FBA News Press: Student Newspaper (Issue 4)

Marko Susnjara

Senior Issue

Junior-Senior BanquetPage 8

Quarter 4, Edition 4 2014

3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109 www.fbalions.org 239-597-2233

NEWS PRESSFirst Baptist Academy

The End of An Era

Senior Chapel

With the year winding down and high school finally coming to an end, most of the class of 2014 was giving in to the deadly disease known as senioritis. We were ready to graduate and move on to something new. When we realized the senior trip was coming soon, the spark of life was once again ignited and excite-ment flowed.

Embarking on our journey on the 15th of March, our destination was the tropi-cal paradise known as Costa Rica.After a short flight, we arrived, ready for a six day hiatus from normal life. The first night we checked into our hotel and enjoyed devotions led by Mr. Rider.

The next day we spent traveling across the country to the beautiful Volcano Arenal. Later in the day we checked into our hotel, and traveled about ten minutes to a gorgeous waterfall. That night we enjoyed the stunning natural hot springs.

The following day in Costa Rica, we

spent ziplining through the trees on the side of the volcano, and that night trav-eled back to San Jose. Tuesday was our missions day. We spent this day doing anything and everything we could to help a local church with their daycare program.

Wednesday we traveled by bus and by boat to the remote island of Tortuga, where we spent the day snorkeling, relaxing in the sun, and getting stuck in kayaks and paddleboats miles off the shore.

Thursday was sadly our last day away from home, and while we were sad to leave it was a good time to return home. Rice and beans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner were getting a bit old. After a plane ride and a bus trip back to Miami, the class of 2014 was back home, ready to finish out the year strong.

Costa - RicanAdventure

Class of 2014

One of the traditions that seniors and parents look forward to every year is the Senior Chapel. The chapel includes three traditions; the presenting of prayer shawls, the signing of the Senior Bible, and a challenge by the class chaplain. Each year a group of women from First Baptist Church takes on the gigantic task of knitting or crocheting a prayer shawl for every senior. The women pray for the seniors as they are knitting. The colors in the blankets represent their prayers; red stands for forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus, white for purity, green for spiritual growth, and black for protection from sin. During the chapel seniors are presented with their prayer shawls. This is a very touching tradition and frequently brings the audience to tears. The graduates also sign the Senior Bible. The Bible has been signed by each graduating class and is presented to the next group of seniors at graduation. Finally, the class chaplain leaves the school, particularly the junior class with a challenge. This year Chaplain Kody VanDuser charged the juniors to step up and unite now. He urged them not to wait until it is time to leave FBA behind.

SeniorS

Nicholas AristizabalKnown for his athletic abil-

ity and rapping skills, Nick Aristizabal has been at FBA for two years. Playing both sides of the ball, Nick was an intregal part of the foot-ball team’s success. He played varsity baseball and pitched for the win in the District Championship game against CSN. Nick also is the proud owner of a decked out FSU golfcart.

Nick will be attending Florida State University in the fall.

Artist extraordinaire, Kaylee Attwell has been at FBA for four years. She has been an important leader on the year-book staff and has spent many pleasurable hours in the Art room.

Kaylee plans to attend Rollins College in the fall where she will study Studio Art, with a minor in Psychology. She plans to become an art therapist.

Christian BatesThe time has come for this

senior class president, track star, football lineman, and world class debater, to move on to new and bigger conquests. Christian has been a student at FBA for three years and in that short time has made a lasting impression. Christian went all the way to state in the triple jump 110m hurdles. He is graduating Valedictorian of his senior class.

Christian plans to attend UCF, and participate in the academic honors program, in the fall.

Jordan BeaubrinShe has beauty, brains and

Michael Jordan’s basketball skills. Even after seven years here at FBA, Jordan plans to attend school somewhere near SW Florida. Jordan played varsity basketball was named senior homecoming queen.

Jordan will be sad to leave all of her unforgettable friends and holds many cherished memories. She plans to attend FCGU in the fall.

Matthew BenfieldMatt Benfield is a guitar

playing musical genius. Matt has attended FBA for 14 years. Matt has participated in the school musicals. He is an amazing guitar player and offers guitar lessons to both adults and children. Matthew loves the outdoors and will-ingly states he will be heading outside every chance he gets.

Matt’s life verse is Jeremiah 29:11.

Michael BertramMike Bertram, “the

Legend,” loves basketball. He has played two years on the varsity team and is proud of his ability to pass out water cups. He has attended FBA since Pre-K three and in order to keep the legend of pinwheel alive will pass it on to Ryan Chlebek.

