June 2009

Viking June 2009

The

Lakeland Christian School

Creation Care a Priority at LCS PAGES 4 -10

Constants in a world of change

By Mike Sligh, Headmaster The last few years at LCS have been characterized by

and defend this ­

change. New technology, new buildings, new stadium,

biblical view of truth

football, F & F, new staff, new students and new families

with ­conviction,

have all contributed to this sense of a school “on the

­gentleness and respect

move.” The LCS experience has a new sense of breadth

(I Peter 3:15).

and depth growing out of all of this change.

➌

­Commitment to

In the culture at large, we are confronted with an

personal ­relationships.

incredible level of change. Changes in technology, s­ hifting

­Teaching is ­ultimately

economic realities, new careers, shifting economic and

relational. The

political loci of power, and the list goes on and on. Of

­Christian life is to be

mounting concern to us all is the obvious shift in the

lived in community

moral norms moving through our society. The sanctity of

(Psalm 133:1; Ephesians

human life has been cheapened to the level of economic

4:25; I Corinthians

pragmatism; the traditional Protestant work ethic has been

12:12). If the sum of

polluted with graft and corruption; the rise of i­ncreasingly

education was ­limited

bizarre crimes fills our news media. More alarming than

to information ­transfer,

“The only thing ­constant is change.”

the changes themselves is the pace of

the Internet would

change. The speed of change in our culture

meet that need. The real power of education comes from the

is perhaps unprecedented in human history.

­interpersonal relationships that are fostered in the process.

In the midst of all of this change, there are some commitments that, by God’s grace

➍

Commitment to excellence. We want to do all we do

and the vigilance of His people, will never

to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31) and the good of our

change at LCS. Here are a few of them.

students. A student should not have to settle for second-rate

➊

Commitment to the authority of

academics or co-curricular programs in order to get a Christian

Scripture. The Bible remains our “only rule

education. The relentless pursuit of excellence in all aspects of

of faith and practice.” It is God’s Word and

the school must remain a priority.

is recognized as inerrant in the original

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­Without relational connectivity, the whole process suffers.

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Commitment to attract and retain high-quality faculty.

languages. It is the Word of God (2 Timothy

The hallmark of the school is our teachers. In every formal and

3:16; 2 Peter 1: 16-21; Hebrews 4:12).

informal poll of students and parents, the teachers are always

A biblical understanding of Truth. All truth is

God’s truth. We must rely on God’s truth to enable us to

identified as the strength of the school. May it always be true!

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Commitment to a biblical worldview in every aspect

define reality, morality, justice and mercy (John 14:6; John

of school life. Viewing every area of knowledge with a ­biblical

17:17; Micah 6:8; Exodus 20: 1-17). We need God’s truth

­perspective is essential to living all of life to the glory of God.

to redeem our fallen thinking (2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans

The implementation of this orientation into all academic

12:2) and to ward off the deceitfulness of our own hearts

study and all relationships is at the core of a school that is

(Jeremiah 17:9).

­authentically Christian.

We understand that truth is, by its very nature,

As you enter the beautiful Elementary/Middle School

­exclusive. Contrary to much of the post-modern thinking

b­uilding you will notice the school motto, “Education in

of our day, we understand the law of non-contradiction.

the Light of God’s Word” written in stone in the entry floor.

That is, if one premise is true, its opposite cannot also

This inscription was the idea of LCS board chairman, Kevin

be true. Therefore, if Jesus is really the only way to God

­Knowlton. It reflects the commitment of the board of directors

(John 14:6) other religions are, by definition, false. If God’s

and the school leadership to always “keep the main thing the

design for marriage is a life-long commitment between

main thing.” As SMART boards replace chalkboards and other

a man and a woman, other models are not equally

innovations abound, may the priorities of LCS always reflect the

­acceptable. Our students must be equipped to present

commitments that characterize a truly Christian school.

Author John C. Maxwell Urges

Pursuit Of Dreams Executive Leadership Retreat Benefits Discovery Program

What are your dreams? Are they really your dreams?

Following the morning presentation and a tasty brunch, the

Do you have a strategy to reach them? And do your dreams

men headed out for an afternoon of sporting clays and o ­ ff-road

­benefit others? Key questions, all of them, with regard to

motorsports. The ladies in attendance were treated to an afternoon

achieving an ultimate dream. But there’s a huge d ­ ifference

presentation by author Miriam Huffman ­Rockness, who spoke

between being just a dreamer and seeing your dream

about the life and legacy of missionary Lilias ­Trotter. The retreat

­become reality.

concluded with a late-afternoon feast for all in a ­ ttendance.

New York Times best-selling author John C. Maxwell

Although participants came away with tremendous

spent a half-day recently instructing more than 80 business

­inspiration, the real beneficiaries were some very special s­ tudents

and ­community executives on how to crystallize a vision

at Lakeland Christian. In fact, the entire day was carefully

by ­answering ten powerful questions which will transform

planned and carried out for the benefit of students with ­autism

dreams from the hypothetical to certainty.

who are part of the LCS Discovery Program. Proceeds and

The 2009 Executive Leadership Retreat with John C. ­Maxwell was held on April 30 at a local ranch south of

­sponsorships are applied directly to the autism program. Almost $90,000 was raised through this year’s event.

­Lakeland. This was the second consecutive year Maxwell

Maxwell’s presence was a tremendous blessing to the school

­conducted a local leadership roundtable for the benefit of

and to all participants. The internationally r­ ecognized ­leadership

­Lakeland Christian School. The speaker has a niece and

expert, speaker and author has sold over 16 ­million books.

nephews who are students at LCS.

