News
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

The Association of Texas Small School Bands recently announced the selection of the 2016 ATSSB All-State Band.  More than 9,000 high school band students from across Texas auditioned in twenty different regions for a place in their respective all-region bands.  The top chairs in each region advanced to one of the five area auditions held this past weekend across the state.  Only 290 of these 2,020 students were selected for all-state honors.

McKinney Christian Academy Junior Sara Harris was selected as a member of this band.  Harris is a private student of Sherry Miller and plays clarinet in the MCA band under the direction of Ken Snow, Band Director.  Mr. Snow is a member of the Association of Texas Small School Bands, a 1,000-member group of band directors in class 1A, 2A and 3A high schools in Texas.  This is Sara's first time to perform as a member of the ATSSB All-State Band.  She has made the Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) All-State Band three years in a row.  Sara is an active member at Our Savior Lutheran Church and enjoys playing golf and soccer.  Sara is a member of the National Honor Society at McKinney Christian Academy.  She is the daughter of McKinney resident Salina Harris.

The ATSSB All-State Bands will meet in rehearsals in San Antonio, Texas, February 10-13 and will present a concert beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2016 in the Lila Cockrell Theatre of the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in downtown San Antonio.    Stephen Pratt, Indiana University, will be the clinician-conductor of the All-State Symphonic Band.  The Symphonic Band will premier Resolution by Kenneth L. GrifÀn, commissioned by ATSSB to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the founding of ATSSB.  Phillip Clements, Texas A&M University-Commerce, will be the clinician-conductor of the All-State Concert Band.  The Concert Band will premiere Where Morning Dawns, Where Evening Fades by Eric Rath, the winning entry in the 2016 ATSSB Composition Competition.  Dean Sorenson, University of Minnesota, will be clinician-conductor of the All-State Jazz Ensemble which will perform at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2016 in the Stars at Night Ballroom East of the Convention Center.

McKinney Christian Academy is a Christian covenant-based, independent, college preparatory Pre-K through 12th grade school.  MCA exists to honor Jesus Christ by teaching students to live biblically through education of mind, body and spirit.  For admission information, or to take a tour of the campus contact Melodie Bajema, Admissions Director at 214-544-2658  ext. 4325 or Melodie.Bajema@mckinneychristian.org.

Gravatar


McKinney Christian Academy Class of 2016 Exceeds $1.5 Million in Academic Scholarship Offers

 
The 42 seniors in the McKinney Christian Academy class of 2016 are reaping the rewards of their years of diligent studies.  They have received acceptance letters to 66 four-year colleges or universities and have been offered over $1.5 million in academic scholarships to date.  We know that many more acceptances and scholarship offers will be awarded in the coming months.  MCA is grateful to the colleges for this acknowledgement of the hard work and talent of our students.

In 2015 over $4.8 million dollars were offered to the graduating class, with 100% acceptance to colleges or universities.

McKinney Christian Academy is a college preparatory, interdenominational Pre-K through 12th grade Christian school.  MCA exists to honor Jesus Christ by teaching students to live biblically through education of mind, body and spirit.  To schedule a tour of the campus or to get more information on the school contact Melodie Bajema, Admission Director at 214-544-2658 ext. 4325 or Melodie.Bajema@mckinneychristian.org

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

 

McKinney Christian Academy Varsity Cross Country Boy’s and Girl’s teams, led by Coach Sharon Boese and Coach Chris Jamison, earned TAPPS 3A State Champion titles Saturday, October 31 in Waco, Texas. Runners from all over Texas ran in excessively muddy conditions to complete the 2-mile course for girls and 5K course for boys.

The Lady Mustangs edged out The Woodlands Christian Academy from Houston for the state title. MCA’s Madi Hydock, Juliana Roller, and Kate Witte all received top 10 statewide honors.

The Boy’s team sailed past their competition. MCA’s Riley Pyle earned 3rd place honors in 3A state.

These state titles are landmarks for McKinney Christian Academy. The last state title for MCA, while still a 2A school, was in 2006 by the girl’s golf team. The newly earned boy’s state title is a first for boys in MCA history.  

