Welcome Back!
A NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS
Strong and Getting Stronger
Dear Friends,
This fall, The Potter’s House welcomed 650 students to our 45th year of providing Christ-centered education for students, regardless of income, or ethnic background. We are strong and getting stronger with the support of people like you along with our devoted faculty and staff. This school year we are focusing on the New Testament book of James with our students. We believe James provides practical wisdom on how to live in the kingdom together, and we hope these teachings continue to cultivate our distinctive community—a community marked by universal hospitality, real relationships and communal sacrifice. I am grateful for our founder John Booy, who faithfully guided The Potter’s House from its beginning, and will continue to serve the school through The Potter’s House Foundation. Like Mr. Booy, I am deeply committed to Christcentered education and our mission: Equipping students of every heritage and income level to serve God and society to their fullest potential.
As always, our work at TPH is rooted in Jesus and directed toward lasting impact. As Interim Superintendent, I’ve committed to asking these four guiding questions as I lead the school:
1. Does this honor God?
2. Does it earn trust?
3. Does it promote learning?
4. Does it make us a healthier organization?
After a study tour in Israel in the summer of 2000, I often reflect on the words of Habakkuk: “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” That summer I saw first hand how the Ibex (deer - like animal) traversed the steep cliffs with agility and confidence because God created the animal’s hooves specifically for the rugged environment. I was struck by the realization that for each of us, God provides “feet for the path” everyday, too. I see His love reflected in classrooms full of curious students, in staff who pour themselves out with joy, and in the daily ways we notice how God sustains The Potter’s House and cares for every need.
Thank you for standing with us and investing in the futures of the next generation. Our students are growing in faith and knowledge and our community partners make this possible through generous prayer, generous giving, and generous encouragement. Together, we celebrate what God has done and look with hope to the future, confident that He will provide “feet for the path” ahead.
With gratitude,
Christine Metzger Interim Superintendent The Potter’s House
Fall Sports
Fall sports are in full swing! We love seeing our stands packed with families cheering on our talented studentathletes.
Chapel
Fall chapel services have been wonderful as we support our students in growing their faith and building community together.
UPDATE FROM THE POTTER’S HOUSE SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH COMMITTEE
We are grateful for the steady leadership of our Interim Superintendent, Christine Metzger. Since joining us this summer, she has connected with John Booy, faculty, staff, students, and parents—listening, learning, and building on the 44-year foundation established by Mr. Booy and many others at The Potter’s House. She has also continued the tradition of daily morning prayer and devotions with the staff, encouraging our community in faith.
Working closely with our search firm, JobfitMatters, the Board’s Search Committee began with 15 applicants, along with 10 others who prayerfully considered the
LATELY AT TPH
Middle School Retreat
Our TPH middle schoolers had an amazing day at Lamar Park! Students built teamwork skills, discussed the book of James, and enjoyed some friendly competition between classes.
Robotics Sponsor Visit
Our robotics team enjoyed touring Integrated Packaging Machinery, one of our incredible program sponsors! These real-world connections help students see their STEM learning in action.
role but declined. From that strong pool, we have now narrowed the field, with final interviews scheduled for January 2026. This timeline ensures both a thoughtful transition and alignment with candidate availability.
Throughout the transition we remain steadfast in our mission of providing a Christ-centered education for students of all ethnic heritages and income levels, equipping them to serve God and society to their fullest potential. We are confident in God’s guidance and ask for your prayers as we seek His provision for the next season of leadership for The Potter’s House.
— THE POTTER’S HOUSE SEARCH COMMITTEE
Rich Antonini II, Co-Chair
Paul DeBoer, Co-Chair
Laurie Burgess, PhD
Ronald Cook II
Vonnie Lamb
Jeff Olsson
A Journey of Faith, Family, and Friendship: Edward’s Story
When Edward was born in Grand Rapids in 2007, his family was still adjusting to a new life in the United States. Just months earlier, his parents and six older siblings had fled war in Burundi, settled in Tanzania for several years, and then immigrated to Michigan. Looking back, Edward reflects on why his parents chose The Potter’s House. “It’s a good school where I can learn about God and also learn about the real world and reality,” he says.
