Engage Magazine Summer 2013

{ summer 2013 }

I N S I D E feature >

LCS Inspires a Lifetime of service

Former Faculty Couple, Bruce and Laura Edgar, Minister in Nicaragua

On the horizon As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to serve. The Savior exemplified this priority as described in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” We cannot serve by procuring salvation for others as Jesus did, but we can all be involved redemptively through whatever calling we pursue with our lives.

This issue of Engage features several LCS alumni, staff and friends whose vocations or avocations involve service. Their work or their free time is directly related to extending God’s kingdom in the hearts of others. Whether we serve as our primary vocation or as our avocation, we can all be involved in working redemptively to glorify God though our service.

We live in an “on demand” world that unashamedly exalts material success, privilege and comfort marinated in a sense of entitlement. The goal for most is to be served rather than to serve. The value of glorifying God by self-sacrificing service for the good of others is radically counter-cultural.

We hope these features will encourage all of us to follow the example of the Savior to make serving a priority.

DR. MIKE SLIGH, Headmaster

Magazine Editor Sandy Johnson, Communications Specialist

WHY Engage ?

Creative Design Clark/Nikdel/Powell

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

Cover Photography Traci Greve

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

Administrators: Dr. Mike Sligh | Headmaster Steve Wilson | Director of Advancement Luci O’Byrne | Elementary Principal Wayne Shimko | Secondary Principal Darren Copeland | Assistant High School Principal Keith Overholt | Assistant Middle School Principal Julie Rice | Director of Enrollment

a great deal about our passion for Christian schooling and the 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.

John Douglass | Business Manager

Board of Directors: Kevin Knowlton – Chairman Dan Green – Vice-Chairman Beth Patteson – Secretary Payton Albritton

I n t h i s i ss u e :

Kristen Bolter

Feature: Bruce & Laura Edgar { 6 }

Dan DeLange David Miller

Side Feature: Cassie Christensen { 12 }

Jay Mueller Bill Mutz Dean Nederveld Cory Petcoff

Campusclamor@LCS { 14 } Expressions@LCS { 16 }

Steve Sligh

Alumni@LCS { 17 }

John Tucker Jim Wilbanks

Faculty Feature: Nancy Snyder { 18 } magazine is published quarterly by

Lakeland Christian School and is distributed free of charge to parents, grandparents, alumni and friends of the school.

Send correspondence to: Lakeland Christian School

Staff Scoop & Fun Stuff { 20 & 21 } Sports Feature: Kevin Wasilewski { 22 } Sportszone@LCS { 24 } Cheerfulgivers@LCS { 26 }

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 | www.lcsonline.org | Facebook: www.facebook.com/LCSVikings | Twitter: www.twitter.com/LkldChristian

The mission of L a k e l a n d C h r i s t i a n Sc h o o l

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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

Bruce and laura edgar

Use Education as a Platform for Missions as Their Family Serves in Nicaragua

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Bruce and Laura (Coachman) Edgar felt called to missions at different points in their lives.

For Bruce, it was through contact with missionaries during his high school summers working at Camp Gilead in Polk City, Florida. For Laura, a 1988 grad of LCS, it was during a missions conference when she was a student at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. The couple—both former faculty members at LCS—along with their children Peter and Emma, now serve as missionaries in Nicaragua with Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE). { 7 }

E N G A G E F E AT UR E continued

Bruce: Former Science and Bible Teacher Bruce Edgar, the youngest of five children and the son of a Marine, moved to Lakeland when he was five.

He attended Carlton Palmore Elementary and Temple Christian School. Bruce attended Heritage Baptist Church from the time it was established in the late

where his class made paper airplanes and rockets.

He also had the opportunity to coach soccer and basketball alongside Dean Johnson and Mark Kirby, as well as lead two groups of students to Russia on ACSI mission trips.

1970s. He began working at Camp Gilead during

During his years at LCS, two particular colleagues

high school and continued until his family left for the

served as influences and mentors in his life.

mission field. Bruce graduated from Clearwater Christian College in 1992 with a degree in Bible education and biology.

“I planned to teach for a few years as a stepping stone to teaching overseas,” Bruce said. “I was

“Mr. Musick taught me a lot as we worked together in the science department, and Mike Sligh was always a great example of calm leadership.”

Laura: Former Second Grade Teacher

always interested in missions. When I was in high

Laura Coachman Edgar was a student at LCS from

school working at Camp Gilead, I came into contact

the fourth grade through the 12th grade. During

with some missionaries who were involved in teaching

her years at Lakeland Christian, Laura was involved

overseas. That encouraged me to pursue studies in

with cheerleading, yearbook and the National Honor

that direction. At the point that we were ready to

Society. Her closest friends were Holly Wright Rogers,

decide on an overseas field, the door opened for

Tonja Tate Wade, Everett Bracken, Todd Radford and

teaching and camp ministry in Nicaragua. These were

Joel Jefferis, and many of her best memories included

things we had been doing for years in the U.S. and

those friends.

knew we could continue in Nicaragua.”

