Becoming Who God Is Calling Them to Be
Dear Friends,
As we move into this new season at The Potter’s House, I am grateful for the opportunity to write to you in my official role as Superintendent. I am honored to serve this beloved community alongside our dedicated leadership team and our faithful faculty and staff. I am also thankful for Founder John Booy, Rich Antonini and the entire Board, and for all those who have come before and stewarded this mission with such commitment.
My leadership continues to be guided by the same questions that shaped my work during my interim role: Does this honor God? Does it earn trust? Does it promote learning? Does it make us healthier as people and as a school? These questions help us remain rooted in what matters most as we prepare for the future God is shaping for us.
Over these past several months, I have been deeply encouraged by the passion, faith, and dedication I see throughout our school. The love this community has for Christ-centered education, and its commitment to students of all ethnic backgrounds and income levels, continues to inspire me each day. It is a joy to witness how this mission is lived out in classrooms, hallways, and conversations across both campuses. Our faculty and staff are honored to partner with parents in the education of their children, and we count it a true privilege to pray with and for each child every day.
I believe God has good things in store for The Potter’s House. We have a strong foundation, and together we will continue to grow in academic excellence, spiritual formation, and organizational strength. As I visit classrooms and meet with students, staff, and families, I am continually reminded that God is present in the daily moments that make this place so special. It is truly a beloved community, one that reflects His heart through both quiet acts of service and bold steps of faith.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and partnership. I look forward to all that God has ahead for us as we serve together with hope and purpose.
Moving forward,
Christine Metzger Superintendent The Potter’s House
to 2025 a Strong Finish Celebrating
We are thrilled to share that we not only met but surpassed our $2.1 million year-end fundraising goal! This meaningful milestone reflects the generosity, prayers, and faithful partnership of our donor community, and we are truly grateful.
Because of your support, we are able to invest in our students, strengthen academic and discipleship programs, and support the teachers and staff who serve our community each day. This momentum gives us confidence as we plan for the year ahead and continue pursuing excellence in Christ-centered education.
The work is not done yet! We appreciate your continued prayer and financial support as we strive to raise an additional $2.4 million between now and June 30th to completely fund our 25-26 budget.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for walking alongside us. We look forward with excitement and gratitude to all that is ahead.
The Potter’s House Leadership Team
Mark Ponstine
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
NEW ROLE
Tim Swiney
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
Alf Clark
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Janorise Robinson
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING
Jake Hoogstrate
ELEMENTARY/ MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
NEW ROLE
Randy Helm
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
“I
Found God Here, and I Found a Family”
SARAH’S STORY
Sarah did not arrive at The Potter’s House looking for a fresh start.
She came angry.
After years at a public high school, Sarah felt settled. She had close friends and remembers the community with warmth.
Then things shifted. Sarah’s sister began struggling, academically and socially. Their mother made a difficult decision to transfer both girls. Sarah did not want to leave.
“I didn’t want to move because I had friends and a good life there,” she says. “I was really mad when I first came here.”
Sarah transferred at the beginning of 10th grade and arrived determined to stay guarded.
“I didn’t want to sit with anyone at lunch,” she remembers. “I tried my best not to get attached to anyone.”
For a while, Sarah stayed on the edges, emotionally and socially. She was present, but not open. That began to change because someone was willing to be patient. At The Potter’s House, students learn in a close-knit community where they are encouraged to encounter Jesus, learn His ways, and share His love to the world around them. A fellow student named Lluvia reflected the love of Jesus and the caring
community at The Potter’s House. Rather than pushing, Lluvia stayed present, extending steady kindness that opened the door for Sarah to trust and belong.
“Lluvia introduced me to a lot of the seniors, and everyone was really welcoming,” Sarah says. Slowly, her perspective shifted. “It wasn’t them that was the problem. It was me being mad.”
As Sarah opened up, she began to experience something unexpected.
“Here, I feel taken care of,” she says.
That mattered deeply to Sarah. At home, she is the oldest sibling, accustomed to responsibility and
caring for others. “As an older sister myself, I’m usually the one taking care of others,” she explains. “But here, I feel like people take care of me.”
