Newsletter of the Hawthorne Christian Academy Summer 2017 · Newsletter of the Hawthorne Christian Academy Summer 2017 ... and often unintended ... was awarded Best Accompanist for

Newsletter of the Hawthorne Christian Academy Summer 2017

The Chimes

HCA Welcomes New Director of Advancement

—page 3

Creative Minds,

Have we gotsomething for you!

Makerspace will be open for business this fall

—page 4

Page 2 │The Chimes

HCAThe Chimes of Hawthorne Christian Academy is published three times a year

Head of SchoolDavid Seidman Upper School PrincipalMarcia RaineyLower School Principal Donna Pfeiffer Assistant to Head of SchoolDaniel Brown Director of GuidanceJennifer EelmanDirector of AdvancementSandy Vasquez-ChongDirector of AdmissionsVictoria Grant Director of AthleticsTyler Van DykChimes EditorBarbara Higby

Visit us at hca.org Like us on Facebook facebook.com/HawthorneChristianAcademy

Hawthorne Christian Academy2000 Route 208Hawthorne, NJ 07506973.423.3331

Hawthorne Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the Academy. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

The Hidden Curriculum

My nephew Jason has no fear. An experienced hunter and woodsman (currently a lumberjack working year-round in Alaska!), he approached me about doing something he’d never done before. Jason was going to be employed at a leadership camp for young people, teaching them forestry and survival skills. Although he was great with wild animals and trees, working with people would be a venture into the great unknown.

“There are two things you need to do,” I told him, “Treat every young person as if they’re older than they are, and have high expectations for them in everything they do.”

No doubt his program had a clearly defined set of lesson plans, curriculum and activities that everyone would be following. What I was sharing with him was something entirely different, something in education called the hidden curriculum.

The hidden curriculum refers to the unwritten, unofficial, and often unintended lessons and values that are passed on in the process of teaching and learning. In other words, these are the unspoken messages communicated to students in the learning environment. What I shared with Jason were principles that I have always acted on, regardless of the age or circumstances of any student interaction. While I’ve never verbalized what I was doing, and it was not written in any handbook or lesson plan, these ideas convey a level of respect to young people that both stretches and empowers them. The principles also encourage a growth mindset, which means that a young person is being taught to adapt and grow from challenges, regardless of how difficult the circumstances.

Note that the hidden curriculum can reinforce or contradict the stated curriculum, either supporting what’s evident to all, or revealing hypocrisy in what’s being taught. A teacher or parent who says, “Love one another” but talks negatively behind others’ backs sends a much different message than they’ve spoken aloud.

What hidden curriculum is being taught in our homes? What hidden messages do our driving habits, eating behaviors, reading, TV watching, and smart phone activity say to our children about what’s important? If our kids were to rank family priorities based on what they see at home, would we agree with them?

Hawthorne Christian Academy is distinctive in that we focus on integrating faith and learning. We’re not simply about having good students, but weaving faith into every part of life. In a sense we’re trying to model ourselves after Jesus, who blurred the lines between what He taught and how He lived, leaving no place for a hidden curriculum. His words and actions were in sync, as He constantly listened to His Father and shared his Father’s heart in what He said and did. He was always teaching the message of God’s love. When He said in John 10:10, “I have come

A Word in Season

David SeidmanHead of School

Word continued on page 13

Photos by Ellen Pelliccio and the Yearbook Staff

The Chimes │Page 3

Hawthorne Christian Academy announces the appointment of Mrs. Sandy Vasquez-Chong as Director of Advancement, beginning in the 2017-2018 school year.

Mrs. Vasquez-Chong has been blessed with a myriad of professional experiences in marketing, project development, and education. She has worked in personnel since 1998, and has a wealth of knowledge from positions such as Digital Media Planner and Advertising Project Manager, overseeing multi-million dollar projects and accounts for various Fortune 500 companies. Her education background, as well as her work in community relations and enrollment management, make her a valuable asset to the school community. A devout lover of Jesus, she and her husband Fabian are raising their three children in the Lord's love and guidance, and is excited about the future of HCA.

