Stockton University – Atlantic Christian School

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Varsity Softball Team Wins Conference Championship, Baseball Team Finishes in 3rd Place; ACS Receives MVP, Coach of Year, and All-Star Awards

The Varsity Girls Softball Team won the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference championship on June 3, beating The Pilgrim Academy 20-10, in a game that ended early in the 5th inning under the 10-run rule. The win went to starting pitcher Ava Nixon, and strong, steady play from at least eight Lady Cougars who were red hot at the plate, hitting singles, doubles, and triples throughout the game.

An enthusiastic crowd of ACS parents and friends cheered on the Lady Cougars from the stands, including members of the Varsity Baseball Team, who had won their Tournament Consolation Game earlier in the day, beating Calvary Academy 8-3 to finish the season in 3rd place. Both games were played at the Stockton University athletic fields.

“We’re grateful to all our players and coaches for making this such a memorable season,” said Athletic Director Pam Hitchner. “We never gave up and aimed to play our best in every game and the hard work paid off.”

The Lady Cougars finished the regular season with a 14-2 overall record and were 9-1 in the conference. ACS entered the playoffs tied for first place with The Pilgrim Academy. The Lady Cougars beat Gloucester County Christian School 12-4 in the semi-final playoff game to advance to the TSCAC championship game.

The Varsity Boys Baseball Team had an overall record of 9-7 at the end of the regular season and were in 3rd place in the conference with a 6-5 record. ACS lost 7-6 to The Pilgrim Academy in the semi-final playoff game to advance to the consolation game in the final tournament.

After the tournament games, TSCAC awards were announced and for the second consecutive year junior shortstop Evangelina Kim was named the TSCAC Softball MVP and Varsity Softball Coach Dara Kimmerley received the TSCAC Softball Coach of the Year Award. Ten ACS players were named All-Stars — six from our championship-winning softball team and four from our 3rd place-finishing baseball team.

The six ACS Varsity Girls who were named All-Stars were: Evangelina Kim, Paige Noble, and Taylor Sutton (1st team); and Kaia Barbour, Alli Lushina, and Ava Nixon (2nd team). The four ACS Varsity Boys named All-Stars were: Charlie Costello and Robby Barberio (1st team); and Seth Phillips and Adam Schlundt (2nd team).

Congratulations to all our coaches for a memorable season — Varsity Baseball Head Coach Carl Phillips, an ACS 2017 alumnus, and assistant coaches Robert Barberio and Brendan Keller, and Varsity Softball Coach Dara Kimmerley and assistant coaches Lori Pearson and Richie Jackson.

Photo credit: Shannon Kim

Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union Representative Informs 11th Graders About a Financial Institution Career

11th grade students in Mrs. Ragland’s College and Careers class learned about the ins and outs of a career working at a financial institution from Justin Chubbs, a representative from the Northfield office of the Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union.

“This class helps our students gain knowledge about various careers by hearing from different guest speakers from those professions,” said Guidance Counselor Christina Ragland. Over the past school year, Ragland has invited other guest speakers to share information with the 21 students in the class about careers in social sciences, nursing, business and entrepreneurship, and more.

Chubbs attended Atlantic Cape Community College and earned a BS in psychology from Stockton University. He worked for four years as a substitute teacher in a K-8 school in Absecon and then decided to try something different. He took a position as a teller at the credit union. After eight months, he was promoted to the marketing department, where he has found his niche.

Chubbs described to the class the various types of jobs available at the credit union, including member services, loan officer, marketing specialist, information technology specialist, facilities management, and human resources.

He encouraged the students to “do something you love. Don’t be afraid to try different things, and if you don’t like something, move on until you find something that interests you and that you enjoy doing.”

Chubbs noted that the Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union has five different locations in southern New Jersey and about 50 employees. He said the credit union trains its employees in-house for its various positions.

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.

Cairn University Rep Gives Insight Into College Life to 11th Graders in College and Careers Class

ACS 11th graders learned about the various academic, athletic, and extra-curricular programs offered at Cairn University, a Christian university in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, during an October 18 classroom presentation by Stephen Hogan, an Admissions Counselor at Cairn. The presentation was part of a series of visits from college representatives organized by Guidance Counselor Christina Ragland for the high school “College and Careers Class.”

