The King's Academy

TKA Alum Emmanuel Lamur Signs NFL Contract

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:24:31 +0000

The King’s Academy is proud to announce that alumnus Emmanuel Lamur signed a free agent contract May 14th to play in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals. Lamur graduated from TKA in 2007 and went on to start at safety and outside linebacker at Kansas State University. In 2011 as a team captain, Emmanuel was an All Big-12 pick after tallying 83 tackles(3rd on the team), seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles. In 37 career games, he had 197 tackles and 15 pass breakups.

TKA Students Win Pathfinder Scholarships

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:48:50 +0000

In a spectacular ceremony at the Kravis Center, The King’s Academy was honored to have three nominees selected as recipients of the 2012 Pathfinder High School Scholarship Awards and one additional senior named as the recipient of a scholarship presented by Executive Women of Palm Beaches. The Pathfinder scholarships are awarded to high school seniors in Palm Beach and Martin Counties that have demonstrated exceptional academic, vocational or athletic achievement. First-place winners in each category receive a college scholarship of $3,000, second-place winners receive $2,000, third place receive $1,500, and fourth place receive $1,000.

TKA’s scholarship winners include:
Kelsey Trumbach – 1st place in Literature
Cameron Sharrock – 3rd place in Vocal music
Connor Saccal – 4th place in drama
Cecilia Breland – Received a $3000 Mary Lou Hilley Memorial Scholarship from the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches

King’s Secondary Principal Sonya Jones stated, “It is remarkable when your accomplishments in high school are recognized as the best among the most talented students in Palm Beach and Martin counties. We are so proud of our Pathfinder nominees and the acknowledgements they received at the awards ceremony.”

The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through twelfth grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach and Hendry Counties at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach, its Clewiston campus on Caribbean Avenue, and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens, and Royal Palm Beach. More information about The King’s Academy is available online at http://www.TKA.net.

Introducing The King’s Academy’s 2012-13 Prefect Council

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:48:10 +0000

The King’s Academy recently announced the selection of its 2012-13 Prefect Council. The council is made up of senior leaders who possess an uncompromising commitment to the school’s values and ideals. To be considered, students must submit a nomination form, go through an interview, and be selected by a team of administrators and teachers. The Prefect Council helps to oversee all areas of student life and lead the student body with emphasis on service not privilege. Congratulations to these rising seniors:

Zoe Andarsio, daughter of Dr. Felix and Odalys Andarsio of Lake Worth, will serve as a Student Life Prefect. She has attended The King’s Academy for six years and has been involved in the Ambassadors (Chair), His People Honors Choir, Varsity Tennis, Student Council (President 2 years), Key Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Costa Rica Mission Trips, and the Performing Arts musical productions of Beauty and the Beast and Les Miserables and the play Diary of Anne Frank.

John Carpenter, son of Marshall and Beth Carpenter of West Palm Beach, will serve as an Athletic Prefect. He has attended King’s for five years and has been involved in Varsity Baseball, Varsity Golf, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, and 10th Grade Bible Study.

Sierra Cortes, daughter of Steven and Donna Cortes of Lake Worth, will serve as a Service Prefect. She has attend The King’s Academy for nine years and has been involved in Colorguard, Key Club, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Ambassadors, Performing Arts Spring Musicals, and TKA Dance Program.

Alex DaCruz, son of Leslie and Laura DaCruz of Boynton Beach, will serve as a Fine Arts Prefect. He has attended TKA for eight years and has been involved in TKA Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, National Honor Society, English National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society (President).

Daniel Delgado, son of Rene and Jackie Delgado of Palm Beach Shores, will serve as a Student Life Prefect. He has attended The King’s Academy for thirteen years and has been involved in Varsity Football, Varsity Lacrosse, TKA Praise Band, Ambassadors, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Urban Youth Impact.

Nicholas Farmer, son of William and Vickie Farmer of Wellington, will serve as a Unity Prefect. He has attended TKA for seven years and has been involved in JV Baseball, National Junior Honor Society, Ambassador (Chair), Student Council, English National Honor Society, Debate Team, Film Club (President), Varsity Tennis, and TKA Band.

Hayley Field, daughter of Greg and Stephanie Field of West Palm Beach, will serve as a Fine Arts Prefect. She has attended The King’s Academy for three years and has been involved in Key Club, National Honor Society, His Voice Choir, His People Honors Choir, Ambassadors, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the Performing Arts musical productions of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Les Miserables.

Sarah Kincaid, daughter of Kevin and Michele Kincaid of North Palm Beach, will serve as an Athletic Prefect. She has attended TKA for thirteen years and has been involved in Varsity Softball, National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, English National honor Society, Key Club, Ambassadors, and the Costa Rica Mission Trips.

