Western Witness - Spring 2021

‘20-21 Theme Verse: The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

- Zephaniah 3:17

SPRING 2021

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“LEARNING . . . TO SERVE THE KING”

ABOUT THE COVER

A WORD FROM THE HEAD ADMINISTRATOR THE SCHOOL THAT IS NOT YET One of the affirmations that makes our 100-year-old institution stand out is our stable foundation with a radical recognition of why we exist. We safeguard what we stand for and stay on track. With this anchored purpose, we shape society and engage kids. To do this well, we need to be strategic, looking 20 to 30 years ahead, understanding how society is evolving, how we can shape it, and how we can attract the talent to do this. As an introduction to this spring edition of The Western Witness, where we focus on foundations, I’ve asked Mrs. Shar Van Engen, longtime mission carrier, to reflect on her views of Western yesterday and today:

“In an effort to widen a car company’s customer base, a late 1980s advertisement promised viewers, “This Is not your Father’s Oldsmobile.” Ivy De Jong, who was the editor of The Western Witness at that time, alluded to the ad in an article she called “This is Not Your Father’s Western.” She noted recent improvements in course offerings, support systems for students and families, and the physical campus at Western Christian.

Looking back over the last one-hundred-plus years, we must be very thankful for generations of people who have scrimped, saved, and sacrificed to begin this mission and keep it operating through good times and bad. We should always keep in mind, as well, that Western is not a curriculum, a building, or a campus, but the people and programs–serving, loving, working and learning for the King. Over the decades, Western’s board, administration, faculty, staff, and society have moved through rounds of evaluations, planning, implementation, growth, and numerous changes, so today’s Western is not your father’s, your mother’s, or even your grandparents’ Western.

Western Christian has been working diligently to meet the needs of all students. A Discipleship 2

Director oversees chapels and Faithpacks. The Learning Center offers academic support to all students, including ACT prep and study skills. An Academic Registrar designs student schedules through which students can earn Western and college credits. The Guidance and Career Counselor champions every student’s total needs, educational, social, and vocational.

Donte Gulker, a junior, volunteers to take part in an object lesson during a Spiritual Emphasis Week chapel. Jason Wiersma shared how his newly purchased home had a faulty foundation along with a nest of snakes living within the walls. Wiersma related the renovations of his home’s foundation to the ongoing work of building strong spiritual foundations. Read more about Gulker’s thoughts on Spiritual Emphasis Week in the Student Perspective article on the back page.

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Golden Owl Award

Although much has been done, we must still be looking forward, and as Mr. Verwolf says, “We need someone up in the ‘crow’s nest’ so that the ‘school that is not yet’ will be in place for the generations to come.”

Just My Thoughts

In mission, together,

Brian Verwolf, Head Administrator

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IN THIS ISSUE

Western continues to create academic course selections, such as welding, environmental science, agriculture, economics, and honors chemistry. And newly added courses for next year, like defending the faith, worship arts and leadership, and doctrine and theology. Alumni from the past would probably be surprised at the array of fine arts activities: jazz band and drumline; dance team; film class; orchestra; and solo and large group competitive speech competitions. Just as many sports teams hold camps for elementary students and fine arts groups interact with area elementary schools.

Van Engen’s reflection makes me wonder about what our school can and will be for our learning community for years to come. In all of our efforts to build “the school that is not yet,” we must always say together, “To God Be the Glory,” because this IS our “Heavenly Father’s Western.”

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Director of Mission Advancement Student Poetry Large Group Speech Snapshots from the School Wolfpack Athletics

Spring Drive Reduction Campaign Memorial Gifts Student Perspective Upcoming Events

GOLDEN OWL AWARD Presented by Nationwide and the Iowa FFA Foundation Mrs. Kylie Nettinga, Western Christian’s founding Agriculture teacher since 2015, has been selected as a top finalist for the 2020-2021 Golden Owl Award. Presented by Nationwide and the Iowa FFA Foundation, this annual award recognizes outstanding Iowa ag educators for their tremendous contributions in preparing the next generation of young people for successful careers in ag.

