April 2015 - The Geneva School

THE
COURIER
APRIL
2015
What's Inside
2
From the Headmaster (Rev. Robert Ingram)
Page 4
Word of Mouth (Patti Rader)
Page 5
2015 Auction Gala Review
Page 6
Dante's Inferno: A Creative Project (Sarah Madsen)
Page 8
Who is this Mr. Andres?
Page 10
Geneva Knights Golf Classic
Page 13
Ninth Graders Explore the Everglades
Page 14
Geneva Families Called to the Mission Field
Page 16
Blessings from China (Patti Rader)
Page 18
FHSAA Sunshine Cup Standings
Page 19
Alumni Notes
Page 20
College Counseling Corner (Scott Thigpen)
Page 25
The Resurrection and Post-Modern Culture
(Dr. Michael Beates)
Page 26
Dates for Your Calendar
Saturday, April 11:
Daddy-Daughter Dance, 6:30–8:30 pm in the gym for K4–sixth grade girls and their dads (or special male guest)
Week of April 13:
ERB testing for students in grades 2–8
Thursday, April 16:
First grade Nate the Great, 9:00–10:00 am
Friday, April 17:
Sixth grade trip to the Kennedy Space Center, 7:15 am–5:00 pm
Upper school Honor Societies Inductions, 8:00–9:30 am in the gym
Dialectic game night, 6:30–8:30 pm in the gym
Saturday, April 18:
Rhetoric Spring Formal, 5:30–11:30 pm at Interlachen Country Club
April 20–25:
Fifth grade trip to Williamsburg
April 21–24:
Sixth grade retreat at Southwind
Tuesday, April 21:
Third grade theater trip to the Orlando Shakespeare Theater to see James and the Giant Peach, followed by lunch in
the park, 9:30 am–1:30 pm
Friday, April 24:
Second grade Wekiva River canoe trip, 8:30 am–2:30 pm
Saturday, April 25:
Knight of Comedy, 7:30 pm at the Winter Springs Performing Arts Center
Monday, April 27:
Upper school spring concert, 7:00 pm in the gym
Tuesday, April 28:
Multifaith Education Project, 9:00 am–2:00 pm (select group of 7th & 8th graders)
Wednesday, April 29:
Athletic Awards Ceremony for all JV and varsity athletes and their families, 5:00 pm in the gym
Thursday, April 30:
HerStory for rhetoric girls, 7:00 am
College acceptance celebration lunch for seniors
Friday, May 1:
Fourth grade Knighting Ceremony, 7:30–2:00 pm at St. Paul's Church
Third grade Purin Feast, all day on campus event
Kindergarten Mothers Day Tea, 8:30–10:00 am at the early childhood campus
Progress reports sent home (grades 3–6)
May 3–15:
AP Exams
Monday, May 3:
D/R dress-up day for summer birthdays
Fifth grade Lewis and Clark Adventure at Leu Gardens, 8:30 am–12:30 pm
May 5–8:
Eighth grade trip to Boston
Thursday, May 7:
First grade Mother's Day boat tour, 9:30 am–2:00 pm
Friday, May 8:
K4 Three Piggy Opera and celebration brunch, 8:45–10:15 am
Second grade Egypt Day, 10:30 am–3:00 pm
Spring Senior Dinner beginning at 6:30 pm
Saturday, May 9:
Youth Sports Fun Run, 9:00 am at Red Bug Lake Park
Photograph on front cover taken by Leslie Stander during the fourth grade field trip to Mead Gardens in March. Photograph opposite by Robert
Ingram—a 16th century inscription from the medieval walled city of LeBaux, France. The inscription reads, "Post Tenebras Lux" (After Darkness,
Light) which was the motto of Geneva, Switzerland, and the motto in The Geneva School’s crest. Auction photographs on pages 8 and 9 by Katie
Jean-Rejouis, Grace Park '15, and Katie Tressler '15. Photographs on page 18 and back cover taken by AnnMarie Hoyt.
3
W
hile addressing the entire upper school student body several months
ago I mentioned that of all the vocational pursuits they might entertain, one of the
most rewarding would surely have to be that of a headmaster of a private Christian
school. I then proceeded to honor numerous athletic teams for their unprecedented
seasons, thespians for their awards, students in the play for their performances, and
many other extra and co-curricular achievements that had been attained just in the
several weeks previous. Where else does one have the opportunity to acknowledge so
many deserving students so frequently in their pursuit of excellence in and out of the
classroom?
From the
Headmaster
We are to honor
those to who honor
is due. What a joy it
is to be headmaster
of a school whose
culture dignifies
those who are rightly
esteemed.
The fourth quarter of the academic year presents an unprecedented opportunity
to bestow honor. It is a season of honor—an extended time to acknowledge the
exceptional dedication of students and staff for their year's labor. Consider the
following as but the tip of the iceberg between now and graduation:
The fourth grade Knighting Ceremony; closing ceremonies in all classes K4
through sixth grade; inductions into the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta
(mathematics honor society), International Thespian Society, National Art Honor
Society; the athletic awards ceremony for all JV and varsity athletes; the academic
awards assembly for all upper school disciplines; granting the Page, Squire, and
Order of the Towel awards; naming the valedictorian and salutatorian of the
graduating class; naming the junior marshalls, the Disney Dreamer and Doer
recipients, and the National Foreign Language Contest winners; and bestowing
Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa com laude) and graduation
awards (the John Colet Fide et Literis Award, the Blaise Pascal Fide et Literis Award,
the J.S. Bach Imago Award, the Rembrandt Imago Award, the Capstone Thesis
Award, and the Quest Awards).
Parent honors are bestowed at graduation for the Order of the Towel and the ComeAlongside Award.
Faculty and staff are honored at a dinner in April during which time the Paideia
Awards for teaching are given to one upper and one grammar school teacher; the
Bravo Award for the person who has most positively changed an aspect of the school;
the Tychicus Award for the one who has been the most selfless and other-oriented
among colleagues; and the Headmaster Award and the Board Award for exemplary
achievements during the course of the year.
We are to honor those to whom honor is due. What a joy it is to be headmaster of a
school whose culture dignifies those who are rightly esteemed. May I encourage you
to respond to each invitation so that you may add your congratulations to a student
body that continues to distinguish itself in word and deed. Come and see why being
headmaster at The Geneva School is the most rewarding calling there may be!
4
Word of
Mouth
Patti Rader
Director of Admission
I
f you are on Facebook, you have seen
friends post, "Hello everyone I need
an electrician, can anyone recommend
someone?" If you are looking for a baby
sitter you first ask family and friends
who they would recommend. Words
are powerful, and especially words from
friends and family.
I remember like it was yesterday sitting on
the back porch at Trisha Dunnavan's home
discussing schools. Trisha said, "Patti, you
have to take a tour of The Geneva School!"
She went on to describe how wonderful
the school is and said, "Patti, it would be
awesome for our children to go to school
together." We took the tour and the rest
is history. Because of her prompting, our
family has been a part of TGS for some
nine years. Hannah is now a freshman in
college, Austin graduates this year, and
Ben is a sophomore at TGS. I am thrilled
with my children's formation as Christians,
scholars, and athletes. They desire the
kingdom of God; they know what it means
to seek goodness, truth, and beauty. My
husband and I have learned alongside of our
children and wish we had had the education
we are giving them. The benefits of our
decision nine years ago have exponentially
benefited our entire family. Trisha planted
seeds and a beautiful garden grew.
Geneva. This family tree of folks who told
folks about our school accounts for ten
students going through TGS.
I did some research to find out more. How
did the Dunnavans hear about Geneva?
They heard from Chrissie and Alan Schutz.
