1

from DECATUR HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2017–2018

TO GOD BE THE GLORY So often, in response to legitimate situations, people can overreact. Unfortunately, Christians are no exception in that regard. Countless pastors have spent many sermons beseeching their flocks to recognize and appreciate the dif-ference between temporary, situational happiness and last-ing, deep-seated joy. No doubt we all need the reminder to focus on who we are in Christ, regardless of our daily ups and downs. However, I wonder if perhaps we can be guilty of seeing joy as a strictly internal state of being, completely disconnected from our temporal lives. By doing so, I believe we run the risk of discounting our circumstances and thereby missing out on prime motivation for the most logical, tangible expression of that joy – the habit of thankfulness. Christians, of all people, should live lives characterized by a spirit of thanks-giving. All that we have and all that we are is due to the gracious provision of God. That is true for us as individuals but also as an institution. Our newslet-ter theme this year, To God be the Glory, will guide my articles as I reflect on all the ways God has blessed Decatur Heritage as a school and, through us, our students and our families. Even in the face of those immeasurable blessings, we have not always been consistent in our gratitude, felt or expressed. Why might that be? It is somewhat reassuring to know that we are not alone in our substitution of thankfulness with other sentiments ranging from despair to pride – God’s people have struggled in this regard for ages. This does not catch God off guard in that he addresses these issues directly in Scripture. Regarding fear and despair, the Bible is filled with encouragement, reminding us that even in the midst of trouble we can be thankful for God’s loving watchfulness over our lives. We know that when we pass through the fires of life, He will be with us (Isaiah 43:2) and that we are being sheltered under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91:4) even if we do not “feel” it. In tough times, we ought to thank God. When things are going great and prosperity abounds, we can forget to thank God as well. The whole of Deuteronomy 7 and the first half of chapter 8 are detailed, thorough reminders to Israel of God’s miraculous provision,

AUGUST 2017

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1

Our LeadershipMr. Scott Mayo HeadmasterMr. Jeremy Jones K-12 Chief Learning LeaderMr. Michael Holiday Assistant PrincipalMr. Ty Patterson Athletic DirectorMr. Steve Atchley Facility Manager & Assistant ADMrs. Scarlet Bolan Food Service DirectorMrs. Melissa Ross Guidance CounselorMrs. Heather Sasser Chief Financial OfficerMrs. Lisa Barnett Advancement Director

Board of TrusteesMr. Blake Temple, Chairman Mr. Stratton OrrMr. Em Barran Mr. Jeff ParkerMrs. Lyn Cook Dr. Jay SuggsMrs. Laura Hellard Mr. Skip Thompson Mrs. Tricia Heyward

Faculty and StaffMrs. Patty Annerton Math & SpanishMrs. Paula Armstrong Bible Mrs. Noelle Barron KindergartenMrs. Cathryn Buse Bible & MathMrs. Debbie Bishop Second Grade Mrs. Leigh Ann Chiles Instructional Enhancement FacilitatorMrs. Kathy Coffey First GradeMrs. Debbie Crews Third GradeMrs. Jennifer Densmore ScienceMrs. Bethany Eze Lower School SecretaryMrs. Traci Gladish Office/CFE AideMrs. Teresa Hall Instructional AideMrs. Katherine Helms Government & EnglishMrs. Amy Holdbrooks Instructional AideMrs. Yvonne Holiday Physical EducationMs. Hannah Holloway Fifth & Sixth GradeMrs. Sandra Howard ScienceMrs. Carole Janorschke Upper School SecretaryMrs. Donna Jarnagin MathMrs. Karen Keith ScienceMrs. Tammy Legg Food Service StaffMrs. Becky Linderman Fourth Grade Mrs. Kerstin Lynch Fourth GradeMrs. Alyssa Maddox Third GradeMr. Jason Marshall Physical EducationMrs. Terri Mashburn Financial SecretaryMrs. Donna Mayo Office/CFE AideMrs. Melissa McCulloch Writing Enhancement FacilitatorMrs. Julie McGough English & HealthMr. Steve Meek Physical Education & HistoryMrs. Dustin Mitchell TechnologyMrs. Connie Murray Instructional Enhancement FacilitatorMrs. Olivia Ngo Fifth & Sixth GradeMrs. Kim Parker Health Room FacilitatorMrs. Paizley Peebles First GradeMrs. Leah Reid Fifth & Sixth GradeMrs. Cathy Schmid MathMrs. Melissa Simpson Food Service StaffMrs. Brenda Smith Second GradeMrs. Sandy Stephenson KindergartenMrs. Sylvia Teague MathMrs. Angie Teichmiller History Mrs. Holly Thompson Advancement & Athletic SecretaryMrs. Amy Tubbs ArtMrs. Laura Frasher Tuttle EnglishMr. David Walker BandMrs. Irina Washburn RussianMrs. Jenna Wilkerson Fifth & Sixth GradeMrs. Barbara Wright TechnologyMrs. Angela Wynn English

