Where BelongWe Summer 2022 tphgr.org
2
“The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:5-8
Another school year has come to an end. We celebrate our students who showed remarkable resilience and finished the school year strong. We are grateful for our teachers and staff members who loved and encouraged our students. We are also thankful for our volunteers and donors who have supported us tremendously.
Letter from Superintendentthe
This issue of The Potter’s House Newsletter is titled, "Where We Belong." You will read the stories of five seniors who share about their experiences at The Potter’s House; they come from very different backgrounds, yet they found a community here and a place where they belong. The bowling team’s story echoes the theme of belonging. This would not have been possible without the commitment of our teachers and staff who walked alongside our students, equipping them for the future, and supporting them during life struggles.
Your partner in education, John Booy
We celebrate 48 seniors who graduated this year. Our senior class was filled with wonderful students who have grown so much during their time at The Potter’s House. They have given to the school through their leadership, hospitality, and accomplishments. It gives me a bittersweet feeling to see them leave, but I am excited to see them move forward, and I have no doubt that these students will go out into the world and have a positive impact wherever God takes them.
Please join me in prayer: for the safety of our students, teachers, and staff as they rejuvenate forthis summerblessingand guiding our seniors making the transition to adulthood for the enrollment of new students, and a waiting list of 200 for student learning during summer school for Heartside Gleaning neighborhood food distribution from our parking lot on Wednesdays for GRIL University’s Bible study with Henry Bouma for the churches who worship in our chapel on Saturdays and Sundays
ClassCongratulationsof2022!12 BIRTH COUNTRIES REPRESENTED 48100%seniors GRADUATION RATE 87% COLLEGE-BOUND China, Costa Rica, Eritrea, Guatamala, Kenya, Mexico, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam, and United States of America
Photo by Eli Hart
3Summer 2022
MYRA LEEDY Seattle Pacific Exercise Science
JONAH ANDREAS Work in Auto Collision GABRIELLA BAEZ Cornerstone University Graphic Design
ASHER DEYOUNG Grand Rapids Community College
ANDRE BURNS Work in Aviation
JOK NHIAL Grand Rapids Community College Trade School / Electrician
JEREMY LEAL Grand Rapids Community College
4
YEREDI MUKANDA Work
ESTRELLA BARRERA-LOPEZ
SOPHIA ACKERSON
RENEE FIGUEROA Calvin University Biology or Environmental Science
MY ZIN NGUYEN Grand Rapids Community College
MARLEYDY MORALES
Grand Rapids Community College Psychology JOY BOUMA Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids Community College Law Enforcement
LILLIAN KLOP Calvin
ExerciseUniversityScience
SETH HOEKSEMA CalvinSocialUniversityWork
YOSIA MUKANDA Cornerstone University
Grand Valley State University Statistics
DELACIA HARRISON Grand Valley State University Environmental & Biomedical Sciences
BRITTNEY GARCIA-MARTINEZ
Wake Technical Community College Cosmetology
DentistryUniversity
DANIEL FESAHAYE Grand Rapids Community College Business Marketing
Grand Rapids Community College Electrician Programs
KURT HOOPER
ANNA KORTMAN Grand Valley State University Exercise Science
CECI CHEN University of BiochemistryMichigan
SEBASTIAN GRABILL Calvin University Philosophy, Physics, and History
JEREMIAH HAKIZIMANA Grand Canyon
ELISE WENTZEL
MOHAMED SALIH Work
Gap year
PsychologyUniversity 5Summer 2022
Western Michigan University Social Work
ISAAC SCHAAFSMA Calvin EngineeringUniversityandChemistry
ERIKA VER BEEK North Park University Philosophy and Sociology
JONATHAN STOUT Michigan State University Statistics and Soccer
DAVID TERPSTRA Calvin University
EMMET SMITH Cornerstone University Bible and Business
Gap
MYA PONTARELLI Grand Canyon PsychologyUniversity
JESSICA SANTOS-CALDERON CalvinNursingUniversity
GEORGE TIEMERSMA Grand Valley State University International Business
ZACHARY REINSMA Hamline University Political Science & Basketball
SHUMDAHAN SALEH Western Michigan University Social Work
ELIJAH SUWYN Grand Canyon University
DORIANE TUMUKUNDE CalvinPre-MedicineUniversity CHIGOA TUOL Calvin University International Business & Relations CARLY TYWAN Grace Christian University Global Communications
EVAN REIFFER Grand Rapids Community College
Work in Aviation
JAMES WISNESKI year
GWENETH OSTERINK
AVANTAE PAAUWE
DAVID SWEDBERG Gap Year
Grand Valley State or Wayne State Art
KEKE ZHENG Michigan State
JULIA VANDERTOL
My new mom, Kris, brought me to my new school, The Potter’s House (TPH). She said, ‘You will be safe here.’ That first day I was nervous and scared. I did not want it to be like the previous school year. It was not. At TPH, students and teachers tried talking to me and asked questions. Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Leegwater were sweet and helpful. It was Miss Solis’s first year as a teacher. She speaks Spanish, and I had classes with her.
