Post Tagged with: "Atlantic Christian School"

High School, Middle School Students Receive Awards for Athletic Participation, Leadership, and Team Success

High school and middle school students who played on an ACS sports team during the 2020-2021 school year received recognition for their participation, leadership, and athletic abilities at Athletic Awards Programs on May 28 and June 7.

At the High School Athletics Awards event on May 28, it was a time to celebrate and reflect on a distinguished year of achievement. In the fall sports season, the Varsity Girls’ Soccer team won the Tri-State Christian Athletic Championship for the fifth year in a row and senior Chloe Vogel was named the conference MVP for the second consecutive year. Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach Carly Witherow was named TSCAC Coach of the Year for the second year in a row. The Varsity Boys’ Soccer team finished the regular season in first place, the first time since 2012, but after playoff competition ended the season in third place.

In the winter season of Varsity Basketball, both the Boys’ and Girls’ teams earned the TSCAC Championship Title. The Varsity Boys’ team, under the experienced leadership of senior point guard Malachi Green, beat the first place undefeated team, King’s Christian School, in an exciting and memorable championship game. During the Awards Program, Hitchner announced that Green will be attending Middlesex College in the fall to play basketball and he signed his Letter of Intent during the program.

Senior Malachi Brown signing his Letter of Intent to play basketball in the fall at Middlesex College.

The Varsity Girls’ Basketball team was undefeated, finishing in first place in the regular season and achieving the conference title. Senior Cristen Winkel was name the TSCAC Girls’ Basketball MVP.  During the season, co-captain Sydney Pearson got her 1,000th career point and co-captain Olivia Chapman pulled down 500 career rebounds. The ACS girls’ and boys’ teams took first place in the TSCAC track meet. The spring Baseball/Softball season had not yet concluded, but Hitchner congratulated both teams for making it into the final TSCAC championship games to be held just days after the awards program.

11th grader Aaron Glancey and 12th grader Chloe Vogel were chosen by the Athletic Department to be the recipients of the 2021 Billy Robinson Award that recognizes one high school boy and one high school girl for significant achievement, Christian testimony, and athletic ability. Joshua Jacoby, Shelby Einwechter, and Sydney Pearson  received the Cougar Award, which is given to seniors who have demonstrated outstanding Christian character, leadership, responsibility, and commitment in the area of athletics.

During the program, the head coaches of the various teams presented certificates and special awards to their players, including the Coach’s Award, Most Valuable Player, and Most Improved Player. The coaches participating in the program were: girls’ soccer — Carly Witherow; girls’ basketball — Kaylee Breunig and Dara Kimmerley; boys’ soccer — Andres Tortola; boys’ basketball — Dan Carney; boys’ baseball — Gus Casey; and girls’ softball — Dara Kimmerley. Cheer team co-coach Kelly Flynn presented a Varsity letter and cheer pin to high school members of the squad. Hitchner also recognized senior Shelby Einwechter for winning first place in the TSCAC Golf Tournament on May 19, with a score of 41 (+7).

At the Middle School Athletic Awards program on June 7, students who participated in soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and cheer were recognized and honored. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner thanked the coaches for an outstanding year in spite of challenges dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. There was no conference competition during the soccer and basketball seasons within the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, of which ACS is a member. But in non-conference play, the Middle School Girls’ soccer team lost just one game and the Girls’ basketball team went undefeated. The Middle School Boys’ Soccer team had an undefeated season and the Boys’ Basketball team had an 11-2 winning season. The Middle School boys’ and girls’ track teams also came in first place in the TSCAC track meet.

In the spring, Atlantic Cape League competition resumed for the Middle School Baseball and Softball seasons, with all league schools playing in one bracket. The MS Boys’ Baseball team and the MS Girls’ Softball team each lost just one game during the season and both finished in 2nd place in the league.

During the Middle School program, Hitchner also thanked and recognized two new first-year coaches for their efforts — Brandon Stevens (boys’ soccer) and Charlie Costello (boys’ baseball). The other head coaches of Middle School teams, who presented certificates to their players and spoke about their accomplishments, were: girls’ soccer — Casey Hopwood (unable to attend, but her remarks were read by Hitchner); girls’ basketball — Grant Miller; boys’ basketball — Lee Martin; softball — Mike Bohs; and cheer — Kelly Flynn and Morgan Gibson. The athletes and family members enjoyed ice cream sundaes at a reception following the ceremony.

 

Mental Health Awareness Poster Created by 11th Grader Amber Ramos Selected as Southern Region Winner in Statewide Contest

ACS 11th grader Amber Ramos, right, with Technology teacher Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney in the ACS computer lab with Amber’s winning poster, “Together We Can Overcome the Darkness” displayed on the screen.

Congratulations to 11th grader Amber Ramos, who combined her artistic talents with technology skills to design a poster that was recently selected as the Southern Region Winner in the Teens4Teens Mental Health PSA Contest. Amber designed her winning poster using ProCreate and Affinity, software programs that she learned to use this year in her high school “Information Technology” class taught by faculty member Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney.

“Amber is a very talented artist and she is certainly deserving of the spotlight for her work,” said Hahn-Chaney.  Amber’s poster, entitled “Together We Can Overcome the Darkness,” was one of eight winning student entries selected for recognition in the statewide contest held in May, which was Mental Health Awareness Month. The contest sponsors created a video to announce the winners on June 8 and posted the video on YouTube that features Amber’s poster and the other winning entries. Amber will also be receiving a $200 prize for her poster design

The contest was sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Heath, in partnership with The Center for Prevention and Counseling, Empower Somerset, the 2nd Floor Youth Helpline, and AtlantiCare Healthy Schools.  The goal of the Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest was to promote mental wellness and support youth who may be going through a difficult time, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s long and short-term circumstances and effects.