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highlights was teaching Matter and Energy Science

“I loved cheering for our basketball teams and all

While waiting on the doors to the mission field

that went with that. I loved working on the yearbook

to open, Bruce served on the faculty at Lakeland

staff as co-editor and selling ads all around Lakeland

Christian School from 1992 until 2004. One of the

with Holly. The time Joel organized a ‘book drop’ in

Mrs. Oncu’s class while she was recording our class for

example of my teachers propelled me toward my

a project for one of her classes will never be forgotten.

goal of becoming a teacher.”

I have many memories and lifelong friends that were made at LCS.”

“I think the most valuable part of that preparation was learning to see things through the lens of Scripture and

During her years at LCS, several teachers had

being challenged to think about everyday things in light

a tremendous impact on Laura’s life.

of God’s word. Looking back, I see the mission of LCS

“Mrs. Oncu taught me how to write well, which prepared me to succeed in college and life. Mr. Musick was able to impart an enormous amount of knowledge and wisdom during my high school years. Both of them loved the Lord and showed that love to us as students.

It was a great privilege to return to teach at LCS with them as my colleagues, even though I still can’t call either of them by their first names! Trudi Sligh was my

played out in the lives of many of my teachers and staff by their longevity at LCS. Miss Palmer, Miss Ellis, Dr. Sligh, Mr. Douglass, Claudia Powell, Mr. Musick, Mrs. Oncu and Bob and Ivy Myhrer, among others, are encouraging examples of lifelong commitment to various aspects of Christian education. I am encouraged to continue to contribute to Christian education as the Lord gives me opportunity.”

cheerleading coach for four years. During that time,

Laura graduated in 1988 and went to Bryan College.

we became good friends, and I learned a lot about

It was during her time there when she felt the call

life from her. God also used her to direct me toward

to the mission field.

Bryan College where I earned my degree.”

“I grew up with my family hosting missionaries in our

Laura felt that Lakeland Christian School

home and knowing about missions in general,” Laura

prepared her well for her future.

said. “I wanted to become a teacher since it was my

“I wanted to be an elementary teacher from the time I was 12 years old,” Laura said. “I was well prepared academically and socially for college, and the godly

first grade teacher who led me to the Lord; so in that way, I viewed my classroom as a mission field, During a missions conference in college, our speaker challenged

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E N G A G E F E AT UR E continued

us to be ‘planning to go, but willing to stay’ instead of ‘willing to go, but planning to stay.’ At that point, I committed my heart to missions, not knowing when or where or with whom I would go.”

Serving as a Family in Managua, Nicaragua Bruce serves as the Director of Centro ABEM (the ABWE Ministry Center) and spends many of his days buying materials, scheduling groups, handling

After graduating from college in 1992 with a degree

general repairs and keeping track of finances. He

in elementary education, Laura returned to LCS that

also visits pastors who are part of the pastoral

fall to begin her teaching career. She taught second

training program, in which Bruce also teaches.

grade until 1997 and elementary computers during

During part of the year, the Edgars host ministry

the 1997-1998 school year.

teams and use those teams to help facilitate

In 1993, Laura had the opportunity to chaperone a missions trip to Ecuador.

“After that trip, I decided that if I was still single after the school year ended, I would go teach at an MK (missionary kid) school in Ecuador,” Laura said.

“Bruce and I began dating that fall, and I never made it back to Ecuador, but my heart was prepared for the idea of going into missions as a couple. Through some friends at our church, we were introduced to Nicaragua as a field, and after visiting,

local church growth.

Serving primarily in the role of wife and mom, Laura also serves on the board of Nicaragua Christian Academy, where Peter and Emma are students. She also substitute teaches at the school and is currently teaching 8th grade girls’ Bible. In addition to these roles, Laura does a weekly Bible study with a Nicaraguan friend, offers Sunday school teacher training to Nicaraguan churches and is involved in Bible studies with other missionary wives.

determined it was a place where we could

Living and working in a foreign country is not without

use our gifts and talents.”

its challenges, and both Bruce and Laura agree on what the hardest parts are.

“The fact that it takes a lot longer to get things done is challenging,” said Bruce. “It’s hard for our local church planters to remain supported by their

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churches because of the poverty. Also, I do miss

exciting. Many of the people here only complete

teaching at Lakeland Christian, and I miss friends

sixth grade and much of the teaching here is by rote

and family in the U.S.”

memory, so to see them using other methods where

Laura agrees: “I think living in a very inefficient country where it can take a long time to accomplish tasks is difficult for me since I tend to be taskoriented. I also miss living life with family in the same town.”

there is more interaction is great. Seeing God work in the heart of a Nicaraguan friend to bring her to Christ and to watch her not only grow week to week, but also share what she has learned with her family and friends as a result of our Bible study, has been incredible. I am also blessed to send our kids to,

However, despite the difficulties, the Edgars see

and to be involved in, a Christian school where the

frequent rewards and return for their work.

goal is to equip students to impact society through

“Nicaraguans are very friendly and helpful,” Bruce said. “It is a beautiful country with a lot of unspoiled

Christian living, motivated by a heartfelt love for God.”

areas. We really see God at work in the ministries

Peter and Emma, in addition to going to school,

here. It’s always neat to see groups of kids using

help Bruce and Laura with their ministry in a variety

the Ministry Center—using the pool, playing soccer.

of ways. They help out when there are teams from

Also, it’s rewarding to see neighborhoods that are

the U.S. and enjoy translating for the groups. Both

being impacted with the Gospel through the

kids like to swim, spend time with friends in the

church plants.”

neighborhood and attend youth group. Emma plays

“I love the people here,” Laura said. “They are so welcoming and giving, even in spite of their poverty.

