Cascade Christian Chronicle 2017-18 by Cascade Christian Schools

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Dedicated to Developing Discerning Leaders 2017-2018 Don Johnson Superintendent (2017-18) Founder/Growth Consultant (2018-19) Dr. Ken Friesen HS Principal (2017-18) Superintendent (2018-19) Michele Suiter JH Principal (2017-18) HS Principal (2018-19) DJ Heltsley JH/HS Assistant Principal Athletic Director Jennifer Walling JH Principal (2018-19) Joyce Blum Director of Student Learning Terry Broberg Principal Puyallup Elementary Tina deVries Principal Frederickson Elementary

25th Anniversary Celebration

2018 Graduation

Don Neptun Brings Leadership and Vision to Band

Tim Lorenz Principal McAlder Elementary Karen Curtiss Director Puyallup Early Learning Center Tim Kleefeld, CPA Director of Business Rob Mitton Director of Development Susan Crawford Director of Marketing and Communications Kristin Hannus Director of Extended School Unless otherwise indicated, research, interviews and writing of articles by Brittany Wubbolt Design, layout and some photography by Michelle De Monnin for De Monninâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Studio, Inc. Photo of Dr. Ken Friesen, page 3, by Katharine Setterfield The Chronicle is a publication of Cascade Christian Schools, an interdenominational school district in Pierce County, Washington. On the Cover: CCHS Graduation 2018

For more information about Cascade Christian Schools:

cascadechristian.org | 253-841-1776

Development/Business Partner information: Rob Mitton Story ideas for the Cascade Chronicle: Susan Crawford

Cascade Christian Schools Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students Cascade Christian Schools admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

From my viewpoint as Superintendent, the 2017-2018 school year has been a significant one for Cascade Christian Schools. We had a 25th anniversary celebration that honored our God, our roots and everyone who has been involved in this ministry over the last twenty-five years — all of them God’s miracles.

SCERN I D

Our “Love Does” spiritual theme created a very positive culture on all our campuses and in our district office and brought the CCS community even closer together for our students.

Since 2017-2018 has been my last year in the role as Superintendent, I have had a heightened awareness of how God has been moving as we continued to plan for our future so that it is sustainable.

OPING L E

As I move to my new role of Growth Consultant, I am so excited that Dr. Friesen will be our new person in this position of Superintendent, moving us into the amazing future God has for us. We have an amazing leadership combination, and I feel honored to be able to champion for CCS and its leadership. I want to thank all of you for your support and partnership.

Locations www.cascadechristian.org

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Superintendent of Schools

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Don Johnson,

Time to launch into the next twenty-five years!

Core Purpose

Transforming cultures through teaching and training people in their purpose before God.

Mission

To glorify God by providing quality, Christ-centered education dedicated to developing discerning leaders who are spiritually, personally, and academically prepared to impact their world.

DISTRICT NEWS

A Significant Transition What brought the Friesens to Cascade Christian? Dr. Friesen said, “On a larger scale it was God’s providence that brought us here. On a practical level we felt called to Cascade Christian based on strong alignment with the leadership and core values of the school.” It’s been a time of growth:

After 25 years, the position of superintendent at Cascade Christian Schools is changing. Don Johnson, the founder and the only superintendent CCS has had up to this point in its history, is transitioning to his new role as Growth Consultant. Dr. Ken Friesen has been named as the new superintendent as of the 2018-2019 school year. Mr. Johnson stated, “There is a tremendous amount of trust that I have for Dr. Friesen. God really brought him to us and CCS, and I know that our guiding principles and mission will be upheld. I am very excited for my new position as the Growth Consultant, and to see what God has in store for me.” More about Dr. Friesen: Educational background: • Bachelor’s degree in education from Western Oregon University (1980) • Master’s degree in school administration from Seattle Pacific University (1989) • Doctorate degree in educational leadership from George Fox University (2008)