His ­organizations have trained more than two ­million ­leaders

The morning leadership summit featured Maxwell,

­worldwide. Every year he speaks to Fortune 500 c­ ompanies,

who taught from his recently published book, Put Your

­international

Dream To The Test. The roundtable-style presentation gave

­government leaders

attendees an ­opportunity to get “up close and personal”

and audiences around

with the l­eadership expert. An extensive Question & Answer

the world. Maxwell was

session addressed ­specific issues raised by the audience.

named the World’s Top

in this issue

Leadership Guru by

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Leadershipgurus.net.

Dr. Mike Sligh and his wife, Mary, enjoyed their time at the retreat with John Maxwell.

He was also one of only 25 authors and artists

2-3 LCS Professional Development

named to Amazon.com’s 10th Anniversary Hall of Fame.

Creation Care

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Attendees Bob Cleghorn, Steve Moseley, Jeff Miles, Greg ­Masters and John Curls, Jr. enjoyed a ­number of outdoor activities at the ranch, ­including skeet shooting.

4-10

11-12 Gifts to LCS 11 Junior/Senior Banquet 14-17

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Sports Teams Wrap Up Year

LCS Faculty Active in Professional Development It has been said that when you cease to learn, you forfeit your right to teach. ­Professional educators must be committed to being lifetime learners. The f­ ollowing list represents some of the professional development activities of faculty members ­throughout the year.

Tricia Shaw completed her master’s degree in Special Education from Grand ­Canyon University; Brenda Lashman received her Master of Education degree in curriculum design and collaborative teaching from Florida Southern College. Donna Davis, Bill Riley and Becky Klassen are involved in master’s degree programs at the University of South Florida. Todd Radford and Luci O’Byrne are pursuing master’s degrees through Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA. Nancy Bradley, Pam Szydlowski, Jennifer Canady, Teresa Mullinax, Jane Kriegbaum, Fred Wiechmann, Kay Henry, Mike Sligh, Alesia Stubblefield and Luci O’Byrne attended various presentations sponsored by the Roberts Center for Literacy and Learning at Florida Southern College. Dr. Sligh serves on the advisory council for the Roberts Academy at Florida Southern.

High School Bible teachers Geoff Stabler, Stan McMahan and Alexis Livesay attended the Ligonier National Conference in Orlando. The theme this year was “The Holiness of God.” Participants in this year’s League of Environmental Educators (LEEF) conference in Altamonte Springs included Fred Wiechmann (program chair), Jane Kriegbaum, Cathy Powers and Hugh Patterson (presenter). At the conference, Jane Kriegbaum was invited to attend a two-day training in Project Learning Tree’s “Green Schools ­Program.” LCS is a Florida PLT School and Jane is our school PLT coordinator. A grade level project will be initiated next year in third grade. Teresa Mullinax participated in the Project WILD weekend. Fred Wiechmann attended the First Reform Conference in Boise, ID. The conference focused on human justice and environmental stewardship. Mr. Wiechmann also participated in the Nature Explore Classrooms conference in Orlando.

Gaye Lene Hasha participated in the Carol Jago workshop for English teachers.

Pam Szydlowski attended the National Alliance on Mental Illness conference at USF in Tampa. Cathy Powers participated with Luci O’Byrne, Kay Henry and Patches ­Radford in the meetings of the Polk County Reading Council. Mrs. Powers also ­attended the Pearson Assessment Seminar in Tampa.

Teresa Mullinax, Fred Wiechmann and Mike Sligh presented workshops at the Florida ACSI Convention. Dr. Sligh also participates on the faculty of the International Institute for Christian Education at Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. Shelley Harris attended the Florida Art Educators Conference in October. Jill Jones and Lisa Prescott both attended Advance Placement workshop through the C ­ ollege Board program in preparation to teach AP Biology and AP Music Theory. Kathy Johnson presented “Beginning Flute and Beyond” at the summer Florida Bandmasters Convention. She also earned her certification as an FBA solo and ensemble adjudicator.

Florida Music Educators Association attendees included Kathy Johnson, Nancy Snyder, Lorraine Latham, Wendy Carl, Jill Jones and Chuck Fulton. Sheron White attended

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­ onference as  the Florida State Music Teachers Association C

Louisville, KY. He also presented a seminar on Major

well as master classes in vocal performance and piano. ­Wendy

Donor ­Development. Mr. Wilson also completed ­workshop

Carl and Jill Jones attended the Florida Vocal A ­ ssociation

­training in “Stewardship Trends,” “Critical Strategies for

Convention in August. Mrs. Carl also attended the Choral

Building Referrals,” and “Major Donors: Lessons and

Panorama Clinic. Mrs. Jones participated in the Brooklyn

Trends from the Front Lines.” He also completed two years

Tabernacle Choir Conference in Brooklyn, NY.

of coursework and field experience to become a Certified

Steve Wilson, Director of Advancement, completed

Stewardship ­Professional.

the course of study on Annual Fundraising at the C ­ hristian

John Douglass attended the annual conference of the

Leadership Alliance-Stewardship Leadership Institute in

Florida Institute of School Business Officers in May.

Wilson Earns Professional Certification LCS Director of Advancement Steve Wilson has completed the coursework and field experience required to become a C ­ ertified Stewardship Professional. He completed the comprehensive ­process and received his CSP certification earlier this year.

The CSP program, managed through the Christian ­Leadership Alliance, is designed to promote professional standards, enhance individual performance and identify professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of Christian stewardship. Wilson became certified following extensive coursework and experience in Capital Campaigns, Foundations/Grant Writing, Major Donor/Donor Relations, Annual Fund, Planned Giving and Communication/Marketing.

