Post Tagged with: "South Jersey"

Student Spotlight — Fellowship of Christian Athletes Shares Testimony of Senior Cruz Lewis from Summer Camp Experience

ACS 12th grader Cruz Lewis was a featured athlete the week of September 19 in a Fellowship of Christian Athletes South Jersey email sent out to hundreds of FCA friends and supporters in which he shared the impact that a summer FCA sports camp had on his spiritual growth. Cruz will also be sharing his testimony at an FCA Fields of Faith event on October 12 at the Lower Cape May Regional football field, to be held from 6-8 p.m.

Cruz has been a stand-out track athlete for ACS and received a scholarship from the ACS Athletic Department last spring to attend a one-week FCA sports camp at Kutztown University in June to receive special training in track. ACS student Jayden Sanchez, then a 9th grader, also attended the sports camp with Cruz.

In the email, Cruz shared his testimony about how the FCA camp impacted his walk with Christ. Following is his testimony:

“Going to FCA camp at Kutztown University was for sure a life changing and life altering experience for me.  I have never been away to camp and thought it was going to be something that I would not enjoy. I was proven wrong upon arrival when I was greeted by the most welcoming people, and that really showed me that they were there to further the kingdom of God through the people that were coming through those doors. My walk with Christ was not the strongest, as I was goin through some hard times going into camp, but, being around my brothers in Christ and learning together really brought me out of my dark time and helped me along.

“I believe I was placed there for a reason. God had a plan for that time at camp. In leaving Kutztown, I have brought with me compassion and love for all of the people around me. I want to make an impact for Christ and I have tried to lead those around me in a more positive way to attend the one goal in mind, and that is to further God’s kingdom, not for personal gain but for personal and for others growth and the growth of the Kingdom.

“I was truly blessed by the experience of going to Kutztown University for FCA Camp and I look forward to going next year and being the best leader I can be.”

Athletic Director Pam Hitchner said she was very happy to see Cruz growing in his walk with the Lord and has posted his testimony on a bulletin board near the Athletic Department office in the gym.  Hitchner noted that Cruz has been a four-sport athlete throughout his middle school and high school years at ACS. At the May 2022 Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference track meet, Cruz excelled in several events — winning 1st place in the 200 meter dash with a time of 24.5; placing 2nd in the 1600 meter run with a time of 5:13, and placing 3rd in the 100 meter dash with a time of 12.1.

 

Smiles, Hugs, and High Fives Mark the First Day of School on Sept. 7

ACS teachers, staff, cheerleaders, and school mascot Corgey the Cougar greeted students as they arrived by bus and car for the first day of school on Wednesday, September 7.

In spite of the rain, there were lots of smiles, high fives, and hugs as parents said their goodbyes and students greeted their friends.

The Class of 2023 posed for its annual first day of school senior photo as did students in every classroom from preschool to high school to mark this special milestone.

We’re off to a great start!

 

 

ACS 2022-2023 School Spiritual Theme Verse — All Scripture is God Breathed

What does it mean for the words in the Bible to be “God breathed”? Students began exploring the answer to that question during the first Thursday chapels of the school year on September 8. Elementary Principal Gail Alford and Upper School Principal Meg McHale spoke during the Elementary and Middle School/High School Chapels about the meaning of our 2022-2023 Spiritual Development Theme based on 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The theme verse was also to be presented at the Early Ed/K Chapel on Friday, September 9.

Both chapels opened with a time of praise and worship. Alford and McHale then talked to the students about the importance of knowing that the words in the Bible are God’s words that He communicated to different people over hundreds of years and told them what to write.

ACS 2022-2023 Spiritual Theme Verse. Logo design by ACS staff member PJ Santos.

“God breathed out these words of scripture and those words are life-giving and teach and inspire us on how to live,” Alford said, as she raised up her Bible. She noted that all students will be expected to memorize the theme verse “so that it becomes imprinted on your heart.”

Upper School Principal McHale said that when students understand that the words in the Bible are the words of God and not the words of man, then they will know there is no greater source of truth, wisdom, and clarity. “It’s our prayer that as you spend time reading and studying the Bible that you will start looking at everything happening in your life in a different way — through the lens of the truth that is God’s Word.”

The Spiritual Development Theme and verse are being prominently displayed on posters and on bulletin boards throughout the school building and in classrooms. For the first time, high school students in August were given the opportunity to submit original logo designs to illustrate the theme verse.  The designs of three students were chosen to be on display, along with two designs created by ACS staff member PJ Santos.  The five different poster designs are on display throughout the main school building.

On the first day of school, faculty and staff wore T-shirts promoting the theme and students will soon be receiving class T-shirts with the theme to wear throughout the year.

Please pray with us that our students will grow closer in their relationship with God throughout this year as they encounter lessons and activities focused on the school theme.

 

 

 

 

ACS Gives Warm Welcome to Students, Families at Sept. 1 Open House, Orientation Events

ACS families had the opportunity to visit their children’s classrooms, meet their teachers, and become better acquainted with various school programs and procedures at the Early Education and Kindergarten Open House and Orientation events held on Thursday, September 1.

“We were thrilled to see hundreds of new and returning students and their families come out for these events, which gave them a sneak preview of the coming year,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “Parents were especially interested to see our Early Education Center in its new location and meet the teachers and aides.” Oblen said families also had the opportunity to met Teresa Bird, the new Early Education Center Assistant Director, who will oversee the Center’s day-to-day operations out of an office in the center. Bird has served as an ACS PreK4 teacher for the past 18 years.

Leadership of the ACS Early Education Center, from left: New Center Assistant Director Teresa Bird and Center Director Gail Alford.

Over the summer, the Early Education Center, which includes classrooms for children from PreK2 through kindergarten, was relocated to an annex complex the parking lot across from the main school building. “Families were very excited to see the new classrooms and also learned they have their own parking area on the campus that makes it easier to drop off and pick up their children,” Oblen said.

Oblen and other staff welcomed families during a short orientation program and Board of Directors’ member Charles (Chaz) Wyckoff presented a devotional based on school’s 2022-2023 theme verse. Students from the 1st to 12th grades and their families then visited classrooms, many of which had moved to a new location over the summer, and met their teachers. They also visited informational tables in the gym to get their class schedules, ask questions from Business Office representatives, buy SpiritWear from the Parent-Teacher Fellowship, and learn more about the Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack sponsored by ACS.