The Schutz family have two children who
graduated from TGS. I asked Chrissie
how she found out about Geneva and
she found out through the Skinners who
also have children who graduated from
Y
our friends love and respect you and
your words have power. Thank you
for all of the referrals this year and in
years past. It is because of you that TGS
continues to grow. Please tell your friends
about The Geneva School. Our team
would love to meet them and encourage
them to become Geneva Knights.
Refer A Friend and Earn Tuition Credit
Are you interested in a $250 tuition credit? Each family that refers someone who applies and enrolls at The Geneva School will
receive a tuition credit. This is a great opportunity for current families to reach out to their friends and family who may be interested
in Geneva. It's a low commitment introduction that will hopefully begin a dialog with the school.
Families enrolled in The Geneva School for the 2015–2016 school year are eligible to receive a tuition credit for each family they
refer. This is a way to express our sincere thanks for actively encouraging new families to enroll in the school.
Terms of the program
•
•
•
•
The family must be new to Geneva.
The new family must enroll and attend for at least two weeks. After that time a credit will be applied to your account.
A referral certificate must be completed and turned in to the admission department.
There is no limit to the number of families that can be referred by a current family; however the credit is for each family, not per
student.
• The credit will be in the amount of $250. If more than one family refers a new family then the amount will be divided among
all referring families.
5
G
The Geneva School’s 21st Annual Auction Gala
An Evening Celebrating the Stars Among Us
Much laughter was heard throughout the evening.
Silent bidding was serious business on the 700 donated items.
Guests went toe-to-toe during the live auction.
6
Everyone had fun posing for the paparazzi on the red carpet.
Items such as art projects and jewelry, displayed in a beautiful setting, were integral to the success of the evening ...
... along with the community of people who love and support The Geneva School.
And the winners are ...
Geneva Students:
the beneficiaries of the generosity of so many people
A huge thank you to all those who made this year's 21st
Annual Auction Gala a success, raising just over $200,000.
7
DANTE'S INFERNO:
A CREATIVE PROJECT
Sarah Madsen, Ninth Grade English Instructor
There are times in my teaching when I am overly concerned
with how my students will view the texts we are reading,
especially when so many of them are hundreds of years
old. How can I make such stories both carry historical
importance and present significance? As my ninth grade
English classes embarked on their reading of Dante's
Inferno, I wanted the story to spark their interest and
imagination. Through conversations with Kevin Clark,
I gained new insight into how my class might approach
the text. Students were able to hear about the story from
other teachers, too: Robbie Andreasen introduced the
ninth graders to medieval cosmology and the scientific
and historic thoughts of Dante's world, and Matt Clark
graciously presented to my students artwork inspired by
each sub-circle of the Inferno. This collaboration fueled my
desire to have the students engage creatively! I assigned a
project, the objective of which was for the students to create
ETERNAL JUSTICE
by Charlie Classe
The first thing I think of when I imagine the Inferno is
darkness, so that is why this drawing has such heavy shadows.
This project was inspired by the eighth circle, ninth pouch's
contrapasso. The "sowers of scandal and schism" are repeatedly
cut down their center, healed, and then are wounded again.
I used the exposed ribs and cavities to create each circle of
hell. They are in order from the first circle to the last. I really
wanted to include every circle's and sub-circle's contrapasso,
so I accomplished that by literally embodying the Inferno.
If you look closely, you can see that the first level of hell
looks like eyes and where the second circle's ribs connect it
is shaded to look like a nose. This was intentional to give it
another creepy aspect aside from the torn flesh. As for the
mouth, there isn't an established level for it, so it is left for
the viewer to interpret. I gave this project the name Eternal
Justice specifically because I felt that it itself posed as an
arguable topic. Some might think the way Dante did at the
beginning of the book and wonder how one could call what
the people in hell endured "eternal justice." Others may view
hell like Virgil, who accepted that the people in hell deserved
the judgement they were given.
8
a visual or creative interpretation of the Inferno, as well as
write a detailed response based upon a particular sub-circle
of Dante's hell. After conversations with Jeremiah Forshey
(who had previously taught the Inferno), I developed a
rubric for a class project that would allow students to select
the medium by which they would create the assignment.
The results of the project amazed me! I received drawings,
paintings, photos, digital representations, models, songs,
posters, cakes—each of which demonstrated individual
creativity and response towards the text. This assignment
called for students to understand the literal and historical
details of the story, while imprinting their projects with
their own personal touches. I am proud of their work, and
encouraged by the imagination and interest with which they
were created!
Here are the creative results from a few of my students:
VIOLENCE
by Anna Grace Shriner
I painted three paintings for the Inferno project given in English. I did
this because the circle I chose contained three sub-circles of the violent.
Murder is the first sin and sub-circle. In Dante's world the contrapasso
for this human act is to be forever bathed in a river of blood. As seen
in Macbeth, once you take a person's life their blood is forever on your
hands. To depict this sub-circle, I put a photo of myself climbing out of a
pool onto a canvas, and painted red all over it. I was going to stop at the
first sub-circle, but I spotted an image of a tree with a heart hung-up in
it, and thought it was too perfect a representation of the second sub-circle
to pass up. The second sub-circle contains the violent against themselves,
who took their own life. I drew a version of this image with an excerpt
from the text in Italian around the picture. The last sub-circle shows the
more common view of hell: fire. People who committed crimes against
God are put to burn on hot sands (any Floridian might know how this
feels). Fire rains down to scorch their skin; they are literally burning in
hell. I painted another canvas that shows the flames consuming these
individuals; when a light is placed behind the canvas the flames stand out
even clearer.
VESTIBULE
by Mackenzie Howard
Now that the woods have cleared,
those trials we all must dutifully endure:
A new place stands before me,
in which finites are replaced by everlastings
and people pay for succumbing to lure.
The blues and greens replaced by red and black:
the fiery tones of eternal judgment
painted by the One they lack.
Shades run in the vestibule or ante chamber:
cowards, fence-sitters, refusers of their call;
if their journey proved too dangerous they quit lest they fall.
Absolute neutrality—
what they wanted most in life—proved unattainable,
similar to the banner, their eternal malady.
Shades wanted by neither hell nor heaven—
for there is no middle ground between good and evil—
cast among mindless creatures such as worms and bees.
Outside the gates of hell they pay their penalties
outside the judgment circles.
The ironclad gates, broken by him who conquered death,
bear the message which warns all
before their entrance into the lair of punishment,
preaching no hope for the impenitent.
For divine justice has brought them here
and nothing now will save them.
9
Who is this
Mr Andre?
In just two years of teaching at TGS, Jeffrey Andre has already
made a significant impact on the life and culture of the
school. After completing both a BA and an MA in Elementary
Education, followed by a few years of teaching in area public
schools, Mr. Andre joined the faculty of TGS in the fall of 2013.
Combining his previous training and experience with his deep
commitment to teaching and mentoring students according to
the contours of the gospel, he has been an exemplary teacher in
this community of faith and learning. Below are comments from
colleagues, parents, and students, which demonstrate how Mr.
Andre embodies the ideals of a Christian classical school teacher.
J
ulie Caylor, a fellow TGS teacher, was hired the same year as
Mr. Andre and her son, Silas, was in Mr. Andre's class last year.
As both a fellow-teacher and a parent, she speaks to Mr. Andre's
heart and head for teaching:
Anyone who spends time with Jeffrey Andre would quickly
tell you he is an articulate, intelligent, humble man, who is
unmistakably passionate about Christ and his students. However,
there are other sides to Mr. Andre I have had the privilege of
knowing, both as a colleague and as a parent.
