1st Place Win For Trinity Varsity Swim Team

1st Place Win for Trinity Varsity Swim Team

By Samantha DePriest

Images by Michele Seymour

Swimming is in its 8th season at Trinity with HS Science Teacher Mr. Devin James as our Varsity Coach and Ms. Jodie Murr as the Middle School Coach and Head Swim Coach for TCS. Our Varsity Swim team took 1st place at the AGS Meet on Friday, November 18th and Middle School Swim team placed 9th. We asked the Coaching staff about the season so far and they have never been more excited for this swim season at Trinity.

Varsity Swim Coach Devin James shares “The first 4 meets of the varsity swim season have been great. We had two state qualifiers as early as the second meet of the season. In addition to that, our boys relay is only 3 seconds away from a state qualifying time. We also broke several team records already. I am also very proud that at our most recent meet the varsity team took 1st place overall at AGS swim meet at Georgia Tech. Every varsity swimmer there had at least one, if not several, top 5 finishes in that meet. We have two swimmers already qualified for state with a couple only a couple seconds away including our boys relay team. We had a great swim at state last year and had several top 20 finishes for our division in the state. We are looking to be even more competitive this year as we already have so many qualifying times. I am so proud of the team so far and am very excited for the rest of the season.”

Middle School Swim Coach Jodie Murr shares, “The middle school has accomplished a lot in the first meets of the season! We have had several state qualifiers in many events. The swimmers have done a great job of getting personal best times at each meet and event that they swim. We have many swimmers who have never competed before and all swimmers continue to grow in their development. We have a middle school only meet this Saturday and we are sure the team will do great and have even more time drops and personal bests!”

TCS Swim Team Highlights

Kaitlyn Seymour (Sr) is a returning Individual State Qualifier from last year.

Jackson Rice (Jr), Bryce Ryan (So), and Elliott Pabst (So) are returning State Relay Qualifiers.

Bryce Ryan has qualified for state in the 100 Fly, 200 & 500 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke.

Kaitlyn Seymour has qualified for state in the 50 & 100 Freestyle

Kaitlyn & Bryce have broken a combined 7 school records in 4 meets.

Kaitlyn: 50yd, 100yd & 200yd Freestyle

Bryce: 200yd & 500yd Freestyle, 100yd Backstroke, & 100yd Fly

Pictured left to right; Kaitlyn Seymour, Kaylyn Tackett, Ashlyn Ing, and Emma Kate Yeager

Pictured left to right: Niko Pagsisihan, Henry Zueck, Jackson Rice, Bryce Ryan, and Elliot Pabst

Back row pictured left to right: Emma Anderson, Elle Jerger, Avery Ross, and Taylor Clark

Front row pictured left to right: Ryleigh Tiley, Presley Boone, Jillian Schriks, and Kennedy Callen

Pictured left to right: Garres Bugden, Malachi Ledesma, Sawyer Boone, Cooper Gallaway, and Patrick Moss

Annual Trinity Franksgiving Meal Impacts Community

Happy Franksgiving

By Samantha DePriest

Photos by Oscar Camejo

It all started back in November of 2003 when Patricia Ann Griffin (Johnson) started the “Thanksgiving Plates” outreach. Mrs. Patricia’s son Frankie Johnson (or “Mr. Frankie” as we all know him around Trinity), his wife Dorothy, and the Trinity Church outreach team prepared and serve a Thanksgiving meal to members of our community. A few years back Trinity Church Pastor John Steinklauber started calling it “Franksgiving” as a light joke and it stuck. Franksgiving continues to be a blessing each November.

Over 100 volunteers met in the Gathering Place on Thanksgiving morning at 9am with their delicious dishes and desserts. A record number of volunteers showed up to help prep and deliver of hundreds of plates by 12:30pm.  Volunteers dropped off food, prepared plates, and delivered meals. They came with turkey, ham, chicken, potato salad, mac & cheese, green beans, collard greens, rolls, cornbread dressing, pound cake, sweet potato pie, and pumpkin pie all made with love.

Once the meals in to go boxes were made, a team of happy helpers hand delivered them to families in the community including but not limited to; Highlands Apartments, Eastgate Apartments, Lower Fayetteville Rd mobile homes, Welcome Rd mobile homes across from Trinity Baptist Church, Wynnmead Community, Palmetto mobile homes behind Frank’s restaurant, homes in Newnan, Stay Lodge and Home Lodge extended stay motels, and homeless walking the streets.

Because of the generosity of both time and resources, this years Franksgiving was the best yet as 873 meals were served! This is the highest number ever! Frankie shares, “God gets all get glory!” What a beautiful illustration of the impact that can be made when a growing group of compassionate believers come together to reach those in need right across the street.

Trinity Senior Tai Peete Signs To Play Baseball at Georgia Tech

Trinity Senior Tai Peete Signs to Play Baseball in Georgia

Tai pictured with parents Eric Peete and Yuki Braxton.

By Samantha DePriest

On November 14th Trinity Senior Tai Peete signed and committed to play baseball at Georgia Tech with plans to major in Business. Tai started at Trinity in 9th grade and jumped right in to campus life. He plays baseball and has also played basketball while in high school at Trinity. Tai has served in BETA Club and participates in Discipleship Group (D-Group) with leaders Mr. Lorow and Mr. Shackelford. He has traveled outside the country to Costa Rica for Trinity GO week as a freshman and plans to serve abroad in Ecuador this coming January ‘23. On Friday nights in the Fall, Tai can be found leading the student section on the ladder at varsity football games cheering on his brother and D1 recruit Shawn Braxton.

When asked about his time at Trinity, Tai shares that TCS has taught him how to be a leader. Several teachers at Trinity have made an impact on him. Tai shares that “Coach Elrod taught me how to stay loose on the field and Mr. Shackelford is just cool to be around.”