I love the slower pace of life that living in Latin

volleyball, the guitar and the ukulele, while Peter enjoys archery and playing the piano. He is also involved in Boys Scouts through the U.S. Embassy.

America offers, and I love the beauty of volcanoes

If you would like more information about the Edgar

and dark sand beaches. Seeing Sunday school

family and their work in Nicaragua, please visit

teachers embrace creative teaching methods is

http://www.edgar.abwe.org/.

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si de F EATU R E

Serving the Kids of Polk County: Cassie Christensen Reaches Out to At-Risk Teens through the Ministry of Youth for Christ In Polk County, Florida, there are more than 9,000

really stretched me out of my comfort zone to invest in

delinquent and at-risk youth. Often raised in broken

their lives and show them how much Christ loves them,

homes and dangerous neighborhoods, these kids end

despite some wrong turns they may have chosen. It

up in juvenile detention centers, institutions and

also allowed me to provide consistency and grace to

alternative schools. Cassie Christensen, an ’02

girls who may have never seen that or experienced

graduate of Lakeland Christian, is working with Youth

that before.”

for Christ of Polk County to reach the needs of as many of these kids as she can.

ministry role in Youth for Christ of Polk County, but there

Cassie was an active and outgoing student during

was no availability for her at the time. She accepted

her time at LCS. She played softball, basketball and

a part-time job with Teen Challenge in Lakeland while

volleyball, was a part of FCA, and spent her summers

working as a para-educator at Socrum Elementary. After

volunteering with summer camps, VBS and sports

a year with Teen Challenge, Cassie moved to Texas to

camps. She graduated in 2002 with a softball

serve at a residential treatment facility and boading

scholarship and planned to study elementary education

school called Heartlight Ministries. She lived in a house

at Warner University. After two years, her softball career

with teenagers who struggled with addictions, behavior

ended, and Cassie left Warner and eventually ended up

disorders, personality disorders and family struggles.

at Baptist College of Florida (BCF) where she graduated with a degree in ministry studies.

“I believe God had me there to learn about myself and learn more about what it looks like to live day in and day

Although Cassie began working at Camp Gilead in 2006

out with hurting girls,” Cassie said. “After about a year

and spent four years working with the junior and senior

and a half, I knew my time there was up, and I began

counselors, it was her time spent volunteering at the

praying about where God would have me next. Within a

DOVE Vocational Academy, a girls’ detention center,

week’s time, I received a phone call from Youth for Christ

during her senior year of college that led her into

wondering if there was any chance of me coming back to

full-time ministry.

Florida, and if I was, would I be interested in pursuing a

“It was really challenging to see the hurts and

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Cassie graduated from BCF and immediately pursued a

missionary position in Lakeland.”

struggles these girls had been through to get to this

“I was blown away by God’s timing and ecstatic

point in their lives,” Cassie said, “but it allowed me to

about working in my hometown. I knew that what I had

see a whole new reality of what teens are facing. God

previously known and experienced of Lakeland wasn’t

necessarily an accurate depiction of what truly exists

Although Cassie hopes to have an impact and

here, and Youth for Christ was going to provide the

influence on the teens that she comes into

avenues to invest far beyond what I could have

contact with, these kids impact her as well.

imagined. I feel that I wasn’t quite ready for YFC the first time around, and God gave me multiple learning opportunities to prepare me for this ministry now.”

“YFC has allowed me to be introduced to kids who really need people in their lives to give them a second chance … sometimes even a third and fourth,

For the past year and a half, Cassie has worked

but isn’t that what God does for us everyday? They

part time with different YFC ministries while raising

have really captured my heart and challenged me to

her necessary financial support. Beginning in August,

love more, serve more and give more. I can only hope

Cassie will be full time as the Girls’ Ministry Staff of

to have the light of Christ shine through me in all that

Lakeland. She will spend her time heading up a

I do with these kids.”

Neighborhood Girls’ Group that meets weekly for a time of training and mentorship. This program gives YFC staff members the opportunity to develop relationships with troubled kids with the goal of reaching the at-risk kids before it’s too late.

“Ultimately, I want to see all of these kids come to know the Lord as their Savior and grow in their relationships with Christ as we walk through life with them. I do know that sometimes we are just called to plant the seeds and other times, water some that

She will also continue to work as part of the

have already previously been planted. I trust in God’s

alternative school ministry, working with students

timing for their salvation. I just want these teens to

who have been kicked out of mainstream schools.

know that God loves them unconditionally and that

Cassie meets with middle school girls twice

they have a Heavenly Father who created them

each week – once as a group and then once in a

exactly how He wanted them to be and with a

one-on-one setting. In the group setting, the YFC

wonderful purpose for their lives.”

staff works to make the girls feel comfortable and welcome by playing games and doing ice breakers activities while sharing the gospel through Bible study and personal testimony.

“Our goal is to break down those tough exteriors and barriers to get to know the girls and earn the right and trust to be heard,” Cassie said. “When we go back to meet with them individually, it is on a more

For the complete interview with Cassie, including details about her time at LCS, some of her major influences and how well LCS prepared her for life after high school, please visit www.lcsonline.org/ news/engage-magazine.

