CSCS Lions Report 2023 Winter Edition

Colorado Springs Christian Schools

LIONS REPORT

Homecoming spirit week was highlighted by an exciting pep rally, football game, and dance. Seniors Andrew P. and Maryn D. were crowned homecoming king and queen during halftime of a nail-biter game against Banning Lewis, where the Lions thrilled the crowd winning 26-22!

Homecoming ’22

The high school was “Rockin’ Around the Clock” Oct. 15 as students danced to hits of the ’50s while noshing on fries, cotton candy, Cokes, and milkshakes in the CSCS Field House. Most students dressed to the theme, and Mr. and Mrs. Watties generously hosted swing dance lessons leading up to the dance. The chrome high-top diner tables, checkerboard dance floor, and the yellow 1940s Ford offered a themed backdrop for a rockin’ evening!

Kick-Off Rally

CSCS kicked off the new school year with our annual Back-to-School Rally Aug. 22. The Lions family celebrated together with food trucks and worship led by our Elementary and Witness students. This year we dedicated the Haven Café along with the Michaux Chapel, in honor of former Chaplain and Bible teacher Mr. Dave Michaux.

Photos by Jen Tyler

PTO Better Together

by PTO Co-Presidents Kelley Erickson & Dixie Harder

As a PTO we truly believe in the phrase “Better Together.” Our PTO has the unique characteristic of being for K–12 parents. In a big school, we strive to make our PTO a place where we as parents can come together to hear about each campus’s highlights and pray over our teachers and principals.

As a PTO, we worked with our K–12 students on the annual FUNd to Serve campaign, which has raised over $104,000 because of amazing families and friends of CSCS! We were able to give 8 interactive smart TVs, complete the Haven sink installation, replace two security doors, bless our teachers, and more! The blessing has been to see and hear about the ways our students have served our campus and so many other places!

This Christmas season we asked parents to help us gift our teachers and staff with dining gift cards. We paired those with Brookstone heated blankets and walked around campus to personally deliver each gift. On behalf of parents, we were able tell our teachers and staff how much we all appreciate them. This would not have been possible without our parents!

Please join us at our next meeting April 14! We would love to meet you and welcome you into our community!

Kelley Erickson & Dixie Harder

The Haven

The library has been renovated into a beautiful café and multi-purpose space.

Using $11,668 of FUNd to Serve money contributed by the PTO, as well as countless hours of service and supplies donated by parents, high school students, and business owners, the former high school library was transformed into The Haven over the summer, replacing the “Commons.” As the name suggests, The Haven is a special space for high school students to rest, study, pray, have Bible study, hang out with friends, or wait before and after school. At lunchtime, it’s where the seniors can eat and high schoolers can purchase food items from the café, which is managed by students.

“I appreciate the responsibility I am given as a café manager, and it is strengthening my leadership and teamwork skills,” senior Mica L. said. “The Haven is SO much more spacious than the Commons was—much better for hanging out!”

The Haven is also used for sports team dinners and meetings. The old Commons is now called the Michaux Chapel and is used for classes and meetings, and it is rented by a church on Sunday mornings. The elementary library is now serving as the K–12 library.

WELCOME NEW STUDENTS + TEACHERS + STAFF

This is CSCS’s 52nd year! We are incredibly grateful to the many new teachers and staff members that God has provided to join our mission this school year!

FACTS + FIGURES

2022–23 by the numbers:

CSCS students: 955

(not including sports-only students)

Elementary School: 323

Middle School: 204

High School: 267

Woodland Park (K–8): 138

Lions Online: 23

New students: 229

New families: 123

Military students: 63

Legacy students: 81 (kids of CSCS alumni)

The sophomore class enjoyed their Friendsgiving in the Haven in November.

The Haven had its ribbon cutting, dedication, and grand opening at the kick-off rally Aug. 22.

What’s New @ CSCS Woodland Park

by

In the past few years there have been additions such as a middle school, a foreign language lab, outdoor education classes, personal fitness classes held at Woodland Fitness Center, and after school sports programs to include gymnastics. An exciting aspect of the middle school foreign language lab is that each student can pick from 22 languages they would like to individually study. Some of our students in the cyber security class are now in their second year of learning things that college students learn for their degree. Our equine leadership class continues to teach Christian leadership through a running horse ranch at Faithful Hearts.

