December 2008 by Lakeland Christian School

Viking December 2008

The

L ak e l a n d C h r i s t i a n S c h o o l

LCS Dedicates New Landmark Facilities

Spending vs. Investing By Mike Sligh, Headmaster Unless you’ve been living under a very large rock this fall, you have been besieged with talk about the economy. Anxiety, uncertainty and the cold reality of economic slowdown are touching all of us in some manner.

student, the greater the dividend. Determine what investments are

We are all looking at our family budgets to see where

time sensitive.

we can control costs. Many folks have told me that this is

We only have

proving to be a healthy exercise for their family, and they are

one opportunity

seeing some clear benefit to these belt-tightening efforts.

to educate our

At LCS, we continue to make this a serious priority. All

children. They

departments have already gone through rounds of budget

are school age

review and belt tightening. Although LCS budgets have a

today, not ten

historical pattern of being lean and efficient in our use of

years from now.

When resources are limited, it is more important than ever to invest in something that will have appreciating value over the long haul.

funds and personnel, we are renewing

Even though our

our effort to be even better stewards of

financial situation

the resources entrusted to us.

may be brighter

When we look for spending cuts

in several years,

in our family, we look to eliminate

the children are in

expenditures which leave us with little

school now. Long after the current economic downturn is

lasting benefit. When we’ve spent our

over, the influence of Christian schooling during these times

money for an entertainment activity,

will remain.

paid the cable TV bill, paid more than

There will always be the temptation to pull out of an

necessary to eat out, or finished the

investment when there is a short-term downturn. Perhaps

last cup of gourmet coffee, what lasting

your student’s recent experiences at school have been

value is there to show for our purchase?

disappointing. A demanding curriculum, teacher or coach

We also look for purchases that we can postpone until later. Drive the car

presents unfamiliar challenges. Relationships in the peer group take a turn for the worse. Experiencing these or similar

longer, wear the suit another season, sit on the same couch,

hard times can tempt parents to leave the school rather than

extend the use of the computer or other electronic device

to stay and work toward a solution in partnership with the

rather than insist on the latest and the greatest model. We try

school staff. The greatest dividends await the investor that

to determine which purchase is really urgent and which one

will not be swayed by occasional downturns but will stay the

can wait.

course over the long haul.

As re-enrollment time approaches, we realize some of our

I do not pretend to speak with disinterested impartiality on

families are facing hard questions about the feasibility of

this topic. I am convinced of the value of Christian schooling

continued enrollment at LCS. In this day of cost cutting, let

in the lives of a young person. I know the reality of financial

me offer the following considerations:

sacrifice to provide this for my own children and would do

When resources are limited, it is more important than ever to invest in something that will have appreciating value over the long haul. The impact of Christian schooling in the

it again without hesitation. It is a worthy investment that deserves priority in times of tough choices. We can expect that these economic times will dictate that

heart and mind of the student may not be obvious in the

some families will have to leave LCS. That is of great concern

short term. The cumulative, incremental influence of godly

to us. We are increasing our financial aid program for next

teachers working to instill a love for learning about both

year to try to keep Christian school accessible to as many

the Creator and the creation can be profound. The longer

families as possible. It would be wonderful for those who can,

these incremental investments are poured into the life of the

to assist other families in need by contributing to the school’s



 scholarship fund. We want to keep our school family together and to add more families to our school community.

Lastly, we must continually be reminded that our hope

not His own Son on our behalf and has raised Him from the dead. He has given us new life and the hope of resurrection (Romans 8). As we move through tough times, let’s resolve,

is not in a political or economic system. Our hope rests

not just to be financially prudent, but to fix our eyes on the

ultimately in our Sovereign Lord who does all things well. He

Savior who promises wisdom (James 1:5), guidance (Psalm

has demonstrated His love toward us in Christ, has spared

32:8) and hope (Romans 13:15).

2008 Grads Honored as AP Scholars

in this issue 2 New Buildings Dedicated

Sixteen students at Lakeland Christian School have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of

Leslie Schichtel, valedictorian

their exceptional achievement on

of the class of 2008, was named

AP exams.

an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Musical Harvest Benefits Center

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) provides motivated and

academically prepared students with the o pportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school and to

Viking Stadium Features Fun

earn college credit, advanced placement or both for successful performance on the AP exams. About 18 percent of the 1.6 million students worldwide who took AP exams performed at

10-12

a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement

Sports Teams Excel

based on students’ performance on AP exams. Leslie Schichtel qualified for the AP Scholar with D istinction

Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of

Gifts to LCS Abound

these exams. Four students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all

AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these tests. These students are Alex Downing, Donald

Your Turn!

Franklin, Elaine Tan and Julia Zimmerman. Eleven students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by

completing three or more AP exams with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are David Blanco, Taylor Freeman,

News from Our Alums

Luke Hasha, Laura Kirby, Stephanie Livesay, Michael Mutz, Suzanne Parrish, Ian Thomas, Shannon Wasilewski, Caitlin Wheeler and Jessica White.

LCS Dedicates New Landmark Facilities Two

years ago this fall, Lakeland Christian School students, faculty and administrators broke ground

This massive building features 33 classrooms over three floors and houses the LCS first through fifth grades,

on what would be the most massive expansion in the 50+ year

the Middle School and the Discovery Program for autistic

history of the school. On November 20, in Viking Stadium – the

students. The facility is “high educational tech,” with

very location of the groundbreaking – the school celebrated the

Smartboards, Surround Sound, multiple computer stations in

construction completion of a $23 million capital expansion with a

each classroom and reading nooks in the elementary rooms.

formal dedication ceremony.