New Advancement Director Welcomed

Head of School Dave Seidman welcomes Mrs. Sandy Vasquez-Chong as HCA's new Director of Advancement.

Teens Tackle Heavy Issues

First there was worship—led by the high school worship team. Next came the speaker—Michelle Kim, an advocate for believers in North Korea. Then came the power —fifteen student leaders led out in prayer for the persecuted church in North Korea, Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, Nigeria, and China.

According to the website of Open Doors (a ministry serving persecuted Christians worldwide), each month 322 Christians are killed for their faith, 214 churches and Christian properties are destroyed, and 772 forms of violence are committed against Christians. HCA's students have freedom when they worship—and they used that freedom to pray for those who don't have it.

“Rehabilitation ought to be valued above retribution in criminal justice systems." This was the topic of the second annual Debate Club Showcase on May 23rd, with over 60 spectators in attendance. This debate was both educational and thought-provoking, as audience members gained considerable knowledge about both sides of a complicated issue.

Three judges, Mrs. Calo, Mr. Innis, and Mrs. Mastin, determined the official winning team, and a straw poll of the audience was taken as well. Both groups voted for the Negative Team, who argued that rehabilitation should not be valued over retribution.

The Negative Team (pictured) consisted of Jonathan Alektiar, Sarah Zacaroli, Andrew Browne and Abigail Ng. The Affirmative Team included Bridgette Flucus, Amaury Gutierrez, Timothy Jackson, and Paloma Parker.


Makerspace Opens Doors to LearningInnovations have transformed the library world and, let's just say, there's a whole lot more than books in HCA's middle/high school library today. The center for quiet study and referencing books has become a Makerspace, the place where students learn through collaboration, creativity and experimentation. The Makerspace provides space and resources that foster thinking through participatory learning.

STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) are fostered in Makerspace work areas. Each workstation stimulates thinking through tinkering. When students tinker there are no instructions. It's all about figuring out how things work and then reworking them, allowing inquiring minds to meet challenges through a combination of play, discovery and creativity.

Students design patterns and produce objects on a 3D printer. They tinker with building robots, learn computer coding, and build electric circuits. Makey Makey® invention kits allow students to transform everyday objects into computer keyboards, game controllers, musical instruments or something they dream up. Raspberry Pi®, a credit card sized computer, teaches programming through projects that are fun and practical. The Lego® wall develops lateral thinking, motor development and planning skills. Students create poetry by sticking magnetic words on a large mounted board or doodle their thoughts on the round whiteboard table in the center of the room.

Thanks to the hard work of our tech department, Mrs. Patty Lyttle and Mr. Ken Burres, HCA's Makerspace will be open to middle and high school students throughout the day for independent and group exploration, as well as class participation for integrated study.

Cover: Denson Pollard builds a battery powered car with a littleBits® kit.

Top: Using CADD software, the sixth grade 3D Club created light switch covers on the 3D printer. Members of the pilot after school club were required to design original patterns for 3D printing.

Middle: Colby Parker and Sergio Santiago experiment with Makey Makey® kits, learning that paper clips, apples, or any object that conducts electricity can be used to control input to a computer.

Bottom: Suzanna Odusote, Raquel Guillen, Kate Murtagh and Kaitlyn Scherner learn about electric current by using circuit tiles to control lights, fans and buzzers.


Look who's moving up!

