once I am in the show ring, I really like parading and setting up my animals to be judged,” Hannah said. “Obviously getting a grand champion banner is awesome, too.”The Carper sisters show Fullbood Fleckvieh Simmentals, which are red and the original Simmentals. They also own Purebred Simmentals, which are mostly black and are what a majority of Simmental breeders have today. For the NAILE, both girls had the honor of showing two heifers for Little Creek Farm from Starkville, Mississippi. “I enjoy spending time with my family; doing what I enjoy most; seeing and meeting new friends along the way; showing our cattle; and making good impressions,” Bailey said. Bailey has showed livestock since she was six years old and has competed in the West Virginia State Fair, the Washington County Ag Expo, the Maryland State Fair, and the Dixie National in Mississippi. Likewise, Hannah has showed since she was seven years old. Hannah has competed in shows alongside, and sometimes against, her sister. The NAILE is an annual livestock show in which tens of thousands of exhibitors from around the world compete.

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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS

SUPPORTERS!

photo by Kimber Morgan

5ATHLETICS

Congratulations! All Conference Teams are recognized for students’ outstanding athletic accomplishments and sportsmanship each season and are chosen based upon MDCC coaches’ votes. Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own athletes.

Varsity baseball team pre-season tournament and service trip by Mark Koontz, Jr.

The Grace Academy varsity baseball team has an exciting opportunity to participate in the pre-season baseball tournament Mingo Bay Classic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina March 20-26, 2016. In addition to the tournament, the 18 students and four coaches will participate in a ministry/community outreach project during their trip. This will be the first year Grace Academy’s varsity baseball team will participate in the Mingo Bay Classic and a blended trip of this kind.“As head baseball coach, my mission is to not only produce great baseball players, but, first and foremost, to produce young men who embrace the importance of becoming leaders who can impact the community for the

photo provided by Mark Koontz, Jr.

(continued on page 6)

glory of God on and off the field,” Coach Mark Koontz, Jr. said. Koontz has created a GoFundMe page to reach his goal of $3,500 to cover the cost of the trip and bless South Carolina communities still recovering from the October 2015 flooding. All funds will be used to pay for tournament fees, accommodations, travel expenses, and food and drink, and any additional funds raised beyond the $3,500 goal will be used toward blessing a local community outreach/ministry to aid in continued flood relief.“We are really looking forward to using our time and talents to serve,” said Koontz. “We would be extremely thankful for your support and contribution toward helping the Grace Academy baseball team make a difference on and off of the baseball field.”To designate your gift toward the Grace Academy Varsity Baseball team’s pre-season tournament and service trip, you may donate directly at https://www.gofundme.com/97f4wjpp. GoFundMe is a reliable online fundraising platform that allows people to raise money for various causes, like celebrating graduations or assisting others through illnesses.

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UPCOMING GAMES Times listed denote start of girls varsity games with boys varsity games immediately following.

vs. Broadfording Christian Academy (Homecoming) Fri. Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. vs. Shalom Christian AcademyTues. Jan 12 at 6:30 p.m.

@ Calvary Christian AcademyFri. Jan 15 at 5:30 p.m. @ Heritage AcademyJan. 19 at 6:15 p.m.

@ Cumberland Valley Christian School Fri. Jan 22 at 6:45 p.m.

vs. Smithsburg High School Mon. Jan. 25 at 6:30

vs. Shenandoah Christian AcademyFri. Jan. 29 at 6:45 p.m.

@ Broadfording Christian Academy Tues. Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m.

@ Shalom Christian AcademyMon. Feb. 8 at 6:45 p.m.

Grace Academy selected as Under Armour Highlight Schoolby Kimber Morgan

We are pleased to announce Under Armour has selected Grace Academy

to be a Highlight School, which will give the company exclusive rights to outfit Grace Academy’s varsity athletic teams in head-to-toe Under Armour gear.“Our athletes and coaches are very excited to be a part of this program,” athletic director Tessa Umstead said. “The quality of Under Armour athletic products will really enhance what our athletic program offers our students.”The benefit of becoming one of Under Armour’s Highlight Schools positively impacts not only the athletic program but also Grace Academy’s parents and branding efforts. Through the Under Armour program, school-branded Under Armour merchandise will be available for sale to parents and family members.With the signed agreement, Under Armour offers Grace Academy a discount on uniform purchases for the next five years, with the stipulation that all varsity teams will compete wearing Under Armour uniforms commencing with year three of the partnership.Grace Academy expects to update its varsity baseball team uniforms in time for the spring 2016 season.

View the complete basketball schedule for middle school and varsity teams

at http://schedules.schedulestar.com/Grace-Academy-Hagerstown-MD

photo by Kimber Morgan

(continued from page 5)

We are very grateful for the generosity of Tim Klick and OneSeventeen A/V for providing and installing the new sound

system in our gymnasium!

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A special thank you to our friends at Myers Building Systems for replacing our leaky gutters on the building.

Thanks for helping us keep our families, students and staff safe this winter season!

photo by Kimber Morgan

Stand tall. Talk small. Play ball. by Zack Crowner and Ben Zhao

Basketball season is underway, and the varsity boys are hoping to improve their teamwork and have a successful season. Bret Fogle, the captain of the team, has reflected on last year and is trying to set a few goals for the team this year. When asked about the future success of the team, Fogle said. “We have the possibility to have a good season, but it all depends whether or not we learn to play well as a team.” The boys varsity team also has a new coach this year, Jeff Summers. Summers is assisted by Andy Koontz, who is in his second year helping with the boys varsity basketball team.Fogle is looking forward to having a good season with Summers as the new coach and a hard working team. As of Dec. 31, the boys varsity basketball team held an overall record of 4-5 and are 3-1 in the Mason Dixon Christian Conference. photo provided by Ken Garber

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graceacademyonline.org 301-733-203313321 Cearfoss Pike Hagerstown, MD 21740

Contact Questions about the Knightly News?

Contact Kimber Morgan 724-614-0530

morgank@graceacademyapps.org

de·vel·op·mentnoun the building, over time, of a continuous, powerful and life-long connection between a donor/philanthropist and the organization or cause represented.

synonyms: growth, advancement, progress

An Update on Giving Hello! Here are a few updates on development-related items at Grace Academy from yours truly, Kimber Morgan.

Our stage project: Thanks to all of our generous donors who have given gifts specifically for the stage! We have obtained our building permit (hooray!) and are making plans to begin the construction in the back portion of the gymnasium. We are still about $16,000 away from our goal in order to build the stage well, but we are confident God will provide the funds.

Year-end giving: This year’s response to giving absolutely blew my goal and expectations out of the water! It has been an amazing learning experience for me since starting in this role June 1, 2015, and I’ve been graciously blessed as I’ve seen God work through each of our families and donors. Your generosity of gifts of prayer, time and funds grow our school forward, and we are so thankful for growth.

As we look forward to the last half of our school year, we ask that you continue to pray for our school, leadership and teachers and walk forward with us to see what great works God has in store for Grace Academy.

Best wishes, Kimber MorganDirector of Development & Marketing