Viking March 2010
The
Lakeland Christian School
Early Childhood Center – Wonderful Home for LCS Youngest Campaign Receives Final Commitment See Page 3
Drift Prevention By Dr. Mike Sligh, Headmaster Last summer’s trip to the gulf beaches seems like a distant memory this time of year. Winter newspapers feature pictures of strawberry fields covered in ice and
error is caught and corrected, the better. All of us, adults
rumors of snowflake sightings in Polk County. Surf, sand
and students, are
and sunscreen are still many weeks away.
vulnerable to the
There is something soothing about floating around in
subtle influences of
the gulf. The sensations of being gently lifted and lowered
our culture and our
by the waves seem to instill feelings of peaceful calm. It is
own fallen nature.
a stark contrast to the typical days back home.
We tend to slide
One of the intriguing phenomena of this experience
into the pattern of
is the subtle, incremental effect of the gulf currents. As we
seeing all of life from
are lulled into a welcome state of relaxation and peace,
a self-referential
we are ever-so-slowly being acted upon by the forces of the
bias. (That is to say,
water. When our time of reverie is drawing to a close and
“It’s all about me!”)
we determine to head for the shore, we are often startled to
We can get away
find out that we have drifted down the beach. We discover
from the basics, the
“He encourages the believer to prevent drift by being ‘continually reminded of what we believe.’”
that we are several properties away
fundamentals of
from where we entered the water!
our faith – regular time reading the scriptures and in prayer,
How did this movement escape our
faithfulness in our corporate worship on the Lord’s Day, and
notice? How did we drift so far so fast?
praying together as a family. Our hearts slowly become cold
I have learned that I must continually
and indifferent, our family relationships seem strained, and we
check the shore line in order to keep
wonder why life just doesn’t seem as meaningful and fulfilling
my position constant.
as it should.
In C. S. Lewis’ classic work, Mere
One of the goals of the Christian school is to keep the basics
Christianity, he reflects on those who
of the faith before the minds and hearts of the students and the
appear to have lost their faith. “…if
staff every day. We recognize that we have a tendency to drift,
you examined a hundred people who
to begin to depend on our own short-range thinking and rely on
had lost their faith in Christianity,
our own understanding (Proverbs 3:4-6). We realize that as we
I wonder how many of them would
pursue excellence in academics, fine arts and athletics, we must
turn out to have been reasoned out of it by honest
always remember that true wisdom flows from God (Proverbs
argument? Do not most people simply drift away?” (p. 141)
1:7). This orientation must shape every aspect of our study and
In this chapter on faith, he cautions the reader to be aware of the fact that our moods change but that faith
activity if we are to be truly educated. On the home front, it is essential that parents prioritize not
holds onto what is believed, even in the face of c hanging
only school attendance, but also faithful participation in the
moods. He encourages the believer to prevent drift by
local church that preaches and teaches the Bible as the Word
being “continually reminded of what we believe.” He
of God. The authentic application of the gospel in the home
exhorts us to deliberately hold the main doctrines of our
underscores the teaching of the church and school. As Lewis
faith before our minds every day.
points out, there must be regular, daily intake of the basics of
Every teacher knows the powerful effect of repetition.
the faith to prevent drift. This is not because the message of the
The fundamentals of any field of study must continually
faith is weak. It is because we are weak and so prone to forget, to
be reviewed. The basics are always the basics. Whether the
neglect and to drift.
error is in mathematical computation or in the a pplication of biblical principles to life’s decisions, the sooner the
Christianity is about Truth. But it is not just a philosophical system to be adopted. It involves a personal relationship with continued on page 4
LCS Early Childhood Program: By Luci O’Byrne, Primary Grades Principal
Learning is in the Fun!
Have you ever wondered what it’s like in the K4/K5 world
sing God’s praises each morning … create and discover as they
at LCS? If so, consider this your invitation to learn about
rotate through centers … run, climb and ride tricycles on our
this very special place. Of course, you are always welcome to
fabulous Curls Family Playland.
observe our program in action! And here’s what you may find …
You may need patience as you search for shark’s teeth on
You may be asked by one of our students to join them in
our playground. We are thankful for the parents who have
designing a building with blocks … you might be asked to help
recovered umpteen shark’s teeth in their dryers
create a unique elephant mask … children may ask
at home; we have been able to recycle quite
you to join them for breakfast in their kitchen –
a few teeth.
grab your apron and get ready to cook! ... you’ll
And, while you’re here for a visit, you’ll
likely get to dig through a huge tub of rice in
not want to miss the turtle pond. This
search of specific letters … you may need a
child’s wonderland, provided through
smock to protect your clothes from the finger
a gift from the MacKinnon-Hill Family
paint and a gooey mess.
Foundation, features natural Florida
“Special” is a great word to describe the
rocks, plants, a waterfall, tiny fish and,
Early Childhood experience at LCS. Children
of course, those amazing turtles!
enjoy exciting centers, field trips, G randparent’s
K4 Program Thoughtfully Prepares Whole Child
Day, special holiday events, compete in the Elementary Olympics, and enjoy special m usicals, piano events and other performances.
When your K4/K5 child joins the LCS
This barely scratches the surface of the fun
family, they will live, laugh, love and learn.
our little ones have – all the while learning as they
Lakeland Christian’s Early Childhood
are “playing.” In addition, our children dance and
in this issue
continued on page 7
p2-3 p4 Campaign News Scholarships
p5 Musical Harvest
p8-11 Sports
p17 Alumni News
p12-13 Fine Arts 1
Two Major Campaigns Completed
Deliver the Dream Campaign Moves to Wrap-Up Phase With the recent c ompletion
All of the funding for these
the future of our community,”
of funding commitments toward
campaigns and for the $19
said Dr. Sligh. “We stand on
the Early Childhood Center
Million Deliver the Dream effort
the threshold of unparalleled
campaign, LCS now focuses on
has been privately raised. The
opportunity to influence the
the wrap-up of the m ulti-year
school has even been blessed
leaders of tomorrow.”
Deliver the Dream capital
with five seven-figure gifts, the
fund-raising effort. Only $5
first in school history.
Million now remains to be raised
With two major campaigns
So, who will be these final “investors in the next generation?” Anyone and
to complete the funding of $23
“in the books,” the school’s
everyone! Friends who
Million of campus expansion
Advancement team and
stepped up to kickoff the
and renovation.
campaign leadership now
campaign will be asked to
set their sights on obtaining
help finish what they began.
campaign, initiated in 2006,
the final $5 Million of
And, of course, those who
represents the most massive
commitments for this effort
haven’t given will be asked to
expansion in school history, and
which has produced such
now partner with LCS in this
includes the construction of the
dramatic and positive change
critical completion phase.
new school maintenance facility,
for the LCS campus.
The Deliver the Dream
the placement of retention ponds
Dr. Mike Sligh, LCS
For more information on how you or a member of your
and other major infrastructure,
Headmaster, is quick to point
family can make your mark on
the substantial expansion of
out that the campaign has been
young lives, please contact LCS
school parking, the creation of
about far more than just raising
Director of Advancement Steve
a new main entrance, and – of
money for bricks and mortar. “It
Wilson at 863/688-2771 or at
course – the construction of the
is about seizing the opportunity
swilson@lcsonline.org.
71,000-square-foot E lementary/
to shape the hearts and minds
Middle School Building, the
of many, many students who
signature building on campus.
will go on to shape
Through God’s gracious provision and by the generosity of the LCS family and the Lakeland community, the campus has also grown to include:
• Viking Stadium – a $2.6 Million campaign completed in 2008, and
• Center for Early
Childhood Education – a $1.25 Million campaign completed in January, 2010.
