CAK! - Christian Academy of Knoxville

Summer 2014
oday
T
A Publication of Christian Academy of Knoxville
From CAK to
Broadway ...
Travis
Blackwell
Inside:
John East
New Athletic Director
Page 8
Kelly Kennedy
New Elementary Principal
Page 14
GOLF & TENNIS TOURNAMENTS
Friday, October 3, 2014
Mark your calendar, and plan to participate,
volunteer or help promote the events!
www.cakwarriors.com/warriorshootout
2nd Annual
Women’s Tennis Tournament
CAK Tennis Courts
27th Annual
Golf Tournament
Morning Round - 8:30 a.m.
Afternoon Round - 1:30 p.m.
Avalon Golf & Country Club
Proceeds benefit several areas of school life including tuition assistance,
athletics and the purchase of educational materials and equipment.
Head of School
Bob Neu
2014-2015
Board of Trustees
Dr. Paul Brady
Mrs. Stacey Bristow (Secretary)
Mr. Will Ferguson
Mr. Lewis Frazer
Dr. Evelyn Homan
Mrs. Jennifer Little (Treasurer)
Rev. Paul Metler
Dr. Terry Neal (President)
Mr. Monty Scott
Dr. Charlie Shields
Mr. Jim Simpson
Mr. Ashley Wyatt
Mr. Bob Neu
VALUES
SCHOLARSHIP
CHARACTER
In This Issue...
Value Proposition: Is it worth it?
2 The
CAK Head of School Bob Neu takes a look at the value of a Christian Academy of Knoxville
education and poses this question, “Is it worth it?”
explore God’s Gifts through Capstone
4 Students
An overview of the top Capstone projects from the Class of 2014.
High School
Mr. Donald Snider, Principal
Mr. Ried Estus, Assistant Principal
6 Technology Integration at CAK
Middle School
Mrs. Debbie Moye, Principal
Mrs. Sherry Earl, Assistant Principal
8 New Athletic Director: John East
Elementary School
Mrs. Kelly Kennedy, Principal
Mrs. Donna Hardesty, Assistant Principal
CAK to Broadway ... Travis Blackwell
10 From
Class of 2012 graduate Travis Blackwell has been very busy since leaving CAK and will soon
CAK Today magazine
is brought to you by the Advancement
Department:
Director of
Advancement
Mr. Frank Merry
Director of
Admissions & Alumni Relations
Mrs. Amy Williams
Director of
Communications
Mrs. Karen Garner
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Monica Rogers
A closer look at the technology upgrades that are scheduled for the 2014-15 school year.
CAK welcomed Athletic Director John East to campus this summer. Learn about Coach East’s
background and what he hopes to add to Warrior Athletics.
participate in an internship as stage manager of Broadway’s “Wicked” this winter.
14 Elementary Principal: Kelly Kennedy
CAK is excited to introduce the new Elementary School Principal Kelly Kennedy. Read about her
love of the Smoky Mountains and her plans for integrating 21st century skills into the
elementary classroom.
16 Three Generations at CAK
Two different families have three generations at CAK for the 2014-15 school year. See how the
Lord brought Amy Hunt, Sarah Traylor and her son Jack to CAK.
18 Alumni Spotlight: Blake Mayes
Class of 2010 graduate Blake Mayes is currently in St. Andrews for a year before pursuing a
Masters in Divinity at Yale in August 2015. Blake took a moment to share with CAK Today how
his life was shaped by the CAK community.
ON THE COVER:
Photo of Travis Blackwell taken by Allison Acuff. See page 10 to read more about Travis.
www.cakwarriors.com
1
The value proposition: Is it worth it?
A note from
Bob Neu,
Head of School
I do not know if your
family enjoys eating at
Chick-Fil-A, but mine
does. Years ago,
before my oldest
could drive, the
children and I would
go to Chick-Fil-A for
breakfast on a weekly
basis. We enjoyed
our time together,
and, ultimately, we chose Chick-Fil-A because we loved
the food and believed our overall experience was much
better than other places. I know Chick-Fil-A is still considered fast food, but it does cost more than all other
fast food restaurants. Since we loved the food, and the
atmosphere and service are outstanding, we were willing
to pay extra.
Some of you have may have heard me refer to what is
called The Value Proposition. The Value Proposition states
that we, as consumers, spend our money on what we
know, or at least believe, to be valuable. As in my example above, the Neu family values Chick-Fil-A, so we are
willing to pay for the Chick-Fil-A experience. Bottom line:
We hold Chick-Fil-A to be more valuable, and thus we are
willing to spend the extra money.
I know this is a very simple example, but I hope you get
the picture. This same thought process holds true for
Christian education and is much more important when it
comes to your children. I know a CAK education is expensive, but I also know CAK families believe the Christian
education you are receiving is worth it. You believe it to
be valuable. (By the way, we are very grateful that you
think this way!)
Perhaps the most important reason a CAK education is
considered valuable is because of its people, especially
the faculty. Let me brag on CAK’s faculty for a moment.
Since arriving last summer, I have met many outstanding
educators. First and foremost, CAK teachers are committed to a vibrant faith in Jesus. They know and value that
which is most fundamental and essential to our faith, and
there is a clear demonstration of Christ’s love.
2
Secondly, CAK teachers know their subjects well and do
their best each day to explain them in ways that can be
understood by an inquiring learner. Bottom line: CAK
teachers do an excellent job of communicating with their
students so that learning ultimately takes place.
Finally, CAK teachers are more than willing to disciple any
student who desires to be discipled. They know the
challenges of our world and are eager to get in the mix
and help CAK students to become more solid in their
walk with Jesus. For their effort every single day in and
out of the classroom, I count it a privilege to work with so
many gifted folks.
Throughout the course of this past year, I have had the
privilege of talking with many CAK families. Most say
something very similar to what I am trying to say here.
