The seniors prepare to say goodbye!

 

GYM RENOVATION

The MJCA gym gets a brand new look! Retractable bleachers were installed last week to replace the metal sets that have been used to seat spectators during sporting events.  The first section covers the entire sideline.  The second set  covers the baseline and will function as the student section during games.  This new addition provides more safe gym space for PE classes, and it also provides an additional 100 seats for spectators.  Come by soon and see the new and improved facility!

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PRE-SCHOOL LIFE

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FIFTH GRADE TALENT SHOW

Elementary chapel hosted a group of fifth grade performers this Wednesday (5/9).  Students practiced and prepared a variety of acts to present to students elementary wide.  Singers, musicians and actors demonstrated their artistic skills while using their talent to glorify the Lord.

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AWARDS NIGHT

Sixth grade recipients await their awards.

Tuesday night (5/15) was a special night for MJCA students.  Academic awards were distributed in front of a full house of teachers, parents and family.  Over 161 different awards were handed out last night, and that number demonstrates the wide range of talent, ability, and effort displayed by so many secondary students.  Individual teachers distributed class awards while perfect attendance, honor roll, DAR, and National Honor Society inductees were also honored. 

MJCA instituted a new award this year that proved to be one of the highlights of the evening.  The Overcomer Award is designed to recognize two students, one from middle school and one from high school, who have demonstrated a tremendous amount of courage and integrity in the face of a great difficulty.  This year's middle school recipient was Will Gibson, while our high school recipient was Dustan Gammon. 

We would like to extend a congratulations to all of last night's award recipients.  You all make MJCA proud!

 

Students show off their awards!

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SENIOR DINNER 2007

Seniors and their parents gathered at MJCA Friday night (5/18) for a dinner in their honor.  Celebrating the end of a successful high school career, students ate a catered meal and watched a video montage of each senior's life.  The video was put together by Mrs. Becky Michael. 

In addition, senior class president, Baleah Randolph, took a moment to thank Coach Mike Jones for all of his hard work as senior sponsor this year.  Graduation is just two weeks away for the seniors of 2007.  Be sure and make plans to attend this special ceremony on June 1st at 7:30 pm as MJCA honors this outstanding group of young men and women.

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CRYSTAL HARWELL COMPETES IN STATE TOURNEY

This year's TSSAA Spring Fling in Murfreesboro included a MJCA athlete once again.  Crystal Harwell, after claiming this year's district 8-A/AA and region 4-A/AA championships, headed to the campus of MTSU to compete in the 2007 State Tennis Tournament.  This was her first appearance at the state tourney since claiming the doubles championship with partner Tori Reed in 2005.  Harwell competed valiantly winning her first round and advancing to the prestigious final four before falling in the semi-finals.  Next year, Harwell heads to King College to play tennis on an athletic scholarship.  Congratulations, Crystal, on an outstanding career!

Crystal Harwell pictured with former state champion doubles partner, Tori Reed.

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ELEMENTARY PENNY WARS

2007

Our elementary students have a mission mindset!  MJCA's elementary Bible teacher, Mrs. Patsy Cameron, organizes the elementary penny war each year to support a worthy mission project.  This year students have raised money to support the First Baptist Church youth group.  Classes compete with one another to raise the most money, and teachers help motivate students to get involved.  Mrs. Scott's kindergarten class is pictured above counting the mound of pennies they collected this year!!

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FACULTY LUNCHEON

2007

MJCA's faculty and staff stayed around Wednesday afternoon (5/30) for pizza, drinks and dessert to celebrate the end of the school year.  Teachers showed their enthusiasm as final grades are entered and rooms are broken down for the summer.  Thank you teachers for another great year!

Coach Jones and Coach Sloan already have their summer faces on!

Elementary teachers "anxiously" await the arrival of the pizza!

 

The secondary faculty and staff join for a group photo.

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MJCA seniors prepare for a hectic month filled with last minute assignments, exams, banquets, award ceremonies, and ultimately, graduation.  After many years of hard work, they will have the opportunity to enjoy the rewards of a job well done.  We wish all of these seniors God's grace and blessing as they move forward into the next phase of their lives!

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A WORD FROM MRS. KITCHEN

It's May Madness. Forget basketball season. March cannot come close to the measurement on May's crazy meter. Banquets, award ceremonies, dinners, and graduations line the calendar as one by one, the days pass by. Seniors sweat last minute assignments, and teachers spend their hours furiously grading those final essays, papers and projects. Exams loom. College decisions are made. Friends prepare to say goodbye. Life as we know it will soon change.

 

Each year at this season, we are all working on borrowed time and eclipsed energy. We are spread too thin, and we long for summer. We wish when we feel the warmth of the May sun that all of our final tasks would disappear, and we would be transported magically to a brilliant lake on a summer day. Wishing and dreaming are great, maybe even necessary, but ultimately take us away from our providential purpose. Each day that we are given to walk this planet is a gift we do not deserve. Each interaction with another human soul a priceless exchange. We cannot measure the value of our daily routine. That which has become mundane and monotonous is a treasure that cannot be purchased back when it is gone. These precious moments that are evaporating contain the blueprints of eternity, and as a result, the relationships we have all formed are to be cherished and celebrated.

