MUMMERT RECOGNIZED BY TENNESSEAN :

Mt. Juliet Christian Academy sophomore soccer player, Sam Mummert, was listed among the top ten players to watch in Middle Tennessee. This is a great honor, considering that these players are not separated by class or division.

The list was comprised of Division 1 & 2 players from class "A", "AA", and "AAA". Mummert was the youngest named, as all of the others were juniors and seniors. Other schools represented included Brentwood Academy, CPA, University School of Nashville, Overton, Brentwood, Ravenwood, Centenial, and Cookeville High School.

Coach Matt Swallows was very proud of this announcement and stated that Sam was very humbled by the recognition. "Sam knows that this could not have been accomplished without the contributions of his teammates," said Swallows.

So far this season, Mummert has led the Saints to a 2-0 start. Although there is a lot of season yet to play, the year looks promising for the Saints.

MJCA would like to congratulate Sam Mummert for this outstanding accomplishment.

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SPRING SPORTS OFF TO A FAST START:

Mt. Juliet Christian Academy's spring athletic teams have started their seasons off very well.

The MJCA high school men's soccer team has come out of the gate by winning their first 3 games. The Saints defeated Pleasant View Chrstian School twice (7-2, 3-1), followed by a dominating 8-0 win over class AA Jackson County High School. This year's soccer schedule is a tough one, but the high school soccer team is showing a lot of promise. They will return to the field next Tuesday (3/30) as they host Creekwood High School.

The Lady Saints softball team, under the direction of Emily Echols, has also started off very well. After dropping a double-header to state power Knoxville Webb (10-13, 2-9), the MJCA team has won three straight games. MJCA swept a double-header against Lighthouse Christian School Monday (14-0, 7-0). Then Tuesday they beat Glencliff High School (class AAA) by a score of 20-1. Their next game is Thursday (3/25), as they host The Webb School in a double-header starting a 4:00.

Our middle school baseball and softball teams have also faired well in the early season. The middle school baseball team is 1-1 currently with a win over University School of Nashville and the girls softball team is 1-0 with a win over Watertown Middle School.

Some teams are still waiting to open their season. High school tennis opens this Friday as they play Friendship Christian School at Charlie Daniels Park at 3:30. The middle school soccer team starts their season on Thursday as they host Sumner Academy at 4:30.

We encourage you to be a part of the exciting MJCA spring sports this year. Get all the schedules by clicking on http://mjca.org/Athletics.htm .

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STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE MONTH:

MJCA Athletics is proud to name Rahul Vanmali the March Student Athlete of the Month.

Rahul has attended Mt. Juliet Christian Academy since pre-school. He will graduate this May with a 4.0 GPA. He has also earned the honor of being the class of 2010's Salutatorian.

Vanmali is the secretary/treasurer of the National Honor Society and is on the Student Council. He is currently the senior class president.

Rahul plans to attend the University of Tennessee in the fall and has already recieved academic scholarships.

These, among other accomplishments, are very impressive. Even more impressive, Rahul has lettered in athletics all four years of high school at MJCA. He has earned four letters in varsity baseball, while earning one in varsity basketball.

Last summer, he tore his ACL in basketball summer camp, which sidelined him for the majority of the season. This did not stop him from being a leader and key member of the Saints basketball squad. Rahul was able to start playing varsity games at end of the season and did very well.

Rahul Vanmali is proof that you can excel at athletics and academics at the same time. We are proud of what he has been able to accomplish at MJCA.

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DIRECTOR'S CORNER:

Lately, I have been wondering what things parents consider when choosing a school for their child. What is important to the vast majority of the population? Is it Christ-centered environment? Is it excellence in academics? Is it safety? Is it the teachers and coaches? Is it the influences that will surround their child? Or, Is it athletics?

I am quite certain that each family would answer this question differently. It seems to all come down to what each family values for their child.

MJCA is blessed to provide all of the above. It would seem to be one of the few schools in the area that can honestly say that it provides opportunity for families in all of these arenas.

After twelve years of working for MJCA, I can say that MJCA's primary goal is to keep Christ in the center of everything that it does. Also, I can say that keeping the safest environment possible is a high priority here. MJCA's academics speak for themselves (just look at our test scores, alumni, college credit offerings, and college scholarships). Our teachers and students demonstrate great love for their students on a daily basis and make a practice of praying for them regularly. Our athletic department currently offers many sports, in which over 80% of the secondary student body participates.

So, why would parents choose otherwise? Is it because they believe some sort of misinformation? Is it because they are looking for strength in a singular area instead of the overall qualities of a school? I certainly hope not.

I am proud to say that MJCA students are given every opportunity possible to be successful. The burden of success now lies upon them.

I am so thankful to be a part of such a well- rounded institution, and I hope that you are as well.

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