 

 

ACS Faculty, Staff Got Ready for School Year at August In-Service

It was Back-to-School for our teachers and staff on August 29-30 as they attended Professional Development sessions focused on integrating a Biblical worldview into everything students will learn in the classroom, led by Dr. Bryan Smith and Becky Teruel of Bob Jones University Press. ACS school nurses Carrie Jorgenson and Angela Lushina led training sessions on first aid and other medical topics, while other sessions focused on communication, discipline, school safety, technology in the classroom, office procedures, and professional development.

Dr. Bryan Smith, of BJU Press

“As a teacher you are shaping hearts and minds to see everything through the lens of a Biblical worldview, which means that everything is done in relation to who God is and what it says in God’s Word,” said Dr. Smith, who has been working for 20 years with BJU Press in the area of Biblical worldview.  He noted during his presentation that everything students will face in life can be linked back to the creation, the fall, and redemption.

In break-out sessions, ACS elementary and upper school faculty members dug deeper into the BJU curriculum that will be used in classrooms this year to facilitate integrating a Biblical worldview into every subject.

On Monday, August 29, Fusion Church in Egg Harbor Township blessed ACS with a donation of 60 gift bags filled with school supplies, delivered  by outreach volunteer Christine Schrum. The Parent-Teacher Fellowship also showed their appreciation for the faculty and staff by hosting lunch that day. On Tuesday, August 30, the ACS Board of Directors treated faculty and staff to a continental breakfast,  with Board member Andy Macpherson sharing a devotion from Ephesians 2:8-10.

Following devotions, Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed and introduced new faculty and staff for this school year and named a number of staff who have changed positions since last year.  Fourteen new teachers (pictured above) have joined the ACS family — Evelyn Altier (6th grade); Heather Aspenberg (PreK-2B); Samuel Gottschall (5C); Dena Johnson (5A); Paul Jones (Middle School); Kelly Kirchhhoff (Middle School); Olivia Leach (2C); Christopher Lopez (High School); Holly McCrosson (PreK-4B); Mary McNulty (6th grade); Laura Mills (7th-8th Grade); Jessica Samuels  (PreK-4C); Daniel Vasquez (7th-9th);  and Michelle Wheeler (PreK-2A).  Eight new preschool and kindergarten aides have joined the staff, some full-time, some part-time, and two who are ACS alumni — Lauren Harmon (’22), Lesli Lopez, Jessica Matos, Amber Ramos (’22), Grace Staples, Sierra Thomas, Melissa Trejo, and Alissa Wolcott.

Seven ACS faculty and staff members returning from last year are wearing new hats this year.  Former PreK4 teacher Teresa Bird is the new Early Education Center Assistant Director. Other position changes include:  Ashley Brossman, moving from 1st to 2nd grade teacher; Karissa Costello – from PreK3 aide to be the KA teacher; Ruby Lewis – from PreK2A teacher to PreK3A teacher; Alyda McKee – from PreK3B teacher to PreK3B aide; PJ Santos – continuing as IT Help Desk coordinator and adding K computer teacher; and Amy Williams – from 2nd grade to 5th grade teacher.

Please keep each of our new and returning faculty and staff members in prayer and may God be exalted and honored in everything we do.

 

Varsity Soccer Season Gets Underway, Middle School Soccer Tryouts Run From Sept. 8-12

Our high school soccer pre-season got underway on August 22, with two weeks of practices before the Varsity Boys’ faced off against Life Center Academy in Westampton, NJ on September 1, losing a close 3-2 non-conference game against a nationally-ranked team. Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer Tryouts will be on September 8, 9, and 12, from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

In the September 1 game against Life Center, 10th grader Chase Leach scored both ACS goals and 12th grader Jake DeNick defended strong in the goal. The Varsity Boys will play in their first home game on Friday, September 9 against Abundant Life Academy of Nutley, NJ. Faculty member Chris Lopez is in his first year as the Boys’ Varsity Head Coach, leading a talented team that finished in second place last season in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference (TSCAC).

Both the Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ teams will play at home against American Christian School from Rockaway, NJ on September 12.  ACS alumnus Carly Witherow (’08) is in her 8th year as the Varsity Girls’ Head Coach, with five TSCAC championships under her belt.

ACS welcomes two new coaches for the Middle School teams — Silas Nixon for the Middle School Boys’ team and Becky Pineo for the Middle School Girls’ team. Any middle school student interested in playing on an ACS team should come prepared to tryouts with cleats, shin guards, a water bottle, and completed athletic participation forms. The packet of Athletic Forms is available in the school office and on the ACS App and website under the “Athletics” tab. An Athletic Fee of $150 will be due for all Middle School players on the team roster.

The Middle School teams will face their first opponent on Friday, September 16 at home against Gloucester County Christian School, with a 4 p.m. start time.

Athletic Calendars with information on all upcoming soccer games are posted on the ACS website and ACS App and are updated as needed. The calendars can be found on the “High School Athletic Calendar” and “Middle School Athletic Calendar” pages under the “Athletics” tab.

We’re looking forward to an exciting season. Come on out and support our outstanding and competitive soccer programs.

 

Cheer Team Gets Early Start With August, September Tryouts

The ACS Gym was a busy place the last week of August as some 25 middle school and high school girls turned out for tryouts to become members of the ACS Cheer Team.  The Cheer Team achieved national recognition last spring after competing in several meets and being named the national grand champion in The ONE Finals School Cheer Division, Junior High Intermediate Level.

Head coach Morgan Gibson said the students selected to this year’s team will be announced during the first week of school, but walk-on tryouts for new students will be held until the end of September.

“We’re very excited about taking our Cheer Team to the next level and competing in a different division this year,” Gibson said. “We want to make sure that any new students have the opportunity to tryout and be part of the team.”  Faculty member Michelle Wheeler will once again join Gibson as an assistant coach.

On August 28 and 29, the students met for tryout practice, perfecting their tumbling skills and pyramid building. The tryout was held on August 31 before a panel of three judges — Ashley Gatto, Heather Kern, and Mariah O’Connor. Gibson said each of the judges had extensive experience as competitive cheerleaders and that each student received a score based on their individual performance.

Once the team roster is finalized, Gibson said the team will meet once a week in the early fall to begin working on choreography.  Regular cheer team practice for four days a week will get underway in November and the season will conclude in early April.

