Post Tagged with: "Atlantic Christian School"

Alumni Spotlight: ACS Alumni, Former Students Making Their Mark in College and Beyond

ACS is pleased to periodically recognize and congratulate several of its alumni and former students who are making their mark in college, in the working world, and in other endeavors, building on the strong educational and spiritual foundation they received during their years at ACS. The alumni spotlighted in this article are: Chris Masi (’05), Taylor Hadley (’07), Brianna Butler (’11), Lydia Schalles (’15), Sydney Pearson (’21), and Eric VonColln (’22).  Profiles of many more ACS alumni can be found on the “Alumni News” page of the ACS website under “News and Events.”

Chris Masi (’05) and his wife, Becky, are the creators and writers of a new TV series called “RIDE” that debuted on the Hallmark Channel on March 26, 2023. After graduating as Salutatorian of the class of 2005, Chris attended Biola University in Southern California, where he earned his degree in Film, Radio, and Television in 2009. He also met his wife, Becky, at Biola and they were both in the same degree program. Since that time, Chris has been working his way up in Hollywood as writer, working on scripts for various shows including USA’s “White Collar” and “Graceland” and the HBO show “The Newsroom.”  In 2021, they were contracted by the Hallmark Channel to create and write a TV series called “Ride” based on a pilot they wrote and pitched to Hallmark. They spent the last year working on the first 10 episodes. The show follows the lives of the McMurray family, part of a rodeo dynasty going back a generation, as they struggle to keep their ranch afloat.  The debut episode has received many favorable reviews and the show will continue to air on the Hallmark Channel on Sunday nights at 9 p.m.

Taylor Hadley (’07) works in the Emergency Department at Cape Regional Medical Center in Cape May County, NJ as a Physician’s Assistant. After graduating as the valedictorian of the Class of 2007, Taylor continued to excel academically and earned his undergraduate degree from Grove City College, a Christian liberal arts college in Pennsylvania. He then attended PA school, where he graduated with Honors in 2017. Taylor and his wife, Kristen, were married in March 2019 and have two sons, Jude and Ezra. They live in Beesley’s Point and are active members of Ocean City Baptist Church.

Brianna Butler (’11) joined the coaching staff at St. Joseph Academy in Hammonton in the 2022-2023 season in the position of assistant coach of the Varsity Girls Basketball team.  During her high school years at ACS, Brianna was a strong, contributing guard on the Lady Cougars basketball team that in 2010 and 2011 won the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference Varsity Basketball championship and a national championship. Brianna stopped by the ACS gym in March to watch the girls’ basketball game of the 8th grade South Jersey Future Stars. Brianna is working on her MBA in organizational management from Eastern University, where she also earned her undergraduate degree. She lives in Galloway and will be getting married in September 2023.

Lydia Schalles (’15) is relocating from Washington, DC to Hawaii in July 2023 for her job with the U.S. Department of Defense. After graduating from ACS as valedictorian of the Class of 2015, she attended George Washington University in Washington, DC. She earned a BS in international affairs in 2019, with a concentration in security policy and East Asian studies and a minor in Korean and business administration. In her leisure time, Lydia enjoys running, hiking, and surfing. She ran in the Honolulu Marathon in December 2022 and keeps in shape by running half-marathons, including the Ocean City half marathon in September 2022 and the Philadelphia half marathon in March 2023.

Sydney Pearson (’21) graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 2021 and was admitted to the nursing program at Stockton University. But after completing nearly two years in the program, Sydney has switched to a liberal studies major with a concentration in elementary education. The change in course came after Sydney started substitute teaching in elementary classes at ACS in January 2023. “I just loved it and so I prayed about it and felt God was leading me to pursue a different career,” Sydney said. Sydney has also been serving at ACS this winter as a long-term substitute teacher for high school Algebra II, Geometry, and Personal Finance. “The Lord opened a door for me at ACS to get my feet wet in teaching and I am looking forward to starting my education classes in the fall at Stockton,” Sydney said. During her high school years at ACS, Sydney was a three-sport athlete and she has also been involved in coaching at ACS for the past two years. This spring, she is the head coach of the Middle School Girls Softball Team, after serving as assistant coach last season. She also served as assistant coach of the Middle School Girls Soccer and Basketball Teams in the 2022-2023 school year.

Eric VonColln (’22) is a private in the U.S. Army and since February 2023 has been stationed in Vilseck, Germany. He will serve there for three years, where he has been assigned the role of driving and leading a stryker armored vehicle. Eric came out to watch an ACS basketball game in January 2023, where he visited with Upper School Principal Meg McHale, other faculty and staff, and students. His goal is to become a non-commissioned officer and then to enter one of the airborne divisions. Eric said attending ACS in his senior year made him a better person and taught him to look at the brighter side of things.

Alumni – We want to hear from you! Please send us news about how God is working in your life. Feel free to send photos as well. Email alumni news to: ckarabashian@acseht.org.

Announcing Two Spring Fundraisers — Legacy Gala & Golf Tournament — Ticket, Registration Site Now Open Online

ACS is excited to announce two big fundraisers coming this spring — our Legacy Gala: An Evening with Comedian Jeff Allen on May 12 at the Ocean City Tabernacle and our Cougar Classic Golf Tournament on May 16 at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links in Egg Harbor Township. The online site is now open to purchase tickets, be a sponsor, or register to golf. Both events will benefit the ACS Tuition Assistance Grant Fund.

There will also be a Silent Auction at the Gala.  There are $55 and $75 general admission tickets to just attend the Gala program, which will feature our headliner, Christian comedian Jeff Allen. There is a discount on General Admission tickets for groups of 10 or more. For those buying a $150 VIP Experience ticket or donating to be a Sponsor, there will be a Meet-and-Greet and photo opportunity with Mr. Allen and a Celebration Reception with gourmet appetizers and desserts. All seating is reserved and all tickets must be purchased online with iTickets.

The May 16 Cougar Classic Golf Tournament will get underway with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start and will conclude with lunch and an awards program. The golfer fee for an individual is $150 and a foursome is $560. There are also sponsorship packages and combo packages for those who would like to attend the Gala and participate in the Golf Tournament.

