News | Calvary Cavaliers

Celebrating Mike Fitzwater! A message from our Superintendent, Chad McDowell.

Sharing with our entire Calvary family the email that was sent tonight to our CBA faculty and staff regarding the passing of Mr. Mike Fitzwater.

There truly are not enough words to describe the impact Mike Fitzwater had on countless students, families, faculty, and friends throughout his years at Calvary. He was such an incredible difference maker, not only for Team Calvary, but even more importantly for Team Kingdom.

I’m sure throughout the week there will be many more pictures, videos, memories, and stories shared, but I wanted to post a few tonight for everyone to enjoy and remember.

It will no doubt be a unique week on our campus — a week filled with both celebration and sadness. As we celebrate the Class of 2026 and all that this special senior class means to us, we will also celebrate and honor the incredible life, faith, love, and impact of Mike Fitzwater.

And as Mike would so often remind us at the close of announcements each morning… “Have a great Cavalier day.”

Please continue praying for Kelli and the entire Fitzwater family in the days ahead.

Dear Faculty & Staff,

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Mike Fitzwater passed away yesterday, Saturday, May 9, with Kelli by his side and all three of their children in town with him.

There truly are not enough words to describe the impact that Mike Fitzwater has had on so many students, families, faculty, and staff at Calvary Baptist Academy since he, Kelli, and their children moved to Shreveport in 2012.

Over the years, Mike faithfully served Calvary in many different roles, including, but certainly not limited to, History and Social Studies teacher, English teacher, disciplinarian, member of the administrative team, Girls Basketball Coach, Athletics Director, and Bible teacher. While he served our school in countless ways, it seemed that some of his greatest joy came from teaching God’s Word to middle school and high school students, most recently through 8th Grade Bible. The impact he made in the lives of students is simply indescribable.

Mike was also a constant presence in the everyday life of our school. For so many of us, it is impossible to imagine mornings at Calvary without hearing his familiar “Good morning, Cavaliers” come across the announcements. Day after day, he faithfully opened our mornings with prayer, encouragement, Scripture, and “On this day in history…” readings that became such a meaningful and familiar part of life at Calvary.

He had a way of bringing calm, consistency, humor, wisdom, and faith into ordinary moments. And for many of us, we will forever hear him closing those prayers with, “Help us love each other the way You love us. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray, amen,” before reminding everyone to “Have a great Cavalier day.”

Even in recent weeks, after having to step away from school earlier than expected, Mike’s deepest desire was to return to the classroom and continue teaching “his crew.” He deeply loved his students, his coworkers, and this school family.

Kelli shared how incredibly grateful she and the family are for the prayers, love, support, encouragement, and friendship shown by their Calvary family throughout this difficult season. Though their hearts are hurting deeply, there is peace in knowing Mike is fully healed, reunited with his son Daniel, and now face-to-face with the Savior he so faithfully pointed others toward for so many years.

Please continue to lift Kelli and the entire Fitzwater family up in prayer in the days ahead.

We are currently planning a Celebration of Life service for Thursday morning to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Fitzwater. More details will be shared as plans are finalized.

We loved Mike Fitzwater dearly, and we already miss him tremendously.

Always #Grateful,

Chad McDowell