The award generated 409 nominations for 241 different Iowa teachers, a new record for the award! Following the nomination period, a committee selected seven Golden Owl Award finalists, including Nettinga. The selection committee will further review the finalists and eventually give one of the honorees from each state the Golden Owl Award grand prize trophy and name them Ag Educator of the Year for Iowa. During the Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference, April 18-20, in Des Moines, the committee will award the Grand Prize trophy.

Here are a few quotes from people in our learning community: “Through Mrs. Nettinga’s leadership, our

curriculum has grown to include Intro to Ag, Ag business, Animal Science, Natural Resources and Environment, Plant Science and Welding. She constantly generates a high level of enthusiasm that has helped our program grow.”

–Anonymous “Mrs. Nettinga made high school enjoyable for my son. Not every student can be involved as an athlete, but Mrs. Nettinga has always given him the opportunities to create memories and stay active within the school. Joining FFA made school tolerable for him. I have four kids in the district, and they are all in FFA.” –Parent

off-campus to learn by doing, and sharing deep enthusiasm for all things Agriculture.

We are deeply blessed by Mrs. Nettinga’s commitment to Ag Education.”

–Anonymous “Mrs. Nettinga makes ag class my favorite part of the day. She always welcomes us with a friendly smile and corny ag joke. She does an amazing job encouraging us to be the best we can be and to shine Jesus’ light.

She is always telling us to work hard and constantly keeps us on our toes with new experiments. We love Mrs. Nettinga so much and appreciate everything she does to make our chapter successful!”

–Student

“Mrs. Nettinga has selflessly shared her inexhaustible energy to push students to accomplish more every day. By meeting before, during, and after school, and sometimes on the weekends, Mrs. Nettinga continually creates opportunities for all of her students. Whether it’s tearing apart an old engine, planting succulents in the new greenhouse, working with students to organize a community tractor ride amid COVID closures, getting students 3

DIRECTOR OF MISSION ADVANCEMENT BRAD VIS Brad & Pam Vis, Cassie (‘15) Jacob (‘19) Madison (‘21)

Western Christian High School has hired Mr. Brad Vis of Rock Valley, IA, to serve as the new Director of Mission Advancement at the start of the 20212022 school year. Vis is no stranger to Christ-centered education. He has served with Rock Valley Christian School for 27 years, leading as the school’s Principal for the past two decades. Vis and his wife, Pam, have chosen to send all three of their children to Rock Valley Christian and Western Christian Schools. Their youngest daughter, Madison, will be graduating from Western with the class of 2021.

Needless to say, Vis holds passionate convictions of the value of Christ-centered education that primarily exists to partner with the church and home to foster a distinct, Biblical worldview with our entire learning community.

As the Director of Mission Advancement, Vis will cultivate relationships, secure gift support for Western Christian through personal visits with existing and prospective donors, and nurture those relationships.

In addition, Vis will work closely with our leadership team to share the good news with our local community and beyond, including developing and overseeing the strategy, structure, and management of Western Christian’s enrollment, alumni, and campaign efforts.

“I am excited to be part of a leadership team that is not only committed to training our current students to “Serve the King” but also has the vision to make Western a great choice for generations yet to come. My favorite part of my current job is the promotion of Christian Education. To humbly take on the role of

“Director of Mission Advancement” allows me to continue existing relationships and cultivate new ones in the “Kingdom Work” we call Christian Education.” –Brad Vis Anyone who knows Brad Vis understands that foundational core values unwaveringly drive him. He lives these values out in the spirit of service to others. Vis is naturally engaging, and he shares personal stories of the way Christ-centered education can transform lives. We give thanks to God for the work Vis will be doing to advance Western Christian High School’s mission for years to come.

FRESHMAN STUDENT POETRY At the conclusion of their poetry unit, each English I student wrote their own creative poem. Here is a sample of the outstanding work they wrote.

Who am I? A common question But rarely answered With a world so full Why do people feel so empty Who am I? Can I be described?

