Engage Magazine - Winter 2017

{ WINTER 2016/17 }

I N S I D E feature >

A LIFETIME OF WOR SHIP:

In Memory of William Roger Evans, Beloved LCS Teacher and Coach

ON THE HORIZON “… AND LET US OFFER TO GOD ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP, WITH REVERENCE AND AWE” – HEBREWS 12:28 The act of worship is that of ascribing the honor and glory due to the object of the worship. There is a sense in which all of life is oriented and organized around the one worshipped. The Christian is instructed to, “… do all to the glory of God.” (I Corinthians 10:31) As one of our seniors told me, “it is possible to live your life in worship mode.”

When we gather with the people of God for corporate worship on the Lord’s Day, our services should reflect what the writer of Hebrews describes as “acceptable worship with reverence and awe.” We reflect upon God’s transcendence, how He is the creator, sustainer and Lord of the universe. He is God, we are not. Who He is, and who we are in relation to Him, shapes our view of ourselves and our world.

As we seek to “do all to the glory of God” we often focus on God’s imminence, His nearness to us. We recognize His presence with us and our responsibility to love and serve Him in every aspect of life. Christians are called to worship Him in all we do, not just in a worship service.

This issue of Engage focuses on some examples of those worshipping not only in reverence and awe in corporate worship, but also in their various callings in life. Our cover story features Coach Roger Evans who exemplified what it means to teach, coach, love and serve as a way of life that was obviously lived as worship to the Lord he loved. We would do well to learn from his example and follow him as he so faithfully followed Christ. We hope you enjoy this edition of Engage and are encouraged to worship faithfully each Lord’s Day and to approach all of life as your “spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1)

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 Mike Potthast

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 Principal – Elementary 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 Cunningham | Assistant Principal – Middle School Julie Rice | Director of Enrollment Matt Green | Chief Financial Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Kevin Knowlton – Chairman Cory Petcoff – Vice-Chairman

IN THIS ISSUE:

Beth Patteson – Secretary Payton Albritton Kristen Bolter

Feature: Roger Evans { 6 }

Dan DeLange

Side Feature: Chuck Anderson { 12 }

Dan Green

Campusclamor@LCS { 14 }

David Miller Bill Mutz

Fine Arts Feature: Kirsti Mutz { 16 }

Steve Sligh

Expressions@LCS { 19 }

John Tucker

Sportszone@LCS { 21 }

Jim Wilbanks

Staff Scoop { 24 } magazine is published by Lakeland

Christian School and is distributed free of charge

Faculty Feature: Jordan Burks { 25 }

to parents, grandparents, alumni and friends

Cheerfulgivers@LCS { 27 }

of the school.

Alumni@LCS { 30 }

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

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROGER EVANS (OCTOBER 31, 1953 - JANUARY 8, 2017):

Leaving a Legacy of Joy, Hope, Love and Faith in Christ When we started planning this edition of Engage magazine, with its emphasis on worship, we had a Lakeland Christian alum in mind to feature on the cover. But as members of the Advancement team sat in the memorial service honoring beloved PE teacher and longtime coach Roger Evans on January 14, we could think of no better person who embodied the idea of living all of life in a state of worship.

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

Coach Evans was diagnosed with Stage 4 appendix cancer in December 2013. For three years, Roger battled cancer with a positive attitude and a smile on his face – knowing that “… to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). In life, and especially as he faced death, Roger was joyful – sharing of the love and hope of Jesus Christ with those around him.

Roger touched the lives of many students in the LCS community. Before he joined the elementary faculty as a PE teacher, Roger served as the youth pastor at Heritage Baptist Church for more than 20 years. He also coached several sports at LCS including girls’ soccer, football and baseball.

Roger and his wife Teri, a member of the secondary faculty at LCS, have four children who are all LCS alumni: Trisha (husband Steve) Straub (Class of 1996), Danny (wife Megan) Evans (Class of 1998), Josh (wife Sherri) Evans (Class of 2002) and Julie (husband Nick) Newman (Class of 2006). He has eight grandchildren: Malachi, KJ and Cael Straub; Jaden and Ava Evans; and Stella, Luke and William Huxley Evans.

This feature article is a compilation of interviews that

Most importantly, you can read of the hope that Roger

were filmed by Wes Lowry of Lowry Creative. You can

had and the reason for his joy in his own words.

read the words here, but we have also included QR codes that will allow you to scan and view each video online. Some of these clips were shown during the halftime ceremony of the October 27 football game when LCS announced the Roger Evans Athletic Center, which you can read about on the Cheerful Givers pages of this magazine. Some of these interviews were shared at his memorial service.

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Those of us at Lakeland Christian School are profoundly grateful for the impact that Roger Evans has had in each of our lives. We grieve, but not as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Steve Straub

VIDEO SHORTCUTS

Son-in-Law and LCS Parent Roger doesn’t have to say a whole lot to leave a legacy. His legacy has been established for years

Steve Straub

now. I think this is just the icing on the cake, I really do. But the legacy that he is leaving is that it’s not about Roger Evans. Roger, if you know him, is just a pretty normal guy. God’s used him in a huge, huge

LCS Colleagues

way. I can’t even fathom how many lives that Jesus has been able to touch because he’s used Roger. Even watching him through this process, going through cancer which is ultimately bringing death –

Dr. Jarett Gregory

which in the world’s eyes is defeat – there’s still a humbleness and a desire in him to bring optimism to the table and to bring hope to the table.

Dr. Mike Sligh

Roger Evans

TO DOWNLOAD A QR CODE READER

LCS Headmaster On your mobile device, open your He just loves being at school, being with the kids

mobile app store. Search for a QR code

and doing what he does. You sometimes hear

reader (there are several free options)

people say, “When you get to the end of your

and download the app.

life, nobody is going to say, ‘Gee, I should have spent more time at the office.’” But in Roger’s case, to not come to school everyday was just awful. He just loves being here, and that exhilarates him and that drives him. He does everything he can to be here every day, and that’s very unique about him – that he really draws his energy from carrying out the calling that God has placed on his life. I think that’s exemplary for all of us.

Wayne Peace Friend and Coaching Colleague You either believe or you don’t. And when cancer enters your life – and I’ve said this many times because cancer is in my life now – but when cancer enters your life you realize really quickly that the only thing stronger than fear is faith.

