Western Witness - Spring 2019

WESTERN CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

In this issue:

Principal’s Perspective

SafeSchools at Western

Bargain Alley - a Success!!

Thank You Booster Club

Science Night

Prayer & Praise

Spring Drive Underway

Just My Thoughts

Counselor’s Corner

Order Your Yearbook

Memorials

JETS 2019

NW Iowa Honor Choir

Large Group Speech

8th Grade Day - Invite

After Banquet Party

Grandparents Day

Exchange Students

Girls Basketball

Visit Washington D.C.

Boys Basketball

Wrestling

Wolfpack Camp Dates

Ag Department Notes

Fast Facts from the Pack

Faithpack 2019 Word Project

100th Anniverary Celebration

Western Witness

March 2019

Spiritual Emphasis

Feb. 5, 6 & 8

Week Speaker: Mr. Luke Vander Leest

- Sioux Falls Christian Praise Team

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” ~ Hebrews 12:1-2

“Luke Vander Leest drew us into his unique life experiences, especially with the lessons he shared he took away from his Grand Canyon adventure. It challenged me to dig into my selfinventory that includes my training, my fuel, preparation, and map for where I am running in my life.”

-Georgia Van Essen

‘Spiritual Emphasis week this year challenged me to be All In and go deeper in my faith.”

-Bailey Nelson

“Spiritual Emphasis week is a week that I look forward to each year. I thoroughly enjoy being “fed” by God’s word and message for the extended chapels, the group praise, and worship, as well as the Faith pack discussion that follows. This year, I was challenged by Luke to be a Canyon Runner and not a Rim Hugger; to be ALL IN with my Faith rather than looking in from the fringes.”

-Katie Reitsma

“Spiritual Emphasis Week always means a week of being blessed by a special speaker whose week-long message gives students a chance to dig deeper into their faith.”

- Emma Bousma

“One of the things talked about during Spiritual Emphasis Week that made an impact on me was Mr. Vander Leest talking about the ‘cloud of witnesses.’ Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy are great examples of witnesses. I feel like I can mostly relate to Barnabas. Barnabas was an encourager, and I try to be an encourager every day to the people I have contact with. To me being an encourager goes along with being kind. We all should encourage with kindness to help lead and grow students in their faith.”

-Diana Kooima

Principal’s Perspective

During my first comments to the students and faculty at Western Christian High School last Fall, I raised a couple of questions such as “Who are you?” and “Why are you here?” I intended to remind the students that as young people who had been baptized as members of the covenant, God had placed His finger on them and declared to each of them, “You are MINE!” With this in mind, each of us should take up our respective tasks; whether that of a student or a teacher and engage all of our talents and abilities to bring honor and glory to our Creator God in the work we do each and every day.

I am learning that with age comes increased reflection – a time of looking back more than a few years. Many, but I realize not all, of our ancestors, came from the Netherlands or other parts of Europe. Many of our ancestors endured severe persecution because of their religious beliefs in the early 1800s. By the mid-1840s much of this persecution had ceased; however, those with strong Christian convictions still could not worship with relative security, and they began to look for a new homeland.

In addition, these folks did not have the freedom to establish their schools and receive state funding and recognition. Many of the teachers also held very liberal biases, and so many began to look for a land where Christian schools could be established and where children of the believers could be freely trained according to God’s Word.

As a result, many of our ancestors made the arduous decision to migrate to America. Each of our families have their own stories which hopefully have been passed on to remind us of the tremendous hardship these people endured while crossing “the pond,” losing family members due to disease, making their way to the Midwest with nothing but the bare necessities, coping with severe winter blizzards, and losing entire crops to insects. All of this for the sake of Christian education?

My roots go back to the opening of the Peoria (IA) Christian School in the Fall of 1907. A good deal of animosity existed between the locals and the newcomers who were buying up “their” land. The hatred was intense that precisely one hundred years ago arsonists burned the relatively new Christian school and the Christian Reformed Church that had been built only a few yards from the school. With both entities being reduced to ashes, the commitment of these devout Christians was strengthened with the determination to rebuild, and the Christian school recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Providing a Christian education for one’s children has never been easy financially. In fact, it has often been said to be “sacrificial.” I remember well as a child that when needs would arise, we would be reminded that we had to wait until the next milk check came. Other times we couldn’t afford new clothes until we paid the accumulating bill at the local grocery store since we weren’t bringing in enough eggs to trade for the groceries we needed for a growing family. Having only one pair of shoes to wear for farm chores and school meant cutting out an “insert” from the back panel of the Cheerios box to cover the hole in the sole so that our socks didn’t get soaked when we played in the snow at school.

I state these things not to garner pity. I’ve outgrown that by now. My concern lies with the fact that I’m not sure the stories of our forefathers are being passed on, and because of that we (maybe) and our children and young people of this generation lack the fervor for Christian education. I am witnessing an increasing number of young families who supposedly are struggling financially (Really? Like our ancestors did?) and hence decide that Christian education is not worth the cost. Because more of today’s parents may have a spouse who did not attend a private school, the concern with the cost of Christian education is even addressed in prenuptial agreements so that children transfer into the public school system at a younger age all the time.

Young people who are currently in our Christian high schools are telling me outright that they do not sense the importance of sending their children to a Christian school someday. Simply stated, today’s lifestyle does not allow Christian education to fit into our family budgets. Are we telling our stories? Do our children have any idea of the dedication and commitment of our ancestors and the determination that many of us harbor to send our children to the Christian school? Can we share our convictions with our children and bare our souls without having to show holes in our soles?

