Cascade Chronicle
The
Telling the story of Cascade Christian Schools where we’re dedicated to developing discerning leaders...
Inside Connections...
2010-2011 Don Johnson Superintendent of Schools Tim Kleefeld, CPA Director of Business and Finance Gail Mehrer Director of Early Learning Rob Mitton Director of Development
The support of a community... Page 6
Naomi Warren Director of Admissions Glenna Frederick, Ed.D Director of Student Learning Susan Pierce Director of Marketing and Communications
High school students attend “Driven” Conference... Page 11
JUNIOR HIGH & HIGH SCHOOL Administrative Team: Terry Broberg Suzanne Keil Dave Peterson Keith Patefield FREDERICKSON ELEMENTARY Mary Severeid, Principal PUYALLUP ELEMENTARY Joyce Blum, Principal TACOMA ELEMENTARY Bonita Cheshier, Principal FREDERICKSON & TACOMA ELC Karen Curtiss, Director PUYALLUP ELC Ruth Williams, Director
Alumni Updates... Page 13
The Chronicle is a publication of Cascade Christian Schools, an interdenominational school district in Pierce County, Washington. For more information about Cascade Christian Schools, go to www.cascadechristian.org, or call the District Office at 253-841-1776.
On the Cover: Cougar Football celebrates winning the State Championship. Photo by Stuart Rich. 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.
For Development/Business Partner information ask for Rob Mitton; for Admissions information ask for Naomi Warren; ask for Susan Pierce if you have story ideas for the Chronicle.
2010-2011 Spiritual Theme:
IMPACT:
Living on Purpose Choosing God’s Way
Our Core O C Purpose: Transforming cultures through teaching and training people in their purpose before God.
Dear CCS Family and Friends, Living on Purpose: Choosing God’s Way. That’s what
Our 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.
we aim to learn and do during the 2010-2011 school year! From the board room to the classroom, we are modeling a learner-focused environment that seeks to align, in all we think, say, and do, with our Guiding Principles and with God’s Word, on which those Principles are founded. Every person learns, every day. We are a school where everyone is valued. From the littlest infant to the oldest adult, we all teach and learn from one another. “It begins with me!” We learn that our best impact is made by knowing that the change we seek in the culture
Where we are:
around us, begins with ourselves! When I demonstrate valuing another person, they, in turn,
www.cascadechristian.org
learn to express that value to another, and so on. In this Chronicle, you will find stories that
District Office 815 21st Street SE Puyallup,WA 98372 253-841-1776 ••• Junior High and High School 811 21st Street SE Puyallup,WA 98372 253-445-9706 ••• Puyallup Elementary 601 9th Avenue SE Puyallup,WA 98372 253-841-2091 ••• Puyallup Early Learning Center 1818 S Meridian Puyallup,WA 98371 253-848-7165 ••• Frederickson Elementary and ELC 3425 176th Street E Tacoma,WA 98445 253-537-9339 Elementary 253-537-5195 ELC ••• Tacoma Elementary and ELC 1819 E 72nd Street Tacoma,WA 98404 253-473-0590
demonstrate that our students are learning, “it begins with me”, and that they are impacting their culture in ways that make a big difference! We are making a difference together! At Cascade Christian Schools, we surround ourselves with administrators, teachers, students, and families that help each other learn to live, learn and grow according to God’s purpose – “Iron sharpens iron.” Turn the page and see what you learn! Don Johnson,
Superintendent of Schools
Working for a Purpose... Each fall, Cascade Christian Schools honors the employees who serve students and families faithfully.
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aculty and staff gather together each fall to celebrate the beginning of the new school year with an AllDistrict Rally. One of the inspiring moments of the morning is when each person who has been en employee of Cascade Christian Schools is honored with an award and words of affirmation from the employee’s supervisor. The following employees received five, ten, and fifteen year honors at the August 26 rally.
Five Years Yvonne Alvord Joanne Barry Mandy Curry Virgil Estep Janine DeLarme Amy McQuiston April Moffett Keith Patefield Carlee Peterson Susan Pierce Lisa Remington Sandy Rozumny Tiffany Wakefield Karen Warren Shawn Manley
Joyce Blum, Principal Puyallup Elementary Campus
“Joyce has a great ability to break down and organize huge tasks into meaningful actions with a heart towards teachers and students. Her dependence on the Lord is so evident. She is devoted to CCS beyond all expectations.”
Cathy Bittner, Media Specialist Tacoma Elementary Campus “Cathy is a total team player, working side by side
with teachers to support their needs and teaching units. She is an amazing “hands on,” creative teacher who inspires a love for learning – and reading – with our students.”