And I’ve watched Roger Evans, this entire three years he’s been going through this, walk in faith with a smile on his face, saying, “… wherever this cancer takes me, my job as a human being is to influence others for the realm of Christ.”

If you don’t want to download a QR code reader, you can view all of the videos on the LCS YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/LakelandChristian.

Logan Mason

Mark Kirby

LCS Junior and Football Player

Athletic Director

He has cancer, but he comes out

Roger is just like a magnet; kids are

here every day. He comes out here

drawn to him – adults are drawn to

to serve us. He invests in the lives not only of the

him – because he just exhibits the

elementary students that he teaches PE to, but he

joy of the Lord. You can see it – this guy is joyful. And

invests in the lives of the high school students he’s

he’s faced a lot of adversity and tough times, and

mentored throughout.

he’s always joyful. If you don’t like Roger Evans, then something is really wrong with you.

Jonathan Diaz LCS Junior and Football Player I see Coach Evans every day, and no matter what’s he’s going through or what’s in life, he’s always smiling. He’s always

Dr. Jarett Gregory Watson Clinic Physician and LCS Parent I can see where Roger is committed

happy. He’s a great man, and he loves Jesus. He tells

to what the Word of God has for him, and he’s using

us everyday, “I’m ready to die. If I die today, I know

this as an opportunity to witness to other people.

where I’m going.”

This is not an opportunity for him to stop and focus on this diagnosis that many people might find as an

Luci O’Byrne

opportunity to call it quits. I have seen him progress

Elementary Principal

stronger, more devout in his faith as this has gone

I think he is a true servant. He loves the Lord, obviously. Through everything he does, that shines through. He’s always joyful; he’s always happy. When I grow up, I hope I can be more like him.

Mike Carl Elementary PE Teacher

waivered in his faith. When I see him at the football games, when I see him at flag football, when I see him on campus in the lunchroom – the Spirit of Christ shines through him. The love for what he does is more than readily apparent. He is truly the image of God being lived out for he and his family and also for this campus. You don’t find that in every man that you encounter and to see that faith brought to life

When I look at Roger, I think of

through what he’s done – what he’s doing – how he’s

Philippians: “For me to live is Christ

using this as a witnessing tool to others is a rarity

and to die is gain.” And with Roger, he wants Christ

that you see in medicine. He is very unique in that he

to be magnified in everything he does. He’s not

not only enjoys what he’s doing, but he’s passionate

letting this disease hold him back; in fact, he’s using

about it. He enjoys the opportunity to share the

it to bring honor and glory to God and to allow the

Word of God through physical education.

kids to see that God is with him and walking with him, the whole way through his disease. { 10 }

on. He has not faltered at any point, he has not

Roger Evans If you put your faith and trust in Jesus, he has given us a living hope, and we have hope in Heaven.

I was secured in that the day that I trusted in Him as my Savior, and I’ve never waivered from that.

Your faith can be strong because you have a trust in a living God who loves you more than anybody

And Jesus died on the cross for me and gave me the opportunity to have eternal life when I put my faith and trust in Him. I want people to see that my hope and faith is not in a feeling but in a person, and that person is Jesus. At the end of my life, I want people to say, “He stayed faithful, he never waivered in his love for Jesus and he wanted people to see his love for Jesus.”

has ever loved you. You can go through any

I want kids to know that I love Jesus and I love them,

circumstances, because you have a God who will

and that I fought to the end. That’s what I want my

never leave you and He will never forsake you; Jesus

story to be. I want people to come to know Jesus

always promised that to us. And so no matter what

because of what I’ve gone through. I have a lot of

circumstances of your life are presented, you can

kids who call me and write me letters and thank me

walk through that with an opportunity to let God be

for influencing their lives and encouraging, and that’s

glorified. He’s trying to do something through you,

been a fun part of this whole thing. My wife gets

and you just have to figure out what that is that he’s

mad every time I talk about it being fun, but the fun

doing through you. We do that every day by saying,

part is to see the impact that you’ve had on people’s

“God, whatever you want me to do today, just work

lives. Death is a reality, so what are you going to do

through me and I’ll continue honoring you with

with the short time you have here on earth? Every

my life.”

day I wake up and realize that I’ve got one more

My lifetime is short and I want to leave a legacy of someone who serves God and loves God, and knowing that my time is short, I want to make good use of every moment that I have. I don’t want to

day that God has given me and say, “So God, you’re wanting to do something through me. Let’s do it today and see how we can influence and impact people.”

waste it. I want to use that – whatever God wants me

One day, I will pass away from this earth but I’m

to do – to encourage and impact people in the short

going to a place so much greater. It’s a place that is

time that I have.

going to be wonderful, and I want people to know

I want people to see that I’m not trusting in my feelings, I’m trusting in a Savior who is real and that he’s changed my life and he can change their lives. I want to see people realizing that I have an incredible Savior. I was a sinner, lost, and no hope of heaven.

that there will be no sorrow on my part. There will be sorrow because people are going to miss me, but there will be no sorrow on my part because I’m with my Savior. Big Daddy Weave has a song out right now called “My Story” – if you tell my story, you tell of Him. So that’s what I want my life to be about.

If I told you my story,

And if I told you my story,

you would hear Hope that wouldn’t let go.

you would hear Life overcome the grave.

And if I told you my story,

If I should speak,

you would hear Love that never gave up.

then let it be of the grace that is

And if I told you my story,

greater than all my sin,

you would hear Life, but it wasn’t mine.

Of when justice was served and where mercy wins,

If I told you my story,

Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in.

you would hear Victory over the enemy.

Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him.

And if I told you my story,

– “My Story,” Big Daddy Weave

you would hear Freedom that was won for me.

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SI DE F EATU R E

“LCS SET ME ON A TRAJECTORY”:

Chuck Anderson (‘02) Returns to Minister in the City that he Loves Before the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Class of 2002 was planning to travel on an international missions trip like most of the senior classes before them had done.

The 9/11 attacks changed those plans, and the seniors spent the week before graduation serving in New York City. Chuck Anderson (’02) can trace his fascination with New York City back to this senior trip.

Although his path back to the City was indirect and took more than 14 years, Chuck answered a call this past December to serve as Interim Assistant Pastor at the Brooklyn Chinese Baptist Church (BCBC) where he preaches weekly for the English congregation, oversees the weekly English prayer meeting, leads a small chapel time for children in the after school program and keeps regular office hours throughout the week.

