The [STANDARD] Spring 2015 Editor:
Julie Cordero Creative Designers:
Hadley Fletcher & Amber Moralez Copy Editors:
Cathy Anderson, Dr. Stephen B. Cox, Lanisa Fitzgerald, April Kitchens Contributing Writers:
Chanda Allen ‘99, Jolene Ballou, Michelle Baxter, Angela Beck, Alexander Chamales, Brad Ellison, Will Felty ’15, Molly Mandry, Melinda Paxton, Heidi Payne, Shanna St. Clair, Annette White, Erin Wilson Contributing Photographers:
Angela Beck, Julie Cordero John Altman/fastactionphoto.com Shawn Best/bestframephotography.zenfolio.com TCS parent and staff submissions The Standard , the magazine of Trinity Christian School is published twice a year, fall and spring semester, by the Trinity Parents Association.
Visit www.tcslubbock.org for the latest school news, sports updates, and additional photos. You may also connect with us on Facebook at Trinity Christian School, our blog at tcslubbockblog.com or follow us on Twitter. The Standard, the magazine of Trinity Christian School, welcomes your comments, photo submissions, suggestions and involvement. Please forward your input to TheStandard@tcslubbock.org. ©2015 Trinit y Christian Scho ol. All rights reserved.
_______________________________ Front Cover: On April 17, Taya Kyle visited TCS and joined us for “A Salute to an American Hero” to raise funds to support servicemen and first responder families through the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will also support the educational needs of the students at TCS. She is the wife of former Navy SEAL, Chris Kyle, whose life and military career were portrayed in the hit film and book, “American Sniper.” Photo courtesy John Altman/fastactionphoto.com
Trinity Christian School Homecoming 2015 Photo courtesy Shawn Best/bestframephotography.zenfolio.com
PHOTO GALLERY [SPRING SEMESTER HIGHLIGHTS ]
CLASS [ NOTES ]
Strategic Planning for the FUTURE with TCS
Assistant Superintendent BRAD ELLISON
Q: MEMBERS OF THE TCS STAFF AND FACULTY HAVE BEEN HOLDING MEETINGS THIS SPRING FOR LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PLANNING. WHO ATTENDED AND HOW MANY MEETINGS HAVE YOU HELD? Our strategic planning process has consisted of two meetings and was facilitated by Dr. Glen Schultz. More information can be found about his ministry at kingdomeducation.org. The planning committee was made up of administrators, teachers, board members, and a member of the PLC. Q: TELL US SOME OF THE GOALS SET IN PLACE AFTER YOUR FIRST MEETING HELD IN FEBRUARY. Dr. Schultz’s first visit was in October 2014. Our goal was to assess exactly where we are as a school with respect to our culture, mission, and core values. Dr. Schultz developed a series of questions and used a focus group to survey our faculty and staff. He wanted to know, for example, how they interpreted our previous mission statement, “Biblical Foundation and an Excellent Education.” He asked us to define the word “excellence” and how it applied to TCS. Through this process, we gained some valuable insight. For example, he was able to discern two very distinct cultures in our staff: those teachers who have been at TCS for more than 10 years and those that had been employed here for a shorter period of time. In addition, our staff, although very much engaged in the culture of our school, all had very different answers to; “Why does TCS exist?”, “What is excellence?”, and “What is a Biblical Foundation?” We also found that there is a real, or at least a perceived, disconnect between our athletic program and our academic program. Glen felt that this was common in most schools, but it needed to be addressed during a strategic planning process. Q: WHAT WAS COVERED IN THE SECOND MEETING HELD IN FEBRUARY? This meeting was the beginning of the actual strategic planning process. Our goal in this meeting was to develop a new mission statement, a set of core values, and a set of operating principles that were derived from the core values. Together, these elements would comprise an operating constitution that would lay out a roadmap for how TCS would remain faithful to the calling that God birthed through TCS founder Joyce Herron almost 40 years ago.
