Cascade Chronicle
The
Telling the story of Cascade Christian Schools where we’re dedicated to developing discerning leaders...
Inside Connections... Princesses in Training page 6
International Impacts page 7
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 Naomi Warren Director of Admissions Glenna Frederick, Ed.D Director of Student Learning Susan Crawford Director of Marketing and Communications 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
CCHS I-term makes an Impact pages 9-10
On the Cover: Freshman Josh Crager and Senior Cody Shackett celebrate state titles Cover photos courtesy of Lisa Cole and Mike Centioli
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.
This issue of the Chronicle reported and written primarily by CCS Parent Misty Suggs. 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. For Development/Business Partner information ask for Rob Mitton; for Admissions information ask for Naomi Warren; ask for Susan Crawford if you have story ideas for the Chronicle.
2010-2011 Spiritual Theme:
IMPACT:
Living on Purpose Choosing God’s Way
Our Core Purpose: Transforming cultures through teaching and training people in their purpose before God.
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.
Dear CCS Family and Friends, As I recall our spiritual theme for this school year, Living on Purpose: Choosing God’s Way, it is so much fun to sharpen our focus and consider “Community”. There are many different ways that we in the CCS community help each other learn to live and grow according to God’s purpose! “We” are a large and interdependent community – administrators, teachers, students, families, neighbors, church members, team members, and so on – all seeking to align with our Guiding Principles, and especially God’s Word in all that we think, say, and do. We model choosing God’s way through our involvement in many facets of school life and community life. Our events and activities during the winter and spring months are a great example. As you flip through the pages of this issue of our Chronicle, you will see how we model God’s way in the larger community’s Daffodil Festival, serving others through I-term
Where we are: www.cascadechristian.org
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
and E-term, Cheer, Basketball, and Jazz Band. You will learn about how one family, the Baldwins, chose God’s way and became an international host family. We will fondly remember one member of our “family”, Coach Kilcup, a long-time assistant high school basketball coach, whose life modeled his choice for God’s way in all he did for his family, his church, and his team of young men – who persevered to a state championship in his memory. Living on Purpose: Choosing God’s Way. That’s our desire, as we practice living on purpose by shining God’s light in our community, both here at school and in everything we do, everywhere we live. I invite you to turn the pages of this Chronicle and consider how you contribute in our community!
Don Johnson,
Superintendent of Schools
EDE Program Provides Options Enrichment classes are a valuable extension to school day for elementary students.
C
ascade Christian Schools has offered school-age child care before and after school for many years at all three elementary campuses. Recently, though, it has been transformed into what is now our Extended Day Enrichment (EDE) program. EDE Director Debi Boyd says, “Superintendent Don Johnson has had a vision to have before and after school care be an extension of the regular school day, with the same focus on our core values, educational excellence, biblical worldview integration, leadership, unity and a more structured environment. It has also been a wonderful community outreach where families can learn more about what CCS has to offer,” she adds.
The program has been extremely popular with both parents and students. “We’ve had a strong response. Over fifty children are enrolled at our Frederickson campus, about 100 at the Puyallup campus, and about thirty at the Tacoma campus. There are four different EDE tuition options based upon a family’s needs. Children can be enrolled for all or any portion of the program (except morning only) or drop-in for an hourly fee.” In addition to before and after school care, all three elementary campuses offer Extended Day Enrichment classes. Frederickson EDE has recently added Baton, German, Russian, Soccer, Tumbling, Gymnastics and Science (with Wrestling and Cup Stacking still to come) to their class line-up for the spring session. The Tacoma EDE currently offers violin, piano, cooking and 100-mile club with Soccer Shots and Gymnastics coming this spring. For a complete list of current classes, visit the EDE page from each elementary campus’ web page. “Our greatest success has been our partnership with quality independent contractors,” says Boyd. Contractors include: Surrendered School of the Arts, which offers Hip Hop, Ballet, and Drama; Jump Kids Cheer; Motivated to Move (gymnastics); Soccer Shots; and Q’s Taekwondo (coming to the Puyallup campus this spring). Like the other campuses, the Puyallup EDE “allows us to extend our day and enrich our students’ lives through our God-focused daily activities, clubs, classes, and tutoring. We utilize Cascade Christian High School students as our tutors,”
3 The
CascadeChronicle
explains Site Coordinator Kristin Hannus. This spring the Puyallup campus will continue to present classes such as Art, Chess, Cupcake Cooking, Scrabble, Drama, Spanish, Jump Kid Fitness, Cheer, and 100 Mile Clubs. New this quarter are Soccer Shots, Sign Language, and Taekwondo classes. Music lessons include Guitar, Piano, Violin, and Bell Choir. Another option this spring is the Certified Red Cross Babysitting Course (back by popular demand) and a brand new exciting media/video club.
EDE Before School Breakfast Makes an Impact At the Frederickson EDE, students are involved in “Power Hour” from 7 to 8:20 in the morning. Students enjoy a healthy breakfast (physical power), participate in an active teambuilding activity (social power) and round out the morning with devotions (spiritual power). “When school begins at 8:30, the students are delivered to their classrooms calm and fed. The teachers are thrilled to have students arrive ready to learn,” praises Boyd. For more information, to share your hobby, skill or profession with K-6th grade kids, or if you have ideas for a class you’d like to see at a particular campus, please contact these site coordinators:
EDE Site Coordinators: Frederickson: Julie Thompson Phone: 253-537-9339 thompsonj@cascadechristian.org Puyallup: Kristin Hannus Phone: 253-841-2091 hannusk@cascadechristian.org Tacoma: Amy Shipman Phone: 253-473-0590 shipmana@cascadechristian.org
Making a Difference CCHS students set out to impact a fellow student and family, and impact an entire community A Call For Prayer
A
llenmykael Harlin-Gonzales, a junior at Cascade Christian, was hospitalized just prior to Thanksgiving until the day before Christmas 2010. During his hospital stay, CCS Administrative Assistant Brenda Gates, received a call from his mother, Joanie Gonzales. She was in the hospital with her son and was in need of prayer. Allenmykael had a dangerous infection settle in his hip bone. Doctors believed this occurred due to pushing his malfunctioning wheelchair rather than sitting in it. The prognosis was touch and go for awhile. Meanwhile, Allenmykael’s mother, Joanie, who supports the family by providing child care services to infants through age four, was juggling the children in her care along with staying with her son in the hospital. “But God has a plan,” replied Ms. Gonzales in a cheerful voice. During Allenmykael’s monthlong hospital stay, the families of the children she cared for had circumstances such as loss of employment and a parent going back to school that caused Ms. Gonzales an abrupt loss of her entire income.