Their words sound something like, “We really appreciate
what is happening on CAK’s campus. The teachers (and
coaches) are doing exactly what we want them to do.
Overall, we are extremely pleased with the school.”
What a compliment! Comments like this make me
exceptionally proud to be associated with the school.
I continue to be overwhelmed, humbled and excited. In
essence, what I have heard so many times this year articulates pretty clearly what I am saying in this short article.
My prayer is that you believe the same things I, and so
many others, do about CAK. Your hard-earned dollars are
well spent on CAK tuition. Thank you for allowing us to
partner with you in educating your child. We consider it a
true privilege.
2014-15 Theme Verse:
Hosea 10:12
Sow righteousness for
yourselves, reap the fruit of
unfailing love, and break up
your unplowed ground; for
it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes and showers
his righteousness on you.
12
www.cakwarriors.com
Life at CAK
www.cakwarriors.com
3
Students explore God’s
In fact, after NaNoWriMo, she was left
with two very distinct versions of the novel and did some very in-depth editing.
“While it was hard to figure out what
changes needed to be made,” Downey
said, “it made me come to respect the
editing process.”
Downey’s book is in its final stages, and
she is now deciding whether or not to
publish it.
“Even though it has taken me on somewhat of a wild ride, the journey isn’t
over, and I’m excited about what is yet to
come,” Downey said.
On May 1, five senior students presented their Capstone
Projects to the entire school.
While the stories were amazing and inspiring to all in
attendance, the Capstone program is much more than
just those five projects.
“We highlighted five, but we very easily could have done
more,” said Jamie Petrik, CAK Leadership Coordinator. “The
effort that these students put into their projects this year
was phenomenal. It was not just about a presentation, but
about the glory of God. We have many gifts here at CAK
and praise God for everything these students did and will
continue to do through their Capstones.”
Aaron Waldrupe Composed and Presented an Orchestral Concert
Waldrupe knew he wanted to do something with music
for his Capstone Project, and so he wasted very little time
diving in.
He put together a full concert that included six songs,
three major orchestral pieces, two solos and a piano duet.
On June 2, Waldrupe’s work was presented at Central
Baptist Bearden.
“The instrumentation was a bit limited,” Waldrupe admitted. “I had to borrow some percussion and strings
and I had to work with a limited number of woodwinds
This year marked the third year that CAK students have
and brass, but it gave me good experience in learning to
completed this two-year project, a graduation requirement that couples students’ passions with their love of the condense and how to compromise on certain parts that I
really wanted in there.”
Lord in order to make an impact locally and globally.
“Some truly amazing selfless acts were done through this
year’s projects,” Petrik said.
Waldrupe’s advice to students still planning their projects
was to find something they are passionate about.
Jacquie Downey Wrote a novel
“This is really designed to find what God has gifted you
with so you can learn more about it and use it,” Waldrupe
said. “This was very enjoyable for me, because I was able
to explore what it means to be a composer and what
music means to me.”
Downey wrote a novel, Exordium, that is set in postmedieval times. Throughout the writing process, which
invovled a stint at the Duke University creative writers
workshop and participating in the National Novel Writing
Month (NaNoWriMo), there were many ups and downs.
Heather Grubbs Started Lemon Sharks Organization
“I went into this thinking it would be really easy, but it was Grubbs dream was to organize a team of cheerleaders
with special needs. It wasn’t easy to get together at first,
a lot more difficult than I expected,” Downey said.
but with persistence and determination, Grubbs saw positive results in the end.
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www.cakwarriors.com
gifts through Capstone
“When I received zero response from the first round of
emails, I didn’t know what to do,” Grubbs said. “I thought
I had failed, and I would have to pick a different project.
I decided to continue to pray for it and pray for the girls
that would be the future team that I had dreamed of
having.”
Her next attempt resulted in 14 girls, ages 3-18 years
old. With that, the Lemon Sharks were born.
Grubbs enlisted fellow cheerleaders as “buddies” for the
girls and scheduled weekly practices and a few
comptetitions for the girls.
“What I learned from this was working with special
needs is a huge challenge, but it’s not as hard as it
seems,” Grubbs said. “It taught me a lot about love.
They’re not verbal, so they show their love through their
actions. Their hugs are the best hugs you’ll ever get.”
The best part about Grubbs’ project is that plans are
already in place to continue the Lemon Sharks for the
next three seasons.
“The main thing we learned is that as leaders you need
to set up people that can follow you,” Grubbs said. “I
know it’ll at least continue for three years, and that
makes me feel very good.”
Chris Patti The Peak for Parker
Chris saw one of his friends go through a very difficult
time and decided to do something about it.
As a junior, Parker Smith was diagnosed with Wilson’s
Disease. It is a disorder where the body cannot process
copper, which is part of a daily diet.
“One day (Smith) was just like me, playing baseball everyday, playing the violin, and now he’s in a wheelchair with
limited motor functions and ability to speak,” Patti said.
Moved by his compassionate nature, Patti decided to raise
money for Parker and awareness about Wilson’s disease
by climbing Mt. Rainier in Washington State. Not only did
he have people pledge money for the actual climb but he
also sold t-shirts for a Hardin Valley Academy/CAK soccer
game that Parker attended. Overall, Patti raised $3700 for
Parker’s medical bills.
“It’s really a blessing that we raised that much,” Patti said.
And as he climbed that mountain, Parker was very much
on his mind.
CAPSTONE PROJECTS
Anne Lauren Collier - asked herself “who will be like Jesus
to the least of these” as she combined her love of serving
and photography by taking professional pictures for THRIVE
ministries, a group that serves disadvantaged kids in the
Lonsdale area of Knoxville.
Connor Amburn - completed an internship with the Knox
County Sheriff’s Office, experiencing a variety of KCSO jobs
including Corrections, Patrol, Highway Interdiction, K-9,
Narcotics and Traffic Division.
