Engage Magazine - Summer 2016

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I N S I D E feature > LCS INSPIRES A LIFETIME OF SERVICE Polk County Contractor Alan Green (ˇ78) Uses Expertise to Build, Share Gospel Around the World

ON THE HORIZON “BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.” Joshua 24:13 Upon honest reflection, it is obvious that we all serve someone or something. The great military leader, Joshua, challenged God’s people with the choice – serve the one living and true God who had delivered them from their enemies and enabled them to possess the blessings of the land, or serve the false gods of the defeated locals. The worship of the heathen gods of the area was laced with a focus on sensuality, prosperity and heightened selfishness. Sound familiar? It is a sad but repetitive pattern that we are all too prone to serve the “loser” gods of this world rather than the One who is ultimately victorious, the true King of Kings.

Following the counterfeit gods of our culture works against our calling to serve God and others.

For the Christian, service to others flows from a heart focused on serving the King. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men …” Colossians 3:23. When Jesus confronted Peter after the resurrection with the challenge to care for His church, He asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” When Peter answered in the affirmative, Jesus’ instruction was, “Feed my sheep.” The admonition was for Peter to give his life caring for Christ’s church, depicted as sheep. It is interesting that Jesus did not ask, “Do you love sheep?” Sheep can be a real pain. The point of focus was service motivated by love for the Savior. Love for Him can transcend the obstacles that often accompany service.

This issue of Engage features examples of some who are serving the Lord while serving others. Their love for the Savior drives their work, even when it is hard and the folks being served may be difficult. Whether in construction, works of compassion or overtly sharing the gospel, service can be done for the glory of God. This type of service reflects God’s grace that has been so lavishly provided for us. Perhaps reflecting on these models of servant leaders will encourage us to resist the self-centered “loser” gods of this present age and serve the King of Kings with hearts of joy!

DR. MIKE SLIGH, Headmaster

MAGAZINE Magazine Editor Sandy Johnson,

WHY Engage ?

Communications Specialist

engage v. to commit; to involve intensely; to begin action

Creative Design Clark/Nikdel/Powell

The title for the LCS magazine describes – in one word – a

Cover Photography Benjamin Hewitt

great deal about our passion for Christian schooling and the

ADMINISTRATORS: Dr. Mike Sligh | Headmaster Steve Wilson | Director of Advancement Luci O’Byrne | Elementary Principal Nancy Bradley | Assistant Elementary Principal Keith Overholt | Secondary Principal Darren Copeland | Assistant Principal - High School

effectual results. This active verb reflects our commitment to fostering lives of vibrant faith, active learning and intentional influence. Teachers engage students, students engage in their studies and co-curricular activities, and children and young people are prepared to engage their culture for the Kingdom. Engage will share encouraging stories of commitments to Christ, engagement in learning and active applications of faith for a lifetime.

Scott Cunninham | Assistant Principal - Middle School Julie Rice | Director of Enrollment Matt Green | Chief Financial Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Kevin Knowlton – Chairman Jim Wilbanks – Vice-Chairman

IN THIS ISSUE:

Beth Patteson – Secretary Payton Albritton Kristen Bolter

Feature: Alan Green { 6 }

Dan DeLange

Side Feature: Jamie Simmons { 12 }

Dan Green

Campusclamor@LCS { 15 }

David Miller Bill Mutz

Athletics Feature: Mark & Becky Wright { 18 }

Dean Nederveld

Expressions@LCS { 22 }

Cory Petcoff Steve Sligh

Sportszone@LCS { 23 }

John Tucker

Staff Scoop { 25 } magazine is published quarterly by

Faculty Feature: Roger & Teri Evans { 27 }

Lakeland Christian School and is distributed free

Cheerfulgivers@LCS { 30 }

of charge to parents, grandparents, alumni and

Alumni@LCS { 31 }

friends of the school.

Send correspondence to: Lakeland Christian School Attn: Sandy Johnson 1111 Forest Park Street Lakeland, FL 33803 You may send emails to sjohnson@lcsonline.org.

This magazine is printed by Area Litho, Lakeland, FL.

LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1111 Forest Park Street, Lakeland, Florida 33803 | Phone 863-688-2771 Fax 863-682-5637 | lcsonline.org | facebook.com/LCSVikings | twitter.com/LkldChristian

THE MISSION OF L AKEL AND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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is to educate students in the light of God’s Word to equip them for a lifetime of learning, leadership, service and worship.

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F E AT U R E

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ALAN GREEN

Building and Serving Around the World with CWE { 7 }

E N G A G E F E AT U R E continued

As a state-certified building contractor, Alan Green (Class of 1978) knows that a solid foundation is crucial for the stability of any structure. After all, a mistake or weakness in the foundation can cause major problems in the long run.

For Alan, he credits his solid foundation to his family, his faith and his time at Lakeland Christian School. This foundation remained strong through college, as he married and started a family, as he started a successful construction business and even as he weathered the storms of life that included the loss of two children.

Alan has always had a passion for spreading the Gospel around the world, and for the past 25 years, he has combined his expertise as a contractor and his desire to serve God to travel around the world through the ministry of Christians for Worldwide Evangelism (CWE).

HIS TIME AT LCS Alan transferred to Lakeland Christian for his junior and senior years of high school after growing up in the public school system. It was a welcome change at a crucial time.

“LCS was a welcome environment for me when I needed it,” Alan said. “I was at the point of decision for good and for bad, and LCS, it’s administrators and the teachers helped me make decisions for Christ that have lasted to this day.”

Alan got involved on the soccer and basketball teams during his time at LCS. Dr. Sligh was the basketball coach and became one of Alan’s favorite coaches.

“He taught us how to win and lose with dignity, and I still remember his Bible verse for our senior year – Galatians 6:9. ‘And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.’”

Two teachers – Miss Palmer and Mrs. Montgomery – were also influential during Alan’s time at Lakeland Christian.

“Miss Palmer was a great teacher and became a good friend, and Mrs. Montgomery stoked my love of reading good books.”

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COLLEGE, CAREER AND FAMILY Although he did not know what type of career he wanted during his high school years, Alan knew that he wanted to spend his days sharing the gospel.

After graduating from LCS in 1978, he headed north to Cedarville College (now Cedarville University). The Christian college in Ohio provided Alan with solid teaching and great relationships.

One of the special relationships he developed at Cedarville was with a classmate named Donna, and the two got married between their sophomore and junior years. They spent their last two years of college managing a restaurant, which gave them the desire to one day start their own business. Alan graduated in 1983 with a degree in business.

After college, Alan and Donna moved back to central Florida. Alan took a job with a restoration company that put properties back together after experiencing fire, water and storm damage. Within three years, they started Green Construction Services, Inc., which they still work for and run today.

In the years after Alan started Green Construction Services, he and Donna started a family.