The CSP designation signifies he is a committed, experienced practitioner who has achieved an advanced level of ­knowledge and expertise in development activities. Not only does it demonstrate a commitment to professional standards and increased professional credibility, it reflects his commitment to biblical stewardship practices.

Wilson has served as Director of Advancement since 2002. He oversees all school development activities, including the current $23 Million capital expansion campaign. He also provides oversight to the school’s marketing, communications and community relations functions. His wife, Susie, is a former LCS faculty member, and they are the parents of three LCS alumni.

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By Fred Wiechmann

Self-professed secular

humanist E. O. Wilson, in his book The Creation (2006), makes an appeal to the Christian community to take a fresh look at the stewardship of the earth. The two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and Harvard professor uses a clever tool of beginning each chapter with “Dear Pastor” as his opening words. Wilson writes in this manner to make an appeal to Christians to care for creation.

He cites many of the wonders of creation throughout the book, and he seems amazed at the indifference of Christian leaders and church members who profess a love of the Creator but seem to care little for His creation.

Could Christians have lost their way on this issue? In this article, I assert the possibility that we have and that we should be leading the way as God’s stewards of the earth.

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Have you ever observed a child looking at a butterfly or looking for shapes in cloud formations, or have you seen the looks on the faces of children as they roll down a grassy hillside, or, heaven forbid, as they climb a tree? In my role as elementary principal, I look for or create this type of opportunity for children daily. What I am talking about here is a child’s sense of wonder.

Wonder? It may seem that I am oversimplifying, but I believe that caring for God’s creation may begin with childlike awe of what God has made. Creation itself provides evidence of a creator (Romans 1:20). This 59-year-old has not lost a sense of wonder, possibly because I am still a 9-year-old at heart!

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Several years ago, my mother sent me a treasure she found buried in one of her many overstuffed drawers in my childhood home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The treasure was a postcard from me when I was at summer camp. It read, “Dear Mom and Dad, I mite get a reaworld for natcher. And we are going on an overnite hike today. And how is Karl and Eddie? Love, Fred.” The year was 1958; I was 9 and in fourth grade (and I did get the nature award).

In many ways, I continue to be the curious 9-year-old full of wonder. I use words such as “wow!” “whoa!” and “yikes!” when I see something up close with binoculars, through a field microscope, or with the help of a hand lens. Do we typically lose this sense of wonder somewhere on the path to adulthood? Did you?

In 2005, a coworker of mine was drawn to a book at an airport bookstore because of its title—Last Child in The Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv (2005). She bought it for me and said when she gave it to me, “This sounds like you!” When I read the opening sentence on the inside jacket, I knew that Louv and I were kindred spirits on the subject of children and nature. The quotation left me a little sad: “Never before in history have children been so plugged-in—and so out of touch with the natural world” (2005). Louv’s book explores research that links obesity, attention disorders, and depression to children’s disconnect with the natural world (Voiland 2008). Think about these findings in light of your own upbringing and experiences in nature. Where are children headed today?

The present generation of children is more plugged-in than ever. The natural world is a click of a mouse away

to myriad websites through which children may see interactive videos of nature from all over the world on their computer screens. There is not anything inherently wrong with this ability, but the message is that nature is somewhere else in a faraway wilderness—not outside the door of their homes or classrooms.

Natural history is all but removed from most traditional science programs. Students in secondary school can break down the components of DNA. But those students cannot identify the tree in their backyard, and they do not know that trees provide thousands of products; serve as natural air conditioners, carbon catchers, and erosion and flood controllers; and are flat-out just nice to look at! You may ask, “But I am just an early childhood educator—what can I do?”

Jesus charged us to go into the world and make disciples of all nations.

This is forward thinking in winning souls. He says go!

The biblical mandate for creation care in Genesis uses forwardthinking language as well: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28, NRSV).

In Genesis 2, God gives Adam the command to “till it” (work) and “keep it” (care) for the Garden of Eden (v. 15). I challenge you to read your Bible with that thought in mind; countless “creation care” verses will begin to pop out of God’s Word.

I propose forward thinking in winning children as earth stewards by saying, “Go outside!” Again, this suggestion may sound like another oversimplification, but it points to where nature is—just outside your door. And that is where wonder is too, where learning begins.

Continued on page 6

Continued from page 5

So you say, “Where do I start? It seems so overwhelming to me!” At Lakeland Christian School (LCS), we have used many venues to expose children to the natural world. It all started 10 years ago when I brought nature to our students and teachers through an event that woke up all of us. I carefully glued a monarch butterfly chrysalis in a McDonald’s sundae cup. The chrysalis was timed to emerge the last week of school.

I gave one to each of our 475 students in the elementary school. Pulling off this event is a story of its own, and what resulted was an annual event at LCS called Creation Care Week.

What you begin with does not need to be this elaborate—trust me! It can be a simple event such as taking children on a “listening walk,” stopping at various locations to hear sounds of nature and humans. Or you could take children on a “tree walk,” stopping to see and touch the trees and using the experience to see differences in shapes, leaves, and texture of the bark, and to experience shade—natural air conditioning. If you have to walk from your classroom to recess, PE, or

lunch and have to leave the building, you could use that time creatively to observe nature.

There may be other times and ways to bring nature to your students. Using a hand lens to observe objects such as leaf litter, gravel, or feathers will thrill your students. The hand magnifiers made for preschool children today are must-have tools. I guarantee that these simple activities will bring out the “wows”!

