Annual Report 2017-2018
» » State
of the School
GROWING A LEGACY OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN GREATER LANSING
education a viable option for Christian families in mid-Michigan for generations to come. Through the sacrifice and investment of members of our
As I look at the wall near the visitor’s entrance, filled with large black and white pictures representing LCS through the decades, I am reminded on a daily
community, LCS will continue to pursue our vision of equipping young men and women to engage and transform the world for Jesus Christ.
basis that the 521 students we are educating and nurturing in 2018 are part of a larger story and a rich history--a legacy of Christian education in Greater Lansing.
NEW DEVELOPMENT - SUBSTANTIAL ENDOWMENT GROWTH IN 2017-18
In the 2018 Annual Report we Next to the pictures is a commemorative stone,
communicate, for the first time, an exciting
dedicated in 1954 and inscribed with the words
and recent development that will provide
of Psalm 78:7, “That They Might Set Their Hope
Lansing Christian School with a new level
in God.” In 1964 the Pilgrim was chosen as the
of financial sustainability for the future.
official LCS mascot. The Pilgrim was chosen to
The LCS endowment has grown from
communicate the idea that we are all sojourners
$500,000 to $8,500,000 in less than one
passing through this life together for the purpose of
year.
making a difference in this world, joining with God in advancing His kingdom through Christ-centered education.
In 2017-18 a generous group of donors contributed legacy gifts to the LCS endowment totaling eight million dollars.
The generations before us sought to educate and
This substantial growth in the endowment
equip young Pilgrims with the conviction that a
will open up new possibilities for Lansing
Christian school was needed in the Lansing area.
Christian School and allow us to plan
Today, we join the many parents, board members,
for the future of excellence in
teachers, and staff that have gone before us, with
Christian education in
our own commitment to making a quality Christian
Greater Lansing.
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Annual Report 2018
GRATEFUL FOR OUR DONOR SUPPORT
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board of Lansing Christian School, I express sincere
gratitude to each of our donors
continue to cultivate excellence in
for their financial partnership
learning and programming for the
through gifts to the LCS
students we are educating today.
Endowment and the Annual Fund. In addition to the extraordinary and substantial growth in the endowment this year, our
AN INVITATION TO PARTNER WITH LCS TODAY
2017-18 Annual Fund goals were achieved thanks to the generous contributions of many LCS donors. While the Endowment will provide for our school in the future, the gifts we receive for the Annual Fund allow us to
With the recent growth in the LCS endowment we have new confidence in the viability of Lansing Christian School for future generations. It is the school’s priority to be good stewards of these gifts. The gifts were given in good faith and with the intention to have Christian education impact the lives of more people in our community for generations to come.
As we celebrate this remarkable investment in our future, we encourage you to join with Pilgrims past and present by strengthening your engagement and investment in the excellent Christ-centered learning that is happening at Lansing Christian School today.
LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
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Âť Âť Growth
to the LCS Endowment
Since 1951, Lansing Christian School has been
contribute a gift to the LCS Endowment do so with
a source of quality Christian education in mid-
the understanding that the principal of the account
Michigan. Today, LCS is a thriving school that
will be retained in order to provide a source of
prepares students for life now and after graduation.
dependable income for the school long-term. This
Through exceptional resources and programs, led by
means that a gift to the LCS Endowment is a gift
some of the best teachers in Christian education, we
that keeps giving.
are equipping young men and women to engage and transform the world for Jesus Christ.
While the remarkable growth to the LCS Endowment provides our school with a new sense
We are excited to announce that, through generous
of financial sustainability for the future, LCS will
contributions made to the LCS Endowment this
continue to rely on generous contributions to the
year, the Endowment Fund has grown to just
Annual Fund to support and expand the exceptional
over $8,500,000. This extraordinary and humbling
programming we provide today. Each year, we rely
amount is institution-changing and will allow LCS
on gifts to the Annual Fund to raise over $1,500 per
to grow a legacy of Christ-centered education in the
full time student to help make a Christ-centered
Lansing area for generations to come.
education accessible for families in the greater Lansing area and to support our excellent programs
Contributions made to the LCS Endowment are held in a secure restricted fund which will grow over time, and the school will be able to utilize a portion of that growth each year as income. Donors who
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Annual Report 2018
and resources. This is an exciting time in the history of LCS and we challenge our community to support LCS through a yearly charitable donation to the Annual Fund.
