June 2026 Newsletter

The Potter’s House Press Summer 2026

tphgr.org

Congratulations, Seniors!

REFLECTING ON A REMARKABLE YEAR AND HONORING THE GRADUATES OF 2026. page 1

| The Potter’s House Press

Letter from the Superintendent

What’s Inside Summer Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 2026 Graduates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Dear Friends, Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of listening closely to students, teachers, families, partners, alumni, and many of you who faithfully support this mission. Again and again, one truth has become unmistakably clear: This is not simply a school students attend. It is a place where people belong.

Every day, more than 600 students walk through our doors carrying different stories, challenges, strengths, and hopes for the future. What they find here is far more than academics alone. They find a Christcentered community where they are known, encouraged, challenged, and reminded they are created in the image of God. We see it in students like Brooklyn, who is discovering how her gifts can help others flourish. We see it in students like Nikolas, who experienced the strength of brotherhood and caring adults during one of the hardest seasons of his life. We see it in classrooms where students are challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and reminded daily that they are deeply valued.

We also see it in the quiet moments that rarely make headlines: A teacher praying with a struggling student, a mentor offering encouragement, students learning to worship, serve, compete, and care for one another well.

As I grow in my role as Superintendent, I carry deep gratitude for the faithful foundation laid by John Booy, Mark Van Zanten, Nellene Duimstra, and so many others who helped build this community over the last 45 years. Their vision was never simply to create a school. It was to create a Christ-centered community where students from every background and income level could discover who God created them to be.

That mission remains as strong and clear today as ever.

I believe God has good things ahead for The Potter’s House. Together, we will continue growing in academic excellence, spiritual formation, and organizational strength while remaining deeply rooted in the mission God established here from the very beginning.

Thank you for continuing to pray for this school, invest in our students, and carry this mission forward alongside us. Your generosity is helping shape lives for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Christine Metzger Superintendent The Potter’s House The Potter’s House Press |

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What’s Next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Forged in Faith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 Brooklyn’s Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Ephram’s Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Nick’s Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12 Memorial Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Honoring Faithful Staff. . . . . . . . . . Page 15

Preschool students enjoying our Outdoor Classroom

The Mission Doesn’t Take a Summer Break As another school year comes to a close, the work of The Potter’s House is far from finished.

Throughout the summer months, students will continue learning, growing, serving, and exploring through a variety of programs and experiences designed to help them discover God’s world and their place within it.

Learning Beyond the School Year

Some students will participate in summer school, strengthening academic skills and preparing for the year ahead.

Others will build friendships and confidence through sports camps in basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and more.

Across campus, exciting projects will continue as improvements are made to outdoor learning spaces that will expand opportunities for hands-on, placebased education. These spaces help bring learning to life while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and stewardship of God’s creation.

J Term: Learning Through Experience

One of the most unique opportunities at The Potter’s House is J Term, an immersive learning experience that takes students beyond the traditional classroom.

J Term reflects a core belief at The Potter’s House: some of life’s most meaningful lessons are learned through experience.

A Critical Season for Support

Summer is full of meaningful opportunities for students, but it is also one of the most challenging seasons financially for the school.

While many traditional revenue streams slow during the summer months, the ministry of The Potter’s House continues.

Teachers prepare for a new school year.

Facilities projects move forward. Student support services remain active. Financial aid commitments continue. Planning and preparation for the fall never stop.

natural extension of that commitment.

It’s a good reminder for us that giving isn’t just a one-time thing. It’s part of our ongoing relationship with the school’s mission.”

Monthly gifts provide steady, reliable support that helps sustain Christcentered education through every season of the year. They allow students and families to continue receiving the academic, spiritual, and relational support that makes The Potter’s House such a special community.

Join Us This Summer As summer begins, would you consider becoming a monthly supporter?

That is why monthly giving is so important.

Walking Alongside the Mission

“For our family, supporting Potter’s House monthly is another way to walk alongside the school throughout the year,” share Greg and Amy. “We’re grateful to be part of the Potter’s House community, and giving regularly is a

Your recurring gift helps ensure that students continue to experience a Christ-centered education that equips them to serve God and society to their fullest potential, not just during the school year, but all year long.

www.tphgr.org/donate

High school students learning in the Gardening J Term course

Through service projects, outdoor adventures, educational travel, career exploration, and hands-on learning opportunities, students are challenged to grow in faith, leadership, and independence. Whether serving communities, exploring new places, or developing practical skills, students are encouraged to see how God is at work both in the world around them and in their own lives.

