In Tribute to a Life Well Lived
In Jesus's efforts to explain the Kingdom of God to his disciples, he taught them in parables. One of the most well-known to us is the parable of the talents. Some Bibles use measures of money instead of talents. In this story, a wealthy man assigned his servants different responsibilities and gave them different resources and abilities to conduct his business while he was away. When he returned from his travels he had each of his servants give an account of what they have done with their abilities and resources. Two of the servants were successful and increased their talents while one servant failed. While the latter was cast out, the first two, though receiving and gaining different amounts, were commended by these words, “well done good and faithful servants, you have been faithful…” (Matt. 25:21).
When I came to Whitesburg Baptist Church almost thirty years ago, I became acquainted with Roy Lanier and his wife Christine. They both were faithful members and served their church in many ways. I learned that Roy worked at NASA in the space program. He later retired and I learned he was teaching math at Westminster Christian Academy. When I came to The Academy 13 years ago, I was surprised to see Mr. Lanier at our teacher in-service training. I learned that as The Academy had added the high school grades, Mr. Lanier came here to teach the higher math classes.
After I became the headmaster, I learned that Mr. Lanier taught only two classes of math, yet I would see him in his classroom every day tutoring students who needed extra help. I assumed we had a lot of weak math students because there were always students in his room. Over time I learned they simply loved Mr. Lanier. He was a true servant who felt called to help people. He knew math and he loved students. After all, he helped send men to the moon and was involved in other space programs.
Mr. Lanier was well known to always have a saying that he felt described any situation or person he encountered. One of our early graduates would write them down and attempt to collect all of his sayings. Among them were quotes such as, “You can’t kinda get it, you got to get it get it”. On using calculators for math tests, “I’m gonna take the batteries out and let you use it”. On the value of working hard, “You know what it takes to get it done? Grittin your teeth and doing it”, and “If I was giving a grade for effort you would get a 42”. On being prepared for class, “don’t come in that door without your brain working”.
During his senior year, Paul Richardson compiled over 300 similar sayings and presented them in a small booklet to Mr. Lanier. He included these words:
“Dear Mr. Lanier, I think I speak on behalf of all your students this year when I say thank you so much for being a great teacher. It definitely was never easy and it definitely made me pull out my hair sometimes. But what it also did was challenge me to work hard, do new things, and learn concepts firmly rather than for the next test. You have been a great man of God that we as students can look up to and model our lives after. This year has definitely been one I will never forget.”
Mr. Lanier entered Heaven on Good Friday last week, and celebrated Easter yesterday with Jesus. If ever there was a man to whom Jesus would say, “well done good and faithful servant” it was Roy Lanier.
Jerry Reeder
|
|
|
The 7th grade donated over $750 to The Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen last week. The students earned this money in the 2019 Joy to the World Sale during their 6th grade year. Several students came together over spring break to serve breakfast and lunch as well as work at the soup kitchen. In their words, “What an honor to serve as Jesus did.”
|
|
|
700 Students!
The Academy just enrolled our 700th student for the 2021-22 school year. We started with 4 students in 1999, finished last year with 570 and continue to see record growth each year. We thank God for our new students, our 98% reenrollment with current families and His amazing faithfulness!
|
|
|
|
|
 Mark Your Calendar
- April 16 – Half Day for Upper School
- April 19-23 – SAT-10 Testing for 3rd-7th Grade
- April 20 – PSAT for 8th, 9th, 10th Grade
- April 23 – Middle School Retreat
- April 30 – Grammar Field Day
- May 7 – Upper School Field Day
- May 12 – Senior Exams
- May 13 – Warrior Walk
- May 16 – Graduation
- May 17 – Kindergarten Graduation
- May 19 – 6th Grade Graduation
- May 18-20 – Upper School Exams
- May 20 – Upper School Awards Day
|
|
|
Upper School Late Start Wednesday This Week
- Student Government – Mrs. Olinger and Mr. Hutcheson Rm 210
- Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy – Mr. Fuller - Rm 211
- Chess Club – Mr. Douglas - Library
- Spanish Club – Mrs. Moore - Rm 104
- Robotics Club – Mr. Cook - Rm 209
- Study Hall – Coach Harper - Mod. C
|
|
|
|
Order by 12pm on Friday!
|
|
|
|
|
Tuition Assistance
Families applying for financial aid will need to complete an application ($35 fee) and submit the necessary supporting documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment by April 15. Visit this link for more information and to apply.
|
|
|
Usborne Books & More Virtual Fair Extended
The virtual book fair has been extended through April 9. Please go to this website for access to the catalog and to shop. Enjoy!
