The Advantage - Fall 2024

EQUIP SERVE IMPACT

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOLS

Dear NorthPointe Christian Families and Friends,

This year has been a year of both blessings and challenges. But the exciting part is that both offer NPC an opportunity to grow individually and overall. Our mission is to equip students to impact their world for Jesus Christ. As we have grown, I say boldly we are not changing who God has called us to be—a Christ-centered school, offering a first-class education. God is bringing to us more and more families who want to be a part of the community of NorthPointe Christian. With that has come challenges of space. God has blessed us with more rooms through the generosity of His people. We are seeing students transformed for Christ: that is the ultimate blessing among the challenges. “To God be the glory, great things He has done” and continues to do at NorthPointe Christian.

–Todd N Tolsma, Head of Schools

616.363.4869 540 Russwood Street NE Grand Rapids MI

LEAVING A LEGACY

On the cover. Stop by and see our new Legacy Pathway at the NPC Stadium! Each brick acknowledges and memorializes the special individuals who are a valuable part of the NPC community.

Photo credit: Lori Melton Photography

MUSTANG MANIA UNITES NPC COMMUNITY

The NPC Education Foundation presented our second annual Mustang Mania on August 29th, celebrating the start of the 24-25 school year and kickoff of football season! This community event offered free admission and complimentary food for families. God’s provision was on full display as we witnessed the largest crowd in our new stadium’s history. Fans were treated to a thrilling game on the gridiron as NPC battled Climax-Scotts to a 32-24 victory! Mustang Mania showcased the foundation’s dedication to fostering spirit in our school community while supporting our families. Thank you to the NPC Education Foundation, their sponsors, and all of you for making Mustang Mania an electric night of fellowship!

–Drew Losee, Athletics Director

LIVING IN HARMONY

Our goal this year as a preschool and elementary campus is to take residence in relational harmony as is laid out for us in Ephesians 4, 5, and 6. Whether we are in the classroom, on the soccer field, in the carline, at the grocery store, or at home in the living room, our number one job is to honor God and to love our neighbor. That doesn’t mean we will always agree or that we have to even try to always agree. Just as in music, where different notes blend to create a beautiful sound, we are learning how to effectively blend our diverse perspectives and still function in one accord as families, friends, and teammates, listening deeply, pursuing God, and valuing each other as His image bearers.

–Karen Vanderberg, Elementary Principal

BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE

Current 9th grade student, Sawyer Scheffler shared, “One of my favorite classes in Middle School was our Living Through History class with Mr. D!” This same sentiment is true of so many of our middle school students. Jerry Duckworth is in his 41st year of teaching and has mastered the art of bringing history to life. He plays the role of King Julian and students eventually gain permission to settle in the new world and build their own colonial town. The question becomes, “will their town survive?” The class is a great balance of studying American history and doing it.

–Megan Willink, Middle School Principal

EXPANDING HORIZONS AT NPC

One of the great things about NPC is the variety of unique offerings, from our traditional high school classes to Big Picture Learning to college dual and concurrent enrollment. We have been in the business of knowing students well and equipping them to impact the world for quite some time at NPC. We’re well over a decade into our first really “out-of-thebox” program, Spanish Immersion, which is an amazing opportunity to develop fluency in a second language (from which my own children have benefitted). In fact, our first class of Spanish Immersion class graduated in 2024 with a minor in Spanish from Cornerstone University and the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy Program. This pioneer group also included our 2024 Salutatorian, Hayleigh Amey.

–Tom Molenkamp, High School Principal

Pictured: NPC’s first graduates from the Spanish Immersion Program.

EXPANDING UPWARDS & ONWARDS

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following vendors and contractors for their hard work and commitment in completing the second-floor addition. Your contributions have made this expansion possible, creating a space that will greatly enhance our students’ academic and spiritual growth.

