also available online at issuu.com/graceacademy March 2016 VOLUME 7, ISSUE. 3

Lady Knights win 2016 MDCC Championship by Bret Fogle

The Lady Knights varsity basketball team had the season they were hoping for, finishing their season with a 25-12 record, a MDCC championship and a NCSA D3 championship title. “We had a really good season,” said Coach Larry Lorshbaugh. The girls started off strong and never looked back. In the Conquerors Classic at the beginning of the year, the Lady Knights went undefeated and won the tournament. Lindsey Bedregal was named Most Valuable Player, and Hannah Colvin and Taylor Morgan were named All-Tournament team. All season, Bedregal, Colvin and Morgan led their team. Point guard Lindsey Bedregal led the team in scoring with 14.1 PPG; led the county with 5.9 assists per game; averaged 7.7 rebounds; and averaged 4.5 steals. Bedregal also reached the 1000 point career mark and was

Dr. Mathew McIntosh hired as new headmaster page 2

Auction Previewpage 7

“Winter Wonderland” Formalpage 3

Bedregal and Koontz exceed 1000 points page 6

2016 varsity baseball preview page 5

Summer Camp registration page 4

READ MORE...

KNIGHTLY NEWSTH

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(continued on page 2) photo by Laurie Morgan

Dr. Mathew McIntosh hired as new Headmaster Grace Academy is very pleased to announce Dr. Mathew A. McIntosh, Ph.D., as its new Headmaster to take on full headmaster responsibilities July 1. Known as “Dr. Mac,” the new Headmaster comes to the Grace Academy community with a Doctorate in Educational Administration and more than 35 years of academic, community and faith-based outreach experiences.“Students, as never before, are looking for a compass, an assurance and a purpose for life,” Dr. Mac said. “My job is to provide the environment and practices to lead that search to fruition.”Dr. Mac said his goal is to expand the vision of the Grace Academy community both regionally and globally while building upon the professional development

of faculty, staff and facilities. This includes the refinement of the curriculum and teaching processes both on a personal and experiential level to make Grace Academy the most sought-after faith-based school whether on campus or through virtual learning.“Dr. McIntosh is a man full of energy, new ideas and creativity grounded in the bedrock of a Christian worldview,” said current headmaster Jack Appleby. “He brings a new skill set to the Grace Academy leadership team, which is both timely and needed as we challenge to attract our market share of students in the tri-state area.”Board Chairman Eric Barger is equally excited about Dr. Mac’s new role and how he will grow Grace Academy forward in curriculum and financial development.“His extensive teaching and administration experience at the College/University level should translate very well into his leadership role at Grace Academy,” Barger said. “He has a very strong Christian character, is personable and is well known, and I believe he will build on the very solid foundation that’s been laid by Mr. Appleby.”Read more about Dr. Mac online at graceacademyonline.org under “Recent News.”

2named the MDCC co-player of the year. Colvin, a forward, averaged 12.3 PPG;

8.1 rebounds; and 4.5 steals a game. Morgan, a guard, averaged 11.8 PPG and 2.8 assists per game. In the MDCC tournament, the Knights blew past Broadfording Christian Academy and Faith Christian Academy and was set to play Shalom Christian Academy in the championship game. It was a rematch of the 2015 championship game that did not go as the Lady Knights had hoped. This year was different for the girls. They pulled out the win and was named MDCC champions. Colvin won the tournament MVP, and Bedregal and Morgan joined with All-tournament team. It just wasn’t about those three girls though. The Knights really showed their depth, playing their whole bench nearly every game. Center Amanda Eby and Forward Hanna Loudin wrapped up the starting lineup and did everything the coach needed from them. Dede Wright, Lily Cole, Grace Fogle, Kourtney Karroll, Ashley Rooney and Katie Morgan were very important to the team even though they didn’t start. The Knights were an up and down the floor, fast break team, so every one of those girls filled in with fresh legs and energy. That was a big factor in the Lady Knights’ success.

(“Lady Knights Win” continued from page 1)

ARTS & STUDENT LIFE 3

“Winter Wonderland” Formalby Veronica Bristol

Even after the huge hit from winter snowstorm Jonas nothing could stop the Grace Academy high school students from having a good time.Even though winter storm Jonas had cancelled Winter Formal from happening on it’s originated date, January 30, the students had stayed strong and waited it out till two weeks afterwards. To say the least, it was worth the wait. According to Bri Stewart, Grace Academy junior, Winter Formal was an improvement saying, “ Winter Formal was a lot of fun this year. It seemed as if they put a lot of effort into the event. From the experience I had that night it seemed as if everyone was smiling and having fun.”As the students entered Grace Academy gymnasium on Saturday, on February 6, it felt as if the scene before them was pulled out of a dream. There were glistening lights everywhere, benches covered in fake snow, and even hot chocolate. It truly looked like a winter wonderland. During the event, students enjoyed themselves by building gingerbread houses, making hot chocolate, and making memorable moments with friends. There was even some friendly competition that (continued on page 4)

photo by Shiela Colvin

Celebrating Fine Arts by David Lu and Yao Li

Grace Academy students in grades one through 12 celebrated Fine Arts the week of February 22-26. Students had the opportunity to make projects, perform in music, or give speeches. Mrs. Amy Casto, fine arts director, shared, “we want students to love the arts and find the art that interests them.”Mrs. Anna Jones, one of the judges, shared that the projects were very creative this year. There were many types of projects including photography, mixed media, sewings, painting, and sculpture.The top winners in Declamation, Music, Spelling Bee and Art will move onto the regional competition to compete against students from Calvary and Faith Christian Academy on April 13 at Faith Christian Academy.

