The Official Publication of Metro Christian Academy Tulsa, Oklahoma NOVEMBER 2013

Miss MCA and Mr. Patriot

Miss MCA Rebecca Black and Mr. Patriot Danny Burke were announced after introductions of each member of the court. They were selected based on votes by the high school students, teacher recommendations, and grade point.

Spirit WeekThe halls were full of color and

interesting characters as Metro kicked off the Homecoming week with special dress days for Middle School and High School. From casual tropical dress to suit-n-tie, students got a break from wearing their school uniforms. Each night the high school students participated in special events such as a bonfire and movie and a game of Capture the Flag.

Pep RallyFriday afternoon, the middle

school and high school students filled the large gym with great anticipation of the “Man Cheer.” The juniors and seniors did not disappoint the crowd as they danced, stunted, and entertained the Patriots.

Cow Patty BingoAfter school the Metro Varsity

Cheerleaders prepared for their annual fundraiser, Cow Patty Bingo. Blossom, the cow, was delivered to our campus and placed in the fenced area where the Bingo grid was painted on the grass. Cheerleaders and fans waited patiently for the winner to be announced. Thanks to Blossom and a lucky square, Donovan and Janna Cotner won $5,000!

Foodtrucks, Football, Fireworks, and Fans

Metro and Claremore-Sequoyah fans enjoyed food truck dining from Brownies, the DogHouse, and RibCrib, while a few alumni gathered in the MAC for fellowship and a dessert reception.

Halftime brought additional excitement with the presentation of the Homecoming court followed by fireworks to honor the 30th anniversary of Metro’s opening.

The students’ section of the bleachers was particularly spirited, with the waving of American flags and using baby powder to create special lighting effects. Their spirit and patriotism won recognition on Fox 23’s Fans in the Stands segment.

Icing on the cakeThe icing on top of all the

homecoming celebrations was the dominating win by our Football team, beating Claremore Sequoyah 46-6.

Homecoming 2013 HighlightsCoronation

The 31st Homecoming Coronation was held on the morning of October 31st when attendants and statesmen were recognized in the annual ceremony. The 2013 Court included:

Freshmen

Madison Horton Jack RoeCameron Mitchell Gray Strickland

sophomores

Libby Frizzell Ross BlackAudrey Link Peter Gerstenberger

Juniors

Choyce Hays Tim BurchardMallory Roy Aaron Faulk

seniors

Rebecca Black Danny BurkeAbby Henry Corbin KingEmily Horton Ayanaw Mesganaw

scepter Bearer and crown Bearer

First Graders Cate Crockett and Colby Nelson

Annual Appeal UpdateFriends,

The Headmaster’s Annual Appeal kicked-off at the end of October. If you missed the printed piece that was mailed out, visit our website to learn more about the projects slated for this year.

The Annual Appeal includes $250,000 in special projects from every area of the school. Like last year, you have the opportunity to direct where your gift is used. You can choose from Academics, the Arts, Athletics, Facilities and Endowments or you can designate it to be used wherever it is needed most. We hope you will review the information and the video on the website, and then prayerfully consider supporting this important effort.

Added benefits of participating in the campaign include:

• If 100% of the families in a grade make a gift to the Annual Appeal, at any donation amount, the entire grade will receive an additional Free Dress Friday in February, March and April. We must have 100% of the parents in the grade participating before we can award the additional free dress to the class.

• Gifts of $100 up to $200 will be entered into a drawing for an iPad 2.

• A chance to win one of three $3000 Tuition waivers for 2014 are available again this year. Each gift of $350 (or for increments of $350) will be put in a drawing for a tuition waiver for elementary, middle school or high school. The drawing will take place in February.

• Gifts of $5,000 or greater can receive a reserved parking spot for the 2014-15 school year. The spot will be reserved for your use – 24x7.

Thank you so much for helping us meet our goal of raising $250,000 for the Headmaster’s Annual Appeal.

