LionsReport - Summer 2022

2021–2022 NEWSLETTER | SUMMER EDITION

Colorado Springs Christian Schools

LIONS REPORT EXCELLENT EDUCATION | BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE | LIFELONG SERVICE

CSCS Celebrates 50th

by Anna (Kitchen ’04) Flanagan, CSCS Director of Facilities, Rentals & Events

Collective Groove was our featured band!

Almost a year ago, God laid on my heart the desire to honor CSCS for 50 years of education and service to this community. Think of the amount of people that 50 years have touched and how far those 3,345 CSCS graduates since 1971 have reached into every corner of the world. I kept resonating on the fact that joy and celebration are FREE gifts that the Lord gives us. How amazing would it be to offer a FREE event to the community around us who have (L–R) Krystal Hawker, rallied behind CSCS? We wanted to bless them Anna Flanagan, and their with gifts, giveaways, and games, support local team planned this event! small businesses, open the gates to anyone, honor the founding members, and have ALL ages play and worship together. What if we could unite all those people at one time, in one place, to focus on the joy and celebration of how CSCS has uniquely touched each of our lives?

One spirit-led step at a time, with an incredible team, a small dream became a big reality May 13, 2022, at Weidner Field—the new Switchbacks soccer stadium in downtown Colorado Springs. I’ll never forget looking out over the event from three floors above and seeing people laughing, students playing football and human hungry hippo, CSCS teachers hugging alumni, and watching families from both campuses become better acquainted. What an incredible sight true community is! We will never forget the deep-rooted legacy and community impact CSCS has left on our hearts and will continue to leave for the next 50 years.

Our 2022 graduating seniors and kindergartners were honored together.

More than 3,000 attended including 135 alumni 18 vendors (small businesses around the Springs) More than 60 different groups of people/ businesses contributed to donate giveaways and sponsorships to fully fund the event. $35,000 in giveaways including a trip to the Broadmoor and a week in Breckenridge.

More than 50 people from around the globe sent videos of congratulations.

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WHAT’S NEW

Our upper elementary students loved the acting class!

Arts Day Includes MS

by Jill Bowman After patiently waiting for two years, CSCS was able to again host our annual Arts Day! This day is typically set aside for elementary students to indulge in the arts, but for the first time in CSCS history, middle school students were given the opportunity to participate as well! From stage acting and improv, to paint and air clay art labs, to tie dye and “Terrible Drawing with Chad,” students enjoyed learning the principles and elements of design through hands-on-instruction.

Our middle school students enjoyed a day dedicated to art for the first time.

Painting with Mrs. Reeder and the selfie museum were part of the rotation.

With over 75 parent, teacher, and staff volunteers putting together workshops, classes, and the ultimate selfie museum, students left behind stress and picked up creativity and self-expression. We give thanks for the many Arts Day volunteers and for God— the ultimate designer. This quote by Pastor Eric Cartier at Rocky Mountain Calvary summed it up well: “With creation you have a Creator.”

PTO UPDATE

by PTO President Dixie Harder

I believe friendship is one of the strongest facilitators of growth for the teachers, staff, and students at CSCS. PTO faithfully serves our teachers, fundraises to complete projects, and prays fervently on how to serve others, which is evidence that God is at work at CSCS and in our PTO. Jesus is the expert at bringing friendships together while we love each other and serve.

This year we blessed our entire CSCS staff with $13,000 in gifts, surprises, and lunches! This spring the high school joined us for the largest FUNd to Serve ever. The high school alone raised close to $10,000, which was donated to CSCS to help create a new Student Life Center this summer.

Our mission is to support, serve, nurture, and encourage while growing beautiful friendships and building community.

The Door The 8th grade class of 2026 participated in CSCS’ inaugural “The Door” ceremony in May before graduation. The event, created

by Middle School Bible Teacher Nils Eng and Principal Chappy, was an impactful evening for parents to honor their children’s committment to serve the Lord and pray over them as they enter high school. Each student attending was recognized, celebrated, and blessed.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

We pray you have a blessed summer full of friendship, fun, and adventure. All are welcome to join the CSCS PTO, and we look forward with great excitement to seeing you all next school year!