For more information about the Cheer Team, please contact Coach Gibson at mgibson@acseht.org

 

 

ACS Launches Successful Summer Community Farmers Market

ACS launched a new Community Farmers Market on its campus this summer that attracted close to 1,000 visitors and featured 53 different vendors over the course of 10 Saturday market days. Thank you to the many ACS family members, teachers, and students who participated as vendors and came out to shop, helping make the market a success as the first summer-long farmers market in Egg Harbor Township. On August 27, the final market day, vendors and ACS staff gathered for a group photo.

Egg Harbor Township Mayor Paul Hodson kicked off the launch of the new market at a ribbon-cutting with school officials and volunteers on June 25.   “You’ve started something good here and I really think it’s going to take off,” said Mayor Hodson, as he walked around the market and interacted with vendors. Participating in the ribbon-cutting were Carole Karabashian, ACS Director of Development and Communication; Arzum Sanchez, the Farmers Market Manager; Mayor Hodson; and Elaine Carroll, Farmers Market volunteer and ambassador.

The market opened outdoors on June 18 with just five vendors — Busy Bees, Smith Poultry Farm, Root Cellar Tavern, Thirty-One Gifts, and April Made for Kitten Aid — and grew to average of 18 vendors per week, with some vendors moving into the air-conditioned gym and others staying outdoors.

There was something for everyone at the market — fresh vegetables from Smith Poultry Farm of Williamstown and the ACS School Garden, beautiful succulent arrangements from Round Tree Farm in Mullica Hill, handmade crafts, jewelry, art and photography, dog treats, books, educational materials, and more.

Visitors could enjoy a cup of lemonade or a plate of delicious sausage and peppers or tacos from Root Cellar Tavern in Dorothy. Major Confections sold fancy cupcakes and desserts. There were inspirational T-shirts and Bibles on sale from Truth That Rocks Bookstore in Northfield, and you could even get a chair massage from a therapist with Drift Day Spa in Northfield. Visitors could also learn about getting organic produce delivered to their home by Just Organics – partnered with Honey Tree Health. Members of Greentree Church in Egg Harbor Township gave spiritual encouragement and shared the gospel with those who stopped by their table.

“The Farmers Market was a great opportunity for our school to connect with the local community, provide a place to get fresh, organic produce, and showcase the many talented local crafters and artists in our area,” said Sanchez, who managed the market each week.  “We were also thrilled to see so many ACS families and students participate in some way, volunteering at the ACS School Garden Table and even selling jewelry and knick-knacks that they had made.”

 

 

ACS Promotes Benefits of a Christian Education at EHT National Night Out

ACS staff participated in Egg Harbor Township’s National Night Out event on August 2, talking with students and parents about the benefits of a Christian education and promoting the ACS Community Farmers Market that was held on Saturdays throughout the summer.

ACS Admissions Director Jessica Martin and ACS HR & Accounts Payable Manager Arzum Sanchez greeted families as they passed the ACS table and had a game set up that children got to play and win prizes.

Current and former students, parents, alumni, and other friends in the community, stopped by to say hello.

“We have participated in National Night Out events for many years because it gives us a great opportunity to tell the community about our school and encourage families to consider ACS for their children,” Martin said. “After several years of being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were glad to be back at the event this year.”

The EHT National Night Out event was hosted by the Egg Harbor Police Department and the Egg Harbor Township Municipal Alliance and held at Veterans Memorial Park on Ocean Heights Avenue.

 

ACS Holds Life-Saving Summer Red Cross Blood Drive

Thank you to everyone who donated blood at our American Cross Blood Drive on August 10 and helped make the life-saving event a success. We collected 28 units of blood — which will provide critical aid for up to 80 area hospital patients.

We plan to hold our next blood drive this fall — on Wednesday, November 30, from 3:30-8:30 p.m. Please mark your calendar so that you can participate. More details will be posted on our school website, on Facebook, and Instagram.

ACS has been a partner with the American Red Cross as a blood drive sponsor since 2008. The blood drives are organized by the ACS Student Council, overseen by Student Council faculty advisor Dave Genter.

Thank You to Volunteers Who Served at Back-to-School Work Days

An enthusiastic, hard-working team of over 30 volunteers, including students, parents, grandparents, alumni, and alumni parents, turned out for Back-to-School Work Days from August 22 to August 31. Thank you for your hearts to serve. Your help really made a difference and helped ensure we were ready for Open House and New Family Orientation on September 1.

Faculty, staff, and volunteers worked side-by-side and helped relocate our Early Education and kindergarten classrooms into our modular building complex and moved elementary and Upper School classrooms to new locations in the main school building. Volunteers also helped with light carpentry, cleaning, painting, and much more.

The ACS Family is all about teamwork and doing everything to the glory of God. What a great way to kick off the school year!

Thank you to the many volunteers who served, including: Ashlee Alford, Elizabeth Alford, Isabell Alford, Guy Aspenberg, Ava Barberio, Eric Brumble, Ethan Brumble, Theresa Brumble, Theresa Capito, Lara D’Anna, Micah D’Anna, Todd D’Anna, Aine Dorsey, Noriko Dorsey, Maydee Flores, Natalia Flores, Gianna Flynn, Mackenzie Flynn, Keira Frontino, Jamie Gilbert, Brandon Jorgenson, Greg Louderback, Garrett Martin, William Maurer, Allen Murphy, Gretchen Murphy, Kim Murphy, Luke Odell, Marley Odell, Elliot Parker, Nadia Pearson, Ray Picking, and Emily Walley.

Join Us for Our 18th Annual Back-to-School BBQ — Friday, Sept. 16

We invite all of our ACS families, faculty, and staff to make plans to attend our 18th annual family Back-to-School BBQ on Friday, September 16, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The BBQ menu will include hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled BBQ pork, a variety of salads, water ice, and much more, with games and activities for our students to enjoy. The BBQ is a great way to meet new families, see old friends, and get better acquainted with each other as a school family.

The cost is $8 per person with a cap of $30 per family (immediate family members only). Tickets can be pre-purchased in the school office or at the BBQ.

Some of the fun activities will include a hay ride, face painting, ga-ga ball, inflatables and a Bouncy House, corn hole, 9-square-in-the air, and live music.  Funnel cake, Chef Steve’s popcorn, and other tasty treats will also be available.

In the event of rain, the rain date will be Friday, September 23.

