Class of 2014 Future Plans - Worthington Christian Schools
Transcription
Class of 2014 Future Plans - Worthington Christian Schools
Tear-Out Alumni Newsletter Inside Celebrating 40 Years and 2,300 Alumni Class of 2014 Future Plans Todd Alexander Akin................................................... Stetson University........ Physics, PreMed, Biomedical Engineering Klein Amoafo.......................................................University of Cincinnati..........................................................Finance Maxwell J. Arena............................................................. Columbus State....................................................Exploration Alicia Nicole Batterson...........................Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham.......................................... Music and Theater Andrew Frederick Brown................................... The Ohio State University..................................................... Undecided Jordan Ray Brown..........................................................Akron University............................................. Exercise Science Trenton Mark Butterworth.......................................Cedarville University.............................................. Biblical Studies Cameron Mitchell Byers....................................................... Virginia Tech...........................................Computer Science Caroline J. Carpenter......................................... The Ohio State University..............................................Health Sciences Samuel Ray Condon................................................. Otterbein University..............................................Criminal Justice Margaret E. Cunningham............................................. Malone University......................................................... Nursing Ann Elyse DeMuch.................................. Concordia University – Irvine, CA...................Theater and Mass Communication Mikayla Amanda-LaShae Diaz ......................................... Columbus State...................................................... Pharmacy Alexander Lee Dickinson.................................................DeVry University........................Computer Information Science Leah Ann Efries............................................................... Columbus State...................................Fashion Merchandising Hannah Michelle Francis.................................. Olivet Nazarene University...........................English Secondary Education Natalie Nicole Francis.....................................................Taylor University................................Digital Media Production Austin Peter French......................................................... Columbus State..................................................... Undecided Nicholas J. Giammarco..................................................... Columbus State..................................................... Undecided Emily Lane Griffith.......................................................... Columbus State..................................................... Undecided Casey Joe Hamrick........................................................ Capital University.........................Business/Sports Management Grace Elizabeth Harper........................Columbus State/Liberty University....................................................... Education Jacob Ellis Harrison...................................................... Judson University..................................................... Undecided Joshua Abraham Hayes............................................... University of Akron.................................... Sports Administration William J. Hejduk......................Columbus State/The Ohio State University...............................................Music/Business Jessica Liana Heskett...........................................University of Cincinnati......................................................... Nursing Mason J. Highman...............................................Arizona State University........................................................ Business Brooke Janette Hockenberry.................................University of Cincinnati......................................................... Nursing Tyler Douglas Hood..............................................University of Cincinnati........................................................ Business Emma Lynn Irwin............................ Moody Bible Institute – Spokane, WA.........................................................Ministry Ellen O’Neil Jackson.......................................................... Flagler College...........................Communications/Journalism Samantha Jones...................................................... Otterbein University......................................................... Nursing Katelyn Elizabeth Kinkead................................. The Ohio State University......................................................... Nursing Sean Gregory Kirk.................................................... Otterbein University........................................................ Pre-Med Class of 2014 Taylor Lauren Klass........................................... The Ohio State University....................................................Agriculture Erin B. Kozar........................................................University of Cincinnati....................................................Psychology Nicholas J. Learn............................................................. Columbus State........................................... Physical Therapy Audrey Jane Lewis............................................. The Ohio State University..............................Early Childhood Education Jennifer Quinn Long........ Missions trip to Nicaragua, then Columbus State.......................................... Special Education Jarrett Ronald Malone................................................. Malone University........................Business/Sports Management Robert James Maloney................................................ Malone University................................ Business Administration Caylah McKenzie May..............................................................Undecided Molly Elizabeth McIntosh............................................... Wheaton College..........................................English Education Alec Joseph McLean............................................................ Grace College....................................................... Business Micaela Marie Miller........................................................ Columbus State......................Diagnostic Medical Sonography Graham Allen Montgomery.......................................Lipscomb University....................Mechanical Engineering/Spanish Joel Daniel Montgomery.............................. Indiana Wesleyan University ............................................Exercise Science John D. Morford...........................................................Auburn University....................................................... Business Evan Z. Motter.............................................................. Miami University....................................................... Business Kyle Jeffrey Nowak...................................................... Malone University........................... Education/Sports Ministries Christopher J. Osborn........................................ The Ohio State University.................................................. Engineering Luke William Palmateer........................... Bowling Green State University....................................................... Dietetics Mark Wesley Parsell..................................Columbus State/Life University.................................................. Chiropractic Luke M. Proxmire ........................................................... Columbus State..........................................Computer Science Alexander F. Sanders..................................................Ashland University..........................Marketing Management and Research/Sports Management Isaac Sayre.......................................................... University of Wisconsin...................................... Nuclear Engineering Sarah Jane Sharp............................................Carson Newman University..........................Food, Nutrition and Dietetics Emmalee Grace Sima..................................................... Miami University..............................Early Childhood Education Benjamin D. Smith............................................ The Ohio State University..........................................Computer Science Spencer M. Smith.........................................................Grove City College...........................Entrepreneurship and Music Alexandra Elizabeth Spayde................................................Calvin College...................................... Sports Management Benjamin M. Staysniak............................................. Otterbein University.........................................................Nursing David Stomps................................................................. Columbus State...................................Business Management Madeleine Nicole Tjoelker................................... Trinity Christian College......................................................... Biology Jonathan S. Trainer..................................................Cedarville University.................................Mechanical Engineering Samuel Richard Trautman........................................Cedarville University...............................................Youth Ministry Marcelo Andres Villalobos...............................................Taylor University..................... Public Health/ Biology/Pre-Med Matthew David Watterson............................................. Alfred University....................................................... Ceramics Michael Scott Wayland................................................. Capital University.........................................................Finance Kayla Rose Welch....................................... Mt. Carmel College of Nursing Seth Rush Weygandt....................................................... Word of Life, NY Janelle Renee Wilcox............................................. Huntington University.................... Communications/Graphic Design Class Verse “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” Isaiah 41:10. Teacher of the Year By Jim Parrish WCES Principal WCHS Employee Wellness Contest By Lisa Cunningham RN, LSN, NCSN, School Nurse Fourteen people from WCHS and District Administration completed the 2014 Employee Wellness Contest which consists of diet, exercise, spiritual growth, a healthy recipe, and an overall health goal. Participants counted calories, exercised daily, had devotions, and submitted a recipe for judging. They also set an overall health goal such as weight loss, a fitness goal, lowered blood pressure, or inches lost. The program lasted for the nine weeks of the third quarter. I am delighted to report that our 14 participants lost 100 pounds and exercised for over 13,105 minutes! One participant logged 100 miles running! This year’s winner was Kelly Herbst. Kelly earned 1,015 points and won a $200 cash prize which she plans to use toward the fees needed to send her son Zach to Portugal with the soccer team’s missions trip. Congratulations, Kelly! And congratulations to all the participants who joined in the contest and improved your health! A special thank you to Brian Bayless for keeping track of our points and providing our weekly updates. the classroom. Judy has served her Savior by ministering to students and helping them grow academically for 42 years, 32 at WCS. Each spring the WCS faculty has the honor of selecting the recipient for the WCS-PTF Endowment Teacher of the Year Award. This year Mrs. Bechtel was selected, and it was a privilege to honor her with this award. I hope you were able to take a look on YouTube as her room was descended upon to present her with this accolade. Congratulations, Mrs. Bechtel! Also, thank you to the PTF Endowment Fund for providing this annual award. Mr. O’Neil Honored News It was late August, 2000, my first fall at WCES, and on my classroom desk a grouping of bananas greeted me that warm, late summer morning. The multi-colored ribbon tied about the tops was quite festive, while the note written on one of the bananas captured the moment—“Welcome to the Bunch!” it stated, and welcomed I was indeed. Community has always been close to the heart of Judy Bechtel— whether in the faculty lounge or the classroom, it does not matter. You see, it is part of who she is. It is how the Father has wired her. Over the years she has delivered many welcoming banana bunches to new faculty members as well as overseen many a retirement dinner, wedding shower, baby shower, or year-end brunch. Her gift of hospitality can be readily seen. Her strong organizational skills, used to help create a caring community among WCES faculty and staff, go into high gear within Governor John Kasich presents Mike O’Neil with a resolution at the Middle School Awards Assembly honoring his retirement after 33 years of service to WCS. IT’S TIME TO set up or renew your account with your Kroger Plus card number. Enter NPO number 84126 and designate WCS. Whenever you make purchases using your Kroger Plus card, WCS gets credit! Academics We Love Math! Congratulations to our Mid-America/Ohio River Valley ACSI Geometry and Algebra Math League finalists! Geometry Sarah Foor ........................1st Place Barrett Bowen .................... Tie 2nd Jake Strick .......................... Tie 2nd Hannah Yoder ........................... 3rd Zach Hastings ......................Tie 4th Shay Smith ..........................Tie 4th Chloe Denorme .........................5th Algebra II Kara Godsey .............................. 1st Christina Hemmingsen ............. 2nd Joshua Cho ..........................Tie 3rd Parker Lambert ....................Tie 3rd Joshua Lozier .......................Tie 3rd Noah Mallory....................... Tie 3rd The Geometry and Algebra 2 Teams won FIRST in the entire Ohio River Valley Region of ACSI—that includes Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. We hope to work with high math teams of other local schools next year and begin work in robotic competitions. If any of you parents would like to join us for this adventure in robotics, please contact [email protected]. An EGGcellent Lab By Debbie Gilliland WCMS Science Teacher of the movement of material through the cell membrane. Every year seventh graders investigate the concepts of osmosis and diffusion using eggs. To prepare for the lab, students carefully measure and record the circumference of the raw egg as well as its mass. Throughout the ten-day experiment, they place the egg in a variety of substances, continuing to measure and compare results with the data obtained at the start of the experiment. Students first observe a chemical reaction occurring between the vinegar and the calcium carbonate in the egg shell. The The students continue the process of recording measurements after the egg has been exposed to corn syrup and then to water. At the end of the experiment, students form conclusions based on the data that has been collected. The results illustrate the processes of osmosis and diffusion across a cell membrane. bubbles of carbon dioxide that form on the egg and rise to the surface are evidence of this reaction. The shell dissolves in the vinegar and leaves a film on the surface. However, the membrane remains on the egg. The size of the egg increases because For added fun this year, students were allowed to take the water-filled egg and celebrate the end of the EGGsperiment with an egg toss game (pictured here). Our God is Jehovah-jireh, providing everything needed for life to exist. Student Inventors By Karin Browning WCES NPSS Tutor/Enrichment Teacher Academics Fourth and fifth grade Mind Extension students presented their inventions at the annual WCS Invention Convention. The inventors worked diligently to create an invention that solved a problem they encountered in their everyday lives. They were required to keep a journal throughout the process and build a prototype of their invention. This year’s judges included Joel Walton, Caleb Stertzer, Rachel Clutz, and Bart Browning. Each inventor was interviewed by two of the judges. Taking first place was Morgan Lawrence for her useful laundry basket cover. Second place went to Micah Shemenski for inventing an electro-magnetic refrigerator door. Jonah Dean took third place with his “Cubies,” an alternative to chicken feed. These top winners went on to compete for scholarships and prizes at the Regional Invention Convention on May 17 at Columbus State Community College where Morgan Lawrence was one of only ten Superior Winners. Other student inventors included Madison Hoffman, Lily Bauman, Will Cain, and Edward Gamel. 