In these settings, the experience is the hook to draw students in to what you want them to learn. The content can follow, and if the questions are beyond what you know, well, then say what I say, “I don’t know but will find out.” (I say this a lot.) Please do not let your lack of science background stymie you! When children are young, a positive experience with nature develops a desire to know more about it as they get older. You and children’s parents are key players in this possibility.

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The following are some suggestions as starting points:

• Subscribe to the following publications for children. They will help you create age-appropriate activities and subject matter that will help you have confidence.

Nature Friend, a Christian publication, www.dogwoodridgeoutdoors.com Wild Animal Baby for ages 0–4, www.nwf.org, National Wildlife Federation Your Big Backyard for ages 3–7, www.nwf.org, National Wildlife Federation Ranger Rick for ages 7 and up, www.nwf.org, National Wildlife Federation • Attend teacher workshops for environmental education programs developed for teachers.

Project Learning Tree (www.plt.org), which focuses on forestry; Project WILD (www. projectwild.org), which addresses wildlife; and Project WET (www.projectwet.org), which stands for Water Education for Teachers, are programs for educators. The training in these subjects provide information to help you think globally but apply locally. The supplemental activities in the organizations’ guides are adaptable for K–12 education. Project Learning Tree and Project WILD are developing early childhood guides. Through training in these programs, I became aware of a wealth of resources and contacts in my county and state.

• Create a school-yard habitat. Adopt or plant a tree on campus or create a small butterfly garden mixed with host and nectar plants.

• Go “fishing” in your parent base for a parent who is a naturalist. That parent can be a helpful partner in helping you champion creation care at your school.

• Start small with a simple creation-care event. You could begin with a centers day that focuses on one topic.

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I will leave you with a challenge from St. Augustine (354–430) to jump-start you to action: “Some people, in order to discover God, read books. But there is a great book: the very appearance of created things.

Look above you! Look below you! Read it. God, whom you want to discover, never wrote that book with ink.

Instead, He set before your eyes things that He had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?” It is time to step outside into the book of nature.

Fred Wiechmann, MA, has been the elementary principal at Lakeland Christian School in Lakeland, Florida, for 15 years.

He has been married to one of his greatest awards, Barb, for 37 years. His other great awards are his three children and three grandchildren. He has also earned numerous awards for his commitment to creation care: National Project Learning Tree Outstanding Educator (2004), Florida Educator of the Year (2002), Project WILD Teacher of the Year (2002), and the Water Stewardship Award (2002). In 2007/2008, he served as the president of the League of Environmental Educators in Florida.

References and Resources

ion.

Brenders, Carl. 2000. Song of creat Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. on Chapman, Nathan. 2002. With God the hiking trail. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers. :A DeWitt, Calvin B. 1994. Earth-wise biblical response to environmental issues. Grand Rapids, MI: CRC Publications. the National Council of Churches Division of Christian Education of green Bible. San Francisco, CA: The .

1989 .

U.S.A the in of Christ HarperOne. . Tending the garden: Essays Granberg-Michaelson, Welsey, ed. 1987 ds, MI: Wm B. Eerdmans Rapi d Gran on the gospel and the earth.

Publishing. world of wonder and delight.

Hoez ee, Scott. Remember creation: God’s ans Publishing.

Eerdm B. Wm MI: ds, Rapi d Gran .

1998 sh the earth: The enviCheri .

1993 Kirk.

R. ld Dona and Kirk, Janice E., Press. ld Hera PA: dale, Scott ture. ronment and Scrip preaching on earth: Sermons on carLeQuire, Stan L., ed. 1996. The best n Press. ing for creation. Valley Forge, PA: Judso woods: Saving our children Louv, Richard. 2005. Last child in the NC: Algonquin Books of from nature-deficit disorder. Chapel Hill,

Chapel Hill. earth. With Jason Chatraw.

Robinson, Tri. 2006. Saving God’s green g. ishin Publ elon Norcross, GA: Amp a big dose of nature. U.S. Voiland, Adam. 2008. Why kids need http://health.usnews.

News and World Report. February 13. why-kids-need-a-big-dose-ofcom/articles/health/2008/02/13/ nature.html.

An appeal to save life on earth.

Wilson, Edward O. 2006. The creation: on.

Nort W. New York: W.

Guides

American Forest Foundation. 2006.

Project Learning Tree: Pre K-8 environm ental education activity guide. Washington, DC: Am erican Forest Foundation.

Council for Environmental Educati on. 2000. Project WILD: K-12 curriculu m and activity guide.

Gaithersburg, MD: Project WILD; Hou ston, TX: Council for Environmental Education.

Watercourse and the Council for Env ironmental Education. 1995. Project WET: K-12 curriculum and activity guide. Boz ema n, MT: Project WET.

Suppliers of Nature Products

• Acorn Naturalists, www.acornnatu ralists.com • AIMS (Activities Integrating Mat h and Science) Education Foundation , www.aimsedu.org • Arbor Day Foundation, www.arbord ay.org • Carolina Biological Supply Compan y, www.carolina.com • Delta Education, www.delta-educ ation.com • Gardening with Kids, www.garden ingwithkids.org • Insect Lore, www.insectlore.com • Nature’s Workshop Plus, www.w orkshopplus.com

This article was first published in Christian Early Education magazine, Volume 10, Issue 3. Christian Early Education magazine is a publication of the Association of Christian Schools International.

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This article was reprinted with permission from ACSI.

Guest speakers, learning centers emphasize

Creation Care The annual Creation Care Week at Lakeland Christian School is a yearly reminder that we are stewards over all of the things that God created. From our drinking water to things that live in the water and from trees to butterflies, elementary students at LCS learn some very important lessons on how to care for God’s creation.