Photo by Skrastins Photography

“We are so thankful to CSCS for adding ‘The Door’ to bless our 8th graders. It was so meaningful to speak a blessing over our daughter and hear other parents do the same.”

—Phil & Kelley Erickson

WHAT’S NEW

What’s New at CSCS Woodland Park

by Woodland Park Principal Mary Boyles Our boys and girls middle school sports took off this school year and provided opportunities for our 5th–8th graders to compete! Boys basketball had a 5th and 6th grade team as well as a 7th and 8th grade team. We had one girls volleyball team of 5th–8th graders combined. And what would volleyball and basketball games be without cheerleaders? We had about 15 elementary girls join our first-ever WP cheerleading squad!

One of the most popular classes our WP middle school offered this year was the first-ever cyber security elective. This class was taught by CSCS parent Erik Henrikson and prepares students by learning how to build their own CAT 5 wire and build a computer!

This class paired with the new equine leadership and theater electives helps our students enjoy a true middle school experience!

Our campus enjoyed a “Glow for Jesus” school-wide party during the week of Valentine’s Day. We showed our love for Jesus by glowing for Him! We had glow face paint, glow sticks, and glow-in-the-dark clothes. The party took place during lunch, and we listened to Christian music while honoring and celebrating Valentine’s Day for Jesus!

Leadership Changes Coming

by CSCS Chief Operating Officer Diane Meeter We are excited to announce some leadership changes at CSCS! Next school year, our present MS Principal, Mr. Chappy Watties, will be our Chaplain and Director of Student Life. His focus will be on encouraging students and faculty to grow in their faith and live it vibrantly. Our entire school will benefit from Mr. Chappy’s grace-filled approach, his love for students and people, and spiritual wisdom. Mrs. Derika Hacker will lead the MS as Principal. For the last five years, she has already woven into the fabric of the MS culture as the present K–8 Academic Principal, so MS will benefit from her energy, expertise, and love for this age group.

Next, we have asked our HS Principal, Mr. Mason Young, to become the Director of Faculty Services. His passion is to ensure that CSCS teachers learn and know how to teach from a biblical worldview. This will strengthen our mission of delivering Christ-centered education. Moving from the Assistant Principal position, Mrs. Debra Baker will fulfill the role of HS Principal. She has been at CSCS for 33 years leading our Fine Arts Department and serving as 5th–12th grade Band Director. Her commitment to CSCS is strong. Mrs. Baker will continue leading our HS band, and she is excited to guide the faculty and students to foster relationships, create a gracefilled, unified culture, and surround the HS campus with prayer. Already students are beginning to connect with and capture her excitement for our new direction!

Finally, Commander Abe Thompson ’89, while continuing to teach HS Apologetics, will become our Director of Advancement. As an alum, Abe thrives on making connections with people and helping them see the value of CSCS’s mission statement and vision.

He will be working to develop a stronger alumni connection as well as establishing estate planning and a variety of endowments to bless CSCS. We look forward to a great 2022–23 school year!

HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

NOTE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL Spring semester at the high school was a busy time! As the new calendar year began, students committed to AP exams and dual-credit classes.

The second half of year-long classes were underway, and extra-curricular activities were at mid-season. Student Life completed many ministry and service activities during the spring with culminating activities also

State National History Day

including the school-wide Fun Fair, MS Camp counselors, National Day of Prayer, Junior-Senior Banquet, and finally graduation. What a blessing to finish the year with limited COVID issues after starting the year with great caution. A great transition is now underway as Mrs. Baker begins her time as the HS principal for the 22–23 school year. — Mason Young

Junior-Senior Banquet The annual Junior-Senior Banquet was held at The Antlers Hotel May 7 with the theme of “A Night Under the Stars.”