Harlan De Vries

Principal, Western Christian High School

SafeSchools at Western

Harassment and bullying are problems that can be very subtle and hard to identify for school staff members, particularly if done electronically. For that reason, Western Christian has created a portal on the very bottom of our homepage entitled “SafeSchools” where persons can make a confidential report on harassment or bullying issues going on in our school. The confidential report can be made to Western via text, email, the web or by phone. We invite you to look at the bottom of our webpage where you will see the word “SafeSchools.” This service is provided through our insurance carrier, EMC.

Bargain Alley - a Success!!

The Bargain Alley Thrift Store opened for business on July 12 of last year in the former bowling alley in Hull. Iowa State Bank generously donated the building to Western Christian High School, and that was a great start. Approximately $140,000 was spent in renovating and refurbishing the building from February until July which included insulation, lighting, HVAC, flooring, windows, painting, store fixtures, and carpentry work. This $140,000 was paid off by December 31 through gifts to last year’s Spring Drive of $90,000, $10,000 from the city of Hull for a storefront improvement grant, $8,500 from MidAmerican Energy in energy rebates, and through the operation of the store.

Net proceeds at the store range from $5,000 to $8,000 a month which benefits Western Christian High School. Through the work of three part-time employees and 25-30 volunteers, the store has been an excellent asset to Western Christian High School.

Surprisingly, God has turned Bargain Alley into a benefit to many others as well. It’s a place where people can see their donated furniture, clothing, decor, books, and other merchandise benefit someone else right here in northwest Iowa. It’s a place where families who might not know what to do with what they or their parents have accumulated over the years can bring usable merchandise. The Bargain Alley also offers the option of picking up furniture or similar merchandise. The store has been a blessing for many people looking for usable products at an extremely affordable price. Finally, it has been a great place for volunteers to use their time and talents. Volunteers have fun working, having coffee, and interacting with other volunteers and customers. You never know what is going to come in that back door.

The store does need several more volunteers. Please contact either Kari Hoekstra or Betty Moss if you can help in some way. Those who volunteer have found it to be a wonderful blessing not only for the school but for them personally as well. The phone number at the store is 712-439-6800. Store hours are 9-5 Tuesday-Thursday, Friday 9-4, and Saturday 9-2. Please consider donating a few hours each week or month. We need people to work mornings or afternoons.

Donations of clothing, furniture, toys, books, home decor, seasonal goods, hardware, linens, antiques/collectibles, jewelry, sporting goods, shoes, and boots are accepted if in good working condition. Donations can be dropped off at the northeast corner of the building during store hours. Please do not leave items at the door when no one is in attendance at the store. Bargain Alley will not make any repairs or do a deep cleaning on donated items. Items are 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 Western Christian.

Thank You Booster Club

The Athletic Department would like to thank the Wolfpack Booster Club for their generous donation for the new mats that are now hanging on both sidelines of the gym. Thank you Booster Club for your continual support of Wolfpack Athletics.

Western Christian Science Night

The annual Western Christian Science Night will be held on Tuesday, March 19th from 7:00 to 8:30 in Western’s Event Center. During this time, Physical Science students will be competing in a Physics Olympics triathlon. Events included in this competition are mousetrap car, soda straw strong arm, and Pringle Chip mailing. Come out and see what our students are learning and designing in various science classes at Western Christian High School!

Prayer and Praise

Please lift your praise to God for . . .

• Tyler Van Otterloo, a Junior, returned to Western. Tyler contracted a severe case of West Nile this past summer and has spent time in hospitals and rehab centers in Cincinnati, Sioux Falls, and Omaha. Welcome Back, Tyler!!

• Luke Vander Leest’s message and challenge to our students and staff to become ‘All In’ in our faith journey. Spiritual Emphasis week didn’t quite go as planned due to the weather, but through flexibility, the complete message was still able to be shared with our students.

• Some extra fun and festivity during Fun Friday’s in February and FFA week. The talent show was packed with students willing to share their God-given gifts with the student body.

• The hiring of Mrs. Mary Dirkson to serve as the Resource Room teacher next school year. Mary comes to Western with a wealth of experience that will no doubt bless our students.

Please lift your prayers to God for . . .

• Ongoing plans for the 2019-2020 school year.

• The continual frustration with the weather. This winter has been long filled with many snow days.

• Our Seniors as they approach their final quarter of learning as high school students and make plans for their future whether it be at a four-year institution, a tech school, or joining the workforce right after graduation.

Spring Drive Underway

Each year the Board of Directors at Western Christian High School conducts the annual Spring Drive. Spring Drive gifts help in a couple of different ways. First, the Board is trying to make every attempt to keep tuition costs to parents as low as possible. For this coming year, they have designated $30,000 from the Spring Drive to help reduce tuition for all students.

Last year, as most of you know, Western Christian acquired the old bowling alley in Hull and converted it into the Bargain Alley Thrift Store. More about the finances of that acquisition is in the Bargain Alley Update article in this Witness. The Board of Directors is now designating proceeds from the store where they are needed most. Because of Spring Drive gifts, this initiative is going to give back to Western Christian for many years into the future.