It features a Wonder Room science and nature lab. The

Over the past two years, the school has constructed a new maintenance facility, expanded parking, created a new main entrance and built the beautiful new on-campus

building also contains security cameras and an access control system. The school also dedicated a new Center for Early

Viking Stadium (which was dedicated last fall). However, the

Childhood Education, located in an adjacent site in the

centerpiece of the current expansion project is the facility,

heart of the campus.

which was the primary focus of the dedication – the

The dedication represents the completion of a $23

three-story, 71,000 square-foot Elementary/Middle School

million capital expansion over the past two years. The

building. This is one ofthe newest educational facility in

school has raised all but $6 million of the “Deliver the

West Central Florida and has become a landmark building

Dream” campaign goal and continues actively pursuing

for the heart of Lakeland.

gifts to complete the campaign. LCS has received five

Fifty white doves were released at the end of the ceremony to commemorate the special event.

Left: Campaign Chairman Bill Mutz was joined by just a few of the students who will benefit from the new facilities. Right – top to bottom: Mayor Buddy Fletcher spoke on behalf of the City of Lakeland. Senior class president Josh Robinson led a song of thanks. Dr. Mike Sligh, Headmaster of LCS, led the audience in a responsive reading of dedication for the new facilities.

seven-figure gifts and has raised more than $17 Million in the past two years. Jon Kirk of SCMH Architects designed the campus master plan, and Marcobay Construction of Lakeland has performed all construction. The dedication ceremony featured comments by Board Chairman Kevin Knowlton, Headmaster Dr. Mike Sligh, Campaign Chairman Bill Mutz, Lakeland Mayor Buddy Fletcher and others. All in attendance participated in a responsive reading of formal dedication, and senior class president Josh Robinson led the audience in a special song of thanks. Three members of the student body – Hayden Patteson, Nneka Ofuani and Gaines Griffin – read Scripture. Primary Grades Principal Luci O’Byrne, Elementary Principal Fred Wiechmann and Assistant Middle School Principal Keith Overholt cut the dedication ribbon on the

second floor balcony of the new building. To conclude the ceremony, 50 white doves were released over the new facilities. Below: Keith Overholt, Luci O’Byrne and Fred Wiechmann cut the dedication ribbon on the balcony of the Elementary/Middle School building.

2 ND

ANNUAL

Benefits Center for Early Childhood Education Performing for an audience of more than 250, an elite

Through ticket sales, sponsorships and the silent

group of professional musicians joined more than 100 LCS

auction, this event raised more than $45,000 for the new

students to present the second annual Musical Harvest. This

LCS C enter for Early Childhood Education. This special

musical extravaganza, which featured selections from several

musical event was made possible by the generosity of

beloved musicals and operas, raised money to benefit the

title sponsors Larry and Anita Maxwell and through the

new Center for Early Childhood Education.

sponsorships of MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union, OMS

Returning to the Trinity Presbyterian Church stage for

Group and Peterson & Myers.

the second year in a row was Sarah Hagstrom (named Most

The Center for Early Childhood Education, a $1.24

Promising Young Artist in America), Dr. Christy Lee (award-

million facility, comprises two classroom buildings, a

winning accompanist) and school parent Greg Sale (pianist

large playground and a unique Outdoor Learning Center

and vocalist). They were joined by renowned opera singer

amphitheatre. This spacious environment serves the

and school parent, Christina Sale, and Mark Thomsen of the

youngest students on campus – the K4 and K5 children.

Metropolitan Opera. The LCS musicians were made up of

Earlier in the day, the professional musicians visited

fourth through twelfth graders.

the LCS middle school and high school choruses for special

LCS students joining the professional musicians

Master Classes. The student musicians had the opportunity

included the Senior High Concert Choir; the Junior High

to learn from and ask questions of the professionals.

Chorus; the Sixth Grade Chorus; Heart of Joy (4th and 5th

Next year’s Musical Harvest is tentatively scheduled for

grade choir); as well as the Symphonic Winds, the senior

Monday, November 2, 2009.

high concert band. This musical celebration featured familiar music from West Side Story, Showboat, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Carmen. The program also included spiritual classics such as “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” and “You Raise Me Up.” Several selections from The Sound of Music were performed by both the professional artists and select LCS students. Following the performance, Gold Patron donors were invited to an after-concert reception at the home of Bonnie and Streamline Sale. These donors enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, a musical encore by the professional musicians and a silent auction.

The husband-and-wife duo of Christina and Greg Sale perform a selection from Phantom of the Opera.

Junior Russell Aldridge and senior Courtney Smith delighted the crowd with The Sound of Music’s “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” Sarah Hagstrom, joined by several student musicians, sang “Do-Re-Mi” from the beloved musical The Sound of Music. The entire group concluded the evening with a powerful rendition of “You Raise Me Up.”

Viking Stadium Features Footba

all, Fun and Family Atmosphere

Fall Friday nights in Viking Stadium are certainly about football, but

LCS also boasts an atmosphere of family friendly fun each Friday night when the Vikings are on their home field. This year, visitors to Viking Stadium experienced sumo wrestling, fireworks, skydivers, the Chick-fil-A cow, homecoming, a special photo booth, face painting, a dunk tank and much, much more!

More than 550 attend third annual Grandparent’s Day

Second grader Annie Speed is joined in her classroom by her grandparents Mike and Pam Jones.

