legacy COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ALUMNI & FRIENDS NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2015
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S H A R I NG C O M M ON R O OT S – NO U R I S H I NG G E N E R AT ION S
GRADUATION 2015
CHCS graduated 47 students on May 17, 2015. It was the largest graduating class in CHCS history. The occasion was celebrated with family, friends and faculty. Hunter Burnett, our Christian Character Award recipient, shared encouraging words and Mr. Tim Casey spoke to the graduates during Baccalaureate. This year’s Valedictorian, Josh Woodmansee, addressed the class at commencement. The ceremony was filled with tradition with over 1,000 in attendance. This year’s graduating class will be attending 18 different colleges and universities.
New Parenting Book Release
by Brian Jennings (‘93)
The first time I blogged about a parenting idea we’d tried, to help our family grow spiritually, I was blown away by the response. Parents commented about it, shared it and, best yet, told me how it had benefitted their families. Subsequent posts with related ideas netted similar responses. I learned that lots of parents want to spiritually lead their families, but they need confidence, inspiration and some practical ideas. “Lead Your Family” offers parents 12 simple ideas that they can learn, adjust and quickly implement in their home. My prayer is that the book will help parents surge forward as the spiritual leaders of their home. Fellow alum, Kyle Idleman (‘94), For purchasing info or to read more about the book, go to www.leadyourfamily.net. wrote the foreword for the book. To read Brian’s blog go to brianjenningsblog.com.
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” –Jeremiah 17:7-8
Reconnecting with
DANIEL (‘06) & MADISON (Wise ‘04) EMERY When did you begin attending CHCS? Daniel: 2005, my senior year. I was homeschooled prior to that. Madison: 1995. I was in 4th grade, with Mrs. Spille in the back modular units. What school sports or extracurricular activities were you involved in at CHCS? Daniel: Track & Band Madison: Track manager & Yearbook Who was your favorite teacher and why? Daniel: Mrs. Russell. She taught me Trig and was able to explain all of the material really well. Madison: I had many over the years I was there… Mrs. Link who taught 5th grade, she was a wonderful teacher. Mr. Blankenship, he was patient with us during those awkward middle school years. During high school I learned so much from Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Green, and Mrs. Miller. I have special memories of going on an art trip to Chicago with Mrs. Nichols – she really influenced me by teaching me to slow down and truly enjoy the process of creating art. How would you describe yourself as a teen and how has that changed, if any as an adult? Daniel: I was a good kid. Always willing to debate and give my opinion. That probably hasn’t changed at all. Madison: I was quiet and reserved. Definitely a perfectionist. That still holds true in some situations, but I’m more social and free-spirited these days. How would your old classmates describe you? Daniel: Friendly. Maybe a bit nerdy. Madison: Very shy and quiet, but friendly and fun when you got to know me. What did you like best about your years at CHCS? Daniel: There were a lot of good people there, the teachers and my classmates all welcomed me even though I only attended my senior year. Madison: I liked how close knit it was. Classmates were like family and the teachers were really invested in our lives. Our class was pretty spirited and laughed a lot together. It was like coming home every day. How did CHCS help prepare you for college, career and life? Daniel: I felt challenged at CHCS and was well prepared academically. I was thankful to have teachers who encouraged me spiritually. Madison: I was definitely prepared for college academically. Even those dreaded “notebook checks” helped me as far as organizational skills! I loved that College Heights placed emphasis on academics, but always relating to Biblical truths and the love of Christ. I remember memory verses and Bible lessons from Mr. Blankenship and Mr. Sims, studying Creation in Mrs. Miller’s science classes, and applicable historical quotes from Mr. Lewis, all of which have greatly influenced me over the years. I definitely understand the importance of those lessons now, better than I did when I was younger. I look back and realize how prepared I was spiritually and how special it was to have friends and instructors who prayed together many times, every day. I am very grateful for that. Tell us a little about the path your life has taken since you graduated from CHCS? (schooling, career, family, missions, etc) Daniel: After CHCS, I attended Northwestern Prep School in California and then spent 4 years at the United States Air Force Academy. I graduated in 2011 and am now a Captain in the Air Force and work as a pilot instructor. Madison: I graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Early Childhood studies and then received my Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from University of North Texas. I worked
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as a child behavior therapist in Colorado Springs until Daniel and I were married in May 2011. From Colorado Springs we moved to San Antonio, Texas for a few months during Daniel’s training and then spent half a year in southern New Mexico before landing in eastern New Mexico (where we currently reside). During all that moving we welcomed our daughter, Irene Rose, who is the absolute joy of our lives. We are very active in our tiny country church and love it! Who were the most influential people in your life, role models? Daniel: My Dad and my Pappy are my role models. Growing up, I was also greatly influenced by Rick Mammen, Mike Wilkins, and Wes Breshears , all men of God who really invested in my life. Madison: My parents have always been amazing role models in my life. I could never thank them enough. My husband, because he is an exceptional father and husband. I love serving Christ with him. Tell us about the work you are doing now, why is it important to you? Daniel: I spent 2 years flying combat missions and now I am an instructor pilot and teach students how to fly. I have always strived to protect our great nation and the Biblical principles it was founded upon, as well as protect my family and others. Madison: Right now I am a full-time mom. I’m beyond blessed with the privilege of being able to teach, disciple, and have SO much fun with our beautiful daughter. What do you hope God will be able to accomplish by working through you? We hope that God will use us to be role models in our daughter’s life and that others will see Christ through our family. What are some of the things on your bucket list for the future? Daniel: Drive a stock car in a NASCAR race. Madison: I’d like to travel the US in a camper or tiny house. I think we would have so much fun and our daughter would love it! I still want to swim with dolphins…maybe this summer. What pearls of wisdom would you give other graduates and students at CHCS? Always remember that it is the Lord who determines our steps.