Proceeds from both fundraisers will benefit our Tuition Assistance Grant Fund, which provides families with needs-based tuition assistance. This fund enables many families each year to have access to a Christian education for their children.

“Our Tuition Assistance Grant Fund has enabled many families each year to have access to a Christian education for their children and we encourage our school families and friends in the community to help us grow this fund by attending one or both of these events,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen.

CLICK HERE to buy tickets, be a sponsor, or register to golf or go to https://acseht.org/galagolf/

 

ACS Presents Rescue Mission With $1,517 from Bowls of Hope Benefit; Williams’ 5th Grade Class Wins Bowls of Hope Contest

ACS presented the Atlantic City Rescue Mission with a check for $1,517 on March 9 from the proceeds of the February 4 Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off to help fund the Mission’s important work meeting the needs of the homeless in Atlantic City and surrounding communities. Accepting the check on behalf of the Rescue Mission were Pastor Bill Warner, Vice President of Biblical Education and Policy, and Sara Franklin, Chair of the Mission’s Board of Trustees.

The high school students who helped present the check are members of the Student Council who volunteered at the Bowls of Hope fundraiser. Also participating in the check presentation were Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, Upper School Principal Meg McHale, and Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz. The Student Council members pictured in the photo are: Isabell Alford, Sophia Costello, Rebecca DiMaio, Zachary Fosbenner, Noah Gibbs, Caden Kim, Evangelina Kim, Autumn Loo, Alli Lushina, Ryleigh Martin, David O’Donnell, Haven Sanchez, Allison Schlundt, Nathan Stein, and Noelle Thompson.

Ms. Williams’ 5th grade class won the Bowls of Hope Classroom Fundraising Contest.

In a separate presentation, Ms. Amy Williams’ 5th grade class was recognized for winning first place in the Bowls of Hope classroom fundraising contest, raising the most funds from ticket sales and sponsorships. The class received a pizza party as its prize.

Thank you to our students, school families, faculty and staff, and friends in the community for helping make our Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off a success.

ACS Inducts Ten High School Students Into National Honor Society

Ten high school students were recognized for outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, Christian character, and service at a March 16 induction ceremony for the National Honor Society held in the ACS gym. The ceremony marked the 11th anniversary of high school students being inducted into the NHS since ACS established its chapter in 2012.

The students inducted into the National Honor Society were: 10th graders Isabell Alford, Rebecca DiMaio, Aine Dorsey, Sophia Johnson, Joshua Merlino, Alek Stein, and Taylor Sutton; and 12th graders Daniella Ajayi, Madelynne DeNick, and Thomas Ellison, Jr.  DiMaio was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed some 60 family members, faculty, and guests to the ceremony. She congratulated the inductees for their commitment and hard work and offered a prayer of blessing over them. For membership in the NHS, students in the 10th-12th grades must have an outstanding academic record, with a 3.6 minimum GPA, and excel in leadership, Christian character, and service.

Guidance counselor Christina Ragland, the NHS chapter advisor, and 12th grader Reyna Lewis, president of the chapter, led the students through the various parts of the induction ceremony, which included reciting the Honor Society pledge, signing the official chapter registry, and lighting a votive candle. Upper School Principal Meg McHale presented each inductee with their society membership certificate.

High school Bible teacher Urick Lewis was the guest speaker at the National Honor Society induction ceremony.

Senior members of both ACS chapters also participated in the programs, speaking about the spiritual significance of each of the Honor Society’s four principles. The student participants in the NHS ceremony were: Alicia O’Donnell (on scholarship); Cruz Lewis (on leadership); Ryleigh Martin (on Christian character); and Paige Noble (on service).

High school Bible teacher Urick Lewis was the guest speaker at the ceremony and congratulated the students for attaining such a significant level of excellence. “Excellence isn’t what you do, excellence is who you are,” Lewis said. He shared a message from Daniel 6, encouraging the inductees to stay true to God’s Word and allow their faith to guide everything they do. “Don’t use someone else’s ruler to measure your excellence, but strive to bring excellence because you serve an excellent God,” Lewis said.

 

 

 

 

Upper School Students Present “Let It Shine” Concert on March 15

Over 50 students in the 6th to 12th grades had the opportunity to let their artistic talents shine as they sang, danced, and played musical instruments at the March 15 “Let It Shine” concert.

“Our Upper School performing arts program has grown significantly and it’s exciting to see the variety of talent that is developing among our students,” said Upper School Principal Meg McHale as she welcomed several hundred school families and friends in the audience.

Tim Rosie, Director of Choral and Instrumental Music, explained that the theme of the concert was based on Matthew 5:16, where Jesus encourages His disciples to “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Rosie said the concert gave the students an opportunity to bless others with their God-given gifts and to be encouraged to use those talents to glorify God.

Rosie and Middle School Choir Director, Julie Zimmer, expertly led the various performing groups, which included a 36-member 6th-7th Grade Concert Band, a 5-member 6th-7th Grade Vocal Ensemble, and an 11-member 8th-12th Grade Wind Ensemble. 6th grader Julieta Gonzalez served as the MC, providing a brief history and background of each song performed.

Several talented students also performed solos — 8th grader Garrett Martin on the bass clarinet,  6th grader Norah Wilson on the piano, and 6th grader Greta Kleinman presenting a jazz dance.

The concert concluded with the Wind Ensemble performing an arrangement by Andrew Mackereth of “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” looking forward to the Easter season in April.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two ACS 8th Grade Basketball Players Named to 2023 Atlantic County Boys All-Star Team

Congratulations to 8th graders Ethan Costello and Justice Settles, two members of the ACS 2022-2023 Middle School Boys Basketball Team, for recently being named to the 2023 Atlantic County Boys All-Star Team.

Ethan and Justice were two of fourteen talented 8th grade basketball players who were selected to the team from middle schools across Atlantic County. Ethan and Justice were part of the starting five on the ACS Middle School Boys’ Basketball Team, under head coach Joshua Clark, that helped lead the team to an undefeated season and a first place finish in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League.