2014–15 Internship Academy Participants Announced Front Row: Martina Holbrook, Meridian Hollister, Sarah Myers, Natalie Rohrig, Elena Villalobos Back Row: Jenny Rinehart, Kathryn Ryan, Reed Klass, Steven Ruane, Jon Burton By Dawn McMahon WCHS Science Teacher On Tuesday, May 6, twenty-seven new students were inducted into the WCHS chapter of the National Honor Society. Admission into this prestigious organization is based upon four qualifying characteristics—scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Students with the qualifying GPA of 3.75 or above, who also exemplify service, leadership, and character, in the opinion of current NHS members, staff, and administration, are inducted into NHS. The class of 2015 has one of the largest induction classes in recent memory, and this speaks to the work ethic, focus, and servant hearts of this class as a whole. As members of NHS, they will participate in the annual WCHS Blood Drive project next winter as well as plan new service opportunities for 2015. We are excited to invite these new members into the WCHS chapter of National Honor Society! Off-Campus Learning Nutrition Unit Leads to Kroger By Sharon Dumit Kindergarten Teacher Kindergarten students enjoyed their tour of Kroger as they wrapped up a nutrition unit. Children were encouraged to choose a healthful variety from the produce department. At the meat counter they were introduced to “Happy Snappy,” the lobster. The bakery chef demonstrated his cakedecorating talents and how they slice bread. At the end of the tour, each child received a flower from the floral department, along with snacks and other goodies. Kroger has it “in the bag” as a favorite field trip! Student CEOs, DJs, Reporters to run BizTown after a competitive studentrun election campaign. This past quarter sixth-grade students had the exciting After much hard opportunity to participate work, the day in Junior Achievement’s for the BizTown BizTown program. This simulation arrived. program taught how a city At the downtown economy works and then interactive facility, provided an interactive students became experience of that economy citizens, business in an off-site facility. owners, employees, and consumers. They To begin with, sixth graders Joshua Stanfield, Turner Burns, Peter Tsibouris, Ryan Snedecor, Ashley Hall, Mike Luabeya experienced first-hand were required to engage in According to their skill sets, positions were everything it took to start a business, keep lessons about the circular flow of resources, assigned in 14 different types of businesses it running, earn an income, and manage goods, and services within a small city, from CEO to CFO to reporter, designer, money. The goal for each business was to along with financial literacy, workforce banker, sales manager, DJ, career counselor, pay off their operating loan. Due to some readiness, and business management. In stylist, etc. Then students learned to write amazing teamwork, 13 of the 14 businesses the process they were required to secure deposit slips and checks, balance a check met their goal—a BizTown record for the a job by participating in an authentic job register, and create a marketing strategy for year! interview conducted by parent volunteers. their business. They even elected a mayor By Patricia Boyd WCMS Math Teacher Art Students Focus on the Masters WCHS art students visited the Columbus Museum of Art to see real art and learn to discern between modern and academic styles. Carter Kravitz, shown here, was sketching in an attempt to record Gainsborough’s academic style as opposed to Toulouse Lautrec’s modern style. Caleb Ringer (farther back in the picture), said that his participation in the field trip gave him a unique chance to focus on real art in a quiet atmosphere. Dr. Elliott Rouse Named WCS Alumnus of the Year 2014 Troy McIntosh Head of School Young. Bright. Called. By Julie Seling Alumni Coordinator We are extremely proud of our WCS graduates! We announce the first edition of our “30 Under 30” publication, in which we highlight the educational and vocational accomplishments of 30 of our younger alumni. Our hope is that these stories will inspire our current students to dream bigger dreams about their future and also to show prospective students where a WCS education can lead. We invite you to visit worthingtonchristian.com to read the post-graduation biographies of 30 selected alumni representing a wide range of fields including higher education, business, arts, law, medicine, and ministry, with an emphasis on their post-graduation accomplishments. One of the great pleasures of my position is to watch graduates of WCS move into their respective fields and become game changers in them. Recently, it was my privilege to inform Dr. Elliott Rouse (Class of 2002) that our selection committee unanimously chose him as the WCS Alumnus of the Year 2014. Elliott joins our four previous winners—Greg Burgess, Lauren Schroepfer Evans, Dr. Matthew Campbell, and Megan Johnson. He, like the others, are great exemplars of the award’s criteria—a WCS graduate who pursues excellence in his sphere of influence as a way of expressing kingdom values for the benefit of others. His work in bionics research is exciting, innovative, and difference-making in the larger culture. This is the kind of thing we want WCS graduates to be prepared to do, for the glory of God. Elliott and his wife Rachel traveled to Ohio to attend Commencement on June 1. Elliott was recognized with this award and a gift, and he addressed the graduating class. Dr. Buzz Inboden was pleased to have Elliott present a robotics class to high school students on June 2. We extend our congratulations and wishes for continued success to Dr. Rouse. Above and Beyond Coming Back Home Liz Bookheimer Alumni Liason Three decades ago, much-loved veteran teacher Julie Katzeman began working at the Worthington Christian Elementary School as an integral part of the fifth-grade teaching team. Her specialty in the mix was Language Arts—Reading, English, Writing, and Spelling. Julie’s personality and cheery disposition made her a friend to all staff and students alike. Fifth grade became her home away from home and no one could imagine the Elementary School without her. In fact Julie’s comment to me during one conversation was, “Retirement is not even in my vocabulary.” And indeed she felt that way until her son John became gravely ill with lung cancer. God made it very clear to Julie that this was the time to step aside from her job and spend quality time with her son. However, after his passing, Julie found a need to fill some of the void in her time with something productive. She began to pray for the Lord to lead her to a ministry. In His time, He did just that; a position opened up in the after-school program at WCES. This was just the ticket! Julie commented, “I am thrilled to be back at the elementary school. It was like ‘coming back home’. The job is perfect! It is 2 1/2 hours a day and 12 1/2 hours a week. Children energize me. I love to be with them again. On average there are about 11 students involved every day. They range in age from first grade to fifth grade. This winter has been more difficult because of the cold temperatures. The children are inside all day long, and then they have to be inside for another two hours. The boys especially need to get outside and run. We are