2
LCS Completes Early Childhood Campaign Generous Gift Marks Final Commitment God continues to bless Lakeland Christian School in remarkable ways. In less than two years from
$253,000 in outstanding pledges to
Million major campus expansion
the campaign.
and renovation which has blessed
The Early Childhood Center is
the school over the past several years.
campaign kickoff, the drive to fund
located in the safe and convenient
The Early Childhood campaign was
the $1.25 M illion C enter for Early
core of the LCS campus and includes:
conducted through the leadership
Childhood E ducation has received its final gift commitment. This means the money needed to construct and furnish this beautiful facility for the school’s
• The Ladd Educational Suite for K4 students
• The Curls Family Playland for outdoor fun and excitement
• The MacKinnon-Hill
of school parents Payton Albritton, Deanna Bayless, Denise Curls and Amanda Drost. The ultimate beneficiaries of this campaign generosity, of course, are
youngest students has all been given
Outdoor Learning Center
the four- and five-year-old children
or pledged. The final $40,000 check
amphitheatre and Turtletown,
beginning their formal education
was recently provided by a school
a natural Florida habitat for
at Lakeland Christian School. These
family, capping off a campaign that
unique educational experiences
youngsters now enjoy a spacious and
attracted gifts from $25 to $100,000. Even though the needed $1.25 Million has been fully c ommitted, the school still looks to receive
• The Kindergarten Suite for K5
beautiful facility where skilled and
students, including a spectacular
nurturing Early Childhood faculty
gathering commons room.
members can do their best work in the
The Center is part of a $23
3
hearts and minds of little ones.
Drift Prevention continued from inside front cover Jesus Christ. It is about growing in our understanding of His
Lord and the neglect of the application of biblical Truth
love and provision for us and demonstrating that same grace
to every area of life and study will leave us drifting
to one another. The tragic tale of broken human relationships
away as well.
is sometimes described by the words, “we just drifted apart.” It
The three-fold influence of the Christian school, the
takes intentional effort to maintain human relationships. It takes
Christian home and the church can hold the truths of
an intentional focus on Christ and on Truth to maintain a vital
the faith before our students each day. Together, we can
relationship with the Savior as well.
be used of God to provide the reference points on the
The currents at the beach can leave us far from home before we realize it. The neglect of our personal relationship with the
shore that enable our students to hold their position and advance against the currents that would lead them astray.
Scholarship Funding Sought For Upper Classmen In a day when investments are uncertain at best, there is still a place where contributed money guarantees a positive return … with lifelong impact. What could be better than investing in the Christian education of young people whose completion of an LCS diploma is in financial jeopardy!? The impact of the country’s economic woes, first felt on Wall Street, has now worked its way from Main Street to Forest Park Street. Simply put, more LCS families are in need of more fi nancial aid than at anytime in the school’s 56-year history. And one school grandparent has stepped up to make a difference. Following a Spring 2009 grandparents’ focus group meeting, this long-time Lakelander – along with his business partner, who is also an LCS grandparent – committed a lead gift to fund scholarships for current LCS juniors and seniors. His heart was breaking for students who were in jeopardy of not being able to complete their LCS education. So, they wrote a generous check and challenged the school to raise more funds for this specific use. In typical generous fashion, the LCS constituency responded with gifts totaling more than $70,000 for the 2009-10 school year. Realizing the economy’s impact is still severe, these same two grandparents have committed to another lead gift for the 2010-11 school year and have challenged the school to again raise financial aid for juniors and seniors. Will you join them in this critical effort? Due in large part to last year’s giving, the school was able to provide a record amount of financial aid assistance. Even more may be necessary for the c oming school year. Please consider investing in the lives of the next generation in this valuable way. The dividends are life-changing. For more information on being a part of this exciting effort, please contact LCS Director of Advancement Steve Wilson at 863/6882771 or at swilson@lcsonline.org.
4
Musical Harvest Entertains Record Crowd, Reaps Unprecedented Return Proceeds Boost Early Childhood Campaign The Musical Harvest grew up in a hurry. In
The LCS student contingent of
only its third year as the school’s classy fall fund-
performers – wearing their formal best –
raiser, this premier community-wide musical event
was also the largest ever for a Musical
drew its largest audience and almost doubled the
Harvest. More than
previous largest profit.
156 vocalists from
Net proceeds for the November extravaganza
grades four through
totaled nearly $73,000, all of which were immedi-
twelve joined the LCS
ately applied to the campaign to fund the school’s
Symphonic Winds
new Center for Early Childhood Education. The
in the “opera house
proceeds put the campaign within striking distance
feel” of downtown
of realizing an end-of-the-year completion.
Lakeland’s Trinity
The brainchild of school parents Greg and Christina Sale, the Musical Harvest combines
LAKELAND
The largest amount previously raised at a Musical Harvest was $46,000.
live and on-stage with LCS student musicians and
This year’s record amount was provided
vocalists. The Sales – who are two of Lakeland’s
through the contributions of generous
most renowned singers/musicians – annually
sponsors, host families, Gold Patron
attract performers from New York, Chicago and
Packages and General Admission Seating.
other top venues.
In addition, sponsors, host families and Gold Patrons were invited to attend an
Hagstrom, named Most Promising Young Artist
“after-party” at the beautiful home of
in America; Mark Thomsen from Metropolitan
title sponsors Bill and Amanda Drost.
Opera; Craig Irvin from Chicago Lyric Opera;
This reception featured a live auction,
Dr. Christy Lee, renowned pianist and program
which raised a record $23,675. School
director; and Christina Sale, who has performed
grandparent Kale Albritton served as the
in leading productions around the world.
lively and entertaining auctioneer.
The special evening again featured popular
3 RD
SCHOOL
ANNUAL
Presbyterian Church.
nationally acclaimed musical talent who perform
This year’s program welcomed back Sarah
CHRISTIAN
As with all school fund raising
Broadway standards, including selections from
activities, the beneficiaries of the event
“Oklahoma”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, “Oliver”,
are the students of LCS, and in this case,
“Man of La Mancha”, “My Fair Lady”, “Cats” and
the youngest on campus. The Center for
“Phantom of the Opera.” The program concluded
Early Childhood Education serves as the
with moving Christian classics, ending with “You
daily home for the K4 and K5 children.
Raise Me Up.”
5
Title Sponsor
Bill & Amanda Drost Sponsors
Jack & Tina Harrell Kevin & Lois Knowlton MIDFLORIDA Credit Union OMS The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP Sale Insurance Peterson & Myers, P.A. Philip Sebring Hosts
Keith & Payton Albritton Dave & Connie Aplin Tom & Bena Bayless Ralph & Pat Blalock Richard & Rosemary Cardosi Brian & Ramona Carroll Bob & Kim Cleghorn Joe & Susan DiCesare Patrick & Kristine Fagan Ben & Wendy Falk Rob & Regina Harper Barbara Hart Bennett & Pam Hill Kevin & Sylvia Jones Larry & Anita Maxwell Jeff & Shannon Miles Corey & Jaimi Miller Paul & Adele Morgan Steve & Lisa Moseley Bennie Jo Murray Brad & Melissa Murray Oz & Jean Mutz Angie Register Buddy & Dama Register Greg & Christina Sale Streamline & Bonnie Sale Conrad & Sherry Varnum Steve & Susie Wilson
Christmas Party Visit Leads to Generous Gift
LCS Grandparent Provides 16 Student Computers God’s provision to LCS is unmistakable. In this instance, He worked
Dr. Mike Sligh Elected to FCIS Board of Directors Lakeland Christian School Headmaster Dr. Mike Sligh was elected to the Board of D irectors of the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) at the annual convention this past fall. The FCIS convention was held at Champions
through the generous heart of a school grandmother who made a simple observation while attending a school function. Her perceptive observation led to a gift that provided 16 new computers for use by elementary students at Lakeland Christian. This generous grandmother – who wishes to remain anonymous – was attending the Christmas party in the classroom of her third grade grandson. While the children were celebrating with their classmates, some students were also taking their AR reading test on the one classroom computer dedicated for student use. Although this grandmother was a frequent visitor and classroom volunteer, she particularly noticed the students scrambling to complete their test on this day – the last school day prior to Christmas break. Over the holidays, as she thought about the line of students waiting to use the one computer, she inquired with the school’s Advancement office – not only about her grandson’s classroom, but about the number of student computers throughout the
Gate. This board provides s trategic
elementary grades.
