Amanda (Ufer) Keene Class of 2013 Role: Math | Bible | Algebra 1 | Coach
The newest member of the alumni teaching team is Amanda Keene and she credits her vocational calling in part to TC Christian’s Spanish teacher, Rhonda Argyle. “I was drawn to Rhonda’s funloving, joyful personality and to her faithfulness to God, her family and her students,’ said Amanda. “I was so touched by the Senior Blessing I received from Rhonda. She somehow put the desires of my heart into words in such a beautiful way. It’s hanging in my home so I can remind myself what
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she saw in me, and to try to live in a way that pleases God.” Amanda’s TC Christian story begins in 7th grade. After attending public school, she and her sisters settled at TCCS. It was a huge blessing. “TCCS was very welcoming and I could tell the staff really cared about me and my walk with God. I loved being able to develop deep relationships with my teachers.” Growing up in Traverse City and being one of four girls meant there was never a dull moment in the family home or at school. “Friends and family knew us as the ‘Uferettes’,” said Amanda. As they grew older, the Ufer girls - Amanda, Shannon, Heather, and Leah - became friends, schoolmates, and sometimes, even teammates. “That’s something special about a small school like TC Christian. My sisters and I would often be on the same team, despite our difference in ages.”
Amanda enjoyed most subjects but found she had a love for math, Spanish, and science. “I liked to see how things worked and functioned.” A lifelong athlete, Amanda was a gymnast in her younger years. When she reached high school, however, it was no longer possible to continue gymnastics so she moved over to volleyball, basketball, and tennis. “I was not very good at basketball and average at volleyball.” The varsity sport where she shone was tennis. “I think tennis was my favorite of the school sports. I was blessed with the opportunity to go to states twice, and my tennis partner and I won regionals in our sophomore year.” In academics, just as in sports, Amanda was no slouch. A natural love of science, and in particular anatomy and physiology, along with her interest in athletics, led Amanda to prepare for a career in medicine. Her passion for travel and Spanish helped fuel a