Ragland said the class, which is required for all 11th graders, goes for the entire school year and focuses on college in the first semester and on careers in the second semester. “The goal of the first semester is to provide students with insight and strategies on how to navigate the college application process, introduce them to the various majors, and explore the similarities and differences among colleges and universities,” Ragland said. Other college representatives on the presentation list this semester are from Lancaster Bible College, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Stockton University.

During the second semester, students are introduced to a variety of careers and learn about resume building, the job interview process, and entrepreneurship strategies.

“Last year, our students had a Shark Tank-inspired competition where they worked in groups to create a new product or organization and their fellow classmates chose a first, second, and third place winner,” Ragland said. “The students really enjoyed the project and we plan to do that again in the spring.”

Staff Spotlight — Meet Our Seven New 6th-12th Grade Teachers

Seven new middle school and high school teachers are bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to Christian education as they settle into their positions this fall at ACS. Several of these individuals are not new to the school, having served as paraprofessionals or as substitute teachers, but are now on board as full-time teachers.

Evelyn Altier — Evelyn came to ACS in the fall of 2021 as a long-term substitute, teaching 6th grade science, language arts, writing, and Bible. She finished the school year and decided ACS was a place to put down roots. This year, she is teaching 6th grade science, math, and 12th grade environmental science. She holds a BA in environmental science from the Universidad de Puerto Rico, after moving to Puerto Rico with her parents during high school. “I know this is where God wants me because I feel peace and joy when I come to work here every day,” Evelyn said. She and her husband, Chris, have three children, and their youngest, Bo, attends 5th grade at ACS. They live in Northfield and worship at Mission Point Church, where she and Chris are part of the Welcome Committee for the children’s ministry. When she is not in the classroom, you can often find Evelyn in a local gym. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor for 18 years and her daily routine involves getting up by 4:30 a.m. to work out and then coaching clients both before and after school.

Paul Jones — Paul grew up in Egg Harbor Township and is a 2015 alumnus of ACS. Paul first worked at ACS for three years as a paraprofessional with Monmouth County Special Services and helped coach the high school basketball JV team. He then took a job in Lake Worth, Florida at Trinity Christian Academy, where he taught upper school history and Bible and also served as Athletic Director. After two years in Florida, Paul has returned to South Jersey and is happy to now be part of the ACS faculty. He holds a BS in Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University and is teaching 6th and 8th grade Bible. Paul and his wife, Hunter, who he met at ACS, have a 3-year-old daughter, Selah. In addition to teaching at ACS, Paul is the Youth and Young Adult Pastor at Friendship Bible Church in Egg Harbor Township. Paul’s life verse is John 16:33. “Life is hard and this verse reminds me that God is sovereign and He has already overcome anything that we’re dealing with,” Paul said.

Kelly Kirchhoff — Like Paul, Kelly first worked at ACS as a paraprofessional with Monmouth County Special Services in 2017 and 2020. She has many years of experience as a teacher, not only in a traditional classroom, but from spending more than 10 years homeschooling her eight children. “My prayer as a parent and as a teacher is that none would be lost,” Kelly said. “I have a special place in my heart for children and have a love of learning.” Kelly has a BS and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Liberty University and is teaching middle school science at ACS. She and her husband, Rhett, live in Northfield and worship at Hope Community Church, which meets at ACS on Sundays. Their 16-year-old son, Samuel, attends ACS.

Chris Lopez — Chris is a 2022 graduate of Stockton University with a BA in political science. While at Stockton, he took a number of business courses which prepared him to help establish a new high school Business Concentration at ACS. He also has been an avid soccer player most of his life, playing at Oakcrest High School, with JPS Soccer, and for several local clubs. That prepared Chris well to step into the role of head coach this fall of the Varsity Boys’ Soccer Team, where you can find him after school guiding, training, and encouraging the 21-member team. Chris lives in Mays Landing and attends Sojourn Community Church, where he helps lead their Connections team. He is looking forward to getting married next June to his girlfriend, Rachel.