For information about Youth for Christ of Polk County, visit http://www.yfcofpolk.org/

personal approach. Our objective here is to be able to listen to them and let them know we care.”

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{ campusclamor@lcs } Eighth Grade: • Distinguished Achievement Award: Gloria Tabb, Campbell Rice • Honorable Mention: Lauren Latimer, Brandon Kaye Twelfth Grade: • Distinguished Achievement Award: Stephanie Congratulations to the Class of 2013! The 67 graduates celebrated Baccalaureate on Sunday, June 2, and Commencement on Monday, June 3. At Baccalaureate,

Powers, Livingston Boulerice • Honorable Mention: Courtney Miles, Cameron Row

Christian Leadership Award winner Stephanie Powers and Pastor Bill Boulet (of Heritage Baptist Church) both challenged the class from the Scriptures. The following evening, Valedictorian Lymaries Velez and Salutatorian Stephanie Powers each spoke, sharing memories, advice and personal thoughts with their classmates. The class chose Mr. Stan McMahan, secondary Bible teacher, to give the Commencement address. The evening concluded with each senior receiving a diploma

The LCS Archery Team traveled to Louisville, Kentucky,

from Dr. Mike Sligh, Headmaster.

this spring to compete in the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) National tournament. Congratulations to all of the students who participated.

• The elementary team posted 3,022 points and placed 65th out of 107 elementary school teams.

• For the high school males division, Matthew Henderson scored 294 out of 300 points (including 25 bullseyes) to finish 13th out of all 5,370 male shooters. His score earned him 5th place out of 10th grade males and 12th place out of the 1,614 males

Each year, the American Legion recognizes students in fifth, eighth and twelfth grades who demonstrate

• For high school females, Jessica Andrew shot 21

the character qualities of courage, honor, patriotism,

bullseyes for a score of 291 out of 300 points. She

leadership, service and scholarship. Congratulations

was 18th out of all 4,047 females, 4th place out of 9th

to the following students who were selected as

grade girls and 13th place out of 1,324 females in the

American Legion Award recipients:

high school division.

Fifth Grade: • Distinguished Achievement Award: Amy Burton, Matthew Albritton • Honorable Mention: Isabel Matallana, Sean Stoltz

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in the high school division.

• Morgan Radford was the top middle school female.

With 278 points, she finished 262nd out of all 4,047 females. This was 33rd place for 7th grade girls and 78th place out of 1,283 girls in the middle school female division.

{ campusclamor@lcs } Elementary finishers:

of the extract on Palmer’s amaranth and air potato. Her

• Elementary Female division: Maci Brown finished with

research began because of her concern about managing

268 points and Kacey Hutto had 259 points.

• Elementary Male division: Christian Herman had 271

invasive plants in Faith’s Forest, a three-acre wild area here on campus.

points, Christopher Lamb shot a 260, Tyler Brickhouse

Julia is a student in the RISE Institute at Lakeland

finished with 259, and Isaac Webb had 257 points.

Christian School. The program focuses on Research, Innovation, STEM learning and Entrepreneurship. She recently won Best of Show in Junior Biological Sciences at the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair in addition to first place in the Botany division.

Congratulations to seventh grader Lee Wall, who traveled to Washington, D.C. in May for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Lee The American Museum of Natural History in New York

tied for 43rd out of 281 spellers

has selected Julia Canady, an 8th grader at Lakeland

who competed in the national

Christian School, as a recipient of the Young Naturalist

bee. Broadcast nationally on the

Award for 2013. Her essay on “Weed Warfare:

various ESPN channels, students at LCS gathered around

Investigating Allelopathy” was one of two national

their iPads and iPhones to watch their classmate

winners for the eighth grade.

compete in the televised event.

The nationwide science-based research competition for students in grades 7 through 12 is funded by Alcoa Foundation. The Young Naturalist Awards program was developed by the Museum to promote young people’s active participation in the sciences and to recognize excellence in biology, ecology, Earth science and astronomy. More than 900 essays were judged by a panel of scientists, educators, environmentalists and writers.

High school students participating in the Student Leadership University have traveled to various destinations this summer on week-long leadership retreats. Students in SLU 101 spent a week in Orlando in mid June. SLU 201 students traveled to Washington, D.C. in mid July, and SLU 301 students spent a week in England and France in early July. Student Leadership

Julia flew to New York City in late May for a ceremony

University is a faith-based, progressive leadership

and luncheon at the American Museum of Natural

program for students with the purpose of equipping

History. She received a cash award and went on a

students with the tools of leadership. For more

behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum.

information on the program, you can visit

Julia’s work focused on the development of a new “green” herbicide using an extract made from one invasive plant to control the growth of others. Spanning

www.studentleadership.net or contact Mr. Keith Overholt, Assistant Middle School Principal, at koverholt@lcsonline.org.

three years, her research included both fieldwork and laboratory studies, and investigated the effectiveness

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{ expressions@lcs }

Congratulations to

together for use; however, there are more

senior art student Allie

students interested in tuba than there are tubas

Chmura for being chosen

in a condition to be played.

to submit artwork for the Creative Youth: Fifteenth Congressional District Competition. This exhibit, organized by the Polk

The Morrison Foundation grant is the first step in providing new tubas for the students. These instruments are the largest and lowest-pitched of the band’s brass section.