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Q: DESCRIBE TWO QUESTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN ANSWERED IN THIS PROCESS. The most important question that we addressed is, “What does TCS do?” This is answered in our new mission statement: Trinity Christian School will assist parents in providing students with a biblical worldview education, equipping them to become Christ-like leaders in their homes, churches, communities and workplace. The next question we answered is, “What does TCS value?” This is answered in our new core values: Bible, Family, Education, Character, Church, Leadership, Discipleship, and Stewardship. These values help define who we are as a school. Q: CAN YOU GIVE US A PEEK INTO SOME CHANGES WE CAN EXPECT AS A RESULT OF THESE MEETINGS? Most of the changes will be behind the scenes, and they are intended to help the school administration align its policies and procedures with our core values. The operating principles are key here. They help translate the somewhat abstract core values into simple guidelines for decision-making, and this is a very unique aspect of the strategic planning process we just entered into. For example, some of the operating principles address the type of candidates we will consider for positions at TCS. Others provide guidance on how new curriculum will be developed and assessed. Q: WHAT IS NEXT? We have one more working meeting scheduled with Dr. Schulz this summer to address the question, “How do we assess the degree to which we are holding true to our mission and core values?” Here, we focus on putting in place the structural aspects of our school that maintain alignment with our new mission and core values. BRAD ELLISON is beginning his fifth year as Assistant Superintendent. He came to Trinity Christian School after twenty years in public education where he served as a teacher, coach and HS Principal. Brad earned his B.S. degree in Secondary Education from TTU, Masters in Educational Leadership from LCU and completed his Superintendent Certificate requirements at West Texas A&M. He is married to Amanda (19 years) and they have two daughters enrolled at TCS: Ashtyn (6th grade) and Lauryn (1st grade).
E
very year, our second through fourth grade students have a wonderful opportunity to grow as public speakers in the Speech Meet. Students memorize a passage from the Bible, a poem, or a fable to recite in front of their peers and two judges. Then, three students are chosen from each event and grade level to represent TCS at the Regional ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) Competition in Levelland. On March 27, our regional qualifiers competed against five area private schools in the Regional Speech Meet. We were so proud of all of them!
CLASS [ NOTES ]
REGIONAL
ACSI SPEECH MEET COMPETITION
speech meet
TCS students bring home TOP RIBBONS
Trinity Learning Center Chapel
A
LOUD
way to praise our GOD!
Once a week, the Kidsplace stage area transforms into an exhilarating place of worship filled with happy chatter and clamoring of lots of tiny feet! Together these little people ranging from ages 12 months to four years, along with their teachers and staff, gather to worship, sing praises, and dance before our Lord. This is the joy of the Trinity Learning Center (TLC) weekly chapel. Our heavenly Father instructs us to teach our children the way they should live life conducive to their individually designed temperament. Interestingly, every child, no matter what their background eagerly and joyfully participates. They naturally raise their hands, sing, clap, and dance as the littlest ones intently observe. It reveals God’s truth; without a shadow of doubt, we were first and foremost designed to praise our Lord.
By Annette White. TLC Three-Year-Old Lead Teacher. THE STANDARD |
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CLASS [ NOTES ]
Famous Americans
Famous Americans The
Who Came to Visit
TCS third graders present the lives of those they studied
O
ver the course of a couple of days each school year, a number of famous Americans visit Trinity third grade classes: Colin Powell, Robert E. Lee, Christa McAuliffe, George Washington Carver, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Even Helen Keller, Daniel Boone, and many others. Or so it’s fun to believe that. In reality, for over 20 years, our third graders have brought to life the famous American they have been assigned to
Dax Trout as Robert E. Lee
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Aaron Barbie as Colin Powell The Magazine of Trinity Christian School
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study through a first person, oral presentation made to their classmates and teachers. The students are encouraged to creatively incorporate props in their speech and make their own costumes at home. They are also encouraged to be creative in how they portray the life of the American they are teaching about. Lives may be acted out in a skit or a parent can be called on to assist with an interview. Whatever they decide to do, the presentations are a powerful learning tool and a fun part of the history of this school.
