Western Witness - Summer 2018

WESTERN CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

In this issue:

Principal’s Perspective

Spring Drive Thank You

Memorial Gifts

Share Memories for Western’s Upcoming Celebration

Summer Registration

Thanks!

Faithpacks Thanks

What is NICSTO?

Counselor’s Corner

Bargain Alley Update

Staffing Updates

Netherlands Exchange Program Will Continue

Just My Thoughts

Family Service Trip Inspires Gift of Music

Guys Track

Booster Club Golf Tournament

Girls Track

Boys and Girls Golf

Prayer and Praise

Chamber Singers Tour

Fast Facts from the Pack

Ag Department Updates

Western Science Night

NHS Induction Ceremony

Class of 2018 Composite

Western Witness

June 2018

Graduation 2018

Sixty-two graduates for the 96th Commencement of Western Christian High School

Class Verse: Jeremiah 29:11-13

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Class Flower: Lily

Class Colors: Maroon and White

Class Speaker: Pastor Todd Zuidema

Class Song: This Is My Father’s World

Co-Valedictorians: Alyssa Buren, Rachel Heynen

Principal’s Perspective

It’s with mixed feelings that I write this Principal’s Perspective. Twenty-six years is a long time to be in one place. To be honest, it was my intention to stay at Western for around five years when Ann and I arrived in 1991. But as with most things in my life, God has a sense of humor and laughs at my preconceived plans, because He seems to have a different plan for me than what I had intended. It’s been my honor and privilege to serve at Western Christian in three different roles over the years: first as a choir teacher, then as a guidance counselor,and finally as principal. Each role has had its joys and sorrows, but each has had, above all, a great sense of satisfaction and purpose. Like most workplaces, which in my case has been a Christian school, it is the relationships that have meant the most. Western Christian has been and continues to be a unique and amazing place because of the people who serve in it and support it, and also because of the spiritual dimension that separates it from most schools. There will be many things that I will miss about Western, but the thing I will miss most will be the spiritual dimension that makes Western Christian unique.

The school is in a good place as it approaches its centennial year in 2019. The building looks great. We have many new fresh faces that will add to our already engaging and capable faculty and staff. And now, with the new thrift store, Bargain Alley, approaching its grand opening, we have opened up a new funding stream that will make Christian education affordable for students and families for years to come. I look forward to seeing the fruits of our labors in the years ahead.

As for me, I open a new chapter in my life. It will be vastly different, but I also feel called to this new challenge. I want to thank those who have offered me well wishes. I want to thank the board, administration, faculty and staff, and parents and constituents for all of their love and support over the years. I know that when I look back at the last 26 years of my life, I will look back on my years at Western as some of the happiest and most meaningful years. I thank you for your commitment that has made Christian education possible for my children, and encourage you to keep Western strong in its second century of service for many other students to come. Cherish Christian education. It doesn’t happen by accident. It needs your love and support to keep it going. Thank you, and God’s richest blessings to you all.

In His Service, Dan Barkel

Principal, Western Christian High School

Spring Drive Thank You

Each year the Board of Directors at Western Christian High School conducts the annual Spring Drive. This drive is very important to the ongoing work of Western Christian and providing a quality Christian education to our students.

This year, Spring Drive gifts were designated for two major needs that the Western Christian Board of Directors deemed necessary. One of those needs was tuition relief of which $30,000 was allocated. The other major item is providing the funds necessary to open a new thrift store in Hull that will support the ongoing needs of Western Christian High School. The former bowling alley in Hull was gifted to Western Christian but approximately $100,000 of capital is necessary to make the building operational.

The largest Spring Drive ever at Western Christian occurred last year when $105,000 was received in gifts from alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends from all over the United States. This year $115,000 has already been raised with gifts still coming in each day. If you haven’t made a gift yet we could use your help in reaching our goal of $130,000. You can send your gift directly to the school or place it in your local Western Christian Board Representative church mailbox.

We want to thank all of those who have contributed to this huge undertaking. The Board of Directors is humbled and grateful for such a supportive community. To God be the Glory!

We are Most Grateful for Memorial Gifts Received in Honor and Memory of:

Larry Kats-Rock Valley. Larry (‘68) was one of twelve children, all who attended a Christian school. Larry’s children are Shad (‘91), Misti (‘93), and Molly.

Dorman Koel-Rock Rapids. Dorman and his wife Jeanne had four children that attended Western Christian High School. They are Gloria (‘72), Norwin (‘73), Alan (‘76), and Lorri (‘77).

William Bousema-Sanborn. Bill and his wife Veda had four children that attended Western Christian High School. They are Jacqueline (‘67), Bill (‘68), Allen (‘73), and Kevin (‘78).

Share Memories for Western’s Upcoming Celebration!

Western Christian High School is celebrating its 100th year anniversary in August 2019. A book is being put together to commemorate this anniversary. As part of the book we would like to include memories from former and current students as well as former and current faculty. You can send your memories to Wes Fopma, Director of Development, via email at wes.fopma@westernchristianhs.com. You can also mail them to: Western Christian High School, Attention: Wes Fopma, Box 658, Hull, Iowa 51239. Please include your name and the year you graduated from Western. Thank you for your help with this project!