Tai was honored to be 2022-All County Offensive Player of the Year and 1st Team All-Region in 2021. Last summer, Team USA invited Tai for team trials and he played on the PG All American All Star team this past summer. We are excited to see what the upcoming baseball season at Trinity holds for Tai and the Lions. Coach Tommy Gregg adds, “We are hoping Tai will help us win a State Title!”

Tai pictured center with parents Yuki Braxton and Eric Peete.

Tai Peete pictured surrounded by family on signing day.

Tai’s Mom Yuki Braxton shares “Trinity prepares each child individually and sets up an environment that will fit each student. Trinity has been very supportive in Tai’s baseball journey. The teachers and administration has been flexible and willing to help him each step of the way. The school has helped him reach his dreams. Principal Mrs. Kimmy Jones and the entire Admin team has been with our family from day one. We are so grateful that Tai has been able to take advantage of the Trinity student culture and campus life. Tai is excited to play at the next level.”

Tai Peete pictured center with friends.

Tai Peete’s family and friends praying over him.

Donate Life: Trinity Teacher’s Inspiring Story

Donate Life: Trinity Teacher’s Inspiring Story

By Samantha DePriest

Image from Mayo Clinic website

For as long as she can remember, Trinity Art Teacher Erica Hackworth has been friends with Kerri Burke who serves as the All Star Director at The Rock in Peachtree City. Kerri and her husband Phillip just celebrated 29 years of marriage and have 4 children. Erica recalls learning about Kerri’s diagnosis of a genetic illness called Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) when Kerri’s children were little and Erica was their Gymnastics coach. PKD is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys, causing your kidneys to enlarge and lose function over time. Kerri is not alone in her battle as her Dad and brother also were diagnosed with PKD. Erica immediately felt God tugging on her heart with an eagerness to learn more about how she could help her friend.

Image from NIDDK, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, website

Kerri’s illness has progressed over the years and she is now in desperate need of a kidney transplant.  Unbeknownst to Kerri, Erica started researching living donations a while back. Sadly she found out she was not a perfect match for Kerri, however she discovered that she was able to be a part of the Paired Donation Program. The Paired Donation Program is best explained on their website: “For paired donation, donors and their recipients aren't compatible for a transplant. However, the donor of each pair is compatible with the recipient of the other pair. If both donors and recipients are willing, your doctors may consider a paired donation. This program provides a way for people to receive a living-donor transplant instead of being on the deceased-donor waiting list for several years.” The program is at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida where almost 1,000 kidney transplants are performed each year. Mayo Clinic Paired Donation

Earlier this year, Erica underwent months of testing and a long line of questioning before she could move forward with the donation. Erica shared that she felt confident in her decision from day one to donate one of her kidneys and a sense of God’s peace through it all. She shared, “God led me to this decision and when He calls you to help someone - what can you do? It can be as simple as checking a box. As a believer, I can’t let fear be a factor. This is not a story about me, but rather about redemption and how He can make something good out of something horrible.” Erica received the call in September and surgery was scheduled for a few weeks later. Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian was bearing down on the state of Florida and her surgery had to be moved. On October 5th, Erica underwent surgery to remove one of her kidney’s. She spent a little over a week in the hospital and was back to school a few weeks later. When asked how she was feeling now, Erica smiled and said she is officially part of the “One Bean Club”, as kidney’s are bean shaped organs about the size of a fist located below the rib cage, and is feeling better each day.

Erica Hackworth on the left pictured with dear friend Kerri Burke.

Erica’s kidney was transported immediately up to the Northeast to a male who now has a 2nd chance at life. Kerri shares “Erica did the most amazing thing you could do for someone and she never hesitated. She is truly the most selfless and giving person I know. She never wavered in her decision, not for one second.” Because of Erica’s decision to participate in a Paired Organ Donation, this puts Kerri further up the waiting list to receive a new kidney. Kerri leans on her strong Faith and family to get her through the waiting. Kerri also shares how blessed she feels to have a supportive husband and children walking this journey with her. She is so grateful for her bosses The Hearn’s (owners of The Rock in Peachtree City as well as a Trinity family) who have been so gracious to give her time off when she is sick or has doctor appointments. She prays every day for the donor who will give her the gift of life.

Learning about Kerri and Erica’s story is an important reminder of how we are able to offer help to friends in need. As believers, there are many ways in which we can minister to others while they are going through hard times. Whether through words of encouragement, the gift of time spent together, and prayers, there are endless ways in which we can support one another. We are so grateful for Erica sharing her story of how she chose to help a friend and couldn’t be happier that she is back at school teaching Art to all of our students. The beautiful example she set is one we hope will inspire our Lion Nation to. be the hands and feet to those around us.

How can we help?

Awareness - share this story with others and click on the links to learn more.

Conversation - talk with your family about the many ways to help those in need in our community.

Donate - click on Red Cross Blood to give blood and learn more about organ donation in Georgia at Organ Donor before you renew your drivers license.

Prayer - Pray that God brings the right person along at the right time with a healthy kidney to donate to Kerri. Pray for Kerri’s strength and mental health as she continues with dialysis while waiting for a transplant. And join us in prayer that God would draw Kerri’s children and husband close during this time as they watch Kerri fight this battle.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes at TCS

Fellowship of Christian Athletes at TCS

By Samantha DePriest

Earlier this month on Wednesday, November 2nd, Trinity Christian School FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) gathered with students from high schools all over the county at the “Fields of Faith” event in Coweta. What a sight to see so many student athletes worshipping together and experiencing His presence. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

Trinity Christian School started a chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) group last school year after student athlete Landon Clare expressed an interest in leading it.  Landon shares, “FCA is 100% student led and the hope is that it is a spot where real life problems can be discussed and comforted without having to worry about judgment..”

