The Potter's House Summer 2022 Newsletter

Summer 2022

Where We Belong

tphgr.org

Letter from the Superintendent “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.

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.

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 this summer

for blessing and 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

Your partner in education,

John Booy

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Photo by Eli Hart

Congratulations Class of 2022!

48 seniors

100%

GRADUATION RATE 87% COLLEGE-BOUND

Summer 2022

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BIRTH COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

China, Costa Rica, Eritrea, Guatamala, Kenya, Mexico, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam, and United States of America

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SOPHIA ACKERSON

Grand Valley State University Statistics

ANDRE BURNS

JONAH ANDREAS Work in Auto Collision

CECI CHEN

GABRIELLA BAEZ Cornerstone University Graphic Design

ASHER DEYOUNG

Work in Aviation

University of Michigan Biochemistry

Grand Rapids Community College

BRITTNEY GARCIA-MARTINEZ

SEBASTIAN GRABILL

JEREMIAH HAKIZIMANA

Grand Rapids Community College Law Enforcement

Calvin University Philosophy, Physics, and History

KURT HOOPER

LILLIAN KLOP Calvin University Exercise Science

Grand Valley State University Exercise Science

MARLEYDY MORALES

YEREDI MUKANDA

YOSIA MUKANDA

Grand Rapids Community College Electrician Programs

Wake Technical Community College Cosmetology 4

Work

Grand Canyon University Dentistry

ANNA KORTMAN

Cornerstone University

ESTRELLA BARRERA-LOPEZ

JOY BOUMA

Grand Rapids Community College Psychology

Grand Rapids Community College

DANIEL FESAHAYE

RENEE FIGUEROA

Grand Rapids Community College Business Marketing

Calvin University Biology or Environmental Science

DELACIA HARRISON

SETH HOEKSEMA

JEREMY LEAL

MYRA LEEDY

Grand Valley State University Environmental & Biomedical Sciences

Grand Rapids Community College

MY ZIN NGUYEN

Grand Rapids Community College

Calvin University Social Work

Seattle Pacific Exercise Science

JOK NHIAL

Grand Rapids Community College Trade School / Electrician

GWENETH OSTERINK

AVANTAE PAAUWE Work in Aviation

Grand Canyon University Psychology

Grand Rapids Community College

SHUMDAHAN SALEH

MOHAMED SALIH

JESSICA SANTOS-CALDERON Calvin University Nursing

ISAAC SCHAAFSMA

Calvin University Engineering and Chemistry

Cornerstone University Bible and Business

ELIJAH SUWYN

DAVID SWEDBERG

DAVID TERPSTRA

GEORGE TIEMERSMA

CARLY TYWAN

JULIA VANDERTOL

ERIKA VER BEEK

Western Michigan University Social Work

Western Michigan University Social Work

JONATHAN STOUT

Work

Michigan State University Statistics and Soccer

Grand Canyon University

DORIANE TUMUKUNDE

CHIGOA TUOL

Calvin University Pre-Medicine

Calvin University International Business & Relations

ELISE WENTZEL

JAMES WISNESKI

Grand Valley State or Wayne State Art

Summer 2022

Gap year

MYA PONTARELLI

Gap Year

Grace Christian University Global Communications

EVAN REIFFER

Calvin University

Gap year

ZACHARY REINSMA

Hamline University Political Science & Basketball

EMMET SMITH

Grand Valley State University International Business

North Park University Philosophy and Sociology

KEKE ZHENG

Michigan State University Psychology 5

Marleydy Morales Struggling to Believe

I

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. 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.

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.

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.

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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.

One year later, I received a new foster 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 second 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.

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.

My new sister, Asmita, introduced me to her friends who spoke Spanish.

She also introduced me to Dominga, who is from Guatemala. When Asmita 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."

Marleydy plans to study Cosmetology at Wake Technical Community College. She hopes to one day own a salon.

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?”

Summer 2022

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Daniel and Jonathan Brothers Daniel

M

y name is Daniel, and I am from Eritrea. It is not a safe place to live because the government wouldn’t help people or the country.