Summer Registration

Like last year, registration will be held on one day rather than two, but our hours will be again lengthened to accommodate everyone. Registration for all students for the 2018-2019 school year will be held on Wednesday, July 11, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registration will be held in the new office/entryway area. We strongly encourage all students to come in and register during this time so we can make needed changes for the final fall class schedule and finalize the bus routes for the coming year. Thank you and we hope to see you on Wednesday, July 11, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Have a great summer!

Thanks!

The After Banquet Party held at Western was again a great success thanks in large part to the generous support of businesses and parents who donated time, money, and prizes. The goal of the committee it to provide a fun night in a safe environment for our kids and their friends. We believe, because of the ongoing support of parents and businesses from the many towns represented by our students, we were once again able to do that. Thank You!

Thank You from Western’s Faithpacks!

Because of donations sent in, each graduating senior was given a devotional book during our last Faithpack meeting of the year. Along with personal wishes, prayers and encouragement from each Faithpack member, the seniors move on with our hope that spending time in devotions, God’s Word, and prayer will be a lifelong habit.

We give special thanks to the people who have supported our Faithpacks in a variety of ways this year: donations for devotional books, stamps for our Christmas card project, and most of all your ongoing prayers! Thanks!

WHAT IS NICSTO?

Iowa state law allows a group of Christian schools to organize to accept donations from friends of Western Christian to help with tuition assistance for families at Western. This group is called the Northwest Iowa Christian School Tuition Organization (NICSTO). Western and your local Christian elementary schools are part of this group.

Donors receive a 65% tax credit on their Iowa Income tax and a gift deduction on their Federal tax. Donors may designate which school they want to help but may not designate particular students.

Western Christian families benefited by $150,000 in 2017-18.

Please consider donating to NICSTO in 2018 to help families in 2019. You may donate anytime between now and Dec. 31. Fill out the contribution form found under the Financial Aid tab on the Western Christian website and send your donation to Western Christian but make your check out to NICSTO.

Please call Wes Fopma at 712-439-1013 if you have further questions.

Congratulations Class of 2018! You made it. We wish you well as you move into the next chapter of life whether you are going to college, working, running a business or still deciding. As you look forward to the summer for those heading off to college here are a few things to do before the fall.

• Notify the college you will be attending about scholarships you received.

• Save money to help with college expenses.

• Prepare a personal budget for college and review it with your parents.

• Attend orientation sessions to meet people, get familiar with campus and register for classes.

• Prepare a college packing list. Contact your roommate and decided who’s bringing what so you don’t double up. Visit ICANsucceed.org/materials if you need help putting together your packing list.

Juniors, sophomores and freshmen you have completed another year. Finals are done and summer is beginning. Here are some things that you can do over the summer to help you with your career planning and life beyond high school exploration. It isn’t too soon to begin the process.

Juniors

• Schedule campus visits for colleges you would like to see.

• Obtain and review college admission applications.

• Consider which teachers, employers and other adults you’ll ask to write letters of recommendation.

• Serve your community - grades aren’t the only thing colleges evaluate.

• Save your summer earnings to pay for college.

• Prospective student athletes: Ask me to send an official transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Sophomores and Freshmen

• Start a summer reading list.

• Are you attending summer camp on a college campus? If so, take a look around to see if you could imagine attending the school.

• Participate in hobbies and activities that enable you to explore your career interests.

• Talk to others about their college experience.

• Don’t be afraid to alter your career goals as you learn more about yourself and the world of work, but remember to keep your goals attainable.

Class schedules for next year will be available in July at registration. Schedules will also be available on JMC mid-July. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable summer break.

Mrs. deBoom Career Counselor

Store

Store

Bargain Alley Update

BARGAIN

Now Accepting Your Donations!

Store

The Bargain Alley Thrift Store in Hull is accepting donations of clothing, furniture, toys, books, home decor, seasonal goods, hardware, linens, antiques/collectibles, jewelry, sporting goods, shoes and boots. If it is in good working condition come to the northeast corner of the building which is located at 1103 Maple Street, one block east of the downtown stop sign in Hull. Check https://www.facebook.com/BargainAlleyThriftStore for items that Bargain Alley does not accept. Please do not leave items at the door when no one is in attendance.

BARGAIN

BARGAIN BARGAIN

Bargain Alley will not make any repairs or do deep cleaning on donated items. Items will be taken in the store for immediate resale as-is. There is a cost related to recycling and disposing of unsalable donations. While we will make every effort to accommodate every donor with every item, we will have to make tough decisions on the resalable nature of the donations to ensure we can maximize our funding to our charitable cause. If you have any questions please call 712-449-5382.

Store

Volunteers Needed!

The Bargain Alley Thrift Store in Hull is looking for volunteers who would be interested in assisting in the operation of Bargain Alley. Volunteers are very important in the operation of any Thrift Store ministry. We are looking for volunteers who are able to do one or more of the following: sort clothes, help with displaying product, test the operation of various product, make pickups or deliveries in various communities, sell product, and checkout of customers. Volunteers would decide when and how long they would be able to work. If you are interested please stop by the Bargain Alley Thrift Store during the day at 1103 Maple Street, one block east of the downtown stop sign in Hull. If you have any questions please call 712-449-5382.