Landon Clare is a Senior at TCS and FCA Leader.

Landon goes on to say, “We have decided as a leadership team to use the rest of the semester to draw up plans to help increase participation by working around new sports schedules. At the start of the 2nd semester in January 2023, anyone who would like to join FCA will have the opportunity to grow and learn as well as gather in fellowship.

We will lead Bible study’s in depth through the course of the year, including daily devotionals, and each leader will send out spiritual and accountability texts to check in with their small groups. This will help to make sure the students are staying in the scriptures and leaning on the foundation of Jesus.

“Fields of Faith” Coweta FCA on 11/2/22

We also will be hosting giveaways such as t-shirt give-aways and such so you might see students wearing them around the halls on Fridays, or free lunch for the first however many students attend. Also, I am trying to workout a worship day, once or twice, just to mix things up.

Not only that but outside of school and in our community, FCA organizes service opportunities and Tuesday night huddles where guest speakers and a fantastic worship team meet at a location and provides a larger outlet of our FCA team.

We partner with other schools FCA teams in the community to help spread the word. Over the summer there are camps provided for those who are truly committed to this FCA journey. No pressure as many people like to travel over the summer…including me…but it is another way to connect and plug in with FCA.”

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Vision - To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

Mission - To lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

Values - Our relationships will demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His word through Integrity, Serving, Teamwork, and Excellence.

TCS Student Leader: Landon Clare, Senior

Huddles held on Fridays @ Lunch - next meeting will be in January ‘23

For more information about FCA in Coweta: www.cowetafca.org

Sign up to receive Daily Impact Play Devotional emails: www.fca.org/quick-links/daily-impact-play

It is easy to join. It’s a show up and participate almost like our Discipleship groups. More information can be found on Instagram @TCS_FCA. Times and meeting locations will be shared there as well as over the morning announcements and on the screens around the halls. 

Giving Back: Trinity Sisters Help Heirloom Market

Giving Back: Trinity Sisters Help Heirloom Market

By Samantha DePriest

    When news of the fire at Heirloom Market Co and Bakeshop spread, Trinity 5th grader Macie Moore and 2nd grader sister Madelyn did not let their age stop them from jumping into action to help. Ashley Moore, Madelyn and Macie’s Mom and a former paraprofessional, owns an online boutique called “One Four Three” where she makes and sell candles and crafts. Ashley shared that her daughters have always had hearts for serving.  They were helping to clean out Ashley’s craft closet and came up with the creative idea to make Trinity keychains to sell and give the proceeds to Heirloom Market. They partnered with Wargo’s Pumpkin Patch to sell the keychains at their farm and Wargo’s matched the sales from them to help support Heirloom.

Macie plays pitcher in 10U travels softball.

Madelyn wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

Macie started at Trinity midway through her 4th grade year and joined the TCS family this past January (2022) and is now in the 5th grade. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up. She loves sports and plays softball and basketball with her Dad as her basketball coach. 

Ms. Roberts, Macie’s teacher, shared “Macie is such a sweet girl! She is quick to encourage others and include everyone. She is honest, a diligent student and good friend.”

Little sister Madelyn started at Trinity in this past August (2022) and is in the 2nd grade. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Her Mom describes her as natural helper who is always happy to help. Just recently her Mom found her making wigs for children with cancer.

Mrs. Donaldson, Madelyn’s 2nd grade teacher, shares “Madelyn is such a joy! She is the first to volunteer to help myself, Mrs. PaskVan, or her classmates. She has a special gift in being able to anticipate the needs of her friends and loves to serve them. I see her encourage and support her classmates in such sweet ways. She truly models what it means to live in humility and putting others before yourself. It speaks volumes when God uses a child to remind you of his desire for us to love one another.”

With a little bit of help from their Mom with the glueing while they did the cutting, they handmade 60 Trinity keychains and 20 magnets and raised $200 for Heirloom!  We love to see how God is using Macie and Madelyn’s hearts and empowering their hands for compassionate service to impact the world around them. What an inspiring story of our little Lions giving back. Thank you for answering the call to serve Madelyn and Macie! We are so very proud of you!

TRINITY MIKE FITZPATRICK FORD STUDENT “ATHLETE OF THE WEEK” AWARDS

By Samantha DePriest

Trinity Christian School is honored to have Mike Fitzpatrick of Fitzpatrick Ford in Newnan recognize several of our Fall student athletes with the “Athlete of the Week” Award. We join Mr. Fitzpatrick in saying that we are wholeheartedly proud of these athletes who demonstrate qualities of leadership, character, and determination in their sport and on their teams. Below are our most recent recipients of the Fitzpatrick “Athlete of the Week Award”. Way to go Lions!!

Ethan McDowell - Football

10/17/22

Ethan is a 6'2, 218lb senior Defensive End. Ethan had over a dozen college football offers but is committed to Miami of Ohio. Ethan is an outstanding leader on and off the field and has a 3.64 GPA. Ethan was also voted Homecoming King for the Senior class of 2022.

Emily Harris - Chee

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10/24/22

Emily Harris serves as a team captain for the varsity cheer squad and this is her third year on Varsity. She is very bright and organized. Emily was chosen in July for All-American Cheerleader through UCA for her second year. Last year she represented Trinity in Disney for the UCA parade. Emily puts in continuous hours at practice and at home sending videos to her squad and helping them with the new material added for the season. Emily has many award-winning jumps. She is an excellent role model and represents Trinity Christian School well.

Nathan Jones - Football

10/31/22

Nathan is a 6'2, 303lb senior Offensive Lineman. Nathan is an outstanding young man and currently has a 4.2 GPA. Nathan is a 3-year starter on the offensive line and is currently uncommitted for college. Nathen plans to attend college for Kinesiology.