Veterans Day Chapels

Despite such a small circle of students to choose from, our sports programs have exceeded all expectations. God seems to bring the coaches, teachers, and students that we need to fulfill His purpose and to glorify Him.

We had our 2nd annual successful chili cook-off and auction in September. Our highest selling item was a paint party and fondue with Mrs. Havnaer. What a blessing when a child’s favorite event is coming to school on a non-school day to spend time with their teacher! As the school year progresses, we are continually hopeful that our students grow in faith and grace. We hope they know CSCS is not just about education but a lifelong pouring into hearts and souls so that they make a difference and become the next generation of defenders of faith.

We were thankful to have Major General Stephen W. Oliver Jr. (USAF retired) speak at our combined middle and high school Veterans Day chapel this year. He shared how his faith in God enabled his service for 31 years on active duty in the US Air Force. He relayed how Christ is our model of character and servant leadership, how faith keeps us humble, how God sustains and comforts us during challenges and failures, and how the fellowship of believers provides us encouragement and accountability. Students and guests also enjoyed our Witness audition choir singing the national anthem as well as separate impressive performances by the Air Force Academy Cadet Rifle Drill Team and the Air Force Academy Cadet Honor Guard.

The elementary chapels were well attended by retired and active duty military guests representing all the military branches. Each were individually introduced in an attempt to honor these present-day heroes. Our speaker was Mr. Mark Thieme, a retired veteran and CSCS dad of two current elementary students, who has served many of our students as a running coach recently. His service to them made his appearance as a speaker even more meaningful as he talked about serving through his military career. Students presented the colors, sang patriotic songs, and waved flags. Several students prayed specifically for the three CSCS elementary parents who are currently deployed.

(L–R): Chief Warrant Officer-3 Chad Carvalho (US Army Reserve), Maj. Gen. Stephen W. Oliver Jr. (USAF Retired, guest speaker), Col. Gina Oliver (USAF Retired), Col. Eric Dorminey (US Space Force), Lt. Col. Chappy Watties (USAF Retired), Lt. Col. Mick Tingstrom (USAF Retired).

Photos by Karen Carvalho

Woodland Park Principal Mary Boyles

This first semester as the high school principal was a wonderful experience for me! There were great moments of academic, athletic, performance, and spiritual accomplishments. One of the most rewarding experiences was watching our students grow in all aspects of their lives and getting to see them using all of their different interests and talents in both curricular and co-

Senior Retreat

curricular areas. I enjoyed meeting more and more of the parents of these wonderful students. Sometimes it is just a “hi” in the traffic line or at a school event, and sometimes it is in a scheduled meeting to share ideas or discuss concerns. Either way, I enjoyed getting to know them as individuals and what they do in their lives and with their children. CSCS has been and will

continue to be a great place of community, and I hope to foster that relationship to help our students grow to be who God wants them to be.

– Principal Debbie Baker

Internship Leadership Class

by Senior Annie Smith

The class of 2023, our advisor, Mr. Howard, and other senior class teachers enjoyed a weekend full of memories and traditions at Camp Elim Aug. 20–22. A couple special traditions were sharing testimonies around the campfire and dividing the class into 6 teams using themed bandanas for competitions. “Being on teams was fun because we got to bond with classmates that we don’t always get to see at school,” senior Nate Davies said.

Worship was led by CSCS Middle School teacher Ms. Watties, and the speaker was local youth pastor Josh Galardo, who ironically spoke at our 8th grade retreat in 2019. He talked through the class verse, Isaiah 40:31, by explaining what the Gospel really includes, what is narcissistic Christianity, and anticipating Jesus’ return. These topics created great discussions for the seniors. It was an amazing time to escape the busyness of life, look internally, and spend time with each other before the craziness of senior year began.

Every fall semester for the past seven years, select CSCS upperclassmen who maintain a B average or higher are given the opportunity to enroll in the Internship Leadership Class, a college-style class taught once weekly by Superintendent Dr. DeRenzo and Chief Operations Officer Mrs. Meeter. There were 13 seniors in the class this school year, which is almost double the number of students from last year. Seminar sessions with Dr. DeRenzo cover such topics as self-assessment, characteristics of a leader, the culture of leadership, and include a leadership panel composed of CSCS leadership team members. Supervisory sessions are led by Mrs. Meeter to facilitate readings, online discussions, and project work.

