the forum 2015

2015COMMENCEMENT EDITION

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION FOR CORAM DEO ACADEMY FAMILIES, ALUMNI & FRIENDS

SUMMER 2015

Training ethical servant-leaders

and wise thinkers who will shape culture

for the glory of God

WITH AN ONGOING DESIRE TO LEAVE AN IMPACT

VISION&LEGACY

What drew you to your current career/position?

After competing on my college’s moot court team, I fell in love with appellate advocacy and constitutional law. But when I spoke to practicing attorneys, they always cautioned that even though I liked debate, I wouldn’t necessarily enjoy the actual practice of law. I decided I wanted some practical experience before I committed to law school, and so after graduation, I took a job as a paralegal. As it turned out, the day-to-day practice of law was a perfect fit for me. Our office served as the legal counsel for a number of charities, and the opportunity to work closely with such ambitious, inspiring clients was an amazing privilege. After working as a paralegal for three years, I knew that I wouldn’t be happy with any other career path. Last fall, I started classes at George Mason University School of Law.

What impact do you hope to make in the world in context of CDA’s mission?

The classical Christian education I experienced at CDA taught me that the intellectual and spiritual struggles today’s believers face are not unique. But as Isaac Newton observed, “If I

have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” My exploration of great Christian thinkers from Saint Augustine to G.K. Chesterton has both humbled me and encouraged me to find my own role in this intellectual tradition. In a more finite, practical sense, I’ve seen this Christian intergenerational partnership play out in my own professional development. I have incredible respect for the Christian professors and attorneys who have challenged me to think critically about how my faith and my vocation interact; I hope not only to build on this wisdom throughout my career, but to pass it on to the next wave of Christian law students as well.

What are your future goals/aspirations?

At this point, almost every legal career path sounds like fun! I am primarily pursuing opportunities in national security and immigration law, but I’m sure my interests will evolve as I complete my internships. I especially look forward to exploring immigration law this summer during my time at the Department of Justice, where I will be working in the Office of Immigration Litigation.

Anna Accomazzo Miller Patrick Henry College

B.A., Classical Liberal Arts

Internships/Work History:

August 2011-August 2014: Paralegal, Simms Showers LLP

May 2015-August 2015: Legal Intern, Department of Justice

When CDA speaks of “Training ethical servant-leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God,” the faithful desire is to see a legacy of Christian leadership and service to our Lord Jesus Christ in all areas of world influence.

The first and greatest commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” is a summons to educate the whole child so that he or she will grow to maturity in a way that will glorify God.

For over fifteen years, we at Coram Deo Academy have been called to support parents as they teach children “in the presence of God” with a time-

honored tradition called classical education. This historic approach formed some of the world’s greatest hearts and minds from the early Church Fathers to America’s Founding Fathers, providing the bedrock for the church and Western Civilization.

So stewardship of our mission resounds in every area of our planning and purpose. The school’s success is seen best in the students’ lives.

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I’ve known since sophomore year of college that I want to serve in government. Even before I became interested in national security policy, I gained an appreciation for the appropriate role of government in society and the nature of social order – specifically, which ideas and corresponding intuitions yield the most just and stable societies.

My internship in China near the end of undergrad sparked an interest in foreign policy, which ultimately led me to where I am now – working on foreign policy for Senator Cruz and his national security team.


The whole earth belongs to God. Whatever subject we study or profession we execute, we have a calling to live as children of God and live under the authority of the Kingdom of Heaven. I still remember CDA’s founder Rodney Marshall quoting Abraham Kuyper many years ago: “There is not a square inch

in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” The authority of Jesus knows no limits and touches every aspect of life. Thus, whatever we do has eternal significance, and every believer has a responsibility to bring the gospel to bear in his or her work. God rescues and redeems individuals and creation as a whole.


In the next few years, I hope to continue working in foreign policy and seek to specialize in U.S.-China relations, particularly focusing on military strategy and defense spending.

