May 8, 2009 - The Geneva School

THE COURIER
THE GENEVA
SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
MAY 8, 2009
Geneva’s Board Chairman Shares
Insights on the American Economy
When he is not performing the duties of Director, Chairman and CEO of CNL Financial Group, Inc., one of the
largest privately owned real estate investment and development companies in the country, Geneva’s Board Chairman,
Jim Seneff, will most likely be found reading.
Some have described him as a philosopher philanthropist—
a thinking person interested in the big ideas that shape life
and one who thoroughly explores subjects of interest. Rather than be intimidated by the complexity of the world, Mr.
Seneff finds it appealing. This character trait has contributed to his business success.
Mr. Seneff founded CNL Financial Group, Inc. 35 years
ago. With his leadership, the company has accumulated
more than $23 billion in assets under management. As a
well informed businessman, he has predicted and weathered
the last five American economic crises. For these reasons,
plus the fact that Mr. Seneff has a deep Christian faith that
informs all he does, we invited him to address the complex
topic of the American economy.
In addition to the practical information printed in this
article, Mr. Seneff offered an excellent summary of eco-
nomic and political cycles, the adverse effect of America’s
fiscal policy, the fragile relationship between democracy
and capitalism, and the hope that Christianity brings to
this relationship. To hear his message as well as a question and answer session, go to www.genevaschool.org
where you’ll find a link to the entire recording of Mr.
Seneff’s address.
How do we understand the crisis we find ourselves in?
Mr. Seneff describes the current economic crisis as a political
and cultural crisis—and it is a worldwide crisis. However,
he offered hope, “We are not in unchartered waters. Our
current economic cycle is a precedented event. America has
had a bank crisis every seven years since the 1800s. What is
unprecedented about this cycle is the amount of credit created this time around.”
Seven things to understand about the current crisis.
1. We are in a recession, not a depression.
2. The stock market hit its true bottom in December 2008.
3. Therefore, the economy is in bad shape, but will continue to improve in 2009.
4. The bailout (TARP) was necessary to improve the bank
system and the government will get its money back.
5. We have moved from maximum optimism to maximum pessimism as prices began to fall in this last seven
year cycle. The market will find you and hurt you if
you’re in one of three places:
• Too optimistic
• Too pessimistic
• Over leveraged
6. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those
with capital to invest.
7. This summer, the market will recover, followed by
slow growth and inflation much like we had in the late
1970s, due to the state of the U.S. Treasury.
Mr. Seneff believes the way to combat the current economic
crisis is to have a fiscal policy of lower taxes, business incentives, reduced deficit spending, and reduced long-term
obligations. “However, the public mind has turned against
business principles, and the economic process is in the
hands of the public sector. Therefore, the fiscal policy will
be higher taxes, increased social benefits programs, higher
deficits, and an increase in our total long-term obligations.”
“Unfortunately, we are the largest debtor nation in the world
and are now under the discipline of a global market. In
time, the global market will force us to inflate or make dramatic cuts in social security and all public spending. Over
time, if the government pays these bills, a number of years
from now the government will have to take 60% of GDP to
pay the taxes.”
Thus, Mr. Seneff foresees an era of extremely high taxation looming ahead. “History suggests that the government will choose inflation to pay off debt instead of cuts
in social security, but that’s where the real problem comes
in. Then we will see high inflation and minimal economic growth. Tangible assets and commodities will do
well like in the late 1970s, but the middle class will be
hit the hardest due to inflation. That is a concern for the
common good.”
Despite all this, Mr. Seneff is not a pessimist about America.
“We must change our ideas of how government works in
order to avoid this.”
The Geneva School would like to thank Mr. Seneff for sharing
his wisdom and insight, and for his servant leadership through
these difficult economic times. By God’s grace, The Geneva
School will weather the storm and be stronger for it.
What can we do now to deal with the recession?
Review
Look at your expenses through a microscope and your investments with a telescope.
Involvement in organizations like Crown Ministries will help
you work through financial issues with a small group.
Read
Reflect
Even in the midst of these problems, we have much to be
grateful for because we have so much more than others in
the world. Don’t waste this opportunity to experience pain
and grow in ways we otherwise wouldn’t. Use it to grow and
impact life in positive ways to become who God wants you
to be. There’s great encouragement in God’s providence told
throughout the Bible. Give gratitude for how He helps us in
difficult times like this.
Recalibrate
Manage your expectations and recalibrate because we’ve lost so
much. Instead of looking in a rearview mirror ask, ‘How do
I build from here?’ Redefine your sense of normal. We won’t
go back to what we previously considered normal. Think of
life like a railroad track. There are two rails: obstacles and opportunities. Both are in place each day, so don’t obsess about
one or the other, but see that each day God gives us both and
we have to deal with them. Be alert to opportunities that exist.