Hahn-Chaney said she challenged Amber and her fellow classmates to enter the contest using the computer software programs they had learned to use during class. Amber said she created her poster on a tablet, working on the design during class and at home.  Three other students — Isaac Choi, Joseph Choi, and Daniel Kim — created posters that Hahn-Chaney also submitted into the contest and their posters are displayed below.

CLICK HERE to view the contest winners on YouTube that features Amber’s poster along with the other winning entries.

 

 

12th Grader Sydney Pearson One of 25 Area Seniors to Receive Press of Atlantic City Young Leaders Award

Congratulations to 12th grader Sydney Pearson for recently being selected as a recipient of the 2021 Press of Atlantic City Young Leaders Award. She is one of 25 seniors that were selected among nominees from high schools in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and southern Ocean counties for this special award that honors Southern New Jersey’s most community-minded seniors.

Sydney and the other award recipients were selected on the basis of their academic skills, diverse extracurricular activities, and service to their communities. Sydney is also receiving a small monetary scholarship.  She was interviewed by the Press for a full-page article on her that was part of a pull-out section published by The Press of Atlantic City on Thursday, June 10 and also posted on the newspaper’s website.

In the article, Sydney talks about how her faith inspires her to help others. “In the Bible, we are taught to be servants of Christ, and I believe that by following Jesus’ example, we’re able to do that for others,” Sydney said.

Sydney was the Valedictorian of the ACS Class of 2021, with a 4.28 GPA, was President of the Student Council, and team captain of the Varsity Girls’ soccer, basketball, and softball teams. During her high school career Sydney also participated in community service activities in her neighborhood, as well as serving communities in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas as part of ACS missions trips. Sydney will be attending Stockton University in the fall, where she will major in nursing.

We’re proud of you, Sydney! Keep using your gifts as a leader to be a world-changer.

CLICK HERE to read the Young Leaders Press article on Sydney.

Three Local Restaurants Win Top Honors for Best Soup in 2021 Bowls Of Hope Soup Fundraiser

Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar Manager, Amanda Wyzen-Gregory, right, and her daughter, Sadie, recently accepted the Bowls of Hope Golden Spoon Award for the People’s Choice Best Soup from ACS Development and Communications Director Carole Karabashian.

Congratulations to three local restaurants who were the top vote-getters in our 2021 Bowls of Hope Soup Fundraiser, receiving the largest number of votes for “favorite soup” in on-line voting that concluded on May 31.  And the winners are — Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar, Sana & Sadia’s Mediterranean Cafe, and Towne & Country Cafe.

ACS presented Bowls of Hope “Golden Spoon Award” certificates to representatives from each of the restaurants on Monday, June 14.  The winning restaurants were the top 3 vote-getters out of 15 restaurants that participated in this year’s Bowls of Hope Super Soup Coupon Card fundraiser. The Coupon Cards were sold for $20 each in February and March and purchasers could use the Coupon Card to receive a free cup of soup for a minimum purchase from February 1 through May 31, 2021 and then vote for the restaurant that served their favorite soup.

Amanda Wyzen-Gregory accepted the award on behalf of Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar in Somers Point from Carole Karabashian, the ACS Development and Communications Director.  Amanda, who is the manager of Gregory’s and an ACS parent, was joined in the photo by her daughter, Sadie, an ACS 1st grader. Gregory’s offered a complimentary cup of its “Soup of the Day” on the Coupon Card.

At Sana & Sadia’s Mediterranean Cafe  in Egg Harbor Township, ACS presented the award to chef Sana Nammour, and her husband and owner, Jacob Nammour. The restaurant offered its signature “Chicken Tortellini Soup” to Bowls of Hope Coupon Card holders.

Towne & Country Cafe owner Steve Thomas received the award for his restaurant, located in Egg Harbor Township, that offered Coupon Card holders a complimentary cup of its “Soup of the Day.”  Thomas is an ACS alumni parent and his restaurant provides the school lunches at ACS.

Thank you to our winning restaurants and the 12 other restaurants who participated in this year’s fundraiser. The proceeds from the sale of the Coupon Cards and support from sponsors raised over $9,300 that benefited ACS and the Community FoodBank of South Jersey.  The 15 Bowls of Hope participating restaurants were: Barrels; Bahay Kubo; Gaspare’s Italian Bistro; Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar; La Cucina Ristorante; Linwood Country Club; Maurizio’s Express EHT; Ocean City Cafe; Sana & Sadia’s Cafe; Stir It Up; Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall; The Spot; Towne & Country Cafe; Velo Cafe, and Windjammer Diner.

10th Grader Reyna Lewis Recently Accepted into Harvard University’s Summer Scholars Program

10th grader Reyna Lewis, right, was recently accepted into Harvard University’s Summer Scholars Program. Guidance Counselor Christina Ragland, left, assisted Reyna in the application process.

Congratulations to 10th grader Reyna Lewis for recently being accepted into Harvard University’s Summer Scholars Program.  Reyna will be taking two biology courses through the Harvard program that will earn her eight college credits and move her one step closer to her dream of becoming an anesthesiologist.  After high school, Reyna hopes to attend Duke University to study anesthesiology.

Reyna reached out in February to Guidance Counselor Christina Ragland for assistance with the application process to Harvard’s program and to a similar summer program at the University of Miami, and she was accepted to both programs.

“Reyna is a very focused and determined young lady,” Ragland said. “Her work ethic, leadership qualities, and genuine spirit have set a solid foundation for her even as a 10th grade student.”  Earlier this year, Reyna was also nominated and inducted into Atlantic Christian’s chapter of the National Honor Society.

“I am thankful that the Harvard community was able to see qualities in Reyna that we see here at ACS,” Ragland said. “I am beyond proud of her and know that she will represent our school well.” As part of the application process, Ragland submitted a letter of recommendation for Reyna and provided documents requested regarding her academics.