Cougar Tracks Natalie Herrod (‘13) is living and working in Denali National Park with a Christian ministry. She works at Princess Wilderness Lodge and is a host at King Salmon (a fine dining restaurant) in the evening, and in the mornings she works at Harley Davidson. Blake Roberts (‘12) and Shelby Creson (‘12) were married on May 23rd. Congratulations!!
BLAKE & SHELBY (Creson) ROBERTS MILES & KESHIA EDGE
Miles Edge (‘08) graduated in December 2014 from WTI’s Computer Technology Program and in March of 2014 started his career as a Network Administrator for the Webb City School District. Miles also married Keshia Young on May 9th. They first met at a MSSU Campus Crusade (CRU) and again later at a mutual friend’s house. Keshia is from Monett, MO, graduated from MSSU with a degree in Elementary Education and will begin working at McKinley Elementary in Joplin as a 1st grade teacher. Ashley Sauer (‘09) graduated in May with a M.S. in Speech and Language Therapy. She will be working at Seneca Elementary School beginning in the fall of 2015. Ashley also married Chase Neely on June 6th. Congratulations! Leslie Stump (‘93) and husband Eldon concluded a 12 year ministry with a church plant in Waite Park, MN in August 2014. They are currently working with the greater St. Cloud Missional Church movement part-time as worship pastors at Hope Covenant Church on the campus of St. Cloud University where they are serving and ministering to international students. Leslie and Eldon have four children, Brandon 13, Lauren 11, Zachary 9 and Anthony 7.
LESLIE & ELDON STUMP FAMILY
VINCENT JONAH MORGAN
Kelsie Bodine (‘10) will be married to Craig Daniell on August 22, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Webb City, Mo. Congratulations Kelsie and Craig. Lea (Sorrick) Morgan (‘10) and husband Ian had their first child on May 22, 2015. Vincent Jonah Morgan was 8 lbs. 4 ozs. And 20 inches long. He was born at 10:58 am.
TIM & SHAUNA CASEY FAMILY
Tim Casey (‘02) and wife Shauna welcomed their 3rd child into their family. Truett Hope Casey was born on April 2nd at 1:13 pm weighing 6lbs 15 ozs and was 19 ½ inches long. NATHAN & COURTNEY (Byrne) ADRIAN
Nathan Adrian and Courtney Byrne (‘14) were married on June 6th, 2014.
Restoring Dignity and Inspiring Change in Haiti Abby Clevenger (2000) has been working diligently to help the people of Haiti. Following is a note about the purpose of her work and her desires to help the Haitian people. Please be sure to check out their website at beljoyhaiti.com.
BÉLJOY was born out of a vision to give the people of Haiti opportunities to earn money though honest and dignified work. After many years of strong family connection to Haitian Christian Mission in Fond Parisien, we are partnering to provide sustainable jobs through the production of Haitianmade artisan goods. Haitian Christian Mission is home to BÉLJOY; here we have the beginnings of a business that can bless many. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere with 80% of its citizens living below the poverty threshold. The average Haitian who lives in a village similar to Fond Parisian lives on less than $2 a day. Despite the challenges, the people of Haiti are full of hope and joy. BÉLJOY engages the Haitian people by teaching them the trade of quality jewelry making. We are committed to the local sourcing of components like clay and paper beads and horn. This makes BÉLJOY jewelry distinctive, beautiful and meaningful to the artisans. By teaching this trade and paying a superior wage, we hope to strengthen people, restore dignity, and give them an opportunity to provide for their families. Every purchase made directly affects lives in Haiti and increases the opportunity to bless others. The Haitian people have changed our lives, showing us that true joy, despite circumstance, can only come from Jesus. That joy inspires the name BÉLJOY: BÉL means beautiful in Haiti’s native language of Creole. The Haitian’s glad hearts are beautiful and their faces are a clear Abby Clevenger reflection of the JOY they have in God. Founder
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CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 4311 E. Newman Road Joplin, Missouri 64801
An Experience of a Lifetime: The Art of Spain by Traci Guhr (‘08)
PAID
My name is Traci Guhr and I graduated from College Heights in 2008. I graduated from MSSU on May 9th, 2015 with a degree in Fine Arts and a minor in both Art History and Creative Writing. During my last year at MSSU, I received an amazing opportunity. I received an art scholarship to travel to Spain. I, along with four other students, traveled across all parts of the country, starting in Madrid and ending in Barcelona. In Madrid, we went to several museums to see art work done by Fransisco de Goya and Pablo Picasso. The city of Madrid is full of history, from revolutions to civil wars, and all of these events in Spanish history have a foothold in Spanish artists and the work they produce. One of our trips was to Seville, which is covered in French influence architecture and old castles. It is called the City of Fountains, which were very beautiful. The city of Naboo from Star Wars was filmed in Seville. The townspeople are very relaxed and easy going. It was a fun time. I was able to take a bullet train, which I can’t experience in America, to the small town of Garuda, nestled up in the mountains. There, we saw massive Moorish castle ruins and their expansive gardens. From Garuda, we traveled to Barcelona, which was the highlight of my trip. The city is more modern, much like New York or Chicago, but it is a beautiful city. While there, we studied the architecture of Gaudi and his beautiful cathedral, the Sagrada Familia. This church completely blew me away with it’s size and beautiful design. It was truly the perfect conclusion to my trip. Spain is a truly beautiful country and I’m glad that God gave me the chance to travel there with my close friends. I look forward to what God has in store for my future. I have been accepted to an internship with Walt Disney World down in Orlando starting in August and I want to eventually apply for a Master’s Degree.
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