Visser Contractors

Visser Brothers Construction - general contractor

Architectural Openings & Access – metal doors and frames

Burgess Concrete – polished concrete floor

Cig-Jan Products – visual display boards

C.I.R. Masonry – masonry

D9 Systems – metal stud framing; drywall, acoustical ceilings; clouds

Eckhoff & DeVries Painting & Wallcovering –painting

Elders Electric – electrical system

Flairwood Handcrafted Cabinets and Carts –cabinetry, countertop, closets

Gemmen’s Caulking & Waterproofing –sealants

Grand Valley Wood Products – cabinetry, countertops, closets

K & S Plumbing – plumbing system and connections

Partition Systems – folding partition walls

Precision Commercial Flooring – flooring

Rapid Fire Protection – fire extinguishers and cabinets

Rayhaven Group – toilet partitions; accessories

Soils and Structures – testing/inspection services

Superior Glass – curtain wall system, entrances, windows

TerMolen & Hart – stainless steel countertop

Triangle Window Fashions – roller shades

Van Wall Fire Protection – fire protection system

Vans Mechanical Contractors – HVAC

Visual Entities – room signage

NPC Partners

Acorn Sound – audiovisual

Control Solutions – HVAC controls

Design Manufacturing – seven I AM art panels

Dynamic Wood Products – furniture

Echo Etching - brick engraving

Grapids Irrigation – irrigation around pathway

Huizen’s Locksmith Service - keying

Katerberg VerHage – legacy pathway

Mitten Communications – low voltage wiring

Nederveld – surveying and civil engineering

Patten Monument – brick engraving

Soulard Technology – access controls

The Design Forum – architectural design

WELCOME JIM

VISSER

Please join us in welcoming Jim and Kimberly Visser to the NPC community. Jim is NorthPointe’s VP of Development. They are not new to NorthPointe; Jim and Kimberly have two alumni sons, Ethan ‘16, and Micah ’18 (Ethan attending since 2nd grade, and Micah a “lifer”). Jim comes with 20 years of experience heading the fund development departments at Wedgwood Christian Services and D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s, and most recently has served as Executive Director at Christ Church. He joins Todd Tolsma and Deb Diepenhorst in capacity building to further the mission of NorthPointe.

–Pam Lasher, Development Assistant

FINDING YOUR PLACE AT NPC

Whether you’re new to NorthPointe or have been with us for years, we want you to feel a strong sense of connection and belonging as part of the NorthPointe family. We offer numerous opportunities to engage with other families and the school community, including sporting events, school functions, Newcomers Coffee, Moms in Prayer, and volunteer activities. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to get involved through various volunteer opportunities (like our ReNew Upscale Thrift store), where they can build meaningful relationships with the school and other families. Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the vibrant spirit of NorthPointe, creating a lasting impact on both the students and the community. No matter how long you’ve been here, your presence is valued, and we hope you find your place within our Mustang family. After all, once a mustang, always a mustang! If you are interested in ways to get plugged in, please contact me.

–Deb Diepenhorst, Director of Development & Outreach

RENEW THRIFT BENEFITS FAMILIES AT NPC

Follow ReNew Thrift on Facebook.

SUPPORT MUSTANG ALUMNI DURING SMALL BUSINESS MONTH

Saturday, November 30th is Small Business

Saturday, and we‘re excited to showcase several incredible businesses owned by NorthPointe Christian alumni! From fitness and food to unique services, these graduates have made their mark in a variety of industries. Did we miss you? We‘d love to hear from more alumni! Feel free to reach out at alumni@npchristian.org.

Here’s a look at some of the awesome businesses to check out, organized alphabetically:

(3) BUITER BEEF

Owner: Carice ‘06 (Walsh) Buiter

Dorr, MI

Looking for quality, locally raised beef and pork? Carice and her husband Lee own a first-generation family farm that goes beyond traditional farming. Not only do they provide delicious, high-quality meat, but they also create handcrafted tallow skincare products, blending sustainable farming practices with natural wellness. Support a local farm and elevate your selfcare routine all at once!