ACS in Running for 2022 Best of the Press Awards — Vote for ACS Daily Until Sept. 21

Atlantic Christian School is honored to have advanced to the final round of voting for the 2022 Best of the Press Awards — thanks to the hundreds of ACS families and friends who voted in the nomination round. ACS is in the Top 5 in three categories — Best Child Daycare Center, Best Summer Camp, and Best Place to Work — and the final round of voting is now open through September 21.  Please vote for ACS and help us reach the winner’s circle.

The three competitors with the most votes in each category will be a Best of the Press winner and receive a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Award. Winners will be announced on November 20.

To vote for ACS in the Best Child Daycare Center category, go to the “Services” section. You will find Best Summer Camp and Best Place to Work in the “Community” section.  All voting is online on the Best of the Press 2022 website.

You can vote ONCE A DAY, from each IP address connected to you.  Please encourage your friends and family members to vote for ACS and share our Facebook and Instagram posts where there are links to the Best of Press voting site.

CLICK ON this link to vote: https://pressofatlanticcity.secondstreetapp.com/BestofthePress-Voting/

 

Congratulations, Class of 2022!

ACS marked its 29th Commencement on June 10 with various speakers challenging the 20 students in the Class of 2022 to trust God’s plan for their lives, to be bold and courageous in their faith, and to seek to honor God in everything they say and do as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.

“It is my prayer that God would continue to guide and direct you as you walk into your future and that the Lord will fill you with faith, hope, love, and wisdom as you serve Him with the gifts and talents that He has given each of you,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, who welcomed the parents, faculty, staff, and friends to the ceremony held in the school gym that was also live-streamed on the ACS YouTube channel. Oblen then introduced 2015 alumnus Samuel Karabashian, who encouraged the graduates to be bold and speak up for what is right, even though you may not be in the majority.

Commencement keynote speaker Pastor Tony Montemurro of Calvary Chapel Gateway urged the graduates to exercise courage to do the right thing, drawing his message from chapter one in the book of Joshua, where God speaks wisdom and encouragement to help Joshua as he moved forward into a leadership role over the Israelites. “Like Joshua, you will be faced with difficult challenges ahead and will be tempted to turn away from God’s Truth,” Montemurro said. “That’s why you must resolve to let God’s Word be the sovereign authority over your life.” In a prayer of blessing over the graduates, Pastor Montemurro proclaimed — “May you become the next generation of Daniels and Esthers.”

Salutatorian Andres Cores

Salutatorian Andres Cores, 18, of Egg Harbor Township, noted that it took determination, perseverance, patience, hard work, and even sacrifice for he and his fellow classmates to make it to graduation day, and thanked ACS teachers and families for the important role that they played. “I have no doubt that every graduate here will find a way to succeed in their life, and I encourage you to pursue what is most dear to you, what you feel can make a difference.” Cores, who finished with a 4.18 GPA, will be attending Stockton University to major in physical therapy.

Valedictorian Elizabeth Alford

Valedictorian Elizabeth Alford, 18, of Egg Harbor Township, also thanked the teachers at ACS for the positive impact they had on each graduate. “Every teacher here has been such a blessing to all of our lives,” Alford said. “They have laughed with us, cried with us, prayed with us, and shaped who we are as children today.” Alford noted that she and her fellow classmates have “big dreams” to become future pro athletes, doctors, teachers, lawyers, engineers, and to have families of their own. “We want the best for our lives, but that begins when we start putting our faith and trust in God and relying on Him through anything that may come our way,” Alford said. Alford, who achieved a 4.20 GPA, will be attending Cedarville University in the fall to pursue a nursing degree.

Alford, and two other graduates, Caeli Barbour and Destiny Brewer, shared their musical talents during the program singing “The Commission.”  The three had been members of the High School Praise and Worship Team that led worship at weekly chapel.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, Upper School Principal Meg McHale, and Board of Directors’ Chair Les Tomlinson participated in the presentation of the diplomas to the graduates. After receiving their diplomas, the graduates stepped out into the audience to present their parents and guardians with long stemmed roses as a gesture of gratitude.

As each graduate was introduced, McHale announced the various awards and scholarships that students had received. She noted that the Class of 2022 was collectively receiving over $405,000 in college scholarships, after being offered some $825,000 from the schools they applied to. Four graduates plan to serve in the U.S. military. Board Chair Les Tomlinson gave the benediction to close the program.

CLICK HERE to watch the Commencement ceremony on the ACS YouTube channel.

CLICK HERE for an online photo gallery of the Commencement ceremony on the ACS website. Photo credits: John Loreaux.

 

Blessing Ceremony Celebrates 8th Grade Class, With Prayer for their Future

ACS celebrated the accomplishments of forty-four 8th grade students, the largest 8th grade class in the school’s 51-year history, and prayed for God to guide and direct them as they begin a new chapter in high school at a “Blessing Ceremony” on Tuesday, June 14 in the school’s gymnasium. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed and thanked the parents and families for choosing a Christian education founded and based on a Biblical worldview.

Three 8th graders — David O’Donnell, Sophia Costello, and Victoria Dade — led the pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible. Following prayer by Amelia D’Anna, the Valedictorian of the Class of 2022, Elizabeth Alford, gave a challenge to the 8th graders — to honor God in everything they do and to spend time in God’s Word to embolden and deepen their faith.

Two middle school teachers participated in the program to give parting words of advice. Math teacher George Dickson and social studies teacher Amy Parker (whose son, Elliott was also in the class) encouraged the students to seek God’s purpose for their lives and to let Him guide their steps as they move on to high school.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale and Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen presided over the presentation of scholarship and awards that recognized students for their accomplishments in academics, citizenship, community service, and displaying exemplary Christian character. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner also presented a number of students with fitness awards.

On behalf of the Parent Teacher Fellowship, PTF President Terry Vogel presented a devotional and a gift card to 10 students in the class who had attended ACS since kindergarten — Alexis Andujar, Angela Awad, Victoria Dade, Amelia D’Anna, Marley Odell, Caden Kim, Austin Salcedo, Graham Schlemo, Elijah Weiler, and Anyae Welch. Vogel said the gifts were a way of saying thank you to the families who had made a long-term commitment to Christian education. Vogel also announced the winners of the PTF Christian Service Scholarship, an essay-writing contest that focused on the question — what does Jesus say about serving others and what impact has serving others made on your life?  She noted that 15 students submitted very well-written essays and the PTF board was so impressed with every essay that they decided to give every student who participated a small gift.

