July 2012 - Northern Michigan Christian School

A publication of Northern Michigan Christian School
July 2012
Beauty & the Beast
This spring the NMC High School performed the musical “Beauty and the Beast”
to sold out crowds. The cast of more than 30 students, along with the orchestra of
community members and students, presented a show for two nights plus performances for elementary students. On this page are excerpts from letters received
from Marion Elementary School students who viewed the dress rehearsal.
Dear Gaston/Mitch,
I really liked your performance. I hope to see you again. You were kind of mean
but you’re strong and cute and you’re a nice singer. I remember ‘no one’s strong like
Gaston, or nice like Gaston, or cute like Gaston, or funny like Gaston.’ Did you
think about being nicer and then you would get your wish and guess what? Then
you could get married. But you’re awesome.
Dear Belle,
That yellow dress you wore was beautiful.
The performance you guys put on was fantastic and breathtaking. Whenever you sing
you should be on American Idol. It’s like
you got your vocals from an angel. That
was very funny when you turned Gaston
down. You are very cute on that stage. I
loved your costumes, the dresses you wore
were extraordinary.
I loved the play you put on. My favorite part was
when the prince tried saying please. It’s really
funny how that candle guy and that feather girl
act. Those three girls were all over Gaston and
he’s mean. Thank you for inviting us, I loved that
play.
Exceptional Education, Christ-centered.
128 S. Martin St., McBain, MI 49657
— (231) 825-2492
—
www. nmcs.us
Valedictorian and Salutatorian for 2012
The NMCS valedictorian for 2012 is Cody Rozeveld, son of Jack and Dawn Rozeveld of McBain. In the fall,
Cody plans to attend Alma College, where he will study chemistry. He plans eventually to get his master’s
degree in Chemical Engineering, with hopes of working in cancer research. While a student at NMCS, Cody
has been a member of the varsity soccer, basketball, and golf teams. He also was a member of the National Honor Society and Quiz Bowl team and sang in the school choir. Cody has been actively involved
with his church by serving on the church praise team, in the nursery, and in children’s church. In his valedictory address at graduation, Cody remarked, “God knows the plans he has for us. Jeremiah 29:11 says
that God has ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ We need not be
anxious or worry about our futures. God is in control and our lives will be in accordance with his will. Nor do
we need to worry about carrying out God’s work. Like John Milton says in ‘When I Consider How My Light
Cody Rozeveld
is Spent,’ God doth not need either man’s work or his own gifts. God does not require us to fulfill his
work; whatever we do to praise Him is perfect to God, we just need to focus on that essential praise. And
as Gerard Manley Hopkins said, ‘All things give Him glory if you mean they should….’ Whatever we do with our lives, no matter
if we are in a religious or secular position, using stoichiometry to create pharmaceuticals or milking cows and covering the pile,
we can praise God no matter what if we mean to.”
Kelvyn Koning is the NMCS 2012 Salutatorian. Kelvyn’s parents are Ken and Laurie Koning of McBain.
Kelvyn has been very involved in the music program at NMCS, participating in the school choir and band for
all four years. In the fall, Kelvyn will be attending Calvin College, where he plans to double major in piano and
vocal performance. Kelvyn was also a member of the National Honor Society, had been a member of the worship band for school chapels, and acted in the high school plays and musicals. Kelvyn summed up his time
at NMC with this excerpt from his salutatory address at graduation: “There’s no denying we’ve had an excellent education here at NMC — great teachers, a great learning environment. But not only have we grown in
our knowledge of math, science, and history, we have learned why they matter and who created them. We
discuss deeper things here at NMC; we learn how to see from a Christian perspective.”
Kelvyn Koning
Glorifying God through our gifts
Each year the seniors are asked to present a “Senior Chapel” for the high school and middle school students where they express to the
students their personal witness or how their faith has grown over the course of their education. Below is the transcript of the senior
chapel of student Mark Dick.
Often times as Christians we feel we must be amazing at evangelism or do great things to glorify God and spread his word. But I believe it’s the total opposite. Missionaries, pastors, praise team leaders and the like are important parts of Christianity, but I have often
wondered, “Where do I fit in? When do I get to use what I am good at to praise God?” Then I realized that I don’t need to go to Africa to spread the word or get up in front of church and preach or sing. I can glorify God by using what he gave me. It’s kind of like
when you wear that ugly sweater your grandma gave you for Christmas just so she is thrilled that you wore it. But unlike that, God is
around all the time and his gifts aren’t hideous like that sweater. I believe there is no better way to bring him great joy than to use the
gifts he has given us to glorify him.
