Woodcrest Christian School Generations Magazine 2019

WOODCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

GENERATIONS Magazine

2019

CO N T E N TS YEAR: 2019

REGULARS 04

WCDS CAMPUS LIFE

06

WCMS CAMPUS LIFE

08

WCHS CAMPUS LIFE

18

ARTS SHOWCASE

20

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

26

PARENT PERSPECTIVES

28

EVENTS CALENDAR

30

ALUMNI NEWS

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNI IN MINISTRY

Getting to know David Lytle and the life journeys that led him to WCS.

How WCS alumni are loving God and loving people through ministry.

10

12

BEST IN CLASS

THE NATIONS COME TO WCS

ON THE COVERS Micah Stolfus (‘19), playing the role of Gaston, and an incredible group of talented students performing the musical Beauty and the Beast this past spring. Read more about The Arts (p. 18).

Two-year League Champion tennis player, Kennedy Layne in action during the team’s incredible 2018 season. Read more about WCS sports (p. 21).

Not one, but four 2018 valedictorians, and noteworthy student accomplishments.

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A glimpse into life as an international student.

22

WOODCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SYSTEM Transitional Kindergarten through 12th Grade 18401 Van Buren Blvd. | Riverside, California | 92508 (951) 780-2010 | wcss.org Glorify God by Pursuing Excellence in Christ-centered Academics

Letter from the

Superintendent Welcome to the 2019 issue of Generations! When I entered the education profession thirty years ago, it was a far different environment than it is today. Despite changes in technology and culture, today’s parents continue to desire that their child is thoroughly prepared for the future. While technological and cultural changes seem to occur daily, what hasn’t changed is the need to develop exceptional, character-filled leaders that will provide Christ-honoring direction for their families and our nation in the years to come. That kind of leadership is grounded in Biblical Truth and provides both a strong academic foundation and practical and enriching experiences for students.

Throughout these pages, you will find a collection of the various opportunities WCS students have to grow as leaders and to see the results of that leadership in action. Starting with our youngest Royals at WCDS and progressing all the way through our WCS alumni, Woodcrest Christian students have a myriad of ways to immerse themselves in activities to learn, grow, and practice leadership in many forms. We are excited about the opportunities they have and we continue to seek new ways in which we might even more powerfully prepare students for God’s work in their lives and for His glory.

CAMPUS LIFE

PHOTO: » The first Sports Day was held in 1968 and has since become a highly anticipated rite of passage for 3rd - 6th graders.

THE ORIGIN OF SPORTS DAY In the early days of Woodcrest Christian Day School, P.E. and other outdoor activities were fairly docile. Staff in the early 1960s were all women and the majority were in the 60-70 year age range! In 1967, Lynn Lamy became the school’s first administrator (he was 34 at the time) and quickly began to hire younger staff as the school grew in size. New 5th grade teacher Randy Thompson was fresh out of Cal Baptist and eager to get involved. It was his idea to create an entire day for games and competition that would challenge the students physically and minister wholesome growth. Thus, Sports Day was born. Since 1968, students in 3rd-6th grade look forward every year to testing their skills in events such as Distance Throw, Shuttle Run, Target Throw, Dribble & Shoot, Base Run, and Soccer Maze which was added recently.

04 | WCDS CAMPUS LIFE

The biggest change over the years has been the afternoon awards assembly where student achievements are recognized with ribbons for races, fitness awards, announcement of the Ping Pong Champion, Sportsmanship Award, and the big highlight, the Sweepstakes Award.

Above all, Sports Day still fulfills its original mission…to build school spirit, to give athletic students a chance to shine, to challenge them physically, to build character, and to have a really fun time!

new WCDS CHOIR Heading up our new WCDS Choir, Miss Kristy Bronson meets with more than 40 students in 4th-6th grades before school on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

Students are learning the purpose for worship as well as how to properly sing. With performances scheduled throughout the year at events both on and off campus, it will be fun to see and hear them using their talents to bring honor to Jesus.

watch them grow!