Emily Ooten - interned with Global Infusion, a local
mission’s organization, where she learned “if you want to
be a missionary, you have to depend on ME” on two trips to
Guatemala and one to Turkey.
Reed Smith - formulated the idea for CAK’s online sports
network, the Warrior Network, and implemented the entire
project from staffing, budget, directing, advertising, transportation, etc.
Maggie Morgan - called her project the “best experience
of her life” as she worked in two sections of the East TN
Children’s Hospital, cuddling NES babies to comfort them
from shaking in the NICU unit and loving on cancer-stricken
children in the Pediatric Oncology Unit.
“I went through trials on the mountain, but I had a blast,”
Patti said. “Parker went through many physical trials, but
if you ever meet him, he’s the most joyous person you’ll
ever meet.”
Grant Bruer Programed a functional video game
As Bruer began to think about his Capstone Project, he
made a list of his passions, reading, thinking, logic,
learning, problem solving, etc.
“I realized these were useless for figuring out a project,”
Bruer said with a smirk. “So I had to think again, math,
physics, playing games, creating, programming, etc.”
Then it became clear, Bruer’s project would be to design a
video game. More than 3,000 lines of computer code later,
plenty of editing, and trial and error, he had a game that
he described as “pretty cool.”
“My advice for others as they go about life is to find what
you like and do it,” Bruer said. “One thing I learned from
my project is that you should use it to help others. This
video game was a selfish project for my own glory, so
whatever you do, work heartily but also work for the glory
of God and use it to help others.”
5
www.cakwarriors.com
Technology Integration at CAK
One of the biggest challenges is to
integrate technology into classroom
instruction. To help with this, the
school is adding several new positions
that will help teachers integrate technology. At least one Technology Integrator will be in each building, and will
devote their time to assisting teachers
find and use technology tools for students to use to enhance learning.
CAK has also added a position to help
with technical support and infrastructure management. The goal of this new
role is to ensure that teachers and students have access to technology that is
reliable and functional, and to limit any
downtime.
Technology is a very powerful tool. Most of us carry a
device in our pocket that is capable of telephone, video,
photography, music, research, taking notes, and much
more. And that’s just one device. Our students are
growing up in a world where multiple devices are the
norm, and everything is computerized and touch-screen
accessible.
For the 2014-2015 school year, CAK is taking another step
forward to help prepare students for the world they will
live in.
“Technology is a blessing from the Lord that allows us to
communicate in ways never possible before,” said CAK
Head of School Bob Neu. “As a Christian school, we want
to prepare our students to go into a technology-centric
world with the skills and spiritual training to bring glory
to God and share the Gospel in ways that were never
possible in the past.”
6
CAK’s Director of Technology Adam
Hotchkiss said he believes these
positions will directly benefit teachers and students.
“Having these Integrators who first and foremost are
passionate about teaching using Biblical Worldview, and
then are excited about using technology to enhance
teaching, will make a huge difference in the education
we are able to offer students,” Hotchkiss said. “With our
new technical role, we’ll be able to keep things running
smoothly so teachers can focus on teaching.”
Along with the new positions, CAK’s Elementary School is
getting a technology makeover. This summer, the building’s computer lab is going mobile, being replaced with a
new MacBook Air cart. In addition, there will be a 1:1 iPad
classroom in both 4th and 5th grade, plus two iPad carts
will be available to be checked out by the teachers. Having these devices available for use in the classroom will
give teachers a new opportunity to bring the resources of
the Internet to the classroom.
“Our teachers are very excited about these upgrades,” said
Elementary Principal Kelly Kennedy. “Technology is not
replacing what we’re currently doing, which is why you
will still see things like handwriting and long division, but
it does open up many new opportunities that were not
possible before.”
In addition to this, elementary teachers are receiving their
own MacBooks and iPads this summer to help them be
comfortable with the tools students will be using.
According to Hotchkiss, teachers in the middle and high
school received MacBooks last summer, and these teachers have been pleased with the change.
To support all of these new devices, CAK is upgradingboth the wireless infrastructure and Internet bandwidth.
“These infrastructure upgrades are an investment in the
future to ensure that our network can handle every student in a classroom using a device if the teaching
warrants it,” said Hotchkiss.
Tech Team
Adam Hotchkiss
Director of Technology
Jon Day
Assistant Director of
Technology
Middle School Integration
Julian Williams
Like the high school, the elementary school and middle
school will both receive an Access Point in each classroom, ensuring full wireless coverage in all instructional
areas of the campus. The school will also more than double the current internet capacity available to ensure that
enough bandwidth is available as classroom
integration continues.
(new hire)
“We look forward to how these upgrades will improve
instruction over the next few years,” said Neu. “Our teachers are the backbone of the education we provide at CAK,
and the Integrator roles and new equipment will better
support them as they continue to pour into the lives of
our students.”
Sue Novikoff
High School Integration
High School Math Teacher
Information Systems
Manager
Christa Bennett
High School Integration
High School History
Teacher
Jessica Thomas
(new hire)
Elementary Integration 3-5
Dorothy McBay
Elementary Integration K-2
New Athletic
Director:
John East
Christian Academy of Knoxville welcomed John East to
campus this summer as the school’s new Athletic Director.
“We are very blessed to be welcoming John East to our
team at CAK,” said Head of School Bob Neu. “He is one of
the most Godly people I know, and he brings a lot to the
table both professionally and personally.”
East comes to CAK from The Walker School in Marietta,
GA, where he served as Assistant Athletic Director and
Head Football Coach for the past two years. Prior to his
time at The Walker School, East served as Director of
Athletics at Whitefield Academy (2004-2011), The Lovett
School (1995-2004), Savannah Country Day School (19931995) and Metairie Park County Day (1980-1993).
“It’s really God’s blessing,” East said of the move to CAK.
