November 2010

Viking November 2010

The

Lakeland Christian School

‘Leader Launch’ Complements Student Character Lessons

Dressed for the Storm

By Dr. Mike Sligh, Headmaster “Many of the teachings of Christianity are, as well as being ­incredible and mythical, immoral.”

Christopher Hitchens in, Is Christianity Good for the World?

As I sat with my senior Bible class watching a

against the rain, it would

DVD rendition of Christopher Hitchens leveling this

become so uncomfortable

charge, and many others against our faith, I was

and impractical that they

struck by the witty, ­winsome and sincere manner

would take it off at the

with which he presented his case. Upon first blush,

first opportunity.

it was a bit unsettling. Some may question the

We could dress them

appropriateness of introducing this line of thought

in a wool sweater. That

into a Bible class in a Christian school.

covering would be useless

This particular presentation featured not only ­Hitchens, but also a Christian apologist and author who engaged Hitchens on a variety of

“The exposure of v­ arious pre-suppositions enabled the students to peer b­ elow the surface i­mpressions and bring the truth of scripture to the fore in their thinking.”

as it would absorb the rain and offer no protection at all.

We could dress them in a

­subjects ­regarding C ­ hristianity.

Gortex® rain suit. This fabric

Their passionate, yet r­ espectful

would keep the water out, but it breathes. They could wear it all day in

­exchanges were both

the storm and stay dry and c­ omfortable. The material would allow the

­stimulating and informative.

free exchange of air while maintaining the ­barrier against the rain.

My wife, who t­ hroughout

Let’s make the connection between raincoats and educating

much of her childhood,

our ­students. Erecting an impenetrable wall between the minds of

­adolescent and early adult

our ­students and the attacks of atheists and other opponents to our

years, shared many of Hitchens’

faith seems attractive at first. This “PVC fabric approach” is ­probably

perspectives before c­ oming to

­appropriate at younger ages. We certainly don’t want the “wool

faith in Christ, joined me as we

sweater” approach that would encourage them to soak up all ideas

worked our students through

­indiscriminately. That strategy offers no protection at all.

the various lines of r­ easoning

The wisest strategy is for us to expose our students to lines of

represented in this debate. It was

­contemporary thought that they will, no doubt, face as they enter

gratifying to see our students

into higher education and the workplace. They need the “Gortex®

­analyze and wrestle with these ideas. The exposure

­protection” from the elements that will allow them to be confident and

of various ­pre-suppositions enabled the students to

comfortable in the exchange of ideas with those who do not share our

peer below the surface impressions and bring the

same faith commitments. They need to be able to engage in the process

truth of ­scripture to the fore in their thinking.

of starting conversations, of asking penetrating questions, of defending

I was reminded of an illustration a friend

our faith, and requiring the opponents of Christianity to defend theirs.

of mine offered as we discussed the challenge of

All of this must be accomplished with strategies that are

­preparing our students for the barrage of ideas

­appropriate to the age and stage of the learners. One size does not

that they will face upon leaving the Christian high

fit all. This type of instruction requires a level of biblical literacy and

school. In some ways, it’s like dressing our students

­discernment that is suitable for the challenge.

to go out into a storm.

We could dress them in an old fashioned PVC

The instructional program at LCS provides a number of settings where our students can wrestle with many of the big questions and

­vinyl type yellow raincoat. That material would

­foundational issues of life. We want to work through these topics with our

­definitely keep the w ­ ater out, but its ­air-tight barrier

students to enable them to deal with their own questions and doubts as

would quickly ­become restrictive and s­ mothering.

well as to prepare them for the exchange of ideas with others (I Peter 3:15).

Although it ­provided an ­impenetrable shield

The storms will come. Let’s make sure our students are well dressed!

Middleton Named Semifinalist in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program This fall, the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists

and is active on the school’s A-Team. Justin

in the 56th annual National Merit Scholarship Program were

is considering college at MIT, John Hopkins

­announced by officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation

­University and Auburn University.

Steps in the Competition

(NMSC), and Lakeland Christian School senior Justin Middleton was among this select group.

Justin Middleton

About 1.5 million juniors in some 22,000

These academically talented high school seniors have an

high schools entered the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program

­opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,400

by taking the 2009 P ­ reliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship

­National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $36 million, that will

Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial

be ­offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit S­ cholarship

screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists,

award, S­emifinalists must fulfill several requirements to a ­ dvance

which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors,

to the ­Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the ­

­includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of

Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and

Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of

­approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit

the national total of graduating seniors.

®

To become a Finalist, a Semifinalist must have an o ­ utstanding

­Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and

Justin is the son of Bill and Alice Middleton. He is one of only eight Polk County students to earn this distinction. Justin is an

­recommended by the high school principal, and earn SAT scores

All-County and All-State baritone player for the LCS band. He has

that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the q ­ ualifying

numerous state Solo and Ensemble medals. Justin is also active in

test. The Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a

the piano program and has participated in several fine arts musicals,

detailed scholarship application, which includes the student’s

both on stage and behind the scenes. He serves as the treasurer of the

essay and information about the Semifinalist’s participation and

Tri-M Music Honor Society, is a member of the National Honor Society

­leadership in school and community activities.

Approximately 15,000 Semifinalists are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and it is from this group that all National Merit Scholarship winners will be chosen. Merit Scholar designees are

in this issue

­selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.

p1-2 __________________ Academic Awards

p10 __________________ Fine Arts

p4 __________________ Faculty News

p11-14 __________________ Sports

National Merit Scholarships Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2011. Every Finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state representational basis. About 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by approximately 250 ­corporations and business organizations for Finalists who meet

p6-9 __________________ Boosterthon

p18-19 __________________ Alumni News

their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s ­employees or ­residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are ­located. In addition, about 200 colleges and u ­ niversities are ­expected to finance some 4,900 college-sponsored Merit ­Scholarship awards for Finalists who will attend the sponsor ­institution.

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2011 will be announced

On the Cover:

in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and ­concluding

Boosterthon’s Todd Henriksen, pictured with Missy Green’s K4 class, spent time teaching daily lessons to LCS students. The Boosterthon program’s emphasis on strong c­ haracter complements what our teachers integrate into the c­ lassroom all year long. Todd serves as the Central Florida Team Leader for the Boosterthon organization.

in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 275,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.

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Two LCS Seniors Named ‘Commended Students’ by National Merit Scholarship Program Secondary Principal Wayne Shimko of Lakeland

percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered

Christian School announced that Garrett Dodd and

the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary

­Michelle Jackson have been named Commended

­­SAT/­National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

­Students in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship

(PSAT/NMSQT®).

­Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school

Garrett Dodd

“Recognition of high-achieving students is ­essential

and the National Merit Scholarship C ­ orporation

to advancing educational excellence in our nation,”

(NMSC), which conducts the program, was p ­ resented

­commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “As ­demonstrated by

by Mr. Shimko to these scholastically talented seniors.

their outstanding performance in our highly c­ ompetitive

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout

program, the young men and women named Commended

the nation are being recognized for their exceptional

Students represent some of the most ­academically talented

academic promise. Although they will not continue in

students in our country. We ­sincerely hope this ­recognition

the 2011 competition for National Merit ­Scholarships,

will enhance their ­educational opportunities and

Commended Students placed among the top five

­encourage them in their pursuit of academic success.”

Tew Wins Boys State Scholarship ­

Fourteen Students Earn AP Scholar Awards

Lakeland Christian School senior ­Andrew Tew was recently awarded the Lance Cpl. Andrew J. Aviles 2+2 ­Scholarship. As one of the five winners selected, Tew received the cost of tuition and a stipend to attend two years of college at ­Tallahassee Community College and two years at Florida State U ­ niversity.

This scholarship is ­available to participants Andrew Tew

of the Florida A ­ merican ­Legion Boys State ­Program.

The scholarship is named for Lance

Corporal Andrew Julian Aviles. After ­receiving a full ­scholarship to Florida State University, Aviles decided to join the Marine Corp Reserves thinking that he would finish boot camp before he started school. Instead, he was a ­ ctivated ­immediately and sent to Iraq with the 4th Marine Assault Amphibian ­Battalion. He

Michelle Jackson

Fourteen students at Lakeland Christian School have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams.

The College Board’s Advance Placement Program® (AP®) provides ­willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school and to earn college credit, advanced placement or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.8 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award.

Four students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by ­earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are Steven Firmin, Muriel Holmquist, Briana McLeish and Bo Thornton.

Three students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by ­earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Stephanie Baker, Garrett Dodd and Charles Heisler.

Seven students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are Autumn Barker, Gaines Griffin, Justin Middleton, Julia Saley, Emily Tan, Whitney Turbeville and Lauren Wasilewski.

Of this year’s award recipients at LCS, four were juniors at the time of the test: Stephanie Baker, Garrett Dodd, Justin Middleton and Emily Tan. These ­students have another year in which to complete college-level work and ­possibly earn a higher-level AP Scholar Award.

was killed on April 7, 2003.

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Lakeland Christian Leadership Students Travel to Europe­ As part of the Student Leadership University program,

who will ­effectively engage their world on all levels with a ­contagious

­several Lakeland Christian School students, parents and ­Assistant

passion for Christ in a manner that is also full of both grace and

Middle School Principal Keith Overholt traveled to E­ urope this

truth. Our vision is to change the world ... one student at a time.”

past summer. The group visited London, Oxford, Normandy and Paris. Travelers included Alison Sizemore, M ­ akaylee Graves, Ciara Atkinson, Eric Ebersole, Brice Futch, Trent Saunders and Caroline Saunders.

More than just a sightseeing trip, students had the ­opportunity to hear from a member of the British P ­ arliament, a professor at Oxford and a World War II expert. Students were ­challenged to think critically about the issues going on around the world. The group visited sites such as Stonehenge, Rodin’s ­sculpture garden (Paris), St. Paul’s ­Cathedral, Notre Dame ­Cathedral (Paris), the gravesites of C.S. Lewis and John Bunyan, and much more. This was a great ­opportunity for the students to ­experience places around the world and learn valuable l­eadership lessons along the way.

This was the third part of a four-level program that s­ tudents may participate in. First-year students travel to Orlando; second, to Washington, D.C.; third, to Europe; and those in the fourth level of the program have the opportunity to visit Israel and Jordan.

According to their website, "The vision of the Student ­Leadership University is one that is optimistically looking ­forward towards the goal of e­ mpowering, enabling and e­ quipping ­students around the globe to rise to the call of leadership, along with ­training students to be able to ­adequately respond to the ­challenges ­presented by an i­ncreasingly pluralistic and The group stands in front of Buckingham Palace. Pictured (l-r): Eric Ebersole, Trent Saunders, Ciara Atkinson, Alison Sizemore, Caroline Saunders, Makaylee Graves, Mr. Keith Overholt and Brice Futch.

­postmodern ­culture. Our vision is to train a generation of ­leaders

LCS Students Travel to Spain In mid-June, six LCS students, one parent and Spanish teacher Mrs. Denise Fie traveled to Spain’s most historic cities, including Barcelona, Zaragoza, Madrid and Toledo. This was the second annual summer Spanish trip. In addition to providing a hands-on ­opportunity for all the travelers to practice their Spanish, the students experienced the cultures, food and famous sites in the country.

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Pictured (l-r) in Toledo: Mrs. Denise Fie, Courtney Payne, Chelsea Coleman, Vinia DiGeronimo, Jerrod Schwarz, Priscilla K ­ elley, Mrs. Carol ­Coleman and Paige Stamey.

Dr. Sligh Travels to Thailand for Pacific Rim Roundtable Dr. and Mrs. Mike Sligh were among a group of U.S. Christian school leaders invited to help establish the Pacific Rim Christian School Administrators Roundtable in September. The gathering was patterned after the Paul Young Christian School Administrators Roundtable established for leaders of larger Christian schools in the U.S. Dr. Sligh has participated in the U.S. roundtable since the original meeting in 1996. The goal of the Pacific Rim Roundtable is to bring together leaders of ­Christian schools throughout the Pacific Rim nations for the ­purposes of mutual encouragement, p ­ rofessional growth and future networking with the hope of ­advancing ­Christian schooling throughout Asia.

The Pacific Rim Roundtable was held in Phuket, Thailand, and attracted school leaders ­representing more than 30,000 students. “It was a very special privilege for Mary and I to be involved in this historic event. God is d ­ oing amazing things through Christian ­schooling in Asia. We were impressed with both the ­spiritual c­ ommitment and the academic excellence of the i­nstitutions represented at the roundtable. To talk with heads of Christian school systems who serve more than 9,000 students each day was very instructive and ­inspiring. The bond we share in Christ and in the cause of Christian schooling brought us all together very quickly.”

LCS Adds Ten New ­Faculty and Staff Members Lakeland Christian School ­welcomes the f­ ollowing ­members of the faculty and staff: Mr. Shannon Benton PE/Football Coach Mrs. Dana Brannon Accountant in ­ Business Office Mrs. Jennifer Copeland Fifth Grade Teacher Mrs. Gina Harrell K4 Teacher Mrs. Stephanie Hicks Crossing Guard/K4 Para Mr. Jacob LaVallee Piano Teacher Mrs. Nancy Cassata Secondary Office ­Administrative ­Assistant Mrs. Joanna Sitta Discovery Program Teacher Mr. Erik Thomas Secondary History Teacher

Administrators, Faculty Attend Leadership Academy

Mrs. Lissette Zeckler Secondary Spanish Teacher

Dr. and Mrs. Mike Sligh, Mr. Darren Copeland and Mr. Stan McMahan traveled to Colorado Springs in July to participate in the 2010 Leadership Academy sponsored by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Dr. Christian Smith (Sociology,

Pictured here (l-r) are Mr. Darren Copeland ­(assistant high school ­principal), Mrs. Mary Sligh, Dr. Mike Sligh ­(headmaster), Dr. Christian Smith ­(University of Notre Dame) and Mr. Stan ­McMahan (high school Bible teacher).