Sincerely,

Teresa O’DonnellDirector of Development

ThankfulnessI don’t like pat answers and I prefer not to be cliché, but at

this time of the year, I do think the season merits a word about thankfulness. In a “what have you done for me lately” world that feeds the need for instant gratification, the concept of living a thankful life is often overshadowed. We are tempted to continue to look towards the next step, the next want, or the next need, overlooking those very things we have been blessed with, obtained, and received.

In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he wraps up his thoughts at the end of the letter with simple instructions for living a fulfilling life. He presents truths including recognizing others, comforting those who hurt, warning those who are wayward, and pursuing good for yourself and others. Paul’s fundamental truths benefit each of us, as simple reminders of living well.

As part of this closing exhortation, Paul makes this statement in I Thessalonians 5:18, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Have you ever wondered what God’s will is for your life? Well, here is part of it – be thankful!

Some of us may struggle with this scripture, particularly those who are walking through a challenging time. Maybe you are having a health crisis, or a financial crisis, or a marriage crisis, or a work crisis or a relationship crisis. You ask yourself “How can I give thanks for what I am going through?”

Let’s look at this scripture more closely. Paul does not say “FOR everything give thanks…” he states, “IN everything give thanks”. What a huge and often overlooked difference! We don’t have to be thankful for the bad thing that has happened to us, but we must remain thankful to God in that situation. Not thankful for the rough time that we are experiencing, but thankful that He is the one who will protect us and carry us through.

Paul’s words carry the weight of empathy as he is one who was familiar with rough times. He experienced beatings, shipwrecks, rejection, starvation and solitude. Was he thankful for these things? Unlikely. However, he was thankful for the faithfulness of God whom had proven Himself over and over again to deliver Paul from these situations.

Wherever you find yourself today, either in the midst of blessing, health and prosperity or crisis, calamity and despair; let us fulfill the will of God in our lives by expressing our thankfulness to a Heavenly Father who loves us and who is faithful to redeem us from every situation for His glory in us.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Roger GerstenbergerHeadmaster

IN THIS ISSUE

High School News ........... 3

Middle School News ........ 4

Elementary News ........... 4

Athletics News .............. 6

Fine Arts News .............. 7

Retro Metro .................. 7

From the desk of Roger Gerstenberger, Headmaster

Catch the Vision!

Thanksgiving Meal Delivery

Thanks to the Metro families and students who helped with a monthly grocery delivery to the residents of Bandon Trails Apartments. Paula and Luke Preaus, Emily and Ashley Barnes, Christina Foster, Claire Lehman, and Lauren Higganbotham helped Denise McKinney and a team of volunteers from Redeemer Covenant Church deliver Thanksgiving groceries to twenty-five families in need at the apartment complex. One family could not speak English and was without furniture in their apartment. A second man, who passed by on his Sunday walk was so blessed by receiving the groceries, that he said he was going to invite neighbors over for Thanksgiving to share the meal.

November Distinguished Seniors

Congratulations to the November Distinguished Seniors, Kelsey Bedore

and Casey Meyer!

November Debate Tournament ResultsBishop Kelley Speech and Debate TournamentAs a team, Metro placed 1st overall in the 5A division.

Lincoln Douglas Debate1st place - Caleb Oquin2nd place - Cole McNeese 3rd place - Sarah Gunter

Original Oratory1st place - Euan Williams2nd place - Josh Yoo3rd place - Caleb Oquin

Domestic Extemp1st place - Luke Burchard2nd place - Euan Williams

Foreign Extemp1st place - Cole McNeese3rd place - Josh Yoo

Novice Debate3rd place - Grace Heinecke4th place - Mason Smith

Broken Arrow Debate TournamentMetro also placed 1st in 5A Sweepstakes.