That dual focus on faith and practical wisdom has shaped Edward’s journey as a student. “The teachers really helped me learn how to serve, respect others, and learn about God,” he shares. “If I went to a different school, I don’t think I would be the same person at all.”
Rooted in Faith and Learning
From early preschool days with Mrs. Larson to his junior year, Edward has flourished in both his spiritual and academic life. Chapel and Bible classes have been especially meaningful. “It’s good stuff and I find it really interesting,” he says, “Especially when we connect the Bible to the real world today.”
Every lesson and activity at The Potter’s House is underpinned with prayer and taught from a Christcentered perspective. Classes, such as Old and New Testament (with Mr. Koster) and Christian Doctrine and Worldview (taught by Pastor Trice), have built on his early foundation. “I think everyone should take these classes. It’s important to learn about God and what the gospel is, and then also how to apply it to our lives today. Try to spread it around.”
Edward is also thriving academically, especially in math and science. “I always found math pretty easy, and Ms. Stob is a good teacher. She makes class really fun,” he says about his favorite class, PreCalculus. Looking ahead, he hopes to study environmental science or biochemistry in college. “I have always loved science and math and I think those fields have good opportunities for me, and also I like being outside and exploring different things.”
Shaped by Meaningful and Lasting Relationships
Mr. and Mrs. Leegwater, Edward’s Partners, have been one of the most important influences in his life. “They’re really good people,” he says. “When I was younger, they helped me with my reading. They taught me to use sticky notes to write down stuff that stood out while reading books. It keeps you really involved in it, and not just grazing past those words on the page.”
That relationship began in preschool and continues to this day. “I see Mrs. Leegwater pretty much every day,” Edward says. “And on Partner Day, I have lunch with them.” Mrs. Leegwater now serves as an English Language Learning teacher at the TPH High School, and her consistent presence has shaped Edward’s growth both in academics and faith.
Friendships have also been a defining part of Edward’s time at The Potter’s House. His freshman May Term trip to Isle Royale is a memory he will never forget. “We had to cross a beaver dam and it was a long day. We’d already hiked,
I think, 12 or 13 miles. It was raining which was another obstacle.” Those challenges brought the group closer together. “The people who were on the trip and all the adventures that we experienced” are what made it so impactful, he explains.
Edward also values the school’s welcoming and curious atmosphere. “I would say our school has a lot more people who are willing to reach out and talk to other people, especially people who come in and are willing to make friendships that last for a long time. I love the diversity, especially meeting people from other backgrounds and learning their culture and their experiences.”
Running with Endurance
Cross country has been another key part of Edward’s high school experience. As a freshman, he was part of a team that won the state championship. “The community aspect of the team is really good. It also helps with my mental health,” he says. His coach, Mr. Koster, has been a steady presence. “He’s always been there, even since I was a little fifth and sixth grader. When my uncle died a few months ago, he was there for me. When I have a bad running day, he is very understanding about it, saying stuff like, ‘It’s an off day. We can get the next one.’”
Through running, Edward has learned resilience and the value of community. “One race won’t determine your whole season,” he explains.
A Foundation for the Future
Edward also remembers his time in the Wonder Academy, where handson projects brought learning to life. “The projects were really helpful
for learning and was different than having regular homework every day,” he says.
“It was real-world stuff, not just book work, but actual problems.” Those experiences continue to shape the way he approaches challenges inside and outside the classroom.
“Even though we didn’t have the cool Outdoor Classroom at the time, we spent a lot of time outside and in nature,” he says. “That’s the kind of work I want to do.”
Today, Edward works part-time on the TPH High School custodial team, helping to clean classrooms. Whether through hard work, athletics, or academics, he is steadily preparing for what comes next. When asked what he would tell a student considering The Potter’s House, Edward answers without hesitation.
“I would say come in with an open mind and a willingness to learn about lots of different people.”