What Sarah experienced through friendship was echoed in the classrooms and hallways as well. The same patience and care that welcomed her socially also shaped the way teachers walked alongside her each day.
One teacher, in particular, played a meaningful role in Sarah’s growth. Ms. Cole, her Gospel Choir teacher, became a steady presence in her life.
“She feels like a second mother,” Sarah says. “She’s comforting and emotionally intelligent. You can ask her anything, and she’ll give you advice.”
In Ms. Cole’s class, Sarah encountered a moment that marked her deeply. During a testimony-writing assignment, she shared a story she had carried quietly for years. It was about her father’s struggle with alcohol addiction and the long road to healing that followed.
“I didn’t know we’d have to say it out loud,” Sarah says. “But I’m really glad she pushed me to.”
That moment brought freedom.
“That story was in me for so long, and I finally let it out,” she says. “Now I can talk about it without crying. I feel free, like I don’t have secrets anymore.”
While Ms. Cole played a pivotal role, Sarah is quick to note that she was
supported by more than one caring adult. Teachers, advisors, and staff consistently noticed her, checked in on her, and made room for her questions and growth. Even school leadership felt personal and present. Sarah remembers Principal Alf Clark sitting with students at lunch, talking and joking with them, and treating them like people, not just students. Over time, Sarah realized she was surrounded by adults who were not only teaching her, but walking with her.
Over time, Sarah also began to engage more deeply with the spiritual life of The Potter’s House. She appreciated that faith was present without pressure.
“They don’t push you,” she says. “But it’s available for you.”
Chapel became especially meaningful, particularly Chapel Praise.
“Everyone sings together, and no one judges you,” Sarah explains. “You can cry, you can pray. It feels comforting.”
During a recent chapel, Sarah felt overwhelmed as friends prayed nearby. In that moment, she felt God’s presence clearly.
“My teachers and friends prayed for me and gave me space to calm down,” she says. “I’m really happy they were patient with me.”
That patience, offered again and again, helped Sarah stop pushing people away. She began letting others walk with her. Her faith grew.
As Sarah’s time at The Potter’s House draws to a close, her growth is visible not only in her confidence and faith, but also in her academic direction. Alongside the care and discipleship she has experienced, Sarah has been challenged to take her learning seriously and to imagine a future shaped by discipline and purpose.
Today, Sarah is enrolled in an earlymorning program at Kent Career Tech Center, committing to advanced, career-focused coursework before arriving on campus each day. She balances that demanding schedule with her classes at The Potter’s House, part-time work, and family responsibilities. It is not easy, but it is intentional.
Looking ahead, Sarah plans to attend Grand Valley State University and hopes to become a sonographer. Sarah intends to be the first in her family to attend and graduate from a university. “My parents never got college degrees,” Sarah says. “So we’re learning the process together.”
At The Potter’s House, academic excellence is inseparable from care and faith. Students are known, supported, and challenged to grow. For Sarah, that combination has transformed early frustration into perseverance, and uncertainty into a clear path forward.
When Sarah reflects on her journey, she does not hide the hard parts.
“I came here angry,” she says. “But I’m not mad anymore; I’m thankful. I found God here, and I found a family.”
Academic Excellence at The Potter’s House
While it may feel a ways off, TPH’s Class of 2026 Graduation is just around the corner. Some students are preparing for college, while others are pursuing training in the trades or the military.
We sat down with Brooklyn, Fred, Jack, Kylie, Annie, and Ben to hear how they’ve taken advantage of the wide range of academic opportunities at The Potter’s House.
From Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which offer college-level coursework and the opportunity to earn college credit through an exam, to Dual Enrollment, which partners with local universities to allow students to earn college credit while still in high school, these students are intentionally preparing for what comes next. Some have also participated in the Kent Career Tech Center (KCTC), where students receive hands-on, career-focused training that builds practical skills and industry experience.
Nothing is more compelling than hearing directly from students what shaped them, what challenged them, and what’s guiding them toward their next steps.
What are your plans after graduation?
Annie: “I know that I want to study Environmental Science, and I think I want to attend Calvin University.”