“We have been blessed with six children – three girls, then three boys,” Alan said. “Two have beat us to Heaven. We have also helped raise, at different times, five other kids. We have one grandson, Hudson, who just turned four.”

His daughter Danielle, whom Alan considers one of his heroes, was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of nine. She battled it for two years before passing away at the age of eleven.

“When nearing the end of her fight, Dani was interviewed by one of Channel 13’s news anchors, and they asked her what her thoughts were, having to go through all of this while her friends were out spending time at play and school. After some thought, she looked up at Deanna and said, ‘I trust God, and if He thinks it’s okay for me to go through this, then I’m okay with it!’ My response on camera was, through tears, ‘She is one of my heroes. We all want to hear ‘well done’ at the end of our lives when when we meet Jesus and that is exactly what she will hear!’ I want to hear that when my race is done.”

HIS WORK WITH CWE From the time he was a high school student at Lakeland Christian, Alan knew he wanted to serve people and advance God’s kingdom in the world. So when he had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Santiago, Chile, Alan took it. That was 25 years ago.

Since then, Alan has traveled on more than 50 missions trips to more than 27 different countries with CWE – Christians for Worldwide Evangelism (formerly Construction for Worldwide Evangelism).

He has served in Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, West Africa, South Africa, Italy, Czech Republic, Mexico, as well as most of the West Indies, Central American countries and South American countries.

CWE was started 24 years ago to help missionaries build projects on their foreign mission fields. The organization has grown and now includes medical ministry and serves as a conduit for the local church to help fulfill the mandate in Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to ends of the earth.”

The ministry sends more than 500 people to the foreign mission field annually, and thousands of people have made decisions to make Christ their Savior and Lord.

Shortly after being introduced to the ministry of CWE, Alan went as part of a team to St. Lucia in the West Indies. After the trip, he was asked to join the board

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Although Alan considers himself a “podunk contractor from Polk County, Florida,” he has seen God work in amazing ways through the various trips and projects of CWE. “We have seen Him change people’s minds within minutes of them saying that we could not travel with the things we had brought to the airport to them waving us over and allowing all that we brought to go,” Alan said.

of directors, and he has served on the board for the past 22 years. His responsibilities include attending quarterly meetings, helping to determine different ministry projects and traveling to various countries.

“I travel on many survey trips to help decide where we can have the most impact and which ministries God is directing us to partner with. We build churches, hospitals and schools from the ground up, typically in three to four weeks. In a third-world country, that causes quite a stir which gives us many opportunities to share the Gospel!”

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“We have seen Him stop the rain for the entire time of construction and just while we were working. We have seen government officials change their minds about many things, and God miraculously providing bags of groceries so that no one would go hungry in a small village in the Dominican Republic. We have seen Him work by getting to sit next to the newly-deposed President of Antigua/ Barbuda on an airplane and getting to share Christ with him.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF SERVING GOD Alan was raised by parents who loved Jesus and taught their kids to do the same. Another hero of his – his Grandpa Green – showed him how to be a Christian businessman in a lost world. The foundation they laid, in addition to the influence of the LCS community, taught Alan the importance of serving God by loving others.

“Serving is critical for us as we follow Christ,” Alan said. “He was the very best example ever of servant leadership. If Christ could give Himself to serving people, why not me?”

“It reminds me of what Max Lucado calls Jesus’ second worst day. It was the day that the disciples told Jesus that His beloved cousin, John, had just been beheaded

by Herod. Jesus wants to head to the hills to grieve and spend time with the Father. However, he turns and looks at the crowd of people following Him, and He had compassion on them. Then he served the people by healing them, feeding them and teaching them the truth of the Gospel.”

A STRONG FOUNDATION AND A LASTING LEGACY In the world of construction, a strong and solid foundation is essential. Alan credits his family, faith and LCS for giving him a solid one on which to build his life.

“Not all choose the path of maximizing this opportunity for which I am the poster child,” Alan said. “Many times I have chosen my own path, but when given the

opportunity to build on the foundation that my parents helped build in my life at home, LCS added a strong stem wall on that foundation to allow me to build for success.

Not success in the world’s eyes, but in God’s. That gave me the opportunity to turn back from me and to keep building the structure that God wanted in my life to best serve Him and others.”

“LCS helps build legacy. I look back and credit LCS and its teachers and administrators with helping me to make right decisions at a critical time in my life. This helped me and has helped my children and many in my family over the past 30 years continue to love the Lord and to serve Him.” Alan and his wife Donna have been married for 35 years and live in Lakeland. He is the founder and CEO of Green Construction Services, Inc., a full-service construction company specializing in restoration and remodeling in Central Florida. Alan and Donna worship and serve at Heritage Baptist Church. Alan is on the deacon board and works in the youth ministry with 11th grade boys. He also serves in the church nursery.

For more information about Christians for Worldwide Evangelism (CWE) and to learn about how you can get involved and travel on short-term mission trips, visit http://www.cwe-mission.org.

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SI DE F EATU R E

‘HE ILLUMINATES ONE VERY SMALL STEP AT A TIME’ How LCS Alumna Jamie Simmons Followed God’s Calling from Cosmetics to Camp Ministry For thousands of LCS students, present and former, Camp Gilead in Polk City is the site of fond memories of fifth grade and senior retreats, summer camps and maybe even church picnics.

For Jamie (Kearns) Simmons, Class of 1997, her involvement at the small camp on Lake Helene would eventually lead her and her husband Lincoln into full-time camp ministry as the Co-National Director of Children’s Bible Ministries (CBM) of which Camp Gilead is a part.

After what she considers three “pivotal” years at Lakeland Christian School, Jamie briefly attended Florida Southern College before losing her scholarship and going to work as a nail technician and server at Outback Steakhouse.

At a church event in 1999, her friends Hayley (Mueller) Hurd (Class of 1997) and Sam Fielder (Class of 1999) encouraged her to work at Camp Gilead with them as a summer counselor.

That summer, Jamie did work as a counselor at Camp Gilead and also met fellow staff member Lincoln Simmons, { 12 }

whom she would marry in February of 2000. The couple continued to serve at camp during the summers of 2000 and 2001 as leaders of the kitchen worker program.

For the next ten years, Lincoln and Jamie took a break from working at Camp Gilead to pursue other passions.

Jamie spent five years with Lancome Cosmetics before taking a job as the Conference Services Coordinator at Southeastern University in Lakeland. During her time at SEU, Jamie completed her bachelor’s degree in Human Services.

“During the summer of 2010, Lincoln and I both felt the calling into full-time ministry at Camp Gilead while at the funeral service for Ms. Edith Hulslander, who was a faithful CBM missionary for many years,” Jamie said. “We started the application process, were approved by the Board, sold Lincoln’s business (What’s New Consignment) and moved to Camp Gilead in March of 2011.”

Jamie and Lincoln started off as the program managers, and eventually Jamie took on the role of Director of Development, was in charge of group ministries and served as the registrar at Camp Gilead.