LCS parent Paul Strazulla visited elementary students at LCS and brought along two special visitors. The former alligator wrestler spoke to the students about the various characteristics about gators and how to stay safe in and around lakes.

Jennifer Smith of the Florida Bat Conservatory visited second grade students to talk about the important role that bats play in the environment. These young students got an up close view of a baby bat.

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A representative from the Florida Aquarium brought a rat snake, a box turtle and a crocodile to visit third grade ­students. She spoke about protecting the Florida wetlands and these creatures that inhabit it.

Get a Grip on Green

Secondary students in Mrs. Brenda Lashman’s science classes got in the spirit of Creation Care Week with a “bring your pet to school” day. These pets included several different dogs and even one snake.

by Skyler Streets Get a grip on green.

It’s not that hard.

Green is everywhere, like on a credit card.

It’s a beautiful color.

We use it a lot.

With millions of streaks, or a small little dot.

But there is another type of green.

It’s one that we need, and we can make it happen

Every year, fifth grade students make a traditional Scripture/nature pillow. Students put a Bible verse on one side of the pillow and a nature-theme fabric on the other side.

with one little seed.

It helps us live.

It helps us grow.

It lets us breathe, didn’t you know?

This green is great.

Take care of them, it’s true.

We really do need it, So what should you do?

Get a grip on green!!

Fifth graders got a visit from Buddy the calf. School parent Sheri Cline brought Buddy to school for Creation Care Week.

First grade students participated in tree centers as part of Creation Care Week. Activities included snacks, art projects and other tree-related activities.

Along with their kindergarten buddies, fifth grade students wrote a haiku poem about nature. The group sat around the turtle pond for inspiration.

Creation Care continued

Third graders heard from Ruffin Gray of the City of Lakeland.

He spoke on water conservation and the importance of this vital resource.

Smokey the Bear visited students at LCS to speak to the students about protecting against wildfires.

K4 students learned about fires and fire safety during Creation Care Week. The youngsters met several firemen with the Lakeland Fire Department, learned about the equipment and got to climb through the fire truck.

Under the Sea Juniors, Seniors go

for Annual Banquet

This year’s Junior/Senior banquet took the ­upperclassmen “under the sea” at the Omni Resort at ­ChampionsGate as they celebrated the last formal event of the year. With l­imousines dropping them off at the front doors, the students were ­welcomed into a dimly lit banquet hall complete with live goldfish on each table, c­ hocolate-covered strawberry ­appetizers and a room full of their classmates and friends.

Students enjoyed a multi-course meal, lots of time for photos and mingling and a special video tribute to the Class of 2009. The evening culminated with the election of Katy Imig and Drew Laing as this year’s queen and king.

After the banquet, several students ventured to ­Downtown Disney, Citiwalk and to Pirate’s Cove for mini golf. The annual senior class breakfast was held the next morning.

LCS Appreciates

Library Donations

Lakeland Christian School is the b ­ eneficiary of many donated goods and s­ ervices provided by school families and other friends. These gifts enable higher levels of e­ xcellence campus-wide.

The Lakeland Christian Library staff ­appreciates the ­generosity of those who have provided recent book ­donations. The library counts on the regular ­contributions of school families to expand their ­collection for students.

Kim Rea, Kim Moscatello, Sherry Herman, Alisa Palmer, Teresa Guenther, Belinda Mines, Robin Sutton and Donna Chambers – For helping out during the health screenings.

Dr. Christopher Terry – For performing the scoliosis screenings for the e­ lementary students.

Mr. and Mrs. Hesseltine – For donating many supplies to the clinic.

Tracy Mines – For donating Jimbo’s lunch to the elementary physical education coaches.

Michelle Leach – For helping with the middle school cheerleading team this past year.

Jessica Brown – For speaking to the Chemistry I classes about radio waves and w ­ orking at a radio station.

PhosLab Environmental Services – For donating supplies to the chemistry lab and for i­nviting the Chemistry II class to visit.

Every parent and grandparent who helped with art classes and the Art Review.

Junior Class Parents – For their support and for all of the volunteer hours of service they provided to the class advisors during their events this year. From the BBQ, to the donut sales, to the many p ­ arents who helped with the Pre-Grad Party and on to Junior Senior, we say a great big THANK YOU! Beth Hesseltine and Darise McLoughlin – For coordinating the Room Mom program this year.

Payton Albritton, Sara Lasseter, Christina Sale, Amber Holland, Heather Averitt, Tracie Spoto, Katie Sparkman, Monica Gwynn, Christen Bolter, Belinda Mines, Wendy Schmidt, Chasity Branham, Kim Moscatello, Carrie Kirk, Becky Russell, Amy Amell, Dianna White, Kathy Mudger, Angela Bush, Tammy Cassidy, Amelie Beytell, Trena Mewborn, Margaret Krause, Stacey Jenkins, Chris Cabrera, Kristy Tidey, Taree Hodge, Christine McDow, Cindy B ­ eaudreault, Melanie Peace, Kathy Williams, Lori ­Garrard, Sheri Cline, Lisa Rupp, Tammy Standifer, Regina Harper, Lazara Smith, ­Melissa ­Skladanek, Amanda Verner, Laurie Streets, Kim Moser, Tracy Mines and Patty Horton – For serving as Room Moms.

All K4 Parents – For making the inaugural year of the K4 Program so special!