working on treating each other with kindness and respect. It is also another opportunity in their lives for them to learn obedience. It has been fun to get to know the children and their families. I had prayed for a ministry, and God answered my prayer in such a fruitful way.” Best of Both Worlds Lydia Smith (2005) joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2013. She is working at the Columbus, Ohio Coast Guard Recruiting Office training to be a recruiter. The USCG training and her other interests have kept her busy. Lydia recently passed the exam to become qualified as a Program Visitor and is now a FSO-PV. Lydia was not excited about becoming Crew or Coxswain, but when she learned about the Program Visitor Qualification, she thought this was for her. She is a very personable and outgoing person. Lydia enjoys meeting new people and doing Program Visits was a perfect fit. She comments, “I hope to be in it for years to come and one day help to develop new ways to communicate or aid Marine Boat Dealers in staying abreast of the current schedule of all PE courses and VSC stations.” Lydia’s goal is to become a District Staff Officer one day. She not only wants to volunteer in the Auxiliary component of the Coast Guard, but one day also to actually be in the Coast Guard and have the best of both worlds. She graduated from Cedarville University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Media. She keeps busy fine tuning her skills as an Electronic Media Specialist and being a musician. She has been performing in different bands for 16 years. Want to help others receive a WCS education? The Adopt-A-Student program is an annual tuition assistance program organized for those who wish to participate financially in sponsoring a portion or all of a student’s tuition for the school year. All gifts to this fund assist with student financial aid. To support a student, please visit our website: worthingtonchristian.com/ about/give-to-wcs/ ABC Staff Recognition Program Looking back on your years at WCS, was there a teacher who continually went above and beyond the call of duty and made your time at WCS memorable? Was there a faculty or staff member who had a unique impact on you? Would you like to thank them and recognize their efforts and also help grow the WCS Foundation? You can! The WCS Above and Beyond in Christ was created just for that! Funds raised will provide continuing education dollars to faculty and staff, as well as additional materials, supplies, and programs that are beyond the normal funding resources. You have helped raise almost $28,000! Please consider giving to grow our foundation for the future of WCS! For more info go to worthingtonchristian. com and click on “Thank A Teacher” under the Alumni menu, or contact Stacy Tepper-Graff 614-679-9946 [email protected] Following James 1:19 Tell us a bit about yourself and your first few years after graduating from WCS. When I started the second grade, my sister Leslie (1980), and I were among the very first students at WCS. Classes met in the basement of the church (the AC). There were no walls or actual rooms; large bulletin boards mounted on wheels served as room dividers. In the spring of that first year, we were thrilled when we got to march across the street to the brand new building—an actual school, with walls, a cafeteria and a gym. After graduating, I unexpectedly ended up at one of the smallest Christian colleges I’d never heard of—Judson College in Elgin, Illinois, just northwest of Chicago. I studied communications with an emphasis in mass media which led to an internship at Christianity Today and Campus Life magazines. My favorite memories of college are those of playing four years of varsity soccer with some of the best teammates and friends I will ever know, and also of meeting and completely falling for Hope Harrison, a small-town girl from Illinois, who shared my major and tolerated me sitting near her as often as I could in classes. What motivated you to enter the legal profession? I suppose the seed was planted when my parents named me. My greatgrandfather, Orla Harrison, had been a lawyer in Washington, DC. His law partners were Mr. Ellis and Mr. Wade. Those three lawyers’ last names became my full name, Wade Ellis Harrison. But more significant was a life-changing meeting I had with Richard Metcalf, who, at the time, was Judge of the Franklin County Probate Court. I was fresh out of college. I went into the meeting thinking, “Maybe I’ll go to law school.” After the meeting, Hope asked how things went. I answered, “Okay, here’s the scoop. I am definitely going to apply to law school, not at OSU because it doesn’t have an evening program, but at Capital University because I can attend classes at night which is going to be important because the Judge just offered me a day job as one of his law clerks, and he said I need to learn everything I can about probate law.” (I think I said it all in one breath.) She was stunned. So was I, frankly. That one meeting changed the course of my life. What are some challenges you have faced in the law profession as a Christian? My biggest challenge, at least when things get adversarial, is following James 1:19. God tells me that I am to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. And my response is often, “Are you serious, God? Do you know my job description? Are you seeing what I have to put up with in this case?” It’s a struggle, I admit it. Actually, the entire book of James is extremely relevant to me as a lawyer. Maybe that’s why it is my favorite book in the Bible; it’s just so practical. What’s your favorite WCS memory? To answer this I have to explain the situation. On November 30, 1982, my sister was injured in a horrible car accident. She was in a coma for over a month. Just like Leslie’s body shut itself down, my family also halted all nonessential activity. By necessity, I was pretty much left to fend for myself and I went into a complete free-fall. I lost track of schedules, due dates, homework projects, even text books. I forgot critical school supplies as well as lunch money so I borrowed these things almost every day. I had a knack for visiting friends’ homes at dinner time. During this bleak period, I was eating dinner at the home of my good friend, Doug Bloebaum. Several other basketball teammates showed up and then, within a few minutes, I realized that all three of these buddies disappeared and left me there. They totally ditched me and left me there to hang out with Doug’s parents! Minutes turned into an hour and a half. Finally, the three of them returned, all with big, smiles, and a Christmas tree tied to the roof of the car. Those big goofs had gone out on their own and bought a Christmas tree for my family! Do you feel that WCS prepared you for college and what lay ahead? Absolutely! When it gets down to it, our sense of justice and our legal system is shaped by our worldview of mankind. According to the secular worldview of man, our existence is the random result of a cosmic accident. Accordingly, truth is not absolute—it is simply left up to us to define. So who gets to define truth? Tyrants, despots, and fascists throughout history have developed their truths necessary to accomplish their objectives. When morals are relative, concepts like right and wrong become subject to interpretation. On what (or whose) values can a secular society develop and enforce its laws? At WCS an alternative, biblical worldview was presented—that man was designed, created, and given purpose by God. At WCS I was taught that we have intrinsic value and dignity—not because man himself says so, but because God made it so. Concepts that are at the crux of our justice system—concepts like freedom, responsibility, morality, dignity, equality, fairness, and justice—take on a whole new significance under a biblical worldview. Those concepts and values are not arbitrary, thankfully, but instead are built on a solid foundation of God’s truth. Without the biblical worldview on which my education was based, I don’t think I would want to be a lawyer. It would be pointless. But then again, almost any profession, even life itself, would be pretty pointless then too. Alumni Feature With over 2,300 graduates