Lindsey Carter- Volleyball

11/7/22

Over the past 5 matches, Lindsey has 25 Kills on 85 attempts with only 7 errors, hitting at .212%. During the season, she had 17 Aces, 76 Receptions with only 4 errors, and 39 digs.

Finding Joy: Trinity Hosts Christmas Market After Heirloom Fire

Finding Joy: Trinity Hosts Christmas Market After Heirloom Fire

By Samantha DePriest

Late in the afternoon on Wednesday, September 21st, a fire started in Heirloom Market Co and Bakeshop that completely destroyed this local landmark and Trinity Christian School next door neighbor. The beautiful building was home to more than 50 local vendors and Junior Boutiques. This cozy place was quite popular with our Trinity students enjoying study breaks and Bible study time and where Trinity families enjoyed before school and after school treats and shopped for those perfect gifts.

6pm Wednesday September 21st, 2022

Since the fire, Heirloom Market owners Laura & Justin Gibson are picking up the pieces and have been working around the clock with their incredible team of loyal staff to reopen their business as soon as possible. The 1st Saturday each November, they host an annual Christmas Market event that is their version of Black Friday. The event is complete with their delicious homemade donuts, Christmas pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a warm invitation to the community to come celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Heirloom Owner Laura Gibson hugs Finny Farm owner Yvonne Conaway.

With God’s help, the Trinity community rallied together and extended a neighborly hand to the Heirloom families in their time of need. On Saturday, November 5th, Trinity hosted the Christmas Market in our stadium. Over 30 Heirloom vendors selling hand crafted and locally made items covered the field with their tents and boutiques, many of whom were Trinity families. Beautiful Christmas music filled the air as the Trinity Performing Arts choral ensemble and band performed favorites songs of the season. There was such excitement while folks waited in line purchasing more than 100 dozen donuts, cupcakes, muffins, and more at the Heirloom Bakeshop tent that staff had been baking through the night. Friends and families shopped together scooping up cute gifts and sharing warm hugs and smiles. Almost 100 long sleeve Heirloom shirts were sold with profits going directly to Heirloom families. Most importantly, these vendors were given a chance at what they thought may be a lost Christmas shopping season for their small businesses.

Trinity families shop for hidden treasures.

The Gibson’s shared “Trinity, Thank you! Thank you for sacrificing your Saturday morning. Thank you for allowing us to use your football field. Thank you for the endless hours of planning. Thank you for loving us through this. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for coming to our rescue! Thank you to the volunteers! Thank you to those who helped promote the event! And thank you community for coming and supporting our boutiques. We are forever grateful! We hope you found some great gifts and enjoyed your time with us!”

Trinity student Elie Oh sells bracelets, necklaces, and rings at her Junior Boutique “Elie with Love”

Sam Caldwell ran a Junior Boutique selling soaps for the 1st time. He made and brought 50 bars of soap with him to sell and after just a few hours, he sold out! His Mom shared, “This was such a great opportunity for him that we are grateful for. It definitely helped build his confidence to have such success at his 1st event.” Ethan Bowen also hosted a Junior Boutique and sold out of his candles in just a few hours. Philomena & Co shared “It was very uplifting to see how many people came to support the vendors after such a devastating event.” Brenda Brown shared, “As a vendor at Heirloom (Solomon & Sixth), we wanted to add a personal thank you to Heirloom, Trinity and the Community for your support for yesterday’s Christmas market. Without the considerable planning, advertisement, help with set-up and tear-down, and the support of those who attended, we would not have had such a successful day. A very warm thank you from Jim, Brenda, and Gina!”

TCS Performing Arts Choral Ensemble

TCS Performing Arts Orchestra

The Bible tells us in John 15:12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” The Christmas Market was a beautiful example of God’s love, humility, sacrifice, and service. Witnessing neighbors helping neighbors in our community filled up the hearts of all in attendance.

The Heirloom Market Co. Boutique Pop-Up Shop re-opens today, Tuesday, November 8th, in the Peachtree City Avenue at 10am. They are located between Francesca’s and Highland Bakery and are open through 7pm today. Hope to see y’all there!

Trinity Roaring Dramatics Place 3rd in Region 4A

Trinity Roaring Dramatics Place 3rd in Region 4A

By Tim Hurt and Lizzie Perez

Every year, schools around the state prepare productions for One Act competition through GHSA. The rules are simple, you have 55 minutes to start with a totally empty stage, load your set, perform your show, and then get everything out of the taped stage lines before calling time. While you have the simple task of telling a dynamic story for judges and peers under 55 minutes, the preparation required is immense, and the Roaring Dramatics at TCS worked hard this year to set a level of excellence in our new Region! 

We chose the show The 39 Steps: Even More Abridged, excited to bring the humor of breaking conventions in Theatre and share strong characters that alluded to the spy-thriller era of the early 20th century. Originally a book brought to the screen by Alfred Hitchcock, this “spy penny-novelette” story centers on a seemingly dull man named Richard Hannay. Through mistaken identities and being thrust into the spy ring, he becomes a wanted man and joins a mission to try and save the world! 

This year, in region 4-AAAA, TCS came in third place behind Starr's Mill HS (2nd place) and Troup HS (1st place). Out of 100, they scored a 94 average, and walked away being recognized as a top contender at competition. Three cast members, the lead and one of our many Seniors, Nicholas Dugan (Richard Hannay), another Senior, Britton Bryant (Clown 2), and Freshman Maddie Jayne Poling (Clown 1), were recognized as “All Star Cast” members.  The show was also recognized for “Best Costumes” overall.