“It seems that I have grown more spiritually and personally in the past four to five years than any other period of time in my life,” said Dr. Friesen. I have gained a deeper understanding of what it looks like to trust God implicitly in all things. I have learned that the result of trusting God is a spirit of joy and contentment and living free regardless of circumstances. At times it is a matter of simply choosing to trust even when I may not feel like doing so, and then acting on the basis of that trust. It is also a matter of daily discipline. I must choose to trust God in every moment of every day in order to be in that place of living free. I believe God has used the process I’ve gone through in the past few years to equip me for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.” Proud of his wife and family: “The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about what I am proud of is my family,” said Dr. Friesen. “First and foremost, I am incredibly proud of Karen (Mrs. Friesen) for all she has achieved on a personal level and for how wellloved she is by so many people. I’m also proud of her for all she has

done to instill in our children and grandchildren a strong love for God. She has equipped them to become such incredible people who are living amazing lives. Next to Karen, I am most proud of our children and grandchildren. They are truly special. They are all living for God and doing wonderful things to make the world around them a better place.” Excited to build on the strong foundation: Dr. Friesen said, “I am most excited about the opportunity to build on the strong foundation that has been established over the past 25 years. It feels as though we are poised to move into a pattern of strong growth in enrollment over the next five to ten years, and it will be exciting to see

what God allows us to do because of the growth we are anticipating. Our hope and intent is to provide increasing excellence in programs for our students and increased compensation and benefits for our staff.” A fun fact: Dr. Friesen is an avid and loyal Seahawks fan, and has been from the very beginning.

YEARLY THEME

“Love Did” at CCS This Year Each year, the selection and preparation for the spiritual theme is a months-long process, beginning with prayerful selection of the theme, development of the monthly topics, and design of the t-shirts and other graphics promoting the theme. Then, throughout the year, the theme is executed through the weekly devotional topics, which are emailed, discussed at staff meetings, presented at chapels, and implemented into lesson plans. We asked several people to share what they saw or experienced with the “Love Does” theme this year: “We saw God doing so many things through the theme this past year. This was a very “Doing” theme and we saw huge transformation in relationships. It really helped everyone involved, including staff, teachers and students.” Don Johnson, Superintendent “Each month this year we talked about an aspect of love and how it can guide our own life and relationships. Practical and personal lessons were talked through all year. God is all about relationships. He doesn’t need us, but He wants us to fellowship with Him. That is why I think Love Does was so powerful. The ultimate example of loving is Jesus and what He has done for us. He is our model to live by and so loving like Jesus was a great topic to explore with the students.” Terry Broberg, Principal at Puyallup Elementary Campus “Love Does means to me that we are loved because of someone else’s sacrifice. We were born sinners, but through Jesus’ sacrifice, He showed us how to love. We take that gift of love and pass it on to others, because of what Jesus did for us. Love Does gave me motivation by helping me remember that I am loved. This theme reminded me of what Christ did for me, but it really helped me remember to spread Christ’s love to everybody throughout the entire school year.” Matthew Pfab, 7th Grade

“Love Does is the idea that actively loving others is represented through selfless actions and servant leadership! Focusing on Love Does this school year has been eye-opening and has strengthened the unity across the whole district. I have enjoyed seeing students, teachers, parents and staff unite together with selfless love and sacrifice all year long. Love Does brings us closer together and closer to God!” Amy Munson, 11th Grade “To me, Love Does means loving one another. It’s about people. It’s about doing what we feel, not just thinking about it, but actually putting action to our love. As a thinker, I can often fool myself into thinking I have expressed my love for others, when in reality I have only thought about it. So, for me, Love Does is a daily reminder to put my thoughts into action. To activate my passion and love for people. It takes on various forms and I still have a lot to learn. It’s about being honest and having hard conversations. It’s about being humble and saying, ‘I’m sorry’. It’s about forgiveness and flowers and chocolate! It’s about taking the time to call, text or write a card to someone telling them how you feel about them.” Rob Mitton, Puyallup Elementary Parent and CCS Director of Development

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

CCS 25th Anniversary Celebration:

Miracle after Miracle It is hard to believe that it was only 25 years ago that God called Superintendent Don Johnson to turn God’s plan into a reality. Cascade Christian started off as a conversation about opening a school, then evolved into a school district that has not only touched the nation, but the whole world. From the first graduating class of nine students, to more than 1500 alumni, and a district of almost 1300 students (infants through grade 12), CCS has been comprised of a series of miracles, one after another. The gathering on the evening of May 20 was not only a celebration of the past 25 years, but a chance for

