MEET THE COACH | Volleyball Coach Briana Collins

Coach Briana Collins is anticipating a special and memorable volleyball season. Not only is the record-holding, 13-year graduate returning to Sherwood Christian Academy’s campus this year as head coach, but she is coaching her younger sister Ivy Grace in her last season as a senior at SCA. Briana Collins is Varsity/JV Head Volleyball Coach at SCA, where she graduated in 2015. Her credentials include being recruited from SCA to become a collegiate athlete as a defensive specialist, where was named NAIA Scholar Athlete all three seasons. Coach Collins has coached club-level volleyball and led her team to nationals.

ROLE AT SCA:
Varsity/JV Head Volleyball Community Coach

EDUCATION:
2015 SCA alumna; B.S. in Psychology from The University of Mobile in 3 years; M.S. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Valdosta State University

EXPERIENCE:
SCA – 6 years of volleyball at SCA. I started as a setter and was moved quickly to the back row as the Libero.
College – Recruited to play volleyball in college at The University of Mobile as a defensive specialist.
Career – Coached club volleyball at C-229 for 4 regular seasons and took 1 team to nationals. Coached the SCA JV team last year. Also coached my intramural team for two seasons during grad school.

AWARDS/HONORS:
SCA – Scholar Athlete and named MVP, Best Defense, All-Region, All-State, and All-Star. I hold the record at SCA for career digs: 476.
University of Mobile – NAIA Scholar Athlete all three seasons

FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN SWGA:
Chick-Fil-A

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS VOLLEYBALL SEASON?
Having the opportunity to mentor and connect with the athletes that share the same passion of volleyball as me. The volleyball program at SCA significantly impacted my life as a student, athlete, follower of Jesus, and now as a coach.

FAVORITE HOBBIES:
Spoiling my niece, reading, diamond painting, and doing anything that requires a competition.

FAVORITE TV SHOW:
Dancing with The Stars

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL AS A COACH TRAINING SCA ATHLETES TO COMPETE WITH EXCELLENCE?
I always try to model what I expect from the athletes. Competing with excellence starts before they step foot in the gym. I hope to build character and integrity first. These qualities will reflect in the way we practice and compete.

We’re excited for a new season of volleyball and will be cheering on Coach Collins, her sister Ivy Grace (pictured above), and the entire varsity team!

Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony

Commencement exercises for SCA’s class of 2023 were held on May 12 at Sherwood Church. Rev. Stephen Dervan, lead pastor of Oak Hill Church and ’97 SCA alumnus, gave the commencement address.

Pastor Stephen Devan’s main charge to the class of 2023 was a message from Acts 8.

“God’s Word is as applicable today as it was the ink was wet. Apply these words to your heart. I sat where you sat and even had some of your teachers…If you’re not careful the Bible becomes a textbook. But it’s so much more than a textbook. It’s the words of life,” Pastor Dervan said.

He added this charge: “Measure what’s happening around you. Don’t just watch. Jump in. Our world is full of watchers. Your job is not to be a casual observer. It’s to make a difference. And not for your sake, but for the sake of the Kingdom. For the Gospel’s sake. So be there.”

The class of 2023 is a very impressive and accomplished group with a total numerical average of 93%. Other notable accomplishments and awards include:

  • The class performed more than 7,000 hours of community service – 3x the minimum amount required
  • Athletes from this class have won 4 team state championships over their high school career
  • 24 students of the 30 students are Honor Graduates
  • They have been accepted to more than 50 colleges and universities across the nation
  • In total, they have completed 435 hours of college credit from dual enrollment
  • 4 students achieved a 4.0 grade point average
  • 13 students were awarded the Zell Miller Scholarship for full tuition for a state school in Georgia

Some of the colleges and universities these graduates have been accepted to include Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Mercer University, Auburn University, Georgia Southern, Savannah College of Art and Design, Liberty University, Lee University, Samford University, University of Nebraska, Pensacola Christian College, Truett McConnell University, Kent State University, Augusta University, Louisiana State University, the University of Mississippi, University of Massachusetts Boston, University of Alabama, and Mississippi State, and more.

Eric Bergrab gave the valedictorian address and Nicholas Patton shared a message as salutatorian.

During the ceremony, six seniors led attendees in worship with the song “I Speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle.

Class of 2023, we are proud of you! Go Eagles! We are looking forward to seeing you SOAR!

Scroll through to view the full photo gallery from the class of 2023 graduation ceremony:

View the live stream of the graduation ceremony on SCA’s Facebook page here.