This year, the Board of Directors would like to address the issue of the restrooms which serve the gymnasium. The gymnasium was built 40 years ago, and little has been done in these restrooms in those 40 years. Most visitors to Western Christian come because of some event that occurs in the gymnasium, whether that is an athletic event, graduation, or some other activity. This area is the first impression of Western Christian that many people receive. Many constituents have expressed concern regarding the poor condition of our restrooms. The stalls in both bathrooms are worn out, changing tables in both bathrooms are needed, upgraded sinks are necessary, and the plumbing and lighting need to be addressed. The Board of Director’s goal is to raise $75,000 so that the restrooms can be remodeled this spring/summer in time for the 100th anniversary of the school.

Last year the Spring Drive raised around $118,000. If everyone who made a gift to the Spring Drive last year would consider gifting what they gave last year and if those who were unable to give would make a gift, it would make a significant impact on addressing this need at Western Christian. A donation of $100, $250, $500, or some other significant gift would help reach our goal. If you did not make a gift last year to Spring Drive Reduction, we hope you will see the need and consider making a gift this year. WCHS does need your help!

If you did not receive an envelope in your mailbox at church, the address to mail your donation to is: Western Christian High School, Attn: Spring Drive, P.O. 658, Hull, Iowa 51239

Just My Thoughts

A Dog, A Paw, a Cone...and Trust

My family owns a Golden Retriever, Ellie. I complain about her quite often (mostly to my family). She sheds constantly; she still needs supervision when she goes outside (not enjoyable in sub-zero temps), she’s the sloppiest water drinker I have ever seen, leaving a puddle around her dish as well as water pathway for at least 5 feet around it. And yet, we love her; well, at least the kids and I love her, Mike is still deciding.

A couple of weeks ago we noticed that Ellie had a bump on her left paw. At first, we thought that she possibly scraped it or injured it on something, but then we could see that it wasn’t that type of sore. We hoped it would get better on its own, but as we kept an eye on it over the next few days, it started to look more sore and tender, so it was time to go to the vet.

The vet had to take a quick look because Ellie isn’t the most compliant patient in the clinic. (To be honest, she goes crazy. I refuse to take her alone; one of the boys always gets to come along.) Dr. Sandy diagnosed the situation and prescribed some medicine by mouth, and some lotion/salve applied directly on the paw, three times a day. That’s when we all paused. Salve on her paw, three times a day? Anyone who owns a dog can guess what that meant; the only way to keep medicine on a dog’s sore paw is to use a cone to prevent her from licking the paw–those big plastic cones that fit widely around the dog’s entire head; they are sometimes called the “cone of shame” because dogs dislike them so much.

So we went home with dog pills, paw salve, and a big mixture of doubt and determination. Putting a plastic cone around the head of an otherwise rambunctious, lively 2-year-old Golden Retriever is not a task for the weak. First, one has to be quick and extremely sly. Second, one must be resilient to the saddest, most pitiful expression and behavior demonstrated by a dog. Once again, I recruited the help of my boys. Once we got the cone on, Ellie just stood there, her head hanging down. She was completely disoriented. When Ellie tried to lie down, the cone kept bumping awkwardly on the floor. When she tried to walk anywhere, the cone bumped into walls and any other obstacles, completely throwing off her depth perception. She couldn’t figure out how to jump on the couch because that crazy cone prevented any successful jumping. So she just stood there and looked at us sadly, pathetically.

We knew she needed that cone on, but she sure didn’t understand it. It would have been easy just to take that cone off to get our lively dog back. In fact, we sometimes tried to get by without it. We applied the medicine and kept a careful eye on her, but we often soon noticed she needed the cone to leave the paw alone. So, we kept using it. We looked for signs of progress by inspecting the paw every day. We didn’t notice much. We knew the next level of treatment could include some sort of surgery, which would definitely add more cone time, so we kept medicating, kept coning, and kept watching.

Slowly, over two weeks, we finally noticed an improvement. In fact, as of today, the spot on her paw that was once so sore and raw is now barely visible. We are still applying the salve but since it’s not nearly as sore, Ellie doesn’t pull away, and she doesn’t try to lick it, so the cone has been retired to the hallway closet. (Ellie seems to move about the house more at ease when the cone isn’t anywhere visible.)

I continue to learn lessons in life. This one, although it involved a sore paw and sad, coned puppy, reminded me of how frequently things in life that are good for me are not pleasant at the time. I recall all the times I have looked toward God with a helpless, confused expression because I don’t understand, and I certainly don’t like what is happening to me. Sometimes he puts a loving “cone” around me, not to ruin my life, but to protect me from something harmful and then to help me grow. He knows exactly why I need what He’s giving me, and I need to trust that God not only knows what is best, but He always does what is best. It may not be easy, but it really is quite simple–trust and obey.

His work in me takes time (a lifetime!) and He lovingly, persistently keeps at it. I look for change and improvement quickly and often; He keeps right on working. When I open my heart to trust in Him, he sets frequent loving reminders in front of me. My seniors in Bible 12 recently completed an assignment identifying godly views on correction, and discipline. They found Hebrews 12:11 during our Biblical search for insight, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it,” and I thank God for His promises. New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp set this truth in front of me today: “God knows that sometimes you need the storm to see the glory. Real peace is only ever found in the presence, power, and grace of the Savior, the King, the Lamb, the I Am. That peace is yours even when the storms of life take you beyond your natural ability, wisdom, and strength. The I Am inhabits all situations, all relationships, and locations by his grace. He is in you. He is with you. He is for you. He is your hope. Trust Him.” What a loving, tenacious God I have. When I question or wonder, I will simply choose trust in the One who always knows best. Lord, teach me to trust in You!