Staffing Updates for 2018-2019

Western Christian will have a lot of new faces in the fall. Joining us next fall in the halls of Western will be Mr. Derek Keizer, who will be teaching business. We will have two new faculty members in the math department this upcoming fall. Miss Lynae Dadisman will be teaching upper level math and Mrs. Courtney Rylaarsdam will be teaching lower level math. There will also be a new face in the Social Studies Department next fall. Mr. Brandon Broersma will be joining us and will be teaching World History and some PE as well. Another new teacher in the music area will be Mrs. Amie Smit. Mrs. Smit will be the new orchestra teacher. She will share her time with Hull Christian and Rock Valley Christian, as well as Western Christian. We are excited about the opportunities and energies that our new teachers will bring to our school.

The Board of Western Christian continues to seek the right person to fill the role of principal/administrator for the 20182019 school year. Your continued prayers concerning this important leadership role for our school are greatly appreciated.

We also wish to thank our departing teachers: Mr. Shawn Keizer, Mrs. Kayla Bartman, Mrs. Shar Van Engen, Mrs. Ashley Wielenga, and Mr. Bill Harmsen for all of their work and dedication to Western for the past several years. We wish them God’s blessings as they take up their new callings in a different location in God’s Kingdom.

Netherlands Exchange Program Will Continue at Western!

Western Christian will continue the student exchange between our school and the Greijdanus school in Zwolle, The Netherlands in 2018-19. We had a good experience with their students being in our midst in October and November of last year, and our own six students enjoyed their experience in the Netherlands in March of this year.

Coordinating the program next year will be Mrs. Carey Van Donselaar. Carey hosted a Dutch student last fall and her daughter Jasmine, was one of six students who visited the Netherlands in March. We look forward to her leadership with this unique program.

Be looking for information in the fall regarding eligibility for students going abroad and options for hosting students from the Netherlands. Western will again have the privilege of hosting six students from the Netherlands in the fall, and we will again send up to six students “across the pond” in the spring of 2019.

We thank you for your support of this program and hope it will be once again be a life changing experience for students in both schools, and help to foster relationships among people in both the U.S. and the Netherlands.

Here are a few reflections on the exchange program written by Western students when they returned from three weeks in the Netherlands this spring:

Alyssa Buren: “Although I may be quiet, the Holy Spirit can shine through even the most timid people. I think this trip was my opportunity to shine, not to show myself off, but God, and I think I did that pretty well. I didn’t let my worries and anxiety control me. I let God take control and let myself be who I truly am, no reserves. There was a quote from one of the church sermons I listened to in the Netherlands that stuck out to me, more so because it was funny. I’m pretty sure it had to either be a mistranslation or just an odd phrase, but the quote was, ‘Put all your worries in the refrigerator.’ Now, whatever that means, it was still kind of fitting for my situation. God was in control; my worries were irrelevant in comparison to His power and plan.”

Kailey Heemskerk: “It opened my eyes to how big and diverse the world really is and how amazing God is for creating so many different types of people. Each person I met has his or her own calling, including me, and it was really neat to be able to witness other people’s callings while growing in my own.”

Jasmine Van Donselaar: “I absolutely loved being able to integrate into another family’s life. It was really great because I didn’t see Netherlands as a tourist, I saw it as a local. I got to experience what it was like to wake up every morning, eat different food, go to school, see the way people interact and behave, hear the language that they speak. It is a unique experience that someone doesn’t get as an average tourist.”

Just My Thoughts

The Bible: This Changes Everything!

One of the blessings of being a teacher is the time for reflection at the close of another school year. I spend intentional time reflecting at the end of each year, and I love it when my reflections can also be a challenge or a blessing for my students, especially my graduating seniors.

My reflections this year actually go back further than last August. I am thinking back today on the past two years of my teaching here at Western. Two years ago I transitioned from being an English teacher to being a Bible and speech teacher. At the end of my first year in my “new” role, I saw how time and time again, my instruction to my Bible students had landed on the same phrase, “This changes everything!” When we studied the early reformers in church history and discovered how reading the Bible had prompted their desire to reform the church, I often pointed to regular reading of the Bible and said, “This changes everything.” In Senior Bible, we discussed morality, conformity, calling and career, and relationships, and again, when we needed insight, wisdom, and direction for our thoughts and lives, I pointed to the Bible and said, “This changes everything.”

The beginning of my second year as Bible and speech teacher coincided with the 500th anniversary of the Great Reformation. The theme verse for the year was selected to focus on the crucial habit of reading the Bible to impact all of life: “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Again, my classes heard my mantra about reading the Bible, “This changes everything.”

Then in December of this school year, I was elated to find out that I was one of 30 Christian school teachers invited to attend a conference in Washington DC at the new Museum of the Bible. That trip was incredible for so many reasons, one very important reason was that it convicted me even more of the depth of riches stored in the Word of God. I love sharing my new insights, tidbits, and even pictures of the museum with my students when it fits into our studies and discussions.