(Continued on Page 3)

Scott Mayo, Headmaster

2 “I will praise God’s name in song, and glorify him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Jenna graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2007 with a degree in special education pre k-12 and began working as a special ed teacher in Georgia for a year before moving to Alabama where she worked at Brewer High School for two years as an inclusion History teacher. The last six years have been spent at home with her kids. Jenna’s daughter Reese will entering 2nd grade and her son Reagan is entering Kindergarten. She subbed full time this past school year.

Decatur Heritage welcomes Terri Mashburn as our new Financial Secretary. Terri has work experience in all aspects of account-ing and managing an office & events. She worked for 16+ years in the accounting & payroll departments for a multi-million dollar construction company in Birmingham and most recently has worked for 3 years as the Admin. Assistant/Housing & Hockey Coordi-nator for Total Package Hockey & the Point Mallard Ducks hockey team. Many of you

will remember Terri volunteering around the school & booster club when her son, Drew, attended DHCA and graduated with the Class of 2014. She is very excited to become a part of the DHCA family again.

As school wound down in the spring, the faculty, staff, administration, and board gathered to say farewell to retiring faculty members, to recognize several significant employment milestones, and to thank Libby Brown for 18 years of service to Decatur Heritage. The following faculty members were recog-nized: Beverly Gorden – 5 years, Glenda Briley and Leah Reid – 10 years, Debbie Crews and Carole Janorschke – 15 years.

Regarding Libby’s retirement, Mr. Mayo com-mented, “She has been such an integral part of so much at the school for so long. Her energy, organizational talent, and love for the school translated over time into 5 or 6 different hats, often all at the same time! We are going to miss her dearly!”

Mrs. Terri Mashburn

WELCOME NEW FACULTY & Staff

Mrs. Jenna Wilkerson

2017-2018 SCHOOL CALENDARAugust 8 First Day of SchoolSeptember 4 Labor Day HolidaySeptember 19 Student Half-day DismissalOctober 9 Fall Break HolidayNovember 10 Veterans Day HolidayNovember 20-24 Thanksgiving HolidaysDecember 12-15 Upper School ExamsDecember 15 Classes Dismiss for HolidaysJanuary 4 Classes ResumeJanuary 15* MLK Day HolidayFebruary 19* Presidents’ Day HolidayMarch 6 Student Half-day DismissalMarch 19-23 Spring Break HolidaysMarch 30 Good Friday HolidayMay 22-25 Upper School ExamsMay 25 Classes Dismiss for SummerMay 25 Senior Graduation*Inclement weather make-up days

Milestones

Beverly Gorden Leah Reid

Carole JanorschkeDebbie Crews

Glenda Briley

Libby Brown

Cathryn Buse graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a Master’s in Engineer-ing. She worked for nearly ten years in the engineering field for the Department of Defense, United Launch Alliance, and NASA. Cathryn also earned her certificate in apologetics from the RZIM Academy and has been teaching apologetics for eight years. She published her first book, “Teaching Others to Defend Christianity”,

in 2016. Cathryn founded Defend the Faith Ministry to continue to write and encourage others to study the defense of the Chris-tian faith, and has now partnered with Mama Bear Apologetics. Cathryn left her engineering career five years ago to raise her children, which has also allowed her to focus on writing and teaching on apologetics across the region. Cathryn and her husband Kyle have two boys, Connor and Luke.

