Christmas Chapel Held at Amelia Academy
2012, Jan 2 – The Amelia Academy family gathered in the gymnasium to mark the end of the first semester in the annual Christmas chapel. As part of the program, held on December 16, several students were recognized for their achievements.
The guest speaker, Rev. Mark Wells, was introduced by senior Michael W. Rev. Wells, pastor of Grace Harvest Baptist Church in Amelia, spoke about his career in law enforcement, which included 29 years as a Richmond police officer as well as several years as a member of the Chesterfield SWAT team. Wells also worked as a school resource officer and coach at Manchester High School.
In his remarks, Wells cited the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who had to choose obedience to God or a king. In refusing to worship an idol, they were obedient. Wells related this story to the difficult choices that everyone faces and the decision each person can make to show obedience to God in their lives.
Wells experienced such a choice while on a police call at Open Door Baptist Church. In investigating a potential theft, he almost arrested the pastor of the church. Later, not realizing his wife had been attending the same church and praying for him, he told his wife he would like to attend that church based on his conversation with the pastor.
As a coach, Wells was faced with a choice when a player was disrespectful. Instead of dismissing the student from his consideration, he approached the student and spoke with him. As a result, this player remained on the team and became one of the greatest athletes Wells coached.
Wells and his wife, Cathy, live in Chesterfield. Married for thirty-four years, they have five children and two grandchildren.
In recognition of several students, headmaster James D. Grizzard announced that Hunter H., a sixth-grader, came in third place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8759 Patriot Pen essay contest.
He then introduced League of Parents and Teachers (LPT) president Wendy McClure. She announced that the Academy sold $10,000 worth of peanuts and other products in the Virginia Diner sale. She recognized the top three sellers for this year: third place, Ryan A.; second place, Shelby M.; and first place, Logan F.
Mr. Grizzard dismissed students to begin their Christmas holiday break. Students returned this week to begin a new semester.