CCA Gives Praise
CCA students and staff are happy to spend a Friday singing and listening to the word of God.
10-January-2017—North Fort Myers, Fla.— It’s a Friday morning at Classical Christian Academy. While most students in Southwest Florida are studying math or history at this time, the students of CCA are singing and praising God.
Once a month, CCA holds a chapel service for both Upper and Lower schools. “First, we have the character awards,” Lower School Administrator Joan Campbell explains. “Each teacher chooses a student to give a specific character award to and presents it to the student at chapel.”
After the character awards, Mr. Gerald Peterson introduces a new character trait of the month. Mr. Peterson is founder of Applied Character Training and has led CCA chapel programs since the school opened.
“I have so many wonderful memories from these character chapels!” exclaims Mr. Peterson. “CCA volunteers are always so much fun! Recently, I was so proud of a young man who assisted in our Obedience chapel. He willingly allowed me to drench him in water, crack an egg on his head, and then cover his head with shaving cream! All this to illustrate how obedience, like an umbrella, is designed by God to protect us. I also love to hear the character recognitions that are awarded each month. CCA teachers do such an awesome job in presenting these awards. That is memorable!”
The teachers also incorporate the “character trait of the month” into their lesson plans, and a sheet is sent home to the parents so they can discuss the character trait with their child and have their child memorize Bible verses that go along with the trait.
Mr. Peterson said he comes up with topics to talk about from his experiences as a former elementary school teacher and coach. “Children are a lot of fun!” he says.
Through his years as an educator, Mr. Peterson became very interested in personal character.
“I realized that many students did not have the necessary character to achieve academic success,” he recalls. “I wanted to help provide the character tools that are a foundation for a happy, productive life; therefore, all of my chapel presentations focus on building strong Christian character with Jesus as our role model.”
Pastor Jared Longshore leads Upper School chapel services. He is an associate pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral and just began speaking at CCA this school year.
“The word of God is my ultimate guide when considering topics,” he states. “I focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the heart of the Bible.”
Mr. Longshore says it is a blessing and privilege to teach God’s Word to young people.
Music is also an important part of chapel services. Mr. Heard directs the CCA Praise Band for Upper School. He and four CCA students perform a special selection of songs each chapel service, engaging students through music. Student vocalists lead the worship as other students play guitar and bass guitar.
“It’s fun to sing and use my talent for good and honoring God,” says Praise Band member, Brittany T.
There are approximately 47 different churches represented by CCA families. Chapel services are nondenominational, just like the school itself. Although students and staff have come from many different faith traditions, they are all brought together by Christ’s love.
Story written by CCA student journalist Laura V.
Our students use their talents to honor the Lord!
About Classical Christian Academy:
Classical Christian Academy is the premier hybrid school in Southwest Florida. CCA offers families an academically rigorous and Christ-centered K-12 education option that blends the best aspects of private and homeschooling. Classical Christian Academy is a registered 501c(3) organization. For more information, visit www.discovercca.org and like CCA on www.facebook.com/DiscoverCCA.
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