“JSB exceeded my expectations! The decorations were elegant, and I really enjoyed dancing with my friends and eating good food while being honored as a senior.”

—Alex Baldessari (far left)

Congratulations to Lance A. (center) who took 3rd place at the State National History Day competition April 30 in Denver for his project in the individual website category!

Joshua L. (right) also competed, and while he did not place, his documentary film was very well done, including interviewing an astronaut as part of his research. History Department Head Heather Walker (left) is proud of these young men who represented CSCS well!

Tri-Peaks Art Show Congratulations to Yi L. and Reagan H. who took 1st place in the 3D art category at the recent Tri-Peaks League Art Show competition!

Photos by Cindy Valade

“It was so exciting to have a dance that didn’t have to be Covid monitored.

The juniors did a great job with choosing a venue and planning the details of the dance.”

—Jackson Moore

“After planning many dances, this year was extra special as I got to watch my younger sister and her team work hard to plan it.

It was exciting to help mentor her through everything I had learned about the process.”

—Katie Lamberton

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Middle School Retreats Our 6th graders spent three days at IdRaHaJe (I’d Rather Have Jesus) in Bailey, CO, in late April 2022.

6th

7th

I would have never imagined in 2013 when I accepted the ministry of serving at CSCS that it would have been this AMAZING! I have served beside some of the finest Christian leaders, teachers, and staff, through difficult seasons and some wonderful times of seeing boys and girls come to know Christ as their Savior.

Camp Elim in Woodland Park, CO, hosted our 7th graders for two days and provided a wide variety of activities!

After missing their 6th and 7th grade retreats, our 8th graders were excited to spend two days at Camp Golden Bell in Divide, CO, before graduation. We are thankful for our high schoolers who were counselors and our MS staff who led these retreats.

8th

Lion Award Photos by Skrastins Photography

NOTE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

This semester our middle school team was able to enjoy our annual middle school retreats, an end-of-year Accelerated Reader celebration at Summit, our first “The Door” ministry, and 8th grade graduation. This has truly been my favorite year at CSCS. I have witnessed God keep His promise in Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Our God is AWESOME! — Chappy Watties

Congratulations to 8th graders Lilly Riker (left) and Samuel McDowell (right) who both received the Lion Award at the 8th grade graduation, May 24, 2022. The Lion Award is given each year to the girl and boy students that the MS staff have considered not only to be Christ-like in their behavior, but they have exhibited potential leadership skills in standing up for what is right and have been able to influence their peers positively for the Lord. The Lion Award is so named to emulate Christ being called the Lion of the tribe of Judah in Scripture.

A LOOK BACK

Congratulations to Valedictorian Capri Lobotzke (left) and Salutatorian Katie Lamberton (below) for the class of 2022!

Photo by Skrastins Photography

Class of 2022 CSCS held its 51st commencement ceremony May 27, 2022, at Rocky Mountain Calvary Church. Congratulations to this year’s class of 55 seniors! Their class verse was decided in 8th grade and has hung in the high school hallway for four years: “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” —Isaiah 64:8

Zak Kersey ATTENDED CSCS K–12

Photo by Skrastins Photography

2022 STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS Capri Lobotzke I Student Leader of the Year Amanda Boucher I Student Leader of the Year Jackson Moore I Student Minister of the Year Emma Eng I Student Servant of the Year Alex Baldessari I Student Service Leader of the Year Katie Schurz I Worship Arts Leader of the Year Elleah Hoekert I Passing the Torch Award Matthew Cozine I Passing the Torch Award Ms. Carol March I Lifetime of Commitment Dave & Tracy Erickson I Family of the Year 2022 (Kari ’16, Caleb ’18, Josh ’20, Amy ’22) Andy & Angie Boucher I Family of the Year 2022 (John-Mark ’16, Anne-Marie ’18, Megan ’20, Amanda ’22)

CSCS has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad began teaching at the school when I was just over a year old. I attended Handprints Preschool, then CSCS for K–12. My family has always been a part of the football program, so I was raised around the sport. One of my many memories made with my friends and teammates at CSCS was playing our rival St. Mary’s throughout the years. I’m thankful for all the teachers I have had over the years here, and I’m glad I grew not only closer to my friends but closer to God in such a great environment.