ASB Leaders Initiate “Operation Bless Allenmykael” on Facebook Immediate action was taken by the ASB team when they received the news
about Allenmykael and his family’s financial crisis. “When Mrs. Gates came to us with the idea of helping out Allenmykael, we thought and prayed about it. We sent out a Facebook message to over 700 people to get the word out.” Hence, ‘Operation Bless Allenmykael’ had begun. A large box was set up in the office where donations of spare change, cash, gift cards, and checks were accepted. “Students, parents, and businesses were all part of the giving”, says Mrs. Gates. “Kids were donating their lunch money, bringing in spare change from their car and doing youth group fund raisers. This is what the CCS culture is all about.”
Allenmykael Receives National Awards Prior to Allenmykael’s hospital stay, his mother proudly explains, “Allenmykael has been invited to participate in this year’s Congressional Youth Leadership Council, where he will be honored for his academic achievement and leadership ability. He is also invited to attend The National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security: Exploring American Diplomacy, Intelligence and Defense where he will be representing the State of Washington.” When asked by the ASB how they could help Allenmykael, Ms. Gonzales shared his desire to receive his national awards in person. With the funds raised from Operation Bless Allenmykael, his family has enough to cover basic living expenses until his mother can replenish her child care business and provide money towards his trip to the east coast to accept his awards. Ms. Gonzales says the rest of the funds will be used in providing a newer, wheelchair accessible van to replace the aged vehicle she currently drives.C
Freshmen I-Term Week:
Impact Academy W
hile many of our high school students were out of town on mission trips during I-Term, the 9th grade class participated in Freshmen Impact Academy. For the first three days of the I-Term event, six leaders from Axis Worldview, a biblically based organization from Colorado Springs, engaged 90 students with talks, interactive worksheets, videos, and small group activities led by CCS juniors and seniors. Associate Principal Terry Broberg reflected on the enormous success of the event and the impact of forming small groups, “The kids bonded and formed trusted communication among their small groups which facilitated a greater learning environment.” Axis Worldview’s core mission is to ‘Equip today’s youth at understanding the world’s dominant ideas and how they can defend their faith against ideas that do not align with biblical values and beliefs.’ Over three days they discussed world religions, a Naturalist worldview, what it means to believe in God, and examining and defending one’s belief system. The leaders from Axis “moved the day along dynamically without dead time. The students were left wanting more,” commented Associate Principal Dave Peterson. “They exceeded our expectations overall. The material was solid and contemporary.” Megan Tveter, 11th grade student leader, summarizes her experience as an I-term leader: “The freshmen stood up for what they believed in and wanted to leave a legacy for their school.” continued on page 8
The
CascadeChronicle 4
Parent/ Family Profile: Kathy Saunders and family live their lives as a testimony of the love of Christ through their ministry to others.
Jessie, now a Freshman, and Coleton, a Junior, were in elementary. She is also Director of Fresh Start Ministries at Calvary Community Church in Sumner, a ministry serving our low-income and homeless neighbors.
Laborers for Christ: A Ministry Serving Senior Citizens After her time with Habitat for Humanity, Kathy and her husband Craig had been praying about their next opportunity for ministry. In 2004, they heard the answer to their prayers. “My husband Craig, a Pierce County firefighter, got a call while he was at work one day for an elderly gentleman who had fallen off a ladder and broken his back while cleaning the leaves out of his gutter. Because of the large number of calls the Fire Department gets of this nature, Craig knew he had found his calling. Both Craig and I love seniors, and with his construction background and my background in managing volunteers, we were off and running within a month.”
Who are the “Laborers For Christ”?
Craig & Kathy Saunders
A Heart to Serve
C
ascade Christian High School parent Kathy Saunders has dedicated her adult life to serving in various Christian ministries. As early as the 1980’s, Kathy served in the Big-Brother/Big-Sister Program forming a relationship with an 8-yearold girl named Clarese whom she is still in touch with today. In 1992, she started serving with Habitat for Humanity, and was part of the Board of Directors for 14 years. The families she met through Habitat for Humanity inspired her to do more. Kathy has served Cascade Christian Schools for 11 years as a support manager since
5 The
CascadeChronicle
“Laborers for Christ” is a group of Christians who love God, and want to serve Him by helping low-income seniors with free home, yard, and auto maintenance and repairs. We also started a firewood division a couple of years ago and we have a team of people who procure, chop, then deliver wood for free to those who have no other heat source,” explains Kathy. There are about 50 volunteers who are ready to help when a need arises.
Family Impact: This ministry has had a huge impact on the Saunders family. “We have served as a family, which has shown our children by example how to demonstrate the love of Christ to those in need,” says Kathy. “We believe these experiences have developed a strong sense of empathy and compassion in us, and in our children. We have also developed relationships with some of the seniors we serve which has been fun. There’s nothing better than an 80 year old friend!”
To get involved in Laborers For Christ, email Kathy at kathy.saunders@cccsumner.org. She says there’s always room for more volunteers. At this time, there is a need for someone to help procure firewood.
