The WarriorAn Official Publication of Eden Christian Academy

In thIs Issue:Eden’s ReaccreditationCampus Connection- Berkeley HillsAlumni NewsWarrior AthleticsSpotlight on Serving

Berkeley Hills CampusPreK-6th Grade206 Siebert Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15237Phone: 412.364.8055FAX: 412.364.8330

Wexford CampusPreK-6th Grade

12121 Perry HighwayWexford, PA 15090Phone: 724.935.9301FAX: 724.935.9354

Mt. Nebo Campus7th-12th Grades

318 Nicholson RoadSewickley, PA 15143Phone: 412.741.2825FAX: 412.324.1101

From the Desk of the PresidentMr. Sam Siple

We l c o m e to the first issue of the new and improved Wa r r i o r . In response to feedback from our p a r e n t s ,

this is part of our ongoing efforts to communicate with the friends of Eden Christian Academy on a variety of platforms.

For example, you may have noticed a new format for the e-mailed Weekly Update, formerly known as the Friday Folder, which was also known as the “weekly tree killer” (due to the extensive amount of paper the school sent home). While parents told us they appreciated the immediacy and efficiency of both parents receiving the Weekly Update in their inbox, voluminous PDFs were quite cumbersome to download and page through. Thus the new format allows for you to quickly scroll through highlights of the week, and click on or download for additional information of your choosing.

Perhaps you’re also connected to Eden and our friends through our Facebook page or LinkedIn, utilizing online social networking to engage with what’s happening at our campuses.

You will also be seeing changes to future issues of The Warrior, our quarterly newsletter…which will actually become more like a magazine, with articles demonstrating how Eden and our students are living out the academy’s mission.

THE HEARTBEAT OF ECAThree years ago, the board and administration of the academy joined

with teachers, staff, parents and other supporters in strategic planning. Foundational to this process was clarifying and affirming our mission statement and core values. We were also told by our facilitator that we had to come up with a vision statement, too. It was a challenge trying to develop two separate documents about Eden’s mission and vision, because each is essential to the other. Thus, rather than artificially bifurcating our mission and vision, we rolled it together into what we call The Eden Promise—our unwavering commitment to our families and ourselves.

A respected colleague in Christian education, Dr. Bruce Lockerbie, recently extolled: “The mission expresses our temporal academic purpose—which is also our legal obligation to tuition-paying parents and students; the vision expresses our eternal spiritual purpose in the ongoing experience of individual students and in their later adult lives. But the mission must precede the vision; the temporal must precede the eternal, the academic must precede the spiritual. The best example of order and priority I can cite comes from The Book of Proverbs: ‘Train up a child in the way he should go’ (that’s the temporal academic mission—‘and when he is old, he will not depart from it’) that’s the eternal spiritual vision.”

This underscores why The Eden Promise is constructed the way it is. Our temporal mission is “providing an exceptional educational experience by engaging the heart and mind of each student…” followed by Eden’s eternal vision for each student “to think and act with Christ-like character.” What greater aspiration could we have for our children?!

The WarriorAn Off i c i a l Pub l i ca t ion o f Eden Chr i s t i an Academy

Board of DirectorsPhil Bishop, ChairmanTheresa Smith, Vice ChairJeff Gonbeck, SecretaryRichard Curtis, Dr. Karen SchogelDr. David Schutt, Kirk Botula, Greg Wilson

AdministrationSamuel Siple, PresidentTodd Aiken, HeadmasterCharles Smullin, Chief Operations OfficerMaureen Maier, Berkeley Hills PrincipalCarrie Powers, Wexford Principal

Editor: Meghan Speer

Contributing Writers: Todd AikenSteve GoodSam Siple

Photography:Jenna HidingerMeghan Speer

The Warrior is published three times annually by Eden Christian Academy.

Eden Christian Academy is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience by engaging the mind and heart of each student to think and act with Christ-like character.

For the latest news, updates and photos, log on to www.EdenChristianAcademy.org or connect with us on

Eden.Christian Eden Christian Academy

Eden Christian Academy is a dually accredited school holding accreditation with both the Association of Christian Schools International and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

A great fact, but what does that actually mean?

Accreditation distinction is bestowed upon an institution when the school is meeting all of the standards established by the accrediting agencies. Eden is required to meet ten standards of accreditation which include but are not limited to instructional program, philosophy and foundation, student services, school facilities, and finances. Under each standard there are up to 20 items that need to be met. An accreditation term lasts for seven years with annual progress reports required to maintain accreditation.

