Donna Cranford
Donna Cranford discovered Covenant Classical School in 1999 while homeschooling and looking for options to play sports. Her children played on the CCS teams that year. She loved the experience and the school's mission so much that she and her husband enrolled their children the following year, even though it meant an hour commute from their home. Donna also joined the staff that year as a teacher's aide and a basketball coach.
In 2002, CCS added a preschool program which Donna designed and taught until she retired in 2020. She also provided an extended day program in the afternoons for full day kindergarten students. Donna loved her role as the child's "first teacher" at CCS, helping the children transition and to feel loved and secure, and giving them and their families a sense of belonging.
Donna graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in Business. She and her husband Lynn reside in New London. All three of their children, Emily, Michael, and Jennifer graduated from CCS, and two of them married CCS graduates, as well. Donna and Lynn are now enjoying all their grandchildren, some of whom are currently walking the halls of CCS.
Patrick Dagenhart
The Dagenharts have been a part of CCS since 2017. Patrick and Katie have three children: Marlee (5th grade), Campbell (1st grade), and Myla (K). Patrick serves United Wesleyan Church in Charlotte as Lead Pastor where Katie also leads worship. Patrick received his Bachelor's degree in Christian Ministry from Southern Wesleyan University and a Master of Divinity from Wesley Seminary in Indiana. Patrick enjoys reading, movies, hanging out with friends, date night with Katie, and movie night with the kids. Patrick volunteers in various ways at CCS, including the fall festival and class activities. Patrick and Katie believe in the mission of CCS, love its thriving community of parents and families, and look forward to contributing to CCS's growth and development for years to come.
Jane Dearing
Jane Dearing has served Covenant Classical School for the last twenty-three years and received the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2010. First and foremost, teaching English and history are her passions because integrated courses avail the opportunity for students to marvel and engage in God’s story. However, a secondary pursuit has been to research curricula and create class structures. As a result of this study, her contributions to CCS include implementing developmental testing and the Sing, Spell, Read, and Write curriculum in Kindergarten, compiling a systematic language arts program and founding the Oregon Trail experience in fifth grade, and designing an integrated English/history middle school humanities curriculum. In addition to teaching, she has functioned as the Curriculum Committee Chairman, Upper School Field Trip Coordinator, Dean of the Logic School, Dean of Administration and Student Affairs, and Co-Head of School.
Jane attended James Madison University and Christopher Newport College of the College of William and Mary graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. Course studies included emphasis in elementary education, history, and administration. She is extremely grateful that all four of her children, Heather, Ashleigh, Mauri, and John Mark, graduated from Covenant Classical School and delighted to be the proud grandmother of nine.
Chris Hill
The Hills have been a part of Covenant Classical School since 2014. Chris and his wife Aleece have four children at CCS, Finley is in 8th grade, Caroline is in 6th grade, Ella Grace is in 2nd grade, and Lucy is in K. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from Wake Forest University. He is currently a Middle Market Banking Leader at Truist. The Hills attend Charity Baptist Church.
Russ LeJeune
The LeJeunes have been part of CCS since 2013. Russ and his wife Jill have four boys, Ian (10th grade), Ryan (8th grade), Dylan (4th grade) and Nathan (2nd grade). Russ received a B.S.E. in Computer Science & Engineering and an M.B.A. in Marketing from The University of Connecticut and currently works as a senior product manager for American City Business Journals, a print and digital media company based in uptown Charlotte. Russ enjoys reading, photography and music. Over the years Russ has volunteered with the CCS Fall Festival, Book Fair and Gala committees and is honored to serve on the school board. He hopes to make an impact through his experience in technology and marketing and his passion for classical education. The LeJeunes attend Renaissance Bible Church in Concord, NC.