As Mr. Andre and I began teaching at The Geneva School the
same year, we had an instant "newbie" connection. We took full
advantage of each other's ignorance, too, as in this little example:
Once a month or so, one of us might give the other a friendly
reminder, while passing in the hall, about that afternoon's faculty
staff meeting, fully knowing that the meeting was not until
the following week. A few hours would go by, and inevitably,
I would look up from teaching only to find Mr. Andre outside
my classroom door, rolling his eyes and shaking his head with a
broad grin across his face. Now at the end of our second year at
The Geneva School, we are both a little wiser, but the playful side
definitely remains, however, in slightly more creative ways.
As a parent, I wholeheartedly believe Mr. Andre cares as much
about my son's character and heart, as he does about his mind.
This first became evident in the conversations we would have
throughout the year when Silas was a student in Mr. Andre's class.
To have a godly, male teacher speak truth daily into my son's life
was a true gift not only to my son, but to me as well. I have now
seen this same gift bless us in the following year, as Mr. Andre will
now stop by my classroom to check in on Silas from time to time,
to see how he is doing navigating the waters of the dialectic school.
10
A
ndrew Smith, director of the rhetoric school, is new to the
faculty this year and is also a new parent to the school. His
daughter, Anna, is currently in Mr. Andre's class:
Although I was thrilled to join the faculty of TGS this year and
be part of this community, I knew the transition to a new city
and to a new school would be difficult for my family, especially
my school-aged children. Moving from a school where they
had many friends and knew everyone to a school where they
had no immediate friends was a difficult and lonely experience.
Thankfully, Mr. Andre was sensitive to this. He did an excellent
job of communicating with my wife and me about our daughter's
progress. He made it a point to send us a message or pull me
aside in the hallway just to ask how things were going from
our perspective and to give me his. Without micro-managing
situations or inserting any kind of artificial solution, he guided
us through this time of transition in a way that was both
encouraging and dignifying. He knew that it would not take my
daughter long to find her place, but he also knew that we were all
anxious about it. I am grateful for the time and attention he gave
to us, and our daughter is thriving under his teaching.
D
ebbie Smith, a fellow teacher, whose son, Clay, is currently
in Mr. Andre's class:
Each morning Mr. Andre stands in the hallway outside his
classroom to greet the grammar school children as they enter
the school building. I appreciate his kind smile and respectable
presence during this time as excited children prepare to begin a
new day of learning. I enjoy his sense of humor and willingness
to have fun. As a parent, I am thankful to have Mr. Andre teach
my son what it is be a leader and Christian man who loves the
Lord. I feel blessed to have Mr. Andre at our school.
A
llison Hendrix, an assistant middle school track coach with
Mr. Andre:
Mr. Andre wears many hats at the Geneva School, one of which
is coach. As the middle track coach this season, he challenged his
athletes in the disciplines of running while inspiring their minds
to achieve their goals. He emphasized that everything, even
running, should be done for the glory of God. His athletes not
only had fun, but thrived under his leadership.
Mr. Andre's students wrote sentences of high praise and appreciation:
I appreciate Mr. Andre because he
involves modern stuff in his lessons, and
plays Taylor Swift on Taylor Tuesdays, and
lets us dance. -Celesta Blais
I love Mr. Andre because he does not stop
helping us even when he has to repeat a
statement five times. He is very patient.
-Loel Franco
I like Mr. Andre because he always listens
to tunes during dismissal to carpool.
-Jarrett Brodrecht
I like Mr. Andre because he turns math
and Bible into fun, lively activities. He
relates the subject we're learning about to
something that we students are excited
about. Thank you, Mr. Andre. -Sean
Killingworth
I like Mr. Andre because he is good at
teaching and explaining Bible verses and
passages. -Zachary Andreasen
You, Mr. Andre, are funny because you
laugh with the class if the comment is
appropriate. -Clay Smith
I like Mr. Andre because of his attitude
towards us and his bright Christian spirit
to teach us. -Katie Segarra
What I love about Mr. Andre is that he
lets us talk occasionally in class, he also
lets us watch Tim and Moby movies.
-Brady Mitchell
Mr. Andre is one of my favorite teachers. I
like him because he's very humorous and
fun to be around. -Nicole Strasberg
Mr. Andre is a hilarious teacher. I also like
it when he takes extra time to teach in
math if we aren't understanding. -Martin
White
Mr. Andre is patient, has a good sense of
humor, and makes lessons fun by playing
games. -Anna Smith
Mr. Andre is very good at making us
laugh, but he also stays on track and gets
stuff done. -Isaac Hines
I appreciate how Mr. Andre makes classes
fun. -Clara Vargas
I appreciate Mr. Andre because he is very
fun during Bible when he is explaining
verses. -Ellis Pollard
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Mr. Ingram adds:
Mr. Andre is a natural preacher! Over the
past two years I have invited him to bring
the homily in chapel a number of times, and
on each occasion I have been delighted to
sit under his ministry. He has deep insights
into the Scriptures, understands the lively
use of vocabulary, employs rhetorical skills in
delivery, and makes great application to the
lives of the students. What makes him all the
more compelling is the integrity of his life
and teaching, and the fact that his students
so evidently enjoy him. It's easy for me to
imagine that he lives up to all the comments
that have been printed above.
At a recent grammar school chapel for all
second–sixth grade students, Mr. Andre gave
a homily about God as judge. After beginning
with some interesting remarks about a poorly
officiated NFL game when the referees were on
strike in 2012, he ended the homily with biblical
insights about God's final judgment. Here is an
excerpt of what he told our young Genevians:
As we will recite in our Apostle's creed
in just a moment, God will judge the
living and the dead. Everyone who ever
lived and everyone who ever died will
have to give account to God. God is
a righteous judge and he must punish
injustice and evil. He will judge all
the things we have said, did, and even
thought. If you are like me, based on
your own merit, you know you don't
stand a chance on the last day against a
judge who will judge justly. But there
is good news, great news! The same
person who is the just judge is also our
great high priest. Christ died on the
cross for the sins of his people that they
would be found blameless, righteous,
and just. The Judge is the just and the
justifier.... You have the best defense.
God has done something we can never
do. Everyone who is found to have faith
in Christ will be judged as righteous and
all those without faith in Christ will be
condemned. Let us then rejoice because
of the judge's pardon and be like him in
promoting justice.
Thank you, Mr. Andre, for being a constant
witness to the gospel of Jesus, in your words
and actions, to your students and to the entire
TGS community.
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Janet Andreasen, Jacques Blais, Christy Herzog
Geneva Knights
Golf Classic
Fifty players and volunteers came out to the
second annual Geneva Knights Golf Classic,
Easter Monday, April 6. Teams enjoyed good
natured competition and fellowship at Heathrow
Country Club. Tim Dunnavant, Geneva's girls
varsity golf coach organized the event which
included an exciting skills challenge and raised
money for next year's golf teams. The winning
foursome was Headmaster Bob Ingram and TGS
rhetoric students Anton Li, Vera Yuan, and Ryan
Kei. The students are coached at the Florida
Golfing Academy, a prestigious golf school in
Timacuan.
Jacqueline Sheehan '15
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Ninth Graders
Explore the
Everglades
Each spring the ninth grade class heads down to the
Everglades National Park for a week of tent camping on the
bay under the stars, while exploring the unique ecosystems
and wildlife of South Florida. The Everglades is the only
ecosystem of its kind in America and we are fortunate to be
able to study it up close. The students get to see in person
what they have studied in their biology class, making this
an invaluable educational lesson, while the adventures they
have together during the week makes for a wonderful time
of building relationships and community.
The adventures during the week include alligator and
crocodile spotting; bird watching; hiking through tropical
hardwood forests, sawgrass, and hammocks; canoeing
through mangroves; and snorkeling along the coral reef
off Key Largo. At the campsite, they cook together, have
devotions, and sing around the campfire while stargazing.
