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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.

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!

SCA FACULTY SPOTLIGHT | Mr. James Byrd

If you’ve been around SCA since the mid 1990s, there’s a good chance you know James Byrd. You may know him from his years as a student then, or you know him now as a leader in academics and athletics. A 12-year student at SCA, Mr. Byrd graduated from SCA in 2006 and left Albany for the University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama. After double majoring and graduating, he returned to Sherwood Christian Academy in 2011—but, this time, to lead from the front of the classroom. Many of his former teachers became his co-workers. In 2022, Mr. Byrd moved into the role of Guidance Counselor after 10 years of teaching high school history, where he can continue to impact the lives of juniors and seniors, as they make some of the most important decisions of their lives.

EDUCATION:
BA in Political Science and BA in History from the University of Mobile
Master’s in Secondary Education from Georgia Southern University

YEARS LEADING IN EDUCATION:
I have been serving here at SCA for 11 years – 10 of those years in the classroom.

CAREER AWARDS:
Two time STAR Teacher – 2021 and 2022
Two time GAPPS Coach of the Year – Track and Field – 2018 and 2022
Coach of Six State Championships at SCA:
• 1 in Football (2015)
• 2 in Track and Field (2018 & 2022)
• 2 in Chess (2019 & 2021)
• 1 in Cross Country (2018)

Photo by Dan Mingo.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT GUIDING SENIORS IN THEIR NEXT SEASON AFTER GRADUATION: I enjoy breaking down the process of what comes next after high school for seniors into small and much less stressful pieces. It can be easy to be overwhelmed as a senior when they begin to look at all that lies before them. I encourage our seniors to continue to move forward in God’s will – they don’t have to have all the answers yet, they just need to be willing to say, “Yes!” to what God will call them to as they continue to be faithful to Him.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN SWGA: My wife’s cooking! Was that the right answer? But public restaurants? Longhorns for a good steak or Los Vaqueros.

FAVORITE BOOKS: Master and Commander by Patrick O’Brian and Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien are both very special to me. Although growing up, I read every single Hardy Boys book! I’m now looking forward to reading them with my son, Joshua one day.

FAVORITE MOMENT AS A STUDENT AT SCA: There are many special moments from my years here as a student, almost impossible to narrow down to just one! From four years of high school musical theater with Mrs. Terri Catt; running track and field and cross country in many Region and State Meets; being elected as the Student Council President and giving the morning announcements over the intercom each morning (I had a joke of the day that very few people would laugh at)… I obviously loved my time here because I came back!

It’s safe to say that Mr. James Byrd is woven into the history and future of Sherwood Christian Academy.

Sherwood Christian Academy Names New Headmaster

We are excited to announce that Mr. Kenny Roberts accepted the role of Headmaster of SCA on January 5, 2023! After 12 exceptional years leading SCA, Dr. Brian Dougherty has accepted a position at Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Roberts (known to many as Coach Roberts) served as assistant headmaster at SCA until January 5, 2023. He has held leadership roles at SCA since 2019 as campus pastor, high school principal, assistant headmaster, head basketball coach and interim head football coach of the Eagles’ 2022 GAPPS AA State Championship season. Mr. Roberts has 25 years of teaching and administration experience including serving twice as a headmaster of Christian schools. His credentials include bachelors and masters degrees in education and educational training with an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University. 

“At SCA, Kenny has proven himself as a leader and godly role model to our faculty, staff and students,” said Jim McBride, Chairman of SCA’s School Committee. “In his career as a high school teacher, Kenny was recognized as high school Teacher of the Year, systemwide Teacher of the Year, and STAR Teacher. Coaching middle school and high school teams and as campus pastor at SCA, he has proven himself to be a leader who challenges others around him to excel.”

Dr. Dougherty will remain at SCA until February 15, 2023, before beginning his new position in Indiana. We are grateful for his time and accomplishments at SCA and his unwavering focus on excellence in Christian education and furthering SCA’s mission in Southwest Georgia.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Kenny Roberts and his family in his new leadership role at our school. Sherwood students shine! The future is bright at Sherwood Christian Academy!

First Ever Fam Jam Fall Festival Is a Success!

Volunteers, parents, and teachers put hours into planning, preparing, and executing SCA’s first ever Fam Jam on Saturday, October 1. The fall festival was not only geared towards offering a fun family atmosphere, but it also raised money for SCA’s Football Program.

SCA Athletic Director Jay Flynt announced this week, “Due to your generous support and participation, Fam Jam was an amazing success! Seventy-five percent of the fundraising goal for football was met!”  

The theme of this year’s Fam Jam was “Gone Country” and all the booths, decorations, and costumes brought out the Western flair in those who attended. Booths, manned by parent volunteers, included milking a pretend cow, shooting Nerf darts at targets, riding a play horse, throwing horseshoes, roasting s’mores over a campfire, balloon popping contests, and many more creative activities. SCA senior football players and cheerleaders signed their autographs, families rode hay rides around the lake, and kids jumped and slid down bounce houses.

Mallory McBride (SCA parent, alum, and middle school cheerleading coach) was one of the organizers and brains behind Fam Jam. She and a group of other parents joined forces together to make Fam Jam a reality.

“Our goal for Fam Jam was family fun,” Mallory said. “We knew we could count it as a success if we had top to bottom participation from all grades from K3-12th. We have such great families at SCA, but we hardly ever interact together as a whole. We wanted to create an event atmosphere that allowed people to get to know each other and expand their social circles.”

It’s safe to say that Fam Jam was a success!