I, like the wind does not know where to whisper 4

My mind blows, thinking for answers With wind blows leaves and thoughts I know who I am The wind lifts me up and I soar My thoughts swirl but I do know My life is full of things But how many will stay?

I know who I am I ask questions and answer them I find interests and pursue them I find friends and do life with them I seek for adventure but cannot go into them I am an indescribable thing I am a fighter for tomorrow I am a friend I am a student I am indescribable because I am me

George Vogel

LARGE GROUP SPEECH The Large Group Speech competitions this school year looked differently, but the honors earned continued to be exceptional. Instead of students traveling to compete at a multi-school competition, Western Christian opted to host their own District Speech and State Speech Competition to adhere to COVID guidelines put forth by the State Speech Association.

Interest in Large Group speech among Western Christian Students is growing.

The team has a strong history of competing well in the categories of Radio Broadcasting and Improv. However, this year, students stretched themselves and branched out into new categories that Western has never competed in before.

Students put together short films, TV Newscasts, Musical Theatre, and Solo Mimes for the first time. A handful of students even explored participating in Debate. The future of this team is exciting.

On Thursday, January 21st, 19 students, under the direction of Coach Laurissa Boman, performed nine entries, and six groups earned a 1 rating which advanced them to the state competition. The state competition held two weeks later ended with two overall rankings of a 1. Senior Speech veterans Hanna Kollis, Kendra Wynia, and Braelyn Kamstra’s Radio Broadcast entitled KPRO earned this honor. The Short Film group, entitled “Everything’s Connected”,

received the extra honor of being nominated to perform at All-State Speech.

Unfortunately, this year the All-State Speech Festival will not be held; however Western will receive an All-State banner that will be signed by this outstanding group - Maci Kats, Olivia Hulstein, Grace Van Roekel, Ashlyn Postma, and Madison Emerick.

All-State Speech Group

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SNAPSHOTS FROM SCHOOL In order to put learning into practice at the end of their unit on ordering, serving, and politely requesting items in Spanish, the over 60 Spanish 2 students had the opportunity to visit “a Mexican restaurant”. The Spanish 3 students hosted and served the Spanish 2 students in the cafeteria. Students dined on Tacos, carnitas, ice cream, and beverages after practicing their language skills.

Have you ever been to a mini-golf hole and wondered where to aim to get that elusive hole in one? Geometry students determined that it is possible to accurately predict a golf ball path that will land a hole in one! Whether the hole needs one bounce or twenty, the students used reflections to figure out where to aim. Students created their own mini golf hole where a direct hole in one was possible to prove this. Then they used their geometry knowledge to give their peers a place to aim that would guarantee a hole in one. Afterward, students made teams and played a round of mini-golf.

Breakfast: the most important meal of the day! Western Christian now serves this important meal to students who, for whatever reason, were not able to eat breakfast before arriving at school. It isn’t just athletes who come to school early mornings for weight lifting or practice; other students are also taking advantage of the cooks’ extra early morning prep. According to Nancy Driesen, head cook, 105 to 125 students purchase some breakfast items each morning on average. Teachers are noticing more alertness and energy in the classroom because students are starting their day right.

Junior Dillon Petitt remarked, “Breakfast at school is a great addition. It makes life super simple in the morning, and the food the cooks are offering is delicious,” Some of the variety that is offered is homemade pizza, burritos, donuts, juice, fresh fruit, and probably one of the most popular items is a yogurt parfait.

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English 10 read A Raisin in the Sun to start the second semester. The focus was on understanding the importance of drama, specifically with performance and viewing. The unit’s final assessment was to perform a short scene (5-10 minutes) from the play that the students best felt depicted one of the themes. Many of the students chose American dreams, family, or frustration as the theme of their scene.

The groups practiced using a small set on a real stage and invited guests to view their performance.

During FFA week, four teachers volunteered to be in the running for a unique and different, and some may say disgusting way, to help raise money for a child/ family in need. Jake Dieters, a 7-year-old from Inwood, has been fighting cancer for three years and recently been told it is now quite aggressive. Laurisa Boman, Katie Reitsma, Brain Verwolf, and Justin Negen each had a jar for donations designated to them. The individual who had the most money donated into their jar earned the honor of kissing a pig. Students generously gave over $3000 to help Jake. Students enjoyed seeing their Dean of Students, Justin Negen, receive that special kiss.