Lincoln Douglas Debate1st place- Cole McNeese2nd place- Casey Meyer3rd place- Kolton Whitmire

Original Oratory1st place- Cole McNeese

Domestic Extemp1st place- Euan Williams2nd place- Casey Meyer3rd place- Mason Smith

Foreign Extemp1st place- Cole McNeese3rd place- Caleb Oquin

Youth Pastor Appreciation DayMany of our high school

students enjoyed a special visit from their youth pastors during the second annual Youth Pastor Appreciation Day. Twenty-seven dedicated pastors met before lunch to learn more about Metro and to receive a “thank you” from Denise McKinney, Spiritual Life Director, for the relationships they are developing with our students. After a delicious meal in the cafeteria with members of their youth groups, they finished their visit in chapel, worshipping together and hearing from guest speaker, Matt Newman.

high school news

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STUCO ConventionMiddle School Student Council and National Junior Honor Society officers attended

the Oklahoma Association of Middle and Junior High Schools’ Fall Leadership Conference. The 7th and 8th grade students travelled with Mr. Jackson and Mrs. Howard to Puterbaugh Middle School in McAlester, kicking off with a dinner at the Italian restaurant Pete’s Place in the historic town of Krebbs.

Metro dad, Todd Huston, was the guest speaker at the convention’s opening assembly. Mr. Huston shared his personal story, and that of others, who have faced obstacles and persevered through challenging circumstances. The convention focused on building good leadership skills and developing relationships.

The last morning they voted on next year’s state officer schools and were challenged by keynote speaker Kirk Smalley, who began a ministry, “Stand for the Silent,” as a result of his 11-year-old son’s suicide several years ago.

In attendance were STUCO officers Tatum Buffington, Darcey Drullinger, Macey Drullinger, Kelcy Mays, Sophie Serage, Ally Stoner, and NJHS officers Carolyn Argo, Kaitlyn Argo, Ashley Barnes, Cade Kimzey, and Addison Ronk.

Spreading Holiday JoyThe 7th and 8th grade students went to see the

Disney version of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens in conjunction with a literature lesson in their English classes. They spent the rest of the school day at Grace Living Center in Jenks painting pumpkins, visiting, and playing games with the residents.

Congressman Bridenstine Joins Our Metro Patriots in Celebrating America’s Veterans

Congressman Jim Bridenstine was the guest speaker at the elementary school’s annual Patriotic Chapel. He shared his story of patriotism and encouraged our students to honor and serve their community and country. The congressman joins a long list of dignitaries that have shared the stage during this celebration of America’s heroes.

The Patriotic Chapel is typically held on or near Veteran’s Day. The first Patriotic Chapel was held after the terrorist attack on 9/11. Following the tragedy, God created a desire in the heart of K4 teacher Mrs. Kelley and her husband Larry, to bring an event to Metro that would honor our veterans, instill Patriotism in the hearts of our students, and remind our young people of the sacrifices made every day to keep us safe and our nation free.

The chapel has been a highlight each fall, with hundreds of guests joining us for the special program. This year the program was somewhat different than previous chapels. Elementary students presented stories and songs from early American history. The students performed the Star Spangled Banner and many American classics such as America the Beautiful, Yankee Doodle, This Land is Your Land and many more. Young actors and actresses portrayed famous Americans, sharing the stories of America’s amazing beginnings.

Presentation of the Colors: Cub Scout Pack 307 with leader Matt Cain

Nicky Baney, Caleb Cain, Evan Grantham, Seth Hardy, Jackson Stone, Parker Sutton, Mitchell Weida, Jonathan Wilson, and Henry Windsor

Soloists: Paige Aldrich Hannah LawrenceGracie Blubaugh Brooklyn PhillipsEmilea Davis Gracie SalyersAlexis Evans Tatum SandersLuke Griesemer Carson SmithCailyn Groves Mia WrightEmily Hopper

CAST: Miss Stripes - Claire MayfieldMr. Stars - Will MooreMartha Washington - Jordyn Parmley George Washington - Grant DeckerAbe Lincoln - Caden MongerMary Todd - LuLu McCune Betsy Ross - Allie DreyerBenjamin Franklin - Alex MarcouxSecretary of Treasure - Chandler FerraroFrancis Scott Key - Toby Watson

Thank you Elementary Music Teacher, Holly Beard, for your hard work putting this program together, honoring our Veterans.

middle school news

elementary news

Biztown BusinessElementary students are not old enough to drive, work, vote, or be the boss, but that didn’t

stop them from working for Arby’s, Bank of Oklahoma, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Cox Communications, Reasor’s, and other companies at Junior Achievement’s Biztown. The fifth graders spent one day working, but many weeks in preparation.