Twenty-two transitional kindergartners have joined us this year for the first time. Mrs. Christine Bunker, teacher, and Mrs. Naomi Musser, aide, are doing a fantastic job with these

little ones. These young scholars are learning at a rapid pace as they navigate routines, the playground, and eating lunch in the cafeteria.

The students move with ease from station to station

experiencing many topics from how to share to how much God loves them.

What a delight to welcome our first class of TKers. We look forward to watching them soar this year and beyond!

LEADERSHIP TEAM Fifteen eager 6th graders are learning to lead and set the example on the WCDS campus. Some of their duties include leading flag salutes, assisting with school tours, reading the closing storybook of the day to kindergarteners, and praying for their adopted classroom.

CAMPUS LIFE | 05 Full story: wcss.org/wcdsleaders

NEWS & UPDATES CAMPUS LIFE

leaders in the making preparing students to lead on campus and in their community Nominated by their teachers as students who already demonstrate leadership qualities here on the Woodcrest Christian Middle School campus, ten students were selected from our student body of over 200 to attend the ACSI Leadership Conference OneDay in Pasadena, CA on November 2nd.

The seminar is an experience for student leadership teams in Christian schools to discover and use their leadership skills to tackle life’s obstacles. The objective was that students return to their middle school campuses with knowledge of their individual leadership 06 | WCMS CAMPUS LIFE

style and a desire to implement strategies to use their gifts on campus and in their community.

WCMS kids did not disappoint!

They are currently working to develop what they titled the ‘KIND Project’, which places a strong emphasis on reaching out with the love of Christ in an intentional way to form strong friendships with fellow students and to reflect the love of Christ in tangible ways on campus.

“We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” Colossians 1:28

This year marks the

largest 7th grade class in school

history!

sharing the good news evangelism is on fire in the hearts of middle schoolers Friday Night Lights is a lunchtime Middle School Evangelism Club that teaches students how to share their faith with others.

Beginning with learning how to share their own testimonies, students are encouraged to speak authentically about what God has done in their own lives. Learning other evangelistic methods gives students flexibility as they share with others and simply provides a framework for them to converse easily about their faith. By doing this, they also learn basic apologetics, which deepens and enriches their own appreciation of the Gospel and the Bible. Throughout the school year on Friday nights, students will be invited to evangelize in many different locations around Riverside, including the Galleria at Tyler and the Riverside Plaza. It is exciting to watch students pray for others, become good listeners, and hone their evangelistic skills. Their boldness is inspiring!

stemtastic learning how things work “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”

Romans 10:13-15

‘Stemtastic’ is an 8th grade Middlefest elective course, taught by Miss Loza, where students practice engineering design processes through building roller coasters, bridges, and towers. It’s an opportunity to learn to work with their hands and to see for themselves “how things work.”

payday

middle schoolers with startups Teams in the ‘PAYDAY’ MiddleFest elective class, taught by Mrs. Holliday, learn valuable skills as they create, manage, and earn money from their own unique startup businesses. This year, products included toffee candy, sweet treats and slime, bracelet and necklace charms, and donut sales. Proceeds benefit the students’ chosen non-profit organization. Full story: wcss.org/payday WCMS CAMPUS LIFE | 07

CAMPUS LIFE

PHOTO: » The library renovation includes a stained and polished concrete floor, new furniture, media stations, and a coffee bar.

out with the old, in with the new a fresh look for the main office and library One thing that’s for sure at WCS is our commitment to good stewardship—taking care of the things the Lord has entrusted to us. As we look at the age of our buildings, good stewardship also includes making sure we represent the Lord and our school well. While it may have taken many years for an interior renovation of the upper campus main office and library, the wait was worth it. Visitors to the office are welcomed with a modern redesign. And the library now offers media centers, seating areas for students to study and collaborate, online collegiatelevel research tools, daily tutoring, and yes, a coffee bar.

08 | WCHS CAMPUS LIFE

PHOTO: » A fresh and modern redesign of the main office welcomes visitors on campus.

it’s time to wreck it the royal wreck - p.e.’s toughest obstacle course In high school P.E. this year, students can put their mental, spiritual, and physical abilities to the ultimate test. Designed

by Coach Ryan Anderson, “The Royal Wreck” obstacle course requires students to complete stations such as the ‘Back Breaker’ (flipping tractor tire), and the ‘Ninja’ (sideways aerial climb on rings, knots, and bars), plus ten other challenging obstacles. In this timed course, students also have to memorize a verse at the start and be able to recite it at the end. “I want to challenge students in a new way, and to equip them when faced with having to overcome the enemy’s pitfalls,” says Anderson.