Mrs. Cathryn Buse

DHCA welcomes Lisa Barnett as the new Advancement Director. Lisa has extensive experience in development having worked for the American Cancer Society for 21 years. Throughout her career at ACS, she served in many roles. Most recently she worked in Major Gift cultivation and “high end” event planning. Lisa and her husband, Sam, have twins, Leland and William, who will be entering the 8th grade at DHCA. They attend First Bible Church. Mrs. Lisa Barnett

3Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Memorials, honorariums, and gifts may be mailed to DHCA, P. O. Box 5659, Decatur, AL 35601-0659.

beginning with their rescue from Egypt to their sustaining in the desert to their upcoming triumph in the land of promise. However, a chilling warning comes in Dt. 8:17: “Beware, lest you say in your heart, ‘My pow-er and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’” Yes, it is easy to forget God when things are going well, even if the current circumstances were achieved through hard work and obedience. Cotton Mather, the influential Puritan pastor of the late 1600s, noted this danger: “Religion begat prosperity and the daughter devoured the mother.” When we are on top of the world, we should thank God. Finally, we must remember that God’s gifts to us, all of them, flow from His love for us. He gave us His Son and He grants us His Spirit. He also gives us our daily bread. In a sense, there are no small gifts from God be-cause each and every blessing is perfect in its timing and magnitude. In our school setting, we are thankful for our students who come to a saving knowledge of Jesus through our ministry. We are thankful for the sense of family that allows our constituency to lift up those who are hurting in our midst. However, we are also thankful for textbooks and lockers and new badminton racquets for P.E. classes. Our response of gratitude for what God has done for Decatur Heritage since its inception in 1995 should be based on our love for the giver. Of course, we should thank God regardless of our circumstances. However, I submit that we should also remember to thank God because of our circumstances, good or bad. Please pray that we will be able to model this attitude to our students, especially now in a culture that has largely forgotten the concept of gratitude.

"HEADMASTER'S ACADEMIC SCHOLARS"4th Quarter 2016-2017

"HERITAGE ACADEMIC ACHIEVERS"4th Quarter 2016-2017

“A student achieving all A's, with no grade below 90 including weighted grades for AP and Honors classes"

"A student achieving all A's and B’s, with no grade below 80including weighted grades for AP and Honors classes"

(Continued from front cover)

7th Grade Lauren Acupan Leland Barnett Brian Brown Avery Byars Tyler Founds Connor Francis Aiden Garriss Katelyn McDaniel Maci Odom Brooklyn Palmer Mary Peyton Propst Thomas Ross Saxon Sample Beth Trippany Alisa Washburn 8th Grade Emakay Arnold Michael Cheng Justin Densmore Maddie Eubanks Emily Hubbard Juliana Hudry Ensley Johnson Lucy Orr David Roden Houston South 9th Grade David Brown Tegwen Buckner Catherine Fiske Nolan Light Ben Lovelace Stratton Orr Garrett Rogers Carter Sample

10th Grade Derrick Bishop Amelia Byars Reagan Gowen Ellie Hamn Grace Haulie Johnson Justin McCleskey Ian Metzgar Taylor Northcutt 11th Grade Morgan Abercrombie Justin Brown Garret Buckner Ann Whitney Chappell Patrick Cheng Eleanor Hellard Jeff Hunter Karsyn Lemley Sam Harrison Mathews Lida Orr Brooklyn Parker Marilyn Sample Mason Terry Seth Thompson 12th Grade Hope Gladish Maggie Holsclaw Clay Oliver Jacob Quinn Owen Trippany Danny Xiao

7th GradeWilliam BarnettSynclair DoddAlex MaloneConner McDanielJackson McDanielCharlie MooresCole O’BrienTyler OliveNash RippenAbbey SmithCaroline ThompsonOwen ThompsonSelena VoGabe WallaceLydia WilliamsKyleigh Wright 8th GradeFlorence BowmanSarah Grace BurneyDaija MilamMalana PowerClay SmithMia SuggsMaddux TerryKatie WallaceSam Waters

9th GradeLauren CagleSeaborn ChappellJaime CorryCole GarnerMallory HamptonJordan HunterCaleb JohnsonKatie JonesShelby JonesColton KeithMason LentzKatie MarkhamDavis NorthcuttStephen RossAbby TerryPreston TerryAshleigh VickeryEthan Wallace 10th GradeLizzie BishopHeath BoltonTate CopelandReagan GowenEthan HubbardWill JonesMargaret South 11th GradeRachel BeckTrace LentzJared LittleCory Long Jake NewtonCarson SolleyMerrick Stafford