Museum of Art and the office of U.S. Representative Dennis Ross, featured 101 pieces of artwork selected from more than 550 pieces submitted.

Thanks to the generosity of a local foundation, the award-winning LCS band program will begin

The LCS Fine Arts department hosted the 11th Annual

the process of replacing

Music Camp for students in second through sixth

its outdated tubas.

grades. Ninety-two students attended this year’s

The initial gift for this

camp, which was based on a Peter Pan theme. The

effort was provided by

focus of this year’s program was rhythm, and the

the Glenn W. and

classes involved a lot of movement and energy. The

Hazelle Paxson

campers enjoyed a steel drum class, a “cups” class

Morrison Foundation.

(where cups are tapped and passed in a rhythmic

Mrs. Hazelle Morrison

routine), two film classes and a flag corp class. The

was a Lakeland pioneer who had a lifelong love of

week-long camp ended with a special closing program

music. The Morrison Foundation has provided support

for the public. Thanks to the following high school

to LCS for a number of years, with many of the

students for working with this year’s camp: Emily Carl,

grants being, appropriately, issued for the

Kara Stacy, Carter Overholt, Brendan Adriano, Christina

Fine Arts Department.

Sierra, Amanda Fulton, Kirsti Mutz and Charlotte

Due to the expense of the sousaphones, it is

Varnum. The camp was organized by the Fine

estimated this replacement process will take place

Arts department including Lorraine Latham,

over the next three to four years, unless funds are

Nancy Snyder, Kathleen Boatwright, Wendy

made available before that time. LCS received the

Carl, Christy Fung, Teri Evans and Julie Latham.

current instruments years ago, after they were no longer being used by the Polk County School Board.

Director of Bands Chuck Fulton has pieced the tubas

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{ alumni@lcs } 2000s Cody Lastinger (’09) graduated magna cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in citrus production from Florida Southern College in April 2013.

After spending summer 2012 as an intern with Bayer CropScience, Lastinger decided to pursue a master’s of agronomy at the University of Florida.

He is currently working in an assistantship with Dr. Brent Sellers, Ph.D., in Ona, FL, at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center, performing research studies. He will attend classes at the University of Florida in Gainesville starting in August 2013.

Gheorghe Bradley (’07)

Daniel Wilson (‘02) and his wife, Jessica, welcomed their second child, Connor Stephen Wilson, on April 29, 2013. Connor joins big brother Bryce, who turned two this past May. Daniel is employed by Southern Homes in Lakeland, and Jessica is a stay-at-home mom.

1990s

graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Engineering in Information Technology. He is employed by Publix. Gheorge is pictured here with his parents Don and Nancy Bradley. Nancy is a fourth grade teacher at LCS. Mike Hall (’99) and Jennifer Snyder Hall (’01) welcomed daughter, Eliana Grace on May 2, 2013.

She joins her three big brothers: Noah (6), Malachi (4) and Caleb (2).

» We love to hear from you.

News about you is ­important to us and to your former classmates. Please email Claudia Powell Brian Busing (’04) and his wife Jenny welcomed their first baby girl, Layelle Rose Busing, on October 14, 2012. The family resides in Lakeland. Brian works

at ­cpowell@lcsonline.org. Planning your class reunion? Claudia can also arrange for use of facilities and will offer other helpful tips.

for Greenovative Homes, and Jenny is a photographer for her own company, JenLynn Photography.

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

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faculty FEATURE

Music Teacher Nancy Snyder

Combines Passions for Music and Travel to Serve in the Community and the Around the World “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10b From an early age, elementary music teacher Nancy

“I remember my teachers and the special impact

Snyder knew that she wanted to be a teacher, that she

of Mr. Powers (3rd grade teacher), Mrs. Evelyn Towler

loved music, that she wanted to serve God and that she

(principal and 4th-6th grade teacher) and Mr. Knutti

wanted to travel. Throughout her life, these passions

(7th-8th grade teacher). Evelyn taught us choir and

have often gone hand-in-hand. Her willingness and

took us to area churches to sing. This made a lasting

commitment to serve is modeled in her classroom,

impression, and she’s impacted my life to this

as she strives to equip the students of LCS for

day with her compassion for me and for LCS.”

a lifetime of service.

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After graduating from Lakeland High School, Nancy

Born in Akron, Ohio, Nancy moved to Florida with her

majored in music education at Bryan College in Dayton,

family when she was in first grade. As a third grader,

Tennessee. She went on to get her master’s degree

she began attending LCS during its early years—when

in elementary education from Bowie State University.

the school moved from the former Calvary Baptist

Nancy taught for 24 years at schools in Virginia and

Church property to Chiles Street. Lakeland Christian

Maryland before coming back to LCS 20 years ago to

was very small – sometimes with two and three grades

head up the elementary music program. Nancy teaches

in one classroom and only went through 8th grade

K4-5th grade music, the Heart of Joy choir (4th-5th

at the time – but Nancy has fond memories of her

grade) and the bell chimes. She is involved with the fall

time here.

musical, the annual music camp and various other

musical programs such as the 1st and 2nd grade

help with camps and Bible clubs. The opportunity

program, the K5 program and the All-County choir

arose after working as a counselor at Camp Sankanac

students. She also works on the elementary chapel

in Pennsylvania. This summer marks the 26th year

schedule and uses her passion for photography to

she has served at the camp in Northern Ireland,

serve around campus.

having gone every year except one since 1987.