Fifteen Years
Brian Qualls, 6th Grade Teacher Puyallup Elementary Campus “Brian is a true peacemaker with students, parents
Debi Boyd, Assistant Principal (Frederickson Elementary Campus), EDE Director
and fellow teachers. His sense of humor keeps us laughing. It is not easy being the only male on campus, but we are so thankful to have him and his unique perspective. He is a real blessing to Puyallup Elementary as well as to the district as a whole.”
“Debi makes a positive impact in our world. Whatever she touches turns to excellence. Debi is someone that can be depended on for creative, inspired, out-of-the-box thinking.With her gracious spirit, she has been and continues to be a gift to those who work with her.”
Amanda Wessels, Breaker Puyallup Early Learning Center
Denise Sievers, Music Teacher Tacoma Elementary Campus
“Amanda is our on site cheerleader, and is a model example of a TEAM player. Amanda arrives each day at 6:30 a.m. with a smile on her face and a positive word for every child, parent and staff member she greets. Her 15 years has been marked by her ability to be flexible, teachable, dedicated, and committed to the vision of CCS.”
“Denise has a passion bringing out the gifts and talents of our students and a huge heart of love for each one of them. She is simply – AMAZING! As a part-time staff member, she is full-time devoted to our staff, continually encouraging and serving each one of us.”
Ten Years Jennifer Christian Ann Crawford Cheryl Dahl Kim Davis Tami DeRosier Angela Johnson Ray Ossman Liz Wiggins Sandra Wilson
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Choosing God’s Way... Rob Mitton, new Director of Development, chooses CCS and loves “Living on Purpose” for the benefit of Cascade Christian Schools’ students and their families.
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ver the summer, a new face arrived at the CCS District Office. Former Director of Development Shawn Manley decided to follow God’s call to California, which opened the door for new Director of Development Rob Mitton to step through. Rob has spent many, many hours getting to know the people of Cascade Christian Schools, but made time to share some of his first impressions with The Chronicle.
CC: How did you hear about Cascade Christian Schools? RM: I grew up in Puyallup and graduated from Puyallup High School in 1992. After graduating from Northwest University, I began pastoring at a local church. Some students in my youth ministry attended Cascade Christian Schools.
CC: How did you hear about the opening for the Director of Development position? RM: One morning, when I showed up early for an appointment at FORZA, a young man introduced himself to me as Shawn Manley. I asked him what he did. He explained that he worked to raise funds for Cascade Christian Schools and that he was leaving his position in August to help plant a church in Palm Desert. I set an appointment with him the next day to discuss the position. We met for nearly three hours, as Shawn explained what development work involved. At his request, I sent him my résumé for review the next week.
CC: What were you doing prior to working for Cascade Christian Schools? RM: Before coming to Cascade, I was working full time as a financial advisor and part-time as a worship pastor.
CC: How did you decide that it may be an option for you? RM: During my meeting with Shawn, he asked me if I could see myself doing development at Cascade Christian. I knew the answer was yes, but at that time, I really had no idea what I was saying yes to. Through prayer with my wife, Jaime, and advice from several mentors, I realized that this was something that God had been preparing me for. I have twelve years of ministry experience and three years of business experience. One of my mentors pointed this out to me and said: “Rob, development work is 75% working with people and 25% business related to finance. Do you think God has been preparing you for this?” It was at that point that I knew I should pursue this opportunity.
CC: What was your first day like? RM: My first day was like drinking water from a fire-hose! Cascade Christian is not a small organization. There are many people who make up this community. I was overwhelmed by meeting all of them and seeing my new office for the first time. It was really hard to believe!
CC: Any surprises? RM: The single most surprising thing about Cascade Christian is the unity in this community. The Cascade Christian family is made up of many different kinds of people, but we are all unified around the core purpose, which is to transform cultures through teaching and training people in their purpose before God.
CC: What are you most excited about? RM: I am excited about many things at Cascade Christian, the purpose, the mission, the relationships, and the future, but I am most excited about the opportunity to be a steward of stewards. The giving of our time, talent, and especially our treasure is difficult for most people. But, I also believe this area is one of the greatest opportunities we have to grow in our faith.