WCS is linked to hundreds of professions the world over. We would like to follow up with 1984 graduate, Wade Harrison, who practices law in Columbus. Alumni Class Notes Class of 1993 Class of 1999 and 2001 Ben Kanzeg was asked to speak at his alma mater, Cedarville University, in March 2014. He spoke about his Cedarville experience in chapel at the Dixon Ministry Center. Adam (1999) and Jessica (2001) (Michael) Heath welcomed Ransom Michael Emmaus, born on March 11, 2014. Class of 1994 Jeff Austin attended WCS from 1983-1991, moving before graduation. He serves as a US diplomat and lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Class of 1996 Andrea and Cory Baugher welcomed Vienna Mae Baugher, born on May 2, 2014. Class of 1997 Beth Vorlicky graduated from Florida International University in Miami. She now works as a dietician in Plantation, FL. She is pictured here with her parents, former ES Principal Bill Vorlicky and his wife Jacquie. Bill currently serves as the Elementary School Principal at Jupiter Christian School in Florida. Class of 2002 Jen Myers recently paid a visit to WCHS. Jen is a meteorologist for Fox 4 in Dallas, TX. While here, she gave some pointers to David Stoll’s journalism class. Class of 2004 Stephanie Irwin and Jeffery Anthony were united in marriage on April 18, 2014. Class of 1999 Joy (Inboden) Morrissey has been elected as a local councillor for the borough of Ealing in London (equivalent to a city counselor in the US). Joy joined the Conservative party in England three years ago and has risen rapidly within its ranks to be chosen as a candidate and now elected to an important role in local government. She won by a wide majority and becomes one of only a handful of American citizens to hold such a position. Joy and fellow councillors from Hanger Hill district: Frank Stafford, Joy, Nigel Summer. Class of 2006 Tim Short and Helen Rose Stockdale were united in marriage on May 3, 2014. Class of 2007 Tad Inboden just graduated from Regent College in Vancouver, Canada with a Master’s in Theological Studies. His wife Nicole (Tracey) Inboden (2007) will receive the same degree in July. Class of 2008 Jordan and Chelsea (LaMonte) Lodge welcomed Jocelyn Marie Lodge on April 20, 2014. 2011 Andrew Parrish graduated summa cum laude from Taylor University with a B.S. in Biology. He will begin Medical School at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine this fall. Tim Webb, Bluffton University senior, has been named Third Team Academic All-America by CoSida. Webb, a health and physical education major with a 3.72 GPA, was named First Team Academic All-District which placed him on the ballot. A four-year starter behind the plate for the Beavers, Webb was also a three-time Academic All-HCAC performer. We extend our sympathy to Rachel Smart and her mom, Dione, on the death of their father and husband, MS math teacher, Scott Smart. Scott passed away suddenly on May 11, 2014. Austin Morgan and Bethany Homoelle were united in marriage on May 4, 2014. WCS members of the wedding party included Annie Barlow (2011), Adrianna Quinones (2011), Courtney (Homoelle) Starkey (2009), Colleen Homoelle (2015), Kelsey Morgan (2013), Tyler Morgan (2009), Andrew Swetnam (2009), Tom Dreyer (2011), Josh Petrel (2011), and Matt Fredrick (2011). An Unforgettable Four Years By Matt Anglea Class of 2010 Over the last four years, life has taken me on quite the roller coaster ride. As I look back over the last few years one word comes to my mind—CHANGE. After graduating from Worthington Christian in 2010, I decided to attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University to pursue a degree in Middle Childhood Education with concentrations in Mathematics and Social Studies. I was blessed with the opportunity to Matt Anglea and mom Lisa Anglea play basketball as well for MVNU. I away. Boy, did it go by fast! But as I think never could have imagined what all God had in store for my life over the next of changes in my time here at MVNU, they started right away. As springtime four short years. of my freshman year came around, I I think not only about how I have was faced with news that would cause changed as an individual but also about a major change in my life. My family everything that has changed in my life learned that my dad (Tom Anglea, during my time at MVNU. The changes High School Principal at Worthington throughout my four years of college Christian, 1994–2011) was diagnosed have impacted and shaped me into the with brain cancer. This news was quite man that I am today. As a freshman, shocking, but my family and I were able I came into school ready to take on to embrace this change with hope and anything. I was excited and ready to optimism. go, just like every other freshman. I remember thinking that these next few Going into my sophomore year, I felt that I had a good grasp on college life. I years are going to be great and how felt that I had made the adjustment well graduation seemed like an eternity and that I had learned how to balance basketball and my academics. As I was busy with all of my school work and basketball, my heart and thoughts were constantly with my family as my dad was battling cancer. I made frequent trips home to see my family and dad as he went through numerous surgeries and procedures. After one of my dad’s surgeries, my family was hit with another big change that would alter our lives. My dad had a stroke during his fourth of six brain surgeries which caused the entire right side of his body to be paralyzed. My family embraced this change and adjusted to helping and caring for my dad as he was now in a wheelchair. With this change came a number of adjustments, and with every one of them, I was able to continue to grow and mature. As my dad was battling his cancer and adjusting to life in his wheelchair, he was still my biggest fan and supporter. My parents would still make it up to my basketball games, and this was a huge encouragement to me. As I watched my parents’ love for one another and love for me still grow as we went through this hardship, it was evident that God’s hand was at work in and through our lives. Unforgettable, continued on back cover Alumni Class Notes Class of 2010 The Forgotten Angel of Bastogne By Liz Bookheimer Alumni Liaison Mike Edwards, Class of 1991, conducted the stateside premier of his new documentary The Forgotten Angel of Bastogne at the Strand Theater in Delaware, Ohio on April 29, 2014. The original premier had been held in Bastogne, Belgium on March 21, 2014 after months of research and work by the film team of Mike’s company The FiveStonesGroup. As Mike stated at the Ohio premier, “This story literally fell into our laps. We had to do it.” Mike is not a newcomer to the world of film. He has 18 years experience in producing and directing documentaries, short films, and television productions. He has won nine EMMY Awards personally, and his company has won 15. Mike has completed projects as a director for nationally recognized companies such as Acura, American Express, Canon, Ford, Google, Intel, Panasonic, Pepsi, Sony, Walmart, and Warner Brothers. In the summer of 2013, long-time friends of Mike’s father Jim Edwards, Mike O’Neil and Jim Kraynak embarked on a journey to WWII sites in Europe in honor of family members who had fought during that great war. This was Mike O’Neil’s second trip, so he was familiar with what they needed to see and just who should guide them—a Scottish historian named Martin King whom he had met on his previous trip. King and his family live in the Antwerp region of Belgium where he has been researching The Battle of the Bulge for the past 20 years. A little known segment of that major battle happened in Bastogne, a small city of 15,000 that had been invaded by Germany in 1914 and then again in 1944. In fact the winter of 1944-45 was particularly brutal and deadly. Hitler had launched a massive attack on November 16, 1944, a seige that was 75 miles in width, the largest land battle in Army history. General Dwight Eisenhower commanded that the Allies hold the city of Bastogne at all costs. While tour guide King was researching this particular battle, he happened upon the story of Augusta Chiwy, a French-speaking black