The Shadow
On Tuesday, August 29th, Covenant Christian Academy celebrated their new building at 1601 Chestnut Street —donated by Oak Hill Bible Church— with prayer, a dedication, ribbon-cutting, cake, and refreshments.
Several pastors showed up for the event including Pastor J. Glenn Linthicum, Pastor Paul Brokaw, Reverand Dr. Ronald O. Baker, Pastor Gene Ayers, and Pastor David Hanks, the administrative assistant and school pastor for Covenant Christian Academy.
To kick off the event, Reverand Dr. Ronald O. Baker led visitors in prayer on the front porch of the building that was once Oak Hill Bible Church. Immediately after, Pastor David Hanks officially cut the red ribbon, signifying the official opening of Covenant Christian Academy at their new location.
Guests, parents, and children were then treated to tours throughout the building while cake and refreshments were served in the school’s cafeteria. The Virginian Review met up with Pastor David Hanks in the sanctuary to ask a few questions about the school’s current location, students, and how he feels about the future of Covenant Christian Academy. “This is a big day for us… it’s an exciting new year. Enrollment’s up, new building, new helpers, new teachers, and I’m really excited to see what this year holds,” Hanks said. He later added that their enrollment has doubled since last school year. “God always gives you what you need,” he said, noting that their new building offers the space they need to house the students. If enrollment continues to increase, Hanks says he is putting his trust in God to continue to give them what they need for the students.
“God has always provided,” Angela Howdershelt echoed. Howdershelt is the founder of Covenant Christian Academy, the head of the school, a parent, and a teacher. As it pertains to Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting, Howdershelt said, “I think it was a success. There were actually a few faces I did not recognize, so that was exciting, and most of our parents and students were here…” we’re just really excited about the things the Lord’s doing and what He’s gonna do next!”
Howdershelt spent the remainder of her time talking to parents, answering questions, and spending time with visitors who sought a tour or further information about the school. Between Howdershelt and Pastor Hanks, we were able to learn that the school will have four new volunteers this year including, but not limited to, a new secretary, lunch lady, and other volunteers, which includes teachers of one or more subjects.
The low-cost private school has made a vow not to turn away parents who “truly felt like this was the place [Covenant Christian Academy] for their child.” “It’s a mix of homeschool and public school,” Howdershelt said in a prior interview.
A couple of students were willing to stop and give their thoughts as they ventured through the new school building. One in particular, Shawn Petty, shyly offered up a morsel of advice. “Stay strong out there.” Another student, Amelia Ledford, who designed the school mascot going on their class rings, spoke briefly with the Virginian Review. Ledford has a deep appreciation for art and said she especially likes to draw.
For Covenant Christian Academy, the first day school is Tuesday, September 5th, leaving them just under a week to savor the flavor of summer or prepare for the upcoming term. The Virginian Review would like to take the opportunity to wish them a safe and prosperous school year!