Each student is required to fulfill an internship position in the local community in the field of one of their greatest interests. Mrs. Meeter coordinates this internship experience and evaluates their contribution with their mentor at each location. “Many students have said this helps them solidify their career choices and grows their personal leadership skills,” Mrs. Meeter said. “It gives them confidence as they face entering college or the work force.”

Casey V. interned at the Animal Clinic of Woodland Park, assisting on several operations including ACL, and spaying and neutering cats and dogs. She was offered a job and currently works 3–4 days a week assisting Dr. Volz and Dr. Baier—one of the veterinarians from the Animal Planet show “Rocky Mountain Vet.”

Kristie L. learned how to laminate an above-knee prosthetic leg at her Audubon Orthotic and Prosthetic Services internship. She also observed a total hip and knee replacement at the CS Orthopedic Group Surgery Center. Kristie will pursue a degree in biomedical engineering on a pre-medicine track.

STEM II Class Enters First ACSI STEM Competition

The STEM II class participated in a virtual ACSI Stem Competition for the first time ever Feb. 4, 2023. STEM I was so popular last year that STEM II was offered this year teaching higher level STEM skills. “We began our STEM II elective with the competition in mind, and most of the fall semester was dedicated to preparation,” Principal Derika Hacker said.

The ACSI STEM Competition challenges that our students worked on were:

Deep Racer Students used artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to train a small model car to drive itself around a track.

Robotics Thunder Lunch Students developed a robot to build mock sandwiches made to order.

Capture the Flag Students studied and competed in a capture the flag simulation using computer hacking techniques.

Innovations in Service Students worked with a local healthcare organization to develop an app to help people with dementia and those who care for them. Aerospace Glider Students worked to design and build a glider as well as a device to launch it.

Last fall, the STEM II class planned and built a model of a Mars Colony to help them work on research and collaboration. Their mission was to come up with a way to obtain water, food, and breathable air, and to develop means for transportation, government, and entertainment on Mars.

MS Speech Meet Returns

The middle school participated in our CSCS Speech Meet Nov. 8 for the second year in a row after a break of more than 10 years. “Students have done a remarkable job practicing and working diligently to represent themselves well when speaking in public during their elementary years,” Principal Derika Hacker said. “The middle school wanted to continue building that valuable skill in a setting more formal than the classroom.”

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Last fall, the middle school team of over 20 teachers, 8 being new to CSCS, has had a front row seat to students working hard and growing in Christ. Our teachers gather weekly to discuss and pray over our students and share stories of “aha” moments they have witnessed in the classroom.

During one of our first chapels with our middle school worship team, I watched one such moment occur that will forever stand out in my memory as an example of the heart of our middle school teachers. We had a new 6th grader on stage who was working diligently to play the drum during one of the worship songs. Bless his heart, he could not find nor keep the beat. One of our teachers stood directly in front of him during practice and then again during chapel clapping the beat for him to follow. His spirits were lifted that day as he confidently drummed on stage with the rest of the worship team.

It is the perfect illustration of the heart of the middle school staff: model the skills for the students and do whatever necessary to help the student succeed!

– Principal Derika Hacker

Seventh grader Jacob B. delivers his political commentary speech.

“Giving students an avenue to plan, build, and test inventions of their own is the whole point of STEM, and they are loving it!”

—MS STEM teacher

Christie Wingo

Students train a car to drive itself for the Deep Racer challenge.

Students presented the Mars Colony project to staff.

Called to Serve

ENCOURAGING OTHERS THROUGH KINDNESS

CSCS’s mission is to provide an excellent education from a Christcentered, biblical perspective for lifelong service. To support this, students participate in a variety of service opportunities throughout the school year because it is a vital part of their Christian education.

Our Springs campus elementary students had a day of service in October following the FUNd to Serve fundraiser. Each grade participated in different ways and had fun preparing things to bless others.

