Class of 2026
The King’s Academy celebrated the Class of 2026 through a meaningful season of Baccalaureate and Commencement. Surrounded by family, faculty, and friends, graduates were honored for their academic achievement, faithfulness, and readiness for the opportunities ahead.
Read the Graduation Story
More Stories in This Issue
Five numbers help tell the story of an important year at The King’s Academy, from celebration and achievement to enrollment momentum, participation, and continued institutional strength.
2026 Legacy Gala 1 TKA Alum Named
U.N.-Kenya Person of the Year 9% Overall
Enrollment Growth 79% Of High School Students
Compete in Athletics 93.4% Retention Rate
Highest in Five Years
2026 Legacy Gala
More than 250 guests gathered in a transformed Tibbetts Building for a record-setting evening honoring the generations who have sustained the mission of The King’s Academy.
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Ndurumo Named Person of the Year
Dr. Michael Ndurumo (’73) received U.N.-Kenya’s Person of the Year honor for a lifetime of leadership, advocacy, and service.
Read His StoryEnrollment Jumps 9% as TKA Welcomes Students from 26 Countries
TKA opened the 2026–2027 school year with renewed momentum across its day and boarding programs.
Participation Philosophy Pays Off
Nearly four out of every five TKA high school students participated in at least one competitive sport during the year.
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Building Today for Tomorrow
Summer projects across campus included building improvements, refreshed learning spaces, safety enhancements, extensive land clearing, and continued investment in spaces that serve students.
Explore the ProjectsExplore the Issue
Stewardship Across Generations
Alumni, families, churches, and friends have sustained the mission of The King’s Academy for generations. Their generosity continues to shape opportunities for students today.
Which Will Do You Have?
A thoughtful consideration of estate planning, making one’s wishes known, and determining how resources will serve family, ministry, and meaningful causes for generations to come.
Read the ArticleCampus Life
Milestones, traditions, worship, relationships, performances, and everyday moments help tell the story of life together at The King’s Academy.
An Evening at White Star Station
Prom 2026 was held at White Star Station in Maryville, bringing students together for one of the school year’s most anticipated traditions.
Partnering to Promote the Gospel
President and Head of School Dr. Fred Eaves convened local ministers to share Academy updates and affirm TKA’s desire to partner with area churches in promoting the Gospel.
The TKA community celebrated two longtime educators whose combined decades of service shaped generations of students and families.
Celebrating Toni Gioioso
Elementary School Principal Kelly Sullivan-Connatser, right, gives Toni Gioioso a farewell hug during Mrs. Gioioso’s final week at TKA. Mrs. Gioioso retired after 27 years of service in the elementary division. During that time, she served with four principals: Les Gray, Dr. LeRoy Beam, Dr. Jackie Smith, and Kelly Sullivan-Connatser. Her son, Nicholas, graduated from TKA in 2009, and her daughter, Rebecca, is a 2012 graduate.
Celebrating Jennifer Connatser
Jennifer Connatser, center, retired after 27 cumulative years of service as a kindergarten teacher, preschool teacher, and preschool director. Here, her family surrounds her and prays for her during the final elementary chapel service.
From left are husband Craig, a regular chapel speaker and member of the Board of Trustees; Emma Connatser Hobbs (’19), TKA Elementary Teacher; Noah Connatser (’21); Ezekiel Connatser (’23); Jennifer; Brianna Connatser Long (’17), TKA Elementary Teacher; and Kelly Sullivan-Connatser, Elementary Principal and Jennifer’s sister-in-law.
Lucy Takes Charge
Lucy Israel (’35) earned the opportunity to serve as Principal of the Day through the Fall Festival and Auction, making rounds, leading the way, and bringing plenty of energy to the role.
Worship at the Center
Chapel remains a regular rhythm of campus life, giving students opportunities to worship, hear Scripture, pray together, and grow in faith as a school community.
The Wizard of Oz
Students brought The Wizard of Oz to life through months of rehearsal, performance, technical work, costumes, music, and collaboration.
A Winter Homecoming
TKA’s 2025–2026 Homecoming celebration was held during basketball season rather than football season. Alex Fields and Riley Daft were crowned as the TKA community gathered for a different take on a longstanding school tradition.
Alumni News
Across professions, communities, and countries, TKA alumni continue to serve, lead, create, and contribute in meaningful ways.
Collins Brings New Meaning to “Bull” Market
From the professional rodeo circuit to the world of financial planning, Kyler Collins (’17) is building a life shaped by faith, family, resilience, and hard work.
Read Kyler’s Story
Smith Named Distinguished University Alum
Dr. Rachel Smith (’99) received Richmont Graduate University’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Read Rachel’s StoryCelebrating a 10-Year Milestone
The Class of 2016 marks its 10-year reunion year in 2026, another reminder of the friendships and connections that continue long after graduation.
Judge Dwight Stokes
Received the 2025 Carson-Newman University Alumni Triumph Award.
Steven E. Kitts
Reconnected with President Emeritus Walter Grubb during a gathering in West Knoxville.
Slobodan Kozomara
Lives in England and remains grateful for the role TKA played in shaping his life.
Dr. Agnieszka Lukaszczyk
Continues to influence international space policy and leadership.
We Remember
With gratitude, we remember alumni and friends who have gone before us. Their lives remain part of the history, community, and enduring legacy of The King’s Academy.
View the Memorial ListThe King’s Academy
Learn more about academics, admissions, student life, athletics, giving, and the continuing mission of The King’s Academy.