The students of HCA's eighth grade class are getting ready to be high school freshmen next year. Pictured in row one are Thomas Perez, Christian Burres, Cristina D'Amato, Elizabeth Han, Naomi Ng, Rachel How, Gianna Generoso, Joshua Joseph, and Bradley New; in row two are Andrew Egedy, Luna Villamil, Colleen Moran, Kameron Saul, Erik Andersen, Joshua Hubbard, Georgia Pollard, Cormac Murtagh, Brian Sanchez, and Faythe Way; in row three are Christiana Hubbard, Jaiden Fuller, Gabriela Mallack, Lukas Choi, Ethan Koo, Nelly Cyrin, Adrielle Perde, and Mark Prioleau; in row four are Ryan Smith, Cliff Connell, Luke Hart, Christopher Eelman, Henry Hagedorn, Shayne Foster, Leah Nance, Michael Lamitola, and Micaela Warren. Graduates David-William Park and Mark Schur are not pictured.

They brought us to tearsThe sweet voices of lower school students carried poignant sincerity as they sang "The Lord's Prayer" to open the Lower School Spring Concert. The earnestness and purity of their voices brought tears to the eyes of those in attendance.

The concert showcased the talents of students in preschool through fifth grade, under the able leadership of Debbie Reitzel. Songs of worship (such as "Fruit that is Rooted in You") as well as songs of fun (like "Y'all Come") reflected the grace of God and brought Him glory. Students in grades three through five presented a musical drama, The Kingdom Connection, featuring the biblical kings Saul, David, Herod and Solomon as predecessors of the King of Kings.


Once again the High School Music Department excelled in the Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, PA. On May 12-13, six of HCA's musical groups performed and competed against schools from across NY, NJ, PA, and OH, receiving Superior ratings and awards.

Chorale won 1st Place, Mixed Choir I category; Servants of the King Women's Ensemble won 1st place, Women's Choir category; Servants of the King Men's Ensemble won 1st place, Men's Ensemble Category; Servants of the King won 1st place, Mixed Choir II category; Prelude Handbells won 2nd place, Handbell Choir category; Allegro Handbells won 1st place, Handbell Choir category. Christine Brower was awarded Best Accompanist for her violin playing with the Women's Ensemble and Servants of the King won Best Overall Choir with a perfect score of 100.

High School Groups Win Big at Music in the Parks

Middle School Chorus competed against middle and junior high schools from across the northeastern United States in the Music in the Parks competition at Six Flags Great Adventure on May 20. Our students received a superior rating of 95.5. They also won first place in the Mixed Chorus Division and Best Overall Choir in the competition.

Middle School Chorus Makes a Splash at Six Flags

Student News

NoteworthyRensselaer Medal Awarded Chris Silos was awarded the prestigious Rensselaer Medal. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, one of the top Engineering and Science schools in the country, awards the RPI Medal to well-rounded high school juniors with high achievements and aptitude in STEM subjects.

#2 in Stock Market GameHCA finished second in our region, as part of the year-long nationally acclaimed Stock Market Game. The seniors in Mr. Mui's Selected Topics math class were each given a hypothetical $1000,000 to manage. Our top individual portfolio managers were Kaitlin Davis and Noelani Rivera, finishing 24th and 25th respectively out of over 900 individual portfolio managers in our extremely competitive region.

All-State Chorus Angie Lovato (Soprano 1) and Philip Duncan (Tenor 1) qualified for the New Jersey All-State Chorus, having auditioned with more than 1500 students from across New Jersey. The 2017 NJ All-State Mixed Chorus will perform in Atlantic City on November 8-10 and be in concert at NJPAC on November 19.

AAA Poster ContestSophie Arrieta (grade 2) and Megan Sheen (grade 1) were named winners in the AAA Poster Safety Contest. Their posters reminding children to use booster seats and play away from traffic.

First place handwritingEvelynn Kwak was one of HCA's five winners in the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest, as noted in the spring Chimes. She has now been awarded first place in NJ for first grade handwriting.

Chris Silos


Artists Win Ribbons at Art CompetitionHCA's students had a stellar showing at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Art Festival, with each of our artists ranking an excellent or superior. The competition was held at the Abundant Life Academy, Nutley.