Both coaches are very positive about the future of the MCA cross country teams. “We have a very young and very talented team,” explained Coach Boese. “There are a total of 7 freshmen on the boy’s and girl’s teams. Three of those freshmen were on the podium as top 10 runners!”

Coach Jamison agrees, “Both teams are young, dependent on each other, hardworking, and we are not going to settle for just one state championship!”

McKinney Christian Academy exists to honor Jesus Christ by teaching students to live biblically through education of mind, body and spirit.  If you would like to take a tour of the MCA campus contact Melodie Bajema, Admissions Director to schedule a tour.  Email:  Melodie.Bajema@mckinneychristian.org  or 214-544-2658  Ext. 4325.  

 

    
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Each year, the McKinney Christian Academy Middle School staff and students participate in several community service days.  This year the Middle School has partnered with VFW Lone Star Post 2150 to send donations to soldiers serving overseas.  This provides a great opportunity for the students to put others first and recognize the sacrifices soldiers make daily for our country.   On October 16th, the Middle School 6th grade students spent the day of Community Service organizing donations, making 100 Christmas goody bags for soldiers, 20 goody bags for service dogs, and Christmas cards for the soldiers. Community Service is an important part of the education at MCA because it brings to life the idea of loving our neighbor in a very real and practical way.  

There were seven other projects the Middle School students were involved with on October 16th.  They included setting up for Pumpkinville at Tucker Hill, separating supplies and stocking shelves at Mission Regan, working on the grounds moving sand and putting down mulch at Chestnut Square, cleaning, landscaping, and painting at Grisham Farms, and reading with students and tutoring at Press Elementary, Burks Elementary, and Lawson Preschool.  The students also stocked a food closet at Burks Elementary.

McKinney Christian Academy exists to honor Jesus Christ by teaching students to live biblically through education of mind, body and spirit.  MCA is a PreK through 12th grade college preparatory school.  For more information, or to schedule a tour of the campus contact Melodie Bajema, Admission Director, at 214-544-2658 ext. 4325 or Melodie.Bajema@mckinneychristian.org.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

McKinney Christian Academy Senior Economics class welcomed Mr. Lance Lindsay, Independent Bank's Senior Vice President in Financial Planning and 5 time winner of McKinney's Best Financial Planner, as a special guest speaker on September 17th. He came to speak about the current state of the Stock Market but to also provide investment advice for Seniors about to enter a national Stock Market simulation.  
  
Jaime Orozco, Senior Economics teacher, shared that after his visit, Mr. Lindsay inspired a wave of research that had many of the teams bringing in research, huddling together and plotting out a strategy in hushed whispers. The Stock Market simulation started on the initial day of investing only to have the market drop quite a bit. Every team lost money. Then the market turned in many of the stocks and mutual funds in which students had invested, and MCA currently holds rank 3, 8, 9, 11 and 15 on the leader board.  Most class days begin with students looking at their leader board.  The goal is that by the simulation's end in December MCA will maintain their hold in the top 5.  The students have one more opportunity to compete in an essay contest in which they argue the best strategy for long-term investment planning. The Stock Market Game (SMG) has been a welcome addition to the McKinney Christian Academy Economics program.

Mr. Lindsay's biography
Lance Lindsay was appointed to the McKinney Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors in 2012. He is a Certified Financial Planner for Independent Bank / LPL Financial. 

Lance has served on many boards and commissions including the McKinney Community Development Corporation, McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission, the McKinney Chamber of Commerce and others. 

Lance has been married to his wife Alysia since 1996. He has one daughter, Jessica, who is 15 years old and attends McKinney Boyd High School and one son, Jacob, who is 12 years old and attends Dowell Middle School.

McKinney Christian Academy exists to honor Jesus Christ by teaching students to live biblically through education of mind, body and spirit.

For more information about MCA contact Melodie Bajema, Admissions Director, at 214-544-2658 Ext. 4325 or Melodie.Bajema@mckinneychristian.org

 

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

McKinney Ladies Association Holds First Meeting of the Year

The McKinney Ladies Association met on Monday, September 14th at Eclair Bistro - 216 E. Virginia.  The evening was full of good fellowship and great food.  Executive chef Aaron Thomas prepared a lovely assortment of appetizers for the women at the meeting.  He shared that the restaurant prepares everything completely from scratch.  They have been on the square for six months.