12th GradeAndrea AyersDestinee BlaxtonTimara BowersAvery BowmanCassidy CheathamKaitlyn CheathamJacob DensmoreLogan FiskeKayla GrimesJohn Reese HamnEmily HerbertRiley HurstJackson KeithNam Ju KimSusie KingTaylor LindleyAnna Cait MathewsShawn MetzgarCameron ParkerClay ShawGrayson Suggs SuggsAbby TubbsYao Cheng Zhou

4 “OUR MISSION is to assist families by providing their children with an education

HERITAGE HEADLINES

I recently graduated from Mississippi State with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engi-neering. During my time at Mississippi State, I interned at Frito-Lay and Amazon.com, I conducted research on 3D Printing that was recognized nationally at the largest Industrial Engineering conference, and I held multiple leadership roles such as a Montgomery Leadership Program Fellow, President of the Institute of Industrial and System Engineers, and Senior Design team lead.

While DHCA did not teach me how to cook a Cheeto perfectly or how to get brown boxes to your door in two days, DHCA prepared me for each of these experiences by teaching me the value of hard work, integrity, and friendship. I learned the value of hard work through Coach Meek on the football field and through Mrs. Cimino’s AP English class. However, it was not until my senior year when I led our golf team to the state tourna-ment that I truly understood what I could accomplish by work-ing hard. Throughout my time at DHCA, I had Christian values instilled in me that shaped me into a person with high integrity. Additionally, I saw an example of integrity every day through each of my teachers. Because of DHCA, I have many friend-ships that are truly irreplaceable. They pushed me to do things outside of my comfort zone, supported me in times of sadness, and became some of my best friends. Because DHCA taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and friendship; I succeeded at internships, research, and leadership roles among my peers at Mississippi State.I love quotes so I wanted to share a few of my favorites:

“So, What?” – Mr. Holiday“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” – Jim Rohn“The only person you are destined to become is the one you decide to be” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mr. Holiday always forced us to think about the importance of what we were studying by asking “So what?” questions. I often ask myself similar questions as a self-evaluation to see if what I am doing is important and following God’s will. By continuous self-evaluation, surrounding yourself with great people, working hard, and being fueled by integrity, you will be able to accom-plish anything.

This is it. Our last year. I have attended Decatur Heritage since Kindergarten and as each year passed I knew that I would be back to do it all over again. Except now, there will not be another year or another grade. We are seniors and all our time here learning and growing together is coming to a close. The last of the activities, sports, and classes we have loved and cherished will come and go. We should celebrate and savor those moments, together, as we will never get a chance to experience them again. Soon, we will graduate to a new challenge in our lives. Before we get ahead of ourselves, though, we should remember that we are not forgotten when we leave. Our actions and choices create the legacy we will leave behind. With that, I want to challenge the senior class to go through this year embodying the type of person God wants us to be, leaving an example for those behind us to follow. If we do that, then not only are we better off for having attended Decatur Heritage, but the school will be better off for having had us.

National Honor SocietyALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Students pictured left to right below were inducted into the National Honor Society this past spring:

(first row) Amelia Byars (‘19), Aleah Jenkins (‘19), Ellie Hamn (‘19), Reagan Gow-en (‘19), Lizzie Bishop (‘19), Audrey Jett (‘19), Grace Haulie Johnson (‘19), Kate-lyne Garrie (‘19)(second row) Ian Metzgar (‘19), Michael Amerson (‘19), Heath Bolton (‘19), Landon Naylor (‘19), Will Jones (‘19), Derrick Bishop (‘19), Ethan Hubbard (‘19), Justin McCleskey (‘19), and Margaret South (‘19)

Not Pictured: Patrick Cheng, Tate Copeland, Lillian Holdbrooks, Susan King, Jared Little and Cory Long.

Patrick Metzgar, a 2015 graduate of DHCA, earned his commission as a 2nd Lieuten-ant in the US Army on Saturday, May 6 at the Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama with the USA Brigadier General of Cadets presiding and delivering the oath of office. His parents Gary and Sherri put his Officer bars in place on his uniform during the ceremony and Patrick chose TJ McGee, his long-time sports coach at DHCA and former Marine, to deliver his honorary first salute.

Patrick was a member of the ECP (Early Commissioning Program) at Marion Mili-tary Institute, a military leadership program

where a cadet can earn a commission in an accelerated program in two years versus a typical four year program. His cadre started with 82 students, and 23 earned their commission after two years.