“I trust that my students learn lessons of servanthood

“These days I help a bit and visit many friends that

as I teach every day. I want to teach music well and

God has given me as a result of the trips. Many of

trust that what I teach reflects the fact that we must

these friends have visited here on holidays. I have

share the musical gifts in our churches, in missions

been blessed abundantly by visiting them each year.”

areas and everywhere God gives us opportunities to go. I pray the students see it in my classes and through God’s faithfulness in my life.”

In addition to her passion for music, Nancy also loves to travel. She has visited Canada, Bermuda, Africa, several European countries, Peru and many U.S. states.

Nancy’s passions for music, kids and travel have often intertwined themselves, giving her many opportunities for ministry and service through the years.

“Camp, Bible clubs, playing the piano at Lighthouse Ministries, teaching many at LCS and being involved with music in my church are opportunities to use God’s

“I remember as a child growing up in Lakeland,

gifts to me and have brought joy to my heart over the

wondering if I would ever see Washington, D.C. and

years. I continue to desire to be used of God however

New York City. I am amazed as I look back over the life

He chooses in the future.”

God has so faithfully directed at opportunities for travel.”

If you would like to contact Nancy Snyder, feel free to email her at nsnyder@lcsonline.org.

Each summer, Nancy travels to Great Britain (Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales) to

“I trust that my students learn lessons of servanthood as I teach every day. I want to teach music well and trust that what I teach reflects the fact that we must share the musical gifts in our churches, in missions areas and everywhere God gives us opportunities to go.” { 19 }

{ staffscoop@lcs } • Mrs. Kathy Baker attended the Florida Educational Technology Conference (FETC) and the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

• Mrs. Shannon Blanco attended the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

Faculty service awards were given out at the end-of-year luncheon on Friday, June 7. Several members of the LCS faculty and staff were recognized for their years of service. Special congratulations go to Mrs. Judy Oncu for 30 years of service and to Mr. Mike Musick on 35 years of service.

• Miss Kala Walls attended the “Above and Beyond the 21st Century Technology Conference” sponsored by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) and the International Homestay Symposium sponsored by the Association of Christian Schools International and Wheaton.

• Mrs. Julie Rice attended the Admissions Professionals Training Conference sponsored

by Independent School Management (ISM).

• Mrs. Nancy Bradley attended a seminar entitled “Strengthening our Schools” at Florida Southern College featuring keynote speaker Dr. John Ratey.

• Mrs. Sandy Nilius, Mrs. Debbie Stump, Mr. Fred Wiechmann and Mrs. Jennifer Canady attended the National Science Teachers Association STEM conference.

• Mr. Todd Radford, Advancement Associate,

In a continual effort to provide the best education for our students, members of the LCS faculty have been actively participating in a number of different professional development activities in recent months: • Several faculty members have recently earned master’s degrees. Congratulations to Jennifer Canady, Geoff Stabler, Beth Dickman, Emily Mason and Gaye Lene Hasha.

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attended the annual meeting of the Christian Leadership Alliance in Los Angeles, California.

{ funstuff@lcs } We asked members of the LCS family to tell us what their perfect summer day looks like. Here are some of the favorite responses » “My perfect summer day would be taking pictures with my family after a long day of riding horses on the beach with my friends!”

– Kylie Beaudreault, 8th grader

“My perfect summer day would be hiking a mountain trail, swimming in a creek and catching fireflies at night.”

– Mrs. Claudia Powell, Administrative Assistant to the Headmaster and Advancement Office

“My idea of a perfect summer day is waking up early and going out to see my horses and riding. Then going to the Lakeland downtown farmer’s market and having beignets and, afterwards, having a family dinner with all my cousins, aunts and uncles.”

“My perfect day is selecting a swimsuit, which beach chair, which umbrella and which book.”

– Kathleen Boatwright, LCS Piano Department

– Julia Canady, 9th grader “My perfect summer day would be going to Daytona Beach, Florida, with my family, and tan. Take pictures together during sunset. Go to the boardwalk to eat at Aunt Catfish’s. Play mini-golf and have a great time.”

– Aimee Reimer, 7th grader

“My perfect summer day would be going to the sandbar and beaching it up, and then watching “Downton Abbey.”

– Rebekah Firmin, 12th grader "My perfect summer day involves a good morning run, chilled watermelon for lunch and sunshine at the beach with my family. Perfect."

– Julie Rice, Director of Enrollment

“My perfect summer day would be at the beach with a good book.” – Carter Overholt, 12th grader

NEXT ISSUE’S QUESTION: How do you typically spend your college football Saturdays?

Tell us by emailing Sandy Johnson: sjohnson@lcsonline.org. { 21 }

sports FEATURE

Alumni Parent Kevin Wasilewski Uses Knowledge, Skills to Mentor Athletes Kevin Wasilewski wears a lot of hats around Lakeland Christian School, but he isn’t on the payroll.

A former school parent with two alumni daughters, Kevin began volunteering at LCS eight years ago.