Then, only a few weeks ago, I stumbled across an article that had been published in a popular men’s magazine, GQ. The article entitled “21 Books You Don’t Have to Read,” was a collection of books that the editors of GQ had decided to identify as “not worth the reader’s time and energy” even though those same books are frequently recommended and viewed as important for anyone to read. Usually I would be mildly disappointed in a list like that. As an English teacher, I had often heard students (and many adults) complain about specific required and assigned titles when they seemed outdated, too long, or boring by today’s standards. But, when I saw that the Bible was #12 on the list of “not worth your time” books, I was more than disappointed, I was speechless.

I am still processing my response to the editors of GQ and their decision to include the Bible on their list. Sometimes I am just shocked at the arrogance of anyone who would write and stand behind such a statement. I can’t imagine being that foolishly bold in the face of God. At other times, I’m simply angry. I wonder if other religious books would have even been considered as titles for this list; yet, the Bible seems a popular target for any hostile remarks or even casual boredom by unbelievers. And finally, I am deeply saddened by this article. For someone to have read the Bible to determine that it’s a waste of time is truly one of the saddest situations I can imagine. Opening the Word of God, reading through it, and walking away unmoved, uncaring, or even dismissive is the truest definition of human tragedy that I have witnessed.

I challenged my students to think through their own response to that article. Do they care? Are they offended? Or, are the writers of the article at least somewhat accurate when they state that while most Christians claim to base their beliefs and actions on the Bible, very few have actually read the Bible. They contend that if Christians don’t even read the Bible, why should anyone?

So I am spending my time today reflecting on the past two years, thinking a lot about the Bible and my deep and growing love for it. If I can leave my graduating seniors with one clear challenge, it is this: Read the Bible. Do not buy into the lie that GQ (and so much of our world) is telling you when they say it’s not important, it’s not worth your time, it’s not life-changing. I will say it again and again--it is important (more important than ANY other book you could every read); it is worth your time (time spent in God’s Word, praying for His wisdom, will NEVER be time wasted); it is life-changing (just as it has been for God’s people, holy and dearly loved throughout ALL of history, it continues to change lives today!). Blessings to you Class of 2018 and all Christ-followers! Read the Bible: It changes everything, especially the one reading it!

Just My Thoughts, KC

Family Service Trip Inspires Gift of Music!

When my family and others went to Liberia in December-January 2017-2018, we participated in a vision trip and distributed donated products from Trinity CRC and other places. When we visited each church/orphanage/school, I noticed that they all loved playing their drums. There was only one problem, most of them didn’t have drumsticks to play with, or they had broken drum heads, or a broken trap set. I documented as many parts of the drums as I could and got pictures from an orphanage/school called Christ Our Hope, which hosts orphans of the Ebola crisis; Abide in the Vine Monrovia, Abide in the Vine Foya, which also has an Ebola orphan camp, and Abide in the Vine Harbel. Each location needed drumsticks and a lot of other items.

While we were in Liberia, I texted Mr. Van Ravenswaay, my band teacher, about this and asked if we had any extra sticks around Western. He not only replied that we did, he topped it and said that we even had some drum heads that the school could donate. When I got back, I collected all of those things from Mr. Van Ravenswaay and then remembered that the Harbel and Christ Our Hope needed a few smaller parts to fix their drums. I decided to contact several music stores in Sioux Falls to see what I could find.

Immediately, Sioux Falls Music responded to my email. They would gladly donate some supplies and had a lot of other products that we could purchase. I drove up to Sioux Falls and talked to their drum guy, Al, who gave me two dozen pairs of drumsticks. He also told me he would contact many of the local regular drummers to see what they could donate. A week later my dad brought home two boxes full: one containing sticks, snare wires, rims, pads, and the other containing close to 80-90 drum heads. I then contacted Aaron Bart about the donations and he told me I could send the stuff in two trips: one on May 24 and the other in late July. I contacted Mason Van Beek of Rock Valley because he is going on the May trip. I asked if he could help me out by teaching them how to fix drums and replace parts. I also received a special gift of a tambourine for each location donated by Trinity CRC in Rock Valley.

I packed up the stuff for AVDC Monrovia, Harbel, and Foya for the May shipment. Hopefully in July, I can send the stuff that Christ Our Hope needs. One real challenge I faced with packing is the weight limit. I can send only packages weighing 50 lbs or less on airplanes. This equipment isn’t always the lightest, so I request your prayers that all the packages get there safely and the people in Liberia can use their gifts of music to glorify God!

Brandon Kamstra, WCHS junior

The Bible

“This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the joy of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good is its design, and the glory of God is its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself for eternity.”

(This quote is attributed to Thomas Beavers, stated during one of his sermons. It is not clear whether he wrote it or was quoting another writer when he stated it in his sermon.)

2018 Guys Track Summary

This was a difficult season of track! It was one of those seasons where the weather just didn’t want to cooperate. But, even though we didn’t get a lot of opportunities to compete this season, I loved the way our young team competed and I commend them for always staying positive and practicing hard.

