‘24-25 Theme Verse: “...You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” - Ephesians 2:19-22
High school leaves a lasting impression, sometimes good, sometimes not so much. In a recent survey, 54% of Americans say that if they could, they would go back and do high school over again. 12% say they would do it again exactly the same, and 43% say they would do things differently this time. 40% say that once was enough. (YouGov, 2025).
So… would you go back?
At our annual 8th Grade Day this past spring, one comment I heard repeatedly from alumni who are now first-time high school parents was:
“Wow, I wish I could come back! High school seems so much more relevant and fun now…”
I love hearing those kinds of positive reflections!
When we think about high school, certain snapshots often come to mind: football games under the lights, hallway conversations with friends, the thrill of a first crush, or the pressure of a big test. From favorite teachers to new friendships and even the moments of rebellion we now laugh about, the high school experience has long shaped not only who we were but also who we have become. At Western Christian, we know these years are formative. But our hope for our students goes deeper than just a collection of shared milestones. We want
their high school years to be filled with purpose, belonging, and growth rooted in Christ. From the same source I mentioned earlier, 78% of adults say their high school experience played a role, sometimes a major one, in shaping the adults they became. That’s an opportunity we take seriously!
In this issue, we celebrate not only the stories being written by our current students but also those of the faculty and staff who have committed themselves, many for decades, to shaping lives through Christian education. You’ll read about milestone moments, personal reflections, and the ways God continues to work through our community.
Whether you loved high school, merely endured it, or wish you could go back and do it all over again, we invite you to reflect with us on the kind of experience we’re creating here, an experience defined not just by memories, but by mission. May the stories within these pages remind you of the lasting impact a Christ-centered education can have.
In mission, together,
Mr. Brian Verwolf Head Administrator
Freshmen Annika Huisman and Tena Leusink participated in Chalk the Walk during Mental Health Awareness Week. The weather was gorgeous, and the messages on the sidewalk were uplifting. This message really caught our attention: “Spread JOY Here!”
Class of 2025
Goodbyes, Hellos, Celebrations
5 Ways to Maximize Your Giving
Past Yearbooks Available
Wolfpack Athletics
Snapshots from School Memorials
Jr./Sr. Banquet
Just My Thoughts
Student Perspective
Upcoming Events
www.westernchristianhs.com
Western
Matthew Jon Alons
Jessica Rose Andringa
Kellen Douglas Beukelman
Asher Allen Blankespoor
Alyvia Marrie Bleeker+
Barret Daniel Bleeker+
Myles Isaiah Blom+
Kadence Muriel Breuer+*
Aidan James Carlson
Maliyha Paige de Boom+
Kesler Louis De Groot
Kyrin Rae De Groot+
Avery Autumn De Hoogh
Kaden James De Jager+
Cheyenne Rae De Jong
Afton Lin De Weerd
Alianna Jo De Wit+
Blaine D. De Yager
Isabel Mae Dorhout+
Danielle Raye Dykstra+
Lydia Alene Ellis+
Amera Grace Faber+
Makenna Danae Fedders+
Savannah Faith Feenstra+
Sydney Jane Feenstra+
Lydia May Grevengoed
Matias Jay Groeneweg
Jacob Hendrik Groothof+
Noah Braxton Hilbrands
Bryn Tatum Horstman
Brielle Anbrena Jansma
Madelynn Nicole Koele*
Aliya Joy Koelewyn+
Kaylen Joan Koldenhoven
Aubrianna Marie Kooiker+
Maci Lee Kuyper
Lane Evan Maassen+
Sarah Taylor Medema
Jenae Lyn Minderhoud+
Karsten Lee Moret
Hannah Renae Mulder+
Jesse Kenton Ney
Josiah Dylan Nielsen+
Sophia Marie Pausma
Elizabeth Hope Postma
Mariah Jane Prins+*
Shae Ashlynn Reitsma
Reagan Renee Roetman+
Addison Grace Rozeboom+*
Tristan Dean Rozeboom
Ian Khaled Sandouka+
Mollie DiAnn Schemper
Kendra Joy Slaughter+*
Mykyta Stepantsov
Mya Jill Sybesma+
Danylo Tantsura
Addison Faith Terpstra+
Drew Aron Tiedeman+
Caleb Jeremy Van Beek+
Kiah Faith Van Der Brink*
Karter Lee Vander Ziel
Nicole Marlene Van Der Zwaag
Zakiah Peter Van Der Zwaag*
Beau William Van Essen+
Ariana Van Grootheest+
Brody Gene Van Kley
Kaden Jon Van Regenmorter+
Aiden Mark Van Roekel+
Kyson Michael Van Surksum
Tyson James Van Voorst+
Breckyn Lyle Van Vugt
Shyanne Makelle Van Wyk+
Tycen Dean Van Zee
Katherine Renae Veldman+
Josiah Dean Visser
Teagen Allen Visser+
Levi Evan Westra+
Logan Allen Westra+
Lydia Mary Zylstra+
+Graduating With Honors
*Life Serve Blood Center Donor of Distinction
As the school year wrapped up, we celebrated the 79 seniors who graduated from Western Christian. This remarkable class has left a lasting imprint on our campus, and their presence will certainly be missed. At the same time, we look forward to welcoming over 80 eager freshmen this fall, ready to bring new energy to our community!