CC: Are you and your family becoming part of the CCS community? RM: A month after I began at Cascade Christian, I experienced the tragic death of a good friend. When I arrived at work, I was immediately surrounded with hugs and prayers from my co-workers. It felt so good to be supported during such a difficult time. I could feel God’s love through the people that make up Cascade Christian Schools. With four young children, we are adjusting to life as part of the Cascade Christian community. Many of the opportunities for us will take hold next year, and in the years to come when our children begin classes at Cascade Christian. In the meantime, we feel the support of the community and we feel so blessed to be able to say that we are Cascade Christian Cougars!C
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Grandparents/Feet to Faith Day brings generations together... Puyallup Elementary students invite grandparents and special friends to share in their day and their “Feet to Faith” projects.
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t’s a great combination - students, service projects, and grandparents and special friends to share them with.
them. The students share their Feet to Faith projects, then the grandparents join in for some classroom activities, including reading a story together, sharing journals, and looking at art work. Grandparents and students also shared discussion about questions such as, “When you were my age, what was your favorite Christmas present?” or, “When you were my age, did you go to church on Easter?”C
Grandparent and Special Friend Day is a 15-year tradition at the CCS Puyallup Elementary campus. About seven years ago, the decision was made to combine the service project presentations (“Feet to Faith”) with Grandparents Day. “I decided it was a great way to let grandparents know the kinds of wonderful things our students do to help in the community,” said Principal Joyce Blum. Approximately 400 guests attended this year’s event. The grandparents love to come see what their grandchildren are doing, and the children love having
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Students with their grandparents and special friends: Above: Students and guests tour the Feet to Faith poster display;Top right: Abigail Zoccola; Right: Greta Hale; Below left: Noah Davis, Nicholas Brar, and Brynna Brar; Below right: Rebekah Seeger
The support of a community... When the Thorsteinson family got devastating news, the CCS Frederickson Elementary campus stepped up. by Sarah Thorsteinson
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ur family joined the Cascade Christian Frederickson Elementary campus when our oldest son Noah started preschool in the fall of 2005, and we immediately fell in love with the campus, the teachers, and the families. Flash forward to January 25, 2008. We now have four children. Noah is in first grade, Eli is in Kindergarten, Eden is two years old, and Caleb is eleven months old. Our family changed forever that day when we received devastating news that Caleb had been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Our world felt like it went spinning out of control. In a matter of hours after hearing that Caleb had cancer, he was prepped for a spinal tap and a bone marrow biopsy, a central line (port) was placed in his chest, and he had his first round of chemo. Our news soon traveled back to the school and we began receiving phone calls, texts, prayers, and people begging to help in any way. My husband, Brad, went to pick up the kids from school the next day and was greeted by friends we knew and friends we had not yet met. They arranged meals for our family, people to help take the boys to and from school, toys for Caleb, and even little gift bags for me while at the hospital. As a parent, you are never prepared to deal with news that your child has a life-threatening illness. We were stunned, in shock and unsure as to what to do next, but the people at Cascade
Christian were not! They knew what we needed and took immediate steps to make it happen. Teachers came to visit us in the hospital and told us the whole school was praying for Caleb and our family. The comfort my husband, Brad, and I felt in knowing that our two older boys were being taken care of by a school that truly loved them and would help them while at school was priceless to us. We knew the staff at CCS Frederickson was there for our boys as they were impacted by the news that their little brother was very, very ill. Noah and Eli’s classmates wrote letters and drew pictures for Caleb. Our boys also told us that praying for Caleb in their class made them feel better. As the months went by, Caleb was in and out of the hospital undergoing chemo treatments. Never knowing when he’d get sick and need to be rushed to the ER forced my husband to quit his job. Brad needed a job that would let him be “Mr. Mom” while I was in the hospital with Caleb. He decided the best thing for our family would be to start his own business so he could come and go as necessary. The Cascade Christian Frederickson campus knew that we were struggling with Brad now being self-employed, high COBRA insurance payments, and massive medical bills, so a group of amazing women at the school got together and organized a huge garage sale and silent auction to benefit Caleb’s Fund. I don’t think anyone thought it would turn out as well as it did. The whole Frederickson campus came together as one big family and did an amazing job raising money that helped our family meet a huge part of our expenses. We would even come home and find boxes of food from Costco and other items on our doorstep. Our son, Noah, was so touched by seeing all the children in the hospital when he was there visiting Caleb, that he wanted to do something for them. With Mrs. Severeid’s blessing, Noah collected four large garbage bags full of brand
new teddy bears, and took them to the children in Mary Bridge Hospital gifts from the children at Cascade Christian Frederickson. Two of the classes made drawings of teddy bears and framed them for Caleb. They are now hanging on his bedroom wall and are a constant source of inspiration for our family. Caleb is almost 4 years old now and still receiving chemotherapy and steroid treatments. He is well aware that he has friends at Cascade Christian and knows they love him and are praying for him. As a result of Caleb’s illness, the families, teachers and staff at our campus have taught me the true meaning of kindness, compassion and grace. We feel truly blessed to be part of the Cascade Christian Frederickson family and believe God knew of the massive love and support we would be needing, and directed us to Cascade Christian when we began our search for a preschool for Noah in 2005. God knew this moment would be more than my family and I would be able to handle on our own, and made sure we would be surrounded by Faith, Hope, and Charity! What an awesome God we serve!! Every year when it’s time to re- enroll, it’s a financial struggle for our family, but with God’s help we have been able to find a way to make it work. We know how blessed we are to belong to such a wonderful school, whose staff, students, and families believe in God, sing His praise, and care and support one another by living and spreading His word. We would never go anywhere else. What Cascade Christian Schools offers in addition to a wonderful education, is priceless to us!C
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Rallying for Impact in 2010-11 Junior High students enjoy a day of “Driven” fun...