Senior Nicholas Dugan

Senior Britton Bryant

Freshman Maddie Jayne Poling

More than anything, the Roaring Dramatics were able to bring an excellent comedic play that left the entire audience laughing, brightening their day, and connecting with local High School Theatre students. The Roaring Dramatics are immensely grateful to all those who continue to support this department and cannot wait to bring home the trophy next year!

Trinity Volleyball Team Making History!

Trinity Volleyball Team making History!

By Samantha DePriest

Our Trinity Christian Volleyball team made it to the GHSA Class 4A Final Four. We couldn’t be more proud of our Lady Lions who made history as a GHSA volleyball program after winning 4 GISA state titles. Our Lady Lions put up a good fight against Pace Academy last Saturday and will come back even stronger next season. We are excited about the growth of the program at Trinity and can’t wait to see what next year holds for this amazing group of student athletes.

Coach Sara Kuchinski shares “This season was one of growth. From the very beginning back in June, when we were working out on the field and getting as many touches as possible on the court, all the way to just last week competing in the Final Four of the state playoffs, this team grew. They grew together as a unit rather than individuals, they grew as players each getting stronger in every single aspect of the game. I am so very proud of the amount of improvement they made this season. You can look at every player on the roster and you can see from point A to point Z that they improved in their game! We competed against some big teams, and although the outcome may not have been what we wanted, the amount of fight and tenacity that this group showed was awesome to see.”

How did your team overcome adversity?

“How didn't we overcome adversity is the real question! You start off with a brand new coach, add in five freshmen, only four varsity returners, plus we had several injuries throughout the season to key players on the team. That amounts to (if you ask me) an absurd amount of adversity! The lack of experience this team had not only playing together, but also playing at this high a level was difficult to overcome. However, they worked very hard together to communicate, encourage, and push each other in practice to be better. Injuries were abundant for us this year as well. Lily Floyd, our starting setter, went down in late August, and Genna Rinkenberger, a Freshman, stepped up and stepped into her role and filled it beautifully! Then, Lindsey Carter went down with an ankle injury, putting us down a starting all around outside hitter. And then we lost Peyton Hayes to yet another ankle injury right in the middle of our run in State! Kaylyn Tackett, our lone Senior, stepped up and filled Peyton's role as a middle hitter without a single complaint! I'd say this team learned how to lean on each other when things got tough, and how God has a plan for every little thing that happens in our lives. That was one of our biggest focuses this season, what can you control? Only you. Do your best, give it your all, and don't worry about the rest because God has it.”

What are your hopes for the program moving forward?

“My hope for the program moving forward is just that, keep moving forward. There is so much potential in the entire volleyball program at TCS, and I hope to continue to help foster it's growth! We have a competitive group that only graduates one Senior, so I'm telling you now, keep your eyes out for TCS Varsity Volleyball because they could be fighting for a State title next season.”

Pictures below were taken by Trinity Mom and Volleyball Mom Brandy Floyd. For more pictures from that night, click on the link: Elite 8 pictures

TRINITY MIKE FITZPATRICK FORD STUDENT “ATHLETE OF THE WEEK” AWARDS

By Samantha DePriest

Trinity Christian School is honored to have Mike Fitzpatrick of Fitzpatrick Ford in Newnan recognize several of our Fall student athletes with the “Athlete of the Week” Award. We join Mr. Fitzpatrick in saying that we are wholeheartedly proud of these athletes who demonstrate qualities of leadership, character, and determination in their sport and on their teams. Below are our most recent recipients of the Fitzpatrick “Athlete of the Week Award”. Way to go Lions!!

Kaylee Croft - Softball

9/19/22

Kaylee has been having outstanding performances both in the circle and at the plate. So far this season she has had 87 strikeouts and is batting .463. She is dominating both in the circle and at the plate.

SeAnna Johnson - Softball

9/26/22

SeAnna has been a tremendous addition to our outfield this season. She is super fast and is tracking down any ball hit her way. She has also been averaging 1+ hits in every game.

Shawn Braxton - Football

10/3/22

Shawn is a 5’11, 195lb Safety and Running-back. Shawn has a 4.15 GPA and is committeed to playing college football at the prestigious Davidson College. Shawn was an All-State First Team player as a junior and is a captain of this year’s team.

Emerson Reifschneider - Cheer

10/10/22

Emerson serves as a Captain on the Trinity Varsity Cheer squad. This is her third year on Varsity and her 13th year cheering. Emerson is a fierce competitor. She is a remarkable cheerleader. Emerson was chosen this July for All American Cheerleader with UCA. She has the ability to lead a crowd and her team. Emerson fully covers the sport aspect of cheer. She stunts, tumbles, and has award-winning jumps. Stunting and tumbling takes tons of work to perfect all the components and Emerson definitely puts in the work.

Trinity Christian School and Trinity Church Host Annual Fall Family Fest

Trinity Christian School and Trinity Church Host Annual Fall Family Fest

By Samantha DePriest

Trinity Church and Trinity Christian School hosted their annual Fall Family Fest on Thursday, October 27th, in Lions Stadium for families to gather together to enjoy fun, fellowship, and food. There was plenty of inflatables and carnival games on the field, a Chili Cook-off, Dessert Bake-off, and new this year a Student Dessert Bake-off. We were blessed with a beautiful Fall evening with blue skies and mild temperatures.

With some of our favorite Christian songs playing, kiddos running and playing on the field, families catching up, and upcoming events scrolling on our brand new LionVision board, fun was had by all. TCS families generously donated hundreds of pieces of candy and helped make 1,000 bags of candy to hand out. Trinity Church served up hundreds of hotdogs, chips, and drinks. Both Trinity Church and Trinity Christian School families brought crockpots full of their favorite chili recipes and desserts. Students were even part of the fun this year and participated in a new student Bake-off. Trinity Student Council and BETA Club students assisted with face painting, serving cotton candy and popcorn, and engaged with little ones playing carnival games and inflatables. Trinity Staff and Faculty greeted our families and helped with carnival games and inflatables.