Reconnect
Get into a small group where you can talk to other families.
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Think across a broad range of academic disciplines. We need
to do this to understand the complexity of our global situation.
This is what is so great about The Geneva School where students
can have a broad context of subjects to understand complex issues more deeply, despite the limited answers that culture offers.
Reform
The economic crisis is also a crisis of character that in many
ways has been brought on by the character of the American
people. If you embrace bad ideas, some time in the future you
will attend a banquet of consequences. That’s what is happening. We’ve embraced bad ideas, spent money we didn’t have,
borrowed money we can’t repay, and we haven’t saved. Francis
Schaffer says we care too much about peace and affluence so
we feel abandoned when they are taken away. Peace and affluence have become our idols.
Remember who you are
As Christians, we are pilgrims. This is not our home. We are
told it’s the place where we’ll have problems. Problems are
one of the greatest opportunities to have an influence with
our neighbors.
Baccalaureate Service
Graduation Ceremony
Thursday, May 21
7:00 pm
Friday, May 22
2:00 pm
All Saints Episcopal Church, Winter Park
First United Methodist Church, Winter Park
Rev. Mike Francis will give the homily
Dr. Sinclair Ferguson will give the address
Rev. Mike Francis
The husband of Maria for 22 years and
the father of Maddie
(17), Luke (15), and
Lydia (13), Mike is a
graduate of the University of California
at Berkeley (A.B.,
English, 1984; J.D.
1988), where he was
converted during his
sophomore year in a
literature class taught
by an atheist. Mike
practiced law in Seattle prior to attending Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando), and
has served as the pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church (PCA) in DeLand since his graduation in 2000. He has read (and enjoyed) most of
the books Dr. Ferguson has written.
Dr. Sinclair Ferguson
In addition to being Senior Minister at First Presbyterian Church,
Columbia, South Carolina, Dr.
Ferguson is Professor of Systematic
Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. A graduate of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, he is
the author of some two dozen books,
has authored numerous articles and
has contributed to various symposia. His writing interests have ranged
from works of scholarship to books
for children. He has served as minister of two congregations in Scotland,
one on Unst, the most northerly inhabited island in the United
Kingdom, and the other at the center of Glasgow, the largest
city in Scotland. For more than twenty years, he has been a
member of the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary in
Philadelphia and Dallas and has served as a visiting professor in
various other seminaries.
Top of the Class of 2009
Valedictorian: Rebecca Lopdrup (left)
Rebecca graduates summa cum laude. She is a National Merit Scholar Finalist and plans to attend the
University of Virginia Honors College, in Richmond.
Salutatorian: Lindsey Warner (right)
Lindsey graduates summa cum laude. She is a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship
Program and plans to attend the University of Central
Florida Honors College.
Page 3
Fifth Grade Brings History to Life
by David Rowe (Fifth Grade Teacher)
Discovery, exploration, and stewardship: these are some
of the Big Ideas, the recurring themes, that fifth grade
traces throughout the year. During a culminating six-day
trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, these themes came to life
as the students immersed themselves in activities ranging from sailing a tall ship to visiting Monticello. Students journaled throughout the week and the trip can
undoubtedly best be chronicled in their own words.
Virginia’s early capital. Students enjoyed the Governor’s
Palace and its obvious display of wealth and power. “Its
entry hall,” wrote Stephen Miceli, “is highly decorated
with weapons. The house also had a ballroom, din-
Tuesday, March 30: The class visited Jamestown in the
morning and one of the highlights for many of the students was experiencing the replica ships that brought
English settlers to Virginia—Susan Constant, Godspeed,
and Discovery. Catherine Johnson commented, “It was
fun to see a life-size imitation of what it would be like to
sail on a ship in 1607.” At Yorktown, they visited a reAbove: Mrs. Stiver’s class in front of the Susan Constant
Left: Jamestown Settlement
Below: Mr. Rowe’s class on the steps of the Capitol Building
constructed encampment
and watched a cannon
shooting demonstration.
“I thought it was interesting because we learned
this in history,” Shelley
Downward
observed.
“We learned that this is
where the Americans surrounded the British and
forced them to surrender.”
Wednesday, April 1: A
full day was spent in Colonial Williamsburg, and students were able to experience the everyday ways of life in
Page 4
ing room, and parlor. The palace was basically ten
times larger than an ordinary colonial house.” The
class also enjoyed visiting the gunsmith, blacksmith,
wig maker, the Capitol Building, the Gaol (jail), and
other attractions on Duke of Gloucester Street. They
had dinner at Shield’s Tavern and
afterwards learned to dance the
minuet at the Governor’s Palace
ballroom.