The two courses that Reyna will be taking during the Harvard program from June 21 to August 8 are “Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology” and “Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology.” Due to COVID-19 concerns, she will not be spending her summer in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but will be taking the classes online.

Reyna’s parents, Jason and Ruby Lewis, were pleased to see the effort that Reyna made to research and find the summer programs and to start the application process.

“We could not be more proud of Reyna, but we pray that she will look to and follow God’s plan for her life above all else,” Mrs. Lewis said.  “We are also thankful for the important role Mrs. Ragland played. She was a tremendous help in guiding Reyna toward her goals.”

ACS Hosts Annual Thank-You Lunch for Volunteers, Staff

ACS recognized and thanked volunteers, faculty, and staff for their commitment and service over the past school year at our school’s annual Thank-You Lunch on Thursday, June 8 in the Multi-Purpose Room. Event and Digital Marketing Manager  PJ Santos said that ACS was blessed with some 70 parents, grandparents, and friends in the community who gave generously of their time and talents as volunteers.  “We couldn’t have accomplished what we did this year without our faithful volunteers,” Santos said, as she recognized each volunteer and presented them with a potted plant as a Thank-You gift.

Some of the volunteers who attended the luncheon served in the lunch room, on the Parent Teacher Fellowship board, sold concessions in the Cougar Den, helped train teachers in integrating technology into the curriculum, served on the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament Committee, and helped with the Race for Education and Harvest Day events.

The volunteers pictured are, back row from left: Katelin Klingert, Greg Louderback, Rudy Lushina, Melissa Reed, Robbie Schlundt, and Jill Schlundt; first row from left: Amanda Costello, Lisa Connolly, Angela Lushina, Connie Macpherson, Brenda Maurer, Alisun Klingert-Richards, Terry Vogel, and Patty Rosie.

ACS also gave a warm send-off to seven faculty/staff members who are leaving ACS to pursue other endeavors.  “You will always be a part of our ACS Family and our heart,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “Our door is always open for you and we will be praying for you.”

Oblen presented the departing employees with personalized ACS sweat-shirts and framed word art created out of words that fellow employees used to described their character and abilities.

The seven departing employees are, from left to right: High school Bible teacher Zach Monroe; Early Education aide Abigail Vogel; Boys’ PE teacher and coach Ben Chapman; Event and Digital Marketing Manager PJ Santos; 5th grade teacher Bethany Kiefer; 5th grade teacher Gretchen Murphy; and 3rd grade teacher Karen Fosbenner.

 

Servant’s Heart Club Blesses Moms, School Staff with Appreciation Projects in May and June

ACS elementary students in the Servant’s Heart Club continued to find unique ways to serve and bless others for their final two projects in May and June — decorating flower pots and planting a flower in them as gifts for Mother’s Day and making ice cream sundaes to give to teachers and staff.

“It’s all about sharing God’s love by serving others,” said Club Advisor and ACS parent Jennifer DiMaio. “It’s important that we find ways to let the people God has put in our lives know that they are loved and appreciated.”  The 14 students from the 2nd to 5th grades who are members of the Club have been meeting after school on the first Tuesday of every month since October 2020 and each month’s project has had a different theme.

DiMaio said the students had fun at their May 4 meeting using colored markers to decorate their flower pots with artwork and special messages and were excited about giving them as gifts to their moms as well as to some of their teachers.  For their final club meeting on June 3, the students were treated to ice cream sundaes and then spent time making about 20 additional sundaes and delivering them to teachers and staff in their classrooms and offices, and to custodial staff in the hallways.

 

ACS Student Artwork Chosen for State-Wide Arts Festival

Artwork created by three ACS high school students has been selected to be part of the NJ Teen Arts Festival. From left: Art teacher Sherry Mirakian, 12th grader Kami DeNick, 11th grader Amber Ramos, and 12th grader Haoshen (Katherine) Kong.

Congratulations to three ACS high school students — Kami DeNick, Haoshen (Katherine) Kong, and Amber Ramos — who received high marks from judges for the spring Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival and whose artwork has advanced to be part of the 2021 NJ State Teen Arts Festival, which opened online on June 1.  The students’ artwork is being showcased in the festival,  along with other winning entries, on the njteenarts.com website for the entire year until next year’s festival.

For the state-level festival, in the Visual Arts 2D gallery on the website, Kami’s pastel and oil painting, entitled “Show Love,” and  Katherine’s water color and pen drawing, entitled “Dun Huang Mural,” are 2 of 17 featured entries by students from Atlantic County.  Amber Ramos’ 3D sculpture, created using wire and cardboard and entitled, “Rose,” is 1 of 3 featured entries from Atlantic County in the Visual Arts 3D gallery of the online NJ Teen Arts Festival.

“I am very pleased that once again several of our students have been recognized for their creative and artistic talents as part of  this annual festival,” said art teacher Sherry Mirakian.  “Our students are competing with their peers across the county and the state and they are having success.”  Mirakian also noted that senior Katherine Kong has been accepted to the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where she will continue to develop her artistic skills in the fall.

Mirakian submitted artwork from 13 ACS high school students for the Atlantic County festival in mid-April. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was held virtually and photos of all artwork were submitted for judging.  For the county-level festival, students from 12 public or private schools, 1 piano studio, ,and 1 dance studio submitted 177 entries for judging.

CLICK HERE to view the ACS students’ artwork on the NJ Teen Arts Festival website.

 

Baccalaureate 2021 – Scholarships, Awards Announced; Seniors Challenged to Dedicate Their Lives to Serving God

Over 100 family members, faculty, and staff gathered for a time of prayer, worship, and presentation of awards and scholarships to the Class of 2021 at the Baccalaureate Service held at Harbor Pines Golf Club on Wednesday, June 2. Upper School Principal Meg McHale congratulated the seniors for their hard work and flexibility through a challenging year unlike any other and gave thanks to God for providing the strength and wisdom to persevere and succeed.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed everyone to the service and senior Rachel Whisman gave the opening prayer. Mrs. Jane Zigner led a time of worship, as voices were raised together to sing “In Christ Alone” and “Waymaker.”  Three faculty members — history teacher Amy Whisman, math teacher Gina Wilson, and math teacher — gave parting words of advice, encouraging the seniors to involve God in every aspect of their lives and to allow God to work through them to bless others (pictured below at right).