Camp Gilead is one of 13 camps in the eastern United States that is under Children’s Bible Ministries, whose national office is located in Townsend, Tennessee.

“In 2013, God started burdening our hearts for CBM as a whole ministry,” Jamie said. “We knew it had been without national leadership since the fall of 2011.

We prayed a lot and decided to apply as the National Directors. We were voted on and approved in September 2013 and were announced at the National Conference.”

“From September to December of 2013, we had to raise our support, continue in our existing roles at Camp Gilead, train our replacements, pack, say goodbye and also start acting as the CBM National Directors. God was so faithful to allow all of this to flow smoothly. In January of 2014, we moved from Florida to Tennessee during the middle of a big snowstorm and have been serving as the CBM National Directors since then.”

In their roles, both Lincoln and Jamie serve to steer the course of the ministry as a whole. This involves traveling to the different CBM camps and encouraging the missionaries who serve. They also live and direct the CBM National Headquarters, a group ministry facility called Tuckaleechee Retreat Center (TRC).

“At the TRC, we have a bookkeeper, an innkeeper and a maintenance/grounds person. Every one of us is fully supported by churches and individuals who believe in the ministry we do,” Jamie said. “CBM purchased TRC

in 2000 to provide a place for its missionaries to have time away, as well as to offer its various training and conferences. When it’s not being used for CBM activities, we open it for church groups, families and individuals to rent.”

“Because it’s a non-profit area of CBM, after our expenses are paid, everything gets poured back into furthering CBM through what we call the Expansion Fund. In our first year, we were able to become completely debt free and put a large sum towards purchasing CBM’s 13th facility, called Camp Ozone, located in Rockwood, Tennessee.”

Lincoln and Jamie have also started the National Internship Program, which trains and equips potential missionaries by developing their skills, helping them discover their God-given passion and purpose, and mobilizing them to achieve their potential. The program trains 10 interns each year. They spend four months at the national headquarters in Tennessee before going out to serve in various CBM camps. They also participate in a one-week overseas mission trip at one of CBM’s international affiliate ministries. In 2015, Lincoln and Jamie led their team to Honduras. This year, the team will travel to Moldova.

Through Jamie’s years at LCS, the influence of her teachers helped prepare her for this position of leadership. Even years after graduating, she continues to see the impact of LCS. In 2015, Bruce Edgar, former

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E N G A G E F E AT U R E continued

LCS faculty member and current missionary to Nicaragua, spoke at the CBM National Conference.

“Mr. Edgar was outstanding, and it really spoke to me on a different level,” Jamie said. “I realized how good he was, and a light bulb came on. No doubt he was this excellent when I was in high school, but I wouldn’t have known because I was too busy socializing and worrying about the people around me or what was happening after school.”

“I want to offer this as a challenge to current students: listen to the godly and amazing teachers and leaders that God has placed in your life; they know what they are talking about and you don’t want to realize that 20 years later like I did! God gave me awesome, godly friends and teachers who uplifted and pointed me to Scripture during those three pivotal, foundational years of my life.

High school can be so difficult in so many ways, from relationships to peer pressure to grades and social issues and so much more.”

“I have so often thought back on Miss Palmer teaching us about what it really meant that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. This alone could not have prepared me any better for life. It is so easy and tempting to want to look and plan ahead all the time, thinking about our way or our plan and wondering why God isn’t on board with what we’re planning. But we have to trust that He has it all under control and isn’t about our way. We have to be about His way and, more often than not, He only illuminates our way one very small step at a time, just like Miss Palmer said.”

“So to all of my teachers from LCS, some who are still there and some who have moved on to other adventures in life and some who have gone before us to be with our Father: Thank you! Your work is not in vain, and you are appreciated and loved by many. Even your ‘more social than academic’ students stand a chance when they surrender their lives to Christ, so don’t stop pointing to Him!”

To learn more about CBM and the different ministries, visit http://childrensbibleministries.net.

You can get involved by praying, volunteering and giving to the ministry. You can also join Jamie and Lincoln’s ministry Facebook group (search for “Simmons at CBM National”).

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{ campusclamor@lcs }

Senior Kara Stacy was recently awarded the Bailey Family Foundation Scholarship based on her academic achievements and service to the community. This $20,000 scholarship is paid out over four years.

Congratulations to senior Vaviel Verner on winning a Silver Garland Award in the Music category. She was selected during The Ledger’s 40th Annual Silver Garland Awards program held at Florida Southern College’s Branscomb Auditorium on May 9.

Vaviel has tallied 480 community service hours in activities such as leading and managing worship at her church and for Lakeland Christian. She has served as a camp counselor at the annual LCS Music Camp. Vaviel has also encouraged and inspired others to study and pursue music. Vaviel has studied music, voice and dance and has been recognized for her accomplishments in piano and in choir/ensemble.

LCS Junior Mitchell Davis has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Explorers Club Youth Activity Grant in New York to map the Sajama Lines in Bolivia. The little-known Sajama Lines are a network of thousands of near perfectly straight lines carved into the Earth as early as 3,000 years ago by the indigenous population. The lines cover an area of 22,525 square kilometers, fifteen times larger than the Nazca Lines, and total an astonishing 16,000 kilometers in length.

The web of lines are thought to have been used as footpaths in pilgrimages and between the shrines, burial towers and villages constructed at their intersections.

Explorers Club grants are highly competitive and only a small percentage of proposals are funded. Mitchell will plan and execute the expedition in coming months.

Lakeland Christian School has won a $90,000 grant from the Christian Education Charitable Trust to enhance secondary education. The trust is designed to “proactively explore and promote fresh, innovative approaches to education that are inspired by Scripture and go beyond the traditional approach to integrate technology and scalability with education.” The grant will be used to develop innovative programs for middle and high school students at Lakeland Christian School in the 2016-17 school year and beyond.

She plans to study music at the University of South Carolina.

Other LCS nominees were Bria Aqui (athletics), Christian Bedwell (citizenship), Brittany Lewis (journalism), Breanna Skladanek (science) and Kara Stacy (performing arts).

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{ campusclamor@lcs } qualifying test. This past September, about 16,000 semifinalists were chosen. To become finalists, those students had to complete an application and earn qualifying SAT scores. Christian is one of 7,500 finalists from around the country who were selected for National Merit Scholarships.

Congratulations to junior Julia Canady on winning the Fourth Place Grand Award in the Plant Science category at the 2016 International Science and Engineering Fair.

She received a $500 cash prize.

Julia presented her research during the weeklong event in Phoenix, Arizona. She was one of more than 1,700 students from 76 countries.

This was Julia’s second consecutive trip to ISEF. She also earned a Fourth Place Grand Award in 2015.

Congratulations to LCS senior

Christian Bedwell on being named a National Merit Scholarship winner. He is one of just a handful of Polk County students who qualified for the program. Christian was awarded a $2,500 scholarship.