God’s timing is perfect and His “ timing for CCS has been perfect. ” everyone in attendance to see the miraculous work of CCS leaders and the Lord. The celebration itself was a work in progress for over a year. A committee, headed by Don and Sue Johnson, formed a concept that highlighted the effort and time that was put into what CCS is today. “This was something we

wanted to bless everyone with,” explains Sue. “We wanted to honor everyone that has ever been part of CCS.” The celebration was comprised of a brief overview of history, guest speakers, and recognition of leaders throughout the history of CCS. While briefing about the history of CCS, Don Johnson highlighted the “Top 10 Miracles” that have occurred over the past 25 years. 10. The Founding Churches of CCS: Spanaway Assembly of God, People’s Church, and Puyallup Assembly of God 9. Founding Pastors: Sam Benson, Cal Carpenter, Kevin Gerald, and Randy Gross 8. Vision of a brand-new school system, stemming from three schools and three churches 7. The District Office and four campuses in 1994: A preschool, elementary, junior high and high school, all at the Tacoma campus. 6. Building of secondary campus: Junior High/High School 5. Performing Arts Center from an anonymous $2 million donation 4. All Board members over the past 22 years

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

SCERN I D OPING L E V

From Africa to Israel just this year alone, CCS holds true to our mission statement that says, “To glorify God by providing quality, Christ-centered education dedicated to developing discerning leaders who are spiritually, personally, and academically prepared to impact their world.”

One of the speakers, Josh Johnson, son of Don and Sue Johnson, talked about how Cascade Christian is not just present in Pierce County, Washington... Cascade Christian is present globally! A map was then presented on the screen for everyone to see lights pop up on a world map of where Cascade Christian has left its footprint. (The video of the map, as well as the video of the entire celebration, is available on the Cascade Christian Schools YouTube channel.)

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The celebration also had multiple guest speakers that highlighted how CCS is so significant to them. “We did not prep the speakers on what to say,” explains Don Johnson. “We let them speak whatever God had put on their hearts, and it just flowed seamlessly. God was very present in that room that night.”

“All of you,” - everyone that has ever been part of CCS

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2. The McAlder campus formation in 2013

3. Long-term vision for property on Shaw Road

It is not hard to see that Cascade Christian has been a receiver of God’s graciousness and blessings over the past few decades. “God’s timing is perfect and His timing for CCS has been perfect,” said Don Johnson. “Cascade Christian is nothing short of a miracle. Between all the blessings that we have experienced and all of the people that have helped and been part of it, Cascade Christian is just miracle after miracle.”

I-TERM FOCUS

Ministry Partnering with Ministry: CCHS I-Term Students Serve and Learn at our National Parks By Kara Barnett, CCJH/HS staff, National Parks I-term trip leader

I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to lead the National Parks I-Term for two years now. We have partnered with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP), and they take over once we get off the plane. ACMNP Impact Trips are designed to offer worship, witness, and Christian leadership development instruction to students through an experience with and in a national park. Participants explore their leadership capacities, Christian faith, group dynamics, stewardship, appreciation of God’s creation, and outdoor activities in the context of a national park setting. ACMNP also provides access to an online Christian leadership assessment, individual Christian leadership development coaching, group discussion related to park stewardship and creation care, and interpretation of the group’s experience in the national park. The first year that CCHS worked with ACMNP during I-Term, a group of 22 served in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park – thus inspiring the #22meninthewild hashtag. The men and boys that came back from that trip were changed, and at least two of them went on to work with ACMNP over their summer break in various national parks, helping to lead worship services, among other duties. The following year I was asked to help lead this I-Term so girls would be able to participate. A mixed group of 24 of us chose to serve in Sequoia National Park, stay in Kings Canyon National Park, and take a day trip to Yosemite National Park. Hume Lake Bible Camp provided our lodging in the park. The trip was a great time of serving the national park community, seeing and falling in love with gigantic trees and history, eating delicious meals, and connecting around the campfire at the end of the day. We learned to appreciate the fact that even though a sequoia tree seed is only the size of a flake of oatmeal, it grows into a majestic giant. One student remarked that looking at these seeds helps us remember that God can use even the smallest things for His