University of Notre Dame) presented his research related to the role of religion and faith d ­ evelopment in American adolescents and emerging adults. Other presentations focused on spiritual formation in ­students of Christian schools. Dr. Sligh p ­ articipated on a panel examining the influence of school ­culture on students’ spiritual development.

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Adriano, Tan named 2010 Homecoming King and Queen

On Friday, October 1, seniors Brent Adriano and Emily Tan were chosen by their peers as this year’s Homecoming king and queen. Juniors Mitch Devore and Emily Behrens won the title of prince and princess.

The crowning of the royalty on Friday evening and the “Black Tie Affair” themed banquet on ­Saturday night marked the ­conclusion of another exciting Spirit Week and Homecoming celebration. Last year’s king and queen, Ryan Parrish and ­Whitney Turbeville, both made the trip

Brent Adriano and Emily Tan were named this year’s king and queen.

back to Lakeland from ­Gainesville to pass on their titles to the d ­ eserving candidates.

Other Homecoming r­ epresentatives were Brady Haag and Brooke Wilsman (freshmen), Phillip Wilsman and Stephanie Powers (sophomores), Mark Mutz and Jenna Smithson (juniors), Daniel Firmin and Caitlin Robb ­(juniors), Trey Standifer and C ­ ourtney Madden (seniors), Corey Stump and Molly May (seniors), Nathan Lain and Shelby Pierce (seniors), and T. Buddy Miller and Zoe Wilson (seniors).

At the Homecoming banquet, high school students arrived to the elegantly decorated c­ afeteria where they enjoyed music provided by a DJ and an array of food such as McDonald’s ­burgers, Chick-fil-A nuggets, fruit, candy and much more. The evening concluded with the ­introduction of the new Homecoming royalty.

Mitch Devore and Emily Behrens are this year’s Homecoming prince and princess.

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Secondary students cheered on the young runners with signs and high fives.

Boosterthon Program Emphasizes Student Character Lessons

The runners received high fives of encouragement from high school students and parents during the Fun Run.

F

or ten days in September, the enthusiastic yells of “Leader Launch!” could be heard echoing all the way from the corners of the LCS Early Childhood Center to the hallways and classrooms of the Elementary/Middle School building. This motto, fervently offered complete with hand motions, was the theme of the 2010 Boosterthon program, a highly successful studentcentered fundraising effort that came to LCS this fall for the first time.

students to gather pledges on a “per-lap” basis.

Boosterthon Introduced as New Campus Fundraiser

in their classrooms. In its first year at Lakeland

The program then culminated with the Fun Run, where students in elementary and middle school ran between 25-35 laps on a short track set up in Viking Stadium. Older students and parents were present to cheer on the runners.

In the process of all the hoopla, all the fun and all the heart-focused character lessons, LCS students raised a significant amount of money for critical enhancements on the campus and Christian, the Boosterthon Fun Run raised

Boosterthon was a marvelous blessing

approximately $51,000 in profit for the school.

the Lord brought to Lakeland Christian as

This money will be primarily used for

a ­replacement for the school’s longstanding

technological resources in the

­wrapping paper fundraiser. This effort proved

classrooms, and to provide

to be an energetic, impactful new experience

enhancements beyond the

for s­ tudents, young and old. This big, new

school’s budget.

school “happening” included pep rallies, a week of c­ haracter and leadership lessons in the ­classroom, and culminated with a fitness-focused Fun Run in Viking Stadium.

The ten-day emphasis began with three pep rallies, including one each for elementary, middle school and high school students. This rousing event introduced the Boosterthon team and concept to the school and was designed to get students excited about the upcoming effort.

Over the next several days, the Boosterthon team members visited classrooms each day to teach

Character Development is the Greatest Benefit Even though LCS students raised almost triple the amount of any ­previous effort, the greatest benefit was

important character lessons and to encourage Central Florida Area Leader Matt Nolan emceed the Fun Run event.

The energetic team from the Boosterthon interacted with students each day.

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Mrs. Jennifer Copeland’s 5th grade class celebrated “Nerd Day” as a reward for their hard work raising Boosterthon pledges.

in exposing these children and young

lessons start at a very young age, both in and out of

people to a Godly group of young men

the classroom.

who spoke e­ ngagingly to s­ tudents each day

In the Early Childhood program, the ­youngest

about Christ-like character and C ­ hristian

­children on campus learn how to share and be

­leadership. And Boosterthon’s emphasis on

­respectful. Elementary students learn the i­mportance

character development coincides with what

of serving others by holding canned food drives for

LCS teachers work on all year long.

the Lighthouse Mission and bringing in shoeboxes

Program Complements What LCS Teachers Do Everyday In fact, the entire Lakeland Christian educational experience – even when it’s not Boosterthon week! – goes beyond just ­teaching academic subjects. LCS students learn about integrity, teamwork, leadership, service to the community, helping others, being good stewards and much more. These

Students in the primary grades (K4-2) enjoyed the fun and energetic atmosphere in Viking Stadium.

for Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child. ­Creation Care Week teaches the students about ­being good stewards of the environment. Weekly chapel s­ peakers also share these important values with the kids.

Middle school and high school students learn teamwork as they work together in their classes, through music and athletic groups and even in PE classes. High school students can further cultivate their character through the Student Leadership University. ­Opportunities abound to serve as class officers, club ­officers, team captains and as members of ministry teams – all of which teach LCS students about the ­importance of character and hard work.

So, as the excitement of the Boosterthon Fun Run and the relationships built with the solid young men of the Boosterthon team are now securely etched in the memories of students, the important values at the ­program’s core will continue to go hand-in-hand with

Leaders are: Active Uplifting Not Bullies Courageous Helpers

what is already being developed each day on ­campus.

Critical traits, such as integrity, encouragement, ­leadership and a desire to seek God will continue to be cultivated in the hearts and minds of LCS students all year long.

Todd Henriksen serves as the Central Florida Team Leader for Boosterthon.

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“Brave Dave” shares a biblical lesson with students during the daily in-class lesson time.

Fulfilling a ­promise to the primary grades, Principal Luci O’Byrne makes friends with a python .

High school students wrote notes of encouragement to the elementary students as part of the Boosterthon program.

Changing the World: A Q&A Session with Boosterthon

A

After the LCS Boosterthon Fun Run, Central Florida Area Leader Matt Nolan and Central Florida Team Leader Todd Henriksen sat down to talk about the Boosterthon program, how Lakeland Christian School succeeded in its first year and how the ultimate goal of the Boosterthon program is to Change the World (CTW).