The participants were, grade 3, Shannon Kayal, Elias Atekpe, Abigail Lee*, Jelena Wofford*; grade 4, Robert Taylor, Sydney Chung; grade 5, Tessa Lee, Joelle Lee, Jonathan Yoo, Anna Rypkema; grade 6, Jonathan Yoo, Kate Murtagh, Joanna Meharg* (Best in Show for her grade); grade 8, Gabriela Mallack*, Christiana Hubbard*, Rachel How*; grade 10, Charlene Manipon, Evelyn Lewis; grade 11, Kaitlyn Hart*, Emily Vasquez, Czarina Manipon, Nylah Hindsman, Maria Klimik*; and grade 12, Beatrice Rejouis. *Indicates superior

Curious George thrills HCA's youngest students with his visit to preschool through grade two, compliments of Houghton Mifflin Publishing Curriculum. He poses with our 4-year-old preschool class.

Writing FestivalTwelve budding poets submitted their poems to the annual ACSI Creative Writing Festival and each student won recognition.

The poems of fifth grade students Eliot Lee and Lucas Spinelli were rated Superior (their poems are below). Excellent ratings went to fourth graders Cole Higby, Gianna Liberali, Matthew Mitchell and Daniel Yoo, and fifth graders Julie Awad, Yaelin Hough, Joelle Lee, Tessa Lee, Caleb Mathew and Anna Rypkema.

Just Because We're FlawedLucas Spinelli

Daniel was a man of God.He prayed at times when he was flawed.

Once he was sent to read the writing on the wall.

He did what he was instructed, and did it without a flaw.

He was rewarded with royal robe,plus an exclusive chain of pure gold.

We can learn just because we're flawed,doesn't mean we can't share

the love of God.

The KingEliot Lee

I once was a stubborn king.I always ordered, ordered, and ordered

I would want but never give.Until one day, I had a dreamThat I knew had a meaning.

I got so stressed and ordered death.Still I knew it wouldn't help.

Finally, as a request for mercy,I gave a chance

for the dream to be told.The very next day

my request was grantedNot by man, but by God.

Field DayHCA won first place for Division II (grades 6-8) at the Northern New Jersey Christian School Association (NNJCSA) Field Day. Students from seven Christian schools (grades three through eight) competed at Brookdale Park in Bloomfield.

HCA's first place event winners were: Nazir Pearson (3), broad jump; Jillian Wesseldyke (4), shuttle run; Ashleigh Maura (4), obstacle course; Hugh Ryan (4), broad jump; Joel Walker (5), softball throw, broad jump; Austin Tucker (5), 50m dash; Joell Lassiter (6), softball throw; Joanna Meharg (6), 100m dash; Luis Goenaga (7), softball throw, 100m dash; Cana Koppenal (7), broad jump; Georgia Pollard (8), softball throw; Ethan Koo (8), 100m dash.

Joanna Meharg received Best in Show for her age group. She is pictured with her art teacher, Elizabeth Westerman.

NEWS FLASH: Curious George Visits HCA


The Class of 2017The seniors who graduated on June 16 are headed to colleges as far west as California, as far south as Georgia, and as local as Ramapo and Manhattan. They were offered a total of $2,096,100 in scholarships. The twenty-ninth graduating class brings our alumni total to 900. The graduates are listed with their colleges.