Full story: wcss.org/royalwreck PHOTO: » Twelve intense obstacles await P.E. students who are up to the challenge.

youtube.com/c/woodcrestchristianriverside

“

“

Watch the Royal Wreck video on our YouTube channel:

Say your prayers, P.E. has never been this extreme.”

WCHS CAMPUS LIFE | 09

A LITTLE ABOUT LYTLE FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

david lytle

10 | FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

On Father’s Day weekend in 2016, David Lytle hung up the phone and wondered how a trip to Southern California for a family vacation had turned into a job interview for an AP History teaching position at Woodcrest Christian High School. An interview wasn’t in the plan as evidenced by the limit of his wardrobe—shorts and flip flops.

Several months later, he was driving a loaded minivan from Tennessee to take on the job.

Moving to SoCal was just another in a series of journeys God had taken David on since his childhood. Born in Missouri, David spent the first seventeen years of his life in Panama where his parents were missionaries.

When it was time to head to college, David chose Welch College in Nashville where he met his future wife, Bethany, and they were married in 2004. After earning his Master’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State

PHOTO: » David and his wife Jackie and their four children (left to right), Isaac, Jude, Naomi, and baby Theo.

California and closer to Jackie’s family would be a good thing.

Thus, he found himself sitting in an interview on a Monday morning in June, just several hours before flying home from vacation and ultimately answering God’s call to California and WCS.

and having their first child, Isaac, the family moved to Indonesia, a primarily Muslim country, to teach in an international school.

While there, David and Bethany welcomed two more children, Jude and Naomi, to the family.

But, as so often found to be true in David’s life, the Lord had other plans. Calling them overseas again but this time westward, the Lytles found themselves in Lima, Peru, teaching in another international school. A year and half went by when David’s wife, Bethany, began to feel ill.

After consulting a doctor, the diagnosis was breast cancer. Less than a month later, in January 2015, Bethany was called home to be with the Lord leaving David a single father with three children ages five, three and one. Now what? How do you move forward? David recalls, “For some unknown reason, I started reading a lot of books having to do with heaven and the resurrection in the months and years before Bethany’s passing. I also found myself

reading and studying Job and Ecclesiastes for a Bible class I was teaching. I was being immersed in Biblical Truth concerning suffering, the fleetingness of life, and the promise of a glorious future.” Unknown to David, God was preparing him for the unexpected. David remembers that there were a lot of questions, but the big one was “I moved my family to Peru for a year and a half and what was the point? We had everything stripped; I had no job, and we had to move away from our home in Peru.”

But God knew why. In Peru, David’s wife, Bethany, had become close friends with Jackie, who was often present as the family progressed through life’s trials. In God’s timing and blessing, David and Jackie grew to love each other and were married in November 2015.

Moving back to Tennessee, David was soon working as a full-time youth minister in his old home church. But he realized that he was better suited for teaching.

He also believed moving to

Early in 2018, the Lytle family was expecting their fourth child, and baby Theodore entered the world on August 23rd. What was supposed to be a normal delivery turned into a medical emergency as veins that were supposed to connect his heart to his lungs were not connected on one side.

An emergency ambulance ride brought hours-old Theodore into Los Angeles for immediate surgery. Six weeks later, with the success of surgery and recovery, baby Theo arrived home to Riverside, and the long-term prognosis is excellent. The Lytles continue to rejoice in God’s blessing and provision.

When asked what was the most important thing David wanted people to know, he says, “As a teacher, my life is always on display. I try my best, with the Lord’s help, to live my life His way. Despite the challenges, it is rewarding and the only way to live!”

It is a blessing to have David as part of the staff and the entire Lytle family as part of the Woodcrest Christian community!

there are dozens of alumni who are currently “doing ministry” in a variety of areas. we reached out to several of them to find out how they are loving god and loving people.