Eden’s reaccreditation visit was held February 27 though March 1 as a committee came to the school evaluating the continued commitment to the standards. Eden’s faculty and staff have had a busy year preparing for this important visit, and the hard work showed as the visiting team was very pleased with all the things they saw happening at Eden.

The re-accreditation process includes the identification and selection of a project that ensures and enhances student learning. Eden has identified the area of educational technology to focus upon for the project initially by reviewing the existing technology plan, proceeding with evaluating educational growth opportunities for Eden students pertaining to technology, and concluding with making certain that Eden students remain competitive in the global learning community.

After a successful on-site visit, the visiting team will be sending their evaluation to the ACSI Accreditation Commission who will review the recommendation at their June meeting.

Eden’s Accreditation

Spotlight on Service

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CALL 1-877-PIZZA HUT OR ORDER ONLINE PIZZAHUT.COM

Pizza Hut is a proud supporter of ECA.

LIMITED TIME OFFER. PASTA OFFER: Over 3 lbs. based on pre-cooked weight. Prices, participation, delivery areas and charges, and minimum purchase requirements for delivery may vary. The Pizza Hut name, logos and related marks are trademarks of Pizza Hut, Inc. © 2010 Pizza Hut, Inc. PEPSI and the Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. KPA122766-3/10

Berkeley Hills’ Souper Bowl Food Drive

Wexford’s God’s Girls Club present wrapping

Eden students may be on three different campuses and range in age from three to 18, but one thing that they all have in common is a heart for serving others. This school year alone Eden students and their families have donated $1500 to breast cancer research, over 400 pounds of canned goods to local food banks, and more than 250 Christmas presents for the Network of Hope.

By class, students have made cards and written letters to soldiers overseas, elderly in nursing homes, and sent care packages. Clubs have gone to serve at Make-A-Wish, the Three Rivers Adoption Council, and World Vision, and have held fundraisers for the Heifer Project, local homeless shelters and individual families in our community facing hard times. Clothing drives, book drives, gift wrapping, and bake sales have all happened by the work of the Eden community in serving others

Eden is committed to its desire for each student to come to a saving faith in Christ and to fostering a continuously maturing relationship with Him leading to a life of personal holiness, theological clarity and selfless service. Through individual class projects, school wide endeavors, community service expectations Eden students are rising to the challenge to serve selflessly. From the oldest to the youngest, there is a joy in their service that comes from the knowledge that they aren’t just serving the people around them, but also the God who loves them.

Way To Go Warriors!Eden’s Mock Trial team was ranked first out of 30 teams after the first •round of competition again this year. The team is coached by Mr. Tom Smith and Mrs. Nanette Curtis and led by seniors Aaron Baker, Ollie Franz, and Althea O’Brien. Mock Trial won the Pittsburgh distric tournament last season and is represented Pittsburgh at the state competition and is looking for a repeat this year.

Congratulations to Eden’s excellent spellers! Wexford 6th grader •Kayla Ostaffe and Berkeley Hills 6th grader Anna Emmons both won the spelling meets at their campus and will represent Eden at the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee.

The ECA Robotics team is making a name for itself all across the •country! The team has won competitions in New York, Ohio, Kentucky and has been invited to the World Championship in St. Louis in April. Congratulations to team members Mike Coyne, Warren Casey and Vince Smith, as well as coach Dana Coyne, on all their accomplishments this year.

Under the direction of Mr. Brian Adey and Mr. Sam Siple, Eden’s •Hometown HighQ team represented Eden well on the KDKA-TV show again this year. The team was in first place for a majority of the show, only losing by one question at the end.

Congratulations to Eden senior • Vince Russell on being named as a Commended Student by the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program! About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 competition.

Warren Casey and Mike Coyne after a Robotics tournament.

Hometown HighQ Team: Coach Mr. Adey, Zack Yost, Peter Monteverde and Vince Smith.

Anna EmmonsKayla Ostaffe

A Legislative Warrior

Eden held its 4th annual Business Partners Appreciation Breakfast to thank the businesses that support the school so faithfully. Also honored was PA State Representative, Mike Turzai, for his dedication to the EITC program that provides money to Eden’s scholarship program. (See more on this program on page 6)

ECA President Sam Siple presented an award to Rep. Turzai in honor of his work.

Senate Bill 1- A Move Towards School Choice

In what is perhaps the best effort yet to bring about school vouchers in Pennsylvania, friends and families of Eden Christian Academy are being encouraged to let their voices be heard about legislation under consideration. With new leadership in the General Assembly and in the governor’s mansion, elected officials are focusing efforts under Senate Bill 1, or what is known as the “Opportunity Scholarship and Educational Improvement Tax Credit Act.”