planning and leadership for the
After gathering
organization’s various activities
the facts, she quickly
including accreditation, professional
responded with a
development, insurance and
generous end-of-the-year
benefits programs and the
gift, which provided
representation of independent
each elementary
school interests before state leaders
classroom with a
and legislators in Tallahassee.
minimum of two
The FCIS was founded in 1954
student computers,
and is responsible for e valuating
with a total of 16 new
and accrediting independent
computers in all. This
schools throughout Florida. The
gift also provided three
organization represents more than 72,000 students in 153 member
Students like Dylan Gray, in Mrs. Debbie Stump’s class, enjoy the
schools. The Council assures
convenience of having multiple computers in their classroom.
that each school maintains high standards and independence of character without political, financial or bureaucratic pressures. The Council is an association member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), an affiliate of the Council of American Private Education (CAPE), and a founding member of the Florida Association of Academic Nonpublic
computers (within the 16 total) for the special programs classroom.
“What a blessing that someone has stepped up to provide such an abundance of technology for our students,” said Elementary Principal Fred Wiechmann. “Our classrooms now have even more tools that will allow our professional faculty to enhance the learning during these critical years.” In addition to providing for the LCS students, this open-hearted grandmother has demonstrated the significant impact that can be made through charitable giving to Lakeland Christian. For more information on how you can partner with the school and make a difference in the lives of children and young people, please contact LCS Director of Advancement Steve Wilson at 863/688-2771 or at swilson@lcsonline.org.
Schools (FAANS).
6
LCS Early Childhood Program – Learning is in the Fun!
continued from page 1
program is developmentally appropriate, which encourages
reaching these goals. This partnership creates a consistent home and
children to grow and mature naturally in every area of life.
school environment.
The K4 program prepares the whole child for the K5 program. By the end of the K4 year, the goal is for
Each teacher in the program is certified, and they specialize in specific educational areas as they work as a team.
each child to be well-prepared socially, emotionally and
Laughter Important Part of Solid Educational Foundation
academically for K5. The faculty determines where each child is within each of these important areas of their life. Each child is considered as an individual, and the staff
More than just a Reader’s Digest moniker, laughter is truly an
meets each where he or she is. In fact, each child may be at
integral part of the LCS Early Childhood program. Visitors will hear
a different level in each area of development.
the sounds of laughter from teachers and students throughout the day.
LCS Early Childhood teachers consistently pray that
Children can tell if their teacher loves what they do, and
the children will strengthen self-control, the ability to focus,
laughter is one revealing signal. In fact, staff has been known to
and that they will obey promptly. These three behaviors
laugh so much that some parents have even wanted to work at LCS!
will form the foundation necessary for students to increase academic strides.
Children Blessed with Skilled, Nurturing Faculty LCS Early Childhood faculty members are p assionate
This positive approach stems from the love the teachers have for the Lord and for the children. Faculty members love to serve and work diligently to use their gifts to create the best program possible. Teachers invest much of their time helping students learn to problem solve, create and discover God’s world.
about their work with the youngest children on c ampus.
Classrooms are uniquely designed and connected to facilitate
These teachers live for the Lord and serve at LCS b ecause
the complete education delivered within the program. For instance,
they really want to be here! Their love for the Lord
LCS K4 students have the opportunity to travel safely between
overflows as they intentionally model that attribute
classrooms without leaving the Ladd Educational Suite.
for the students. Even at this youngest level, the faculty teaches each
As students travel interiorly among numerous centers … some may begin their journey in housekeeping (a small house within the
subject and activity in the light of God’s Word. The teachers
classroom covered with real shingles!) ... others may spend time
do an amazing job of applying the scriptures to the young
designing a building with blocks as teachers extend vocabulary
lives in their care. They are encouraged to find that some
and teach thematically through literature.
of the children already understand the gift of salvation. Early Childhood teachers also clearly understand
Each classroom in both buildings is equipped with interactive SMARTBoards, which allow children to complete reading, math and
the value of establishing a partnership with parents.
science activities as a group or individually. Students also have the
Faculty members develop a plan in concert with parents
opportunity to participate in Spanish, art, music, PE, computer lab
to determine what needs to be done and a strategy for
and library – all taught by certified and experienced teachers.
7
Lady Vikings Clinch District Title
Boys’ Basketball Team Drops Heartbreaker in District Finals With a new head coach in charge, the LCS Viking varsity basketball team had a successful season, despite a heartbreaking last-second loss in the District final game.
After a rough start to the 09-10 girls’
With the retirement of coach Ray Deardorff, LCS alum and
varsity basketball season, the young
current assistant athletic director Todd Radford moved to the head coaching position for the Vikings. The team went into the
Lady Viking team fought its way to a
Christmas break with a record of 6-4 after winning the
District championship title over rival
LCS Holiday Hoops Tournament.
Santa Fe Catholic. Starting the season with a record
January proved to be a good month for the Vikings as they won six of their nine games, including two big wins over
of 0-6, the Lady Vikes earned their first
district rival Santa Fe Catholic. The team squared off against
win with a 45-34 decision over Lakeland High School in early December. Their next
Santa Fe in the semifinal round of the District tournament,
win came almost a month later when the
easily defeating the Crimson Hawks by a score of 64-40.
team defeated Santa Fe for the first of three
In the District final game, the New Dimensions High School
victories over the district rival.
Tigers hit a three-pointer in the last three seconds of the game
In the Class 2A, District 9
to give them a 60-57 win over the Vikings. In the Regional Quarterfinal round, the Vikings lost to Tampa Prep, ending
championship game, the Vikings claimed
their season with a record of 12-10.
a 59-34 victory over Santa Fe. Christin Strawbridge tallied 16 points for the Lady
The JV boys’ team, coached by Craig Wilsman, finished with a record of 7-4. The junior high JV team was coached by
Vikings, with Whitney Houk adding 15
Dwayne McDow and went 6-3. The junior high varsity
and Amanda Carl racking up 14 points. In the Regional Quarterfinals, the
team finished with a record
team posted a 54-41 win over Tampa
of 10-3 and was coached by
Prep before falling to Indian Rocks, 66-39,
Jim Boatwright.
in the Regional Semifinal round. The Lady Vikings were coached by Keith Overholt and finished with a record of 7-16. The girls’ middle school basketball A team finished at 8-6, while the B team went 2-5
FACA Honors Basketball Players, Coach The Florida Athletic Coaches Association has named its 2009-2010 basketball players and coaches of the year, and three from LCS have earned top honors. For boys’ basketball, senior Chris Cleghorn was selected as the Class 2A Player of the Year, and first-year head coach Todd Radford was honored as the Class 2A Coach of the Year. Sophomore Whitney Houk was chosen as the Class 2A Player of the Year for girls’ basketball.
8
Vikings Re-Claim District Title After losing in last year’s district tournament for
After Christmas, the Vikings went 4-3 before the
the first time in 16 years, the boys’ varsity soccer team
tournament. In the first round of Districts, the team e asily
was anxious to regain the title of District Champion
handled All Saints’ Academy by a score of 6-0. After
this year. Under the leadership of LCS alum Grandy
the Vikings won the District championship over Seffner
Streets, the Viking team did just that when they
Christian, the team hosted and defeated Trinity Prep by a
earned a 5-0 victory over Seffner Christian.
narrow 1-0 margin.
