2014/2015 Report from the President
As we begin a new year and a season of life. I would like to take this time to reflect on last year. A year that I feel was very successful in many different ways. We started the year out with new Board officers and a few new board members. We put into place in the 2014 - 2015 year a strategy to continue to grow our programs, be an organization that is thriving, and one that continues to attract Homeschooled families.
I am more involved on the sports side of the organization so I would like to start there. A vision has been created for us to offer a highly competitive sports team for the kids that have a desire and the talent to continue on to the college level. We try to do our best to have the right coaches in place, get the right amount of games and into the right tournaments to potentially be noticed by college scouts. I believe we have an excellent coaching staff that just doesn’t coach to win, but coaches because they love the game and desire to train the kids to be the best they can be both physically and spiritually.
Our Girls’ Volleyball team fielded all levels, JJV, JV, and V, with Kellie Kessler as Head coach. We had two ladies make all conference teams. The Varsity team also traveled to Tennessee to participate at NACA, National Association of Christian Athletes. It was a great team-building experience; but, more importantly, a great spiritual event and fellowship with other Christian athletes. Thirty + teams participated in this event, and one of our ladies was actually voted on one of the All-Tournament teams.
Our Boys Soccer, led by Varsity Head Coach Glenn Heard, was also able to field JJV, JV, and V teams with Varsity finishing 2nd in the conference with All-Conference players as well. The boys also traveled to NACA for the 4th season, and actually enjoyed some cheering from the volleyball ladies. They finished very well in their pool play. One of their players was voted on the All-Conference team as well as the tournament teams. He was also ranked No. 1 in the state for scoring and was also voted to the 2015 All-Tidewater Second Team. A first for a homeschooled athlete!
Boys and Girls basketball fielded all three levels, JJV, JV and V, for this past season, lead by Head Coaches, Darrell Jackson for the boys and Dave Matthews for the girls. The boys just fell short of placing in the conference tournament, but played some exciting games throughout the season. It would be great to see more fans at our home gym, which we are very blessed to have - Rock Church 640 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach. We did have a graduating young man get accepted at Virginia Wesleyan this fall to play basketball. The ladies placed 1st in the conference and 1st in the conference tournament as well. Both boys and girls teams were able to travel to Roanoke for the VHSAA, VA Homeschool Sports Athletic Assoc tournament, in which our girls placed first. Our boys also traveled to LibertyUniversity for the East Coast Homeschool Tournament and did very well.
Boys Baseball, led by Coach Peyton Mustard, was able to field a Varsity team this year. He had a full team with a lot of young players and was able to place third in our conference tournament which was played at ChristopherNewportUniversity. One player made first team all-conference and 2 players made second team.
All of our athletes were recognized for their participation and accomplishments at our Sports Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 1, 2015.
Our JA program was slow to take off last fall; but. with some renewed energy and focus, we had enough young ones in the Spring to have a few teams for coach pitch softball. Our current fall program is shaping up nicely with over 100 kids signed up. This is our grass roots program and we pray this will continue to grow.
Our prom was held at Vista Point, located on the World’s largest naval base. The theme was to honor our Military as well as those homeschooled graduates that have gone on to serve our Country. We had over 250 in attendance which is growing each year. This keeps our prom coordinators always on the search for bigger venues. I know a good time was had by all.
Our graduation took place at Christian Community Chapel. We had 23 graduates this year with Bob and Rhoda Jeter as our guest speakers. The students were able to set up tables to show their accomplishments throughout their school years. It’s amazing to see the talent that God has blessed them with and what they are able to accomplish. Great charges were given by the parents to their graduating children, and a reception followed.
Our biggest fund raising event is Ovations. This is set up for the teams to work concessions at the Norfolk Scope. We worked hockey games, basketball games, special events and concerts. Without this major function our program could not survive. It may sound like a daunting task, but once you work an event, it’s a great team builder and a time to get to know other parents /players within our organization.
I would like to thank all the coaches from every team and all the Board members and parents for their commitment to homeschooling their children and being so dedicated to T.E.A.C.H./BEACH. Without you we would not be able to provide these programs and functions for our children. I know around your schooling, there is a lot of time spent on and off the courts and fields, numerous emails, traveling, research for practices and plays, helping on committees, locating venues, decorating, and the list goes on. It is much appreciated!
As you all prepare for a new season and new schooling year I pray that you give it your all and strive for excellence; and, above all, you continue to honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!
May God Bless you,
Barry Kessler