Q: How did the Boosterthon program start?

A: The program started 10 years ago. Our president Chris Carneal and his wife Lyndie started a sports tutoring business at Samford University. Chris took the idea of a walkathon for fitness, leadership and character, and he molded it together.

Q: How many schools do you serve in Florida?

A: The Boosterthon program is new to Florida in the last two years. Right now, we’re serving 75-80 schools in Florida – both public and private. In central Florida, we’ll do Fun Runs at about 50 schools this year, including The First Academy, Orangewood, The Christ School, Master’s Academy and the Geneva School.

Q: What is the ultimate goal of the program?

A: We want to challenge students that fitness is fun, that having character is cool, and we

Seniors Blake Averitt, Trey Standifer and Rachel Munson served as lap counters during the middle school Fun Run.

Third grade teacher Patty Johnson, who broke her leg this past summer, zooms onto the Boosterthon track with her motorized wheelchair.

Fifth grade teacher Mrs. Cathy Powers marks off the number of laps that the students ran.

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want to challenge students to become leaders.

The mission of Boosterthon is CTW – Change the World. We’re promoting the values of ­fitness, leadership and character to more than 265,000 students this year.

Q: How are you fulfilling the mission to Change the World?

A: CTW is a nonprofit foundation. A portion of the Boosterthon profits from each school goes to serve impoverished areas such as New Orleans, Memphis, Atlanta and Dallas. This past summer, we did a Water for Kenya 5K and raised $25,000 for clean water in Kenya.

Q: How much money did Lakeland Christian profit?

A: Approximately $51,000.

Q: How does Boosterthon use their cut of the pledges?

A: Of the total money raised, we use our portion to cover expenses for the program, such as ­lanyards, prizes, shirts, keeping our website up, etc. After the expenses are covered, we then use the profits to turn around and do a s­ ummer mission trip.

We reinvest in the ­program to make the ­program better each year.

During the opening pep rally, students competed in a “Minute to Win It” challenge while the Boosterthon team cheered them on.

Luci O’Byrne puckers up to a python during lunchtime.

Elementary principal Fred Wiechmann serenaded his wife Barb with a lip-synched version of “Barbara Ann.” This was a reward to the students in Grades 3-5 for raising a certain amount of money for Boosterthon.

In the days leading up to the Fun Run, secondary students visited elementary classrooms.

Team Members Q: How does Lakeland Christian compare to other schools where you have worked?

Matt: "Welcoming" and "accommodating" are the two words that come to mind. We felt like we were part of the family here.

Todd: To me, it’s been unbelievable.

The faculty made the difference; they’ve been some of the best faculty we’ve ever encountered.

The administration has been incredibly enthusiastic, welcoming and supportive. The teachers were on board and understood the bigger picture of the event and the program. It completely exceeded my expectations. I was totally blown away by how accommodating and welcoming everyone was. It makes our job so much easier, and it also makes the program more successful.

Q: In your opinion, how did the Boosterthon program go in its first year at LCS? Todd: I thought it was great. The middle school raised the most we’ve ever seen a middle school raise for Boosterthon. It was fun and competitive. The teachers were duking it out; it was a blast. And the elementary was great; they were so excited.

Matt: The high school was a highlight for me. We try to get high schools involved, but high schoolers don’t always understand that our passion isn’t fundraising. Our goal is to be encouragers and affirmers.

The high school here was really impressive. They got involved and were really good, without the teachers telling them to be. They are naturally respectful, and I could tell it was second nature to them.

Q: Was there anything unique about LCS? A: Being able to visit the Discovery Program and teach in there was very cool. Viking Stadium was amazing; we’ve never had a live feed on a jumbotron. And the elementary/middle school building was worldclass. But one of the very unique things about LCS was how much time and how involved the administration was. The school is phenomenal, and I think that an organization rises and falls on the leadership. They were always out interacting with the kids and with us. We’ve never ever seen that … ever. It was wild. You guys do things differently here.

Discovery Program student Emma Mutz had some family support while she ran.

Mother Pam and brother Mark joined her for several laps.

High school students encouraged the elementary runners.

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The young runners completed between 25 and 35 laps ­during the Fun Run.

Several students donned crazy outfits to add an extra level of spirit to the Fun Run event.

Fine Arts Department Planning Busy Year The Fine Arts Department has an event-filled year planned for the many choral, band and piano students at Lakeland ­Christian School. This year’s theme is “Make Music to the Lord,” and LCS families and supporters will be able to see the students live out this theme in many different contexts in the coming months.

For the department, the school year started off with i­mmediate preparations for the annual musical and the 4th Annual M ­ usical Harvest. (Watch for more information on both of these events in the next edition of The Viking.) Next up will be the Christmas ­Musical, “Glory in the Highest,” which will be presented on ­December 14 at First Baptist Church at the Mall.

Band The middle school and high school bands have been seen and heard this fall at Viking Stadium on Friday nights as they kept

An added elective this year is a guitar class that is being taught

by Mrs. Kathy Johnson.

the crowd entertained at home football games. The pep band will

Secondary Choirs

also perform at basketball games during the winter sports season.

This year there are 87 students participating in the

Both bands will march in the annual Lakeland Christmas Parade.

Also during the Christmas season, band ­students in grades 5-8

Chamber Ensemble, Concert Choir, Junior High Choir and

will ­perform in the band Christmas concert on December 6. The

Sixth Grade Choir. Already this year, 30 students auditioned

­secondary bands will be featured at the Christmas Musical on

for the Polk All-County Choruses, and 15 singers will audition

December 14. Prior to the annual m ­ usical, small groups will play

for the Florida All-State Choruses. The Chamber Ensemble and

music in the church lobby.

Concert Choir have submitted an audition video to Epcot to participate in the 2010 Christmas Candlelight Processional.

New Guitar Elective

Tri-M Music Honor Society

The Fine Arts Department added a new course elective this year. After attending a guitar workshop over the summer, Mrs.

The 2010-2011 LCS chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor

Kathy Johnson began teaching high school guitar. Thirteen

­Society is off to a running start and has close to 40 members

students are currently enrolled in the class and will work on

this year. Mrs. Jill Jones is the faculty advisor for the group,

­proficiency skills, music theory and performance. By the end of

and the officers for the society are Emily Tan (president),

the year, the skills the students learn will prepare them to play

­Angela Douglas (vice-president), Carly Tippel (secretary),

in a variety of styles, equipping them to use their music to

­Justin Middleton (treasurer), Andrew Tew (chaplain) and

praise God wherever He leads them.

Courtney Payne (Florida Baptist Children’s Home Music ­Director). The officers will attend the Florida Music Educators’ ­Association conference in Tampa in January. The members of ­Tri-M are working with the Florida Baptist Children’s Home to bring music and private lessons into the lives of children who otherwise might not have the opportunities.

Members of the high school Chamber Ensemble sing the National Anthem at home football games on Friday nights.