Students enter the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship

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Congratulations to the Class of 2016! The 89-member class celebrated Baccalaureate on Sunday, June 5, and Commencement on Monday, June 6. At Baccalaureate, Christian Leadership Award winner Molly Mason and Secondary Principal Wayne Shimko both challenged the class from Scripture. The following evening, Valedictorian Christian Bedwell and Salutatorian Breanna Skladanek encouraged their classmates by sharing memories, advice and personal thoughts. The class chose Mr. Ian Thomas, a member of the secondary faculty, to give the Commencement address. The evening concluded with each senior receiving a diploma from Dr. Mike Sligh, Headmaster.

{ campusclamor@lcs } For the first time in school history, the LCS Academic Team tied for first place at the 33rd Polk High School Academic Tournament County Championships, held at Winter Haven High School on February 16, 2016.

Harrison School for the Arts won in a one-question tie-breaker 227-226. Twenty-two teams from throughout Polk County competed in the semi-final rounds. LCS won their semi-final round with a score of 281 at Lake Region High School. The top eight teams advanced to the finals. The LCS A-Team consisted of Christian Bedwell, Nehemiah McIntosh, Kara Stacy, Marybeth Boulerice, Quin McKown, and Reese Overholt. Christian was the high scorer with 78 points and was selected to be one of the eight finalists on the All-County Team.

During the 2015-2016 school year, the LCS Board of Directors appointed Dr. Alan Pue of The Barnabas Group to lead a task force through a rigorous six-month strategic planning process. This group comprised parents, board members, administration and faculty members. Work teams were assembled to assess various aspects of the state of the school, re-affirm agreed-upon core values and forge the development The Senior Class of 2016 traveled to Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood,

of strategic initiatives for the future. The task force completed their work in January 2016, and in February the Board of Directors adopted four initiatives that will lead LCS to be ‘Always Better.’ To view the LCS Strategic Initiatives, visit www.lcsonline.org.

Washington for the annual senior service trip in late May/early June.

ALW AYS

Better

The group spent two days preparing the camp for the summer. Projects included building picnic tables, landscaping, clearing trails, deep cleaning, building fences and putting up

ST R I N AT E ITI G E SE AT I C NT ED IVE SPR ING 201 S 6

PR

tents. The students also enjoyed some sightseeing time in Seattle with trips to Pike’s Market, a Seattle Mariners baseball game and the Space Needle.

For more information on Warm Beach Camp, visit www.warmbeach.com.

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ATHLETICS FEATURE

SETTING IDOLS ASIDE: Mark and Becky Wright Reach Youth Through Sports

Mark and Becky (Brown) Wright met on the kindergarten playground at Lakeland Christian School.

Mark grew up in Lakeland, Florida. His grandfather was the founder of Lighthouse Ministries and was a member of the starting Board of Directors for Lakeland Christian School. Mark attended LCS through his junior year but transferred to George Jenkins High School to play football during his senior year. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.

Becky was raised in Auburndale, Florida, by parents who were in full-time ministry. She graduated from LCS in 1998 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in communications (advertising and public relations) from Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

During the high school and college years, God placed a unique call on each of their lives to be involved in ministry and nonprofit service that eventually led to the founding of Idols Aside Ministries, a Polk County-based non-profit that provides spiritual guidance, emotional support and mentoring to the fatherless and struggling youth.

The mission of Idols Aside Ministries (IAM) is “to establish strong relationships, provide continual discipleship and guidance while modeling Christ through sports camps, hunting retreats and our unique mentor program specifically geared for young adults aging out of foster care.”

The couple, along with their two daughters Grace (9) and Hope (6), are members at First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, where Becky is also on staff as the Women’s Ministry Director.

Engage interviewed Mark and Becky to talk about their time at LCS and the ministries they’ve started to point fatherless and struggling youth to Christ.

ENGAGE: How many years did you attend LCS?

ENGAGE: How did the two of you meet?

MARK: Kindergarten through my junior year. I started at

BECKY: We think we have it narrowed down to the

George Jenkins my senior year. At the time, LCS did not have

Kindergarten playground at LCS … although we were not in

a football team and I went to Jenkins to be the starting kicker.

the same Kindergarten class, we did have the same first grade

I look back and see God’s hand in that decision because it

teacher, Mr. Conklin.

opened the door for me to play college football and set the stage for God’s calling of sports ministry on my life.

BECKY: Kindergarten through senior year … all 13!

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ENGAGE: Who are some of the people who influenced you during your time at LCS? MARK: One who still stands out to me was my Spanish

teacher, Mr. Long. Even though it probably sounded crazy to

fatherless youth or offering sports camps/retreats/events to

everyone else that I would leave right before my senior year,

kids who couldn’t pay to go.

Mr. Long stayed positive and encouraged me to use my gifts for God’s glory. I’ll never forget that one night Becky called me at college to tell me Mr. Long was then in an Administrative position at LCS and she had stopped in to see him. He asked about me and Becky noticed that he had my football picture up in his office ... that meant a lot to me back then, and still does today.

Finally one night Becky and I were studying the Ten Commandments. “Thou shalt have NO OTHER GODS before me” jumped off the page to us. I started my ranting that today’s gods/idols were sports figures, and there weren’t enough of them reaching people with the gospel through the incredible platform they have. Once again, Becky gently asked me how their platform was any greater than mine and

BECKY: I can think back on a ton of teachers who spoke truth

asked me why I felt like an NFL jersey would’ve made me more

into my life, or pushed me when I wasn’t pushing myself …

qualified to share the gospel with hopeless kids. That night,

but I will say teachers like Mrs. Gargan, Miss Snyder and Mr.

we sat and started praying and dreaming about a ministry that

Long, who reminded me often that they were praying for me,

would challenge athletes to show hopeless kids that if you

really blessed me beyond words. Although I would’ve NEVER

set your IDOL ASIDE and give everything you have to Jesus,

admitted it in high school … I am very grateful for Mrs. Oncu’s

He alone can save you and make you exactly what He created

tough-as-nails approach to teaching English. Because of her

you to be. That night, Idols Aside was born. We never could’ve

I was able to CLEP out of all English I would’ve had to take for

dreamed what all God had in store!

my degree in college!

ENGAGE: When you were in high school and college, what did you hope to do as a career?

ENGAGE: A lot of your activities are sports-related. Why did you choose sports as a platform to serve?

MARK: There are lots of idols to be torn down in today’s

MARK: I’m not exactly sure what I hoped to do. I knew that

sporting culture, so we feel like the Lord has us there pointing

God was calling me into ministry, but I was not completely

people to Jesus in an arena that is absolutely dominating

ready to submit to that calling right out of college. I initially

our culture and society. There are also incredible life lessons

jumped into the corporate world and started climbing that

that can be taught and gained through sports. And as for the

ladder but I was out of God’s will and miserable. The world’s

outdoor sporting world, how better to teach kids about an

definition of success was so empty to me no matter how high

incredible CREATOR God who created them for a purpose than

I climbed.

to get them out there in His creation? Many kids in today’s

BECKY: I am not really sure that I knew at the time, but God started directing my path in college toward non-profits.