Leaving the Land of Me Kathy recently published her first book based upon the stories that came to her directly or indirectly throughout her various serving ministries. The stories included in her book, Leaving the Land of Me; The Little Things That Matter, are of those whose lives were changed through the kindness of someone they didn’t know. These stories are Christcentered life lessons about what happens when we step outside of our own personal challenges for a time and direct that God-driven energy toward another. In chapter one “Daisy Picking”, Saunders poignantly shares a story of when her daughter Jessie, then a 6-year-old soccer player, had chosen to pick daisies and complement a player’s ponytail from the other team rather than engage in the soccer game. “How often do we get so caught in the business of daily life, that we begin paying more attention to what the world expects of us and less attention to our inner voice? Will we care more about whether we accomplished our goals and did what the world asked of us or about our relationships and the people whose paths we crossed along the way?”
Far Reaching Impact When asked what the impact of the book has been since its release in September 2010, Kathy says, “It’s been really amazing. There are now Bible study groups throughout Oregon and Washington, and several non-profits using it as a devotional. I have people emailing continued on page 15
age 15
Princess Training: It takes more than just presentation, poise and confidence to be a Daffodil Princess Candidate.
S
ince 2007, CCHS has been represented in the community Daffodil Festival and the local parade with a princess, a marching band and cheer team, and a float built by a multitude of volunteers associated with Cascade Christian Schools. In August 2010, seven seniors, Hannah Baydo, Sung Min Byun, Kelsey Carder, Lauren Crews, Claire Hunter, Mackenzie Stevenson, and Renate Wescott, began a journey of intense training in preparation for the Daffodil Princess Selection night held at CCHS in November. Besides having a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2, calculated from the end of their junior year, these ladies must meet numerous festival and school requirements. Candidates and their escorts (also seniors at CCHS) must also act in alignment with CCS Guiding Principles, such as being involved in the study of God’s
Word and follow biblical principles for wholesome speech and conduct. Candidates have the privilege of training led by Mrs. Sue Johnson (Superintendent Don Johnson’s wife), a former Daffodil Princess who represented Puyallup High School in 1971. She still has “It’s not really about discovering how to be a princess. It’s special memories of her experience which she about discovering how to be your best self.” willingly shares with the Daffodil candidate ~ Sue Johnson, CCS Daffodil Princess Candidate Advisor program at CCS. “What fun to give back to others who will have wonderful memories as with Sue and Cameron Johnson and work on well,” says Mrs. Johnson. our speeches, our interview skills, and even our She brings invaluable knowledge to the walking and stage presence skills.” program, including how to prepare a speech according to the festival’s theme, how to interact and engage an audience with grace and confidence on stage, and how to prepare for impromptu questions with practice judges. “Mrs. Johnson does an incredible job training and preparing us. She spent countless hours on our training. No other school does the amount of preparation that we do,” says this year’s 2011 CCS Daffodil Princess, Kelsey Carder. Numerous volunteers collaborated with Mrs. Johnson in providing valuable feedback to refine the candidates’ overall presentation, including her daughter, Cameron Johnson, a former selection night judge, and other helpful friends who came to meetings. CCHS 2010 Daffodil Princess Meredith Gallion assisted with mock interviews, and Naomi Warren, CCS Director of Admissions and CCS Daffodil Coordinator, also dedicated innumerable hours behind the scenes. “I had a great time in princess candidate training!” declares candidate Claire Hunter. “Every Sunday afternoon we would get together
Mrs. Johnson explains, “Besides crafting relevant speeches, working on interview skills, answering impromptu questions, learning how to be graceful in your presentation of sitting, standing and walking, we also delve a little deeper to discover each young lady’s own unique charisma through her God-given gifts and strength of character, and to understand the concepts of self-dignity and how to demonstrate that dignity to others. We then wrap all her charisma and dignity in a spirit of God’s grace through gracefulness of movement and graciousness of spirit. I want each young lady to be aware that the conduct of her manner is just as important as the content of her words,” explains Mrs. Johnson. “Getting the crown and public notice is not what it is ultimately about. If God reigns in your life, it is the impact you make through being transparent always and everywhere,” recalls candidate Mackenzie Stevenson.
continued on page 8
The
CascadeChronicle 6
International Host Family:
Baldwin family embraces culture K
orey and Angela Baldwin have known for many years they wanted to incorporate other cultures into their family. Having both endured childhood hardships, the couple has spent a lot of time in thoughtful discussion and prayer about whether they should try to foster or adopt a young child close to the ages of their children (Zoey, age 4, and Honor, age 19 months), or an older child with a lesser chance of being adopted. They give glory to God for the wonderful life they have, and feel obligated to share their lives with others and to expose their daughters to different cultures and viewpoints. However, the fostering and adoption door wasn’t opening for them as quickly as they hoped. Then, last October, an unexpected door opened when Angela met Darlene Kasper, CCS International Program and Host Coordinator, at her church. When they ran into each other again while shopping, “Darlene asked me if I, or anyone I knew, was interested in hosting an international exchange student who would be attending 7th grade at Cascade Christian Schools.” Baldwin listened to Kasper’s explanation of what the host family requested for their child and felt it was something they should consider. “I asked her where the child was
7 The
CascadeChronicle
from, and she said Korea. Coincidently, my family is from Japan and Korea.” Even with her experience as a substitute teacher for Spanaway Junior High, Baldwin wondered if she was fully prepared for this kind of experience. She discussed the matter with her husband, and “Korey said we should do it.” Four days later Jiseol Choi became a part of their family. Jiseol (Paul) Choi first came to America in the 6th grade, and stayed with a Korean-American family living elsewhere in Washington, who had four other exchange students in their home. The husband was gone most of the time traveling for work, and the busy wife didn’t have time for family integration of all of the exchange students. Thus, Jiseol didn’t learn to speak much English, and wasn’t expected to contribute to household duties. That all changed for Jiseol when he became part of the Baldwin family last October. Not able to communicate in English very well, he was a fairly quiet boy when they first met him at SeaTac Airport and headed to the Baldwin’s home.