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Miss Wendi Fischer Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fisher Mr. and Mrs. Rick ­Kohnenkamp Courtney Lashman Mr. Shaun O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Patterson Ms. Lynn Pruim Mary J. Rardin Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Smith Mr. and Mrs. Rob Stubblefield Mr. and Mrs. John Szydlowski Mr. and Mrs. Austin Temperley Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn Wilbanks Dr. and Mrs. Bradley Tan Mr. and Mrs. Marc Tidey

Gifts

T O

L akeland

C hristian

Living Memorials

On behalf of the students we serve, a heartfelt thanks to the following generous persons and companies who have partnered with LCS by providing a gift to the ministry.

We were blessed by: Mr. and Mrs. Ira Anderson

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Musick, Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Boatwright

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Myhrer

Mr. and Mrs. Don Bradley

Mr. and Mrs. Chris O’Byrne

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cannon

Miss Ellen Oncu

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Chamberlin

Mr. and Mrs. Richard O’Steen

Dr. and Mrs. David Cook

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Owen

Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Curls, Jr.

Mrs. Marlene Pitts

Mrs. Jackie Davis Mr. and Mrs. Ron Denney Mr. and Mrs. Ward Edwards Miss Susan Ellis Rev. and Mrs. Roger Evans Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fisher Mr. and Mrs. Bob Forlaw Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Fulton Mr. and Mrs. Bud Gibson Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Haag Ms. Patsy Ham Mr. and Mrs. Rex Henry Pastor H. B. Holmes Rev. Gary Hull Mrs. Phyllis Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Ben Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. James Roberson Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Rowe Mr. and Mrs. Jon Russell Ms. Edith Rust Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ryal Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Shimko Dr. and Mrs. Mike Sligh Miss Nancy Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Stabler Rev. and Mrs. Rob Stubblefield Mr. and Mrs. John Szydlowski Mrs. Evelyn Towler Ms. Alice Marie Vinsant Mr. and Mrs. Archie White

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Wilson

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Jones

Affinity4 Amerivision Communications, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Kriegbaum Rev. and Mrs. Michael Latham

Given by:

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rains

Mr. and Mrs. Ken Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kirby

In memory of: Mr. John Sweet

Mr. and Mrs. James Powers

Mr. and Mrs. Fred ­Wiechmann

Dr. and Mrs. Derek Keenan

It is a joy to receive gifts that are sent to ­acknowledge a loved one. We are grateful for the gifts received from the following:

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Johnson

S chool

Mr. and Mrs. Kale Albritton Mrs. JoAnne Aldridge Mr. and Mrs. Andy Bean Ms. Patricia Brady Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Brown, Jr. Ms. Eleanor Campbell Ms. Donna Cole Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Dando Mr. and Mrs. Daniel DeLange Mr. and Mrs. John Douglass Mr. and Mrs. Gene Ellerbe Miss Susan Ellis Mrs. Norma Harrell Mr. Robert J. Harter Mrs. Robert Hightower Mrs. Debbie Houghton Mr. and Mrs. Gary Jantonio Mr. and Mrs. Marlin Jensen Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Knowlton Mr. and Mrs. Daniel MacNair Mr. and Mrs. George Maguire Mr. and Mrs. Mike McCormick Moms in Touch Mr. and Mrs. Ray Phillips Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ryal Mr. and Mrs. Bill Stinson Mr. and Mrs. Mike Wilson

In Memory of: Mrs. Faith Waibel Given by: Ms. Diane Klages In Memory of: Mr. Joe Firmin Given by: Ms. Diane Klages

Harrell’s Fertilizer Group, Inc. Miller Construction ­Management, Inc.

In Memory of: Mr. Joe DeRosa Given by: Ms. Diane Klages

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Latimer

Northwestern Mutual ­Financial Network

Mrs. Cynthia Maddox

OMS/Marcobay Construction

In Memory of: Mrs. Vicky Dawson Given by: Ms. Diane Klages

Mr. and Mrs. Mike McCormick

Outsource Management Solutions

In Memory of: Brad Hicks Given by: Ms. Diane Klages

Peterson & Myers, P.A.

In Memory of: Garrett Wynn Given by: Ms. Diane Klages

Mr. and Dr. Gary McDaniel Mr. and Mrs. Paul McLoughlin Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Miles Mrs. Norma Moore Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mosley Mr. and Mrs. Birk Mullinax Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Murray

Play It Again Sports

Sligh Clinic of Chiropractic

In Memory of: Mrs. Margaret Sligh Given by: Mrs. Jayne Brown

Miss Sally Brown

United Way of Tri-County, Inc.

In Memory of: Mr. David Gettings Given by: Mrs. Robert Hightower

Publix Super Markets ­Charities, Inc.

12

Alumni News 2000s

1990s

Leslie Schichtel (’08), an English major at Vanderbilt University, was one of five freshman accepted into the university’s Early Notification of Guaranteed Admission to Graduate Education (ENGAGE) program for the School of Law. Mark (’04) and Elizabeth (’05) Duncan are the proud parents of Leila Christine, born February 25, 2009. She is also the granddaughter of Glenn and Nancy Shelby and Glen and Betty Duncan.

Miki Thomas (’05) graduated Leila Christine from the University of South Florida Duncan with a BA in Mass Communication with a concentration in Telecommunication Production.

She also served as the Assistant Post Production Editor on the movie “Endure” recently filmed in Lakeland.

Jason Millican (’99) is currently working in Tampa as a contracted Network Administrator and loves his job. He is also very involved in his church, Watermark Community. Jason would like to thank LCS for hiring staff that love the Lord. He is also grateful for the late Mr. Joe Firmin who was one of the biggest influences on his life because he enjoyed technology and was very passionate about Christ and his family.

Note to Alumni Parents: If your former student no longer lives in your home but still receives mail from Lakeland Christian at your address, please e-mail Claudia Powell at cpowell@lcsonline.org to update their alumni information.