Chuck didn’t plan on a life of ministry. As a high school student, he would have told you that he would be a lawyer one day. He even graduated from the University of Florida in 2005 with a degree in criminology and with a plan to apply to law school. But he sensed late in his final year at UF that his calling might be elsewhere.

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“It became clear to me as I progressed through university that my heart was not in the study of law,” Chuck said. “It wasn’t until my last year of college that I became completely certain that I should pursue ministry. Until then, my intent was to apply to and attend law school. But I realized my preparations for law school were far less compelling to me than my outside reading in theology.”

So instead of applying for law school, Chuck earned his Master of Divinity at Southern Baptist Seminary in 2011. During and after seminary, he served in internship positions at First Baptist Church at the Mall and Christ Community Presbyterian Church before accepting the call back to a city he had come to love.

Looking back, Chuck can see how Lakeland Christian prepared him for a life of ministry – in learning, leadership, service and worship. He had the opportunity to bond with friends and learn from coaches and mentors as he participated in golf, cross-country, track and field, the Collectors’ Club and Student Ministries Club. Chuck’s friends – including Mike Skaer, Peter Barkley, Wes Johnson and Jaron Yeater – challenged and encouraged him. And his teachers were especially influential in his life as he sat in their classes day in and day out.

“LCS taught me how to think. LCS set me onto the pursuit of wisdom. LCS taught me that a love for Christ is not anti-intellectual,” Chuck said.

“I had Mr. Bruce Edgar for 10th grade Bible – Christian Doctrine and Apologetics. I credit Mr. Edgar and this class with helping me to understand that the Bible was clear and understandable as a whole. From his class, I got a sense that the Bible was telling a single story and that devoting myself to understand it (and then teach it) was one of the most important things I could do.”

“It was in this class,” Chuck said, “that I got one of the first senses that I would like to pursue church ministry as a vocation.”

Although he acknowledges that this list is not exhaustive, other influential teachers for Chuck include Mr. Mike Musick, Mr. Wayne Shimko, Mrs. Laura Gargan, Mrs. Judy Oncu and Dr. Mike Sligh. They instilled in him a passion for learning and gave him the educational tools needed to be successful but, more than that, he saw how his teachers’ lives matched their professions of faith.

For more than 60 years, the mission of Lakeland Christian School is to educate students in the light of God’s Word to equip them for a lifetime of learning, leadership, service and worship. Chuck sees how this mission statement was fulfilled in his own life and in the lives of his friends and classmates.

“Jesus Christ mattered to them, and it wasn’t because they were ignorant or sheltered from the world,” Chuck said. “They taught me that Christianity is robust and deep and true, and that it stands up to the critiques of the world.”

“I am so thankful for this mission statement. I read Engage magazine and these four words – learning, leadership, service and worship – describe so many of my classmates and so many of the students who graduated before and after me. Pastoral ministry is just one calling among many. But it really is true that LCS set me on a trajectory that I am so thankful for.”

For Chuck, living in a way that glorifies God by example – something he saw in these teachers – is one of the elements of worship.

“I am who I am in large part due to the LCS family. If you’re reading this and I was ever in your class, let me say: thank you and praise God for you.”

“To quote A.W. Tozer, ‘What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us,’” Chuck said. “Broadly speaking, worship involves the whole life. To ask it another way, is God our highest desire and treasure and joy? For me, if I’m not pursuing God this way every day, then my ministry falls flat, and I make myself a hypocrite.”

“Worship in this second sense [what we gather to do as a church every Lord’s Day] is particularly important to me because I believe God uses it to fuel worship in the first sense. This is important to me because of my own testimony,” Chuck said.

“When I moved away to college, I gained increased freedom with my time, as well as increased opportunity to sin. And at the same time, the university community was largely skeptical of conservative Christianity. I am convinced that in my own story, it was the weekly testimony of God’s grace put on display in my church on the Lord’s Day that helped me to persevere as a Christian. Even to this day, whenever my passion for God begins to grow weak, it is the experience of hearing the prayers and hearing the Word week in and week out that God uses to give me the grace and help I need to continue.”

If you would like more information about Chuck’s ministry at BCBC, you can read his blog at www.chuckanderson.info.

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{ campusclamor@lcs } Several LCS students displayed their work at the RISE Expo night on Monday, February 6. Photos from the event can be found on the RISE website at www.lcsrise.com.

The judges included a distinguished group of physicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, finance and logistics professionals, engineers, teachers, and Florida Southern College business honor society members.

Congratulations to the LCS students who won awards for their projects: ENTREPRENEURSHIP 1st place: Mitchell Davis, Jacob Fuller, Hayden Patteson 2nd place: Katherine Miller 3rd place: Neil Dave JR. EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCE 1st place: Neil Dave 2nd place: Kerri Salmon 3rd place: Caleb DeBoer SR. EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCE 1st place: Julia Canady 2nd place: Rachel DiMezza, Tom Bowers, Evan McLoughlin 3rd place: Trey Russell DR. TOM HOUGHTON MEMORIAL BOOK AWARDS Leadership: Carlton Howard Independence: Katherine Miller Collaboration: Mitchell Davis Grit: Julia Canady Creativity: Sydney Curls Kindness: Hunter Laurell SPECIAL AWARDS Creation Care: Rachel Branham Referee Award: Bryce Benton Magellan Award: Clay Corbett Steve Jobs Award: Max Drost

Congratulations to alum Christian Bedwell, the valedictorian for the Class of 2016, on recently being named as the Academic Top Scholar for Polk County for the 2015-16 school year.

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) has identified 2015-16 high school graduates for the Bright Futures (BF) Academic Top Scholar (ATS) awards for the 2016-17 year.

Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) who received funding for the fall term at an eligible Florida postsecondary institution are ranked based on the product of their highest Bright Futures GPA and their best SAT® combined or ACT® composite score as reported for their FAS award eligibility.

Congratulations to the LCS FIRST Tech Challenge Team 7719: Team RISE on their second-place finish in the ROBOT League Meet this winter.

The LCS team is currently ranked #23 out of 136 teams in the state of Florida. The top 28 teams advance to the State Championship.

The LCS competition team is comprised of twelve members, and six of them are sixth graders. According to Mrs. Jennifer Canady, RISE Institute Director, LCS is the only team in the state that even allows sixth graders to participate; FIRST Tech Challenge is typically reserved for older high schoolers.