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| The Potter’s House Press

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

NAPHTALIA ANIBLE

Grand Canyon University

CLAIRE BAKER Hope College Nursing

EPHRAM BUCK

RUTH APOTHEKER

JOHN BLUM

MARIE BULT

Western Michigan University Airline and Airport Management

ELLA DYER

ABIGAIL ERDMANN

PETER GREER

Central Michigan University Business Management or Human Resources

Grand Canyon University Pre-Veterinarian

Indiana Wesleyan University Worship Arts and Pastoral Ministries

Albertus Magnus College Sports Management

Calvin University History with Pre-Law Track

ISAAC ARAUJO

United States Navy Nuclear Engineering

Liberty University Nursing

BIANCA HAI

Grand Rapids Community College

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KYLIE BOBO

Michigan State University Pre-Veterinarian

NATHAN AUSTIN

Grand Rapids Community College Information Technology

ALEXIS BOS

Calvin University Biology

SARAH CABRERA-PABLO

JORDAN CLARK

SEBASTIAN MENUELIAN-FLORES

BEETA GHAZNAWI

Grand Rapids Community College Nursing

GRCC, then Grand Valley State University Laboratory Medicine and Pre-Biology

CLARA HART

Calvin University Environmental Studies

Grand Valley State University Nursing

EMILY BAEZ

Grand Rapids Community College Real Estate and Business

JERRY BOWSER

Grand Canyon University

LINUS DAM

Grand Canyon University Public Relations and Marketing

LIAM BRINKERHOFF Construction

Michigan Technological University Electrical Engineering

CHRIS DELANEY

Howard University Business Management

ABRAM DEYOUNG

KAMAL GHAZNAWI

KALEA GILMORE

DANIELA GÓMEZ-CERVANTES

Grand Rapids Community College Certified Nurses Aide Program

KentISD Language and Career Training

ADDISEN HEERES

CALVIN HERRBOLDT

Taking a year to travel to Guatemala

DANIEL BAEZESPINOZA

Rehab Technician

Grand Rapids Community College Culinary Arts

DIVINE IRANZI

Grand Valley State University Physical Therapy

Calvin University Business & Finance

Grand Rapids Community College Nursing

MADELYNN JANSMA Paul Mitchell Cosmetology

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

FRED KIMMONS

JULIANNA LUNDBERG

NATALISE MARTINEZ

RAUL MARTINEZ

Cornerstone University Mechanical Engineering

Grand Rapids Community College Early Childhood Development

NADIA PADILLA-ESQUIVEL

Calvin University Environmental Science

Calvin University Business

LYRIKA PARRETT

ELLA LUNDQUIST

FLORANCE MAOMBI

ALOR MOU

EDWARD MUGISHA

Michigan State University

Michigan State University Nursing

RACHEL POTOKA

Grand Valley State University

Grand Rapids Community College Biology

Life Church College, then Calvin University Speech and Language Pathology

JOSIE SHOOKS

MOSES SLIEDRECHT

KATELYN SMITH

Hope College

JAZMYN TERRY

Indiana Wesleyan University Pastoral Counseling

YWAM Louisville

MARJINA THERON Grand Valley State University Marketing and Data Analysis

Indiana Wesleyan University

MARISA TOONSTRA Grand Valley State University Environmental Science

KAYNNER MARTIN

BROOKLYN MARTINEZ

GABRIELLE NOLAN

GRACE OSTERINK

Cornerstone University Nursing or Communications

Kalamazoo College Ecology

GIZELLE RAMOS

Central Michigan University

Grand Canyon University Childhood Development

NICKOLAS RAZO

Grand Rapids Community College Psychology

Grand Valley State University Elementary Education

Aquinas College Psychology

Calvin University Business Management

ALEJANDRO REYES-NÚÑEZ

ELI RODRIGUEZ

Empower U, KentISD

ALEXANDER STEHLKE

ISAAC STRUCKVANDERHAAK

LUCAS STRUCKVANDERHAAK

BEN SWEDBERG

REAGAN WALLACE

Grand Rapids Community College

Messiah University Occupational or Physical Therapy

Calvin University Business and Finance

JACK VANDER MEYDEN

LYDIA VANDYKE

EVAN VELDING

Calvin University Kinesiology

Grace Christian University

Human Services

Grand Rapids Community College

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Grand Canyon University Marketing

United States Marines Corp

Grand Rapids Community College

Early Childhood Development

| The Potter’s House Press

Ready for What’s Next: This spring, in addition to our high school commencement, The Potter’s House celebrates two important milestones: kindergarten graduation and eighth-grade graduation.