We’re also saying goodbye to two staff members whose time with us, though brief, was meaningful. Ms. Emily Joenks (Agriculture and FFA) and Mrs. Danelle Porter (Math) each served Western Christian for one year, and we’re thankful for their positive influence.
Western Christian is preparing for steady enrollment growth, launching an exciting capital campaign (more on that later!), and investing further in student life and learning. With that in mind, we’re thrilled to introduce several new staff members who will help us carry forward our mission with passion and purpose.
Mrs. Megan Kooima will join us as the new Director of the Learning Center! Since 2019, Mrs. Mary Dirksen has poured her heart into the Learning Center, blessing our community with her leadership, love for the Lord, and unwavering commitment to each student. Her prayerful desire has been to transition the program to a new leader when God provided the right candidate for Western. Mrs. Dirksen will continue serving at Western Christian in a different capacity within the Learning Center.
Mrs. Kooima is completing her tenure as the principal of Ireton Christian
School, where she has led transformative initiatives since 2020 to enhance academic performance, engagement, and overall school culture while staying rooted in Christian values. With over 18 years of experience in education and a background as a business owner at The Excel Achievement Center in Sioux Center, Mrs. Kooima is passionate about fostering inclusive, Christ-centered learning environments.
Mrs. Kooima’s leadership includes developing specialized programs to support diverse student needs, including those with dyslexia, and empowering teachers through professional development to improve classroom engagement for each learner. She is committed to equipping students to become compassionate, Christ-centered leaders and continues to make a lasting impact through her dedication to faith-based education.
Ms. Aubrey Van Briesen will be our new Agriculture Instructor and FFA Advisor! Ms. Van Briesen hails from Boyden, IA, and returns to Northwest Iowa after graduating from South Dakota State University. She holds majors in Agricultural Science and Agricultural Leadership, and minors in Animal Science and Agricultural Business.
Ms. Van Briesen brings hands-on experience from her roles at Sodak Labs, Simple Dream Genetics, and the Brookings County 4-H Office, where she developed expertise in livestock production, agricultural policy, and youth engagement. She has also demonstrated leadership through her involvement in 4-H, Block and Bridle, and Choralia (Women’s Choir).
Beyond her professional experience, Ms. Van Briesen is passionate about showing cattle, singing, and spending time with family and friends. She especially loves the connection between agriculture and leadership, believing that the values learned in the industry—hard work, integrity, and perseverance—shape future leaders.
Ms. Van Briesen is excited to return where her roots were planted and embark on this new journey that God has placed before her. She looks forward to using her dedication and skills to strengthen Western Christian’s agriculture program and actively engage with the community. Passionate about agriculture and Christian education, she looks forward to applying her skills in a dynamic and impactful way.