Below are moments captured by TCS Director of Marketing & Communications Oscar Camejo. To view and download more pictures of the event, please click the link below.

Trinity Middle School Academic Bowl Team places 2nd in Region and Advances to State.

Trinity Middle School Academic Bowl Team places 2nd in Region and Advances to State

By Samantha DePriest

This week our Middle School Academic Bowl Team attended a regional GAPPS Academic Competition in LaGrange. TCS Academic Bowl Coaches Mrs. Abby Akins & Mrs. Kiley Huddleston are excited about this new Academic Bowl Team for the 2022-23 school year. The team is comprised of students who excel in various academic subjects and popular topics. Students compete in Jeopardy-style regional competitions. They are chosen for the team based upon their total score on a Google Forms Tryout Test and Teacher recommendation.

Back row (l to r) Caleb Walls, Samuel Leyimu, Alina Cola, Elle Jerger, Lila Chitwood, and Audrey Williams

Front row (l to r) Will Lambert, Lane Maples, and Josh Powell

We are so excited to share that our Academic Bowl Team came in 2nd place this week and will advance to State next week. Mia Petterson and Caleb Walls also placed individually and advance to State. Coach Akins shared, “What a great competition! We are so proud of our team and how they worked together and honored God with their talents!” Way to represent Lions!!

Mia Peterson

Mia Petterson came in 1st place in Spelling and will advance to State next week.

Caleb Walls

Caleb Walls came in 2nd place in Geography Bowl and will advance to State next week.

Trinity Mike Fitzpatrick Ford Student “Athlete of the Week” Awards

By Samantha DePriest

Trinity Christian School is honored to have Mike Fitzpatrick of Fitzpatrick Ford in Newnan recognize some of our Fall student athletes with the “Athlete of the Week” Award. We join Mr. Fitzpatrick in saying that we are wholeheartedly proud of these athletes who demonstrate qualities of leadership, character, and determination in their sport and on their teams. Way to go Lions!!

Chloe Reed - Softball 8/22/22

Chloe has been an awesome addition to the team. She is new to the school this year and has jumped in and played a significant role in being a leader on the team. She is very coachable and will do anything she can to help the team win!

Elyse Wiseley - Volleybal

l 8/29/22

Elyse stepped into a major role for our team this week. Taking on the responsibility of being libero, and she rocked it! Her team-first attitude is always evident on and off the floor! Elyse leads our team in receptions this week with 45, and also leads our team in digs with 30

Preston Ziobro-

Cross CountrY

9/5/22

Preston is a great team player and finished at 17:12 at his latest 5K, making him the 4th fastest XC runner in TCS program history!

Emma Kate Douglas -

Cross Country

9/12/22

Emma Kate led the team this past week, running a 23:57 at Bob Blastow. Emma Kate is a dual sport athlete (sports medicine) and a joy to coach!

Trinity Middle School Softball Team Growing together in their Faith and on the field

Trinity Middle School Softball Team Growing together in their Faith and on the field

By Samantha DePriest

Photo cred: Kristan Peavy

Back Row (l to r): Coach Cole Elrod, Coach Phillip Skinner, Ayala Sinyard, Abigail Hardage, Myla Ball, Mary Ruth Adkins, Callie Flury, Lila Chitwood, Anna Rife, Coach Kevin Elrod, and Coach Jake Elrod

Front Row (l to r): Presley Boone, Makenzie Knowles, Gracie Little, Mary Callaway Brezina, Avery Maninger, Emma McEwen, Hannah Christmas, Reagan Peavy

Our Trinity Middle School Girls Softball team wrapped up their season with a 10-5 record. New to TCS, Softball Mom Kristy Pruitt shared, “The girls bonded so quickly and the coaches were beyond fabulous this season. Not only did they coach the girls, but they also mentored them. They created a Bible Study program on Wednesday after practice. I can’t say enough amazing things about the coaching staff and the group of young ladies. Being new this year and having our daughter make this team as a 6th grader and making these close friends made this transition so much easier.”

”I really enjoyed this season because our coaches helped us grow spirituality and athletically. They shared Bible verses and lessons that helped our attitude on and off the field,” shared 6th grade softball player Reagan Peavy.

Varsity Head Softball Coach Katey Lynch shares “I am so pleased by our Middle School teams performance this season. It is so awesome to be at a school like Trinity where you can build your program starting in Middle School. We are blessed to have 2 phenomenal Middle School coaches that instill the culture of TCS softball into these girls from the moment they step on the field. I am looking forward to watching these girls grow and one day wear a varsity uniform. The future is bright for TCS softball.”

Photo Cred: Kristy Pruitt

Wednesday Bible Study

We are so excited for this group of girls to continue growing together in Faith and on the field and thankful for the coaching staff for investing in the girls both on and off the field. Proud of our Lady Lions!

MS Softball Team

Mary Ruth Adkins, Myla Ball, Presley Boone, Mary Callaway Brezina, Lila Chitwood, Hannah Christmas, Callie Flury, Abigail Hardage, Makenzie Knowles, Gracie Little, Avery Maninger, Emma McEwen, Reagan Peavy, Anna Rife, Ayla Sinyard. Coaches: Kevin Elrod and Phillip Skinner

Photo cred: Kristy Pruitt

Photo Cred: Kristy Pruitt

8th grade student athletes

Photo Cred: Kristy Pruitt

Photo cred: Kristy Pruitt

A moment of prayer during the End of Season Banquet

The Greatest Comeback in Trinity Football History

The Greatest Comeback In Trinity Football History

By Samantha DePriest

Photo cred: Yuki Braxton

Friday Night Lights may never be the same! If you were blessed enough to attend the football game or tune in online on October 7, 2022, you witnessed the greatest comeback in Trinity football to date.