ENGAGE: Tell me how Idols Aside Ministries (IAM) got started.

MARK: To be quite honest, God started using a lot of my frustrations to point me in the direction He wanted me to go.

I was frustrated that I couldn’t find gratification in promotions or raises in the business world; meanwhile I was frustrated

society have only seen the outdoors on a TV screen. Getting them out there in it opens their eyes and tears down walls like nothing I can adequately explain.

ENGAGE: What are some of the specific ministries involved with IAM? MARK: We have three specific programs we are currently running under Idols Aside:

that a lot of my buddies who I played college ball with, or

The Idols Aside Ministries Sons Without Fathers program

guys I knew in the professional sports arena, were not using

has become a central focus of the ministry as a whole and a

the platform that I saw as “greater than mine” to share the

model for other ministries to follow since its launch more than

gospel and bring others to Christ. Becky one night gently

five years ago. The goal of the SWF program is very simple

hinted to me that if God was calling me to ministry, that didn’t

yet extremely profound: to see young men who have not had

mean I had to put on a suit and preach every Sunday. We

the guidance of an earthly father learn they have a heavenly

couldn’t put God in that box; He may have other plans for

Father who longs to have a relationship with them! The heart

me regarding ministry. So I started interviewing with sports

of the program involves taking these young men out into

ministries … even got a few offers. But I could never get

creation, and while teaching them about God’s incredible

peace about saying “yes” to those. Most of my interviews

creation, instilling in them the truths that just as He created

turned into me interviewing them, which once again led to me

ALL things with a purpose, it is them who He made as His

being frustrated. I couldn’t find a ministry that was reaching

masterpiece if only they will trust Him to guide each step of

{ 19 }

E N G A G E F E AT U R E continued

their lives! The athletes and staff that have been involved in

bought me and put in the center of our home; there is no

this powerful program have been among some of the most

other way to start a day than with Jesus and a good strong cup

changed and blessed since the birth of this program in 2009.

of coffee! Then it’s on to all the stuff that running our home

Me Without You is a mentoring program for young adults aging out of the

Becky at the hospital with one of the “IAM Grandbabies”

and being a mom of busy girls requires, trying to get my list of things to support Mark in for the day/week and then working at our church as the Women’s Ministry Director, which is such an honor and privilege!

foster care system.

MARK: Not really sure we have ever had an average day,

God has given Idols

but we are blessed to have offices in Auburndale. I am over

Aside Ministries a

the administrative piece of all three of our programs: Sons

specific vision for a

Without Fathers, Me Without You and Super Moms. Every

very significant need

other Thursday you can find us at the Auburndale Community

in our state, our

Center doing a feeding program where we feed the kids there

nation and the world.

and teach them a lesson from God’s Word. That’s been a great

There presently are

outreach to find young men to participate in the Son’s Without

no Christ-centered

Fathers program. Then usually getting everything geared up

support systems for young adults who age out of foster

and ready for a weekend event or retreat out at the

programs. The “Road to Independence” is a government

IAM Ranch!

program meant to provide funding for these adults who have “aged out” with the purpose of providing funds to assist them in establishing their independent life. In order to continue

ENGAGE: Are there any stories or memories that stand out to you?

receiving these funds they must meet certain criteria.

MARK: One stands out in particular about a young lady

Unfortunately due to no accountability, they fail and therefore

another partner ministry brought with them on a retreat we

lose the funds, putting themselves at risk for being on the

hosted. So many partner ministries will bring out their “tough

streets or being dependent on someone else in an unhealthy

cases” because they are at the end of their rope trying to

relationship.

have a breakthrough with kids who seem determined NOT to

Super Moms is a program that ministers to single moms in our community through retreats at the Idols Aside Lodge. Over the course of six years, each time we have had the privilege of hosting kids who come from single mom homes on retreats or events, Becky and I have left with the same impression: these moms are our earthly heroes! Most of them are working multiple jobs while doing “double duty” at home. It has been amazing to take their middle and high school teens away and invest in them for weekends at a time, while also offering mom a little catch-up time at home. However, God is calling us to dig deeper into these families and offer our Super Moms programs so that we can start bringing “her” younger children on retreats as well.

ENGAGE: What does an average day look like for you? Is there such a thing?

BECKY: Starting every day in my “Bible Chair” Mark sweetly

{ 20 }

change. We rejoiced that weekend each time we saw walls fall with this young lady, and soon we started seeing smiles, hear an occasional broken laugh and miraculously, before the weekend was out, she completely broke and surrendered her life to Christ. Over the course of the next few years we were honored to bring her back on multiple retreats and have her attend multiple events. After graduating the program, this precious young lady came back to tell us that she had gone and found her birth mother (who was the source of much of her childhood abuse and had even at times sold her for drug money), and she had shared the gospel with her mother.

In time, her mother accepted Christ as her Savior and this young lady has since attended seminary seeking God’s will for her life!

BECKY: I could write a book at this point. I think my favorite memories all revolve around answered prayers. You see, with a lot of the young people we work with in non-Christian

foster homes/placements, sometimes we get to be the first people these kids ever meet who are trying to introduce them to Jesus. Therefore, there are a lot of kids who we have had the privilege of praying for and they have never once had a Christian carry their name to God’s throne in prayer. WHAT AN HONOR!! As a result, sometimes it still surprises me (and I KNOW it should NOT) how quickly God will answer prayers on behalf of these young people. We have literally watched prayers answered before we finish praying them. This, I KNOW, is a testimony that He waits for us to be what He has called us to be: His hands and feet to a lost and dying world and He longs to do things for them and through us if we only

Mark and Becky’s daughters, Grace and Hope, are very involved with loving the kids in their ministry. They are shown here with some young people in the Sons (and Daughters) Without Fathers program.

ask on their behalf!

ENGAGE: You’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of

I want them to love and desire Jesus above ALL else in this

professional athletes. Who were you most excited to meet

world and to serve Him with every breath they are given! My

and why?

girls already challenge me daily; they both have a boldness

MARK: Well, as for names of athletes, I can honestly say I don’t get all excited about the “whos” but the “hows.”

There have been a few times it was just REALLY obvious God

in sharing their faith that I long to have. I want them to be bright arrows in a dark world and be used to accomplish EVERYTHING God created them to be for His ultimate glory!

wanted a particular athlete on our team and those are the

ENGAGE: What are your ultimate goals for the ministry as

stories that are coolest to me. There was one particular time

it continues?

when we had just started the ministry that I was on the phone with Luke McCown (currently with New Orleans Saints but at the time was QB for the Jacksonville Jaguars). We were planning out the upcoming outdoor hunting retreat and I was filling him in on the details and boys that would attend, etc.