I-TERM FOCUS

glory. A ranger told us about how the Sequoia cones only open up when exposed to heat, which is one of the reasons for prescribed burning in the park. We learned a lot about this necessary process for growth. Yes, we all made the correlation between growth coming out the fire and how we could relate it to our Christian walk! In 2018, our group of 25 chose to explore Zion National Park and take a day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, just like the first group. We were able to serve not only in the park, but also on the grounds of Zion Ponderosa Resort where we stayed. We picked up trash, learned about M.O.O.P. (Matter Out Of Place), helped clean graffiti off rocks along the hiking trails, and counted the people along the major trails to help the rangers survey the usage of different areas. We enjoyed talking to people and sharing what our school was doing in the parks. Additionally, we led an entire Easter service in Zion’s campground amphitheater that at least thirty other people attended. Hannah McDonald and Kenzie Williamson led the worship time, Alex Teifke and McKenzie Radcliffe welcomed us and led us in prayer, and Michael Worley gave the message of God’s great love for us. It was truly an awe inspiring experience to worship in that kind of setting! The hiking was manageable for all, and though not everyone completed the nail-biting trek to Angel’s Landing or the freezing cold traverse of the Narrows, we all had a great time and saw beauty that we will always remember. In the spring of 2019 we are planning on serving in both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. It is always fun for me to see who God prompts to sign up for these trips. I always remind myself and others that this trip is God’s, not mine, and it is my job to be open and aware of who He leads into my life. I appreciate the leadership training that I continue to receive each year from ACMNP and they appreciate the exposure that our school has given them as they are branching out and starting to offer this type of adventure to more schools and organizations. Just recently, a Christian school in Denver reached out to hear my perspective on the trip. After experiencing it for the first time this year, they are now planning on making ACMNP an annual event. I love that our trip impacts and influences others, while simultaneously leaving an unforgettable mark on all the Cascade Christian students and staff who participate. To read the blogs about this trip and the other international, national, and local I-term teams, go to www. cascadechristian.org/i-term.

CLASS OF 2018

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CLASS OF 2018

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CLASS OF 2018

72 Graduates 621 combined years

Class of

2018

in Christian Schools (K-12 only, does not include preschool)

8.625 years average

in Christian schools per student

29 Seniors have attended

5 with a 4.0 GPA (Highest Honors)

34 with a 3.60-3.99 GPA (High Honors)

23 with a 3.0-3.59 GPA (Honors)

3.5 Total Class Grade Point Average

Cascade Christian Schools since Kindergarten

CLASS OF 2018

94.5% (68 students)

planning to attend higher education institutions in the fall

29 Students received

potential scholarships & grants offered toward college tuition totaling approximately $4,814,838 over the next 4 years. (This is money that does not need to be repaid!)

Class Verse

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.â&#x20AC;? Romans 12:6-8

EDUCATION

The CCS Educational Roadmap: More than just dots on a graph Since 2016, Cascade Christian leaders have been meeting regularly, tediously forming what is referred to as the CCS Educational Roadmap (ERM) – an individualized plan that is designed for student educational ownership and parent partnership. Joyce Blum, Director of Student Learning, explains, “This process is able to show us where each of our students have been, where they are currently, and where they are going in their education.” As this new educational tool is being developed, “We are including things we have already been doing, such as setting academic goals from our MAP assessments and student-led conferences,” explains Blum, “but now, with the Educational Roadmap we are able to have a future vision of where we want our students to go, not just at Cascade Christian, but beyond their graduation.”

CCS

EDUCATION

The ERM is not just a graph with dots to show what percentile the students are in. The Educational Roadmap is a learning tool that lays out the goals and progress of each student in the district and advises teachers how to help each child reach their potential. Younger elementary students have the opportunity to look at their MAP scores and set goals to open up more options in their junior high and high school years. Our secondary students can take that same data and compare it to scores that are needed to get into their college of choice. With this information, they can set goals to help them achieve that vision. The plan for the Educational Roadmap is to track a student’s progress not only in the academic areas, but to also track their passions, spiritual development, and the unique way God designed them starting from the time they come to CCS all the way through their senior year. Students partner with teachers in setting their own goals and determining how to reach those goals. “We are helping the students be responsible for their own academic, spiritual and social success and holding them accountable,” explains Blum. “Our students are taking ownership of their learning and deciding how they plan to improve.”