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ith the high school students off to Champions’ Centre for their conference (see page 11), the junior high staff and students took over the JH/HS campus, enjoying a day of bonding and fun. Worship time, speakers, and both indoor and outdoor activities were part of their day, enjoyed by all.
All-District
Open House
for Prospective Families January 22 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. all five locations •••
Invite Your Friends! Remind them that NOW is the time to consider a quality, Christ-centered education that will benefit their children for years to come. (And don’t forget you can earn a $200 tuition credit when you refer a friend who enrolls at Cascade Christian Schools. See web site for details)
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Studying God’s creation in the jungle... Faculty member Lucy Cole participates in an “exciting, handson, once in a lifetime” jungle experience in Borneo, then brings it home to her students at CCHS.
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s part of her Master’s program, CCHS faculty member Lucy Cole was able to take part in an amazing opportunity over summer break: a “once in a lifetime opportunity” studying the animal and plant life of the jungles of Borneo with The Primate Conservation Study. “I was in awe the whole trip. I felt God’s presence each day. I have a renewed understanding of how each creature He created was made uniquely, with special characteristics that enable it to live in the environment in which God placed it.” It wasn’t always an easy journey. Cole left on June 21, but didn’t arrive at her destination
until June 24. In addition to the many hours in the air, the journey included a twenty-two hour layover in Seoul, Korea. Arriving in Borneo, the participants took a boat to a jungle island, where they spent five days learning and working at Danau Girang Research Center. They then took a boat trip upriver and stayed with local families for several more days. “We were literally in the jungle,” says Cole. “The best way I can describe the rainforest is ‘saturated with life.’ There was life everywhere, calling, buzzing.” The group replanted trees, and visited a bat cave, at which Cole proclaimed, “Bats are worse than spiders.” They also went on night walks, looking for mammals and frogs, and watching for the “night shine” of spiders. “Many of the creatures that live in Borneo only exist in Borneo,” Cole explained. “I learned that’s because there is no other place like Borneo.” Cole was excited to bring home what she learned, and apply it in her zoology class, which will be doing a thorough study of the Borneo rainforest this year. Each student will be conducting research on an animal from Borneo and then putting together a class project
“I was in awe the whole trip. I have a renewed understanding of how each creature He created was made uniquely...” as a result of this study. “I would love to have students share their results at the elementary school level with animal trading cards that my students can give to the students after they have taught about the animals.” “I always start the year off with a Bible study from Genesis 1. We discuss what it means when God tells man to ‘rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’ My goal is for them to realize that conservation is something God expects mankind to do.”C
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Learning About God’s Creation by Experiencing it Together
Above: Child care students and their teachers from Frederickson Early Learning Center pause for a group shot during their eventful day at the farm. Far Left: Juliet and Caitrin enjoyed their day “harvesting” fruits and veggies at the farm. Left: Eli takes a break, using a handy pumpkin as his resting place.
“The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:12 9
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Above: Dyson, Christian, Ben and Christopher pick carrots from the field.
Cascade Christian Schools Preschool and Child Care available at three locations:
Top Right:: Madeline displays her choice for a pumpkin to take home. Right: Hannah and Lliam head down the path to their next activity, holding hands in friendship and in honor of the class buddy system. Below: Christian shows off an apple that he picked from the field.