Marcus Kester
Always having an enjoyable experience isn't always the
point, and such was the case on the ninth grade Everglades
trip. When we embarked on this adventure, my classmates
and I had to undergo the brutal punishment of the sun's
glare on a clear day and persevere through endless waves
of mosquitoes, but it was worth it. Through it all, we still
found a way to learn, have fun, and make memories.
I cannot begin to explain the trip in detail before talking
about the mosquitoes. They were everywhere. Bug spray was
a necessity. The first night we were swarmed by bugs, who
thought it would be a fantastic idea to start small civilizations
in our tents. We probably ruined the tents by spraying so
much bug spray in them. The next day, spirits were at a low
point, and nobody was very excited about learning about
ecosystems. However, Mr. Andreasen pulled us through and
we were able to see a lot of great sights that day.
The chaperones collectively decided that it would be in
everyone's best interest to move campsites. It did take effort
to pack everything up, only to unpack it and set it up again,
but it was well worth it. There was a brisk wind that night,
blowing away most of the mosquitoes, leading to a good
night's sleep. The next morning, we filled up with Miss
Madsen's amazing apple cinnamon pancakes and prepared
for my personal favorite activity of the week: the canoe
trip. Rowing through a narrow swamp for three hours was
difficult, yes, but it was one of the most enjoyable things
I have done in my short life. There is something freeing
about being alone in the wild with your friends, with the
wind at your back … until another canoe rams into the side
of yours, almost knocking you into the water. That was the
high point of the trip for me.
Randy Dooling, Isabel O'Driscol, Stacia Wares
14
Nothing else the Everglades could offer could top the canoe
trip, not even the snorkeling trip. It was an abnormally
windy day, and the water was very choppy. The result? I was
one of the eleven people who lost my lunch over the side of
the boat. The less said about that the better!
The sun set on another day, and before we knew it, it was time to
return home. All in all, the Everglades trip was a terrific experience
in which we were able to bond with each other through the many
hardships we faced. Yes it was hard at times, but that does not take
away from the memories that were made and the glory of God's
wonderful creation that we experienced.
Riley Cashon
I mostly imagined the Everglades trip as a vacation where we would
relax around a campfire and sleep in tents. Little did I know!
When we first arrived on Monday afternoon, I was blissfully ignorant.
Then I saw the sign at the entrance to the park that said, "Mosquito
Level Moderate." What did that mean? The air was stagnant and
there was hardly any breeze at all, and it was as if we were swimming
in mosquitoes. They were everywhere. I decided that it would be a
good idea to go into the bathrooms for refuge from the bugs. Not my
best idea. I soon realized that camping was hard and my classmates
and I commiserated in our misery. After making mistakes, it was so
nice not to be made fun of, which was what I was expecting. Actually,
I was finding that other people were making the exact same mistakes
as me; mistakes like waking up in the morning to find my soaking
sneakers which I had left under the tent, not remembering to put
sunscreen on the back of my neck (it will burn while you're hiking),
or not remembering to zip up the tent windows. As we shared our
camp stories I learned that I was not alone.
The first night, Mr. Andreasen told us that we were going on a
walk. At first we were just waiting in the darkness—complete
darkness—slapping ourselves to keep the bugs away. And then we
walked, and walked, and walked in complete darkness. I was scared
of mosquitoes biting me, but as we got deeper into the woods, I
realized that I didn't know what other creatures might also be out
there. My classmates were stumbling as much as me, wanting me
to help them, even though I needed help myself. You could see it
on our desperate faces, as we reached out to grab a steady hand.
While we were walking, we started singing which made the hike a
lot more enjoyable. We were singing old hymns like "Swing Low
Sweet Chariot" and "When the Saints Go Marching In." Suddenly
we were laughing.
Despite the difficult things that happened on the trip, I learned that
the world isn't perfect, but God has not left us to our own resources
or to ourselves. He has given us lessons to learn and people to learn
them with. On the Everglades trip, it was the community that made
me realize that this applies not just to camping but also to life. In life,
I am dependent on my community; they remind me that I will make
mistakes, but that it's okay, because I'm not alone.
15
Geneva Families Called
Jeremy, Angel, Riley, and Genevieve Martin
Fourth and second grades students Riley and Genevieve Martin,
along with their parents Jeremy and Angel Martin, are excited to join
Mission to the World (MTW) to serve as missionaries in Kampala,
Uganda. MTW is the sending agency of the Presbyterian Church
in America. MTW-Uganda is a dynamic and diverse team, called to
disciple the growing church in Uganda through various ministries
and outreaches ranging from theological training to community
development.
The Martin's primary avenue for ministry will be serving with
the Business Development Centre (www.bdcuganda.com).
The BDC desires to share Christ's gospel and create beneficial
community development by offering biblically-based, soundbusiness training. They will also be recruiting and hosting American
business professionals to come and teach seminars or act as virtual
coaches/mentors. This ministry will hopefully lead to discipleship
opportunities within the business community of Kampala.
host interns and short-term missions teams. Riley and Genevieve
will attend the Acacia Classical School in Kampala—they are thrilled
to have the option to continue their classical education within an
amazingly diverse community.
Contact and support information for the Martin family
Family Website: www.the4martins.com
Email: [email protected] or
[email protected]
To financially support the Martins, please use the following link,
https://donations.mtw.org/donate/AddDesignation.aspx?No=14681
Jeremy is also excited to serve with the diaconate of the Presbyterian
Church in Uganda and to use his call and heart for service to share
the love and message of Christ through justice and mercy ministries.
Angel is sensing that the Lord is calling her to use her medical
experience to serve their new community by acting as a health
advocate. Together, Angel and Jeremy will also serve the logistical
and support needs of the growing MTW team as well as develop and
David, Mary Chris, and Joey Rowe
David and Mary Chris Rowe (second grade teacher) have been working
with the Rafiki Foundation for a few years and have increasingly felt the
desire to fulfill its mission: to help Africans know God and to raise their
standard of living. The Rafiki Foundation has training villages in ten
countries in Africa. They focus on befriending orphans and widows in
their distress. These villages include orphanages and Christian classical
schools.
With master's degrees from Covenant College in integrated curriculum
and instruction (1995) and educational leadership (2014), David
will serve as headmaster for a village school. He has been especially
tasked with helping the African teachers improve their ability to teach
in a classical fashion. Mary Chris will serve as the dean for the Rafiki
Institute of Music, helping teachers and choir directors learn to read,
create, and enjoy music. Their eleven-year-old son Joey is very excited
about this adventure and is looking forward to going to a new school
and making lots of friends.
The Rowes will be heading to Uganda for a two-year commitment in
July. They have loved being a part of the TGS community and would
love to keep in touch. Please keep them in your prayers; you will most
certainly be in theirs!
Contact and support information for the Rowe family
Email and to be added to their newsletter list: [email protected]
To financially support the Rowes, please give through the website:
rafikifoundation.org.
16
to the Mission Field
Mike and Inah Oak
Mike and Inah (Geneva
math teacher 2013–2014
school year) Oak have
been interested in serving
God full time for many
years. In the fall of 2012,
they felt the Lord leading
them to leave Stony
Brook, NY. They did not
know where they would
go, but sitting in a church
service one Sunday, Mike
felt an overwhelming
sense of God asking "why
not serve me now?"
It quickly became apparent that Wycliffe was the organization for them.
They moved from Long Island, NY to Orlando in July of 2013 and
Mike started in the IT department at Wycliffe and Inah took a position
at The Geneva School teaching math. However, they soon realized that
God was calling them to serve in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
PNG is a county where over 800 languages are spoken and the Bible
is still not available to over 300 language groups. The Lord has sent
hundreds of missionaries to PNG to evangelize and translate the Bible
for the many villagers living throughout the Island into their heart
language.