ALUMNI IN MINISTRY “and he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry…” ephesians 4:11-16

12 | ALUMNI IN MINISTRY

LEAD STORY ALUMNI IN FOCUS

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YOUR BEST LIFE IS FOUND IN TRUSTING GOD. -TRAVIS OSBORNE (‘91)

Each day, and at every grade level, the students of the Woodcrest Christian School System are diligently learning. From classrooms to athletic events, arts, and daily interactions with staff, what is being learned transcends academics and enters into the realm of spiritual growth and relational understanding. In addition, numerous opportunities to put into practice what they have

learned, take place in the form of mission trips, grade level programs, arts performances, Student Council and dozens of other events. Combined with the academic learning, these opportunities form the crucible in which young men and women continue to be refined and more completely learn who God has called them to be and what He has called them to do with the gifts He has given them.

ALUMNI IN MINISTRY | 13

PHOTO: » “Keep your heart and mind open and always be searching for ways that God can use you. God can use any skill or talent that He’s given to you to point glory back to Himself.” -Alfredo Ramos (‘04)

For believers in Christ, our marching orders, in many ways, come from Ephesians 4:11-13 where Paul clearly states that God has given the Church the people they need, with the gifts they need, “… for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…”

“god cares about all forms of work so ask him to bring clarity around your passions and then go after that for him and the good of others.” -jordan davis As a result, each of us bring to others the opportunity to share our gifts in an effort to 14 | ALUMNI IN MINISTRY

enrich the larger community.

Through the years, Woodcrest Christian alumni have been at the heart of that effort.

From pastors, to missionaries, worship leaders, and so much more, alumni Royals are using their God given talents to build up the Church and answer God’s call on their lives.

There are dozens of alum who are currently “doing ministry” in a variety of areas and we reached out to several of them to find out how they are loving God and loving people.

Alfredo Ramos (’04), Jeff White (’88), and Travis Osborne (’91) currently serve as church pastors in California. Jeff and Alfredo serve at Sandals Church at the Moreno Valley and Palm Avenue sites respectively, and Travis serves

at Neighborhood Church of Redding. When asked what they found most fulfilling in their ministry, the common denominator was people and clearly seeing the Gospel change lives. Over and over again, the love for people and the desire for Christ to be at work in their lives was at the heart of each pastor’s mission.

“be open to what god has for you. you may be in the secular workplace and this is needed too, but in everything you do, do your best to the glory of god.”

-jeff white That was true for several other alums in other ministries.

Jeremy Whaley (’98) serves as the worship leader for Humanity Church in Pomona, California (and is married to fellow ’98 alum Amanda Difani). Jordan Davis (‘04) is one of several WCS alum worship leaders at Cornerstone Fellowship Bible Church (CFBC) in Riverside. They count it a privilege to help lead others into worship and to see how God works in their

fellow ministers’ lives, despite their individual limitations, in bringing people in to God’s presence. A similar note was made by Matt Kaufman (’06) who has co-lead the high school ministry at CFBC for over five years, “It’s most fulfilling to see the Lord work in the hearts of high school students and see their lives changed through His Word.”

“just jump in. a lot of students are not sure what their spiritual gifts are so they are afraid to serve.

Choose a few ministries at church and just try it out. you’ll end up finding an outpouring of spiritual gifts in the midst of serving.” -matt kaufman In looking back at their time at Woodcrest Christian, many of the alum recognized the powerful impact their time as a Royal had on their current ministry. Alfredo Ramos stated, “…it (WCS) portrayed the world as a place where God’s kingdom was coming.

Thus, they encouraged me that whatever profession I pursued could be one that advances His Gospel and kingdom.”

Several alum commented on the time spent with the teachers and coaches at WCS. For Travis Osborne, “Woodcrest Christian gave me a foundation for my faith

in Jesus through the classes and through walking with the teachers and coaches.”

Jordon Davis remembered the “nurturing culture at WCS helped me gain the people skills and confidence to stand in front of strangers and play music.”