Ben: “In July I will go to South Carolina for basic training for the Marines. Once I finish basic training, I want to join the military police force.”
Jack: “I’m not entirely sure where I want to go after graduating, but I’ve been going on college tours and our guidance counselors are helping me figure that out.”
Brooklyn: “I want to become an esthetician. I’ll go to cosmetology school and study all things beauty related, and then open my own business. I want to help people feel beautiful and confident.”
Fred: “I’m going to Ferris State University for Automotive Engineering. I’ve always loved cars, and my dad pushed me to seek out bigger opportunities than he had access to.”
Kylie: “After graduation I want to study Animal Science with the hope of becoming a veterinarian. I’m deciding between attending Michigan State University or Purdue University.”
What has been your favorite class, or your most challenging class?
Jack: “I loved my Geometry class, and I am really looking forward to taking Advanced Art second semester. I am in Beginner Art now, and I am looking forward to the challenge of moving up.”
Brooklyn: “Pre-Calc and Algebra 2 are not subjects that come easily for me, but it helped me work hard and push myself to succeed. Ms. Stob was always really encouraging and told me I was doing well, even when I was hard on myself. I even finished the class with a good grade.”
Annie: “I loved Environmental Science, and Advanced Chemistry. They are challenging classes, but it was also really rewarding. It is a small class, so we all got lots of time with Mr. Ver Beek, and it was a great learning experience.”
What classes does The Potter’s House offer that you feel are best preparing you for your future career goals?
Ben: “I think my dual enrollment Intro to Business class has prepared me for the future. It’s all about being a business leader, but with a Christcentered mindset, not only focused on ‘How much money can I make?’ Our professor from Kuyper College comes to TPH, and I earn college credit for it.”
Brooklyn: “I think making Financial Math a required class was really smart. Lots of people don’t know how to file taxes or what a credit score is. But now I’ll have those skills when I become a business owner.”
Fred: “English is my most challenging subject, but it also has really helped me prepare for the future, because I know that I’ll need good communication skills in college and in the real world. I also think that my Bible classes have prepared me to hold true to my own beliefs when I go out into the world.”
What resources at TPH have you taken advantage of to help you plan for the future?
Jack: “Definitely the teachers. The older you get the more you realize how much they can support you. We
can go to teachers with anything. One time, I told Mrs. Sisco I was nervous about an AP Literature test, and she helped me study even though it wasn’t for her class.”
Annie: “I thought Seminar 11 was a great class. It focuses on what you want to do after high school, and they bring in all kinds of opportunities to explore. I remember one time we got to see different trade schools, and even though I plan to go to college, it was nice to know there are lots of options.”
Kylie: “I really enjoyed that we got the opportunity to do a job shadow. It gave me a really good sense of what my life could be like as a veterinarian.”
What are some of the benefits of taking courses through Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, or Kent Career Tech Center (KCTC)?
Brooklyn: “I started taking dual enrollment business courses my sophomore year, and now I am taking Marketing and Entrepreneurship courses through KCTC. It prepares me for my future because it shows me what building my brand and what the business world will be like.”
Ben: I really like my dual enrollment course. I took the class because it is called Business and Leadership. In the Marines I am going to have responsibilities and having those leadership skills is going to be helpful so I won’t have to catch up.
Fred: “Through my courses at KCTC I’ve earned college credit, but I’ve also made connections for job opportunities. I have a job interview soon with Fox Motors because of that course.”
Kylie: “A.P. classes are very challenging. I have taken A.P. Government, US History, and Statistics. These classes allow you the opportunity to get college credit to help advance you in your college
career earlier on. These classes have pushed me academically and have helped me understand how capable I am of achieving my goals.”
Who are the teachers that have helped you grow the most academically?
Annie: “Taking Advanced Chemistry with Mr. Ver Beek was really important to me. He made it clear that I could go to him for help or anything I needed. I also think Mr. Hoeksema made math more understandable for me when it used to be hard.”
Kylie: “Mr. Altena challenges me the most academically. He always has
his students learning in new ways and pushes us because he knows we have more potential than what we ourselves realize most of the time.”