Mike and Inah will be heading to PNG with a two-year commitment
this May. Inah will be teaching math at the missionary children's
school, Ukarumpa International School, where about 120 missionary
children are attending. These children need special care and nurturing
as they are growing up in an unusual environment where the concept
of home is incredibly dynamic. Mike will be working with both
missionary translators and nationals (local people) to help coordinate
and facilitate the translation projects in the Markham Valley language
group. Specifically, Mike will be assisting the startup of about ten–
twelve language cluster translation projects.
Contact and support information for the Oak family
Email: [email protected]
To financially support the Oaks, please use one of the following
methods:
Online: https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/384DF5
Checks: Payable to Wycliffe Bible Translators with a separate note
saying, "Preference for the Wycliffe ministry of Michael Oak,
ministry number 249234" and mailed to Wycliffe Bible Translators,
PO Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862-8200
Davidson, Katie, Esmé, and Sarai Jean-Rejouis
France has been known for its beauty. For years artists have painted
images of a place where everyone seems to have it all together. France
now has the fourth largest atheist population in the world. Of 36,550
towns and cities in France, 35,000 do not have one evangelical
church. Currently there is a steady rise in the number of French who
have joined the Islamic State and it is predicted that there will be
about 10,000 before the end of 2015.
Katie (photography teacher) and Davidson spent two weeks touring
France in 2010. While walking up and down the streets of France,
they saw at the center of each city the majestic artistry of French
cathedrals. Inside the stone walls were beams of light that shined
through a rainbow of stained glass spilling out like paint on the
walls below, but the seats were empty. The churches were more like
museums than places of worship. It broke their hearts when they
saw how the acknowledgement of God was absent in the lives of the
French people. They left France with a burden to tell them about
the saving love of Jesus Christ and how much he desires to have a
relationship with them.
God has opened the door for Katie and Davidson, along with their
two children Esmé (2½) and Sarai (10 months), to join a team in
France that will be planting a church on the outskirts of Toulouse.
They are going with Mission to the World (MTW), the mission
sending agency of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
Their goal is that the French people would come to understand the
great love that God has for them and the hope that is only found in
Christ Jesus. They cannot do this alone and are looking to build a
community to go with them: a prayer community to consistently pray
for them and a financial community to send them.
Contact and support information for the Jean-Rejouis family
Email and to be added to their monthly update list:
[email protected]
Blog: jeanrejouisinfrance.wordpress.com
To financial partner with the Jean-Rejouis, please do so at:
www.MTW.org (donor code: 13717).
17
BLESSINGS FROM CHINA
Patti Radar, Director of Admission
Over the past two years I have been pleasantly surprised that three
students from China chose to attend The Geneva School. They
were given tours of other private schools in town but said, "There
is something different about that school, I want to go there." I have
to admit, upon meeting them I thought they were pretty special as
well. Anton Li, Vera Yuan, and Ryan Kei left their homes in China
to come to the United States to attend a golfing school in Lake Mary
and The Geneva School. They are brave and ambitious young people
with dreams of college and golfing at a professional level. In order
to be at TGS they have to work hard and make sacrifices that most
students their age would not be willing to make. I am inspired by their
character, desire to learn, and resolute plans. This has not been easy for
them, but they have great attitudes and they refuse to give up.
Anton, Vera and Ryan are a part of our Geneva family. As such,
we wanted to interview them to find out more about their TGS
experience. I hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as
I have. I feel certain that their positive outlook on their Geneva
experience will inspire you.
Did you tour some other schools before choosing TGS? If "yes"
what made you choose TGS? If "no" why not shop other schools?
Anton: Yes; I visited Lake Mary Prep and Lake Highland Prep. I chose
to come to Geneva because it felt more comfortable, like a family.
Vera: Yes! My tenth grade classmates are very friendly; they welcomed
me even during my first visit to the school. Also, Mrs. Rader and Mrs.
Houk are very welcoming and nice.
What is unusual/different about the way TGS works?
Vera: I studied at a Christian school in Virginia for a couple of months,
and Geneva is very different. The subjects are a little bit different,
and we didn't study history at that school. Geneva also has uniforms,
which I like because I don't have to worry about clothes as much.
Ryan: It's Christian, which is different from anywhere else I have
attended. To me, chapel is probably the most different part about
what Geneva does.
What is the best thing in your opinion about TGS
Anton: The culture is different from other schools. Everyone is very
friendly, and they love to help each other. The teachers are very nice.
Vera: The people! They are very nice. Also, there are a lot of activities
that we can do with the school.
Ryan: The students and faculty are very friendly and willing to help.
What do you think about how often TGS teachers talk about
Christianity?
Anton: I like it.
Vera: Yes; I visited Lake Mary Prep after visiting Geneva. I wanted to
go to Geneva right after I visited, but I needed to check out at least
one other school, so I visited Lake Mary Prep. I felt like there were too
many Chinese students at Lake Mary Prep, and I felt like I would be
able to practice my English much more at Geneva.
Vera: Hearing about Christianity has helped me to be more calm
about how I do when I am practicing golf
Ryan: Yes, I visited Lake Mary Prep. Lake Mary Prep was full, but I
like Geneva a lot because the teachers are pretty good and the students
are very friendly.
Anton: I told my teacher back in China that it was a very special
school.
Have you found Geneva to be a welcoming school?
Anton: Yes. Everybody is willing to help each other.
18
Ryan: It's interesting, and I think I understand some of it.
How would you describe TGS to friends in China?
Vera: I would tell them it's very good, and very different from other
schools; it's more interesting, and more fun.
Ryan: It's a pretty nice school, it's a Christian school, and the students
and teachers are really friendly.
Geneva is Second in the FHSAA
Sunshine Cup Standings After
the Winter Season
After leading the FHSAA Sunshine Cup standings at the conclusion of the
fall sports season, TGS drops to second after winter sports.
The FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) Sunshine
Cup program awards points for various athletic successes throughout
the school year. Points are earned for district, regional, and state
championships as well as all post-season victories. For the purpose of the
Sunshine Cup, and all team sports, The Geneva School is classified as 2A
(fewer than 160 ninth–twelfth grade students). Class 2A consists of 120
schools across the state of Florida, including approximately 20 here in
Central Florida. Of those 120, TGS is in second place by just one point
with only the spring season results remaining. The Knights are looking to
improve on last year's (best ever) fifth place finish. To learn more about
the FHSAA Sunshine Cup, visit the FHSAA website:
http://www.fhsaa.org/news/2015/0327-0.
TGS has 32 points after the winter season,
just behind Sarasota Christian with 33
points. But how did we earn those points?
• Boys Cross Country: District
champions, regional champions, and
state runners up - 16 points
• Volleyball: District champions, regional
runners up - 8 points
• Girls Basketball: District champions,
regional runners up - 8 points
2014–2015
athletic
awards ceremony
Wednesday, April 29, 5:00 pm
TGS Gymnasium
For all JV & Varsity Athletes and their Families
RSVP via the email invitation
$12 per person
Catered by Jason's Deli
Sandwich (select from turkey, ham, and
vegetarian), chips, pickle, and a cookie.
19
ALUMNI NOTES
Tim and Sara Fridsma
Tim Fridsma '01
Tim moved back to Central Florida in October 2013 with his wife Sara and
two children, Jane (3) and Toby (2). He was transferred down from Georgia
to manage the Performance Bicycle store in Winter Park. In January 2015,
he began working as a sales specialist dealing with stainless steel fasteners at
Marine Fastener. He is training for a half Ironman in September.