“All of us who have been your teachers will continue to be praying for you,” said Mrs. Wilson. “My prayer is that you learn to hear and discern the voice of God and that you dedicate yourselves to the ministry God has for you.”  The program concluded with ACS parent and Board of Directors’ member Kris Jacoby offering a prayer for God’s blessing on the Class of 2021.

A variety of scholarships and awards were presented during the program. Valedictorian Sydney Pearson and Salutatorian Kami DeNick (pictured below at left) were recognized and received the Academic Achievement Scholarships. Eight students out of the class of 18 (pictured below right) received certificates for Highest Honors for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher, and one student — Rebekah Kimmerley — received a certificate for High Honors for earning a GPA of 3.5-3.79.

Five seniors attended ACS since kindergarten and received a special PTF award presented by PTF President Terry Vogel.

Five students who attended ACS continuously since kindergarten (pictured at right) received a $100 gift from the Parent Teacher Fellowship, presented by PTF President Terry Vogel, who described an education at ACS as “a priceless investment.” “You can’t do a better thing for your child than to send them to ACS,” Vogel said.

Following is a list of the special scholarship and award recipients:

  • Academic Achievement Scholarship: Sydney Pearson and Kami DeNick
  • The 5:14 Award, based on 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (in honor of former faculty member Kim Ordile, to the senior who has shown themselves to be the most encouraging): Chloe Vogel
  • Mayor Hodson Community Service Scholarship: Katherine Kong and Sydney Pearson
  • Garrett-Freeman Memorial Music and Art Scholarship (sponsored by ACS alumni parent Barbara Freeman): Katherine Kong
  • COMPASS Award (for senior seeking to serve in education): Kayla DeNick
  • Red Cross Blood Drive Recruitment Award (for senior involved in planning/recruitment of school blood drives): Sydney Pearson
  • Senior Art Award (for senior seeking to use their artistic gifts in further studies): Katherine Kong
  • Parent Teacher Fellowship Scholarship (best essay reflecting on their experience at ACS as aligned with Biblical teaching: Chloe Vogel (1st place); Kami DeNick & Kayla DeNick (2nd place)

CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of Baccalaureate.

 

Bike Day 2021 — Preschool Fun in the Sun

Bike Day 2021! Our preschool students got to bring their bicycles, tricycles, and scooters to school on Thursday, May 27 and spent the morning under beautiful, sunny skies riding around our track and enjoying other fun, outdoor activities on our campus.

May is National Bike Month and Bike Day is a popular annual event for our PreK2, PreK3, and PreK4 students. “It’s all about promoting health and fitness for our students,” said Early Education Director Gail Alford. “We want to see biking become a favorite activity for our preschool students and something that they will choose to do with their families and friends.”

Each class spent 30 minutes riding around the track and then moved to other areas on the campus throughout the morning to participate in other fun activities, including a sponge relay race and an inflatable obstacle course.  When all the activities were done, the students enjoyed a brown bag picnic lunch, followed by ice pops for dessert.

CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of Bike Day.

Classroom Cameo: High School Students Measure Their Shadows for Trigonometry Project

Students in our high school geometry class headed outdoors to the school track for two days in late May to measure their shadows — an inter-active assignment that was part of their unit on trigonometry.

Faculty member Gina Wilson came up with the creative hands-on activity as a way to help the students use trigonometry ratios, such as Sine, Cosine, and Tangent, to find missing side lengths and angles in triangles.

“The project incorporated all that the students have been learning in our trigonometry unit and allowed them to practice their knowledge in an unconventional setting,” Mrs. Wilson said. For the project, the students had to measure their heights and the length of their shadow and then use trig ratios to calculate the angle of elevation to the sun.

“The students were surprised to find that their shadows were longer earlier in the morning, which effected the angles,” Mrs. Wilson said. “It was fun to watch them make connections like that throughout the project.”

Senior Baseball, Softball Players, Parents Honored on May 22

ACS honored its three senior players on the Varsity Boys’ Baseball Team and its four senior players and two team managers on the Varsity Girls’ Softball Team and their parents in a special ceremony on Saturday, May 22. The ceremony was held prior to the start of the home games against Veritas Christian Academy.

Athletic Director Pam Hitchner introduced the team members and read notes of special thanks to each senior, written by Varsity Boys’ Coach Gus Casey and Varsity Girls’ Softball Coach Dara Kimmerley.

The Senior boys honored were: outfielders Gabe Catusse-Martinella, Malachi Green, and Joshua Jacoby. Both Malachi and Joshua were strong at bat throughout the season and Malachi’s speed once on base accounted for many steals.

The Senior girls honored were: center fielder Amy Ki, captain and pitcher Shelby Einwechter, who had over 25 strikeouts this season and a .533 batting average; captain and 1st baseman Sydney Pearson, who had a .545 batting average, including two home runs and a grand slam; captain and catcher Chloe Vogel, who has been the lead off batter this year with a .515 batting average.  Kayla DeNick and Bekah Kimmerley served as the team’s managers.

“Our seniors made big contributions to both teams this year and they will be missed both on and off the field,” Hitchner said. “They were strong leaders and stepped up to the plate to do whatever the team needed, from base running to learning a new position.”

Hitchner said ACS is also grateful to the parents of the seniors, who have supported the teams throughout their high school years, some getting involved as assistant coaches, like Lori Pearson and Terry Vogel, and others providing encouragement from the bleachers, donating concessions, and helping provide transportation to games when needed.

