Thirty Years of Christmas Knights and Seven Years of Christmas Lights

By Whitley Andrews, Shield Editor  

5…4…3…2…1…  

Lights on the beautifully decorated tree flashed on. Three original staff members stood smiling at the symbol of 30 years of NRCA history and Christmas tradition. 

Families bundled up on Monday, Dec. 1, for the 7th annual NRCA Christmas Tree Lighting. The tradition took place on the front lawn of campus, where students, teachers, and administrators gathered for a festive celebration. 

Student volunteers served an assortment of cookies and hot beverages. The Honors Ensemble and Bell Choir performed carols, such as “Away in a Manger,” “Joy to the World,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” as attendees sang along. 

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting, a memorable event for the NRCA community, is “an opportunity for our school family to worship together corporately as we begin the Christmas season,” said Founder & Superintendent Emeritus, Dr. S. L. Sherrill. 

The 30th anniversary of Christian education at NRCA made this year’s lighting even more exciting. Along with Dr. Sherrill, sixth grade math teacher Ms. Paula Adams and high school Chemistry teacher Mrs. Cindy McInnis held a special role in lighting the tree as original faculty members. 

Sherrill said, “We were told 30 years ago that no one can start planning a school in May of 1996 and open in August/September of 1996. However, as I stood there..., I realized once again that NRCA is God’s plan, and it had God’s hand upon it for the last 30 years. With God, all things are possible! There we were, Ms. Adams, Mrs. McInnis, and Doc, 30 years later, a part of the God-Story of NRCA. What did it mean? It was a confirmation of the hand of God blessing NRCA!” 

Recalling NRCA's impact on the community and beyond, McInnis said, “I could not help but remember a day in the early 2000s when Jay and I joined many others for a groundbreaking in the same general area. [The Christmas Tree Lighting] was a beautiful celebration of the Christmas season and God's goodness to NRCA. I am amazed at what God has provided for our institution and the impact our relatively small school has had on the NC community and beyond. It does not matter if I am in our community or traveling internationally—I always see NRCA alumni and students.”  

McInnis concluded, “I continue to be astonished that God has allowed me to work with such incredible staff and students for the past 30 years!” 

Adams echoed thoughts of gratitude for her role in NRCA’s story. “When I look back over the story of NRCA, I’m truly amazed at all God has done. I never imagined I’d still be here 30 years later, yet God has been faithful every step of the way. I love being part of this family. Those who have come and gone over the years and those we serve today,” she said. “Some of my sweetest memories go back to kneeling on the cold cement floors with Mrs. Zullig, our former middle school principal, pouring our hearts out to the Lord and then watching Him answer, again and again. My journey here has been nothing but God’s grace, and to Him be all the glory.” 

What began three decades ago as a small school with a big vision has grown into a thriving community. As the Christmas tree lit up once again, it served as a symbol of that journey, illuminated by God’s providence and the people who helped build NRCA’s story.