Though separated by many years, these students share something important in common: they are ready for what comes next.

Building Foundations Kindergarten is a year of incredible growth!

Students begin the year learning letter names and sounds. Soon they start blending sounds together to form words. By the end of the year, students are reading and learning to tell stories!

They also build a strong mathematical foundation, learning to recognize, count, and work with numbers from 1 to 100.

But kindergarten is about more than academics. Students learn how to be part of a community, care for one another, worship together, and discover that they are deeply loved by God. • “I was new this year, but when I came to Potter’s House I made new friends.” - Mikayla • “I like to go to worship time because I get to sing songs that I know.” - Elijah

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Along the way, they begin dreaming about the future of serving God and helping other people : • “When I grow up I want to be a police officer, and a mom, because moms can be police officers too,” said Priya.

• Levi hopes to become a shepherd.

• Isaac wants to be a therapist to help people.

• Annabelle wants to be a teacher like Mrs. DeWeerd.

Charlotte-Anne reflected on her own academic transformation: “I used to struggle a lot with math but I was able to get the help I needed and now I would say I’m really good at it and it is my favorite subject. Because of our school, my love for math has grown.”

These students leave middle school with stronger faith, deeper friendships, and growing confidence. Surrounded by peers and mentors who know them, encourage them, and point them toward Christ, they are ready for the opportunities, challenges, and growth that await them in high school.

As they head into first grade, these young learners carry with them a strong academic and spiritual foundation that will support their growth for years to come.

Ready for High School Eighth-grade graduation marks the beginning of a new adventure: high school.

As students reflected on their middle school years, they returned again and again to friendships, faith, and the teachers who helped shape them.

“When I think about my experience at TPH, I think of my friends and being in unity with them,” shared Aaron. “We have had a lot of fun this year and grown so much in our time together.”

Many students pointed to chapel, discipleship, and caring mentors as key influences in their lives.

Looking Ahead From learning to read to preparing for high school, this year’s graduates have taken important steps forward.

We celebrate all they have accomplished and thank God for the ways He has worked in their lives. We can’t wait to see what comes next.

“My faith has grown a lot throughout middle school,” said Caiden. “TPH has really great teachers and leaders that I look up to and desire to be like.

I appreciate that TPH gives us time to listen to Jesus and see what He has to say to us.”

Our 8th Grade class exploring US History in Washington D.C.

Forged in Faith How the Class of 2026 grew closer to God and one another in West Virginia The rapids were challenging. The ropes course pushed students beyond their comfort zones. The mountain views were unforgettable.

But when members of The Potter’s House Class of 2026 reflect on their senior trip to West Virginia, they rarely begin with the adventures.

Instead, they talk about worship around a campfire. Sunrise prayer gatherings.

Honest conversations. Encouragement from friends. Moments of forgiveness.

And the ways they saw God at work in one another.

For many students, the trip became a powerful reminder of just how much their class had grown over the years.

Finding God in the Middle of the Journey Throughout the week, students experienced God’s presence in both ordinary and extraordinary moments.

“The class of ‘26 loves the Lord,” one student reflected. “While we worshiped the Lord around the fire, I was overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit and filled with so much gratitude.”

Others pointed to early morning devotions overlooking the New River Gorge, prayer with friends, and quiet moments in God’s creation that allowed them to slow down and listen.

From Classmates to Family

One student described seeing God move through the encouragement classmates offered one another during difficult moments.

Students repeatedly described a class that had grown beyond friendships and social circles into something deeper.

“For many people, white water rafting and the ropes course were very difficult and scary,” she wrote. “But people used these moments to pray for one another and give words of encouragement and affirmation. I saw God move in the hearts of our class, strengthening the bonds even further.”

Courage Beyond the Rapids The trip challenged students in more ways than one.