Seniors #23 Shawn Braxton and #16 Henry Brodnax ready to rumble!

Our Trinity Lions had a rough start and were down 17-0 at the end of the 1st quarter. We went into halftime down 17-7 and with 9 minutes left in the game, we were still trailing 23-7. Coach Dallas proclaimed in the locker room during half time on Friday night against the Whitewater Wildcats, “During the 2nd half, we will accomplish the greatest comeback in Trinity Football history”. Our Lions proved to themselves and to the community that with God’s help and their preparation and brotherhood, they would finish the game strong. This incredible team was led by our brilliant coaches, cheered on by our talented Cheerleading Squad and spirited Lion Nation, and encouraged by our phenomenal Marching Band and Color guard. Our Lions gave it everything they had in the 4th quarter to win the game 27-23. Trinity remains tied for 1st place in the Region 4A.

Photo cred: Tara Pitts

Trinity Football Mom Yuki Braxton shares “I feel like we hit the top….yet every year it gets even better!! Trinity Football is nothing like we have ever seen before! It brings so much joy, excitement, brotherhood, respect, and love to our community and our boys! Thank you Trinity and Coach Dallas for this special program!”

Our Lions have earned a well-deserved break after winning their last two region games against local high schools Starrs Mill and Whitewater. But relaxing they are not. They are getting ready for the next big game against the LaGrange Grangers at home on Friday, October 21st in our Lion Stadium. A win would guarantee them to play at home in the first round of the playoffs. Let’s fill the stands on Friday night and cheer our team to another victory!!

Click the buttons below to read more about our Lions in the local newspaper.

Trinity Middle School Cross Country Teams Win Big

Trinity Middle School Cross Country TeamS Win Big

By Samantha DePriest

Photo cred: Barkley Franklin

TCS MS Girls XC team place 1st in Trinity history.

Trinity Middle School Cross Country playoff results are in from this past weekend at the GAPPS State Meet in Fayetteville on October 8th and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Our Middle School boys team put in an outstanding effort and won State Runner-up! We are so proud of our Lions!! And for the 1st time ever in Trinity history our Middle School Girls Cross Country team won the State title!! Way to go Lady Lions!!

Photo cred: Barkley Franklin

Pre-race prayer led by Coach Tipton

It takes a special kind of student athlete with a very supportive family to compete in Cross Country. It is for those strong, determined, and fierce competitors who don’t mind waking up at 4:30am in the morning to drive across town to run on uneven ground, through puddles and rocks, up and down hills in extreme temperatures. It is both humbling and encouraging at the same time. It is for those detail oriented students who pay close attention to their diet, hydration, sleep, and every minute and second of their practice runs and race times. It makes for blisters, rolled ankles, sore knees, and more. It means pre-race pasta parties and post race chocolate milks. It is for parents who love to chase their kiddos around a race course to cheer them at every opening on as they push themselves to achieve their personal goals for the better of their team. And it takes a very special Coach to student athlete relationship to motivate teenagers to wake up early and run, run, run. Coach Ryan Tipton has served as our Head Coach for Varsity/JV/Middle School Cross Country at Trinity for 9 years. He also serves as our 8th grade Bible Teacher and Director of Middle School Aftercare. Coach Tipton and his wife Cindy have 6 precious children and he is used to chasing kiddos around. “We are so thankful to Coach Tipton for his leadership of this team and the Cross Country program as a whole at TCS,” shared Cross Country parent Rachel Jaroszewski.

Photo cred: Barkley Franklin

Trophy presentation at the GAPPS State Meet 10/8

Cross Country Mom Barkley Franklin shared “Cross Country is one of my favorite sports to watch. While it’s a team sport, it’s also individual. They are running as a team, but they are also running to improve their personal time. This year has been really fun to watch. Not only are the races exciting, but it’s overall just a great group of kids. They work hard and they truly care how their teammates compete. When they aren’t running their race, they are always cheering for their teammates.”

Our Middle School teams traveled to Cochran on Saturday, October 15th to participate in the Georgia Middle School State Championships to test their mettle against all GHSA private schools in Cochran. TCS Assistant Cross Country Coach Dawn Olson shared “I am very proud of them for how hard they’ve worked all Fall. I’m also very impressed at their already very obvious leadership skills and ability to work well together as a team.”

The Trinity Middle School Girls team beat Stratford Academy by 1 point and secured 1st place in the State Championships yesterday. The Trinity Middle School Boys team beat Landmark Christian by 48 points and earned 1st place in the State Championships. Way to represent Trinity Cross Country! We can’t wait to see what God has next in store for this incredible group of student athletes!!

Photo cred: Barkley Franklin

1st place winners at the State Championships 10/15

Middle School Girls Team

Grace Anderson, Braylan Caruthers, Mackenzie Clark, Taylor Clark, Aubrey Franklin, Ellie Jerger, Emma Margo, Adeline New, Julia Olson, Lucy Reichenbach, Avery Ross, Molly Tarpley, Tarik Ripton, and Anna Underwood

Middle School Boys Team

Hayden Armstrong, Andrew Billings, Jesse Griffin, Brandon Jaroszewski, Lukę Lanier, Chase Magro, Shepard Mullins, Logan Parker, Graham Reichenbach, Lucas Sprague, Tate Strealy, Brody West, and Henry Wilson

Trinity Middle School Volleyball team Class AAA Runner up!