Row one

Ruthann Nicole MunozManhattan College

Jennifer Elizabeth Jobson*Messiah College

Tiffany Eliza BustamanteLiberty University

Michael Scott AustFairfield University

Daniel Ocampo VargasLiberty University

Rachel Rubio**Georgia Southern University

Katelyn Joy MastrobertiHigh Point University

Kaitlin Kathleen DavisLee University

Row two

Beatrice Claire Rejouis**NJ Institute of Technology

Mickayla Lee Sujkowski*Lipscomb University

Kelly EtemadipourLiberty University

Jeffrey James Ventura, Jr.County College of Morris


The Class of 2017Nathan Daniel Seidman

Chapman University

Carly Helen McDermottLiberty University

Stephanie Chiommino**Seton Hall University

Hannah Louise BarraganDominican College

Row three

Grace Rose DeBoer**Ramapo College

Ashley Anne Hanna**Rutgers University

Joshua Spencer Butler**Furman University

Daniel Mauricio Bocanegra*Quinnipiac University

Rachel Kathryn Van LentenUniversity of New Haven

Faith Angel WalkerThe College of New Jersey

Row four

Noelani Elyse Rivera**Bentley University

Nicholas Alexander Alvarez*Boston College

John Montague MauraBethel School of Supernatural Ministry

Arielle Simone Megan DublinGordon College

Kathleen Marie Smith*Fairleigh Dickinson University

**High Honors, *Honors

Photo compliments of David Chen Photography


In her salutatorian address, Grace De Boer called graduation a transition time when she and her peers must make their own choices, form their own beliefs, and become the people God has already set in motion. When this caused her anxiety, God reminded Grace of Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Grace said, “God makes a trade that is entirely in our favor: He gives us unfathomable peace, inexpressible joy, and security in His promises in exchange for trust and the pain of our burdens. So, when we look into the face of our future... we forfeit our anxiety and uncertainty and embrace the peace and security that come through the knowledge that God has us just where He wants us... Why would we be anything but excited to face what God has in store for us?...

“Remember God is with you wherever you go... Thank Him for your successes, lean on Him in your failures, make time for Him as He dedicates all that He is for you. Strive to be the best you can be, both inside and outside the classroom. Honor your God, your Father, your best friend, in all that you say, all that you think, and all that you do. Accept success with humility, and failure with dignity and grace. Be willing to do what is right, not what is popular. Improve the state of the world with not just success... but through an abundance of selflessness, love, integrity, wisdom, and direction in order to turn hearts and minds to the true Author of every good thing.”

Co-Valedictorian Stephanie Chiommino stated that graduation is a combination of bittersweet memories, thrilling accomplish-ment, and an exciting new chapter—and Stephanie didn't mince words about that next chapter.

"As we move on to the next stage of our lives, I would like to encourage my class to always remember to be people of integrity in all we do. The meaning of integrity is: the quality of being honest, having strong moral principles, and being whole and undivided.

"In Psalm 41:12, David says, 'Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.'

"When we uphold our integrity, God promises to uphold us. As we begin our college careers, we may feel we are finally free to do whatever we choose. There will be pressure to compromise our integrity. However, let us always remember who lives in our hearts and walks right by our side even when we think no one is watching...

"As we trust in God, we can also be confident that He will continue to be with us and grow us throughout life. I look forward to seeing all of the plans God has for me and for each one of my classmates as we go off into different directions letting God lead the way in fulfilling His purpose for each of our lives."

When asked on a college application, what would you name the title of your autobiography, Joshua Butler replied, “Above the Waves.” Sharing this in his valedictorian speech, Josh explained that it was the “waves” in his life—the times of challenges and changes—when he experienced the most growth.

Formerly, the decisions that brought change were primarily out of his hands, but Joshua pointed to graduation as a milestone that leads to personal responsibility. He said to his classmates that college represents a season to embark on their own adventures and make their own decisions and told them, "Next year it's finally our turn to choose!"

Then came Josh's challenge: "With this in mind, I would like to challenge myself and you, my fellow graduates, to not abuse this new freedom.… God declares in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, 'This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him...'

"As we transition into college, it’s now our turn to choose life! It’s now our turn to choose to apply our faith! It’s now our turn to choose to make decisions that will have a long-term impact! ...I beseech you and myself to make a conscious effort to choose God and in doing so, pursue our ability to apply our faith and consequently 'shine among others like stars in the sky'" (Philippians 2:15).