Addie Burnett as Christa McAuliffe
Bryce Hale as George Washington Carver
CLASS [ NOTES ]
TCS Seniors Receive Appointments to MILITARY ACADEMIES TCS
is proud to announce the appointment of two seniors to U.S. military academies: MR. JONATHAN CADE SAVAGE received a nomination from Congressman Randy Neugebauer and has been appointed to the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island. MR. JOHN BECK III has received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point with a nomination from Senator John Cornyn. John has also received nominations to the Air Force Academy from Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Neugebauer, as well as a nomination to the Naval Academy. John has not decided which he will attend, but he will pursue an Engineering degree and serve as an officer in the United States Armed Forces.
Recognizing the accomplishments of two fine young men.
TCS Senior John Huffstetler, John Beck, Stephen Cox, Cade Savage, and Ernie Garcia Military
The Governor’s Inauguration By Alexander Chamales, TCS Class of 2017
In January, I had the honor of attending Governor Abbott’s Oath of Office Ceremony. I also attended the Future of Texas Ball and an Inauguration Barbecue. It was splendid to see many of my political role models. Our new governor, Greg Abbott, and lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick, are both excellent speakers. What stuck out the most to me in their speeches is that they both specifically mentioned Jesus Christ, quoted scripture, and talked about preserving our Judeo-Christian values. As my father said, “They couldn’t talk like that in California.” In that moment, pride in our great state overwhelmed me like a tidal wave. I thank God we had the discernment to elect such upright leaders.
First Grade Mother’s Day Tea By Molly Mandry
What a joy and delight it was to attend the Mother’s Day Tea with our first graders. The sweet students and their teachers worked so hard preparing for this special time. The children blessed their mothers by greeting them, serving them refreshments, and sharing with them personalized poems and hand-made treasures! We will cherish this sweet time in our hearts forever. THE STANDARD |
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While I was on spring break in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I met an Egyptian gift shop owner named Mayer. He asked me how old I was and where I was from. I told him I was 18 years old and from Lubbock, Texas. I also told him I would be graduating high school in less than two months. When I realized what I had just said, it seemed surreal. It was common for people, when they noticed my height, to be surprised at how young I was. Never before, though, had I been struck with just how old I was. Due to the bracing, breakneck pace of my senior year, it was only during this reprieve from my classes that I was able to even consider the imminent end of my experience at Trinity Christian School. Somewhat counterintuitively, the senior year is both the most challenging year and the best year. This year has given
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me some of my favorite memories, in spite of Mrs. Garrett’s class, which I can only hope is intended as preparation for the confoundingly arbitrary nature of the college classroom. I first realized this upon returning from Christmas break for the beginning of the spring semester. I reveled in the combined relief of having finished Trigonometry, arguably the most difficult course I took in high school, and having gotten over the hump of the New Year. For the first time in months, I felt grateful to be at school. After all, the year had been full of great experiences and memories. On my last High School Retreat at the beginning of the year, I had great camaraderie with my class and built relationships with underclassmen as well. In our cabin, we pushed our beds together to create what we christened “The Megabed,” among other exceedingly boyish antics.
Senior Retreat 2014
Even when I had to miss the Sadie Hawkins dance to complete the work towards my Eagle Scout rank, one of my classmates surprised me by including me in the TWIRP week festivities. The Senior Retreat in the fall was a great reprieve from the routine, during which I got to bond with fellow seniors. Now that graduation is right around the corner, I’m realizing more than ever that the time I have with my classmates is short. I want to make all the memories I can before it ends.
The first morning of the first day of senior year at TCS begins with breakfast as a class at Mr. Haven’s house. It’s a sweet tradition.
Highlights of a TCS Senior Schedule:
JANUARY: Fourth six weeks extra credit movie for Mrs. Garrett.
AUGUST: Back to School Breakfast. High School Retreat to Ceta Canyon. Sign up for SAT and ACT exams. Visit potential colleges. Enjoy your new “Seniors Only” parking area.
FEBRUARY: Spirit Week during Homecoming. Wait to hear from college about acceptance.