Caroline (Candeto) Newkirk '01
Matt and Caroline (Candeto)
Newkirk
Caroline and Matt Newkirk relocated to Raleigh, NC last spring, where they
welcomed their third child Ethan Michael in June. Along with their other
two children (Lydia and Silas, who will turn five and two this summer),
the Newkirks are preparing to serve as career missionaries to Japan through
Mission to the World. They are in the process of raising support, and would
love to hear from anyone interested in partnering with them. Matt has a PhD
in Old Testament from Wheaton College, and will be teaching at Christ Bible
Seminary in the city of Nagoya. Caroline has an MA in Intercultural Studies
from Wheaton and looks forward to building relationships with seminary
families and Japanese neighbors through hospitality and a local church plant.
The Newkirks hope to move to Nagoya in February 2016 to begin language
study. For more information on the Newkirks' journey to Japan, or to sign up
for their updates, visit their blog at newkirksinjapan.com.
Nathan Patton '01
Nathan Patton with son Hank
After graduating from Furman University, Nathan worked for Teach for
America in Harlem, NY teaching high school English. He then moved to
Newark, NJ and in 2011, helped found a new high school called People's
Prep Charter School. People's Prep is graduating its first senior class this
year. About 95% of the students are classified as "high poverty" and 100%
of the students are members of racial or ethnic minorities. Less than half of
the students who attend the comprehensive schools in that district graduate
from high school, and less than 9% of Newark residents have a college
degree. So far this year, 70% of People's Prep's first senior class has been
accepted into four-year colleges, and they are pushing for 100% throughout
this spring. Nathan still teaches a section of ninth grade English, but the
majority of his time is focused on his job as dean of instruction where he
is responsible for teacher development and curricula. He and his wife, Dr.
Karen Patton, had their first child, Hank, last year.
John Candeto '02
John and Carrie Beth Candeto
John and Carrie Beth are in their seventh year of marriage and have been
living in London for the past three and a half years. John is working for
a boutique management consultancy and Carrie Beth is an operations
manager at a startup company. They worship at St. Helen's Bishopsgate
and continue to enjoy living abroad and traveling—they recently visited
their fortieth country, Turkey! You can read about their adventures at
johnandcbsmostexcellentadventure.wordpress.com.
Kimberly Damm '02
Kimberly graduated from Rollins College with a BA in Philosophy and
after completing three years of fellowships in social entrepreneurship and
environmental policy in Boston and Providence between 2006 and 2009,
20
earned an MA in Environmental Science from Brown University. After
Brown, she moved to DC where she worked in public affairs and strategic
communications consulting for the US Environmental Protection Agency,
Department of Energy, and Department of Defense. She also worked
in-house at the public affairs firm SKDKnickerbocker and for Senator
Jack Reed. Kimberly made a career move in January 2014 to work in
communications at Georgetown Day School in Washington, DC. She is
enjoying being back at an independent school!
John and Rachael (Pennington) Ritchie
Kimberly is getting married in Loudoun County, VA on October 17, 2015,
to Marc Goldwein, senior vice president and senior policy director of the
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
Victor Boyer '03
In the twelve years since leaving Geneva, Victor has continued to pursue
education, completing a bachelor's in electrical engineering technology and
a master's in industrial engineering at the University of Central Florida. He
is currently a doctoral candidate in industrial engineering at UCF and will
be graduating this year. Professionally, he is a technical consultant, offering
IT and business systems analysis, design, and IT strategy consulting. He
recently became a published author, coauthoring "A Computational Study
of dsDNA Pairs and Vibrational Resonance in Separating Water," which
was published in Systems and Synthetic Biology, Vol 8, #4, Dec 2014.
Ryan Bickerstaff and Jennifer Lopdrup
Brenna (McConnell) Dorsten '04
Brenna and her husband Matt moved to Denver, CO three years ago. Matt
is working as a commercial real estate broker and Brenna is the database
manager for a non-profit. They are expecting their first child, a baby girl,
around the date of publication!
Rachael (Pennington) Ritchie '04 and John Ritchie '04
John and Rachael were the first TGS couple to get married. They will welcome
their third baby, another boy, at the beginning of June. John is about to get out
of the military after eleven years of service and they are excited about the extra
time together this will give them. They currently live in Kansas where John is
the plant manager at Northwest Pipe Company and Rachael stays home with
the children and has a photography business (rachaelritchiephotography.com).
They are members at Winchester Reformed Presbyterian Church in Kansas.
Michael and Noelle (Patton)
Hartman
Brenton Titcomb '04
Brenton moved to Minnesota in June 2014 to help take over operations of
two mobile home parks owned by his family's business, Amicorp. He loves
to fly and has completed his private pilot's licenses and holds certificates in
single engine land and sea and multi-engine land and instrument ratings.
Jennifer Lopdrup '06
Jennifer graduated from the College of William and Mary, VA with a
BBA in Marketing. She is currently a senior product manager at Intuit
working on QuickBooks Online. Jennifer is engaged to be married to Ryan
Bickerstaff on June 28, 2015, in California. She continues to volunteer
weekly with therapeutic horseback riding, helping to strengthen kids with
mental and/or physical disabilities.
Noelle (Patton) Hartman '06
Noelle and Michael Hartman were married in April 2012 and baby Sawyer
was born in April 2013. They live in Birmingham where Michael works as a
real estate agent.
21
Alex amd Christalyn (Steers) McCrum
Christalyn (Steers) McCrum '06
Christalyn graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a double-major in
Philosophy and International Relations. She graduated in the top 10% of
her class (thanks to TGS) and went on to work part-time at a secure crisis
center for youth in police custody.
Christalyn was married in 2010 and she and her husband Alex moved to
South Korea in 2011 where she taught English for a year and a half at the
Korea Poly School. In 2013 they moved to India to volunteer for a year with
Operation Equip India, a nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities
in rural areas. Christalyn managed the vocational training department,
which trains women with disabilities in income-generating skills, such as
sewing and embroidery, and markets the goods they produce.
Abbie Beates
They moved back to the US in July 2014, and are now living in New York
City where Christalyn is attending NYU Wagner's School of Public Service
where she is a candidate for a master's in public administration with an
international policy specialization. She is currently working as a public policy
and research fellow with the Women's City Club of New York and will be
interning with the State Department's Mission to the UN this summer.
Graduate from the TGS Class of 2006
This alumni and spouse would normally love to share what they are doing
but their names and/or photo cannot be posted anywhere in connection with
their missionary endeavors. They are currently living in New York City and
are missionaries to West African Muslims. Please keep them in your prayers.
Abbie Beates '08
Forest and Fran (Cloke) Newark
After graduating from Jacksonville University in 2012, with a BSc in Biology,
Abbie worked for a year on staff with Campus Outreach at JU. After
completing her year of ministry, she began working as a medical scribe in the
emergency department of a hospital in Jacksonville. Last fall, she took the job
of administrative assistant at her church, Christ Church East, PCA, while also
finishing up classes to fulfil the pre-requisites for the master's program she
will begin in August: Masters of Speech and Language Pathology (MS SLP).
This will allow her to work in the field of speech and language pathology as
a professional who is knowledgeable and skilled in the assessment, diagnosis,
and treatment of speech, voice, swallowing, language, and cognitive disorders.
Fran (Cloke) Newark '08
Kara Jones
Since graduating from Geneva, Fran attended Furman University where
she earned a bachelor of music degree in church music. She was married
to Forest Newark in March, 2014, and they currently reside in Raleigh,
North Carolina, with their dog, Melody. Fran works in clinical trials project
management for Worldwide Clinical Trials, and Forest is a music teacher
in Durham County Public Schools. In addition to her full-time work in
clinical trials, Fran also sings professionally in several local choral ensembles.