In light of that truth, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve your family this year.  It has truly been a privilege, and an experience I will never forget.  Mainly, it has been a true joy to work alongside committed faculty and staff who have been dedicated to the mission of Christian education.  We are all truly blessed.  Have a restful summer.

By His grace,

Mrs. Kitchen

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EIGHTH GRADE BANQUET

Tuesday night (5/8), MJCA eighth graders celebrated the end of middle school!  Students, parents and teachers enjoyed a catered dinner, and a video montage of school life created by Mrs. Kitchen.  After the celebration, students and parents were informed about the transition from middle school to high school, and MJCA guidance counselor Jean Vogel explained the three academic tracks available to rising ninth graders. 

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS BEGIN

Seniors fill in background information before beginning the AP Calculus exam.

The Advanced Placement national exams are administered the first and second week of May.  For MJCA Advanced Placement students, this week has been filled with last minute preparations and last minute study sessions.  On Wednesday (5/9), Mrs. Kitchen's AP Calculus students took their exam, and on Friday (5/11), Coach Sloan's AP American History students will do the same.  The scoring on these exams ranges from a zero to a five.  If students receive a three or better, they are eligible for college credit in a corresponding university level course.  We are proud of these students for all of their hard work over the entire year and pray for their success as they await their scores. 

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WALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

One of the most coveted areas of MJCA is the Wall of Fame.  Membership is limited to those athletes who have displayed an uncommon excellence in their sport.  Each year, one male athlete (past or present) and one female athlete (past or present) are nominated for consideration.  After the nomination, a committee of 12 members must unanimously agree that the candidates would be athletically superior at any level or classification.  This year, two nominees were inducted into the Hall of Fame:  Robert Post ('05) and Crystal Harwell ('07).  Congratulations to these exemplary athletes!

Crystal Harwell  

Robert Post

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KAYLA ROBINSON SIGNS WITH MID-AMERICA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

Kayla Robinson became the third college signee from her senior class Wednesday morning (5/16).  Joined by her parents, sister, and Mid-America representative, Tommy Dove, Kayla made her women's soccer scholarship official.  Kayla will join head coach Zach Bice and team this fall in Oklahoma City.  Mid-America competes in the NAIA, and they have just recently joined the Sooner Athletic Conference, one that boasts eleven schools in three different states.  Congratulations to Kayla for her outstanding achievement!

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KENTUCKY KINGDOM

EIGHTH GRADE

The eighth graders celebrated a yearly tradition last Thursday (5/17).  At the end of May, eighth grade students take a trip to Kentucky Kingdom to enjoy a day at the amusement park.  Between roller coaster rides, students enjoyed lunch and being with their friends. 

Chaperones get in on the fun!

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CHARACTER TRAIT BREAKFAST

Each nine weeks, elementary students are selected by their teachers to be honored for exemplifying the focus trait of the nine week period.  This quarter, students were chosen for their hospitable attitudes.  These students were celebrated by their classmates, parents and principal last Friday (5/18).  Congratulations to this well-deserving group of young people.   

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ELEMENTARY FIELD DAY

On Tuesday (5/29), elementary students enjoyed a day of fun in the sun.  Teachers and students engaged in a variety of sports and games during the school day to signal the end of the year.  Classes gathered for lunch during the mid-day and watched Mrs. Myer's PE students compete in a cup stacking competition in the gym.  All in all, the day was filled with exciting activities and good-natured competition while providing students a way to let off some steam before they go home for the summer!

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ELEMENTARY AWARDS DAY

2007

Wednesday morning (5/30) not only marked the last day of school, but also served as a day to recognize some special and talented elementary students who have worked hard this year in their classes.  Each teacher in grades first through fifth presented three awards:  highest average, best effort and Christian character.  In addition, other special recognitions were handed out including principal's list, attendance, and AR awards.  This day marked a special time for family and friends to gather and celebrate many hard-working young people.  Congratulations to all!

Elementary students celebrate a job well-done!

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DUAL CREDIT STUDENTS ENJOY PANCAKE PANTRY

On Wednesday and Thursday mornings (5/30-31), MJCA Dual Credit English students took a celebratory field trip for breakfast to the Pancake Pantry in Nashville.  After a successful year, it was nice to enjoy some great food and fun with classmates. 

Students pose for photographs after an awesome breakfast!

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MJCA SENIORS HONORED

The 2007 Valedictorian, Luke Dunnewold, and Salutatorian, Crystal Harwell, attended a banquet in their honor this Friday (5/4).  The top two graduating seniors from each Wilson County high school were invited to Five Oaks Country Club in Lebanon to celebrate their accomplishments.  Congratulations to Luke and Crystal on their outstanding achievement!