We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Lesley Chachere as a new math teacher for the 2025–26 school year! Originally from Dry Prong, Louisiana, she attended Northwestern State University, majoring in Psychology and Biology. Today, Mrs. Chachere (pronounced SASH-er-ee” – it’s Cajun) brings a rich background in both high school science and math instruction. With a strong passion for student engagement, a heart for Christian education, and nine years of teaching experience, she is passionate about investing in the lives of our students. Lesley, her husband, and their children (two in college and two in middle school) are eagerly preparing to relocate from Denham Springs, Louisiana, to Northwest Iowa. They are excited to experience life in the Midwest and join our community.
We want to recognize several staff members for their years of service to Christian education, honored in five-year increments. Each individual featured in the graphic has a unique and meaningful story of impact, shaping lives and advancing the mission of Christian education in powerful ways. We are deeply grateful that God has led them to Western Christian, and we look forward with anticipation to the ways He will continue to use them in the years ahead.
SAVVY GIVING TO STRETCH YOUR CHARITABLE DOLLARS
Whether shopping, investing or giving, you’re always trying to get the most Out of your money. To you, it just makes cents!
If you’re looking for even more ways to stretch your dollars, consider these five savvy ways to support Western Christian High School:
1. Give Appreciated Stock - If you owned stock for at least a year, you can receive a double tax benefit by donating it to Western Christian High School. Not only will you receive a tax deduction for the stock’s fair market value, but you’ll also avoid paying capital gains.
2. Give Real Estate - If you have real estate that’s increased in value and you
no longer need it, consider gifting all or a portion of it, prior to selling. Doing so allows you to bypass the capital gains and receive a charitable deduction.
3. Give From an IRA - If you are 70.5 or older, you can make tax-free distributions from your IRA, up to just over $100,000 (indexed annually for inflation)! These gifts count towards your annual required minimum distribution, and none of the IRA distributions will be included in your adjusted gross income.
4. Give Farm Machinery and Commodities - Farmers can realize a significant tax savings by gifting machinery and commodities (such as grains, soybeans, fruit and even livestock) before they are sold. You’ll reduce your
taxable income, and you may be able to reduce production costs.
5. Make a Life Income Gift - Life income gifts are great solutions if you wish to give with impact, but you’re concerned with having enough cash flow to meet your family’s needs. Give cash or other property, then receive a steady income for the rest of your life. The remainder of the gift will go to support the mission of Western Christian High School.
Want to learn more about smart and savvy ways to maximize your support of Western Christian High School? Contact Brad Vis by email (brad.vis@westernchristianhs.com) or call 605-359-5704.
We have several copies of the following years of yearbooks available: 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 20232024. If you would like to purchase one or more, they are $75 each. Contact the office or Mrs. de Boom if interested. If there is another year you would like, contact the office, and we will look to see if we have a copy available. The current year’s book, 2024-2025, will be available in the fall.
Golf is a truly unique high school sport. Unlike most other sanctioned sports, it requires athletes to act as their own referees. This can be a daunting adjustment for players who grew up relying on umpires or officials to make the calls. Student-athletes must know the rules, apply them fairly to themselves, and even hold their group members accountable. As a team, we often talk about the importance of honesty and integrity, traits essential to the game and ones our players strive to uphold.
Another distinctive aspect of golf is its emphasis on sportsmanship and hospitality. While courts and fields remain the same from one venue to another, every golf course presents a new layout, design, and challenge. When we host teams at Rolling Hills, we emphasize the importance of being welcoming and gracious. During meets, I intentionally practice moving from group to group and asking the visiting golfers, “Are our girls being good hosts today?” To our players’ credit, the answer is almost always a yes; our team can be proud of that.
This past season, we had a great mix of five returning golfers and three new faces. We mainly enjoyed beautiful weather for our meets, and our van rides became memorable teambonding moments. Most importantly, the team showed steady improvement
and encouraged consistency, especially in the season’s final two weeks.
It was a joy to see our players embody key values from our Wolfpack Edge—honesty, integrity, hospitality, positivity, and encouragement—while continuing to grow in their knowledge and enjoyment of the game.
Coach Justin Negen
Reflecting on this past season, it is important to recognize our golf team’s journey. Entering the year, we knew we had a young roster, filled with potential yet lacking meet experience. Our group blended promising freshmen, new sophomores and juniors, and dedicated returning seniors, creating a dynamic environment where growth would be necessary and inevitable.