Gwyneth Lowe, daughter of Evan and Dona Lowe, will serve as an Academic Prefect. She has attended The King’s Academy for thirteen years and has been involved in Ambassadors, Marching Band (Drum Major), National Honor Society, English National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society (Vice-President), Math National Honor Society (President), Tri-M Music Honor Society, Musical Orchestra, and Flute Choir.

Sierra Lowe, daughter of Mack and Lisa Lowe of West Palm Beach, will serve as a Spiritual Life Prefect. She has attended TKA for thirteen years and has been involved in Fused Bible Study, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Key Club, National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Varsity Basketball, Varsity Softball, and Varsity Swimming.

Jake McCarty, son of Dave and Pam McCarty of West Palm Beach, will serve as a Service Prefect. He has attended The King’s Academy for thirteen years and has been involved in Varsity Basketball, Varsity Swimming, Varsity Lacrosse, Praise Band, and Jazz Band.

Jacob Percy, son of Michael and Meg Percy of West Palm Beach, will serve as a Spiritual Life Prefect. He has attended TKA for seven years and has been involved in Varsity Swimming, Varsity Track and Field, National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society.

Nick Sexton, son of Carl and Lois Sexton of Boynton Beach, will serve as a Spiritual Life Prefect. He has attended The King’s Academy for eight years and has been involved in Varsity Track and Field, Varsity Swimming, Varsity Cross Country, Performing Arts Spring Musicals, Jazz Band, Choir, and Fused Bible Study.

Kevin Shan, son of Yuan Shan and Amy Liu of Wellington, will serve as an Academic Prefect. He has attended TKA for three years and has been involved in Varsity Tennis, Marching Band, Performing Arts Spring Musicals, Key Club, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, and English National Honor Society.

Emily Weir, daughter of Paula Weir of Palm Beach Gardens, will serve as a Unity Prefect. She has attended The King’s Academy for two years and has been involved in Performing Arts Spring Musicals, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Science national Honor Society, and His People Honors Choir.

TKA 7th Graders Selected for US Naval Academy S.T.E.M. Program

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:47:21 +0000

TKA seventh graders Samantha Michlowitz and Megan Scheffer-Herman have been accepted into the United States Naval Academy’s Summer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program. They were selected into this prestigious program based on their devotion to academic proficiency and community enrichment, as well as their personal leadership potential. The STEM Program is designed to encourage rising 8th – 11th grade students to pursue a course of study in engineering and technology throughout high school and college. Samantha and Megan will be attending the program during the first session in June with students of similar age and grade. They will experience real-life application of math and science principles through hands-on practical learning. Mrs. Sonya Jones, TKA Secondary Principal, stated, “We are extremely proud of these girls and their selection into this prestigious program. This a great opportunity for them to experience the rigors of military academy academics while also participating in sports and field trips and meeting people from all over the country.” Both girls hope to re-apply in subsequent years and gain acceptance each summer.

The King’s Academy Baseball Advances to Class 3A Regional Finals

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:55:45 +0000

Original Story by: Rick Duteau of PalmBeachHighSchoolBaseball.com

These two teams would have played each other in the parking lot if they had to.

After enduring a weather delay that ultimately pushed their Class 3A regional semifinal back a day and also to a new site, and then also experiencing a lengthy game delay because of an injury to one of the officials, district rivals Benjamin and King’s Academy were finally able to complete play Wednesday afternoon at Royal Palm Beach High.

The Lions rode the strength of two big offensive innings and a solid overall performance from its pitching staff to defeat Benjamin 7-1 and advance to Friday’s regional championship against host St. Petersburg Catholic.

“To play and beat a great team like them three times is incredible,” King’s Academy coach Doug Magaw said. “This is very rewarding. The boys spent a great deal of time trying to accomplish the things they want to do.”

After the game was initially halted in the top of the third inning when heavy rain and lightning swept over the King’s Academy field on Tuesday, the contest was moved to nearby Royal Palm Beach High in order to accommodate for the possibility that it would be played into the night on Wednesday, since the Lions (19-10) do not have lights at their own stadium.

Despite the distractions, the Lions were poised and focused in the pursuit of the team goal to make it back to the regional finals again this season.

“It’s not rocket science. Half the battle is just to focus,” Magaw said. “They are a loose bunch and we don’t have to work to keep them ready. They just enjoy playing together, and there is a nice mutual respect for Benjamin.”

King’s starter Matt Pisciottano earned the victory with six solid innings, allowing one run and getting four strikeouts.
King’s drew first blood with all the runs it ultimately would need in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Just as he has done all season, catcher Kevin Stypulkowksi ignited the offensive spark with a deep shot to center field. John Carpenter followed by driving a pitch to nearly the same spot for a standup double that sent Stypulkowksi in to score all the way from first base. John Monte then squared a pitch through the right gap to send Carpenter around third and across the plate, and Dominic Mercurio kept the momentum going by looping a liner to shallow right field to put runners on the corners.