 

ACS Baseball, Softball Teams Finish Season in 2nd Place, Lose in Championship Round to Pilgrim Academy

The ACS Varsity Baseball and Softball teams lost their hard-fought battles against Pilgrim Academy in the Championship Games on Tuesday, June 2, finishing the season in second place in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference.

“We’re very proud of both teams and the way they gave it their all and played with a lot of heart,” said Athletic Director Pam Hitchner.  In the Boys’ Championship game, the teams were evenly matched and were tied 1-1 until the 9th inning. The ACS Boys’ team, under head co-coaches Gus Casey and Ben Chapman, lost 6 to 4, with RBIs from 12th graders Joshua Jacoby and Malachi Green.

The ACS Girls’ team, under head coach Dara Kimmerley, lost 8 to 4, and had several rallies that fell short. 9th grader Evangelina Kim, 10th grader Paige Noble, and 12th grader Chloe Vogel contributed with RBIs. The Pilgrim Varsity Girls’ team had been undefeated all season, led by a senior pitcher who was named TSCAC MVP.

“We’re grateful to all our players and coaches for their hard work and determination to do their best,” Hitchner said.  “We are confident our teams will come back even stronger next year.”

After the games, several ACS players were honored as TSCAC All-Stars. Congratulations to the eight ACS players who were named All-Stars — Boys’ starting pitcher John Hannum (1st team); 1st baseman Josh Schlundt and catcher Eric VonColln (2nd team); Girls’ shortstop Evangelina Kim, 1st baseman Sydney Pearson, and catcher Chloe Vogel (1st team); starting pitcher Shelby Einwechter and center fielder Alli Lushina (2nd team).

 

Classroom Cameo: Walking Tour of Philadelphia Brings Early American History to Life for 3rd Grade Students

The students in Mrs. McCarthy’s 3rd grade class enjoyed a field trip to Philadelphia on Friday, May 21 that helped bring their study of early American history to life.

The students went on a two-hour guided walking tour of Historic Philadelphia, led by the award-winning BowTie Tours.

The students visited a number of well-known landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Congress Hall. They also made stops at some lesser known places, including the Graff House, where the Constitution was written; the first and second bank of the United States; Library Hall, which was the first public library; and Christ Church Burial Ground, the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin and several other signers of the Declaration of Independence.

ACS Cheerleaders, Scouts Participate in Longport Memorial Day Parade

The ACS Cheer Squad and members of the ACS Boy Scout Troop 389 and Cub Scout Pack 389, joined by ACS parents and staff, marched in the Memorial Day Parade in Longport, NJ on Monday, May 31 to honor the memory of those who have served in the U.S. military and given their lives for their service.

The cheerleaders and scouts were also joined by ACS parents and staff as they walked the half-mile long parade route along 35th Avenue and Ventnor Avenue in Longport. The parade, which was organized by American Legion Post 459, concluded at the Thomas B. Reed Park near the Longport Bridge, where a Memorial Day ceremony was held.

This is the second year that the ACS scouts have marched in the parade. ACS 5th grader Brandon Jorgenson carried the U.S. flag at the head of the procession, flanked by ACS 11th grader Joshua Guevara, who carried the Troop’s Boy Scout Jersey Shore Council flag.

“We were so glad to have the opportunity to participate in the parade and help honor the memory of so many fallen heroes,” said staff member Kelly Flynn. Flynn and staff member Kelly Gibson are co-coaches of the ACS Cheer Squad, which has 23 students in middle school and high school.

It was the first time that the ACS cheerleaders had participated in the event. The cheerleaders handed out candy and ACS pens, and waved at the children and families who lined the streets of the parade route and watched from balconies.

 

 

Texas Roadhouse Spirit Day Supports ACS Athletics

We had a great turn-out for our first ACS Spirit Day at Texas Roadhouse in Egg Harbor Township on May 26. Thank you to our school families, staff, alumni, alumni parents, and friends of ACS who came out to enjoy a great meal and help raise funds for ACS Athletics.

ACS received 10% of the sales that evening, with $350 coming back to ACS.  There was lots to celebrate that night, with the dual victory earlier in the day of our Varsity teams in the baseball and softball semi-final playoff games.

“We are so thankful we were able to hold a Spirit Day this spring because the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from holding any other Spirit Days this school year,” said Athletic Director Pam Hitchner.

Thank you to the Panetta family at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant on the Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township for supporting ACS Athletics. Hitchner hopes to hold more Spirit Days at Texas Roadhouse in the upcoming school year.

 

 

AtlantiCare Healthy Schools Program Rewards ACS Students for Walking for Good Health

ACS students have been making a special effort this spring to spend dedicated time walking outdoors for good health. Five elementary classes participated in a 4-week walking challenge in March and April and received prizes for their efforts this week from the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program.

For walking over 400 minutes during the month-long challenge, the students in Mr. Tardif’s 4th grade class and Ms. Williams’ 2nd grade class won the top prize of a blue portable water pouch. Students in Mrs. Capito’s 1st grade class walked some 300 minutes and received pencils.

Students in two other classes — Mrs. Meza’s 2nd grade class and Mrs. Reilly’s kindergarten class — received stickers with encouraging slogans like “Fueled by Fitness” and “Moving and Improving.” Each of the classes also received an AtlantiCare Certificate of Achievement.

Mr. Tardif said his class walked 20-30 minutes each day, mostly in the afternoon, to help boost his students’ energy and creativity. Mrs. Reilly’s spent 10-15 minutes walking with her students each day around the track and the basketball court.  “We really enjoyed going outside and breathing the fresh air and getting some healthy exercise,” said Mrs. Reilly.

The 4-week Walking Challenge was among a number of health and wellness activities that ACS students participated in throughout the school year.  By participating in these activities, ACS earned points that qualified the school to receive a $300 grant in May from the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program.