Patrick received his Associates Degree and a Physical Training Award as well. He will be attending the University of Kentucky this fall to complete his college education, while being assigned to lead a National Guard unit and ROTC responsibilities while attending school.

Patrick MetzgarAlumnus 2015

Jack Francis (‘13) and his Fiancée

2018

Garret Buckner, PresidentClass of 2018

SENIOR SCOPE

5t ha t i s exce l l en t and wh ich in s t i l l s B ib l i ca l p r inc ip l e s t o gu ide the i r l i ves . ”

When the time came to register our oldest child, Rylan, for school, I could not get a feeling of peace of where to enroll him. At the time we did not know anyone at DHCA, but we just knew that we would love for our son to be in a Christian environment. We sent Rylan for a shadow day and I sat in on a Power Up service. I teared up as I listened to the kids lifting their voices in worship and I knew in my heart that this is where we belong.

This year Rylan is going into his seventh year at DHCA and we have never regretted the decision. I still occasionally sit in on the Power Up services, but I know now to bring my Kleenex. Even after all these years I am still moved to tears and find myself overwhelmed by the gratefulness that I feel for God providing a school for us that feels like family. Where the academics are way above the standards, but even above the academics, the emphasis remains on God’s Word, the one true reason we live. In Deuteronomy, the Bible talks about God’s Word and says, “So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine… teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed, and when you are get-ting up. Write them on the doorposts of your home and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 11:18-21

During school weeks our children are out of our hands seven hours a day. The need for the teachers to be Godly and instill God’s words to our children, when we physically cannot, is ever so important to me. Knowing that not only are my children being taught well, but they are being surrounded with the Word, just like the Scriptures tell us to do. They hear God’s word at home, at school, and at church, and the children flourish because of the impact of those blessings. This year our baby River will start kindergarten at DHCA and we are so excited for her to begin the journey!

The Bailey Family

Why We Chose DHCA

The Heritage Awardfor Character and Service

Andrea Ayers Maggie Holsclaw Jackson Keith Nam Ju Kim Jacob Quinn

The above 2017 seniors received The Heritage Award at commencement in May. This honor, selected by the core faculty instructing the seniors, is granted to the students who most exemplify characteristics that would empower a graduate to live a life of impact.

Rylan (‘24), Ragan, River (‘30) & Ryan Bailey

6 Visit our website at www.dhca.org.

Twelve Year Club

Building Tradition at Decatur Heritage...

Recent 2017 graduates were honored by the Board of Trustees for attending first through twelfth grade consecutively at Decatur Heritage. Honorees pictured left to right were Abby Tubbs, Avery Bowman, Jacob Quinn, Danny Xiao, Nick Borden, Riley Hurst, Clay Shaw, Sterling Holland, Taylor Lindley, Landon Smith, and Clay Oliver.

Congratulations, graduates, for receiving $1.3 million in academic, athletic, leadership, or achievement scholarships.

Andrea Ayers - Calhoun Community CollegePatrick Benefield - Calhoun Community CollegeDestinee Blaxton - University of North AlabamaNicholas Borden - Calhoun Community CollegeTimara Bowers - Snead State Community CollegeAvery Bowman - University of MississippiBrianna Cagle - Falkner UniversityCassidy Cheatham - Calhoun Community CollegeKaitlyn Cheatham - Calhoun Community CollegeKatrinka Corry - Calhoun Community CollegeJacob Densmore - Calhoun Community CollegeBaileigh Evans - University of MontevalloLogan Fiske - University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHope Gladish - Auburn UniversityKayla Grimes - University of North AlabamaJohn Reese Hamn - Auburn UniversityEmily Herbert - Wallace State Community CollegeSterling Holland - Calhoun Community CollegeMaggie Holsclaw - University of Alabama at BirminghamRiley Hurst - Auburn UniversityJackson Keith - Auburn UniversityNam Ju Kim - University of North GeorgiaSusan King - University of Alabama at BirminghamTaylor Lindley - Auburn UniversityAnna Cait Mathews - University of Alabama at BirminghamJacob McCamon - U.S. MilitaryBen McGough - U.S. MarinesShawn Metzgar - Auburn UniversityClay Oliver - Auburn UniversityCameron Parker - Auburn UniversityJacob Quinn - Auburn UniversityClay Shaw - Calhoun Community CollegeLandon Smith - Calhoun Community CollegeLlewellyn South - Samford UniversityOwen Trippany - University of Alabama in HuntsvilleAbby Tubbs - University of AlabamaGrayson Wakefield - University of MontevalloDanny Xiao - Auburn UniversityYao Cheng Zhou - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

The Distinguished Faculty AwardThe 2017 Distinguished Faculty Award was awarded to Mrs. Katherine Helms for her second year in a row. Katherine teaches in the Upper School Eng-lish Department. The senior class chooses a faculty member who has prepared them for lives of impact.