At the time I had an old Blackberry phone, and it died as I was pulling in the driveway at home. Knowing I would have to let

MARK: Growth of all three of our programs, right now in Central Florida, but we know beyond a shadow of a doubt the needs that these programs meet are so prevalent nationwide.

We want to take this program anywhere God calls us to and not miss one young person He put us on this planet to reach with the gospel of Christ!

it charge a few minutes before being able to call back I ran

ENGAGE: Finally, the mission of LCS is to educate students

in and grabbed the house phone and told Beck I was calling

in the light of God’s Word to equip them for a lifetime of

Luke back on the porch and would be in shortly. I dialed his

learning, leadership, service and worship. How do you think

number from memory and started right back in where we

LCS did preparing you for life?

had left off, only to be interrupted a few moments later with, “Hey man, I’m sorry but who are you trying to call?” When I told him Luke McCown, he asked “With the Jags? Well, I’m not Luke McCown, but I’m Luke Scott, designated hitter with the Baltimore Orioles, and I love Jesus and love to hunt so it sounds like we need to meet up!” And we did … the next week for lunch! Turns out their numbers were one digit off! Luke has been on numerous retreats a year since then sharing his

BECKY: I know for a fact that God has used EVERY memory verse I was made to memorize in my time at LCS! There were weeks I would moan and complain at the verses (or sometimes chapters) we were required to learn, but God’s promises are SO TRUE! His Word has never returned void and every promise that I hid in my heart is still completing a work in me I praise Him for!

faith with fatherless youth. So, to be honest, God has built

MARK: I know that all the Bible classes and chapels that I

this IAM team and it’s been exciting all around to watch!

attended are still bearing fruit in my life, and I also know the

ENGAGE: As you work with the ministry and parent your children, what do you hope that your girls will learn as they watch you serve?

prayers of faithful teachers there helped get me where I am today. I used to love getting those prayer cards in the mail. It was so humbling to know that I had been prayed for by the teachers who were investing in me daily!

BECKY: That they will only truly ever be content in the center of God’s will, no matter what that looks like or where that is.

To learn more about Idols Aside Ministries, their programs and to check out some of their photos and videos, visit www.idolsaside.com.

{ 21 }

{ expressions@lcs }

The week after school wrapped up for the year, the LCS

audition for the fall’s musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Fine Arts department hosted the 14th Annual Summer

The camp concluded with a special program for family

Music Camp for boys and girls in second through sixth

and friends. Thanks to the fine arts faculty for another

grades. Students enjoyed a World Series theme at this

great year of camp and to the secondary music students

year’s camp. They had the opportunity to take a variety

who helped out.

of classes, play games, complete art projects and

The Florida Music Education Association granted senior Kara Stacy the June M. Hinckley Music Education Scholarship.

Recipients of this $1,000 award are high school seniors who participated in a Florida All-State ensemble and who intend to major in music education at a Florida college or university.

Secondary students in Art I, Art II, Art III Honors and AP Studio Art held a pop-up art show at Dixieland Village in late May. Their pieces were on display for a drop-in exhibition.

Mark your calendar! The 2016 Fine Arts musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be held from Thursday, October 20, through Saturday, October 22. There will be four performances during the three days. Watch the LCS website and social media channels for more information!

{ 22 }

{ sportszone@lcs }

Congratulations to the following senior Viking players who signed letters of intent to play college football: Pictured (l-r): Nick Dusse (Geneva College); Tyler Wilkerson (Northwestern College); BJ Sirmons (College of the Canyons); Reed McKown (Geneva College); and RB Marlow (Coffeyville Community College).

This past May, senior Kristen Beacham was featured in the “Faces in the Crowd” column of Sports Illustrated.

This section of the magazine is devoted to highlighting amateur athletes. Kristen

Congratulations to Melanie Abbott, Lauren Latimer,

was nominated by Mr.

Mary Peace, Jake Albritton, Logan Mason and Steven

Steve Livesay, a member

Stark on being chosen as this year’s “Mighty in Spirit”

of our secondary faculty. You can check it out in the

award winners. These awards are given out each year by

May 23 issue.

the Athletic Department. Winners are selected by their teammates and recognized for having an exemplary Christian testimony both on and off the playing field.

In mid-May, senior Allisan Brown signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Florida SouthWestern College in Fort Myers, Florida.

The Buccaneers are a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

{ 23 }

{ sportszone@lcs } Congratulations to our Viking senior athletes who were

Senior Bri Folds was

named to The Ledger’s All-Academic Team for 2015-2016:

honored as the Girls’ Soccer Player of

Melanie Abbott – Swimming, Track, Basketball

the Year at the Polk

Cumulative GPA: 3.68

County All Sports

Tori Green – Swimming, Soccer, Track

Awards ceremony

Cumulative GPA: 3.56

on June 14.

Reed McKown – Football, Baseball, Weightlifting Cumulative GPA: 3.68 Ashlyn Petro – Volleyball Cumulative GPA: 4.48 Breanna Skladanek – Cross Country, Track Cumulative GPA: 4.49 Will Smaha – Football, Track Cumulative GPA: 4.06 Skyler Streets – Soccer, Cross Country Cumulative GPA: 3.78 Chloe Wineinger – Soccer, Swimming, Track Cumulative GPA: 3.94

The girls’ softball team was recognized as part of the Polk County “Circle of Champions” for their 3A State Softball After a very successful

Championship.

year for LCS athletes, the Lakeland Christian School Athletic

The Ledger has named the All-County teams for the spring

Department once

athletic seasons. Congratulations to the following players

again received The

who were honored for their accomplishments:

Ledger’s annual All-Sports Award for the Small Schools Division. LCS tallied 287 points, topping

SOFTBALL First Team – Kristen Beacham, Camryn Wineinger Honorable Mention – Abby Burton, Erica Stahl, Amy Burton, Caroline Watson, Brooke Benton, Shannon Burke

McKeel Academy

BASEBALL

(232), Santa Fe

Honorable Mention – Brock Hutchinson, Jovanni

Catholic (215) and All

Canegitta, Tate Whatley, Casey Hannum

Saints’ Academy (165).

GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD

The Athletic Department was recognized at the annual

First Team – Britain Musick, Sydney Cabrera, Tori Green

Polk County All Sports Awards ceremony at the Lakeland

Honorable Mention – Nathalie Saldana, Laurel

Center on June 14. LCS Athletic Director Mark Kirby

Hesseltine

accepted the award for the Vikings.

BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD Honorable Mention – Michael Barcelo, Remi Musick, Luke Albritton, Bryson Yamnitz, Seth Martinez WEIGHTLIFTING Honorable Mention – Adrian Morris, Reed McKown

{ 24 }

{ staffscoop@lcs } LCS Spanish teacher

(PA). He also completed a Master of Science in

Denise Fie was

Christian School Education with a concentration in

selected to participate

Educational Administration from Summit University.

in the College Board’s

He is currently beginning the dissertation phase of

Annual AP Reading in

the doctoral program in Educational Leadership at

AP Spanish Language

Southeastern University.

and Culture. Each June, AP teachers and college faculty members from around the world gather in the United States to evaluate and score the free-responses sections of the AP Exams. AP Readers are high school and college educators who represent many of the world’s leading academic institutions. The AP Reading is a unique forum in which an academic dialogue between educators is both fostered and encouraged. Mrs. Fie has been a member of the LCS faculty since 2008.

Lakeland Christian School is delighted to announce that Mr. Scott Cunningham has joined the LCS After 19 years as the

administrative team as the Assistant Principal –

Secondary Principal at

Middle School. He received his B.A. from Texas

LCS, Mr. Wayne Shimko

A&M University and completed additional course

expressed the desire to

work for teaching certification at the University of

transition back to the

Texas at Arlington. He has a Master of Education

classroom. He will be

degree from Columbia International University with

teaching social studies

a double emphasis in Educational Administration

as a member of the secondary faculty.

Mr. Keith Overholt has been appointed as Secondary Principal. Keith served on the LCS faculty for 11 years before joining the administration as Assistant Principal for grades 6-12 for three years. For the past nine years he has provided leadership to grades 6-8 as Assistant Principal–Middle School. Keith holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Bible as well as teacher certification course work from Summit University

and Instruction and Learning. Prior to entering graduate school in the fall of 2015, Scott served as Assistant Principal for Academics at Highlands International School in La Paz, Bolivia. His four years of service in administration were preceded by five years of teaching high school English at Highlands. He served as a member of the faculty at Hillcrest School in Jos, Nigeria, prior to his work in Bolivia. Scott’s parents were missionaries in Nigeria where Scott grew up and was educated at Hillcrest.

He will bring a global educational perspective to our team. Scott and his wife, Sarah, recently moved to Lakeland and are expecting their first child in September.

{ 25 }

{ staffscoop@lcs } Faculty service awards were given out at the end-

Mrs. Gaye Lene Hasha

of-year luncheon in early June. Several members of

has been awarded the

the LCS faculty and staff were recognized for their

first of five LCS Teacher

years of service. Four individuals were honored for

Designer Grants. She will

serving for 20 years or more:

be implementing Harvard’s

Nancy Bradley 25 years

“Project Zero” critical thinking strategies in her middle school English classroom in the 2016-17 school year. She will deepen student engagement, encourage learners to think critically and creatively, and make learning and thinking visible. LCS Teacher Designer Grants

Claudia Powell

support teachers introducing creative, research-

25 years

based best practice in their classrooms and are an element of the Christian Education Charitable Trust grant that was awarded to Lakeland Christian School. Congratulations Mrs. Hasha!

Susan Ellis 35 years LCS will welcome several new faculty and staff members for the 2016-17 school year: Mrs. Kylie Berry, Elementary PE Paraprofessional Lorraine Latham 40 years

and Crossing Guard Mrs. Laurie Bessinger, Food Services Mrs. Cassandra Burton, Food Service Mrs. Michelle Caram-Andruet, Food Service Mr. Scott Cunningham, Assistant Principal – Middle

Mrs. Jennifer Canady, Director of the LCS RISE Institute, recently traveled to Colorado Springs to be part of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Education Foundation Faith/ Science Task Force. She had the opportunity to discuss the future of science teaching and learning with leaders in Christian education from all across the United States.

{ 26 }

School Mrs. Nikki Jessee, Girls’ PE/MS English Mrs. Christi Jickell, Discovery Program Mrs. Susan Kranitz, Secondary English Dr. Amy McNaughton, MS English/Bible Miss Regan Thomas, Secondary Math Mrs. Kim Tucker, Secondary Bible/Psychology/ Sociology

FACULTY FEATURE

LOVE FOR GOD AND LOVE FOR STUDENTS:

Roger and Teri Evans Impact Students’ Lives in the Classroom, on the Stage and on the Playing Fields Equipping students for a lifetime of service is a vital part of

Born in Hawaii, Roger grew up all over the world. His dad was

the LCS mission statement. Our students learn about the

in the military, so his family moved around to many different

importance of serving during their days in the classroom, but

places. Roger even spent several years in Germany and Turkey

they also have the opportunity to be surrounded by faculty

before graduating from Oakbridge High School in Orlando.

and staff members who live out what it looks like to be

Teri was raised in Anniston, Alabama, a small city east of

servant leaders.

Birmingham near the Georgia state line. Both earned their

Roger and Teri Evans are two faculty members who exemplify servant leadership. They have been part of the LCS family

degrees from Tennessee Temple University and were married in July 1975.

for many years and in many capacities. As school parents,

Teri was hired to teach at LCS in the fall of 1997, and she

they had four children graduate from Lakeland Christian –

currently teaches middle school Bible, middle school English

Trisha (1996), Danny (1998), Josh (2002) and Julie (2006).

and drama.

Now they are school grandparents with three of their seven grandchildren in attendance. As faculty members, Teri has taught for 19 years, and Roger has been teaching for more than 10 years.

Roger can often be found leading young students to and from PE class and filling the football water station. Throughout the fall, Teri spends countless hours in the cafeteria after school, helping students learn their music and choreography for the musicals. Their investment in the lives of students at LCS is a testament to their love for kids and for God.

{ 28 }

“I absolutely love teaching Bible,” Teri said. “Every single day during class, I have countless opportunities to teach the Bible to my students. It is the truth of the Bible that changes all of us, equipping us to be godly leaders who love to serve and worship God.” In addition to her time in the classroom, Teri also directs the Fine Arts musical each fall, a massive undertaking that has given Teri many fond memories over the years.

“The greatest reward is watching some students find their

{ 27 }

E N G A G E F E AT U R E continued

niche in drama and music,” Teri said. “A prime example of this

“I get to be around a group of amazing kids all day who

was Shaun Pleima. I also enjoy watching the final product

encourage me and who make me laugh. I actually love coming

come together after months of hard work. It’s a challenge to

to work every day,” Roger said.

coordinate everything from costumes, set, concessions and schedules, but I have a great team of faculty, staff and parents whose help is a tremendous blessing.”

“I have loved so many musicals that it’s hard to choose one favorite. The recent Mary Poppins was full of students with incredible voices and dynamic characterization. The choreography in “Step in Time” was amazing.”

“I also loved watching Will Houghton sing “If I Were a Rich Man” in Fiddler on the Roof. The tea party in Alice in Wonderland was so memorable, as well as the technical aspect of Wizard of Oz. The rich voices of Amanda Carl and Johnny Boatwright in The Sound of Music were unforgettable.

I could go on and on! I loved Seussical, The Music Man, Beauty

Roger coaches throughout the entire school year – football in the fall, girls’ soccer in the winter and baseball in the spring.