You may wonder, as I often do, “What do any of my gifts have to do with glorifying God? I can’t do anything amazing, unique or special. How does what I do relate to Christianity?” But that’s the thing — it may not seem directly related to God, but it is.
I Corinthians 12:4-6 says: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service,
but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in every one, it is the same God at work.”
Gerard Manley Hopkins said, “God is so great that all things give him glory if you mean they should.” No matter what gift you have,
or what you are doing, it can glorify God if you want it to. Working, hunting, playing sports, painting, and singing can glorify God just
as well as a well-crafted sermon.
Not only can it glorify God, but all these things can spread God’s message as well. St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel at all
times and when necessary, use words.” So, yes, a sermon may teach people about Jesus and spread the word; but, as the old saying
goes, actions speak louder than words. Using your gifts is a great way to show that God is in your life and show that you truly believe
instead of just saying the right words. By using your gifts you may be able to connect with people better than a preacher would with a
sermon. We are all a part of the body of Christ, and everyone plays an important role in the body.
— Mark Dick, Senior Chapel, February 1, 2012
The NMCS landscape behind the bus barn is decorated with
lines of growing vegetation. Potatoes, onions, tomatoes,
beans, sugar snap peas, broccoli, watermelon, zucchini,
squash, cucumbers, and strawberries are all blossoming in 43
raised beds that were tilled and planted this spring by NMCS
Ag students. Ag student and summer worker Olivia Kuiper
keeps busy watering and tending to the budding plants. Most
of these vegetables will be harvested during the summer and
preserved for use by the NMCS lunch program during the coming school year.
Also flourishing are the bee hives that were installed a year
ago. “The honey was a hit and we were able to sell all that was
processed last year,” says program coordinator Dirk Walhout.
Ag program students Kyle Benthem, Tyler Gernaat, and Zach Pluger
“I expect a larger crop this year.” Other Ag programs, such as
proudly display the check received from Trinity University CRC through the
the chickens, pigs, and green house, will continue, as well.
Barnabas Foundation. Jan Klooster wrote the grant that will benefit the Ag
This spring, students grew in the greenhouse mixed salad
Program. Also pictured is Ag Program Coordinator Dirk Walhout, far
greens that were used to provide greens for the lunch program
right.
on a regular basis. Plans also include a re-design of the interior of the greenhouse to get four times as much produce next Barnabas Foundation and Trinity University CRC in Mt.
year and the building of a second greenhouse.
Pleasant highlighted the program’s news this spring. Written
by Jan Klooster, the grant gives $4,000 to the NMCS Ag ProThe Ag program is flourishing, due in large part to Mr. Walgram for its operation and needs.
hout’s guidance of the program. Receiving a grant from the
In other big news, Baker College in Cadillac
now will be partnering with the NMCS Ag Program in a dual enrollment program. Discussions between Walhout and Baker Administrator Mark Lagerway opened up the opportunity
for our Ag students to be dually enrolled at
Baker College while remaining students at
NMCS. Thirteen NMCS students have enrolled
for this coming semester; the first semester
they will be taking an Agriculture Industry
class, and the second semester an Agricultural
Business class. Upon completion of the
courses, students not only will receive class
credit at NMCS, but also will earn four credits
per semester for Baker’s associates degree in
agriculture. NMCS will use the Baker College
curriculum, but classes will be taught by NMCS
faculty (Dirk Walhout).
Dual enrollment extends beyond Agriculture Program
Beginning in the fall, Northern Michigan Christian School will
be offering a number of “Dual Enrollment” courses. Students
will be able to earn both high school and college credit while
taking a variety of classes here at NMCS. Taught by our own
faculty, these courses will enable students to earn Baker College credit while also earning high school credit. Eventually,
students will be able to earn college credit in up to 10 NMCS
classes. These credits will be transferable to Michigan colleges and universities as well as many out-of-state institutions.