The Vikings had a strong
The team dropped a disappointing 2-0 loss to Florida
first half to their season,
Air Academy in the Regional semifinal game, ending the
going into the Christmas
season with a record of 15 wins and seven losses. The JV boys’ team was coached by Bernardo Blanco
break with a record of 8-3. The team d efeated both Vanguard and First Academy by a score of 9-0
and finished their season with a record of 9-2-1. The junior high boys’ team, coached by Rich McDonald, won six games, lost five and tied one game.
before defeating area rival Santa Fe, 4-1.
Girls’ Soccer Team Gets Revenge on Santa Fe in Regional Semifinals When cross-town district rival Santa Fe broke a
The girls’ soccer team easily won the District semifinal game over
12-year district championship winning streak, the
All Saints’ Academy by a score of 7-0. In the District finals, Santa Fe
Lady Vikings varsity soccer team was anxious to get
snapped the 12-year District championship streak by a score of 2-1.
revenge when they faced off in the semifinal round of
The Lady Vikings then went on the road for the Regional
the R egional tournament. The girls’ team took down the
quarterfinal game, where they defeated Trinity Prep by a score of 2-1.
Crimson Hawks, 4-1, on their way to the Regional Finals.
After getting revenge on the Crimson Hawks in the semifinals, the team
The Lady Vikings, coached by LCS alum Jason
traveled to St. John’s Country Day for the Regional final game. Down
Streets, started off their season with some big wins and
1-0 at halftime, Kourtney Rea scored early in the
a 7-0 winning streak. They easily handled both Tenoroc
second half to tie the game and force overtime.
and Lakeland, claiming 8-0 victories. They finished 7-1
St. John’s scored first in the overtime, for
against Kathleen and All Saints. A 0-0 tie against Lake
a 2-1 victory of the Vikings. The team
Region marred their perfect record, followed by a 4-0 loss
finished with a record of 16-7-2.
to Berkeley Prep and a 0-0 tie against Tampa Prep. In their first match-up of the season, the Vikings tied
The JV team, coached by Kelly Joyner-Veteto and Roger Evans,
Santa Fe by a score of 3-3. When the teams met up again
finished their season with an
in early January, the Lady Vikes came up with a 1-0 win.
undefeated record of 12-0-1.
Munson Swims at State Meet LCS junior Rachel Munson represented the Lady Vikings at the FHSAA Class 1A Swimming and Diving Championships in November. She earned 11 total points for her team, giving the Vikings a 29th place finish out of the 41 teams represented at the meet. Munson finished 11th place in the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:07.13. In the 100-meter butterfly, she finished in 12th place with a time of 59:23.
9
FHSAA Awards Fall Academic Team Champions The Florida High School Athletics Association has named the Academic Team Champions for the fall sports season, and one Lakeland Christian team topped the list for having the highest grade point average in the state. The girls’ golf team earned this top honor in Class 1A with a cumulative team GPA of 3.953. The Viking linksters topped other schools including Holy Names (Tampa), Dreyfoos (West Palm Beach), Berkeley Prep (Tampa) and Trinity Prep (Winter Park). The boys’ football team finished in the number four spot in Class 1A with a cumulative team GPA of 3.236. The girls’ swim and dive team also finished fourth with a 3.648. Winning schools receive a commemorative state championship plaque at the end of the school year.
LCS Athletes Earn Fall All-County Honors The Ledger has named its All-County athletes for the fall sports season, and several Viking athletes were honored for their accomplishments. For football, Marcus Stone was named to the Offense Second Team. Offense honorable mentions went to Rob Harper, Ryan Parrish and Jake Marzola. For Defense, Blake Averitt earned an honorable mention. Hailee Bennett was named to the All-County Third Team for Volleyball, while teammates Alison Sizemore and Kali Boatwright earned honorable mentions. In boys’ golf, honorable mentions went to Blake Crosby, Hayden Hill and Ethan Brewington. For girls’ golf, Hannah Webster was named to the All-County Second Team. Zoe Wilson, Lauren Wasilewski, Kelsey Casto, Shelby Pierce and Ellen Sharpe earned honorable mention. Mallory White was named the All-County Runner of the Year for girls’ cross-country, as well as being named to the First Team. Spookie Eaves and Jessica Fuller also earned First Team honors. Carrie Kirby, Ashlyne Wells and Mary Lanzino earned honorable mentions. Mark Mutz was named to the All-County First Team for boys’ cross-country. Chris Lopez, Taylor Scruggs and Welbie Houghton were given honorable mentions. For girls’ swimming, Rachel Munson was named All-County Swimmer of the Year. Munson, Ly Velez and Sarah Mora were named to the All-County First Team. Honorable mentions went to Lindsey Smith, Stephanie Powers, Meredith Munson, Caitlin Robb and Olivia Schichtel. For boys’ swimming, honorable mentions were given to Luke Yrastorza, Nathan Lain, Mitch Devore, Landon Miles, Dallas Connell and Josh McGaffigan.
LCS Runners Earn Best Finish in Polk County Lakeland Christian cross-country runners represented Polk County well at the 2009 FHSAA Cross Country Championships in late November, despite a plague of injuries and illnesses that affected the majority of LCS runners. Rebecca “Spookie” Eaves finished in 18th place with a time of 19:42 – the highest finish of any other male or female runner in Polk County. Her time helped the Lady Vikings to a ninth-place team finish. Mark Mutz ran the course in 17:02.91. The boys’ team finished in sixth place with 261 points.
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Former Coach Dean Johnson Inducted into FACA Hall of Fame For the first time in Lakeland Christian School history, a Viking coach was inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) Hall of Fame. Long-time varsity soccer coach Dean Johnson, who retired after the 2006-2007 season, finished his varsity coaching career with a boys’ record of 514-95-24, with 24 District titles (the last 15 c onsecutive), 10 Regional titles, four State Runner-Up finishes and six State Championships from 1979-2007. Under his leadership, the LCS boys’ team twice finished the season with a NSCAA Top 25 National ranking. Coach Johnson started the girls’ soccer program in 1994, which he coached until 2004 with a record of 180-46-17. The girls’ team earned six District titles, two Regional championships and one State R unner-Up award. Johnson was inducted into the FACA Hall of Fame at a ceremony held in Daytona Beach on December 13. Retired head soccer coach Dean Johnson (right), joined by Dr. Mike Sligh, was inducted into the FACA Hall of Fame in December.
Alum Honored by NCCAA LCS alum Tim Green was recently named to the N ational Christian College Athletic Association All-American Men’s Soccer First Team. A junior at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, Green was one of four defenders on the 14-player first team. This is the second year that Green has earned this honor, making him only
Viking Cheerleaders Earn 2nd Place in State Competition The Lakeland Christian School varsity cheerleading squad placed second
the second player in the history of
in the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders state competition held at Masters
the Cedarville soccer program to
Academy in Oviedo on November 21. Competing in the large varsity category, the
be a two-time honoree.
Viking squad performed a two-minute routine consisting of squad jumps, stunts,
Green was also recognized as
tumbling, dancing and a cheer. The Viking squad, which has not competed in
a NCCAA Scholar-Athlete.
many years, finished second behind Evangelical Christian
11
School of Fort Myers.
Colorful and Whimsical
‘Seussical’ Delights Crowds
This year’s fall musical exploded with song, imagination and color as a mischievous cat, tiny Whos, a huge elephant, brightly colored jungle citizens, sleepy circus creatures, colorful fish, blue waves, and a couple of very sour kangaroos performed Seussical on the Lakeland Christian School stage. It took the combined gifted ability of seventy-five students, six faculty members, a former student, a set construction team, a set design team, two costume ladies, several make-up a rtists, and many, many parents to present this spectacular show. The cast started working on the second day of school and logged over 85 hours of practice to present the four performances from October 22-24. More than 100 children and parents attended Saturday’s Seussical Brunch, where they were served many items including green eggs and ham. The principal Seussical characters interacted with the children at the brunch. As their parents snapped pictures, the children sat s pellbound while listening to the Cat (senior Russell Aldridge) read to them. In addition to performing for opening night, 17 cast members performed several S eussical numbers to five area nursing homes and/or assisted-living facilities.