Thursday, April 2: The class traveled to Charlottesville to visit the
University of Virginia, Michie’s
Tavern, and Monticello. Their
visit to the University of Virginia
introduced students to life at a
great university. Abby Marshall
remembered, “At UVA there was
a Jefferson statue inside the rotunda. When the rotunda caught
on fire people dragged the statue
out. The secret societies now put
letters in his hand for secret purposes. From going on a
tour, I might go to UVA.” Lunch and a tour at Michie’s
Tavern (which serves the best fried chicken in Virginia!)
prepared them for their tour of Monticello. With Jefferson’s home thoroughly reflecting his fascinating and
diverse character, the students were especially impressed
with his bedroom/study. Jacqueline Zipay: “Jefferson’s
bedroom was huge. When he woke up, he could have
gotten up on either side. I found this interesting because
it was so cool to see an old bedroom. Also he had a lot
Rover [tall ship] was most interesting because you felt
what it was like to be on a sailboat. You got to go under
the deck, where the crew hung out. What I liked best
was learning how to tie knots on ropes.”
Throughout the trip, the students deliberately practiced
a number of Geneva distinctives, including an emphasis
on hands-on activities, immersion in a time period across
the disciplines, reflective and thoughtful learning, and
direct experiences with original sources. The museums
Left: Yorktown Monument
Below: Mrs. Burrow’s class on the foggy lawn at Monticello
Above: Steering The American Rover in Norfolk
Right: Enjoying the voyage on The American Rover
of books.” A lot of books indeed—his personal library
became the foundation of the Library of Congress. The
students also found his gravesite and the overall design of
the estate to be very impressive.
Friday, April 3: Their final touring day took them to the
waterfront attractions of Norfolk. Joshua Meyer commented, “I enjoyed the Battleship Wisconsin. I enjoyed
it because of its size, guns, and history. The ship’s armor
was a foot thick!” Lauren Sutton wrote, “The American
and attractions they visited became partners with Geneva in the study and in the preservation of our nation’s
heritage. The motto of Colonial Williamsburg, That the
present may learn from the past, well summarizes the message we hope students took away from this adventure.
Page 5
Sixth Grade Takes a Retreat
by Luke Pederson (6th Grade Student)
On the morning of the third day of our Sixth Grade
Retreat, we ate breakfast, finished packing, got on the
bus, and left the Lake Yale Retreat Center. We arrived
at a trail head and started our trek. The place where
we were hiking looked like a
fireplace, because many of the
plants were burned. When
we were about half way
through, we found ourselves
at the edges of a sink-hole.
For about twenty minutes we
ran around and climbed in it.
By my estimate, it was about
forty feet from bottom to top.
When we came back up, we
had a snack and walked back
to where we had started. We
had a picnic lunch and swam
in Silver Glen Springs, which
was right by our picnic area. After
drying off and changing, we got
on the bus and headed back to
The Geneva School. Once we arrived, we found our luggage that
was stored under the bus. My dad
picked me up, and we drove off
toward home. On the ride home
I told my dad all about our trip.
It started with a fun bus ride to
Lake Yale Retreat Center. When
we got there, we settled in—to
the wrong cabin! Our group
quickly switched into the cabin
next door and went to the first
group message; Dr. Chandler
talked about being poor in spirit
and mourning our sins. Next we ate a delicious lunch
of chicken sandwiches, chips, and salad. My favorite
activity that afternoon was making rockets.
Top: Luke (right) with his team mates, Troy Jackson and Felix
Streer, showing off their rocket
Middle: Elliott Saunders and Grace Park on the high ropes
Bottom: Silver Glen Springs
Page 6
That night we went to the second group message,
where we learned about becoming meek and searching
for righteousness. A few minutes later, we ran over to
a big grassy field where Mrs. Andrews instructed us to
find all the constellations or
stars on a checklist she gave
us, using our sky map. I was
so excited and amazed when
I saw Pleiades, because for a
few seconds I saw six of the
seven stars in the constellation! When I looked away
and then back, it seemed
to be only one star; but for
a few seconds I had seen
most of the stars in Pleiades. My group found all the
constellations on the checklist that were in the sky that
night. It was thrilling to be with friends and have fun
with them late at night on an ocean of grass. After we
finished, we had Oreo balls, which were delicious. We
dragged our tired bodies to our cabin and talked with
Mr. Santamaria about the group session. Eventually,
everyone fell asleep.