The Physics class has been working on building a Rube Goldberg machine. A Rube Goldberg machine is a chain-reaction type machine or contraption intentionally designed to perform a simple task in an indirect and overly complicated way. Usually, these machines consist of a series of simple unrelated devices; the action of each triggers the initiation of the next, eventually resulting in achieving a stated goal. This year’s goal is to dispense hand-sanitizer. To accomplish this, the Physics class has incorporated 14 steps.

These steps include all six simple machines, two electrical devices, three mousetraps, and several domino runs. All of this centered around a theme of Covid/health care.

March is Youth Art Month. Artwork from Western students is on display at the Hull Public Library. Pieces created in Intro to Art, Drawing and Painting, and 3D Media classes make up the display.

After enduring crowd restriction at the beginning of the winter sports seasons, fans were entertained by the Dance Team and the Drum Line during the 2nd half of the basketball season. The Dance Team hosted a camp for girls ages Kindergarten through 5th grade. Over 111 grade-schoolers participated. These young dancers were also invited to perform as well on Dance Team Night, where the Dance team performed all their routines for the year.

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“So do not be afraid, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaisah 41:10

WOLFPACK ATHLETICS VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL Long drives in cold busses to distant opponents, postponements due to weather conditions, early morning practices, and also the added inconveniences of Covid crowd restrictions made this year’s winter sports seasons seem extra long. The Wolfpack, however, continually pressed on, improving each day as the seasons progressed.

The foundation of Wolfpack athletics is strongly built on principles of working hard, and as the Girls Basketball Season’s motto of the season states: Love God, Love your Teammates, Love to Compete our teams competed, improved, were supported by family and friends, and for that, we give God great thanks.

The 2020-2021 Girls Basketball team chose their motto and Bible verse for the year (Isaiah 41:10) because they knew this was a rebuilding year for the team. Seven seniors graduated from last year’s State Tournament team who played significant varsity roles. New players needed to step up and learn how to contribute at the varsity level. In any rebuilding year, that is a challenge. Still, with summer open gyms and shootouts, where team chemistry is typically built, not being permitted, many question marks existed going into the season. Head Coach Justin Negen stated, “As coaches, we were excited to have new 8

faces step up into new roles and see how everyone’s gifts could gel together over the course of the season.” The team did gel, and at the end of the season, they played their best basketball, won their first-round tournament game, and gave a terrific Central Lyon team a fight in the second round. Coach Negen remarked how proud he was of that final game of the season.

year will be. It allowed the team to be with this group of teammates one last time, reflect, provide closure, have a ton of fun, let the seniors address the team, and then pass on the baton. Coach Negen’s favorite part of the Last Practice was watching and playing some old school six-on-six. The girls enjoyed it as well.

The team outlook for next year is promising because only two seniors graduate in contrast to this rebuilding year. Program-wide, participation was high; a total of 31 girls participated on the three levels. This number of participants is unique to a school Western’s size and shows the program’s strength. “Our seniors did a terrific job leading this young group, and now they pass the torch to the next class of seniors. Moving forward, we bring back more players who have had a full season of varsity-level competition together, and that should translate well.’

Negen shared.

WRESTLING

The season may have ended early in tournament play, but a new tradition was started called “The Last Practice.” The purpose was straightforward - most teams (unless playing for a state championship) never know when their last practice of the

The Wresting season ended with a strong final finish for a Senior Wrestler. Tristan Mulder worked his way through the state tournament by not allowing a single point by his competitors. Mulder’s State Championship was the first individual wrestling championship in Western

Christian history. Tristan Mulder’s sophomore brother, Jace, earned 6th place.

commitment to wresting is tough because it is just you and the other guy out on the mat, and your teammates cannot help you. It challenges you in so many ways that is why it is so important to make sure the training regimen is on point and doing all the right things in and outside the wrestling room.”