TOURNAMENT TEAM Drive Team Alpha: Samuel Aplin, Max Drost and Anna Canady Drive Team Delta: Harrison Kinney, Wenjo Lai and Breanna Newberg Drive Team Alternate: Hunter Laurell Team Technology Captain & Administrator: Carlton Howard Team Artist: Carys Wiechmann Quartermaster: Connor McLoughlin Programming Captain: Sean Cardosi Programmer: Simon Wasser OUTREACH TEAM Evan McLoughlin Rachel DiMezza Tom Bowers Trey Russell

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{ campusclamor@lcs }

This fall, Lakeland Christian School was honored to be voted as the “Best of the Best” in Polk County in the private schools division. Considered “Polk County’s Official People’s Choice Awards,” residents had the opportunity to vote for their favorite businesses in 147 different categories. Sponsored by The Ledger, this is the first year of the contest. The winners were revealed at a banquet in late September.

Congratulations to seniors Logan DiMotta and Triston LaPorte on receiving Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program. According to the NMSP website, “More than two-thirds of the approximately 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT® receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. Commended Students are named on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index score that may vary from year to year and is typically below the level required for participants to be named Semifinalists in their respective states.”

The LCS 5th grade Academic Team participated in the first round of competition in late January. They came in second place (behind Cleveland Court Elementary) and will move on to the next round in March. Mrs. Jane Burnette (4th grade teacher) is their coach.

In early February, two LCS students were honored with awards by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Senior Jake Albritton won first place in the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship competition, and sixth grader Gretchen Caswell earned first place for sixth grade in the DAR American History essay contest. Congratulations!

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FINE ARTS FEATURE

WHEN DREAMS CHANGE: Kirsti Mutz Turns a Devastating Loss into a New Opportunity

Kirsti Mutz (’13) has been around Lakeland Christian School since she started as a kindergarten student. She held many roles during her time here including student, musician, thespian and even Homecoming Queen. A 2015 graduate of Southeastern University, Kirsti majored in Communication with an emphasis in film production.

Now Kirsti is back on campus as the very first “Artist in Residence” as she works with the LCS RISE Institute. Her focus is working with secondary students to tell stories and solve problems as they engage with the community. She will be supporting LCS students both in RISE courses and on a consultative basis engaged in project-based learning in the areas of film production and social entrepreneurship. In addition to her work at LCS, she will continue to serve as the Executive Director of the non-profit People Like Us, which she founded in 2015 to shine a light on those with intellectual disabilities.

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Engage caught up with Kirsti to talk about her time at LCS, her

What were your career aspirations when you were a

work with People Like Us and her new role at LCS.

student at LCS?

Engage: What are some of the activities you were involved

Growing up, I wanted nothing more than to perform on

with during your time at LCS?

Broadway and bring the truth of Jesus to those in that arena.

Kirsti: I performed in musicals from the first year they began (I played Gretel in “The Sound of Music”) until the final semester before graduation. Teri Evans’ decision to direct these shows and facilitate children’s growth changed my life.

Which teachers had the greatest impact on you?

Honestly, so many. Jan Frost, Trudi Sligh, Jennifer Canady, Teri Evans, Lorraine Latham, Erik Thomas, Judy Oncu, Mary Sligh, Geoff Stabler, Steve Livesay and Mike Musick all specifically impacted my life. In my early years (through Jan Frost, Trudi Sligh, Jennifer Canady and Teri Evans), I learned that education

However, I unexpectedly became sick during my junior year and lost the use of my singing voice for the following four years. To say this was devastating is an understatement.

What are some of the ways that LCS facilitated your growth in the areas of fine arts?

Teri Evans, Lorraine Latham and Wendy Carl facilitate an incredible experience in the fine arts. I am currently getting to partake in directing the spring play at LCS, and doing so has made me realize – to an even deeper degree – how much teachers gave so that I could perform.

can be fun. My latter years taught me academic excellence and

You left LCS briefly to attend Harrison School for the Arts.

how to actively involve my faith in every area of my life rather

How was that experience?

than to compartmentalize it.

How do you feel that LCS prepared you for college?

College shaped me greatly, but I only believe I was able to grow so quickly because of the foundation I gained at LCS. No one prepares you better than Judy Oncu.

Attending Harrison was a privilege and irreplaceable life-event.

It taught me to broaden my mindset and gave me countless skills to continue developing my stage presence and skill set; however, I longed for the community and care I experienced at LCS. The care you receive at LCS is unique. I figured I would return to the performing arts world after high school,

Besides teachers, who were some of your biggest

so I decided to finish my education in light of a Christian

influences growing up?

worldview. I would have never expected to get sick and not go on to perform in college. Leaving LCS helped me to appreciate

Regardless of how frequently my parents are celebrated,

LCS even more and it caused me to live differently once I

I’ll never feel they are appreciated enough. It has been the

returned to LCS as well. It is easy to get consumed in the “LCS

wisdom, prayers, guidance and genuine love from my parents

bubble,” but leaving it helped me to see it all so differently

that has most influenced me. I believe I have been catapulted

once I returned. Attending Harrison caused me to live more

into God’s purpose for my existence at such a young age

intentionally and gratefully.

because of their impeccable job loving and disciplining me.

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old wanting to show my pre-mature film to Lakeland. But that night, thanks to the incredible team of peers who planned and carried out the vision, an employee shared they had never seen the theater so full in their entire career working at the theater. Clearly, it was God’s doing. Truly, it is all thanks to God’s provision through the foundation I received at Lakeland Christian, the opportunities I gained from Southeastern University and the sacrifice of countless volunteers who will go unrecognized. Since the premiere, “People Like Us” continues to relieve fears and raise expectations. We have traveled twice to China and facilitated programs in schools to encourage

You’re the founder of People Like Us. Tell us about that.

inclusion and understanding. Our current focus is developing sustainable arts programs for people with disabilities in other

People Like Us is a non-profit that creates theaters for people

theaters across the nation. The documentary can be seen

with disabilities. The conception for this organization began

online at PeopleLikeUsdoc.com.

in Judy Oncu’s room and on Teri Evan’s stage. After losing my voice, I was devastated about being unable to perform. During

Now you’re back at LCS as the “Artist in Residence” with

that time, I researched and wrote about Down syndrome in

the RISE Institute. What does that mean?