Kara Jones '08
Kara graduated from Davidson College with a BA in English. She is
currently in her third year of teaching at Trinity School at Meadow View,
a classical, ecumenical Christian school for seventh–twelfth grade students
in Falls Church, VA. She teaches a wide array of classes (nine different
courses within three years), primarily in the fields of drama, history, and
earth science. Kara has helped to build the school's drama curriculum as the
creative director, and has co-directed eight performances, mostly of classical
theater. She loves working as part of a community of learners, planning
22
creative classes, and sharing her passion for learning with students, and loves
living in Washington, D.C.
Becky Lopdrup '09
Greg Miller and Becky Lopdrup
Becky graduated from the University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar with
honors in economics. She was a member of the Z Society, a philanthropic
organization of outstanding student leaders who give time, talent, and
financial contributions to groups and individuals. In 2013, Becky accepted
a position with Amazon as a vendor manager, was promoted to program
manager in 2014, and is now a product manager for Prime delivery
experience. Becky loves living in Seattle. She somehow stumbled over the
finish line of her first half marathon last month and is running her first full
marathon later this year.
Lauren Padgett '09
After graduating from Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor's degree
in psychology, Lauren plans to pursue a graduate degree in industrial/
organizational psychology, starting next fall. She has pursued her degree
while based in Orlando and working full-time through Penn State's online
world campus.
Jono Seneff
Jono Seneff '09
After graduating from Wheaton College with a degree in philosophy,
Jono moved to Los Angeles. He currently manages film acquisitions at an
independent film distribution company that releases two to three movies
a month across VOD, digital, theatrical, and DVD platforms. Yes, he gets
paid to watch around 200 movies a year! Jono was recently accepted into
USC School of Cinematic Arts' MFA program which he will most likely
begin in the spring of 2016 to further his pursuit of film and television
directing. His passion for filmmaking, which began when he was in the fifth
grade at Geneva, has yet to wane, and he enjoys immensely the experience
of living at the epicenter of the story-telling universe.
Charlie Briggs '10
Charlie married his wife Kayla in August of 2013 and graduated from
Harding University with a BA in Broadcast Journalism in May 2014. He
currently lives in Albuquerque, NM and is working as a producer with
KOAT News, an ABC affiliate.
Lindsey Caldwell '10 and Steve Candeto '10
Steve and Lindsey began dating in 2009 at the beginning of their senior year
at Geneva. The couple continued to grow in their relationship throughout
the end of their high school journey and into their college years. They have
been able to create and share many, many memories together and during the
summer of 2014, they were able to add another!
In June of 2014, Steve gathered the courage to ask Lindsey's parents for her
hand in marriage. After a long and thoughtful planning time, Steve decided
to propose to Lindsey on June 18th, Steve's mother's birthday. With the
help of his and Lindsey's family, Steve was able to surprise Lindsey with gifts
and memories from throughout their time together. Each gift was presented
every hour, counting down to the moment when he would ask for her
hand in marriage. As the countdown reached its climax, Lindsey was driven
to Geneva (still unaware of what was to come). As Lindsey and her sister
began to pull into The Geneva School campus, she noticed Steve standing
on the field where the couple had begun their relationship four and a half
years earlier. Steve (shaking) walked Lindsey onto the field and proposed!
Steve Candeto and
Lindsey Caldwell
23
Maddie Francis
Lindsey, of course, said "YES!" and the two couldn't be more excited to
begin another step in their journey together! They will be married on May
30, 2015. They will be the second Geneva couple to marry.
David Closson '10
David graduated from UCF in May 2014 with a degree in political science
and a minor in leadership studies.
He is currently living in Louisville, Kentucky, and pursuing a, MDiv from
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a specific concentration in
worldview and apologetics. He will soon begin an internship with the Ethics
and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) which is the moral concerns
and public policy entity of the Southern Baptist convention.
Maddie Francis '10
Maddie graduated from UCF in December 2014 with a BA in English
Literature. This fall, she will be moving to NYC to join campus minister
Michael Keller's staff at Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) City
Campus Ministry (citycampusministry.com). RUF is the student ministry
of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Maddie is currently working
in Winter Park and fundraising for this upcoming opportunity. If you are
interested in partnering with her financially and/or prayerfully, you can
reach her at [email protected].
Michael Reynolds and
Taylor Shupert
Evan Pederson '10
Evan graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a double major in
linguistics and Chinese. He spent his last year of college studying abroad in
Beijing, and is now working at Geneva as an ESOL teacher and tutor for
Chinese high school students attending Geneva. He is really enjoying the
job, and looks forward to continuing to work with Geneva!
Michael Reynolds '10
Michael graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a major in
physics and minors in Latin and math. He is currently in the first year of
the physics doctoral program at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He
is engaged to Taylor Shupert and they will be married on May 29, 2015.
Rachel Lopdrup '11
Rachel Lopdrup
Rachel will graduate with highest distinction from Auburn University's
Honors College with a BS in Industrial Design this May. She has also been
awarded the President's Award for the College of Industrial Design. Rachel
was recently selected as one of five top student industrial designers across
the US through the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) Student
Merit Award Competition. She will be representing the southeast district in
the upcoming national conference in Seattle, and will present her body of
work to hundreds of design professionals and other attendees.
Caroline Gray '12
Caroline was recently accepted to participate in the Rollins Student Faculty
Collaboration Scholarship for eight weeks this summer. Her research
(alongside Dr. Stacey Dunn, PsyD) is focused on validating body image
anxiety—specifically sexual objectification, as a type of anxiety that has
physiological consequences and health ramifications. There is currently no
literature on body image anxiety and sexual objectification as a potential
health threat physiologically—not just psychologically. She will have the
opportunity to present their results and findings at a national conference
and will be working on publishing the findings in a scientific journal. She is
very excited to have this amazing research opportunity!
24
H
ello Geneva! We are in the home stretch
and summer is around the corner.
Those final decision letters are finding their
way into our students' hands as families
are comparing financial award letters and
making big decisions! To date, our senior
class has received 119 letters of acceptance to
57 different colleges and universities, as far
reaching as University of California, Irvine, to
the University of Michigan in Ann Harbor.
I look forward to seeing each of our seniors
in their college shirt during our College
Recognition Lunch at the end of this month!
I
COLLEGE
COUNSELING
Corner
Scott Thigpen
[email protected]
321-422-0213
n other college related news this month, I
received a letter from a career and college
advising company called Right C3. Upon
inspection and a little research, it appears to
be quite obvious that this company is out
to monetarily benefit from people who are
ignorant of the college admissions process.
These individuals capitalize on the anxiety
and stress fueled by the college admissions
process by magnifying it through their
deceptive words and my guess is, once
they have you close, they seize the financial
opportunity.
Here are some highlights of the letter I
received. It was addressed, "To the Parents of
Scott Thigpen":
•
"You and your student, Scott,
are scheduled to participate in an
educational group presentation followed
by a personal interview to help determine
college admission and financial aid
eligibility." Really, I am already scheduled?
•
"Colleges are now identifying prospective
students as early as the ninth grade for
admissions and financial aid assistance.
Therefore you need to attend in order
to receive assistance in making critical
decisions that will arise in the next few
months. Scott's future is too important
not to attend." I don't know of too many
"critical decisions" that arise during a
students' freshman year at Geneva other
than what they are going to wear on a nonuniform day.
•
•
"Additional services will be made
available for those needing additional
assistance." I am sure they will be!
Please do not fall prey to this sales pitch
and others like it. On the one hand, I do
understand the college admissions process
can be daunting and that it involves many
unknowns. On the other hand, you are not
alone. Along with all that we offer at Geneva,
there are a multitude of free resources out
there to help you make informed decisions.
