The Advantage - Spring 2025

SPRING 2025

ADVANTAGE

INSIDE

THE

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Raising up Leaders. . . . . . . . . 3

Surrender to Christ. . . . . . . . . 6

BPL Excels at Gilson. . . . . . . . 4

Alumni Spotlights. . . . . . . . . . 7

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616.363.4869 540 Russwood Street NE Grand Rapids MI 49505

EQUIP SERVE IMPACT

PRESCHOOL/ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOLS Dear NorthPointe Christian Families and Friends,

MIDDLE SCHOOL 616.719.5440

As Head of Schools, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers game. NorthPointe Christian has experienced tremendous growth over the past three to four years—expanding our facilities, enhancing our programs, and increasing our student body. These past four years we’ve grown from 800 students to over 1,320.

HIGH SCHOOL 616.942.0350

However, our success is not measured by buildings or enrollment numbers. Our true focus

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 616.942.0363 3101 Leonard Street NE Grand Rapids MI 49525

NPC SCHOOL BOARD Jeff Braam Heidi DeKorne Erin Fester Scott Formsma Amy Hernandez Justin Kemmerer Andy Kok Brian Langerak Stephanie Menge Jodi Oviatt Jonathan Rathbun Jon Rudolph

NPC FOUNDATION BOARD Jim Bruinsma Dave DeHaan Mark DeKorne Justin Kemmerer Eric Meulenberg Nate Nymeyer Jon Rudolph Ben Sietsema Jody VanderWeide Rob Wynalda

www.npchristian.org 2

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remains on staying rooted in God’s Word and providing a Christ-centered education. The impact we strive for is not in statistics but in the transformation of hearts and minds— equipping students to reflect Christ and make a lasting difference in the world for His Kingdom.

In this edition of Advantage, we hope you catch a glimpse of the incredible transformation taking place within and beyond the walls of NorthPointe Christian Schools.

We are deeply grateful for the partnership of our families, grandparents, alumni, and generous donors who faithfully support our mission. It is a privilege to partner together in shaping the next generation for Christ.

–Todd N. Tolsma, Head of Schools

On the cover: Joyful moments outside— students making the most of their time on the elementary playground!

SERVING THROUGH SPORTS & FAITH IN ZAMBIA! This summer, the NorthPointe Christian Athletics staff will help to lead a group of students on a mission trip to Lusaka, Zambia. NPC students will get the opportunity to deliver malaria-preventing bed nets provided by our annual Night of Nets event! Our students will engage in worship and evangelism with local churches, run soccer clinics, and much more! Some team objectives include exposure to Zambia’s needs/culture and developing a biblical framework for service. Our Zambia team asks that you join them in prayerful support as they respond to what the Lord lays on their hearts in Zambia!

–Drew Losee, Athletic Director FOLLOW US: @NPCMustangs

VISIT US ONLINE: NPCMustangs.com

NPC HAPPENINGS

WOW WEEK: LOVING LIKE JESUS Each year, NorthPointe Christian Elementary participates in WOW (Win Our World) Week. This year, students explored the many ways God calls us to love others. They rotated through stations focused on prayer, forgiveness, service, and sharing the gospel.

A special community art project, a mosaic cross, was made by all students K-5 showing how we can reflect God’s love. Fifth graders assembled 100 Blessing Bags filled with gloves, socks, a hat, protein snacks, fruit, a water bottle, and a New Testament Bible.

Each bag included a handwritten prayer, reminding recipients of God’s love. Students had the opportunity to distribute them to those in need. It was a powerful week of learning, service, and growing in love—just like Jesus taught us!

–Heidi Kooistra, Elementary Assistant Principal

RAISING UP LEADERS At NorthPointe Christian, we believe strongly in raising up leaders among the student body. This is why we have student leadership team in each grade, why we foster leaders in our discipleship groups through years of intentional relationship, and why we start the year with an overnight senior retreat and then revisit early in the second semester with a one-day retreat for seniors. We believe equipping students to impact their world for Christ begins now but also needs to look forward into the future. And we believe our students can and should lead in their families, their community, and the Church!

–Tom Molenkamp, High School Principal

A JOURNEY THROUGH EGYPT Our 6th grade teachers teamed together to create a fun, hands-on study of ancient Egypt. The unit culminated with an “Ancient Egyptian Museum.”

Groups of students researched an assigned artifact and then worked together to creatively design and display their artifact, complete with a museum placard. On the afternoon of February 28, the 6th graders hosted an Open House to display and present their creations. They demonstrated professionalism and hospitality during the event, which drew many parents and fellow students.

The students did an excellent job of sharing and showing their knowledge.