The Baldwins have embraced Jiseol as part of their family, and he is expected to spend time with them. This was an adjustment for Jisoel, and for a short while, he was unhappy about his situation. He felt he wasn’t allowed the freedoms he had enjoyed with his previous host family. Mrs. Baldwin understands a teenager’s need to decompress after school and says, “He is allowed video game time each day, but we have told Jiseol that he is required to eat with us, pray
“When the Baldwins decided to become host parents for Jiseol, they dove in wholeheartedly treating him as they would their own son. They have completely embraced the role of parenting this young man – teaching, nurturing, mentoring, protecting and guiding him while he is here in America. They truly epitomize the beauty of what this program is all about!” ~ Darlene Kasper, International Host Family Coordinator
The Baldwins decided to help Jiseol feel like part of the family by pulling a harmless prearranged prank on the way home from the airport. They pretended that an old, boardedup house down the street from their nice house was theirs. They pulled into the driveway of the dilapidated house, and Zoey played along by cheering when they stepped out of the car. Mrs. Baldwin asked Jiseol what he thought of their house. Jiseol replied, “It’s good.” Not able to contain their serious expressions for very long, the Baldwins starting laughing and told Jiseol it was all a prank and that the home down the street was theirs. “When he started laughing with us, I knew he would make it as a part of our silly family,” says Baldwin with a smile.
with us, and go to church with us. He doesn’t have to believe anything we’re saying, but he is a part of our family now. He was very resistant at first. I pulled my hair out and even cried a few times, but it was all worth it.” The Baldwins recently had a breakthrough with Jiseol. Korey was away, and Angela wasn’t feeling well. About 30 minutes after her husband left, she became increasingly ill with a high fever and couldn’t walk. She was delirious and couldn’t take care of her girls. “Jiseol lept into action, and called a friend of mine for help,” recalls Angela. “He would take my temperature and force me to drink water. I remember him telling my friend, ‘You have to come help my mom.’ It was the first time he continued on page 12
y dove ave ng,
ll
Freshmen I-term: Continued from page 4
Daffodil Princess Tea & Lady in Waiting: Continued from page 6
On the fourth day of I-Term, students heard from local youth pastors Nate Lindseth and Miel Lindseth, of Sound Life Church, to explore their personal relationship with God and each other. One of the topics of discussion was entitled, “If you knew me, you’d know that...” where students gained deeper insights and understanding that what you see isn’t always the correct assumption of what is really going on in a person’s life. “It was eye opening. Everyone has problems, even if they seem perfectly fine. It was good and I liked it,” said Freshman Aspen Garner.
nother aspect of the Daffodil candidates’ training is serving as excellent role models to younger students. For the past two years, the CCS Daffodil Coordinators have held a Princess Assembly which all CCS elementary school girls are invited to attend. Kindergarten through third grade girls may apply for the position of Lady-in-Waiting (a future princess). Approximately 50 young prospects applied from all three campuses. Mrs. Johnson describes the air of excitement during this event, “As each candidate drew a name for her Lady-in-Waiting, the winner would immediately run up to the stage and be so excited she would jump right into the candidate’s lap.”
Students also participated in a project created by Principals Broberg and Peterson called, “The Bigger and Better Project,” which was worked on throughout the week. Maintaining the same small groups, students raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Sumner Food Bank, and a homeless shelter to name a few. Each group was given $10 and a paperclip. They were challenged to increase the value of those two items. Friday wrapped up with the movie “One Year” from the Nations Foundation of Snowboarders. It follows professional snowboarders sharing their faith. When asked what the take-away lessons were from the event, Associate Principal Broberg said, “The students gained more friends, realized the effect of how words can hurt people, and the importance of being able to defend their faith.”C
Cascade Christian Schools Preschool and Child Care available at three locations: 3425 176th Street E • Frederickson 1818 S. Meridian • Puyallup 1819 East 72nd • Tacoma
A
At the Princess Assembly, the candidates had an opportunity to give their speeches in front of an audience and answer “impromptu” questions asked by the elementary girls. The next event in the training schedule was the first annual Princess Tea, a community event which allows the candidates another formal occasion to give their speeches and answer impromptu questions. A professional photographer was on hand for guests who wanted a picture taken with a candidate. “I imagine every little girl felt like a princess that day. It was a fun event,” said hostess Christiane Carder. The candidates valued the training process. “Mrs. Johnson was the greatest encourager. She taught us how to have genuine charisma toward the audience,” said candidate Sung Min Byun. “She helped us to draw out our true selves. I gained confidence, wisdom and love toward God. All the people I met from training gave me huge positive impact that will remain in my heart forever and gave me the great memories that I will never forget.” Kelsey Carder was selected as the 2011 CCHS Daffodil Princess on November 29, and gratefully acknowledges her experience. “I love every minute. The girls are incredible. I love the time I got to spend with Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Warren, and Cameron Johnson. Any of the girls would have done an incredible job as princess. I feel so honored and humbled that the Lord has allowed me to be in this position. I have really enjoyed the other princesses and the time I have spent with them. It is an incredible honor to represent Cascade Christian.” When asked what is the best part of working with the candidates each year, Mrs. Johnson enthusiastically replied, “I get hugs after each session. It means a lot to me that the girls are ‘getting’ it, we’re making a connection and that everyone is having fun.” “I am so glad that I was able to participate! It has not only prepared me for college and the public speaking classes I may take, but also for my transition into the workplace, for interviews and presentations,” says candidate Renate Wescott. “I have gained a lot of confidence in who I am and also courage to become the person I want to be.”C
The
CascadeChronicle 8
Impact Term 2011:
Vegas Dream Center
Living on Purpose
“I will never be the same because of Vegas. God has opened my eyes to the things unseen and I now look at the world through His eyesknowing I can change it through His hands, His feet, His word. We are the generation that steps out, that is going to be bold.” ~ Mikaela Mulvahill “The trip helped me understand that no matter how many times or how many people have let me down, I don’t need to be too scared to trust people. All I need to do is put my full trust in God, because He will never let me down. Once I completely trust Him, trusting in others will fall right into place.” ~ Jamie Fox “God changed the path I was heading down, from the destructive path to the right one.” ~ Robert Humphres “Watching our children grow stronger and deeper in their walk with God is why I keep going on this trip. Our kids see Jesus in the eyes of others, especially those less fortunate than themselves. Now that’s a beautiful thing.” ~ Kathi Taylor, CCS Alumni Parent C
Los Angeles Dream Center
9 The
CascadeChronicle
se
New Orleans A
pproximately two million volunteers and six years later, the city of New Orleans is still in need of repair after being torn apart by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. CCS faculty member Kali McCrady and her husband, Tom, led 19 students and four adults to the heart of New Orleans for this year’s Impact Term mission trip to continue the work of their church, Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian.