SEPTEMBER: First six weeks extra credit movie afternoon for Mrs. Garrett. Take the SAT or ACT. Take them again. Complete college applications. Sadie Hawkins dance. TWIRP a friend.
APRIL: Order graduation announcements. Get your baby, tween and senior photos turned in to Mr. Havens. Easter Break. Junior/Senior Banquet. Senior Recognition spring pep rally. Senior Chapel Week.
OCTOBER: Senior Retreat to Cloudcroft. Fit in National Honor Society volunteer hours. NOVEMBER: Early admissions college applications due. Road Rally. Thanksgiving Break. Cap and gown orders due. Order class ring. Request Letters of Recommendation. DECEMBER: Christmas party. Final exams. Complete college applications.
MARCH: Missions Week. Spring Break. Senior photo shoot.
MAY: AP Exams. Sports Banquet. Senior Awards Ceremony. Last day of class breakfast at Mrs.Bradley’s house. Baccalaureate. Senior Trip to Costa Rica. Final Exams. Attend a bunch of graduation parties. Help Mom finish your Senior Table. Graduate. Breathe. THE STANDARD |
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[DATELINE]
A Successful First Year By Jolene Ballou
The Ballou Family: Matt and Jolene; Mya, 3rd grade; Jackson, 1st grade. And sweet Scarlett (who isn’t in school yet).
This year we chose to enroll our kids at Trinity Christian School because we wanted to have our children in a Biblebased learning atmosphere. We have received all that we had hoped for and so much more. Our kids are not only being given an excellent education, but we have had so many pleasant surprises along the way, ranging from God and Nation, Grandparents day, to missions week, chapels, and service projects. They now have deep-rooted seeds of love, respect, and service in their hearts. To us, that is priceless. It is evident that the staff at TCS exercises the grace, love, and guidance that can only be learned from the Father; this is what provides such a calm and peaceful learning environment. Our children are taught to be leaders, servants, and provided with opportunities to use what they’ve learned. At this young age, they are little sponges. We are so grateful for all they have learned has been saturated with Jesus, and we are so thankful for the growth our kids have made this year.
Eighth Grade Retreat One of Trinity’s best traditions, 55 students traveled to Leakey, Texas in April for the annual eighth grade retreat. Fueled by the amazing cooking of Chad Curry, five fun filled days were spent swimming, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and competing in hilarious relay races. Evenings were spent in sweet times of worship and Bible teaching. What an amazing week of bonding for this Class of 2019!
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Trinity
By Melinda Paxton
4-H Club ........ changing lives one at........ a time
[DATELINE]
With a mission of “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development,” 4-H is one of the nation’s largest mentoring organizations. Members develop skills through participation in a variety of project areas such as textiles, photography, shooting sports, robotics, gardening, animal science, leadership, and community service. The Trinity 4-H Club meets the third Monday of each month in The Edge at 6:00pm and currently has about 25 members ranging from ages 8-18. Many of the new TCS club members are involved in archery. Two are Megan Strawn and Rylee Jordon who enjoy practicing at a shooting range with other Lubbock County 4-Hers. According to Megan, “I love the 4-H Archery Club. They have great coaches who help in any way they can.” Mary Kathryn Paxton and Marisa Pesina, both in 10th grade at TCS, have been in 4-H for seven years. Both girls won in County and District competitions in ‘Healthy Lifestyles’ and placed at State last year. They loved their first experience at State in College Station and have set their goals high so they can return in the near future. Mary Kathryn is taking a Vet Tech Class through 4-H to receive her license. She also hopes to someday be a student at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. She states, “After being at A&M for 4-H State Roundup, I really am excited about the possibility of going there for college and/or veterinary school!”