Judy Oncu’s class. I volunteered in a program at Lakeland Community Theater for people with disabilities and in my free time began to play around with my dad’s camera. When I graduated LCS, the Department of Spiritual formation at SEU needed someone to make some videos for them.

Though vastly inexperienced, I volunteered since I had time and a camera. I eventually was scholarshipped by Local and Global Missions department at Southeastern University who graciously provided more opportunities for my growth and experience. My job was to tell local and global stories of students and ministries. During college, I spent time in 14 countries. Simultaneously, I continued the research I began in Judy Oncu’s class by studying society’s attitudes toward individuals with intellectual disabilities and the most effective advocacy strategies to address the issue. As I wrote my

After the premiere, I visited the RISE Institute, led by Jennifer Canady. I saw and experienced the incredible work she was doing and was then invited to be a part as the Artist in Residence for students interested in film and social entrepreneurship. Whether students want to make a short film or a documentary that highlights a social cause, I am present to guide them. Most of my day, however, is spent building relationships with individual students in one-on-one conversations that explore what God is doing in their lives and how to navigate the stresses of the present and future demands each student feels he or she is facing. It is a privilege to work under the direction and creativity of Jennifer Canady.

Few people I know work as hard as she. Plus, the sacrifice she puts forward for her “kids” is unlike anything I’ve seen before.

thesis, I realized hardly anyone would read a 50-page paper;

The mission of Lakeland Christian School is to educate

however, I supposed I could get a group to watch a film. So,

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

I took my camera and some friends and began capturing the

lifetime of learning, leadership, service and worship. The

“People Like Us” documentary. More and more people told

goal is to prepare students not only during the few years

me they would watch it, so a team gathered and we reached

they are at LCS, but for a lifetime. How has that mission

out to the Polk Theater. When I was a little girl, I used to sit

played out – and continues to do so – in your life?

in the seats of that theater and say, “One day, I’m going to do something here.” I never would have expected it would be this. I always dreamed of performing myself, not necessarily platforming others. Yet God has graciously re-directed me.

While it’s disappointing I didn’t get to perform at the high level I wanted, there are hundreds of thousands of people who are not getting to perform at any level, because no opportunity exists for them. On March 22, 2016, the “People Like Us” documentary premiered at the Polk Theater to an audience of 1200. When I initially called the Polk Theater requesting to use the space, they responded, “Honey, you know this will cost money, right?” I have to give them credit; I was a 20 year

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I look back on the mission of LCS and realize how incredible the faculty and staff at Lakeland Christian are. I have been equipped for a lifetime of learning, leadership, service and worship. Not only after I start a family or once I reach some life landmark, but right now, as a 21-year-old social entrepreneur. I have seen their mission play out in my life when I reflect on the decisions I’ve made, but I continue to see its effects as I move forward in my career.

{ expressions@lcs } Thirty-five LCS students participated in multiple events for the District Choir Solo & Ensemble on Friday, February 3. Congratulations to the following students for many hours of preparation and a job well done:

HIGH SCHOOL SUPERIOR RATINGS (QUALIFIED FOR STATE) Chamber Ensemble: Shelby Bedwell, Ama Fosu, Abigail Garrard, Brooke Hammack, Craig Heacox, Caroline Kitchens, Jordan Long, Logan Mason, Taylor Mills, Cole Singler, Cheyenne Stonick, Lexy Thomas, Sarah Tucker Men’s Ensemble: Carter Chaplin, Dayne DeArmand, Carter Ferguson, Jace Gravitt, Craig Heacox, Christopher Lamb, Jordan Long, Logan Mason, Cole Singler Women’s Ensemble: Shelby Bedwell, Ama Fosu,

J.T. Stacy, Katie Jones and Mary-Nanette Boyce at FMEA All-State

Brooke Hammack, Abbey Johnson, Colleen McVeigh, Taylor Mills, Cheyenne Stonick, Lexy Thomas, Sarah Tucker Solos: Brooke Hammack, Avery Roth, Craig Heacox, Carter Chaplin, Carter Ferguson Duet: Abigail Garrard and Brooke Hammack

SUPERIOR RATING (MIDDLE SCHOOL) Solos: Hailey Caylor, Katie Jones

EXCELLENT RATING Solo: Abbey Johnson (HS), Olivia Sale (MS) MS Duets: Olivia Sale & Karlee Harris; Lexi Mulkey & Kate Joyner MS Quartet: Lexi Mulkey, Kate Joyner, Victoria Holmes

Craig Heacox, Brooke Hammack and Carter Chaplin at FMEA All-State

& Jada Jackson

Seven LCS musicians performed in mid-January with the

MS Ensemble: Ava Hoyle, Zenna Franco, Katie Jones,

All-State Choirs and Band. Congratulations to the following

Mary-Nanette Boyce, J.T. Stacy & Carlton Howard

students on their hard work and selection to these groups: Concert Chorus: Craig Heacox, Carter Chaplin

GOOD RATING Solo: Brittany Riddle-Wood

High School Honor Band: Hayden Lee High School Women’s Chorus: Brooke Hammack Middle School Mixed Choir: J.T. Stacy, Katie Jones, Mary-Nanette Boyce

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{ expressions@lcs } Congratulations to the following students who were chosen for All-County Band and Choirs through an audition process:

BAND: 7-8 grade: Katie Jones (flute), Josh Plyler (euphonium) 9-10 grade: Rebecca Chapman (clarinet) 11-12 grade: Makenzie Johnson (flute), Kacee Strickland (flute), Hayden Lee (trombone)

CHOIR: High School: Shelby Bedwell, Abigail Garrard, Brooke Hammack, Craig Heacox, Caroline Kitchens, Kara Stacy, a 2016 alumna of Lakeland Christian School,

Logan Mason, Cole Singler, Cheyenne Stonick,

was featured in the Florida Music Educators Association

Carter Chaplin, Dayne DeArmond, Carter Ferguson,

magazine, Florida Music Director, for September 2016.

Colleen McVeigh Middle School: Mary-Nanette Boyce, Hailey Caylor,

Kara’s article, “Music Has Made Me What I Am Today,”

Carlton Howard, Ava Hoyle, J.T. Stacy,

was the essay she wrote as part of her application for

Stephanie Robinson, Taylor Vann, Emmylou Varnum,

the June M. Hinckley Music Education Scholarship. Kara

Simon Wasser, Carys Wiechmann

is a recipient of this scholarship and is attending Florida Southern College.

