104 • SEPTEMBER 2023
More Than Just The Trophies It’s Wednesday morning, and first grader, Virginia Dare Ford, is very excited about school because it’s chapel day at Canton Academy. When asked why she loves chapel, Virginia Dare said, “because we sing to God and listen to God’s Word.” The elementary students are not the only ones who love CA chapel. Students in the seventh through twelfth grade building also look forward to this reprieve from class where they can refocus their attention on their faith in what staff members describe as the most important time of the week at the school. “We are a Christian school so It’s important to us to reach the students through various youth pastors and ministers from the metro area. Our main goal is for our students to know who their Creator is and that they are loved,” says CA Head of School, Ryan Laster. History teacher and FCA facilitator, Kristi Cook, said, “We are so blessed to set aside a time each week for chapel at Canton Academy. It’s a time for students and staff to focus mid-week on encouraging and challenging biblical teachings from local ministers and speakers. I value this time as a gift for our entire student body to renew and refocus each week in His name.” Another asset to students at Canton Academy is the class with artist Mark Millet. Millet, a well-known Mississippi artist, is in his fourteenth year of teaching at CA. He also teaches adult art lessons at his studio, Millet Studios, in Ridgeland. Students in Millet’s classes at CA are known for producing captivating artwork. Graduates of CA who have studied under Millet have gone on to be architects, graphic designers, videographers, photographers, and amateur and professional painters. A few years ago, CA administration and Millet came up with the idea to add a life skills class to his teaching schedule. Students in Life Skills learn to install electrical outlets, change oil, learn the inner workings of different types of motors, grocery shop for nutritious and budget-friendly ingredients, and create meals from the groceries they have purchased. Girls and boys alike enjoy any class that Millet teaches, and he definitely fulfills his calling every day to interest students in the arts and life. Amazing art at Canton Academy is not exclusive to the upper school. Elementary students have been a part of an art program that produces award-winning artwork every single year. The CA art program takes work to district and state competition each year, confirming for students that exploring their creative side pays off. Students in Mrs. Savannah Lloyd’s art classes started week one using various mediums like watercolors, ink, paint, pastels, pencil, ‘trash stamping’ with recycled materials, paint bubbles, painting with markers, and print making. Chalk and oil pastels are on the docket for September, with acrylics and watercolor following close behind for the fall season. Mrs. Lloyd said, “Art is so important for ALL students because it has the ability to reach any child, on any level, at any stage of development. It’s an opportunity for emotional and spiritual exploration just as much as it’s about exploring the limits of their physical capabilities. Oftentimes art is a reprieve, a ‘sigh of relief’ from the social and academic expectations of the students’ school day. Plus, it’s just fun, and kids need fun!” Forensics class has been a part of the high school science curriculum at CA for several years. Students are always interested in learning how law enforcement and scientists use forensic evidence to solve crimes and how science and math play a big part in these solutions. This year, Coach Jonathan Bates is teaching forensics, and all the students want to be in his class. Coach Bates says students will solve murder mysteries once or twice a week this year, depending on the complexity of the case. The year will culminate with a live murder mystery crime scene investigation where one of our staff members is found “murdered” in the building when the students arrive at school. Forensics students will use investigation skills they have learned throughout the year to solve the mystery and have the murderer arrested. Most people know that Canton Academy has a winning athletic record, taking home state championship trophies last year in track, cross country, and football. However, to the Canton Academy community, there is more to winning than the big gold trophy. “I have nothing but good things to say about my children’s experience at Canton Academy. They are both off to college now, both with academic scholarships and championship rings, but there’s so much more to it than that. They were truly known and loved, steered in the directions to which the Lord called them, and prepared in every way possible for what lies ahead. I could not have asked for a better experience for the people I love most in this world,” says Jenny Wadford, Canton Academy director of admissions. Whether it’s Bible class, the arts, life skills, yearbook staff, or the clay shooting team, good things are happening at Canton Academy. Hometown MADISON • 105