His gratitude for his school is clear. “It’s helped create my worldview, and the teachers and leaders really care about us,” he reflects. “They have helped me to learn how to serve, respect others, and get closer to God.”
Edward and his Partner, Mr. Leegwater, enjoying Partner Day
Edward and his teammates
Alumni Impact: A Legacy That Lasts
The story of The Potter’s House does not end at graduation. For many alumni, it is the beginning of a calling to serve others with the same love and faithfulness they once received as students. Teachers, social workers, parents, and ministry leaders who once walked the halls now carry forward the mission to provide Christ-centered education that equips students of every background to serve God and society to their fullest potential.
This ripple effect is most visible in the lives of alumni like Victor, Rachelle, Amancio, and Aaron. Their journeys show how the investment made in one student can touch families, churches, and entire communities for years to come. They each have chosen to return to The Potter’s House community as staff, parents, or both!
Victor Returning to Teach
When Victor Lynde graduated from The Potter’s House in 2014, his experience called him to pursue a career in teaching himself. He returned to his alma mater in 2021, now one of our 8th grade teachers, ready to give his students the same care he experienced.
“I was surrounded by teachers who cared about me, sacrificed for me, invested in me,” Victor says. “Those moments really made the difference in my professional return to TPH. The investment they made in me, I’m now making in others.”
“I knew I was a unique student, not just one of many. My teachers knew me, not just academically, but personally.” Today, Victor strives for that same ethos in his classroom. He knows his students by name, understands their struggles, and listens to their dreams. His classroom is living proof of what happens when one generation of students becomes the next generation of mentors.
Rachelle A Place to Be Heard
For Rachelle Rosario, Class of 2005, her office at The Potter’s House High School is more than a desk and four walls. As our school social worker, she has created a sanctuary for students carrying burdens that feel too heavy for their age.
“When students come to my office, I want them to be seen and heard and feel supported,” she explains.
That vision was planted years ago, when Rachelle was a student herself. “I learned at a very young age that diversity is beautiful,” she remembers. Students from around the world are enrolled at TPH- a beautiful reflection of Revelation 7:9’s vision of “a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
“My own children are learning to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and to treat people with kindness and dignity, just like I experienced.” Rosie, Thali, Dani, and Ellie Rosario are all currently enrolled at TPH ranging from preschool to high school.
Today, Rachelle extends that same grace to every student who sits across from her. She does not see problems, she sees potential, and she makes sure students know they matter.
Amancio
Choosing TPH for His Son
The decision of where to send a child to school is never simple. But for Amancio Blanco, Class of 2006, the answer was obvious. He and his wife chose The Potter’s House for their son, Jaciel, because he wanted him to grow up with the same foundation he had received.
“The biggest thing that I want for him [Jaciel] is to be able to develop a relationship with the Lord. The first place I thought of was The Potter’s House—to build in him the same foundation in Christ they built in me.”
“TPH’s spiritual core values were woven into the lesson planning, into the interactions with students, staff, and family members,” he recalls. “I know they will provide a ton of opportunities for him [Jaciel] to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.”
As a student, Amancio experienced mentorship, summer camps, and teachers who modeled lives of integrity and faith. As a parent, he now passes on that same blessing. His story shows that when alumni entrust their children to The Potter’s House, it is more than loyalty. It is trust in a legacy that shaped their lives and continues to shape the next generation.
Aaron
A Call to the Overlooked
Aaron Collier, Class of 2004, knows what it feels like to be overlooked. As a teenager, he was at risk of starting down a path that would not set him up for success. At The Potter’s House, he found something different.
“The teachers here live out their calling,” he says. “Loving on me, and loving on others like me, led me to where I’m at now serving in youth ministry.”
Today, Aaron serves with Navigators, mentoring young people who often feel counted out. “They loved me when I was falling through the cracks. Now I want to do the same for others — to love them, show them compassion, and share the gospel.”