 

 

Varsity Baseball, Softball Teams to Play in TSCAC Championship Games on Sat., May 29

We’re in the Championship Games!  The Varsity Boys’ Baseball and Varsity Girls’ Softball teams are heading into the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference Championship game on Saturday, May 29, after beating Calvary Academy’s teams in semi-final playoff games on Tuesday, May 25.

Come out and cheer for our Cougars as they both face off against Pilgrim Academy in the final matches that will also be played at Pilgrim Academy.  The Girls’ Softball Championship Game will begin at 12:30 p.m. and the Boys’ Baseball Championship Game will begin at 1 p.m.

The Varsity Boys’ baseball team, under head co-coaches Ben Chapman and Gus Casey, were seeded second entering the playoffs.  Playing at home, ACS beat Calvary Academy 5-4 in the semi-final game, with 10th grader Caleb Vogel hitting in the first run in the bottom of the 5th inning. Senior Joshua Jacoby followed suit, hitting a stand up double in the bottom of the 6th inning and starting a rally that ended up with ACS scoring four runs in that inning.

The Varsity Girls’ softball team, under head coach Dara Kimmerley, beat Calvary Academy 13-3, playing away at Calvary. ACS and Calvary were tied for second place going into the semi-playoff game.  Senior pitcher Shelby Einwechter pitched a complete game with six strike-outs and went 3 for 3 at bat. Freshman shortstop Evangelina Kim went 5 for 5 with a double. Senior catcher Chloe Vogel went 2 for 3 with two singles and senior Sydney Pearson, who plays 1st base, went 1 for 3 with a triple. Coach Kimmerley is assisted by ACS parents Lori Pearson and Terry Vogel.

Congratulations to our players and coaches for working hard all season and making it to the Championship Games. Go Cougars!  The TSCAC gate fees on Saturday will be $2/students; $3/Adults; $10/per family.

 

Record Number of 125 Golfers Participate in Cougar Classic Golf Tournament, Event Raises Over $61,000 for ACS

An enthusiastic, record number of 125 golfers turned out on May 13 to participate in the ACS Cougar Classic Golf Tournament at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point and helped raise over $61,000 for the school’s educational programs and scholarships.

“The warm, sunny weather made it a perfect day to be out on the course and we came together for a great cause — to support Atlantic Christian School and celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary,” said Rob Barberio, ACS parent and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, during the dinner program that was held after the tournament. Golfers were joined by family members and friends to enjoy a reception, dinner, and Silent Auction in the clubhouse.

Before dinner got underway, the some 200 in attendance cheered and clapped as they watched a runoff among three golfers who had all seen success during the day in the Putting Contest — Keith Matthis, ACS parent DJ Schrag, and ACS parent James Walder. After several rounds of competition, Walder took the top spot, winning two tickets to a 2021-2022 Philadelphia 76ers game, donated by ACS parents Scott and Michelle Johnson.

ACS 12th grader Sydney Pearson welcomed everyone to the dinner and gave the invocation. Pearson and five other students who are members of National Honor Society served as volunteers at the tournament throughout the day.

After dinner, the guests watched a special 50th anniversary video that featured interviews with alumni and school parents talking about the impact that ACS has had on their lives over the past 50 years. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen followed up by sharing some of the school’s plans for the coming year, including preparing six new classrooms to open in  annex buildings on the school campus to allow more students to attend in the fall.

“We thank you for your support and pray that you would consider partnering with us in the future as we continue to educate and train up our students in the Lord,” Oblen said.

This year’s event was the school’s 16th golf fundraiser since 1999 and attracted the highest number of golfers ever.  Barberio thanked the individuals, businesses, and volunteers who helped make the Cougar Classic a success and awarded a number of golfer prizes, including the top five golf foursomes and the winners of contests for closest to the pin and the longest drive. He also thanked Lexus of Atlantic City for sponsoring the Hole-in-One Contest, putting a $35,000 Lexus UX 200 up for grabs that went unclaimed.

Barberio also took the opportunity to recognize and thank one of the golfers — Rudy Dalinger — and present him with a special Appreciation Award. Dalinger, an ACS alumni grandparent and former member of the Board of Directors, has played in all but one of the school’s 16 golf fundraisers and has raised over $15,000 for the school as part of his participation.

The Silent Auction, held for the first time using a mobile online platform, offered 51 items up for bidding, and raised $6,121, exceeding expectations, according to PJ Santos, the ACS Event and Digital Marketing Manager, who oversaw the auction.  “We are very grateful to our school parents who donated to create wonderful gift baskets for the auction and to other volunteers who in just two months helped us obtain so many donations from local businesses,” Santos said.

Throughout the evening, ACS grandparent Gail Crafton, of AC Photo in Linwood, provided photography services as golfers, alumni, and friends posed before a school backdrop and at their dinner tables. ACS alumni parent Bob Roland, a professional guitarist, donated his talents during the reception and dinner. ACS 10th grader Cruz Lewis closed the dinner program in prayer.

Congratulations to the various ACS parents, parents of former students, ACS senior Shelby Einwechter, and other golfers who took home the top prizes:

1st place foursome: Jayson Benson, Frank Hannum, Jerry Millstead, and Casey Milton
2nd place foursome: George Aaron, Mike Brennan, Rick Knight, and John Lyon
3rd place foursome: Stephen Kay, Claire Kuhar, Tom Kuhar, and Bob Luderitz
4th place foursome: Dawn Brodtan, Mike Maguire, Alexa Petillo, and Nancy Wescoat
5th place foursome: Matt Bell, Russ Cook, Michael Flynn, and Dennis Gibson
Closest to the Pin, Hole #3: Jen DiMaio and Jason Zingler
Closest to the Pin, Hole #16: David Housel
Longest Drive, Hole #7: Gus Casey, Shelby Einwechter
1st Place, Putting Contest: James Walder

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament on the ACS website.