Mike plans to attend either Palm Beach Atlantic University or Florida Southern College. He would like to pur-sue a career in marketing.

Tyler BrecherTyler Brecher is best known

around FBA for his crowd pleasing fast breaks, game changing touchdown recep-tions, and ability to jump 6 feet. But did you know that Tyler has been enrolled at FBA since Pre K? Or that he owns five goats?

Tyler plans to earn a degree in a high demand field and create a successful career for himself.

Nicole BreehnePeppy cheerleader, world class soc-

cer player, and someone who enjoys a good time, Nikki Breehne has attend-ed FBA for ten years and will be missed. When asked what she will miss the most, she replied without hesitation that she will miss all of the great times she had while attending FBA.

Nikki is planning on attending FGCU and studying elementary edu-cation. She is ecstatic to be going to college and starting her own life. Her life verse is Philippians 3:14.

Dillon BrociousDillon Brocious has been

enrolled at the academy for five years. He was irreplace-able on the football team this year, playing at the lineback-er position. Dillon has made many close friends while at FBA and will be greatly missed.

After graduation, Dillon will be playing football for Millsap College in Mississippi.

Clarissa CanoClarissa Cano has attended

FBA for six years and has run track, played basketball and cheered. In addition to these school activities Clarissa has spent many hours traveling all over the world with her family.

Clarissa will be attending FGCU in the fall. During our senior trip Clarissa discovered a love for children of other nationalities and plans to pur-sue this in the future.

Kaylee Attwell

Page 2 May 7, 2014The Academy NewsPress

Nick Aristizabal: Brian Diaz: FSU swag. Christiana Stearns: My Hum or. Seth and Colton: my Wable’ power

Kaylee Attwell: Nicole Miller: my love of Frozen. Michaela Zerbo: my obsession with Yearbook. Kaitlyn Handley: my Art skills

Matt Benfield: Steve Neptune: my bad luck and my ability to get hurt

Christian Bates: Robbie Hurt: my hurdle reward . Chris Hassey: my logic and sense of humor

Jordan Beaubrin: Kaitlyn Handley: my loud voice. Christi Stearns: my buns days. Arieana Koonce: my flirtatious ways

Mike Bertram: Alex Kusma: my neck beard. Tyler Dean: my bench warming and water cup passing ability . Doobie: my shoe game

Tyler Brecher : Ryan Chelbek: 3 pt shot and dunking ability. Arieana Koonce: my high jump ability. Remy Santos : my basketball work ethic. Isaiah Herrera: my 1st year football ability

Dillon Brocious: Colton Rinde: my biceps. Chris Hassey: my line backing skills

Stephanie Cox : Savannah George: my ability to be a teacher’s pet. Christine Barnes: my bubbly personal-ity

Hezron Edwards : Brian Diaz: lotion battles. Alex Kusma: KFC coupons. Jake Hein: shady pigmenta-tion. Josh Carter: my sweater vests

Jordan Elser: Brian Diaz: my cocoa butter kisses and my ability to do stupid things. Cole Heath: my laugh.

Logan Hendry : George Cruz: my ability to eat large amounts of food. Seth Penner: 100 lbs W James: my love for Batman and other comic related things.

Allan James: Joe Griffin: my bench warming ability. Josh Carter: my fishing skills. Bruno Rosa: my Mrs. Natale Mcdonald’s coupons

Chandler Jones: John Eardley: my car parking spot . Bruno Rosa: locker

Meghan Kirkpatrick: Christine Barnes: Sock col-lection. Michael Zerbo: my schedule. Logan Kirkpatrick: multi-denomination skills. Alyssa Gordon: toothpaste oreos. Emily Lines: my excellent baking skills

Trey Koonce: Ryan Chlebek: my height. Tony Tompkins: the title “Daddy”

Sandra Pimienta: Mia Coury: my hoop earrings. Mrs.Rose: my ability to text with my toes. Triston Palleschi: My humor

Stephanie CoxKnown for her hard work and

diligence, Stephanie Cox sets the standard for teacher’s pet. In spite of suffering from a case of senioritis, Stephanie has fin-ished well at FBA. She has been attending since Pre-K three and received the Order of the Lion.

After graduating from FBA in May, Steff plans on heading to Stetson in the fall where she will study Psychology with eventual plans to work in a girls’ rehab center, specializing in eating dis-orders and self harm.

Andrachline DieAndrachline Die has been

at FBA since her sophomore year. Known for her beauti-ful weaved hair she provides a quiet, sweet spirit in the classroom.