“Walking?” I asked. This last request was the final
check to assure that everything was safe for me to begin
walking on the wire.
The next morning, after eating breakfast, we went to
the first session. Dr. Chandler explained what the
scriptures mean when they say that if we have clean
hands and a pure heart, we can see God. About twenty
minutes later I found myself on the ropes course saying, “On belay?” This was the code for asking if my
rope was secure.
After I had finished and had fallen (safely, of course,
being held by the rope) down to the ground, I completed the other three courses. This was one of my
favorite experiences of the trip.
A man nicknamed “Wart” called back, “Belay is on.”
I asked permission to climb by yelling, “Climbing?”
“Climb on,” said Wart.
I began climbing a ladder and came to a platform on
the tree, which was the starting point of the first ropes
course.
“Walk on,” he said.
This was the first course out of four. Eventually I arrived at the end of it. Wart called out, “Hug the tree.”
So I did just that.
That afternoon we finished our rockets and took a
short break. After dinner, Dr. Chandler talked about
persecution. The most important lesson we learned
was that we will be persecuted, but no matter what
happens, God will always help us stay faithful to Him.
When Dr. Chandler had finished, we ran to the field
and launched our rockets. Each rocket made a quick
streak in the sky, and then we saw an explosion.
“That’s the first two days of the retreat, Dad,” I finished. “I’ll tell you about the last day some other time.”
Page 7
Spring Sports
Softball
The Lady Knights softball team
concluded their season on April 6
with a narrow loss to Foundation Academy at
Red Bug Lake Park. The nine-game, six-week
season was a great success and the Lady
Knights finished the season with four wins
and five losses, against middle school
and JV competition. The young
team was made up of one ninth
grader, four eighth graders, four seventh graders, and six sixth graders, of which
only five had played organized fastpitch softball before. The team had victories over Faith Christian
(twice), Lake Mary Prep, and Pine Castle Christian. Their
losses came at the hands of established teams from Foundation Academy, Orangewood, and Trinity Prep.
Geneva stands were full at every game. The future of
Lady Knights Softball looks extremely bright.
Track
The boys and girls track teams had an outstanding
second season. The girls team ended the season
4th in the district out of 10 teams and 13th in the
region out of 30 teams. The 4 x 800 meter relay team
of Sarah Brodrecht, Ellie Dreyer, Mollie Jones, and Rachel
Lopdrup were district champions and 5th in the region
with the 9th fastest time in the state in Class A with a
school record of 10:11. This bettered their previous record by 14 seconds!
Other outstanding performances included:
400 meters
Sarah Brodrecht—2nd in the district with a school
record of 1:02.72, 9th in region
1600 meters
Mollie Jones—3rd in the district, 6th in the region
with a top 15 time in the state
Coach Dan Harger was impressed with the dedication and
eagerness to learn shown by the team all season long. At
the beginning of the season, knowing that he had a very
young and inexperienced team,
he told the ladies not to worry
about winning because this was
just a rebuilding year. The Lady
Knights exceeded coach's expectations by winning four games
and never scoring less than six
runs in any contest. Both on
and off the field the team exhibited an upbeat and Christ-like
spirit and always had fun. The
fans were unbelievable, and the
Page 8
800 meters
Rachel Lopdrup—2nd in the district, 9th in the region with a new
school record of 2:29
Ellie Dreyer—6th in the district
3200 meters
Mollie Jones—3rd in the district,
5th in the region with a school re-
Round Up
The varsity baseball team will play in the regional semi-final the
day we go to press. Watch for their season round-up in June.
cord, the best time in Seminole County, and top 15 time
in the state of 11:46
Caroline Mitchell—7th in the district
at matches paid off. The Lady Knights varsity tennis team
finished district play 10-1 and 13-3 overall while only struggling against much larger schools.
Geneva’s girls varsity tennis team entered the district tournament with Meredith Robinson seeded #1 at line 3. Rebecca
Wise advanced to the semi-finals in the singles competition,
and with her partner Michelle Closson also advanced to the
John David Mitchell and Cameron Belcher ran the 800 semis in the doubles competition. The girls made history
meters and 400 meters all season and consistently lowered this season and are looking forward to building on their success next year.
their own personal
records. John David
Boys Tennis
lowered his time in
The boys tennis season was higheach event by more
lighted by a 4–3 first ever win over
than five seconds
Circle Christian School. Although
while Cameron lowthe season match record was slightly
ered his 400 meter
under 50% with 5 wins to 6 losses,
time by eight secthe depth of the team increased duronds and his 800
ing the season and will hopefully conmeter time by 13
tinue to grow and develop over the
seconds. Great job
next few seasons. Only an unbelievguys!
ably difficult draw
prevented the boys
Girls Tennis
from advancing in
The Lady Knights
the district tournavarsity and junior varsity teams bement.
gan the season with tryouts—nothing unusual about that. What was
Junior David Closunusual was the number of girls who
son held the #1
turned out. In addition to the seven
position on the
players returning from last year, there
team this season
were an additional 24 girls trying
with seventh gradout for one of the twelve spots availers Chris Cox and
able on the two teams this spring!