Coming from as far away as Panama, more than

The lighthearted ventriloquist duo of Julie Boyd (Vice President

550 grandparents visited Lakeland Christian School in

of Communications and Development at the Florida Baptist

mid-November for the third annual Grandparent’s and

Children’s Home) and “Mildred” had the audience laughing with

Grandfriend’s Day. For many of these special guests, it

humorous jokes and stories about growing older and the joys of

was their first time on the LCS campus.

grandchildren. Following Mildred, the grandparents were dismissed

The event began with a special program in

to visit their grandchildren in the classrooms.

the c afeteria, where piano students and a choir of

This special day is a highlight for students in K4 through

kindergarten and second grade students entertained the

fifth grade as they host their grandparents. Not only do the kids

grandparents. Headmaster Dr. Mike Sligh and Director

get to spend time with their grandparents, but they also have the

of Advancement Steve Wilson w elcomed the guests and

opportunity to introduce their teachers, show off their classroom,

shared about the mission of the school.

display artwork and do special projects.

Senior Auction Set for January 31 Mark your calendar: the annual Senior Class Auction will be held on Saturday, January 31, in the school cafeteria. A dinner and silent auction will begin at 5:30 PM, with the live auction following at 7:30 PM. Items typically include vacation packages, sports and attraction tickets, jewelry, furniture, artwork, tools, golf packages and much more. All proceeds from this auction will go toward the senior class mission trip to Washington State in May. Look for more information in the coming weeks.

Royalty Crowned at Homecoming Football Game Weather threatened this year’s homecoming game festivities, but the rain held out and allowed Lakeland Christian’s new homecoming royalty to be crowned. At halftime of the varsity football game against Eastland Christian School, seniors Zach Cabrera and Hannah Cotterill were chosen by their peers as this year’s King and Queen, and juniors Chris Lopez and Whitney Turbeville were selected as the Prince and Princess. The following evening, the annual banquet rounded out the weeklong homecoming activities. This year’s banquet, held on Saturday, October 25, was themed “Entertainment Tonight” and featured an

• The 2008 Homecoming King and Queen are Zach Cabrera and Hannah Cotterill. (top)

American Idol-style lip sync competition.

• Chris Lopez and Whitney Turbeville were named

Several groups performed, but the senior

this year’s Prince and Princess. (middle left)

boys’ group “Team Legit,” made up of

• Assistant high school principal Darren Copeland and faculty members Wendi Fischer and Geoff

Tanner Fox, Drew Laing, Stephen Stinson,

Stabler served as the judges in the American

Zach Cabrera and Jacob Davis, claimed

Idol-style competition. (middle right)

the top prize of $250 with their routine set

• “Team Legit” performs their winning routine at

to a medley of songs.

the homecoming banquet. (bottom left)

Senior Participates in Youth in Government Program LCS senior Daniel Barcelo recently participated in the West Central Florida YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) Program. A member of the 51st Annual State Assembly, Daniel was recognized for his outstanding performance and dedication to servant leadership and service learning. In the YIG program, Daniel was chosen as the vice president. His role was to serve as the right-hand man to the president and lead meetings in his absence. In his role, Daniel helped pass a bill for Florida schools to institute a school lunch program. According to their Web site, the YMCA Youth in Government program of West Central Florida offers hands-on civic opportunities through m eetings, special events and conferences. Chapter members experience the inner workings of the governmental processes by serving in different capacities of all three branches: legislative, judicial and executive. Teens work to write bills, fine-tune debate skills, prepare media reports, learn lobbying techniques and develop public speaking skills.

Varsity Team Finishes 8-3 After

finishing a disappointing 2007 season with

School. The team easily handled Eastland, winning 69-6.

just one win, the Viking Varsity Football team

Junior running back Marcus Stone scored a school-record five

had a lot to improve on in 2008. And with first-year head

touchdowns, all in the first 20 minutes of the game.

coach Bobby Dan McGlohorn in charge, the Vikings turned

Leading 14-13 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the

things around to finish their season with a strong 8-3 record

Vikings narrowly defeated Northside Christian on October 31.

and more than 20 new records set.

Northside threatened to take the lead, but an interception by

The Vikings kicked off the new season on August 29

senior Buddy Welch and a one-yard touchdown by senior Ryan

with a 23-6 win over Bradenton Christian School in the

Miles clinched the game for the Vikings.

Preseason Classic. The team then went on the road for three

On November 7, Stone added to his impressive season

games, defeating Admiral Farragut Academy (22-7) and All

statistics when he ran for four more touchdowns, leading his

Saints’ Academy (35-10) before losing to Fort Meade, 32-3,

team to a 45-8 victory over Jacksonville’s Mandarin Christian

on September 19.

School.

The Vikings returned home on September 26 to face

The Vikes wrapped up their season with a thrilling Senior

Indian Rocks Christian School but lost 23-7 in their only

Night victory, 24-21, over rival Santa Fe Catholic. The Vikings

home loss of the season. On October 17, the Vikings traveled

trailed 21-17 when junior quarterback Ryan Parrish threw a

to Shorecrest Preparatory School where they lost 35-14.

pass to senior Zach Cabrera for the game-winning touchdown.

On October 24, the Vikings returned to their home

The middle school team, coached by Roger Evans, finished

field for the Homecoming game against Eastland Christian

their season at 5-2.

FHSAA Awards Fall Academic Team Champions The Florida High School Athletic

With a cumulative GPA of 3.652, the boys’

For volleyball, the LCS girls

Association has named the Academic

golf team had the highest GPA in Class 1A for

finished in sixth place with a GPA

Team Champions for the fall sports

the state of Florida. The girls’ golf team also

of 3.538. The football team earned

season, and two Lakeland Christian

made the list, finishing ninth with a cumulative

fifth place (3.136), and the boys’ cross

teams topped the list for having the

GPA of 3.493.

country team made the list with a GPA

highest grade point average in the state in their class.