As the season progressed, we witnessed our players begin to find their rhythm. Two freshmen (Ryer Roetman and Grady Van Zee) medaled in different meets. Four different golfers, including three underclassmen, medaled throughout the season, showing promising signs for the future Wolfpack golfers.
We placed fourth in our 2A Sectional at Hinton, marking the end of our team competition for the year. Tycen Van Zee was one of the top medalists outside the qualifying teams, so he
earned his way to the District Meet at Lake Mills Golf Club in Clear Lake, IA. Facing challenging conditions, Tycen displayed resilience and skill, navigating the tough course with determination. He finished with a score of 81, a testament to his commitment and hard work throughout the season.
Coach Derek Keizer
This season was a powerful reflection of perseverance and faith. With a roster made up almost entirely of underclassmen, our lone senior, Kyrin DeGroot, provided steady and valuable leadership throughout the year. Despite facing numerous challenges, including injuries and other setbacks, these young women rose above with resilience, unity, and a Christ-centered attitude.
Through God’s grace, we finished the season strong, giving our best when it counted most—at districts and the state meet. We were blessed to qualify three relay teams and one individual, Bentley Bliek, in the discus, for state competition.
A special highlight this season was watching our team serve by helping run the junior high track meet in early May. It was a fantastic opportunity to give back and reflect the values we strive to uphold both on and off the track.
As a coach, I’m incredibly proud of this team’s growth, determination, and character. This season has laid a solid foundation, and I’m excited to see how God continues to work through this program in the years ahead. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated coaching staff and the amazing support from our athletes’ parents—your encouragement made a lasting impact.
Coach Mark Fenchel
The 2025 Track and Field season was one in which being competitive at each meet was our main goal. We competed great at each meet and gradually improved in our times, throws, and jumps.
This season, we were led by five great seniors who led us in practice by setting a great example on how to work hard and improve one day at a time. Each senior had a servant heart and ran with purpose all season, using their God given talents to their fullest potential.
I would like to thank the other track and field coaches, Mark Fenchel, Kyle
Fykstra, and Adrianne Wiekamp, for their hard work this season. I would also like to thank all the guys and their parents for their dedication to Western Christian and the track and field program.
Coach Travis Kooima
This season was marked by growth, unity, and God’s faithfulness. We were blessed with a large number of girls participating in soccer this year, and it was incredible to see each one make a meaningful impact. Whether on the field during games or through daily effort and encouragement at practice, every player contributed to the strength and spirit of this team. We faced strong competition throughout the season, which pushed us to grow in both skill and character. The girls responded with determination, resilience, and a commitment to supporting one another. Their team-first mindset and love for the game were evident every time they stepped on the field.
With many returners and a strong foundation built this season, the future
of our program looks bright. We are grateful for the support of our school, families, and community.
Coach Avril Bacaam
We had another fun and great soccer season this year. With another big class of seniors graduating from the 2024 season, we had a lot of spots to fill, but we had guys step up and fill these roles well.
The team’s motto for the year our captains chose was “We Before Me”, which was fitting because we work as a team and move together as a whole, not as individuals. We had 54 guys in our program competing, which was a blessing to see the program grow, and each player played an important role in our season.
As a coaching staff, we are blessed to have a small impact on these players’ lives on the field, at school, and in their personal and spiritual lives. We want to thank all the parents, the school, and the Wolfpack community for all the support we received throughout the season.
Coach Sou Bacaam
For the 2024-2025 school year, a No-Cellphone policy was implemented. Students checked their phones at the beginning of the day, which was a positive change for students and staff.
Eight students continued the tradition of the Netherlands exchange program by spending three weeks immersed in Dutch culture this past spring.
Juniors Avery Vehoef and Isabella Zomermaand reflected on the implemented Cell Phone policy. “When Western introduced the new phone policy, we were skeptical about how it would work. There’s no doubt that we had some adjustments to make in the first couple of weeks. Looking back on the year, it’s clear how beneficial this change has been for Western. We never knew what a blessing it would be to see lively hallways, new friendships, and deep, meaningful conversations.”
