More Than a School: A Principal Comes Home
- ops0497
- Jul 20
- 4 min read
A conversation with AnnaRae Merwin, CCA's new principal - the first installment of Principal's Corner, a monthly note from her desk to the CCA family.
Community Christian Academy is beginning a new tradition: Principal's Corner, a monthly note from the principal's desk to the CCA community. For the first installment, we sat down with AnnaRae Merwin to hear a story that comes full circle — 14 years a CCA student, then a teacher, and now the principal's office.
AnnaRae's story is one of calling. Even in high school, during her scholarship interviews, she said her dream was to return to CCA to teach and eventually become the principal. Below, she shares that story in her own words. It runs from Friday chapel to the principal's office, and it ends at home.
Writing to CCA families for the first time as principal, what's on your heart?
The biggest thing on my heart is our students. Every decision we make should point back to what's best for them. I want every child who walks through our doors to know they are loved, challenged, encouraged, and seen. It is truly an honor to serve the school that helped shape me, and I look forward to partnering with our families as we continue building a Christ-centered environment where students can thrive spiritually, academically, and personally.
"I want every child who walks through our doors to know they are loved, challenged, encouraged, and seen."
You were a CCA student for 14 years. What's an early memory that still shapes how you see this school?
One of my favorite memories is Friday chapel. I attended chapel as a student for 14 years, and now, more than 20 years later, I still have the privilege of attending as a teacher and principal. Those moments of worship, prayer, and hearing God's Word remind me that CCA has always been about much more than academics. They continue to shape the culture of our school today.
Was there a teacher or mentor here who saw something in you? What did they give you that you now hope to give your students?
Mrs. Teresa Moore (our superintendent) has been one of the greatest influences in my life. She has modeled what it means to be a strong, faith-filled leader while leading with humility, wisdom, and grace. Watching her serve our school has taught me that leadership is about serving others well. I hope to encourage every student to recognize the gifts God has placed within them and to lead with both confidence and Christ-like character.
After 14 years as a student, you came back to teach. What pulled you back through those doors?
Coming back to CCA was always part of God's plan for my life. Even during my scholarship interviews in high school, I shared that my dream was to return to Community Christian Academy to teach and eventually become the principal. It wasn't just a career goal, it was a calling. This school invested so much in me, and I always knew I wanted to come back and invest in the next generation.
"It wasn't just a career goal, it was a calling."
What will you miss about teaching, and what most excites you about being principal?
I'll definitely miss teaching Bible every day and having those daily conversations with my students. At the same time, I'm excited to be able to visit classrooms across every grade level, sit in on Bible lessons, encourage our teachers, and build relationships with even more students.
When a parent trusts CCA with their child, what are they really handing you - and how do you carry that?
Parents are entrusting us with one of God's greatest gifts, their child. That is a responsibility I never take lightly. Every student deserves to be known, encouraged, challenged, and loved. We are partners with our families in helping students grow academically while also building a strong foundation of faith that will guide them long after they leave CCA.
"Parents are entrusting us with one of God's greatest gifts, their child."
Picture a CCA graduate ten years from now. Beyond grades, who do you hope they've become?
More than anything, I hope they love Jesus and understand that nothing is possible without Him. I hope they are people of integrity who know how to treat others with kindness, lead with humility, and make a positive impact wherever God calls them. I also want them to leave CCA well-prepared academically, ready for college or whatever path God has planned, while carrying their faith into every season of life.
What would you say to a family brand-new to CCA, just considering it for the first time?
I would tell them that when you choose CCA, you're joining more than a school, you're joining a family. We are committed to providing a Christ-centered education where students are challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and known personally. Our goal is to help every child discover the gifts God has given them while preparing them for success in college, careers, and life.
Away from school, what grounds you - faith, family, the things that fill your cup?
My faith is the foundation of everything I do. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, being involved in church, enjoying game nights, and having a slow morning with a cup of coffee. Those simple moments help me recharge and remind me of what matters most.
Finish this sentence: "If you really want to understand CCA, you have to know…"
…that it's a place that changes lives. I know because it changed mine. I spent 14 years here as a student, returned as a teacher, and now have the incredible privilege of serving as principal. CCA has always been more than a school to me, it's home.
"CCA has always been more than a school to me, it's home."
Come See the School AnnaRae Calls Home
Community Christian Academy is a small, private, Christ-centered school in South Georgia where academics and faith development go hand-in-hand — and, as our new principal tells it, a place that changes lives.
If your family is considering CCA, the best introduction is a visit. Schedule a tour, meet AnnaRae, and see for yourself the environment she describes.
Principal's Corner will be back next month with another note from AnnaRae's desk.
Every scholarship opens a door. Every door opened is a child's future transformed.
🦅 Together, We Are CCA Strong.
Comments