Just My Thoughts, KC

Counselor’s Corner

Registration for the 2019-20 school year took place this month. Students learned of the revisions that have been made to graduation requirements. Students still need to complete at least 48 credits to graduate. Class requirements for earning those credits have changed. Two additional classes are now required to graduate. Students moving forward will need one credit of health and one credit of financial literacy. These two classes are to be taken during the junior or senior year. For students that have successfully passed ‘Health’ and ‘Consumer Economics’ already will have fulfilled these new requirements. The new classes are entitled ‘Healthy Living’ and ‘Christian Economics.’ ‘Healthy Living’ is a restructured one-semester class from ‘Health’ that was previously a year-long class. This class will provide more flexibility for students to be able to work ‘Health’ into their schedules. Some students struggled to fit the year-long health class into their schedule. ‘Christian Economics’ is being restructured to meet the Department of Education’s requirements for a financial literacy class.

An additional science class will be added to the course options, ‘Science Exploratory.’ In “Science Exploratory’ students will be exposed to careers that involve science and ways that they can use science in future careers. It will include content regarding anatomy and physiology, earth science, weather and climate, teaching in science, related medical professions (different tech programs) amongst other things. ‘Science Exploratory’ was added to give students an option that did not want to take Chemistry or an agricultural science (‘Natural Resources and Ecology’ or ‘Animal Science’).

An additional change made is ‘Child Development’ is moving from a two-semester class to a one-semester class renamed ‘Family Relations.’ Some of our students that wanted to take the year-long Child Development class were finding it difficult to fit it into their schedules when enrolling into the higher level math and science classes. The course will teach students about the wide range of topics concerning family and family relations. It will still include information on prenatal development and the labor and delivery process.

Western Christian has also adopted a new policy concerning the number of study halls a student may have per semester. Only two study halls will be allowed per semester. Each student will be required to take at least SIX Western Christian courses in addition to their online elective course(s). Students will no longer be able to match up online courses with study halls or count their online college courses as part of their minimum of SIX required credits per semester. WCHS studied the policies of other area high schools before making this change to the handbook.

Order Your Yearbook

2018-19 Strums are now on sale! Save $5 with the Early Bird $50 special by placing your order by Friday, March 29. After March 29 the price will be $55. All orders are due Friday, April 12. Order forms are available in the office or from Mrs. de Boom. Down payment options are available, but the complete balance is due by the end of the school year.

Additional options are available:

• Purchase the Signature Package (Early Bird $63.50, Regular $68.50)

Includes Yearbook, 1 Line of Personalization, Color Autograph Section and 8 Multicolor Signing Marker.

• Personalization $6

Put Your Name on the Cover

• Add Icons to Your Cover $3.50 each (Must purchase personalization to add icons.)

Up to 4 Icons can be placed on the cover which highlight the activities you participated in. View icon options at www.jostens.com/ybicons

Our 2017-18 Strums are scheduled to arrive mid-March.

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

Mollie Te Slaa, Rock Valley. Mollie graduated from Western Christian High School in 2006. Her parents are Floyd (‘76) and Robin Te Slaa.

Mavis (Uittenbogaard) Poppema, Sheldon. Mavis graduated from Western Christian in 1960. Mavis and her husband Bob (‘57) had four children that attended Western Christian. They are Natalie (‘83) Leah (‘88), Dan (‘92), and Mike (‘95).

Jerry Van Beek, Hartley. Jerry graduated from Western Christian in 1970. Jerry and his wife Laura (‘74) had three children that attended Western Christian. They are Serena (‘98), Holly (‘00), and Clint (05).

Thelma (Vaandrager) Verhoef, Sanborn. Thelma graduated from Western Christian in 1953. Thelma and her husband Clarence had three children that graduated from Western Christian. They are Bethany (‘87), Amy (‘89), and Michael (‘91).

JETS – 2019 “The Engineering Brain”

On Wednesday, February 27, Western Christian had three teams compete at Dordt College in the annual TEAMS competition. Each team had eight members who focused on the theme, “The Engineering Brain.” Scenarios related to this topic include cognitive neuroscience, invertebrate brains, artificial neural networks, traffic engineering, and uncertainty in design.

This year’s competition included an essay component which was completed prior to the competition, an 80 question multiplechoice test, and a hands-on activity which focused on building a “teddy bear rescue device.” All components of this year’s test required students to work collaboratively together as a team by hypothesizing, designing, experimenting, and creating models as a team of engineers.

Overall, our teams competed very well, and it was fun to see students working together to accomplish these difficult tasks. The maroon team finished 2nd place at the competition on the multiple choice test, and we will find out how we performed at both the state and national levels later on this spring.

Thanks to all students involved and a job well done!