“We want Bible to be more than an academic class. We want it to be a lab class,” Principal Doug Bray said. “Kids learn best when all of their senses are involved. DOING service with their hands and feet helps cement the lesson better than just seatwork does. It also helps them see the people part of service, which connects them emotionally and spiritually with the lesson.”

2nd graders visited the Colorado Springs Police Department in October and brought them notes of encouragement along with boxes full of snacks and drinks. Students had an amazing time touring the facility, sitting in the vehicles, and learning about what the CSPD does in “Safeguarding our Community as our Family.”

4th graders worked with their 1st grade buddies to pack more than 200 bags with snacks, gum, and cards for first responders. They also did a coat drive and put encouraging notes in the pockets of the coats. They were donated to Crossfire Ministries, a no-cost shopping facility for food, clothing, and toiletries for families in need.

5th graders worked with their kindergarten buddies to make knit hats for preemie babies as well as tied fleece blankets.

Middle schoolers at our Woodland Park campus helped care for the school neighborhood by picking up trash in October.

CSCS teachers solicited feedback from first responders about what they like to receive from children, and overwhelmingly, notes and cards were #1! Most of our elementary students wrote encouraging notes or handmade cards of appreciation, many with Bible verses, as part of their service projects. They were all delivered to local fire departments and police stations along with lots of goodies!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Operation Christmas Child

In elementary, students fill shoeboxes for children in need and gather them at a specific chapel to send on to Operation Christmas Child. Our 8th graders volunteer most years in December at the processing center in Denver to inspect those boxes and prepare them for shipment. They work in teams to remove items that are not allowed, fill up empty space, tape the boxes closed, and sort by age and gender. This helps our 8th graders gain an even deeper understanding of the kids who receive these gifts and a deeper appreciation for the work involved in serving others.

“These kids were so loving being the hands and feet of Jesus that they didn’t want to leave when the time came,” 8th grade English teacher Dr. Stephanie Phillips said. “While these kids all have different skills and abilities, they worked together to pack almost 1,400 boxes that will be sent to Mexico to spread the gospel. It brings tears to my eyes to see these kids working for Jesus!”

“I

“Serving others outside the walls of our school is an important piece of education that CSCS middle schoolers experience several times a year,” Principal Derika Hacker said. “Understanding people who live differently than they do, empathizing with someone who may be less fortunate, and developing relational and professional skills is a large piece of our mission for students to develop a heart for lifelong service.”

“Service teaches high school students to put their focus on others and not themselves,” Principal Debbie Baker said. “This attitude for life is very contradictory to what our society is teaching them.”

Service projects in the high school include the CSCS Fun Fair in the spring, knitting preemie hats (186 hats so far this year), serving in their respective churches, our food and clothing drive, and serving through student government, student life, and various community organizations. They helped the vendors set up for the Christmas Extravaganza in December and are called on often to move things around the school. Additionally, each National Honor Society member completes 20 service hours of volunteer work at school and in the community each semester.

“Serving people helps me connect with others who are not like me and may have different beliefs.”

—Norah M.

Our 8th grade team at the OCC Processing Center Dec. 2022

enjoy helping serve inside and outside of school. It helps me learn more about others and see what I can be grateful for in my own life.” —Bella R.

“Serving is fulfilling the needs of others in a Godly way.”

—Colton S.

“Anything done to the glory of God is service to Him (Romans 12).”

—Noah E.

Noelle M. and Shannon T. help set up for an event.

Juniors Colton S. and Noah E. serve on the high school Student Council.

NOTE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

My most memorable moment of the year so far was when one of our young, bright students was in trouble. We talked about ideas for dealing with the issues in the future and I asked: “Do you ever ask the Lord for His help?” Our student said, “Yeah! Like last night! I asked Him over and over for help. Is He helping me?!”

So this child, who had asked the Lord for help in school, was in trouble and talking to the principal, not feeling very “helped,” and wondering if this much-talked-about help from God was a real thing. I gulped,

Angel Alert!

thinking I’d better have the right answer, and I worried it might sound fake.