The girls’ swim team also had the highest GPA in class 1A with a cumulative GPA of 3.773.

of 3.304 (18th place).

Photo by Anthony Sligh

Golf Teams Finish First in District LCS golf teams earned a first place

earned a second place finish out of the

nine other teams to win the title. The

finish in their District tournaments this

13 teams represented. At the District

Viking linksters had a successful season,

year before finishing their seasons in the

tournament at River Greens Golf Club

finishing in first place in 10 out of their

Regional tournament.

on October 13, the Lady Vikings earned

14 meets. They defeated teams such

The newly re-formed girls’ golf

first place out of 16 teams with a score

as Kathleen, Lake Gibson and George

team, coached by David Joyner, had a

of 452. At the Regional t ournament, the

Jenkins. The Vikings ended their season

successful season, defeating some of the

girls finished in fifth place with 242.

at the Regional tournament at the Bayou

large area public schools including Lake

The boys’ golf team earned their

Club in Largo, finishing sixth out of nine

Gibson, Lake Region and L akeland. In

fourth consecutive District title at the

teams with a score of 345. The boys’ team

the county tournament on October 8,

Wedgewood Golf Club on October

was coached by Austin Temperley.

the girls tallied a team score of 222 and

13. With a score of 303, they topped

Photo by Chad Mills

Lady Vikings Earn Another District Title The girls’ varsity volleyball team earned its fourth straight District title and a 14-6 final record under the leadership of new head coach Allie Henderson. The Lady Vikings struggled in the beginning of the season, losing their first three games to Sarasota Christian, Seffner Christian Academy and Winter Haven High School. The team then turned things around and went on an eight-game winning streak, coming up with big wins over Mulberry, Auburndale and Fort Meade. The Lady Vikes also took big wins over rivals All Saints’ Academy and Santa Fe Catholic. In the District Quarterfinal, the team defeated All Saints in three games (25-17, 25-23 and 25-23). In the District Finals, the Lady Vikings claimed their fourth consecutive title when they defeated Fort Meade High School with scores of 25-17, 25-17, 26-24 and 25-21. The Lady Vikings concluded their season with a disappointing first-round Regional loss to Indian Rocks, 25-10, 25-13, 25-20 in the Class 2A, Region 3 quarterfinals.

Eaves Leads Lady Vikings to Fifth Place State Finish

irst, LCS freshman Rebecca “Spookie” Eaves won the Class 1A, District 5 girls’ cross-country title to lead the Lady Vikings team to a first place team title. Then, with

a time of 19:14.09, she finished third in the 1A, Region 3 tournament to help her team finish second. Finally, at the Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City, Florida, Spookie ran to a 17th place finish with a time of 19:16, helping the Lady Vikings team to a fifth place finish in the State 1A Finals. Teammates Mallory White and Jessica Fuller also added valuable points for the Vikings in the finals. The boys’ cross-country team earned 15th place as a team in the State Finals. Freshman Mark Mutz led the Vikings runners with a 26th place finish (17:01). Junior Chris Lopez and sixth grader Jerod Fuller were the next top finishers with times of 18:21 and 18:43 respectively. Photo by Tanner Fox

Munson Represents LCS at State Swim Meet

ophomore Rachel Munson and eighth grader Lymaries Velez led the Lakeland Christian swim team to the Class 1A, District 4 title at Gaines Pool

on October 29, and then Munson went on to represent Lakeland Christian at the State Finals on November 14. In the District meet, Munson won the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:11.20 and the 100 butterfly with a time of 1:01.58. Velez finished second in the 100 butterfly and won the 100 backstroke in 1:06.53. LCS won the team title with 463 points. All Saints finished in s econd place with 388 points. In the Regional meet, the Lady Vikings finished in 10th place with a score of 87 points. The boys’ team finished in the number 25 spot. At the State Finals, Munson finished first in the consolation finals of the 100 breaststroke. She won the consolation race with a time of 1:07.52, just barely edging out her closest competitor who finished at 1:07.78. Photo by Andrea Coleman

Annual Solar Car Race Sponsored by Lakeland Electric For the ninth year in a row, Lakeland Electric sponsored the annual Solar Car Race competition for middle school students. As a conclusion to their lessons on solar energy, 16 teams built and raced solar cars on a special track in Viking Stadium. On the sunny November afternoon, the cars must travel a 20-meter track, and the team with the fastest car wins. Cars range in design from simple to ornate, but the car whose adjustable solar panel can take the most advantage of the sun wins. This year’s fastest group, with a time of 10.3 seconds, was Stephen Green and Ryan Pennell. Taylor Tippel and Jessica Torres followed closely behind with a second place time of 10.5 seconds. For their solar car design based on 2 Corinthians 4:6, Kirsti Mutz and Kourtney Rea won the design contest. Stephanie Powers and Lymaries Velez earned second

Students decorated their solar cars in a variety of ways. A slice of watermelon and a ladybug are just two examples of the unique designs.

place with a car design with Genesis 1:14-18 as a reference.

