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Portrait of a Graduate

What does a New Covenant graduate look like?

We have a distinct vision of the ideal graduate, and it consists of the following seven statements.   While no student embodies all of these qualities to the same degree, nevertheless the portrait is a goal to which we aspire.  Every faculty member from the earliest grades to the senior high school, conscientiously engages in age-appropriate ways to further this end.

A New Covenant Graduate is…

  • a lover of truth, goodness and beauty;
  • is eloquent with the written and spoken word;
  • is intellectually vigorous, seeking to know God, self, and the world;
  • is prudent in speech and action;
  • is generous and rich in good works;
  • is spiritually strong, looking to God in faith, hope and love;

  • encounters success with humility and failure with confidence.

Play these short videos to learn more

Lover of truth, goodness and beauty.

Eloquent in the written and spoken word.

Prudent in speech and action.

Intellectually vigorous, seeking to know God, self, and the world.

Encounters success with humility, and failure with confidence.

Taylor Thornburg Overos

Class of 2010 | Covenant College, 2014

B.A. in History: European Religious Art History

Management Consultant in Washington, D.C.

“New Covenant fostered an intentional, virtuous, academic community for most of my life that taught me how to think critically and adore the process of learning.”

Michael Whitlock

Class of 2010 | Virginia Tech, 2015 | Liberty University, 2020

B.S. in Applied Economic Management: Financial Planning

M.S. in Cyber Security

Penetration Testing Consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton

“New Covenant was instrumental in preparing me not just for college, but for all of my life’s journeys. The beauty of its classical, Christian education is sown in building a foundation to embody the mantra of a lifelong learner. From research papers, to job interviews and client meetings, New Covenant prepared me to stand tall in my beliefs and knowledge.”

Claudia Darden

Class of 2015 | James Madison University, 2019 | George Washington University, 2021

B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders       

M.A. in Speech and Language Pathology

“At New Covenant, my teachers encouraged me to share ideas and held my thoughts with respect. Being treated as a peer in conversation with adults who I looked up to has shaped a confidence in my own thinking. This has had a positive impact on every aspect of my life after graduating.”

Laura Williamson

Class of 2013 | Hillsdale College, 2017

B.S. in Exercise Science

M.S. in Public Health

Kindergarten Teacher in China

“New Covenant Schools focuses on teaching students how to communicate well, both with the written word and verbally. In the multilingual society I live in, it’s necessary to communicate effectively. From communicating with my bilingual coworkers to working on graduate school applications, I have the tools to communicate clearly and effectively.”

Olivia Green

Class of 2018 | Randolph College, 2022

B.F.A in Theatre: Acting and Directing

B.A. in History

“New Covenant has prepared me for the future in a way that helps me stand out in college. I find that I am good at articulating arguments and am able to keep a level head while in a class discussion or even in a debate. New Covenant has also helped me to have the understanding to overcome obstacles that others set in front of me.”

Townsend Williams

Class of 2012 | Virginia Military Institute, 2016

B.A. in Economics & Business: Financial Analysis

Financial Planner at TIAA

“New Covenant Schools nurtured the development of the strong foundation on which I have built my life: A thirst for knowledge, a contented confidence, and faith in God.”

Rachael Robertson Williams

Class of 2010 | Liberty University, 2015

B.S. in Nursing

Enterprise Occupational Health Lead RN at Atrium Health

“New Covenant instilled a curiosity for knowledge in my life and taught me the value of integrity, both qualities that are integral to my success as a nurse leader. Throughout my school years, I learned to effectively communicate with my teachers and peers through debates, public speaking, and writing. Now, I can successfully communicate ideas and processes to a large audience with confidence and grace.”

Grayson Renalds

Class of 2017 | Liberty University, 2021

B.S. in Nursing

Labor and Delivery Nurse at Martha Jefferson Hospital

“The tools and study habits that I developed while at New Covenant allowed me to excel in college classes where I faced topics that I had never encountered before. Now, in the nursing field, I am continually using the skills that I learned at New Covenant such as critical thinking, reasoning, and lifelong learning as I care for my patients and face new challenges in the healthcare system.“

Drew Neiderer

Class of 2011 | Virginia Tech, 2015

Major: Applied Economics & Management

Financial Advisor at Selective Wealth Management

“New Covenant established the worldview that continues to shape my faith, knowledge base, and ideals today.”