“I had no idea this would happen, but we feel the Lord
leading us and we are very excited. I’ve been at a lot of
different schools, and I very much like the size of the
school, the facilities and the people (at CAK).”
While at Whitefield, East worked with Neu and while at
Savannah Country Day School, East got to know CAK Assistant Head of School Donald Snider, who was at a rival
school.
“I absolutely look forward to working with them again,”
East said. “Mr. Neu and I had a great working relationship
and even though Donald and I were at rival schools, we
worked together and it was very genuine. So I’m excited
about that.”
East has visited a few times and is well aware of the Athletic Program at CAK.
“It’s a highly competitive program that represents the
school in the way that you want it to,” East said. “I wouldn’t
say my goal is to take it to the next level, because I think
it’s already at the next level. I’m a builder;
I want to be someone who will be there to help the
coaches to continue to climb.”
program: students, facilities, budget, schedule and coaching staff. Through that analysis, the goals are: To better
serve the Lord, to improve, to have fun and to try to win
championships.
“I’m someone who loves to be at school events,” East
said. “These are our students. I want to watch them in the
musical, on the playing field and at choir. That’s why I love
what I get to do, and I’m overwhelmed that I actually get
to do it.”
East will move to Knoxville with his wife of 37 years,
Jeanne. They have three children, Emily (30), Jack (24) and
Thomas (20).
Caitlin Hollifield - Assist. Athletic
Director / Girls Basketball Coach
Hollifield comes to CAK after a short stint at her alma mater,
Powell High School. She played college basketball at
Alabama and at Western Carolina.
“Her commitment to excellence in everything she does is
very impressive,” CAK Head of School Bob Neu said. “She is
committed to the Lord and developing deep relationships
with her students and players.”
East mentioned that his philosophy is to work closely
with coaches and to look at five facets of each
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2013-14 State Champions:
Wrestling
Golf
Track and Field
Baseball
Girls Tennis
CAK added turf field to campus this summer
The 2014 football season will be played on CAK’s brand new turf
field. After a contract was signed in the spring, site prep began on
May 19 and the field quickly began to be transformed. Baseline Construction installed the field.
“This is very exciting news,” CAK Athletic Director John East said.
“With the installation of synthetic turf, CAK will move to the position
of always being able to practice or play in the stadium without the
threat of tearing up the playing field.”
In fact, the field will benefit all programs and students campus wide.
“I’m excited about what turf can do for the CAK community,” CAK
Football Coach Rusty Bradley said. “Not only will it benefit our football program, it will also benefit our feeder programs, other CAK
teams, our PE classes, and our elementary recesses and field days. I
am grateful to all who have made the investment not only into the
turf but into the lives of the kids who will have an opportunity to use
it.”
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9
The day before rehearsals for the next show
started, Travis Blackwell was busy doing dishes.
That’s right, he washed out coffee mugs, prepared the coffee and tea station and then got on
FaceTime to do a quick interview with CAK Today.
That’s what life is like as production stage manager, and Blackwell is loving every minute of it.
“It is a lot less glamorous than actually being on
stage,” Blackwell said with a laugh, “but I really
feel like I’m living a dream.”
In fact, since graduating from CAK in 2012, Travis
Blackwell has been very busy. He has worked on
28 productions including theatre, dance, concerts and special events.
“It has been a bit of a whirlwind,” Blackwell
admitted. “CAK is where I first discovered my
passion for theatre, and my time spent on the
stage in the Campus Center still ranks among my
favorite experiences today.”
Blackwell is a sophomore at the University of
Memphis, where he received a full scholarship.
He is majoring in Theatre with a concentration in
Design and Technical Producation and a focus in
Stage Management.
What is most impressive, however, is the experience Blackwell receives outside of the classroom.
He is spending most of this summer working
at the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company in
Weston, Vermont.
Photo Credit: Allison Acuff
From CAK to
Broadway ...
Travis Blackwell
10
“Weston is a very well respected regional theatre,” Blackwell said. “So it’s a huge stepping
stone in regards to working on an equity house
with union professionals. I’m really enjoying my
time here.”
This winter, Blackwell will go to New York to join
the Broadway company of Wicked as a stage
management intern under the leadership of
Production Stage Manager Marybeth Abel.
Wicked, the smash-hit musical currently in its
10th record-breaking year on Broadway, is the
only Broadway show that offers an internship in
stage management of this kind.
“It literally is a dream come true,” Blackwell said.
“Wicked was the thing that got me into theatre
to begin with, so it really has come full circle for
me.”
Blackwell said he has seen Wicked 13 times, since
he first saw it in 2008.
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“It was the first
show I really
became obsessed
with,” Blackwell
said. “After researching and
learning more
about the show, it
really sparked my
desire to work in
theatre.”
In fact, he started
theatre at CAK
in 6th grade and
hasn’t looked
back.
Photo Credit: Jacob Lacher
“I realized early on that Travis was not only artistically
talented but a leader,” said CAK Musical Theatre Director
Peggy Filyaw. “He has an eye for detail and an untiring appetite to learn. Even as a middle schooler, Travis
possessed a maturity that was well beyond his years. But
most important, he was easy to work with. I count it one
of the many blessings I have had in my years of teaching
at CAK to have had the opportunity to work with Travis
and to watch his phenomenal career unfold.”
Blackwell participated
in every musical theatre production during
his years at CAK, with
his first role being the
baker in Cinderella and
his last role being the
Beast in Beauty and the
Beast.
you can while you’re in high school, work in the community, church theatre, get as much experience as possible,”
Blackwell said. “Theatre is one of those things where you
get as much out of it as you put into it. Your future is really in your hands.”
Blackwell credits CAK Musical Theatre Director Peggy
Filyaw and her team, Janet McLean, Gina Grubbs, Cheryl
Nehls and Kristin Smith, for all of the opportunities.