Knowing that his children would be exposed to the love of Jesus, Aaron is confident that enrolling his kids at The Potter’s House will instill the same passion for sharing the gospel in them. Aaron Jr., 8th grade, and Brooklyn, 12th grade, are experiencing the same care and attention that Aaron felt as a student at TPH.
His transformation from struggling student to ministry leader shows the heart of The Potter’s House. It is not just about what students learn, but about who they become and how they share Christ’s love with others.
A Living Legacy
Victor teaches. Rachelle counsels. Amancio invests in his son’s education. Aaron mentors. Their stories are diverse, but they are united by a common foundation. Each of them embodies the mission of The Potter’s House in their own context.
The impact of The Potter’s House is never contained to one classroom, one graduation year, or even one city. It extends outward, shaping families, workplaces, and communities. Every gift of time, prayer, or support to The Potter’s House is multiplied in the lives of alumni who carry Christ’s presence into the world. This what being a resilient follower of Jesus looks like.
This is the legacy our supporters help sustain. When you invest your time and resources in a student at The Potter’s House, you are not just shaping one life. You are helping to create a ripple effect for generations.
Victor Lynde teaching his 8th grade students
Aaron Collier investing in students, like Thali, alongside his wife Alicia.
Spiritual Formation: This is the Kingdom
At The Potter’s House, spiritual formation goes beyond our students’ time in Bible class, as important as that is. Students are experiencing the love of Jesus in chapel worship times, on class trips, in muli-grade discipleship time, and daily interactions during instruction.
In classrooms, in athletics and arts, in service projects and transformational trips, every TPH activity intentionally points students to Jesus.
Chapel and Chapel Praise are times set apart for students to pause, pray, and prepare for what God calls them to do. John, Jordan, and Katelyn, all seniors that serve on the worship team. Recently, they shared with us the meaningful impact these experiences have on high school students.
Worshipping Together: Chapel and Chapel Praise
High school chapel happens every week on Tuesday. Students gather
to pray and learn from a speaker who shares fresh insights from God’s Word. Then John, Jordan, Katelyn, and their fellow bandmates help lead the students in a time of worship. Though these students are on stage during worship, they don’t view themselves as performers in front of an audience.
“Worship isn’t about being in the spotlight,” says John. “It’s about leading the people around you, whether you’re seen or not. When we sing together, people really experience God’s presence.”
On the last Tuesday of each month, students gather for the muchanticipated Chapel Praise time. “It’s beautiful how the Spirit works. It is a time of worship, where we can flow into whatever songs God puts on our hearts, and we try to sense what he is trying to teach us.” John reflects.
Jordan shared: “One thing I love about Chapel Praise is that it’s not just something we do. It’s an experience with God. It re-sets our minds and refreshes our spirits each month.”
Students connecting with God in Montana
Katelyn shares her love of worshipping in community: “I worship best through music. The words in songs we sing hit me. One of my favorite songs is How He Loves by David Crowder, and it clicked: God really cares about every part of my life. It makes me so happy and gives me joy.”
These dedicated moments of worship, along with Bible study are intentionally woven into TPH lessons and activities, encouraging students to see themselves as citizens of God’s kingdom. It reminds them that they are part of a beloved community where faith is alive, scripture is central, and Jesus is present in each moment.
Forged in the Mountains
Over the summer, the junior class traveled to Montana for an annual week of fellowship, prayer, and reflection. Unique opportunities like this give students a chance to worship under open skies, study Scripture together, and apply what they’ve learned while experiencing awe and wonder at God’s creation.
“No phones allowed,” Principal Alf Clark notes. “And you know what? They didn’t even ask to use their phones!”
John reflected: “In Montana, God reminded us that worship doesn’t stop when Chapel time ends. It’s something we carry with us everywhere.”
Principal Clark reflected, “God showed up in every moment, from fundraising to travel issues to the trip itself. It is an awesome privilege to see God’s hand at work. We are uniquely positioned to evangelize and disciple these students. We have been given so much. And ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ So, we must fully depend on God.”