Our school system is far behind other developed countries. The idea of teenagers becoming soldiers is real.

I joined many others who were leaving the country for a better life.

I am an Orthodox Christian. An experience in my village encouraged my faith. A man in my village of Libya, who could not walk, had a vision. After the vision, he began to walk. He told a group of 500 people that we would be safe from the bad war situation in Libya. He said, “Don’t worry but talk to God.” Many who heard him found safety in other countries.

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 interview process. I had hoped to go to Europe to be with my siblings, but I came to the United States.

After arriving in Grand Rapids, I was placed with The Stouts — my foster family. They are a great family. I began attending The Potter’s House high school, where Mrs. Stout is a guidance counselor. It is where the Stout children attended school as

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well.

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 specialist, was very helpful in tutoring ELL students. After the first year, I joined the soccer team, playing alongside my foster brother, Jonathan.

I did not expect the soccer team to win the state championship. We did not think we had a chance to win without our best player, Jonathan. But he returned, and together, we made it to state and won the championship.

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 become very close. He is my teammate, my friend, my brother.

After high school, I plan to attend Grand Rapids Community College and transfer to Western Michigan University to study business."

Jonathan

I

began The Potter’s House (TPH) in 4th grade. My family had just moved back to West Michigan from China.

In Mrs. Leyendecker’s class, I made lifelong friends. I loved playing sports with my friends and Mr. VanZanten during recess. Mr. Cho was my homeroom teacher for 6th - 7th grade. He is still one of the most influential teachers I’ve had. He was well-spoken, great at discipline, and helping students with their problems.

I wanted to emulate him.

While in 6th grade, my family began hosting long-term exchange students. Daniel, from Eritrea, arrived when I was a freshman. Communicating 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.

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.

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.

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 physically 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 soccer team, but due to a Michigan High School Athletic Association rule, I had to choose between the two. I decided to play for TPH.

Summer 2022

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 season on top.

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.

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 mattered 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.

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.

Next year, I plan to attend Michigan State University to play soccer. I may major in Statistics or Data Analysis."

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 appreciative of the different types of lives that people live.

— Jonathan Stout 9

Isaac Schaafsma The Right Decision

I

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. 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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."

Ceci Chen Finding Family Abroad

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.

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 Summer 2022

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.

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.

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

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.

Ceci will be attending the University of Michigan to study biochemistry.

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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.

The Potter's House Bowling Team

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 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.

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Top: Coach Derek, Caden, Isaac Bottom: Javen, Yadap, Jonathan, Sebastian, Mikey

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Summer 2022

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In Loving Memory of: Mae Deboer Jane Calkins

Diane Deboer Jane Calkins

Ted and Ann De Leeuw Chuck and Gail De Leeuw

Sharon Lettinga John and Margaret Kuiper

Irene VanZanten Timothy and Karen Folkertsma

In Honor of: Dick and Linda Antonini Robert and Jaclyn Antonini Ross and Lisa Antonini Carol Cooper John and Carol Anne Foley John and Vicki Hannigan Brett and Rachel Howell Nancy Mello John and Nancy OKeeffe Robert and Marilyn Shipman Chris and Lynette Wingeier

Richard Ward Tanner and Karlie Ward

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20-year Alumni Reunion

T

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.

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 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.

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.

Some alumni shared their most memorable experiences in high school: “Being part of a family, not simply another high school.”

“The entire high school experience was life-changing. I just loved being a part of a school where every single person mattered.”

“Being challenged daily to grow in compassion and in my faith.”

“Our volleyball tournament win, which gave The Potter's House High School our first trophy.”

Thank you to our 20212022 Banquet Sponsors!

Honorary Host:

Diamond Sponsor

Dave and Joanna Huizenga

Richard and Dawn Antonini

Jay and Kathleen Morren

Mark and Marty Campbell

Presenting Sponsor

Stifel Inc.

Lois Nagel

Integrated Packaging Machinery

Gold Sponsor Brent and Nicole Enders Olsson Investment Group Robert and Mary Jo Schierbeek UFP Industries

Summer 2022

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

Photo by Eli Hart