The Educational Roadmap process is supported by a child’s classroom teacher, as early as infancy, through their elementary years, and by their Advisory teacher and the Guidance Counselor in their junior high and high school years. Some additional parts of the Educational Roadmap include the admissions process, student-led conferences starting in third grade, student-generated portfolios, Advisory and much more. Because of the Roadmap, teachers and parents are now better able to have open dialog on a regular basis about their children’s grades and plans for the future. Students can set realistic goals and not only work on them in school, but at home as well. Blum explains, “One of the greatest things about the Roadmap is that we have opened a truly productive dialog between teachers and parents, and between parents and students. We are able to say with the Roadmap, “We know your child. We value your child. We have a plan for your child.” With the Educational Roadmap, Cascade Christian is allowing students to take ownership for their success and to celebrate who God created them to be.

PERFORMING ARTS

The Growth of a Program… Band at CCS moves to a new level under the vision and leadership of Don Neptun CC: What led you to CCS? DN: A friend of mine, who is a CCS employee, told me about the position and thought I’d be a good fit. I hadn’t taught full-time in 5 years, but I felt called to return to teaching. I was, and still am, running a screen printing business, so I wasn’t actively seeking a new teaching position, but I felt like I could only deny my true calling for so long. I waited for the right position to present itself. It turns out that this was the right position, and everything just seemed to fall into place. I don’t believe that’s just by chance, rather I believe that’s the Holy Spirit at work. So, I applied and here I am!

CC: How has music impacted your life, and how do you think it impacts the lives of our students?

CC: Why is it important for students to be involved in the Arts, specifically band?

DN: Some of the greatest moments in my life and the most meaningful relationships have come about because I am a musician. We know that being a musician is incredibly beneficial for academic, physical, and social development. But being a musician also brings immeasurable joy. I also find that part of my faith comes from my experience in music. Hearing, playing, or singing music can be an act of worship, it can reach deep into my very core, and it often reminds me of the immense glory of God. I seek to share these kinds of experiences with our students, that they may feel the same joy, develop their own meaningful and lasting relationships, and to enact the kingdom of God here in song.

DN: Being involved in the Arts develops us in ways that other activities cannot. As a musician in band we use an instrument as an extension of our own body to make sound which then becomes music. It is a difficult thing to do, especially to do it well. We learn patience, humility, teamwork, perseverance, and so much more. In this world of instant gratification, playing an instrument can be one of the greatest things for a young person to develop fundamental life skills.

PERFORMING ARTS

CC: What were some highlights of this past year for you? DN: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited that I get to be part of developing a culture of excellence and high expectations in band at every single grade level. Excellence is achievable for the beginning band student as well as the senior ready to go off to college to study music. There is room for greatness for every single person in this band program. In about five years Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to evaluate the success of the culture change. This year we took steps towards this vision. Our high school band had six students this year - and those six students performed each concert incredibly well! Each concert was better than the one before it. Our Junior High band had fifteen students and we started off the year with an incredibly varied skill set. We had a great Christmas concert and a phenomenal end of year concert. The students showed incredible growth.

Our elementary students went from having very little experience, or being brand-new to band, to memorizing music and performing at a very high level by the end of the year. This growth over time turns into moments of incredible joy and satisfaction when all these pieces come together in a performance. CC: What were your goals for the students this year?

as each band performed. I wanted them to see that what we are doing is incredibly fun and brings great joy to those making the music and to those listening to it. And I wanted them to experience the satisfaction of all their hard work paying off. I feel like all those things were achieved, perhaps more than we even know. We had an excellent year in band at Cascade Christian Schools, and next year is going to be even better!

DN: For the band concert at the end of the year I wanted the students to see what was possible. I wanted the students to experience that they are in a community of musicians that goes well beyond their own class. I wanted them to see the incredible growth from year to year

Students Explore and Demonstrate their Creative Potential through the Arts.