SCA Announces 2023 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Sherwood Christian Academy is pleased to announce Eric Bergrab and Nicholas Patton as its valedictorian and salutatorian respectively for the class of 2023.

Valedictorian Eric Bergrab is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan and Peggy Bergrab of Albany. He has attended SCA for 14 years and is a member of Gillionville Baptist Church. Some of his achievements include being an honor graduate, headmaster scholar, and a member of the National Honor Society. He received the Georgia Certificate of Merit, honored by the Albany Elks Lodge for Most Valuable Student, and is a Commended Scholar by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Eric was named Dougherty District and Region IX STAR Student. Eric has earned a gold medal for exemplary community service providing 483 community service hours. He earned a varsity letter as team captain of the cross country and tennis teams. He served as student body secretary/treasurer in student government. Eric plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and major in civil engineering. Eric received a full-tuition scholarship.

Salutatorian Nicholas Patton is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Sabine Patton of Albany. He has attended SCA for two years and is a member of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church. Some of his achievements include being an honor graduate, headmaster scholar, and a member of the National Honor Society. Nicholas received the Georgia Certificate of Merit. He has earned a gold medal for exemplary community service providing 386 community service hours. Nicholas earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America. He attended the Washington Leadership Youth Tour, sponsored by Mitchell EMC. He earned a varsity letter as team captain of soccer and track and field. He was MVP of the varsity soccer team and was named All-State and All-Region in soccer and track. Nicholas plans to attend University of Georgia to major in chemistry after a gap year in Europe. He received a scholarship for full tuition.

Sherwood Christian Academy will hold its 34th commencement exercises for the class of 2023 at Sherwood Baptist Church on Friday, May 12, at 7:00 pm. Lead Pastor of Oak Hill Church of Griffin, Ga., Rev. Stephen Dervan, will deliver the commencement address to the graduates.

2023 Sherwood Cup

Sophomores earned bragging rights to the Sherwood Cup trophy this year by beating the class in 2nd place by 40 points!

The 8th graders were declared the middle school Sherwood Cup winners yesterday at the 2023 Sherwood Cup closing ceremony.

Sherwood Cup points are earned all year by 6th-12th grades and culminate in a day-long game day of competitions and relay races. Sherwood Cup games included gaga ball, ping pong, eating contests, human battleship, video games, dodgeball, kickball, catapult contests, a Just Dance off, ultimate frisbee, and tug-a-war.

It was such a fun day for our secondary students and their teachers! The Sherwood Cup tradition boosts team building and unity within SCA’s middle school and high school classes.

Scroll to see the photo gallery from Sherwood Cup Day on May 5, 2023.

Class of 2023 Senior Grad Walk

The Class of 2023 walked through the halls of SCA today one more time.

They were greeted by students, faculty, and parents!

The seniors, juniors and parents enjoyed refreshments in the cafeteria after the Senior Walk. The Class of 2023 is set to graduate on May 12 at 7 pm at Sherwood Church.

Scroll through the gallery to see more photos from the annual event!

Photos by Brian Kelley and Rebecca Johnson.

Middle School Boys Soccer Team Win State Championship

Congratulations to SCA’s middle school soccer boys team, Coach Roger Russell, and Coach Juan Vilchez for winning the 2023 GAPPS Middle School State Championship on April 25, 2023!

The team beat Eastside Christian School in Marietta in the GAPPS middle school soccer state championship game.

Students, teachers, and parents lined up in the hallways and breezeway for a special send off on the morning of the game.

We are proud of this team that includes SCA athletes in 5th through 8th grade!

Sherwood Christian Athletics Hosts 1st Annual Catalyst Sports Awards – Suits & Sneakers Gala

Athletes and parents alike dressed to the nines in their Gala attire and favorite pair of sneakers on April 15, 2023, at the 1st annual Catalyst Sports Awards to celebrate the SCA sports season and award outstanding middle school and high school athletes. Gala guests enjoyed posing on the red carpet, a delicious catered meal, and entertainment and commentary by gala hosts SCA Athletic Director Jay Flynt and SCA Headmaster Kenny Roberts.

The awards show highlighted the 2022-2023 sports season’s greatest accomplishments and outstanding individual athletes including Most Thrilling Moment, Best Game, Dynamic Duo, Best Team, Biggest Fan and more! True to an awards-style show, students and coaches presented winners with illuminated sneaker trophies after sharing video clips and photos of the nominated athletes in action. Each winner shared an acceptance speech and their gratitude to their family, teammates, and coach. It was a great night of fellowship, laughter, and fun!