Mr. De Stigter

Varsity – Maroon

Clay Van Tol, Kyler Statema, Alex Harthoorn, Brendan Tiedeman, Trayle Kats,Brandon Kamstra,Jill Den Herder, Josie Idema

Varsity – White

Jonathan Slice, Parker Vis, Jeff De Kam, Cole Christians, Rachel Covey, Dolan Vande Stroet, Cassie Van Otterloo, Aubrey Kooima

Varsity – Black

Janessa Klyn, Ross Vander Berg, Allison Coulander, Dillon Pettit, Michael Vander Plaats, Carson Elbers, Alexa Klyn, Wyatt Van’t Hul

NW Iowa Honor Choir

The 59th Annual Northwest Iowa Honor Choir was held on Monday, January 15, at the BJ Haan Auditorium, Dordt College. The Honor Choir consists of approximately 250 area high school students who have been nominated by their directors to participate in the event.

Before the event, students and directors spent a few hours becoming familiar with the music. On the day of the festival the singers continued to polish and craft the music for the evening performance through sectional rehearsals and combined rehearsals.

Participating in this Choir is an excellent experience for higher level musicians to perform challenging choral music and celebrate musical comradery with other schools. This year’s Honor Choir was directed by Dr. Ryan Person, director at Morningside College in Sioux City.

An extra honor for WCHS was that Jonathan Slice was chosen to sing the solo in “Ukuthula” at the evening performance.

Pictured:

Back row: Cole Christians, Cole Habben, Jonathan Slice, Trayle Kats

Middle row: Emma Gulker, Halle Andringa, Kayla Zevenbergen

Front row: Sage Hoekstra, Morgan Andringa

Large Group Speech

Large Group Speech kicked off the year in November. Students looked into different categories, but when it came for competition students stuck with the categories that the Wolfpack Speechletes do well: Radio Broadcasting and Improv! Three groups competed in Improvisation and two groups in Radio Broadcasting at the District Large Group competition in Sheldon, Iowa on January 19. Of those groups, four teams earned an I rating which gave them the privilege to move on to the next level.

State Large Group Speech competition was held on February 2 in Spencer, Iowa. At State Speech three judges listen and evaluate the group’s performance instead of just one judge. Only select teams who earn Straight I ratings from all three judges are honored with a nomination to attend All-State Speech.

The six seniors, Trayle Kats, Elizabeth Carney, Kyler Statema, Halle Andringa, Cole Christians, and Payton Oostenink earned two sets of straight I’s for both of their performances, one in Radio Broadcasting and the other in Improv. It was their Radio Broadcast, that did receive the prestigious nomination to All-State Speech in Ames, Iowa on February 16. Well Done, Seniors!!

Other students who participated in Large Group Speech were Sophomores: Braelyn Kamstra, Kendra Wynja, Korey Sandbulte De Jong, Kira Ouwinga, Sylvia Koelewyn, Sage Hoekstra, Breana TenPas, and Emily Zuidema. Freshman: Wyatt Van’t Hul, Kyler Heemserk, Naomi De Stigter, and Kellie Martin.

I am very proud of our students for putting forth the effort and enthusiasm in Speech. It is a life skill to be able to speak in front of a crowd of strangers and peers, and we are happy to be their coaches on this journey. (The Individual Speech Season is still in session, so there will be a wrap-up article on Individual Speech in the next issue of the Witness).

Ashley Nwaokolo Head Large Group Speech Coach

8th Grade Day - Invite

Western Christian High School’s Eighth Grade Day will be held on Thursday, April 4, at 3 PM. Activities that the eighth graders will be involved in include a Praise and Worship service with our student body, tours of Western, a scavenger hunt, and plenty of food. Western Christian will also introduce our new Administrator, Mr. Brian Verwolf. It will be an excellent opportunity to meet and visit with him.

All eighth graders, regardless of their high school plans, are invited to visit Western on this day. Western will provide transportation for all the students to attend. All parents are encouraged to come to Western at 5:30 p.m. for a free meal, displays, and tours. If parents are not able to attend, Western would be glad to arrange transportation home for any student. If you have any questions, please contact the office at Western Christian at 712-439-1013

After Banquet Party

May 3, 2019 is the date for the annual Junior Senior Banquet. Plans are being made for the After Banquet Party, which will be held in the Western gymnasium. The After Banquet Party is an alcohol-free event for our young people and their dates.

The senior parents continuing on the committee from last year are:

Entertainment: Shawn & Stacy Andringa

Prizes: Mark & Sheila Uittenbogaard

Finance: Jeff & Jill Schemper

Decorating/Food: Mike & Niki Pollema

Junior parents assisting on the committee this year are:

Entertainment: Jeff & Lisa Van Beek

Prizes: Jerry & Sara Hofman

Finance: Jason & Robbi Kooima

Decorating/Food: Scott & Sara Grevengoed

Other junior parents have been or will be asked to help out in one way or another under one of these committees.

All junior and senior parents will be contacted by email requesting their financial support. A contribution of $35.00 or more per child is requested. Organizations and businesses from area towns are being contacted to donate to this project. Contributions are needed by March 20. Any individual, business or organization wishing to donate to the After Banquet Party may do so by sending their contributions to Western. Please make checks payable to “Western Christian After Banquet Fund.” Everyone’s support is greatly appreciated!

Grandparents Day

Senior students at Western Christian High School will be hosting their grandparents on Tuesday, April 9, at 9 AM. Grandparents of the seniors at Western Christian will attend chapel, take tours and have a noon meal with their grandchildren.

Grandparents Day is intended to focus attention and recognition to not only our senior class but also their grandparents. The grandparents are such an essential part of our past, present, and future. We hope the grandparents will enjoy having their grandson/granddaughter show them around Western Christian High School and help them understand a little bit better the daily life of their grandchildren.