I’m proud to be a CSCS graduate of the class of 2022!

Zak plans to attend the College of Central Florida and major in business. His dad, Jay, taught middle school math while coaching football for 18 years at CSCS (13 years as head coach). His mom, Amy, taught 2nd and 3rd grade at CSCS for 8 years.

SENIOR HIGHLIGHTS

Emma Eng by senior Capri Lobotzke

2022 TIMOTHY AWARD WINNER

and displaying true Christ-like love.” Additionally, CDR Thompson and Mrs. Perkett have impacted her in unexplainable ways, exhibiting an abundance of love, joy, and leadership.

Just like her middle name, Emma Grace Eng embodies godly grace and epitomizes Christ-like servanthood. The Timothy Award winner has personally experienced God’s profound love, continually reflecting this same love onto others.

Emma will continue to represent Christ at York University in York, NE, as she plans to double major in English and Psychology with a Biblical Studies emphasis. York University has also commended Emma’s gentle leadership, academic success, and beautiful heart by offering her the Distinguished Faith and Learning Scholarship.

As determined by high school faculty, the Timothy Award is presented to a committed, outstanding servant of CSCS whose work typically goes unseen. Emma greatly exemplifies the personhood illustrated in 1 Timothy 4:12 which says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Emma credits her remarkable ability to love to her supportive brother, Noah, and parents, Nils and Robin, who have faithfully served CSCS in teacher and administrator roles for 4 years.

Through every decision and milestone, Emma expressed her gratitude for her family by saying, “My family is always there to pick me back up and encourage me, making me feel forgiven

Recognizing her helpful spirit and immense sacrifice during her four years at CSCS, Student Life Council members named Emma the 2022 Student Servant of the Year. CSCS has been immeasurably blessed by Emma and is eternally grateful for her steadfast love and service.

FACTS + FIGURES

By the numbers

$4.5 million

63%

Total scholarship money offered to this class of 55 seniors

Percentage graduating with Honors (cumulative GPA of 3.60+).

27% graduated with Highest Honors (cumulative GPA of 4.00+)

80% Total percentage of this class planning to attend a 4-year or 2-year college. 20% have other plans (missions, military, working, vocational training, or gap year).

Congratulations to Andrew Jensen (center, holding diploma) for earning a perfect ACT composite score. Only 0.31% of ACT test-takers achieve this! He also had the honor of being named a National Merit Commended student.

Sharon E. Bruce Scholarship Recipient: Capri Lobotzke All-State Band Member: Alexandra Baldessari (2nd year in a row) All-State Choir Members: Isabel Henrikson & Katie Schurz ROTC Scholarships Recipients: Jackson Moore (Air Force) Annsley Oelrich (Army)

351 Number of college credits this class earned during high school

5 4 3

3.73 Average GPA of the class

17 Number of seniors in National Honor Society. They served 327 service hours in the 2021–2022 school year.

Number of students who attended CSCS from kindergarten – 12th grade (Amanda Boucher, Nash Cannella, Zak Kersey, Matthew Martin & Stephen Porter) Number of legacy students who had a parent and/or grandparent graduate from CSCS (Amanda Boucher, Amber Harrington, Kyla Stone & Ben Thompson) Number of students who earned the rank of Eagle Scout (Isabel Henrikson, Andrew Jensen & Ben Thompson)

ATHLETICS

State Track Highlights Congratulations to 14 members of the CSCS track team that qualified for the 2A Colorado State Track and Field Championships! Our girls team finished in 3rd place overall. The 4x800m relay was the highlight event with our girls team winning 1st place! Senior Elle S. was on the podium four times and won the title of state champion in the 3200m race while breaking the school record with a time of 11:36.25. She also set a new school record in the 1600m with a time of 5:26.06 and placed 2nd in that race as well as the 800m. Senior Izzy C. was also on the podium four times as she placed 7th in the 400m, 3rd in the 800m, and 8th in the 1600m.