For some, courage meant climbing higher, paddling harder, or facing fears they never expected to encounter.

“White water rafting was really challenging as I was really scared to do it at first,” one student admitted. “But once I started warming up to it, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

For others, the challenge was spiritual.

Students reflected on difficult conversations, personal growth, and moments of conviction that led them to rely more deeply on Christ.

One senior shared that the trip helped reveal areas of life where change was needed and reminded them of God’s grace in the process. Another described learning that true strength comes not from self-reliance but from depending on Jesus in moments of weakness.

Perhaps the strongest theme that emerged from the reflections was community.

“I saw students talk who had not talked in a long time, due to arguments, but forgave because God prompted them to,” said Jazmyn.

Others reflected on how their class had moved beyond cliques and become a community where students genuinely cared for, challenged, and encouraged one another.

One senior captured that transformation beautifully: “We have become a family brought closer together through faith. What started as friendships in the classroom became ministry.”

A Lasting Legacy Years from now, students may still remember the whitewater rapids, the ropes course, and the breathtaking views of West Virginia. But what many will remember most is something less tangible.

• They will remember worshiping together around a campfire.

• They will remember praying together at sunrise.

• They will remember encouraging one another through challenges.

• And they will remember seeing what can happen when a group of students chooses to pursue Christ together.

As the Class of 2026 enters life beyond high school, they leave West Virginia with more than memories. They leave with a deeper faith, stronger friendships, and a clearer understanding of what it means to love God and serve others.

That may be the greatest lesson of all.

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| The Potter’s House Press

Brooklyn’s Journey: Growing in Faith, Trusting the Future

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ow a community of faith helped Brooklyn navigate anxiety, discover her calling, and trust God with what’s next For nearly as long as she can remember, The Potter’s House has been part of Brooklyn story.

Her father, Aaron, attended The Potter’s House from kindergarten and was a member of the school’s first graduating class in 2004. Years later, when Brooklyn entered second grade, she became part of the same community that had helped shape his life.

Looking back now as a graduating senior, Brooklyn sees something even more significant than a family legacy. She sees a community of teachers, mentors, friends, and partners who consistently reminded her of God’s presence through some of life’s most difficult seasons.

A Foundation of Faith One of Brooklyn’s earliest memories of The Potter’s House is worshiping in her classroom.

“My second-grade teacher was Mrs. Hofman,” Brooklyn shared.

“We worshipped in class every day.

From a young age, being able to express my love of God freely was normalized to me.”

Mrs. Hofman remained a constant presence throughout Brooklyn’s elementary years, teaching her in multiple grades and investing deeply in her spiritual growth.

“At church I was listening,” Brooklyn said, “but worshiping in my classroom, I felt God and His love for me.”

Those early experiences built a spiritual The Potter’s House Press |

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foundation that would sustain her through the challenges that lay ahead.

When Life Changed Overnight Brooklyn has always loved being around people. A self-described social student, she thrives on friendships, routines, and connection.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.

The loss of daily interactions and familiar rhythms hit hard. Brooklyn, who had experienced anxiety for much of her life, found those struggles intensifying during the isolation of the pandemic.

“I felt like I was fighting my own mind,” she said.

What followed became one of the first major spiritual battles of her life. Yet even in the midst of those struggles, God continued to provide people who reminded her she was not alone.

Surrounded by Support Teachers, mentors, and caring adults from The Potter’s House consistently reached out to encourage Brooklyn during that difficult season.

Mrs. Hofman continued checking in, praying with her, and reminding her that she was seen and loved.

“She made sure I knew I wasn’t alone,” Brooklyn said.

Over time, Brooklyn learned healthier ways to navigate anxiety and discovered the importance of leaning on others rather than carrying burdens by herself.

“It is because of that spiritual foundation that I learned to deal with hard things,” she explained.

“I still experience anxiety. Maybe I always will. But I’ve learned to cope, and it is so much better than it was.”

Brooklyn also found strength in friendships that grew alongside her throughout the years.

“I’ve made close friends here like Eli, Daniel, Natalise, Alour, and Sebastian,” she shared. “We all come from different backgrounds, but we’ve all grown together.”

One friendship became especially meaningful. Brooklyn says her friend Daniella consistently encouraged her in ways that helped quiet her self-doubt.