Like most of us who become prey to “Potomac Fever,” I began my venture in D.C. as an intern. During my time as a Bill Archer Fellow I became familiar with the Republican National Committee’s digital initiative and joined the team as a social media analyst and community manager

during the 2014 cycle. I now work with the National Republican Congressional Committee as a Digital Financial Strategist.


Unlike most in Washington D.C., politics is not my lifeblood. I came to the Capitol because it’s the hub of our nation’s leadership and the application and analysis of such in a high-profile environment fascinates me. I went particularly to the GOP because I’m intrigued by the many opportunities for artistic story-telling and brand management.


I’m not sure how one couldn’t affect the world for the better if he or she employs ethical servant leadership and wise thinking. My desire is to employ that framework no matter what the day-to-day looks like.


I’m considering joining the GOP presidential candidate’s campaign in 2016 with eyes on working in the White House. Depending on the outcome of the election, I’ll think more about furthering my education either stateside or abroad in the area of digital media and film. However, my immediate goal is challenging Jimmy Fallon to a lip sync battle (and winning, of course).

Michael SobolikTexas A&MB.S., Political ScienceMaster of International Affairs

Lauren DevollTarrant County College, University of Texas at ArlingtonB.A., Public Relations with emphasis in Leadership Analysis

Internships/Work History:

Senator Ted Cruz: Legislative Correspondent (2014-current)Leadership Institute: Intern (spring 2014)Senator Ted Cruz: Intern (fall 2013)Hudson Institute: contract worker (summer 2013)Center for Security Policy: Intern (summer 2012)Heritage Foundation: Intern (spring 2011)

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Whether we believe it or not, we all have influence. Usually we aren’t even conscious of the influence we exert and sometimes we don’t even want to exert an influence. Whether for good or bad, welcomed or shunned, influence is something everyone exerts upon those around them. I remember watching the senior classes that came before ours. I imagined what it would be like when I was that tall and important, but when I began senior year, I didn’t feel any more important and I definitely was not any taller. I seemed to still have the same problems: things like parking in between the lines, occasionally wearing white shoes, losing jackets every week at school, and most seriously, spilling coffee on everything I own. But I have seen every one of these seniors influence the students below us in some way. And I have also seen the younger grades greatly influence us. When your life in any way

connects with other people at all, you have an impact on the lives of others.

Seniors of 2015, be bold. Ralph Waldo Emerson said that “When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the world, and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers.” Changing the world as it is meant to be changed isn’t merely what is reasonable, expected, probable. It is what is laughable, crazy, ludicrous, hopeless, impractical, preposterous. It is what is unimaginable. Uncomfortable. As children we believe anything is possible. We believe that we can change the word. The secret to success is not to forget it by the time we become adults.

For the rest of Taylor’s speech, go to the following link: CoramDeoAcademy.org

Thanks to Mrs. Powell, Mrs. Blair, and Dr. Heitschmidt, any good CDA student knows that “epic” isn’t just a slang term for something moderately impressive. After being tested on the characteristics and devices of epic poetry no fewer than three times between the 8th and 11th grades, we have a fairly good idea of what truly characterizes an epic. To name a few traits, epics begin with the statement of an overarching theme, contain an epic journey, involve deeds of great valor, and feature the intervention of supernatural forces. The Class of 2015 hasn’t crossed Europe, battled a giant, or personally consulted with Pallas Athena. However, our time at Coram Deo has been an epic of its own. We are immeasurably grateful to our teachers, who guided us through our education. We appreciate not only the information they taught us, but also the more lasting ways in which they have shaped our lives. They set high expectations and provided constant support that allowed us to grow in ways we would have considered impossible. They helped us

in area not limited to the classroom. And they have continually pointed us to the truly supernatural intervention in our lives: the love of God, the death and resurrection of Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit among us. While we will never again take classes from these teachers, we will always remain grateful for their role in our lives.