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{ sportszone@lcs } Congratulations to four of our fall athletes on being recognized by the National Christian School Athletic Association (NCSAA) for their outstanding performances during the season.

Volleyball Holly Cameron – All-American 3rd Team and Southeast Super Regional Team Football Adrian Morris – Southeast Super Regional Team

Kate Joyner and Ashlynn Joyner with their coach and dad, David Joyner

Tate Whatley – Southeast Super Regional Team

Golf

Tanner Molony – Southeast Super Regional Team

First Team: Ashlynn Joyner, Kate Joyner Second Team: Jake Albritton

The Ledger has named the All-County Teams for the fall athletic season. Congratulations to our LCS players on

The Florida Athletic Coaches Association has named their

being recognized for their accomplishments!

First and Second Teams for the 2016 football season.

Football

Congratulations to the following Vikings on being

Second Team: Adrian Morris, Logan Mason

recognized:

Third Team: Tate Whatley, Tanner Molony, Forrest Lehman, Jacob Stephens, Tyler Horne Honorable Mention: Johnathan Diaz, Mitchell Green, Wilson Grooms, Porter Gleaton, Trent Mason, Turner Miles Volleyball First Team: Holly Cameron Third Team: Libby Norman Honorable Mention: Hannah Dusse, Emily Aqui Cross Country Second Team: Kennedy Lewis, Seth Martinez, Bryson Yamnitz Holly Cameron

Honorable Mention: Sarah Bayes, Gretchen Caswell,

Coach Wayne Peace was named the Class 3A-Distrist 13 Coach of the Year. Senior running back Adrian Morris was named the Small School Player of the Year for 3A-13.

Mary Fran Caswell, Makenzie Johnson, Sam Riley,

Other recognitions:

Josias Alvarez

Tate Whatley – First Team Offense

Swim/Dive

Adrian Morris – First Team Offense

Honorable Mention: Katherine Grubb, Carson Toepel,

Tyler Horne – First Team Offense, Second Team Defense

Laura Greene, Maddie Richert, Britain Musick,

Forrest Lehman – First Team Offense

Maverick Gordon

Dayle Palmer – First Team Defense Logan Mason – First Team Defense Tanner Molony – Second Team Offense Jacob Stephens – Second Team Defense

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{ sportszone@lcs } Congratulations to two LCS seniors who have signed letters of intent to play college athletics.

In November, Ashlynn Joyner signed a letter of intent to golf for George Southern University. She won the District and Regional titles this year and reached the State tournament.

On National Signing Day this winter, Viking tight end Tyler Horne announced that he will play football for Southeastern University in Lakeland.

Congratulations to seniors Jake Albritton and Blake Bellar on being selected as the LCS winners of the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. They will now compete for the Florida award. This award is given to a high school boy and girl from each school who maintain an average GPA of 3.0 or higher.

They are to be proven leaders and role models within their school and community. Award recipients must also compete in a school-sponsored sport.

Twenty state finalists are selected to compete for the state award. Those 100 finalists (50 boys and 50 girls) move on to compete for the national award. The National Finalists receive a $10,000 college scholarship and other prizes.

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{ sportszone@lcs } In late January, Viking varsity head football coach Wayne Peace announced that he would step down as the head coach, effective immediately. Offensive coordinator Danny Williams has been named the new head coach for the Vikings. Coach Peace will continue as an assistant coach and will work with the quarterbacks.

Dr. Mike Sligh said, “We are deeply grateful for the outstanding leadership Wayne has provided for our students and the overall program for the past several years. His commitment to shaping young men to walk with Christ has always been at the forefront of his work with the players. We are deeply appreciative of the support of the entire Peace family that has made Wayne’s coaching ministry at LCS possible. Melanie has been a great complement to Wayne’s ministry to the players and parents in so many ways that have been behind the scenes to most but instrumental in the lives of so many young men.

Coach Williams has provided marvelous leadership handling many of the on-campus head coach responsibilities as well as serving as offensive coordinator during Wayne’s tenure as head coach. We are grateful for the stability of leadership that this will provide for our student-athletes as well as for the rest of the coaching staff. We are confident that the priorities of the program to build young men and encourage their growth in the faith will continue under Coach Williams’ leadership.”

Congratulations to the JV girls’ basketball team on finishing their 2016-2017 season with a perfect 12-0 record. Their closest games both pitted the Vikings against Windermere Prep, but the Lady Vikings came out on top with 41-38 and 43-41 victories. The team was coached by Mike Carl.

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{ staffscoop@lcs } Florida Project Learning

This fall, two LCS faculty members welcomed new

Tree awarded Kay Henry

additions to their families!

with the 2016 Educator of the Year award at their annual professional development conference in Palm Beach November 5.

Each year Project Learning Tree (PLT) recognizes and awards one educator who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to the program. The nonprofit environmental education program succeeds with dedication and contributions of educators. Kay was honored during the awards banquet of “IndusTREE and Nature Do Coexist” professional development conference.

Kay is an educator with more than 30 years of teaching experience. She currently teaches kindergarten at Lakeland Christian School (LCS),

Scott Cunningham, the new Assistant Principal for Middle School, and his wife Sarah welcomed Scottie Smith Cunningham on Sunday, September 4.

where she captures the imaginations of her “little bears” through hands-on learning projects that reinforce a love of reading and care for the environment. Fred Wiechmann, former principal and current science resource teacher, nominated Kay for the award. He introduced Kay to Project Learning Tree when she began teaching at LCS 16 years ago. According to Fred, Kay is one of the finest early childhood educators he has ever worked with. She has taught a generation of youngsters PLT principles, facilitating workshops throughout Florida and in South Carolina.

K5 teacher and 2007 alumna Christa (Cochran) De Labastide and her husband Alejandro welcomed Malakhi Alejandro De Labastide on September 9.

He weighed in at 8 pounds, 15 ounces and was 21.75 inches long.

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FACULTY FEATURE

BEYOND THE MUSIC: Jordan Burks Emphasizes Worship in Everyday Life

When people think about worship, music is often the first thing

“Two years ago, I was teaching in the public school system,

that comes to mind. Whether the great hymns from centuries

but I felt God leading me somewhere else,” Jordan said. “It

past or the modern worship songs of today, these melodies

was unclear to me where that would be. I heard through an

and lyrics do make up one important element of worship.