“Lots of people can say ‘good job,’ but sometimes I can be hard on myself and not believe them,” Brooklyn said. “But when Daniella tells me that she is proud of me, I know that she is being sincere.”

Another source of encouragement came through The Potter’s House Partner Program. Matched with Mr. and Mrs. Drueke in third grade, Brooklyn developed a relationship that extended far beyond school events.

“They care about our whole family,” she said. “I know they’ll always be there to encourage me and pray for me.”

Trusting God With What’s Next As graduation approached, Brooklyn thought she knew exactly what her future would look like. She planned to pursue cosmetology, eventually open her own business, and follow a path she had carefully mapped out for herself.

Then her financial aid unexpectedly fell through.

plans

Instead of seeing only disappointment, Brooklyn began to wonder whether God might be redirecting her toward something new.

“I had this gut feeling that maybe I was meant to do something else,” she said.

Eventually, she logged into her Grand Rapids Community College student portal and made a major decision. She changed her major from entrepreneurship to psychology.

“Perhaps pursuing psychology means that I will end up working in social work,” she said. “Maybe I’ll become a therapist someday.”

The future still feels uncertain at times.

But Brooklyn is learning to trust God even when she cannot see the entire path ahead.

“I desperately wanted to be in control,” she admitted. “But I had this undeniable feeling that God was saying, ‘Not yet. But trust Me.’”

This Is the Kingdom Reflecting on this year’s theme, “This Is the Kingdom,” Brooklyn now sees God’s faithfulness woven throughout her story.

She sees it in teachers who prayed with her, friends who encouraged her, mentors who invested in her, and a school community that continually pointed her back to Christ.

This fall, Brooklyn will attend Grand Rapids Community College to study psychology. While she doesn’t know exactly where the journey will lead, she moves forward with confidence in the One who has guided her this far.

“Even when I thought I was alone,” Brooklyn said, “I never was.”

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| The Potter’s House Press

Ephram’s Story:

Growing in Faith, Leading with Purpose

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lass of 2026 graduate, Ephram, joined The Potter’s House just mere days before his freshman year began.

Ephram had spent years in other school environments, but something never fully clicked. Growing up in a Christian home, his parents valued faith deeply, but they also wanted him to experience a more diverse and connected community.

“My dad grew up in a really diverse culture, and he wanted that for me too,” Ephram explained. “I remembered that my cousin had gone to The Potter’s House years ago, and it felt like this revelation that I needed to go see it.”

Just a week and a half before school started, Ephram toured The Potter’s House for the first time. During that visit, school leaders asked him a question he still remembers clearly: What does grit mean to you?

At the time, he did not realize how much his life would change over the next four years.

“I had my parents’ faith, but it had never really become my own,” he said.

“If I had gone anywhere else, I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today spiritually.”

That transformation did not happen all at once. It grew through discipleship groups, Bible studies, worship experiences, friendships, and countless conversations that challenged Ephram to take ownership of his faith for himself.

One of the biggest influences on Ephram’s spiritual growth was the school’s discipleship program. He still remembers his freshman-year The Potter’s House Press |

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discipleship group and how different those meetings felt compared to what student groups have become today.

“Back then it was more casual,” he said.

“Now students are opening up, praying for each other, and actually helping each other grow in their faith.”

By senior year, Ephram had become a discipleship leader himself, mentoring younger students twice each month. The group spent time together far beyond scheduled meetings — sitting together at lunch, attending school events, celebrating birthdays, and intentionally making students feel included.

“There’s usually a plan for what we want to talk about,” Ephram explained, “but sometimes the conversation shifts into talking about life and how we can support each other.”

Stepping into leadership changed Ephram personally as much as it impacted the students around him.

“Leading discipleship helped make my faith my own,” he said.

That personal growth was deeply influenced by his family as well. Ephram’s father, who has been paralyzed for most of Ephram’s life, regularly travels to churches sharing his testimony and speaking about God’s faithfulness through suffering.

“Watching my parents live out their faith was really encouraging,” Ephram shared.

“But eventually I realized I needed to choose that faith for myself.”

One of the moments that pushed him toward that decision came during his class trip to Montana. Ephram describes the experience as life-changing for many students in his class.

“The first chapel there was unbelievable,” he remembered. “Everyone was worshipping together, praying, crying — it felt like a huge spiritual moment for our grade.”