That trip became a turning point for many students. Katelyn, current student council vice president, said, “My faith had been stagnant, but after Montana I felt compelled to step out of my comfort zone and be more willing to share my faith. That renewed commitment and passion has overflowed into my day to day life at school.”
A Safe Place to Worship
In Chapel and Chapel Praise, students feel free to worship in their own way. Some raise their hands, others sing quietly, some sway or clap, while others sit in stillness. Each expression reflects the same Spirit at work, creating a community where every student belongs.
Jordan remembers how anxious she was about joining the worship team. “I was very nervous at first, but as it went on I became more confident. Now I really enjoy singing up there.”
She describes Chapel Praise as a safe space: “It’s honestly a privilege. People are not afraid to worship. At our first Chapel Praise this year, people were worshiping unashamed. It was really beautiful. Afterward it felt like everyone’s spirits were lifted. Chapel Praise is like a reset.
Growing the Kingdom
Our theme for the 2025–2026 school year is This is the Kingdom. The theme is inspired by the book of James, which reminds us that “faith without works is dead.” At The Potter’s House, that conviction comes to life in how we encounter Jesus, learn His ways, and embody His presence in the world.
This message points to the reality that we do not have to wait for heaven to enter God’s kingdom: We can enter it here and now, as we embody the love of Jesus. The kingdom is demonstrated in the way we worship, learn, and serve. Whether in the classroom, at school events, or in the mountains of Montana, we encounter the kingdom of God in worship, in service, in the way students treat one another, and in the Word they study together.
The kingdom is here. The kingdom is now. Through the ripple effect of our witness, the kingdom is growing.
John, Jordan, Katelyn and their bandmates leading Chapel Praise
When seniors Katelyn and Eli stepped into leadership this fall, they carried with them the prayers of their families, the lessons of mentors, and the encouragement of classmates who had seen their faith grow in real time. Both point to last summer’s Montana trip as the turning point that deepened their walk with God and gave them the courage to serve others at The Potter’s House.
For Katelyn, The Potter’s House has been home since preschool. Her mom, Jeanne, taught in the K–8 building for many years, and today serves as an elementary educational specialist. The influence of Christcentered education shaped Katelyn’s journey from the start. By her junior year, she felt called to step beyond her comfort zone. That conviction grew stronger after Montana, and she began to see student leadership as a way to represent Christ in her school. “I just want to be able to represent Jesus to everybody,” she explains. “It gives me a great outlet to reach a lot of kids in different ways, to step away from my own little friend group and just be available to everyone.”
Eli’s journey has been shaped not only by his own experiences but also by the testimony of his family. He has been part of The Potter’s House community since kindergarten, following the path of his two older sisters and his uncle, TPH alumni Kerwin Rodriguez, professor of Pastoral Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and PhD candidate at Baylor University. As a TPH student, Kerwin first understood and accepted Jesus through the guidance of his teacher Mark Van Zanten. Kerwin has publicly shared how that foundation prepared him
Student Leadership at The Potter’s House: Serving with Courage and Conviction
to live out his calling. Today, his nephew, Eli now carries that same legacy forward.
“Last year I was actually on the student council and I had a lot of fun doing that,” Eli says. “This summer I thought about it while I was in the Dominican Republic. That’s when everything clicked for me and I was like, “I think this is what I’m called to do right now.”
“I can talk to anybody and connect with people. I think that Katelyn would be the perfect person to do this with because she has those gifts too. This would be a good opportunity for both of us to use our gifts of connecting with people and actually help and be the voice for the students.”
For Eli, the Montana trip became a moment of recommitment. “It opened up a lot of doors for me, showing how I can use myself for good and for the power of other people,” he recalls. After prayer and reflection, he decided to run for student body president and invited Katelyn to join him as vice president.
Leadership in Action
Both leaders emphasize that their roles are not about status, but about creating culture. Katelyn describes how leadership pushes her to notice people she might have missed before. “It helps me step away from just my own group of friends and be available to everyone,” she says. That means seeking out new students, encouraging those who feel left out, and building bridges across cultural and social groups.