Now he serves as an assistant coach for the varsity girls’ soccer team and varsity baseball team, as well as a member of the golf tournament committee. Kevin’s faithful service to LCS over these years is a great example to our students as we prepare them for a “lifetime of service.”

Recently, LCS Athletic Director Mark Kirby nominated

Sarasota Riverview High School. I graduated from

Kevin for the All Pro Dad “Always There” award. In

Stetson University in 1986 with a bachelor’s in

his nomination letter, Mark wrote:

business administration. I work for Syngenta as a

“It is rare to find a person who does not seek to be recognized for his service but finds true joy in serving others. Lakeland Christian School has such a person in Kevin Wasilewski. Kevin serves as a volunteer assistant coach in both our soccer and baseball programs. He is great at seeing what needs to be done and doing it, no matter how big or small the task. Our turf fields are in excellent shape because of both his knowledge and personal sweat and toil. He has shoveled mounds of clay, laid many

genetic business in the U.S. I’ve been with Syngenta for 13 years. My wife Page and I just celebrated our 27-year anniversary. Our daughters Shannon and Lauren are both graduates of LCS. Shannon graduated from FSU, and Lauren is a senior at the University of Florida. We attend Covenant Presbyterian Church, where I serve as a deacon.

I also serve as a board member for the Florida Turfgrass Association.

pallets of sod, fertilized, watered and aerated when

Engage: What are the different areas where

needed. Kevin loves our student athletes and is a

you volunteer at LCS?

mentor and counselor to many. His gentle and calm

Kevin: I assist Jason Streets with girls’ soccer

demeanor allows him to speak truth to them in love

team, and I focus my efforts on training and

and encourage them toward improvement. Kevin has

developing our goalies. I assist Blane Fox with

never considered any job beneath him, whether it

the varsity baseball program, and my duties are

is washing stinky practice jerseys, cleaning coolers

working with and developing our pitchers. I had

or disinfecting water bottles. His goal is to make

the opportunity to play baseball at Stetson

the coach, team, Athletic Director and, ultimately,

University and professionally with the Houston

Lakeland Christian School look good.”

Astros. The golf tournament is a major fundraiser

Engage: Tell us about yourself.

Kevin: I grew up in Sarasota, Florida, and attended { 22 }

National Sales Manager overseeing our seed and

for our athletic department. I have served as the chairman for six years and the past two years as a

committee member. My responsibilities included

a great family environment, with great

negotiating and securing a venue, obtaining

teachers, administrations and coaches who

sponsorships and prizes.

focus on God’s Word.

Engage: How long have you been

Engage: What is your favorite part about

involved at LCS?

being involved at LCS?

Kevin: I have been volunteering at LCS for

Kevin: I enjoy working with our athletes to help

eight years.

them develop spiritually and physically so they

Engage: How did you first get involved

can do their best.

as a volunteer at LCS?

Engage: What are some of the best memories

Kevin: Coach Dean Johnson and David Sligh did a

or experiences from your time serving as a

great job caring for Gordon Field. I wanted to offer

volunteer at LCS?

my services and turf grass knowledge to LCS.

Kevin: There are so many but, personally,

Engage: Your kids have graduated, and you work a full-time job. Why do you continue to work with the LCS athletic programs?

watching Shannon and Lauren play for LCS. Each time they stepped on the field was a true blessing.

Kevin: God’s blessing! He has blessed me with the ability to teach and motivate athletes. LCS is

“It is rare to find a person who does not seek to be recognized for his service but finds true joy in serving others.

Lakeland Christian School has such a person in Kevin Wasilewski.”

— Mark kirby

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{ sportszone@lcs }

Congratulations to the following LCS athletes on being named to The Ledger’s Spring All-County Teams: • Weightlifting: Caleb Thomas (1st team); Cody Averitt, Jonathan Graham, Alex Holmes, Roman Mancini, Tucker Scruggs (Honorable Mention) • Track and Field: T. J. Simmons (1st team); Luke Congratulations to seniors Stephanie Powers,

Cabrera, Sydney Collins (2nd Team); Matt Buchy,

Courtney Miles, Phil Wilsman, Josh Sessums and

Jerod Fuller, Michael Barcelo, Caleb Thomas, Jessica

Scott Benton, along with junior Brooke Wilsman,

Fuller, Courtney Miles (Honorable Mention)

on being named this year’s “Mighty in Spirit” award winners. These awards are given out each year by the Athletic Department. Winners are selected by their teammates and recognized for having an exemplary Christian testimony both on and off the playing field.

• Tennis: Sam Moseley, Tim Tallo, Evan Gonzalez, Taelor Chism, Kaitlynn Connell (Honorable Mention) • Baseball: Logan Browning (1st team); Brooks Wilson (2nd team); Ben Andress, Raffi Bournigal, Grant McKown, Marcus Stump, Andrew Williams (Honorable Mention) • Softball: Brooke Wilsman (2nd team); Kristen Beacham, Brooke Benton, Helen Long, Emily Murphy, Meghan Sutton (Honorable Mention) • All-Academic: Blake Crosby, Sarah Mora, Stephanie Powers, Alex Sessums, Josh Sessums, Ly Velez, Andrew Williams, Phil Wilsman

This spring, seniors (and twins!) Alex and Josh Sessums signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers on the collegiate level. The brothers will play soccer for Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Alex and Josh, both defenders, served as co-captains of the Viking team this past winter. Visit www.fscmocs.com for a 2013 men’s soccer schedule.