“I loved coaching both of my daughters in soccer and going to the state championship with Julie in 2004. I loved going to the state semifinals in football in 2014,” Roger said. “One of my favorite things about coaching football is being around an amazing group of coaches. I also have the privilege to coach many incredible baseball players.”

“The opportunity to impact the next generation is vital,” Roger said. “Many people invested in my life as a young person. I see the difference that investment made in me, and I want to be part of investing in others.”

and the Beast and so many more! Our LCS students are so

Roger has always spent his days investing in the lives of kids.

talented, and I love to see that talent on stage.”

Before he took a teaching job at LCS, Roger served as a youth

While Teri is teaching middle schoolers in the classroom and directing fine arts students on the stage, Roger spends his days teaching elementary PE and coaching a variety of sports teams.

{ 28 }

pastor at Heritage Baptist Church and volunteered as a coach.

Both Roger and Teri remain active at Heritage. Roger serves as a deacon and an assistant Sunday school teacher. Teri can often be found working in the children’s ministry. Roger is also a chaplain with the Detroit Tigers organization.

As kids grow up and graduate from Lakeland Christian School, Roger and Teri hope that they are able to be positive influences in the lives of their students.

“The students I work with were made by God, and He is the one doing a work in their lives,” Teri said. “I’m thankful that I

» Quick Facts ROGER: BA from Tennessee Temple University (‘75) MA from Central Baptist Theological Seminary (‘80)

TERI: BS from Tennessee Temple University (‘74)

get to be a small part of God’s work. Most of all, I hope they

FAMILY INFORMATION

remember my love for the Lord and for them. I truly love my

Trisha (Class of ‘96) and Steve Straub live in Lakeland. Trisha is a hairdresser, and Steve works for Southern Homes. They have three children who attend LCS – Malachi, KJ and Cael.

students and look forward to teaching them every day. I hope they remember that whatever trials they face, God will not leave them or forsake them.”

Roger, who has been battling cancer over the past couple of years, hopes that the students who cross his path will be impacted by his love for God and for them long after they’ve left Lakeland Christian.

“I have the opportunity daily to challenge kids to be leaders and to have godly character. I hope they remember that I love Jesus and I love them. I hope they remember that I was a

Danny (Class of ‘98) and Megan Evans live in Millersburg, Pennsylvania. Danny is a youth pastor. They have two children, Jaden and Ava. Joshua (Class of ‘02) and Sherri Evans live in Ariton, Alabama.

Josh and Sherri are both employed by their local public school system and have two children, Stella and Luke, with another baby on the way.

Julie (Class of ‘06) and Nick Newman were married in October.

Julie is an insurance agent in Orlando.

fighter, and I never gave up.”

You can reach both Roger and Teri by email at revans@lcsonline.org and tevans@lcsonline.org.

{ 29 }

{ cheerfulgivers@lcs } Faithful Giving Enhances LCS

VIKING FUND INITIATIVES UNDERWAY Faithful Gifts, Forever Flourishing

However, the key to Viking Fund impact is widespread participation. For instance, gifts this year range from $1 to five-figure amounts. Folks are encouraged to give as

This motto of The Viking Fund is far more than just a catchy

they are able, regardless of the amount. With an excellent

tagline. In fact, the words accurately describe “both ends”

Christian schooling being expensive to deliver, faithful

of Lakeland Christian’s annual giving effort.

giving by all segments of the LCS family (students, parents,

As people faithfully give a gift each year to LCS, the school transforms this support into student benefits with farreaching impact. Consider this past school year’s Viking

grandparents, alumni, alumni parents and other friends) will continue to sustain and enhance the outstanding education that has become a hallmark of the school.

Fund, for instance – because of the gifts received from last

The LCS Administration has devoted time this summer

fall, all the way through the end of the school year in June,

considering the suggested areas of support for the 2016-17

LCS is able to move forward with projects that wouldn’t be

Viking Fund. Again, these will be strategic enhancements

possible without this generous support:

that can be done only through the impact of giving. Even

Construction is underway on a “Cafeteria Courtyard,” a covered pavilion between the gym and cafeteria, which will provide another dining location for the lunchtime crowd. This area will also be a great place for class parties and other social functions.

The school is now able to cover more walkways, specifically a segment connecting the Elementary/ Middle School building to the senior locker hallway.

This enhancement allows students from the threestory building to stay dry while not leaving the school’s locked perimeter.

The schoolwide reading enrichment programs will now be expanded. More students will be able to participate in both Passport Voyager and Reading Plus.

The RISE Institute will now be able to obtain high-end video editing equipment to enhance the work being done by students who will be our future videographers and cinematographers.

In all, more than $250,000 was given to this year’s Viking Fund – exceeding last year’s giving total by more than $100,000. And it only makes sense that the more given, the more can be done to enhance the LCS educational experience.

{ 30 }

now, would you prayerfully consider your upcoming participation in this critical opportunity? Watch for details later this fall.

{ alumni@lcs } 2010s Andrew Tew (’11) has been named Assistant Sports

2000s (cont.)

Information Director for Southeastern University in Lakeland.

2000s Elaine Tan (’08) graduated with her M.D. degree from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in April 2016. She is currently doing her residency in Internal Medicine at Emory University and resides in Atlanta,

Megan (Frost) Kuhn (’06) and her husband Michael

Georgia.

welcomed daughter Madison Karis Kuhn on Friday, May 13. Madison was welcomed home by sister Emma (4) and brother Luke (2). Madison’s grandmother is LCS 4th grade

Stephanie Livesay Edwards (’08) and her husband Wesley

teacher Jan Frost.

reside in Columbia, South Carolina. Stephanie works at the University of South Carolina as the project coordinator for CarolinaLIFE, a post-secondary education program for individuals with diverse learning needs. Wesley recently graduated with his master’s degree in special education.

Michael Skaer (’03) has taught at Delaware County Christian School for the past nine years and was married July 10, 2015 to

Kimberly Townsend (’07) received a B.S. in Civil Engineering

Renee Henley at White

from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2011. She is

Chimneys Estate in Gap,

currently working as a project manager for the U.S. Army

Pennsylvania.

Corps of Engineers in Anchorage, Alaska. She enjoys hiking, camping and exploring all that Alaska has to offer.

» We love to hear from you.

News about you is ­important to us and to your former classmates. Please email Claudia Powell at ­cpowell@lcsonline.org. Planning your class reunion? Claudia can also arrange for use of facilities and will offer other helpful tips.

To view even more alumni updates, please visit www.lcsonline.org/alumni/alum-notes/

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LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1111 Forest Park Street, Lakeland, Florida 33803

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lakeland, FL Permit No. 1

Sharpening Minds and Shepherding Hear ts.

As Lakeland Christian School begins to build an endowment for future generations, please consider including us in your legacy plans. If you have already included LCS in your will, please contact the Advancement Office.