Wesley Price

Class of 2014 | Christopher Newport University, 2018

B.A. in Communication Studies

Product Manager at Public Relay

“New Covenant’s unique approach to writing and research built a strong foundation that supported me through college and has allowed me to excel in my career as a Product Manager creating solutions to complex problems.”

Katie Hall Harris

Class of 2008 | Elon University, 2012

B.S. in Sports and Event Management

Mom to three kids

“New Covenant Schools taught me how to think critically and love learning; it taught me how to communicate effectively and engage with others who think differently than I do, and it prepared me for life by giving me a sturdy foundation of faith and knowledge.“

Perry Mundy

Class of 1998 | Liberty University, 2003 

B.S. in Exercise Science

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant & Certified Pedorthist at Select Rehabilitation, Virginia Sport and Spine, and Locomotion Orthotics LLC

“New Covenant Schools gave me the opportunity to be a big fish in a small pond; the smaller class sizes and teacher to student ratio allowed me to grow as an individual rather than be a number. This has translated directly into my current field of work where I am a leader in pedorthic intervention around the greater Lynchburg area.“

Linda Simon is the director of Alumni Affairs.  She has been a part of the New Covenant Schools community since 2007, and brings years of experience and deep personal connection to her role as in this position. As the former Director of Admissions and proud mom of two NCS alumni, she is passionate about fostering lasting relationships between the school and its graduates. Her work focuses on keeping alumni engaged, connected, and involved in the life of the school they once called home.

lsimon@newcovenantschools.org

Kathryn Martin serves as the principal of the School of Dialectic (grades 5-8).  She first joined New Covenant as a volunteer in 1996. After earning her bachelor’s degree in education, she was hired as a fourth-grade teacher in 1998, serving as a lead teacher for eight years. She then transitioned to the middle school, where she taught English and history and spent 15 years as assistant principal. In 2022, while completing her first year in Gordon College’s Master’s in Leadership for Classical Christian Schools program, she became middle school principal. Kathryn continues to teach history and treasures the opportunity to guide students through the formative “age of becoming.”  Kathryn states “New Covenant has enriched my life in unquantifiable ways over the past 28 years, and I am, in many ways, who I am today because of my time here.”

kmartin@newcovenantschools.org

Linda Hackenbracht has served as Director of Finance at New Covenant Schools since 2018. A Virginia Tech accounting graduate and CPA, she began her career with Ernst & Young auditing nonprofit clients before becoming Controller for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. After moving to Lynchburg, she offered financial counseling to churches and nonprofits while raising four children, all of whom attended New Covenant. Drawing on her nonprofit expertise, Linda has strengthened the school’s financial foundation and is honored to support its mission, inspired by the transformative impact of classical Christian education on her own family.

lhackenbrach@newcovenantschools.org

Dayna Renalds has served as the Director of Development since 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting and Journalism from Liberty University and her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee.  Before her current role, she worked with the area schools as a speech therapist, bringing her expertise in communication and education to the community.  During her tenure at New Covenant Schools, Dayna has led three successful capital campaigns to expand the campus and played a key role in establishing the school’s scholarship foundation, enabling donors to receive significant tax benefits for their contributions.  Dayna enjoys spending her free time with her five children, three of whom are proud alumni of New Covenant Schools, making memories together.

drenalds@newcovenantschools.org

John Maynard has been serving in the role of Athletic Director at New Covenant since 2020 and is in his sixth year of service. John has been an Athletic Director in North Carolina, South Carolina and now Virginia; a career in the Education/Athletic field spanning 15 years. He has served on Executive Board for the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference and will continue to do so this school year. John graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 2009 with a degree in Exercise Sport Science – Sport Administration. He is married to Kelsey Maynard, a fellow educator, and together they have one daughter.

jmaynard@newcovenantschools.org

Tiffany Fulcher is the Director of Parent Relations.  A proud mom of two New Covenant students, Tiffany has been part of the school community for years—first behind the scenes in the office and now helping parents navigate everything from lunch options to uniforms. Tiffany is the go-to person for questions regarding lunches, uniforms, or volunteer opportunities. She enjoys working with the parent community and welcomes questions and feedback.  Her goal is to make the New Covenant experience smooth for everyone in our community.  She also enjoys shopping for bargains in her free time.