“I’m so thankful that they let me explore my love for
theatre and experience using my gifts for God,” Blackwell
added. “I really got a good foundation that I have carried
with me into collegiate and professional theatre.”
Blackwell also credited parental and administrative support in encouraging him to explore while he was in high
school.
“It’s so important for kids to know that they can go on to
pursue their dreams,” Blackwell said. “CAK does a really
great job of that and that’s partly the reason I am where I
am today.”
It’s been a fast road for Blackwell, but the best lies ahead.
“I’m a little nervous (to join the crew of Wicked), but I feel
so prepared,” Blackwell said. “It’s just an incredible opportunity. I’m so excited!”
www.travisblackwellsm.com
While in Knoxville,
Blackwell was also
extremely active in
community theatre,
having worked extensively with the
Oak Ridge Playhouse,
Children’s Theatre of
Knoxville and the Erin
Youth Players.
To date, his resume
totals 70 productions.
“For anyone interested in theatre, I would
recommend that you
take any opportunity
Photo Credit: Michael Robinson
Admissions Announcements
CAK DAY!
Campus Wide Admissions Open House
Wednesday, October 22
Do you know someone interested in applying to CAK?
Invite them to attend our annual open house event,
now titled CAK DAY! This morning event features a
bus tour of campus, including all three schools and a
coffee break Q&A session in the cafeteria. Exact details
will be on the website as they become available, so
please direct those you know to visit: www.cakwarriors.com/admissions for more details.
CAK Café Events
Dates: Winter 2015
Usually held on Wednesday mornings after the start
of the second semester, the Café events provide a
group tour of each of the three schools. We will host
one event per school, and the schedule will be posted
online once set.
Sibling Applications
If you plan to apply for any additional children in your
family next year, you are encouraged to complete the
paperwork promptly so we can process your application ahead of new families. Siblings still apply (with
a modified application process) and have a time of
assessment and/or visitation with the appropriate
principal prior to being offered enrollment. The applications will be available online in October 2014 for
the 2015-2016 school year.
2015-2016 Admissions
Application Deadline: March 1, 2015
Please direct all questions or concerns to:
Amy Williams: 865/690-4721, ext *190 or [email protected]
Once again this year, CAK will broadcast its football
games live on the Warrior Network. Visit
www.warriornetwork.tv to catch all the action this fall!
Warriorwearhouse.com
Looking for all the latest CAK merchandise for the
2014-15 season? Look no further ... visit
www.warriorwearhouse.com.
The “Warrior Wearhouse” will still be open in the Campus Center lobby twice a week (Tuesday 7:45-8:45 a.m.
and Thursday 2:45-3:45 p.m.) and an hour before home
football games.
Summer Fun?
Did your students participate in and/or accomplish
something great this summer? Please send your photos
and details to [email protected].
Welcome!
We want to take this opportunity to welcome all new
families to CAK - we are so glad you’re here!
You will receive an invitation in the mail, but please plan
to attend our New Family Dinner on Friday, August 22.
This will be an opportunity to mingle with other new
families, connect with your host family (if you haven’t
already) and get in the CAK spirit, as the Warriors kick
off to open the 2014 football season at 7:30 p.m. The
event will include dinner and admission into the football
game. Details to follow!
CAK ALUMNI
We want to re-connect with you!
Please visit cakwarriors.com/alumni to update your information. Tell us what you’ve been up
to, and you’ll be featured in our introductory “Class Notes” section in the next CAK Today.
Plan to attend CAK’s 2014 Alumni Tailgate October 31. More details coming soon.
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www.cakwarriors.com
Dual Enrollment Offered
CAK is excited to partner with Bryan College this year to
add a dual-enrollment program to the high school curriculum.
“It’s a wonderful program for our students and for our
school in general,” CAK Director of Counseling Nancy
Moore said. “We’ll start slow and plan to evaluate and
continue adding more classes in the future. The beauty
is that students can go to college already having college
credits which can help them to be able to either take
fewer credit hours per semester or, perhaps, allow for an
opportunity to study abroad.”
Dual enrollment provides an option for students to take
a college course for both high school and college credit.
Students can earn dual-enrollment credits by taking a
course at CAK during the school year or by taking a summer course at Pellissippi State Community College. Any
course taken to complete a CAK graduation requirement
must be taken at CAK.
In order to participate, students must be a junior or senior
and hold at least a 3.0 GPA. CAK faculty members Kevin
Winslett, Anne Jaeger, Chris Hawkins and Stephen Otis
have been specifically certified to teach dual-enrollment
courses.
“Students can expect the courses to move at a faster pace
and to cover more material, a greater depth of topics,”
said CAK Counselor Pamela Benton. “It truly is a great
opportunity for our students.”
In the 2013-14 academic year, CAK offered a pilot
dual-enrollment course in “New Testament Literature,”
taught by Otis. This school year, CAK will offer Senior
English, US History, New Teatment Literature, Old Tesatament Literature and Christian Worldview.
Whether or not this program is a good fit for a student
is a decision that needs to be made among the parents,
counselors and student. Each college and university has
its own guidelines as to what credits they accept. Bryan
College has set the cost of each class at only $300. While
the state will cover up to $300 of the cost for qualifying
students for up to two classes both in the junior and
senior years of high school, there may be some additional
expenses associated with the dual-enrollment classes
such as the cost of the college textbook.
“Advanced Placement is still considered a more academically rigorous option because it’s based on national standards set by the college board,” Benton said. “It’s really
just a decision for each student to make.”
Spring Break in
the Domincan
Over spring break, a group of CAK students and families
went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
“This was my first sports ministry trip, and it was amazing,” CAK Strength and Conditioning Coach and PE
Teacher Nate Hoffmeister said.
The trip was organized by GO Ministries (based out of Louisville, Kentucky), and the focus of the trip was to use baseball as the platform to spread the Gospel.