Senior class members have been asked to invite their grandparents to Grandparents Day here at Western Christian. If you are the grandparent of a senior at Western and you have not yet been invited, please contact your grandchildren or the office at Western Christian. It’s a fun day, and we love having the seniors with their grandparents. We look forward to having you at Western Christian on that day.

Exchange Students

Please pray for these six students who are spending three weeks in the Netherlands as part of the student exchange program with Greijdanus College. Trenton Hoekstra, Halle Andringa, Marissa Driesen, Emma Gulker, Morgan Hoekstra, and Kayla Zevenbergen.

This is the second year Western students have had the opportunity to travel abroad through this program. The dates for the trip are March 15-April 5. Details about their experience will be included in the next issue of the Witness.

Western Christian Girls Basketball

This season, the seniors chose our theme verse from Philippians 2: 3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” The seniors also set several team goals at the beginning of the year; my personal favorite was “Have a TEAM mentality, not a ME mentality.” This goal and verses are the perfect fit for being part of something bigger than oneself - a true focus on Team.

With only having two seniors, we needed some younger players to fill key roles on the court and needed upperclassmen to step into new leadership positions. After starting the season a little slow, the team really started to gel and went 9-4 during the heart of the season. We faced some very talented opponents over our last four games, and despite competing hard in every game, found ourselves coming up a bit short.

This year we had two seniors, Chandler Schemper and Emma Bousema, who provided excellent leadership for our team and are young ladies of integrity, commitment, and faith. Thank you for your dedication to Wolfpack basketball over the past four years and serving as great representatives for Western Christian, your families, and your Savior. A special thanks to Coach Kooima, Coach Broersma, and Coach Vis for their work with the Freshmen and JV teams and as assistant coaches, and to all the parents for the support, meals, encouragement, prayers, and many miles traveled to cheer us on.

Above all, we thank God for the talents and abilities that he has blessed us with and the opportunity to use them to glorify his name on and off the court.

Coach Negen

Visit Washington D.C.

Western Christian is joining with World Classrooms to provide an educational trip to Washington D.C. and Mt. Vernon July 28-31, 2020. This four-day trip takes students and adults on a memorial tour of the various memorials in the area, to the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, U.S. Capitol, Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Arlington National Cemetery in addition to George Washington’s Estate at Mt. Vernon. During the initial informational meeting, three students and three adults signed up for the trip. There is still room for students and also adults to join.. For more information on the trip, contact Karinda de Boom, karinda.deboom@westernchristianhs.com.

The Wolfpack Way - Western Christian Basketball – Love God. Serve Others. Lead Fearlessly

“God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us” - Ephesians 3:20-21 (MSG)

The 2018-19 season was the season of the unknown. From weather cancellations to injuries, we were kept on our toes all season. With a significant injury to all-stater Jacob Vis in our second game of the season, we were forced to reshuffle some things and develop our new identity multiple times. Throughout the emotional highs and lows, our team rallied together, relentlessly pursuing excellence each day, as we competed in practice, to try and play our best basketball at the end of the season.

We had the toughest rated schedule in class 2A this year, over half of our 21 games were against ranked opponents. Twelve of our games this season were decided by 6 or fewer points. It was fitting that our season came down to a buzzer beater against eventual state qualifier Rock Valley. Unfortunately, we were on the wrong end of things and our season ended earlier than we would have liked. Another reminder of God’s plan, not our plan.

A special thanks go out to seniors Justin Bleeker, Carter Broek, Harry Steele, Clay Van Tol, Jacob Vis, and Parker Vis for their countless hours of hard work and commitment they put into the program. The grit you all showed throughout all our adversity is something I will never forget!

A special thanks go out to seniors Jeff De Kam and Cole Christians for serving as managers, to Coach De Stigter and Coach Boer for their work as assistant coaches and to the parents for all varied ways you offered support during the season!

Lakes Conference 1st Team: Carter Broek, Clay Van Tol, and Jacob Vis

Lakes Conference 2nd Team: Dawson Feenstra

IBCA All-Substate Team: Carter Broek and Jacob Vis

O.W.N. I.T.

One Team One Mindset - TOGETHER

•Do your job with the team’s best in mind

Who we are - What we do

•Transforming lives & communities, proclaiming the good news of God through sport

Non-Stop

•You are ALWAYS representing yourself, your family & Western Christian Integrity

•Our character will not compromise Train

•Relentlessly pursue excellence in all that we do

Coach Derek Keizer

Wolfpack Wrestling

It was a season of vast improvement for the Wolfpack wrestling team. The team doubled its dual meet win total from the previous season led by standout wrestlers Tristan Mulder, Bryce Van Dyken and Eli Van Ginkel. Van Dyken improved from two wins last year to 24 wins this season and was a sectional tournament runner up and finished 4th in the District. Van Ginkel finished 3rd in the sectional, Brody Elgersma placed 4th, Issac Visser placed 5th, and Karson Vander Ziel finished 6th.

Tristan Mulder made school history becoming the 1st State Finalist for Western Christian High School and doing it as a sophomore is very impressive. Tristan won a Sectional championship, was District runner up and went on an amazing run at the state tournament. Tristan was unseeded and knocked off the #1 ranked wrestler in the first round. He then captured two more wins on his way to the finals. Tristan ended up losing in the finals to a wrestler that was 46-0 by the score of 7-4. Tristan finished his sophomore campaign with a record of 40-3.