Blaine Miller batThe positions were won by Lindsey
tling it out for #2
Caldwell, Michelle Closson, Ashand #3. With these
ley Dike, Lauren Eatmon, Amanda
players expecting to
Goble, Brianna Goble, Janzen Harding, Megan Miller, Ve- improve their game and return next year, we are hopeful that
ronica Nyberg, Brooke Riley, Meredith Robinson, and Re- the team will rise to be a serious contender in the district next
becca Wise. The team went to work putting in around 40 season. We bid farewell to seniors Zach Schutz, Jonathan
practice hours on the court. The varsity players then logged Spilman, and Jono Seneff. Their leadership and sportsmanan additional 48 hours in match involvement! This was all ship will be greatly missed.
done in a season that was only two months long!
Coach Rick Oswald encourages all players wishing to make
The hours of hitting balls, running court lines, listening to next year’s varsity squad to include some court time in the off
Coach Angela Robinson’s instruction, and hanging together season in preparation for an increasingly competitive team.
Page 9
4 x 400 meter Relay
Sarah Brodrecht, Calli Bigham, Ellie Dreyer, Rachel
Lopdrup—3rd in the district with a school record of 4:32
End of Year Athletic Awards
At the Sports Banquet on Saturday, May 2, students who participated this school year in upper school athletics were
all recognized. Top awards were presented to four outstanding athletes who have shown superior dedication and
sportmanship in their chosen sports.
Athlete of the Year: Presented to the top male and
female athlete at TGS as chosen by the athletic director and the coaches.
Excelsior Award: Presented to a male and female athlete at TGS who exhibit the highest moral character,
exemplary sportsmanship, and Christian leadership.
Ryan Delk
Mollie Jones
Zach Schutz
Katie O’Driscoll
End of Year Staff Awards
Presented at the Annual Staff Appreciation Dinner on April 28, 2009
Five Years of Service Awards
Kevin Clark
Pattie Fulmer
Kellie Harding
Debbie Halloran
Michael Miller
Wendy Miller
David Petrak
Leigh O’Donoghue
David Rowe
Mary Chris Rowe
Vanessa Schaefer
Leslie Shriner
Leslie Stivers
Naomi Wise
Ten Years of Service Awards
Dan Harger
Kathy Muether
Beth McNatt
Dale Wayne
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Bravo (Brick) Award
“‘Let us arise and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.”
Nehemiah 2:18
Presented to Lisa Hines for her foundational work of building the
dramatic arts program at The Geneva School. Her vision and implementation has far exceeded what might have been expected of her parttime employment. Her work has spanned all grade levels at the school
and has served to forward the vision of Christian classical education.
Tychicus Award
“He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
I am sending him to you ... that he may encourage your heart.” Colossians 4:7–8
Presented to Andrew Litke for his faithful work of serving the students,
staff, and parent community of The Geneva School. By his ministry of
helps and his work ethic Andrew has displayed a Christ-like service to
all through his work as a facilities staff member. As he graduates from
Reformed Theological Seminary and embarks on a Ph.D. in Semitics
(Ancient Near Eastern languages and literature) at the Catholic University of America, we wish him well in his preparation for further
service to Christ’s Kingdom.
Fourth Grade
Knighting Ceremony
Clockwise from
Top Left
The fourth grade
boys began the special day by competing in a Squire's
Tournament.
The fourth grade girls concluded the
Squires’ Tournament with a May Pole
Dance.
A spectacular feast was prepared for
the newly knighted ladies and gentlemen.
Dr. Chandler knighted each young
man after he recited the
Code of Chivalry.
The students were overcome by God’s bounty.
At the end of a fun filled
day, the children ate, drank,
and were very merry.
Dr. Chandler knighted each
young lady with a delicate
white rose.