Epics differ from other forms of literature in many ways, but they share one quality with every work ever written: an end. After thirteen years, our time as students at Coram Deo has reached its conclusion. Now we will scatter across the state and country, to begin exciting new chapters in each of our lives. But wherever we go—to medical schools or engineering labs, classrooms or courtrooms—we will remain anchored by our time at CDA, a challenging, empowering, and truly epic part of our lives.

For the rest of Emma’s speech, go to the following link: CoramDeoAcademy.org

Taylor Niznik valedictorian

Emma Weatherford salutatorian

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Flower Mound

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For those who know me, this will come as no surprise: I love Disney. Disney movies, characters, and music transport all of us back to childhood, a magical time in our lives and an oasis from the stresses of the day. Walter Elias Disney has always been a source of inspiration for me. His attention to detail, his immense leadership capabilities, and his passion for redefining the word “possible” are qualities that I have striven to emulate throughout my life. As I stand before you all today, I hope to share with you the ways in which Walt Disney and his creations can lead us into life beyond graduation. When asked about his secret to success, Disney stated, “I can’t believe there are any heights that can’t be scaled by a man who knows the secret of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C’s. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy and the greatest of these is Confidence. When you believe a thing, believe it all the way, implicitly and

unquestionably.” So, let us delve into the four C’s to discover how we can achieve success in college, in the workforce, and in life.

And so, for my beloved CDA Collin County Class of 2015, these four principles are what I wish for you as you leave here and walk boldly into the future that has been planned for you since the beginning of time. I charge you to be successful not only because I know you can but because I know that you already are through the strong faith I have seen in each of you in these last four years. As you transition to life in college, leave no stone unturned, never surrender to worry, build lifelong friendships, and know that even when you don’t believe in yourself, the almighty Creator of the universe loves you. Remember: “If you can dream it, you can do it,” so let’s make college a dream come true.

For the rest of Rachel’s speech, Disney movie references and biblical allusions, go to the following link: CoramDeoAcademy.org

On behalf of myself, my classmates, and the faculty at Coram Deo Academy, I extend to you the most appreciative of greetings. The role you played in our life was crucial to forming the individuals we are today. At the beginning of this school year, our class was charged with choosing a Bible verse reflecting the character of the class. As the class chaplain, I was delighted to hear that 1 Corinthians 15:58 was chosen. Paul writes, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Pursuing the goals set forth in this scripture, we established a standard of unwavering commitment to God as well as to Coram Deo Academy, knowing that the Lord will see our efforts to glorify Him.

For reasons stated previously, these brothers and sisters in Christ have demonstrated leadership and a heart for the Lord which

deserves more recognition than a stage will allow. I’m honored to have been a part of a class which has taken the charge in 1 Corinthians 15:58 seriously. Pursuing Christ in every activity, our class has proved that a diverse community of individuals can show a steadfast love for God and the school in which they participate. I find it fitting to quote an excerpt from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Letters and Papers from Prison, “In normal life we hardly realize how much more we receive than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude. It is so easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements compared with what we owe to the help of others.” With this in mind, we want to thank our families, classmates, friends, teachers, and mentors for the influence they’ve had on our lives. The achievements and influence of this class would not have been possible without their guidance.

For the rest of Tyler’s speech, go to the following link: CoramDeoAcademy.org

Rachel Meade valedictorian

Tyler Lantz salutatorian

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:58

Collin County

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Training ethical

servant-leadersand

wise thinkerswho will

shape culturefor

the glory of God

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8 Students Accepted Full-Tuition Scholarships,12 Students were offered Presidential Scholarships 2 Division 1 Athletes

University Schedule

Average Classroom Size

Student-led Chapel Services

Class of 48 with 40 from Flower Mound

and 8 Collin County Students

...to train the heart as well as the mind

Nicene Creed

Teacher & Parent Collaboration6And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. – Deut. 6:6-9

A Love for LearningClassical Education progresses through the grammar, logic (dialectic), and rhetoric stages of learning with the ultimate goal being philosophia, a love of wisdom.

