A NOTE FROM SUPERINTENDENT NELSON HORTON…
It’s hard to believe that one year has passed since May 22, 2011, when the lives of so many in our community were dramatically changed. This time last year, school had been dismissed a week early, and the facility was transformed into a primary distribution point, relief station and volunteer command center. Several in our school family were either directly affected by the disaster or had family, neighbors or friends who needed assistance. There was much to do, and the need was severe and immediate. It was encouraging to see so many of our number involved in relief efforts, and throughout the year I was impressed with the various ways CHCS families helped. Families donated money, Christmas decorations, spirit wear, coats, and many other items to ease the pain and make things even a little bit better for those who lost so much. Our PTF purchased a popcorn machine and donated it to the PTO at Emerson Elementary, whose machine was damaged in the storm. Scores of you served in your churches or local organizations to provide relief and rebuild Joplin. Thank you! It was also humbling to see the support and prayers offered by those outside our community. For example, St. Joseph Christian Academy sent a generous offering of $1,700 to be distributed to CHCS families who were affected, and a Christian school in California, requested staff names for prayer in their chapel services. Many calls and notes were received assuring us that prayers were being offered for our community and school families. It was heartwarming to see the church be the church! One year has passed. Though the physical buildings that house CHCS escaped unscathed by the storm, I doubt that any one of us was untouched, nor unchanged. For we are one body in Christ and as Paul wrote, “so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5 NASB)
Spelling Bee The kindergarten classes held their first annual Spelling Bee this year with all kindergarten students participating. A very special thanks go to the kindergarten teachers for organizing this event. We send out big CONGRATULATIONS to this year’s winners, Emily Countryman Collard and Ethan Ukena!!!
Planting Trees Twenty-two Middle and High School students, parents and teachers planted trees on April 28th for tornado victims. Students worked with our middle school science instructor, Mathew Clay, and other community members to plant the trees that were donated by The National Wildlife Federation. The students planted approximately 100 trees at the tornado victims’ homes. “The students were excited to spend another day giving back to Joplin,” says Mathew Clay, CHCS Science Instructor. “The re-building of our ecosystem in Joplin is at the crucial point right now. By adding trees back into our environment, it will benefit everyone in this community, not only the places with the damage. Our students spend many hours performing community service projects, so this is a great opportunity for them to reach out to assist a family with a need.”
MISSION STATEMENT
JUNE 2012
C O L L E G E
COUGARS
CHCS glorifies God through excellence as a Christ-centered learning environment that produces servant-leaders with a Biblical worldview.
COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL n 4311 E. NEWMAN ROAD n JOPLIN, MISSOURI 64801 n 471-782-4114 n WWW.COLLEGHEIGHTS.ORG
H E I G H T S
C H R I S TA N
S C H O O L
COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
GRADUATION 2012 Thirty-seven students graduated from CHCS on May 13th, 2012. The occasion was celebrated with friends and family. Baccalaureate featured words of inspiration from our Christian Character Award recipient, Spencer Ming and speaker Rob Harryman. The commencement was filled with tradition, beginning with the processional led by our three valedictorians, Lindsey Connor, Derek Hoover and Spencer Ming. Both the Baccalaureate and Commencement were attended by over 1,000 watching the graduates receive their diplomas. This year’s graduating class will be accepting almost $900,000 in scholarships.
Teacher Bound for Indonesia LYNNE BONTRAGER has accepted a teaching position in Indonesia, starting next year. She will be working primarily with children from missionary families. Lynne has done a great job with her 2nd grade students this year and although she will be missed by all of us here at CHCS, we are pleased that she is stepping out in faith to serve the Lord in Indonesia.
CHCS News
Congratulations Class of 2012!
SPENCER MING
CHCS Student Signs Letter of Intent
Spencer Ming has been named CHCS 2011-2012 Christian Character Award Recipient. This honor is given to one senior each year that displays the character of Christ in all aspects of his or her life. Three students are nominated by the senior class and approved by administration. Along with Spencer, Sarah Buford and Lindsey Conner also received the honor of being nominated. The entire high school body votes on the recipient and the winner is announced at the Annual Academic Awards Banquet. Spencer accepted this award at the baccalaureate and also had the honor of walking with distinguished graduates at graduation.
On Thursday, May 3, 2012, EVAN BELK, College Heights Christian School senior, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Sterling College, in Sterling, Kansas. Evan, starting guard, has been 4 year varsity letterman and 4 year varsity starter. He averaged 17 points per game, 5 assists per game, and averaged 3 steals per games. He has accumulated a total of 1,468 points in his high school career. Mr. Belks honors include: All District – Junior and Senior Year, All Conference – Junior and Senior Year. Coach Eric Johnson commented, “Evan is passionate about the game and a leader on our team. He is a very coachable player and is able to play several positions very well. I will miss him, but I am looking forward to watching him continue his basketball at the collegiate level.”
Matthew J. DeWelt Christian Character Award Recipient