Eli agrees. “I want to make sure everybody’s being heard and nobody’s being left out. I hope we can create a space where everyone feels welcome, and that no one
hesitates to reach out.” As president, he sees his job as amplifying the voices of others. “I want to be one of those people who listens and hears other voices.”
Day by day, that looks like helping classmates bring their ideas to life, supporting school events, and making sure decisions reflect the needs of the whole student body. “Being in this position gives me more of an outlet to talk to a bunch of different people,” Katelyn explains. “I want to represent Jesus to everybody.”
A Legacy of Multiplication
The impact of The Potter’s House is seen in the way faith multiplies across generations. What began with faithful teachers, mentors, and families investing in students continues today through leaders like Eli and Katelyn. Both carry forward a heritage of Christcentered influence—Eli building on the example of family members who were shaped at TPH, and Katelyn following the legacy of her mother’s faithful service in the classroom. Together, their leadership reflects how God’s work at The Potter’s House extends beyond one moment or one person, shaping lives for generations.
Together, they offer a vision of leadership that is rooted in humility and courage. It is not about spotlight or status, but about serving their classmates in the name of Christ.
At The Potter’s House, this is what servant leadership looks like: Students who see their role not as privilege, but as responsibility. Through Katelyn and Eli, TPH’s mission continues to equip young men and women of every background to serve God and society to their fullest potential.
How You Can Give Bigger
Two men went fishing with poles, bait, and supplies to cook their catch over a fire. The first fisherman quickly caught a huge fish but the second went hours without a bite. Finally, he reeled in a huge fish… and immediately threw it back. Bewildered, his friend asked, “Why did you let him go?” The second fisherman replied, “He was nice, but I didn’t bring a pan large enough to cook him!”
All too often, we live like the second fisherman— so fixated on a particular outcome or limitation that we miss obvious opportunities right in front of us. We want to make a lasting and generous difference in the world, but don’t think we have the money to do it.
When it comes to charitable giving, retirement assets are one of the most significant, yet underutilized planned giving tools.
They allow you to:
1. INCREASE YOUR IMPACT. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is a gift from your IRA to a cause close to your heart. Those age 70.5 or older with a traditional IRA are eligible to make a QCD. Those age 73 or older can satisfy their required minimum distribution and avoid taxes on that distribution.
2. SIMPLIFY YOUR GIVING. Naming The Potter’s House as the beneficiary of your IRA is one of the easiest ways to make a difference beyond your lifetime. It also spares your heirs a tax burden.
3. LEAVE A LEGACY. When you include a charitable gift in your estate plan to a charity you love, it helps to not only “supply the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in.
Contact Tim Swiney tswiney@tphgr.org | 616-818-3745
In Honor
John Booy
Gary and Sandy Gardner
Gail Anderson
In Memory
Charlotte Uken
Clasina Young
Wilma Quist
Dale Vanderweide
Pat VanderWeide
Isolde Metzger
Douglas and Cathy Macleod
Janet Cousineau
Al Windquist
Jacob and Joyce Oglesby
Myles Kuperus
Marilyn R Bulthuis
Ruth Wierenga
Gladys Wierenga
Sharon Ritter
Dave and Maryann Bestrom
Gerald Yeo
Bonnie Hunter
John, Alice, and Michael Harris
Vizionary Wealth Management
810 Van Raalte Drive SW
Grand Rapids MI 49509
tphgr.org
You’re Invited!
Come enjoy the incredible talent of our students at upcoming special events—open to the whole community!
“THE MOUSETRAP” BY
AGATHA CHRISTIE
The High School Theater Company invites you to a murder mystery with a who-dunnit plot twist! $5 at the door.
November 13-15, 7:00pm
The Potter’s House High School 2465 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
THE POTTER’S HOUSE CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Celebrate the birth of our Savior in song.
December 11, 2025, 7:00 pm
PreK–8th Campus Sanctuary 810 Van Raalte SW, Grand Rapids MI 49509
CHEER ON OUR PUMA ATHLETES
Visit our web site to find home games! www.pottershousepumas.com
