by: Anna Meyers, LCA Junior
LCA is turning onto campus and watching the friendly wave of officer Vaughn as he directs traffic. It is the sight of familiar smiles resting on teachers’ faces as they welcome students in the hallways. LCA is the inviting air, the place visitors call “different” when they explore the campus. It is Friday Night Lights, small town living, and a place that can spread news like mayonnaise on white bread. LCA is a unique Christ-like environment that helps to define who we are and the place everyone likes to call home.
LCA is the sight of the rising sun smiling over the main building as we drive onto campus. Parents deliver their final “Have a good day,” “Now you behave,” and “I love yous” as children depart from their vehicles. Daily greetings from teachers and staff members begin at the sidewalk and continue into the hallway like a contagious breeze. The sound of “Good morning” and “How are you?” spoken by staff, students, and teachers as they walk past one another creates a welcoming, comfortable, family-like feeling every morning.
LCA is the refreshing smell coming from Mrs. Medlin’s candles that summon students to her room each morning. Teachers make students feel important, secure, and loved as they create comfortable environments in their classrooms. LCA is confidence in knowing that Mrs. Smith’s door is always open if one needs to talk. Students feel noticed and cared for in the loving environment that surrounds them. When teachers reach out to us, they positively influence our lives and help with problems we may be facing.
LCA is the sight of families and alumni standing under tents at football games, the line at the concession stand as folks order yummy food, and the students decked out in blue and gold showing their school spirit. Music from the band, cheers from fans, and the constant chatter between old friends and new fills the air on Friday nights, along with the smell of Glenn Dunston’s mouth-watering burgers and french fries. We see familiar faces as we reunite at homecoming games and recall all the fond memories we share together. The chants from the cheerleaders remind everyone to show their Lion Pride.
LCA is the feeling of Christ working and moving in the lives of students at Alpha Camp and Wednesday-morning chapels. Students and faculty have the privilege of learning and talking freely about our wonderful Savior. Our school sets a good spiritual foundation for students as they prepare to go into the world. We strive to be the voice of Christ and represent Him on and off campus. The overall aroma of LCA promotes the love and character of Christ, which distinguishes us from schools around us.
LCA is the sound of encouragement, laughter, and love permeating throughout campus. We see familiar faces walking to class, hints of our school colors parading around the school, and children playing in the field wearing khakis and polos. Beautiful buildings, modulars, and our athletic fields invite everyone onto our lovely campus. LCA is the sound of laughter as lower-school students play at the playground, whisper in line to each other, and participate in activities within the classroom. The feeling of joy, excitement, and contentment is found within our walls and spreads into the hallways and classrooms. We are the comfortable, home-away-from-home that students rely on in this complicated world.
Friday nights, familiar faces, family, friends, and faith are what bring us together at LCA. All the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings combine to make our school into something that stands out. Other schools may have bigger sports teams, fine arts departments, and additional activities; however, we have something that has a lasting impact on our students. We make people feel welcomed, strive to share the love of Christ, and have unique qualities that make us who we are. There is no perfect place, but the environment, teachers, families, and Christ-like atmosphere at LCA make us the special home that has lasted for twenty-five years and counting!