With the Buccaneers (20-9) now on the ropes, James Vaughan delivered the knockout blow by dropping a hit into right field to send Monte in and put the Lions up 3-0.

It was Mercurio coming up big again in the fourth inning when he blasted a bases-loaded shot to right field that easily scored Ryan Boyle, who had led off the inning with a single and a stolen base. Carpenter also came in on the hit, and Monte was able to follow him in after the relay throw to the plate hit Carpenter and rolled out of play from the catcher.

Three batters later, Mercurio tallied the Lions’ final run when Mark Zippin roped a shot up the middle that fell just out of the reach of the diving second baseman.

“I felt comfortable and just waited for my pitches,” Mercurio said, after finishing 3-for-4 on the day. “It feels good hitting behind Kevin, and everybody is gelling together. This year has had its ups and downs, but everybody has really come together now.”

Despite the tough loss that eliminated the Buccaneers’ chances of advancing the furthest into the playoffs in school history, it does not overshadow the fact that this team turned the corner this season in proving they can hang with the county’s top programs.

Benjamin’s Brian Dolan singles and eventually scored the Buccaneers only run of the game.
“This was a coming-out party for us,” Benjamin coach Brian Kaplan said. “We had a goal to have a winning season, and we had some big wins over marquee programs along the way. I’m proud of everything we accomplished, and the seniors set a great example for what the younger kids need to do now. We took a big step forward today, and that bad taste this leaves helps to develop character and gives them determination in the offseason.”

Benjamin faced King’s starter Matt Pisciottano four times this season, and Coach Kaplan admitted that he was lights out in the final two meetings against them.

“A lot of it comes with experience,” Kaplan said. “They have been there and they know what it takes.”

Pisciottano worked ahead in most counts and was able to limit his pitches, tossing six full innings while allowing six hits and a walk and recording four strikeouts.

James Vaughan was 3-for-3 to lead the Lions’ offense, which pounded out 11 hits total.

The Buccaneers avoided the shutout in the top of the fifth when A.J. Alevizos singled through the right side of the infield to send home Brian Dolan, after Dolan had reached on a one-out single.

TKA 3-Time State Champion Cheerleader to Cheer at Samford University

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:43:12 +0000

Lauren Bender, Co-Captain of The King’s Academy’s Varsity Cheerleading Team, will be entering the nursing program at Samford University in the fall and recently learned that she will also be cheering for Bulldogs. She auditioned over a two-day period in Birmingham, Alabama, where the participants had to demonstrate their tumbling and stunting skills as well as perform a new cheer and fight song they learned at the auditions. Lauren earned a spot as a flyer. She is excited to attend Samford because it is a small Christian school that reminds her of The King’s Academy, which has been like a second home to her. “I love King’s. The teachers are caring and positive influences in my life.”

Lauren started her cheering career at TKA in 7th grade and began training to be a flyer in 9th grade. She credits Coach Jenn Allen with her success in cheerleading. “Coach Jenn taught me all of my flying and tumbling skills, and she always pushes us to do more than we can even imagine. Coach Jenn’s discipline and talent brings out the best in each of us, which is why we were able to become the FHSAA three-time state champions.”

Lauren aspires to become a nurse practitioner in cosmetic dermatology.

The King’s Academy Announces Establishment of a Business Program

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:22:34 +0000

TKA is pleased to announce the implementation of a Business Program through which students will graduate from TKA with a business program distinction on their diplomas. TKA is one of the only private schools in the county offering a full business program, allowing students to gain a broad business background before college. TKA Secondary Principal Sonya Jones stated, “According to several sources, approximately 80% of college students take business courses, including those pursuing other careers. At The King’s Academy, we want to ensure that our students are equipped for this ever changing job market, and want to do our part in giving our students an edge.” TKA has enlisted current secondary math/business teacher Mrs. Anne Spell to direct this innovative program; Mrs. Spell holds a Master’s Degree in Business and currently teaches the college level Dual Enrollment Introduction to Business course at King’s. The program will require students to take five specific courses during their high school years. The curriculum will include Business Overview and Entrepreneurship for ninth graders, Marketing which will integrate desktop publishing for sophomores, Business Ethics and Business Law for juniors, and seniors will take the current dual enrollment Business class and participate in a business internship with an end of year project that will incorporate knowledge gained throughout the program. The program will offer two tracks – an international track that will require Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language and a standard track that will likely require Spanish. The King’s Academy will offer outside opportunities for enrichment though the Junior Job-Shadowing Program, FBLA or DECA programs, PBAU Business Plan Competition, guest speakers, and participation in Leadership Programs. Additionally, all secondary students will have the opportunity to take the individual business classes as electives.

King’s Academy Advances To Class 3A Regional Semifinal With 7-0 Win

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:18:34 +0000

Matt Pisciottano has turned it up a notch during the postseason.

