Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy
(dba The King’s Academy since 1993)
The opportunity for a Christian school to shine as a lighthouse in a dark world has never been
greater than in 2016, and the challenges in education have never been more daunting. HCBA/
The King’s Academy strives to be just such a beacon in society on behalf of Tennessee Baptists.
As we proudly celebrate our 84-year partnership with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, the
academy affirms our gratitude for the Cooperative Program. Your support enables us to be a
Great Commission Christian education institution, reaching students from throughout the world
with the gospel. Evangelism and missions are at the core of our identity; they have been since
the school was founded in 1880. We are appreciative of the leadership provided by the TBC-
elected Boards of Trustees who have guided the academy well since 1932.
Highlights over the past year include the following:
- Dr. Neville Callam, General Secretary of Baptist World Alliance, the world’s largest
Baptist organization, challenged the graduating Class of 2016 with a message on global
perspective. Moses Nyoro, of Brookhouse International School in Nairobi, Kenya,
delivered the Baccalaureate sermon. Mrs. Gbemi Akinboyo, of Lagos, Nigeria, shared
her experiences as the parent of a boarding student. Her son, Ife, resided on campus for
seven years. Mrs. Akinboyo is a Humans Rights and Child Protection Specialist for the
United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund.
- Junior Niamh Shumacher won three Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association
State Championships. She is set to defend her titles in Cross Country and the 1600-
meter and 3200-meter races during her senior year.
- In just its fourth season, the TKA girls’ softball team won the TSSAA State Championship.
This marks the first “team” state championship in the academy’s history. Previous titles
have been individual awards in golf, tennis and track.
- Enrollment in 2015-2016 reached 499. The 2016-2017 school year opened with 459
students. Enrollment is expected to reach or exceed last year’s total as students enroll
throughout the year.
- Dr. Jacqueline Smith joined the administrative team as Assistant Principal, bringing with
her a wealth of experience in administrative and faculty roles at Western Carolina
University and Cherokee, Graham and Swain County (NC) School Systems.
67