Received a Full Tuition Scholarship

TimaraBowers

Logan Fiske

Anna Cait Mathews

ShawnMetzgar

ClayOliver

OwenTrippany

While our graduates received multiplescholarships, their fall plans are:

7Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member in good standing with the Association of Christian Schools International.

HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Speech and debate is an activity available through the NSDA for high school students. Similar to athletic sports, speech activities are challenging,

competitive, and require regular practice, coaching, dedica-tion, and hard work. Each event in forensics features a dif-ferent form of public speaking and requires a unique skill set and talent. Students often focus on a specific event, but it is possible to compete in multiple categories over the course of their high school careers.If you are a high school student who is interested in work-ing on your speaking skills, the Heritage Forensics Team is for you! Check out the NSDA at their website: https://www.speechanddebate.org/mission/ For more information about joining Heritage’s team, contact Julie McCleskey by emailing her at: juliemc722@gmail.com

2017-2018 DHCA CHEER SQUADS

Front row: Lida Orr (‘18) and Lily Catherine Holland (‘18)Second row: Ashley Little (‘19), Malana Power (‘21), Florence Bowman (‘21), and Sarah Grace Burney (‘21)Third Row: Kylie Miller (‘20), Katie Markham (‘20), Alex Joseph (‘20), and Grace Haulie Johnson (‘19)

VARSITY VARSITY

Front row: Adeline Burney (‘23), Maci Odom (‘22), Olivia Bender (‘23), Lenox Scott (‘23)Back Row: Kyleigh Wright (‘22), Elizabeth Wilson (‘22), Brantleigh Williams (‘22), Caroline Thompson (‘22)

Not pictured: Lydia Williams, Leland Barnett, Summer Sims, Sasha Suggs and Kadyn Childers

JUNIOR

FORENSICS

BACK TO SCHOOL!Tuesday, August 8

7:45amGrades 7-12

8amKindergarten-6th grade

LUNCH Order Forms for August may be printedfrom the school website. Please return a completed lunch order form with paymentno later than Wednesday, August 2. You may bring your order to the main school office or mail to DHCA cafeteria, P.O. Box 5659, Decatur, AL 35601-0659

DHCA PARENT ASSOCIATION2017-2018 Officers

Ali Propst, PresidentMitzi Founds, Vice-President

Lisa Barnett, Second Vice-PresidentLaurel Whaley, SecretaryLaura Owens, Treasurer

DHCA Student Earns Scholarship

Senior Brianna Cagle signs a four-year Softball Scholarship to Faulkner University in Montgomery.

She is joined by her team.

8 Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is a member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

Shawn Metzgar (‘17) earned 5th place in the 400 m. and Andrea Ayers (‘17) earned 5th place in the long jump at the State Meet.

Brianna Cagle (‘17)• First Team All-State,• First Team All-Region• All-Area TournamentTeam• Decatur Daily All-Area1st Team• Set (3) DHCA single season records1. Batting Average: .5572. On Base Percentage: .6543. Stolen Bases: 36

Baileigh Evans (‘17)• Honorable Mention All-State• All-Area TournamentTeam• Decatur Daily All-Area Honorable Mention

Patrick Cheng(‘18)

BrooklynParker(‘18)

AbbyTubbs(‘17)

Girl’sAll-AreaTeam

Girl’sAll-AreaTeam

Boy’sAll-AreaTeam

Abby Terry (‘20)• All-Area TournamentTeam• Decatur Daily All-AreaHonorable Mention

Katie Jones (‘20)• All-Area TournamentTeam• Decatur Daily All-AreaHonorable Mention

