By Linda Dorsey Walker

Special to the Afro

     With a snip of the scissors, a dream that was four years in the making for a Randallstown church became reality as Colonial Christian Academy opened its doors Sept. 3 after a well-attended ribbon cutting ceremony.  More than 150 students, parents, teachers, community members and elected officials witnessed what was described as a significant moment in the 57-year history of Colonial Baptist Church, the opening of a religious school.

     The hour-long commencement program for Colonial Christian Academy took place appropriately in the church chapel, which will play an important role in the future religious education format of the academy.  Students will attend chapel on the first school day of each week for a half-hour, as well as on other occasions.

     The Rev. Robert Anderson Jr., pastor, began the program with a prayer for the students and their families.  He reminded everyone present that he wants the kids to grow not just academically, but spiritually, and to become disciples in the world.  He then quoted a verse from Luke 2:52: “Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man.”

     “I am happy so many parents had made sacrifices to send their children to the academy, but I believe God has chosen each of these first students to be here,” said Lisa St. Julien, Colonial Christian Academy principal.

     “I also thank you for lending your children to me.  They are like my own children since I have no children of my own.”

     On hand for the occasion were 40 charter students of the academy entering kindergarten, first grade or second grade, and their relatives.

     Also on hand were several dignitaries, including County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Del. Adrienne Jones, Del. Bobby Zirkin, State Central Committee member Linda Dorsey Walker and Scott Phillips, a candidate for the House of Delegates.

     Immediately following the ribbon cutting, parents and other guests were served what was called a “boo hoo” continental breakfast, since so many were families parting with their children for the first time.  Like any first day of school, one or two “boo hoos” could be heard emanating from the kindergarten classroom in particular, but these did not last long.  Students were quickly put to work learning the rules of classroom etiquette, where the rest rooms are located, and taken on a tour of the well equipped, full service library, which would be envy of most public schools.

     The Colonial Christian Academy has a full-size gymnasium/activity room, a computer technology room with a computer for each student, a newly refurbished playground, and other classrooms for music and art.  Every effort was made to attract a highly qualified teaching staff, who initially who include Brenda Proper, kindergarten, Aloha Edwards, first, Titian Koonce, first/second, Dorothy Nelson, second, Mary Small, music, Linda Calin, art, Celvin Hux, tech, Sheila Anderson, media, and Anthony Wiggins, physical education.  Before school and after school services are available from 7:00-8:45 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m.

     It is the plan of the school administration and CCA board, led by Robin Patterson Quarles, to add a new grade each year, up to and including grade 12.  The Colonial Christian Academy is at 9411 Liberty Rd. For more information about CCA, contact Lisa Smith at 410-655-1080.