During the day, the participants ran baseball camps for the children who lived in the "hole" which is a landfill where
people have established housing to live off the trash. After camps, CAK families went to the nutrition center to feed
the kids from the "hole." The centers are equipped to feed the kids six meals a week, one per day which may be the
only actual meal the kids get all day. In the afternoons, baseball academies were held.
"It was amazing to see the kids learn to play dominoes with the Dominicans and watch as even though there may be
a language barrier, the interaction of high fives and slapping of gloves that united two cultures through the game of
baseball," Hoffmeister said. "It was amazing to watch our kids serve each other and other people."
www.cakwarriors.com
13
Introducing
Elementary
Principal
Kelly Kennedy
Kelly Kennedy has always loved the Smoky Mountains. In
fact, her cat is named Smoky, which is a great reminder of
the many fun times spent vacationing in the mountains
with family.
“I’m a Southern girl at heart,” she said. “I love the Knoxville
area.”
For that reason, among others, Kennedy said she was
excited to get settled in Knoxville as she began her first
year as Elementary School Principal at Christian Academy
of Knoxville.
“It was a lot of prayer and soul searching to know that this
decision was right for me,” Kennedy said. “I just really felt
strongly that God was telling me yes, this is where I need
to be.”
Kennedy, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, has
spent the last six years at the Episcopal Collegiate School
in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she is the founding Head
of the Lower School.
“I was a part of the building process and opening of the
school, so that definitely makes it very difficult to leave
here,” Kennedy said. “At the same time, I’m fully aware that
there are good things and positive aspects of change. I’m
a firm believer in personal and professional growth and
development. There’s something to be said about someone new coming in, picking up and continuing the great
things already happening while fostering further forward
momentum. I think that’s going to happen here (at Episcopal) and I’m hopeful that will happen at CAK.”
Kennedy received her Bachelors in Elementary Education
and Special Education from Baylor University and her
Masters in Educational Technology from Texas A&M.
“I do feel like I have a strong educational background
particularly in curriculum development and elementary
education,” Kennedy said. “I’ve also done a lot of work
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around integrating 21st century skills into an elementary
division of a school.”
Kennedy describes herself as a warm and caring person
and hopes to quickly get to know all of CAK’s
elementary students and families.
“If you know children well, you can serve them well,” she
said. “One of the things I believe in strongly is working
to ensure that every decision is centered around what is
best for the child.”
Assistant Elementary Principal Donna Hardesty said the
two hit it off right away.
“When I met Kelly for the first time, it was like I had known
her for years,” Hardesty said. “Our common passion for
education kept us talking for hours. I am so excited to
welcome Kelly to Knoxville and begin working with her
toward the future of 21st century learning at CAK.”
CAK held a national search for the position. Kennedy
moved to Knoxville with her husband of 7 years, Mike
(pictured above).
“I so thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Kelly through
the search process. Kelly is a committed believer and an
outstanding educator,” CAK Head of School Bob Neu said.
“Her past accomplishments are many, but I am most excited about how the Lord is going to use her gifts and talents to build on what is already a fine elementary school.
The future looks very bright under Kelly’s leadership as
we seek to educate our students both academically and
spiritually.”
www.cakwarriors.com
Peggy Filyaw to
focus on MS Music
When CAK’s musical theatre programs and singing groups take the stage this year they
will be under different direction.
Peggy Filyaw, who has directed 26 middle school and high school productions in her
18 years at CAK, has decided to focus her energy on middle school music. A graduate of
Austin Peay State University, Mrs. Filyaw helped initiate musical theatre to CAK’s
curriculum. Filyaw was Director of Middle School Singers, the CAK High School Concert
Choir and CAK High School Spirit of Praise in addition to her role with Middle School
and High School Musical Theatre.
“I count it a privilege to have worked with so many talented students,” Filyaw said. “Next
year I will be full-time in the middle school where I feel the Lord is leading me to concentrate. Thank you for your support of my efforts in the high school; and I pray you will
be as supportive to Amy Brock as she comes to fill this position.”
Amy Brock, a CAK graduate, will take over the high school responsibilities.
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach music at CAK,” Brock said. “I feel very
blessed to be able to combine my passions of music, teaching and performing.”
Brock has a degree in Vocal Performance from Carson-Newman, where she was the
recipient of the Tarr Full Tuition Vocal Scholarship, and is currently finishing a Masters of
Education.
Chris Rolph to Lead Business Office
Christian Academy of Knoxville is pleased to
introduce Chris Rolph as the new Director
of Finance and Operations.
“We are very excited to welcome Chris to
the CAK community,” said CAK Head of
School Bob Neu. “This is such an important
position and we feel blessed to be adding
such a qualified individual to our team.”
Rolph comes to CAK from Johnson University where he has
worked as Vice President for Business and Finance since
2007. He holds a Master of Business Administration (Milligan
College, ‘11), Master of Ministry (Cincinnati Bible Seminary,
‘03) and Bachelor of Science in Accounting (Northern Kentucky University, ‘87).
Nancy Counts, who has served as Business Manager at CAK
for the last nine years, announced her retirement at the end
of the 2013-14 school year.
“Nancy has served the school well and will be sorely missed,”
Neu said. “Chris has big shoes to fill, but we are confident
that his collegiate experience will continue moving CAK in
the right direction.”
2014-15 Faculty/Staff additions
Elizabeth Brevard – Kindergarten
Melissa Davenport - MS Social Studies
Amanda Day – 4th Grade
John East - Athletic Director (see pg. 8)
Tara Morris – Family Billing
Caitlin Hollifield - Assistant AD/Girls Basketball Coach/
Science Teacher
Kelly Kennedy - Elementary School Principal (see pg. 13)
Steve Pence – HS Transition Counselor
Chris Rolph- Director of Business Operations
Lou-Ann Rogers – HS English
Monica Rogers-Advancement Administrative Assistant
Jessica Thomas – Elementary Technology Integration 3-5
Jennifer Vals – Homeschool Coordinator
Heather White – 1st Grade
Julian Williams – Information Systems Manager
WELCOME TO CAK!
www.CAKwarriors.com
15
THREE GENERATIONS AT CAK
CAK is proud to have three generations of the Hunt family at CAK.