 

After students received their awards and certificates of completion, members of the Middle School Worship team presented special music, performing “Different,” followed by the faculty and staff surrounding the students seated on the stage for a prayer of blessing. After remarks from Principal McHale, 8th grader Rowlee Murphy closed the program in prayer.

Following is a list of the special awards and scholarships that were presented to students in the 8th grade class:

Gabriella Goodwin, Highest Average GPA

Highest Overall GPA — Gabriella Goodwin
Academic Subject Awards for Highest Average — Gabriella Goodwin in Bible, Honors Language Arts, Integrated Science, Social Studies, and Honors Algebra 1; Benjamin Smith in CP Language Arts and Algebra 1; Sophia Costello and Jeriko Thomas in PE.
Highest Honors, earning a 3.8 or higher GPA — Justin Basso, Amelia D’Anna, Sonja Elliott, Caden Kim, Gabriella Goodwin, Lydia McCarthy, Rowlee Murphy, Adley Palermo, Elliot Parker, Austin Salcedo, Benjamin Smith, Jeriko Thomas, and Anyae Welsh
High Honors, earning a 3.5-3.79 GPA — Calvin Costello, Marley Odell, David O’Donnell, and Chloe Weyman
Citizenship Award (for service to others and to the school) — Adley Palermo and Elliot Parker
COMPASS Award (for consistently displaying the fruits of the Spirit in their personal and spiritual life) — Lydia McCarthy and Jeriko Thomas
Cougar Award (given to one boy and one girl who have demonstrated Christian character, leadership, and responsibility in athletics, who are returning to ACS for 9th grade) — Gianna Flynn and David O’Donnell. ACS will pay the full athletic fee for each student for one Varsity sport.
Parent-Teacher Fellowship Scholarship — Gabriella Goodwin, 1st place, $400 scholarship; Jeriko Thomas, 2nd place, $250 scholarship; Caden Kim and Benjamin Smith tied for third place, $100 scholarship. Scholarships will be applied to their 9th grade tuition.

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the 2022 8th Grade Blessing Ceremony. Photo credit: John Loreaux.

 

 

 

New Beginnings – Kindergarten, Early Education Students Promoted at June Programs

Hundreds of family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate a great year of learning and growing at our Kindergarten Graduation on June 13 and our Early Education Promotion Program on June 14. The programs, filled with smiles and songs, allowed students to demonstrate their accomplishments and praise God for His faithfulness throughout the school year.

At the action-packed Kindergarten Graduation, the students delighted the audience with a series of songs that told the story of a day in the life of kindergarten.  Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford then presided over the presentation of diplomas to 43 kindergarten students, who proudly posed with their white graduation caps.

Kindergarten teachers Julie Reilly and Ashley Vaccaro presented their students with special awards for academic achievement, Christian character, Bible verse memorization, math, are, technology and Spanish. “They’re ready for first grade,” said Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford.

At the end of the program Alford introduced members of the VFW Cardiff Post 8098 of Egg Harbor Township who honored Vaccaro with a special plaque and a $100 check in recognition for her promotion of citizenship education in her classroom and in the school. Kindergartener Zackary Alobeidy gave the closing prayer.

At the lively Early Education Program, family members and friends smiled and clapped along as each of the classes, from Toddlers to PreK4, performed songs they had learned this past year and moved to the music — including Hop Little Bunnies, Happy and You Know It, God is For Me, Peace Like a River, and more.

There were lots of smiles and hugs as our PreK4 teachers, Teresa Bird and Jennifer Kelley, presented promotion certificates to their students. The program concluded with a message and prayer by George Myers, an ACS parent and Associate Pastor at Linwood Community Church.

CLICK HERE for the photo galleries on the ACS website of Kindergarten Graduation and the Early Education Promotion Program.

CLICK HERE to view the Kindergarten class on the ACS YouTube channel singing “God of Creation” during their graduation program.

 

 

 

Year-End Chapels Recognize Students for Academic Excellence, Christian Character, and More

Students with the highest academic averages this school year in the 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. From left: Paige Noble (11th), Evangelina Kim (10th), Sophia Johnson (9th), Sophia Capito (7th), and Gabe Capito (6th).

Year-end Awards Chapels on June 8 and 15 recognized students in grades 1-5 and in grades 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 for their hard work and accomplishments in their academic subjects as well as in the areas of service, citizenship, and demonstrating Christ-like character. Both chapels were livestreamed and can be viewed on the ACS YouTube channel.

Students in the 1st-5th grades who achieved the Highest Honors on the Honor Roll during this school year.

Elementary Principal Gail Alford reflected in her chapel remarks on this year’s theme verse from Jeremiah 17:7-8 that focused on being deeply rooted in Christ and the truth in God’s Word.   “A tree’s roots are the foundation of the tree that allow the tree to grow tall and strong,” Alford said. “It is my hope that this year you have been poured into and that you have grown so when temptations come you will have the strong roots to stand firm and tall like a tree.”

At the Elementary Awards Chapel, the 5th Grade Worship Team opened the program with a time of worship, singing three songs, including “I Wanna Be a Tree” by Lee Martin, which was this year’s theme song.

The students were then recognized for making the Honor Roll and for significant achievement in music, art, physical fitness, Spanish, and technology. Each classroom teacher also recognized individual students for highest academic average, most improved, and exemplifying Christian character with their fellow classmates. As students rose to go up to the stage to receive their certificates, their fellow classmates clapped and gave them high-fives as they walked or ran down the aisle.

At the Awards Chapel for students in grades 6-7 and 9-11, six members of the Middle School Praise and Worship Team — Ashlee Alford, Ava Barberio, Annalena DiMaio, Abigail Kelley, Tara Mccorkle, and Isabella Santos — led the worship time singing “The Father’s House” by Cory Asbury and “New Wine” by Hillsong.

Following the time of worship, Upper School Principal Meg McHale, along with various Upper School teachers, recognized students for their various achievements, including the highest academic average in their grade and in individual subjects, the Presidential Fitness Awards, and the Citizenship and COMPASS Awards.

In her closing remarks, McHale urged the students to rely on the wisdom of God rather than their feelings to make godly choices this summer in everything they do. She also recommended that this students read the book of Proverbs, which has 31 chapters, as a daily devotional. “My prayer for you is that you will find time to read the Proverbs and think about them so you can make wise choices in your daily life this summer,” McHale said.