Students still talk about unexpected moments from the trip, including seeing a triple rainbow stretched across the sky after worship one evening.

“Montana really changed me,” Ephram said. “It pushed me to take my faith seriously.”

That momentum carried into his senior year, when Ephram and his friends Chris, Daniel, and Abby decided to start a student Bible study after spending the summer reading through Acts 2 together.

“We were talking about the early church and the kind of community they had,” Ephram explained. “We felt like we wanted that here too.”

What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a weekly gathering where students met to pray, study Scripture, and encourage one another. The group created a prayer jar where students could anonymously submit prayer requests before redistributing them throughout the group so each student would leave praying intentionally for someone else.

“We talk about our week, read a passage together, and discuss how we can apply it to our lives,” Ephram said.

Soon, the Bible study expanded beyond school. Students began hosting worship nights, bonfires, and weekend gatherings at their homes. One evening lasted until after midnight as students sat around a fire singing worship songs together.

“About twenty students came to one of the gatherings,” Ephram said. “That’s almost a third of our grade.”

Ephram believes one of the most unique parts of The Potter’s House is the diversity students experience every day. Through classrooms, friendships, worship, and Bible discussions, students from many different cultures and backgrounds learn alongside one another.

“I don’t think everyone realizes how much being in a diverse school changes you,” he said.

“After a while, TPH just becomes home.”

That diversity became especially meaningful in his advanced Bible classes, where students with very different experiences of faith studied Scripture together.

“There are students who have been Christians their whole lives sitting next to students who are brand new to faith,” Ephram said. “I’ve stayed up until two in the morning studying because I didn’t want to stop reading.”

Now, as he prepares for his next chapter, Ephram says he leaves The Potter’s House grateful for the ways the community shaped both his faith and his future.

This fall, Ephram will attend Albertus Magnus College, where he plans to study sports management while continuing to pursue leadership opportunities and stay involved in ministry.

While he is excited for what comes next, leaving The Potter’s House is bittersweet.

“I’m ready for the next chapter,” Ephram admitted, “but I really don’t want to leave.

I love it here.”

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| The Potter’s House Press

Nikolas’s Story:

The Kingdom Looks Like Brotherhood

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ow faith, friendship, and community carried Nikolas through life’s hardest seasons

When Nikolas Razo thinks about the Kingdom of God, he doesn’t picture a place.

That care became especially important during middle school and again during his sophomore year, when Nick quietly struggled with depression.

“I was more of a kid who didn’t want to show his feelings,” he says.

He pictures people.

Even so, certain adults noticed.

A teacher who noticed when he was struggling. A friend who challenged him to take faith seriously. Teammates who became brothers. Adults who opened their homes when students needed a place to belong.

One teacher who consistently made him feel safe was Mrs. Hofman. During difficult days, Nick would stop by her classroom simply because he knew he could sit there quietly without needing to explain everything he was feeling.

Looking back on his years at The Potter’s House, Nick says those relationships shaped not only who he became, but how he understands God.

Seen and Supported

Nikolas has spent most of his life at The Potter’s House. Since arriving as a second grader, he has experienced a community where faith is not confined to Bible class or Chapel, but lived out through everyday acts of care.

His parents originally chose The Potter’s House because they wanted both spiritual and academic formation for their son. Before coming to TPH, Nick attended a local public school, where he remembers an environment that often felt inconsistent and difficult for many students.

At The Potter’s House, he found something different.

“It’s not perfect because no school is perfect,” Nick says.

“But I think they do a really good job of finding teachers who genuinely care about students and want to help guide them.”

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“There were times I would just sit there quietly,” he says. “But she was still there.”

One memory especially stayed with him. After Nick fractured a bone during middle school, Mrs. Hofman unexpectedly showed up at his house carrying a basket filled with gifts and encouragement.

“When he passed away, that was a big, ‘What am I going to do with all this extra time I have now?’” Nick recalls.

Yet even in grief, he was not alone.

A close-knit group of friends and fellow TPH students, including Marcos, Marlon, Eliseo, Jessica, and others, intentionally stayed connected after Rosbin’s death.

They spent time together, checked in on one another, and made sure no one carried the burden alone.

For Nick, those friendships became one of the clearest pictures of God’s Kingdom.