Recent changes to Michigan law have made it possible for
NMCS to offer dual enrollment with the Michigan Department
of Education paying Baker College for their courses. We are
excited at the potential this program offers our students and
their families.
Possible dual enrollment courses are: Oral Communication,
Psychology, Algebra, US History, Personal Finance, Algebra,
Agriculture, Accounting, Sociology, and Composition.
COMET SPORTS NEWS
GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL
The Lady Comets won a district title and then went on to
win their regional semi-final to play in the regional final.
Coach Casey Sigafoose coached in his second year and
sees more wins in the future. The team had only one
senior this year, Jane Pearson. Look for the girls to continue improving each year.
BOYS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL
The boys’ basketball team won its district, as well, but fell
to a tough Bellaire team in a close regional match-up.
The team will miss several seniors next year, including
Kyle Benthem, Mark Dick, Luke MacLean, Zach Pluger,
Tyler Gernaat, Josh Rozeveld, Cody Rozeveld, and Bryce
TeBos.
The varsity boys’ basketball team poses with its district trophy.
VARSITY GIRLS’ SOCCER
The varsity girls’ soccer team in the third year of the program posted more wins and more goals than in the previous two years combined. It was a great year of growth
and improvement for the young soccer players under the
guidance of seasoned coaches Dave VanHaitsma and
Dirk Walhout.
VARSITY TRACK
Led by senior stand-out Jane Pearson, the track team
was able to post some impressive results this season.
Several athletes advanced to the MHSAA State track
meet, including Jane Pearson in 3 events, Adri Sigafoose
in 2, and Harim Kim in the 300m hurdles. Jane and Adri
finished with All-State honors. Also this season, the
men’s 800 meter relay team of Kyle Benthem, Trevor
Gernaat, Chad Blakely, and Harim Kim set a new school
record.
The 2012 varsity girls’ basketball team after its district win.
Senior All-State runner Jane
Pearson competing in the 300m
hurdles.
Senior Cam Ouwinga was named
to the all-District team this year.
VARSITY GOLF
The varsity golf team continued to grow with six male
members this year. Coached by Jack Edwards, the team
was led by Senior Cody Rozeveld.
The NMCS Varsity golf team
Graduation 2012
Harmony
By Kelvyn Koning, 12th grade
If harmony and unity were every person’s care,
And kindness was our passion, the world would better fare.
If people were like flowers in one immense bouquet
And diversities were cherished in every single way,
And every style and color and shape and type was loved,
Like vivid sunset shades that mingle in the heav’ns above,
Then joy would burst like fountains, and peace, like streams, would flow
Between all sorts of people whose love and hope would grow.
Since harmony in music delights our souls and ears,
Then should there not be harmony between us and our peers?
If love was all our answers, and kindness all our words,
Then we would all be happier and sing with joy like birds.
If harmony and unity were all our longings true,
And I would get along with him and her and them and you,
And we would glow together like the rainbow colors do,
Then we could change and shape our world with love and peace anew.
The Wonders of the Universe
By Garrett Langton, 4th grade
The wonders of the universe are the giant black hole,
elephants in Africa, and underground black moles.
The wonders of the universe are all of Saturn’s rings,
high Mt. Everest, cold Greenland, and songs the robins
sing.
The wonders of the universe are Tasmanian devils, the
Milky Way, Verlander, and the ground that’s smooth
and level.
The wonders of the universe are earthquakes in Japan,
tsunamis or tidal waves, and desert caravans.
The wonders of the universe are one normal plain beagle and the American national bird, the very grand bald
eagle.
The wonders of the universe are butterflies and moths,
Jupiter’s great red spot, snakes, and three-toed sloths.
The wonders of the universe are skies that are so blue,
but of all the wonders in the world, the best are me
and you!
The Northern Star is a publication of Northern
Michigan Christian School.
NMCS Board:
Northern Michigan Christian School has been developing an on-going
relationship with area nursing homes over the course of the past school
year. Above, third and fourth grade students played games and sang with
residents at Curry House in Cadillac.