3425 176th Street E Frederickson
Photos courtesy of Heidi Bekken, administrative assistant at Frederickson Early Learning Center
1818 S. Meridian Puyallup 1819 East 72nd Tacoma
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ot only are field trips for fun, but they also provide opportunity for students to experience some Specific Biblical Truths: God designed many different types of apples for us to enjoy, God created
a variety of plants to keep us healthy, and we can benefit from hard work through God’s blessings of the harvest. At Terry’s Berries Organic Farm, the students were able to experience the truths their teachers had taught them in the classroom.” ~Jontal Corley, Child Care Pre-K teacher
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Driven Conference brings students together... ASB plans annual retreat with the purpose of creating “a unified family dedicated to school pride and engaged in glorifying God.”
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igh School students spent the day together on September 24 for a time of worship, learning and playing together to the ASB-chosen theme “Driven”. “The youth conference was amazing, the student body really unified and decided to live this year for Christ.” ~ Louisa Corley “It was great to see the students get up and share what the Lord has put on their heart for this school year.” ~ Kelsey Carder “My favorite part about the youth conference was seeing our whole student body get involved with worshipping God together.” ~ Colton Faverty
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Right: Senior Kelsey Carder speaks... Below: Freshmen Raschele Leach and Danae Lorberau wait to go in to their next session; Below center: Juniors Kayla Wills, Katie Wade, Kevin Zettle, Ryan Salzer, Josh Elder, and Kyle Crawford enjoy a moment in the spotlight; Bottom left: Sophomores Cierra McMahon and Sarah Quinn take play some Wii Tennis during their free time; Bottom right: seniors Travis VanDyke and Axel Johnson record the event for posterity...
Creative Arts teams come together for early-year performances... The start of school is a busy time, and pulling together performances for the fair and fall concert can be a challenge.
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reative arts programs at CCHS were busy this fall, preparing for fair performances, fall concerts, and drama productions.
Top: Concert Choir at the fall performance; Right: Jeremy Kidd and Shelby Munson perform a scene in “Cindy and the Godfather; Below: Evie Rivera and Darlee Hart in the fall production; Bottom: Director Katie Miller and the first Jazz Band performances of the year.
Shades of Blue and Jazz Band kicked off their season early at the Puyallup Fair on September 19, followed by the first Cascade Christian Drama Club production on October 15 and 16, then the High School Fall Concert on October 26. Director Paige Wescott was pleased with the extra effort put in by both Shades and Concert Choir. “Shades of Blue was in ‘after hours’ preparing for the seven pieces they performed at the Fall Concert,” she said. “And Concert Choir works so diligently; they are passionate Christfollowers and intercessors and they love to sing!” New Drama Coach Tarri Williams was impressed with what the drama club achieved. “The team of very dedicated students jumped in head-first and pulled off two enjoyable evenings of theatre after only a very few, short weeks of rehearsals,” she stated.C
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Connell poses threat, but Cougars prevail... A perfect 13-0 season ends with a community of coaches, players and fans celebrating a State Championship.
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he seniors on this year’s Cougar football team are familiar with losses. Not many...their fouryear record is 50-4 overall. It’s that important game - the last one - that had eluded the team...until December 5, 2010. On that day, CCHS Cougar Football brought home the WIAA 1A State Championship trophy. Coaches, players, alumni, families and friends of CCS witnessed the Cougars’ toughest game of the season. Connell knew how to win, and wanted the State Championship again, but after an intense game of trading leads, the perseverance and determination of the Cougar team prevailed. According
to Coach Randy Davis, “They (the players) gave everything they had...and never quit.” At the celebration pep assembly on December 7, Superintendent Don Johnson thanked Coach Davis and his staff. “You have given these young men lessons and memories that will last a lifetime,” he said. Coach Davis acknowledged the coaches’ and team’s appreciation for the fans of Cougar Football. Senior Captain Colton Faverty agreed. He told the crowd that, in his opinion, CCHS Cougar Football has the “Number one fans in Washington.”C Far Right: Junior Kyle Crawford pulls down a pass in double-coverage; Right: Seniors Axel Johnson and Tyler Walrath pull down a Connell receiver; Below Right: CCHS Alumni Jonathan Felczak,Trevor Hamilton, Ryan Centioli, and Trevor Horn look on as their Cougar Football brothers persevere for the championship; Bottom: the CCS Community celebrates with the State Champion Cougar Football team; Bottom Right: Senior Jordan Zepernick returns a kickoff. photos by Randy Johnson and Stuart Rich
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Volleyball, Boys’ Tennis have successful seasons Experienced tennis doubles team and young, hard-working volleyball squad both capture Nisqually League championships.
