Senior Spotlight | Dena Getbehead

Beginning her LCA journey in Pre-K, Dena has embraced nearly every opportunity to get involved. She has participated in basketball, cheerleading, choir, art, National Honor Society, and the Student Leadership Institute. She has also served in ASB throughout high school, holding leadership positions every year, including serving as ASB President during her junior and senior years. As cheer captain and a leader on the worship team, Dena continues to use her gifts to encourage others and serve her school community.

One of the most meaningful parts of Dena's LCA experience has been her spiritual growth. She credits Mr. Lawyer's middle school choir program and joining the worship team in seventh grade as pivotal moments in her faith journey. What began as an opportunity to participate in worship has developed into a passion for leading others into God's presence.

"Over the years, being a leader on the worship team has given me a completely new perspective on worship and has grown my relationship so deeply with the Lord."

Dena is especially grateful for the teachers and mentors who have invested in her life. Mr. Johnson has been a consistent source of encouragement, incorporating biblical truth into his teaching while taking a personal interest in his students' lives. Her cheer coach, Yolanda, has also been an important mentor, offering unwavering support and encouragement throughout middle school and high school.

Another special relationship is with Mrs. Rastovski, Dena's second-grade teacher, who became a mentor to her last year.

"She has always been there for me and continues to show up and show her love for me. We are also birthday twins, so we've always had that connection!"

These relationships reflect something Dena deeply appreciates about LCA: teachers and staff who invest in students far beyond the classroom.

After graduation, Dena plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Worship Arts, with Grand Canyon University and Southeastern University among her top choices. She hopes to combine her love for worship with songwriting, music production, and creating original music.

When asked what she will miss most, Dena immediately thought of the friendships she has built over the years.

"I've grown up with some of these people my whole life. We're all splitting off and going different ways, and I'm really going to miss that."

She will also miss the traditions that have made her school years memorable, especially Homecoming, Spirit Week, school dances, and the excitement of bringing the entire LCA community together.

As she prepares for graduation, Dena reflects on the lasting influence of LCA's four core values: Love God, Love Others, Speak Life, and Pray Powerful Prayers. What began as familiar words repeated in elementary chapel has become a foundation for how she approaches life, relationships, and leadership.

When asked to complete the sentence "LCA has taught me..." Dena shared a reflection that beautifully captures her 14-year journey:

"LCA has taught me that the place you grow up can become so much more than a school; it can become a home, a family, and a part of your identity and story that you carry with you forever."

Dena, your leadership, heart for worship, and genuine love for this community have already left a lasting legacy. We are grateful for the many ways you have contributed to LCA and cannot wait to see how God continues to use your gifts in the years ahead.