“We saw destruction, devastation, reconstruction, and hope all wrapped up within 15 blocks. It is pretty amazing to see a brand new house sitting right next to an empty lot with nothing but a couple steps leading up to nothing.” ~ Katrina Willhoite
Jazz Band @ CCS Elementary T
he HS Jazz Band went to each of the CCS elementary schools and worked with the students. During the elementary band times, the high school students worked in sections and they helped the elementary students on their music, embouchures, tonguing and fingering techniques, and even sound production.
They also taught them the 12-bar blues chords so they could play with Jazz Band. The Jazz Band then performed for the elementary and had the elementary join them for one of the pieces. “It was really fun to go and interact with the younger students and get them excited for band in the future,” said CCS Director of Bands, Katie Miller.C
This is the fourth year the McCrady’s have taken CCS students to help rebuild homes there. “I fell in love with the city on my first trip down in 2006 with my church. The pride and sense of community amidst this tragedy continues to amaze me,” says Mrs. McCrady. Under the direction of a local construction manager in New Orleans, the students and adults were aiding in the installation of siding for a few new homes. Thousands of displaced residents in Mississippi and Louisiana are still living in temporary accommodations provided by FEMA, but the heart of the city still beats with life, determination, and gratitude. Mrs. McCrady recalls a moment in the French Quarter. “During a parade, a woman broke character, stepped over to me and shared that she recently became a Christian due to Christians coming to her town and serving so selflessly to help rebuild it. That’s when I knew I was truly making a difference.”C “The people of New Orleans have never
ceased to amaze me of how kind and thoughtful these people can be and how grateful they are of what we are doing for them. I have fallen in love with this city from the amazing food to the beautiful buildings in the French Quarter to finally the people themselves. I might not ever live down here but I know I have left an impact...” ~ Joshua Gregory
The
CascadeChronicle 10
CCHS Alums Return to Coach HS Fastpitch Sisters and coaches, they aim to bring teamwork and competitiveness to CCHS Fastpitch.
T
wo more alums returned to CCHS as coaches this year to coach the high school girls’ fastpitch team. Jessica (Blakeslee)Terhune, class of 2003, is the head coach with sister, Amy Blakeslee, class of 2005, as her assistant. Coach Terhune works as a mortgage consultant for Wells Fargo Mortgage. She is married to Bryan Terhune, a 2002 CCHS alum, and she recently gave birth to son, Eli. She is an active member of Puyallup Foursquare Church. Coach Terhune has played ball since about age four. Because Cascade Christian didn’t have a girls’ fastpitch team until her junior year, she played at Puyallup High School. Once fastpitch started at CCHS, she played her junior and senior year. She also played three years of Cougar volleyball. Presently, the sisters play together on a women’s recreational softball team. Jessica says some of her fondest memories of CCHS are “definitely the friendships I made and the sports that I played.” Her enthusiasm for the
11 The
CascadeChronicle
fastpitch program is evident. “We are working very hard at bringing a level of competitiveness back to fastpitch at Cascade Christian.” Assistant Coach Blakeslee studied business at Pierce College and works for Rickabaugh Pentecost Development, LLC. Like Head Coach Terhune, she also attends Puyallup Foursquare Church. While at CCHS, she played four years of fastpitch, four years of volleyball, and one year of basketball in her freshman year. Coach Blakeslee is thrilled to be on the coaching staff this year and says, “It has always been a goal of mine, and my sister’s, to coach fastpitch, and we are willing to put the time and effort into improving the program at CCHS.” These coaches bring years of playing experience, hearts for excellence, and high expectations. An expectation of respect is one of the top priorities this year. Respect for teammates, themselves, their opponents, the field, and the game of fastpitch. Some particular skills they will be working on this spring are getting back to the fundamentals of fastpitch and going from there. “We want to build from the ground up,” says Assistant Coach Blakeslee, and part of that building includes specific drills where the accuracy of the drill depends on See page 12 for more members of the Blakeslee all of the girls working together and staying with the drill until, as family sharing their coaching skills with the CCS a team, they can perform it.”C community!