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ougar Tennis capped a perfect season with 1A League Boys’ Tennis Doubles Championship. Tennis team captain, Nathan Anderson, and fellow senior, Ty King, won the Nisqually League Tennis Doubles Championship on October 20, winning all their matches in straight sets. They were undefeated all season, including wins over last year’s state doubles champion, Charles Wright, three out of three times, defeating them in League finals 7-5, 6-2. Nathan and Ty are seeded first going into Districts next spring.
November 12-13, losing in their first round to Connell, then beating Kalama three games to two. Four tough sets against Naches Valley finished the Cougars’ season, but not without hope for the future. “We’re really blessed with a lot of talent spread throughout the classes,” Coach Sheppard stated. “With the leadership of our upperclassmen, and the willing of our underclassmen to follow, we can develop the younger players to fill the shoes of those they’re replacing.” She adds, “I am hoping next year we’ll go even further.”C
Did you know? Cougar Boys’ Tennis teams has won ten State Championships in Singles and Doubles Tennis since 1999! Here’s the list of champions: 2010 Singles Champion: Nathan Anderson 2005 Singles Champion: Christian McClung 2002-2003-2004 Doubles Champions: Justin Larimore/Christian McClung 2001 Singles Champion: Tyler McClung 2001 Doubles Champions: Matt Larimore/ Justin Larimore 2000 Singles Champion: Matt Larimore 1999-2000 Doubles Champions: Tyler McClung/Joseph Dickerson
Left: Nisqually League Doubles Champions Ty King and Nathan Anderson; Below: Cougar volleyball headed to South Whidbey for a tourney; Bottom Left; Game time!; Bottom Right: The team gathers at center court for a pregame prayer.
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ougar Volleyball went 13 and 1 this season, capturing the Nisqually League Championship, and a trip to the state playoffs for the third year in a row. The team of four seniors, one junior, four sophomores and one freshmen made their trip to Yakima and the State tournament on
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Alumni Updates: Where are they now? CCS celebrates alumni graduations, weddings, jobs, businesses, missions, children... Class of 1999 Scott Morton and Rachel (Hagen) Morton have been married for eight years, and have two daughters. Gracie is almost four, and Danica was born in May of this year. They live in Prosser, Washington. Scott is currently driving a forklift in Grandview, while Rachel is working as an Email Marketing Manager for Pit Crew Marketing out of Seattle.
Class of 2000 Melinda (Rienstra) King graduated with a degree in Sign Language Interpreting in 2005 and has been doing freelance interpreting since then. She was married to Dennis King, Jr. in July of 2006, and had their first child, a daughter they named Kensington, on July 16, 2010. She and her husband own and operate Tiffany’s Skate Inn in downtown Puyallup. Cameron Johnson recently began hosting “Public Report,” a local television program
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airing on KTBW-TV, an affiliate of the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Airing on Friday mornings at 10, they discuss community issues and concerns such as women’s issues, crime, health, education, the environment, transportation, etc. The show is viewed by around a quarter of a million people. Cameron began working at TBN in April of this year with the goal in mind to become host. She learned every aspect of production, including running cameras and floor directing. With the approval of TBN host and cofounder Jan Crouch, Cameron’s debut was an interview with the American Red Cross, which aired on November 12. “I owe much to Cascade Christian Schools for being an intricate part of developing my character and skill set,” says Cameron. “With my dad as the Superintendent and my mom as the Daffodil Program Director, I have had wonderful examples of integrity, charisma and ambition.”
Class of 2002 Jackie (Pastuch) Sanchez married her best friend’s brother, Jason, making herself and Jillian Sanchez (Class of ’02) sisters-in-law and best friends! Jackie and Jason live in downtown Puyallup. He is a youth pastor and Jackie is serving in other ministries at their church that meets at the Cascade Christian Puyallup Early Learning Center. They are finishing up the year-long adoption process of a baby girl from Ethiopia. They are hoping the process will be over by Christmas, as they are very excited to bring their first child home!
Class of 2003 Ryan Hart graduated from WSU in 2007 with a degree in entrepreneurship, and from PLU in 2009 with a Master’s in entrepreneurship. He launched crownintown.com and won the PLU business plan competition in April of 2010, sold bundlebuy.com to the founder of shop.com in September, and is currently raising angel funds for globa.ly, a website designed to address needs of the world. He is the President-elect of the South Hill Rotary and board member of Rooftop 519, an organization
dedicated to healing the sickest children in the world in the name of Christ.