The winners of the 2023 Catalyst Awards:

Biggest Fan: Vance Carter
Breakthrough Athlete: Easton Enfinger
Difference Maker: Maddox Powers
Dynamic Duo: Owen Henshaw & Alex Harris
Most Thrilling Moment: State Championship Touchdown
Best Game: State Championship vs Unity
MS Female Athlete of the Year: Julia Kendrick
MS Male Athlete of the Year: KJ Bevel
MS Team of the Year: MS Cheer
Coach of the Year: Kenny Roberts
Female Athlete of the Year: Olivia Keith & Addie Hemmings
Male Athlete of the Year: Owen Henshaw
Team of the Year: Varsity Football

It was a night and an event that is here to stay at SCA! We can’t wait for next year!

Southwest Georgia Community Shows Up Big for SCA’s Ruth Production

Sherwood Christian Academy Fine Arts students presented one of the nation’s first Sight & Sound Theatres high school productions with Ruth on March 30-April 1, 2023.

Around 1,800 people supported the arts at SCA and attended one of the Ruth performances, including a representative from Sight & Sound Theatres. Many people were blessed by the performing arts students and the biblical message they shared.

The Southwest Georgia community showed up BIG to support the SCA Performing Arts program, as it was one of our largest attended plays at SCA in the last decade — possibly of all time!

Photos by Brian Kelley.

Bravo SCA Fine Arts high school students and Fine Arts Director Brydon Fox! We’re proud of you!

Photos in this gallery by Emily Flynt of K&R Photography.

SCA TEACHER SPOTLIGHT | Mr. Matthew Sheets

Meet Mr. Matthew Sheets! He is a veteran Pre Algebra/Algebra/Geometry teacher, Math Bowl Coach, and MathCounts Coach at Sherwood Christian Academy. Chances are, if you’ve gone through high school in the past 15 years at SCA, you’ve had Mr. Sheets for mathematics, and you know he loves routine — consistently beginning class by reading from Proverbs. Mr. Sheets is also known for his massive tie collection (he wears a unique tie to school every day!) and regularly reminds his students truths from Proverbs 14:23 and Proverbs 21:25.

One of his current 9th grade students said, “Mr. Sheets is patient and helps me understand math when I don’t get it the first time.”

Her fellow classmates agreed. “He’s a great teacher and a godly man,” added another freshman.

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science from Toccoa Falls College in Education with a concentration in math and science

YEARS LEADING IN EDUCATION: 22 years overall; 15 years at SCA

AWARDS & HONORS:
Graduated Suma Cum Laude
STAR teacher

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS?: Seeing them grow both academically and in spiritual maturity.

FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza or hot dogs

FAVORITE HOBBIES: I collect Jeff Gordon NASCARS and Nolan Ryan baseball cards.

AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?: I was going to be quarterback for the Cleveland Browns when I was in elementary school.

SPECIAL MOMENT AS A TEACHER AT SCA: It is always special when former students come back to thank you for the part you played in their education.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT? When I was growing up I went to a public school and then a private school before getting a chance to go to a Christian school beginning in 9th grade. I experienced the difference it made in my life not only academically, but also socially and spiritually.

We’re grateful for all the math and Proverbs Mr. Sheets has taught our students over the past decade and a half!

SCA Senior Eric Bergrab Named STAR Region Winner

Eric is Headed to State STAR Competition!

Sherwood Christian Academy Senior Eric Bergrab was awarded the 2023 STAR Region IX winner today at a luncheon in Thomasville sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators and the PAGE Foundation! Congratulations, Eric! Eric will represent the Southwest Georgia region (17 counties) at the State PAGE STAR Competition and Banquet on April 24 in Duluth, Georgia, with a chance for a college scholarship.

Eric was recognized as Sherwood Christian Academy’s 2023 STAR Student in February at a STAR Student / Teacher luncheon sponsored by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Eric selected Mrs. Vicki Davis to be his STAR Teacher, who was then recognized and awarded. Afterwards, Eric was then recognized by the Albany Chamber of Commerce as being this year’s Albany Area STAR Student! This award is given to the single student in the Albany – Dougherty County Area with the highest SAT score!

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, now in its 65th year, is sponsored, administered, and promoted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). Since its creation by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the STAR program has honored nearly 28,500 high school seniors and the teachers they selected as having the most influence on their academic achievement. To obtain the 2023 STAR nomination, graduating high school seniors must have the highest SAT score on a single test date and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.

We are very proud of Eric and the academic excellence he exemplifies at Sherwood Christian Academy. Please join us in celebrating and congratulating Eric!