CLICK HERE to see photo galleries of the 1st-5th Grade Awards Chapel and the 6th, 7th, 9th-11th Grades Awards Chapel.

CLICK HERE to view both chapels on the ACS YouTube Channel.

 

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

10th grader Evangelina Kim and 12th grader Aaron Glancey received the 2022 Billy Robinson Award for significant achievement, Christian testimony, and athletic ability.

High school and middle school students who played on an ACS sports team during the 2021-2022 school year received recognition for their participation, leadership, and athletic abilities at Athletic Awards Programs on June 3 and 6.

At the High School Athletics Awards event on June 1, it was a time to celebrate and reflect on a distinguished year of achievement as Athletic Director Pam Hitchner gave an overview of each team’s accomplishments.  In the fall sports season, the Varsity  Boys’ Soccer team finished in second place. They went 13-4-1 in the regular season and advanced to play in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Championship match for the first time since 2012.

In winter sports, the Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team won the Cairn University Tournament Title early in the season and then clinched the TSCAC Championship Title for the 3rd consecutive year. The Varsity Girls’ team finished in first place in the regular season, but lost in the championship game.

In the spring, the Varsity Girls’ Softball Team was undefeated in the regular season and won the TSCAC Championship Title; the Varsity Boys’ Baseball team finished in second place and lost in the championship game. Both the Varsity Girls’ Softball Coach Dara Kimmerley and the Varsity Boys’ Baseball Coach Gus Casey received Coach of the Year Awards. 10th grade shortstop Evangelina Kim received the conference MVP Award in softball.

The track program continued to grow this year.  The Cross Country Club, in its second year, competed and won twice in two 5K meets with King’s Christian School and added a new Homecoming 5K Run. A new spring track program was established and 44 middle school and high school students participated. The high school boys’ and girls’ track teams came in first place at the TSCAC Track Meet hosted at ACS on May 12.

The teams also competed at the Mid-Atlantic Christian School Association (MACSA) Invitational Track Meet at Messiah University on May 17 and made a very strong showing The high school boys placed 2nd and the high school girls placed 4th out of 20 Christian schools that participated from the tri-state region. Notably, 11th grader Cruz Lewis was recognized for his significant contributions to the track team and Hitchner awarded him with a scholarship to attend a one-week sports camp sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Kutztown University to receive special training in track.

Some of the dedicated Varsity coaches and supporters who were recognized during the Awards Program. From left: Terry Vogel, Kaylee Breunig, Drew Carney, Gus Casey, Morgan Gibson, Dara Kimmerley, and Joshua Clark.
Cole Lewis, Devin Tridente, and Angela Eggie received the Cougar Award, given to seniors who have demonstrated outstanding Christian character, leadership, responsibility, and commitment in the area of athletics.

A 26-member Cheer Team of middle school and high school students made school history, winning first place at The ONE Cheer and Dance Finals in April in Virginia Beach in the School Cheer Division, Junior High Intermediate Level and then went on to be named the Grand Champion in Virtual Finals in June. The ACS cheer team also won first place at the ImpACT Cheer Competition in Toms River in February, in the same division.

12th grader Aaron Glancey and 10th grader Evangelina Kim were chosen by the Athletic Department to be the recipients of the 2022 Billy Robinson Award that recognizes one high school boy and one high school girl for significant achievement, Christian testimony, and athletic ability. Angela Eggie, Cole Lewis, and Devin Tridente 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 — Tommy Tillis (assistant coach); boys’ basketball — Drew Carney; boys’ baseball — Gus Casey; girls’ softball — Dara Kimmerley; and cheer — Morgan Gibson (head coach), Kelly Flynn and Michelle Wheeler (assistant coaches).

The high school award recipients were:

  • Varsity Girls’ Soccer:  Paige Noble and Eden Wilson (MVP); Maddie DeNick (Coaches Award); Alicia O’Donnell (Unsung Hero Award)
  • Varsity Boys’ Soccer: Aaron Glancey (MVP); Noah Gibbs (Coaches Award); John Hannum (Most Improved)
  • Varsity Girls’ Basketball: Paige Noble (MVP); Evangelina Kim (Coaches Award); Maddie DeNick (Most Improved); Reyna Lewis (Unsung Hero Award)
  • JV Girls’ Basketball: Rebecca Kelley (Coaches Award)
  • Varsity Boys’ Basketball: Aaron Glancey (MVP); Devin Tridente (Game Changer Award); Charlie Costello (Most Improved)
  • JV Boys’ Basketball: Jayden Sanchez (MVP); Robby Barberio (Coaches Award); Judah Dawkins (Most Improved)
  • Softball: Evangelina Kim (MVP); Ava Nixon (Game Changer Award); Maddie DeNick (Slugger Award); Taylor Sutton (Coaches Award)
  • Baseball: John Hannum (MVP); James Papanikolaou (Coaches Award); Cruz Lewis (Most Improved)
  • Cheer: Rebecca DiMaio (Showmanship Award); Mikayla Tomlinson (Most Improved)

At the Middle School Athletic Awards program on June 6, students who participated in soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, track and cheer were recognized and honored. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner thanked the coaches for another outstanding year of competition in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, of which ACS is a member. The middle school boys’ teams came in first place in soccer, basketball, and baseball and the middle school girls took first place in basketball and had winning records in soccer and softball.

In the spring, the Middle School boys’ and girls’ track teams  came in first place in the TSCAC Track Meet and at the MACSA Track Meet the middle school girls came in first place and the middle school boys placed 3rd. Notably, 8th grader Mikayla Cubbage took first place in the 200 meter, out of 36 runners, with a time of 29.69 seconds. The relay team of Amelia D’Anna, Mikayla Cubbage, Heather Milstead, and Marley Odell came in first in the 4 x 100 meter relay. Three ACS middle school girls also took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the long jump — Natalia Flores, Heather Milstead, and Amelia D’Anna, respectively.