Trinity Middle School Volleyball Team

Class AAA Runner Up

By Samantha DePriest

(Photo submitted by Coach Anderson) Back row left to right: Lexie Starcher, Zoe Joyner, Avari Cannon, Luci Luetkemeyer, Kylie Hanson, Reese Anderson, Caitlynn Rollins, Coach Angela Anderson

Front row left to right: Maya Thomas, Noah Capannelli, Addie Inman, Lanie Starcher, Dawson Price, Gracie Smelley

It was another incredible season for our TCS Middle School Girls Volleyball team! If you were blessed to see this amazingly talented group of girls play together, you would understand why they finished with a record of 20 wins and only 2 losses in their Fall 2022 season. From their huddles and cheers to their constant encouragement and support of one another, they represent everything a Trinity team should be.

Photo submitted by Coach Anderson

Head Coach Angela Anderson shares “Over the course of the season, I had officials, opponent’s parents, and other coaches saying things like “I’ve never seen a middle school team play like that,” or comment on how well we played. Those comments from people we didn’t know really meant a lot to me because it means our girls are learning to be humble when they win and that’s my main goal as a coach is to not only teach skills but also speak God’s values into them.” 

Photo cred: Julie Starcher

Last year’s Middle School Volleyball team was 18-1 and they won the State tournament.  “Being a part of that team for the returning players this year gave them an edge and a desire to repeat that success (Reese, Kylie, Lexie, Lanie, Zoe, Caitlynn)” Coach Anderson went on to share, “In my eyes, we accomplished that.  I am very proud of these girls. It was really fun to be able to give our practice players (Addie and Noah) the opportunity to play in a couple matches as well.”  

Coach Anderson also shared that her favorite wins from this season happened during the Woodward tournament. “We played competition that really challenged and tested us.  We had to pull together to beat some really tough teams and there wasn't a player that didn't surprise herself with what she was capable of doing individually and together as a collective effort.”

The team’s only losses were to PACE in the Woodward tournament Championship game (ironically, they beat them earlier in the day) and the second loss came in the Championship game of the AAA state tournament.  

Photo cred: Melanie Joyner

Zoe Joyner with her biggest fan and little sister Finley.

Eighth grade players Lexie Starcher who plays Setter shares “I am so thankful for this amazing group of girls. We have worked hard and it paid off. The players on this team made it the best season yet! And of course I love that I get to be on the team with my sister,” and Zoe Joyner who plays Right Front and Setter shares, “I enjoyed playing the season with new girls and making new friends. I couldn’t have asked for a better season.” Zoe has even inspired her little sister Finley, who is her biggest fan, to try the sport.

Erin Price, Trinity Middle School Volleyball mom, shares “We are not a team because we work together, we are a team because we respect, trust, and care for each other. This middle school team worked hard, learned a lot about the game but learned much more about life! They learned the value of a team is much more than just winning. They learned about respect, trust, and caring for each other. They represented TCS so well!”

If your daughter is interested in learning more about the sport, Coach Anderson encourages everyone to sign up for the TCS Volleyball Summer Camp or volleyball camps at County Recreation Programs and other local clubs.

LEt’S GO LIONS!!

2022 Class AAA Runner-Up

2022 Class AAA Region 4 Champions

Trinity Alumni Angela Moryan Lands Her Dream Job

TRINITY ALUMNI ANGELA MORYAN LANDS HER DREAM JOB

By Samantha DePriest

Trinity Christian Alumni Angela Moryan joined us in 2005 in the 5th grade. She fondly remembers her time in 8th grade meeting in trailers while the middle school was still being constructed. Then she recalls moving over to the Crossroads Church campus on 154 for her high school years before our new high school building was built on the main campus.

During her time at Trinity, Angela loved being involved in all that she could at school. She didn’t hesitate to jump right in and got involved in every opportunity that she could. Angela was involved in Choir, Performing Arts, and Volleyball. She also served as Beta President, National Honor Society officer, on Student Council, and as Yearbook Editor. She starred in “Annie”, our first Trinity Musical, as well as Sound of Music, Bye Bye Birdie, Charlie Brown, and My Fair Lady. She also had a lead role in the Music Man as the mayor’s wife. Angela also served as our Valedictorian for the Class of 2013 in the 5th graduating class at Trinity.

The close, meaningful relationships she had with her teachers and two in particular, Mrs. Zaubi and Mrs. Simonton, sparked her interest in travel and also to pursue a career in journalism and photography. Angela shared that these mentors and the many friends she made at TCS were a gift as she is an only child. The connections and friendships she made were so vital to her success inside and outside of the classroom. Her Mom, Mrs. Daryl Moryan, has been on staff at Trinity serving in our lunch room for many years and has also shared how the loving family atmosphere positively impacts our students. Angela especially felt God’s presence at school Chapels and Retreats and loved growing in her Faith with other believers. The high standards set at Trinity, Angela said, helped prepare her for college and made the transition a smooth one. She graduated from Georgia College with a BA in Mass Communications and minor in Photography.

Angela covered a TCS basketball playoff game in Dalton. The team was excited to hear she was a Lion!

Angela got to cover Georgia winning the National Championship

After college, Angela worked behind the scenes for a TV channel in Myrtle Beach and then spent 6 years in Chattanooga Tennessee covering news, sports, and more. She has covered big events like National Championships, Super Bowl, Braves, Titans, Nascar, Indy Car Races, and more. When Covid hit, Angie started her own photography business.

Her goal was to work for a news station in a city that had an NFL team. God closed many doors but opened the one she was waiting on. In July of this year, she landed a dream job as a Sports Anchor for WISH TV in Indianapolis. This past Sunday, September 25th Angela covered her first Colts game. She was so excited to share that she will get to travel for the New Years Day game against the Giants.

We are beyond proud of you Angela for your hard work and determination. We can’t wait to see how God is going to use you and the platform He has given you.

Follow Angela on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/sidelinestormer

Angela Moryan in her new role as a Sports Reporter at WISH TV in Indianapolis.