Message from Mr. Ivey, Head of School
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Dear Alum,
Your relationship is invaluable. You have a unique understanding of who OCA is and an important voice in shaping its future. Much like a collegiate alumni program, there are numerous ways to stay involved and benefit from this community beyond graduation. Take advantage of your alumni connections, because shared experiences and values can create powerful, lifelong bonds. Whether you graduated five or 40 years ago, you are a lifelong member of an influential and diverse network of alumni worldwide.
Sure, high school is a pretty awkward season of life. But, your relationship with your alma mater today has more to do with what’s ahead than what’s behind. With time comes progress, maturity, and a fresh perspective. You’ve probably changed a lot throughout the years, and so has your school – both inside and out. Every alum is invited to take part in this progress, regardless of graduation year, career, city, or former teen awkwardness.
Did you know there are a lot of important needs and programs you can be a part of? Alumni can take part in the impact OCA makes as a top-notch, authentically Christian, college-prep school with exceptional opportunities for students of all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.There are many ways to invest your time, talents, and treasures and gain so much in return. Our alumni team aims to help you cultivate meaningful relationships, expand your career network, share your expertise, impact the lives of students, and continue to further the mission of your alma mater.
It’s common to think the main purpose of an Alumni Office is to solicit donations, but our team is built on much more than that. We believe in building a robust alumni program that is relational, not transactional. Your participation is essential to the enduring value of an OCA education, and we recognize that financial contributions are just part of the bigger picture. Every gift matters, because it’s about the act of supporting something greater than ourselves.
So, how do you want to make a difference? Join other alumni to reconnect, reminisce, and rediscover how OCA invests in you beyond graduation. We love to serve you.
Sincerely,
Fred Ivey, Head of School
I John 3:17
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COACHING FOR CHRIST
“I haven’t worked a day in my life,” states Tim Sandquist (Rock Valley College Head Basketball Coach and Omaha Christian Academy alumni). “Coaching is my passion. When you do what you love for a living, it doesn’t feel like work.”
Tim attended high school at OCA from 1999 to 2003. Prior to that, he was homeschooled. After graduating from OCA, Tim studied History at UNL for 2½ years. He also helped manage the UNL men’s basketball team. “At that time, I had intentions of becoming a high school teacher and coach.”
In 2006, Tim transferred to UNO to complete his undergraduate degree and went on to earn a Masters of Art degree in Administration. From 2006 to 2008, Tim served as Student Assistant Coach for UNO’s basketball team. He also volunteered as assistant basketball coach to Mike Thompson at OCA. “Helping Mr. Thompson coach the OCA team solidified what I wanted to do for a career.” As a UNO graduate student, Tim was promoted to Graduate Assistant Basketball Coach for the Mavericks.
In 2011, Tim went to work for Southwest Community College in Creston, IA as Adjunct Faculty, Assistant Housing Director and Assistant Basketball Coach. Later, from 2012-2016, he worked for Dodge City Community College in Dodge City, KS as Head Assistant Coach. During that time, he recruited and coached 16 Division 1 players and 10 Division 2 players. Next, he moved to Northwest Kansas Tech in Goodwin, KS as Head Assistant Coach and full-time faculty member.
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In June 2018, Tim landed his first head coach position at Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL. With 11,000 students, Rock Valley has a strong men’s basketball program. Tim has 17 guys on the team roster from nine different states. The assistant coach is one of Tim’s previous players. In preseason, the “Golden
Eagles” basketball team was ranked tenth in country of all Division 3 teams by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Rock Valley basketball team has played in four out of the last six national championship games and has been named National Champs twice.
Tim also credits OCA for developing a good foundation of faith in his life. “My faith helps me to be a better coach…to be a good influence and a positive role model for the guys I coach.” Many of Tim’s players come from poor, broken, single-parent homes. “Life can be stressful for the young men I coach if they don’t have their priorities in order,” stated Tim. In many cases, Tim is the first positive male role model the guys have ever had in their lives. Tim shares his faith and Christian morals with his players every chance he gets. “I think that is why I am so passionate about junior college. I want to help these guys move in the right direction,” said Tim. While not pushy about his faith, he has been known to invite members of his team to go to church with him. “God has me right where He wants me.”
On a personal note, Tim was married in August of 2013 to Robin. Together, they have two young children…Mila and Tate. As a family, they attend First Free Rockford Church and lead a small group. Tim feels right at home in Rockford wearing blue and gold and coaching the Eagles.
