New SCA principal: Educate ‘whole child’

ALBANY, Ga. — New Sherwood Christian Academy Upper School Principal and Assistant Headmaster Brian Dougherty is worried about the future of today’s children.

“Today’s youth are under attack, and the truth is being eroded,” Dougherty said Thursday as SCA prepared for today’s opening day of school. “Today’s culture wants to squeeze kids into its mold, but we stand in the gap along with parents to squeeze them into God’s mold and support values at home and in church.”

Dougherty, who replaced Luke Bowers on July 1, is an Indiana native who came to SCA after serving for four years as Head Administrator of Elkhart Christian Academy in Elkhart, Ind.

“It doesn’t take long to watch the news to see we have drifted away from traditional values, which are being eroded and are under attack,” he said. “We are really engaged in a culture war for the hearts and minds of our children.

“That is our biggest challenge.”

Dougherty’s goal as principal is simple.

“I want to help our young people reach their full potential in Christ,” he said. “Our job is to educate the whole child.”

After going through a lengthy interview process, it didn’t take Dougherty long to make up his mind about moving to Albany. He saw much to like.

“I really see God at work at Sherwood Baptist Church and regard this school as another ministry of the church,” he said. “I wanted to be part of it.

“Take a look at Legacy Park (the church’s new athletic complex). It’s beautiful, and the potential is enormous. It will benefit our school directly in terms of facilities, plus it will draw people here.”

During a conversation, Dougherty uses the word “passionate” a lot. He believes in the word.

“One of the biggest surprises I have had here is how passionate people are about this school,” he said. “Everyone is excited about what God is doing here, and I am passionate about parents who want to raise godly children.”

And 30 years from now, what would Dougherty like to leave behind as his legacy?

He quickly answered, “I think I would like it to be one of my favorite Bible verses: 3 John 1:4 — ‘I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth’.”

Dougherty received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Purdue University and his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Ball State University.

He and his wife, Rachel, are the parents of two children.