photo provided by Kimber Morgan

Chinese New Year by David Lu

When asked why Grace Academy celebrated Chinese New Year, Middle/High School Lead Teacher Mr. Alex Lehman shared, “it’s to show we respect our Asian international students and help them not to feel so homesick.”Mrs. Ljubic, an english as second language teacher at the school, explained how each year is represented by a different symbol. (continued on page 4)

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Register for Summer Camp fun!Children ages four to 12 are invited to join us at Grace Academy for an exciting summer camp experience that blends learning with fun! Summer camp weeks will run Monday - Friday from June 6 - August 12 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Each day will include engaging activities such as morning devotionals, Bible lessons, games, crafts, and experiments to help kids learn about the weekly theme. There will also be trips each Friday to Northwood Pool.

Weekly Camp Themes June 6-10: SUPER HEROES June 13-17: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) June 20-24: FIESTA June 27 – July 1: MEDIEVAL TIMES July 4-8: ANCIENT EGYPT July 11-15 : LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION July 18-22: SUPER SCIENCE July 25-29: WATER August 1-5: SPACE August 8-12: AMAZING ARTISTRY

To view weekly camper fees, for more camp information or to regster your child, visit our web page at graceacademyonline.org/get-involved/summer-camp.

Contact our Camp Director Melinda Smith with questions you may have at smithm@graceacademyapps.org.

“This year is the year of the fire monkey,” Mrs. Lujubic said. “Chinese New Year means people in China have time away from school and work.”According to Chinese astrology, the year of the fire monkey is characterized as being ambitious and adventurous but also irritable.Freshman Alice You shared, “Chinese New Year is very important. We sit together with family and eat dinner.”“It’s the happiest day every year.” David Lu, a sophomore, said. “There are fireworks and children get lucky money.”The color red in Chinese culture represents joy. During Chinese New Year, red (lucky) money is placed inside a red envelope from their parents.Mrs. Amy Casto, international student program coordinator, shared, “this is a special time where Grace staff and students share in a Chinese lunch and learn to appreciate another culture.”Celebrations such as Chinese New Year allow Grace Academy to have that glimpse of a global community as a whole.

took place between the students which only increased the level of excitement in the room. One of the challenges was made between the gingerbread houses. Even though everyone did a wonderful job on their gingerbread houses, it seemed that Mr. and Mrs. Cole had beat the competition. To say the 2016 Winter Formal was a success this year would be an understatement. To keep the memories of this night forever Mrs. Jones is selling a CD that contains all of those memories to have for yourself for only $10 each. Mrs. Jones may be reached at 904-380-1235.

(“Formal” continued from page 3)

(“New Year” continued from page 3)

2016 varsity baseball preview by Bret Fogle

The Knights varsity boys baseball team has been very successful in the last two years, but they are expecting much more in the 2016 season. With back-to-back MDCC championships, the Knights are not looking to stop there. With six returning starters and several key newcomers, the Knights are looking to win another championship and beat some tough opponents on their schedule. Led by Captains Harrison Barger (2015 MDCC player of the year), Bret Fogle (MDCC First Team) and Ben Quirple (MDCC Second Team), the

Knights are convinced that they are strong 1-9 up and down the line-up. Barger said, “We are really looking forward to newcomers Noah Hamburg, Brayden Quirple and Toddie Stocks to fill in the spots that are

5ATHLETICS

photo by Kimber Morgan

(continued on page 6)

Blood DriveAmerican Red Cross

Wed. April 13 from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Grace Academy

Gymnasium

To schedule a time to donate, go to

redcrossblood.org and search for the blood drive/sponsor code

“graceacademy” (one word).

For more information, contact Lauren

Henry at henryl@graceacademyapps.org.

2016 GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER GAMES vs. Broadfording Christian Academy Tues. Mar. 29 at 4 p.m.

vs. Shalom Christian AcademyThurs. Mar. 31 at 4:45 p.m.

@ Shenandoah Valley Christian AcademyMon. April 4 at 4:30 p.m.

@ Highland View AcademyTues. April 5 at 5 p.m.