Class Leaders Offer Inspiration

Joshua ButlerValedictorian

Grace DeBoerSalutatorian

Stephanie ChiomminoValedictorian

ScholarshipsParent-Teacher Fellowship Scholarship

for Academic ExcellenceJoshua Butler, Stephanie Chiommino,

Grace DeBoer

Parent-Teacher Fellowship Scholarship for All-Around Excellence

Kelly Etemadipour

Athletic Booster ScholarshipNicholas Alvarez, Jennifer Jobson

Ronnie and Renee Simon Memorial ScholarshipJennifer Jobson

Jacob Egedy Memorial ScholarshipJoshua Butler

Joshua and Esther Acosta Hispanic Graduate Scholarship

Daniel Bocanegra

Wellsprings Counseling Center ScholarshipRachel Rubio

President’s Education AwardJoshua Butler, Stephanie Chiommino,

Grace DeBoer, Beatrice Rejouis, Rachel Rubio

Faithful Scholar Award Students at HCA since kindergarten

Nicholas Alvarez, Michael Aust, Kaitlin Davis, Jennifer Jobson,

Carly McDermott, Rachel Rubio,Mickayla Sujkowski, Rachel Van Lenten

The seniors pose for a class picture at their prom, held at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes on May 18.

One Last Hurrah!


Marcus Jefferson ('15) performed a concert, Liederabend: A Night of German Song, at the Schimmel Recital Hall in Paramus on May 30th. The tenor, currently studying at Eastman School of Music in New York, sang a variety of classical German numbers accompanied by pianist Mrs. Virginia Lamb. Marcus now is preparing to travel to Vienna, Austria, to study the German language and German music and diction.

Where are they now?

Emma (Brown) Evans (’10) and her husband Andrew are gradu-ates of Houghton College. Emma graduated a year after Andrew, in 2014, and they married that July. In January 2016, they moved to Échenevex, France (near Geneva, Switzerland) where Emma teaches private music students while Andrew continues work to-ward his PhD in Particle Physics, conducting studies and research through the University of Minnesota.

In Emma's words, "There are many challenges to living in a new country, including learning their language and culture, but there are also many blessings. We love the countryside and the food and we also have been very blessed by our church.

"As we were preparing to move, one of our top requirements was finding a spiritually solid English speaking church. We are very thankful that we found Crossroads Church Thoiry. This is where we have met some of our closest friends in the area, and many of my first piano students. We have been encouraged to use our musical gifts to help lead worship, and as a church we have reached out to the community to show them the love of Christ."

Alumni News

Casey Lamb ('09) graduated magna cum laude from Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in May and was awarded the Francis Torrens Stewart, M.D. Clinical Surgery Prize. He and his wife Courtney (Steiginga, '09) now reside in New Hampshire where he will do his surgery residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Courtney will continue to work as a consultant for Decision Resources Group remotely. On hand for the ceremony in Philadelphia was Freddie Behnke ('09), close friend and HCA classmate since kindergarten, who works in Philly as founder of MapSocial App.

CongratulationsLee Ann Butterfield (’11) married Jacob Strong on May 28, 2017, at Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, New Hampshire. The couple met as students at Liberty University and currently reside in Lynchburg, VA.

Kirk De Boer (’01) and his wife, Stephanie, announce the birth of their daughter, Sadie Marie De Boer, born May 25, 2017. Sadie joins brother Connor (4) and sister Morgan (2). The De Boer family lives in Midland Park.

Tasha Keith (’13) graduated Summa Cum Laude from Houghton College on May 13. She was selected by Houghton faculty members to receive the Pi Kappa Lambda honor society award for three areas of music performed at the college.

Like us on Facebook Send alumni news to [email protected]

Emma (Brown) Evans teaches a piano student in France.