The 2018 Western Christian track and field team had 20 members, two of them seniors. We had a very young team this season, but I loved the way our young team got better throughout the season and the track and field program has a lot of young talent for the upcoming years.

I want to thank our two seniors for their leadership and hard work this season. Zach Elbers was a 4-year varsity track runner and had a tremendous career. He fought through an injury all season and wasn’t able to perform at the level he wanted to, but Zach did a great job of staying positive and leading by example by practicing hard. Daniel Donovan was our other senior. This was Daniel’s first year of track and I thank him for working hard and coming out for track to better himself as an athlete and join our team.

We had one of our relays make it to the state track meet this spring. Our 4x400 team was able to compete on the blue oval at State Track. That team consisted of Harry Steele, Trevin Hulstein, Carson Elbers, and Cole Zevenbergen. The team came into the state meet ranked 22nd but had a great race, finishing second in their heat and just missing the finals, finishing 10th overall.

I want to thank our head girls coach Mark Fenchel and our assistant coach, Kyle Fykstra, for all their hard work and dedication to Wolfpack Track and Field. Also a big thank you to all the seniors and the underclassmen for their work, dedication, and leadership throughout the season. Thank you to all the parents for your support to Western and the Track and Field Team.

The 2018 Track and Field season was a great way to glorify God with our talents and abilities. Thank you for all your support throughout the season!

Coach K.

Western Christian Booster Club Golf Tournament Entry Form

The 27th annual Western Christian Booster Club golf tournament will be held on Friday, August 10, at 12:00 at the Ridge Golf Course in Sioux Center. We have lots of room and need your help in filling the golf course so put your foursome together soon. We’ll once again have mulligans for sale and various tee boxes based on your age and gender.

The cost to golf is $90 per person and that includes 18 holes of golf, cart, supper, and the chance to win prizes. Mulligans will also be sold at registration. Please enclose a check with your registration. It would help us greatly if you would return your registration form and entry fee as soon as possible. All proceeds will go to the Western Christian Booster Club. This year’s proceeds will specifically be used towards the purchase of new football uniforms.

Registration is from 11:00-11:45 with a shotgun start at 12:00 sharp. Ribeye steaks will again be grilled at approximately 5:30. If you have any questions feel free to call Mike Broek @ (712) 395-0699 or Mike Roetman @ (712) 449-5199. Team Members Additional People coming to meal $25/per person

Please return form and full payment to: Mike Broek, 807 3rd Street, Hull, IA 51239

2018 Girls Track

Track and Field season started out in late February with a nice mix of veteran and young athletes who participated in practices. The first part of our year we headed into the indoor meets at Storm Lake and Sioux Center and found early success in those meets and were ready to move to the outdoor season. For the next month and a half, we battled the constant mix of cold and snow which caused us to cancel six of our first seven meets. Our practice workouts were spent running indoors and out on the dry pavement and severely limited what we could practice for field events, but the girls showed perseverance during those unusual workouts.

Eventually we made it to our outdoor season and our athletes competed well and used their God-given talents to the best of their abilities. The girls team highlights were winning the Sioux Center and Sibley meets.

The team placed third in our conference meet in Spirit Lake on a raining blustery night. The team also finished third in our district meet with 12 teams competing in Sheldon and ended up taking four relays and five individual events to State Track and Field in Des Moines. We celebrated a number of highlights down at State Track including Cori DeJong winning the 2A high jump and the 4 x 800 relay team finishing 3rd overall. We look forward to next year bringing back numerous runners who have state experience.

We want to recognize and thank our five seniors who competed for all four years of track. Each one gave valuable leadership to the team this year and has represented Western well throughout their high school career. (see names below) I would like to thank our boys head coach, Travis Kooima, for his work coaching the sprinters, and assistant coach Kyle Fykstra, for all his work this year coaching.

Coach Fenchel

Team Roster:

Seniors

Jessi DeJager

Cori DeJong

MaryKate Postma

Taylor Rus

Sydney Stiemsma

Juniors

Mackenzie

Keokhamthong

Bailey Nelson

Kayla Zevenbergen

Sophomores

Jill DenHerder

Olivia Granstra

Whitney Minderhoud

Ally Postma

Abby Postma

Macay Van’tHul

Freshmen

Emilee Heynen

Breanna TenPas

Braelynn Kamstra

Emily Zuidema

Allison Vermeer

Chantelle Vandekamp

2018 Girls State Qualifiers

High Jump – Cori DeJong (State Champion)

High Jump – Jessi DeJager

200 M – Emilee Heynen

800 M – Macay Van’t Hul

1500 M – Whitney Minderhoud (10th)

4 x 100 – Taylor, Rus, Oliva Granstra, Cori DeJong, Emilee Heynen (10th)

4 x 400 – Bailey Nelson, Ally Postma, Jessi DeJager, Macay Van’t Hul

4 x 800 – Whitney Minderhoud, Emilee Heynen, Ally Postma, Macay Van’t Hul (3rd)

Distance Medley – Olivia Granstra, Jessi DeJager, Macay Van’t Hul, Whitney Minderhoud

2018 Boys Golf

This was a most unusual golf season due to the very late spring. We normally start practice outdoors during the last couple weeks of March, but this year the area courses did not open until the end of April.