Fred: “Pastor Trice has been really important to me. He taught my Bible classes and helped me think about the material as more than just a story, but something I can apply to my life.”
Jack: “Mr. Hoeksema is my homeroom teacher, and he has taught me Geometry and Algebra. He’s intentional, prays with us, and checks in on us. We read and reflect on the Bible and he’s very insightful. He’s been my homeroom teacher for 4 years and it is a connection I can rely on.”
As these seniors look toward the future, their years at The Potter’s House have equipped them with a strong academic foundation and the confidence to thrive beyond graduation. We are excited to see how they serve God to their fullest potential.
The opportunities that shaped their growth are supported by a community that believes students flourish when they are known, encouraged, and prepared well.
Many TPH supporters engage by mentoring, volunteering, joining the Partner Program, or supporting TPH with a monthly gift.
Refining His Voice and Calling
SEBASTIAN’S STORY
When Sebastian arrived at The Potter’s House as a high school student, he was carrying both hope and hesitation. Born in South America, he had moved to the United States as a child and spent years navigating school in a new language. By the time he enrolled at The Potter’s House, he was ready for a change.
“I didn’t really fit in,” Sebastian says of his previous school experience. With a language barrier and limited confidence in his English, he recalls that in his eighth-grade year he reached a point where he wanted to give up. “I didn’t feel like I wanted to go to school anymore.”
His mother learned about The Potter’s House through friends whose children had graduated, and she believed the smaller, more personal environment might offer what Sebastian needed. Even so, his first day came with nerves and uncertainty.
“I remember walking into class and being lost,” he says. “I walked into my algebra class late, and the teacher just said, ‘Hi, welcome!’ That moment stayed with him.
Being noticed and welcomed was not something Sebastian had experienced consistently before,
and it set the tone for what followed. Over time, he realized that the high expectations he encountered were paired with genuine care.
“At first, I thought some teachers were really strict,” he says, “but over time I realized they just want you to succeed. They push you so you can be better.”
Relationships with peers have also shaped Sebastian’s sense of belonging. He remembers how quickly classmates reached out on his first day. “I didn’t know where to sit,” he says. “Someone just told me to sit next to them, and we’ve been friends since my first day.”
Sebastian grew up attending church in South America, but after moving to the United States, life became busy. School demands and family responsibilities made it difficult to stay connected. Coming to The Potter’s House reopened space for spiritual growth.
“I loved it because I was learning more and more about God,” he says. “It had been a long time since I heard much about God before coming to TPH.”
A recent school trip marked a turning point, and the experience left a lasting impression. “Every night we had worship,” Sebastian says. “We all worshiped without judging. We cried. It was a really good moment. I still think about it to this day.”
That experience reshaped how he approached faith back on campus, especially in moments that felt vulnerable. “I realized I didn’t need to be afraid to worship God,” he explains. “It doesn’t matter what people think. It’s between you and God.”
That openness reflects a broader culture at The Potter’s House, one reinforced by leadership. In his previous school, he was bullied and the teachers did not stop it. Sebastian notes that, at The Potter’s House, hurtful or inappropriate behavior is addressed quickly and directly by staff and faculty.
“If something isn’t right, it gets talked about,” he says. “It’s about helping us grow, not ignoring things.”
Academically, Sebastian experienced some of his most significant growth through the English Language Learner program. At his previous school, he felt underestimated.
“They always kept me in very basic English classes,” he says. “Once I got here, they saw that I had potential.”
Teachers recognized both his needs and his ability. By the second semester of his freshman year, Sebastian transitioned out of ELL English classes and into standard coursework, a milestone that marked growing confidence. “They really want you to succeed,” he says of the ELL program. “They want you to leave here with the best English you can speak so you’re ready for life after high school.”
As his language skills strengthened, Sebastian discovered a love for science, especially courses that emphasized hands-on learning and patient instruction.
“I really enjoyed chemistry and biology,” he says. He credits the way the material was taught for making complex concepts approachable. In smaller classes, teachers took time to ensure understanding before moving forward.