DANCE TEAM

Along with the Mulder brothers’ success, the entire team earned the honor for the second year in a row to compete in the Regional Duals. Competing in the Regional Duels is a great accomplishment and shows the strength of the team. The team reminded themselves of where their strength comes from by choosing Joshua 1:9 as their theme verse for the year. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Dedication is one word that describes the one team that officially practices the longest and receives the least amount of recognition. The Dance team starts their season in July at a three-day camp to begin learning all their school year routines. During August and after school begins, the team practices two mornings a week before school. All that practice pays off because the Dance team entertains the crowd at all home football and basketball games.

The State Competition occurred in November with limited crowds. The team and Coach Megan Kooima had to anxiously await the results until the virtual award ceremony in December. The wait was worth it, though, as the team earned high honors, including 5th place in Hip Hop, 3rd place in Lights, and a Division 1 rating in Pom. On top of the high rankings, the team also earned a Sportsmanship Award and a Distinguished Academic Award for having a 3.5-4.0 GPA. Coach Kooima remarked that performing a routine with the drumline and the incredible participation at Kid’s Camp in Febuary were highlights of the season.

Also, having two dancers, Maggie Kats and Emily DeJager, be selected for the All-Iowa Dance team was quite remarkable.

The June issue of the Witness will include the highlights of the Boys Basketball team.

The team was competing in the State Tournament when this issue went to print.

Coach Pete DiPol explained the hard work that goes into the firm foundation of a wrestling team. “To build a strong foundation as a wrestler, you have to be committed to a wrestling lifestyle.

Meaning-making sure you are training in the off-season, proper nutrition, getting enough sleep, working on your mindset, and trying to better yourself each and every practice during the season. The 9

JUST MY THOUGHTS LEARNING COMMUNITY: EVERYONE MATTERS

A few weeks ago, I was made aware in a fresh new way, the beauty of being a part of a true learning community–where every member of the community contributes.

Last semester in one of my speech classes, I worked with a student for whom public speaking is a real challenge. Anxiety comes easily for him, especially when standing in front of his peers, delivering a speech. The final assignment for the seniors is a chapel speech.

While the students do not have to deliver the speech to the entire school, it is delivered to their speech classmates in the Event Center, with the addition of two outside guests. As the days of our semester drew to a close, this student’s chapel speech steadily approached.

Toward the end of our class period on one of those days, that student finally admitted to me that he needed help. His final chapel speech delivery date was fast approaching, and he was stuck. He was so stuck that he speculated that taking a zero on that final speech was a better alternative than writing and delivering a speech.

Our conversation about his struggle was a great step of progress, but he didn’t have much time to plan. We talked about a couple of things that were causing him the most anxiety.

One of those things was manageable for us to resolve within a couple minutes that day, which we did. But he still didn’t have a speech topic or a Bible verse, or an idea that he loved. When he finally seemed open to accepting some help and guidance, I was up against a bell in just a few minutes with an 8th-period class that I had to teach on the other side of that bell. He was ready to tackle the project, but I was not available to walk alongside and help him. So I did the only thing that came to my mind....

I quickly brainstormed the names of other 10

adults in the building who I thought might possibly have 8th period time available to help. I brainstormed fast. Within just a couple minutes, I offered him the names of people in our building who I thought could be available and who I knew could provide some speechwriting help if they had time.

I quickly rattled off the name of a study-hall teacher, an LMC supervisor, a vocational counselor, the school’s Head Administrator, three members of our Learning Center, Western’s Dean of Students, and lastly, I identified our head custodian. With each name that I suggested to my student, I could see him actually consider how each person could be a helper to him. When I finished my suggestions, he contemplated just a bit and then opted for the 8th period study-hall teacher. I assured him that I would email that study-hall teacher to let him know that some chapel brainstorming time would be so helpful. And then I trusted. As I sent the email, the bell sounded. 7th period was over; in three minutes, my 8th period would begin. I had no idea what that study-hall teacher had planned to accomplish during that 8th period study-hall, but I said a quick prayer that he’d be available to help my student.

As soon as my 8th-period students left my room that day at 3:30, I checked my emails.