–Megan Willink, Middle School Principal THE ADVANTAGE

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PARTNERS

BIG PICTURE LEARNING STUDENTS EXCEL AT GILSON

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“God has given each

person gifts to use to help each other and glorify Him. Even if you don’t know what your passion is yet, it’s in there somewhere.”

Tony Maravolo, NPC Parent

(pictured left to right): Tony Maravolo of Gilson, students Jacob Herweyer and Isaac VanSoest For eight years, NorthPointe has offered Big Picture Learning (BPL), a student-driven, real-world learning program that fosters personalization, creativity, and problem-solving. Two days a week, 9th-12th graders intern at local organizations, gaining hands-on experience in their areas of interest. One such internship is with Tony Maravolo, an NPC parent, at Gilson Graphics. Tony structured the internship such that the first 6-8 weeks students go on a “Tour de Gilson,” where each day they get a brief picture of a different department and the industries Gilson serves. This shapes the area of the business they’re most interested in and get assigned to for the balance of their internship.

As internship coordinator, Tony meets with students, gives tours and sets up schedules and goals with Gilson managers, who usually assign a worker with whom the students shadow and work. Gilson staff enjoy showing what they do as they take pride in their work. Sometimes,

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the students are assigned internship-related “homework” for the day, which they love!

Passionate about teaching and enabling young people to learn and experience new things, Tony feels that having as many experiences as possible when you’re young can give you a considerable head start in life. He has told students, “Even if you learn that you don’t want to do this in your future, you’ve learned something. God has given each person gifts to use to help each other and glorify Him. Even if you don’t know what your passion is yet, it’s in there somewhere.” Some students can’t always figure that out in the classroom.

–Bill VanDyk and Scott Hofman, BPL Teachers/Directors Impact Students as an Internship Site Are you passionate about your work? Would you be willing to share that passion by mentoring a student in the Big Picture Learning program?

To learn more, scan the QR code to send an email.

DEVELOPMENT TEAM FACILITATES THE GENEROSITY OF GOD’S PEOPLE Although I’m a former parent with two sons who graduated from NorthPointe, it is still inspiring in the short time I’ve been in my staff role to see and know that so many parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends generously and tirelessly support the school with prayer, time, volunteer skills and financial support. In the NorthPointe community we believe that this service and support is truly led by the Holy Spirit, and it is essential to sustaining the ongoing mission and work of the school as well as advancing NorthPointe’s vision into the future. It is both humbling and invigorating to see God at work in students’ lives as we strive to equip them to impact the world for Christ.

I count it a privilege to serve alongside Deb Diepenhorst and Pam Lasher, who came before me serving NorthPointe’s mission in the development office. I thank God for their work, which is and has been important to supporting the school’s mission. We’re all here to help cultivate relationships with the school, answer questions about school needs, and discuss the various ways to serve and give. As we move forward, we stand ready to pray, listen, and facilitate the generosity God may be working in people’s hearts.

–Jim Visser, VP of Development

DERBY-INSPIRED AUCTION BOOSTS TUITION ASSISTANCE FUND The And They’re Off tuition assistance auction was a night to remember! With over 160 enthusiastic guests in attendance, the event was filled with energy, generosity, and a touch of Derby elegance. Attendees arrived in their finest Derby-inspired attire, donning colorful hats, bow ties, and festive outfits that set the perfect tone for an evening of spirited giving.

Throughout the night, guests eagerly bid on an exciting selection of silent and live auction items, all in support of tuition assistance for students. The friendly competition and generous hearts of the bidders made for an incredible display of community support. The auction not only raised essential funds but also reinforced the shared commitment to making Christian education accessible for all families.

From the lively bidding wars to the warm camaraderie, And They’re Off was a resounding success, a record-breaking $239,132, ensuring that more students can continue to have access to a Christ-centered education.

–Deb Diepenhorst, Director of Development

WAYS TO GIVE •

Credit card online: visit npchristian.org and click “Donate” at the top or scan the QR code to give

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Recurring giving: set this up as often as you wish and choose which fund at our secure online site: visit npchristian.org and click ‘Donate’ at the top or scan the QR code to begin

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Checks: please make payable to NorthPointe Christian Schools and send in the enclosed postage-paid envelope

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Planned giving: please call Deb Diepenhorst or Jim Visser to discuss planned giving opportunities, including the following: • Charitable gifts from IRA funds • Real Estate • Will or Trust • Charitable gift annuity

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SURRENDERED TO CHRIST: A STORY OF TRANSFORMATION At NorthPointe Christian our goal is to help our students grow in their walk with Jesus. We love celebrating big milestones with them, and there is nothing more exciting than being able to lead a student to the Lord.