Jessica Wielenga shared her thoughts on the trip. “The opportunity to go to the Netherlands was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much about their culture and way of life. During my three weeks there, I could bike to school every day, go to Amsterdam and Paris, and try many new foods. My favorite part of this trip was being able to see the differences between my world and theirs and being able to share my culture with them. I would 100% recommend this trip to anyone thinking about it; I also loved hosting a Dutch student last fall and making a new connection across the world.”
Study hall students enjoyed beautiful weather on May 7 and 8 and participated in a countywide effort to ‘Chalk the Walk.’ Many businesses and schools encouraged participation in filling sidewalks with positive messages and drawings supporting mental health.
Each year, the Western Drumline performs at home football and basketball games, and at the end of the year, they participate in one of the parades at the Orange City Tulip Festival. It is a highlight of the year.
With funds raised during a bake sale following the Pro-Life Pack chapel in January, fleece was purchased to make tie baby blankets. Students worked on making the blankets during study halls. The group donated half of the blankets to the Alpha Center in Sioux Falls and kept the other half to donate as they see fit in the future. About 50 blankets were made.
The Art Department continues to add color and positive messages to Western Christian’s walls. This year’s contribution blessed the third floor.
The annual Awards Chapel was held on May 1. Various distinct awards and scholarships were announced. A highlight each year is the announcement of the faculty-selected Citizenship Award winners and the Wolfpack Scholarship awardee. Levi Westra and Lydia Ellis were selected for the Citizenship awards, and Mollie Schemper received the Wolfpack Scholarship.
Western Christian remembers and honors the life of William “Bill” Bird, who went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 12, 2025.
Mr. Bird served as Western’s vocal music teacher from 1969 to 1991, shaping the lives of countless students with his passion for music. He was known for his creativity, energy, and ability to bring out the best in his students. Mr. Bird once shared that his personal goal for the Vocal Music Department at Western was, “for the students to appreciate the gift of singing that God
had given to each one of them, and then use that gift to give Him glory.”
Mr. Bird radiated joy, encouragement, and intentionality. His legacy extends far beyond the choir room—his impact is carried in the hearts of those he taught, mentored, and uplifted.
We thank God for the life and legacy of Mr. Bill Bird!
Pictures are from the Western Christian 100-Year Celebration, where Mr. Bird returned to direct the Alumni Choir.
Western Christian High School is grateful to receive memorial gifts in honor and memory of:
Arnold and Margaret Feekes - Sioux Center, IA. Arnie and Marg had 6 children and 13 grandchildren who graduated from Western. Stan (1967), Lauri (1968), Donna (1971), Rog (1972), Sandi (1974), and Brian (1978).
Loretta Verkade - Grand Rapids MI. “Lorrie” was a 1941 graduate of Western and a lifelong educator.
Berwin Krommendyk - Sioux Center, IA. Berwin and his wife Hilda graduated from Western in 1958 and 1960, respectively.
The Western Christian Class of 1962 recently held a “63 Years Since We Graduated Reunion” on May 14, 2025. We are thankful for their gift to WCHS!
It isn’t every day that teenagers enjoy dressing up, but the Big Gym seemed to be all smiles on May 2nd for the Grand March as the Juniors and Seniors donned their best attire. After the Grand March, the Banquet was held at the Terrace View Event Center in Sioux Center.
This spring marks 33 years as a teacher for me, and with that many days in the classroom, one might imagine that I’ve seen it all. While I have seen a lot, each year offers something new to learn, and this year included a delightful surprise.
The seniors and I tried a new Biblereading guide for their final semester in Bible class; since January, we have read eight books of the Bible: John, 1-2-3 John, Exodus, Joshua, Ruth, Ephesians, Proverbs, and James. We didn’t spend class time reading, but we did plan weekly check-ins when we shared with our table partners what we had read, noticed, wondered, highlighted, etc. We usually took some time after those check-ins to share something we’d discussed at our tables with the entire class. At least once during our reading of each of those books of the Bible, every person in the class shared a specific insight with all of us.