During the Middle School program, Hitchner also thanked and recognized two new first-year coaches for their efforts — David O’Donnell (boys’ soccer) and Joshua Clark (boys’ basketball). The other head coaches of Middle School teams, who presented medals 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; softball — Mike Bohs; baseball — Charlie Costello; and cheer — Kelly Flynn and Michelle Wheeler (assistant coaches).  The athletes and family members enjoyed ice cream sundaes at a reception following the ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACS Farmers Market Opens for Business on June 18; More Vendors Signing Up to Fill Summer Saturday Schedule

Our ACS Community Farmers Market opened for its first market date on Saturday, June 18 under sunny skies and a steady stream of visitors and well-wishers, including Egg Harbor Township Mayor Paul Hodson, who were eager to check out the first-ever summer long Farmers Market located in Egg Harbor Township.

“We are very grateful for the five vendors who came out to be the pioneers for this new event,” said market manager Arzum Sanchez.  “Every vendor did well today and said they are looking forward to coming back.”  Sanchez said there will be more than double the number of vendors at the next market date — this coming Saturday, June 25.  “We anticipate having more vendors at our market every week and we encourage our school families, friends, Township residents, and people across Atlantic County to come out to shop and enjoy the market,” Sanchez said.

Vendors can sign up at any time and can register for one market date or multiple dates up until August 27.  There is no market date on July 2.

The after-school Garden Club also expects to have a booth in July and August to sell organic produce grown in the school garden, including squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.

The vendors at Saturday’s market, who plan to be at upcoming market dates, were:  April Made for Kitten Aid; Busy Bees NJ in Cape May Courthouse; Root Cellar Tavern in Dorothy; Smith Poultry Farm in Williamstown, and Thirty-One Gifts.

Help us grow our ACS Farmers Market by signing up as a vendor and making plans to come and shop at the market.

CLICK HERE for more information and to register as a vendor.

Bike Day and Family Day — Fun for PreK Students, Families

Bike Day and Family Day were combined into one fun event this year for our Early Education students and their parents and guardians. Our preschool students got to bring their bicycles and tricycles to school on Friday, May 27 and spent the morning riding around our track and other areas, as well as enjoying other fun, outdoor activities on our campus.

May is National Bike Month and Bike Day has been a popular annual event for our PreK2, PreK3, and PreK4 students. Early Education Director Gail Alford said combining Bike Day and Family Day on the school campus made it easier for families and staff to organize a full schedule of activities for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to decorating and riding their bikes, the students and their families moved around the campus throughout the morning for water play, including a relay race, the Bounce House, drawing creative art on the concrete with colored chalk, doing the swings and bars at the playground, and enjoying snack and lunch together.

 

 

ACS Technology Teacher Hahn-Chaney Publishes Children’s Book on Machine Learning and Human Connection

A 9-year-old boy named Truman who gives up on making friends to build his own computer buddy is the central character in a new children’s picture book written and illustrated by ACS K-12 technology teacher Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney. Hahn-Chaney self-published “You Can’t Talk to My Friend, Cody” as a book that is now sold on Amazon. The book aims to teach children from five to nine years old that people are more important then computers and that coding is an amazing tool that should be shared with children around the world.

Hahn-Chaney was inspired to write the book while taking an online Python computer language class last summer with the New Jersey Institute of Technology. “Learning Python was difficult and as a study technique I pictured myself teaching Python to a student and it slowly evolved into a story,” Hahn-Chaney said. Along the way, she decided to turn her story into a 32-page picture book that she self-published through Kindle Direct Publishing. The book is available as an eBook or as a soft-cover book.

This past semester, Hahn-Chaney took the lessons she learned in self-publishing and shared them with the 11th and 12th grade students in her Computer Technology class. The students worked alone or in teams of two to write and illustrate their own children’s books and then self-published them to be available on Amazon as well.

Hahn-Chaney also read her book aloud to K-5 students during their computer classes in May. “The important lesson in my book is that computers can’t replace people,” Hahn-Chaney said. “Computers are a great tool, but they can’t replace the human connection and making friends with people who share our interests.” In the book, Truman spends more time with his computer buddy, who he names Cody, than with his classmates, but soon learns that he can build a friendship with a girl in his science class by sharing their common interest in computers and coding.

Hahn-Chaney will be teaching a one-week STEM Camp at ACS this summer that will focus on teaching students how to create a website. She plans to create a website for her new book, and use that project as a template to teach the students in her class how to build a website.  Hahn-Chaney also plans to work this summer on adding educational activities, like puzzles and mazes, to the back of her book to increase it to over 73 pages so it can be published as a hard-cover book in the future.

CLICK HERE to view or purchase Hahn-Chaney’s book on Amazon.

Class of 2022 Blessed by Special Scholarships from Local Church, Community Supporters, and School Staff

Eight senior boys receive scholarships from Calvary Chapel Gateway church for completing a church-sponsored mentoring program for young men.

A number of seniors in the Class of 2022 were blessed with special scholarships donated by a local church, supporters in the community, and school faculty and staff.  These scholarships were presented at Baccalaureate and at two other events and will go towards the students’ college or other educational or vocational expenses.

On May 21, Pastor Tony Montemurro of Calvary Chapel Gateway church presented $1,000 scholarships to eight senior boys who completed a mentoring program sponsored by the church. The program, called BASIC, focused on helping each young man develop Biblically-based character traits to prepare them to “Man-Up” as they transition into adult life as men of God.

The eight boys met with Pastor Montemurro twice a month on Tuesday mornings before school from October 2021 to April 2022 to receive lessons on a variety of topics, such as discipline, decision-making, stewardship, sacrifice, and humility.

“We viewed this course to be like basic training to equip these young men with God’s idea of manhood and to help them be able to defend against self-destructive ways,” Pastor Montemurro said. “I was honored to have had the time to share Biblical truths and life lessons with them and invest into their lives so they can be armed with wisdom and become solid and stable godly men.”

The recipients of this new scholarship, who completed all 12 sessions, were: Hyeonbin (Joseph) Choi, Hyeonjin (Isaac) Choi, Andres Cores, Joshua Guevara, Minjun (David) Kim, Cole Lewis, Joshua Schlundt, and Quinn Schrag.

Elizabeth Alford receives the 2022 Jonathan B. DeMario Memorial Science Award.

During chapel on May 26, senior Elizabeth Alford was presented with the 2022 Jonathan B. DeMario Memorial Science Award by Helen DeMario. The $1,000 award was established by John and Helen DeMario to preserve the memory of their son, Jonathan, and to reward students interested in pursuing a vocation in science. Jonathan DeMario was a physicist and environmental engineer whose life was cut short in 2012 at the age of 34 after a battle with cancer. Alford will be attending Cedarville University in the fall of 2022 to pursue a degree in nursing.