Hello, my name is Marleydy. I was born in Guatemala. My mother gave birth to me when she was only 15 years old. After I was born, she and my dad married. In order to make ends meet, both of them needed to work when I was very young. The few memories I have of my childhood are not good ones.
Marleydy plans to study Cosmetol ogy at Wake Technical Community College. She hopes to one day own a salon.
6
Dear God, thank You for the happiness You have brought into my life. I have suffered much, often asking You, ‘Why, why me?’ Now I know that You have a purpose for my life. Perhaps You want me to share my story with others who are struggling to believe in You?”
One year later, I received a new fos ter family. I was hesitant and fearful that all foster families were the same. I wanted to meet them first. We went to the movies for our first meeting! It was my first time in a theater. Our sec ond time together, we went out for ice cream. They tried talking to me. I was hopeful that I could be happy with this family, a mom, two sisters, and one brother.
Marleydy Morales Struggling to Believe
always heard people say God exists and that He knows everything. My response was, ‘If that is true, why did He allow me to be born to my family? Why did I spend eight lonely months in a shelter? Why was I in a school where I felt invisible? Why did He allow me to suffer so much?’ If God existed, I did not want to believe in Him.
Come, sit at our table.’ No one did. I felt invisible. That day, and for most of that year, I cried as I ate lunch in the restroom alone.
I
I lived on my own for a while and then decided to come to the United States when I was 16 years old. Unable to be sponsored by relatives in the States, I lived in a shelter with many other children. We were all sad and cried a lot, and we were not allowed to go outside.
After eight months, I was assigned to a foster family in Grand Rapids. It was not a good fit; I cried a lot and felt alone. The large school I attended that year was not a good fit either. On the first day of school, a teacher showed me around. The following day when the bell rang for lunch, the students hurried to the cafeteria. I didn’t know what was happening, so I followed. After getting my food, I looked for a place to sit. No seats were available. I stood there alone, waiting for someone to say, ‘Hi.
My new sister, Asmita, introduced me to her friends who spoke Spanish. She also introduced me to Dominga, who is from Guatemala. When Asmi ta would see me in the hallway, she would say, ‘Hi Marleydy!’ To whoever was around, she would say, ‘She’s my sister.’ I liked my first day of school. My new family has shown me so much love. At TPH, through chapels and in the classrooms, I am learning about God. Now, I want to believe."
Around the age of 10, I moved in with my grandmother, who loved me. Other family members lived with her as well. The first few years were happy, but as I grew older, it became unsafe. When I realized how unsafe it was for me, I ran away.
7Summer 2022
y name is Daniel, and I am from Eritrea. It is not a safe place to live be cause the government wouldn’t help people or the country. Our school system is far behind oth er developed countries. The idea of teenagers becoming soldiers is real. I joined many others who were leav ing the country for a better life.
M
My senior year has been a good one. I am thankful that I came to The Potter’s House — a place that teaches the Bible. My relationship with God continues to grow. I appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Stout and their family. My time with them was good. For more than three years, Jonathan and I have grown together. We have be come very close. He is my teammate, my friend, my brother.
After arriving in Grand Rapids, I was placed with The Stouts — my foster family. They are a great family. I be gan attending The Potter’s House high school, where Mrs. Stout is a guidance counselor. It is where the Stout children attended school as
I am an Orthodox Christian. An expe rience in my village encouraged my faith. A man in my village of Libya, who could not walk, had a vision. Af ter the vision, he began to walk. He told a group of 500 people that we would be safe from the bad war sit uation in Libya. He said, “Don’t wor ry but talk to God.” Many who heard him found safety in other countries.
I did not expect the soccer team to win the state championship. We did not think we had a chance to win with out our best player, Jonathan. But he returned, and together, we made it to state and won the championship.