Mary McNulty — Mary is teaching 6th grade language arts and writing. She is new to South Jersey, having recently moved to Cape May Courthouse in May with her husband, Terrance, and their 9-year-old son, Hurley. Prior to teaching at ACS, Mary taught 3rd grade at New Life Christian School in Frederick, Maryland. She also taught 6th grade at a school in Virginia. She holds a BA in elementary education from Liberty University. Mary said a guiding verse for her as a teacher is I Thessalonians 5:11. “I feel it’s so important that we focus on encouraging and building each up other up, whether we’re inside or outside the classroom,” Mary said.

Laura Mills — Laura came to ACS last December as a long-term substitute to fill the maternity leave of high school faculty member Tori Flath. She taught high school language arts last year and this year is teaching middle school writing and working with the 12th grade girls overseeing their Senior Projects. Laura worked for six years in the Absecon School District providing classroom support as a reading specialist to 4th grade students. She holds an Associates degree from Atlantic Cape Community College and is taking classes to earn her BA in education from Stockton University. Laura and her husband, Brian, live in Absecon and have three children attending ACS, Adam (6th), Luke (10th), and Nathan (11th).

Dan Vasquez — Dan is teaching 7th-9th grade Bible, 9th grade world history, and guiding the 12th grade boys in their Senior Projects. Dan has a Bachelors in Biblical studies and a Masters and Doctorate in Theology, all from Trinity Biblical University. He began serving in ministry in 2007 at Calvary Chapel in Vineland. From 2016-2021 he was the Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel in Cedarville. Dan joined the faculty at Cumberland Christian School in 2019, where he taught Bible and history. He also served for two and a half years as the Athletic Director. Dan and his wife, Erin, have four children and two grandchildren and their two youngest children, Malachi (16) and Kennedy (15), are now juniors at ACS. Dan and his family worship at Calvary Chapel in Northfield, where he leads the young adults ministry and serves with his wife on the worship team. Dan said his life verse since high school has been Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

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.”

Commencement speaker Pastor Tony Montemurro.

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, 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.

Congratulations, Class of 2021!

Eighteen seniors processed into the school’s gymnasium on June 4 to receive their diplomas from Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen and Board of Directors’ Chair Les Tomlinson and to thank their teachers and family members for their guidance and support.

Mrs. Oblen opened the program by congratulating the students for making it through a year that has been “a faith walk in which none of us knew what was in store.” Oblen encouraged the students to let God be their guide as they step forward into the future. “It is my prayer 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,” Oblen said.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale gave the closing remarks, noting that the Class of 2021 had learned patience and resilience, “qualities that you will need as you move forward into the next stage of your lives.” She also announced that the students, most of who will be attending college in the fall, had received over $303,000 in scholarships after being offered over $1,027,000 from the various schools to which they applied. Two students — Jeremiah Engle and Joshua Jacoby — will be serving in the U.S. military.

Featured student speakers at Commencement — From left, Valedictorian Sydney Pearson, Salutatorian Kami DeNick, and Chloe Vogel, who delivered the Christian Character Address.

Salutatorian Kami DeNick, 17, of Mays Landing, thanked the administration, faculty, and staff for working hard to make the school year as normal as possible. “This past year was full of uncertainties, but through it all, the Lord gave us so many blessings,” DeNick said. She encouraged her fellow classmates from Deuteronomy 31:8, noting that as they step into the next chapter of their lives, “know that the Lord is going before us; He is writing our next chapter so we don’t need to be afraid.” DeNick was one of five students in the class who had attended ACS since kindergarten. She will be attending Liberty University in the fall.

Valedictorian Sydney Pearson, 18, of Egg Harbor Township, thanked the teachers for building relationships with their students that have helped guide them through their high school years. “You have had a forever impact on our lives,” Pearson said. “You have trained us how to think for ourselves and how to form our own opinions on what we personally believe instead of conforming to the world.” Pearson challenged her fellow graduates and those listening in the audience to keep their focus and attention on God and to strive to glorify Him in everything they do. “Don’t lose track of who you are in the Lord; keep Christ at the center of your mind no matter where life takes you,” Pearson said. Pearson also attended ACS since kindergarten. She will be attending Stockton University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing.