The women brought diapers, wipes, or donated cash to support the month's outreach - Baby Booties Diaper Bank.  The non-profit organization gives diapers and wipes to needy families at various distribution times monthly.  The needs continue to grow, as more and more agencies are making referrals to them.  More information on the diaper bank can be found on their website:  www.babybootiesdiaperbank.org.

Cynthia Nelson, President of McKinney Ladies Association, stated "MLA is a really nice way for women to meet new people and we always have a different, great non-profit that we support.  Our meetings are held in fun places throughout McKinney.  Any woman can come to a meeting to see what we are about.  The yearly dues are only $50."

McKinney Ladies Association holds two yearly yard sales.  October 3rd is the next scheduled yard sale, held at Stonebridge United Methodist Church.  Vendor spots are still available.  The form can be downloaded here:  MLA Yard Sale.  The $1 admission to the yard sale goes towards scholarships for children of McKinney's first responders.   Last year MLA was able to fund 3 scholarships.  

For more information on joining McKinney Ladies Association visit the website:  McKinney Ladies Association

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

 

McKinney Ladies Association's Fall 2015 Yard Sale fundraiser is set for October 3. The public is invited to enjoy huge bargains for a great cause at this community-wide event.

The sale is set from 7 a.m. to noon rain or shine October 3 in the parking lot of Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S. Stonebridge Drive in McKinney.All proceeds benefit college scholarships for the children of McKinney’s first responders.

Shoppers: Adults are asked to donate $1 to shop while children accompanied by an adult can shop for free.

Vendors: Register with MLA to sell your items during the sale. Each vendor space is the width of one parking space. Spaces will be limited to the first 126 registered (no concession sales). The cost is $45 per space. Contact Connie Hollstein-Drexel at cjhollstein@aol.com.  Click Here to download the Vendor Form.

MLA’s semiannual community-wide yard sales always draw hundreds of shoppers. Items for sale on October 3rd are anticipated to include children’s and adults’ clothing, jeans, toys, furniture, household items, strollers, bikes, yard equipment, and much more.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Seventeen members of the MCA family spent the third week of June serving as volunteers for S.E.E.K. Camp at Lake Bridgeport, Texas.

S.E.E.K. stands for Summer Events for Exceptional Kampers.  The camp provides a five day overnight summer camp experience for special needs young adults.

McKinney Christian Academy students Parker Barrett, Megan Chinners, Morgan Chinners, Sarah Chinners, Marco Cueva, Braxton Fillebrown, Luke Harrell, Madi Johnson, Jon Nyberg, Charlie Stubbs, Sydney Tubiolo, and Lexie Vance served as counselors working one on one with campers with autism, down's syndrome, and cerebral palsy.  As counselors their responsibilities began at 7:30 each morning when they helped their camper get out of bed and dressed and then took them to breakfast.  The counselors then went with their camper to morning worship followed by a busy morning of crafts, music and recreation workshops.  After lunch campers and counselors enjoyed sports and swim time.  Supper was followed by different nightly special events and evening worship.  After assisting with getting their camper into bed the counselors enjoyed some time of fellowship and free time together while the lead counselors stayed with the campers.

MCA parents and staff members Bill Chinners, LeeAnn Fillebrown, Corey Johnson, and Michael Tucker served as lead counselors and Tricia Chinners served as camp nurse.

Michael Tucker, MCA Geometry teacher stated "MCA will make this an annual volunteering opportunity.  The week was a great experience for all involved.  The students stepped up to make the whole camp experience enjoyable and a great success."

McKinney Christian Academy exists to honor Jesus Christ by teaching students to live biblically through education of mind, body and spirit.  If you would like to take a tour of the MCA campus or receive more information about the school, Melodie Bajema, Director of Admissions, can be reached at 214-544-2658 ext. 4325 or Melodie.bajema@mckinneychristian.org.