The future looks bright for Wolfpack wrestling with a young solid core of returning wrestlers and the newly established Jr. High and youth programs providing a feeder system.

The wrestling program would like to thank Athletic Director Travis Kooima and Principal De Vries for all their support this season. We would also like to thank our cheerleaders and cheer coach, as well as all of the parents and fans for their unwavering support this season.

We will host a camp on July 22-24th featuring Mike Fessler – author and a standout wrestler.

Coach Pete Di Pol

Wolfpack Camp Dates

Parents mark your calendars for upcoming Wolfpack camps. Watch your email, Western’s website, or check your student’s backpack for official forms and registration deadlines.

(All grades refer to those entering that grade in the fall of 2019)

Softball

Grades 5-8

Baseball

Grades 5-8

Volleyball

Grades 3-5

Grades 6-9

Grades 10-12

Wrestling

Grades K-12

May 4

May 11

June 24-26

August 12-16

August 12-15

July 22-24

Boys Basketball

Grades 3-5

Grades 6-8

Grades 9-12

Girls Basketball Camps:

Grades 3-5

Grades 6-9

Football Camps:

Grades 5-8

Grades 9-12

July 8-10

July 8-10

July 8-11

July 15-17

July 15-17

August 6-9

August 6-9

Ag Department Notes

The Western Christian Agricultural department tried something new to encourage growth within the program for both FFA and Ag students alike. The Chapter hosted the first ever in-house agricultural showcase to provide students with the opportunity to grow and practice career, leadership and practical skills within agriculture. Starting in October, students choose a career or leadership development event from the 38 possible choices that interested them. Students then spent one to two days per week in their ag class preparing for their event.

This showcase not only allowed students to grow in their agricultural knowledge and skill but also prepared FFA members for their competition either the next day (sub-districts), or later on in the year at Districts or at the state competition. Over 35 Western Christian community supporters came in and assisted with the event serving as judges/facilitators to give students helpful tips, advice, and encouragement in their chosen career or leadership development area.

The first ever Western Christian Showcase set students up for success as 28 FFA members traveled to Sub-Districts the next day at Sibley Ocheyedan. Members competed in the career and leadership development categories of Ag Mechanics, Ag Sales, Chapter Program, Creed Speaking, Conduct of Meetings, Parliamentary Procedure and Public Speaking.

Matthew DeVries, Davis Le Loux, Trey Kelderman, Dylan Van Beek, Travis Mulder, Dolan Van De Stroet, Titan Hofman, Ty Vande Hoef and Jackson Tormanen all participated in the Ag Mech CDE (Career Development Event). Of the two teams, both were able to obtain gold ratings, while Dolan and Titan placed 8th and 9th overall as individuals!

Matthew DeVries also participated in the Ag Sales LDE (Leadership Development Event) where he received a silver rating. Abby Veldman, Christina Van’t Hul, and Shawna De Kam presented about our chapter through the Chapter Program CDE. They earned a silver. Alexa Klyn presented the FFA Creed and received gold and is an alternate to districts. The Conduct of Meetings team, John DeVries, Danika Cannegieter, Bradyn Krommendyk, Claire Bleeker, Sydney Vander Pol, Emily Fedders, and Jacob Dibbet received a silver rating. A similar competition showcasing how to run a meeting at a higher level was the Parliamentary Procedure team of Allison Van Otterloo, Justin Bleeker, Brady Faber, Dawson Van Schepen, Micah Uittenbogaard, Carter Broek and Brennan Moss. They received a silver rating and are an alternate to districts! Linzie Bosma competed in the Public Speaking LDE giving a speech entitled, “How Getting Involved in Agriculture Has Helped Me Grow.” Linzie received a gold rating and is also an alternate to districts!

Early in February two students submitted applications for recognition in the categories of proficiencies and one for a state degree. Dolan Van De Stroet submitted a proficiency award in Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication. A proficiency award recognizes work and achievements accomplished outside of school work. Dolan received a gold at the district level, and the state level received a silver. Dolan was recognized with five other students from across the state in this specific category. Congratulations Dolan!

Madison Hofman applied and was granted approval to receive her Iowa FFA State Degree in Ames in April. This degree recognizes Madison’s accomplishments and involvements within her FFA and agricultural experiences throughout high school. Madison is the second Western Christian FFA member to receive this degree. Congratulations Madison!

One major project the chapter is looking forward to getting up and running is the Greenhouse. Be on the lookout for more information about this exciting project.

Kylie Miller

Fast Facts from the Pack!

• Sioux Center Health served a tailgate meal at the last home basketball game, on Feb 5. Approximately $1,300 was donated to the American Heart Association.

• Western Christian Woods Department purchased a new Saw Stop table saw. SawStop table saws are the only cabinet saws that detect blade contact with skin triggering brake technology.

• The Western Christian High School Music Department hosted an “Orchestra Extravaganza” which featured orchestra students from Western Christian, Hull Christian, and Rock Valley Christian. They performed a variety of dance music from around the world.

• FFA week was celebrated February 19th-22nd. There were dress up days, ag trivia, a chapel, and Ag Olympics. Shoutout to the FFA Officer team for planning and executing a fun week!

• The Music Department will host the Junior High Band Festival on March 28. The surrounding area Christian middle school bands will come to WC and combine for an afternoon rehearsal and a 7:00 p.m. performance with the WCHS concert band. The public is invited.