Choirs Perform Various Christmas Concerts to see the residents singing along as
in Disney’s Epcot Candlelight
the LCS choirs had many o pportunities
students were able to connect them
Processional, performing in two
to present the truth of Christmas to
to Christmas music of their past.
shows. The choir was selected by
members of the Lakeland c ommunity.
On Friday, December 11, the High
audition and was part of a mass
On Thursday, December 3, the Junior
School Concert Choir and Chamber
choir of approximately 300 students.
High Choir visited Oakbridge Assisted
Ensemble presented a program to
Candlelight presents the Biblical
Living Unit singing Christmas carols
the South Lakeland Rotary Club,
Christmas story in narration and
and spending time talking with the
held at First United Methodist
song, including arrangements of
residents. On Thursday, December
Church on Lake Morton.
many familiar carols. The celebrity
During the month of December,
10, the 6th Grade Choir visited the
On Wednesday, December 9,
Memory Care Unit at Oakbridge,
the High School Concert Choir and
singing familiar carols. It was e xciting
Chamber Ensemble participated
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guest narrator for the evening was Andy Garcia.
Student Musicians Perform at Annual FMEA Convention The Florida Music Educators
High School Concert Chorus:
Six members of the LCS
Association annual convention was held
Whitney Andersen, Johnny Boatwright,
music department faculty
in January, and several LCS students had
Steven Firmin and Casey Jones.
attended the convention which
the opportunity to perform with some of the best student-musicians in the state of Florida. These individuals were required to audition earlier in the fall. Congratulations to the following
Middle School Honors Band: Jonathan Murray (trumpet). Small Schools Honors Band: Claire Jarvis (clarinet) and Justin
was held in Tampa. Attendees enjoyed workshops, rehearsals and concerts related to their individual disciplines.
Middleton (baritone).
students: Middle School Treble Chorus: Emily Carl, Rebekah Firmin and Amanda Fulton. Middle School Mixed Chorus:
Fifth Graders Win Tag Art Competition
Christopher Greene and Robert Verner. High School Women’s Chorus: Mickelyn Graves.
LCS fifth graders Brandon Kaye and Anna Lanzino were two of 130 Polk County students who received a 2009 Award of Distinction
Select Band Students Chosen for All-County Performances
for the Kids Tag Art competition sponsored by the Polk County Tax Collector’s office. Their winning tag art is on sale for $15 at www.polktaxes.com, with all of the proceeds going toward classroom art supplies. The winning students were recognized at a special reception held on February 20, 2010, at the Polk Museum of Art. Fifth grader Carter Roth was awarded the “Fred Wiechmann Christian Tag Award” by Mrs. Bonnie Mosley, elementary art teacher,
Several Lakeland Christian band students were chosen to participate as members of the Polk All-County Bands. These musicians will perform with some
for creating his tag with a biblical theme. Carter Roth (left), Brandon Kaye (center) and Anna Lanzino (right) were honored for their car tag designs. They are pictured here with Mr. Fred Wiechmann and Mrs. Bonnie Mosley.
of the best secondary band students from the county on April 16, 2010, at Florida Southern College’s Branscomb Auditorium. Congratulations to the following students: 7th and 8th Grade Band: J onathan Murray (trumpet), Ashley Middleton (trombone), Amanda Fulton (tuba). 9th and 10th Grade Band: Claire Jarvis (clarinet), Danae Drake (bass c larinet), Jenna Smithson (French horn), Welbie Houghton (French horn), Zach Martinez (baritone), Cameron Underwood (tuba). 11th and 12th Grade Band: Emily Tan (flute), Justin Middleton (baritone), Andrew Tew (tuba).
13
Middle schoolers proudly display their solar cars during the annual Solar Day competition.
Solar Car Sprint Race 1st place – Bailee Mathers and Olivia Wiles
(7.95 seconds)
2nd place – Cody Averitt and Caleb McDonald (9.19 seconds) 3rd place – Sydnea Coleman and Alyssa Dumke (9.37 seconds) 4th place – Jena Carr and Morgan Harper 5th place – Josh Boyd and Jake Molony 6th place – Jamie Aspinwall and Luke Imig
Middle School Students Compete in Annual Solar Day Every year Lakeland Christian School middle school students have the opportunity to learn about one of our most important renewable resources: the sun. Solar energy can be used to heat water and swimming pools, dry clothes, power small appliances and, as LCS students learn, power cars. Since 1999, the solar car sprint race has been one of the favorite activities of middle schoolers, and this year was no different. Lakeland Electric agreed to partner with LCS to provide financial support to the students to reduce the cost of the solar car kits, and they also provide the awards. Mr. Hugh Patterson, middle school science teacher, oversees the solar car activities. Students have the opportunity to compete in various solar day competitions, including a solar car sprint race, a solar car design contest, a poster art contest and an essay contest. Congratulations to the following students for earning Solar Day awards:
Solar Car Design Contest 1st place – Will Franklin and Katherine Lopez 2nd place – Beth Mora and Meredith Munson 3rd place – Sarah Kettelkamp and Katie Owen 4th place – Emily Carl and Ashlyn Wells
Solar Energy Poster Art 1st place – Kaylee Miles 2nd place – Sam Moseley 3rd place – Amy Robb 4th place – Conner Sutton
Solar Energy Essay Contest 1st place – Jonathan Murray 2nd place – Rebekah Firmin 3rd place – Bryce Schiebel, Nick Strazzulla Honorable Mention – Carter Overholt
Wiechmann Takes Kids on Christmas Nature Hikes While most students were getting ready for Christmas, several LCS students joined elementary Principal Fred Wiechmann for two nature walks over the Christmas break. These two hikes – to the Circle B Bar Reserve and the Lakeland Highlands Scrub Preserve – educated students on some of Polk County’s natural wonders. The students had the opportunity to see the homes of butterflies and birds, as well as rare plant species and wildlife such as gopher tortoises, foxes, ospreys, bald eagles, alligators and Florida Scrub Jays.
14
Elementary Hosts Fourth Annual Grandparent’s Day Close to 600 grandparents and special grand-friends came from across town and around the country to visit their grandchildren for the fourth annual Grandparent’s Day celebration. Lakeland Christian welcomed these guests on a beautiful November morning. The event began with a special program in the c afeteria, where a choir of kindergarten students entertained the
grandparents. School parents Joe and Becky Aldridge then performed a comedy puppet routine. Headmaster Dr. Mike Sligh and Director of Advancement Steve Wilson welcomed the guests and shared about Lakeland Christian. After the program, the grandparents and friends had the opportunity to visit their grandchildren’s classrooms. The kids were able to introduce their teachers and friends, show off their classroom, work on special projects and perform special songs and activities for their grandparents. This annual event is a favorite among LCS students in grades K4-5. This year’s Grandparent and Grand-friend’s Day is tentatively scheduled for November 12, 2010.
LCS Third Grader Crowned StrawberryFestival Royalty Lakeland Christian School third grader Faith Nagy was crowned the Florida Strawberry Festival Duchess (ages 7-9) for 2010. Chosen based on personality, overall appearance, natural beauty and smile, Faith represented the festival at the Youth Parade and the Grand Feature Parade. In addition to her time at the Strawberry Festival, Faith will continue to make public appearances throughout the year.
Fifth Graders Get Hands-On with the Stock Market Who better to learn about the stock market from than the President and CEO of Allen & Company, Florida’s oldest investment firm? Lakeland Christian fifth graders had the opportunity to do just that when Mr. Keith Albritton, school parent and financial planner, visited them to talk about the stock market and lead some hands-on activities to help them better understand financial investments.