|
|
|
The SGA invites you to Movie Night – May 7
|
|
|
Emma Eastin Cape is the daughter of Chris and Vicki Cape. She has attended Whitesburg Christian Academy for seven years. Emma has run track for four years; she is a 3x state champion and holds the state record in 2A pole vault and 1A high jump. She has also been a member of the NHS. Emma has received the Gamecock Success Scholarship and an Athletic Scholarship at Jacksonville State University where she plans to continue her track career and major in Pre-Veterinary.
|
|
|
|
Leanne Marie Denman is the daughter of Tim and Karen Denman. She has attended Whitesburg Christian Academy since the first grade. Leanne is very active in Alabama Youth Ballet (AYB) and Whitesburg Baptist Church (WBC). She is an Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre Senior and Liturgical Company Dance member, teaches ballet for WBC, is a WBC choir and ensemble member, takes weekly voice lessons, and she is heavily involved in WBC’s youth ministry. Also, Leanne has received many honors and scholarships. She is a recipient of the Mary Ann Peterson Scholarship, the Brenau University Summer Dance Scholarship, and both the Belhaven Academic Achievement and Dance Scholarship. Finally, she is a devoted member of the National Honor Society. In her free time, she loves hanging out with family and friends. In the fall, Leanne plans to attend Belhaven University and double major in Elementary Education and Dance.
|
|
|
|
David Vance Martin is the son of Scott and Jennifer Martin. He has attended Whitesburg Christian Academy for nine years. During high school, David participated in many sports including varsity golf and varsity basketball, where he served as captain his senior year. David helped lead the Warriors to their two most-winning seasons in basketball history. In addition, David was voted All-Area basketball player for the 2020-2021 season. David also spends his time volunteering in Christian service. He works closely with Northeast Alabama Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) leading sports huddles. He was also an Outback Ministries leader for three years and a Middle School Retreat leader. In his free time, David enjoys spending time with family and friends. After graduation, David plans to attend Charleston Southern University and major in Business.
|
|
|
|
Seth Edward Lee Stewart is the son of Christopher and Julie Stewart. He has attended Whitesburg Christian Academy for twelve years. During his time at The Academy, he has been a member of the National Honor Society, serving as Treasurer his senior year, is a graduate of Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, and Student Leadership University. Seth enjoys hunting, fishing, and competitive sports. He has participated in soccer, football, and both indoor and outdoor track; one of his most memorable accomplishments was being a member of the 2A Track State Champion 4x400 relay team his sophomore year. In addition, Seth has been awarded several scholarships from Mississippi State University, including the Freshman Academic Scholarship, Colvard Future Leader Scholarship, and the Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship. In the fall, Seth will attend Mississippi State University.
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to Emily Driskill (9th), Charlie Pope (7th), Lindsey Ridley (6th) and Langston King (4th) for having their artwork selected to be displayed in the Youth Art Month exhibit in the Huntsville Museum of Art now through May 2. And congratulations to our art teachers Audrey Geron (grammar school) and Melanie Waye (upper school) for having their work selected as well. We are proud of these artists and The Academy’s excellent Fine Arts program.
|
|
|
Virtual Art Show Coming Soon – April 14-28
Framed Art: $25. Look for more information next week!
|
|
This Week
- 4/5 – Varsity Baseball vs Tanner 4:00
- 4/5 – JVG Tennis vs Athens Bible School 4:00
- 4/5 – MS Baseball @ Danville (DH) 4:30/6:30
- 4/5 – VG/VB Soccer @ Elkmont 5:00/7:00
- 4/6 – VG/VB Tennis @ Grissom 3:30
- 4/6 – B/G Golf- Fairview Invitational
- 4/6 – Varsity Baseball @ Tanner (DH) 5:00/7:00
- 4/6 – VB Soccer @ Tanner 5:00
- 4/7 – VG Tennis vs. St. Bernard
- 4/8 – VG/VB Tennis vs Madison Academy 4:00
- 4/8 – JVG Tennis vs Randolph 4:00
- 4/8 – VG/VB Soccer vs Clements 5:00/7:00
- 4/9 – Varsity Baseball vs Holly Pond 3:30
- 4/9 – Varsity Baseball @ Mae Jemison 7:00
- 4/9 – JV Soccer Tournament @ Madison Academy 4:00
- 4/9 – VG Soccer @ New Hope 5:00
- 4/9 – MS Baseball vs Holly Pond 5:30
- 4/10 – JV Soccer Tournament @ Madison Academy 12:00
|
|
 Parents of rising 7th - 12th graders who are interested in playing baseball next school year, please e-mail Coach Wessinger at david.f.wessinger@knology.net.
|
|
|
For more detailed sports information, look for the Warrior GameDay the third Thursday of every month.
|
|
|
|
Please turn on your sound and enjoy this Easter video from The Academy.
|
|
|
In a time of physical distance, stay socially connected!
|
|
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Warrior Window email.
|
|
|
|
|
