Beyond The Classroom

When Seconds Count

TCCS Middle Schooler, Ethan Ehlert, was happily munching on his lunch when the old adage ‘That went down the wrong way’ came true. Ethan began choking as a piece of food became lodged in his windpipe. Fortunately, TC Christian teacher, Erica Boven, was on-hand. She quickly ascertained the situation and without hesitation, spun Ethan around and administered the Heimlich maneuver – a series of abdominal thrusts – which, after a couple of attempts, dislodged the obstruction and restored Ethan’s breathing. It was a close call, one for which Ethan’s mom and dad are exceedingly grateful Erica could resolve.

“Our TC Christian teachers are amazing,” said Ethan’s mom, April Ehlert. “Not only does Erica take time out of her lunch break every day to meet Ethan to administer insulin to him for diabetic life saving reasons, she was there today at the perfect time to rescue him while he was choking. She saved his life!”

For her part, Erica was modest. “I did what anyone would have done. Ethan needed help and I knew what to do. I’m just glad he’s OK”.

Great job, Erica! We’re praising God that He had you right there to head off what was obviously a dangerous and distressing situation.

World Quest

Several Juniors from Nathan Weemhoff’s US History class entered the regional competition of Academic World Quest for the first time this year. Academic World Quest is a national program designed to test players’ knowledge of current international politics, geography, global economics, history, and world cultures. The regional competition was held at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City and attracted teams from around Northern Michigan. The Sabres, appearing in their first World Quest, performed well with a score that put them just outside the Top 3.

The Abby Effect

TC Christian Freshman, Abby Stevens, has a mission of helping others and making a connection with those in need of support. Abby started a program with care boxes she’s calling “Building Strength” that’s bringing happiness to patients at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. It was an idea that started about a year ago and now dozens of babies, teens and even parents of the patients are receiving her positive effect.

These boxes have really given me the opportunity in such a small way to change somebody’s life and change their experience in the hospital while I’m not even there. So, I’m just helping others see that they’re not alone in the hospital.”

Everything from journals to games and even washcloths and socks for the babies staying at Mott Children’s Hospital are inside Abby’s Building Strength boxes. She knows what the patients are feeling since she herself was also a patient at Mott since she not only has Type 1 diabetes but also a heart condition. Abby is also on the teen advisory board at Mott and helps to improve patient experiences. Part of her work is directly connected with her heartfelt boxes.