Not perfection. Not easy answers. Just people choosing to walk alongside one another through loss, healing, and hope.

A Family Beyond School

The support Nick experienced extended beyond classmates and teachers.

“She came over unannounced with a big basket of stuff,” Nick recalls. “Ever since then, I felt really special.”

After Rosbin’s death, Rochelle Rosario regularly welcomed Nick and several of his friends into her home.

Long before he realized it, God was using people to remind Nick that he wasn’t carrying life’s challenges alone.

“She always had a welcoming space,” Nick says. “She brought us in like her sons. We felt like a big family.”

Brotherhood Through Loss

Her hospitality created a place where students could gather, process grief, laugh together, and simply belong.

Nick and Rosbin grew up together, played soccer together, and spent countless hours encouraging one another. Their friendship became something deeper than companionship.

Moments like these changed the way Nick understood faith.

One of the most important relationships in Nick’s life began in elementary school.

“I felt like I could call him my brother,” Nick says.

Rosbin also challenged Nick spiritually, encouraging him to reconnect with church and take his faith more seriously.

The Kingdom was no longer just something he heard about in sermons or read about in Scripture. It was something he experienced through people who opened their hearts, homes, and lives to others.

Faith in Action

Then, in 2024, Rosbin passed away.

As Nick matured, his faith became increasingly personal.

The loss left a void that touched every part of Nick’s life.

Rather than relying only on what others told him to believe, he began reading

Scripture for himself and developing a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

“I realized I needed to understand the Bible for myself,” he says.

That faith continues to shape every area of his life, including soccer.

While club soccer often feels intensely competitive, Nick says playing at The Potter’s House taught him that competition and compassion can exist together.

“Our teammates support one another,” he says. “You compete as brothers.”

“At the end of the day, it’s a sport,” he adds. “The bigger thing is realizing God and giving Him the glory for what we do.”

For Nick, even athletics became another opportunity to experience Christian community in action.

Looking Ahead

As graduation turns into a new beginning, Nick is preparing for the next chapter.

Through dual-enrollment opportunities with Kuyper College, he has already completed coursework in business marketing, entrepreneurship, and sports management. He hopes to continue both his studies and his soccer career in college.

As he looks toward the future, Nick carries with him lessons learned through years of friendship, mentorship, challenge, and growth.

When he reflects on his time at The Potter’s House, what stands out most is not a particular class, game, or event. It is the people God placed in his life along the way.

• Teachers who noticed.

• Friends who became family.

• Adults who opened their hearts and homes.

• A community that refused to let him walk alone.

For Nick, that is what the Kingdom looks like.

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| The Potter’s House Press

In memory of gifts  In Honor Of Madeline Herman

 In Memory Of Nancy Buth

 In Honor Of Dick and Betsy DeVos

 In Memory Of Shirley Van Dyken

 In Honor Of Marilyn Burman

 In Memory Of Sid Helder

 In Honor Of Jeanne Smith

 In Memory Of Mark Campbell

Catherine Decker

Rensselaer and Elsa Prince Broekhuizen Lawrence and Sharon Slager Catherine Decker

In Memory Of Betty Lotterman  Jacquellyn Bremer Marie O’Hara

 In Memory Of Christine VanZytveld Mary Feyen Ross and Terisa Meyering Jay and Diane DeBoer Timothy and Nancy Daling Thomas and Carol Spelman Rick and Jaltina Kehr Robert and Katherine Neff Burton and Nancy Breuker Ruth VandenBerg Susan and John VanZee Randolph and Marie Tenbrink Lucas and Sandra Nieuwenhuis

 In Memory Of Gordon Buys Ronald and Mary Deruiter

 In Memory Of Hi Scholma Ron and Erin Cook II Fred and Kathy Cook

 In Memory Of Jason and Larry Preston William and Nancy Meyer

 In Memory Of Markell Barnhart Douglas Kliewer Bennett Samuel

 In Memory Of Yvonne Pylman Dan and Jeanne Lutz James Karel and Joyce Vandenberg Betsy Prose Anonymous Thomas and Nancy Jo Claus Gregory and Deanna Meibeyer Eric and Donna Hausler Mike and Barb Post Richard and Lynn Westrate Doug & Michelle Gulker Betty Huizinga John and Marcia Pylman Greg Love

