The problem has been considered, the research completed, the project is constructed and tested, and the results are in! Yes, GCA’s Annual Science Fair was the challenge it needed to be and everyone--teachers and students alike--rose to the occasion. The exhibits were some of the best ever. The comments from judges, parents, and faculty underscored the quality of the work and efforts of our students in this year’s fair. Thanks to all those who made this year’s fair a success, and a very special “thank you” to those who came and served as our judges.                        

1st - 3rd Grade Division	4th - 6th Grade Division
1st Place - Isaiah Groves 2nd Place - Sam Textor 3rd Place - Ryan Edney	1st Place - Judah Bennett 2nd Place - Abigail Mercer 3rd Place - Tim Sparks
7th - 8th Grade Division	9th - 12th Grade Division
1st Place - Alex Daugherty 2nd Place - Elizabeth Frazier 3rd Place - Destin Harrison	1st Place - Victoria Craft 2nd Place - Alissa Robertson 3rd Place - Brock Frazier

Imagine George Washington, Queen Esther, the Ancient Greeks, and Martin Luther all in the same room.

One day a year, this scene becomes a reality when GCA celebrates its annual History Day.

History Day is a special event at GCA, and the morning drop-off line is especially colorful as notable men and women from our past enter the building. From Adam and Eve to recent history, students dress up as a historical character from the time period they are currently studying.

The morning of History Day serves as a dress rehearsal, and that night is the actual History Day presentation and GCA open house.

Reading a textbook may inform students of the events of history, but assuming the role of an individual from history, studying that person, doing a report and speech about that person--those are things that really can bring history to life.

What the parents, students and staff get to see is history come to life. As time progresses during the presentation—Ancient History, Medieval History, Renaissance, American History, 20th Century, 21st Century—what unfolds is a beautiful story of our past and how God demonstrates His sovereignty and His will throughout the ages.

Following History Day, the pages of the GCA calendar seem to speed up with numerous activities. With only a few weeks left until summer break, the days are filled with preparations for the Science Fair, Battle Grammatica, the Spelling Bee, and for the first time this year, Math Jeopardy.

Mr. Bowman’s Electricity Applied class went on a fantastic trip to the James River Power Plant and an exhibit at the City Utilities Office on September 19. The class has been learning the ins and outs of both AC and DC electricity and will soon begin their first hands-on electronics project. The students learned that the power plant burns 33 train car loads of special low-emission coal per day in a boiler several thousand degrees Fahrenheit. The steam from the boiler spins the turbine wheel and the generator which then produces the electricity that is transported at extreme voltages all over Springfield and beyond. Thank you, Mr. Bowman, for the amazing field trip!

The 6th grade class took a field trip to the Gadd farm on September 10. The purpose of the field trip was to explore caves, understand animal care, and collect some outdoor critters (spiders, snakes, and other outdoor creatures). The morning started with a visit to the Gadd barn with Dr. Michael Spragg, DVM. Dr. Spragg spent two hours explaining horse, dog, and cat care as well as explaining the different parts of the animals and what immunizations can be used to protect them. He allowed three students to administer the immunizations which seemed to be a highlight of the day. Next, they visited a nearby cave with a spring flowing from its opening where they observed all sorts of plant and insect life that was in and around the cave. A bonfire lunch followed with a quick run-through of a neighboring sheep farm. After exploring a second cave, observing a crane's nest, and playing in the water, the class concluded the day (as Mrs. Gadd said) with a "one-mile walk home, a few bug bites, a nice tan, tired feet, and BIG smiles on their faces. The day was a definite success."