Tod Winkle
— President
Ron Brouwer
Bob Ebels
Jill Haan
Mike Krick
Joe Kulhawick
Rich Langton
Mark Lanser
Sue Yount
Heidi Zuiderveen
Rod Kamrath
Former graduate earns Fulbright Grant
Currently, alumna Kayla Zuiderveen can be found in the milking parlor or caretaking the greens at Missaukee Golf Course. This is
a far cry from her school year, where words like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, virology, and microbiology punctuate the conversation. After graduating from NMCS in 2008, Kayla attended Alma College on a full ride scholarship to pursue a degree in biology.
Those four years are now complete, and Kayla soon will be departing on the next phase of her journey: on July 21 she heads to
Medellín, Colombia, where she will begin a year as a Fulbright Scholar.
This spring Kayla was awarded the Barlow Award from Alma College. The college presents this honor to the top senior student
based on grade point average, campus involvement, and community service. It brings with it the honor of speaking at graduation —
quite a step from the valedictory address Kayla gave to her class of 20+ students at NMCS.
While at Alma, Kayla interned during the summer at different immunology-based research facilities. One was at the Mayo Clinic
in Scottsdale, AZ, where she assisted in a breast cancer immunotherapy lab. Her second internship found her in La Jolla, California,
studying in a virology lab, where she worked on a virus that causes birth defects. Both internships provided great experience and
broadened her biology horizons. In fact, it was at the Mayo Clinic where she met several Colombian researchers. When she mentioned her plans to apply for a Fulbright, they suggested she work through their university, the University of Antioquia in Medellín,
Colombia. From there the idea took root, and Kayla crafted her research application, hoping to working in a tuberculosis lab there.
Although the US Department of State awards about 1,800 Fulbright Grants each year and most of those are for those teaching English in other countries, some are for research. Kayla was honored to received a Fulbright for her research project.
In Colombia, Kayla will be studying a particular strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that seems to be transmitted quite uniquely.
She will be ascertaining whether this strain correlates to certain ethnicities more than others. Her work will be in the laboratory, a
place comfortable to Kayla. The scholarship also requires Kayla to take
classes at the university, so she has enrolled in an immunology course.
It definitely will be a different culture in Colombia than in Falmouth, Kayla
acknowledges. “I have a habit of finding opportunities that really challenge
and almost frighten me, and then I make myself step out of my comfort zone
even though I know it will be difficult and frustrating at times,” states
Kayla. “It can be unsettling, but God is faithful.”
The language difference will be a challenge, as well, but Kayla is looking
forward to improving her Spanish. Although she does have a Spanish minor
and is capable of speaking the language, she is looking forward to acquiring
the skills only immersion can bring. “Most of the people at the university
have been conversing with me in English so far,” she acknowledges, “but I
hope to use primarily Spanish once I arrive.” To keep her language skills
fresh, Kayla has been reading the Harry Potter book series in Spanish over
the summer, as well as watching some Spanish films.
After her year in Colombia, Kayla will continue her education through the
PhD program at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. “I am so thrilled; I
really loved the program, the faculty, and the campus when I visited!” she
says. The Medical Microbiology and Immunology program will take five to
six years to complete, beginning with classes for the first two years, followed by a few years of working on her thesis research project. And after
that? It will be fascinating to discover.
THANK YOU!
Underwriting for the cost of production and distribution of the Northern Star is provided by the following businesses. Please be sure to
acknowledge, patronize, and thank these sponsors:
Don’s Auto Clinic * Cadillac Surgical Care * Bandeen Orthodontics
Dracht Construction * Advanced Optometry
At the end of the school year, our twelfth grade students presented their Senior Projects. Each student talked about a particular passion in his or her life and about the claim God has
on that aspect of life. As the seniors talked about welding or
farming or hunting or church liturgy, it became clear that our
students understand that there is no corner of creation which
our Lord does not claim for His own. It was altogether exciting,
moving, and humbling to see evidence of their growth and
hear their public witness before their family, peers, and community.
