New Headmaster Takes Charge At Dayspring

Michael Myers, founder of and Vision Ambassador for Dayspring Christian Academy in Mountville, knew a time would come when he would step out of his role as headmaster. "We wanted a hand-in-glove type of transition because of the specificity of our vision with a Principle Approach school," said Myers. "It's so ingrained in every part (of what we do)."

According to Myers, many years ago, the organization's board identified longtime staff member Dan Stone as a likely candidate. "(They) gave him experiences to lead him to the place that he would be ready (to move into the position)," said Myers.

Earlier this summer, Stone officially transitioned to headmaster. Stone joined the Dayspring team as a history teacher in 2004, and, almost immediately, he was leading field studies, coaching baseball and soccer, and taking on administrative duties, eventually moving into the position of athletic director. Stone grew up in the South, the son of a Christian school administrator. "I knew from my high school years that I felt the Lord calling me to work with young people, but I didn't know in what capacity," said Stone, who decided to go into education at Liberty University. Stone dabbled in theater at Liberty, and one summer, he auditioned to take part in "Daniel" at Sight & Sound. There he met a young woman named Julie, who was a member of the first graduating class at Dayspring. The pair became engaged, and after they married, Stone came to Lancaster County and went to work at Dayspring. "I really enjoyed teaching, but I also enjoyed leadership, helping people, and getting things done," said Stone, who earned a master's degree in administration from Clarks Summit University in Scranton in 2017.

Dayspring was founded by Myers in 1987 after a career as a public school teacher and after learning about the Principle Approach, which focuses on the classical method of education that works to develop excellence in academics and character with the aim of restoring America's biblical foundation. The school quickly outgrew its first home, and it was located in several Lancaster County buildings over the years before moving to its current home at 120 College Ave., Mountville, in 2010.

Myers was watching for a successor to carry on his vision. "Early on I felt in my heart that Dan might be the man," he said. "I wanted to hand this off to someone I really had confidence in."

In his new role, Stone began meeting with staff and faculty during the summer to focus on Principle Approach training. "We did a whole session on quality control," Stone explained, noting that the group looked at the specifics of the Principle Approach and how they were being implemented at each level of the school. "We talked about continuing to be distinctive in our methodology and our philosophy ... what makes us unique."

Myers will continue to be involved as he shepherds the school through the process of constructing a new school building on land in the Mountville area. He is also working part-time for the Foundation for American Christian Education. "My role is to help with startups and transitioning to Principle Approach schools," he said. "There is a great awakening coming in Christian education."

More information about Dayspring may be found at http://www.dayspringchristian.com.