NewsletterSummer 2023

Congratulations Seniors!

Summer 2023 tphgr.org

Letter from the Superintendent

The main thrust of The Potter’s House is our stories. We are continually excited about the way God moves in the lives of our students, parents, and staff. This year is no exception.

We had a 100% graduation rate this year, and it was a great privilege to watch our largest class of 68 students, and one additional student from China who audited his senior year, cross the stage to receive their diplomas. Nearly 87% of our students will go to college. The rest will either go on gap year experience or to trade schools.

This newsletter will highlight stories from some of our senior graduating class.

- Malachi shares how he witnessed the Potter’s House staff’s sacrificial love and how he learned that diversity and differences are united in Christ.

- Ariana tells a meaningful story of how her TPH Partner made a huge impact on her life.

- Micah speaks about his high school principal, Alf Clark, and how he helped Micah to develop not just a love for music but a love for worship. “In worship, I am living out God’s will–allowing Him to speak to me. Being in the Lord’s presence is complete peace and surrender. It is one of my favorite things.”

- David shares about his journey from a rambunctious first grader to a respectful young man who is God-centered, academically focused, and determined to succeed.

- Ministry shares how the gift of music was instrumental in connecting her at The Potter’s House School, where she found a loving community that helped her grow.

The primary difference that can make an incredible transformation in the lives of our students is being surrounded by positive peers and caring teachers, partners, and mentors in a Christ-centered atmosphere. I am continually inspired by God's work at The Potter’s House, and for the growing vision that He has placed on our hearts.

As of this writing, we have the need to raise $300,000 to meet this school year’s budget. Please give generously as you are led. I pray that God will continue to direct our steps and passions to his divine purpose.

With Gratitude,

John Booy

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REPRESENTED

China, Ecuador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and United States of America

87% COLLEGE-BOUND 5% TO TRADES OR MILITARY 5% TO WORKFORCE

EZEQUIEL ARAUJO GVSU or Calvin University Kinesiology ISABELLE BAEZ Cornerstone University Special Education or Social Work GRACE BARTSCH Cornerstone University Business and Ministry MADISON BOBO Calvin University Speech Pathology SOFIA BRINKERHOFF John Brown University Graphic Design MACKENZIE BRYANT GVSU Marketing LEUL BULT UFP Business School Business JACOB CABALLERO Hope College Biochemistry CADEN COLEGROVE Cornerstone University Computer Science ARIANA CORREA College or Trade School Real Estate DESTIN COVINGTON Trade School or Army ABIGAIL COX MIchigan State University EMMONE CRAIG Psychology (Forensics Emphasis) JONAS COVINGTON Entrepreneur MATTHEW DE VUYST Calvin University Politics, Philosphy, & Economics MATEA DETERS Calvin University Environmental Science SAMUEL DYER Calvin University Journalism RACHELLE FABER Spring Arbor University Psychology & Art JULIENNE EDISA Grand Rapids Community College Business TYSON FEY GRCC & Ferris State Music & Business

68 CONGRATS to our 100% GRADUATION RATE

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3 Summer 2023

BIRTH COUNTRIES

seniors

SY'NIA GANT Gap Year Midwife's Assistant ANDOM GEBREMICHAEL Grand Rapids Community College Business NICOLE GONZALEZ-CASTILLO GVSU Ultrasound Technician ABRAHAM GOMEZ-CERVANTES College - Undecided ANDY GONZALEZ-FERNANDEZ Grand Rapids Community College MAGDALENE GRABILL Calvin University Biology ISAIAH HAWKS Entrepreneur MICAH HOUGH Visible Music College Music Education DANIEL JONKER University of Vermont Environmental Science MINISTRY JORDAN Grand Rapids Community College Music & Psychology SARA KOOISTRA Grand Rapids Community College US Coast Guard CALEB KOOYER GRCC & GVSU Nursing JONATHAN LUNDBERG Calvin University Mathematics & Computer Science EPIPHANIE MAYNE Grand Rapids Community College Early Childhood Education AKOLDE MAYOR Grand Rapids Community College General Engineering DINEO MOTAUNG Wheaton College Sociology and Human Resources JOHN NICKELSBURG Wheaton College Humanities MADELYN NOLAN Maximo Nivel Spanish immersion Gap year to learn Spanish JOYEASHA MCCLENDON Grand Valley State University Kinesiology ANIYA OBANDE Michigan State University Political Science SILAS ONDERSMA Calvin University Business LEZAWE OSTERINK Michigan State University Business ABIGAIL PONSTINE Calvin University Speech Pathology CRISTIAN PADILLA-CORREA Grand Rapids Community College Architecture

