Our Quarter 4 Team is Ready to Work

Irelynn Arnold

 

I am 13 years old, and I am in 7th grade. This is my first year at GCA and my second year attending Generations Christian Church. I live with my mom, dad and little brother, Lucas. Some hobbies I have outside of school are cheer and musical theater. I am currently in the school's production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and I am doing Alice in Wonderland (the musical) with Center Stage Theater. This year I look forward to doing interviews and posting photos. 

Presley Cheek

My name is Presley Cheek. I am 14 and in eighth grade. This has been my first year at GCA. I live with my mom, dad, little sister, 2 cats, dog and tortoise. Outside of school, I do competitive dance. I look forward to working in journalism. 

Maryssa Jenzer

Hey! My name is Maryssa and I am 11 years old in 6th grade. This is my first year at GCA, but I have been at the church for 7 years. I love to do cheer and go shopping. Also, in school, my favorite subject is math. I love being in advanced math because it has always been fun to me working to solve problems! I have a family of five, 2 brothers and my mom and dad, but my older brother does not live with me. I hope to end this school year on a good note!

Ethan Martinez

My name is Ethan Martinez, and I'm in 6th grade. This is my first year at GCA. I live with my mom, dad, and two sisters. My latest hobbies are drawing, reading, video games, and studying the French language. I like surreal art and pop music. I like to try a lot of foods, so I like to eat many foods. I look forward to writing articles for journalism class!

Micaelli Oliveira

My name is Micaelli. I am in 6th grade. This is my first year at GCA, and I look forward to meeting all of you! I love animals, art, video games, and fashion. I have two cats, two dogs, and two birds. They are very gentle and sweet. GCA has been really nice. I really enjoy this school!

Giovanna

My name is Giovanna, and I am in 8th grade. This is my first year at GCA, and I'm very glad to be here. Some of my favorite hobbies are crocheting, drawing, music and dancing. I live with my mom, dad and little sister. I am starting to take interest in writing, so I'm looking forward to this class. 

Ethan Whitman

My name is Ethan. I am 12 years old and in the 6th grade. This is my first year at Generations. I like art, books, technology, animals and fishing. I am also in theater and will be in the production of The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe. I am looking forward to taking photos for journalism!

Meet Mrs. Randolph

By Jolie Randolph and Gia Mougros

Meet Mrs. Randolph, a sweet and kind new IA and substitute teacher here at GCA.


Q. What is your favorite grade you have substituted so far ?


A. 6th grade


Q. What school did you come from and what did you do?


A. Cambridge Christian. I was an assistant and a substitute. 


Q. If you could choose a grade to teach, what grade would it be?


A. It would be 3rd grade. 


Q. What is your favorite subject?


A. History


Q. What's your favorite book you read?


A. Invisible String


Q. What's your favorite meal you've made?


A. penne alla vodka


Q. How many states have you been to?


A. 19


Q. What is your favorite state?


A. North Carolina


Q. Where did you go to college?


A. University of Maryland, Europe


Q. What was your mascot?

A. Bobcat

Chapel Team Talks Faith and Worship

By Aubrey Santo and Grace Rodriguez

Each Tuesday, students gather for chapel at GCA eager to hear from the worship team and GKids speakers. Chapel is a fun, engaging way for scholars to learn more about Christ and get the week going. We spoke to Allie, Aiden, Finn, and Chris, who work hard to put it all together. Here is what each person had to say:

 

Allie Bowden

How did your relationship with Christ begin?

I grew up in a church. My grandpa was a pastor. Then, when I was 10 I moved across the country and had to find a new church. When I moved, I believed in Christ. Then I saw a girl get baptized and it suddenly all became very real. Three weeks later I got baptized and accepted Jesus.

What do you do at chapel and youth?

I normally sing, but if I'm not singing I preach a testimony or message. I also make cotton candy at youth!


How do you prepare for chapel?

After Tuesday chapel, I sit down with team and we pick songs for the following week. Then, I go home and either practice the songs that I'm singing or I write up a message or sermon.


Did you always see yourself working in a church/ministry?

Not until I was about 17. Before that I had always wanted to go to cosmetology school.


Do you have any middle school spoilers?

Honestly I have no clue… lol. I know that the story of Jonah’s life story is an option.


Did you go to this church before you worked here?

Yes, I came here my senior year of high school. I started working here about a year and a half after I finished high school and when I started I was on G-kids worship team on Sundays. 

Finn Scott


What kind of church did you grow up in?

I grew up in a church that had Baptist roots, Christian values. 


When did your relationship with Christ begin?

I went to a Christian school, and I saw a girl get baptized. That was when it clicked that Jesus is real, and I got baptized 2 months later. I accepted Jesus as my savior.

What do you do here at the church?

I am the worship leader meaning that I pick all the songs for big church on Sundays, and youth. I also assign who is going to sing what songs. I pick who is going to play what instruments and if there is going to be a choir or not (if there is a message people to see who does and doesn't want to do it). I also send out emails about upcoming event for the staff teams. 

When did you first learn how to play music?

I got my first instrument when I was 8 and it was a drum set, my mom hated it because I used to just bang and hit the drums. It was really loud and it used to echo in the house.

Do you like singing at middle school youth or high school youth the best?

Middle school because they sing more than high school and they aren't afraid to jump around and be silly and crazy.


Did you always see yourself working in the church?