On Friday, March 17, ACS hosted the South Jersey Future Stars 8th Grade All-Star Games for both the boys’ and girls’ teams. Family members and friends filled the gym to watch the Atlantic County Boys All-Star team play against the Cape May/Cumberland County Boys All-Star team.  Ethan and Justice played strong on offense and defense in the game, and the Atlantic County team beat the Cape May/Cumberland team by a score of 82-32.

Congratulations, Ethan and Justice, for your outstanding contributions to the ACS Middle School Boys Basketball Team this past season. We look forward to seeing you continue to develop your skills as you move up into high school.

 

Check Out the 2023 Spring Schedule of After-School Classes — Flag Football, Garden Club, Homework Club, and More

A new “Costume Design Workshop” for 4th-12th grade students and “Intro to Sign Language” for 1st-5th grade students kicked off this week — the first offerings in our action-packed and enriching schedule of Spring After-School Classes.  A number of other new classes have been added to the schedule that will open in the next several weeks, including Flag Football, the Garden Club, and the Homework Club.

The spring schedule, with the description of the classes, start dates, and fees, was sent home the week of March 6 with students from PreK2 to 6th grade, along with registration forms, and was emailed to 7th-12th grade parents.

A weekly “Chess Club” on Fridays for 4th-6th grade students, which got underway in mid-winter, has been a popular new addition. The winter class, taught by faculty member Samuel Gottschall, will conclude on March 31, but will be open to new members after spring break on April 21.

“Flag Football” on Mondays starting April 17 is being led for the third year by ACS parent Dennis Gibson and is open to students in the 2nd-5th grades.

Faculty members Ashley Brossman and Eric Tardif will be leading the Garden Club on Thursday afternoons, open to students in the 1st to 8th grades. Students will work in the school garden and will create their own herb garden in a planter to take home. It is also planned to sell vegetables and herbs grown in the school garden at a Summer Farmers Market at ACS.

High school science teacher Celine Melody is leading the Homework Club for students in the 1st-5th grades and proceeds will benefit the 10th grade class. Melody, who is the class advisor, will provide individualized attention to students to assist them with their homework assignments in various subjects.

Staff member Jessica Martin is in her 5th year teaching the “Intro to Sign Language” class for 1st to 5th grade students and is offering two Wednesday sessions — one from March 15- April 26 and the second from May 3-June 7. Students will learn to sign to a worship song and will have the opportunity to perform at an upcoming spring concert or year-end event.

Technology teacher Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney, who has a degree in fashion design, is leading the Costume Design Workshop on Tuesday afternoons. Hahn-Chaney also designed and sewed many of the whimsical costumes for last fall’s Seussical, JR. musical. Students in the workshop will design and create costumes for students performing in the K-3 Spring Concert.

The schedule and registration forms are on the school’s website under the “Programs” tab and are available in the school office. Please send payment with the registration form to the school office or bring to the first class.

CLICK HERE to view and download the schedule and registration forms.

Bump, Set, Spike! Record 14 Teams Compete in Annual Intramural Volleyball Tournament

There was lots of bumping, setting, and spiking in the ACS gym on March 8 as over 90 ACS students, faculty, alumni, parents, and friends faced off for a night of friendly competition at our annual Intramural Volleyball Tournament. Fourteen teams competed, the most ever since the tournament was launched in 2005 by Athletic Director Pam Hitchner.

After five hours of double-elimination games, the high school team named “Blue Steel” took first place. The six members of the medal-winning team, all 11th graders, were: Noah Gibbs, John Hannum, Manny Johnson, Becca Kelley, Evangelina Kim, and Alicia O’Donnell.

Blue Steel — the winning team of the ACS 2023 Intramural Volleyball Tournament.

Hitchner and PE teacher Joshua Clark served as referees during the tournament, assisted by a number of ACS students serving as scorekeepers. Students from the 8th-12 grades were could form teams and each team had at least three girls and three boys. Several teams included parents, faculty, alumni, and former students.

Thank you to the tournament volunteers and to everyone who bought food at the Cougar Den, which helped raise funds for the ACS Cheer Team as they prepare for their trip to Nationals in Virginia in early April. Photo credit: PJ Santos.

 

 

Students Sample Healthy Smoothies for Green Mustache Day, Get Surprise Visit from Cat in the Hat

Over 250 students from the 1st to 5th grades showed off their green mustaches on Thursday, March 2 after sampling healthy smoothies during lunch made with fruit and spinach. It was all part of “Green Mustache Day,” a fun annual activity that ACS sponsors as part of its membership in the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program.

Green Mustache Day also coincided with Read Across America Day that celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday, which meant many students were dressed up like the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1, 2, and 3, or other characters from Dr. Seuss books. 12th grader Evan Power, who has held leading roles in several ACS musicals, paid a surprise visit to the lunchroom dressed up as the Cat in the Hat and posed for photos with the students.

After they sampled the smoothies, groups of students made green mustaches on their upper lips with the drink and posed for photos. Students who sampled the smoothies received a green paper mustache as a fun reward. A number of faculty and staff also sampled the smoothies and posed for photos.

A staff panel has selected three group photos to submit to an AtlantiCare contest. One of the photos could be selected to receive a $50 VISA card, which will go to the classroom of the students in the photo. The photos in the running are from Mrs. Huff’s 3C class, Mrs. Jackson’s 4B class, Mr. Tardif’s 4C class, and Ms. Williams’ 5B class.

For families who would like to try making this healthy smoothie at home, here’s the recipe that makes 32 ounces:

Healthy Green Smoothie Recipe

2 ripe frozen bananas
1 apple, chopped
2 cups fresh chopped spinach (can also use kale)
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup cold water

The first 3 photos below are being entered into the AtlantiCare contest:

 

 

 

 

5th Grader Madelyn Petrinec Wins ACS Spelling Bee, Advances to March 25 Scripps South Jersey Regional Bee

Congratulations to 5th grader Madelyn Petrinec for winning our school Spelling Bee on February 16, placing first among 19 students from the 1st to 8th grades after 2 hours and 27 rounds of competition. Maddie, who also won last year’s school Spelling Bee, will move on to represent ACS at the Scripps South Jersey Regional Spelling Bee in Camden on Saturday, March 25.