“Mrs. Awator would never move on until we all understood,” Sebastian recalls. “She made sure we succeeded before going forward.”
Outside the classroom, Sebastian found belonging through extracurricular opportunities. He played in the school band for several years, adapting his cello skills to cover trombone parts when needed.
“The teacher made sure everyone understood the music,” he says. “Even though we were all at different levels, she worked with each of us.”
He also enrolled in the Kent Career Tech Center, where he is earning certification as a medical lab assistant, an experience that has clarified his future goals. “At the end of the year, I’ll have a certification,” he says. “It goes hand in hand with what I want to study next.”
Now
Enrolling
Grade for 2026-27! If you are looking for a school that combines academic excellence, a Christ-centered foundation, and a welcoming, supportive community, we invite you to explore The Potter’s House. Learn more and apply today at tphgr.org/education/admissions
Looking ahead, Sebastian plans to pursue medical laboratory science, with the possibility of continuing into pathology. What draws him to the field is the chance to contribute meaningfully, even outside the spotlight.
“I like the idea of being behind the scenes,” he explains. “You’re not always talking to patients, but you’re still making an impact. You’re helping make diagnoses possible.”
As graduation approaches, Sebastian reflects on how much has changed since his first nervous day on campus. What once felt overwhelming now feels purposeful. “I actually enjoy coming to school now,” he says. “My friends are great, and the teachers care.”
Sebastian will emerge from The Potter’s House as a confident learner, grounded in faith and confidently prepared to serve wherever God leads.
Known, Rooted, and Growing:
GRACE’S STORY
Grace has spent nearly her entire life at The Potter’s House. She arrived in first grade alongside her older brother, after her family learned about the school through a close friend. From the beginning, what stood out was not only the academics, but the sense of belonging.
“Grace was born in Ethiopia and adopted as a young child. Growing up in a blended family, she learned early what it means to hold multiple stories at once. At The Potter’s House, that complexity was not something to hide or explain away.
“My mom really liked that there was a lot of diversity,” Grace says. “It was nice not being the only person of a different ethnicity. Being here helped me understand that being from a different culture is not a bad thing. It’s a beautiful thing.”
That sense of belonging was reinforced by clear expectations for how students treat one another. Grace says TPH High School Principal Alf Clark does not ignore hurtful or inappropriate behavior.
“Mr. Clark is very direct,” she explains. “If something isn’t right, he talks about it openly. He says it’s about calling you out so you can be called up. He wants us to grow, not just avoid getting in trouble.”
Grace remembers her elementary classroom as a place where faith was practiced daily.
“Almost every morning we started with a devotional, a worship song, or writing things we were thankful for,” she says. “We memorized Scripture and prayed for visitors. Even as kids, we were learning that faith is about how you live.”
Those early rhythms shaped her faith. Grace committed her life to Jesus as a child and chose to be baptized in eighth grade.
“I just felt like the Lord was telling me to do it,” she says. “It felt like the right next step.”
As she grew older, Grace discovered a love for reading and writing. Poetry became a favorite outlet, even as she worked through early insecurity as a reader.
“I was scared to read out loud,” she admits. “I worried about getting words wrong. My teachers helped me understand that it’s okay to make mistakes. That gave me confidence.”
That encouragement carried into high school, where Grace found teachers who challenged her academically while also knowing her personally.
“The teachers here want to build relationships,” she says. “They want to know you, not just teach you information.”
Grace also found growth through athletics. She has run cross country and played soccer since middle school, experiences she credits with building resilience.
“Our cross country coach cares more about the athlete as a person than the success of the team,” she says. “Sports teach you that hard things don’t mean you should back down.”
Potter’s House class trips, such as those to Montana and New York City, deepened her faith further.
“The trips push you out of your comfort zone,” Grace says. “The experience helps you see how God is present in real life.”
Academic support played an important role in Grace’s growth, especially as she learned to understand how she processes information and how to speak up for what she needs. With guidance from TPH teachers and support faculty, she learned that asking for help is not a weakness but a skill.
“Just because you need more time doesn’t mean you’re not smart,” Grace says. “It just means you’re different. You can still succeed.”