LEGACY A percentage of the growth of the account can be paid out annually as income to support an exceptional and COMMITMENT Through prudent fiscal management, overseen by the Foundation Board,
accessible Christcentered education at Lansing Christian School for generations to come.
the LCS Endowment will accrue interest and INVESTMENT The LCS Endowment Fund was established
continue to grow through the ongoing support of donors.
with major gifts from generous donors. The restricted fund is currently at $8.5 Million.
LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
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» » LCS
Through the Years
Lansing Christian School was founded in 1951 through the commitment and passion of a small group of parents who sought to create a Christ-centered school for their children in the Lansing area. Now entering our 67th year, we are an institution marked by academic excellence, authentic Christian community, and a commitment to equipping our students with the tools they need to excel as they live out their role in God’s story. As we celebrate the recent growth in the LCS Endowment Fund and the exciting future of our school, we also seek to honor the work and dedication of those who came before us.
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Lansing Christian School first opened its
for school activities including chapel,
doors on September 10, 1951. The first
athletic events, concerts, and plays.
classes were taught in the basement of a local church, where three teachers taught fifty-nine kindergarten through sixth grade students. The first school building on Pennsylvania Avenue was completed with mostly donated labor by parents after working hours and dedicated in October of 1954.
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By 1976 the school had grown too large for their building, and LCS began construction
on an addition to house the high school. A short time later, the school expanded once more and bought the Barnes Avenue School which would hold the elementary grades.
LCS continued to add grades to the school and graduated the first high school class of
two students in 1963. The following year the Pilgrim would officially be named the LCS mascot.
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In the 1990s, LCS successfully completed the rigorous requirements to become a
fully accredited school. In 1999, due to deteriorating buildings, the school determined it was time to begin construction on a new PreK-12 school. The new
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In 1969 the school began construction on a
construction took dedication and patience from our
long-awaited gym (previously the basketball
community, not only in hours spent in planning and
team practiced outdoors). To save money, the
preparation, but also by our middle and high school
superintendent led a group of six to eight students
students who spent a year learning in modular units
and a few fathers in working fourteen-hour days
and watching the progress of the new buildings from
to complete the project. The space became a hub
their classrooms.
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Annual Report 2018
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3
4
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Today, LCS continues to be
a Christ-centered learning environment dedicated to equipping young men and women to engage and transform the world
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for Jesus Christ. With a commitment to providing a quality Christian education, we are preparing students to excel in college, career, and to be of service to their communities.
Bolstered by the recent growth of the LCS Endowment, we will continue to be a school founded on faith, guided by prayer, and kept by grace for generations to come.
LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
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» » Alumni
Profiles
At LCS we are committed to providing an exceptional and accessible Christ-centered learning environment that is preparing students for life now and after graduation. Achieving this goal requires a strong partnership with our parents and the support of a generous community that is committed to growing a legacy of excellent Christian education in the Lansing area. These three profiles demonstrate the value of an LCS education and look at why families are choosing to make the investment in a faith-based education for their children. As the parents of six young children, Tim and Sara Mustapha have a home filled with lots of love and a bit of chaos. As a larger family, they are making a significant investment in an LCS education for their children and are thankful for the role the school has played in their family’s lives.
Joseph Bustamante is a young alumnus who is just beginning his career as a software consultant and developer in Grand Rapids, MI. Joe credits his supportive teachers and challenging coursework at LCS with helping him succeed in college and inspiring his commitment to community service. As LCS alumni and current parents, Todd and Gillian Granger have had a lifelong relationship with Lansing Christian School. They are passionate about providing their own children with a Christ-centered education and share why they chose to invest in the future of the school through a legacy gift to the LCS Endowment.
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Annual Report 2018
LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
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» » Mustapha
Family
The alarm goes off at 6:00am on a school day in the
But mornings were not always like this in the
Mustapha house. The scene is organized chaos with
Mustapha household. In fact, the Mustaphas say
Tim and Sara helping their six children get ready for
that when they first came to check out LCS for their
the day. Backpacks were packed the night before
oldest child, now in sixth grade, they had no idea
and loaded in the car. Tim is in the kitchen playing
they would have six children. Sara recalls, “from the
the role of a short order breakfast cook while Sara
moment we walked into Lansing Christian for our
is manning an assembly line of hair brushing and
first visit when Ava was just a preschooler, we were
braiding. While the Mustapha children are getting
so excited about what we saw! We immediately
dressed you may see a few cartwheels in the hallway
knew that LCS was a special school that we wanted
or a quick Lego project followed by the noisy rush to
Ava to attend! We honestly had no idea that we
get the kids piled into the car by 7:30.
would ultimately have six children, or that they would
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Annual Report 2018
all attend LCS. God really opened doors and made
The Mustaphas also appreciate the cross-grade
the opportunity possible for us during Ava’s first
level connections that their children have been
year. After our first experiences at LCS, and after we
able to experience. They note that Sam (4th grade)
realized how much our children loved the school,
still communicates with the senior buddy he was
their teachers, their friends, the staff…we knew that
paired with in kindergarten and that, through that
we would do whatever it took to allow our kids to
mentor relationship, Sam has learned things like
have this opportunity.”