HCA HomecomingSaturday, September 16, 2017

HCA's 19th Annual Golf Outing

Columbus Day • October 9, 2017 • Crystal Springs Resort

Advancement Update

Advancement Director Sandy Vasquez-Chong inherits a powerful team that diligently works to advance the mission and ministry of Hawthorne Christian Academy. Ellen Pelliccio is her able, experienced and invaluable Advancement Assistant (who also teaches yearbook); Judith De Boer is the Admissions Coordinator who assists in the matriculation process and responds to department needs with flexibility and grace; Tina Tatum ('12), Communications Coordinator, gets the word out about HCA through the Link, press releases, social media, and publications (such as the Viewbook) and will be the new Chimes editor; Sandy Vasquez-Chong, Director of Advancement; as Director of Admissions, Victoria Gracian ('06) interviews and welcomes new families and also serves as liaison with our many church affiliates; Lisa Kudisch provides office support to the Advancement Department and the upper school principal. Tina and Vickie are also alumni liaisons.

that they may have life, and have it to the full,” He was also living out those words in how He physically interacted with those around Him.

Paul told Timothy, "Watch your life and doctrine closely…" (1 Timothy 4:16, NIV). Paul understood the importance of integrity in what is taught and what is lived, especially in the life of a leader. Consider this disconcerting thought from writer Ralph Waldo Emerson, “What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you’re saying.”

May that never be said of us as educators or parents. Let’s take the time to reflect on our own behaviors, asking ourselves if they reflect the attitudes and behaviors of a child of God. If we need to repent of our lack of integrity, let’s do so quickly, seeking God’s love and forgiveness, as well as that of the children He’s put under our care.

By the way, I’ve got my own hidden curriculum for HCA’s teachers. My private prayer for them is this: “Lord, help them love their students so much that the kids respond eagerly when they’re stretched by the demands of their teachers!” One can read between the lines in that prayer to see what I believe is important. I would love to have families join me in this prayer, and would love even more to see families pray their own version of it over their home life!

Blessings,

Dave Seidman

How can you support HCA’s mission?Tuition income covers about ninety percent of our budget. Ten percent (approximately $250,000) is met through fund-raisers and contributions. If you would like to support the ongoing ministry of Hawthorne Christian Academy please send your gift to Hawthorne Christian Academy at 2000 Route 208, Hawthorne, NJ 07506. Thank you for taking part in the ministry of HCA.

Word continued from page 2


The middle school boys baseball team—In the front row are Ty Higby, Kameron Saul, Myles Barclay, Brock Burres, Thomas Perez, Christian Burres, Joshua Joseph and Andrew Egedy; in the back row are Jordan Hoogerhyde, Chris Eelman, Clayton Tyler, Mark Prioleau, Ben Mastin, Jaiden Fuller, Ethan Koo, Brian Sanchez and Mike Lamitola.

Middle School Boys Rock

VBoys post record season

The varsity boys celebrated one of their best baseball seasons in years, finishing with a record of 9-10. The team earned the respect of the league, winning numerous games and prestigious awards. For the first time in HCA history, two Defenders were named to both the First and Second Team All League in the same season—Junior Chris Silos was named First Team All League and Senior Nick Alvarez was named Second Team All League. A season highlight was the extra-innings win against Cresskill. The Defenders showcased their perseverance when they rallied to break the tie and take the game.

Softball star signs

The HCA Athletic Department hosted the official signing of senior Noelani Rivera to play softball collegiately. Noelani signed to play at Div. II, Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Noelani was a standout athlete at HCA and received several honors in her sport. She was selected as 1st Team All League during her Junior and Senior seasons as the HCA Soccer Goalkeeper. During her Junior season of softball, she was selected as 2nd Team All League and Honorable Mention All County, and was recognized by the HCA Athletic Department as the Female Defender Athlete of the Year. Noelani is also a member of the East Coast Tsunami, a highly-competitive softball organization based in North Jersey.

Noelani Rivera, center, signs to play softball at Bentley University. Pictured are HCA Athletic Director Tyler Van Dyk, Vivian Rivera, Noelani, Albert Rivera and HCA Softball Coach Lori Kilmurray.