LCS parent that they were looking for a new elementary music

And these songs are a big part of what Jordan Burks, the elementary music teacher at Lakeland Christian School, teaches students in K4 through fifth grade. But he is passionate about weaving worship into daily life and teaching kids to do the same.

Jordan grew up with a love for music and earned two degrees in his field: an A.A. in Percussion and Vocal Performance and a B.A. in Music Education. After teaching in the public school system, Jordan joined the faculty at LCS in the fall of 2015 when he replaced longtime music teacher Nancy Snyder after she retired.

teacher due to Miss Snyder’s retirement. I thought that I would put my application in, pray about it, and see what happened.

It took a lot of faith submitting my application because I had to put my current principal’s contact information on it. She had no idea, so that meant we would have to have a ‘talk.’”

“I scheduled an appointment with my then-principal the next day, and as soon as I walked in, she looked at me and said, ‘I’ve been thinking a lot since last night. You need to be somewhere you can flourish and have the capability to do what you want to. If a private school has a job opening, you need to apply. You have my blessing.’ My jaw hit the floor! I shared with her that I was about to let her know I was

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submitting my application to LCS, and she started crying. It

kids don’t question, reason or justify worship; they just believe

was such a God thing. I went through the interviews here, and

that it’s what we’re supposed to do. Their faith teaches and

it was incredible. The connections with administration and

encourages me daily!”

staff were amazing, and I know this is where God wanted me.”

“What I’m able to do is to guide them through music and how

Recognizing that the concept of worship is a hot topic in

it relates to worship. Whether it’s singing and playing shakers

churches, Jordan’s personal philosophy on worship goes

in K4 or composing and producing music in fifth grade, the

beyond the music or a church service and recognizes that

focus never changes – only the avenue of instruction.”

worship can be woven into everyday life. He bases his beliefs on Romans 12: 1-2 which states, “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your

In addition to teaching all students in grades K4 through fifth grade, Jordan helps manage the speakers and music for weekly chapel services. He also leads worship in chapel.

spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but

“The biggest thing we focus on in chapels is our attitudes,”

be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing

Jordan said. “We want our students to understand reverence

you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and

and respect for God, our speakers and each other. We also

acceptable and perfect.”

pray that through the music and speaking, God will reveal His

“To me,” Jordan said, “worship is the adoration and praise of

truth and knowledge to our students each week.”

our Father through the posture and spiritual state of heart,

Jordan feels like the entire music department at LCS does an

mind and actions. This falls in line with 1 Corinthians 10:31 that

incredible job of helping advance the mission of Lakeland

says, ‘So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it

Christian School – to educate students in the light of God’s

all for the glory of God.’”

Word to equip them for a lifetime of learning, leadership,

In the classroom, Jordan strives to teach music and show

service and worship.

them what it looks like through the lens of the gospel. The

“Our students learn every day, have opportunities to lead,

students listen and learn a variety of styles and genres, as

serve through our performances in the community, school and

well as learn about the history of music. While there are some

church, and worship on a daily basis. This starts with my kids

big differences between K4 students and fifth graders, Jordan

in general music and fourth and fifth grade choir, and goes all

notes one thing they have in common:

the way up to our seniors. We get to help mold and shape the

“I think the coolest thing about what I do is that you don’t have to teach kids how to worship. There’s a reason Jesus spoke so often about having ‘faith like a child.’ Unlike adults,

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lights that go into the world. What an incredible opportunity!”

{ cheerfulgivers@lcs } Construction Begins on Roger Evans Athletic Center Lakeland Christian School is blessed with another

With this endorsement, LCS moved forward with the

opportunity for major campus expansion, thanks to the

purchase of the Iglesia Vida Victoriosa Church, just east of

vision and generosity of school families who have stepped

Viking Stadium. This property, contiguous to the stadium,

up to fund their passion.

was the optimum location for the new facility. LCS also

When Viking Stadium was completed 10 years ago, this sporting venue did not include locker rooms to serve the many teams that use the facility throughout the year.

provided assistance to the church in finding a new location and in allowing the church to meet on school property while their new facility is renovated.

Initial plans called for the final phase to be a locker room/

Construction began in January on the 23,000-square-foot

fieldhouse facility adjacent to the stadium. However, other

Roger Evans Athletic Center, named in honor of the beloved

school priorities have delayed this phase of the plan.

LCS teacher and coach who died January 8, 2017, following

Consequently, the athletes competing in Viking Stadium

a three-year battle with cancer.

have been using makeshift, sub-standard and inconvenient

The $4.5 Million campus addition is a two-story complex to

campus locations as their locker facility. The medical

include multiple locker rooms, a strength and conditioning

training room is located in the gym, far from the stadium.

center (weight room), medical training facility, referee

In addition, referees are without changing/meeting

locker room, coaches’ offices and a Hall of Honor for Viking

facilities. The current school strength and weight training

student-athletes.

facility is undersized and inadequate for the size of the LCS athletic program.

The second floor will contain a student study center and a large multi-purpose facility with a balcony overlooking

Following the completion of the school’s Strategic Planning

Viking Stadium and the LCS campus. This facility will

process, multiple facility needs were identified, including

host a multitude of meetings, banquets and other school

the need to add the locker complex. As the Strategic

functions, along with serving as a training center for

Initiatives were announced to various school constituency

students involved in entrepreneurial leadership.

groups, several families expressed an interest in pursuing the athletic complex, followed by a pledge of major support.

The Evans Center will be funded strictly through private giving. To date, more than $3 Million has been committed toward the $4.5 Million goal.

{ cheerfulgivers@lcs } Major RISE Expansion Planned for Summer

The popular and growing RISE Institute will soon have a

The current RISE space is a 400-square-foot former closet

new and expanded home on the LCS campus, thanks to

and small teachers’ lounge. A series of classroom moves

a generous gift commitment that triggered the upcoming

scheduled to take place this summer will allow RISE to

renovation.

occupy the completely renovated 3,300-square-foot first

The RISE Institute (Research, Innovation, STEM,

floor of the Snyder Building.