Will there be another Fam Jam? Mallory answers, “We hope to continue Fam Jam every October for years to come! Every year will be a new theme, but the structure will stay the same – family fun and a jammin’ good time!”

A “thank you” to all the volunteers from Coach Flynt: “A special thank you to the ladies who made Fam Jam possible, as well as all the staff and parents who volunteered to help with planning and coordinating the games, booths, and so much more! Without your time and effort, Fam Jam would not have been possible!”

SCA Announces 2022 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

Sherwood Christian Academy is pleased to announce Caroline Dougherty and Jacob Lindsey as its valedictorian and salutatorian respectively for the class of 2022. 

Valedictorian Caroline Dougherty graduates with honors and will be attending Anderson University (SC) where she was named an AU Fellow and received a scholarship for full tuition. She plans to major in business administration and marketing. Some of her achievements include being an honor graduate, headmaster scholar, and a member of the National Honor Society. Dougherty has earned a gold medal for exemplary community service. She was awarded an ACSI Distinguished Christian High School Student Award and received the Georgia Certificate of Merit and the Scholar Award from the College Board. Dougherty earned a varsity letter as team captain in volleyball, was All-Region Selection, and participated in the GAPPS Junior-Senior Volleyball Showcase. She served as student body treasurer in student government. The daughter of Dr. Brian and Rachel Dougherty of Albany, Caroline has attended SCA for 11 years and is a member of Sherwood Baptist Church.

Salutatorian Jacob Lindsey graduates with honors and will be attending Albany Technical College to major in computer science. Some of his achievements include being an honor graduate, headmaster scholar, and a member of the National Honor Society. Lindsey also received the ACSI Distinguished Christian High School Student Award. The son of Ronald and Andrea Lindsey of Albany, Jacob has attended SCA for 10 years and is a member of Mercedes Baptist Church.

Sherwood Christian Academy will hold its 33rd commencement exercises for the class of 2022 at Sherwood Baptist Church on Friday, May 13, at 7 p.m. Senior Pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church, Dr. Paul Gotthardt, will deliver the commencement address to the graduates. 

SCA SUPER HERO STORY | Ms. Tina McCubbins

For 14 years, Ms. Tina McCubbins blessed the SCA family with her wonderful smile, encouraging words, tasty salads made just right, and strong faith in Jesus. We learned this past fall that she had developed pancreatic cancer and that it was already in stage 4. But Ms. Tina loved her work, her fellow kitchen ladies, and the students she served. She continued to come to school to serve us all the way up to Christmas break. After Christmas, her pain increased and she needed to stay home, but she would check in weekly with the ladies to see how everyone was doing and tell us she was praying for us! Every time Dr. Dougherty spoke with her, she would say that she was trusting God that He would heal her. Her faith was inspiring to all who knew her.

Over spring break, Ms. Tina passed away. Dr. Dougherty had the privilege of attending her funeral and heard of the profound impact she had on her church family at Victory Baptist Church. Her pastor did a wonderful job of honoring Christ and Ms. Tina’s legacy. Well Ms. Tina’s prayers have been answered—she is definitely healed now that she is with Jesus! We are so thankful for the impact that Ms. Tina and so many others have had on our school family and your children.

Recently, Mrs. Johnson’s 5th grade class raised $260 to donate 52 Gideon Bibles in memory of Ms. Tina. SCA grandparent, Lonnie Mathis, from The Gideons International, visited the class and shared stories of how the Gideon Bibles have been used around the world to draw people to Christ. The 5th graders were excited to know how the Bibles they donated in memory of Ms. Tina may be used. Way to go 5th graders!

We have declared Friday, May 6 as Lunch & Maintenance Worker Super Hero Day. Please remember our kitchen and maintenance workers in your gift and card giving this Friday as we celebrate them as true superheroes who serve SCA selflessly every day!

Sherwood Christian Academy Awarded in Albany Herald’s 2022 “Reader’s Choice” Contest

Sherwood Christian Academy was honored with the following Albany Herald “Reader’s Choice” awards by receiving the most votes from people in the Southwest Georgia community.

Best Private School

Best Preschool

Best Teacher – Peggy Bullock, one of SCA’s kindergarten teachers.

Sherwood Christian Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). SCA has offered a quality, Bible-based, academic program since 1985. It is a vibrant & growing private school with students in grades K3 – 12th in Albany, GA. SCA strives for students of character who will become Christ-like leaders in their homes, churches, workplaces and communities.

SCA Welcomes New Teachers

We welcome three new teachers at Sherwood Christian Academy for the 2021-2022 academic year!

Miss Kelsey Hudson

Miss Kelsey Hudson is our Spanish teacher. Miss Hudson is a graduate of Bob Jones University with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and hails from Anderson, SC. She spent considerable time as a missionary in Mexico and has a passion for Spanish ministry within the local church. 

Mrs. Dawne Beck

Mrs. Dawne Beck is our 9th-10th Grade English teacher. Mrs. Beck both attended and was a previous faculty member of SCA with 12 years of teaching experience. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from Georgia Southwestern State University and earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. 

Mrs. Victoria Lane

Mrs. Victoria Lane is our Elementary PE Coach. Coach Lane is a 2002 graduate of SCA and is from Albany. She graduated from the University of Mobile with her bachelor’s degree in Religion and a minor in Sports and Recreation. She has three children enrolled at SCA, and previously served as a substitute at SCA for several years.

We are blessed to have these three talented women join our faculty! Please welcome them when you see them around school.