The senior right-hander pitched his second consecutive complete-game shutout to lead The King’s Academy over the Community School of Naples 7-0 in the Class 3A regional quarterfinals Wednesday in West Palm Beach.

King’s Academy will host Benjamin in a regional semifinal Tuesday.

“I have not seen him with kind of command this year,” Lions head coach Doug Magaw said of Pisciottano. “He trained real hard after his outing against Benjamin (in the district final) to get ready for this. I couldn’t be more proud of him. His command was incredible.”

Pisciottano, who had a no-hitter through five and one-third innings and finished with a one-hitter, said this was one of his best games of the season. He struck out eight and walked four while throwing 93 pitches to improve to 5-4.

“It’s definitely up there,” said Pisciottano, who now has four complete games. “Today was one of those days where everything was working — fastball, slider and change-up. Usually I have my fastball, or just one pitch, working.”

While Pisciottano was dominating on the mount, teammate John Monte was his equal at the plate.

The junior left fielder, who hits fifth, led the Lions with four RBI on a two-run double in the third and a two-run single in the fifth.

“There’s no doubt, we know Johnny can hit the ball,” said Magaw. “We depend on him, that’s why he’s there.”

It was the most RBIs in a game this year for Monte, who said he was looking for a first-pitch fastball during his at-bats.

“He (Community School starter Nick LoCoscio) was throwing really good, but after my first at-bat (a strikeout) I really started getting into the groove and it was really coming naturally today. I felt great.

James Vaughan led the Lions (18-10) with three hits while leadoff hitter Joe Gomez had two singles and scored two runs. Ryan Boyle and Kevin Stypulkowski each had an RBI single in the sixth when King’s scored four runs to put the game out of reach.

Stypulkowski also threw out two runners at second base to end possible threats.

Magaw and Pisciottano were happy with the win but know they haven’t reached their goal.

“Everything we do is to prepare for the second season,” said Magaw, who led the team to the regional final in each of the last two seasons. “We look at this as one game at a time, one day at a time, we know that. There’s nothing you can do but wait for the day and prepare for it. We talked about being mentally and physically prepared for when it’s your time to get it done.”

Pisciottano said the playoffs have invigorated his team.

“Since the playoffs kicked in, we’ve come out with more energy looking to move forward,” said Pisciottano. “We want to move on, to get back to the regional championship that we’ve been at the last two years and get past that.”

Field of Dreams – TKA Softball

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:57:35 +0000

The girls’ softball team scored their first state final four in 14 years with a 3-1 victory over Sarasota Cardinal Mooney High on Tuesday. Cardinal Mooney came into the season with a record of 21-4 and had an advantage being able to host the game against the Lions who traveled across the state.

Cardinal Mooney generated just three hits off the Lions ace Aubree Murphy, who struck out 12 batters in the complete-game victory. Her performance enabled King’s Academy (23-6) to win the program’s first regional title since 1998. “They were all just way off the plate,” said Murphy, “As soon as I saw a girl step up on the plate, I was going to bang them inside first. Then I’m going to go out on them so they couldn’t reach it. So, that was my strategy most of the game.” Murphy, though, yielded only two hits, a home run and double, to her counterpart, Mooney sophomore pitcher Natalie Maglich.

After Cardinal Mooney tied the game 1-1 in the bottom of the third inning, the Lions quickly responded offensively. Freshman catcher Becca Gomez came to the plate after an Abby Cornelius walk and homered over the left center-field fence to put the Lions ahead for good 3-1. Gomez also doubled in Kim Valdes in the second inning and finished with all 3 runs batted in on the day. “Becca, I told her to keep her hands level, let it come to you and drive through it,” head coach Tim Willcox said. “I mean, that’s her fourth home run this season and she’s got that kind of power.”

With the win the Lady Lions advance to the State Final Four in Clermont May 11^th. They will play at 12 p.m. against the winner of the American Heritage Delray and Miami Westminster Christian region final.

TKA 5th Graders Enjoy Learning at Nature’s Academy

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:08:21 +0000

The King’s Academy fifth graders went on a two-day trip to Nature’s Academy, an environmental education organization located in Bradenton, Fla. Through this hands-on experiential education program, students learned about our state’s diverse ecosystems. The first day’s activities included a canoe trip on Upper Myakka Lake, a nature walk and canopy investigation, cast-netting, bird-identification activities, water-quality investigation and loggerhead-turtle lessons. In the evening, students enjoyed campfire activities including making s’mores! The following day was just as exciting and busy with activities such as shark dissecting, kayaking through the mangroves, seagrass snorkeling and dip-netting and taking a history walk through Fort DeSoto. For many, kayaking was the highlight of the trip, as they traveled through the Tampa Bay Estuary and saw manatees and mangroves. It was definitely an exciting and educational trip filled with big smiles.