ATHLETICS

Fall Football: 10-win and 2-loss season as Nisqually League Champions, District 3 Champions and State Quarterfinalists. League MVP Madden Tobeck had plenty of support from Co-Offensive MVP’s Tyquan Coleman and Parker Johnson, as well as Defensive MVP Jeremy Ocbian. Girls Soccer: Finished 2nd in Nisqually League thanks to Offensive League MVP Nicole Souply and First Team performers Taylor Beardemphl, Grace Jung and Ashley Teifke. Volleyball: Third place in the Nisqually League. All-League performers included Mallory Eckroth and Piper Mauro (1st Team), and Avaree DuMars and Shelaine Lorenz (2nd Team). Boys Tennis: Nisqually League Team Sportsmanship Award Cross Country: Sophomore Hunter Vilhauer earned 2nd Team AllNisqually League honors.

ATHLETICS

Winter

Spring

Wrestling: 1A Academic State Champions! Henry Thompson, Toretto Metzger-Magalei and Parker Hemmings all wrestled in the State Tournament.

Baseball: Four seniors earned All-League honors: Connor Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien and Matthew Woolery (1st Team); Joey Russell and Tanner Carle (2nd Team).

Boys Basketball: Nisqually League and District Champions, and advanced to the WIAA State Tournament. Dylan Cooley was Nisqually League MVP and Jerry Williams received Coach of the Year.

Golf: Vivian Li, Tripper Wulf and Ethan Mitchell advanced to the State Championships.

Girls Basketball: Second place in the Nisqually League with Shelaine Lorenz, Mindy McCreary and Gabi Miller all earning All-League honors.

Cougar Athletics 2017/2018 Season

Track: Corbin Nohr placed 3rd in State in Javelin and 5th in Shot Put. Brynna Brar (Long Jump) and Tyquan Coleman (100M) also qualified for State. Girls Tennis: Grace and Kate Jung were West Central District III Champions and finished 3rd in the State Championships for Doubles. Boys Soccer: Sophomore Jordan Hach was named 1st Team All-League and Junior Daeyoung Hwang earned 2nd Team honors

ALUMNI UPDATE

A Tale of Two Brothers Cascade Christian Alumni Q&A Brothers Ryan and Kyle Blum didn’t really have much choice in the matter when it came to whether they would attend Cascade Christian Schools. Their mother, Joyce Blum, has been a teacher and principal at CCS, and is currently the Director of Student Learning. However, they both agree that their journey in life and faith wouldn’t be what it is today without Cascade Christian. The Cascade Chronicle recently had the opportunity to ask them a few questions.

Ryan Blum Class of 2006 CC: What have you done since High School? RB: I graduated from WSU with a BA in Criminal Justice; more recently, I graduated from the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City for Air Traffic Control. I’m currently working as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in Livermore, CA. I completed training and certification in June of this year. CC: What are you up to currently? RB: The last year has really been focused heavily on work for me. On June 30, 2017, I left WA for the FAA Academy to begin the three-month

process there. Upon graduation, those who completed the program were given a list of facilities to choose from, I chose Livermore, CA. Once at the facility, I began the training program here, and spent a month or so learning the airspace, local procedures, and more basic information about the operations of the airport. After that, on-the-job training started, focusing on practical application and learning the job by working under the supervision of a certified controller. After nine months of training, I completed my last operational certification, earning my Certified Professional Controller license. It’s been a long process from application to where I am now, but I truly love what I do, it’s a very rewarding line of work. CC: What are you most excited about

right now? RB: I’m most excited to see what God has in store for me. I’ll eventually look into transferring to another control facility, but for right now, I’m happy being here. I’ll be able to start training new hires in a few months, and I am looking forward to helping other people get their careers with the FAA underway. CC: How did God prepare you for where you are at right now? RB: I think the most apparent way God has prepared me to be where I am is by putting me through challenges and obstacles that, at the time, seemed insurmountable. There were times where I felt aimless and had no clue where my life was heading. After having worked through those obstacles, I realized that in the

Class of 2008 CC: What have you done since High School? KB: I graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering in 2012, and I just earned my PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech and Emory University this year. I also got engaged to Elizabeth Davis in 2017.