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ALLISON POTOKA GRCC & Kendall College of Art & Design Art, Business & Finance

ZECHARIAH RUBINGH Calvin University Business MASENGESHO RUKUNDO Grace Christian University Business LOGAN SEABERG Work Force ARIANNA SMITH Calvin University Nursing LYDIA SNOEYINK Cornerstone University Strategic Communications AUBRIANNA STEVENS Grand Rapids Community College Culinary Arts LOGAN SWINEY Spring Arbor University Secondary Education FILMON TEKLE Grand Rapids Community College & Work BLAKE TOONSTRA Grand Rapids Community College Culinary Arts LUCAS VANDER GRIEND Calvin University Mechanical Engineering HAYLEE VELASQUEZ Gap Year, then Trade School Interior Design MALACHI VERWYS Calvin University Political Science & Business NATALIE WAALKES Grand Rapids Community College Human Services REBECCA WILCOX North Park University Journalism & Women's Studies MCKENZEE VELASQUEZ CNA through Rose Garden Sunset Community SIMON WILLOVER Calvin University Computer Science KATHARINE WOLFE Calvin University Political Science and Environmental Studies JAVEN WILSON Work Force - HVAC MIGUEL ZUNIGA Grand Rapids Community College Automotive Engineering JINTAO (TONY) CUI Auditing Student QUINCY WINKLE Calvin University Education KEVIN RAMIREZ-JUAREZ Cornerstone University Business (Marketing) DAVID REYES FERNANDEZ Grand Canyon University Business

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BREONNA REYES Military & Undecided College

Ariana Correa Not Just A School

My family believes that The Potter’s House (TPH) offers opportunities that other schools cannot. Over the years, our mom had to explain to others why my siblings and I attend The Potter’s House School when local schools are free. She would say, “The Potter’s House is not just a school, it’s a community. It opens doors that no other school can.”

My siblings, Nancy and Daniel, are older than me. We all began attending TPH when I was in kindergarten. I remember that first day vividly because I had to change clothes. There was a dress code, so the students wore collared shirts. That was the first of many seemingly small things at TPH that have impacted my life for the better.

FAMILY WORSHIP - Being crammed into the Family Worship Room, sitting cross-legged, was helpful in my learning self-discipline. Mrs. Scott would lead us in singing. She was free in how she worshiped God. It was impactful. Now, I enjoy being in a space with people who want to worship the Lord. I say it brings out the Mrs. Scott in me.

THE MORNING PROGRAM - I have great memories of The Morning Program. That is where I learned to jump rope and built lasting friendships. I do not have many uncles or older family members. Mr. Eddie, who runs the morning program, was like an uncle to me.

FIELD TRIPS - The many field trips we took made an impression on my life. I remember the apple orchards and the Chicago trip. We even met the President of the United States and his wife on the 8th-grade Washington D.C. trip. Also, in middle school, we went into the neighborhood to share the gospel as part of the discipleship

program. Not only did we have the opportunities to go on various trips, but professionals came to us. The 8thgrade career awareness talks were good preparation for our future.

PARTNER PROGRAM - When I was younger, I did not understand why my student partner, Mr. Dornbush, would come to school for Partner Day. In 8th grade, instead of just eating a cookie next to him, we had a conversation that stuck with me. It was around that time that I was feeling the absence of my grandparents because they live in Mexico. But I realized that I had a grandpa figure in Mr. Dornbush. He and his friend treat me like their granddaughter.

When I turned 15, he sent me a touching letter for my quinceanera celebration. He did not have to do any of the many things he has done for me, but he chose to. During the quarantine, I noticed the impact he had on my life. I began to wonder how he was doing. I had no way of contacting him. The relationship we have has made me more aware of the elderly. I am concerned for their well-being and how I should care about them.

HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY - As a freshman, Miss Solis was my Advisory Teacher. I could connect to her bright energy. She played worship music in the classroom and related everything to God. During a challenging period in my life, she was there to provide support and reassurance. She has been instrumental in my spiritual growth.

You get to build a community with teachers and staff at TPH. The guidance counselors connected me with the owner of a marketing and sales company in an area that interests me. This school year, I received step-by-step support from

teachers. That support showed up in my recent grade point average of 3.95. When I saw it, I wanted to cry.

TPH has been a blessing to my family in so many ways. This school year, a cousin began to attend. He has autism. Recently, his father said to my mom, “I don't know what to say. I am amazed at how much this school has helped my son grow. He is becoming a strong independent person.”

My mom is correct in saying that TPH is not just a school. It is a place that provides opportunities. My sister, Nancy, has many connections in the community. She works for Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Daniel, my brother, is attending Davenport University because of the many scholarship opportunities he received. Recently I was accepted at Grace Christian University with a full-ride scholarship. I am going places because of The Potter’s House–the school that is not just a school.

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Araina with her student partner, Mr. Dornbush

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Micah Hough A Love for Worship

While visiting his grandparents, Micah lost his wallet. He was about eight years old. His grandparents found the wallet and returned it filled with money. Micah purchased Bibles and wanted to donate them to his school’s library, but that was not allowed. The principal suggested The Potter’s House (TPH) school. After checking it out, Micah and his dad brought a huge box of Bibles to TPH.

My dad is a pastor, and my mom is a worship leader. I play the piano and sing. In 8th grade, I began learning to play guitar. That birthed something inside of me for music. The school I attended was K-8. When it was time to find a place for high school, we did research. Once again, TPH surfaced.

I began TPH in 9th grade. The principal, Mr. Clark, asked me to bring my guitar to Base Camp (freshman orientation). We had a worship night. The sound of everyone singing filled the room. Everyone expressed themselves openly in worship. I realized that music was a huge part of my being at TPH, and I loved it!

Mr. Clark began meeting with me. He taught me how to quiet my mind to get in tune with the Lord. He helped to develop not just a love for music but a love for worship. In worship, I am living out God’s will and allowing Him to speak to me. Being in the Lord’s presence is complete peace and surrender. It is one of my favorite things. I love worshiping with people, but instead of being in front leading, I wish I could sit on the edge of the stage or on the floor. My heart is in that place, similar to how John leaned back on Jesus’ chest.

I am an only child and have spent most of my time with adults and that has benefited me. When it comes to people speaking into my life. Mr. Hoogstrate, Director of Student Life, is incredible. He has always been there for me, praying over me. He is a pillar I can lean on.

Pastor Trice, who teaches Bible class, has been remarkable. He has caused me to think earnestly about my faith. I also loved learning from and watching Nate Glasper, the Gospel Choir director. One of the biggest things he taught me was how to love people. He taught me by loving me.

Many godly people have pointed me to Jesus. In the same way, I want to speak God’s word, love, and truth into the lives of others. Becoming a worship leader has become real.”

Micah plans to attend Visible Music College in Memphis, Tennessee, to focus on vocals, guitar, and modern worship. His goals are to become a worship leader and a music teacher and to write.

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9 Summer 2023

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David Reyes Fernandez Growing into Manhood

A mother desperately wanted a Christcentered school with positive peer relationships and strong mentoring for her oldest son. She brought her pastor’s wife along to help plead her case to get her son enrolled in The Potter’s House. He was accepted, and a few years later, so was little brother David.

David was part of our 2023 graduating class. He received four scholarships and is heading to Grand Canyon University in the fall.

Ibegan attending The Potter’s House in first grade. Mrs. Vander Ark (now Riegler) was my teacher, and she was the best. My brother was in eighth grade, and we were in the same building. I felt alone when he moved on to high school the following year. I cried a lot and went to the office every day. My mom had a connection with Mrs. Rodriguez, the elementary school receptionist. As I sat in the office, crying, she helped me and gave me the confidence to trust the teachers and the school.