15
LCS Students Give Generously During Holiday Season Fourth Grade Candy Cane Sales Benefit Parker Street
Students Hold Food Drive for Lighthouse
cane sales this past holiday season. The students presented a
drive for Lakeland’s Lighthouse Ministries. Students brought in
check to Parker Street Ministries for $2,184.08.
canned food and other nonperishable food items so that needy
The fourth grade classes held their annual Christmas candy
Students Donate 230 Shoeboxes for OCC Lakeland Christian School students
donated 230 shoeboxes of gifts and toys for this year’s Operation Christmas Child program. Mr. David Trivette, who served as an international representative for Franklin Graham, spoke in
Elementary students held their annual Thanksgiving food
families would be able to celebrate with a Thanksgiving dinner.
Middle School Bible Students Give to At-Risk Teens
Students in Mrs. Teri Evans’ Bible classes collected Christmas
gifts for at-risk teens involved in the Youth for Christ program. Mr. Scott Hirdes, a school parent and Youth for Christ leader, was able to distribute these gifts to kids before Christmas.
elementary chapels about the program and shared his experiences passing out shoeboxes in Kosovo. Special thanks to Kay Henry for heading up the LCS program, to Karla Mosher for checking and preparing all of the shoeboxes, to Nancy Snyder for buying toothpaste and toothbrushes for some of the boxes, and to Birk and Teresa Mullinax for helping to transport boxes to the drop-off location.
Former Olympian Speaks to LCS Students Former Olympic runner, world record holder and Congressman Jim Ryun traveled to Lakeland this past fall to speak to Lakeland Christian students and to be on hand at the Without Walls Cross Country Invitational. In 1964, Ryun became the first high school runner to run a mile is less than four minutes when he ran a 3:59.0 mile. He later went on to set the world record with a 3:51.3 mile and then later a 3:51.1. Ryun competed in the Olympics in 1964 and 1968, winning a silver medal in the 1,500-meter race in Mexico City in 1968. In 1966, Ryun was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year, which is considered one of the highest recognitions for any amateur or professional athlete. Ryun served as a businessman and motivational speaker before being elected to represent Kansas in the United States House of Representatives. On a Friday afternoon, he spoke to the students about his experiences in running and in competition. On Saturday morning, Ryun attended a 5K race held in his honor and the cross-country meet. Jim Ryun (center) spent some time encouraging the LCS cross-country teams during his visit in October.
Alumni News 2000s
1990s
Brittany Marzola (’08) and Nick Bridges will be
Lauren Chastain Presson (’98) and her husband,
married on June 11, 2010. Nick is a graduate of Auburn
Scott, welcomed their new son into the world on October 5,
University and is working as a civil engineer in Plant
2009. Hunter Gaines was born at Holy Cross Hospital in Ft.
City. The couple will reside in Lakeland.
Lauderdale and weighed 8 lbs. and 9 oz. Lauren, Scott and
Ryan Crosby (’06) is currently employed with
Hunter live in Pompano Beach, FL, where Scott is a Civil
E & A Cleaning and is engaged to Heather Pfrommer
Engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation, and
from S trasburg, PA. A May 2010 wedding is planned.
Lauren is a fundraiser and event planner at United Way of
Erik Thomas (’06) recently graduated from the University of South Florida. He received a B.A. in History. Josh (’03) and Cory Powell (’04) Cress, along with
Brittany Marzola
Broward County. Jason Streets (’98) and his wife, DaNae, are the proud parents of Kemper Isaac born on January 31, 2009. They
big sisters Kylee (5) and Harlee (3), welcomed the arrival
currently reside in Lakeland where Jason is working towards
of Joshua “Maverick” born on December 22, 2009. He
his residential appraiser license, coaching LCS girls’ varsity
weighed 7 lbs. and 10 oz. Josh is employed with Cress
soccer and is an assistant girls’ soccer coach at Florida
Construction, and Cory is a stay-at-home mom.
Southern. DaNae is employed at Wasilewski Court Reporting.
Keith Knowlton (’04) and his wife, Rachel – both
Erica Suares (’98) left The Heritage Foundation (where
graduates of Furman University – are teaching E nglish
she has been working in Senate Relations) and has taken a
to f reshman and sophomore university students in
new position working for Senator Jim DeMint, a Republican
northeastern China. They will complete their first year of
from South Carolina. Erica will be advising him on
teaching in July 2010.
education policy issues as well as other social policy issues.
Joshua Vander Maten (’04) moved from Nashville,
Anthony Tucker (’95) is the Director of Career Services
Tennessee, to Dallas, Texas, and is working part-time
at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA. Anthony
at a church called Fellowship Dallas and traveling with
and his wife, Rachel, along with their five boys, Bode,
Women of Faith. In August, Josh plans to attend Christ
Myers, Davis, Lyndon and Urban, are members of Lookout
for the N ations, a school that will help him pursue the
Mountain Presbyterian Church.
calling God has placed on his life as a worship pastor. Daniel Wilson (‘02) and Jessica Gandy will be
Jennifer Oncu Overholt (’90) and Keith Overholt Victoria born on November 21, 2009. Ainsley weighed
Daniel is the assistant golf course superintendent at
8 lbs., 8 oz. and was 20 inches long. She joins Carter (8th
St. Ives Country Club in Atlanta, Georgia.
grade), Olivia (6th grade), Reese (4th grade), Jackson (K5)
Andrew Knowlton (’02) graduated from Samford
and Ellie (4 years). Her middle name honors the memory Carson McKinley “Mack” Greene
of Vicky Dawson.
Alabama, in May 2009. He has since passed the
1970s
Alabama bar exam and is employed by the law firm of Gaines, Wolter & Kinney, P.C. in Birmingham. Andrew
Denise Kelso Loock (’75) has recently retired from
and his wife, May, welcomed their first child, a baby girl
teaching English in the high school and college level and is
named Clair McClain, on January 25, 2010. She weighed
currently working part-time at her church and full-time as a
8 lbs., 1 oz. and was 21 inches long.
freelance writer. Another Christian writer and Denise have
Emily Lipham Greene (’01) and her husband,
com. Please check it out and send her some feedback at
Greene, born September 22, 2009 and weighing 6 lbs.
info@digdeeperdevotions.com.
and 14 oz. (’06) were married at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Lakeland on June 5, 2009. They live in Lakeland, where Nathan is employed by Northwestern Mutual
Lauren Chastain Presson
launched a devotional Web site: www.digdeeperdevotions.
Josh, are the proud parents of Carson McKinley “Mack”
Nathan Patterson (’00) and Lauren Knowlton
Clair McClain Knowlton
(LCS middle school principal) celebrate the birth of Ainsley
married on May 8, 2010 in Birmingham, Alabama.
University’s Cumberland School of Law in B irmingham,
Josh and Cory Powell
We love to hear from you. News about you is important to
Kemper Isaac Streets
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.
Financial Network.
17
Ainsley Victoria Overholt
A Special
Alumni:
Updating Your Info is Easier than Ever Attention LCS alumni: updating your information is now easier than ever! All you have to do is visit www.lcsonline.org/alumni/form.asp and you can update your address, phone number, e-mail address and family information. You can also send a write-up to appear in future issues of The Viking. When you click “Submit,” the information that you provide is automatically sent to Mrs. Claudia Powell, the a dministrative
Thanks
assistant in the Headmaster and Advancement Offices. If you would
The Lakeland Christian
School faculty and staff
like to include a photo for The Viking, please e-mail it to Mrs. Powell at cpowell@lcsonline.org. Keeping your information current helps your
would like to express a
former classmates contact you when reunion time rolls around, as well
heartfelt thanks to our
as ensuring that your Viking arrives at the correct address!
families for the generous Christmas love offering. This annual tradition is
Note to Alumni Parents:
deeply appreciated.
If your former student no longer lives in your home but still receives mail from Lakeland Christian at your address, please e-mail Claudia Powell at cpowell@lcsonline.org to update their alumni information.