10

Volleyball Team Claims Sixth ­Consecutive District Title After a challenging regular season, the Lady Viking volleyball team brought home its sixth consecutive District championship on October 28, easily handling cross-town rival Santa Fe Catholic.

Led by junior Molly Rice, the Vikings finished off the Hawks in just three games (25-7, 25-11, 25-19). Rice racked up 14 consecutive points while serving in the first game. She tallied 12 aces, 13 assists and four digs. Earlier in the season, the Vikings had a much more difficult time defeating Santa Fe in five hard-fought games.

Coached by Allie Henderson, the girls finished the regular season with a record of 10-12. They won three out of the four games over large public schools including Mulberry (16-25, 26-24, 25-12, 25-21), Frostproof (22-25, 22-25, 25-14, 25-23, 15-10) and Kathleen (25-14, 25-14, 25-12).

The JV team had a strong season, winning 14 games while losing only five.

Tina Strawbridge and Stephanie Terry coached the JV squad. The middle school A team was coached by Sue Wilsman and finished with a record of 6-8. The B team, coached by Sarah Samson, finished 11-3.

Girls’ Swim Takes Second in District, Boys' Team Finishes Third With a team of just nine swimmers and two divers, the LCS girls’ team finished second in the District tournament in late October. The boys’ team, led by seniors Dallas Connell and Luke Yrastorza, brought home a third-place District finish.

For the girls, Ly Velez continued her winning ways in the 100 backstroke (1:05.80) and 100 butterfly (1:02.64). Sarah Mora earned third place in both the 50 freestyle (27.86) and 100 freestyle (1:01.75). Chloe Wineinger took first place in the 500 freestyle with a time of 6:01.52. She also finished third in the 200 individual medley (2:36.22). Stephanie Powers took home a second-place finish in the 100 ­butterfly with a time of 1:13.22. In addition to winning both the 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay, the team set school records for the events.

The boys’ team finished third in the 200 medley relay (1:56.70) and the 200 freestyle relay (1:41.29). Luke Yrastorza earned individual third-place finishes in both the 200 individual medley (2:27.89) and the 100 butterfly (1:03.21).

Dallas Connell finished third in the 50 freestyle with a time of 24.50.

11

Football Team Competes in Tough District

Y

ear in and year out, the LCS football team competes against some of the toughest teams in Class 1A and has once again faced perennial top-ranked Fort Meade and powerhouse Berkeley Prep. The Vikings, with a record of 2-6, lost to both of these teams early in the season.

But despite some tough losses, the Vikings have seen some success this season as well. In

the Homecoming game against Father Lopez Catholic, the Vikes capitalized on turnovers and shut out the Green Wave. Late in the season, the Vikings also defeated Shorecrest Prep by a score of 28-14. Led by head coach Bobby Dan McGlohorn and 16 seniors, this year’s team has enjoyed incredible fan support, consistently being among the top three schools for number of fans.

The family atmosphere of Viking Stadium continues to bring out supporters of Lakeland Christian School on Friday nights. This year’s halftime promotions included the annual Elementary Viking Dash, the Air K-9 Frisbee Dogs, a Chick-fil-A for a year giveaway, the flag league jamboree, a performance by the elementary cheerleaders and Special events including Homecoming and Senior Night are always favorite evenings at Viking Stadium. The November 12 Senior Night game against Santa Fe featured postgame fireworks in honor of senior cheerleaders, football players and pep band members. The crowd of 1,539 was the fourth largest in Viking Stadium history.

The middle school football team, coached by Jim ­Boatwright and Matt Nipper, finished its season with a record of seven wins and only one loss.

The Vikings easily handled Father Lopez Catholic in the Homecoming game on October 1.

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Eighth grade quarterback Christian Alexander was a valuable addition to this year’s Viking football team.

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the annual Fall Festival night.

These high school boys show their support of the Viking varsity football team each game.

L TO R Chris Field of Fox 13 came to an LCS football game for her weekly “Field Trip” segment.

Snowie Florida is a new addition to the Viking Stadium fan plaza, and fans – both young and old – love the delicious icy treats.

The LCS pep band is an “instrumental” part of the Friday night football experience.

The Air K-9 Frisbee dogs delighted the crowd at Viking Stadium with their impressive halftime show.

The annual Chick-fil-A Night in Viking Stadium is always a fan favorite as the cows come out and fans are entered into a drawing to win free Chick-fil-A for a year. Chick-fil-A also provided the dinner for the pre-game tailgate party on October 22.

Each year the varsity cheer squad holds a clinic for girls in the elementary school. The young cheerleaders showcased what they learned at halftime of the October 22 game.

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13

Golf Teams Strong Throughout Season Despite a disappointing finish in the District tournaments, the boys’ and girls’ golf teams both had successful fall seasons.

The boys’ team, coached by Stan McMahan, claimed several first-place finishes at meets this season. They topped large area public high schools including A ­ uburndale, Lake Region, Tenoroc and Frostproof. The Vikings also defeated rivals All Saints’ ­Academy and Santa Fe Catholic.

In the boys’ District tournament, a scoring error dropped the Vikings from a ­second-place finish to a sixth-place finish. Hayden Hill earned a fourth-place ­individual finish with a 78. Other team members at the District meet were Grant McKown (90), Brian Staes (94) and Andrew Williams (96).

Led by Hannah Webster, the Lady Vikings golf team finished fourth in the District tournament with a team score of 440. Webster shot a 101 for an individual eighth-place finish. Other team members at the District meet were Ellen Sharpe (108), Anna Lanzino (115) and Ashlynn Joyner (116).

The girls’ team earned wins over Lake Region and McKeel Academy this s­ eason.

In the county tournament, the Lady Vikes finished sixth out of the nine teams ­represented. The girls were coached by David Joyner.

Hayden Hill earned a fourth-place individual finish at this year’s District golf tournament.

Cross Country Teams Compete Well in County Meet The Lakeland Christian cross country teams consistently prove themselves as some of the best in the county, and this year is no different. At the annual Polk County I­ nvitational, the LCS girls brought home a third-place finish and the boys finished in fifth place.

The LCS girls’ team, led by Spookie Eaves, tallied a team score of 90 points at the county meet. Spookie’s time of 20:24 earned her a fourth-place individual finish. Jessica Fuller ran the course in 21:57, giving her a 13th-place overall finish.

On the boys’ side, Mark Mutz continues to dominate the field of runners. His second-place time of 16:27 was just five seconds behind the first-place runner. Taylor Scruggs ­finished 12th with a time of 18:07.

Earlier in the season at the City meet, Eaves finished in third place with a time of 21:12 to help the Vikings to a second-place team finish. Mutz ran course in 17:10, giving him a second-place individual title and helping his team to a third-place finish overall.

At the flrunners.com Invitational on October 2, Mutz set a new personal record and school record with a time of 16:24.13. He won the boys’ race.