Yes, I knew that I always wanted to do something related to Jesus and music. I didn't realize I was going to work at a church until I was about 15.

Aiden Scott


What do you do here at the church?

I am in charge of everything that's going on at camps, youth and at chapel. I also help out with youth pastoring. But really I will just do everything if needed.


When did you come to have a good relationship with God?

When I was 13 I felt like I got to the point where I was living two different ways. For example I was acting a specific way at church, but then I would act totally differently at school. So I wanted to make up my mind but also wanted to get closer to God because I didn't believe all the way until I made my decision and wanted to believe.


Did you want to work at a church or see yourself working there?

I spent my life at church always, and I have seen it all. So, I know how it's supposed to look and it just felt natural.


Do you like singing at Middle school youth, high school youth or big church the best?

I like to sing at middle school youth rather than high school and big church because middle schoolers are more fun and when worshiping they are more engaged with singing and praising Him.


Do you only play the Guitar?

No, I can play all instruments like, drums, guitar, trombone, etc. Once you know how to play a few instruments like piano and guitar, the music will come easier for you because they all can be read the same way.


How do you prepare for Chapel?

I don’t need much preparation before Chapel. All I need to do is get a band together, plan out the songs and play the songs. I have to make sure that all the tracks of the lyrics have to be right and on track with the music, and make sure that the slides are built and then we practice throughout the week.


Chris Wilson


What kind of Church did you grow up in?

I grew up in a casual Christian church.


What was your relationship with Jesus when you were younger?

I always had a good relationship with Jesus, and it all started in high school when I went to camp. I realized that I was going to be an adult and knew that Jesus was going to be with me all the way through.


What do you do here at the Church?

I am the pre teen team leader 5-6th. I also help out on Sundays for the youth.


Did you always see yourself working here?

No, I really wanted to go into sports for ESPN football but after I graduated I decided that I wasn't going to pursue that so I wanted to work at church, but still do sports.


Do you like talking in front of people?

I used to hate going in front of people and talking about things that I wasn't fully confident in and preferred to stay behind the scenes. But after doing it a few times I love it.


What is your favorite worship song to listen to?

My favorite song to listen to is “Heart Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake.

10 Questions with Mrs. Wiliiams

By Raelyn Hedger and Sienna Alexander

The lovely and talented Mrs. Williams teaches 3rd grade math and science. Her class includes hands on activities that bring learning to life. She uses creativity. Her students say she is nice, kind and funny. 


What is your favorite part about teaching 3rd grade?

Math

How long have you been teaching?

18 years!

What job did you have before this?

Accountant

What is your favorite subject?

Math!

Why did you become a teacher?

I thought my previous job was boring.

What grade would you teach if you had a choice?

3rd grade

How long does it take you to grade a test?

30 minutes

What is your favorite time of the day?

Recess with my class is  a lot of fun. 

How would you describe your classroom?

Colorful

What is your favorite hobby?

Reading

Time to Take a Spring Break

By Eli Romano

Spring Break is a good way to relax and have fun. Every student wants to experience the best spring break they could ask for. I asked a few students what their plans are for the warm weather holiday and whether they would stay local or travel somewhere. 

Scholar Jayven Phillips said… 

Q:   Are you planning on going anywhere this spring break?

A:     I’m going to San Francisco.

Q:   If so, where are you planning to go?

A:   My family and I are going to National parks.

Q:   So how are you planning on staying connected with your friends?

A:   I’m probably gonna call my friends on my ipad.

Spring break is not only fun, sometimes it can help relieve stress. I asked Scholar Grant Kunky…

Q:   How do you plan on de-stressing during spring break?

A:   Focusing my mind and hitting baseballs to clear my mind.

Many people play sports too. Whether it be an extra-curricular or an out of school thing.

Q:   What are you most looking forward to during spring break?

A:   I have a huge baseball tournament. I’m very excited. (Grant)

Alex Barranco, 7th grade, also looks forward to running the bases, he said. 

 

Q:   What are your main goals for spring break?

A:   Practicing baseball, getting wins for the team. 

Also Grace Rodriguez, 8th grade, is looking forward to a sunny Florida vacation. 

Q:   Are you planning on going anywhere?

A:   I’m going to Santa Rosa

Jayven came in and said this about balancing relaxation

Q:   How are you going to balance relaxing and having fun

A:   I’m probably not, it's hard to balance it when your having so much fun at spring break.

Spring break: place where you can get rid of all stress and madness speaking of madness WHO’S READY FOR MARCH MADNESS!?

Weekly News Update with Ethan Martinez

 FREE VERSE NEWS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. SEUSS!

Turning 121 years old (He’s dead though,), Dr Seuss’ birthday has come around once again! Yes, we still celebrate his birthday. He left a legacy of teaching kids and adults the same ways of lessons like; “Christmas doesn't come from a store”. To celebrate, Mrs. Newman’s 6th grade class watched the Sneetches!  He was also a staple of many kids' early literature!  Anyway, Happy Dr. Seuss Week and on with the forecast! 

Credit to Bay News 9
Verse of the Week

“And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3: 17                                                   

-NOTICE- 

As of 3/14/25, there will be no more Free Verse News. However, If possible, I will continue a smaller version called “Daily All Bites.” I hope you have enjoyed this paper.    Best Wishes, Ethan Martinez, Free Verse News Creator/ Columnist.