(5) CULVER CPA GROUP

Owner: Duane Culver ’86, CPA, MST

Grand Rapids, MI

Looking for personalized tax, accounting, and payroll services? Duane Culver specializes in helping individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations manage their financial needs. He especially enjoys working with real estate investors and clergy, making sure their books are in tip-top shape.

(2) DELANO LAWN CARE

Owner: Joey DeLano ’22 Grand Rapids, MI

Joey DeLano is a young entrepreneur with not one, but three businesses! First, there’s DeLano Lawn Care, which offers landscaping and lawn care services in the Grand Rapids area. Joey also runs Joey’s Vending, which you can find in the main hallway of NorthPointe Christian Schools. And as if that wasn’t enough, he’s also part of Echo Etching, a company that specializes in architectural etching on glass, metal, and bricks. You can even see his work on the legacy path near the NPC football field!

(4) HOLLAND LITHO PRINTING SERVICE

Owners: Brian Baarman ‘83, Rick Baarman ‘81 , Mike Baarman, Tamas Baarman, Mike Driesenga, and Jerry Baarman

Zeeland, MI

hollandlitho.com

Holland Litho is a commercial printing and direct mail company with a reputation for excellence across West Michigan and beyond. With 90 employees and a facility running two shifts, they handle everything from small projects to large-scale printing and mailing jobs. If you’re in need of professional printing, look no further than this family-owned powerhouse.

NIKKI‘S CONCESSIONS AND CATERING

Owner: Nicole (Frazee) Wood ’05 Marne, MI

From fairs to festivals, Nikki’s Concessions and Catering is a family-run operation that has built a strong following in multiple states. Whether you’re craving Louisiana-style cooking, a Hawaiian Island fusion menu, or classic fair treats, Nikki’s has something for everyone. And as seen on the Cooking Channel’s “Carnival Eats,” you know their food is worth a trip! You can find them serving at events in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida.

(1) RHYTHM FITNESS

Owner: Aimee Sharp-Raatz ‘87 Grand Rapids, MI rhythmfitness.net

Looking for a fun, high-energy way to stay in shape? Rhythm Fitness in Byron Center is the place to be! This group fitness studio offers a variety of classes aimed at increasing cardio, endurance, strength, and flexibility. With plenty of options to keep your workouts fresh and exciting, you’ll always find something that fits your schedule and fitness goals. Check out their class schedule and pricing at rythmfitness.net.

Backin2011,ItookonajobforTheCheesePeopleinChicago AfellowNorthPointegraduate,MarkRoosien,referredmeto thejob,ashewasalsoslingingcheeseinthesummerswhile livinginChicago Iquicklyfellinlovewiththebusiness I didn’t understandhowvastandfunworkingwithcheesecouldbe. I workedhereduringmycollegiatedaysatNorthParkUniversity Upongraduation,Iendedupgoingthecorporateroute However, there was a void in my life that I needed to fill. I missed Grand RapidsandthecitythatIgrewupin I wanted to return to the cityanddothecraftIlovethemost,wieldingagiantcheese swordwhileconnectingwithmanypeople. This summer marks the10thyearthatI’vebeenabletoownTheCheesePeopleof GrandRapids It’s been such a wonderful journey I’m incredibly excited for the next 10 years and beyond!

(6) THE CHEESE PEOPLE OF GRAND RAPIDS

Owner: David Grothause ‘05 Grand Rapids, MI

If you’re a cheese lover, you won’t want to miss out on The Cheese People of Grand Rapids. This eclectic team travels to farmers’ markets all over Michigan, offering a selection of unique and delicious cheeses. Whether you visit them at your favorite local market or shop online at thecheesepeopleofgrandrapids.com, you’re in for a cheesy treat like no other!

In Memorium

Carol Krise, Class of 1980

Paul Segard, Class of 1986

David Grothause ‘05, The Cheese People of GR