“be in community and live in transparency with that community so that you are poised to receive the transforming work of the lord. don’t just bring the gospel with proclamation; have faith and step out with the demonstration of the gospel as well.”

-jeremy whaley A foundation in Biblical Truth was a key component for many as well. “My foundation of

PHOTO: » “Following Jesus is not an event but a lifestyle. Your best life is found in trusting God and walking with Him. Following Jesus might be tough and scary at times, but He ALWAYS calls us to something GREATER than we have planned for ourselves.” -Travis Osborne (‘91)

Bible knowledge…was birthed and developed while attending Woodcrest Christian,” Jeff White recalled.

Our state and the Christian community as a whole are blessed to have such servants ministering the Gospel in so many ways to God’s people.

What a privilege it is to know that their time at Woodcrest Christian has made an impact in their current ministries and outreach. Please keep them in prayer as they reach out to a world in desperate need of a Savior.

ALUMNI IN MINISTRY | 15

IN THE SPOTLIGHT NOTEWORTHY STUDENT accomplishments

A FIRST IN WCS HISTORY With four seniors from the class of 2018 earning a 4.52 cumulative GPA, WCHS celebrated four valedictorians for the first time in school history.

2018 Valedictorians (counterclockwise from top): Amora Robinson, Jacob vanHaaster, Nathanael Hovda, and Sadie Barbee

JACOB vanHAASTER (‘18) In addition to being one of the four 2018 valedictorians, Jacob earned the extremely rare accomplishment of receiving admission to three of our nation’s top military academies. He began his college career at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland this past summer. Jacob credits his WCS teachers for their encouragement and genuine care about who he is and who he will become.

Watch Jacob’s interview with Jim Sullivan on our YouTube channel:

youtube.com/c/woodcrestchristianriverside

BEN GABLES (‘19) ‘Roads? We don’t need...roads.’

As a licensed single engine pilot, Ben’s speed limit no longer tops out at 65mph. He now regularly travels over 125 mph in the sky. With 19 hours of solo flying time, Ben has successfully passed ground school and has set his sights on qualifying on multi-engine aircraft, and ultimately becoming a jet pilot. “I absolutely love flying,” he says. We asked Ben how his time at Woodcrest Christian has helped prepare him to be a pilot. “WCS has taught me discipline and given me the work ethic to see it through.”

BEST IN CLASS | 17

Let it be known, our Performing Arts Department is

THE ARTS

incredible! Sold out musicals, packed house concerts,

SHOWCASING talent

and raving audience reviews means mark the upcoming performances on your calendar (see page 28). You won’t want to miss them!

beauty and the beast Elaborate costumes, a two-story set, dramatic lighting, plus the powerful voices of so many talented performers, it’s no wonder Beauty and the Beast was a sellout success!

See more: wcss.org/drama-productions

THE ARTS | 18

Known on campus for their incredible talent, artists Madeleine Chaffin (‘19) and alumna Audrey Alexander (‘18) won the Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) “Splash into Cash” art contest.

Their citrus-inspired designs were selected as the winning artwork to be featured on the labels of RPU’s 2018 water bottles.

uss missouri and wcs band While usually only military bands are allowed to perform on the USS Missouri, our WCS Band gave a powerful performance on deck during their trip to Hawaii this summer.

Nearly 125 students participate in band, and their concerts are packed with fun surprises and incredible music!

broadway choir concert Performing for one of their biggest crowds, the Broadway Coffee & Dessert Concert in November packed the house with two shows.

Outstanding solo performances and a great selection of Broadway hits, including the finale song from the hit musical The Greatest Showman capped off the highly successful evening.

godspell In October, the powerful re-telling of Jesus’ life through eclectic music, dancing, and comedy in Godspell made school history when an eighth show was added to the sold-out performance schedule due to audience demand.

celebrating the birth of jesus Filled with amazing music from our Band plus features from Choir, Drama, and Art, our annual Christmas Concert has become a holiday tradition and attendance is expected to grow to more than 1,000 this year!