Although Governor Tom Corbett and leaders in the house and senate are on record of supporting such school-choice initiatives, there is strong opposition being mounted by special interest groups opposed to the measure.

Provisions of the proposal, which is being viewed as huge •shot in the arm for students and schools alike, include:Opportunity Scholarships for students from lower-•income families to attend the school of their choosing, public or private.A per-pupil allocation equivalent to the state’s subsidy to •the family’s home district, not exceeding the tuition of the tuition of the school in which the student enrolls. A phased-in approach over three years that is fiscally •responsible.Allows Christian schools to maintain their standards and •not compromise their faith-based mission.Increasing the funding of the Educational Improvement •Tax Credit program to $100million, allowing even more businesses to receive off-setting tax credits for donations to scholarship funds at schools like Eden.

Although this is not a school-choice bill that would provide vouchers for every Pennsylvania student, it is a reasonable step that allows schools like Eden to extend its mission to students who otherwise could only dream of receiving such educational opportunities. Likewise, the increase in EITC will expand beyond the dozens of Eden students already benefitting from these scholarships.

The Senate Education Committee voted in early March to approve the bill, however, it is being fiercely debated in hearings being held by both chambers of the legislature. ECA President Sam Siple has been requested to testify before the House Policy Committee on the potential impact for Christian schools in the region. “God is not intimidated by the power or money of those who would oppose Christian and other schools flourishing as an alternative for parents desiring the best education for their children,” said Siple. “This legislation will set a new tone in PA that will allow even greater school choice opportunities.”

Eden parents are asked to keep this matter in prayer and follow up via letters, e-mails or phone calls to their state representative and state senator.

Eden Christian Academy presents

April 7, 8 &97:00 p.m.

Marshall Middle School

Tickets available in each campus office or by calling 412-741-2825

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GENEVA COLLEGE3200 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Geneva College800.847.8255 www.geneva.edu

AT GENEVA COLLEGE.

You can’t get much for a penny these days ,but at the Berkeley Hills campus pennies were a hot commodity this winter. The Warriors Leadership Team, supervised by sixth grade teacher Mr. Scott Fichter, sponsored a Penny War contest to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation and raised over $1600.

Mrs. Pallotta’s second grade class may have won the competition but the real winner will be the child with a serious illness who gets to make their wish thanks to the support of the Berkeley Hills families. Mr. Fichter was able to take some of the students down to Make-A-Wish to deliver the check and have them see the organization first hand. One student summed it up this way: “I thought it was a fun thing to do and a baggie of pennies isn’t a whole lot to me. But when everyone put their money together and we got to see how happy the people there were, I realized it was way better than just a fun thing, it was an awesome thing.”

Campus Connection:Berkeley Hills Elementary

6th graders David Williams and Angel Andrews with the total from this year’s Penny Wars.

We asked Berkeley Hills students “What’s your favorite thing about going to school at ECA?”

“The teachers and my friends. Well, everything but the homework.” Elizabeth, 4th grade

“Having fun in my class.” Josh, 2nd

“Math, because it can be like a fun race.” Hudson, 1st grade

“All my friends.” Mickey, 5th grade

“My friends and teachers and all the people.” Maura, 6th grade

“Math and my friends.” Jayla, 3rd grade

“Playing on the slide!” Matthew, Pre-K 4

“Having gym class and center time.” Trinity, Kindergarten

WWW.fortPittcAPitAl.com

412-921-1822

680 AnDersen Drive, foster PlAzA tenPittsburgh, PA 15220

Eden’s elementary students present

Samson the Musical

Wexford Campus Cast: Tuesday, March 8• Berkeley Hills Campus Cast: Tuesday, March 15•

Both performances at 7:00 p.m.North Way Christian Community12121 Perry Highway Wexford, PA

Eden students at the Wexford campus have some big plans for their futures. During “dress like your future career day” all of the future cooks, doctors, athletes, artists and veterinarians showed their plans.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Quick Facts:Eden has had four •graduating classes totaling 61 graduates.

98% of Eden’s graduates •enrolled in college following commencement. 80% of them enrolled in a four-year institution.

35% of Eden’s graduates •chose a Christian college.

The class of 2010 •graduated with 42 college credits earned through Advanced Placement courses and exams.

In a recent survey of •our graduates, 90% of the respondents agreed that they appreciated the high expectations and workload of ECA because it prepared them for their freshman year of college.