Whitney Turbeville Senior
Drew Cleghorn Junior
Alice Middleton Secondary Faculty
Steve Wilson Director of Advancement
Luke Averitt 4th Grader
Guess: How many
What charitable
Festival?
unlimited funds?
Peeps
A million
Autism awareness
Chocolate
Peeps
18,123.5
Breast cancer research
Chocolate
Starburst jelly beans
3 million
Samaritan’s Purse
Chocolate
Chocolate eggs
White
Chocolate bunny
Dream Spring Break destination
What winter Olympics sport would you like to participate in?
White milk or chocolate milk?
Anna Maria Island with my friends
Snowboarding
White
Jamaica
Cross-country skiing
Austria
Alpine skiing
Half pipe
British Isles
Anna Maria Island
YOUR TURN
!
Speed skating
18
strawberries are Favorite Easter c onsumed cause would you each year give to if you had candy at the Strawberry
Millions
A million
LCS, of course!
Lighthouse Ministries
Lakeland Christian Awarded Two Science Grants
Grandparent, Former Coach Publishes Book Lakeland Christian School grandparent Ron Copeland always
The Lakeland Christian School
wanted to write a book, and drawing
Science Department has recently
on his experience as a Detroit police
been awarded two grants to go
officer, his crime thriller The Caves of
toward the purchase of new science
Kazoo, was published in 2009. This
equipment. From the American
fictional novel weaves suspense and
Institute of Chemical Engineers,
family values throughout the book,
LCS was awarded $828 toward the
geared for an older adolescent reader.
purchase of a Moticam microscopy
The book, published by Tate
camera that will allow science
Publishing, is available on various
teachers to project microscopy
Web sites including Amazon, Borders,
images on the SMART Boards.
Books A Million and Barnes & Noble.
LCS also received a $2400 grant
Ron has been a part of Lakeland Christian School for two decades
from the Southwest Florida Water
– as the father of alum and current assistant high school principal
Management District (SWFWMD).
Darren Copeland, as the husband of cafeteria director Mary Copeland,
This money will be used for water
as the grandparent of Brock and Brady Copeland and as a baseball and
resource education units for grades
basketball coach.
K4, 3, 5, 7 and 9 and will p urchase 27 Brock field microscopes,
If you would like to contact Ron, you can e-mail him at rmcope@tampabay.rr.com.
eyepieces and slides.
Box Tops, Soup Labels Benefit LCS The faculty and staff of the LCS elementary school would like to thank families who send in Box Tops for Education and Campbell’s soup labels. LCS gets 10 cents for each box top, and in December, LCS received a check for $627.90 for the box tops that were collected. This money will go toward the elementary reading curriculum. More than 41,000 soup labels were collected, and the money earned from this program was enough to purchase playground equipment for all three elementary playgrounds. This equipment included kickballs, footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, cups and catch balls, plastic bats and jump ropes.
Give to LCS Through Payroll Deduction Did you know that you can donate to Lakeland Christian School through your company’s payroll deduction program? If you would like to know how, please contact the LCS Advancement Office at 863-688-2771.
19
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: Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Abbott Mr. and Mrs. Tom Abramson Dr. and Mrs. Ruben Adriano Mr. and Mrs. Kale Albritton Mr. and Mrs. Keith Albritton Mr. and Mrs. John Allen Mr. and Mrs. Ira Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Dave Aplin Dr. and Mrs. Glen Barden Mr. and Mrs. Harold Barker Mr. and Mrs. Todd Barrow Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bayless Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bayless Mr. and Mrs. Donald Bellar Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Berry Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Blalock Mr. and Mrs. Jim Boatwright Mrs. Carole Bolter Mr. and Mrs. Vasco Bonino Mr. and Mrs. Don Bradley Mr. Kenneth Breathitt Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Brooks Ms. Cindy Brooks Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Brown Mr. and Mrs. Eric Burton Mr. and Mrs. Don Busing Mr. and Mrs. Frank Campano Mr. and Mrs. Sal Campisi, Jr. Dr. and Dr. Richard Cardosi Mr. and Mrs. Brian Carroll Mr. Gerald Casella Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cattarius Mr. and Mrs. Bill Chamberlin Mr. and Mrs. Todd Christian Clark/Nikdel/Powell, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cleghorn Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cline, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Greg Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Crawford Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Curls, Jr. Mrs. Jackie Davis Dr. and Mrs. James Davis Dr. and Mrs. Jeffery Davis Mrs. Lil Davis Mr. and Mrs. Daniel DeLange Mr. and Mrs. Ron Denney Mr. and Mrs. Joseph DiCesare Dr. and Mrs. Thomas DiGeronimo Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dolph Mr. and Mrs. John Douglass Mr. and Mrs. Chad Dumke Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Dunbar Mr. and Mrs. Glen Duncan Miss Susan Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Perry Evans Rev. and Mrs. Roger Evans Mr. and Mrs. Pat Fagan Mr. and Mrs. Ben Falk Mr. and Mrs. David Falk Mr. and Mrs. Lee Finley, II Mrs. Nancy Fisher
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Forlaw Mr. and Mrs. Frank Foster Ms. Brenda Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Avon Frier Mr. and Mrs. Tim Frost Mr. and Mrs. Warren Fuller Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fulton Mrs. Clara Fulton Mr. and Mrs. Louis Garrard, V Mr. and Mrs. Eric Germany Mr. and Mrs. Bud Gibson Mr. Thomas Givan Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Gomez Mr. and Mrs. Clint Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Michael Graves Dr. and Mrs. Graham Greene Mr. and Mrs. Ron Grigsby, Sr. Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Haag Ms. Patsy Ham Mr. and Mrs. Shannon Hannum Mr. and Mrs. Rob Harper, IV Mr. and Mrs. Jack Harrell, Jr. Mrs. Norma Harrell Ms. Shelley Harris Ms. Barbara Hart Mr. and Mrs. Donald Heacox Mr. and Mrs. Rex Henry Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Hill Mr. and Mrs. Keith Hodge Mr. and Mrs. Louis Holmes Mrs. Linda Honeycutt Mr. and Mrs. Boyce Horne Mrs. Linda Houghton Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Huckery Rev. and Mrs. Gary Hull Mr. and Mrs. David Hurd Mr. Craig Irvin Mrs. Phyllis Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Jenkins Mrs. Mimi Jenko Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Dean Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Jones Dr. and Mrs. Derek Keenan Ms. Tracy Kelley Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kettelkamp Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kirby Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Kirby Mr. and Mrs. Curt Kitchens Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Knowlton Mr. Erwin Knowlton Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Knowlton Mr. and Mrs. Ray Kriegbaum Mr. and Mrs. Allen Ladd Mr. and Mrs. Edward Laderer, Jr. Lakeland Creamery, Inc. – Coldstone Creamery Mr. and Mrs. Randy Larson
Rev. and Mrs. Michael Latham Mr. and Mrs. Robert Latimer Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lehner Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lewis Mrs. Daisy Libbert Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lopez Mr. and Mrs. Robert Madden Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Madden Mr. and Mrs. George Maguire Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Mason Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mason Mr. and Mrs. Larry Maxwell Mr. and Mrs. Todd Maxwell Mr. and Mrs. Mike McCormick Mr. and Mrs. Michael McKenney Mr. and Mrs. Tom McLaughlin Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Merchant MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Miles Ms. Stacy Miles Mr. and Mrs. Corey Miller Mr. and Mrs. David Miller Mr. and Mrs. Doug Miller Mrs. Norma Moore Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mora, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Terry Morrow Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mosley Mr. and Mrs. Eric Mowrer Mr. and Mrs. Birk Mullinax Dr. and Mrs. Mark Munson Mrs. Bennie Jo Murray Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Murray Mr. and Mrs. Mike Musick, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Oz Mutz Mr. and Mrs. Bob Myhrer Mr. and Mrs. Alan Naughton Mr. and Mrs. Dean Nederveld Mr. and Mrs. Steve Nichols Mr. and Mrs. Chris O’Byrne Mr. and Mrs. William O’Harrow Miss Ellen Oncu Mrs. Judy Oncu Outsource Management Solutions Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Oxendine Mr. and Mrs. Lee Patteson Mr. and Mrs. Tom Petcoff Mr. and Mrs. Scott Petro Mr. and Mrs. Ray Phillips Mr. and Mrs. Brian Philpot Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Pike Mrs. Marlene Pitts Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James Powers Mr. and Mrs. John Prahl Register Construction & Engineering Dr. and Mrs. Alan Rich Mr. and Mrs. Ron Riggs Mr. and Mrs. James Roberson