PERFORMING ARTS

award-winning art

CHAMPIONS FOR

Character

T

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section announced that Woodcrest Christian High School was one of only four schools out of 585 members that was chosen to receive the “Champions for Character” award for the 2017-2018 school year. This award, based on CIF’s essential elements of character building and ethics in CIF sports, is embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship. Nominated by United Christian Academy the nomination reads as follows:

PHOTO: » Principal Nathan Lambert and Athletic Director Charlie Ricards display the CIF Southern Section Champions for Character Award.

“This school has been a high-quality athletic program in our area for many years.

They have truly lived the 6 Pillars of Character since the Pursuing Victory With Honor initiative was adopted by the CIF. Woodcrest Christian High School will always follow all the rules contained in the CIF Southern Section Blue Book and is a school you can trust to consistently exemplify the best in character and sportsmanship. They are a school that goes the extra mile in communicating with their opponents and they treat us as a guest in their home, not a visitor, making sure you know where to park, where the field or gym is located, and they follow up to confirm games to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Their athletic director, Charlie Ricards, leads their school exhibiting excellent character traits in all aspects of the program. They represent a great model for Pursuing Victory with Honor.”

We are grateful to Athletic Director Charlie Ricards for his leadership and commitment to glorifying God through our athletic program and for the coaches and student athletes who represent the Lord and our school with honor in every practice and contest. Congratulations!

20 | SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

2017-2018

JV Girls Volleyball Bailey Lopez

V Baseball Brett Finnel

V Boys Volleyball Jacob vanHaaster

V Girls Volleyball

JV Baseball Nathan Corso

Softball

Raimi Albee

Flag Football Jacob vanHaaster

Ryleigh Carricaburu & Taylor Olsen

Girls Tennis Kennedy Layne

team

MVPs

#WEAREROYALS

champs!

PHOTO: » Varsity Girls Tennis team won the league championship this year, a first in school history! They went undefeated in league play (10-0) and then went on to win four CIF matches to qualify for CIF finals against Maranatha Christian School.

They were CIF Runners Up in Division 5 Girls Tennis, an extraordinary season for these girls and Coach Evans!

V Boys Track MacKenzie Thomas

V Golf Trent Hirdler

V Girls Track Ella

Boys Cross Country Riley Batista

Whitehouse

Girls Cross Country Michaela Stanley

JV Boys Basketball

Jackson Flye

V Girls Basketball

V Girls Soccer Katie Greer

V Boys Swimming Mathias Scarano

V Boys Basketball

Taylor Olsen

Jacob vanHaaster

V Girls Swimming Emma Parker

V Boys Soccer Skylar Bell

PHOTO: » Boys Cross Country progressed to the state CIF Cross Country finals competing with finalists from schools throughout California. They took 3rd place with the first “podium finish” since 2010 for WCS teams. Go Royals!

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS | 21

THE NATIONS COME TO WCS

CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 22 | CAMPUS LIFE STUDENTS

22 | INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Imagine yourself in a classroom surrounded by students like yourself focused on trying to understand what exactly your teacher is saying. Perhaps it is the concept of foreshadowing found in literature, or maybe it’s getting a handle on stoichiometry in

Chemistry, or perhaps it is how to conjugate verbs in Spanish.

It’s hard enough to comprehend all these as a regular high schooler, now imagine yourself trying to understand when all of it is being taught in a foreign language! Welcome to the world of being an

International Student.

Since 2006, WCS has hosted 25 international students from various countries around the world. Most years, there are three or four students on campus, but this year we have eight students from four different

countries including China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Poland. Over the years we have also had students from Norway, Belize and Brazil as well. Each of these students are thousands of miles away from all that they know in culture, friends, language, and family.

For most students, an American education is significantly different and often better than what they might receive in their home country and they want that experience. For Klaudia Blaszczyk from Poland, the chance to swim at a higher competitive level brought her to the U.S. There is a desire to experience the American culture as well and improve her English skills. Each of our international students also desire to have a typical college experience here in the States.

We had a chance to reach out to them recently and ask what the biggest challenge was being an international student and what was the best part of being in the United States. For all of them, the biggest challenge was missing family and family activities.