Mrs. Boatright, Ms. Thurber, and Mrs. White integrated basic business skills into their curriculum that included bookkeeping, check-writing, interviewing, and communication. The grade held elections for the Biztown offices of Mayor, Secretary, and Non-profit Director. The candidates campaigned, wrote and presented speeches, and then waited for the results of the voting. Other students chose to interview for jobs within various companies. The students served as CEO’s, CFO’s, bank tellers, store clerks, reporters, D.J.’s, and more. They also went on several field trips to businesses and heard from professionals about the working world.

The day came in November to travel to JA Biztown to work. The fifth grade class kept busy running their businesses and town. Each student was given specific assignments to complete for their specific company. They received paychecks, went shopping, ate lunch at Arby’s, and practiced other tasks designed to connect the dots between what they learn in school and the world outside of the classroom.

We Give ThanksThe Elementary classes have been participating in various Thanksgiving/Fall activities in their classrooms and on field trips.There was “No Turkey for Perky” at the end of the Kindergarten Thanksgiving play. Metro families watched as the Hanks family tried to find another food to

eat for the holiday meal. The audience was entertained by the various singing food and adorable performances by the students in each class.Kindergartners spent a morning at Tulsa’s historical Lyon’s Indian Store

and participated in a packing party for their shoeboxes.The students in Mrs. Lapo’s first grade class have been practicing their

table manners in preparation for holiday meals and gatherings. They played a fun game where they were given Skittles as a reward for good manners while they were chewing, speaking, and sitting during meal time.

Mrs. Maney’s second graders performed a Thanksgiving play for the residents at Aberdeen Heights.

Third grade classes were surprised by family visitors in their classroom in their traditional “The Relatives Came” day where the parents come and read to their children. They also delivered nearly 500 shoe boxes, donated by all of the elementary students, to a local distribution warehouse for Operation Christmas Child.

Each fourth grade class took a field trip to Enid to spend the day in the one-room school house at Turkey Creek. The students enjoyed this tradition of experiencing school life in the year 1910 and were thankful for the technology that has progressed since those days of wearing prairie dresses, practicing pen and ink script, and eating lunch from a tin pail.

Many classrooms transformed into a dining room for a Thanksgiving feast as they invited relatives to join them in a traditional meal with turkey and all the fixin’s.

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elementary news

Academic Bowl SuccessThe 4th grade Academic Bowl team recently won the Alpha Bowl, beating

Boevers and Briarglen Elementary Schools in the Union School District.Congratulations to the following students:

Reagan CheathamGrant DeckerAllie DreyerChandler FerraroWyatt HeltgrassAlex Marcoux

Claire MayfieldLuLu McCuneCaden MongerWill MooreJordyn Parmley

INFC ChampionsCongratulations to both the fourth grade and sixth grade

football teams for being champions in their respective divisions of the Indian Nation’s Football Conference.

The fourth grade team entered the AA division playoffs with only one loss and six shut-out victories during the season. They proved their strength and agility as they won the championship game.

The sixth grade team finished the season undefeated. The offense had over 60 plays that kept their opposing teams guessing. After six years and over 50 wins, they brought home the championship trophy, beating teams such as Berryhill, Lincoln Christian, and Hilldale.

4th Grade Champions 6th Grade Champions

Heisman Trophy at MetroA Metro parent connection allowed sports fans of all ages to catch a glimpse of and pose for pictures

with the Heisman Trophy while it was on tour from its home in New York City. Wendy’s Corporation takes the trophy around the country in conjunction with the High School Heisman awards. Each year Wendy’s selects school winners in the process of searching for its national winner. Senior Garrett Richardson received the award for his athletic achievements. He attended a luncheon where he met OU’s Heisman winners Billy Sims & Jason White.

