The King's Academy

This summer, rising senior Rachel Boswell '27 had the incredible opportunity to attend Vanderbilt University's Program for Talented Youth in Nashville, Tennessee.

Eager to explore Vanderbilt and deepen her interest in the field of law, Rachel participated in the program's law track, culminating in a criminal mock trial as the capstone experience. Taking on the role of an expert witness for the Defendant, she gained firsthand experience with courtroom procedures while building her confidence in public speaking, critical thinking, and legal analysis. She credits the State Trial Procedure Honors class at TKA for helping her succeed throughout the program. Beyond the classroom, Rachel enjoyed Vanderbilt's beautiful campus, the charm of Nashville, and the friendships she formed along the way.

Congratulations to Rachel on representing TKA so well and for taking advantage of this outstanding learning opportunity! We can't wait to see where your passion for law leads next.

TKA is excited to welcome Jacy Kuhlman, MS, CSCS as our new Assistant Director of Sports Performance.

Jacy Kuhlman earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Endicott College followed by her Master's of Science in Sport Leadership. While at Endicott, she was a four-year member of the NCAA Division III Women's Ice Hockey team. She served as team captain and was honored as an NSCA All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete. She went on to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Coach Kuhlman built her coaching career at Endicott College, where she served as a Graduate Assistant and later Assistant Coach for Strength and Conditioning, working across the majority of the school's varsity programs. She has also coached with Bando Performance, Florida Panthers IceDen, and served as a Strength and Conditioning/Weightlifting Coach for high school students. Outside of coaching, she is a competitive CrossFit athlete, having competed at the Wodapalooza Miami Fitness Festival and the CrossFit Semifinals.

Coach Kuhlman is excited to bring her passion for athlete development and performance to The King's Academy.

College Advising partnered with College Essay Guy Live to offer a workshop designed to support students through the college essay writing process. Through interactive brainstorming, structuring, and outlining activities, students developed their personal statements, a key component of the college application.

Faculty and staff are back on campus! This morning, they were welcomed with a delicious breakfast catered by . TKA President Randy Martin shared a recording of Mr. Gentry's "Top 10 Things I Love About TKA,” as a reminder of our rich heritage. Mr. Gentry gave 42 years to this school before he passed away recently and his love for TKA still shapes who we are today.

We are blessed with a dedicated team of Christian educators and staff who serve our students and families so well! Here's to a year of impact for the gospel!

This summer, Schaffer Hornsby traveled to Des Moines, Iowa to compete in the AAU Jr. Olympics for baton twirling. She was honored to receive the 2026 AAU Baton Twirling High School Champion Scholarship. There were 10 high school finalists and 1 winner chosen for the high school category! She also competed and medaled in many other divisions during the week. Way to go Schaffer!

This summer, Victoria Sisk '27 had the incredible opportunity to participate in two highly respected music programs: the Belmont University Vocal Intensive in Nashville, Tennessee, and the Frost School of Music Popular Music Intensive at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.

Selected through a competitive audition process that included performing an original song, Victoria earned a place among talented young musicians from across the United States and several other countries. Motivated by a desire to grow her God-given musical gifts, she immersed herself in world-class training alongside passionate artists who share her love for music.

At the Frost School of Music, she learned from some of the industry's leading songwriters, performers, producers, and managers, gaining valuable insight into both the art and business of music. At Belmont University, she was inspired by outstanding faculty members, including Dr. Ames, who also served as her conductor during All-State this year.

Through these experiences, Victoria strengthened her vocal performance skills, expanded her songwriting abilities, and built connections with gifted musicians from around the world. Her success reflects years of dedication and preparation through TKA Smith Family Conservatory programs, including Musical Theatre, Vocal Arts, Music Theory, and Audition Prep.

We are so proud of Victoria for pursuing excellence, embracing every opportunity to learn, and using her talents to glorify God. We can't wait to see where her musical journey takes her next!

The King's Academy welcomes McKayla Martin as the K-3rd Elementary Music Teacher!

McKayla Martin is an alumna of The King's Academy, where she graduated as the Class of 2023 Valedictorian. While at TKA, she had the honor of serving as Spiritual Life Prefect, Global Ambassador Chair, and Senior Theatre Captain. Some of her favorite memories include participating in several musicals and forming meaningful relationships with fellow students and faculty.

McKayla chose to continue her education at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she graduated summa cm laude as an Honors Scholar with a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Music and a minor in Psychology. She was blessed with the opportunity to publish her senior honors thesis through the Honors College, which examined the impact of music therapy on the human mind.

Her love for music began at a young age, singing in church and writing songs with her siblings. Throughout grade school, she was actively involved in choir, musical theatre, and worship. As the oldest of five children, she witnessed the incredible impact of Christian education on early childhood development. She worked directly with children through Vacation Bible School ministry, service projects, and teaching music for her church's kindergarten through fifth grade Sunday school class. She is passionate about inspiring young people to develop a love for music and for their Lord, believing music is a powerful gift that cultivates joy, creativity, and a heart of worship for our Creator.

McKayla is thrilled to use her gifts and passion to serve the students and families of The King's Academy. Having been deeply blessed by her personal experience as a student, she is excited for the opportunity to give back to such a beautiful community. She feels immense gratitude in joining such an exceptional faculty and is joyfully expectant for a wonderful year!