Alum Demonstrates Cryogenics to Science Classes Wes Johnson, who graduated from Lakeland Christian School in 2002, recently returned to LCS as a guest speaker to several of Mrs. Cathy Asbridge’s science classes. He spoke to the students about the effects of extreme cold using liquid nitrogen and the effects of being in a vacuum, doing several experiments to demonstrate the principles. Johnson, who graduated from Auburn University with a degree in aerospace engineering, is employed by NASA at Kennedy Space Center in the cryogenics lab. Wes Johnson, ’02 alum, shows high school students the temperature of liquid nitrogen.

Gifts

T O

L akeland

C hristian

S chool

On behalf of the students we serve, a heartfelt thanks to the following generous persons and companies who have partnered with LCS by providing a gift to the ministry. We were blessed by: Ms. Pam Abbott Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Abbott Ms. Tracie Adkins Dr. and Mrs. Ruben Adriano Mr. and Mrs. Kale Albritton Mr. and Mrs. Keith Albritton Mr. and Mrs. Joe Aldridge Mr. and Mrs. Ira Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Wally Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Bailey Mr. and Mrs. Glen Barden Mr. and Mrs. Harold Barker Barney and Carol Barnett Fund within the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bayless Mr. and Mrs. Tom Bayless Mrs. Sylvia Beale Mr. and Mrs. David Bean Mr. Robert Becker Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Blalock Mr. and Mrs. Bernardo Blanco Mr. and Mrs. Jim Boatwright Mr. and Mrs. Hal Bolter Mr. and Mrs. Don Bradley Mrs. Jayne Brown Miss Sally Brown Col. Charles B. Burdette Mr. and Mrs. Robert Burnette Mr. and Mrs. Doug Burnetti Mr. and Mrs. Dick Busing Mr. and Mrs. Brad Byykkonen Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cabrera The Honorable and Mrs. Charles Canady Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cannon Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cassidy Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cattarius Mr. and Mrs. Bill Chamberlin Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Childress Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cline, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Don Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Crawford Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Davidson Mrs. Jackie Davis Mrs. Anna Maria DiCesare Mr. and Mrs. Joseph DiCesare Mr. and Mrs. Ray Disney Mr. and Mrs. Mike Douglas Mr. and Mrs. Jim Drake Mr. and Mrs. Bill Drost Mr. and Mrs. Chad Dumke Mr. and Mrs. Glen Duncan Mrs. Barbara Edds Miss Susan Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Bill Evans Rev. and Mrs. Roger Evans Mr. and Mrs. Pat Fagan Mr. and Mrs. Orman Felts Mr. and Mrs. Bob Forlaw Mr. and Mrs. Frank Foster Mr. and Mrs. Avon Frier

Ms. Jennifer Frier Mr. and Mrs. Tim Frost Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Fulton Mr. and Mrs. Louis Garrard, V Mr. and Mrs. Eric Germany Mr. and Mrs. Bud Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Clint Gordon Mr. and Mrs. William Graham Mr. and Mrs. Dan Green Mr. and Mrs. Mike Green Mr. and Mrs. Ron Grigsby, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Gary Guynn Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Haag Mr. and Mrs. James Hahn Ms. Patsy Ham Mr. and Mrs. Rob Harper Mr. and Mrs. Jack Harrell, Jr. Mrs. Norma Harrell Ms. Barbara Hart Mr. and Mrs. Donald Heacox Mr. and Mrs. Terry Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Rex Henry Mrs. Robert Hightower Mr. and Mrs. Gary Hill Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hirdes Mr. and Mrs. Louie Holmes Mr. and Mrs. Boyce Horne Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Horne Mr. and Mrs. Danny Horvath Mrs. Debbie Houghton Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Huckery Rev. Gary Hull Mr. and Mrs. David Hurd Mrs. Phyllis Jacobs Mrs. Mimi Jenko Mr. and Mrs. Ben Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Dean Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Jones Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Joyner Dr. and Mrs. Derek Keenan Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kirby Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Knowlton Mr. and Mrs. Ray Kriegbaum Mr. and Mrs. Allen Ladd Dr. and Mrs. Donald Langley Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lashman Rev. and Mrs. Mike Latham Mr. and Mrs. Robert Latimer Mrs. Betty Leitenberger Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lewis Mrs. Martha Linder Mr. and Mrs. Steven Livesay Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lopez Mr. and Mrs. A.D. MacKinnon Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Madden Mr. and Mrs. George Maguire Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mason Mr. and Mrs. Joe Mawhinney Mr. and Mrs. Larry Maxwell Ms. Lisa May Mr. and Mrs. Mike McCormick Mr. and Mrs. Gary McDaniel

Mr. and Mrs. Paul McLoughlin Mr. and Mrs. Bill Middleton Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Miles Ms. Sharon Miller Mr. and Mrs. William Mills Mrs. Mildred Moats Mr. and Mrs. Michael Moore Mrs. Norma Moore Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mora, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Brent Moser Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mosley Mr. and Mrs. Birk Mullinax Mr. and Mrs. David Mullins Dr. and Mrs. Mark Munson Mrs. Bennie Jo Murray Mr. and Mrs. Brad Murray Mr. and Mrs. Mike Musick, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Mutz Mr. and Mrs. O.U. Mutz Mr. and Mrs. Robert Myhrer Mr. and Mrs. Dean Nederveld Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Nichols Mr. and Mrs. Chris O’Byrne Mr. and Mrs. William Odum Miss Ellen Oncu Mrs. Judy Oncu Mr. and Mrs. Richard O’Steen Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Owen Dr. and Mrs. Greg Parrish Mr. and Mrs. Bill Parry Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pawlin Mr. and Mrs. Keith Pennington Mr. and Mrs. Tom Petcoff Mr. and Mrs. Ray Phillips Mrs. Anne Powell Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James Powers Mr. and Mrs. John Prahl Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Ragsdale Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rains Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rexroad Mr. and Mrs. Ron Riggs Mr. and Mrs. James Roberson Mr. and Mrs. Harry Robinson, Jr. Ms. Laura Romeo Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Rowe Mr. and Mrs. John Russell Mrs. Edith Rust Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ryal Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Sale Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sale Mr. and Mrs. Marc Salm Mr. and Mrs. Bill Schichtel Mr. Phillip Sebring Mr. Joseph E. Sedita, C.P.A. Mrs. Susan Seymour Mr. and Mrs. Gary Sharpe Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Shimko Mr. and Mrs. Jim Shofner Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Singler Dr. and Mrs. Mike Sligh Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Smith Mr. and Mrs. Michael Smith