1980s Judy Barton Cox (’82) married Jerry Cox in 2007 and moved to Wyoming for a year.

They came back to Florida in May 2008 and currently reside in Zephyrhills with their two cats and one dog.

We love to hear from you. News about you is ­important to us and to your former classmates. Please e-mail Claudia Powell at ­cpowell@lcsonline.org. Planning your class reunion?

Contact Director of Community Relations Julie Rice, at 863-688-2771, ext. 236, and she will arrange for use of facilities and will offer other helpful tips.

Mark Kirby Athletic Director

Julie Rice Community Relations

Jamieson Bryant

Favorite Reality Show

Beach or Mountains

Favoite ice cream flavor?

# of pairs of flip flops/ sandals you own

TV shows you’ll miss most over the summer?

# of books you will read this summer

Biggest Loser

Mountains

Vanilla – then you can put whatever you want on it!

1

don’t watch much TV, so none

4

Dark Chocolate Brownie

8

House

5-6, I hope

Butter Pecan

1

The Office

As many as I can afford

5

America’s Next Top Model

5-6

10 or more

Grey’s Anatomy

1

Biggest Loser

Beach

Operation Repo

Beach

Don’t watch reality TV

Mountains

Biggest Loser

Mountains

Senior

Katie Greene Freshman

Natasha Elliott Nurse

YOUR TURN

!

Cookies & Cream

I don’t like ice cream

13

Spring Sports Wrap Up Tennis Teams Earn Fourth in ­County Tournament In a season of tough competition with some of the largest ­public schools in the area, both the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams captured a fourth-place ­finish in the West County Tournament.

The boys’ team, coached by Cliff Coleman, finished with a 7-3 record and a fourth place District finish. The Vikings took close wins over ­Lakeland (4-3), Bartow (4-3) and Frostproof (4-3) throughout the season. The team also earned two close victories over District rival Santa Fe Catholic.

The Viking girls’ team finished their season with a 5-5 record and seventh in the District. The team easily handled Fort Meade (7-0), Frostproof (7-0), Lake Gibson (7-0) and Lake Wales (7-0). The girls were coached by Coleman, Catharine Grigsby and D ­ ebbie Stump.

White Finishes Third in 800 at State Meet After helping her team to a first-place District finish and a fourth-place Regional finish, LCS 8th grader Mallory White finished third in the 800-meter run at the FHSAA Track and Field Championship at Showalter Field in Winter Park. With a time of 2:18.34, White helped the Lady Vikings to a 17th-place team finish in the state tournament.

White’s third-place finish, just four seconds behind the first-place ­finisher, earned her an LCS school record and personal best time. She also placed ­seventh in the high jump in 5'0".

For the girls’ team, Cayley Miles earned seventh place in the discus (104-04), and Spookie Eaves finished sixth in the 3,200-meter race with a time of 11:34.20. The 4x800 team finished eighth.

The boys’ team also finished first in the District and fourth in the Regional meet. In the Regional meet, senior Zach Cabrera earned third place in the t­ riple jump. Russell Aldridge claimed second in the high jump, while teammates ­Michael Emert (400m) and Mark Mutz (3200m) also finished in second place.

At the boys’ state finals, Cabrera placed fourth in the triple jump (43-04.5) and led the Vikings to a 39th-place team finish.

14

Varsity Softball Team Finishes 17-6 For the second year in a row, the Viking

out 10 batters and gave up only one hit

varsity softball season ended too soon. The

as the Lady Vikes cruised to a 10-0 victory

girls’ team breezed through the District

over the Fort Meade Miners. Matched up

­tournament and first round of Regionals, only

against Santa Fe in the District finals, the

to be defeated 4-0 by Lakeland rival Santa Fe

girls’ team finally avenged their losses to

Catholic in the Regional Semifinal game.

Santa Fe, winning the District title with a

Finishing 17-6, the girls’ team had a

3-1 victory. In the Regional Quarterfinal

strong season. Led by coaches Rand and Mary

round, the Vikings easily handled Indian

Reese, the Vikings started off their season with

Rocks Christian by a score of 9-0.

a 11-2 record, with the only two losses coming from Santa Fe. In the first round of the District ­tournament, senior Melissa Murphy struck

Girls’ Soccer ­Players Chosen for All-State Team

The middle school softball team was coached by Sue Wilsman and

Senior Melissa Murphy led the Lady Vikes to a 17-6 season.

Susan Ellis and finished with a record of seven wins and six losses.

Congratulations to Kourtney Rea and Lauren Wasilewski for being ­selected for the Florida Girls’ Soccer All-State Team.

Gaines Griffin was also chosen to receive an All-State Honorable Mention.

Heartbreaking Semifinal Loss Ends Viking Baseball Season After being in the lead for most of the game, the Viking

baseball team was defeated by Fort Meade in the semifinal

round of the District tournament by a score of 5-4. It was the third loss to the Miners this season.

Coached by Blane Fox, the Viking team finished the season

with a record of 16 wins and 12 losses. The Vikes had a strong season, posting big wins over Kathleen High School (10-6), Shorecrest Prep (8-5) and Trinity Prep (3-2, 4-1). The Vikings

split with local rival Santa Fe, claiming a 9-2 victory early in the season and suffering a 6-5 loss in April.

The JV team finished 8-8 and was coached by Roger Evans.

Spring Sports Wrap Up New Sport Debuts for Spring Season A new sport has been added to the spring sports line up at Lakeland Christian. While most spring athletes are ­competing outdoors, the new Viking weightlifting team has taken up ­residence in the weight room.