Entrepreneurship) empowers students to use their

The new $1.45 Million facility will include a lobby/

strengths to do fascinating work in a growing number of

collaboration center, a makerspace for robotics,

disciplines. In fact, the students themselves have directed

fabrication, electronics, 3D printing and programming,

the growth of programs and are currently pursuing

a science lab, the RISE Hub for law classes and film

independent scientific research, medicine, coding/

production, and a gallery/quiet space for research.

programming, competition robotics, law and public policy, film production and documentary filmmaking, and social and business entrepreneurship.

A seven-figure lead gift made the project possible, and others have also given to help equip and furnish the expanded space. LCS is in the process of raising the final $90,000 needed to complete the funding.

Viking Fund Blesses Students Campus-wide The school’s annual giving effort

Gifts to this year’s effort will allow LCS to move forward

– the Viking Fund – continues to

with several other initiatives. Depending on how much

provide enhancements enjoyed

is given during this school year, Viking Fund gifts will

by students throughout LCS.

support the construction of restrooms adjacent to the

Two years ago, the Viking Fund

PE/practice fields, purchase flexible new Elementary

provided the Viking Voyager

classroom furniture and will allow renovation of the

activity bus. Last year’s efforts have allowed the school to provide more covered walkways and to install a cafeteria courtyard to increase lunchtime seating options.

school’s outdated science labs.

LCS desires for each school family, grandparents, friends and others to provide a gift of some amount, each year, to the Viking Fund. Gifts allow the school to continue

In fact, the covered walkways recently installed now

to enhance LCS without an impact on tuition. Broad

permit elementary and middle school students to travel

participation, regardless of the amount, is the key to a

safely within the school’s locked perimeter from the

healthy Viking Fund, one that continues to bless children

three-story building to the campus’ historic core.

and young people.

None of these improvements would be possible without

For more information, please check the school website at

widespread giving each year to the Viking Fund.

lcsonline.org.

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{ cheerfulgivers@lcs } Second-Annual Voyages and Victories Gala: Boots & Bling Raises More Than $312,000 for Financial Aid “FAITH SEES THE INVISIBLE, BELEIVES THE UNBELIEVABLE AND RECEIVES THE IMPOSSIBLE.” – CORRIE TEN BOOM

BOOTS & ling B

With boots on and bling

lace and peacock feathers, to glistening table runners.

ready, more than 400

LCS alum Eli Moseley and his band entertained the

people came together

guests with country favorites – including some extra fun

at Sackett Ranch on

involving the LCS seniors line dancing to “Boot Scootin’

November 1 for the

Boogie.” The Lakeland Christian community enjoyed

second-annual Voyages

mingling with family and friends and listening to alumna

and Victories Gala. This year’s amazing event–themed

Luchrysta Caswell share her testimony of the impact of

“Boots and Bling”–was hosted by the LCS ShieldMaidens

financial aid for her family.

and raised more than $312,000 for the LCS Financial Aid Fund. The gala was sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities, Sweet Life Farms and Patterson Companies.

The evening began under the massive oaks glistening with lights outside the barn at Sackett Ranch. The pre-party included hors d’oeuvres, live music and a silent auction featuring more than 110 items.

This bustling evening accounted for guests moving into the barn and (overflowing into a tent for extended seating) for a delicious dinner including gourmet macn-cheese, a Fall Harvest salad and hickory-smoked pork tenderloin to just name a few. The decorations dressed the evening with rustic chic décor from mason jars, to

The evening concluded with a live auction that featured vacation destinations, LCS specials, full sets of braces, and a progressive dinner featuring vocal performer Jason Rhoden.

Thank you to the generous corporate and individual sponsors, the LCS ShieldMaidens, auction item donors and other donors who made “Boots and Bling” a tremendous success.

Visit the event Facebook page (facebook.com/ VoyagesandVictoriesGala) for more photos and information on upcoming events!

{ alumni@lcs } 2010s Whitney Andersen (‘12) graduated cum laude from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. She is employed with JM Family Enterprises/Southeast Toyota Distributors in

Rachel Pyles (‘08) graduated from the University of Cincinnati Law School in Cincinnati, OH. Rachel will be a Fellow for the Legislative Service Commission in the Republican caucus for the House of Representatives in Columbus, Ohio, where she resides.

Jacksonville, FL as their Industrial and Design Engineer.

2000s Kameron Kelly (‘09) graduated in May 2016 from Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy in Birmingham, Alabama, with a Doctorate of Pharmacy.

Kameron is currently doing a residency in managed care pharmacy with VIVA Health, a Health Maintenance Organization for the state of Alabama. He resides in Birmingham.

Christina Livesay Needham (’06) and her husband Paul welcomed son Owen Jeffrey Needham to the family on August 23, 2016.

Stephanie Livesay Edwards (‘08) and her husband Wesley welcomed daughter Eliza Blake Edwards to the family on July 27, 2016.

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{ alumni@lcs } 1980s Eddie Ellis (’82) recently published his first fiction book, “Good Boy, Achilles!” Intended for readers in upper elementary and middle school, the book is based on the premise that, because humans are flawed and fouled – up, God has given dogs the task of helping them along. In “Good Boy, Achilles!,” readers follow a boy named Jeremy and his favorite puppy as the two learn about friendship, joy, sadness, and the love and faithfulness of God. To read an excerpt and see the book trailer, visit www.eddieellis.com. The book can also be purchased on Amazon. Eddie serves as a professor of New Testament at Olivet Nazarene University and resides in Bradley, IL with his wife

Kathryn Kimball (’05) was recently selected to clerk

and two sons.

for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in 2018.

Kathryn earned her economics degree from Covenant College (Lookout Mountain, Georgia) in 2009 and went on to finish at the top of her class at the University of Florida Law School.

Reunion in May 2017. On Friday, May 26, all 1997 alumni and their families (parents, kids and siblings) are invited to a hot dog/s’mores roast at 6 PM at the Mathews’ home. The cost is $5/person. There will also

1990s Christopher Terry (’97) is currently working as a chiropractor in several offices throughout Polk and Osceola counties.

The Class of 1997 will hold their 20th High School

be outdoor games and swimming.

On Saturday, May 27, all 1997 alumni (and guests) will be having a dinner at 6 PM at Patio850 in Lakeland. The cost is $50/person. If you have any questions, please text or call Christy Paul at 904-347-3596.

» 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.

Re-connect with LCS alumni and past teachers, find out what’s new and learn how to get involved as an alumni of Lakeland Christian School at www.lcsconnect.org.

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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.

The LCS 2015-16 Annual Report is now available online at lcsonline.org