Legacy WInter 2011

legacy

W IN T E R 2012

THE

COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ALUMNI & FRIENDS NEWSLETTER

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

CHCS Homecoming 2012

Bret (1993) and Shannon Ingle and kids

Andrew Sauer (2011), Jordan Miller (2011) and Ethan Beaver (2009)

Stephanie Jones Woodmansee and Mary Stokes Colin (1993)

This year’s CHCS Homecoming marked a tradition of alumni being welcomed home and faculty and staff visiting with former students.

The event was kicked off with a reception for alumni which included great food and looking at old yearbooks.

A basketball double-header scheduled for that evening saw the CHCS girls and boys take on Liberal. Between games we took an alumni picture, gave away prizes and we had the crowning ceremony. Legacy kids, Colby and Madison Garman, (proud parents Aaron and Erin (Keller) Garman (2000) served as the scepter and crown bearer. Patton Conroy and Conner McIntire (last years king and queen) crowned the 2011-12 king and queen, Spencer Ming and Sarah Buford.

Alumni from 1984-2011 attended this year’s event. A special thanks goes out to Julie (Moss) Brouwer, Cean (DeMasters) Gardner, Jodi ( Smyth) Rogers, Leah ( Kent) Blankenship, Stephanie (Jones) Woodmansee, Mary (Stokes) Colin and Kristin (McCarthy) Perry for organizing the alumni activities.

Leah Blankenship, Kristen McCarthy Perr (1987), Walt Wicklund, Julie Moss Brouwer (1986) and Cean Gardner (1986

Jodie Smyth Rogers (1987)

Kristen (2006) and Kelsi (2010) Bodine

Sean Roycraft (2009) and Drew Byrne (2009)

Julie Moss Brouwer (1986) and Jim Moss (1988)

Daniel Lewis

CHCS Coach Selected 2011 Midwest Coach of the Year The National Federation of State High School Associations has selected THANE GARNETT (2002) to receive the 2011 Midwest Sectional Coach of the Year award for the sport of Boys Cross Country. The Midwest selection includes the states of Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The NFHS recognizes coaches at the state, sectional and national level. Thane was the CHCS Cross Country coach during the 2011 school year. His contributions to high school athletics are truly deserving of this recognition.

“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

Matthew J. DeWelt Christian Character Award Plaques Dedicated “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

– Psalms 90:12

THE DEWELT FAMILY

As you walk into the doors of College Heights Christian School, you will be immediately greeted by two plaques recognizing our Christian Character Award Recipients. The class of 2011 donated the plaques in a dedication ceremony in November.

The plaques honor all Christian Character Award recipients from 1988-2011, with additional space for future names. Each year, seniors nominate three individuals for the award and then vote for one to represent their class. In 1993 the award name was changed to honor Matthew J. DeWelt, whose earthly life came to an end in a tragic car accident while he was a student at CHCS. The students and staff thank the class of 2011 for this very special donation.

Blackbox International Blackbox International is a faith based organization that was formed on January 1, 2010. It is a Christ-centered, notfor-profit organization that exists to holistically rehabilitate sex-trafficked boys ages 16 and under. Blackbox exists to provide the aftercare component for boys rescued from sex trafficking. Initially they looked at the specific issue of boys that are involved with sex tourism. Blackbox seeks to help these boys find healing from their past, joy in their present, and purpose for their future. They need help emotionally, physically, academically and spiritually. They need to learn what it means to be a Godly man. They need nothing less than Jesus, and the hope, joy and peace that comes from Him. CHCS Alumni, Brian Jennings (1993) and Troy Garris (1996) and alumni parent Chris DeWelt are currently serving on the board of trustees for Blackbox International.

Visit www.blackboxinternational.org for more information.

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TROY GARISS

BRIAN JENNINGS

Studying Abroad in Amman, Jordan

by Rachel Calandro (2009)

Majors: International Relations;

Middle Eastern Studies Minor: Arabic at University of Arkansas I knew before I started looking at colleges that I wanted to study abroad. I chose my college (University of Arkansas – Fayetteville) largely based on its excellent Arabic program. I looked forward to my eventual study abroad experience. After wavering between going abroad for one semester or two, I thought to myself, “Hey. You’ll only get the opportunity once to go to Jordan for free. Why not just take the opportunity to spend as much time there as you can? What’s stopping you from going the whole year?” So, that’s what I did. I signed up for a full academic year abroad and didn’t even buy a plane ticket home for Christmas break.

In September, I packed my bags and headed to Amman, Jordan. I got off the plane, having taken two years of intensive Arabic (5 days a week), and was immediately presented with my first problem. The Arabic that I was taught was all but useless in the face of actual spoken language. I had been learning classical Arabic, which means I could read the Quran, newspapers and classical poetry like a pro, and I could whip out minute grammar rules like “case endings” off the top of my head, but when it came to asking if I could help with the dishes, tell the taxi driver directions, say the food was delicious, or that I wanted something, I was hopeless! However, slowly, but surely I got the hang of the vital phrases I needed to function in real life—not just the world of classical texts!

Since my first few weeks, I have learned so much about how to live here. It’s much more than just learning the language. I’m often asked, “What is the most different thing about Jordan”? Well, to be honest, that is a difficult question.

Life here is so different than in the Unites States that it’s hard to pick one thing.