Accredited as a District through SACS/CASI; a Member of ACCS and TAPPS, and a Transitioning Member of NAUMS

Collin County,Flower Mound,Dallaswith

3 CAMPUSES

1 SCHOOL MISSION & VISION

Scholarship offerings to 83% of the class (most to date by $2.4 million) – 2015 graduates accepted $2,045,996.

CDA National Merit totals since 2007

3 Hispanic Scholars14 Finalists23 Commended

trained to shape culture for the glory of God

[so far J]

EDUCATION WORKS

$5,899,980

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333GRADUATES

5 AP Courses Required to Graduate

AP Pass Rate

represented by the student body of CDA63% of the Class of 2015 volunteer at their church, and 48% have been

on a mission trip in high school

Of the the 52 juniors and seniors who took AP tests in 2014, CDA had a

91%

Christian, Classical & Collaborative

Our students participate in a variety of athletic programs as well as visual arts, drama, band, choir, speech and debate, and more.

Low student-teacher ratio means opportunities to go deep in every step of the educational process.

2 days at Home • 2 to 3 days on Campus 100% Parent Partnership is a Cornerstone at CDA

Biblically Integrated Curriculum

200+ Area Churches

Faculty, Staff, & CDA Parents entirely composed of professing

Christians adhering to the tenants of the

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PRESENTING

The Class of2015

Wise Thinkers & Ethical Servant-LeadersFrom the amost $6 million in merit scholarships offered, to nearly half of the class serving on mission trips during high school, the Class of 2015 honors the Coram Deo Academy legacy. They have demonstrated gifting and skills which will help them to enter the next stage of life

ready to shape culture for the glory of God.

summa cum laudej Flower MoundO Collin County magna cum laude cum laude

❊❊Adrienne Michelle BarrickAbilene Christian University Journalism

❊❊Kathryn Moriah BishopBlinn College/Texas A&MHuman Resources/Minor in Business & Professional Event Management

❊❊Mitchell Everett BullockTexas A&M UniversityElectrical Engineering

❊✯Logan Gregory CrowPatrick Henry CollegeStrategic Intelligence

❊✯Mahlon Decree DawsonStephen F. Austin State UniversityDentistry or Physical Therapy

❊❊Graham Jeffery DayUniversity of North TexasMusic

❊❊Reagan Bryan DoerstlingJohn Brown UniversityInternational Business

❊❊William Daniel DruryHoward Payne UniversitySecondary Education

❊✯Matthew Lewis EngmanBaylor UniversityMechanical Engineering Laina Elizabeth EwoldtKansas State UniversityDietetics

❊❊Nicholas Grant GloverThe University of Texas, Dallas Emerging Media and Communications

❊✯Thomas James HansenTexas Tech UniversityManagement Information Systems

❊❊Hunter Jackson HarmsBlinn College/Texas A&MConstruction Science

❊❊Sloane Lois HawkinsStephen F. Austin State UniversitySpeech Language Pathology

❊❊Julianne Justine HeathNorth Central Texas College/ Oklahoma State UniversitySports Management/Minor in Nutrition

❊❊Jacob Andrew HendersonBaylor UniversityElectrical & Computer Engineering and Pre-Law

❊❊Brenna Hope HenningsAbilene Christian UniversityPhysical Therapy/Minor in Nutritional Sciences