Coming in second place was 1st grader Zackary Alobeidy. 6th grader Brody Panetta placed third, staying in the Bee through the first 19 rounds. Zackary and Maddie then went head to head for another 7 rounds before Zackary misspelled “thurible” and Madelyn correctly spelled “nares” and then “eurythmics,” marking the 213th word in the competition.

Parents, teachers, and students were on hand in the gym to watch the bee and applaud between rounds. The students who competed in the bee had either won or placed runner up in classroom bees held in January. 6th grader Gaebriel Hahn-Chaney and 8th grader Caedyn Hahn-Chaney, who are brothers, represented their classes well and finished in 4th and 5th place, respectively.

Under the guidance of Spelling Bee coach Jessica Martin, the students had a month to prepare for the all-school bee by studying a list of 450 words provided by the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Martin was also the pronouncer for the Bee. “Since this will be Maddie’s second time representing ACS at the regional bee, I am optimistic that she will draw upon her prior experience and will do well in this upcoming competition,” Martin said.

The top 19 spellers who competed in the Bee, by grade level, were: 1st Grade: Zackary Alobeidy, Ellie Campbell; 2nd Grade: Chase Hemberger, Carson Myers, Janessa Obot; 3rd Grade: Chloe Capito, Amelia Crespo, Rachael Eachus; 4th Grade: Caitlin Doucett, Lindsay Eachus; 5th Grade: Giovanna (Bo) Altier, Tamara Kulov, Maddie Petrinec; 6th Grade: Eva Dimashi, Gaebriel Hahn-Chaney, and Brody Panetta; 7th Grade: Grace Lushina and Nino Miranda; and 8th Grade: Caedyn Hahn-Chaney.

Pastor Appreciation Day Gives ACS Students an Opportunity to Honor, Thank Their Pastors

We love our pastors! Nearly 50 pastors and ministry leaders from churches across South Jersey were treated to breakfast and a student-led chapel for Pastor Appreciation Day on February 16.  It was a special time for ACS students to honor and thank their pastors for the important role they play as their spiritual leaders and mentors. Pastors and students spent time together at breakfast, worshipping in chapel, and posing for group photos after chapel.

Pastor Mat Mouliert of Crossroads Fellowship Church shared an encouraging message with the pastors during breakfast. 12th grader Sam Glancey spoke during the chapel program about the importance of being trained to go out and share the gospel and thanked the pastors for discipling and training the next generation and encouraged them “to do more of what you are already doing.”

During his breakfast remarks, Pastor Mat shared some of the lessons he has learned during his five-year battle with cancer.  “Suffering happens to all of us and God wants us to glorify Him through our suffering,” Pastor Mat said. “Suffering builds perseverance and character and also opens doors that would never be available to us otherwise.”

The chapel also included performances to bless our pastors by the PreK4 students, the Kindergarten students, the 5th Grade Band, the 5th Grade Worship Team, and the High School Worship Team. Students in elementary classes also created several hundred unique, hand-written thank-you cards that were given to the pastors to take back with them.

Thank you to the parent and staff volunteers who donated food and served at the Pastor Breakfast.

 

We’re No. 1! ACS Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Teams Both Capture 2023 Conference Championships

The ACS Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Teams are the 2023 Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference Champions! Both teams won hard-fought battles on February 25 in their championship games, which were held in the ACS gym. The No. 1-seeded Lady Cougars remained undefeated, beating Gloucester County Christian School 48-43, and the No. 2-seeded Varsity Boys’ Team pulled off an upset, beating No. 1-seeded Pilgrim Academy 54-45, a team that had been undefeated all season. It was a night to celebrate!

This is the fourth consecutive year that our Varsity Boys’ Team has brought home the championship trophy. The Lady Cougars last won the TSCAC championship in 2021. ACS advanced to the championship games by handily winning their semi-final matches on February 23 against King’s Christian School.

Congratulations to Varsity Boys’ head coach Drew Carney, assisted by Dan Carney and ACS 2013 alumnus Ben Chapman, and to Varsity Girls’ head coach and ACS 2012 alumnus Kaylee Breunig, assisted by Dara Kimmerley, for their hard work and dedication. This was an exciting and memorable season.

Eight ACS players were named TSCAC All-Stars for the 2023 season and were recognized at the end of the championship games. The four Girls’ Varsity All-Stars are — Evangelina Kim and Paige Noble (1st team), Reyna Lewis (2nd team), and Becca Kelley (honorable mention). The four Boys’ Varsity All-Stars are — Noah Stokes (1st team), Caleb Vogel (2nd team), and Charlie Costello and Noah Gibbs (honorable mention).

ACS also received two other special recognition awards from the conference. Senior Paige Noble received the 2023 TSCAC MVP Varsity Girls’ Basketball Award. She was one of the team’s leading scorers and a force to be reckoned with both on offense and defense. Paige will be attending Cairn University in the fall.

Coach Breunig received the 2023 TSCAC Varsity Girls Basketball Coach of the Year Award. This is the second time she has received this award. The first time was in the 2017-2018 season when she was in her first year as head coach of the Lady Cougars.

During this season, Coach Breunig was also honored for earning her 100th win on February 15 when the Lady Cougars defeated Oakcrest 54-24 in a nonconference game. In her 6th year as head coach, Coach Breunig has now led the Lady Cougars to two TSCAC Conference championships and five first place finishes in the regular season. She also received the TSCAC Coach of the Year Award in the 2017-2018 season, her first year as head coach. Coach Breunig is a 2012 ACS alumnus who was a strong varsity player and team leader during her four years on the Lady Cougars.