Daniel
The first day of school was hard. I did not know anyone. It was frustrating because I did not speak English. The students and staff were nice to me. Mrs. Joldersma, the education spe cialist, was very helpful in tutoring ELL students. After the first year, I joined the soccer team, playing alongside my foster brother, Jonathan.
well.
After high school, I plan to attend Grand Rapids Community College and transfer to Western Michigan University to study business."
I traveled with a friend to a refugee camp in Sudan. After spending time in other refugee camps, we traveled back to Libya. We tried crossing the Mediterranean Sea to enter Europe. The police caught us and sent us to a refugee camp in Niger. There we received help with the refugee inter view process. I had hoped to go to Europe to be with my siblings, but I came to the United States.
Daniel and Jonathan Brothers
8
Daniel and I are competitive and want to win. We loved being on The Potter’s House soccer team together. In practice, he would play physical ly aggressive against me. We would get into serious scuffles. The coach enjoyed our passion. I was planning on playing for TPH and my club’s soc cer team, but due to a Michigan High School Athletic Association rule, I had to choose between the two. I de cided to play for TPH.
Next year, I plan to attend Michigan State University to play soccer. I may major in Statistics or Data Analysis."
began The Potter’s House (TPH) in 4th grade. My family had just moved back to West Michigan from China.
Every game, I could pick out moments when God helped me. He helped me make a play or fix my mindset when I had given up. My faith has stayed strong. I’m talking to God more and reading my Bible more. I am doing a much better job of trying to live for Christ.
Jonathan
Our Tournament run was amazing. The fans were great. Sharing the field with Daniel, who I considered my brother, was an exciting experience. The team was becoming more like family. Everyone has a part. Buying into it all the way is what led to our winning. Together, we ended the sea son on top.
9
It is easier to be with those who have similar lives as you; you tend to think that’s all there is. The diversity at The Potter’s House, however, has helped me know people from different backgrounds and become more appre ciative of the different types of lives that people live.
I
Summer 2022
In Mrs. Leyendecker’s class, I made lifelong friends. I loved playing sports with my friends and Mr. Van Zanten during recess. Mr. Cho was my homeroom teacher for 6th - 7th grade. He is still one of the most in fluential teachers I’ve had. He was well-spoken, great at discipline, and helping students with their problems. I wanted to emulate him.
By our junior year, it was just the two of us at home with our parents. Several nights Daniel and I would stay up late talking about all types of things. We were becoming more like brothers. And, like brothers, we would have divisive arguments. Within the next day or two, we were friends again.
All my life, I have attended church and Christian schools. I thought that God existed, but my faith was never super strong. School and soccer mat tered the most to me. Ironically, the State Championship run impacted my faith. On bus rides, the guys and I began listening to Christian music. We prayed together before and after games. We talked about what God was doing for us. I started to realize how much God was doing for me.
As Daniel’s English improved, we became close. His true nature emerged. He is an energetic and fun-loving person. In time he realized that my name was not Jackson. My family welcomed other exchange students, but Daniel and I kept getting closer.
— Jonathan Stout
While in 6th grade, my family began hosting long-term exchange students. Daniel, from Eritrea, ar rived when I was a freshman. Com municating was tough. He did not speak much English. The first time I introduced myself to him, I said, “My name is Jonathan.” He repeated, “Jackson?” For the first few months, he called me Jackson.
After the soccer season, Daniel moved into a group home. I miss having him around, but he is learning to be more independent. I get to see him at school, which is nice. We are still very close.
The Potter’s House is far from where I live, but I chose to attend the Christ-centered school. Both of my parents work, so transportation was a challenge. The students at TPH were warm and welcoming, but I was shy that first year. I struggled to fit in and felt left out. Although I was part of the soccer team and had a neighbor who attended TPH, I thought I had made the wrong decision.
TPH is a place where you can understand the true meaning of your relationship with God. It is a great place to make friendships that will last a lifetime. I now know that I made the right decision to attend TPH.
I will be going to Calvin University to study engineering and chemistry."
10
Toward the end of my freshman year, I found a group of friends with whom I could express my feelings. I became more conscious of how to do that. At TPH, we talk about real issues and are not embarrassed to talk about things that matter.
The Right Decision
I
My advisory teacher, Mr. VerBeek, has been instrumental in helping me to understand my beliefs. Thanks to him, I have learned how to ask others for help. Mrs. Williamson is my math teacher and I appreciate how she connects math to Christianity. God and His world are a part of all of our classes.