“self-confidence, and what it means to have a strong work ethic and walk in integrity.”
Lansing Christian School represents a significant investment for the Mustaphas. They currently have five children enrolled at LCS, but
Looking ahead, the Mustapha kids are excited about their future at LCS. Ava wants to
they see a huge value in a Christian
play soccer for the Pilgrims, while
learning environment where
Sam is looking forward to
teachers, parents,
baseball. Hannah (2nd
and staff work
grade) can’t wait
together
for biology
to nurture
class in high
students. “At LCS the big difference is the people. The faculty, staff, and families set LCS apart from other places.”
“WE CANNOT WAIT FOR OUR KIDS TO PURSUE THEIR TRUEST IDENTITIES IN A PLACE THAT DOESN’T SIMPLY TOLERATE THEIR FAITH, BUT EMBRACES AND NURTURES IT!”
a solution to one of her lifelong questions. For Ava, this meant putting her math skills to good use and learning how to sew her own clothes. Sara says, “The confidence and pride that Ava got to experience while completing it were things that will stay with her for the rest of her life!”
she is older. For Tim and Sara, they are excited to see
and, most importantly, grow in
and Tim have seen their children
had to complete a genius week project by finding
chapel when
develop academically
curricular opportunities, Sara
As a student in Mr. Lohman’s 5th grade class she
to help lead
their children
the classroom to co-
seen Ava (6th grade) grow as a problem solver.
grade) wants
continue to help
experiences in
and athletically. Recently, the Mustaphas have
Lauren (1st
how LCS will
From
grow spiritually, socially, academically,
school and
their faith and understanding of God. ”We look forward to our kids developing into the people that God has intended them to be. Ones who love Him with their whole hearts, minds, and souls and who love His people. We are excited for them to grow as leaders and thinkers, for them to not simply know about God, but to know who He is and who He says they are! We cannot wait for our kids to pursue their truest identities in a place that doesn’t simply tolerate their faith, but embraces and nurtures it!”
LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
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» » Joseph
Bustamante Like many of our alumni, Joseph Bustamante (’14)
English. Joe states, “I
credits the teachers at Lansing Christian School
thought the combination of
with helping him develop the skills and knowledge
those two disciplines would be the
necessary to succeed and thrive following high
best way to further grow in some of the
school. After graduating from LCS, Joe attended
things I love most: working with other people,
Hope College where he double majored in Computer
communicating effectively, constantly reading and
Science and English with a minor in Spanish. “I
learning, and building things I’m passionate about.”
attribute so much of my success in both those [majors] to the education I got at LCS, “Joe says. “The classes and teachers there instilled in me not just a love of learning, but also pushed me to develop the tools and discipline necessary to continually grow and challenge myself. LCS also developed a strong faith foundation for me early on, and taught me how important it was to be a part of a strong faith community.”
Seeing how seemingly disparate areas of study connect and inform one another was something Joe says he experienced while taking AP Physics with Mr. Bjarki. While Joe ultimately decided to apply those skills to a career in computer science, his time at LCS helped him understand “the importance of establishing connections across all the things I was learning.” Joe’s passion for learning and ability to succeed in multiple disciplines was recognized
For Joe, fulfilling that love of learning meant pursuing
by his professors at Hope College who awarded
the unusual combination of Computer Science and
him both the DeGraaf English Award as well as the
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Annual Report 2018
”THE CLASSES AND TEACHERS AT LCS INSTILLED IN ME NOT JUST A LOVE OF LEARNING, BUT ALSO PUSHED ME TO DEVELOP THE TOOLS AND DISCIPLINE NECESSARY TO CONTINUALLY GROW AND CHALLENGE MYSELF.” Computer Science Senior Prize—scholarships given
through our service hours, service week, and even
to the “most outstanding student” in each of those
other service projects through groups like student
majors.