At 3:03, I had received an email from that study-hall teacher. I quickly opened it to see if any progress had been made. It was a simple reply: ”Got it done!” That teacher then summarized a quick overview of the ideas that he and my speech student had discussed, and by 3:03, that senior had an idea, a great “hook,” and he seemed confident both would work.

I thanked God. I thanked God that my student had one less reason to feel anxious. I thanked God that my co-worker assigned to 8th-period study-hall had opened his email from me at 2:45 that day. I thanked God that when that teacher reached out to my speech student or that student reached out to his study-hall teacher (because I do not know exactly how events at that time unfolded), there was openness and progress made.

And then, with even greater gratitude, I thanked God that in just a few seconds’ time at the end of 7th period that day, I could brainstorm a list–a pretty long list–of people to whom I could entrust my anxious student. I knew with every person’s name that I offered as help, I could reach out with a quick email and trust that the person reading it was a great person to come alongside that senior. As I listed names for him, I became so aware of the different ways we are all equipped to help each other and our students Learn to Serve the King.

I can honestly say that I had full confidence in every name that I offered to my student. And, for that, I thanked God. In the days that followed I shared with some of my co-workers that I had offered their name to my student. I loved walking up to Nathayn De Hooyas and thanking him for being a custodian who builds relationships and cares about our kids. I thanked Mr. Verwolf for being a visible administrator, who often sits in the student commons so that if students need some help, he is a logical option. I popped in and thanked Mr. Van Ravenswaay for being way more than an attendance taker that day in study-hall.

The beautiful truth is this–on a different day, with a different student, for different needs, it is my ongoing prayer that Western continues to be a true learning community. How beautiful is it when we can teach and learn in the classroom, as well as in the hallway, in the custodial office, in the kitchen with our cooks, in the office with our secretary and business manager, and in so many places. When someone asks me what Christian education is, I am going to think about that speech student and that day, and I will tell this story–the story of the day when I was made aware in a fresh new way of the beauty of being a part of a true learning community–where every member of the community contributes.

Just my thoughts, KC

MEMORIAL GIFTS Western Christian High School is grateful to receive memorial gifts in honor and memory of:

SPRING DRIVE REDUCTION CAMPAIGN On behalf of students, parents, staff, and the school board, we thank you for your generous support of Western Christian High School.

These are exciting times at our Christian school. We have a strong staff with a collective spirit of wanting to serve our God in all that we do. We are blessed with a strategic school board that sits in “the crow’s nest” to help us build a sustainable future. We believe in the work of Christ-centered education and know that the most important measure of our effectiveness is the impact that we are having in our communities and society as a whole.

Investments in effective fundraising have been made because of our mission: To provide God-Centered Secondary Education to young men and women using the Bible and its principles as the foundation for the total curriculum. Spring Drive efforts are profoundly important as we continue to develop our learning community for a Second Century of Service.

Each year board members work with our mission advancement team to conduct a Spring Drive. Last year our Spring Drive contributions totaled $60,000. This amount was incredible, especially considering the drive followed shutdowns due to Covid-19. Our goal this year is $110,000. We desire everyone’s participation regardless of the amount that you are able to give. God has graciously blessed Western

Christian in the past with financial support from our learning community and society.

As one way to keep tuition costs lower, $60,000 from the Spring Drive will be allocated to help reduce tuition for all students.

The board is also allocating funds from the Spring Drive to purchase a vehicle for The Bargain Alley, a thrift store in Hull, IA. The Bargain Alley serves our community and generates funds to support Western Christian.

This vehicle, approximately priced at $20,000, is an urgent need. Also, we will be allocating funds to purchase new tables and chairs for The Event Center. We hope to replace the old metal fold-up chairs and 10ft tables (weighing about 75lbs each!). New tables and chairs have been a much-desired improvement for many years that will cost $30,000.

All gifts will have a significant impact on education at Western. The school desires to wrap this drive up by April 25.

Thank you for your consideration of our request! Your gifts are tax-deductible. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at your convenience.