14

LCS ­Well-Represented at Annual Awards ­Banquet

A Note to Parents: Parents, please don’t forget all of the ways that you can be involved in the

The Lakeland Christian School Athletic D ­ epartment was

­Lakeland Christian School family. Here are

well represented at The ­Ledger’s Polk County Sports Award

just a few ideas designed specifically for all

Banquet this past ­summer. Among the honors given out,

parents at LCS:

LCS brought home four trophies. In addition to e­ arning

Moms in Touch — LCS moms

the All-Sports Award for the Small Schools Division,

gather every Monday morning in the school

LCS sophomore Mallory White was named the Female

­cafeteria for a time of prayer for the students

Cross-Country ­Athlete of the Year. Senior Rachel Munson

and faculty of our school. Feel free to join the

earned the title of Female Swimmer Athlete of the Year,

mothers each Monday morning at 8:30 a.m.

and Coach Rand Reese received top honors as the Polk

All Pro Dads — Dads, don’t forget

County Softball Coach of the Year.

that the All Pro Dads group meets at the South Florida avenue Chick-fil-A on the third ­Tuesday of the month at 6:30 a.m. All

Pictured (l-r): Mallory White, Athletic Director Mark Kirby, Rand Reese and Rachel Munson.

dads and their children are welcome to come for a time of food, fun, prizes and activities ­designed to strengthen family relationships.

Parent Resource Center — Did you know that parents are able to check out books from the LCS library? There is a special section of parent resources donated by other parents and teachers. Authors include Dr. James Dobson, Cynthia Tobias, Gary ­Smalley, Dr. Russell Barkley and many others. ­Subjects range from mothering to parenting strong-willed ­children to dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Summer Camp Challenges ­Students to Think “Out of the Box” Fifth and sixth grade students had the opportunity to attend a new camp this past s­ ummer which challenged them to come up with creative ways to think and solve p ­ roblems. The “Out of the Box” camp was organized by Teresa Mullinax, Cathy P ­ owers and Bonnie Mosley. Some of the projects the students worked on included building and racing ­balloon cars that were powered by air, constructing towers out of cookies, showing how boats can be fueled by soap and much more.

15

Care for AIDS Group ­Continues C AFundraising R E f or A I D S Efforts

LCS Library Profits from Annual Book Fair For nearly 20 years, the Sonshine Harbor Book Fair has come to the Lakeland Christian School library for one week in October. This fair gives students and parents the

The LCS Care for AIDS club continues to raise

­opportunity to purchase books, DVDs and other special

funds to ­operate a medical center in Kenya, Africa.

gifts all while helping to raise money for LCS. This year,

Now in its second year, this clinic is fully ­operational

the l­ibrary received 21 percent profit from the total sales of the book fair and included both books for the

and actively caring for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of AIDS victims in Kenya.

Seniors Brice Futch and Eric Ebersole are

library and cash to

­heading up the fundraising efforts for this Care for

­purchase a ­ dditional

AIDS and are responsible for raising $18,000 each

books to expand the

year to keep the clinic running. If you would like

library’s c­ ollection.

to partner with them, please send all donations to

The library staff

the school. Checks should be made out to Lakeland

would like to thank all of the families who s­ upported the book fair this year.

Christian School with “CFA” in the memo line. If you have questions or would like more information, you can visit www.cfalakeland.wordpress.com or e-mail cfa.lakeland@gmail.com.

Turkey: white or dark meat

Where do you spend Thanksgiving?

Favorite Thanksgiving food

My favorite thing to do on Thanksgiving is...

Number of pieces of pie you plan to eat ­during Thanksgiving break

White

Lakeland

Pumpkin pie

...sleep

Two

White

Alternates between family members

Sweet potatoes

Caroline Cleghorn Ninth Grader

Nancy Cassata Administrative Assistant

Roger Evans Elementary PE Teacher

Colin Dodd Eighth Grader

Drew Kramer Second Grader

White

My house

My house

White

Doesn’t matter

YOUR Nathan Lain TURN Senior

White

!

Either Kansas or my house

In the woods

16

...eat

Six

Deep-fried turkey

...spend time with my grandkids

Four

Turkey

...watch football

Zero – I don’t like pie

...eat

Zero – I don’t like pie

...hunt

Five or six

Corn on the cob Stuffing

17

Alumni News 2000s

School Curriculum for toddlers and is loving God’s goodness. Kim can be reached at kim@pray.org.

Trisha Keil Floyd (’93) is currently an insurance agent with Farmers Insurance Group in Troy, Alabama. Trisha’s oldest son, Bradley, is starting his second year at Troy University. Blake, a ­junior, and Tyler, a sixth grader, both attend Pike Liberal Arts School. Her husband, Ashley, is a service/parts manager for ­Nissan.

Katherine Schichtel (’06) graduated from Furman U ­ niversity on May 8, 2010, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in h ­ ealthcare ­administration. She will attend the Medical University of South C ­ arolina in the fall as a student in the Master of Health ­Administration program.

Rebekah Christian (’05) is engaged to Casey Clark and is ­planning a November 13 wedding at First Baptist Church at the Mall. Casey and Rebekah met at the University of Central Florida’s College of Nursing in Orlando. They both graduated from UCF in May 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Casey is employed by Orlando Health, and Rebekah is employed by Florida Hospital, both located in Orlando.

Christopher Barnett (’04) received his m ­ aster’s degree in finance while working as a financial analyst for a company in Fort Myers. Christopher Note to Alumni Parents: If your former student no graduated cum laude from Gulf Coast University. longer lives in your home Richard Hughes (’03) and his wife are the but still receives mail proud parents of baby Keegan, who was born on from Lakeland Christian August 11, 2010. Keegan weighed less than two at your address, please pounds at birth and was hospitalized until October ­e-mail Claudia Powell at ­ ­­cpowell@lcsonline.org 13, 2010. Keegan is a healthy, happy baby boy. to update their alumni Miriam White (’03) is currently living in Los information.

Angeles, California, and is attending the U ­ niversity of Southern California. She recently graduated with a MA in occupational therapy and will begin a clinical occupational therapy doctoral program specializing in pediatrics and taking outside courses in global medicine. Miriam attends Mosaic Church and is working with various ministry teams and traveling as often as possible. She hopes to return to Ghana next year to work at a boarding school for children with disabilities, serve as a clinical instructor for the first year master’s students and teach at the University of Winneba.

1980s Jonathan Montgomery (’88) is currently teaching English at a Christian school in Bankok, Thailand.

Glenn McClain (’82) is the Superintendent of Schools in the Platte Valley School District in Kersey, Colorado. Glenn and Shawna have been married 23 years and have three children – Glenn, Seth and Helen. Glenn is very involved in their church and c­ urrently serves as chair of the church board. Please contact Glenn at glenn0497@msn.com with upcoming news for the 30th class reunion.

Gale Ganus Keef (’80) and family reside in San Antonio, Texas, where her husband retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service to our country. Gale is currently teaching English and writing classes for three home school co-ops.