council. When I got to Hope I knew I wanted to continue doing that, both because of how much
In addition to achieving academic success, Joe also made fostering community an important part of his college experience. Joe was a member of Hope’s Club Rugby Team, on Student Congress, and was an RA as well as a member of the Residential Life leadership team. Also notably, Joe served as the
I appreciate it and because I think it’s something we’re called to as Christians.” In addition to his commitment to student organizations at Hope, Joe spent four hours a week volunteering with CASA, an organization that pairs college students with local at-risk elementary students.
president of Hope’s chapter of Mortar Board—a collegiate honor society that focuses on the three
Now that Joe has completed his studies, he looks
pillars of service, leadership, and scholarship.
forward to pursuing a vocation as a Software Consultant and Developer with the Grand Rapids
Mortar Board was a natural fit for Joe, whose passion for learning is paired with a strong desire to serve others. Joe states, “Service was something I really got into a habit of during my time at LCS,
2018 LCS GRADUATES RECEIVED A
TOTAL OF $2,855,676
IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
based company Atomic Objects, where he can continue to pull from his various interests and abilities to learn, grow, and thrive in career and community.
2018 ALUMNI ARE ATTENDING
19 DIFFERENT COLLEGES IN 10 DIFFERENT STATES
LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
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» » Todd
and Gillian Granger
When Gillian Lipsey (’88) walked into Lansing
I developed a strong sense of right and wrong, a
Christian School as a new sixth grade student she
foundational belief that the Bible is the infallible word
had no idea that she would be sitting next to the
of God.” Gillian’s experience echoes Todd’s, she says.
boy who would eventually become her husband.
“The authenticity of my teachers had a huge impact
Gillian vividly recalls walking up the wide staircase
on me. They were all so different, and yet each of
at the Barnes Avenue location as a shy, dedicated
them loved the Lord and I knew they wanted me to
student getting ready to start at a new school. “I
know Him and love Him, too.”
was introduced to the class and Mrs. Ames pointed to a desk next to a boy named Todd. I remember him as nice and funny and very cute.” While Gillian’s memory is mixed with all the emotions of starting a new school and navigating a new environment, Todd’s recollection of meeting Gillian for the first time is singular in sentiment. “I thought, ‘That’s the girl I’m going to marry,’” he shares, with a wink and a smile.
After graduating from LCS, Todd and Gillian attended Calvin College before returning back to the Lansing area to start their family which includes two sons and two daughters. When it was time to select a school for their own children, Todd and Gillian reflected on their experiences at LCS and their priorities as parents. Todd says they decided to send their kids to Lansing Christian School because “We wanted them in a school with Christian teachers
For the Grangers, LCS is full of special memories
who would support what we were doing at home.”
and experiences. It is where Todd and Gillian first met as eleven year old students. But it is also where they developed lifelong friendships, where Todd played basketball and Gillian sang in chorale and participated in musicals. Now, 30 years after their graduation, Todd and Gillian recognize and appreciate the influence that Lansing Christian School had on their lives. Todd recalls, “Being in a Christ-centered educational environment during the formative years of my life set my moral compass.
With two children now alumni of Lansing Christian School and two in the high school, Todd and Gillian are thankful for the education their children have received at LCS. From academics to athletics and the arts, they belive the size of the school and individual classes have afforded their children the opportunity to do things that they might not have done in a larger school. In addition to an exceptional academic environment, Todd and Gillian also
“WHEN YOU’RE THE RECIPIENT OF SUCH SELFLESSNESS AND DEDICATION IT COMPELS YOU TO ASPIRE TO THE SAME LEVEL OF GENEROSITY.”
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Annual Report 2018
recognize the influence that
the future. Todd says, “Lansing
our family lived very simply
LCS teachers have had on their
needs a Christian school, and it
because tuition at LCS was
children, specifically the ways in
needs to be a viable option for all
a priority. I have tremendous
which teachers have gone above
Christian families.” Giving to the
respect and admiration for the
and beyond their classroom
LCS Endowment means that the
decisions that my parents made
duties to lead Bible studies, book
gift Todd and Gillian contributed
and continue to be so grateful. As
clubs, and extra study sessions.
will provide dependable income
long as there are families who are
As Gillian notes, these were all “led
for the school in the future and
willing to sacrifice so that their
by teachers on their own time for
as Todd states, will “keep tuition
children can attend a Christian
the sole benefit of the students.
accessible while allowing for
school, we want to do everything
When you’re the recipient of such
continued improvements to the
possible to ensure that LCS is
selflessness and dedication it
school.”
worthy of their investment. Giving
compels you to aspire to the same level of generosity.”