Class of 2004 Jaclyn (Aldrich) Escalera received her B.F.A. with an emphasis in Graphic Design from PLU in 2008 and worked in marketing for a company in Tacoma until January 2010. Today she is married and living in Ft. Rucker, AL, where her husband is stationed for flight school.
Class of 2005 Whitney (Edgecombe) Lecocq graduated from Wheaton College in May of 2009 and was married to Dan Lecocq on August 2, 2009 in Snoqualmie, Washington. They are currently living right outside Chicago, IL, in Naperville. Whitney is back in school getting her Masters in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago. Her husband has a job at a software company for bond portfolio management.
Class of 2006 Katie (Kehmeier) Knudson married Perry Knudson on June 19, 2010 at his home in Port Angeles, Washington. Both Katie and Perry graduated from George Fox University in May of this year. They are living in Sherwood, Oregon and working in the Portland area.
Class of 2008 Jennifer Music will be moving to New Orleans in January to do missions work.
Alumni Interview...
CC: What will you be doing in Macau?
Serena Little (class of 2006)
SL: I will be ministering to immigrants that enter the country to work in Macau for one to two year stints. I will be working along with the Lutheran Church of Hong Kong and in the English Center.
combines her faith, education and
CC: What will that look like?
experience to begin a new adventure in Macau.
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n the coming weeks, CCHS alum Serena Little will travel across the world to Macau, to begin a year of mission work with immigrants who have entered the country to work. She’s been busy since her graduation from Concordia in May, but the Cascade Chronicle caught up with her in her preparations for life after graduation, and asked a few questions about school, life, and her upcoming challenges.
CC: What are your upcoming plans? SL: I am leaving soon! I will be in Macau for around twelve months, and that can be extended or transferred to a different country for the next year. CC: What have you been doing to prepare for your trip? SL: I am responsible for raising my own support, so I have been working on that. God has been blessing this process so richly! Between September and October, my support went from 15% to 50%! I am at over 60% now, and need to be at 70% to go. I am so anxious to get into the field! During the month of October, I had the opportunity to visit and speak at a variety of places, including Mt. Rainier High School and Cascade Christian Junior High/High School. Visiting the schools made me miss the classroom dearly, and get even more excited to fulfill my calling to teach.
SL: I will be teaching English as a Foreign Language in small groups, one-on-one, and in larger classes at the Concordia English Center in Macau. I will also help lead Bible studies and outreach activities, sharing the Gospel with students and their families as I build relationships with them. CC: How did your experiences at CCS impact your life choices? SL: My time at CCS taught me some valuable things, including how to stand up and talk to people. My time at CCS was spent in a lot of different leadership capacities that I feel helped develop my God-given gifts as well. CC: Who at CCHS impacted you most? SL: Mr. Clevenger, of course! He was such a stickler (I had SO many tardies from being a minute late!) but he made me a better teacher for sure. I know that Mr. Broberg giving me so much freedom to speak my mind (respectfully, of course) was really beneficial in teaching me that I had a voice, and that I should use it.
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
CC: What about after Macau? SL: I think I’m leaning more and more toward a career in mission work, but want to leave my options open for where God leads! If these past few months of support-raising have taught me anything, it’s that when God calls you, He is definitely going to bless it!C
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To follow Serena’s journey, email her at babyfacebeau121@yahoo.com and let her know you’d like to
ation, u! Prior to public rving in Maca is currently se
receive her newsletter.
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Giving on Purpose, for a Purpose With the recent economic crisis, raising money for Tuition Assistance has become top priority for the Development Department... not forgetting stops along the way for some fun, fellowship, and athletics fundraising, too...