Andrachline plans to attend FGCU in the fall

Hezron EdwardsHezron Edwards, the

Englishman, is a senior who has been at FBA for twelve years. Hezron was a force to be reck-oned with on the soccer field, playing varsity soccer for five years. Hezron also played four years of varsity football at the safety position and two years of varsity baseball.

In the future Hezron plans to become a financial advisor/coun-selor. He will be studying finance and marketing at FGCU in the fall with plans to study abroad.

Jordan ElserThe man they call “Forrest

Gump” is known in the halls of FBA for his creativity and sense of humor. He has attend-ed FBA since fourth grade. Both teachers and students will miss hearing his laugh and voice acting skills. While at FBA Jordan lit up the stage of the school musicals.

With Jordan’s creative skills in technology he is a perfect match for Apple Computers where he will be working in the very near future.

Robert EmersonRobbie Emerson has

been attending First Baptist Academy for three years. He enjoys playing baseball, fish-ing, and anything outdoors.

Robbie will be playing base-ball while attending Lake Sumter State College where he will pursue his education.

Sabrina GolbaSabrina Golba has been

enrolled at FBA for two years. Sabrina is widely viewed as a happy and bubbly girl. She readily admits that all the praise goes to God, because she has had her share of obsta-cles in her life. Sabrina was involved in video production this year.

Sabrina plans on living in Costa Rica as a missionary teaching English to young children.

SeniorS “...upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18


Senior Wills...

SeniorS

Logan HendryIn his fourth year here at

FBA, Logan Hendry, super artist by day, is ready to put his high school career on the shelf and move on to new and exciting things.

Next year, Logan plans to attend Savannah College of Art and Design; aka SCAD to pursue a major in sequential arts. In his years here at FBA, Logan has played a part in the varsity golf and soccer teams, and his life verse is Isaiah 40:31.

Allan JamesAllan James has been

enrolled at FBA for eight years. He’s played basketball the entire time he has been enrolled. Allan is known for his loud voice and witty com-ments during class.

Allan will be attending Edison State College for his first two years and plans to transfer at some point. Allan will miss all the friends he has made and the teachers.

Chandler JonesChandler Jones has been

going to FBA for three years. Chandler played baseball dur-ing his junior year, and ran track for FBA for his senior year of high school.

Candler will be going to Mississippi State in the fall and studying Business Marketing. His life verse is Revelations 22:21.

Meaghan KirkpatrickKnown for her unique

style and creative personal-ity, Meaghan has touched the hearts of both student and teacher during her thir-teen years at FBA. Meaghan played weekly on the worship team and this year was liter-ally the fiddler, on the roof, in the school play.

Meaghan will be attending Southeastern University in the fall where she will be studying Graphic Design.

Harrison MaritatoHarry Maritato is

known by his friends as an intelligent,thinker. While quiet in class, when he speaks his classmates listen. Harry has played varsity golf and second base for the baseball team. Harry was very influential in the baseball team’s success.

In the fall Harry will be attending Baylor University where he will be majoring in a science.

George Earl Koonce, IIIIf you venture to an FBA bas-

ketball game you were sure to witness the prolific number 20 nailing a three at some point. Who is this famed player? None other than Trey Koonce. Trey has attended FBA since the 4th grade. He is also a huge Green Bay Packers fan.

In the years to come, Trey plans on attending Palm Beach Atlantic University to play basketball.

Nathaniel MartinezCat lover, Nate Martinez

has been attending FBA for twelve years. He played var-sity baseball for three years. Nate really enjoyed his J-Term internships and has decided to study forensic science as a result.

Nate plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University in the fall.

Gabrielle MonterossoGabby’s friends will miss

her sense of humor. She has attended FBA since Pre-K three! You might not know that Gabby has hundreds of hours of community service.President and founder of the Knit for Life Club, Gabby has made a lasting impact on the lives of many unborn children and mothers.

In the fall, Gabby will be attending Ave Maria University to study biology and become an echotechnich-ian.

Howard MurrellHoward Murrell has been

at FBA since the tenth grade. “Howie” will always be remembered by his classmates for his love of building and his ability to locate exotic ani-mals. Senior class vice-pres-ident, Howard played varsity football, soccer, and ran track.

Howard plans to go to Auburn University in the fall.

Noah NemniNoah Nemni, a lifer here at

FBA, is the saluatorian of this class. One of the most well-known faces around the school and church Noah is known for his Christ-like testimony and his flair for the dramatic. He has had starring roles in multiple school musicals and finally tasted the life of an athlete his senior year by playing vasity soccer.