While I wanted the students to sense the importance and urgency of this project, at the same time, I didn’t want it to be overly “academic.” I wanted students to be held accountable without feeling pressured. I wanted them to see their reading as important, but not so that they’d get the right number
of points available or pass the quiz. So sometimes they wrote journals, sometimes they drew sketches, some kids even wrote poetry to share their insights from our reading, and we always found ways to talk about what we were reading.
A couple of weeks ago, I decided I was ready for the answer that had been nagging at me all semester long: “How many seniors are actually doing the Bible reading?” So, I simply asked one section of seniors who were gathered in my room, visiting casually before class started. I asked them to give me an honest percentage of classmates who they believed were completing our outside-of-class Bible reading. The number that came back was a confident 80%. Now, to some of you, that number may seem a little disappointing; that percentage is a C+ on Western’s grading scale. But when I consider 80%, I am thrilled. Because when I compared 80% this spring to the percentage of seniors who were reading entire books of the Bible before this project started, that number showed tremendous progress, the kind of progress that makes an old teacher sit up and say, “Wow! Hallelujah!”
This project was by far my favorite part of the semester with the seniors.
I loved walking around the room, listening to students flip through their Bibles, and share takeaways with their classmates. I loved walking into the HUB or down the hallway at random times and seeing students with their Bibles open, reading quietly to themselves. I loved hearing students share different audio versions of the Bible that they were using to accomplish their reading. I loved hearing students share insights they’d gained from the notes or crossreferences in their study Bibles. I loved knowing that we were reading and talking about God’s Word together.
I love teaching, but I also love learning. This semester, I learned again that reading the Bible isn’t about guilt. It isn’t about assignments with grades or checklists to accomplish every morning. It is about discovering (or rediscovering) the gift of reading our God’s Word and how much we can bless one another when we do that together. Be blessed, and keep on (or start today) reading your Bible; maybe invite a friend or family member to read along with you and share insights. And let me make a bold prediction that you, too, will be delightfully surprised.
Just my thoughts, KC
When I first walked through the doors of Western, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I figured it would just be a part of my life I would have to get through. Whether it be the classes, grades, or maybe a few extracurriculars. What I didn’t expect was the relationships I would create, how involved I would become, or how deeply I’d grow in many aspects of my life.
At first, I didn’t know anyone, but from the moment I walked through the doors, the faculty and staff were extremely welcoming. They made me feel at home, even though I’d never met most of them. Even now, as my senior year comes to a close, I know that I can walk into any classroom and just talk to any teacher. It doesn’t matter what I want to talk about, they’re always willing to converse. I was also very fortunate to forge
strong friendships that I believe will be lifelong, even though I didn’t make friends immediately.
If someone had told me when I was a freshman all the things I’d be involved in now, I wouldn’t have believed them. Through both music and athletics, I’ve stayed very busy, and if I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. Every early morning, challenge, and long day helped to shape me into who I am today. Each experience taught me something valuable, whether it be discipline, perseverance, or determination.
Most importantly, I have grown in my faith. This has been in a variety of ways, but mostly through the relationships that I have formed and
the way that Biblical principles have been intentionally woven into the classroom. It’s not just about what I’ve learned but about applying those principles in my life rather than simply knowing about them. Through this, I have been able to build strong habits that I hope to keep up long after I have graduated. Looking back on the four years I’ve spent at Western, it has been so much more than just a school - it’s been a place that has molded me and prepared me for the future.
Caleb Van Beek, Senior
This fun week will include some of the things we’ve always loved about Western’s Homecoming, as well as some new and inviting ideas.
Plan now to attend or join the live stream for the Homecoming Chapel Program on Monday, September 15. We are also bringing back Homecoming Chapel on the Couch, featuring a Western alumni couple, on Friday, September 19. Save the dates—it’s going to be great!
Be watching for more information through email and social media
August 8 Wolfpack Edge Luncheon and Booster Club Outing to be held at the Ridge Golf Course, Sioux Center
August 20 Freshman Orientation
August 25 First Day of School
September 1 Labor Day, No school
September 15-19 Homecoming Week