Cougar Classic Golf Tournament Fabulous weather at The Classic Golf Club in Spanaway welcomed the sixty golfers who took part in the 2010 Cougar Classic Golf Tournament on Saturday, September 11. Over $5,300 was raised to support Cascade Christian Schools athletic teams. Funds raised came from the golfers and sponsors. Plus, many volunteers worked together to make the event a success. Sponsors included: All State (Shree Redfield), Apple Physical Therapy, Baydo Chevrolet & Baydo’s RV, The Classic Golf Course, Chris Berry Construction, Gold Definitions, Harnish Auto Family, Home Team NW, Howells Chiropractic, Hurley Engineering, Infinity Signs, Jet Chevrolet, Papa Murphy’s, S & S Tires and Smiles by Sutherland.C
11th Annual Phone-a-thon More than seventy volunteers and five nights of calling to hundreds of generous donors are making an impact on fifty students and their families. The 11th Annual Phone-a-thon raised $54,000, 100% of which will benefit students through tuition assistance at Cascade Christian Schools. Top caller, Ronda Gregory, and volunteer incentive winner, Brooke Douglas, were just two of the many callers who gave of their time to benefit tuition assistance. Event coordinator, Angie Ruiz, says, “We are so thankful. This event would not be possible without all of the generous donors and dedicated volunteers that make it happen.”C
Upcoming Events:
Carnival: March 12, 2011 Auction: March 18, 2011 17 The
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2010-2011 Platinum Apple Physical Therapy Beacon Electric Inc. The Classic Golf Course Harnish Lincoln/Mercury James, Sanderson & Lowers Madsen Electric Meridian Dental Care Millennium Chiropractic Pain Center of Western WA Puyallup Surgical Consultants RTS Hydro-Seeding, LLC Saturn of Puyallup Simply Smiles Smiles By Sutherland Stephens Enterprises of Tacoma Subaru of Puyallup Taylor-Made Printing, Inc. TE Walrath Trucking, Inc.
Gold 15th Street Automotive Absher Construction Jet Chevrolet Johnson Cox Printing Co. Norfil Manufacturing Plaza 410 Dental Associates Puyallup Valley Veterinary Clinic Rainier Insurance, Inc. Service Hydraulics, Inc. Summit Trading Company Superior Electric Inc. Wayne’s Roofing, Inc.
Silver Architectural Sheet Metal Arndt, Chris and Kathy Daniel L. Oliveira, D.D.S., P.S. Karl Zeiger, Attorney Living Waters Mountain View Financial Scotty’s General Construction, Inc. Tern Christian Counseling
Business Partner: by Stuart Rich, DDS
D
entistry combines my natural aptitude for creating with my hands with my innate interests in helping others and having my own business. I count the Renaissance artist, Michelangelo, as one of my personal heroes. He is quoted at the age of 80 as having said, “Ancoro Imparo”, which means “I am still learning.” I, too, am consistently looking for creative ways to do things, whether it is to help my patients, improve our office, find an innovative solution or invent a new way to do something. Exceptional dentistry demands excellent hand-eye coordination and precision. By training and aptitude, I have an artist’s eye for detail, and am able to utilize that God-given
gift to achieve beautifully natural and functional smiles. I never tire of seeing a patient hold up the mirror for the first time after we have completed a procedure. When their eyes light up and their smile broadens, I know I have succeeded in making a positive impact on their self-confidence. That always makes my day, whether it was a simple filling, a crown, or a complex smile makeover! My wife, Kirstin, and I moved from the Silicon Valley area of California in 1996, when our son Geoff was seven months old. As I wrote in a farewell letter to my patients, we were looking for “a little more space and a little slower pace” to raise our family. We settled near Lake Tapps, and purchased the practice of a retiring dentist in Auburn. God has blessed our efforts, and we currently have nine full-time team members, as well as an associate dentist who works with us two days per week, serving patients from the greater Puyallup Valley and South King County. Kirstin is the CFO of the business and handles the deluge of government paperwork, accounts payable and payroll.
When I’m not doing dentistry, I am able to spend time in my backyard art studio or outside with my camera.
“Becoming a CCS Business Partner was an easy decision... Cascade Christian is doing ‘Kingdom work’ that has both immediate and eternal consequences.” Our sons Geoff and Skyler are currently in 9th and 7th grades, respectively. They had always attended Christian school, but Kirstin and I felt God leading us to transfer them to Cascade Christian over three years ago. We wanted them to develop a broader Christian worldview than they were receiving at the small denominational school they had been attending, and to be able to integrate their faith into their daily lives. Cascade has been the perfect fit for our family! Our sons are thriving academically, and have made many friends. Both are involved in the Music program and Skyler is on the Junior High football team. Kirstin and I enjoy getting better acquainted with parents and staff at various school functions. Becoming a CCS Business Partner was an easy decision: Kirstin and I support the things we believe in with our time and financial resources. Cascade Christian is doing “kingdom work” that has both immediate and eternal consequences. It is truly a privilege to be a part of it.C
If you’d like to support quality, Christ-centered education, with God’s purpose in mind for our students, become a Cascade Christian Schools Business Partner. Contact the District Office at 253-841-1776, or go online to www.cascadechristian.org, and click on Development/Business Partners. The
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District Office 815 21st Street SE Puyallup,WA 98372 253-841-1776
See us on the web! www.cascadechristian.org
IMPACT...Living on Purpose-Choosing God’s Way Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”