Elizabeth Alford and Destiny Brewer receive the Parent-Teacher Fellowship Christian Service Scholarship.

Several other scholarships were presented to seniors at Baccalaureate on June 7. Those scholarships and their recipients were:

  • The Academic Achievement Awards for the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, sponsored by ACS — Elizabeth Alford (valedictorian) and Andres Cores (Salutatorian)
  • The Mayor Paul Hodson Community Service Award, sponsored by Egg Harbor Township Mayor Hodson — Elizabeth Alford and Amber Ramos
  • The Garrett-Freeman Memorial Music and Art Scholarship, sponsored by alumni parent Barbara Freeman — Shermia Liggins, who will be pursuing a degree in photography at the Academy of Art University
  • The 5:14 Award, based on 1 Thessalonians 5:14, sponsored by ACS in memory of past ACS staff member Kim Ordile, who had an encouraging spirit — Caeli Barbour
  • The Senior Art Award, sponsored by ACS art teacher Sherry Mirakian — Joshua Guevara
  • The COMPASS Award, sponsored by ACS faculty and staff for a student seeking to pursue a career in education or Christian ministry — Caeli Barbour
  • The Egg Harbor Township Volunteer Fire Department’s Chief Anthony “Tony” Canale Scholarship in memory of Tony Canale — Elizabeth Alford
  • The American Red Cross Blood Drive Recruitment Award — Elizabeth Alford
  • The Parent-Teacher Fellowship Christian Service Scholarships — Destiny Brewer and Elizabeth Alford

 

 

Register Now for Sports, STEM, Fine Arts Summer Camps

Are you looking for a summer camp experience for your children that will be fun and help them develop their God-given abilities and talents? ACS is the place to be this summer.  We are offering eight specialized one- and two-week summer camps in July and August — in theater arts, STEM, basketball, gymnastics, soccer, and softball for students in grades K-12. Some of the talented and amazing teachers who taught your children this school year are leading the camps.

Space is limited, so please register early. A minimum of 5 students must be registered for a camp to be offered.

The cost of each camp ranges from $100 to $200 per camp.

Here are a few of the camps being offered:

  • Mini-Musical Camp for K-2nd grade students –its the first specialized camp on the Summer Schedule, starting on June 27, on Mondays and Fridays, and led by ACS music faculty Tim Rosie and Julie Zimmer.
  • Theater Arts Camp (Session 1) — for 3rd-6th grade students — begins on July 11, and will run for two weeks on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. ACS faculty member Genevieve Huff, who directed last fall’s production “Peter Pan JR,” will be leading the camp. Please register by June 30.
  • Theater Arts Camp (Session 2) — for 7th-12th grade students — begins on July 12 and runs for two weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please register by June 30.
  • STEM Camp — for 3rd-6th grade students — taught by ACS technology teacher Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney, runs from July 25-29.
  • Basketball Camp — for 5th-8th grade students — led by our Middle School Girls Basketball coach Grant Miller, runs from August 1-5.

Please check the Camp Schedule below for the details on other specialized summer sports camps — gymnastics, softball, and soccer — including dates, times, fees, and camp instructors.

CLICK HERE to register for one or more of these exciting and educational camps.

Any questions? Contact Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz at cdelacruz@acseht.org or call 609-653-1199, ext. 302.

 

Thank You for Supporting ACS Athletics at Texas Roadhouse Spirit Day in May

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 at our May 26 Spirit Day at Texas Roadhouse in Egg Harbor Township.  ACS received 10% of the sales that evening, with $300 coming back to ACS. The Spirit Days held at Texas Roadhouse this school year raised close to $1,000 for ACS Athletics.

“We were so glad to be able to hold three Spirit Days this school year during each sports season and I loved seeing so many of our students and their families, along with our faculty, staff, coaches, and alumni be excited about coming out to support our athletic programs,” said Athletic Director Pam Hitchner.

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

 

ACS Cheer Team Named National Grand Champion in The ONE Finals School Cheer Division, Jr. High Intermediate Level

The ACS Cheer Team was recently named the National Grand Champion in The ONE Finals School Cheer Division, Junior High Intermediate Level. The exciting announcement, a first for any ACS cheer team in school history, was made on June 4.

A panel of judges chose the Grand Champions in several divisions and levels after holding a virtual round of competition where they reviewed video footage of the routines of the ACS Cheer Team and four other teams who had won in their category at regional competitions this spring. The ACS Cheer Team won first place in their category at THE ONE Cheer and Dance Finals held April 2-3 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

“It was a whole new level of excitement, shock, and surprise when we heard Atlantic Christian School’s name announced as the winner,” said cheer team head coach Morgan Gibson, who watched the announcement while gathered with members of the cheer team and their parents. “Whether we had won or lost I was so proud of every middle school and high school student who participated this year and I can’t wait for the next season to begin.”

Gibson also said she was grateful to assistant coaches Kelly Flynn and Michelle Wheeler for the hundreds of hours they dedicated to making the team the best it could be and for building a sisterhood within the team.

Congratulations to the 26 members of the team, who will all receive championship jackets: Ashlee Alford, Isabell Alford, Ava Barberio, Annalena DiMaio, Rebecca DiMaio, April Eaves, Gianna Flynn, Mackenzie Flynn, Makenzie Fresh, Kylie Jackson, Abby Kelley, Rielly Kisielewski, Ava Lombardi, Autumn Loo, Kiera Loo, Ja’Niyah Martin, Jadelyn Maurer, Lydia McCarthy, Tara McCorkle, Heather Milstead, Sophia Puglisi, Chelsie Richards, Haven Sanchez, Isabella Santos, Makayla Tomlinson, and Anyae Welch. ACS will also receive a championship banner to hang in the school gym.

This year’s team did not have any students in 11th or 12th grade, which allowed the team to compete in the Junior High Intermediate Division, but Gibson expects the team to move up into the Varsity Division of competition next year.

Gibson also noted that they plan to hold tryouts for the Varsity competition team in the summer, likely in the last week of July. Details about the tryouts will be sent by email to school families and posted in the ACS Facebook Group “Stronger Together.” After the team is selected, the cheerleaders will practice once or twice a week starting in August. Gibson said she will also offer walk-on tryouts in September and October for students who newly enroll in the school.