Kylie Miller (‘19)• All-Area TournamentTeam

Emily Hubbard (‘21)• All-Area TournamentTeam

SPORTS SCENESpring Sports Awards

SOFTBALLTRACK & FIELD

BASEBALL

“Another great year for DHCA athletics! Our base-ball team set a lofty goal of making it back to Montgomery and winning back-to-back State Championships. Through-out the season this group of guys continued to work hard in practice and get better. The road to Montgomery was much tougher this year, as the playoff pairings sent us up against quality teams in each round. But the team won each series and came within two outs of winning another state champi-onship. The guys carried themselves with class and dignity all year, and were complimented by coaches and fans every-where we went. Coaches for the three teams deserve a big thanks for volunteering their time and doing such a good job. They are: Steve Atchley and Barry Hill, Middle School Team; Tracy Lentz, Greg Garner, and Darren Waldrep, JV Team; Paul Holdbrooks, Trent Terry, Varsity Team. A lot of work went into making our field one of the best around, and these coaches and several parents helped make this happen. Con-gratulations to all three of our teams for representing their school, families, and our Lord and Savior so well.”

Trace Lentz (‘18) Grayson Wakefield (‘17)

Garret Buckner (‘18)

Clay Shaw (‘17)

Jackson Parker (‘18) Jackson Keith (‘17)Jeff Hunter (‘18)All-State and All-Area Honorable Mention

All-Area

DHCA Defensive MVP

DHCA Most Valuable Pitcher (Tie)

DHCA Most Improved DHCA Award

All-State and All-Area All-State and All-Area Honorable Mention All-Area

- Coach Steve Meek

TENNIS

DHCA Offensive MVP

DHCA Most Valuable Pitcher (Tie)

9

Decatur Heritage is proud to an-nounce our new Varsity Girls Vol-leyball Coach, Paula Armstrong. Coach Armstrong is a familiar face at DHCA. She is about to begin her 8th year as the Varsity Girls Basketball coach. She has also served as the Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach for the last 10 years. Paula is married to her husband Pat and they have 3 chil-

dren: Sarah, Zachary, and Noah. We are excited about the future of our volleyball program. Go Eagles!

BOOSTER CLUB OFFICERSLeif Founds, President

Jack Moores, First Vice-PresidentSusan South, Second Vice-President

Fran Johnson, SecretaryMark Waters, Treasurer

BOOSTER CLUBFall Golf Tournament

Monday, October 2Burningtree Country Club

Home Football Gameswill be played at

West Morgan High School Stadiumlocated at

261 South Greenway DriveDirections: Travel north on Highway 67/Beltline Road. Take the Gordon Terry Parkway exit for

approximately 4 miles. Turn right on South Greenway Drive. West Morgan High School will be

on the right and the stadium is behind the school.

Season Kicks offAugust 25, 7pm, @ Falkville

FIRST MATCHESAUGUST 31

VARSITY (AT WESTMINSTER) VS WESTMINSTER AT 4:30PM

AND SCOTTSBORO AT 5:30PM

JV (AT WESTMINSTER) VS WESTMINSTER AT 4:30PM

AND SCOTTSBORO AT 5:30PM

MIDDLE SCHOOL (AT HOME) VS OAK PARK AT 4:30PM AND MOULTON AT 5:30PM

COACH: PAULA ARMSTRONG

NEW COACHA FAMILIAR FACE IN A NEW PLACE

The 2017 Alabama State Trapshooting Championships took place June 1-4 at Dixie Trap in Mathews, A.L.

The Eagle Eyes Shooting Team – Clay Shaw (‘17), Seth Thompson (‘18), Jake Newton (‘18), Abby Terry (‘20) and Charlie Moores (‘22) brought home the Junior Gold State Championship for DHCA.Clay, Seth, Jake and Abby all won championships in individual events. Each team member shot over 1000 targets each, during these 4 days.The team is coached by Tony Newton, Andy Thompson and Burt Terry.

DHCA Shooting TeamWins Championship

10

DHCA WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIESStudents accepted and enrolled after July 1 will be featured in the next newsletter.