Amy Hunt is a 5th grade teacher, her daughter Sarah (Hunt) Traylor
teaches in the high school and her grandson (Sarah’s son), Jack, is in
the Early Learning Program. Sarah also attended CAK, graduating in
the Class of 2001.
“I never dreamed when (Sarah) became a teacher that she would be at
CAK,” Hunt said of her daughter. “I think God just kind of took us down
that path; it wasn’t something that we set out.”
Hunt has taught at CAK for 22 years, teaching 4th and 5th grade. When
she first sent her children to CAK, she wasn’t yet a teacher.
“We really put our kids here on faith,” Hunt said. “And now when I think
about the fact that we’re all here, it’s a cool thing. It makes it seem like
this is such a community.”
Sarah said deciding to send Jack to CAK was a “no-brainer.”
“My mom works here, I work here, graduated from here, husband
graduated from here, kind of an easy decision,” Traylor said. “It’s been
awesome, his teachers are fabulous, he loves his friends.”
With the new hire of Julian Williams as Information Systems Manager,
the Williams family also has three generations at CAK.
Julian’s mother, Jane Williams, has been at CAK for 30 years in a variety
of roles including Elementary Principal and Curriculum Coordinator.
Julian’s son Jadon is in CAK’s Early Learning Program.
Safety Patrol visits DC
Safety Patrol. That group of 5th graders who sweetly
welcome parents through the drop-off and pick-up lines
each day with a bright smile and a kind “Have a nice day.”
They are a select group; handpicked for top grades and
exemplary behavior.
Each year Safety Patrol students across the country earn
the chance to travel to our nation’s capital through a
program AAA started 58 years ago. American history book
pages come alive as students tour Washington DC’s
history-rich sites.
CAK teachers Debbie Taylor, Sandra Welshan and Jessica
Counts chaperoned the group that travelled to wellknown landmarks including the White House, the U.S.
Capitol where they met with Congressman Duncan,
Smithsonian museums, Mount Vernon, and Arlington
National Cemetery where they witnessed the changing of
the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The group also toured famous war and presidential monuments.
16
www.cakwarriors.com
Alumni Spotlight: Blake Mayes (’10)
Blake Mayes recently sat
around a bonfire with a
few of his former high
school classmates and
reminisced about their
days at CAK.
They talked about their
3rd grade wax
museum project, when
they dressed as Christian
heros, and laughed at
how close those
characters mirrored
their most recent career
paths.
said when the program was offered to him. “I want to
think a little bit more if I want to go into ministry, so why
not spend some time diving deep into theology, and St.
Andrews is a beautiful place.”
According to Mayes it is all part of the journey that God
has planned for him.
The Mayes family has been
actively involved at CAK
for many years. Blake’s
younger brother Zack
graduated from CAK in 2012.
Blake’s mother Misty was a
former Board Member.
“CAK has been kind of
our primary community
for a very long time,”
Mayes said. “That’s one
of the real unique things
about CAK; you have kids
that have gone through all the way together. What
a gift this place is.”
Mayes graduated from CAK in 2010 and went on to Emory, where he majored in religion with a minor in community building and social change. He has been accepted to
Yale University where he will pursue a Masters in Divinity.
While he was excited for the news, God had a slightly
different path for Mayes. On the very same day, he was
also accepted to complete a year at the University of St.
Andrews, in Scotland.
“It all happened at once, and I was kind of nervous at first
trying to make a decision and then I realized what a great
opportunity I had,” Mayes said. “I just kept thinking, ‘what
am I called to do and how do I move in that direction?’ I
think it’s difficult at each transition to discern what God is
calling you to do.”
In the end, Yale was willing to defer Mayes’ entrance into
their masters program so that he could pursue the year in
St. Andrews.
This July, Mayes packed his bags and headed off to St. Andrews. The trip is part of a program that Emory offers, The
Bobby Jones Scholarship, to its top four graduates every
year. Mayes will be pursuing a Master’s Degree in theology while in Scotland.
“I think when we make ourselves open to the heart of God
and put ourselves in a place where we listen, we’re able to
walk into similar spaces,” Mayes said. “I’m really glad that
I took those chances when God opened up those opportunities. There were plenty of failures along the way, but
when I look back now I can see God’s hand.”
Mayes credits CAK with providing a solid foundation for
his walk with the Lord. He said he vividly remembers
having Mrs. White in first grade and Mrs. Akins in second
grade and falling in love with the Gospel during that time.
He recalls teachers being invested in each student’s spiritual walk instead of just a grade on a test.
“What I learned at CAK was really formative early on, but it
isn’t just a set of beliefs. This is something you can do. It’s
a way of life,” Mayes said. “I hope that CAK is always a place
that challenges people to put themselves out there and
try to be that change and really engage people from all
walks of life. There’s a certain sense of security being here
in a loving and supportive environment, but that environment exists so that you can go and engage beyond the
comforts of CAK.”
With that, Mayes headed to St. Andrews.
Do you or someone you know want to be
featured in the next “Alumni Spotlight?”
Send your update to:
[email protected]
CAK Today is printed twice-a-year and
distributed to all current families, former
families, grandparents, and alumni who
have active addresses in our database.
Contact us any time to
update your information!
“I thought that, ‘sounds like a wonderful year,’ ” Mayes
18
www.cakwarriors.com
2013-14 Giving Report
2013-14 Giving Participation
100%
of the Board of Trustees.