Page 11
Chaos and Joy
From the Desk of the Dean of Students, Dr. Edward Chandler
Even though I
am almost 100%
Anglo (to my
knowledge;
I
have one Scottish
great-great-greatgrandfather), I
have always considered myself to be more “Nordic” in spirit: I enjoy
cold weather, hiking in the snow, snow skiing, snowball
fights, and the comfort of a hot fire and a hot drink
after coming in from the cold. The messiness and cold
wetness that drive so many people southward do not
bother me. Some people have commented that, given
my height, I must have some Viking invader somewhere in my ancestry. That may well be true, and may
explain my affinity for cold weather. Hence my great
trepidation moving down here to what I used to consider the tropics (though this last February disabused
me of that notion, when virtually all of our tropical
plants were destroyed by the hard freezes we had that
month). How would I make it without a shred of hope
for snow?
I am always amused by the sight of people in parkas
when the temperature is as much as 20 or even 30 degrees above freezing; or when a native refers to highs in
the 70’s as “cold weather.” And it has finally dawned on
me why I get puzzled looks when I go to the store in
gym shorts and a t-shirt in January. They are not aware
of the fact that I’ve worn the same thing at the same
time of year in places like Washington, D. C. and St.
Louis! Compared to those places in winter Orlando is
an oven. I am told that everybody who moves to Florida
loses their cold tolerance—their “blood thins out”—after a couple of years down here, and so I should not get
rid of my heavy winter jacket as I thought I might. Native Floridians and committed transplants have told me
this a number of times, and I have no reason to doubt
that what they say is true. But whether my blood thins
out or not, one thing is true: I have no complaint about
living in a place where I can be in the water twelve
months out of the year. When in Rome..., as they say.
Page 12
Though I prefer at least a smattering of the flaky frozen
kind, abundant temperate water makes up for a lot of
things.
One activity that I have particularly come to enjoy
since moving to the Sunshine State is kayaking. Salt
water kayaking, to be precise. I delight in few things
more than powering out past big waves and then riding them back in to shore. The sheer power of water
presents an irresistible challenge to a (Viking?) man like
me. When the conditions are right, I might face down
eight- to ten-foot waves, as Mr. Rowe, Edward Jr., and
I did several weeks ago at Ponce Inlet. For an entire
afternoon, we went back and forth, out and in, sometimes defeating the waves and sometimes being overcome by them. At one point, Edward Jr. was thrown
over so violently that his kayak’s storage compartment
cover was torn off and the the kayak took on water. We
had to use every ounce of strength to pull it out of the
water and drain it. Toward the end of the day, I was so
exhausted that when I approached that last big wave—
a six- or seven-footer that an hour earlier I could have
easily traversed—I simply sat there and waited for it to
crash over me. And crash it did, throwing me and my
boat into a roiling maelstrom of seawater and sand that
was well over my head. The water was relentless: I acknowledged defeat and swam my boat in to shallow water where I boarded it and rode it in the rest of the way.
In the ancient Near East—Babylon, Assyria, Syria, Canaan—the sea was considered a god. In ancient Syria
and Canaan the sea(-god) was called Yam (pronounced
yahm; rhyming with the name “Tom”). Yam was representative of chaos, and the sea was thought to be the
abode of demons. Anyone who has been in the ocean
on a stormy day—or a day like the one I described
above—can understand why they believed this. The
ocean is vast and deep; with its many currents and crisscrossing waves and swells it appears to be chaotic. It can
overwhelm anyone in an instant, no matter how strong
a swimmer or rower they may be. My kayak is bright
yellow, but if you were to remove yourself only a relatively short distance you would have great difficulty see-
ing the kayak against the vast blue-green, whitecapped
mass. Yet there I am, a fairly large guy in a 13-foot kayak at the mercy of forces far more powerful than I. It is
no wonder why, given ancient Israel’s cultural and religious setting, the sea—and water in general—figured
so prominently in Scriptural passages that stress God’s
sovereignty, power, and provision for his people.
elaborately divinized view of reality (not entirely unlike the Greeks’ view) was for the purpose of imposing
order where there seemed to be none (like the sea), or
to account for orderly phenomena for which they had
no other explanation (like the seasons). In other words,
they were trying to make sense out of the world.
We, no less than the Canaanites, live in a world of conThe sea is dangerous, and I try never to forget that when
stant phenomena, much of which is beyond our conI enter it. And who knows? Perhaps demons do prefer
trol; much of which we have great difficulty making
the water. That would go a long way toward explaining
sense of; and much of which can be, in its own way, as
Jesus’ cryptic (to us) description of demons traversing
dangerous to us as the sea if we are not careful in it. We
“waterless places” after being exorcised (Luke 11:23).
are hurt by and we hurt others, relationships are damIt certainly makes sense of
aged and destroyed, houswhy the beast of the book
ing prices plummet, jobs
of Revelation arises out of
It is these common (and sometimes are lost, illness or injury
the sea. But the sea itself is
overcomes us, loved ones
not-so-common)
struggles
that
we
face
not evil. It is beautiful, a
are lost. No matter what
that make life appear to be as chaot- historical or geographical
tangible example of God’s
power; something whose
ic as the sea ... But just as the Lord context humans live in,
power can be enjoyed
human condition resits enthroned over the flood (Psalm the
firsthand, with which we
mains the same, and we
29:10), so he sits enthroned over many all face many of the same
can come into direct contact and live to tell about.