Jesse Chen mentioned being homesick as a result of missing the traditional Chinese festival and Aaron Diao truly misses his mom’s cooking. However, Lucy Lim loves Mexican food because it’s not the same in Korea. Surprisingly, the best part of living in America...was the clean air! In Southern California of all places!

when students begin to understand the cultural differences, the challenges, and just how hard international students have to work to succeed at Woodcrest Christian due to the language issues, it raises an extraordinary level of awareness and appreciation.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | 23

But considering the smog levels in China and Korea, it’s not hard to understand. Many of them lamented that it is too hot here as well, and there is not enough rain. (Us natives would probably say the same!)

While our international numbers are intentionally kept low each year, one of the many blessings of having them on campus is the cross-cultural understanding we all receive. Sometimes it is shared at the lunch tables and sometimes in the classroom.

In all cases, when our students begin to understand the cultural differences, the challenges, and just how hard international students have to work to succeed at Woodcrest Christian due to the language issues, it raises an extraordinary level of awareness and appreciation.

While the 25 international students have certainly enjoyed a strong academic program over the years, many of them have also enjoyed a growing relationship with Christ as well. In fact, that is our hope... that as students study their academics and participate in athletics, clubs and the arts, they will also come face to face with Jesus and let Him change their hearts. That’s what happened to Kevin Ji (’18). Kevin came to us as a 7th grader and not only became a much loved presence on campus, he came to know Christ through one of his teachers.

He shared that journey of faith at graduation last spring (see sidebar at right); a perfect example of the Gospel being spread through the nations coming to us. At the end of the day, these students have the same dreams and aspirations as their American counterparts but they have more challenges; being away from family, cultural adjustments, and learning a college prep curriculum in a second language. But it is a challenge that they readily accept and we are a richer community because they are here with us.

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24 | INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

kevin ji (‘18) “I always felt an emptiness inside, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. That is, until the first time I learned about Christ in this school. My mind and heart were opened and I wanted to learn more, dig deeper, study harder about ‘this man’ in order to learn who He was and why He made me feel so differently.

So one day I asked my middle school teacher about this. We spent the whole lunch talking about it. About how we as people have sinned against the Lord, but that He loved us so much that He sent His Son to the earth.

The Son, Jesus, died for me and wiped out and forgave all of my sin. He built a way through His sacrifice for us to connect to our Lord through Jesus. From that point on I knew that this is what I was missing in my heart. I knew that I needed to follow Him. After school, I went to the store and bought a Chinese Bible. I studied it and tried to follow in the steps of Christ and listen to what the Bible was saying. I prayed and accepted Jesus into my heart. I am changed and am reborn—from what Christ did on the cross for me and from the faithful teachers at Woodcrest Christian. This place—this school—told me about the truth and the Holy God who created each of us.”

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | 25

PARENT PERSPECTIVES

SPECIAL SECTION

MIKE GRABENDIKE

ANNA ROBINSON

SAGE CORIA

Daughter: Hannah Grabendike

Son: Julien Hurtado

Son: Bishop Coria

When Hannah was in 9th grade, Mike noticed the atmosphere at their local public high school overwhelming his daughter.

He decided to make a change and Hannah continued her high school years at WCS. “This growth began to take place [in her] based on the way that she’s been challenged and [has learned] how to critically think.

She’s as prepared now as I could ever hope,” says Mike.

Anna’s decision to choose WCS for Julien’s middle school years stemmed directly from her experience as a public high school teacher. “I can compare it directly to what I’ve taught in the past... and the standard was higher at Woodcrest Christian. He’s learned so much more, in my humble opinion, than he would have at a public school. I just think he’s more prepared for high school, and I’m grateful for that.”

Facing some challenges transitioning to WCMS in 8th grade, Sage was concerned at the start for her son. “All of his teachers were very supportive and helpful which gave me a lot of confidence in our decision.

We could not have been happier with all of Bishop’s growth— spiritually, academically, athletically, and socially. I am so thankful that God led us to Woodcrest Christian.”

Watch Mike’s video at: wcss.org/royalstories/grabendike

Watch Anna’s video at: wcss.org/royalstories/robinson

Read Sage’s story at: wcss.org/royalstories/coria

WANT TO SEE MORE PARENT PERSPECTIVES? LOG ON TO OUR WEBSITE AT WCSS.ORG/ROYALSTORIES The unique and inspiring stories of families at Woodcrest Christian show what’s at the heart of our school. Their experiences reflect the mission of WCS to lead, challenge, and empower hearts for Jesus.

