Grace Academy

Grace Academy raised $31,100 at its recent auction and dinner. The school would like to thank the following sponsors: Gold sponsors: Jack and Judy Appleby, JLJ General Maintenance, AE Sweeney Masonry Inc. and CSI Cooling Services Inc. Silver sponsor: Capitol Drywall Inc. Bronze sponsors: Lifetime Insurance and Financial Essentials Inc., High Rock Studios, BCT Bank of Charles Town, Concrete Central LLC, Hagerstown-Washington County...

LANHAM, Md. - Grace Academy's volleyball team won the Maryland Christian State Tournament at Washington Bible College last Saturday. The Knights (18-5) defeated Mason Dixon Christian Conference rival Calvary Christian 25-15, 25-20, 25-10 in the championship. Earlier, Grace defeated Washington Christian 25-14, 27-25, Greater Grace Christian 25-22, 25-13 and Antioch Christian, 25-12, 25-19. Rebecca Morgan was selected Tournament MVP for her efforts, as she finished with 33 kills, 26 assists and 16 digs.

Coming off an 18-5 season in which Grace Academy finished second to Broadfording in the Mason Dixon Christian Conference Tournament and won the Maryland Christian Schools title - all without a single senior - Knights coach Diana Serafini had high hopes for 2006. Her hopes have been answered. Grace (12-0, 11-0 through Wednesday) is one of two undefeated Tri-State teams, along with No. 1 Musselman. "We're having a great year, having lots of fun," Serafini said. "We had no seniors last year, and we worked very hard in the offseason.

Grace Academy students in grades three to five are using the Hands-On Equations method this year to make learning algebraic concepts easier.  The instructional system uses game pieces consisting of pawns and numbered cubes, as well as a one-dimensional picture of a balance.  The use of this hands-on model helps students visualize the equations, and improves understanding and retention. The staff is also able to utilize its Smartboard technology when instructing with this method.  As part of its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

The Grace Academy Mission team began serving in the community earlier than usual this year. On Sept. 15, a group of students volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. The students learned how to run electrical wiring and ran cable and phone lines with the help of the Habitat supervisors. They also did odd jobs such as caulking. They said they had a great time learning new skills and knowing they were helping a nice family.

On May 8, Grace Academy sent eight students to participate in the Washington County "24" Math Challenge at Hagerstown Community College's Athletic, Recreation and Community Center. Paul (P.J.) Patalinghug made it to the final 16 in the competition. Also participating were Colton Shingler, Joseph Frey, Evan Rosenthal, Jeb Shingler, Natalie Kauffman, Marissa Frederickson and Colton Helman.

P. Duff Rearick has been selected to serve as the new headmaster of Grace Academy for the 2008-09 school year, and Jack Appleby will serve as principal in grades K4 through 12. The appointments were effective Jan. 28. Rearick was superintendent of the Greencastle-Antrim School District from 1995 until March 2007. Appleby previously was director of secondary education and a high school principal for the Greencastle-Antrim School District. He retired from there in June 2007.

FAITH (2-0) J. Way 2 7-11 11, Walls 3 0-0 7, Cave 4 0-0 8, Apple 2 3-5 7, Dunham 4 0-0 8, Michael 2 1-1 5, Stevens 2 2-2 6. Totals 19 13-20 52. GRACE ACADEMY (0-1) Horochowski 1 2-6 4, Shine 3 0-0 6, Reese 1 2-3 4, Koontz 7 4-6 18, Hechman 2 4-8 8. Totals 14 12-23 40. Faith 14 8 8 22 - 52 Grace 6 11 10 13 - 40 3-point goals: Faith 1 (Walls).

The Grace Academy Missions Team has been established to reach out to the community and help those in need. If you are a nonprofit organization and could use help from the Missions Team, call the Grace Academy office at 301-733-2033. In January, the Missions Team passed out baby bottles to students in grades K4 through six to fill up with coins, cash or checks to support the Hagerstown Pregnancy Center. Students in grades seven through 12 filled up large baby bottles in their classrooms.

Grace Academy sent out teams of students to help at various sites in Washington County. School officials say the 54 members of the missions team attempt to reflect Jesus Christ through their actions of service to the local community. This year's officers include Steven Wolfe, president; Katie Mitchell and Hanna Eby, co-vice presidents; Cole Helman, secretary; Brianna Kimpel, treasurer; Kristian Carroll, advertising coordinator; Diana Robison and Marissa Frederickson, communications co-coordinators; and Christopher Fuss, Easter outreach coordinator.