1970s Denise Kelso Loock (’75) is the author of “Open Your H ­ ymnal: Devotions that Harmonize Scripture with Song,” published this year

by Christian Devotions Ministry in Kingsport, Tennessee. The book is a collection of reflections integrating Scripture with traditional hymns that calls the reader to worship. Denise and her husband, Mace, live in Hillsborough, New Jersey.

Alumni: Updating Your Info is Easier than Ever

1990s Chad Fair (’98) is teaching in the Fine Arts Department at Charlotte Christian School. Chad and his wife welcomed Malachi William to the family on January 5, 2010.

Nicole Sanchez (’97), a registered nurse, has been promoted to manager of the Lakeland Regional Medical Center’s Mother/Baby Unit. She has been employed at LRMC since 2000 and has served as a team leader supervisor in the Emergency Department since 2006.

She has also served as a staff nurse in Medical Cardiology and the Mother/Baby Unit.

Dr. Daniel Marichal (’96) recently completed a fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Daniel moved to Topeka, Kansas, to join Radiology and Nuclear Medicine LLC and practice diagnostic and interventional radiology close to his wife, Ange’s, family. Daniel and Ange are the proud parents of Julianne (3) and Lucas (2).

Kim Davidson (’95) acquired her dream job at Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is writing Sunday

Attention LCS alumni: updating your information is now easier than ever! All you have to do is visit ­­­ www.lcsonline.org/alumni/form.asp, and you can update your address, phone number, e-mail address and family i­nformation.

You can also send a write-up to appear in future issues of The Viking. When you click “Submit,” the i­nformation that you ­provide is automatically sent to Mrs. Claudia ­Powell, the ­administrative assistant in the Headmaster and ­Advancement Offices. If you would like to include a photo for The Viking, please e-mail it to Mrs. Powell at ­­­cpowell@lcsonline.org.

Keeping your information current helps your former c­ lassmates ­contact you when reunion time rolls around, as well as, ­insuring that your Viking arrives at the correct address!

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

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

18

LCS Alumni Participate in Summer ­Leadership ­Program Katherine Schichtel, left, an 'O6 alum, was one of the intern leaders of this year’s YLakeland Summer Leadership Program.

Five LCS alumni were involved in the ­Lakeland Economic Development Council’s 3rd Annual YLakeland Summer Leadership ­Program (SLP) this past year. Led by LEDC intern and 2006 alum Katherine Schichtel, the main goal of the program is “to connect college students and young professionals to ­Lakeland and to each other in an effort to ­attract and ­retain talent.” Of the 45 participants ­representing 30 companies, four were alumni from Lakeland Christian School: Will Harrell (’05) Peterson & Myers, P.A. Caroline McBride (’07) Rita Staffing Michael Mutz (’08)

Caroline McBride, an ’07 alum, paints the face of a young girl as part of the SLP.

Design the Difference Brad Wright (’00) Wall Foss Financial, LLC The YLakeland SLP ran from June 3-July 22 and included leadership training in community relations, finance, ­entrepreneurship, politics, servanthood, ­communication and much more. Speakers included Mayor Gow Fields, school parent Keith Albritton (President of Allen & Company), school parent Bill Mutz ­(President of Lakeland Automall), school parent Tim Rice (pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church), ­Representative Seth McKeel (Florida, District 63) and many others.

For more information on the LEDC, visit

2008 alum Michael Mutz participated in the YLakeland Program as part of his business, Design the Difference.

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www.LakelandEDC.com. For information on the YLakeland program, visit www.YLakeland.com.

Gifts

T O

L akeland

C hristian

S chool

On behalf of the students we serve, a heartfelt thanks to the following generous persons and companies who have partnered with LCS by providing a gift to the ministry. We were blessed by: Mr. and Mrs. Keith Albritton Mr. and Mrs. Charles Asbridge Mr. and Mrs. Rob Averitt Mr. and Mrs. Andy Bean Mr. and Mrs. Jim Boatwright The Estate of Mrs. Juanita Bolton Mr. and Mrs. Don Bradley Mr. and Mrs. Don Busing Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cabrera Mr. and Mrs. Bill Chamberlin Ms. Pam Cole The George W. Jenkins Fund within the ­Community ­Foundation of Greater ­Lakeland, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Gary Cotterill Mrs. Jackie Davis Mr. and Mrs. Dan DeLange Mr. and Mrs. Ron Denney Dr. and Mrs. David Dodd Dr. and Mrs. Charles Eaves, Jr. Mrs. Janet Edgar Miss Susan Ellis Rev. and Mrs. Roger Evans Mr. and Mrs. Bob Forlaw

Library Donations

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fulton Mr. and Mrs. Bob Gargan Mr. and Mrs. Bud Gibson Ms. Ann Grassfield Dr. and Mrs. Graham Greene Ms. Patsy Ham Mr. and Mrs. Rob Harper, IV Mrs. Norma Harrell Ms. Barbara Hart Mr. and Mrs. Keith Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Rex Henry Mrs. Robert Hightower Rev. and Mrs. Gary Hull Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Ken Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Jones Dr. and Mrs. Derek Keenan Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kirby Mr. Erwin Knowlton Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Knowlton Mr. and Mrs. Ray Kriegbaum Mr. and Mrs. Allen Ladd Rev. and Mrs. Mike Latham Mr. and Mrs. Robert Latimer Mr. and Mrs. Rob Macey

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Madden Mr. and Mrs. Greg Masters Mrs. Norma Moore Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mosely Mr. and Mrs. Birk Mullinax Mr. and Mrs. Mike Musick, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Mutz Mr. and Mrs. Bob Myhrer Northwestern Mutual Financial Mr. and Mrs. Steven Norton Mr. and Mrs. Chris O’Byrne Miss Ellen Oncu Mrs. Judy Oncu Mr. and Mrs. Richard O’Steen Outsource Management Solutions Mr. and Mrs. Lee Patteson Mrs. Marlene Pitts Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James Powers Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Greg Riching Mr. and Mrs. R.P. Robbins Mr. and Mrs. James Roberson Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rocker Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Rowe

Mr. and Mrs. Jon Russell Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ryal Saunders Real Estate LLC Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Shimko Dr. and Mrs. Mike Sligh Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Sligh Miss Nancy Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Stabler Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stacy Rev. and Mrs. Robert Stubblefield Mr. and Mrs. John Szydlowski The Votum Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Thornton Ms. Jana Tombrink Mrs. Evelyn Towler Dr. and Mrs. John Tucker Mr. and Mrs. James Turlington United Way of Tri-County, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wiechmann Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wilbanks, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wineinger Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Wright Mr. and Mrs. John Zeckler

The Lakeland Christian Library staff a ­ ppreciates the ­generosity of those who have provided recent book ­donations.

The library counts on the regular ­contributions of school families to expand their ­collection for students.