Belgian nurse who was born on the Ruwandan border of the Belgian Congo. Little is known about her mother, but her father was a white veterinary surgeon who took Augusta back to Belgium when she was nine years old. She was educated at the Sisters of Notre Dame Catholic School in Bastogne where she was the only black female student. Augusta went on to study medicine and became a registered nurse in 1943. Augusta Chiwy as a young Nurse in WWII On December 16, 1944 Augusta was making her way from her job at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Louvain to Bastogne to visit her family. Due to complications created by the war, the journey took a long 15 hours. Almost immediately Augusta was drawn into the war effort as a nurse in her native city and volunteered in the cellar below the Sisters of Notre Dame School with her father and her aunt, who was also her adoptive mother. Cellars throughout the area were filled with wounded soldiers. Soon an aid station opened in Bastogne, and Augusta was called to assist there. The diminutive nurse, 4’ 8”, said she could actually smell the sick and wounded soldiers before she stepped inside. There was no electricity, no running water, no surgical instruments, no ether for surgery or accommodations Alumni Faculty Spotlight Leslie (O’Donnell) Hejduk (1984) Hometown: Powell, Ohio Family: Husband Mark (22+ years) Paige (WCHS ‘12), Will (WCHS ‘14), Kate (WCHS (‘17) for it; broken bones and bullet wounds were fixed as best they could. Augusta worked side by side with American Medic Dr. Jack Prior of the US Army 10th Armored Division. They made a good team. Amputations were performed with cognac and a serrated army knife; Augusta sutured. She also volunteered to treat soldiers in the snow on the battle field with bullets flying through the air. She was quoted as saying, “A black face in all that white snow was a pretty easy target. Those Germans must be terrible marksmen.” On Christmas Eve, 1944, the Germans dropped a 500-pound bomb that scored a direct hit on the aid station, destroying the building and killing 30 wounded soldiers and some medical staff inside. Augusta was blown through a wall but survived and immediately went on to help at the 101st Airborne Aid Station. Two days later on December 26, General Patton arrived. Nineteen thousand people had been killed in The Battle of the Bulge, 3,000 of them in Bastogne. Augusta continued to help the wounded. Records show that she became nearly mute for several years as a result of the conditions of war. In fact one of the other American doctors who worked closely with her, Dr. Naftulun, sustained a servere concussion which rendered him temporarily blind, Forgotten Angel, continued on back cover Education: B.S., The Ohio State University Subject area: English Education with Reading Certification What inspired you to return to WCS? My experience at WCS was so positive that I wanted to share from “the other side of the desk” and we wanted our kids educated here. Most memorable moment as a WCS student: My Government teacher, Bill George, handed me a copy of The Inklings to read. He saw an interest I had and “fanned it into flame.” He made me feel important. Most memorable moment as a WCS teacher: I love when students come in my room outside class time to talk. Being trusted with a piece of their heart is a treasured honor. What is something that others do not know about you? I am licensed to sell insurance in Ohio. I was second runner up in Miss Teen Columbus Pageant. Recent Book: To Kill a Mockingbird Favorite Bible Verse: Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Do You Remember Your Class President? Do you remember who your class president was? Whether you graduated from WCS 30 years ago or just a couple of years ago, we thought it would be fun to list all of the class presidents in one place! Try to name a few first, and if you must… see below. 1982 Jim Reitzel, 1983 Dan Gregory, 1984 Wade Harrison, 1985 Joel Gegner, 1986 Leza Davis, 1987 Craig Wallace, 1988 Allen McElroy, 1989 Kathryn Hamilton, 1990 Doug Pierce, 1991 Mike Edwards, 1992 Beth Beatty, 1993 Matt Damschroder, 1994 Ben Iten, 1995 Jamie Cleverly, 1996 Travis Mercer, 1997 Joseph Jerele, 1998 Timothy White, 1999 Justin Ohlinger, 2000 Kevin Mitchell, 2001 Joshua Kennedy, 2002 Alexander Rouse, 2003 David Dittenber, 2004 Joshua Frazier, 2005 Joshua Foor, 2006 Michael Beum, 2007 Nathaniel Mauger, 2008 Seth Trautman, 2009 Courtney Homoelle, 2010 Marsalis Brown, 2011 Austin Morgan, 2012 Brett Muschott, 2013 Quinn Miller, and 2014 Alexander Sanders. Class of 2009 Reunion www.facebook.com/events/611955 312214609/612744328802374/?com ment_id=612786842131456¬if_ t=event_mall_reply Date: July 26, 2014 Time: 3:00-5:00 at the AC Light drinks and snacks will be provided. We are asking people to bring $5 to help cover the cost. At 5:00 those interested can head to Buca di Beppo where a room will be reserved. Alumni will cover their own dinner expense. Class of 1984 Reunion David Lowery is heading up the plans for your 30th class reunion! Join the fun at facebook.com/ groups/188275388029667/ We are asking that people RSVP by July 1 on the Facebook page or to cillafaye@ gmail.com (Priscilla Smith). Is It Time for Your Class to Plan a Reunion? Class of 1979 – 35 Year Reunion Class of 1984 – 30 Year Reunion Class of 1989 – 25 Year Reunion Class of 1994 – 20 Year Reunion Class of 1999 – 15 Year Reunion Class of 2004 – 10 Year Reunion Class of 2009 – 5 Year Reunion If you are a class officer planning a reunion, WCS is happy to provide you with the classmate information we have on file to help you plan. We can also help advertise any reunion in an issue of Warrior News, as well as the Alumni Facebook page. Please contact Julie Seling, Alumni Coordinator ([email protected]) for more information. Plan now to celebrate your WCHS days by gathering with your classmates! Do YOU h ave news to report? G o to goo.gl/w oPeUH and send us your n ews and phot os! Greek Cruise in 2015 Plans are in the works for a Greek Cruise May 2015, with arts-focused visits to Athens, Rhodes, Mykonos, Crete, and more! We will see the Parthenon, Ephesus, Patmos, the Acropolis, and Mars Hill. Alumni and alumni parents, if you are interested in learning more about this trip “Fun in the sun with tons of unbelievable sites and world-class museums,” please contact Beth Heisey at [email protected] for more information. We are striving to continue to increase our alumni Facebook page audience. Will you take the time to “like” our page today by visiting goo.gl/Rgd56z? Check us out and see why so many alumni are keeping up to date with WCS happenings by viewing the WCS Alumni Facebook page! ASS L C S C W NS REUNIO ristian.com/ worthingtonchns/ alumni-reunio Alumni Parents Class of 2014 Jacob Ellis Harrison Son of Wade Harrison, Class of 1984 William J. Hejduk Son of Leslie O’Donnell Hejduk, Class of 1984 Brooke Janette Hockenberry Daughter of Jim Hockenberry, Class of 1992 Tyler Douglas Hood Son of Courtney Jones Mitchell, Class of 1988 Samantha Jones Daughter of Scott Jones, Class of 1987 and Jill Wisniewski Jones, Class of 1984 Molly Elizabeth McIntosh Daughter of Julie Schwaderer McIntosh, Class of 1985 Warrior News Summer 2014 ? The Worthington Christian High School Alumni Newsletter is a publication of Worthington Christian Schools. Any alumni or friend of WCS wanting to be on the mailing list or to submit an alumni news item should go to worthingtonchristian.com and click on the “alumni” link. Editor: Hope Harrison Did you receive this at an old address? PLEASE go to worthingtonchristian. com/alumni/send-updates/ to provide your current info. We want to be good stewards of time and money, and having you keep us up to date is a HUGE help! Thanks so much! Managing Editor: Julie Seling Copy Editors: Joan Tsibouris and Liz Bookheimer Design and Layout: Laura Stepp worthingtonchristian.com Continued, Unforgettable As my junior year rolled around, my dad’s cancer was getting much worse, and doctors were not able to control it. Because of the multiple surgeries that had already been done, my dad’s brain and body were not able to handle any more treatments. Finally, in October 2012 my dad was called home to be with the Lord. It was