However, if I had to pick one, I would say driving, because it was the very first thing I noticed. Driving here is honestly crazy! The lines in the road (if they exist) are not important in the slightest. A driver inches forward, honking and flashing his lights to signal to others what his intentions are. I am honestly shocked that there are not more accidents, because traffic rules are not observed. Sometimes, I wonder if they even exist. Also, people park on sidewalks, and everyone folds their mirror in when they park, because people drive so close to each other getting your mirrors taken off is honestly a very big risk. When walking through traffic, one does not wait for traffic to clear. One walks forward with no hesitation, and cars that are flying by will stop. That was a bit of a rush at first, but now it’s normal.

It’s been really great to be here from a spiritual standpoint as well. I live with a Muslim family, and most of my friends are also Muslim. However, evangelizing is illegal. The aspect I have come to appreciate most about the body of Christ is that we are family. Whenever life is challenging or I want to celebrate something, I automatically turn to one of the few believers I know. I have a sister in Christ here that I did not know prior to coming to Jordan. I can pour my heart out to her when I need to because we have a relationship with the same Savior.

Overall, my ability to share about Jesus through stories, my ability to lead and find other Christians, and my awareness in dealing with Muslims have all grown. I have realized my total dependence on God, because there are some days when there really is no one else at all to turn to. Jordan has been a great growing experience for me, in terms of learning the language and culture, learning about myself and others, and my spiritual growth.

After I return from my study abroad, I have one more year of college, then I need to figure out what I’m doing with my life! I think I will come back to live in the Middle East. I might teach English, work for an Non-Governmental Organization , or work through a Christian organization.

Thanksgiving Food Drive 2011 This years Thanksgiving food drive was our biggest ever, with 3,900 items donated by CHCS students, families and faculty. We wanted to beat the 3,153 items donated in 2010 and WE DID IT!!!

Twenty-two families were helped during the 2011 holiday season, with boxes of grocery items that included ham, turkey and canned goods.

Thanks also to the students (and alumni) who worked all day sorting and distributing the food.

Many of our students worked through lunch and after school helping with the food drive.

Living Well Project “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.

Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

–John 4:13-14

Approximately every 14 seconds, someone (mostly children) dies of a disease caused by unsafe drinking water.

For the fourth consecutive year, CHCS has raised money to build wells in villages that have little or no fresh water. This year the students and staff raised $2,183. That was more than enough to pay for the cost of one well ($1,800).

The remaining funds will be donated to the Rapha House, which is an organization that is committed to ending trafficking and sexual exploitation of children.

Alumni Dances with the Stars The Third Annual Dancing with the Joplin Stars will be held on Saturday, March 3 at 7 p.m. and will feature one of our alumni, RYAN JACKSON (2000).

Ryan’s dance partner will be Nicole Drouin.

Couples will compete first with a waltz and then a couple’s choice dance.

The competition will be judged by a panel of professional and local judges. The event is a fundraiser for the chamber’s Cultural Affairs Committee’s “Art in Public Places” project.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to joplincc.com.

AMY CASS ORTEGA, (1984) age 45, of Joplin, completed her battle with cancer and won the victory of eternal life on Wednesday, October 19, 2011.

She was surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Amy was born July 17, 1966, in Lamar, Missouri, to Billy Bob and Nancy (Phipps) Cass.

Amy is survived by her loving husband, James Ortega, of the home; daughter, Cassie Rakes and her fiancé, Brandon Gallemore and son, Kaleb Rakes, all of Seneca, Missouri; her parents, Billy Bob and Nancy Cass, Joplin; her mother-in-law, Annie Kirkwood, Mansfield, Texas; a brother and sisterin-law, Brad and Kim Cass and nephew, Jonathan, of Kansas City Missouri; maternal grandmother, Mary Phipps, Lamar, Missouri; life-long friend, Edith Todd, Lamar; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Amy was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, John Phipps; and paternal grandparents, Harold and Helen Cass.

Amy enjoyed horses and horseback riding. She appreciated and had a deep love for her church, World Revival Church of Kansas City. Her enthusiasm and passion for life was evident in the pleasure she found in artistic and creative endeavors, selling things and her vision for marketing. Everyone who had the honor of knowing her was touched by her fearless approach and infectious giggle.

COUGAR TRACKS KATY CALANDRO (2008) and Wes Eaton will marry on May 19th, 2012.

AARON COX (2004) recently accepted a position announcing for the Idaho Chukars Baseball Team and has relocated to Idaho Falls Springs, Idaho. He married McKENZIE WATSON (2005) last May. SARAH COX (2000) graduated in June from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a masters in Child and Adolescent Development. Sarah currently works as ABA Supervisor at The Ozark Center for Autism. She married Michael Horton on July 1, 2011.

DAVID CALANDRO (2011) graduated from A.I.T. in December 2011 and is now a helicopter powertrain repairman for the National Guard Unit in Springfield, MO. He is now attending University of Missouri.

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COLLEGE HEIGHTS

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

Since 1978

JOPLIN, MO 64802 PERMIT NO. 26

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

PAID

4311 E. Newman Road Joplin, Missouri 64801

You’re invited to attend our…

OPEN HOUSE

IMPORTANT DATE… MARK YOUR CALENDAR…

n Meet the teachers, students & parents n New parent information meeting n Ask questions about your child’s education n Visit the classrooms n Science Fair with Rube Goldberg Displays n Musical performances n Art displays

Thursday, February 16, 2012 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Early enrollment for children of Alumni will be February 13 & 14 For additional information call 417-782-4114 Ext 201 or email info@collegeheights.org

“Reach Out… Reconnect… and Remember” The Legacy alumni newsletter is currently printed three times a year. Your input is important to help us keep everyone up to date. If you have alumni news you’d like to submit, would like to update your contact information or be added to the mailing list, or need more information about alumni events, contact the CHCS Development Department at 417.782.4114, ext. 227, or info@collegeheights.org.

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