What happens when the career you never pictured becomes the work you love most? In this episode of Wingin’ It, we sit down with Dr. Mackenzie Farleigh, Covenant’s ninth grade biology teacher, to hear how an unexpected turn brought her from teaching college anatomy and physiology to a high school classroom she now calls her biggest blessing.

From testing pH with cabbage juice to student-written songs about the kidneys, Dr. Farleigh shares how hands-on labs, humor, and a few surprising facts help students discover that science might be for them after all. She also reflects on the joy of exploring God’s creation with her students and the relationships that make teaching at Covenant so meaningful.

We hear the story behind her 2026 World Changer Award from Grove City Christian School and why making an impact can look like showing up each day, listening, and praying with a student. Along the way, we recap Spirit Week and homecoming, catch up on fall athletics, and discover Dr. Farleigh’s source for keeping up with student slang.

Stay Connected
Thanks for listening to Wingin’ It. Follow us on social at @winginitcovenant and keep up with The Covenant School at @thecovenantschoolva. New episodes drop every other Wednesday, so tune in and join us as we wing it together!

Kali and Brady kick off the episode with Spirit Week, Homecoming, fall sports, and a shoutout to Patrick Estes before welcoming Pre-K teacher Becky Lynch.

Becky shares how a neighborhood bear hunt helped her first Pre-K class stay connected in 2020, why her students begin the school year with a party on the lawn and a parade into the building, and what children learn through play that they may not yet have words to describe. She also tells the story of Little Duck, the real duck who grew up alongside her class, and how caring for her helped students practice empathy. Along the way, there’s a lost-tooth investigation, favorite Birdwood traditions, and a conversation about helping young children love their neighbors.

Stay Connected
Thanks for listening to Wingin’ It. Follow us on social at @winginitcovenant and keep up with The Covenant School at @thecovenantschoolva. New episodes drop every other Wednesday, so tune in and join us as we wing it together!

Season 2 of Wingin’ It kicks off with Head of Middle School/ Head of Hickory Spencer Burton. After 27 years at Covenant, Spencer reflects on what first brought him to the school, why middle schoolers became “his people,” and how being known and taken seriously by his own teachers shaped his approach to education. Along the way, he shares plenty of Covenant memories, from Rockbridge and New York trips to Hannah Montana, Washington Commanders football, and a little wholesome chaos.

Stay Connected
Thanks for listening to Wingin’ It. Follow us on social at @winginitcovenant and keep up with The Covenant School at @thecovenantschoolva. New episodes drop every other Wednesday, so tune in and join us as we wing it together!