McKinney Christian Academy  -  3601 Bois D'Arc Road, McKinney, Texas  75071  -  214-544-2658  -  www.mckinneycristian.org

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Michael Collum and Commander Bass

CONTACT:       Dr. Daren Brabham, senior communications manager

                        TXLegionBState@gmail.com

                        (801) 633-4796 mobile

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 30, 2015

 

Local Student Graduates from American Legion Boys State, Department of Texas

 

One of 1,004 future leaders that assembled for the prestigious program

Spent week at University of Texas learning about government

 

AUSTIN, Tex. – The American Legion, Department of Texas today announced that Michael Collum of McKinney Christian Academy has graduated from American Legion Boys State, Department of Texas, better known simply as Texas Boys State.

 

Begun in 1935, Boys State is a unique program that educates future leaders about government, civics, and patriotism in a “learn by doing” environment. Each delegate has just finished his junior year of high school and was hand-picked by teachers, counselors, and local American Legion posts throughout Texas to attend this one week seminar.

 

During the week, the delegates were evenly split into fictional parties of the Nationalist and Federalists and divided into 12 cities. Each party drafted party platforms, elected party officials, nominated candidates via primary elections, and contested a general election against the rival party and its candidates. The delegates ran for many kinds of offices including state, district, county, and city offices. The highlight of the week for those elected to the Texas Boys State House of Representative and Senate was when they were seated in the chambers of the Texas Capitol and allowed to craft, debate, and vote on mock legislation.

 

Michael Collum served on his city’s platform committee, and was elected as County Surveyor.    Important issues they listed on their policy platform included transportation reform, veteran benefits reform, water conservation, and education reform including better teacher pay and STAR testing reform.

 

This year the delegates heard from more than 50 distinguished speakers, ranging from State Representatives Doc Anderson, Larry Gonzales, Phil Stephenson, Paul Workman, Ron Simmons, David Simpson, Dennis Paul, and Bill Zedler, Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeff Brown, Democratic Party strategist and TV commentator Harold Cook, Republican Party strategist Ted Delisi, Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Kevin Yeary, and many more.

 

Students came from all over Texas.  Two representatives from Boys State will go on to represent Texas at the Boys State Nation July 17-24.

 

For more information on Boys State, visit www.TexasBoysState.com.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

McKinney Christian Academy graduated 47 seniors on Friday, May 22nd.  The commencement ceremony and reception following was held in the MCA Student Life Center.

Nathaniel Ferguson, Valedictorian of the class of 2015, plans to attend Southern Methodist University in the fall and major in Business.  Salutatorian, Madison Johnson, will attend Baylor University and major in Film/Media.  In addition to recognition of and speeches given by the valedictorian and salutatorian, the Mustang Community Service Award given to students who served in the community between 150-199 hours was presented to Chanel Bristol, Megan Chinners, Morgan Chinners, Brandon Ho, McKenna Hubert, Louise Perry and Joshua Wright.  The Samaritan Community Service Award, representing service of 200 or more hours, was presented to William Kuehne. 

The following students were also recognized for achieving the Honors Diploma: Nathaniel Ferguson, Madison Johnson, Andrew Boese, Brickman Clow, Julie James, Mary Lee Knowles, Christian Long, Jessica Mains, Richard Osburn, Louise Perry, Aaron Teran, and Kayce Zanetell. 

Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of the Liberty Institute, addressed the seniors, parents, grandparents and guests.  Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the country dealing exclusively with defending religious freedom in the United States. The theme of his message was “Live out of your gifts, have courage and you will change the world”. 

 The MCA graduating class of 2015 was offered a merit scholarship total of $3,782,000 and athletic scholarships, including verbal athletic offers for NCAA Division I programs, totaling over $1,000,000.  The seniors collectively accepted over $1,600,000 in academic and athletic scholarships.

McKinney Christian Academy exists to honor Jesus Christ by teaching students to live biblically through mind, body and spirit.  Our graduating seniors are prepared to tackle their next adventure.  Everyone at MCA is very proud of their accomplishments, and we are looking forward to see what their bright future holds.