Our boys 4x800m relay team medaled by placed 7th in the state! And one of the youngest team members, freshman Andrew B., placed 9th in the 1600m race.

Congratulations to (L–R) Addy M., Addie C., Izzy C., and Elle S. for taking the title of Girls 2A 4x800m relay STATE CHAMPIONS!

Congrats to (L–R) Grant L., Coen S., Andrew B., and Josiah W. for placing 7th in the state in the 4x800 relay!

Photo by Skrastins Photography

College Signing Day Congratulations to these five seniors who signed and committed to play their sport in college! (Pictured L–R)

Elle Stevens (Alaska University, cross country) Isabel Case (Houston Baptist University, track) Keegan Benningfield (Southwest Baptist University, soccer)

Daniel Eng (Evangel University, football) Kyle Johnson (Evangel University, baseball)

Elleah Hoekert

Photo by Skrastins Photography

Congratulations to Elleah Hoekert on being named the Outstanding Female Athlete for the class of 2022! Elleah was a four-year varsity starter on the CSCS girls basketball team and a twoyear captain. She was a part of the state runner-up team in 2019 and the Final 8 appearance this year. Elleah finished her career in the top five at CSCS for points (4th with 901), rebounds (3rd), assists (4th) and steals (5th). “Elleah is one of the all-time greats in CSCS basketball history,” Coach Mark Engesser said. “If it weren’t for Covid, she would have easily scored 1,000 career points.” She received the All-Conference 1st Team honor three years in a row, and AllState Honorable Mention for two years. She was also All-Area 2nd Team as a freshman. Elleah also plays volleyball and was honored with Academic All-State 1st Team and All-Conference 1st Team as a senior. She also played varsity soccer her freshman through junior years.

ATHLETICS For the first time in CSCS history, all the girls tennis doubles teams qualified for the state championships! Longtime Girls Tennis Coach Randy Stephens said it’s the first time our school has ever had this many players qualify, whether doubles or singles. Congratulations to all these teams!

Photo by Skrastins Photography

CSCS Baseball Breaks Records Photo by Skrastins Photography

by CSCS Head Baseball Coach Kiki Isham CSCS baseball had the best season statistically in the school’s history! This 2022 team broke 7 out of the 11 school records this season.

They were ranked #1 in stolen bases in the state and stole more bases this season than the last 5 years combined.

This was also the best hitting baseball team in CSCS history breaking records in every single hitting category.

Senior Caleb S. pitched a no-hitter!

Photo by Skrastins Photography

Congratulations to our girls basketball team who were regional champions and made a final 8 appearance at the state championships! With a record of 20-5, they led 3A in defense, setting a new school record allowing teams to only 27.9 points per game!

Congratulations to (L–R) Andrew I., Joseff R., and Anthony I. who qualified for the state wrestling championships!

Anthony was the 3A regional champion, All-Conference 1st Team, and he and his brother, Andrew, both finished in the top 5 in the state.

CSCS girls soccer beat Manitou 2-1, ending a 22-year drought by earning the title of LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!

Junior Taylor M. led the team in nearly every category, hitting for .703, which broke the school record and ranked Photo by Robin Cook him 5th in the country. He was also 3rd in the country for stolen bases with 61. Senior Kyle J. was ranked 2nd in the state for stolen bases. Junior Nate D. had an incredible fielding year only having one error on the entire season and was awarded the team Golden Glove. Senior Caleb S. broke a school record for pitching wins at 7-2 and is one of the only pitchers in CSCS history with a no-hitter! He also hit a grand slam this season.