T
hanks to all who attended the College
and Curriculum Night for upper school
families this month. Here are a couple of
other college related events that are headed
your way that you should be aware of:
PSAT Strategies Session by Core Tutors:
Saturday, May 2, 2015. Core Tutors will be
giving a free PSAT strategies session in the
music room to our sophomore and freshman
classes. Among other things, Core Tutors
will be giving a breakdown of the test, giving
an overview of grammar, and discussing the
tricks of the trade. This will not be individual
test prep. Parents are strongly encouraged to
attend for the duration of the presentation.
Eighth graders are also welcome to attend.
This event has extra importance given the
changes in the test for next year.
Exploring Educational Excellence:
Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30pm. Join Brown
University, University of Chicago, University
of Columbia, Cornell University and Rice
University for an information session for
prospective students and their families.
Sessions include a brief overview of each
institution, information on admissions
and financial aid, and a chance to speak
informally with admissions representatives.
Visit exploringeducationalexcellence.org for
location and to register.
Thanks for hanging out on the college page!
Sincerely,
"Scott's unique educational needs will be
addressed during the personal interview
following the presentation."
25
THE RESURRECTION
AND
POST-MODERN CULTURE
Dr. Michael S. Beates, Dean of Students
While watching the "March Madness" basketball games and
scrolling through the channel guide in the weeks before Easter, I
noticed (as perhaps you have) the annual inundation of television
shows about Jesus and the Bible. This is no surprise of course,
nor is any of it appealing to me in the least. But such productions
are (along with major cover stories in print media by the once
important national news magazines) a hallmark of our day. Allow
me a couple of reflections about this trend.
The Post-Modern Narrative
Ever since the "Enlightenment" (which I always put in quotes
since "enlightened" people assume that the Middle Ages before
"enlightenment" were "dark" because the Christian faith was
the ordering set of ideas in the West), secular society has sought,
however and as often as it can, to denigrate, marginalize, and
discredit the story of Jesus and his resurrection. The modern
media outlets more recently realized that the Easter season is the
prime time to run stories and shows that appeal to the masses,
while at the same time subtly but intentionally chipping away at
the reliability and truth of the Christian story.
"We are enlightened people who have the benefit of so much
more science and information than our poor mal-informed
ancestors," the narrative goes. "With all due sympathy for people
of old, we know that someone who has been dead for several days
cannot be reinvigorated." And so it goes on to give one reason
after another why early Christians were led into superstition that
eventually morphed into deeply held beliefs in words that were
never actually spoken and events that never transpired in history.
This narrative recognizes good moral teaching that may still be
a benefit to the larger society. The post-modern "enlightened"
skeptic acknowledges valuable teachings about how we can be
good people without holding on to those antiquated stories about
miracles and resurrection. We must simply divorce Jesus's nice
words from his miraculous actions.
Pretty much every word of the preceding paragraph is a lie; one,
as Steve Brown (of Keylife Network) might say, "smells like
smoke and comes from the pit of hell." And it is important that
we not be taken in by the winsome portrayals of these lies each
year around Easter.
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Our day is one where the highest virtue is tolerating any and
every idea that anyone holds and practices; while, ironically,
being quite intolerant of historic Christian faith that says some
ideas and beliefs are true and bring life while others are false and
lead to death.
The Crucial Nature of the Resurrection
This brings us to what is so central about Easter and the
resurrection. Parents smile when their five year old says, "Jesus
died on the cross for my sins." And we believe that is true, no
doubt. But it is not enough to stop there. Any student who has
sat in my New Testament survey class should, without hesitation,
be able to say that the resurrection of Jesus is the keystone of the
Christian faith. And we should help our children from an early
age to say, "Jesus died on the cross for my sins, and rose from the
dead so that I might live forever."
Our friends in the secular culture, historians and television
producers alike, are willing to grant that a man named Jesus of
Nazareth died by crucifixion in Jerusalem around 30 AD (excuse
me, around 30 CE … but that's another subject!). But, Geneva
friends, as Paul of Tarsus said in 1 Corinthians 15, if Jesus did
not rise from the dead, we remain in our sins, our faith is futile,
and we are to be pitied above all people for believing in worthless,
indeed tragically flawed, ideas. I tell students that if Jesus did not
rise from the dead, if the resurrection is not true, then we may
as well close the churches and all play golf on Sunday because
nothing else we might belief can stand.
As a keystone bears all the force and weight of an arch, so the
resurrection holds together historic Christian faith. If one pulls
out the keystone, the whole arch falls, no matter how carefully
it is constructed. If the resurrection did not occur in space and
time, the words of Jesus, the miracles of Jesus, and the teaching
of the New Testament as a whole also crumbles into a worthless,
pitiable heap of meaninglessness.
This is why, for hundreds of years, the first place historic faith is
attacked most vociferously is at the historicity of the resurrection.
If the resurrection is proved false, the game is over. Period.
The downstream ramification includes the moral teachings of
Jesus and all the rest of New Testament teaching along with it.
C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity famously wrote (best read with a
proper British accent for the fullest impact),
A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things
Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would
either be a lunatic—on the level with a man who says he is a
poached egg—or he would be the devil of hell. You must take
your choice. Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a
madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool
or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let
us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a
great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did
not intend to.
Jesus did not die and rise again to make people good or to help
people merely live a better life; he died and rose again to save
profoundly sin-sick people and give us the hope of everlasting life
in fellowship with our creator. This hope is not a post-modern
hope (that our team will win or our stocks will rise, or that our
friend will survive a bout with cancer); this hope is an anchor
for the soul, firmly and immovably anchored in the unbreakable
promises of God.
For this reason, every sermon recorded in The Acts of the
Apostles—every single one—comes back to and focuses upon
the fact that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday morning.
This resurrection, not merely his dying on the cross, is the essence
of Christian teaching. Good Friday was "good" in the sense that
sin-sick people everywhere need someone to die in their place.
We grant, and Paul said, that "good people" die for others all the
time, even for the purpose of saving another's life (albeit only
so they die later). Yet Jesus rose from the dead so that spiritually
dead people might have new life: abundant life now, and eternal
life hereafter.
Friends, do not be taken in by lies on the History Channel or on
NBC or from Hollywood that seeks to rewrite history to conform
to a post-modern narrative. Do not stop short of all that God
promises in Christ by believing only that he died on the cross (as
he did!). Remember and hold fast to Paul's words at the end of 1
Corinthians 15: "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is
the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ" (that is, through his resurrection)!
When we believe this and live in the light of this, Paul's final
words in that chapter bring a new power: "Therefore, my beloved
brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work
of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
So we say with believers for the last 2,000 years, "Christ has died,
Christ is risen, Christ will come again."
Thanks be to God.
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas is a painting of the subject of the
same name by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio, c. 1601–1602.
It is housed in the Sanssouci Palace, now a museum, in Potsdam, Berlin, Germany.
27
The Geneva School
2025 State Road 436
Winter Park, FL 32792
Congratulations to TGS Spelling
Bee champion, seventh grader
Elizabeth Troutman, who went
on to place in the top two at
the Seminole County Spelling
Bee on February 20. Her high
finish at the county bee qualified
Elizabeth to compete at the
Orlando Sentinel’s 56th Annual
Spelling Bee on March 24, where
she was one of seventeen students
representing eight counties. After a
complimentary breakfast, Elizabeth
competed for two hours, correctly
spelling words like “discursively,”
“luminaria,” “igneous,” and even
the obscure word “beetewk” (in
case you’re wondering, it’s a breed
of Russian draft horse). Elizabeth
did her parents, Lisa and Richard
Troutman, and The Geneva
School, proud, earning a fifthplace finish.
The Geneva School • 2025 SR 436 • Winter Park, FL 32792
407-332-6363 • www.genevaschool.org