When it was time for me to decide on a high school, I based my decision on two things: friends and religious belief. I could continue in public school, with my friends, or attend The Potter’s House, a place where I could grow my relationship with God. It was a hard decision to make.
attended public school for elementary and middle school. Throughout that time, I did not feel a connection to God. I knew about God, was baptized, and even attended a youth group, but I did not have a personal relationship with Him.
Isaac Schaafsma
My relationship with God has grown as well. My knowledge of Him has increased. I have been learning how to be a better Christian. In time, I realized that attending TPH was the right decision.
The Potter’s House nurtured my faith as well. I attended a boarding school before coming to the states. We could only go back home every other Saturday and there was an endless amount of homework that students had to complete. It resulted in my not being able to attend church or youth group and not having time for devotions and prayers.
11Summer 2022
I
am Ceci Chen, and I am one of the many international students at The Potter’s House. I have attended The Potter’s House for 4 years, and I have formed a strong emotional bond with the school. I have achieved so much for being a Chinese girl who couldn’t even speak English four years ago. I really wanted to fit in during my freshman year, and everyone in the school welcomed me the moment I walked in.
Ceci will be attending the University of Michigan to study biochemistry.
Ceci Chen Finding Family Abroad
Being loaded with work and other distracting factors in my school life, I lost my connection with God. At The Potter’s House, I experienced Christcentered education, getting to know God a little more every day through chapel services, the challenging
The Potter’s House really means a lot to me. My parents, after considering what might be my best path to walk in life, decided that I would pursue my high school education in the United States. I had good grades that would get me into the top colleges in China, so I didn’t want to start over, using a language that I was not familiar with, and be away from my family which I love deeply. I had no choice but to obey my parents. I came to The Potter’s House as a freshman. However, things here are different from what I imagined them to be. The Potter’s House is like a family to me. I soon made great friends and they were always with me during my most desperate moments. I met other students who are like me–living away from their families. I also became friends with those who I never would have met before I came to the states: Van Dams, Van Beeks, Ver Beeks, Vander Griends, Verwyses, and a lot of other Dutch people who do Dutch Bingo. I also became friends with Latino/Latinas, Native Americans, African Americans, and other Asians. We share about our cultures and life experiences, talk about our food, and complain about our similar strict moms from different ethnic backgrounds. I was able to fit into this welcoming community quickly, find friends who I would like to connect with for the rest of my life, and experience high-quality education just as I experienced in China. Knowing English isn’t my native
language, the teachers in the school were so helpful and patient with me. I was fortunate to experience all courses of varying levels of difficulty from the ESL program to AP Literature. Every teacher I have had inspired and encouraged me to pursue a brighter future. They were rigorous yet not too difficult, relaxing yet responsible.
discussions in bible classes, and more importantly, through my day-to-day interactions with the staff and the student body.
During my senior year, Mr. Clark, our principal, encouraged me to take on the responsibility of organizing the praise team for the chapel. This responsibility showed me that I can use my gifts and talents to serve in God’s presence while honoring and worshiping God with my whole heart.
Looking back at my journey, I am very thankful for what the school has done for me. The Potter’s House took me in, cared deeply for me, encouraged me to be confident in myself, and helped me to grow intellectually and spiritually. I am sincerely glad to be a part of this big family, and I am excited to witness how God uses The Potter's House in the future to make an impact on other people’s lives as well.
12
My name is Javen. I am a junior and have been at The Potter’s House since preschool. Everyone on the bowling team was inclusive; it did not matter how or why you joined the team, we all bonded. We always had a good time. Even the practices were fun. Winning at state felt great.
The Potter's House Bowling Team
Top: Coach Derek, Caden, Isaac Bottom: Javen, Yadap, Jonathan, Sebastian, Mikey
Some people may not consider bowling as a competitive high school sport. According to The Potter’s House boys bowling team, there is more to the sport than people realize. At TPH, we place a high value on small communities where our students can find a place to belong; it can be a robotics team, play cast, choir, or sports team. Seven young men found a community within The Potter’s House on the high school boys bowling team. The team has joined together as a band of brothers. The team made it to the State competition and came in 5th. We would like to introduce individuals from this amazing group and their coach, Derek Stites.