Daniel Eng Congratulations to Daniel Eng on being named the Outstanding Male Athlete for the class of 2022! Daniel played varsity football for CSCS for four years and is committed to playing football at Evangel University in Springfield, MO, this fall. He received All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2020 and All-Conference 1st Team in 2021. Daniel had over 600 yards receiving this season. He was our leading receiver and leader in scoring touchdowns and was often double teamed as our best receiving threat. “Daniel is an oustanding athlete but he’s an even more outstanding young man,” Coach Jay Kersey said. “The world needs more individuals with the character of Daniel Eng.” Daniel was also a four-year varsity baseball player and played basketball for two years.

Photo by Skrastins Photography

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

NOTE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL We have a good, good Father! This busy spring semester we got back to more of the freedoms we’ve experienced through the years at CSCS Elementary. Arts Day and Science Day returned after a one year hiatus! And we enjoyed field trips again during the 4th quarter. The 1st and 4th grade program “The God of this City” was celebrated with a full house of guests. Our Math Olympians scored well bringing home 8 awards from the ACSI District competition—a near record for us! Students had the opportunity to run with Landsharks

or join our track teams, and Mrs. Stockton’s field day was a FUN way to end the year.

Chapel times this semester were very special! Second graders served in a unique way by leading a combined K-5 chapel where they washed our feet. Kindergartners brought our students to their feet with their worship and animated performance.

Fifth graders brought our upper grade students to their knees with a powerful drama presentation followed by a well-received time of surrender,

3RD GRADE

Wax Museum

commitment, and prayer. We were able to see lives changed for the Lord. Our families have shown deep commitment through historic times.

We are grateful for these partnerships with all of you!

— Doug Bray

5th Grade Band Concert band begins in 5th grade at CSCS, and Mr. Kevin Brand led these beginners with patience as they excitedly learned new instruments. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to pass on my love of music to these students,” Mr. Brand said.

“We have made some good progress this year, and I look forward to progressing even further with them next year.”

Students practiced a few times per week in class, 75 minutes per week at home, and they performed in two concerts. They played a couple of Christmas songs at the first concert in December, and by the May concert their sound was quite impressive!

Photos by Emily Brumley

The 3rd grade Wax Museum was a huge success in April! On that day, 3rd graders dressed like a famous American and came to life whenever their “button” was pushed, educating those within earshot about who they were representing and their accomplishments. The auditorium was filled with parents, grandparents, and students from other grade levels who met many prominent figures from American history “in person.”

MR. BRAND

ALUMNI UPDATES

Where are they now?

Rick Ruybalid | 1974 & Rebecca (Ruybalid) Stone | 1998 For the first time in our school’s history, there is a special family that has three generations of CSCS graduates! Rick Ruybalid graduated in 1974; his daughter, Rebecca, graduated in 1998; and his granddaughter, Kyla, just graduated with the class of 2022.

L–R: Rick, Kyla, and Rebecca were recognized at CSCS’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Rick (’74) received his B.S. degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has since worked in computer and software technology and is currently working in SAAS software technology. Rick has three children and six grandchildren, and he was a Division 1 basketball referee for 15 years. He splits his time between Colorado Springs and Scottsdale, AZ. Rebecca (Ruybalid ’98) Stone received her B.S. degree in Christian Education/ Biblical Studies in 2002 from Grace University in Omaha, NE. She has worked at Focus on the Family, David C Cook, and as a Children’s Ministry Director at various places. She is currently a freelance writer/editor in Colorado Springs and has four children (two girls and two boys). Rebecca’s first children’s book, Discipleship for Kids: How to Live Life with God (published by NavPress), releases Spring 2023.

Jana (Hollingsworth) Wilson | 1981 Jana retired in March 2022 and says she is “honored and blessed” to take care of her 6-month-old grandson, Rhett, full time while his parents both work for Colorado Springs School District 11. Pictured (right) with Rhett and her son, Matt Wilson, Jana worked as the assistant to the CSCS high school principal for almost 10 years. Her kids, Erin and Matt, attended CSCS for a few years until the family moved to Payson, AZ, in 2003 to work at a Christian camp. They returned to the Springs in 2012.