tfulcher@newcovenantschools.org

Darren Johnson has served as the Facilities Manager at New Covenant since the summer of 2020.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Liberty University in 1992, where he was a three-year scholarship athlete on the university’s tennis team.  Darren was employed for 25 years as the Director of Corporate Sales and Head Groundskeeper for the minor league baseball team, The Lynchburg Hillcats. In this capacity he kept the playing field in pristine condition.  He also has experience with operations and customer service in the lawn and garden industry.  Outside of work, Darren enjoys hunting, fishing, and golf. He has been married to his wife, Susanne, for 31 years, and they have two children.

djohnson@newcovenantschools.org

Dr. Erin Uminn is the Principal of the School of Rhetoric (9th-12th). She has served since 2013 when she joined the dialectic faculty to teach literature, writing, history, and Bible, a post she held for 10 years. From 2021-2024 she worked to establish a predictable and supportive structure within a classical, Christian educational framework for students in the School of Dialectic (5th – 8th) as the Student Support Coordinator. This established support later grew into the fully staffed, Marion A. Patterson Center for Paideia. She received her Ph.D. in Education from Liberty University in 2023. Her dissertation included a qualitative research study on classical, Christian educators and how their intentional leisure practices directly informed their teaching and impacted students in the classroom. Dr. Uminn holds the B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies: English, Psychology, and Education and the M.A. in Human Services: Marriage and Family Therapy. She currently teaches Senior Thesis as an advisor and chair for the senior thesis capstone project.

euminn@newcovenantschools.org

Eliza Olson is the Director of Admissions and holds a Bachelor of Science in Counseling. She and her husband, Nick, have two children at New Covenant. Before joining the staff, Eliza served as the director of a local Classical Conversations community. Having volunteered many hours and being a parent herself, she greatly enjoys connecting with New Covenant’s prospective families. From the moment you schedule a tour, to submitting an application, to beginning your journey as the parent of a new student, Eliza will be there to guide and support you.

eolson@newcovenantschools.org

Andrea Adams is the Office Manager.  Andrea was first introduced to classical Christian education in 2010 while seeking an alternative to public schooling for her children. They attended New Covenant Schools for their middle and high school years, where they were deeply impacted by the school’s Christ-centered, rigorous approach to learning.  Over the years, she volunteered in various capacities at the school, gaining firsthand experience in school operations and community life. In 2020, she joined the staff where she continues to serve by overseeing the day-to-day functions of the office, supporting faculty and staff, and ensuring smooth communication with parents and students. Her role allows her to combine administrative excellence with a passion for fostering a nurturing, faith-based educational environment.  Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

aadams@newcovenantschools.org

Bridges Spiva is New Covenant’s second grammar school principal, following the founding principal, Marion Patterson. She has served since 2010 and is in her sixteenth year of service. Mrs. Spiva began her tenure teaching 3rd grade in the grammar school and taught math, science, and Bible in the middle school. Prior to a career in teaching, Mrs. Spiva worked as a probation officer and supervisor with the Department of Juvenile Justice. She holds a BS in Communications, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Leadership in Classical Education. Both of her sons, Wagner (2020) and Waylon (2022) are graduates of New Covenant. Mrs. Spiva and her husband Jay enjoy cheering on the Hokies and spoiling their bulldog, Hazel.

bspiva@newcovenantschools.org

The Rev’d John Heaton is New Covenant’s second headmaster, following the founder of the school, Dr. Robert Littlejohn.  He has served since 1998 and is in his twenty sixth year of service.  He established the school on its permanent campus at Fleetwood Drive in Lynchburg, VA, and led the development of the school through five successful capital campaigns, providing the facilities which now serve more than 450 students through grade 12.  Fr. John is an ordained minister in the Reformed Episcopal Church and has served a parish in his home state of Florida.  He currently serves as the Associate Priest at All Saints Church which meets in the Marie Macdonald Chapel on the campus of New Covenant. Fr. John holds the BA and MA in theology, and the MA in liberal studies.   He teaches intermediate Greek in the School of Rhetoric, and he writes routinely for this blog below.

heaton@newcovenantschools.org

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