In fourth and fifth grades, my teacher Mr. VanZanten left a lasting impression on me. He helped me grow as an individual and helped me to identify some of my gifts. Mr. Grell, my eighth-grade teacher, also stood out. Our relationship wasn’t exactly a smooth one, but he challenged me. He showed me I could do hard things in life. At TPH, the teachers care about us. I am thankful for all the teachers who invested in me. At times they pushed me to do better.

I am also grateful for the diversity I have experienced at The Potter’s House. It has taught me how to adapt to different situations and circumstances and has prepared me to interact well with various cultures and people groups.

Thanks to The Potter’s House, I have grown in many ways, especially spiritually. I have been given time and opportunities to talk to God and build my relationship with Him. Another significant component of my spiritual life has been the Young Life program at TPH. In addition to the regular Monday night meetings, I am part of a group of guys that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays before school, one day for a leadership class and one day for a youth group-style gathering. The leadership class helped to shape the way I think about myself and my decisions for the future.

I plan to share the gospel. I want people to think of me as a servant, being able to serve others while helping them on their path and relationship with God. Matthew 23:11 says, But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. So I plan to serve God by telling others about Him and being an example.”

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Ministry Jordan A Different Place to Grow

Ministry enjoyed going into studios as a child with her father. He is an accomplished musician, and her mother is from a family of singers. Through her family, Ministry’s passion for music developed. The gift of music was instrumental in connecting her at The Potter’s House School, where she found a loving community that helped her grow.

We first heard about The Potter’s House (TPH) from our aunt. My mother considered her urgings, and eventually, my siblings were enrolled. I was in middle school, and it seemed appropriate for me to wait until high school to attend.

When I visited the school to shadow, I experienced an inviting culture, which completely threw me off, guard. I was timid, did not talk a lot, and was introverted. Not only was I shy, but I loved God; however, I didn’t have a strong relationship with Him just yet. Therefore attending this Christ-centered school would be too much for me. I did not want to go. Nevertheless, my mother noted that my siblings benefited by being at TPH and that I would too. Without a choice, I came to TPH.

At the Freshman breakfast and the Freshman orientation base camp, I knew there was something different

about this school. A student came and introduced herself to me. She was the first person I met at TPH. She said, “What’s your name?” I said, “Ministry.” She cheerfully said, “Hi, Ministry. I’m Julie. I hope you enjoy your time at TPH!” Other students were super kind and welcoming.

Opening up to others was hard; I kept to myself. Therefore music became my go-to for everything, my saving grace–if you will. It was a way for me to connect quickly with God and others. I then met Mr. Clark, Baraka, Eli, and Micah. To my surprise, they loved music just as much as me. Encouraged by them, I later joined the praise band and the gospel choir as a vocalist and instrumentalist. We played for chapels and special events. Then I began to see how TPH was different from other schools. Everyone was open to getting to know each other as an individual.

As a timid 9th-grader, life changes never came easy. I experienced waves of emotions about being at TPH. Miss Solis, a new teacher at the time, was more than a teacher. She was a friend, a mentor, and sometimes a big sister, speaking the truth to me even when it hurt a little. I received encouragement from her during rough times, and when I needed her, she was always there.

In Freshman year, as a procrastinator, I slacked off and hoped for the best. But Mrs. Sisco would say, “Because I love you, I am giving you this 8th hour.” In other words, I had to stay after school to do my schoolwork. I never understood the “love” in having to stay after school to do any work. However, I recognized and appreciated the small actions of my teacher sitting with me during the 8th hour, lunch, or free time. She noted my habits and made accommodations for my learning style. She would not let me or any other student fail.

I was not much of a talker for most of high school, but growth in all aspects of my life was happening. TPH influenced my walk with God and helped me to understand who I am in Him. Before TPH, I did not make time to be with God, although I had plenty of it. Chapels at school helped me develop a routine of spending time with Him. Additionally, chapel speakers were impactful and gave me new perspectives. I grew spiritually and realized I am ‘set apart’ for the Lord.

TPH offers growth. I am blessed to have attended. In the fall, I am studying at Grand Rapids Community College. I have been offered a spot at Calvin University and will transfer there after a year for music and film."