Dr. and Mrs. Steve Smith Ms. Wendy Smith Mr. and Mrs. Steven Smithson Miss Nancy Snyder Mr. Clyde Sprott Mr. and Mrs. Joseph St. John Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Stabler Mr. and Mrs. Tom Standifer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stanz Mr. and Mrs. Rhett Strickland Rev. and Mrs. Robert Stubblefield Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sutton Mr. and Mrs. John Szydlowski Dr. and Mrs. Bradley Tan Mr. and Mrs. Eric Thomas Ms. Jana Tombrink Mrs. Evelyn Towler Dr. and Mrs. John Tucker Mr. Dean Turner Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Varnum Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Varnum Mr. and Mrs. Jay Vorndran Mrs. Fran Wall Mr. and Mrs. John Watkins Mr. and Mrs. Ted Weeks, IV Mrs. Maggie Weeks Mr. and Mrs. Archie White Mr. and Mrs. Chris Whitney Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wiechmann Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wilbanks Mr. and Mrs. Barry Wilder Mr. and Mrs. Craig Wilsman Mr. and Mrs. Mike Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Steve Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wineinger Mr. and Mrs. Michael Woodall Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Wright Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey Yates Dr. and Mrs. David Yrastorza Auburndale Professional Group Barney’s Pumps, Inc. Dicesare, Davidson & Barker, P.A. Exxon Mobil Corporation Family State Advisors Harrell’s Inc. Horne Construction Hutchison Brokerage Lake Ashton Shareholders MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union Murray Equipment Sales, Inc. OMS/Marcobay Construction Outsource Management Solutions Peterson & Myers, P.A. Picasso’s Cup Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc. Publix Super Markets, Inc. Sligh Clinic of Chiropractic The Denis L. Fontaine Foundation The Votum Foundation United Way of Tri-County, Inc. Williams & Williams, Inc.

Living Memorials

LCS Appreciates

It is a joy to receive gifts that are sent to acknowledge a loved one. We are grateful for the gifts received from the following: In memory of Mrs. Alberta Blanton Given by: Mrs. Sue Crosby Mr. and Mrs. Marc Slomowitz

In memory of Vicky Dawson Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Dick Huddleston

In memory of Mrs. Margaret Sligh In memory of Mr. John Hamic Given by: Mrs. Joanne Aldridge Mr. and Mrs. Andy Bean Given by: Mrs. Sarah Allen Mrs. Ellen Blaker Mrs. Gail Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Tom Blatter Bomar Trophy Shop, Inc. – Ms. Donna Cole Mrs. Mary Norman Ms. Sue Crosby Mr. and Mrs. Richard Caron Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Dando DRM Enterprise, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. John Douglass DVA Wilson Drug Miss Susan Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Fountain Mr. James Fair Mr. and Mrs. Oliver L. Green, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Larry Goodman Hamic, Jones, Hamic & Sturwold – Dr. and Mrs. James Goodman Mr. Guerry Jones Mr. and Mrs. John Haemmerlie Ms. Sonjia Harbin Mrs. Robert Hightower Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Jordan Mr. and Mrs. Les Jackson Mr. and Mrs. George Lanier, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Derek Keenan Lee’s Furniture, Mr. and Mrs. Bare Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Knowlton Mr. and Mrs. Duane McKown Luz De Salvacion Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parker Asambleas De Dios Mr. and Mrs. Paul Powell Mrs. Mary Lee Marvin Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sandlin Mr. and Mrs. Scott McBride Mr. and Mrs. Neal Shivers Mr. and Mrs. Mike McCormick Mr. and Mrs. Dan Thompson Moms In Touch Valleyview Elementary School, Dr. and Dr. Robert Montgomery 4th Grade Team Mr. and Mrs. Dean Nederveld Wheeler Appraisals, Mr. and Mrs. Chris O’Byrne Mr. Curt Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Ken Overholt Mr. William Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Pigg Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Williams Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dick Wooley Mrs. Melba Rosser Mr. and Mrs. Dale Wright Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Rowe Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Zane Mr. and Mrs. Jim Shofner In memory of Mr. Carl Braemer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Spain Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Jack Harrell, Jr. The NCT Group CPA’s, L.L.P. Mrs. Norma Harrell Mr. and Mrs. Bill Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Jim Turlington In memory of Cooper Naughton Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Larry Naughton In memory of Mr. Vince Strawbridge Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Kale Albritton In memory of Dr. Beach Brooks Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Boutwell Given by: Mrs. Norma Harrell Mr. and Mrs. William Graham Mr. and Mrs. Deane Hart, III In memory of Doris Broadus Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Knowlton Given by: Mrs. Robert Hightower Mr. E. Snow Martin, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Scott McBride In memory of Mrs. Sarah Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Mike McCormick Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Les Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Dean Nederveld Mr. and Mrs. Ray Phillips In memory of Mr. Stephen Barech Mr. and Mrs. Bill Stinson Given by: Mrs. Mary Lee Marvin Mr. and Mrs. H.R. Todd In memory of Keenan Mullings In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Knowlton Given by: Dr. and Mrs. Charles Eaves, Jr. Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Knowlton