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athletics news

Cross Country State Runner-up Champions

Cross Country Champions!Cross Country girls finished as State Runner-up Champions, led by

Madison Horton’s 16th place time of 12:43 (2 miles). Other Varsity team members were Mallory Duncan, Elise Engles, Jubilee Frizzell, Katherine McKee, Hannah Nalley, and Emily Rose.

Boys finished 9th place overall with a very narrow, competitive, 57 point margin between the top 9 teams, with scores jumping another 49 points for 10th place. Our Boys were led by medalist, Mitchell Mayes’ 14th place finish with a 17:31 (5k). Other Varsity team members included Steven Argo, Luke Brothers, Bryce Consedine, Conner McKee, Andy Tarwater, and Chase Tucker.

Congratulations runners!

Metro Christian Academy

Hall of Fame 2014

Plans are in the works for the 2014 Hall of Fame to be held on the evening of Thursday, February 6th.

We have received nominations and will be sending out ballots and

invitations soon. We hope you plan to attend

this special event.

Mr. MetroIn grand Fine Arts tradition,

fourteen high school young men showcased their unique talents in this annual competition that raises money for Concert Choir and Show Choir. This year’s show was entertaining with singing, air-drumming, saxophone playing, dancing, yo-yo-ing, and other indescribable acts.

Stealing the show and crowned as Mr. Metro 2013 is Senior Caleb Wilson!

OTHER AWARDS INCLUDED:Runner-Up to Mr. Metro - Ryker HessMr. Physical Fitness - Luke Brothers

Mr. Talent - Ross BlackMr. Evening Wear/Interview - Ayanow MesganowFan Favorite - Luke Brothers

All-State Choir Recipient

Freshman Grace Merrill made the Oklahoma Choral Director’s Association All-State Choir! She competed against 130 students for 20 spots.

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fine arts news

Retro Metro Jessica (Hicks) Malan – Class of 2002

Metro is excited to introduce the new face at the Security Desk. Jessica Malan joined our security team this summer and has now replaced Ricki Jackson. She enjoys her new position at the school, especially since she graduated from Metro in 2002 and has a daughter attending as well.

What is your favorite Metro Memory?Hands down, my favorite Metro memory was from when the other

Senior Class officers and I filmed the into to our Senior video. We re-enacted the opening sequence for the TV show FRIENDS in the water fountain of a church downtown. We took the couch from the Senior lounge and danced around carrying people on it. It turned out really cute.

What did you do after graduating from Metro?After graduation I attended the University of Tulsa, got married, had a daughter, and opened my own

Private Investigation firm.

What are you doing now?Since 2007 Trooper Investigations has provided me the flexibility to go from being a stay at home mom

one minute to a career woman the next. It has been such a blessing to be able to structure my hours around my family and their needs. Most recently my daughter has started her second year here at Metro in the K4 program and I have taken a position with their Security Team. It has been alot of fun to see so many familiar faces around the school and gets hugs and kisses from my little one throughout the day.

Do you keep up with any of your friends from high school?Lots actually. It may not be on a day to day basis but we try to get together at least once every few

months to get caught up.

How did Metro prepare you for your future?MCA opened a whole new world of opportunities for me. It also provided me with the foundation

necessary to handle any challenges I might have faced. As a student I may not have been as appreciative of the Christ centered learning environment as I should have been but I can tell you now from a parent’s perspective, there is nowhere else I’d rather my child be.

alumni news

Lights on at MetroAlthough our halls and trees are already decorated, Christmas at Metro Christian does not officially begin until our annual

Lights On! performance. Students will be dressed in Christmas dress on Thursday, December 5th for the program. Elementary Lights On!

program will be at 8:15 am and the secondary will be at 12:55 pm.

Metro Dinner & AuctionFriday, March 7th, 2014 the 31st Annual Metro Dinner & Auction returns

once again to The Renaissance Hotel from 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm. Please join us for an evening of fellowship, food, fun, and support for our Patriots!