❊❊Jacob Scott HubbardUniversity of DallasTheology

❊❊Emily Madeleine JonesOklahoma City UniversityDance Performance

❊✯Robert Lyonel Klingensmith

University of North TexasBusiness Management

❊✯Tyler Blake LantzBaylor UniversityEntrepreneurship

❊❊Grace Elizabeth Linebarger

Stephen F. Austin State UniversityInterpersonal Communications

❊❊Jeanette Cecile LiptonTexas A&M UniversityCivil Engineering

❊❊Walker Troy MartinJohn Brown UniversityEngineering

❊✯Rachel Katherine MeadeThe University of Texas, DallasMolecular Biology

❊❊Madeline Grace MeyerDallas Baptist UniversityElementary Education

❊❊Maxwell Forrest MeyerJohn Brown UniversitySocial Studies Education

❊❊Jackson Brent MonroeAbilene Christian UniversityBusiness

❊❊Taylor Gail NiznikUniversity of OklahomaPre-Med

❊❊Cameron David O’HaraUniversity of MarylandForensic Investigation

❊❊Robert Adam OliverTexas Christian UniversityBusiness Information Systems

❊❊Jacob Thomas PalmerThe University of Texas, AustinEnglish

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2015 graduates of Coram Deo Academy have been accepted at schools all across the country

❊✯Michelle Lynn PearsonThe University of AlabamaComputer Science Engineering

❊❊Anna Rosaria PerroneStephen F. Austin State UniversityFood, Nutrition, and Dietetics

❊❊Mia Sruthy PhilipThe University of Texas, DallasCognitive Sciences & Visual Arts/Minor in Communications & Design

❊❊Bryton Walters PraslickaTexas A&M UniversityNuclear Engineering

❊❊Kathryn Susan RectorThe University of Texas, DallasAccounting

❊❊Jonathan Charles ReedTexas A&M UniversityEngineering

❊❊Victoria Shea RichardsonRichland College/UndecidedPediatric Nursing or Speech Pathology

❊❊Ashley Jutt RobertsTexas Tech UniversityAnimal Science/Pre-Vet

❊❊Joe Paul Saldivar IIITexas A&M UniversityMechanical Engineering

❊❊Kathryn Lee ShahanUniversity of DallasUndecided

❊❊Cooper Hayden StevensonAbilene Christian UniversityBiology/Pre-Med

❊❊Ayden Frederick TolemanEast Texas Baptist UniversityNursing

❊❊Madison Jane van Gemeren

Baylor UniversityNursing

❊❊Emma Jane WeatherfordBaylor UniversityUniversity Scholars

❊❊Maxwell Alan WeinzierlThe University of Texas, DallasComputer Science

❊❊David James WilsonTexas A&M UniversityBusiness

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Most of our days and nights pass without formal celebration. We go to work; we go to school; we

go to the doctor’s office; we come home; we sleep; we wake up and do it all again. And these days pile up, and we remember very little about them. But there are other days, like this day, that are great. A commencement is particularly great because it isn’t given freely. You had to earn this day.

Graduates, you wouldn’t be here tonight if you hadn’t accomplished something. So I say first to you, congratulations. To your parents, I say, take a deep breath and exhale. You made it. Your kid made it. I know that brings mixed emotion. You’re proud but in your own way grieving the loss of that little kid who used to hold your hand, the one who squealed when you walked in the door.

Tonight is hard. It’s bittersweet. But look at your child, behold the adult he or she’s become. And be proud. But let’s also be grateful, for we aren’t here solely because of hard work but the grace of God. It is a gift. And so we must thank God with an even deeper fervor.

Life will not turn out exactly how you want it to. Stuff will happen. Obstacles will appear. People you love will get sick. Some of them will die. And you will fail many, many times. Job is the most righteous man in the world and he loses everything. Moses leads his people out of Egypt and toward a Promised Land that he is never allowed to see. The disciples follow Jesus and are led to a cross. Life is unfair. We can’t change this fact. What matters is how we react to this fact.

And how we react has everything to do with whom we believe we are.

So, who are we? I don’t know who you are, but I know something about you. You’re the child of a God who deeply loves you. If you forget everything else I say—and you will—hear that. You are deeply loved by God. That means that whatever comes your way: whatever defeat, whatever illness, whatever trial, your God will never let you face it alone. You’re the child of a good and loving Father.

