Latham Christian Academy is privileged to have four graduating seniors during the 2020 – 2021 school year. Half of those in the Class of 2021 have attended LCA for a long time, and all four have become good friends during their time here. We will be highlighting one of the seniors each month in an article published in our Knightline newsletter. We complete the series this week with senior Joanie Hadden.
Joanie is completing her seventh year at LCA after enrolling in sixth grade, joining classmates Caleb Desnoyers and David Arthur in Mrs. Diggs’s class.
Joanie’s father, George Hadden, Jr., grew up in Albany and graduated from Liberty Christian Academy as salutatorian in 1980. He then went to Baptist Bible College East in Boston, to major in pastoral theology. After graduating, he served on the pastoral staff at Open Bible Baptist Church in Albany where he was responsible to serve in many ways from custodial to teaching and preaching ministries. After filling the pulpit at First Bible Baptist Church in West Sand Lake for about two years, George was called to be the senior pastor there and has served the Lord at this church ever since.
Joanie’s mother Sandy also grew up in various places in the Capital District. She also graduated from Liberty Christian Academy as her class valedictorian. Sandy also attended Baptist Bible College East where she studied Christian education. Sandy and George had known each other since high school but did not begin seeing each other until he was serving on the pastoral staff of Open Bible Baptist.
They married in October 2001 at Temple Baptist Church in Halfmoon. Two years later, Joanie joined the family. Eventually her sister Emily (10th grade) and her brother Georgie (8th grade) completed the family.
Joanie’s story really goes back further, however, with her grandparents. Her mother’s parents served at the same church for over fifty years. The Bible teaches that when a man is faithful, his grandchildren will be evidence of that dedication. Joanie says, “My grandparents are very important to me.”
Joanie’s family lived in East Greenbush until Joanie was 10 years old. The family then moved into the church parsonage where they still live today. Joanie enjoys living in a small town where the best part is that the neighbors all know each other. They can go get a ball that goes over the fence without getting yelled at!
Joanie remembers coming to LCA and breaking her arm on the second day of school—just after getting medical clearance to resume recess and PE activities. She also remembers the “nice” kids who were “not out to get you.” The students were very different than those in her previous school.
Joanie fondly remembers the teaching ministry of Mrs. Walter here at LCA. Joanie appreciates how much Mrs. Walter cared about her science and math students on a personal level. Mrs. Walter also put God in His rightful place in science. Joanie recalls, “I never liked science until I had Mrs. Walter as a teacher. I couldn’t do math until having her for math.”
Joanie will remember her classmates Caleb and David, the two who have been in her class as long as she has been here. Once Caleb ripped his pants two days in a row; “It was funny the first time, but the second time. . . .” Joanie will remember all of the ensemble classes with David’s antics as well!
Joanie has a fond place for LCA graduate Andrew Galinato (Class of 2019) as well. The two of them would enjoy the “really nerdy” Star Wars discussions—things no one else would have any idea what they were talking about!
Younger sister Emily has always been Joanie’s friend in and out of school, and Joanie will fondly remember getting to play volleyball and going to classes with Emily.
Joanie accepted Christ as her personal Savior when she was 5 years old at home during family prayer time in their living room. After hearing the message of salvation for many years, she decided “it was time.” She was baptized by her father about a year later. Joanie has been very involved in church ministry since she was a child. She has gone on visits with her father for many years. Joanie also enjoys making cards for people in her church and works in her church’s music ministry. (She sang her first special when she was 2 years old!) Joanie serves in the children’s ministries of her church, helping teach both junior church and Sunday school classes.
Joanie plans to attend New England Baptist College this fall to study music education. She hopes to teach at a Christian school after her graduation. Joanie especially enjoys vocal music, but is planning to continue piano lessons at college. Joanie claims Psalm 16:8 as her life verse, “I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”