International illusionist and comedian Tom Coverly challenged ACS students to choose to follow God rather than the world and to spend time daily reading God’s Word in his remarks as the featured speaker at the Middle School/High School Spiritual Emphasis Retreat on September 28 and 29. From entertaining movie stars to speaking at school assemblies, Coverly is one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the country. With skill, humor, and passion, Coverly kept the students engaged and entertained during several chapel presentations, opening the retreat with his signature illusion act in the ACS gym. A number of students were part of various illusions, including one in which he made a coin pass through a can of soda and another where he made two students “disappear” from the stage.
In a later chapel session, Coverly shattered a clay pot and used the shards to remind students of their need to have broken and contrite hearts. “Satan wants to tell us that we’re worthless because of our sin and failure,” Coverly said. “God says we have value in our brokenness and is in the business of restoring us.” He then invited the students to make their way to the front of the stage, where they gathered in small groups to pray. Incorporated in each chapel session was a time of worship led by local Christian band “Thriving Seas.” The two-day retreat was an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to focus on their relationship with God and their relationships with the people God has placed in their lives, according to Upper School Principal Susan Smith.
A variety of retreat activities were organized that encouraged relationship-building, teamwork, and friendly competition. There were Amazing Race challenges, a canoe race at Sleepy Hollow Campground’s lake, a lip sync battle, a scavenger hunt on the Ocean City Boardwalk, and much more. The top class winners of the various contests were announced at chapel on October 6. The 12th grade class, wearing T-shirts they designed with their team name, “The Senors and Senoritas,” took first place overall in the high school division. They are pictured below left with the canoe they built with cardboard and duct tape. The 6th grade class, with team name “The Lumber Jacks,” took first place overall in the middle school division, posing below right after their lip sync performance of “Hakuna Matata” from the “Lion King.” CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of additional Retreat photos.