L–R: Abe Thompson, Jeffrey Schra, Dan Trumble, Toby Keller, Julie (Bateman) Keller, Chad DeKam. Jeffrey Schra | 1989 CSCS class of ’89 alumni joined classmate Jeffrey Schra (in the blue tie) by remembering his mother, Lois Schra, at her memorial service held at Cragmor Christian Reformed Church April 23, 2022. Lois taught 3rd grade at CSCS for 25 years. Jeff and his wife, Lisa, live in Grand Rapids, MI, and have two sons: Willem and Xander.

Class of 1992 Sixteen members of the CSCS class of ’92 recreated their senior retreat for their 30th class reunion Memorial Day weekend! The classmates rented a large cabin at Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, CO, and spent 2.5 days together hiking, summer tubing, telling stories, and laughing until their sides hurt.

They even recreated their senior “sharing bonfire” complete with s’mores.

Back row L–R: Loren Nelson, Jeremy Johnson, Susie Fisher, Eddy Strait, Brian Peterson, Brian DeKam, Amanda (Regrut) Hall. Front row L–R: Elena Cruz, Pam Winford, Katie (Brown) Schaffer, D’Anne (Berry) Evans, Beth (Ashley) Peninger, Amber (Quinn) Kirt, Kristi (Albertson) Stark, Heidi (Schmidt) Hollis, Sandy (Heide) Deisler.

Other CSCS alumni present included Lois’ daughter, Lisa (Schra ’94) Esparza, Stephanie (Butterfield ’93) Blauert, and Kylee Smit ’10. Other CSCS (current and retired) teachers and staff in attendance included Cynthia Ringling, Dave Michaux, Doug and Tammy Bray, Randy Stephens, Beth Ponstein, Betty Stryker, Carol Huerta, and Dale Rothberg.

GOT NEWS?

Email Abraham.Thompson@cscslions.org to let your classmates know what you’re doing!

All submissions must include a high-resolution jpeg photo suitable for printing.

4855 Mallow Road Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-599-3553 www.cscslions.org

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID CO SPRINGS, CO PERMIT 612

A NOTE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

CSCS families gathered May 13 at Weidner Field to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of CSCS. We had a wonderful time seeing current and former staff, students, parents, and alumni families as they reflected on their experience at CSCS and revisited many old memories and friendships.

The night was filled with fun activities that provided an atmosphere of gratefulness for how God has blessed CSCS over the past 50 years. One of the highlights of the evening was the legacy video presentation. Two of our CSCS founder families attended: the Mert Hull family as well as Mrs. Louise Wright, wife of our first Board President. Rob and Bonnie Robinson, executors of the Pinello Foundation, were present and honored for their continuing work in providing scholarship funds for CSCS families. Our past and present faculty were recognized along with a special CSCS family who has had 3 generations graduate from CSCS including 2022 Senior Kyla Stone.

Special thanks to Anna Flanagan, Director of Facilities, Events and Rentals and her assistant, Krystal Hawker. Back in the fall, Anna came to my office and volunteered to oversee this entire celebration. With a small core team of CSCS staff, they worked for months in preparation for this great event along with their regular day responsibilities! Generous donors and vendors stepped in to help underwrite the cost of the celebration, which made it free to CSCS families. From the legacy presentation to the fun activities to the worship and praise, the 50th celebration highlighted the solid foundation laid in the 1970s allowing us to build upon for future generations. Yes, CSCS truly does stand on the shoulders of giants!

Our volunteer newsletter team—Lead editor/designer: Jenny Driscoll; Vision/writing/editing: Cara Davies, Dixie Harder, Kelley Erickson; Proofreading: Ashley Akovenko; Photographers: Skrastins Photography, Jennifer Tyler, Cindy Valade, Emily Brumley, Kenny Flanagan, Derika Hacker, Robin Cook.