The Potter’s House Press |

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George Buth

Larry and Nancy Stegink

Henry and Nancy Verkaik

Susan Strickfaden Bradley Weber Mathew Chung And Vicky Varlotta-Chung Leslie Wong Rizwan and Homaira Danish Thelma Meyer Subaru of America, Inc. Susan Silverie Paul and Catherine Boyer David and Diane Tongue William and Molly Mast Lisa Sedgley Ron and Joyce Lubbers John and Connie Copchick Jane and Paul Anderegg Larry and Susan Zimmerman Dale and Sue Vanderschaaf Brenda Geoghegan John Erickson Susan Gifford Furrin Group John Leese Jim and Renee Overbeck William and Linda Prescott Dr. Mark Campbell, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Board Trustee, Walter and Mary Huizenga enjoying student artwork Timothy and Debra Orourke Wayne and Brigitte Nelson (1948 - 2026) Kay Reick Cynthia White Bill and Pat Mills The Hackett Family Foundation Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealers Association Diane Lobbestael George Buth Mike and Kathy Bierlein Robert Grooters Carl and Kelly Jandernoa Bertina Sprich Mark and Candace Hinshaw Jack and Paula Winn Robert and Paulette Israels Dan Baker Bradley Weber Michael and Patricia Zakem William and Patricia Dodds David and Barbara Decker Donald Baker Thomas Stringer Tim and Christy Swiney Nancy Eardley

A Legacy of Faithful Leadership As The Potter’s House looks ahead to a new school year, the community is also reflecting with gratitude on the leadership of High School Principal Alf Clark.

After years of serving as a teacher, coach, Dean of Students, principal, parent, mentor, and spiritual leader, Alf has accepted a position as Head of School at another local school and is beginning a new chapter in educational leadership. While his presence will be deeply missed, his impact on students, families, and staff will continue to be felt for years to come.

“Serving at The Potter’s House in various capacities has been the honor of a lifetime.

I am truly thankful to God for allowing me to work with the hardest-working and dedicated administrators, teachers, and staff, who are committed to their craft and to the students.

I cannot thank them enough for their support, their care for students and families, and their dedication. They know how to stay on mission.“ - Alf Clark

Behind every student’s story are teachers, coaches, administrators, and staff members who faithfully invest in their growth.

The individuals recognized below have dedicated 15 or more years to serving the mission of The Potter’s House, helping equip students to serve God and society to their fullest potential.

Carla Ackerman *

Kathy DeJong

Aubree Hofman

Christina Rodriguez

Randy Basinger

Curt DePree

Maria Johnson *

Sara Sisco

Cheri Beals

Terry Faber

Kevin Kuipers

Jeanne Smith

John Booy

Tricia Figueroa

Nanette Leegwater

Anna Veldman

Alf Clark *

Sandy Gardner

Becky Ophoff *

Keith Ver Beek

Janae Dean *

Molly Guzniczak

Mark Ponstine

Colleen Hill

Brenda Riegler

* It is never easy to say goodbye to people who have

been such an important part of our community. We thank these staff members for the gifts, talents, and hearts they have shared with The Potter’s House, and we wish them joy and success in the next chapter of their journey.

Carla Ackerman (Happy Retirement!)

Janae Dean (Happy Retirement!)

Ophoff pageMaria 15 | Johnson The Potter’sBecky House Press

810 Van Raalte Drive SW Grand Rapids MI, 49509-1101 tphgr.org

Our New Friends Banquet was a tremendous success!

We were thrilled to welcome 640 attendees for a time of fellowship, storytelling, and celebration of the impact Christcentered education is making in the lives of students and families.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we not only met but surpassed our fundraising goal of $550,000. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, gave, prayed, and helped make the evening possible.

A special thank you goes to our Presenting Sponsor and Diamond Sponsors for their outstanding partnership and support.

Lois Nagel

Ross and Suzann VanKlompenberg

Chad and Heather Barton

Eikenhout & Sons, Inc.

Chuck and Christine Boelkins

Jay and Kathleen Morren

Buist Electric, Inc.

Soul Soup Foundation

Brad and Vonnie Lamb

Fred and Kathy Cook

Stifel, Inc.

David and Joanna Huizenga

Thank you for investing in the mission and future of our school community.