Alumni Newsletter by Dave Burdett, Director of Alumni Relations
www.wcss.org
September, 2019
Volume 23, Number 1
Please check the www.wcss.org or Woodcrest Christian School Alumni on Facebook and Instagram to keep current. Campus News The Class of 2019
The Woodcrest Christian School graduation is a unique ceremony. Held at Harvest Christian Fellowship, it has a totally different ambiance than the normal commencement exercises. While students were a focal point, the real focus is on what God has done in the lives of the graduates, like student speakers Emily Russell, Camille LeDoux, and Jeremy Flye. The guest speaker was the school system’s Executive Director of Business Services, Scott Reynolds, or just Scott to any who had served on a mission trip with him. His topic was titled “Free” and senior Tanner Dubyak performed the song by that title that he and Mr. Reynolds had written on their mission trip to Belize over spring break. When it came time for diplomas, eightysix graduates received a handshake and a diploma (case) from WCSS Board President Jeff White and then turned their tassels at Mr. Lambert’s request. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this year’s ceremony was that it actually got done in
Carson Cody leads his peers into Harvest where they’ll magically be transformed into WCS alumni.
Woodcrest Christian School
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Emily Russell, one of the graduation speakers, is a second generation alumna, since her mom, Cori [Willis] Russell graduated in 1992.
under two hours! Future destinations for the graduates seemed very similar to the previous several years with 58% going to Christian colleges (35% to CBU alone), 14% to state universities, and 24% to community colleges.
Faculty News
Last year, babies seemed to be a highlight for the Woodcrest Christian faculty. This year Mr. Daniel Kari and his wife welcomed Noah into their family. Mr. Kari has departed the WCS staff for a job in industry, however, and Mrs. Kim Swoboda (’93) has moved up from teaching Physical Science in the eighth grade to take over the Biology and Environmental Science classes. You’ll see a note later that our Librarian, Miss Vanya Wright, married Josh Murdaugh (’13). Shortly before graduation, she announced that they were expecting, and she would not return. Her spot is being taken by 18401 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside,
First time dad, Mr. Daniel Kari seems to be enjoying the whole experience.
her assistant this past year, Mrs. Krystle Strange. Other departures include Mrs. San Martin (Spanish) whose spot will be taken by Mrs. Mia Helman, Mrs. Nicole Borg who is following her fiancé to Texas and will be replaced by eighth grade math teacher, Miss Giannina Loza. The Bible department lost a long-time member as Dr. Mark Adler accepted a position as the Director of Ariel Ministry’s online School of Messianic Jewish Studies. He was completely suited for that role, and though he was greatly loved by the students and we will miss him, he goes with our blessing. Mr. Matt Messner has been hired to take over Mr. Adler’s classes. In other faculty news, on July 13, 2019, middle school English teacher, Miss Gabbi Gehringer married Mr. Right, well actually Mr. Austin Wright who has taught English at the high school for two years. Both will continue to serve on the faculty here at Woodcrest Christian. CA 92508 ● 951-780-2010
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