This group of athletes, coached by Bobby Dan ­McGlohorn, had a successful inaugural season. These ­strongmen competed in five meets during the month of March, earning two first-place finishes (at Bartow HS and Tenoroc HS) and one second-place finish at Frostproof High School.

Stump Signs with Berry College Lakeland Christian senior Jonathan Stump will continue his baseball career as a Viking but will transition from the LCS royal to Berry College navy. Stump has signed a letter of intent to play in the outfield at the NAIA school in Rome, Georgia.

Stump, the son of Duff and Debbie Stump, is a three-year member of the varsity baseball team. As an outfielder and pitcher, Stump finished this year with a .419 batting average and a 4-5 pitching record with 66 strikeouts in 62 innings. He had an ERA of 1.24.

Although he looked at a Division II school in West Virginia and some schools closer to home, Stump chose Berry because of the “good academics and good sports program.” He plans to major in finance.

Berry College’s baseball team is currently ranked #4 in the country in the NAIA n ­ ational poll and will be transitioning to NCAA Division III over the next few years.

FHSAA Awards Academic Team Champions The Florida High School Athletics

The boys’ basketball team

The boys’ soccer team finished in second

­Association has named the Academic

nudged out Master’s A ­ cademy

place with a GPA of 3.492. The girls’ team earned

Team Champions for the winter sports

for the number-one spot with a

a second place ranking with a GPA of 3.740.

­season, and one Lakeland Christian

cumulative GPA of 3.549. The

team topped the list for having the

girls’ team finished third in

state championship plaques by the end of the

­highest grade point average in the state.

Class 2A with a GPA of 3.612.

school year.

16

Winning schools receive commemorative

Golfers Display Skills for Annual Booster Club Tournament As fundraisers go, it’s one that traditionally provides

­McLaughlin, Clay

maximum enjoyment for the participants and ­organizers.

Green, David Joyner

And, for that matter, this year’s LCS Booster Club golf

and Eddie Hammerberg.

­tournament did not disappoint.

Senior A ­ nthony Sligh

More than 95 golfers toured the links of Huntington

won the putting skills

Hills Golf and Country Club on May 9 for the 19th e­ dition

competition and came

of the school’s annual spring tournament. In addition to

within inches of winning

the ­scramble format tourney, the day included putting

$5,000 on his final putt.

and ­chipping contests, longest drive and closest-to-the-pin

Although the tournament

­proximity games, and a hit-the-green challenge on a Par

packs a lot of activity and fun,

3 hole. In addition, each golfer received a complimentary

the purpose is still to raise money

goody bag and was eligible for door prizes.

for LCS athletics. This year’s tourna-

Winning this year’s tournament with a ­sizzling ­nineteen under par round was the team of Tom

ment netted more than $8,300 for the Booster Club. The Viking ­cheerleaders, who worked hard the day of the event, will also benefit from a portion of these proceeds.

Many thanks to school parent and tournament ­chairman Kevin Wasilewski, who provided

The Ledger Names All-County ­Athletes for the Winter Season

­outstanding leadership to the golf committee. The 2010 tournament is scheduled for April 24.

Heartfelt Appreciation to the following LCS Golf ­Tournament Sponsors: Master Sponsors – Burnetti Children’s ­Foundation; Horne Construction; Publix Super

The Ledger has named its All-County Athletes for the winter sports season and several Lakeland Christian athletes were honored for their accomplishments.

For boys’ soccer, Michael Emert was named to the All-County First Team. Zach Cabrera, Dylan Griffin and Cory Smith were

­Markets Charities, Inc.; Syngenta Hole-In-One Sponsors – Barney’s Pumps; ­Harrell’s, Inc.; Lakeland Electric Car Sponsor – Regal Automotive Hole Sponsors – Case Engineering;

selected as part of the Second Team. Honorable Mentions were

Clark/Nikdel/­Powell; Dermatology ­Associates of

awarded to Daniel Hughes, Andrew Blanke, Anthony Sligh and

Central Florida; Dixie Signs; Florida Handling

Jordan Green.

Systems; Garrard Carpentry, Inc.; ­Gentry-Morrison

Congratulations to girls’ soccer standouts Gaines Griffin,

Funeral Homes; Herff-Jones; Lakeland Farmer’s

Kourtney Rea and Jessica Thomas for being chosen as part of the

Market; Scott Langston; OMS Insurance Group;

All-County First Team. Lauren Wasilewski made the Second Team,

Ray & Betsy ­Phillips; Platinum Bank; Register

and Honorable Mentions went to Shelby Pierce, Hannah Webster,

­Construction & ­Engineering; Rideout & Sons; Sale

Mallory White and Zoe Wilson.

Insurance; Sligh Clinic; Storage & Handling, Inc.;

In the boys’ basketball category, C.J. Underwood was named to The Ledger’s All-County Third Team. In the girls’ category, Whitney Houk and Christin Strawbridge received Honorable Mention.

SCMH Architects; Wasilewski Court Reporting; ­Wilson Real Estate.

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Mark Your Calendar

Important Dates for 2009-2010 School Year The 2009-2010 school year will be here before you know it.

Here are a few important dates to keep in mind: June 19 Report Cards Mailed (tentative) August 17 Teachers Report to School August 20-21 Open House/Orientation August 21 Football Kickoff Bar-B-Q August 24 First Day of School (Grades 1-12) August 26 First Day of School (Grades K4 & K5) November 23-27 Thanksgiving Break December 18 Early Dismissal, Christmas Break Begins January 4, 2010 Classes Resume March 29-April 2 Spring Break May 27 Last Day for Seniors June 3 Last Day for K4 & K5 June 7 Commencement June 8 Last Day of School for Grades 1-11