• The Rehoboth Christian School band from Rehoboth, New Mexico will be at Western Christian during the afternoon of March 26. At 2:30 p.m. they will present a program in the Event Center. The WC band will join the Rehoboth band for two songs. The public is invited to attend.

• On April 12, the WC concert band will be attending the High School Band Festival at Dordt College. After a day of rehearsals, there will be a 7:00 p.m. performance in the Dordt chapel.

• The Drawing/Painting and 3D Media Classes are joining together with a school in Dordrecht, the Netherlands to create an art piece that illustrates our identity as it relates to the Synod of Dordt. The classes will learn the history of the Synod and collaborate online with the students in the Netherlands to compare their learnings and create a flag both here at Western and in Dordrecht that will be put on display in each location.

• Senior Technical Writing students are working with Legos to write an instruction manual to understand voice, process, and audience. When the manual is completed, the students will follow someone else’s manual to put together the Lego sculpture.

• On Thursday, February 28th, 24 Western students participated in a career presentation by Mr. Tim Floen and Dr. Joel Sikkema from Dordt College’s Pro-Tech program. While enjoying a few slices of pizza, students heard the presenters share opportunities to learn and serve in the field of manufacturing production, milling machines, electronics and control systems, computer programming and instrumentation, and many other areas.

Orchestra Extravaganza

Sioux

Dordt Pro-Tech Presentation

Faithpack 2019 Word Project

In January students and teachers were encouraged to select a word/phrase/Bible verse to focus on for 2019. The Faithpack lesson urged everyone to consider how focusing on a specific word can be a great way to hold ourselves accountable and challenge ourselves to grow in our faith all year long. Selecting a ‘word or phrase of the year’ is not new to most of WCHS as this is the third year Faithpacks have done this activity; however, this is the first year that all of the words are on display in the school.

Each teacher was asked to submit an artistic display of his/her Faithpack’s words; in addition to that, the entire collection of words from all students and teachers was designed into a larger poster by AEA entitled ‘Our Words Matter.’ The display hangs near the entrance to the Event Center and is a great daily reminder of our words and the impact they can have in our lives.

100th Anniversary Celebration

August 9, 10, and 11

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 9, 10, and 11 this coming summer, Western Christian High School will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary of providing secondary Christian education to covenant young people. We invite alumni, parents, and friends of Western Christian High School to celebrate God’s goodness with us. Those opportunities to join others in this celebration include the following:

Friday, August 9 @ 12 PM. The 27th annual Western Christian Booster Club golf tournament will be held at the Ridge Golf Course in Sioux Center. The cost to golf is $100 per person, and that includes 18 holes of golf, cart, a meal, and prizes. Mulligans will also be sold at registration. Please register online or complete the form on the bottom of this letter soon because the golf course may fill up fast. If you have any questions feel free to call Mike Broek @ (712) 395-0699 or Mike Roetman @ (712) 449-5199.

Friday Evening: Class Reunions. The classes of 1969, 1979, and 1989 are planning an extra gathering. If you are a member of one of these classes and have not received information please contact the WC office at 712-439-1013.

Saturday, August 10 @ 8 AM. Fun Run. Join other alumni and friends in running a 5K Race or a one-mile run/walk. Will start and end in front of Western Christian High School. Please register before the event if you want a t-shirt. You are guaranteed a t-shirt if pre-registered by July 31. We will have extra shirts for sale on the day of - sizes and quantity are limited. Online Pre-Registration is open until July 31. Pre-Registration Fees: $20.00. Day of Race Fees: $30.

Saturday, August 10 @ 9 AM. All former choir members are invited to join former Choral Director, Bill Bird, for a rehearsal of the Western Christian Alumni Choir. The Alumni Choir will be participating in the All School Banquet on Saturday evening and the Worship Service on Sunday afternoon. The joining of voices will be fun and uplifting. If you are interested, please sign up online or use the registration materials on the bottom of this letter.

Saturday, August 10 @ 2 PM. Open House and tours of Western Christian High School will be provided. We will have memorabilia and newspaper clippings from the different decades staged in various rooms. Refreshments will also be provided.

Saturday, August 10 @ 6 PM. All School Banquet. An All-School Banquet and Program will be held in the Western Christian Event Center. The meal will be catered by the Cedar Rock Grill with a program to follow. You must sign up for the meal. The cost will be $25 per person. To sign up either go online or complete the registration materials on the bottom of this mailing.

Sunday, August 11 @ 2 PM. Afternoon worship service in the Event Center with Pastor Cliff Hoekstra (’74) providing the message with selections from the Alumni Choir. This will be a wonderful conclusion to the weekend.

Online registration can be accessed at www.westernchristianhs.com. If you prefer regular mail use the form below. A book is being written and memorabilia will be available during the anniversary. Watch for more information in the future about those prices.

Registration Information

Name(s) ________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________

Telephone_______________________________________________________

Email___________________________________________________________

Event:

Golf Tournament How many?__________ x $100 =__________

Fun Run How many?__________ x $20 =__________

Alumni Choir

How many?__________

Banquet How many?__________ x $25 =__________

Total =__________

Please make check payable to Western Christian High School and mail check and registration materials to:

Western Christian High School, 100th Anniversary, P.O. Box 658, Hull, Iowa 51239