Coaching with Purpose: Junior High coaches play an important role in player development Josh and Jessica Blakeslee, affectionately referred to as ‘Momma and Pappa J‘ by this year’s junior high girls’ basketball team, are a husband and wife team that joined the coaching staff as newlyweds. Married last September, the two met at the YMCA while playing basketball and soon found out they both attended the same church. “He asked me out for a month before I finally said ‘yes’,” says Jessica. No stranger to CCS basketball, Jessica Blakeslee was the CCS JV Girls’ High School Coach for the 2009-2010 season. A basketball player since the 5th grade, Jessica attended Rogers High School and played
International Hosts: continued from page 7 had ever called me mom.” Even when her friend arrived, Jiseol still wanted to help. “From a boy who wasn’t accustomed to doing things for himself, it was an amazing transformation,” says Baldwin. “He tried to change a diaper and fix food for the girls. The girls were misbehaving, and he took care of them like a big brother.” He would bring her a cold towel for her face and put his hand on her shoulder. His concern was indisputable, and he kept vigil outside her bedroom door until Korey came home. “The entire opportunity for God to work miracles in our home wouldn’t have happened if Korey had stayed home that day. Jiseol got to see the unconditional love of my friend, Lynnette, who dropped everything to come and care for me. I told him, ‘I care about you so much. You really showed me how much you love me.” When Baldwin asked Jiseol how he had felt
basketball there. She was a camper at NBC camp for three years, and during the summers she has coached there for the past nine years. Coach Blakeslee also coached at Emerald Ridge High School in 2002. Her husband, Josh, has played basketball since he was three years old. He attended NBC camps for two years while in high school at Tacoma Baptist. Coach Josh is also big brother to CCS alums, Amy Blakeslee and Jess (Blakeslee) Terhune, who are coaching this year’s girls’ high school fastpitch team. A specific goal the couple had for the team this year was to get the girls ready for the high school program and to raise their level
when she was sick, he replied, “I felt at that time you do so much for me, so when you were sick, I felt like it was finally my turn to take care of you.” “Jiseol is curious and hungry to know about God,” say Angela. Mr. Baldwin explained his own faith to Jiseol by telling him a story from about a time when God spoke clearly to him during his tour in Iraq. It was during the height of the insurgency when it was very dangerous, and Mr. Baldwin was part of a sniper platoon. There was bombing everywhere, and while in an active patrol of the streets, the vehicle he was riding in came under heavy fire. He told Jiseol, “I heard a voice that said ‘duck’. I did, and immediately a bullet hit my Kevlar helmet towards the top of my head. If I hadn’t ducked, it would have hit me in the forehead. This voice didn’t come from nowhere. The experience made me hungry for the Word of God. I struggled with decisions I had to make while in
of knowledge of the game. In addition to game knowledge, the coaches taught them the importance of mental preparation. “We wanted them to know how to mentally push through in times of adversity on and off the court,” says Coach Jessica, and adds, “We have loved coaching these girls, and have been very blessed by such a great group of girls. Our heart is to continue to coach the girls’ junior high basketball team at CCS and build up a program that feeds the high school program.”C
Iraq, but it strengthened my belief in God.” The Baldwin’s hope is that Jiseol will maintain a hunger for God’s word, continue being the older brother to their daughters, and be an active member of the family. When I asked Jiseol how he feels about being with us, he says, “I feel so comfortable, like this is my home. There is a lot of laughing, dancing and music. Since I came to this family, I have learned how to take care of myself and to be better to my own parents. I started to think about other people and to make better choices.” “Anyone who thinks God may be calling them to this should go into it with an open mind and let God decide what will happen in the relationship”, says Mrs. Baldwin. “Then seek mentorship and connect with other host families. There are challenges, but the treasures are so worth it.”C
The
CascadeChronicle 12
CCHS Cougar Basketball: 2011 WIAA 1A State Champions
Boys’ Basketball Repeats State Title!
The Cougars and Coach Williams (far right) left a chair open this season, honoring Mike Kilcup (above), a longtime assistant coach who passed away unexpectedly following a heart attack in December.The Kilcup family took part in the Title celebration.
13  The
CascadeChronicle
First Cougar Wrestling State Champ Five CCHS Cougar wrestlers qualified to compete at this year’s Mat Classic held at the Tacoma Dome February 18-19. Head Coach Clay Warren reports, “With a 6 and 3 dual record and five wrestlers to state, this was our best showing ever. It was a testimony of what heart and hard work can do for you.” Senior Chris Cole and Sophomore Josh Sayler both qualified for state with strong finishes at the Regional tournament. Junior Kevin Zettel had a very strong season and qualified for the State tournament by finishing second at Regionals. He also scored points for the team at State by winning his first match. Prior to this year, the team’s highest placement at State was Devin Ossman at 7th. This year, there were two wrestlers who topped that finish. Brendon Ossman beat brother Devin’s record by placing 6th and was 25-5 going into the tournament. “I have been working to place in State all four years of high school, so it was great to finally do it,” said Brendan. Coach Warren said, “Our most exciting success came from Josh Crager who turned in a 36 and 1 season and is Cascade Christian’s first ever Mat Classic State Wrestling Champion, and he did it as a freshman. I am extremely proud of him and of all of our wrestlers.” “Working with all of the boys is a tremendous joy for me,” he adds. “They have worked extremely hard, and I believe they have demonstrated what we, at Cascade Christian Schools, would hope to see in our athletes: Courage, Commitment, Honor and Strength.
Wrestling is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding sports there is and our wrestlers have met those challenges head on and have done so in a way that brings honor to our heavenly Father. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be able to work with these great men of God, and I praise God for the work He is doing in their lives.” State Champion Joshua Crager continued his wrestling practice in preparation for the National High School Coaching Association Wrestling Nationals in Virginia Beach, Virginia on March 29 - April 2, 2011. He represented Washington State in the freshman division at 112 pounds. All placers at this event, 1st - 8th place, will be a High School Wrestling All-American for 2011. “Joshua has been wrestling since he was six years old, and has always had a passion for the sport,” says his father Brian Crager. “Last spring, he set a goal to become a high school State Wrestling Champion for his freshman year. He set a daily workout program for himself throughout the summer and stuck to it. It was exciting to see him wrestle at the Tacoma Dome! We give God the glory for his abilities.” photos by Lisa Cole
CCHS Cougar Wrestling State participants and their statistics: Josh Crager - grade: 9; weight class: 112; record: 36-1 with 25 pins - State Champion Josh Sayler - grade: 10; weight class: 119; record: 24-11 with 7 pins Chris Cole - grade: 12; weight class: 160; record: 18-18 with 13 pins Kevin Zettel - grade: 11; weight class: 160; record: 18-7 with 6 pins Brendon Ossman - grade: 12; weight class: 189; record: 25-5 with 11 pins - Sixth Place State Alternate: Daniel Suggs - grade: 11; weight class: 125; record: 19-14 with 10 pins The
CascadeChronicle 14
Alumni Updates: Where are they now? CCS celebrates alumni graduations, weddings, jobs, businesses, missions, children... Class of 1997 Joshua Johnson recently moved to Kansas City to work in missions. Recently engaged, he and his fiance Meredith will be married this July.