Liana joined Chorale as a sophomore and was struggling with doubts about God. Was He real, why were other people happy and she wasn’t, why was she so angry at Him? At our winter retreat, we had a worship time, and she felt the Holy Spirit working in her heart. After our time of worship, I was able to sit with her as she decided to follow Christ.

Her transformation these last two years has been such a blessing to watch. Liana is now seeking God with her whole heart, and this fall she will be serving God through a 6-month YWAM program in a country yet to be determined. I am so thankful that God used Chorale to change her heart and life.

–Lisa Spangler, Director of Choirs

Liana Hazeltine Future NPC Alumnus Class of 2025

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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

SAMUEL JOLMAN ‘97: AUTHOR, THE SEX TALK YOU NEVER GOT As a therapist specializing in men’s issues and sexual trauma recovery, Sam Jolman ‘97 has spent over twenty years counseling men who struggle to understand and talk about their sexuality. His book, The Sex Talk You Never Got: Reclaiming the Heart of Masculine Sexuality, was born out of these experiences and his desire to offer men a healthier, Godcentered vision of sexuality.

ALYSSA GARCIA BAUER ‘02: FOLLOWING HER PASSION FOR THEATRE

“I sit with a lot of men as a therapist and hear over and over the stories and struggles men carry about their sexuality,” Sam shares. “So few know how to talk about it and just bury it deep down in silence and shame. Especially while growing up, so few of us got any meaningful conversations about sex—maybe a shoddy anatomy lesson or purity lecture, if we got anything at all.” His goal in writing the book was clear: “I wanted to give men a conversation and a vision for sexuality that is far bigger than just ‘don’t lust.’ And of course, I am writing to my younger self too, trying to give him the conversations I never knew I needed.”

From a young age, Alyssa Garcia Bauer ‘02 knew she loved performing. A memorable talent show at age five sparked a lifelong passion for theatre, leading her to major in the field in college and participate in numerous local productions at familiar places like Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Circle Theatre, Magnify Church, and numerous TV commercials. Though she enjoyed her role as a church communications director, she felt a deeper calling—one that, with the encouragement of her husband, led her to step out in faith and pursue acting as a career.

Though written primarily for men seeking a healthier and more alive vision of their sexuality, Sam has been surprised by how many other groups have found value in his book. “This book is not for teenagers outright. But many parents have said it’s helped them catch a vision for healthy sexuality for their sons.”

The book has also been embraced in small group settings, particularly among church men’s groups.

Reflecting on her time at NorthPointe Christian, Alyssa credits her teachers for encouraging her to follow her dreams. “They may not have even known how their words made an impact, but even today in times of doubt, I remember their words,” she shares. A teacher once told her, “You’re gonna be on Broadway someday, aren’t you?” and her principal reminded her, “Who knows what God will do! But isn’t it fun to dream?”

For Sam, the most unexpected and rewarding outcome of publishing his book has been hearing from readers about the impact it has had on their lives.

For students aspiring to careers in theatre, music, or the arts, Alyssa offers this advice:

“Getting emails and messages from readers who describe how God met them in the pages of this book… that was my whole hope for writing, but I never knew how amazing it would actually be.”

Recalling his years at GRBS (now NPC), Sam acknowledges how it shaped his faith and personal growth. “I came of age during my junior high and high school years at GRBS. Those halls and classrooms hold so many memories of first crushes and conversations with friends. There are ways GRBS and the teachers helped protect our innocence and allowed us to work that all out in community—the beautiful and the innocent, but also the hard and difficult wrestling too. I also came alive to God during my time at GRBS and am grateful I had a Christian community that cheered for my growing faith.”

Sam’s book is available at major retailers, with a special buy-oneget-one offer at samjolman.com. We celebrate his work and the meaningful conversations he is creating for the next generation.

“Go for it! I believe if you take steps to pursue something you love and continue to walk with the Lord, He will guide and direct your steps. His thoughts and ways are higher and better than ours, and His plans for you are good, no matter what.”

If you are interested in theatre and want to connect with Alyssa, you can email her at alyssagarciabauer@gmail.com.

Share your Update!

Email alumni@npchristian.org

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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 228 3101 Leonard Street NE – Grand Rapids MI 49525-5832

We are thrilled to announce that NorthPointe Christian has been recognized as a winner in the Private School category of The Grand Rapids Magazine’s Best of Grand Rapids readers’ poll! This honor is a reflection of the incredible support from our families and staff who contribute to making our school a truly exceptional community.

are open Summer Camps in the to all students pids greater Grand Ra community!

GRAND RAPIDS MI