In the Championship varsity girls’ game, junior guard Evangelina Kim led the team in scoring with 20 points and pulled down 8 rebounds. Senior forward Reyna Lewis scored 16 and also had 8 rebounds. Senior guard Paige Noble had 7 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals. Freshman forward Gianna Flynn scored five and Flynn and junior forward Becca Kelley each had five rebounds.

In the Championship varsity boys’ game, three players were the top scorers — junior Noah Gibbs, with 15 points, sophomore Noah Stokes with 14 points, and senior Caleb Vogel with 13 points. Gibbs and Stokes also led the team in rebounds, each pulling down 12, and were strong on defense, with Gibbs grabbing 3 steals and Stokes getting 2 blocks. A key contributor to the team’s success in the final quarter of the game was consistently sinking their baskets at the foul line.

At the conclusion of the games, the ACS teams did the traditional “cutting down of the nets,” which each player and coach cutting a piece of the net to take home as a souvenir of their victories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Top Scholars on 2022-2023 First Semester Honor Roll

Congratulations to our top scholars who made the first semester Honor Roll of the 2022-2023 school year. The Honor Roll, finalized in mid-February, recognizes 331 students from the 1st through 12th grades who have excelled in their academic studies, receiving Highest Honors or Honors designation.

“We are very proud of these students from elementary through high school who have distinguished themselves as top-notch scholars  and earned a place on the Honor Roll,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We are also thankful for our dedicated and highly qualified faculty who encourage our students to excel academically and to seek to honor God with their lives.”

Elementary students in grades 1-5 who earned a 95% average or higher in every major subject received the Highest Honors designation and students who received an 85%-94% average in every major subject received the Honors designation. Middle School and High School students in grades 6-12 who earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or higher at the end of the school year received the Highest Honors designation. Students in grades 6-12 who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.79 received the Honors designation.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of the students from the 1st to 12th grades who achieved Highest Honors or High Honors.

Chapel Speakers, Class Projects, Quiz Contest Help Focus Students on Black History in February

Throughout February, ACS students participated in a variety of special activities for Black History Month. Chapel speakers, classroom assignments, bulletin board displays, and a quiz contest helped spotlight the history, culture, and accomplishments of African-Americans.

On February 2, Rev. Vena Noel-Jackson, a pastor with Yeshua’s Living Word Ministries, was the featured speaker in Middle School Chapel, where she highlighted the accomplishments of two African-American athletes — Ida Keeling and James “Jesse” Owens — and emphasized the importance of celebrating our uniqueness by the power and love of Jesus. Using examples from her own accomplishments as a runner, Rev. Jackson reminded the students that despite our differences – age, race, ability, etc. – we can all run for the same prize in following Jesus. An accomplished seamstress, Rev. Jackson also gave away to the students several hand towels with scripture inscribed on them.

On February 9, Upper School students welcomed chapel speaker and ACS parent Christian Ragland, who spoke on the school’s spiritual emphasis theme — God breathed — based on 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

“I believe the enemy is working overtime with your generation to sow seeds of anger and discontent and to make wrong look right,” Ragland said. “Don’t try to figure out how to solve your problems, but instead allow God to take over, to breathe His Word and His Spirit into your life.” Ragland is the operations pastor at Lighthouse Community Church in Pleasantville and is Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at AtlantiCare.

The Black History Month quiz contest ran for two weeks, from February 13-24, and nine African-Americans were highlighted. During morning announcements each day, students were given a question to answer about an influential African-American. The first student in each homeroom to tell their teacher the correct answer was entered into a contest to win a dress-down pass. The correct answer and a short biography of that person were read over the intercom into every classroom at the end of each day.

Some of the quiz questions and answers were:

Question: Who were the first two African-American quarterbacks to play in the same Super Bowl? Answer: Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes
Question: Who was the first African-American to win a Nobel Prize? Answer: Ralph Johnson Bunche
Question: Who was the first African-American woman to win an Academy Award for best actress? Answer: Halle Berry

The students who correctly answered the quiz questions and received dress down passes were:  in Elementary — Layla Aspenberg, Abigail Brunda, Milo Cirigliano Jeremiah Diaz, Allison Eachus, Alexia Gay, Sofia Huezo, Olivia Kuchmek, Erik Macpherson, Selah Melody, Myla Montemurro, Robert O’Donoghue, Addison Rawlings, Michael Saad, Ceci Tormey, Jordan Vielma, Hunter Wolcott, and John Wolcott; in Middle School — Josiah Christmon, Malani Christmon, Kiara Loo, Finn Maxwell, Layla McCarthy, Malena Meyer, Luca Sullivan, and Nathaneal Thompson; and in High School — Cruz Lewis, Zachary Fosbenner, Isaac Kelley, Evangelina Kim, Reyna Lewis, Michael Markert, Seth Phillips, and Jeriko Thomas.

Throughout the month, classroom lessons and projects highlighted the historical contributions of various of African-Americans and some of these projects were displayed in the first floor hallways. In the 2nd grade classes, students learned about the life and contributions of George Washington Carver. Mrs. Hockenberry’s class created a mosaic of his portrait and Mrs. Brossman’s and Ms. Leach’s classes completed a biography sheet on Carver.

Mrs. McCarthy’s 3rd grade class completed a project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s memorable “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.  A hallway wall display, entitled “Martin’s Dream was Big and So is Mine,” featured student essays about Dr. King and their own dreams for the future. Students in Mrs. Huff’s 3rd grader studied the life of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges and their hallway display highlighted a quote from Mrs. Bridges describing the lesson that she said Dr. King tried to teach us all — “Never judge people by the color of their skin. God makes each of us unique in ways that go much deeper.”

 

Join Us at Applebee’s on March 25 for Cheer Team Flapjack Fundraiser

Pile up some pancakes at the ACS Cheer Team’s Flapjack Fundraiser at the Mays Landing Applebee’s on March 25 and help send the team to The One Finals national competition in Virginia Beach on April 1-2.

Flapjack tickets are available for purchase at the ACS front desk and online. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under. The breakfast will run from 8:00-10:00 a.m. so be sure to get there early. The address of the Applebee’s in Mays Landing is 200 Consumer Square.