We had to cancel several meets, but still managed to get a lot of golf in the last 3 weeks of our season. We finished tied for 2nd in the regular season Lakes conference meets, and 4th in the Conference meet. We ended the season with a 22-7 record. We finished 3rd in the sectionals and did not advance to Districts as a team. However, we did have two golfers qualify as individuals – Caleb Harmsen and Carter Broek. Both competed well at the district meet, but did not qualify for the State meet. The following guys golfed Varsity this year: Taylor Westphal, Caleb Harmsen, Brennan Kooi, Carter Broek, Caleb Dokter, and Ty VandeHoef.

We would like to thank all the guys for being great representatives of Western Christian and a special thanks to Seniors Taylor Westphal and Caleb Harmsen who were both varsity golfers the past 3 years.

This year’s golf team consisted of the following boys:

Seniors: Taylor Westphal, Caleb Harmsen, Nick Kooima, Darion DeWeerd, and Michael VanDenTop

Juniors: Brennan Kooi, Carter Broek, and Jacob Vis

Sophomores: Caleb Dokter, Ty VandeHoef

2018 Girls Golf

Our girls golf team had a very fun season this year. We had 6 girls out for golf including juniors: Jaycie VanZee, Halle Andringa, Elizabeth Carney, Anna Back; sophomore: Aubrey Kooima; freshman: Julia Back.

Our girls competed very well in snow-storm-shortened spring season. Once we were able to get out and golf, we still had stiff winds and rain! Our girls kept a positive attitude and continued to improve.

Aubrey Kooima finished 8th in the Lakes Conference tournament in which she received All Conference Honors. Aubrey also just missed advancing in regional golf play by 2 strokes!

All the girls learned more about the game of golf and learned perseverance through difficult situations. I thought our girls did a fantastic job of playing with honesty, integrity and sportsmanship and represented Western and our God very well.

Coach Bill Harmsen

Prayer and Praise

Please lift your praise to God for . . .

• a safe and memorable Jr/Sr Banquet for our students, and the many parents who worked behind the scenes to make that a great event for Western students!

• another completed school year and safety throughout the year

• the graduating class of Western 2018

• new faculty hired to fill openings for next year

• the many combined years of service of those who are moving on from Western with the end of the 20172018 school year: Shar Van Engen, Dan Barkel, Bill Harmsen, Ashley Wielenga, Kayla Bartman, and Shawn Keizer.

Please lift your prayers to God for . . .

• the 2018 graduates as they now find new places and new ways to serve the King!

• the new faculty members as they transition into their jobs at Western: Brandon Broersma, Amie Smit, Lynae Dadisman, Courtney Rylersdaam, Derek Keizer.

• those that mourn, we especially remember families dealing with the loss of loved ones recently.

• our custodian, Dave Boender, as he recovers from surgery.

Chamber Singers Tour 2018

The Chamber Singers traveled to Minneapolis for this year’s tour. The tour included five scheduled performances, a couple impromptu performances, and a few really enjoyable activities.

The Chamber Singers left Thursday morning. Before leaving, Pastor Doug De Groot led us in prayer. Our first stops were Sheldon Christian and Sanborn Christian. The Chamber Singers performed some of their songs from their concert repertoire and a couple of fun praise songs with the students at both schools.

Thursday afternoon the Chamber Singers arrived in Minneapolis and went on a Segway tour of downtown Minneapolis. The tour was about six miles with a few stops along the way which lasted a couple of hours total.

On Friday, the singers toured the Cathedral of St. Paul and then presented two concerts at the Presbyterian Homes in Roseville. Our first concert was in the memory care unit, where eyes and faces brightened as the Chamber Singers sang familiar hymns with them and songs from their program. The second concert was in the assisted living center where we were reminded of the power of words and music and the blessing of sharing our faith!

Friday evening we attended a Twins game at Target Field. The Twins played the Cincinnati Red Socks. Four students were chosen for field passes and given the opportunity to go down to the field before the game.

On Saturday we went to the Mall of America and the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. We saw Disney’s Newsies. The singing and choreography were fantastic!

On Sunday we sang during the morning service at Calvary CRC in Edina. The church graciously provided lunch for us before we left.

We thank God for the opportunities he has blessed us with this year: opportunities to grow musically and to be a part of many different worship services. We thank the Western Christian community for their financial support for tour and their encouragement throughout the year.

Fast Facts from the Pack!

• Three physics students (Spencer Cox, Seth Hoekstra, and DJ Nibbelink) competed in NCC’s Engineering Competition on May 2nd by building a catapult during the 3rd quarter. Their catapult had to fire an egg at a target a little over 90 feet away. They hit the target 3 out of 5 times. Overall, this group performed very well as they received 2nd place in “presentation” and 3rd place in “accuracy.”

• Seniors in Speech class ended their semester by writing and delivering a Chapel Speech. Although these speeches are not delivered to the entire student body for our Tuesday/Thursday chapels, the speeches are intended to have that tone and faithchallenge to them. It is such a rich blessing to listen to our soon-to-be graduates share their faith and inspire and challenge one another with these final speeches. To God be the glory!