“floods,” including those that don’t in- struggles. It is these comI am a student of astronmon (and sometimes notvolve
water
so
much
as
they
involve
the
omy, and the two Hubble
so-common)
struggles
Deep Field photographs,
that
we
face
that
make
life
stresses, vagaries, and tragedies of conwhich each reveal as many
appear to be as chaotic as
temporary life.
as 10,000 galaxies in a secthe sea, which for all its
tion of the sky the size of a
biomes still seems chaotic
coin viewed from a mile away, are awe-inspiring in the
to the one who is adrift in it or is being pummeled by
way they reveal the grandeur of the heavens: the mindits waves. But just as the Lord sits enthroned over the
numbing distances, the diversity and sheer number of
flood (Psalm 29:10), so he sits enthroned over many
galaxies. But as grand as that is, I cannot experience it.
“floods,” including those that don’t involve water so
much as they involve the stresses, vagaries, and tragPsalm 29 speaks of the power of God as revealed in the
edies of contemporary life. God may or may not not
thunder and lightning, and as revealed in his mastery
pull us out of our chaotic floods; indeed he may require
over “the flood” and “the waters.” Genesis 1 denies
us to struggle as if we were pulling a half-sunken kayak
the very existence of Yam the Canaanite god when in
to shore. But understanding on some level God’s “enverse 21 it says that it was he who created and formed
thronement” over whatever chaos afflicts us is one of
the sea that they feared as a chaos-god. Far from being
the anchors that enables the Christian to have joy in
some living malevolent being, the sea is merely another
the midst of adversity.
of God’s wondrous works that testify to his power and
majesty. In our day, we have the further benefit of modO HEAVENLY Father, who hast filled the world with
ern science, which has shown us that the sea’s apparent
beauty; Open, we beseech thee, our eyes to behold thy grachaos is illusory: the waters in actuality contain a numcious hand in all thy works; that rejoicing in thy whole creber of well-organized biomes, their very organization
ation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake
further attesting to God’s own power in bringing and
of him by whom all things were made, thy Son, Jesus Christ
maintaining order in that which he created. No doubt,
our Lord. Amen. (from the Book of Common Prayer)
part of the Canaanites’ motivation in concocting their
Page 13
The 10th grade class, accompanied by other TGS faculty, staff, family, and friends took a step forward on May 2 at the
GREAT STRIDES WALK at Blue Jacket Park to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis on behalf of classmate Alex Boyd
(pictured in the middle). Thanks to the Geneva community for their generosity through carpool collections and Jeans for
Genes Day raising $2620.79 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to one day make CF stand for “Cure Found!”
A Thank You from Alex Boyd—10th Grade Geneva Student
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects the
lungs and digestive system. CF affects the lungs by producing too much sticky mucus, making it hard to breathe. This
mucus build-up is kept under control by taking treatments
every day, including the vibrating vest and an inhaler treatment called albuterol. The vest shakes the chest, loosening
up the mucus so that it can be coughed up. The albuterol clears the airways in the lungs, which helps to control
coughing and also makes it easier to breathe. Exercising also
helps loosen and clear secretions, but is only possible for
CF patients who are able to exercise without having trouble
breathing. CF affects the digestive system by not producing pancreatic enzymes, special chemicals that digest food.
To solve this problem, those with CF are required to take
enzyme pills each time they eat to help digest the food for
absorption.
Every morning I wake up and take my treatments before
going to school. When I come home I get to relax for a
while, then I do homework, and then take another round of
Page 14
treatments. It is very important that I don’t miss my treatments, or mucus could start building up in my lungs and
make me very sick. If I do get sick and oral antibiotics aren’t
working, then I have to go to the hospital and take antibiotics through an IV. In addition to my treatments twice a
day, I like to help keep my CF under control by exercising
as much as I can. I play basketball, soccer, football, and I
run as much as possible during the week. Swimming is also
very good for me.
I greatly appreciate the generous contributions of the Geneva community to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF)
through last week’s participation on Jeans for Genes Day,
giving in the carpool lane, and on-line donations. The
money will help fund a new drug on the horizon that addresses the basic protein defect in CF. VX-770 is entering Phase 2 of clinical trials. Early results in clinical trials show this compound significantly improves several key
indicators of the disease. I hope one day we can make CF
stand for “Cure Found!”