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First Annual Alumni Event
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OCA Hosted its first All-Class Reunion on Saturday, December 29th, 2018. There were 75 guests in attendance. Check-in began at 5:30 PM. Larry Nilius kicked off the event with a welcome message and prayer. Guests enjoyed heavy hordervers from multiple food stations while playing an "OCA Block Out" game.
Alumni quotes and favorite memories were shared via the big screen during this time. The program began at 7 PM. Mr. Nilius recognized class officers, the class with the most alumni present, Alumni with children currently attending OCA, those who traveled the furthest and classes celebrating 5, 10, 15, and 20 year anniversaries.
Craig Wollman and family led worship followed by an OCA Memories slideshow prepared by James White. Gary Krehbiel delivered an inspiring message inviting OCA Alumni to continue shaping the future of OCA...to pray for our students and teachers, to attend events, to volunteer, to tell others about OCA and more. Helen Cloyd spoke about the formation of an official OCA Alumni Association and invited alumni to become charter members.
Donna Blum shared some information about OCA today. Lastly, the OCA Ensemble performed several songs and Les Schmidt closed the event in prayer. Overall, the event was a huge success and we praise God for the wonderful time of fellowship with OCA family and friends.
Click here
to see photos from the event.
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Alumni Photo Contest Entries
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Become a Charter Member
of the OCA Alumni Association
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We are in the process of forming an official OCA Alumni Association. You can become a charter member of the association by:
2) Mailing a $10 check to OCA for your annual dues. Be sure to write "Alumni Association" on the memo line of your check.
We will have our first Alumni Association meeting in October. You will be contacted via email with the date and time.
Thanks for joining!
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Please Complete Our Alumni Survey
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We value your feedback and advice. Please complete our
online alumni survey. If you complete this survey by June 1st, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate to Olive Garden. Yum!
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Share Your Testimonial
Would you be willing to share a testimonial about your experience attending OCA?
If so, please
click here and complete the online form. Thank you!
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Unplanned
Did you know OCA alum, Parker Adams, was the editor of the recently released movie "Unplanned"? Watch the trailer here.
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State Champions Again
OCA's Cheerleaders were state champs again this year! This was their 6th 1st place victory in the past 7 years.
Watch Video.
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High School Play
You are invited to join us for the OCA High School Drama Class' performance of "Doc Doc Goose" on Saturday, May 11th at 7 PM in the OCA Cafeteria. No tickets required.
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Summer of Discovery
Are you looking for a daycare or day camp program for your kids this summer?
OCA’s Discovery Days program offers an exciting summer filled with Christ-centered instruction, outdoor fun, creative and stimulating indoor activities, swimming, new friends and more. Spanning 10 weeks, each week has a special theme. All lunch, snacks, field trips and activities are included in the affordable weekly price. Enroll your child in as many weeks as you like. To enroll, please call the school office at 402-399-9565 or
download the registration forms
here.
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May 28 - August 2, 2019 / Ages 3-12
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Watch the Story of Kerri Tulsie's Real-Life Cancer Journey
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2019 Graduation
OCA's 2019 Graduation Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 25th at 10 AM at Lifegate Church located at 15555 West Dodge Road.
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Singing in NY
OCA's Ensemble group will travel to New York, NY this June to perform at the Lincoln Center.
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"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
James 5:16
Prayer is the bedrock of OCA's teaching ministry. P
rayer unleashes God’s power in our school.
Will you please partner with us in prayer for our students, families, teachers, staff, volunteers and donors?
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OCA's 4th Annual Lights, Camera, Auction will be held on Friday, September 20th! The purpose of this event is to raise needs-based scholarship funds for students, enabling them to receive a Christ-centered education. Tickets will be offered free-of-charge to attendees. As a sponsor, you can reserve any number of tickets before they are made available to the general public.
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Will you help OCA reach its $100,000 LegacyWalk fundraising goal? These funds will enable OCA to continue its mission of teaching students in light of biblical truth. Watch the video here.
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An ongoing gift of $20 or more per month helps OCA create a strong foundation for all of our educational programs and builds a legacy of faith in the lives of children. It is not possible to know the full impact of your monthly gifts to OCA as the value of a Christ-centered education is incalculable and eternal.
However, be assured that you are building a legacy far beyond anything you could ever imagine…one that will impact lives for generations and into eternity. To learn more about becoming a Legacy Builder, simply make an online donation of $20 or more today and click the box to give the same amount monthly.
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Donate on Omaha Gives! Day / May 22nd
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Omaha Christian Academy | 402-399-9565| omahachristianacademy.org/alumni
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