Our objective with these cumulative assignments in the last
year of high school is to encourage students to express what
they have learned at Northern Michigan Christian School and
see connections to the choices they will make in their whole
lives. As the seniors spoke, I was reminded of our hopes and
dreams for them. As faculty, board, and membership, we pray
that each graduate:
 has chosen to accept Jesus Christ as his or her personal









Savior. That, most of all. That, above all. And that he or
she …
has chosen to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ so that He becomes Lord of every part of their lives,
possesses a reformed Christian world-view which recognizes that every square inch of life belongs to God; all that
we are, all that we have, and all that we do belongs to
Him.
knows that faith is a gift from God and that all of life will
be a response of gratitude and service,
has gained a spiritual-, scriptural-, and life-knowledge
base which can be used for God’s glory,
possesses the necessary academic, organizational, and
interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication, reading, math, arts, citizenship, athletics, geographic
literacy, health, and technology to be used in service to
God in all areas of life,
has gained at NMCS: wisdom, integrity, virtue, perseverance, hope, consistency, and a desire to walk with God,
displays servanthood in all of life; respects God, respects
others, respects themselves, and demonstrates generosity, compassion, humility, and patience.
has learned how to learn, and
is aware of the world around them and understands his
or her place in God’s world.
God has granted each of us life in a rapidly changing time, a
scary but also exhilarating world. He has called us to minister to the needs of people around us and to the needs of our
neighbors around the globe. As our graduates leave NMCS to
begin work or pursue further education, we celebrate what
they have accomplished – and we are rightly concerned
about what lies ahead of them. At Northern Michigan Christian School, our goal is to educate your children and grandchildren in such a way that they are prepared for the challenges and have the courage to make God-glorifying decisions for always.
— Superintendent Rick Klooster
The NMCS community was saddened by the death of former teacher and counselor John Monsma, who passed away
this winter after battling pulmonary fibrosis. John and his wife Mary had retired to California and Washington state to
spend time with their children and grandchildren. The following is a note NMCS received from his wife, Mary, shortly
after John’s funeral:
I want to express my thanks for the many emails, letters, and cards sent to me in the days following John's death.
When I arrived back in Ojai, your condolences made the transition a little easier. I am especially grateful for the many
prayers that were and are being offered to bring me and my family comfort.
— Mary Monsma
Northern Michigan Christian School Association
128 Martin St.
McBain, Michigan 49657
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
McBAIN, MI
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
March 5
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April 24
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May 4
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May 25
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May 27
May 31
June 3
June 7
June 16
Boyd Allen Tacoma MM
Gerrit Koster MM
Gerald Hoekstra MM
Lewis (Bud) Agema MM
Titus Agema MM
Harriet Borgman BD
Ken & Beth Zuiderveen AV
Jordyn Dracht BD
Al & Carol Koster AV
Margaret VanderMeulen MM
Rich & Jen Kramer MM of Loved Ones
Nellie Tacoma MM
Ken Mulder MM
Dawn Brinks MM
John Brouwer BD
Mark & Dawn Ebels AV
Roland & Julane Lamkin AV
Jay Pluger MM
Bill & Jeanette Westmaas MM
Virgina DeHaan MM
Jess & Kate Jager MM
Jim & Karen Pluger AV
Garry Baas MM
Danny Ray Hoekstra BD
Merle & Wilma Pluger AV
Jay & Janet Jenema MM
Darryl Baas MM
Gerrit Grashuis MM
June 19
June 27
June 30
July 2
July 3
July 5
July 16
July 18
July 20
August 3
August 16
August 17
August 30
September 9
September 11
September 12
September 17
September 19
September 24
September 25
Brad & Lori Gernaat AV
Lawrence Taylor MM
Nettie Agema MM
Leona (Buning) VanderMeulen MM
Dick & Gert Winkel AV
Ken Koning BD
Robert E. Carpenter MM
Carl & Betty De Kam AV
Douglas Ellens MM
Irene Westmaas MM
Roger & Betty Spoelma AV
Rog & Barb Vander Tuuk AV
David Agema MM
Taylor Mulder BD
Harvey & Lois Winkel AV
Corwin DeRuiter MM
Rocky & Cindy Schierbeek AV
Laurie Koning BD
Ed Meyering BD
Tanner Mulder BD
Peter Brouwer BD
Ron & Wilma Huttenga AV
MM= Memoriam, AV = Anniversary, BD = Birthday
For a minimum gift of $50.00, the NMCS Commemorative Calendar (formerly the NMCS
Interest Wheel), provides a means for you to annually commemorate an individual or
event. Contributions may go to the NMCS Building Fund, Endowment Fund, or Tuition
Assistance Fund. Please call the school (231) 825-2492 for more information about
participation in this program.