THE 4-H PLEDGE I pledge my head to clearer thinking, My heart to greater loyalty, My hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
This past year, TCS sixth grader Jaden Antu won Reserve Grand Champion at the Houston Livestock Show! He noted, “4-H and stock showing have taught me how to work hard, win graciously, lose respectfully, and always represent God in everything I do.” Another Trinity club member, Ashtyn Ellison, shows her horse, Pilot, in western riding classes and loves the horse judging competitions. Photography has been a fun project for fifth grader Maddie Barrington. “I like photography because it allows me to express my creativity!” she exclaimed. Any TCS students interested in joining the Trinity 4-H Club are encouraged to contact Amanda Ellison at aellison@tcslubbock.org.
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scoping out the
WORLD [ PERSPECTIVE ]
Appalachian
Mountains By Michelle Baxter
As part of Missions Week, a team of TCS students and teachers were provided the unique opportunity to scope out a new trip to the Appalachian Mountains near Lexington, Kentucky. Before leaving, none of us possessed much knowledge about this area other than a short paragraph found in a Joshua Expeditions brochure. It said, “Your group will travel to the northeastern Kentucky birthplace of country music legends Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle, which was made famous by the movie Coal Miner’s Daughter. Many families in Appalachia struggle with extreme poverty, and their modest homes and the vehicles that get them to work are the only real possessions they have. There is little money for basic needs or to even keep shoes on their children’s feet, which makes home maintenance unaffordable. Many homes are crumbling, with buckling walls, sagging floors, and holes in the roofs, creating dangerous living environments for many families. Your group will spend the week serving these families by helping repair their homes.”
Coach Ford showing off his roofing skills
Upon arrival, we learned of an older gentleman in a nearby town who had a bad leak in his roof. The snow melt had caused significant water damage to his bedroom. He is 84 and a Korean War veteran. He also had a grandson who was a fireman and was killed about this same time last year. God totally put the right people on this team as Coach Ford has extensive construction knowledge, especially in roofing. Several of the team members had done similar jobs on roofs. So away we went. While the guys worked on the roof, the girls and I painted the kitchen and the bathroom. We all jumped in with willing hands and feet and completed the job. While we were working, various family members would come around and visit, mainly reminiscing about the grandson who was killed and we listened and offered comfort. At the end of the day, we prayed a blessing over the family. Our mission trip t-shirt verse was Ephesians 2:10-- “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” What an honor and privilege it was for us to have the opportunity to bless a man that had gone to war to fight for our freedom.
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For we are , God s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. E P H E S I A N S 2 :10
Kentucky trip participants: Garrett Henson, Gabby Villafranco, Samuel Villafranco, Mrs. Becky Villafranco, Sally Miller, Ben Miller, Bailey Hagood, Jayton Burnett. Sponsors: Coach Ford, Miss Baxter. THE STANDARD |
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tlc students purchased ten goats to help feed infants. This spring, the Trinity Learning Center (TLC) partnered with PAPA Missions (Physicians Aiding Physicians Abroad) to purchase ten goats that will help feed infants at an orphanage in Zimbabwe. The families of TLC students were sent a video about the project and asked to provide
World donations with a goal of buying at least one goat per class. Donna O’Donnell, Director Perspective-Goats of Trinity Learning Center, stated, “We were so excited to help these needy
children and know that we Were acting as the hands and feet of Jesus.” Karanda Mission Hospital, located in northern Zimbabwe, provides community healthcare, medical education, and HIV/AIDS treatment. The hospital maintains several different medical outreach programs and ministries, including a goat program. Families who do not have a mother, or with mothers who are unable to nurse due to HIV, are given a milking goat to provide essential sustenance and nutrition. Each classroom had a chart with a picture of a goat on it. The students were to move the goat up a ramp boarding a ship for Africa. As children/families gave donations, they received a cut-out of a milk carton to represent their gift of milk. They then moved the goat up the ramp to give them a visual of reaching our goal. “The response from our TLC families was outstanding!” noted Donna with enthusiasm.
“We exceeded our goal and Were able to collect enough in donations to purchase at least 13 goats.”