But my biggest gut-check was that I wished every child would ask those kinds of questions. We all have them. This should be a very safe place to question God! But those thoughts may be viewed as disrespectful or irreverent, so kids don’t ask. We want that deeper level of trust and warmth with the students. So, we as a faculty are studying and talking to each other about how we can more intentionally foster spiritual

and intellectual curiosity, and allow the expression of healthy doubt. One of our youngest inspired us to make it a topic we can better address!

CSCS 2nd and 3rd graders presented their Christmas musical the evening of Dec. 8. Under music teacher Mrs. Katey Sherbondy’s direction, they performed “Angel Alert!” to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. The costumes and beautiful sets enhanced the joyous songs our children sang. High-flying and funny angels walked us through the very first Christmas. The singing and ribbon dancing were inspiring! The 2nd and 3rd graders successfully led us to give “glory to God in the highest.”

TEACHER FEATURE:

Wendy Eskew

Ms. Wendy Eskew started as a substitute at CSCS in 1996. She was hired full-time by Mr. Bray in 1997 and has served our elementary school for the past 26 years. She has taught a total of 28 years—the first two being in California before her boys were born. While she student-taught in a 2nd grade classroom, at CSCS she has taught 1st grade and 4th grade in the past, and 5th grade for 16 years now. One year one of her 4th grade classes was all boys. She also spent two years back-to-back teaching a combo class of 4th and 5th graders.

Her own two boys attended all of their 13 years at CSCS (Dan Rodriguez ’10 and Ben Rodriguez ’12). Both of them started on the wrestling team in 1st grade with Mr. Bray. She had the wonderful opportunity of having her youngest son, Ben, in her 4th grade class one year.

“I have many favorite memories, but one that stands out to me is being able to watch my boys grow up right here at CSCS,” Wendy said. “It was a blessing to have a front row seat throughout all of their school days, kindergarten graduations, music programs, dress-up days, and achievements. This is why I wanted to teach.” Wendy knew she wanted to be where they were so she could be a vital part of their growing-up years.

She first felt called by the Lord into the ministry of teaching when she was 10 years old. “I would help my Grammy teach her kindergarten Sunday school class each week. When I was 13, I went forward at my church to dedicate my life to ministry as a teacher.”

5th grade teacher Wendy Eskew has served CSCS Elementary for 26 years!

—Principal Doug Bray

State XC placements:

Sophomore Andrew B. — 9th

Sophomore Jenea L. — 10th

Football Reaches State Semi-Finals

The CSCS Lions, coached by Amos Velasquez, had a pair of come-from-behind wins in the 1A football playoffs, beating Buena Vista 21-18 at the last minute in the first round (photo below), and clinching the exciting game against Yuma 24-23 in the second round! They lost the regional semi-final game to Limon. Sophomore Jace V. broke a school record as quarterback throwing 2,100 yards.

Boys XC Wins Regionals, 2nd in State

Congratulations to the CSCS Boys Cross Country team, coached by Rob Collins, who won the 2A regional competition for the first time since 2006, and took 2nd place at the state cross country championships! The girls team qualified for the state meet by finishing 4th at regionals. Congratulations to sophomore Andrew B. for placing 9th at state, and to sophomore Jenea L. for placing 10th!

photos

Senior CHSAA Recognition

Congratulations to sophomore Owen A. who qualified for the 3A State Golf Tournament! There were 16 golfers on the boys team this year, which is the largest golf team in CSCS history. Coaches Nathan Grey and Blake Williams did a great job of leading the program and providing opportunities for golfers to improve by setting up individual matches with other schools instead of the traditional tournaments teams attend.

Congratulations to these CSCS seniors for being recognized by CHSAA for their performance!

All State:

Ashton L., football, 1st team

Taylor M., football, 1st team

Josh N., football, 2nd team

Nate T., football, 2nd team

All Conference:

Josh N., football, 1st team

Casey O., football, 1st team

Ashton L., football, 1st team

Taylor M., football, 1st team

Nate T., football, 1st team

Joshua L., soccer, 1st team

Gazette All Area: Taylor M., football

Honorable Mention: Camille W., volleyball

Football

by Jen Tyler

All-State 1st Team Ashton L.