• The last chapel of the year was the traditional Senior Chapel. The entire student body was led in song, prayer, and messages delivered by the graduating seniors. God richly blessed this event as it was a beautiful way to end our chapel times together.

• For the first time in Western history, Hayley VanGrootheest received her Iowa FFA Degree. She is the first person from Western Christian to obtain this prestigious award.

• The May meeting for Faithpacks included a devotional book by Max Lucado being presented to each senior after their Faithpack members wrote personal notes and words of encouragement in each book. Special thanks to all who donated toward the purchase of those devotional books.

• Western Christian will be rolling out a Mobile-friendly Website this Summer.

• The WC Tech department, led by Jon Veldman, built a computer from scratch and is using that as our Facebook Live streaming computer for Chapels.

• The Pack Player’s will be performing Stuart Little as next fall’s production! Auditions will be held the second week of school. It will be a fun show for the entire family!

• The Wolfpack Drumline marched in the Tulip Festival Parade in Orange City, IA on May 17. Participating students were Karissa Walhof, Samantha Pollema, Alyssa Buren, Jon Slice, Brandon Kamstra, Levi Van Ravenswaay, Chandler Schemper and Rebecca DenHartog.

• Core 212 students took a morning to visit the brand new Cadaver Lab at Dordt College. We were able to see and touch the brain, and any other organs that were of interest. This experience is extremely valuable as textbook picture don’t do our Creator justice in how He created our bodies!

• Child Development class had the opportunity to bring “a little” to school during our block schedule. They could bring any child between the ages of 0-5. They had to share their relationship with the child and then use their observation skills and knowledge to determine how their little was developing in each of the 5 areas of development. This was a great hands-on, interactive experience for both the bigs and the littles! (Pics below)

• Western held its Grandparents Day on April 10. On that day, the seniors invite their grandparents or special guests to share chapel, a school tour, and lunch together. We thank God for the many grandparents who support Western and our students in such faithful ways! (Pics below)

• The art department was given bowling balls and pins from the bowling alley. Drawing and painting students painted the bowling balls and pins and they will be available for sale at the Bargain Alley Thrift Store that Western is opening. (Pics below)

Art Bowling Balls Project

Child Development Class

Grandparents Day

Ag Department Updates

This spring members have had the opportunity to travel to State Convention in Ames, facilitate the importance of farm safety to Rock Valley third graders, host an end of the year BBQ to new members, and showcase their accomplishments for the year at the chapter banquet.

From April 21-23, 12 FFA members traveled to Iowa State University in Ames for the 90th State FFA Convention and Leadership Conference. For two days members participated in career development events (CDE’s), served as delegates, participated in sessions, workshops, the career fair, tours and several other events and activities.

Alyssa Fedders, Nicole Faber, Titan Hofman, and Treyton Sandbulte all participated in the Ag Biotechnology CDE. This CDE was composed of three parts: an individual test, a group problem to solve related to a biotech topic, and identification of tools and equipment within this respective field. These four members served as the first team from Western and received a bronze rating.

Ethan Van Maanen and Sawyer Pollema participated and received a bronze rating in the State Greenhand Quiz. The quiz consisted of material that a first year member (a greenhand) is encouraged to know and understand about the FFA Organization. Larissa De Kam, Olivia Granstra, Hayley Van Grootheest, and Madison Hofman competed in the Poultry CDE and received a bronze rating. The competition included five test areas: Live Poultry, Ready-to-cook Poultry, Shell Eggs, Further Processed Poultry, and a written Poultry knowledge exam. Hayley Van Grootheest received a gold rating by entering a Chapter Display which showcased one activity that Western’s chapter does. Van Grootheest chose to create a display about their yearly Grain Elevator Meals. She put together goals, objectives, results, and much more about the yearly fall activity.

With 2018 being the third full year of Western Christian FFA’s establishment, this year was the first year where members were able to apply to receive their State FFA Degree. The degree recognizes members’ achievements within their supervised agricultural experience (SAE), FFA involvement and leadership, and participation in agricultural courses. Members need to earn the Greenhand and Chapter Degree prior to receiving the State FFA Degree. Hayley Van Grootheest was the first member from Western Christian FFA to receive her State FFA Degree in a ceremony last week in Hilton Coliseum. With many hours of work on and off the field with her crop production SAE, countless hours serving as our chapter secretary for the past three years, and heavy involvement in agricultural courses at Western Christian, Van Grootheest was more than deserving of receiving this award.

Just one week later, 14 members, along with the Rock Valley FFA chapter, led and encouraged third graders in Rock Valley to practice safety in all agricultural endeavors. Third graders were led through stations related to PTO, electricity, fire, grain bin, chemical, and many other agricultural safety topics throughout the day. Marv Van Beek spoke during the morning about his farming accident and talked about what life looks like for him. Members enjoyed getting to know third graders and encouraged the next generation to be safe in all agricultural endeavors.