Lakeland Christian School is the beneficiary of many donated goods and services provided by school families and other friends. These gifts enable higher levels of excellence campus-wide. All of the parents who helped with the K4/K5 move at the beginning of the school year Averett Septic Tank – Lift Station Repair George Fernandez of PhosLab E nvironmental Services – Chemicals, s upplies and equipment for the chemistry lab Branham Family – Donation of “Sprinkles” to TurtleTown Parents who donated books, puzzles and toys to the after-school supervision program Regina Harper, Tammy Henderson, K atherine Coleman, Randy Blalock, Tammy Standifer, Rhonda Harris, and Dale and Marsha Gordon – For their assistance with the Sally Foster g ift-wrap sale this fall Pat Blalock, Carolyn Lehman, Randy Blalock, CeCe Christian, Debbie Houghton, Darise McLoughlin, Beth Hesseltine, Bena Bayless, Bennie Jo Murray, Sally Petcoff, Melodie H erndon, Room Moms and other volunteers – For all of your help in making Grandparent’s Day a success Regal Automotive Group and Mr. Sal Campisi, Jr. – For providing a car for the drivers’ education class during the 2008-2009 school year

Library Donations The Lakeland Christian Library staff appreciates the generosity of those who have provided recent book donations. The library counts on the regular contributions of school families to expand their collection for students. Melanie Abbott Aspinwall Family Ms. Kathy Baker Mr. and Mrs. Don Bradley Col. Charles B. Burdette, Retired Mr. and Mrs. Scott Crosby Mr. and Mrs. Glen Duncan Shawn Guenther Mrs. Pam Hill Ms. Sylvia Lanzino Nannette Lee Ms. Mary Martin Mr. Gary Mullings

Landon Naughton Roger and Martha O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. Steven Palmer Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Patterson Ms. Lynn Pruim Mrs. Tasia Ragsdale Donna Rodocker Mr. Lee Rowand Dr. and Mrs. Mike Sligh Sparkman Family Mr. and Mrs. Archie White

Discovery Program Students Dress as Favorite Book Character

Snyder Recognized By FMEA

tudents (and teachers!) in the LCS Discovery Program spent a day dressed

up as a character from their favorite books.

LCS faculty member Nancy Snyder has been honored by the

The students then enjoyed time outside in various fall activities such as carving and

Florida Music Educators’ Association (FMEA) as the 2009 recipient

decorating pumpkins, searching for different

of the Twenty-Five Year Service Award. Nancy will be honored at

objects in hay and practicing their motor skills

the annual FMEA Awards Breakfast at the Tampa Convention

by hammering nails into a pumpkin. Students

Center on January 9. Nancy teaches elementary music at Lakeland Christian.

from other grades helped the Discovery kids

Congratulations, Nancy!

with the activities.

Olivia Stubblefield Junior

Campbell Rice 4th Grader

Tina Nagy Administrative Assistant

Amy Mason Construction Administrator

Jon Allen Assistant Systems Administrator

Gators or Sooners? Score?

# of presents you will give this Christmas

Do you drink eggnog?

Open Presents: Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Gators 50-25

7 or 8

Yes

Christmas Day

Travel

Gators 47-15

5 or 6

Christmas Day

Cut back on soda

Stay home

Gators 41-3

Both

Be nice to Steve Wilson

Travel

Gators (painfully) 42-34

I resolve not to make resolutions

Stay home

Gators 17-13

New Year’s Resolution

Christmas Break: Travel or Stay home?

Not eat so much Chick-fil-A

Stay home

Don’t make any

YOUR TURN

Yes

Christmas Day

Alumni News 2000s Ashley Thomas (’05) graduated Magna Cum Laude from the niversity of South Florida in December 2008 with a B.A. degree in U Marketing and a B.S. degree in Management. Ashley was also inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, an honor society serving business programs. Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International. Candidates for this honor society must rank in the upper 10 percent of their class in order to be inducted. Emily Campbell (’04) is delighted to announce her engagement to Patrick Craig from North Carolina. Emily received a B.A. in History from Erskine College and is currently teaching third grade at Geneva Classical Academy in Lakeland. Patrick received his B.S. in Business Administration and Studio Art from Erskine College and is currently attending the University of North Carolina School of Law. The wedding will be held at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina, on May 9, 2009. Andrew Chan (’04) recently moved to NYC and is employed at Ralph Lauren. Daniel Christian (’04) graduated from Florida Southern College on May 3, 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and minors in English and Chemistry. He is now attending the Florida State University College of Medicine. Keith Knowlton (’04) graduated with honors from Furman University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While at Furman, he was on the Dean’s List and was inducted into several honor societies. He also played on the Furman rugby team for four years. Keith and Rachel Walton of Birmingham, Alabama, were married on July 19, 2008, and the couple resides in Greenville, SC. Keith plans to attend law school in the fall of 2009. Lyndee Moody (’04) and Chase Doutt were married October 10, 2008. Lyndee graduated from Florida Southern College and Chase graduated from the University of South Florida. Both are employed by Moody Engineering, Inc. Amy Powers (’04) recently graduated from Florida Christian College and will be spending the next year working as a missionary with New Missions Systems International. Marivic Tagala (’04) graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., with a B.A. in Public Communication and a B.S. in Business Administration, specialization in Marketing. Vi is continuing at American to get her master’s in Public Communications. She is also in the Event Management Certificate Program at George Washington University. Vi will continue to work as an assistant for journalist and political analyst and can be reached at marivic.tagala@gmail.com. Timothy Willison (’04) graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in April 2008 with a Bachelors of Arts degree. Tim is a Financial Representative with Northwest Mutual Financial Network in Ft. Myers, FL. Rebekah Stargel (’03) graduated from Patrick Henry College in 2007 with a degree in Strategic Intelligence. In April of 2008 Rebekah was Daniel Christian (’04)