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Abramson Mr. and Mrs. Tim Britt Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bryant Dr. and Dr. Richard Cardosi

Kim Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Bud Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Rex Henry Anna Lanzino

Katie Kaminski Mr. and Mrs. Terry McNutt Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Steve Scruggs

Mr. and Mrs. David Sligh Brooke Standifer

Give to LCS Through ­Payroll Deduction Did you know that you can donate to Lakeland C ­ hristian School through your company’s payroll ­deduction ­program?

If you would like to know how, please contact the LCS A ­ dvancement Office at 863-688-2771.

20

Living Memorials I n memory of: Mr. Calvin Ellis Given by: Mrs. Barbara Beach Ms. Donna Cole Mr. & Mrs. John Douglass Mr. Charles Ellis Mr. & Mrs. John Garner, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Bud Gibson Growers Fertilizer Corp.

Mr. & Mrs. Francis Johnson Ms. Diane Klages Mr. & Mrs. Mike McCormick Mr. & Mrs. Terry McNutt Ms. Billie Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ruis Mr. Warren K. Schoenthaler Dr. & Mrs. Mike Sligh Mr. & Mrs. James Smith Mr. & Mrs. Newell Smith Mr. Glenn Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Steve Wilson

LCS Appreciates

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

I n memory of: Mr. Hampton Keen Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Keen, Sr. In memory of: Mrs. Fleeta Lewis Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Powell, Jr. I n memory of: Mrs. Arlene Knowlton Given by: Mr. Erwin Knowlton Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Knowlton I n memory of: Mr. Joe DeRosa Given by: Mrs. Joseph DeRosa I n memory of: Mr. Walt Singletary Given by: Mrs. Robert Hightower I n memory of: Mr. George Tuttle Given by: Mrs. Robert Hightower

In memory of: Mrs. Carolyn Langston Given by: Mrs. Robert Hightower Mr. & Mrs. Mike McCormick

Given by:

In memory of: Mrs. Colleen Kirby Miss Susan Ellis Ms. Diane Klages Mr. & Mrs. Mike McCormick Dr. & Mrs. Mike Sligh

I n memory of: Brad Hicks 23rd Birthday Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Powell, Jr. I n memory of: Ashley Turlington Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jack Allen

I n memory of: Mrs. Ann Goddard Given by: Mrs. Robert Hightower

I n memory of: Mr. Thomas Givan Given by: Lakeland Properties & Management, Inc. Mrs. Michele Noriega Dr. & Mrs. Mike Sligh

I n memory of: Cooper Naughton Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Larry Naughton

I n memory of: Mr. Wendell Powell, Sr. Given by: Dr. & Mrs. Mike Sligh

Lakeland Christian School is the ­beneficiary of many ­donated goods and services provided by school families and other friends. These gifts ­enable higher levels of ­excellence campus-wide.

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Webster, Mr. Bob ­ Walters, Mr. and Mrs. David Aplin, and Mr. Rene Tirado – For the d ­ onation of crutches to the Athletic Department Melissa Murray – For the donation of “Make Music to the Lord” t-shirts to the Music Department Boosterthon volunteers – Special thanks to all of the parents who assisted with this year’s Boosterthon Fun Run event Mrs. Catherine Patterson – For coming in many mornings to make coffee for the t­ eachers in the Elementary/Middle School Building To members of the LCS faculty and staff – “Muchas gracias” for the wonderful welcome, patience and willingness to answer questions for Mrs. Lissette Zeckler as she transitioned to Lakeland Christian School Professor Eric Kjellmark (Florida Southern College) – For his assistance in reviewing the middle school science fair procedures Catherine Hamilton – For the donation of a variety of resources including big books, ­puppets, Bible character dolls, games, etc. for our K4-2nd grade program

Judy Norman on behalf of the ­Dixieland Elementary cafeteria ladies – For the donation of an enormous amount of Campbell’s soup labels Tim Lain – For sharing his photos of the swim and volleyball teams with the yearbook staff Fifth grade parents – For all of the help from parents at the Fifth Grade Retreat in early October Middle school cheerleading moms – For all of the drinks they provide for every game and for the meals they provide for away games Amy Maloy and her team of band and choir moms – For handling the uniform fittings for the band and choir Band parents – For chaperoning the pep band at football games and for ­providing water for the students Kathy Williams – For scheduling ­helpers for the band at football games

21

Dave and Beth Row – For serving as lead chaperones for the band at the f­ ootball games Cindy Drake – For scheduling parents to help with the band and choir on ­picture day Band and choir moms – For assisting with the band and choirs on picture day Carol Jones – For sewing nearly a h ­ undred plastic aprons for the ­elementary art students to wear while they paint Marsha Hannum and Cathy ­Hamilton – For helping out each week in Mrs. Stump’s third grade classroom Betty Miller, Aileen Lain and Wanda ­Yrastorza – For serving as the organizers of the Homecoming Banquet Senior parents – For helping with food, planning, decorating and clean up of the Homecoming Banquet Rhonda Reynolds and Star Pizza Box – For donating pizza boxes for sixth grade solar ovens Becky Russell, Kathy Williams, Michelle Naughton and Tammy Standifer – For volunteering to keep the closet of donated uniforms in order

1111 Forest Park Street • Lakeland, Florida 33803 • 863-688-2771 • www.lcsonline.org Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lakeland, FL Permit No. 133

The Viking is published quarterly by Lakeland Christian School, 1111 Forest Park St., Lakeland, Florida 33803

Viking Special Events Century Club Invites New Members The Music Department at Lakeland Christian School boasts one of the most talented groups of student musicians and performers in Polk County. As members of the Viking ­Special Events Century Club, you can have the opportunity to see these students from the very front row. From the youngest students to the oldest, there are several programs throughout the school year that Century Club members can enjoy.

The Viking Special Events Century Club invites all family and friends of LCS to become members and enjoy up-front seats to selected events during the school year. This club helps provide financial assistance for the music programs at Lakeland Christian School.

For more information about the Century Club, please contact Cindy Cleveland at ­863-688-2771 or ccleveland@lcsonline.org. A registration form and list of events can be found at www.lcsonline.org/student/century.asp.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

December 14 Christmas Musical, 7:30 p.m., First Baptist Church at the Mall

December 17 Early Dismissal, ­ Christmas Holidays Begin

January 4 Classes Resume, Progress Reports

January 10 Re-enrollment Begins

Viking Squad Cheers on Walk for Life Rally Several members of the LCS cheerleading squad made a special a ­ ppearance at the Walk for Life Rally this past September. The girls helped generate ­excitement for this important cause.

Mrs. Donna Davis, Director of Development for A Woman’s Choice, said, “When the girls came running into the room cheering for the Walk, the whole group of church representatives was absolutely blown away … their enthusiasm for the walk was contagious, which was just what we were hoping for. God really used the LCS girls to help us out in a unique way at the rally and for that we are extremely grateful … You’ll never know how much that little gesture on your part blessed us and helped to create an event we will always treasure.”

Cheerleader Walk for Life Rally