This fall Noah will be attending Taylor University where he will double major in film production ,as well as Christian Ministries.


SeniorS

Joshua PetersonAttending FBA since the

6th grade, Josh entertains his friends with his sense of humor. Josh is a huge Celtics fan. He states that he will miss his close friendships at FBA.

Josh will be attending FGCU in the fall to study business.

Sandra PimientaSandra Pimienta has attend-

ed FBA for one Year, her senior year. After graduation, she plans on attending either Stetson University or the University of South Florida. Sandra hopes to complete medical school. A fun fact about Sandra is that she is a vegetarian.

Caleigh ReedCaleigh Reed has been at

FBA since fourth grade. She is interested in nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. While at FBA Caleigh cheered and was an integral part of the worship team. She sang weekly in cha-pels and participated in festi-vals and special events. More than anything Caleigh values the friends she has made in high school.

Caleigh plans to pursue a career in nutrition science. She will be taking classes online in the near future.

Adam ReiterThe man, the myth, the leg-

end, Adam Reiter has been running this school since sophomore year when he first graced these hallowed halls with his presence. When Adam isn’t busy planning school events or giving our announcements, Adam has spent his time participating in both drama productions and the school worship team. In the years to come, Adam plans to attend FGCU to pursue a degree in resort and hospitality management.

Amanda RichardsonAmanda Richardson has a

heart for children and those with disabilities. She has been at FBA for four years. Amanda played varsity soccer for two years and cheered on the varsity squad her senior year.

Amanda plans to attend FGCU, learn some type of medical specialty, and use her knowledge and heart to improve the lives of less for-tunate children.

Benjamin RitterWinged-Foot Nominee, ath-

lete, Benjamin Ritter has been a student at FBA since 6th grade. During his time at FBA Benjamin has played varsity football, soccer, and baseball. Benjamin could also be found on stage during musical con-certs, playing the violin.

In the fall Benjamin plans to attend Baylor University. He plans to study pre-med and eventually follow in his father’s foot steps as a physi-cian.Senior

Wills...

“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Nate Martinez: John Eardley: my awesome cash register skills. Alexander Fabela: my money mak-ing skills. Joe Griffin: My ability to eat mexican food without getting sick. Gabby Monterosso: Ashley Steiner: My sarcastic personality. Tessa VanProoyen: My senioritis. Alyssa Gordan: My really bad drawing abilitiesHoward Murrell: Zach Williams: my ability to grow a thick mustache. Chris Hassey: my ability to gain muscle mass. Noah Nemni: Jake Walker and Chris Hassey: soccer bench warming. Quinn Schurig: Kyle’s smile. Tony Tompkins: firehouse of positivity. Devon Baker: heelys. Bruno Rosa :Loudness. Devon Powers: Tardi-nessJosh Peterson: Remy Santos: my ability to grow a luscious beard. Devon Baker: give my amazing looks to fake Josh. W James: a razor Caleigh Reed: Seth Penner: my yoga skills. Q New-ton: my height. Savannah George : my ghetto wheelsAdam Reiter: Tony Tompkins: my position as student administrator. Coach Jansen: my soy latte. Seth Penner: my flamboyance Amanda Richardson: Mia Coury: my ability to get dresscode everyday. Danielle Stevenson : soccer skills Matthew Rothenberger: Seth Penner: my ability to walk through the school bare foot. John Eardley: my ability to turn homework in two days late and still

have an A in the classBlake Smith: Jake Hein : my great style. Luke Devin: My golf skills. George Cruz: my love for food. Quinn Schurig: my amazing soccer skills Rebekah Sperry: Emily Lines : my height Marco Susnjara: Ryan Chlebek: my locker. Jake Walker: my straight A’s. John Eardley: my soccer skills. David Bonilla: my speed. Remy Santos: my title to be Mrs.Maloney’s favorite senior. Bruno Rosa: my ability to do a backflip. Seth Penner: my tennis skills Danielle Sblendorio: Michaela Zerbo: my rebellious nature. Christine Barnes: my curly hair. Sara Carlton: my ability to get away with being out of dress code. Sara Lezgus - my height. Tony Tompkins and Quinn Schurig - my senioritisKody VanDuser: Robbie Hurt: my amazing red beard. Taylor Edie: my leadership among the pastors kids. Danielle Stevenson: my ability to pass every class without studying


SeniorS

Matthew RothenbergerMatthew Rothenberger,

barefoot boy, has been attend-ing FBA for three years. He counts his abilities to man-age yearbook business and his computer savvy as major accomplishments at FBA.Matthew juggled all of this while helping his family move to Arkansas.