Class of 1998 and 1999 Thomas Kortus was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop
Terrell Glenn on January 16, 2011 at All Saints Church, Durham, NC. He will continue serving at All Saints as a priest overseeing discipleship and outreach as well as preaching, administering sacraments and leading worship. Wife Amy (Sutherland) Kortus is a classical harpist and mom to the couple’s three children, Hudson (7), Audrey (5), and Evelyn (19 months).
Class of 1999 Christa (Lerew) Jeffers and her husband Brendan welcomed Hudson William on February 23, 2011. They also have a 3-year-old son, Connor. Note: The pictures were taken by Keren Fenton, who is married to Steve Fenton, also CCHS Class of ‘99.
Class of 2000 Kristi Bishop is serving with Mercy Ministries and Training at YWAM Indonesia.
Parent Profile: continued from page 5 it as a devotional. I have people emailing me to tell me incredible stories of the things they are now doing because of the book, like purchasing a soldier’s meal and thanking them for their service whenever they are in a restaurant with an enlisted person. People are telling me that after reading the book, they have now started looking up and noticing those around them in Starbucks or the grocery store – making conversation with a stranger, or helping someone when their car has broken down. Someone stopped what they were doing the other day to sit down and have coffee with an elderly man sitting alone in a coffee house. I have really been blown away by what has happened as a result of people reading the book.”C For more information on “Leaving the Land of Me” visit www.leavingthelandofme.com. The book is available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. She is currently working on getting it in Borders stores. The CCS District Office also has a few copies. Twentyfive percent of the proceeds benefit non-profits throughout the United States. Kathy Saunders is now working on a Bible study to accompany “Leaving the Land of Me”.
Class of 2006 Jasmine Wolfe graduated from the University of Washington in March 2010 with a bachelors degree in Political Science and a minor in Hispanic Studies. She is waiting to hear back about graduate school and will hopefully be moving to Washington DC to study International Affairs focused on US Foreign Policy and Latin America. She is currently working in the Washington State Legislature for Senator Val Stevens.
Class of 2007 Tyler Rodenburg will graduate from Western Washington University in Fall of 2011, with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.C
For the CCS District Fan Page: www.facebook.com/ CascadeChristianSchools ••• Alumni: search for “Cascade Christian Schools Alumni Group”
15 The
CascadeChronicle
Community and Family:
Mother, daughter, son and son-in-law all are part of the Cascade Christian community. The Chronicle recently asked this family about themselves and their relationship with CCS. Gloria Shackett: Mom, Kindergarten teacher at CCS Tacoma Elementary CC: Why did you choose CCS for your children’s education? GS: As an educator with Cascade Christian Schools, it was a desirable and convenient choice at the time. Through the years it provided not only a wonderful academic environment for my children, but the mission and purpose of our school also helped them become godly leaders “prepared to impact their world.” CC: What made you decide to become a teacher at CCS? How long have you taught? GS: Having a very young child, I was looking for an opportunity to teach part-time, and a position opened up here at Cascade. I taught 11 years in the Puyallup Public School District and have spent the last 21 years working here at Cascade Christian Schools. CC: How has being a teacher at CCS impacted your life? Your children’s? GS: Throughout all my years of teaching, I have believed this is what God has prepared me to do. Going from working at a public school where God could not be a part of anything that was taught to a school where it was a requirement of all teachers to include God in all areas through our Biblical Worldview Integration Program brought the purpose and joy of teaching to a whole new level for me.
oup”
CC: How has attending CCS impacted your life? SB: On top of giving me a firm foundation for my faith and an encouraging environment to learn, I met my husband and many lifelong friends at Cascade. I was able to develop relationships with people that have the same standards that I do. CC: Where did you attend college? SB: Pacific Lutheran University CC: Why teaching? Why CCS?
Sister and brother, Samantha and Cody, celebrate the second State Championship for CCHS. Cody also earned MVP honors for his efforts.
SB: I love helping kids realize their God-given potential and purpose. There is nothing that excites me more than when I see kids strive for all God has planned for them. CCS is a great venue for this. As educators we talk about God’s truth daily.
Evan Bratz: Son-in-law, coach at CCHS CC: How did CCS impact your life? EB: The biggest impact CCS has had on my life has been the relationships that I’ve formed while being part of this school. The friends I met here are still some of my best friends today. I also met the girl who has now become my wife. Cascade is a special place where people build meaningful, Christ-centered relationships that last. It was here that I had administrators, teachers and coaches who cared about me and greatly impacted the choices I’ve made and who I have become. It has been an honor to now coach along side some of the coaches that I had in high school. I would not be the person I am today without the relationships I’ve formed at Cascade. I am thankful for the sacrifice my parents made to send me here. CC: What did you do after graduation? EB: I attended Pacific Lutheran University, where I played football and earned my degree in Physical Education. CC: What is your “day job”?
Samantha (Shackett) Bratz: Daughter, teacher at CCHS
EB: I am a firefighter with West Pierce Fire & Rescue.