Glory to God

by Abe Thompson CSCS Director of Advancement

Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)! I love this phrase for its pure power and simple truth. CSCS is a continuous showcase of God’s glory as he works to transform lives in astounding ways. The goal of the Advancement Department is to further the mission of CSCS by building irresistible, authentic community, strengthening meaningful, worthwhile alumni heritage, and deepening stakeholder and sustainer connections to establish perpetual impact for Christian education at CSCS.

From our celebration of over 50 years to our recent CSCS Family Christmas Extravaganza, 2022 was an amazing example of God’s handiwork. As we celebrated the Son, the year’s end was

punctuated with God’s miraculous move on the hearts of our CSCS family and friends to shatter our $200,000 essential fundraising goal in jaw-dropping fashion. I often say, “I’m no longer surprised at God’s work, but I am always amazed!”

As a reminder, to keep CSCS more accessible, our founders required that the full cost not be incurred with tuition alone. Our remaining costs must be fundraised every year. While we are incredibly pleased with what our 81 individual yearend donors shared in 2022, imagine how encouraging it would be to see more of our 10,000+ extended family members (alumni, staff, parents, students, grandparents, and friends) participate. Even the smallest amount of prayer and financial support from each of us is a confirmation of the warriors we have by our side in the battle to preserve and strengthen Christian education at CSCS. We look forward to reunions this year for the classes of 2010 and 2013! If you’d like

to be a monthly participant in supporting CSCS, join Joshua’s Army today! Any amount changes lives: www.cscslions.org/joshua-s-army.

CSCS ADVANCEMENT ALUMNI CORNER

From CSCS Alumnus to PTO Co-President

CSCS is pleased to welcome our new PTO Co-President, Kelley (Fender ’94) Erickson. Kelley boldly stepped up to continue the amazing work and selfless commitment of Mrs. Dixie Harder.

Our CSCS PTO has a massive impact on our whole CSCS family. Why did you as an alumnus decide to take on this major responsibility to carry on the great work of your predecessor?

One of my teachers, Mrs. Geri (Faulkner) Trim, taught speech/ communications, and it stirred something in me. That interest turned into studying Communications and Organizational Management at UCCS, where I graduated with a BA in 1997. My work history involved marketing,

event planning, managing volunteers, and scheduling speakers for college chapels. Once our daughter, Stella, started at CSCS, I stepped away from working and knew I wanted to be a part of volunteering at CSCS. I was invited to my first PTO meeting by Kymber (Kelly ’94) Williams, who mentioned this would be a great place to start. I attended a few meetings and was impressed by how the PTO stepped up to honor our teachers. I knew right away I wanted to be a part of the team that Dixie had put together. The leadership team is a group of humble women who want to use their God-given gifts to grow our school. I started by selling our Lions Gear spirit wear at events and was able to connect with other parents. It was an honor to take on the role of copresident this year and learn from Dixie as she begins to step away after nine years of leading this amazing PTO.

As a CSCS mom and graduate, what do the CSCS teachers mean to you and your PTO team?

One of the many reasons Phil (Class of ’95) and I chose to send our daughter to CSCS was the teachers. Many of

our teachers choose to be at CSCS because they truly believe in investing in the students educationally and weaving our faith into each subject. CSCS PTO’s mission centers on supporting and serving our teachers. We volunteer to encourage them in their work and remind them of how much we as parents value and appreciate them!

What unifying message would you love to share with both CSCS parents and teachers?

I want them to know that our PTO is filled people who aren’t perfect but just want to volunteer and connect with one another and bless our teachers! We welcome anyone who wants to hear about our campus and invite parents to share the gifts that God blessed them with to serve others in our school. We have one meeting left for this school year on April 14. My goal is for our parents to encourage and pray over our principals and teachers at each meeting, as well as getting to know each other. Relationships are a huge part of our time together as the body of Christ! Prayer and genuine fellowship are my two priorities!

CDR Abe Thompson, US Navy (Ret.) CSCS Class of ’89

Where are they now?