CLICK HERE to download the Atlantic Christian School Golf Reception and Dinner Photos – Photography by AC Photo. The password is: acsgolf

 

 

 

 

Last Week To Use Your Bowls of Hope Coupon Card – Don’t Forget To Vote For Your Favorite Soup!

There’s one more week for you to use your Bowls of Hope  “Super Soup Coupon Card”!  The coupon cards can be used until May 31st at the 15 participating restaurants:  Barrels; Bahay Kubo; Gaspare’s Italian Bistro; Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar; La Cucina Ristorante; Linwood Country Club; Maurizio’s Express EHT; Ocean City Cafe; Sana & Sadia’s Cafe; Stir It Up; Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall; The Spot; Towne & Country Cafe; Velo Cafe, and Windjammer Diner.  Enjoy each of the restaurant’s free signature soup and don’t forget to vote for your favorite by going to  http://acseht.org/BOHCARD or by clicking the image below.

 

Middle School Students Challenged to Use Their Gifts, Abilities to Serve God at Spiritual Emphasis Retreat

Middle school students were challenged to look inward to discover their God-given gifts and abilities and to find ways to use them to show God’s love to others at a one-day Middle School Spiritual Emphasis Retreat on Friday, May 7 held at the ACS campus.

The retreat program incorporated a series of 22 short videos entitled “Show and Tell…It’s Your Moment,” which were created by the Association of Christian Schools International for its Virtual Leadership Conference this year.  Upper School Principal Meg McHale felt the topic of the video series was a perfect fit for the middle school retreat.

“The videos were very powerful and helped our students to better identify their own gifts and strengths, to sharpen their ability to work with others, and to help them create a proactive plan on how to engage their own community with God’s love,” McHale said.

Over the course of the day, the students broke up into 14 different small groups, divided by grade level and gender, to discuss and reflect on the videos and also to participate in activities and games.  Each discussion group was led by a teacher or adult volunteer and each student had a workbook to fill in as the day progressed.

McHale said some of the ideas for projects that the students came up with during the retreat were focused on encouraging their peers, raising funds for outside organizations, and helping those hurting in our community by providing bags for their personal needs.

The retreat opened with worship provided by Mrs. Jane Zigner and lunch was provided by Chido Burrito.

 

 

Servant’s Heart Award Recipients Recognized, Board Members Elected at May 17 ACS Association Annual Meeting

The 2021-2022 Board of Directors, including members elected at the May 17 Annual Meeting — Robert Barberio, Jim Gibbs, Eric Hoover, George Quinn, Deron Smith, and Charles Wyckoff.

Over 150 parents, faculty, and staff gathered on Monday, May 17 for the Annual Meeting of the Atlantic Christian School Association, listening to state of the school reports highlighting this year’s academic and financial progress, electing six members to the Board of Directors, and honoring several individuals and one church with the Servant’s Heart Award.

Board Chair Les Tomlinson opened the meeting with a devotion and then those in attendance broke into small groups for a time of prayer, many giving thanks to God for guiding, protecting, and blessing the school during this past school year.

Board Secretary Kris Jacoby then announced and introduced the recipients of the school’s annual Servant’s Heart Award.  In recognition of the school’s 50th anniversary, Jacoby first announced two special “Servant’s Heart Jubilee Awards.” The first Jubilee Award was presented to St. John’s by the Sea Reformed Episcopal Church in Ventnor, NJ, where Atlantic Christian held its first classes in 1971. Pastor Mike Blitz, current pastor of St. John’s by the Sea, accepted the award. The second Jubilee Award was presented in memory of the school’s founders, the late Reverend Howard Bach, pastor of St. John’s by the Sea, and Elizabeth Bach, the school’s first principal. Pastor Ron Bretherick, retired from St. John’s, who knew and worked with the Bachs, accepted the award on behalf of the Bach family.

Jacoby then announced the other recipients of the 2021 Servant’s Heart Award — Al Fry, who has worked for several years as a volunteer groundskeeper; Doug Pearson, former Chair of the ACS Board of Directors, who served for 9 years; Carrie Jorgenson, ACS parent and school nurse who met every challenge over this past school year addressing COVID-19 concerns from parents and staff; and Greg Louderback, an ACS grandparent, retired teacher, and IT specialist, who donates his knowledge and expertise each week to help our teachers integrate technology into their classrooms.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen touched on highlights from the past school year, referencing a 2020-2021 Annual Report Powerpoint that was displayed on a screen to the attendees.  Other administrators also spoke on various developments in their particular areas, including Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford, Athletic Director Pam Hitchner, and Upper School Principal Meg McHale. Business Administrator Kelly Flynn and Board Treasurer Chris Loeb spoke on the financial state of the school.

Oblen said work is underway to renovate and open six new classrooms in the Annex Buildings across from the main school building to enable more students to attend ACS in the fall.  She also praised God for the way He provided for ACS this past year and a half to be able to deal with the challenges of COVID-19, allowing the school to remain open throughout the school year and providing the funding to purchase the health and safety items needed for our students, staff, and classrooms, including barriers on desks and lunchroom tables, temperature checkpoints, sanitation stations, and technology to enable remote learning, such as webcams, laptops, and Chromebooks.

DJ Schrag, chair of the Board’s Nominating Committee, announced the names of the six candidates running for the Board, and each nominee came forward to give heart-felt remarks before Association members participated in the election. The newly-elected members to the Board of Directors, who will oversee the governance and policies of the school, are: Robert Barberio, Jim Gibbs, Eric Hoover, George Quinn, Deron Smith, and Charles (Chaz) Wyckoff. With their election, the full complement of 12 members will begin their official term of service on July 1.