According to staff member Arzum Sanchez, who organized the fundraiser, the cheerleaders will be greeters and will help serve breakfast and do clean-up. Sanchez’s daughter, 11th grader Haven, is one of the team captains.

Sanchez said the goal is to have at least 200 people come out for breakfast, so mark your calendar for Saturday, March 25 and come out to support our award-winning cheer team.

CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets online.

 

12th Grader Moges Johnson Featured in Kickoff of 2023 Senior Spotlight Series

The future plans and goals of the Class of 2023, as well as other interesting facts about each student and their advice for the underclassmen, are part of a “Senior Spotlight” series of articles that kicked off on February 28 featuring 12th grader Moges Johnson. A new spotlight article on each of our 29 seniors will appear each Tuesday and Thursday from now until June 2023 on the ACS Facebook and Instagram pages and will also be on a “Senior Class Spotlight” page on the ACS website.

This is the fourth year ACS has published this Senior Spotlight series, which was created by Admissions Director Jessica Martin in the spring of 2020.  “The idea for the Senior Spotlight developed during COVID while school was closed and we wanted to have a way to celebrate our seniors and their accomplishments,” said Martin, who is producing the series. “We had an excellent response to the series and decided to continue doing it annually.”

Martin said each student submits his or her responses to a series of questions that are part of the spotlight. “The spotlight is a great way for our school families and friends in the community to learn about the character and heart of our students and the wide range of interests, talents, and abilities that they have developed during their years at ACS,” Martin said.

CLICK HERE to read the first Senior Spotlight article on Moges Johnson.

8th Grade, 12th Grade Basketball, Cheer Team Members and Parents Honored at Mid-February Ceremonies

ACS celebrated the talents and contributions of basketball and cheer team members in the 8th and 12th grades and thanked their parents and family members for their support at separate ceremonies in the ACS gym on February 10 and 17. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner, who organized the ceremonies, introduced each team member and described the various ways they had contributed to the success of their teams and ACS athletics overall.

The 8th Grade Night on February 10 recognized 20 basketball and cheer team members. Following the recognition ceremony, the Middle School Basketball Teams played King’s Christian School and the ACS Girls won 27-9 and the ACS Boys won 51-23. The ACS Middle School Boys had an outstanding season and finished the season undefeated and in first place in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League. The team was also invited to compete in the Northfield Invitational Tournament at the end of the season.

The 8th grade students honored with their family members were —

  • Boys’ Basketball: Josiah Christmon, Gabe Correa, Ethan Costello, Micah D’Anna, Zion Dawkins, Jude Gibbs, Xavier Johnson, Jason Kelley, Alex Newhall, Luke Odell, Tommy Potenski, Justice Settles, and Luca Sullivan
  • Girls’ Basketball: Kendall Bouchard, Sophia Capito, Luci Huff, Gracie Leon, Nadia Pearson, Isabella Santos, and Shelby Tomlinson. Kalee Tardif was unable to attend.
  • Cheer: Ashlee Alford, Annalena DiMaio, April Eaves, Mackenzie Flynn, Kylie Jackson, Abigail Kelley, Ava Lombardi, Kiara Loo, and Mia Morales

Senior Night on February 17 honored the ten seniors who have been part of the Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Teams and their families. The seniors honored were: Daniella Ajayi, Robby Barberio, Jake DeNick, Maddie DeNick, Sam Glancey, Benny Kimmerley, Cruz Lewis, Reyna Lewis, Paige Noble, and Caleb Vogel.

Following the recognition ceremony, two Varsity basketball games were played against Pilgrim Academy, with the Varsity Girls’ team winning its game 67-15 and the Varsity Boys’ team losing a close game by a score of 48-44.

 

Students, Staff Celebrate 100th Day of School

We’re 100 days smarter! Our preschool and elementary students celebrated the 100th day of school on February 10, dressing up to look like a 100-year-old person and participating in lots of creative math, writing, and physical activities involving the number 100. It was all about making learning fun.

There were messages on signs, banners, and bulletin boards celebrating the day and one sign asked — How have you honored God over the past 100 days?

There were also creative classroom activities in our preschool and elementary classes using the number 100, like coloring a 100 days picture, word search, counting 100 snacks, and making 100-day paper hats to wear.

 

 

 

Elementary Students Learn About Importance of Dental Hygiene

Sixteen high school students from the Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) visited our kindergarten to 4th grade classrooms on February 15 to teach students about the importance of dental hygiene, an educational visit facilitated by school nurse Carrie Jorgenson.

Jorgenson said the ACIT students gave 20-minutes presentations on dental hygiene and gave each student an oral hygiene kit that included a toothbrush and toothpaste.

“Our students loved the presentations that included using different animal puppets getting their teeth brushed,” Jorgenson said. “It was very effective and fun.”

Two ACIT teachers, Gaby Coslop and Jessica Crompton, accompanied the team of students, who are part of the ACIT Dental Assistant Concentration.

 

Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar, Sal’s Cafe Win Top Awards at 2023 Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off Benefit

2023 Bowls of Hope Chef’s Super Soup Award Winner – Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar

Two Somers Point restaurants received the top awards for their New England Clam Chowders at Atlantic Christian School’s 2023 Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off Benefit held in the school gym on February 4. Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar, pictured at left, won first place in the “Chef’s Super Soup Award,” and Sal’s Cafe, pictured at right, won first place in the “People’s Choice Golden Spoon Award.” Some 400 people filled the school gym to taste delicious signature soups from 18 area restaurants and then voted for their favorite soup for the People’s Choice Golden Spoon Award. Chef Joe Massaglia of Mama Mia’s Ristorante in Marmora chose his favorite soup for the Chef’s Super Soup Award.

2023 Bowls of Hope People’s Choice Golden Spoon Award Winner — Sal’s Cafe.

Coming in second place for the Chef’s Award was B.F. Mazzeo in Northfield, with its Butternut Squash Soup, and Chick-fil-A Fire Road received third place for its Tortilla Soup. For the Golden Spoon Award, Towne & Country Cafe came in second place with its Tomato Basil Soup, and Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar placed third.