Brylee Ordaz
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Zach McCallister
The Magazine of Trinity Christian School
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Alexis Turner
Aven Jama
FACULTY SHOWCASE
Saying Farewell Moira Jacobson
LeAnne Lair
With over 30 years of service in Christian education, Moira Jacobson proudly claims, “There is no other school like Trinity Christian!” After her sixth year as our principal, she will retire to spend more time with her family and to seek volunteer opportunities. Her favorite role as principal has been watching the teachers in action and seeing the students make connections in the classroom. She will also miss the powerful impact of High School Retreat each year, worshipping daily in chapel with her students, hearing testimonies from the TCS family after mission trips, and cheering with her husband for the Mighty Lions at basketball and volleyball games. She cherishes the unique parent involvement at TCS, including the invaluable opportunity of parenting classes.
Tonni Hoefs Tonni Hoefs has been the voice of TCS Elementary for the last ten years. From organizing, directing, and informing the staff and parents of the various activities around the school to being a TCS parent herself, Tonni has seen it all at Trinity. Her next adventure will be meeting, ministering, and loving people while flying the friendly skies. She is excited about seeing places and things she’s never seen before. Tonni will miss the spirit of community at TCS. She will also miss the teachers, children, and the parents.
LeAnne Lair has served in the PAC (Parent Activity Center) Room for 17 years, building lifelong relationships while helping others. Upon retirement, she plans to further her flexible business with Young Living Essential Oils, volunteer more, and get involved in a daytime Bible study. She shares that her favorite verse, Psalm 91:4, describes her time in the PAC Room as God’s refuge for many, feeling blessed to share quiet moments with dear parents and teachers.
Wally Leaverton Wally Leaverton has been loving on our preschoolers at TCS for 20 years! She has a patient and kind spirit and has been an encouragement to all who know her. She is looking forward to having more time to enjoy her family and friends, but she will miss her co-workers – and teaching those awesome children. Her favorite Bible verse is Romans 15:13; as she starts this next phase in her life, Wally is excited to celebrate the Lord’s great gift of life daily, as she abounds in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Clay and Wally Leaverton and daughter Sarah Jane, who is a senior at TCS, at the retirement party for Wally and LeAnne Lair.
Ernie and Adell Garcia Ernie Garcia has been at TCS for 33 years. He has worked in many capacities, but his most recent role has been as the Assistant Superintendent. Mr. Garcia lives out his favorite verse, Micah 6:8- “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” He will miss walking the halls at the end of each day – and watching all of the wonderful kids and staff scurry about their business throughout the course of the day. Throughout her 36 years at TCS, Adell Garcia has worn many hats, but all of her roles have involved teaching. She is currently the Assistant Principal for the Pre-K through 3rd grade. Her favorite things about Trinity are the people that she works with and the fellowship she has with them. She will miss the joy of the children and the funny things they say and do. She will also miss all of the sweet voices singing the song “10,000 Reasons” in chapel. She will be missed. She and Ernie are starting the next chapter in their lives as they move to a ranch north of San Antonio. THE STANDARD |
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SPORTS [ UPDATE ]
TCS
SPRING
SPORTS
UPDATE
TENNIS
GOLF
baseball Three of the Trinity spring sports—tennis, golf and baseball-- have literally been in full swing! Also offered to our students in the spring are track and field events.
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Tennis, golf and baseball at TCS are similar in that they enjoyed district success, have several senior players, and many of the players have been part of their team throughout their high school career. The golf team is coached by Andy Ellis. Senior Garrett Henson enjoys golf because the game is a challenge, both mentally and physically. He says that it’s not a game to play idly. Golf is a good game that one can play for a lifetime, no matter what age. The team is also a fun group and they have a great time together! Amy Blacketer heads up the TCS tennis team. Senior tennis player, Ben Hamilton says,
“The main apprehension I have about leaving Trinity is leaving the tennis team. Some of the fondest memories and dearest friends I have come from being a part of this team. I hope to retain the friendships I have built for many years.” Our head baseball coach is Brad Ellison; he is assisted by Heath Watts and Matt Havens. Senior baseball player, Jacob McDougal says,
“Baseball has taught me the right way to live life, to move past the failures and hardships and to encourage my teammates no matter what the score. As a team we played for the Lord, and for that we will always be winners.” Senior baseball player, Zane Eaton, says the lessons he has learned will go way beyond the field and affect every part of his life.