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Malachi Verwys

Iam a senior at the High School and this is my 9th year attending Potter’s House. Next year I plan to attend Calvin University, studying political science. When I first came to Potter’s House as a shy 4th grader, I joined Mr. Van’s 4/5thgrade class. The friendships that I was able to make in this classroom have stuck with me to this day. My various experiences both in academics and extracurriculars at Potter’s House have shaped me into the person I am now.

In the classroom, an environment of open discussion and curiosity created a place where my beliefs could be challenged and explored. This year, I had the opportunity to take a class about C.S. Lewis. It was taught by Mr. Cole, who has been teaching at the high school for 20 years. This class thought through the philosophy of Christianity and developed arguments for its existence, helping me to a deeper faith in God.

Through basketball and other extracurriculars, I learned how to dedicate myself to a team and compete in a healthy manner. My interactions with the teachers and staff have allowed me to see what sacrificial love looks like on a daily basis. We start every day at the High School by saying “The greatest among us will be a servant, go be great today.” and the teachers live this out every single day.

Among the teachers, Mr. Clark leads by example. This year, I met with Mr. Clark in his office to discuss the upcoming basketball season. During this meeting, he offered to continue his tradition of training basketball players early before school. That fall you could find my brother and I training every morning at 6 am in the gym with Mr. Clark. Mr. Clark is a busy person, often working 16-hour days during the basketball season. However, his willingness to sacrifice his time even before the basketball season to train

me is a prime example of how he exemplifies servant leadership. Not only has this shown me how someone can show Christ’s sacrificial love day to day, but also how backing up your words with action is key to being a person of integrity.

But undoubtedly, my biggest takeaway is the diverse cultural community at Potter’s House, which is united by Christ. As seen by the many flags in the procession, it is possible to have a conversation with someone from Ukraine and turn the corner and talk with someone from Sub-Saharan Africa. Our diverse cultural background strengthens the faith we have in Christ while allowing our differences to glorify God all the more. If God’s Kingdom is a beautiful tapestry, we are the multi-colored threads woven collectively with Christ, who is the strand that fastens us together.

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Malachi at top right

This section list gifts that are donated in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone special. The blue and bolded names are the honoree followed by the donors’ names underneath.

In Loving Memory of:

Jack L. Buist

Marge Buist

Tom and Carol Buist

Donald Swierenga

Skip (Jerry) Sietsema

John and Judith Benson

Jack Bos

Eric Hull

Brad and Vonnie Lamb

Doug and Judith Lipinski

Wes and Chris Mepyans

Robert and Mary Jo Schierbeek

Mark and Debra Seitsema

Randall and Linda VanEck

Betty Stegink

Evelyn Dykstra

Karla Laninga

New Life Thrift Store

Jack Tiemeyer

Jack and Mary Vandenberg

Pearl Tap

Robert and Taryn Vanderweele

Judie Verhulst

Eric Verhulst

Tamiqua Wright

Rick and Lonnie Ostrander

In Honor of Birthdays:

Dick Antonini

Chris and Lynette Wingeier

Linda Antonini

Chris and Lynette Wingeier

Bruce Osterink

Dale and Marcia Cooper

Thank you to our 20222023 Banquet Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsors

Dave and Joanna Huizenga

Lumbermen's Inc

Jay and Kathleen Morren

Diamond Sponsors

Lois Nagel

John and Lorene Postma

Ross and Suzann VanKlompenberg

Gold Sponsor

James and Nancy Engen

Dan and Magee Gordon

Integrated Packaging Machinery

Brad and Vonnie Lamb

Plante Moran

Wyser Innovative Products LLC

The plays and the art programs were made possible through our sponsors: Judith DeLapa Fine Arts Grant

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Michigan Arts & Culture Council and The National Endowment For The Arts

The John Booy Heritage Circle is composed of individuals who are dedicated to supporting our students in becoming resilient followers of Jesus by including a bequest to The Potter’s House in their estate planning. It is a critical part of building longterm financial stability for The Potter's House.

BECOME A MEMBER

We invite you to join the John Booy Heritage Circle. It is as simple as notifying us of your planned gift intention. If additional expertise is needed in developing or updating your will, we will be happy to provide you with the services of the Barnabas Foundation at no cost to you. Barnabas will not only help with structuring legacy gifts but also act as a conduit for charitable contributions. For more information, please call our Advancement Office at 616-241-5220.