On Tuesday, May 8, members, parents, and guests got together for an evening celebrating the third year of Western Christian FFA and the agricultural program. Multiple members were awarded for their accomplishments over the year, recognized for their outstanding involvement, and the 2018-2019 officer team was inducted. Additionally, Dr. Thomas Paulsen gave the keynote address. Dr. Paulsen spoke about going to the next level as an FFA chapter; together. It was a wonderful evening and a great night celebrating another successful year of Western Christian FFA.

Lastly, the recruitment committee hosted a BBQ for current and entering FFA members on Friday May 12. Current members were able to mingle with new members and enjoy some time together. Games, food, and fellowship were enjoyed. We are so excited to continue to add new members next year!

As we look forward to the summer, we are excited to plan for the next year at our officer retreat, host our second annual tractor ride, serve in our community, possibly get a greenhouse up, and participate in various Career Development Events (CDE). God continues to bless us and as we look forward to year four, we believe God is only going to continue to grow us and allow us to impact the face of agriculture in our school, community, state, and world.

Western Science Night

On Tuesday, March 20th, Western’s Science Department hosted its annual Science Night in the event center. Western’s physical science classes made up 22 different teams and competed in a Physics Olympics Triathlon based on three events. In addition to physical science students demonstrating their engineering abilities, senior physics students displayed and demonstrated their 3rd quarter projects.

The three events in the triathlon included the mousetrap car, soda straw strong arm, and Pringle mail. For the mousetrap car event, students had to design and construct a car that could successfully travel a distance of 1000.0 cm while being powered by only the energy in a standard mousetrap. The soda straw strong arm event required students to build an arm out of 20 straws and 20 pins in 20 minutes. After completing the “arm,” students hung a 100.0 g mass and measured the horizontal distance from the edge of the table to the metal weight. For the final event, students were given a Pringle chip and asked to engineer a lightweight package that could successfully be sent through the US Postal Service without allowing damage to the chip.

Event Winners:

Mousetrap Car: Levi VDB, Tyson B, and Ethan S (987.0 cm)

Soda Straw Strong Arm: Sawyer P, Bailey B, and Trey K (45 cm)

Pringle Chip Mail: Angelique K, Esther P, and Korey DJ (31.63 composite score)

In addition to physical science students competing in the triathlon, senior physics students displayed their 3rd quarter senior physics projects. These projects included a Rube Goldberg machine that took a picture with a camera and a machine that called Pizza Hut to order a large pepperoni pizza. The remaining senior project was an egg catapult machine that participated later this spring in NCC’s engineering expo.

Overall, everyone did a great job of engineering quality products and machines that were displayed during Science Night. I also want to say thanks to the senior physics students who helped take measurements and collect data for the triathlon and to Mr. Van Surksum (Mr. DeStigter’s student teacher) for assisting throughout the night. In addition, thanks to all of those who supported the event with their attendance.

Mr. De Stigter

The Western Christian NHS Induction Ceremony

The National Honor Society Induction was held as part of the Awards Night Program on Wednesday, May 9, at the Western Christian Event Center. The four pillars of the NHS are Scholarship, Service, Character, and Leadership. In order to qualify for the Society, juniors and seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above were invited to complete an application which was then reviewed by a five-member faculty council and NHS adviser. Other membership criteria are listed in Western’s Parent-Student handbook.

Western NHS students are expected to offer exemplary leadership both inside and outside of our school. As part of their service to our school, NHS members manage the recycling/redemption program for cans and bottles. This year’s NHS members voted to donate the funds from the redemption of those items to three worthy causes: Habitat for Humanity (the Hull house being built this summer), Project Ultrasound (which offers free ultrasounds to women considering abortion because statistics prove the 80% of women decide not to abort after those ultrasounds), and human trafficking exit duffle bags (a bag filled with personal care items for women transitioning out of a trafficked lifestyle.) Other ways they offer service to school are by being student leaders in our Faithpack groups, tour guides and ambassadors for 8th grade day, and helping out with the inflatables and games at Western’s Fun’d Night. Congratulations to the inductees, and encouragement to continue positive, Christ-like leadership for our graduating NHS members!

Members inducted on May 9, 2018, include the Previously Inducted Members: following students:

Emma Bousema

Cole Christians

Andrew Cox

Jeff DeKam

Larissa DeKam

Marissa Driesen

Trenton Hoekstra

Trayle Kats

Bailey Nelson

Payton Oostenink

Samantha Pollema

Chandler Schemper

Jonathan Slice

Jasmine VanDonselaar

Georgia VanEssen

Clay VanTol

Jacob Vis

Parker Vis

Kayla Zevenbergen

Alyssa Buren

Aysha DeGroot

Cori DeJong

Zach Elbers

Alyssa Fedders

Caleb Harmsen

Jaron Harthoorn

Jorji Haveman

Rachel Heynen

Kailey Heemskerk

Brianna Kollis

Trevor Kollis

Mitchell Minderhoud

MaryKate Postma

Sydney Stiemsma

Delanie VanBemmel

Michael VanDenTop

Jonathan VanderWerf

Avery VanKley

Brooklyn VanOort

Ashtyn Veerbeek

Karissa Walhof

Lindsey Zuidema