“Baseball is a great mental game. But it’s my teammates that make the game. We are a close-knit family that have been through a lot of ups and downs together. These are friendships that will last a lifetime,” says senior John Beck.
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ALUMNI [ HIGHLIGHTS ]
GINGER (STELTER) RIEWE
is a member of the first graduating class of Trinity Christian School—the class of 1991. After graduating from Trinity, Ginger received her accounting degree from Texas Tech University and married her husband, Philip. Later, she received her CPA and MBA from Texas Tech with a specialization in Health Organization Management. Ginger is the Controller for UMC Physician Network Services in Lubbock. She has two daughters who also attend Trinity, Kyndal (8th grade) and Kayla (3rd grade).
Ginger (Stelter) Riewe and her husband, Philip, with daughters, Kyndal and Kayla.
Alumni Hi
FUN FACTS FROM THE FIRST GRADUATING CLASS OF TCS—1991. By Ginger (Stelter) Riewe
•
•
•
TCS school colors then were red and yellow. Classes were held on the Canton Campus, with junior high and high school students attending class on the second floor.
•
The first High School Retreat in Canyon was held.
•
School vans didn’t exist for travel. Our parents drove us to all our out-of-town games.
I was the first Salutatorian (but I was not in the top 10% of my class). There were only 12 of us! Allison (Lemon) Smith was our Valedictorian - and the only one in the class top 10%.
•
Lunch was brought from home every day. Hot lunch was only served about once a week.
•
TCS was not part of TAPPS. We were part of the High Plains Christian Association and we only played schools in Amarillo and Plainview.
•
The varsity girl’s basketball team had two seniors (Allison and myself ) and then we had to go down to ninth grade to get enough girls for the varsity team.
Three of the first graduates have our own children attending TCS now (Allison Smith, Shane Dove, and myself )
•
We had football back then -- Flag Football!
•
We celebrated the first Senior Skip day (our principal Mr. Cunningham was NOT too happy!)
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ALUMNI [ HIGHLIGHTS ]
CLAUDIA M. HOEVE
is a 2000 graduate of TCS. She married Dallas Baker in 2003 while getting her degree in Journalism from Texas Tech before moving to Los Angeles, California. Claudia currently is a Television Producer and has produced a wide range of shows for E! Entertainment, Style Network, The Sundance Channel, VH1, Discovery Channel, Bravo, A&E and ABC. The majority of her career has been spent producing ABC’s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette franchise. Recently, Claudia was producing Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen for FOX. Claudia Hoeve
She and Dallas welcomed their first child, Atticus, in September of 2014.
NATHAN WOLCOTT
ighlights
TCS class of 2008. Nathan graduated summa cum laude from Texas Tech University in 2012 with a double major in Philosophy and Classics. He went on two study-abroad trips to Europe, one of which was as a teaching assistant--leading discussions throughout Rome. He earned his master’s degree in Classics from TTU in 2014. During that time he was the editorial assistant for the American Journal of Philology, an internationally renowned journal published by Johns Hopkins and in circulation since 1880.
Nathan and Samantha Wolcott
Nathan is married to Samantha and, since graduating with his master’s degree, has been teaching Latin and mythology courses full-time as an adjunct faculty member for TTU. Inspired to do international ambassadorial work, Nathan began applying to law schools around the country. He was recently accepted to Harvard Law School and looks forward to starting classes in the fall.
CHARMAINE AGUAS
TCS Class of ’07, graduated from TTU in 2011, magna cum laude with degrees in Chemistry and Mass Communication. She will graduate in Medicine also from Texas Tech in May 2015 and will move on towards a Residency in Pediatrics at Case Western Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Charmaine is planning on marrying Mr. Andrew Tang on April 25, 2015 in Lubbock. He is also graduating from Texas Tech Medical School and will be a general surgery resident at The Cleveland Clinic.
Charmaine Aguas and fiance Andrew Tang THE STANDARD |
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