For B.F. Mazzeo and Chick-fil-A Fire Road this was their first time competing in the Cook-Off. This is the third time that Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar has received the Chef’s Super Soup Award, with prior wins in 2018 and 2023. Sal’s Cafe is also now a three-peat winner, previously receiving the People’s Choice Golden Spoon Award in 2017 and 2022.

The Bowls of Hope showcased 18 restaurants and chefs in and around Atlantic County serving up their specialty soups and competing for the awards. Atlantic Christian high school students were among the some 50 student and staff volunteers who helped serve the soups and worked behind the scenes in the kitchen, with set up and clean up, selling tickets, and more.

The 18 restaurants and chefs who participated were: Atlantic City Rescue Mission Kitchen (Atlantic City); B.F. Mazzeo (Northfield); Carluccio’s (Northfield); Charlie’s Bar & Restaurant (Somers Point); Chick-fil-A Fire Road (Egg Harbor Township); Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar (Somers Point); Jing Sushi House (Somers Point); Juliano’s Pub & Grill (Egg Harbor Township); Maurizio’s Pizzeria Express (Egg Harbor Township); Mays Landing Diner (Mays Landing); Mia’s Café (Mays Landing); Root Cellar Tavern (Dorothy); Sal’s Café (Somers Point); Sana & Sadia’s Mediterranean Bistro (Egg Harbor Township); Sofia Restaurant (Margate); Stir It Up Catering (Northfield); Towne & Country Café (Egg Harbor Township); and The Windjammer Café-Bar-Grille (Somers Point).

7th grader Nino Miranda won 1st place in the Bowls of Hope Student Video Contest.

Thank you to the 11 generous sponsors that helped make the benefit fundraiser a success — 3’R Premium Commercial Cleaning Services; American Church Group of New Jersey; B.F. Mazzeo; Chick-fil-A Fire Road; Clayton’s Self Storage; Formica Freitag Bakery; Fortress Financial; HS Restoration and Cleaning Service; Olympic Physical Therapy; ServPro of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City; and Texas Roadhouse.

All funds raised from ticket sales and sponsorships for the Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off, now in its 10th year, are benefiting the Atlantic City Rescue Mission and Atlantic Christian School. Many of those attending the event also brought cans of soup and other non-perishable items for the school’s food drive to benefit the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch.

7th grader Nino Miranda was recognized during the evening for winning first place in a Bowls of Hope Video Contest for creating a video to help promote the event. Two runners-up finalists in the video contest also were recognized — 11th grader Zachary Fosbenner and 6th grader Jennyfer Loiza-Riveros.

We are also grateful to a number of parents who donated desserts, and to Greate Bay Country Club for providing high top tables for our guests. Thank you also to Chef Massaglia, host of the “Joe’s Table for Two” WOND Radio program and Bill Link of the Truth That Rocks Bookstore for helping promote the event, and to photographer and ACS grandparent Gail Crafton of AC Photo for donating her services.

Bowls of Hope Food Drive Sets Record, Collecting Nearly Two and a Half Tons of Food for Community FoodBank of NJ, Southern Branch

Our 2023 Bowls of Hope Food Drive collected nearly two and a half tons of food for the Community FoodBank of NJ, Southern Branch, setting a new school record with a total weight of 4,811 pounds.  High school students on the Student Council, who helped organize the school-wide event, packed up and loaded the donations into 26 large boxes and bins that were picked up by a FoodBank truck on Thursday, February 9.

The Food Drive was held during the month of January and concluded on February 4 at the Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off. The school record was previously set in 2021 with 4,655 pounds of food collected, and last year’s drive collected 4,063 pounds of non-perishable food.

Mrs. Brossman’s 2nd grade class won first place in the Bowls of Hope Food Drive contest, bringing in the most donations of non-perishable food.

Congratulations to Mrs. Brossman’s 2nd grade class for winning first place among all PreK-12th grade classes for collecting the most non-perishable food items — 1,118 items. The class will receive a pizza party as its prize.

“Thank you to all our school families who donated throughout January and to everyone who attended our Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off and brought in food to make this an overwhelming success,” said Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz, who oversaw the drive assisted by Student Council Advisor Dan Vasquez. “Your generosity will be a blessing to families in our community who are struggling to put food on the table.”

Student Talent Show Entertains Crowd at Feb. 4 Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off

ACS students from elementary to high school entertained the audience at the Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off Benefit on February 4 as they sang, danced, played the piano and violin, and even kicked and leaped with ninja-like moves as part of the Student Talent Show.

“We believe that every student has God-given gifts and creative talents and the Bowls of Hope Talent Show gave some of our students the chance to share their musical and artistic abilities with our school families and friends,” said Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz, who oversaw the auditions for the Talent Show.

“We’re proud of every student who performed and they all did a really good job,” Delacruz said. He also thanked faculty member Amy Parker for serving as the Master of Ceremonies throughout the evening and kept everyone informed and excited as each performer took to the stage.

Congratulations to each of the Talent Show participants, listed here in the order that they performed:

  • The 5th Grade Worship Team, singing and doing choreography to “Light of the World”
  • 5th grader Ella Henigan – playing “Danny Boy” on the violin
  • 1st grader Roselyn Vega – singing “Thank God”
  • 4th grader Allie Pineo – singing “Reckless Love”
  • Kindergartener Braylen Borlandoe – dancing and doing Ninja moves to “Ninja Music”
  • 3rd grader Callie Gibson and 2nd grader Olivia Moren-Owens singing “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”
  • 7th grader Nino Miranda – playing “Kings Ballroom” on the piano
  • 5th grader Megan Connolly – singing “Big House”
  • 3rd graders Jeremiah Diaz, Victoria Rosario, and Sadie Wyzen-Gregory – singing and moving to “Gratitude”
  • 11th grader Ryleigh Martin – singing “King of Kings”
  • 4th graders Lily Kimmerley, Bella Markert, and Allie Pineo – singing “Peace Like a River”

Photo credits: Gail Crafton, AC Photo.