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PROM 2007

Five Oaks Golf and Country Club hosted MJCA's junior/senior prom last Saturday night (5/5).  Students and their dates dressed up for a special night out, and seniors were honored in the traditional senior walk.  R.J. Shankle and Chelsea Mobley were crowned "prince and princess" of the evening, while Luke Dunnewold and Cindy Overstreet were crowned "king and queen."  At the end of a beautiful day, Five Oaks was the perfect setting for such a special event.  Mrs. Dana Spence, sixth grade teacher at MJCA, worked hard to coordinate an exciting evening for all.  Thanks to Mrs. Spence and the prom committee! 

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MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC BANQUET

Last Thursday evening (5/10), three hundred faithful Saints packed the gym to celebrate the accomplishments of their middle school athletes.  Each team was represented during the banquet as coaches presented team awards to individuals.  Those who were in attendance enjoyed pizza and drinks before the ceremony began.  A special congratulations to our middle school soccer team as they won the GNAC Championship last Friday afternoon at home.  It has been a very successful year for the department!

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HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC BANQUET

Cross-country athletes receive recognition.

On Friday evening (5/11), the high school athletes and their families attended a banquet in their honor.  MJCA athletes were also celebrating more wins program wide than ever before in school history.  Attendees enjoyed a dinner catered by Jordan's before approximately 75 team awards were distributed by coaches.  Special awards included two Wall of Fame presentations along with  Assistant and Head Coach of the Year honors.  At the end of the banquet, all enjoyed a video montage of the year in sports created by Deano Richards.  Congratulations to all of our hard-working athletes!   

Coach Townsend praises the hard work of the football team.

Senior cheerleaders celebrate their awards.

Coach David Kitchen Jr. receives Coach of the Year.

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KENTUCKY KINGDOM

2007

MJCA students who enrolled in Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment classes this year were rewarded Thursday (5/17) with a trip to the amusement park.  Braving some unusually chilly temperatures, students raced around Kentucky Kingdom to ride their favorite coasters.  The trip was a nice diversion from the routine of the classroom and a great way to signal the conclusion of course requirements!

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VOLUNTEER BREAKFAST

One of the essential elements of any school is the network of volunteers who step in to do jobs that would not get done otherwise.  This unselfish group of workers is often overlooked because so many times the work that they do is behind the scenes.  MJCA's goal on Tuesday (5/24) was to honor those people who do so much for this institution without asking for anything in return.  We are so thankful for the work you do, and we recognize the significant contributions you bring to all our programs!   

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ADMINISTRATIVE HONORS

Sharon Wahlstrom presents Mrs. Kitchen with a token of appreciation.

On Wednesday (5/30), Sharon Wahlstrom, Chairperson of the School Committee, dropped by to present a few special gifts to some deserving people.  Part of MJCA's administrative team was recognized for their outstanding service and unswerving dedication to the work of MJCA this year.  Kathy Kitchen, who took on the task of interim headmaster in addition to her role as secondary principal, was awarded for her hard work and committment to seeing the school through another successful year filled with an accreditation visit and a headmaster search.  Don Wharton, business manager, and Amanda Vanvactor, elementary principal, were also awarded for their willingness to take on additional roles and to absorb jobs necessary for the continued success of the school.  Mrs. Vanvactor also played a crucial part in insuring MJCA's accreditation readiness by completing many behind the scene tasks.  Thank you so much to these outstanding, dedicated individuals.  MJCA is eternally grateful for your service! 

    Sharon Wahlstrom, Amanda Vanvactor, Don Wharton, and Kathy Kitchen

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RETIREMENT CELEBRATION FOR CHARLOTTE LIESER

On Thursday morning (5/31), teachers and staff took a break from last day details to celebrate a very special teacher.  Mrs. Charlotte Lieser is retiring from teaching after a 40- plus year career in education.  At a breakfast prepared by her co-workers, Mrs. Lieser was awarded a plaque and a money tree.  She has contributed so much over the years at MJCA teaching first grade, and her ministry here has touched many young lives.  Thank you, Mrs. Lieser!  You will be greatly missed!

Teachers wait in line to sample Mrs. Lieser's delicious retirement breakfast!

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MJCA GRADUATION

2007

Seniors became graduates last Friday night after a well-attended commencement ceremony at MJCA.  Twenty-five outstanding graduates marched the stage to receive their diploma from secondary principal, Kathy Kitchen, and school committee chairperson, Sharon Wahlstrom.  The one thousand plus audience, lined with friends, family, and MJCA alumni, were blessed by special presentations, special music, and a commencement address delivered by Mrs. Jennifer Christensen.  Special music included a song performed by Scott Swallows and Deano Richards and a solo number performed by Cindy Overstreet.  Scholarship tallies were announced and Mrs. Kathy Kitchen was given a special plaque by the senior parents for her outstanding contribution to their children.  After the ceremony, the audience made their way to the gym for a reception hosted by the junior parents, and seniors were able to show off their display boards with photographs and memories of their educational career.  MJCA prays God's best for this amazing group of young people!

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