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WKA Honors Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter – Class of 2008

On September 9, 2011, WKA was honored to have our friend, hero, and WKA alumnus Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter deliver a powerful message to our entire school. Last November, Kyle took the full blast from a grenade while attempting to save the life of his good friend.

Kyle left us with two powerful thoughts. First, to appreciate everything that God has blessed us with, from taking time to appreciate beautiful sunsets, to being able to acquire an education, including test days.

Secondly, Kyle stressed the importance of never losing hope. Believing in God and His plan for his life, and the love of Kyle’s friends and strangers praying for his recovery has helped and will continue to help pull him through. God has worked through Kyle’s difficult experience to inspire and encourage others.

Coach Jolly Doolittle introduced Kyle with these words: One of my favorite Bible verses is 1 Samuel 16:7 which says, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.” Anybody that knows Kyle Carpenter knows that his heart is second to none. Things that would rock nearly all people, Kyle has stared in the face with courage not fear. When most would be weak, Kyle has showed power. Where most would be resentful, Kyle has shown love. Where most would seek dependence, Kyle has been self-reliant and disciplined. After High School, Kyle joined the Marine Corps where their motto is Semper Fidelis, which means Always Faithful. Kyle has remained faithful to God, Country, Corps, Family, Friends, and School. You have earned these titles, and these are yours forever. Marine, Friend, Warrior, Brother, Knight, and Hero.

Rhodes family

"We had no clue how blessed we would be by WKA! We continue to choose WKA for our children for many reasons, but one of the main ones is the love and dedication the faculty and staff have for the students. They believe in the mission of WKA! They pour their hearts and souls into educating their students - loving them and leading them closer to the Lord along the way!"

- The Rhoades Family

Mattox Family

"Upon choosing a school for our children, we prayed for an environment where they could learn and thrive. We prayed for honesty and faith-based learning. At King we not only found all of that, but we also found a family! We joined arms with teachers, coaches, and staff who became friends and family. Our children are excited to go to school with teachers who hug and love them as we would. We have met classmates and friends who feel like family! King Academy was placed in our path for a reason. When we asked for a school to love and accept our children and teach them the love of Christ, we found all we could ever ask for in King Academy."

- The Mattox Family

Craig Metts Family

"When it was time for our girls to enroll in school, we knew that we wanted something different. At the time, we did not know exactly what "different" was going to be, but when we visited King Academy for the first time many years ago, it felt right. When our girls were young, we would drop them off every morning and never worry about their safety or level of care. We knew that they were in good hands and that there was an entire family of teachers, administrators, and staff at King Academy who knew each child by name. They took care of and loved them just like we would. And most importantly, our girls were growing up in a learning environment that was rooted in Christian faith. Academically, students are provided the tools and opportunities to excel while at WKA. Hands down, if we had it to do all over again, we would choose King Academy."

- The Craig Metts Family

Deese Family

"As a new family at W. Wyman King Academy, we appreciate the smaller classroom environment, the spiritual atmosphere, and the family-oriented community that have contributed to my son’s growth and maturity. The support from other families at King has also played a significant role in our decision; each parent genuinely cares not only for their own child but also for the wellbeing of the school as a whole. Choosing King Academy has undoubtedly been the best decision for our child."

- Deese Family

Wannamaker Family

"When our children reached school-age, it was extremely important to us for their academic home to mirror our home. A Christian foundation, strong academics, kind and nurturing teachers, and athletic opportunities were at the top of our list. King Academy has blessed us with all of this and so much more. Not only did we find our academic home, we found a second family!"

- Dray & Becky Wannamaker

Hepner Family

"Our oldest started at King Academy in 3K and this year has returned as a 6th grader. Our youngest just completed 4K. After years of the public school system, we are so grateful to be at a school that is so much more than that. We are a family. King Academy is a place that provides peace in knowing your children are loved, cared for, and prayed over daily. The education they are receiving is thought provoking and in-depth. The teachers and staff go above and beyond to ensure all students are learning and meeting expectations. We send our girls to school knowing they are in a wholesome learning environment. We are so glad to be part of the King family!"

- Tag and Ashley Hepner

Shaylah McDonald

"I teach at King Academy after being led by the Lord to do so, and what an amazing experience it has been. I have a long history with WKA as a student, parent and now a teacher. I have enjoyed each experience greatly. As a teacher I most enjoy the students - their energy, attitude and willingness to work. My colleagues make each day enjoyable as well. I have heard the phrase "King Family" many times, but it is truly a family. I am thankful the Lord put the desire in my heart to teach at King Academy, and I look forward to each day because of the wonderful students, colleagues and parents I am partnered with."

- Shaylah McDonald, High School Math Teacher

Katie Ricard

"In the spring of 2023 I was finishing my 11th year of teaching in public school. I was unhappy with my job and my 5 year old daughter was set to join me the next year as she was beginning kindergarten. A family member reached out and said WKA was hiring a 1st grade teacher. I was immediately interested! I prayed and asked God to work out all of the details if that was where our family was meant to be! Little did I know WKA also had a 3K class and my son could join my daughter and me! God worked out all of our needs! My two children and I have been at WKA for two years. We all love going to school every day! My children have thrived academically; they love learning thanks to their amazing teachers. As a teacher I feel supported by our administration, my co-workers and parents. We are so blessed to be a part of the WKA family!"

- Katie Ricard, 1st grade teacher

The Watkins Family

"We absolutely love WKA. For the past 12 years, all three of our children have grown and thrived in this nurturing and academically strong environment. The small class sizes have allowed them to be truly known, supported, and challenged by teachers who care deeply about their success—not just academically, but personally and spiritually as well. WKA has been more than just a school to us; it's been a community and a second home. We're so grateful for the values, friendships, and foundation it has given our family. This investment is one that we will continue to reap blessings from for a lifetime. Go Knights!"

- The Watkins Family

The Hutto Family

"For the last ten years, we have continuously chosen WKA for our family because of the freedom to express your faith. Teachers, administrators, and coaches pray with students and scripture is part of the curriculum. We take great comfort knowing that our sons are in a Christian environment while being challenged academically. This is just one of the many reasons why WKA continues to be an important part of our lives."

- The Hutto Family