extremely difficult losing my role model, hero, and dad:… and I don’t know how I would have made it through had it not been for an amazing loving God, family, friends, MVNU, and everyone who poured encouragement into my life through this time. I want to personally thank Worthington Christian for all of their love and support that they showed to my family. As I reflect now as a graduate of Worthington Christian and Mount Vernon Nazarene University, I think about all of the changes that have happened in these four short years of college. I cannot help but think how blessed I am to be loved by a God so big. I think about all of the things that I have been through, and it’s amazing to see how God has used the events of my life to bring me to the place I am today. As I finish this chapter in my book of life and look forward to what is to come, it WCS congratulates the members of the Class of 2010 who graduated from college in 2014! is inevitable that we will face changes of many kinds. Some will be big and some will be small, some will be bad and some will be good, but change will happen. I want to challenge everyone to take on these changes and be ready to learn and grow from them. It says in James 1: 2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” As I have reflected on the last few years and see what all God has brought me through, I am so thankful for the wonderful plan that He has for my life. Christ never promised that life would be easy, but He said that following Him will give life purpose and meaning. I have learned that no matter what I may go through, Christ is always there for me. I have learned that I must wake up every day and put my complete trust in Christ (Luke 23:9). Christ’s plan for my life is a wonderful plan, and I am excited to see where God will lead me as He orchestrates the rest of my life. Weekly WCHS chapel podcasts are available via iTunes U. Simply go to our alumni webpage to access these podcasts. Continued, Forgotten Angel necessitating his being shipped back home. These were perhaps early cases of PTSD with which we are so familiar today. As King researched this part of history, the story of Augusta stole his heart. He went from one city hall to another seeking records that might lead him to her whereabouts. He had to meet this woman. Finally, he obtained the address of her home, although she was not to be found there either. A neighbor told him that she lived in a nursing home just around the corner. “Sometimes you find a gem,” he said, and so began his friendship with Augusta. Mike Edwards with Augusta Chiwy Martin knew he had to tell the story of Augusta and see that she earned the recognition she deserved. In June 2011 the Belgian Minister of Defense presented her with the Order of the Knight (Lady) of the Crown by order of King Albert II of Belgium. Augusta also received the Humanitarian Civilian Award for extraordinary bravery in WWII. In addition surviving members of the Tenth Armored Division recently signed a lettter of appreciation for her service to them during the battle. In sharing all this with Jim Edwards in 2013, a spark was lit. Mike Edwards “just happened” to be in this line of work. Thus The Forgotten Angel of Bastogne was born, a masterful documentary that detailed each segment of Augusta’s life and The Battle of the Bulge. The Symbolic Seder Big Sis/Little Sis A Night of “Awesome Fun” “It was a great night of awesome fun, food, and fellowship! The worship was my favorite part. All the genuine and heartfelt praise was so precious—as well as the testimonies. It’s such an amazing opportunity to get used to the high school building/ atmosphere, and to make TONS of friends.” Hannah Shively “The juniors helped me feel comfortable and excited about high school. They treated me like a close friend and relieved all my fears.” Alyssa Powell “The testimonies of the junior girls were amazing because they showed you that even when life gets hard and you want to quit, God will be right there comforting you.” Emerson Arena “Big Sis/Little Sis was a great opportunity to get to know and bond with the juniors. I loved getting to know them in my “small group,” and they were so helpful, answering all my questions about high school.” Emma McIntosh “During the testimonies I think everyone was crying—it was a great moment of fellowship with everyone! Then you’d hug, and start crying again. I want to go to high school so bad after that night!” Ellie Bowers “Before I went to Big Sis/Little Sis, I was overwhelmed with nervousness, and now I feel so much better about going to high school. I hope you never stop doing this for eighth graders.” Katie Gibson Events WCES third-grade students celebrated the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover with a traditional Seder Feast. The Seder involves the retelling of the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Seder customs include eating matza and partaking of symbolic foods placed on the Passover Seder plate which contains six symbolic foods of special significance to the retelling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Does the Slipper Fit? By David O’Roark WCS Drama Teacher Arts We closed the curtain once again on another great year with the WCHS theater program. We started the year with the crazy murder mystery But, Why Bump Off Barnaby? The winter slot was filled by two one-act plays directed by Annie DeMuch and Natalie Francis who put their four years of training to good use and put on fantastic shows. We finished up the year with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Over 1,200 audience members had the chance to cross their fingers and hope that the shoe fit, and they were not disappointed! We even had a special day for almost 50 little princesses to get their picture taken with Cinderella in the coach and dance with Prince Charming. This year’s Senior Theater Award went to Natalie Francis, who spent the last four years involved in every play in one of many different capacities from stage manager to star. So what is on tap for next year? It looks like a comedy of some sort in the fall (perhaps with an invisible six-foot rabbit), Godspell in the winter, and the musical is down to a short list of things but don’t be surprised if “the hills are alive.” 58 Seconds to the Top By Karen Rugg-Klapheke WCHS Vocal Music Teacher Choir, band, and strings students boarded three motor coaches early Friday morning, May 2, and headed for Toronto. The first thing we did when we arrived was go up in the world’s tallest tower, the CN tower, on glass elevators that went up to the observation deck in 58 seconds! That evening we went to the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament where we went back in time 900 years to a time when chivalry was more than a word and the knights performed daring feats on horses with sword fighting and jousting. On Saturday we went to the University of Toronto and had a clinic with college professors in which we received instruction on the repertoire we had brought for our concerts before performing at the beautiful Casa Loma. We were blessed to see The Lion King at the Princess Theatre, and our final day was spent ministering in a church and experiencing the breathtaking Niagara Falls. The choir has also been blessed by two very knowledgeable clinicians this year. Larry Griffin, who recently retired from a teaching career in vocal music at Worthington Kilbourne, and Raymond Wise, a Gospel music specialist, gave us invaluable instruction that really made a difference in our vocal technique. Both sessions were full of energy and enthusiastic singing! b By James Storey Assistant Athletic Director The WCMS spring sports season is one where the weather affects everything that happens, whether it is a practice or a game. Our coaches and athletes did a great job adjusting to the elements as they participated with great passion and charisma. They honored the Lord with their play and how they handled both a win and a loss. The highlight of the spring season was the middle school boys’ track Athletics WCMS Spring Sports WCMS Sports Wrap-Up team finishing fourth in a packed Mt. Gilead Track Invitational. However, congratulations goes out to all teams as each one improved and played