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Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rogers Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Rowe Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rubio Mr. and Mrs. Dale Russell Mr. and Mrs. Jon Russell Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ryal Mr. and Mrs. John Sabat Mr. and Mrs. John Santosuosso Mr. and Mrs. Dean Saunders Mr. and Mrs. Bill Schichtel Mr. Philip Sebring Mr. John Shannon Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Shelby Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Shimko Mr. and Mrs. David Simpson Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Singler Dr. and Mrs. Mike Sligh Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Sligh Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sloan Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Smith Mr. and Mrs. Harold Snyder Miss Nancy Snyder Mr. and Dr. Jason Spinks Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Stabler Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stacy Mr. and Mrs. Tom Standifer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stanz Rev. and Mrs. Robert Stubblefield Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sutton Mr. and Mrs. John Szydlowski Dr. and Mrs. Bradley Tan Dr. and Mrs. James Tew The NCT Group CPA’s, L.L.P. Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Thornton Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Threlkeld Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Tidey Mr. and Mrs. Eric Torres Mrs. Evelyn Towler Dr. and Mrs. John Tucker Mr. and Mrs. Jim Turlington Mr. Dean Turner United Way of Tri-County, Inc. United Women’s Club of Lakeland, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Peter Urban Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Varnum Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Velez Mr. and Mrs. James Verplanck Visionworks of Central Florida Ms. Marne Vorndran Mr. and Mrs. Ward Wall, Jr. Mr. Steven Ward Watson Clinic, LLP/Dr. Richard Cardosi Mr. Kenneth Welsh Mr. and Mrs. David Wickenkamp Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wiechmann Mr. and Mrs. Barry Wilder Mr. and Mrs. Tom Williams Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Wilson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Wilson Rev. and Mrs. William Wynn Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey Yates
Living Memorials
Library Donations
It is a joy to receive gifts that are sent to a cknowledge a loved one. We are grateful for the gifts received from the following:
I n memory of: Ashley Turlington Given by: Mrs. Betty Bagbey Ms. Sue Crosby Mr. and Mrs. John Douglass Mrs. Sylvia Etchison Pastor and Mrs. Jerry Goodell Reverend and Mrs. Rick Hinger Mr. and Mrs. Dean Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Scott Laing Lanier Upshaw, Inc. Ms. Sandra Parks Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Shelby Mr. and Mrs. Valentino Tocci Mrs. Dorothy Woodworth In memory of: Bradley Langston Given by: Mr. and Mrs. John Douglass Mr. and Mrs. John Prahl Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Miles I n memory of: Mr. David W. Privett Given by: Mrs. Ann Matthews Mrs. Robert Hightower
In memory of: Cooper Naughton Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Larry Naughton In memory of: Mrs. Tara Shelby Given by: Mr. Donald Shelby Mr. and Mrs. Leon Ward In memory of: Stephen Shelby Given by: Mr. Donald Shelby In memory of: Mrs. Frances Gibson Given by: Mrs. Jean Widdowson In memory of: Mr. Billy Kirkland Given by: Chestnut Grove Baptist Church In memory of: Mr. Bill Thornton Given by: Dr. and Mrs. Mike Sligh Mr. and Mrs. Steve W ilson In memory of: Mr. Rocky Rachell Given by: Mrs. Grace Thompson In memory of: Mrs. Reba Schmidt Given by: Mrs. Robert Hightower
The Lakeland Christian Library staff a ppreciates 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. Mr. and Mrs. Lennie Barrand Mr. and Mrs. Glen Duncan Mr. Lee Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Terry McNutt Mr. and Mrs. Bill Mutz Mr. and Mrs. Andy Norman Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Prather Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ryun Mr. and Mrs. Fred Salmon Mrs. Shelly Schaedel Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Smith Mr. and Mrs. John Szydlowski Mr. and Mrs. James Williams MidFlorida School Credit Union
In memory of: Mr. Ed Maddox Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Carter Mr. Thomas Conger Mr. Jack Payne In memory of: Mr. Burl Wilson, Sr. Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Joe Aldridge Mr. and Mrs. Tom Bayless Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Blalock Clark/Nikdel/Powell, Inc. – Mrs. Anne Powell Mrs. Kathleen Davis Ms. Arlena Dominick Mr. and Mrs. John Douglass Mr. and Mrs. Ward Edwards Mr. and Mrs. James Hahn Mr. and Mrs. Rob Harper, IV Mr. and Mrs. Jack Harrell, Jr. Mrs. Robert Hightower Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Knowlton Mrs. Ann Matthews Mr. and Mrs. E. V. McClurg Mr. and Mrs. Mike McCormick Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell, Jr. Register Construction & E ngineering – Mr. Buddy Register Mr. and Mrs. Bill Schichtel Mr. and Mrs. Norman Slakman Dr. and Mrs. Mike Sligh Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Thornton The Timothy Group – Mr. Pat McLaughlin Ms. Koleen Whaley Ms. Polly Whaley Dr. and Mrs. Robert Williams
LCS Appreciates 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. Marsha Gordon – Donation of leadership books for administrative staff Don Folk – Coordinating the concessions at the Florida Bandmasters Association Solo and Ensemble Festival Sandy Gibson and Cathy Hamilton – For volunteering in Mrs. Betty Duncan’s fourth grade classroom Kevin Wasilewski and David Sligh – For their assistance with the LCS soccer programs Mimi Jenko – For the donation of office supplies and medical supplies Chasity Branham – For donating her time each week to do Math Superstars with students in Mrs. Debbie Stump’s third grade classroom Carla Gray – For serving as the classroom photographer for Mrs. D ebbie Stump’s third grade class Floy Graves, Steve Jones, Kathy Fulton, Ana Liz Greene, Mila Adriano, Lesslie Kettelkamp, Sabra Myers and Betty Firmin – For serving as chaperones for Choir All-State and MPA in January and February
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The Viking is published quarterly by Lakeland Christian School, 1111 Forest Park St., Lakeland, Florida 33803
Art Students Create Portraits for Children in Ethiopia As part of the Memory Project (www.thememoryproject.org), secondary art students in Shelley Harris’ class recently painted portraits of orphans in E thiopia. According to the Web site, these portraits are given to the children as keepsakes with the purpose of “providing them a special memory of their youth, to honor their heritage and identity and to help them build a positive self-image.” Left: Hayat Mohammod proudly displays her photo. Right: Estifanos Hailu is another Ethiopian orphan who received his portrait by an LCS art student.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
March 22-26 Creation Care Week
March 26 End of Third Quarter
March 29-April 2 Spring Break
April 9 Report Cards Issued
Lakeland Christian Teacher Earns ‘Preserving Polk’ Award Mrs. Jennifer Canady, a middle school science teacher at Lakeland Christian School, was awarded the “Preserving Polk” Award by the Keep Polk County Beautiful organization for her commitment to educating young people about the environment. Canady teaches her students to be good stewards of the environment through hands-on projects such as the Discovery Channel’s “Change Your World Challenge.” This challenge encourages students to find ways to have a positive impact on their community. This year’s classes have implemented a very successful school-wide bottle and paper recycling program. Mrs. Jennifer Canady, surrounded by her world-changing middle school students, is a deserving award winner.