She credits Ms. Mangione, who works closely with students who need additional academic support. Grace began seeing her learning
differences in a new light. “She helped me realize that needing extra time or reading things more than once doesn’t make you dumb,” Grace says. “It just means you learn differently.”
That shift mattered. Learning to advocate for herself changed how Grace saw both her abilities and her responsibilities to others. Understanding her own learning process has shaped how she now notices and encourages people around her, especially those who feel unsure or overlooked.
Looking ahead, Grace plans to attend Grand Valley State University to study counseling.
“I care about people and how they feel,” she says. “I want to be there for someone when things are hard.”
As Grace prepares to graduate, she reflects on what The Potter’s House has given her. “This school doesn’t avoid hard conversations,” she says. “It teaches us how to treat people well and how to live out our faith.”
Rooted in Christ’s love, confident in a strong academic foundation, she steps forward ready to serve and help others.
Transform Your Work Life into a Legacy with a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Reflecting on your career, you may find that the average person spends about 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. As you think about how you’ve invested those hours, whether through diverse job roles or long-term positions, consider using your retirement benefits to make a lasting impact. A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA can extend the influence of your working life directly to The Potter’s House.
BENEFITS OF A QCD INCLUDE:
• Fulfilling your Required Minimum Distribution for the year.
• Reducing your taxable income, irrespective of whether you itemize deductions.
• Avoiding taxes on transfers of up to $100,000 from your IRA.
• Directly supporting our mission without the limitations of typical charitable gift deductions.
This giving season, if you are 70 ½ or older, you can donate directly from your traditional or Roth IRA. Donor-advised funds and other retirement accounts are not eligible for QCDs.
For assistance with your donation or to learn more about the direct impact of your support, please reach out to Tim Swiney at 616-8183745 or tswiney@tphgr.org. Together, we can work towards our 2025–2026 fundraising goals to further our school’s mission and continue making a difference in the lives of our students.
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING THIS MEANINGFUL WAY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE POTTER’S HOUSE!
Gifts Given in Honor and Memory
IN HONOR OF:
Brandon Sprotte
Eileen DeVries Family Foundation
Jeanne Smith
Catherine Decker
IN MEMORY OF:
Madeline Herman
Catherine Decker
Barb Leegwater
John Steigenga
Steve Prins
Jamiah Katherine Loucks
Virginia Geldof
Anonymous gifts
June Huissen
Robert and Kathleen Wiest
Donald and Katie Gleason
Betty Lotterman
Lucille Steenbergen
Carolyn Zwiers
Tom and Wilma Lotterman
Kenneth and Lauren Bratt
Clyde Harris
Gary Slager
Donna Fisher
John Fisher
Duane and Gloria De Jong
Gerald “Jerry” Yeo
Patrick Gryzan and Janina Valenza
Anonymous Gifts
Karon Shepard
Lin Sanborn
Jon Burman
Gary Slager
Sid Helder
Shirley VanDyke
Jeff Helder
Linda Dodge
JA and Lisa Costen
N.L. and J.M. Davis
Larry and Marci Thivierge
John and Shirley Sharda
Wanda Kok
Casper and Georgene Dick
810 Van Raalte Drive SW
Grand Rapids MI 49509
tphgr.org
Save the Date: April 30, 2026
New Friends Banquet
Join us for The Potter’s House New Friends Banquet, an event dedicated to expanding our community and celebrating what God is doing through urban, Christ-centered education.
This year’s banquet theme is “This is the Kingdom.” We believe God’s kingdom is present and active among us today. We see it in the way our students learn, worship, serve, and care for one another. Each student’s story points to the presence of God at work on our campuses.
The New Friends Banquet is a fundraising event that helps make a Potter’s House education accessible to every student, regardless of income. It is also an opportunity to invite new friends to experience our mission firsthand. When you bring someone new, you help grow the community that surrounds our students with prayer, generosity, and support.
Curious what the event is like? Scan the QR code to watch a short video from last year’s banquet.
Mark your calendar and consider who you might invite to join you.
April 30th, 2026
JW MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL BALLROOM