better and better as the season went on. Athletics High School Athletic Highlights Congratulations to the following students recognized by the Mid State League with first-team honors! Grace Harper 4x100 relay Ashley Belkofer 4x100 relay Natalee Cole 100m, 400m, 4x100 relay Courtney Parsell 4x100 relay Chris Osborn 100m Natalee was also named Most Valuable Runner for the 2014 MSL Championships for three first place and one second place finishes! Warrior Golf Outing August 8 Mark your calendar for Friday, August 8, for the Warrior Golf Outing at Glenross Golf Club! Registration begins at noon with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. The event raises funds to support the Worthington Christian Athletic Department. Last year nearly $15,000 was raised. We are thankful to the generous support from all those who participate. For more information contact Kevin Weakley ([email protected]). Congratulations to senior Joel Montgomery for winning the District Tennis Tournament and advancing to the State Tournament at the Ohio State University! He won his first match, advancing to the final eight in the state. He lost a tough three-set match in the State Quarter Finals, ending an amazing career at WCS. Congratulations to our WCHS boys’ track team! 4x1 placed fifth at State Tournament—Jordan Brown, Jay Trainer, Mark Parsell, and Chris Osborn WCS Says Goodbye to Colleague NOW, Scott sees face to face—no longer in a mirror dimly. Now he knows as he is known—not only in part. And for that we are so thankful. To Him be the glory for the great things He has done through our dear friend and colleague, Scott Smart.” Debbie Gilliland “Mr. Smart was a very generous colleague. He always made himself available if I needed coverage for my class and would give me gifts when I covered his class for him. A common gift that was shared among us and the other teachers on the “West Wing” were Krispy Kreme donuts!” Pam Cain “Mr. Smart was my Sunday school teacher when I was in high school. Later I came to shadow Mr. Smart to see if I would ever Families Scott Smart, a 14-year math teacher at WCMS, passed away unexpectedly on May 11 following a brief illness. Please keep wife Dione and daughter Rachel (sophomore at MVNU) in your prayers. “When life is tough and daily pressures sometimes unbearable, the Lord often sends flesh and blood brothers and sisters in Christ who give the courage to press on. Who give opportunity for deep belly laughs and above all else, who share the words of Christ to encourage hearts to carry on in spite of the challenges that are faced in this sin-encumbered world. Scott was that brother to many of us at WCMS —especially those of us on what he called with endearment—THE WEST WING! He is sorely missed but we rejoice with him because he would have us rejoice. For have an interest in teaching middle school. Years later the Lord led me to WCMS to teach in the room next to my Sunday school teacher. It was an honor partnering with him each day to try our best to impact the next generation for Christ. “ Michael Clutz Cosmic Bowling By Courtney Flack and Kristen Chambers WCS Parents Sequoia Lanes Pro Bowl welcomed 120 WCS mom and son bowlers on May 4. We gave out gift cards to the top bowlers in each grade. The top two highest scoring moms received a gift card as well. Both moms almost broke 200. The boys were very excited about the grand prize which was donated by Will Chambers’ grandmother. We finished the event with some cosmic bowling which was a hit with the boys and their moms! Covered in Prayer By Holly Varian WCMS Administrative Assistant “When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there,” Matthew 18:20 (The Message). God promises that when two or three of us pray in His name, He will be there. Each week at WCMS our teachers take time to pray for a dozen students specifically by name. After their prayer time, they spend time writing words of encouragement to these same students, letting the student know that they’ve been covered in prayer. What joy to know that God is in the midst of prayers for our WCMS students! I can’t wait to see how He uses the prayers of our staff to impact our students at the middle school. Presort Standard U.S. Postage Worthington Christian Schools Mr. Troy McIntosh, Head of School Administration 6675 Worthington-Galena Road Worthington, OH 43085 614-431-8215 High School Dr. Buzz Inboden, Principal 6670 Worthington-Galena Road Worthington, OH 43085 614-431-8210 Middle School Mr. Tom Burns, Principal 8225 Worthington-Galena Road Westerville, OH 43081 614-431-8230 Elementary School Mr. Jim Parrish, Principal Assistant Head of School 50 Westview Avenue Columbus, OH 43214 614-431-8240 Kindergarten 8225 Worthington-Galena Road Westerville, OH 43081 614-431-8240 Development Office 6675 Worthington-Galena Road Worthington, OH 43085 614-410-4231 WCHS/WCMS athletic fields are located at 8225 Worthington-Galena Road, Westerville. the Light Volume 16/Issue 2 • Summer 2014 The Light is a quarterly publication of Worthington Christian Schools. To contact us please write to The Light Editor, 6675 Worthington-Galena Road, Worthington, OH 43085. Editor Hope Harrison Managing Editor, Design and Layout Laura Stepp Copy Editors Joan Tsibouris, Liz Bookheimer Photos contributed by Cory Baugher, Liz Bookheimer, Patricia Boyd, Karin Browning, Erin Burchwell, Pam Cain, Kristen Chambers, Sharon Dumit, Cathy Fischer, Debbie Gilliland, Carolyn Grant, Jess Heath, Beth Heisey, Diane Hevel, Dr. Buzz Inboden, Rebecca Irwin, Rachel Janssen, Jim Parrish, Julie Seling, Brian Shindle, Tim Short, Lisa Siders, Brian Stier, Laura Stepp, Duey Varian, Anne Marie Weakley, and others. Mission Worthington Christian Schools will develop in students the mind of Christ as they engage in the intellectual, creative, and physical pursuit of truth. Worthington Christian Schools is a ministry of Grace Polaris Church. PAID Columbus, Ohio Permit No. 109 ® Worthington Christian Schools 6675 Worthington-Galena Road Worthington, OH 43085 Address Service Requested Debunking Myths About Higher Education By Tim Kraynak Guidance Counselor/Assistant WCHS Principal Getting straight As doesn’t get one to college; however, being well-educated does. Grade inflation is a scale that college admissions counselors are forced to re-balance during the admissions process every year. Athleticism won’t bridge the gap between poor grades and low standardized test A group of WCHS students toured college campuses, including OSU. scores. Roughly two percent of high school seniors earn can be formed to prepare the individual athletic scholarships each year at for test day. These tests are predictable NCAA institutions. The reality is that in nature, and the more preparation the thousands of dollars we invest in students have, the more success they athletic endeavors has very little payoff. should expect. Hard work and great effort are imperative, and the potential High stakes testing is important and we simply can’t accept the fact that our payoff could be staggering! students “aren’t good test takers.” Much Adversity is a GREAT teacher! We as like we prepare both in the off-season parents (myself included) so often and in-season for the “big game,” habits want to shield our kids from it, but we may be stunting their growth if we constantly pave the way for them. Think of all the boring college admissions essays counselors read, and then imagine one where a student expounds upon a trying experience and how they matured as a result? That’s stuff worth reading. Those who have an eye for interesting things tend to be interesting. Constant exposure to community, culture, and experiences that enrich the lives of others represent the diversity that college campuses seek in prospective students. We as parents can help our kids identify their spiritual gift(s) and then foster a passion for them to use that gift to serve and enrich the lives of others from all walks of life. Diversity is a great thing for our kids to experience. WORTHINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS, INC. Non-Discrimination Policy Worthington Christian Schools recruits and admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletics and other school-administered programs.