26 | PARENT PERSPECTIVES

STACIA COUNELIS

Daughter: Anna Counelis (pictured left) Character development and excellence in academics lead by Christian values were paramount in the Counelis’ decision for attending WCS. “We love this school for instilling the Word of God not only in Anna’s mind, but in her heart and way of life. We thank Him every day for being able to watch her grow in His light!”

EVENT HIGHLIGHT ROYALS LEGACY GALA Excitement was in the air at the first annual Royals Legacy Gala to benefit the Woodcrest Christian Financial Aid Fund.

Supporters of WCSS—including alumni, current and past WCSS families, school board members, community members, and local dignitaries—were welcomed on Saturday, October 13th with live jazz as they entered the Royals Pavilion. A silent auction, guest speakers, and beautiful music from the WCS choir and band added to the enchanted evening.

Alumni Joey Garcia (‘09) and Travis Cotsenmoyer (‘02)—both recipients of financial aid in high school—shared where God has been leading them and how WCS left an impact on their lives. Mark your calendars for September 28, 2019 for next year’s Gala.

EVENTS CALENDAR PLAN TO JOIN US AT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS January 26 - Homecoming February 2 - Missions Banquet February 8 - Prospective Family Dinner March 21 - Spring Choir Concert May 3 - WCDS Open House May 4 - Band Pops Concert May 11 - Choir Concert in the Park May 30 - High School Graduation 28 | EVENTS CALENDAR

Coming to the Royals Pavilion March 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 Buy tickets at: wcss.org/fiddler

did you know?

On our 30-acre upper campus, nearly 16 acres are grass playing fields. There are more than 450 trees providing bountiful shade, including 84 palm trees and 24 pepper trees.

Just around the baseball field alone are 97 cypress trees! Providing habitats for wildlife and enjoyment for staff, students, and visitors, God’s character in nature is surely found in our landscape.

alumni news

OUT IN THE WORLD Usually athletes and artists reflect two different worlds, but not for WCS alum Scott Kinney. After graduating in 2010, Kinney played four years of soccer at Azusa Pacific while pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture. His twin passions for soccer and art have melded in his most recent artistic efforts producing a series of sculptures constructed from soccer balls. Scott uses the geometric shapes of leather from an average of six-eight soccer balls to cover a foam base.

Arranging the shapes is like doing a 3D puzzle, he says. So far, these unique creations have been animals—each taking 30-40 hours to complete, but he has intentions to try a human form sometime. With new ball designs coming out each year, Scott doesn’t feel like he’s exhausted the medium yet, and the response from buyers has been encouraging: he’s sold five of his eight sculptures. See more of Scott’s work at: wcss.org/scottkinney

alumni wisdom what would you say to your high school self?

NIKKI VILLAROSA CLASS OF 2015

EMILY WHITE CLASS OF 2018

MARIA ALVAREZ CLASS OF 2015

I would tell my high school self that my identity is not in my achievements or my grades. I think I spent more time worrying than actually enjoying my relationships and activities during school. Grades are important but I would tell myself to remember to invest in the things that matter (like my relationship in Christ, my friends, and family).

I would tell my high school self not to worry too much over what the future holds. It is all in God’s hands and He has the master plan. I would remind myself to get ahead on all things college—apply and check out scholarships early, get classes as early as you can, and check out organizations and clubs at your future university so you can get involved right away.

I’d tell my high school self that although things might seem like they’re the biggest deal ever and it seems like it’s the end of the world, it’s not and I’ll get through whatever is happening. Life keeps going and I can’t enjoy it if I’m upset about things in the past.

30 | ALUMNI NEWS

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WOODCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SYSTEM Transitional Kindergarten through 12th Grade 18401 Van Buren Blvd. | Riverside, California 92508 | (951) 780-2010 | WCSS.ORG

Glorify God by Pursuing Excellence in Christ-centered Academics