son of Corrie DeLange Williams (’01) Kristina Kimball (’02)

c ommissioned as a 2LT with the US Army and recently completed Military Intelligence Officer training in Fort Huachuca, AZ. On November 15, she deployed overseas for a yearlong assignment. Kristina Kimball (’02) graduated August 3, 2008, from Vanderbilt University with a Master of Science in Nursing, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner degree. Amy Rideout (’01) graduated from Florida State University and is owner/creative director of Creative Elaborations Design Services in Lakeland. Amy and Andrew Dennis were married an October 25th at Victory Church. Andrew graduated from Auburn University and is tenant coordinator for Century Retail Funds in Lakeland. Corrie DeLange Williams (’01) and Brad are the proud parents of Owen Keith Williams, born September 5, 2008, weighing in at 8 pounds and 6 ounces.

1990s Nancy Adair (’99) graduated from Florida Costal Note to Alumni Parents: School of Law in Jacksonville, FL. A reception was held If your former student no in her honor on Saturday, November 29, 2008. longer lives in your home Erica Suares (’98) graduated from Harvard but still receives mail last May with a masters (in Education Policy and from Lakeland Christian Management) and has had the opportunity to work in at your address, please the Office of Political Affairs at the White House, teach email Claudia Powell at kindergarten at a Catholic school and travel to many cpowell@lcsonline.org fun places (India, Italy, Hawaii, Phoenix/Vegas and elsewhere). Erica is currently working in the Government to update their alumni Relations department at The H eritage and members/ information. staffers in the Senate, working specifically on her portfolio of issues: e ducation, entitlements and health care. If you are planning a trip to D.C., Erica will be happy to take you to her favorite places in the District. She can be reached at Erica.Suares@heritage.org. Bethel Stutzman (’94) married Mr. Paul Cleveland on October 4, 2008, at Faith Baptist Church, and the couple resides in Winter Haven. Bethel owns Firm Foundation Custom T utoring Services and serves homeschoolers across Polk County. Paul is employed in Human Resources at Jesus Film Project in Orlando. Bethel shared that Paul proposed on July 4th at Bridal Veil Falls in North Carolina.

1980s Dr. Kent Ratajeski (’88) was married to Dr. Esther Long on July 11, 2008, in Lexington, Kentucky. Kent is in his second year as a Geology Lecturer at the University of Kentucky. Esther teaches geography at Morehead State University as an Assistant Professor. They met in choir practice at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church in Lexington where they attend as members. Bethel Stutzman (’94)

Dr. Kent Ratajeski (’88)

We love to hear from you. News about you is important to us and to your former classmates. Please e-mail Claudia Powell at cpowell@lcsonline.org. Planning your class reunion? Contact Director of Community Relations Julie Rice, at 863-688-2771, ext. 236, and she will arrange for use of facilities and will offer other helpful tips.

Students Hold Soap Drive for Families in Honduras Buying a bar of soap is just one of the seemingly small and insignificant purchases that people buy on a regular basis. But for some families around the world, a bar of soap is anything but insignificant. LCS elementary students learned that lesson this fall and responded by collecting approximately 800 bars of soap for the poor and needy families in Honduras.

New TurtleTown Features Native Plants, New Turtle The newly relocated TurtleTown, which now sits between the new Elementary/Middle School Building and the Early Childhood Center, is now complete with Florida native plants and a new turtle named Sprinkles. Elementary principal and resident nature expert Fred Wiechmann, along with students from Mr. Hugh Patterson’s environmental science class, planted several new plants in the turtle habitat. These plants are native to Florida and will thrive in their new environment. Among the

Earlier this fall, Ron Gunter of the Florida Baptist

turtles in the habitat

Children’s Home spoke to the children at the First

is a new resident.

Baptist Church at the Mall about the needy families

“Sprinkles” was

who lived on a mountain of trash at the city dump

donated by the

in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. When the Kirk children –

Branham family,

Emma (fifth grade), Wil (second grade) and Jack (first

which includes Abby,

grade) – learned about these children in Honduras,

Emily and Rachel

they not only wanted to help by buying soap, but they

Branham.

wanted to get LCS students involved also. Mrs. Christi Haag, along with her husband Jerry, are LCS parents who have traveled to Tegucigalpa, where they experienced firsthand the families and

The Branham girls present Elementary Principal Fred

children who lived on the trash mountain. Christi

Wiechmann with Sprinkles the turtle.

shared about her experiences in both elementary chapels, encouraging the students to get involved in

Wil (left), Emma (middle) and Jack Kirk (right) proudly display

this missions project.

the generosity and compassion of LCS students, who donated 800

Within just three days, elementary students had

bars of soap to the poor families of Honduras.

collected 800 bars of soap to send with the Florida Baptist Children’s Home group when they take one of several more mission trips to Honduras. The Kirk children, along with their parents Jon and Carrie, collected the bars of soap before school and took them to the Children’s Home. For more information on the Honduras project, visit http://www.streetkidsdirect.org.uk/afe.html

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