Brian Verwolf, Head Administrator

John Anema, Sanborn. John was a 1958 graduate of Western Christian High School. John was one of 11 children that graduated from Western. He and his wife Karen had five children that graduated from Western. They were Barbara (‘58), Ken (‘84), Susan (‘85), Janet (‘90), and Joni (‘98).

Dean Schmidt, Sheldon. Dean was a 1953 graduate of Western Christian High School. He and his wife, Charlotte, had 4 children that graduated from Western.

They were Dale (‘77), Lori (‘80), Evan (‘84), and Debra (‘90).

The Western Christian High School Foundation has recently received a gracious gift from the Harry and Freda Klay estate. Harry (‘46) and Freda (Kroese) Klay (‘49) were both graduates of Western and have supported WC over the years with their many words of encouragement and financially, as needs were made known in our learning community. They enjoyed attending many WC events to watch students participate in a variety of activities.

Harry spent his career in the communications industry. He enjoyed helping to improve the lives he interacted with in his life. Even when wintering in southern Texas, he assisted in building houses for those in great need. Harry and Freda desired to continue to support those in need and have done so with this legacy gift which Western will use to support the future of Christ-centered education. We give thanks to God for this gift and for the Klays blessing the WCHS community in this special way. May God’s name be praised!

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STUDENT PERSPECTIVE SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK

When I was younger, I learned from my grandpa to pay attention to God’s power all around us. Whenever we saw something cool, my grandpa would stop and say, “We serve an awesome God!” Now, whenever I am alone in the car, and I see something like a bald eagle in the sky, I say to myself, “I serve an awesome God.” This is one way God speaks to me.

During Spiritual Emphasis Week, our chapel speaker shared that God speaks to us everywhere and that we need alone time to talk with Him and learn from Him. Our speaker, Jason Wiersma, was a Western student in the 1990s, but he did not graduate from Western. Wiersma dropped out of Western. He is not proud of what he did, and he admitted to making bad decisions.

But it is his story. At the time he was looking for acceptance but became more of a rebel, looking for trouble. He later found out that he had ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), so learning did not come easy for him. But he does not make ADHD an excuse.

ADHD is just part of his story.

Wiersma led the student body in three chapels. I liked a lot of what he said to us because I can relate to how he felt. His messages reminded me if I want to be close to God, I don’t have to read a book. I can be alone with Him when I am driving and just talk with Him. It took some really hard stuff for Wiersma to see God. It was an uphill battle, and his diagnosis was part of his turning point. He had to learn to trust God. He had to learn to fight off Satan’s lies. I appreciated the way that he said that he still had struggles after he accepted Christ. Life is hard, so we need to remember what our foundation is built upon.

Wiersma also told us that we all have snakes in our lives. These are the lies that Satan gives us every day. But Satan loses when we choose to trust God instead. We need to be aware.

One way to fight back is with God’s word.

Wiersma actually had real snakes in the foundation of his house. That is a scary thing.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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March 25 – Chambers Night Out March 29 – Junior High Band Festival April 1-5 – Spring Break April 7 – Grandparents Day April 8 – 8th Grade Day May 2 – Chamber Singers Final Performance, 1st CRC Hull May 7 – Jr/ Sr. Banquet May 12 – Spring Music Concert May 25 – Graduation

Satan throws snakes our way, too, like when he tells us that we are not good enough.

But Wiersma gave us verses to use to crush the snakes/ lies. Some examples are, “Your WORD is Truth” (John 17:17) and “I am the Way the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6).

Wiersma’s last word to us was to be obedient and to go light our candles for others to see.

We are accepted. We have snakes that we need to deal with, but we are all called to love God and love others. Right now. Wiersma is called to prison ministry. That is very cool. I wonder what I will be called to do after high school. But I know that life will not always be easy and that just like Wiermsa, God will help me with the struggles that I have and that I will grow because God can make anything good.

I am glad that Jason Wiersma came to speak to us. He was real and one of us, talking with us and sharing his story. He spoke three days in a row about acceptance, truth, and love.

His words really stuck with me.

Donte Gulker - WC Junior