CC: How many years did you attend CCS?
EB: I have been coaching for four years.
SB: I attended 13 years.
CC: What are some of your coaching philosophies?
CC: How long have you been coaching at CCS?
EB: I believe in teaching kids the skills that will make them not only successful athletes but successful people. If we can teach responsibility, work ethic, preparation, sacrifice, and humility within a team, winning will take care of itself. I believe winning and success are by-products of doing the little things right. Athletics provides the perfect vehicle for learning these important life skills while having more fun than you’ve ever had in your life.
Cody Shackett: Son, senior at CCHS CC: How many years have you attended CCS? CS: I have been at CCS for 14 years. CC: How has attending CCS impacted your life? CS: It has helped me shape what my core values are and what I want the focus of my life to be. CC: When did you start playing basketball? CS: I started playing basketball in kindergarten. CC: Who has been the biggest influence in your basketball career? CS: There isn’t just one person who has influenced me the most in my basketball career. My Uncle Mark helped me get started in basketball, Coach Sam helped me first get started with a select team playing against top players in the summer, and Coach Williams has helped me have an all around game. CC: What do you feel have been most important factors in CCS winning the championship title two years in a row? CS: I believe it was a combination of our chemistry and relationships on and off the court, our great coaching, and our hard work and focus in practice.C
The
CascadeChronicle 16
AUCTION 2011
Giving to God...blessing our students.
Romans 8:28 A Letter from Rob Mitton, Director of Development:
F
rom the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you who participated in our Carnival and Auction. Together, we were able to make a significant impact towards our mission. After expenses, we will be able to distribute more than $77,000 to Athletics, technology upgrades, campus improvements, Sixth Grade Camp and performing arts. I would like to give special recognition to the following people:
• Auction Committee: Tina Berry, Kirstie Brar, Christiane Carder, Joanne Centioli, Marcea Galindo, Debbie Johnson, Michelle Kushan, Kim Sando, Kristin Wade, and Deanna Johnson. • A special thanks to Mike and Joanne Centioli for all of their work on the catalog, auction forms and check-out! • Thank you, MC John Lennox! You were absolutely the right guy for the job. • Aaron and Susie Taylor – Thank you for printing the auction catalogs and invitations! • Kirstie Brar, Amelia Walters, Christi Bahr and all of the others who helped with the carnival… THANK YOU! Here are the NET results: 2011 Auction Grand Total $70,000
2010 $64,000
2009 $94,000
Auction proceeds go toward athletics, arts, technology & campus improvements. 2011 Carnival Grand Total $7,100
2010 $7,000
2009 $5,800
Carnival proceeds go toward Sixth Grade Camp.
There are so many who helped… what a great outpouring of effort by our community! Thank you all!
Carnival Cascade Christian Schools Romans 8:28
15 The
CascadeChronicle
C ASCADE C HRISTIAN S CHOOLS
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 Garden Market Mountain View Financial Scotty’s General Construction, Inc. Tern Christian Counseling
OLS
Business Partner: Court Reporting • Record Retrieval • Transcription
“The coaches put the team and God first. Both of my children appreciate this about their school, that the teachers not only instruct and teach, but they listen as well. We are thankful that CCS brings God to the forefront.” ~ Rick Sanderson
C
indy and Rick Sanderson enrolled daughter, Julia and son, Blake at Cascade Christian Elementary in Puyallup eight years ago when Julia was in the fifth grade and Blake was in the first grade. Their business, James, Sanderson & Lowers, became a Platinum Business Partner with CCS in 2005. Rick Sanderson reminiscences on one of his first impressions of Cascade. “It was a big deal for our children to be met by the principal every morning and receive their high fives. They would run out of the car and were excited for school.” Julia Sanderson, now in the homestretch of her senior year, participates in numerous activities at Cascade including cross country, golf, Future Business Leaders of America, and the after school peer-tutoring program. Her busy schedule also involves volunteer work at the Tacoma Rescue Mission a few times a month and working in the nursery at Brooklake Community Church. Returning from a mission trip at the Los Angeles Dream Center this past February, Julia comments, “The Dream Center was an amazing experience that opened my eyes to how fortunate I am. God moved through me. It was such a blessing to serve at the Dream Center.” Already accepted at two different colleges and
pursuing Western Washington University, Julia plans to major in Public Relations/ Communications or Human Resources. Blake Sanderson, presently in eighth grade, participates in football, basketball, and baseball at CCS, in addition to year-round select baseball, typically keeping up with his studies on the road. Recovering from a recent collarbone injury, sports are on hold for now, but Blake looks forward to getting back to doing what he enjoys and says, “I enjoy sports at CCS because the coaches are awesome in what they teach and also their walk with the Lord. The school has had a great impact on me. I really like how the teachers reflect God.” The Sandersons are proud of their children and appreciate the influence that CCS has had on their education and their family. “CCS has had a positive impact on our family. Our children are turning out the way we had envisioned and dreamed of, morally grounded with good values, with like-minded individuals helping each other out,” says Cindy Sanderson. “Because of the family atmosphere at CCS, it has made our job as parents a lot easier,” she adds.
The Sanderson Business: James, Sanderson & Lowers In 1986, Cindy Sanderson formed Sanderson
and Lowers, Inc., d/b/a JSL, a court reporting, record retrieval and transcription business, with her sister-in-law, Patricia Lowers. A court reporter is a person who transcribes the spoken word into written form using machine shorthand. With technological advances, a person with machine shorthand skills can now be a captioner. A TV captioner provides the live closed captioning feeds to television programs or a person may work as a captioner for a deaf or hard-of-hearing person in a work setting, seminar setting, church, et cetera. Cindy says a highlight of her career was the six years she spent captioning for the deaf and hard-of-hearing using her machine shorthand skill. 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 Support CCS/Business Partners.
The
CascadeChronicle 16
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.”