Eden Alumni News

As Eden continues to have graduating senior classes, it is a goal of the academy to keep its alumni connected to each other and to the school. We also realize that many people have graduated the 8th grade from Eden, or attended here for a few years, and we would like to reconnect with them as well. We encourage all alumni and former students to connect with ECA on facebook or LinkedIn, receive The Warrior newsletter, or be put on the mailing list for reunions and other alumni events. Please contact Meghan Speer, Director of Communication and Alumni relations for ECA, at 412-364-8055 or mspeer@edenca.org, to connect with Eden today.

With four graduating classes so far, almost all of Eden Christian Academy’s graduates are still in college. As they graduate, move on to job opportunities, get married and reach other milestones, this section of The Warrior will be used to share those announcements so that alumni can stay connected to each other and to the ECA community. But in this first Alumni News section, ECA would like to introduce its graduates.

Two of them spent time in Kenya on a mission trip this summer. Another spent part of his summer on a concert tour of Europe with his college choir. A number of them spent their summers doing service trips to inner-city areas of Pittsburgh or working with children’s programing at their churches. They completed internships to gain experience in their chosen field and many took summer classes.

When they are at school they are involved in choir, worship teams, soccer teams, cheerleading, Campus Crusade for Christ, the Coalition for Christian Outreach, campus Bible studies, and many other activities in addition to their school work. They are majoring in everything from fashion design to chemical engineering, from accounting to English, and many are double majoring. Many are focusing their studies on some form of ministry.

Eden Christian Academy seeks to develop students in preparation for life and its mission is being fulfilled in lives of its graduates. These are people who embody the Eden spirit and will make a difference in their families and their communities, on their college campuses and on the job. As a school, Eden is proud to introduce them and encouraged by where they are headed. We look forward to sharing the news and accomplishments of all of our current and future alumni.

The Portrait of an Eden Graduate

Warrior Athletics

Eden’s first 1000 point scorer, some big wins over big rivals as well as WPIAL schools, a renewed spirit in the Red Sea fan section and the addition of Eden’s first pep band— all made for one exciting basketball season this year! Add in ice cream socials hosted by the Parent Association and special nights for the elementary campus students, and basketball became a season of boosting Warrior pride throughout the school.

As the season comes to a close, all of Eden’s basketball players and coaches can be proud of a job well done with winning records across the board.

Varsity Boys•Varisty Girls•JV Boys•Middle School Boys•Middle school Girls•5th and 6th Grade Boys•5th and 6th Grade Girls•

At the elementary level students participated in Saturday morning basketball, learning the skills of the game, and playing against other ECA students.

The athletic department is looking forward to the spring season which will give students the opportunity to participate in track and field, golf club, and, for the first time at ECA, baseball.

Eden’s varsity cheerleaders were on hand to help serve at the ice cream socials. They also traveled to both elementary campuses to host pep rallies, and wowed the crowd with new stunts and great cheers throughout the season.

Althea O’Brien:First Eden Athlete to Reach 1000 Points!

Two minutes in to the second quarter of January 3rd basketball game Eden Christian Academy, senior Althea O’Brien hit a three-point shot putting her at 1001 points for her varsity basketball career making her the first student in Eden’s history to reach 1000 points.

O’Brien, starting point guard and captain of the Lady Warriors, has played all of her varsity career for ECA and has been named to the South Western PA Christian Athletic Conference All-Star team every year. She led the Lady Warriors to victory over Aquinas Academy 32-20. She has also played varsity volleyball and soccer, is a member of the Mock Trial team, student council, speech team and choir.

Warrior fans at the varsity basketball games have been treated to the sounds of Eden’s first Pep Band. Under the direction of Mrs. Heather Borchert, these students have brought a fun energy, an outstanding sound and have been a great addition to ECA’s home games.

Pep Band’s First Season

Eden’s elementary students have been filled with Warrior pride! Eden’s cheerleading squad along with members of the varsity soccer, volleyball and basketball teams have visited both campuses for pep rallies this year.

Show that Warrior Pride!

Upcoming Events at Eden Christian Academy

Administrative Offices206 siebert roadPittsburgh, PA 15237

Elementary Conferences 3/25• * No school for elementary students, MN in session

ACSI Math Olympics 4/1•Fiddler on the Roof 4/7-9•EASTER VACATION 4/18-25•

* Installation of the Wexford playground during breakCampus Clean-up Day 4/30•Elementary Fine Arts Night 5/10•ECA Night at the Pirate’s Game 5/14•ECA Golf Outing 5/18•Upper School Fine Arts Night 5/26•Senior Brunch 6/2•LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 6/3•Graduation for the Class of 2011 6/3•ECA Kennywood Day 6/7•

*Rain Day 6/8ECA Yard Sale (Berkeley Hills) 6/11•