The evening was fabulous for those attending Metro’s 30th Annual Dinner & Auction in March of 2013. With nearly 330 people in attendance, the evening was full of fun and fellowship. Beginning with the Silent Auction and ending with the Live Event, Metro Christian fans rolled out to support the school. The entire Metro Auction, start to finish, including the Online, Silent, and Live, and Dutch, generated almost $160,000. Nearly $35,000 alone was made in the Dutch Auction, which is designated for security upgrades within the building.

“Every year, the committee comes together to create a wonderful event for Metro. We work hard from October through April making sure everything is perfect. I couldn’t do it without the help of the classroom moms who put the baskets together, our decorations team, the ladies that work on the online and event software system, the program and invitation team, the organization team that inventories the items for distribution, those that do the window and event displays, and so much more. They all play such an important role in making it all happen,” states Beth Trook, Auction Facilitator. “We can’t thank our volunteers enough for everything they do for the event and for Metro Christian.”

Headmaster’s Annual Appeal: Where Vision Meets Passion

INCENTIVES/BENEFITS:

Donations of $350 (or increments of $350) will be entered into a drawing for a $3,000 tuition waiver that will be given away for

the 2014-15 school term.

THREE NEW OPPORTUNITIES

If 100% of the families in a grade make a gift to the Appeal, at any donation amount, the entire grade will receive

an additional Free Dress Friday in February, March, and April.

Gifts of $100 (or increments of $100 up to $200) will be entered

into a drawing for an iPad2.

Gifts of $5,000 or greater will receive a reserved parking spot for

the 2014-15 school year.

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2013 Metro Golf TournamentAlthough, our originally scheduled golf tournament was

rained-out, golfers had a gorgeous fall day on November 4th, 2013 in which to feast, fellowship, and “FORE”!

Metro Christian welcomed ninety-four players to The Patrtiot Golf Club for its annual golf tournament supporting Patriot Athletics and the Metro Christian Golf Team. The day began with a continental breakfast and coffee, included boxed lunches delivered to the tee boxes, a bountiful harvest of snacks at the clubhouse, and ending the day with home-baked goods and our awards ceremony. Go to Metroca.com and click on Patriot Pics to see photographs from the day.

2013 Metro Christian Golf Tournament Winners:

Longest Drive: Jeremy Carlisle (Fine Airport Parking parking/detail certificate, laptop bag, and MCA dry-fit shirt from BSN Sports)

Closest to the Hole on Tee Shot: JJ Cavender (Round for four at Southlakes Golf Course, MCA AllSports Pass, and MCA dry-fit shirt from BSN Sports)

Straightest Drive: Russ White (Fine Airport Parking parking/detail certificate, laptop bag, and MCA dry-fit shirt from BSN Sports)

Team Congeniality Award: Bob Neerman, David Jackson, Pat Bartley, and Glenn Lanoue (chips, salsa, and cards)Blind Scramble Winners:

Stan Bridgeford, Josh Bridgeford, Chris Matheny, and Steve Zigenthaler (Round for four at The Patriot)

Timothy Gibson, Steve Sieganthaler, Daniel Gaddis, and Donnie Odle (Round for four at Tulsa Country Club)

Wes Spencer, Geoff Fillmore, Tim Pennington, and Scott Dixon (Round for four at Cedar RidgeRaffle Winners:

Clayton Hughes, Hearne Williford, Jerry Schivally, and Les Veltman (Folds of Honor shirts, hats, and athletic bracelets for the team) Gerry Langston (Bushnell Range Finder)

A special congratulations goes out to Parker Strickland for his amazing “HOLE IN ONE” on Hole 6!!!

If you are interested in the Early Bird Registration or Sponsorship information for the 2014 Golf Tournament, please email acarlisle@metroca.com to be placed on the mailing list.

Thank you to all our players, patrons, and sponsors for another successful tournament!

Thank you to all our sponsors for another successful tournament!

Metro Christian Academy 2013 Golf ScrambleOctober 14, 2013 - The Patriot, Owasso