Matthew plans to go to Palm Beach Atlantic University. Where he will pursue a degree in Computer Science.

Danielle SblendorioAfter three years here at

FBA, senioritis has abso-lutely kicked in for Danielle Splendorio. During her time at FBA, Danielle has par-ticipated in drama and wor-ship team, and also plays and teaches piano. In the years to come, Danielle plans to pursue a degree in either elementary education or medicine at the very popular choice of Florida Gulf Coast University.

Danielle’s life verse is Proverbs 31:25.

Blake SmithDuring Blake’s staggering fourteen

year career at FBA, he has competed in varsity baseball, golf, and soccer. Blake has made an incredible impact on each playing field. In addition he has a passion for snowboarding which he pursues over his breaks. During the school day Blake is known to have a seemingly unlimited supply of food coming from his backpack.

Blake plans to attend FGCU before transferring to Boston University to pursue a degree in Business Economics.

Rebekah SperrySoccer star, Rebekah Sperry,

has been attending FBA for five years. Although she is known as quiet in the class-room, her friends know a spunkier side to her. Rebakah has made many friends at FBA. She is sad to leave but is excited to start her future as a college athlete.

Rebekah has committed to play soccer for Ave Maria University in the fall.

Marko Susnjara

William Watkins

Will Watkins, known as “The Big Ging” has been at FBA for three years. He was a major contributing factor to the success of FBA’s varsity baseball team the last three years. Will is a pitcher and may pursue this while in col-lege.

Will plans to study crimi-nology and would like to one day be in some type of law enforcement or intelligence.

Kody VanDuserKody uses his extreme sense

of humor to liven up every situation at FBA. Varsity foot-ball player, and basketball player, Kody widened his ath-letic horizons his senior year by playing baseball. Kody also served as senior class chap-lain.

Kody will be attending FGCU in the fall to study business.

Victoria Stearns

Victoria Marie Stearns, singer, pas-tor’s kid, athlete, and drama girl, on stage, has been at FBA since the 5th grade. She has competed in cross country, basketball, soccer, and track, while also playing a vital part in the school drama productions.

After a long decision making pro-cess, Victoria has decided to attend Cedarville University in the fall to pursue a double major in communica-tions and political science. Over the years, Victoria has been known for her love of Snapchat, selfies, and of course, dark chocolate.

You might see him out on the tennis court or doing a backflip somewhere, but after two years at FBA, Marko Susnjara, the Croatian sensation, is ready to move on to new and exciting things. Last year Marko was the co-captain of the soccer team, and has also competed in football and track. Marko also played tennis year round. Marko has decided to move out to the desert to attend Grand Canyon University this fall where he will pursue a degree in sports manage-ment or youth ministry, and play tennis and soccer.


Fire & iceJr/Sr Banquet

In view of such an impressive theme, students already had high expectations when walking into Spanish Wells Country Club; they were not disappointed. For most of the junior and senior ladies, April 25th involved a flurry of activities, including hair styling, nail painting, and the donning of makeup. All this preparation achieved its desired effect. The ladies were stun-ning. The men also looked remarkable and matched their dazzling dates, as well as the extraordinary decorations. The junior class and their sponsor, Mrs. Lines, had worked hard to prepare.

Once everyone arrived, the night began with an elegant senior walk. Each senior and his or her date (or group of friends) were announced and walked down the center aisle, while being applauded by friends and family. From there, students found their places at select “Fire” or “Ice” tables. The tables were decorated accord-ing to the theme. Students then socialized with friends. A photo booth was open to everyone and most participated. Students put on hilarious accessories, struck ran-dom poses, and got their pictures taken by

the wonderful photographer for the night, Coach Benji Works.

Soon, delicious food, including either fish, steak, or chicken entrées, was served. While students enjoyed the meal, juniors Maggie Williams and Chris Hassey announced the junior class prophecies for each of the members of the senior class. During the comical proclamations, the two sporadically picked winners of the raffle drawings for various gift cards. Next, each senior took their place behind the podium and willed something of their own away to an underclassmen.

During dessert attendees walked around and tried to match each senior to their baby picture. Some pictures even baffled those who had grown up together for years! To conclude the evening, Kevin VanDuser played various line dancing songs. Students gathered in the middle of the ballroom to enjoy some amusing dances.

Altogether the night stood out from the rest and will be a wonderful memory in the minds of all who attended!



Documents

FBA News Press: Student Newspaper (Issue 4)