Re-Enrollment Underway for 2023-2024 School Year; Exclusive Time-Frame for Current Family Re-Enrollment Ends Feb. 17

Re-enrollment for returning families is now open for the 2023-2024 school year. Email messages about re-enrollment were sent to families on January 24 by Admissions Director Jessica Martin. ACS families with students currently enrolled are being given an exclusive time-frame from January 24 to February 28 to secure their child’s space for next year, ahead of the open enrollment period for new families, which will begin on March 1, 2023.

“Our enrollment this year has continued to increase to record levels and we thank God that more and more families are choosing a Christian education for their children,” said Admissions Director Jessica Martin. “It’s important for our current families to re-enroll early to secure their child’s space for next year.”

Martin said current families must do two things by Tuesday, February 28 to secure their child’s spot in the next grade — pay the Enrollment Fee and submit the B6T Transportation Form. The Enrollment Fee is $50 per student (maximum $100 per family) until February 19 and then increases to $75 per student (maximum $150 per family) on February 20.

Beginning on March 1, Martin said spots not filled by a current family will become open for a new family. She also emphasized that current families who will be enrolling additional children for the first time should contact her before March 1 for additional instructions.

The tuition rates for the 2023-2024 school year were recently approved by the school’s Board of Directors. The new rates are posted on the school’s website under the Admissions tab and are also available on the link below. ACS families seeking needs-based Tuition Assistance can submit an application online on the school’s website. The application period opened on February 1 and the deadline for returning families to submit a Tuition Assistance Application is May 1, 2023.

Early Education Student Re-enrollment Procedure:

To re-enroll an Early Education student, please complete the online “Early Education Schedule Form,” which was emailed to families by Martin on January 26 (link to form is also below), and pay the Early Education Enrollment Fee of $50 per student ($100 per family maximum) by February 28. The Enrollment Fee is $50 per student (maximum $100 per family) until February 19 and then increases on February 20 to $75 per student (maximum $150 per family).  The enrollment fee has been billed to all annual and semi-annual payers. Families making monthly payments through FACTS have been billed for their enrollment fee under “Incidental Billing.”

CLICK HERE for the online Early Education Center Schedule Form

K-12 Student Re-enrollment Procedure:

To secure your child’s space in grades K-12, please complete and return the fillable PDF “B6T Transportation Form” and pay the $50 Enrollment Fee by Tuesday, February 28. If the fee is not paid or if the B6T Transportation Form is submitted after February 28, a child’s spot in the next grade cannot be guaranteed. The B6T Transportation Form (see link below) may be returned to the school office by email, FAX (609-653-1435), mail, or hand-delivery. A signature on the B6T form is still required by the school districts. If you are unable to create a digital signature, please print the form and sign it manually. The Enrollment Fee is $50 per student (maximum $100 per family) until February 19 and then increases on February 20 to $75 per student (maximum $150 per family).  The enrollment fee has been billed to all annual and semi-annual payers. Families making monthly payments through FACTS have been billed for their enrollment fee under “Incidental Billing.”

Martin also noted that there is an important additional step for all rising 8th graders seeking to enroll in 9th grade next year. All rising 8th graders must also submit a new Pastor’s Reference Form by February 28 to hold their spot.

Please contact Mrs. Jessica Martin, Director of Admissions, with any questions at jmartin@acseht.org or 609-653-1199, ext. 314.

CLICK HERE for the 2023-2024 Tuition Rates and Fees

CLICK HERE for the 2023-2024 B6T Transportation Form

CLICK HERE for the Pastor’s Reference Form

ACS Students Show their Support for Philadelphia Eagles at Pep Rally on Feb. 6

Go Eagles! Over 400 students from preschool to high school dressed up in their favorite Eagles Spirit Wear for Eagles Day at Atlantic Christian School in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey on Monday, February 6. The students packed the bleachers for a pep rally in the school gym and sang the Eagles Fight Song — “Fly, Eagles Fly” — to show their support for an Eagles win in the Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, February 12. A video of the pep rally was shown on NBC10 Philadelphia news that evening.

The school’s cheer team led the students as they sang and danced to the fight song, with choreography created by the cheer team. Green confetti was shot into the air to cap off the Eagles Day assembly.

“Our cheerleaders had a really fun time coming up with the dance choreography to get everyone pumped up for the Super Bowl and, of course, we want the Eagles to win,” said the cheer team head coach Morgan Gibson. “So many people who live in South Jersey are huge Eagles fans, so we knew our students would enjoy celebrating an Eagles Day.”

Gibson noted that various parts of the choreography were based on moves that Eagles players use as their touchdown celebration dances.

CLICK HERE to view a video of the ACS students signing and dancing to “Fly, Eagles Fly.”

 

Power of a Praying Mother 6-Week Bible Study for Moms to Start February 17

All ACS moms are invited to attend a new, 6-week Bible study entitled “The Power of a Praying Mother” to be held on Friday mornings from February 17 to March 31. Pastor Gwen Mouilert, an ACS alumni grandparent, will be leading the Bible study, which will be held in the ACS library from 8:45-9:45 a.m.

The Bible study will examine the lives of six different women in the Bible — Sarah, Leah, Hannah, Marth, Deborah, and the women of Canaan — and how prayer helped them meet the challenges they faced.

Gwen is a celebrated speaker, author, and teacher who has been in ministry for over 30 years. She has appeared on Christian television and radio and has authored several books – including “Satan’s Secret Weapon” (formerly entitled “Overcoming Bitterness”) and “Hidden Treasures” – which have been featured in such publications as Winds of Fire, Charisma, and Spirit Led Woman magazines.

Gwen also teaches weekly women’s Bible studies at Crossroads Fellowship in Pleasantville, a church she co-founded with her late husband, Concepcion. She currently resides in Egg Harbor Township and is the proud grandmother of two grandsons, Jacob and Luke Mouilert, who graduated from ACS.

Light refreshments will be available and an RSVP is recommended, but not required. Please note that there will be no Bible study on March 10.

CLICK HERE to RSVP.

For additional questions, please contact the school office.