Natalie and Nicole Allen, 5th gradedaughters of Nathaniel and Robin Allen

Lucy Anderson, 6th gradedaughter of Scott and Kristi Anderson

Kennadi Austin, K5daughter of Traymond and Maraea Austin

River Bailey, K5daughter of Ryan and Ragan Bailey

Ocie Barran, K5daughter of Em and Jill Barran

Brennan Barron, K5son of Jonathan and Noelle Barron

Connor Buse, K5son of Kyle and Cathryn Buse

Lillian Bender, K5daughter of Amanda Bender and Dr. Tom Bender

Colin Butcher, K5son of Trevor and Emily Butcher

Alivia Chamness, 2nd gradedaughter of Joseph Chamness and Ashley Chamness

Parker Daigre, 1st gradeson of Dr. Justin and Cassie Daigre

Patience DeMars, K5daughter of Sean and Amber DeMars

Luke Tuttle Frasher, 8th gradeson of Kristian and Laura Tuttle Frasher

Brook Gholston, 3rd gradeson of Brook and Takisha Gholston

Gabrielle Guice, K5daughter of Dr.’s Edward and Michelle Guice

Prince Holyfield, 5th gradeson of Christopher Holyfield and Haile Miiluwork

Juliet Joseph, K5daughter of John and Annah Joseph

Molly Lander, K5grand-daughter of John and Mary McCaleb

Blake Marshall, K5son of Jason and Jessica Marshall

Riley McAlister, K5daughter of Dave and Heather McAlister

Loryn Miller, 9th gradedaughter of Ricky and Hollie Miller

Madison and Wesley Miller, 2nd gradechildren of Eric and Sadie Miller

Emma Mooney, 1st gradedaughter of Benjamin and Tiffany Mooney

Charles Moore, K5son of Chasity Moore

Ella Olive, 6th gradedaughter of Franklin and Laura Olive

Marc Pettus, 10th gradeson of Patrick and Veronica Pettus

Ben Pitman, K5son of Krista Pitman and Charles Pitman

Bella Rodgers, K5daughter of Joshua and Carne Rodgers

Grant Rogers, K5son of Adam and Laura Jo Rogers

Samuel Smith, 1st gradeson of Katharine Smith

Aden Stanley, K5son of Ben and Brooke Stanley

Cooper Starnes, K5son of Zachary and Kelli Starnes

Ana Michelle and Michael Vandiver, 6th gradechildren of William & Laura Vandiver & Jacqueline Austin

Lucy Wardlaw, 6th gradedaughter of Nicholas and Carolyn Wardlaw

Harlon Wesley, K5son of Nathan and Cynthia Wesley

Reagan Wilkerson, K5son of Rusty and Jenna Wilkerson

Sadie Wilson, K5daughter of Kevin and Bobbi Wilson

Caroline Woods, K5daughter of Jacob and Deborah Woods

11

AUGUST

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.

20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.

27. 28. 29. 30. 31.

Ty Patterson’s Birthday

Tammy Leggand

Katherine Helms’Birthday

Connie Murray’sBirthday

Amy Holdbrooks’Birthday

Jennifer Densmore’s Birthday

FOOTBALL BEGINSFULL SCHEDULE DETAILS AT

WWW.DHCA.ORG UNDER “ATHLETICS”

VOLLEYBALL BEGINS THIS WEEKFULL SCHEDULE DETAILS AT

WWW.DHCA.ORG UNDER “ATHLETICS”

FIRST DAYOF SCHOOL

Refer to Back Cover for schedule

of today’s events

6pmUpper School

ParentOrientation,Cafetorium

12

NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDecatur, AL

35601Permit No. 805

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

P.O. Box 5659 • Decatur, Alabama 35601 • 256.351.4275

Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Memorials, honorariums, and gifts may be mailed to DHCA, P. O. Box 5659, Decatur, AL 35601-0659.

2017-2018 BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTSAugust 3

August 8 (First Day of School)

August 10

9am to 12pm: 7th-12th grade students pick up schedule & locker assignment11:30am to 1pm: “Meet and Greet” for kindergarten-6th grade • Students bring school supplies

1pm to 1:30pm: Ice Cream Social for all kindergarten-6th grade students, Cafetorium5:15pm: Parent Orientation for K5-4th grades*, Cafetorium

6:15pm: Parent Orientation for 5th and 6th grades*, Cafetorium7pm: Parent and Student Orientation for all 7th grade students, Cafetorium

*Student supervision will be provided

7:45am: Upper School students report to class8am: Breakfast for Kindergarten Parents, Media Center9:35am: Upper School Student Assembly, Cafetorium.

6pm: Parent Orientation for 7th-12th grade, Cafetorium