Commencement keynote speaker Pastor Walter Nistorenko

Pastor Walter Nistorenko, lead pastor at Abundant Life Church in Seaville, delivered the commencement keynote address, and encouraged the graduates to discover and understand their identity and purpose in God. “Success in life is not about making money or achieving fame,” Nistorenko said. “When you discover the calling that God has for you — your God-given purpose — you will come alive and will be able to establish a legacy for you and your children.”

Senior Rebekah Kimmerley performed “My Wish,” accompanied by Mrs. Jane Zigner.

Other graduates who participated in the program were Chloe Vogel, who gave the Christian character address, and Rebekah Kimmerley, who sang an uplifting rendition of “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. Kimmerley has been a member of the High School Praise and Worship team that has led worship time during the weekly 6th-12th grade chapel. Vogel and Kimmerley will be attending Atlantic Cape Community College in the fall and plan to pursue careers in education.

CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of Commencement 2021 on the ACS website. Additional photos, taken by photographer John Loreaux, can be viewed and purchased at www.loreaux.zenfolio.com

Employee Spotlight – Mrs. Arzum Sanchez

Mrs. Arzum Sanchez, ACS Human Resources/Accounts Payable Manager

As the Human Resources/Accounts Payable Manager, Mrs. Arzum Sanchez knows every ACS employee by their first name and is always ready to answer a question about health insurance plans and other employee benefits. But in addition to fulfilling her tasks in the school’s Business Office, Mrs. Sanchez is a dedicated volunteer. Most recently, she served as the back stage manager of the school’s “Annie, Jr.” musical production, overseeing nearly 40 students during the after-school rehearsals and performances.

“I’m very passionate about serving others and giving of your time and talents to bless others,” Mrs. Sanchez said. Outside of ACS, she volunteers at Fresh Start Church, where she has attended for the past 13 years, and helps with fundraising efforts for KW Cares, a community give-back project of Keller Williams realty.

Prior to coming to ACS in November 2017, Mrs. Sanchez was working full-time as an investor/realtor with the Keller Williams Atlantic Shore office in Northfield. She still actively works in her real estate business, by appointment at night and on weekends. “I really just love working in real estate and helping people successfully make one of the most important financial transactions of their lives,” Mrs. Sanchez said.

Mrs. Sanchez, who is a native of Atlantic City, holds a BA in business from Stockton University and is also taking graduate courses when her busy schedule permits. She and her husband, Pablo, live in Egg Harbor Township and have four children — Elijah (26), Alexys (24), ACS 8th grader Haven, and ACS 7th grader Jayden. She is also a proud grandmother to 22-month-old Victoria.

“I’m so happy that my children are at ACS,” Mrs. Sanchez said. “I used to drive by the school and pray that our children could come here and God answered my prayers.”

Stockton Professor Holds Clarinet Workshop for 4th & 5th Grade Band Members

On Wednesday, November 28, Dr. Christopher DiSanto, Associate Professor at Stockton University’s School of Arts and Humanities, visited ACS to work with 4th and 5th grade band students in a clarinet workshop. DiSanto, who was invited to ACS by Music Director Jaron Beadle, teaches music appreciation, music theory, and conducting at Stockton. He is also the Principal Clarinetist of the Bay Atlantic Symphony and director of its Music Mentorship program. This initiative affords selected Stockton music students the opportunity to be paired with musicians from the Bay Atlantic Symphony who act as mentors in a unique setting as visiting instrumental specialists in local middle and high school music programs.

During his one-hour workshop with the ACS students, he taught several key concepts for beginning clarinetists, focusing especially on fingering techniques. Dr. DiSanto made the learning fun with games using the white board and ping pong balls. He concluded his session with an impressive demonstration of virtuosity on his instrument, playing an intricate, up-tempo piece that left the young band members oohing, aahing, and excited to play.