I'm Derek Stites. I had the privilege of coaching The Potter’s House bowling team for this season. We were a unique team made up of unique backgrounds. One of the memorable comments came from another coach who said, “Wow, your team is one of the most diverse teams I’ve ever seen.” Our team was noticed not only for our diversity but also for our performance and spirituality. The team was playing so well that other coaches commented on how impressed they were with the way we were bowling. Before each game, we humbled ourselves and prayed. We didn’t realize that others were watching. One of the teammate’s grandfathers mentioned how much he appreciated seeing us do that. We came together to share our different experiences in life. I have enjoyed hearing every story of where they’ve come from and where they are now. I am grateful to have been a part of this team and The Potter’s House community.
My name is Caden. I have been at The Potter’s House for 3 years starting as a freshman. I'm a junior now, and I have been on the bowling team all 3 years and I began bowling as a child. My favorite thing about being on the bowling team is that I got to spend a lot of time with my friends.
My name is Isaac and I am a senior. I have been at The Potter's House since the start of high school and I have been bowling the entire time. My favorite thing about being on the bowling team is how we can come together and boost each other's game through encouragement. It especially feels good when we are all bowling well and cheering each other on.
My name is Yadap. I am from Nepal, where bowling is not common. In the states, I had tried bowling and was good at it, so I joined the team. I’ve been at The Potter’s House for two years. I thought it was cool when the coach prayed over us before each game.
13Summer 2022
I'm Sebastian and I'm a senior this year. This is my first year at The Potter's House and my first year on the Bowling team as well. I thought that being on the bowling team would be a good way to know others. My favorite thing about the Bowling team are all of my teammates, I feel in some respect that bowling is secondary to the community that came with it. Bowling has made me feel comfortable since this is my first year at The Potter’s House.
My name is Jonathan, and I am from Guatemala. When I arrived I did not speak English. This is my second year at The Potter’s House and my first year bowling. I joined the team because my friend, Yadap, asked me. The team became family.
I am Miguel, also called Mikey. My teammates are fun to be around. I like hanging out with them. My greatest moment was when they announced we made it to state.
he Potter’s House began in 1981 with two volunteer teachers and 12 students. At first, they thought it would continue to be a small school with volunteer teachers. But eventually, grades were added to meet the needs of the middle school students. The board had no desire to open a high school, but God had different plans.
In 1998 the high school opened with grades 9 and 10. Twenty years later, the first graduating class of 2002 planned the 2nd Potter’s House reunion. The 12 graduates extended the invitation to the classes of 2003–2004.
Ted and Ann De Leeuw Chuck and Gail De Leeuw
In Honor of:
Tanner and Karlie Ward
Sharon Lettinga John and Margaret Kuiper
In MemoryLovingof:
Jane Calkins
Jane Calkins
T
20-year Alumni Reunion
Irene VanZanten Timothy and Karen Folkertsma
Dick and Linda Antonini
Carol Cooper John and Carol Anne Foley John and Vicki Hannigan Brett and Rachel Howell
On a beautiful April afternoon, the class of 2002 held their 20-year reunion. The event began at the high school. For most, it was their first time returning to the building. They were amazed and excited to see the newly renovated campus. Mr. Booy was the tour guide. As the group walked the hallways and sat in classrooms, they reminisced about the good old days.
In the evening, the first high school principal, John Walcott, and former teachers, Laurel Sanford Vandenberg and Keith VerBeek joined the alums at a restaurant in Comstock Park.
Richard Ward
Robert and Jaclyn Antonini Ross and Lisa Antonini
Nancy Mello John and Nancy OKeeffe Robert and Marilyn Shipman Chris and Lynette Wingeier
14
Mae Deboer
Diane Deboer
Dave and Joanna Huizenga
UFP Industries
Diamond Sponsor
“The entire high school experience was life-changing. I just loved being a part of a school where every single person mattered.”
Integrated Packaging Machinery
Stifel Inc.
Olsson Investment Group
“Our volleyball tournament win, which gave The Potter's House High School our first trophy.”
Gold Sponsor
Thank you to our 20212022 Sponsors!Banquet
Presenting Sponsor
Richard and Dawn Antonini
Brent and Nicole Enders
Honorary Host:
“Being part of a family, not simply another high school.”
Robert and Mary Jo Schierbeek
Some alumni shared their most memorable experiences in high school:
“Being challenged daily to grow in compassion and in my faith.”
15Summer 2022
Jay and Kathleen Morren
Lois Nagel
Mark and Marty Campbell
Grand
810 Van Raalte Drive SW Rapids MI
Photo by Eli Hart
49509 tphgr.org