Kyle Blum

CC: What are you up to currently? KB: Currently, I am employed at Northwestern University (Chicago) as a postdoctoral fellow, working on brain-machine interfaces. CC: What are you most excited about

ALUMNI UPDATE

process, my character had developed along the way. Without having been through some of those things, I don’t think I would have the mental toughness or perseverance to get me to where I am now. CC: In what ways did you grow in your faith as a result of your experience at CCS? RB: My experience at CCS more or less defined my life from preschool through high school. It’s hard to imagine what it would have been like without it. I can say that it absolutely gave me a strong, faithbased foundation on which to build the rest of my life. It helped to shape a strong worldview that was incredibly important going through college. It caused me to question what I was being taught and to form my own opinions rather than blindly

right now? KB: I am most excited about marrying my wonderful fiancé this coming September, and starting my new job at Northwestern. CC: How did God prepare you for where you are at right now? KB: I would say, most of all, God has provided me the opportunities to pursue my academic dreams and the strength to complete them. It hasn’t always been an easy path and I have, at times, wanted to quit, but God has put the events in my life to give me the perseverance necessary to complete my goals. CC: In what ways did you grow

Ryan Blum accept what was dealt my way. CC: What is your favorite memory from your time at CCS? RB: Without a doubt, my best memories from CCS come from the friendships I formed there. My best friends to this day are people I went to school with and have known for 20 years now. CC: What do you appreciate from your time at CCS? RB: Without a doubt, the teachers. I spent my entire childhood at CCS, and it’s hard to argue that your

in your faith as a result of your experience at CCS? KB: My experience at CCS was foundational to my faith, and having the luxury of learning with a faithful worldview has given me a perspective on the world which has allowed me to continuously attempt to grow my faith in the years since CCS. CC: What is your favorite memory from your time at CCS? KB: It is difficult to pick one memory out of thousands from my time at CCS as my favorite, but I enjoy looking back at the memories I formed with friends and how our

environment growing up doesn’t have an enormous impact on who you eventually become. A school system filled with teachers who truly care about what they are teaching, and who have come together under a common mission has a huge positive influence on the students. I was very blessed to have had the opportunity to spend that time at CCS and am very grateful to the work put in by all the teachers there, past and present.

Kyle Blum

relationships grew throughout the years in the same small cohort of students. CC: What do you appreciate from your time at CCS? KB: Mostly, I appreciate the close-knit friendships I was able to create with other students who shared similar interests and outlooks on life.

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

2017-18 GENEROSITY REPORT YOUR

WAYS TO SUPPORT CCS STUDENTS

September 14, 2018

October 15-22, 2018

March 16, 2019

December 2018 May 2019

Join the business community that supports CCS students.

Advancing student learning at all levels:

Early Learning Resources for169 preschoolers Flexible learning environments for531 elementary school children

STEM and Labs for115 Junior High students and 254 High school students

HELPING STAY

GET TO

VOLUNTEER

at a Cascade Fund event!

GIVERS

888

GIFTS

955

TOTAL

$525,000

On behalf of the students whose lives your gifts have blessed, thank you for making a world of difference! 21

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLATINUM BUSINESS PARTNERS

PUYALLUP

Thank you to our 2017-18 Business Partners! More than 30 students will get to stay at CCS because of your generosity. GOLD BUSINESS PARTNERS

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in supporting Cascade Christian Schools by becoming a 2018-19 Business Partner, please call 253-841-1776.

SILVER BUSINESS PARTNERS

Puyallup

BRONZE BUSINESS PARTNERS

Tyler McClung, Agent Edgewood, WA

INC. PROFESSIONAL GAS PIPING & FIREPLACE INSTALLATION

NON PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID TEKS SERVICES

District Office 815 21st Street SE Puyallup, WA 98372 253-841-1776

See us on the web! CascadeChristian.org

Prepared for a Purpose...

Schedule a tour at CascadeChristian.org/tours, or call 253-841-1776.

CCS students are prepared through a well-rounded educational experience, focused on each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic success, spiritual formation, personal and social maturity, and leadership development.

K through 12 KINDERGARTEN PREP INFANTS/TODDLERS Five locations in Pierce County

DISTRICT-WIDE

NOW ENROLLING!