You have some days ahead of you. What will you do with them? I don’t know. But for tonight, I hope you’re proud and thankful. And tomorrow? Well only you can decide what you’ll be. But as for me, I wish you many, many good days.

To hear the rest of Mr. Waller’s address, follow this link: CoramDeoAcademy.org

Hiram Sasser, the Managing Director of Strategic Litigation for Liberty

Institute over the last 13 years, has been on CNN, ABC, CBS, Fox News and the BBC, along with radio stations all over throughout the United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Despite his accolades and success by societal standards, however, in his Commencement address to Collin County graduates, families and friends in attendance, he made it clear

what he believes to be the foundation of success: a relationship with Christ, a priority of the Scriptures, and the pursuit of God’s honor in whatever vocation one chooses. Hard work and sacrifice are important, and material accomplishment is fine, but apart from the transcendent purpose found in the God of the Bible, they are empty.

To hear the rest of Mr. Sasser’s address, follow this link: CoramDeoAcademy.org

Ryan Waller Commencement Address, Flower Mound

Hiram Sasser Commencement Speaker, Collin County

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The Coram Deo Academy

House System

House of Homer – Flower Moundexemplar: Homer (Ancient Poet)colors: Green (hope, joy, loyalty)

Gold (generosity and elevation of mind) motto: Post nubila phoebus (After the storm, comes the sun.)

House of Lewis – Flower Moundexemplar: C.S. Lewis (Early Modern-Modern Theologian/Author)colors: Maroon (patience in battle)

Silver (peace and sincerity) motto: Ad majorem Dei gloriam (To the greater glory of God)

House of Wallace – Flower Moundexemplar: William Wallace (Medieval Military Leader)colors: Purple (sovereignty and justice)

Gold (generosity and elevation of mind) motto: Ignis aurem probat, miseria fortes viros

(Fire tests gold, adversity tests strong men.)

House of Wright – Flower Moundexemplar: The Wright Brothers (United States Scientists)colors: Black (constancy)

Gold (generosity and elevation of mind) motto: Audentia fortuna juvat (Fortune assists the daring.)

House of Churchill – Est. 2012, Collin CountyWinston Churchill epitomized true leadership by his wisdom and foresight in understanding the purposes of his enemy and by refusing to compromise in the face of adversity. We seek to model this wisdom and steadfastness in our walks with Christ, our lives both in and out of school, and our interaction within the house system and the community.

House of Luther – Est. 2012, Collin CountyMartin Luther as a religious reformer exemplified courage in holding to his beliefs as well as passion and determination to carry out his work. These characteristics of courage, passion and determination are what we want to characterize what we do on campus and in the community.

In March 2007, the House System was introduced to Coram Deo Academy’s High School. The Four Pillars of the House are Leadership, Self-Government, Honor and Spirit, and Community Service.

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Collin County9645 Independence PkwyPlano, TX 75025Phone 469.854.1300

Dallas6464 E. Lovers LaneDallas, TX 75214Phone 972.385.6410

Flower Mound4900 Wichita TrailFlower Mound, TX 75022Phone 682.237.0232

www.CoramDeoAcademy.org

Classical Education in the Presence of God

Coram Deo Academy Campuses

CONTACT US TO SEND A GIFT:[email protected]

In the ongoing pursuit of fulling the mission of Coram Deo Academy, we began a Capital Campaign to develop new facilities for the Flower Mound campus. The results will accommodate our growth and provide enduring resources for the beneficiaries of the school’s highest stewardship – our students.

Total Project Costs: $5,200,000Funds Raised So Far: $850,000Additional Needed To Secure Financing: $750,000270 Days of construction, breaking ground in the Fall of 2015 for completion in 2016.Building: 22,200 ft2 with future expansion capability to 28,400 ft2

- 7 New Classrooms- Gym for Athletics- Stage for Performing Arts and Assemblies- Cafeteria Space

Establishing a Legacy in Flower Mound

Will you support the vision?

the forum 2015

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