81%
of the faculty and staff.
34%
of the current parents.
Overall Giving Notes
• Total giving and pledges to CAK during
the 13/14 school year totaled more
than $1 million.
•
90% of that giving was designated
to particular programs and projects
around campus.
• Gifts were received for areas as diverse
as tuition assistance, missions, the arts,
technology, science labs, athletics, the
endowment, the learning center, and
many other areas.
• The turf project on the football field
and the soccer field house were both
fully funded through private donations
and did not use any tuition dollars.
Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity in giving to CAK this past school year.
Winston Churchill once said, “What is the use
of living, if it not to strive for noble causes and
to make this muddled world a better place for
those who will live in it after we are gone?”
As Christians, we know that Christian
education is one of those noble causes.
We are investing in young people in order to
impact future businesses, communities and
the world for Christ.
Your investment into the students at CAK is
greatly appreciated. Thank you!
2013-14 Annual Fund Recap
More than $235,000 was raised this year through our Annual
Fund drive, which received $94,000 in unrestricted giving
with the balance being designated to one of several projects
designed to accelerate the delivery of excellence at CAK.
The following projects are some of what we were able to do
thanks to the generosity of our donors.
iPad Carts
Two iPad carts were purchased for the
Elementary School.
Science Labs
A high school physics lab was upgraded with new equipment and additional
money raised was used to resurface the
middle school lab tables.
Security System
A video security system was funded
and is scheduled to be installed in
August before the start of the 2014-15
school year.
Stage Curtain
Due to early giving, a brand new stage
curtain was fully funded and installed
in time for both musical theatre performances.
Mission Trips
The funds raised were used to purchase
supplies, food, and gifts for those who
live in the areas visited.
For the second year, CAK will
be using RenWeb as our
student services provider!
This system allows each
family to manage everything
from grades and forms to payments and scheduling. RenWeb is availble
on all mobile devices (apps available for android, iPhone and iPad) and will
become the “go-to” site for all CAK parents. With the use of RenWeb, tuition
and fee payments can now be made online with an e-check or credit card.
Back-to-school
INFORMATION
BUTTON
l
For your convenience, we have
packaged all information
necessary for the 2014-15
school year on the Back-toschool Information Page.
Access the page from the homepage (www.cakwarriors.com)
or by typing www.cakwarriors.
com/summer into your web
browser.
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Class of
Gunnar Reed Abelquist
Andrew Allen Abrams
Abigail Grace Allen
Conner Patrick Amburn
Reed Benjamin Arrants
Eric Nathanael Bailes
Cody Gage Barnes
Monica Ann Beaumont
Emily Ann Berry
John Jared Blake
Quillen Vaughn Blalock
Ashley Dalyn Bloom
Gracyn Gardner Brandon
Hannah Amelia Brown
Tristan Reed Brown
John Allen Broyles
Grant Richard Bruer
Luke Douglas Buchanan
Riley James Cagle
Noah Alexander Caldwell
Jess Coby Campbell
Reid Alan Cantrell
Pete Michael Cates
Holly Caroline Chastain
Anne Lauren Collier
Cori Allison Crocker
Amy Katherine Cross
Andrew David Crouch
Wade Austin Crutchfield
Whitaker Andrew Cunningham
Patrick Connor Dalton
Mackenzie Elizabeth Davenport
Lindsey Marie Denton
Jacqueline Susan Downey
Sarah Haley Doyle
Katherine Elise Duncan
Gabrielle Vaughan Eakle
Ashley Mary Morgan Epperly
Andersen Lea Estes
Justin David Feist
Jacob Allen Foncea
Jennifer Sujie Galler
John Seaton Garrett
Melissa Linh Garvey
Gregory Matthew Gorman
Heather Christine Grubbs
Zachary Glen Haga
Kaycee Savannah Heitzman
Emily Brooke Holcomb
Andrew Joseph Homan
Matthew Kent Ivey
Michael Edward Jarvis, Jr.
Benjamin Chadwick Jenkins
William Zachariah Jenkins
Andrew Jeffrey Jost
Marissa Nicole Justice
Dylan Anthony Keck
Ashley Luann Keller
Jonathan Michael-James Key
Ryan Taylor King
Oteriah Alexander Lee, II
Joshua Brian Leib
William Thomas Linton, IV
Adam Hunter Lovejoy
Colten Thomas Marcum
Ashleigh Kathleen Martin
Clayton Meggs McCammon
Kaylee Maudene McClanahan
Evan Kyle Miller
John Bennett Miller
William Thomas Montgomery
Raychel Anne Moore
Christopher Maxwell Morgan
Joshua Bryan Morgan
Margaret Lewis Morgan
Jake Morgenstern
Caroline Elizabeth Murchison
Jarrod Christopher Nelson
Stephen Robert Neu
Emily Paige Ooten
Zachary David Osborne
Christopher Joseph Patti
Brandon Michael Pearson
Brynn Ashley Pierce
Maggie Kathleen Piety
Shea Lorraine Piety
Shannon Maria Plese
Thomas Austin Pollard
Shelby Pierce Pryor
Dylan Lawson Rathbone
Araminta Ann Ray
Renée Lauren Reeve
Samuel Lawrence Rhyne
Clyde Alexander Robbins
Michael Kent Sanderson
Jacob Paul Sarver
Hannah Christine Schoutko
Sophia Marie Schubert
Isabel Maria Silva
Leslie Virginia Sizemore
Scott Mitchell Sizemore
Reed Thomas Smith
William Warner Spencer, III
Margaret Ellen Stansberry
Baylor Addison Sundahl
Emily Louise Tefft
Ryan Wagner Varnum
Aaron David Waldrupe
Scott Andrew Walker
Christopher Norris Wampler
Andrew James Willems
Sarah Kathryn Zimmer
David James Zimmerman
Brandon Everett Zortman
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