Capital Campaign Facts
by Kelley Jain (Development Coordinator)
How important is it that we have 100% participation when applying for grants?
It is extremely important to have the highest parent and employee participation when applying for grants, and I stress
percentage participation NOT dollar amount pledged or
given.
Potential external donors such as foundations and corporations are more willing to financially support a project when
they see that the people who directly benefit from it (TGS
parents and employees) have supported it. They care more
about participation percent than dollars donated. Potential
donors are especially impressed when families on scholarship have contributed in some way.
Geneva has said all along that ANY amount given is a pledge
of support that counts toward parent and employee participation. Especially in these difficult economic times, ANY
amount means ANY amount. We have had parent and
employee donations from $5 to $1million and they count
equally as percentage points are concerned. Each household’s donation increases our participation percentage. This
also encourages our board and current donors, because it is
a show of support for the school’s mission.
Can someone contribute on behalf of someone else in
order to get 100% participation from parents and
employees?
To my delight, I have had over ten people ask to do this because they greatly desire to reach 100% participation from
the Geneva community. However, we cannot allow one person to donate on behalf of another person or family and have
the contribution count towards the participation percentage.
Folks may gladly contribute to the campaign in honor or memoriam of a friend or loved one.
Why should I give money to the new building when I’ve
heard that tuition will increase once we move in, which
may price me out of attending?
Tuition has gone up each of Geneva’s 16 years. It would be
expected to continue rising due largely to the normal rise in
the cost of living, enhanced programming, and expanded services. Some of the increase in tuition will be due to the larger
campus grounds, fields to cut and maintain, and larger buildings to maintain and cool. The continuing rise in tuition is
not directly related to the capital campaign but rather with
the ongoing operations of an expanded facility.
Geneva will continue to have a generous scholarship program
that will grow with the rising tuition, meeting the needs of
families who qualify for tuition assistance.
External donors who do not have children or grandchildren at
Geneva, and thus will not personally benefit from financially
supporting the project, understand that having a Christian
classical school in Central Florida benefits the community.
By supporting the new campus, donors are contributing to
the welfare of a community beyond themselves, as well as the
education of future students. That’s why we named the campaign A Legacy Worth Building.
Dollars Raised to Date of our $25 M Goal:
• Internal to TGS: $5,566,072
• External to TGS: $357,000
• Sub total: $5,923,072
• Total including $ for $ match: $11, 846,145
Employee participation: 89%
Parent participation: 77%
Page 15
Dates for Your Calendar...
Tuesday, May12:
Thursday, May 14:
Friday, May 15:
Sunday, May 17:
Monday, May 18:
Tuesday, May 19:
Wednesday, May 20:
Thursday, May 21:
Friday, May 22:
Second grade Pet Parade; 1:30–2:00
Senior final exams; morning
Seventh grade Near-Eastern lunch; 11:30–1:00
Dialectic and Rhetoric School Awards Ceremony; 8:00–9:00 in the gym
Senior final exams; morning
Rhetoric Spring Dinner Dance; 7:00–11:00 at the Country Club of Orando
2009 Senior Spring Dinner; 5:00 at the Seneffs
Kindergarten closing ceremony; 1:00–2:30
First grade closing ceremony; Lewis @ 8:45, Shriner @ 9:45, Ralls @ 10:45
Fourth grade Prophets Speak; 11:30–12:00
Third grade closing ceremony; 1:30–2:30
D/R semester exams in the morning; English and Science
Second grade closing ceremony; 8:30–9:30
Fifth grade closing ceremony; 10:30–11:30
Kindergarten end-of-year party; 1:30–2:30
Sixth grade closing ceremony; 1:30–3:00
BACCALAUREATE SERVICE AT ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, WINTER PARK; 7:00
D/R semester exams in the morning; History and Math
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Early dismissal for grades Pre-K–6
D/R students will be bussed over to Graduation
GRADUATION CEREMONY AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, WINTER PARK; 2:00
Monday, June 1:
Tuesday, June 2:
Ice Cream Social for new and veteran Pre-K & K families; 6:30–8:00 at ECC
Ice Cream Social for new and veteran 1st–12th grade families; 6:30–8:00 at the main campus
Thursday August 13:
Monday August 17:
August 17–19:
Tuesday, August 18:
New Parent Orientation; 7:00 in the music room
Meet-the-Teacher for grades Pre-K–8; 10:00–12:00
Rhetoric Retreat for grades 9–12
First day of school for grades Pre-K–8
The Geneva School
2025 State Road 436
Winter Park, FL 32792