But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs. Daniel 1:8-9

At the annual academic awards ceremony, CCA honors the academic achievements of high school students.  Eleven years ago, alongside the academic awards, CCA began honoring the outstanding character of high school students with the Daniel Award. This award was created with the hope that our student body would strive to embody the character of Daniel and, ultimately, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Daniel Leadership Award recognizes students for outstanding, Christ-like leadership that exemplifies the biblical characteristics found in Daniel: Chosen, Committed, Consistent, Courteous, Courageous, Confident in God's Word, and Acting with Conviction. The Daniel Leadership Award recipient who has exhibited these qualities is chosen annually by peer nomination for leading the student body faithfully. The students submit nominations, and then the CCA House Council looks at the weight and merit of the nominations to select the finalists and the award recipient.

The six finalists for the 2024 Daniel Leadership Award are as follows: 

The first Daniel Leadership Award finalist is Matthew Boughton. Matthew is a junior who has been at CCA for nine years. His classmates recognized him as being kind to everyone, a great leader, committed to helping others, and always smiling. One student says about Matthew, "He's a real God-centered man who displays Christ through his actions."

Will Minh Dang is the next finalist. Minh is a sophomore who has been at CCA for six years. He was nominated and seen as someone who is always helpful, always encouraging his peers to succeed, and mindful of others around him. One student said about him, "Minh really does it all. Every time I see him, he inspires me. I can't wait to see how the Lord works through him."

The next finalist is Gavin Goodlin. Gavin is a freshman who has been at CCA for one year. He was honored as kind, thoughtful, and faithful. He was called a man of God. One student said of Gavin, "He is a hardworking, kind person who is deep in his connection with Christ, and I am honored to call him a friend."

Will Stone Kruse is the next finalist. Stone is a junior who has been at CCA for three years. He was recognized as friendly, kind to younger students, and a great leader. He was also said to be full of wisdom and an encourager. One teammate said of Stone, "He always does things 100% and is a good friend to everyone."

The fifth Daniel Award finalist is Copeland Pirtle. Copeland is a senior who has been at CCA for five years. Copeland was honored by her peers for her kindness, intentionality toward others, and genuine love for God and people. One student said of her, "Copeland is always so kind and cheerful. She always says hi to me in the hallway even though she doesn't know me very well. She intentionally looks out for those in need or having a bad day."

The sixth and final Daniel Award finalist is Sophie Smith. Sophie is a sophomore who has been at CCA for seven years. She is honored today for her kindness towards everyone, her ability to take time to ask others about their day and really listen for the answer, and her love for God. One classmate said of her, "Sophie is such a special friend to me. She ALWAYS shows kindness and is a light. She is an incredible person who builds others up and makes others feel special."

The 2024-2025 Daniel Leadership Award winner is Mr. Stone Kruse.

We are so proud of Stone, all of the Daniel Award nominees, and all of our student body, who embody the character of Daniel and of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Character brings heaven to earth and makes a huge impact on the kingdom.  Thank you to Matthew, Minh, Gavin, Stone, Copeland, and Sophie for your outstanding Christ-like leadership. 

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3