@ Calvary Christian AcademyThurs. April 7 at 4:30 p.m.

vs. Mountain View Christian AcademyMon. April 11 at 4:30 p.m.

vs. Cumberland Valley Christian AcademyTues. April 12 at 5:15 p.m.

@ Heritage AcademyFri. April 15 at 5:15 p.m.

@ Cumberland Valley Christian AcademyMon. April 18 at 5:15 p.m.

@ Broadfording Christian Academy Thurs. April 21 at 4 p.m.

@ Mountain View Christian AcademyFri. April 22 at 4:30 p.m.

vs. Mt. Airy Christian AcademyMon. April 25 at 5:30 p.m.

@ Shalom Christian AcademyTues. April 26 at 7 p.m. vs. Shenandoah Valley Christian AcademyThurs. April 28 at 4:30 p.m.

*To view the complete schedule, visit our website (graceacademyonline.org). Click “Athletics,” then “Spring Sports.”

empty because of the lost seniors.” The team has several players who can play multiple spots on the field. Returning starters Mark Koontz, Riley Showe and Jacob Miller look to round up the infield at the corners and second base. The Knights 2016 schedule has increased in difficulty. The Knights will host St. James, Mercersburg and South Hagerstown and play Goretti at Municipal Stadium. The Knights only lost one game in the conference last year and are looking to improve on that. “We should beat the conference teams pretty well, and we should be close and win all the out-of-conference games,” junior Ben Quirple said. The Knights also will travel down to Myrtle Beach March 20-26 to play in the Mingo Bay Classic. Coach Mark Koontz said, “This tournament will really bring us some tough competition and give the boys a nice experience.” In the Herald Mail Newspaper, Barger and Fogle are two of the 15 key players to watch in the county. “We are really getting noticed as a team and individuals after the last couple of seasons. It’s nice to know that a little private school can be known as one of the top teams in the county,” said Koontz. The first Knights home opener is on March 29 against Broadfording at 4:30 p.m. Come cheer on and support your Grace Academy Knights baseball team!

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UPCOMING BASEBALL GAMES

vs. Broadfording Christian Academy Tues. Mar. 29 at 4 p.m.

vs. Shalom Christian AcademyThurs. Mar. 31 at 4 p.m.

@ Shenandoah Valley Christian AcademyMon. April 4 at 4:30 p.m.

vs. St. James SchoolTues. April 5 at 4:30 p.m.

@ Calvary Christian AcademyThurs. April 7 at 4 p.m.

vs. South Hagerstown High School Mon. April 11 at 4:30 p.m.

vs. Cumberland Valley Christian AcademyTues. April 12 at 4:30 p.m.

@ Heritage AcademyFri. April 15 at 4:30 p.m.

@ Cumberland Valley Christian AcademyMon. April 18 at 4:30 p.m.

vs. Mercersburg AcademyTues. April 19 at 4:30 p.m.

@ Broadfording Christian Academy Thurs. April 21 at 4 p.m.

@ St. Maria Goretti HSMon. April 25 at TBA

*To view the complete schedule, visit our website (graceacademyonline.org). Click “Athletics,” then “Spring Sports.”

(“baseball preview” continued from page 5)

BEDREGAL AND KOONTZ EXCEED 1000 POINTS

photos by Kimber Morgan

“This achievement is an honor. I’m thankful to all my coaches who’ve

pushed me and for the support of my teammates.”

-Mark Koontz

“I know I couldn’t have reached 1000 points without my team because one

person doesn’t make up an entire team,” Bedregal said. “I’m really thankful for

the support from my family, friends and Grace fans.” - Lindsey Bedregal

7AUCTION PREVIEWThank you to everyone who has dropped off donation letters, invited friends to the event and committed time to helping with the auction! Because of your help, we’ve received many fantastic donations for our auction on April 9 at 6:30 p.m. Check out some of our items for bid below!

A BIG thanks to our Golden Battleship Level Sponsors!

See more auction items on our Facebook or on our website!

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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

Save the date! May 3 is this year’s Day of Giving!Mark your calendars for the fourth annual Day of Giving on Tuesday, May 3, 2016! Through last year’s Washington County Gives, you helped us raise more than $10,500 for our stage project, which is now in the final phase of completion. Through your generosity, we were also named in the top 10 organizations in amount of funds raised.

This year, we are reserving our Day of Giving funds to install a gymnasium divider. The divider will be a vinyl curtain that rolls down from the ceiling at half court, which will allow our P.E. classes and sports practices greater utilization of the gymnasium space.

Our goal this year’s Day of Giving is $14,500 which will cover the cost of wiring and installing the curtain. We are confident God will provide through individual contributions, as well as through matching dollars and cash awards given by the Washington County Community Foundation.

We hope you take the time to prayerfully and thoughtfully consider giving on May 3. Don’t forget to share with family and friends about the Day of Giving to give them the opportunity as well to positively impact our students at Grace Academy.

If you have any questions about this year’s Day of Giving or the gym divider project, please contact Kimber Morgan at morgank@graceacademyapps.org.