Beth

Luff | 1984

by Freshman Lillyana

Beth (Luff ’84) Ritchie had an idea that through God was made possible. Her idea was to create a safe haven for young women who have experienced getting trafficked. Human trafficking is the illegal trade of humans. It is the control, recruitment, and use of people for their labor and bodies. Beth started BV Hope in 2014 in Buena Vista, CO, with the mission of helping educate local citizens to prevent trafficking in the community and to support survivors. More recently she founded Haven for Hope (“Creating a Sanctuary Where Love Heals”), which is BV Hope’s response to the need for safe and restorative housing for women who are survivors of human trafficking. Last August, Haven for Hope held its first annual gala fundraiser, which was a huge success raising about $13,000. “We will be using the funds for the future home for survivors,” Beth said. “Many times if they don’t have a safe place to heal, they are trafficked again.” Haven for Hope’s goal is to be fully funded for two years of operations by 2026, when they plan to open their doors. If you are interested in supporting these organizations by volunteering your time or donating financially, visit www.Bvhope.org or www.HavenforHopeCO.org

Beth helps those in need through her veterinary practice as well. She started her house call practice in 1999 as an answer to the needs of the many homebound individuals in the Buena Vista area, and she offers discounts to senior citizens and the handicapped. She received both her Bachelor’s of Zoology (1988) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (1993) from Colorado State University. She and her husband have lived in Buena Vista, CO, since 1997.

Alex

by Katie & Kristie Lamberton

Last June, Alex Baldessari (’22), Katie Lamberton (’22) and current CSCS senior Kristie Lamberton traveled to Greece on a 14-day performance tour with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Highlights of the trip included visiting and performing in Athens and Olympia, music at the American College of Greece, and visiting historic sites on the Peloponnese Peninsula.

We performed an original composition, “The Odyssey.” We visited the treasures of the ancient Greek world including the Parthenon. We enjoyed a seminar on the history of music in Ancient Greece with a special performance of the Lyre. We embarked on a 4-day Aegean Sea cruise to the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini as well as Kusadasi, Turkey. Touring the Grotto of the Apocalypse in Patmos was especially impactful as it is the place where John the Apostle was exiled and wrote the book of Revelation. As we toured Ephesus, we marveled at the massive amphitheater in the ruins as we imagined Paul standing in the center preaching to the Ephesians. We toured two longstanding monasteries, Grand Meteora and St. Stephan, on the top of the fortified hillside in Kalabaka. Our final performance took place in Olympia, home of the first Olympic games. We fell in love with Greece and its people, and were grateful for this opportunity!

Baldessari & Katie Lamberton | 2022

Alex & Katie

Kristie & Katie

Riker

4855 Mallow Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80907

719-599-3553

www.cscslions.org

A NOTE FROM SUPERINTENDENT ROLAND DERENZO

Looking back on Christmastime, one classic Christmas movie I enjoyed was “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Frank Capra’s film, made in 1946, was brimming with valuable life lessons that reminded viewers that family, friends, and life itself were more important than gifts! As good as this movie was, a wonderful life would not have been possible without the “true story” of Christmas. While movies can bring about nostalgia and feelings of good cheer, the birth of the Christ Child has brought us hope, love, and eternal joy for all who have believed in Him.

This past Christmas season many of us experienced family gatherings, buying and wrapping gifts, decorating our trees and homes, and, of course, celebrating and worshipping the Babe in the manger. For those who know the Savior and live their lives because of Him, the Advent of the Lord brought great joy and excitement! The conditions that Mary and Joseph faced that first Christmas were many. Mary was pregnant while traveling by donkey to their home town for the census; they had no place to stay as they finally found a humble stable where the Baby Jesus was born. With this as the backdrop to the arrival of God’s greatest Gift possible, He entered the scene and as only God can do; He transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary

The stable turned into a cathedral, the feeding trough turned into a cradle, the shepherds became the first worshippers, and the wise men were the second gift givers (God gave the first gift, His one and only Son). Let’s not forget the Angels, the first choir, who sang praise and adoration to the newborn King!

This New Year no matter what you are facing or the circumstances that you find yourself in, King Jesus continues to bring HOPE and PEACE because just the very presence of Jesus changes everything. It truly is a wonderful life when you know the Savior!

Our volunteer newsletter team—Lead editor/designer: Jenny Driscoll; Editorial team: Kelley Erickson, Abe Thompson, Cara Davies, Kristen Wright, Ashley Akovenko; Photographers: Jen Tyler, Skrastins Photography, Emily Brumley, Karen Carvalho, Kenny Flanagan, Heather Walker.