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{ sportszone@lcs }

November 8 (Agape Christian): Senior Recognition Night For a complete schedule, visit www.lcsonline.org/athletics.

This summer Meghan Sutton, a varsity softball player getting ready to start her senior year, was Three seniors from the Viking baseball team

invited to advanced training at the World Cup training

represented Lakeland Christian School at the

facility in Oklahoma. She spent a week training with

Senior All-Star baseball game held at Joker

Lee Ann Jarvis and Danielle Bush, members of the

Marchant Stadium on May 14. Congratulations to

USA Olympic Softball team. Meghan tried out for the

Grant McKown, Raffi Bournigal and Andrew Williams

training camp and was one of only 100 girls from all

on their outstanding baseball careers at LCS.

over the U.S. invited to attend.

Another exciting fall of Viking football is just around the corner, and Viking Stadium is the place to be on Friday nights! Mark your calendar now with the home schedule and list of events: September 6 (Orangewood Christian): New Family Night, Chick-fil-A Night (win CFA for a year!), Recognition of K4 students, annual Viking Dash September 13 (Liberty High School): Pastor Appreciation Night October 4 (Bishop McLaughlin): Homecoming 2013 October 18 (Frostproof High School): Fall Festival Night, Flag League Jamboree, Junior Cheerleader Performance

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{ cheerfulgivers@lcs }

LCS Meets Matching Challenge!

Campaign Now Enters The ‘Home Stretch’

words, if all outstanding pledges are paid, the remaining need is merely $325,000, plus interest incurred to maintain the loan. Of course, the sooner the school can pay off the loan, the less interest will be paid.

The Dream Come True wrap-up campaign began last fall and is the final leg in the $23 Million expansion, which has transformed the LCS campus into a

Faithful supporters of Lakeland Christian School

world-class educational facility. Parents, grandparents,

were up to the challenge!

alumni, alumni parents and other friends have given

In six months – to the day – from the time a generous friend of the school offered to provide $500,000 to LCS when the school raised that same

generously over the years to make the school’s dynamic vision a reality.

And now, LCS is just $325,000 of new commitments

amount, the final commitment was made toward

away from completing the funding – paying for

this extraordinary matching gift opportunity.

this great blessing students have been enjoying

Through the grace of God and the generosity of His people, LCS received a half-million dollars in

for the past several years.

commitments for the Dream Come True wrap-up

All Hands on Deck!

campaign over the past six months. The school has

Now that the school is on the home stretch, will you

already received the matching gift, as promised,

participate in this special opportunity to help provide

and has applied it toward the loan.

the “final dollars”? Will you consider giving (or giving again!) at this critical time? LCS is grateful for your

Great News – The ‘End’ is Near!

kind consideration.

Want the best news yet? After receiving this match,

Remember, the ultimate beneficiaries are the children

LCS needs only $325,000 in “new” commitments to

and young people of the next generation whose hearts

complete the funding of this massive effort. In other

and minds are influenced on the LCS campus each day.

Only $325,000 left of our $23 million goal!

$21.7 million given to campaign 2006-2012

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$500,000 gift match REC’D ($1,000,000 total)

$325,000 left to go!

{ cheerfulgivers@lcs } Please … make LCS a part of your stewardship plan for this critical wrap-up.

WHO SHOULD GIVE THESE ‘FINAL’ DOLLARS? Anyone with a heart for the good work of Lakeland Christian.

Much of the funding so far has been provided by folks whose children and grandchildren have now

WHAT? The Dream Come True wrap-up campaign completes the funding for the Elementary/Middle School Building, the K4/K5 Suites, Viking Stadium, expanded parking and new main entry, and the outdoor learning center amphitheater.

HOW MUCH DID IT ALL COST? The cost of the campus transformation was $23 Million.

HOW MUCH IS LEFT?

graduated. That’s why LCS encourages current school parents and grandparents to join in giving toward the wrap-up – since their children and grandchildren are the beneficiaries of generous giving by so many others!

I WANT TO GIVE, BUT I CAN’T WRITE A CHECK TODAY. IS THAT OKAY? Absolutely. In fact, some generous commitments will be funded into 2014.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE? Glad you asked … faithful stewardship is about putting

Only $325,000 of new commitments is needed

God’s resources to work. Remember, He owns it all!

to complete the funding. This is, clearly, the

So, give according to the principle of 2 Cor. 8:12. If God

home stretch.

has blessed you with a little, just give a little. However, if God has blessed you with an abundance, you get to

DOESN’T TUITION HELP PAY FOR IT?

give a lot. But by all means … please … give.

No. So far, 100 percent of the expansion has been funded through private donations.

WHO’S BEEN GIVING? LCS parents, grandparents (the largest giving group!), alumni, alumni parents, relatives and other friends of the school.

My family wants to participate. What now?

Contact LCS Director of Advancement Steve Wilson at swilson@lcsonline.org, or by calling the school at 863/688-2771.

He can help with your gift planning.

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Lakeland Christian School 1111 Forest Park Street, Lakeland, Florida 33803

Sharpening Minds and Shepherding Hear ts.

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