to the endowment is one way For Gillian, making a contribution to the LCS Endowment is an
For Todd and Gillian that
opportunity to invest in the
generosity means joining others
future of LCS and to ensure other
in making a legacy gift to the
families will be able to have
LCS Endowment. When given the
access to the quality Christian
opportunity, the Grangers decided
education that played an
they wanted to invest in Lansing
important role in her life and the
Christian School not just for their
lives of her children. “My
own children and the students
parents worked
currently enrolled at LCS, but to
really hard,
make a gift that would ensure the
and
to ensure that Lansing Christian will continue to provide excellent, Christ-centered education to families for generations to come.”
school would continue to provide an exceptional and accessible Christian education in
LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
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» » 2017-2018
Financial
GIVING AT A GLANCE
Endowment Annual Fund Black & Gold Celebration Third Party Tuition Assistance Restricted Gifts TOTAL
2017-2018
2016-2017
$7,936,000
$28,000
$600,000 $165,000 $126,000 $67,000
$618,000 $151,000 $150,000 $97,000
$958,000
$1,016,000
WHO ARE OUR DONORS?
PERCENTAGE OF ALL DONORS BY CATEGORY*
NUMBER OF DONORS BY DOLLAR AMOUNT
9
$50,000+
13
$10,000-$49,999
39% PARENTS It em Sales Count 27% ALUMNI PARENTS/G.PARENTS $100,000+ 8 15% GRANDPARENTS $50,000-$99,999 1 11% ORGANIZATIONS
$1,000-$9,999
68
13
$100-$999
151
96 41
11% 68
10%
$1-$99
41
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Annual Report 2018
151
8%
96
$10,000-$49,999
STAFF
$1,000-$9,999
FRIENDS OF LCS ALUMNI
$1-$99
$100-$999
*DONORS MAY FIT INTO MORE THAN ONE CATEGORY
OPERATING INCOME
$4,536,000
OPERATING EXPENSE
$4,531,000
TUITION 76%
FACULTY & STAFF 73%
PROGRAM SUPPORT 12%
DONATIONS 23%
CAPITAL REPAIR RESERVE 8%
FACILITY 7%
OTHER 1%
FUNDRAISING 1%
LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
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» » How
Can I Make a Difference?
ANNUAL FUND
ENDOWMENT
Your contribution to the Annual Fund supports
Since 1951, Lansing Christian School has been a
the excellent resources and programs at our
bedrock for Christ-centered education in the greater
school and helps us graduate more young men
Lansing area. Contributions to the LCS Endowment
and women equipped to engage and transform
provide the school with long-term financial
the world for Jesus Christ. Making an exceptional
sustainability, ensuring a legacy of exceptional and
Christian education accessible to more families
accessible Christian education.
is foundational to our mission. No one pays the full cost of educating a student at LCS. Each year, we rely on generous gifts from members of our community to the Annual Fund to raise over $1,500 per student to provide families with an affordable quality Christ-centered education.
The financial support of the LCS community to the Annual Fund is an expression of faith and support in God’s work at the school. Your gift, big or small, makes a difference and is an investment in the future of our students and the students in our future!
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Annual Report 2018
Currently at just over $8,500,000, gifts made to the LCS Endowment are held in a restricted fund allowing future growth to be used as dependable income for the school for generations to come.
PLANNED GIVING
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Making a planned gift to Lansing Christian
Providing a gift to Lansing Christian School in
School during your lifetime, or naming LCS in
memory of a friend or relative is a wonderful way
your will or trust, exemplifies a lifetime passion
to honor their life while supporting an exceptional
and commitment to the mission of our school.
and accessible Christ-centered education. When
Gifts received from an individual’s estate, unless
an honoree or family has requested that gifts be
otherwise designated, will be placed in the LCS
given to Lansing Christian School, the donations
Endowment.
are made to the Annual Fund unless otherwise specified. In recognition of the individual in whose
In addition to naming LCS in your will or trust, you can designate Lansing Christian School as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance
name a memorial gift was made, a brick will be placed outside the main entrance to commemorate their legacy at Lansing Christian School.
policy, or you can create a charitable gift annuity which provides immediate support to the school
To make a memorial gift please contact Melissa
during your lifetime.
Keeley (mkeeley@lansingchristianschool.org) in the Development Office.
Please contact Melissa Keeley (mkeeley@ lansingchristianschool.org) in the Development Office for more information about including Lansing Christian School in your estate plans. LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
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3405 Belle Chase Way, Lansing, MI 48911 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Equipping young men and women to engage and transform the world for Jesus Christ. lansingchristianschool.org/517.882.5779 Follow us on Twitter @LCSPilgrims and Facebook