Notably, the election of ACS parent Deron Smith marks the third time in the school’s 50-year history that an ACS alumnus or former student will serve on the Board. He attended ACS from 1982-1989 when ACS leased space from Ocean City Baptist Church. Also noteworthy is the election of George Quinn, a former ACS teacher from 1980 to 1989, who is a Pastor at Friendship Bible Church in Egg Harbor Township.  School parents Jason Lewis, Doug Pearson, and Paul Vogel were also elected to serve on the Board’s Nominating Committee representing the Association.

A Q&A session at the end of the meeting gave the Association members an opportunity to pose questions about a variety of topics.

ACS Students’ Talents Shine in Spring Concerts, Art Show

With this year’s concert theme of “So Very Thankful, Incredibly Grateful, Unbelievably Blessed,” Atlantic Christian School held it’s Elementary Spring Concert on Friday, May 14 and Upper School Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 19.

The Elementary Spring Concert featured instrumental and vocal selections from the 1st-3rd grade music classes and a performance by the 4th and 5th grade Elementary Band under the direction of Mr. Tim Rosie.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY

The Upper School Spring Program included performances from the Middle School Band and Middle School Choir under the direction of Mr. Tim Rosie; Drama Class directed by Mrs. Genevieve Huff; and Middle School and High School Worship Teams led by Mrs. Kelly Flynn.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY

As part of our Spring Art Show that coincided with the concerts, guests checked the student art on display at the school lobby. The different art projects, collected by Art Teacher, Mrs. Sherry Mirakian, showcased the students’ talents with the use of ordinary art materials with different art techniques.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY

5th Grader Malena Meyer Selected as 2021 Carson Scholar

Congratulations to 5th grader Malena Meyer for recently being selected as a 2021 Carson Scholar and receiving a $1,000 scholarship award towards her college education from the Carson Scholars Fund. Malena was nominated for the scholarship in December 2020 by Mrs. Gretchen Murphy, her 5th grade teacher.

Malena is among more than 10,000 gifted students from across the United States that have been named Carson Scholars and she and her family are invited to attend an awards ceremony that is planned for the fall of 2021. In addition to the scholarship, Malena will receive an Olympic-sized medal and a certificate and ACS will receive a trophy to display in the school. The Carson Scholars Fund is based in Maryland and was founded in 1994 by world-renowned Johns Hopkins Pediatric Neurosurgeon Benjamin S. Carson, M.D. and his wife, Candy.

According to a letter from Felicia Wise, Scholarship Director of the Fund, Malena was chosen for the award for demonstrating “the highest standards of academic achievement, integrity, civic, and social responsibility.” Students selected were required to have a minimum 3.75 GPA and display humanitarian qualities by being actively involved in community service in school, virtually, at home, or in their neighborhood.

Malena’s scholarship application described a number of creative community service projects that she carried out in 2020 after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  She had a lemonade stand, cookie stand, and cupcake stand. She made homemade pizzas and delivered them to neighbors who placed orders and raised some $250 for breast cancer awareness. Malena also found another way to serve others by opening up a restaurant in her home, with her brother and a cousin assisting as chefs, servers, and entertainers. She invited invited relatives, neighbors, and friends over, one family at a time, to enjoy a full course meal.

“It was exactly what we needed at that time of isolation,” said Mrs. Kristina Meyer, Malena’s mom. “Malena is constantly thinking of others and is the most thoughtful person.”

Mrs. Murphy said she was thrilled to see Malena selected for the honor of being Carson Scholar. “Malena is a hard worker in every way and even though it’s been her first year at Atlantic Christian, she has managed to gain the respect of her peers,” Mrs. Murphy said. “Several times I have noted Malena choosing to spend time with the underdog: those who are hurting, students who are left out, struggling, or lonely. Malena sees injustices and chooses to act on others’ behalf.”

According to the Fund guidelines, once a student is named a Carson Scholar he or she is eligible to apply for Scholar Recognition in future years and can receive additional scholarship awards.

 

Varsity Baseball, Softball Teams Heading into Playoffs on Tuesday; Seniors to be Honored at Saturday Game

The Varsity Boys’ Baseball and Varsity Girls’ Softball teams are heading into the semi-final playoff games on Tuesday, May 25, after beating Cumberland Christian School on May 20. Senior players will be honored for their contributions to our teams this Saturday, May 22 before the 3 p.m. start of non-league home games against Veritas Christian Academy.

The Varsity Boys beat Cumberland Christian 19-4 on Tuesday, finishing the regular season in second place in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference. The Varsity Girls beat Cumberland Christian 16-2 and finished the regular season tied for second place with Calvary Academy.

The Varsity Boys’ team will face off in the semi-final playoff game against Calvary Academy at home on Tuesday, May 25, with a 4 p.m. start time. The Varsity Boys team, under head co-coaches Ben Chapman and Gus Casey, has a 5-3 record in the TSCAC and a 5-6 record overall.

The Varsity Girls, under head coach Dara Kimmerley, will play their final regular season game at home on Monday, May 24 against Glassboro High School. The Varsity Girls’ will play a team in the semi-final playoff game on Tuesday, opposing team and location to be determined.  The Varsity Girls’ team has a 9-4 record overall and is 7-3 in the TSCAC.  In the May 20 game against Calvary, senior Sydney Pearson went 3 for 4 with a double and two home runs for ACS. 10th grader Alli Lushina was 3 for 3 with two doubles, 10th grader Paige Noble had a homerun, and senior Chloe Vogel was 2 for 2 with a triple.

The TSCAC Championship Games will be played on Saturday, May 29 at Pilgrim Academy. The consolation Boys’ and Girls’ games will begin at 10 a.m. The Girls’ Championship game will start at 12:30 p.m. and the Boys’ Championship Game will begin at 1 p.m. The outcome of the semi-final games on Tuesday, May 25 will determine which teams will play in the TSCAC final round of games on May 29.

Come on out and cheer our Cougars on to victory!