The Varsity Defenders. Standing are Coach Aaron Van Dyk, Nick Alvarez, Caleb Koppenal, Tim Mastroberti, Chris Silos, Josiah Williams, Shane Littel, Tim Morales, Philip Duncan and Coach Jessey Michaels; kneeling are Mike Vicinanza, Nick Olano, Eric Lindemulder, Robert Kayal, Kirk Schmidt, Nicholas Mateo Alvarado, Brian Mowad and Jayson Hoogerhyde.

The middle school baseball team made great strides this season, improving their skills and growing together in teamwork. Leading this effort was Team Captain Jaiden Fuller (8), who encouraged his teammates with contagious enthusiasm and strong leadership. All seventeen players further developed their knowledge of baseball while enjoying a season of fun and fellowship.


Track team raises the bar

It was another record-breaking season for HCA Track and Field. For the first time, a Defender braved the role of pole vaulter. Kelly Etemadipour medaled in the league, and on county and state levels.The 2017 season marks seven consecutive years that HCA has made it to the State Meet of Champions, which is the state final in Track and Field. Four athletes qualified: Adriana Bayron (11) for javelin, Justin Augustin (11) for 1600m, Gianna D'Amato (9) for 800m, and Kelly Etemadipour (12) for pole vault. All achieved All-State Honors in their respective events. With state success also came new school records. Justin Augustin set the school record in the boys’ 1600m race with a 4:45 time, and Gianna D'Amato set the girls’ school record in the 800m race with the time of 2:21. These HCA student athletes have set high standards, both in athletics and Christian character, and continue to meet and surpass them. According to Coach Alex Bober, this team truly “exemplified Christ is their actions and deeds.”

Sports AwardsVarsity Boys BaseballChristopher Silos (11) 1st Team All League 2nd Team All CountyNicholas Alvarez (12) 2nd Team All League Honorable Mention All CountyMichael Vicinanza (11) Honorable Mention All League Honorable Mention All CountyAaron Van Dyk recorded his 50th career win as Head Coach for Defender Baseball.

Varsity Girls SoftballNoelani Rivera (12) 1st Team All LeagueKatelyn Mastroberti (12) Honorable Mention All League

Track and FieldKelly Etemadipour (12) Honorable Mention All League Honorable Mention All County All State HonorsGianna D’Amato (9) Honorable Mention All League Honorable Mention All County, All State HonorsJustin Augustin (11) Honorable Mention All County All State HonorsAdriana Bayron (11) All State HonorsDavid Falcon (11) Honorable Mention All County

The HCA Athletic Department was recognized for the seventh consecutive year as the unanimous recipient of the NJSIAA Sportsmanship Award.

Justin Augustin sprints to the finish of his record-breaking season.

The Track and Field Relay Racers. Picured are Kaitlyn Hart, Jennifer Jobson, Gianna D'Amato, and Zoe Higby.

Kelly Etemadipour jumps to new heights as HCA's first-ever pole vaulter.

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Inside this issueAdvancement 13

Alumni News 12

Class of 2017 8-9

Eighth Grade Graduates 5

Lower School Concert 5

Makerspace Opens Doors 4

New Advancement Director 3

Scholarships for 2017 11

Sports 14-15

Student News 6-7

Teens Tackle Heavy Issues 3

Valedictorians & Salutatorian 10

Word from Head of School 2

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

The HCA Music Department debuted its first sixth through twelfth grade band at the M/H School Spring Concert. They are pictured here playing at the Conservatory Recital on May 25. Their early morning rehearsals and countless hours of practice paid off with an award-worthy performance. The talented 26 piece band performed three outstanding arrangements, "Avenger," "Amazing Grace," and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." The audience enjoyed treats at the Conservatory Café as they delighted in the music of the newly formed band and from fourth and fifth grade musicians.

HCA's New Band Performs

Documents

Newsletter of the Hawthorne Christian Academy Summer 2017 · Newsletter of the Hawthorne Christian Academy Summer 2017 ... and often unintended ... was awarded Best Accompanist for