Winter 2014 Vol. 19 No. 4
A publication of Western Mennonite School
Winter 2014 The In Touch is published for alumni, current families, and friends of Western Mennonite School. It is distributed several times annually. Paul Schultz ’80 Head of School Zig Derochowski Principal Robby Gilliam ’03 Advancement & Finance Director Chad Rush ’89 Dean of Students Caleb Ivanitsky ’06 Editor & Graphic Design E-mail photos and alumni updates to Charlene Schultz ’80 | Alumni Coordinator cschultz@westernmennniteschool.org Photo Contributors: Yearbook, Alumni & Friends Send correspondence to: Western Mennonite School 9045 Wallace Rd NW Salem, OR 97304 The mission of Western Mennonite School is to equip students for a life of faith and learning by providing an educational experience highlighted by five key distinctives:
In This Issue 4-5 8-9 12 13-15
Spiritual Life Athletics Completed Entryway Pictures Alumni News
Christ-centered Academic excellence Nurturing community Peace and service Enrichment opportunities Cover Photo: Various photos from both the High School and Middle School Christmas Choir Concerts. Above Photo: Students particpate in the “Human Knot” team building exercise as part of a “Big Brother/Big Sister” event. 2
From the School Board By: Linda Dibble Board Chair Greetings, The 2014-15 school year began with increased enrollment and the positive energy of dedicated faculty, eager students and leadership prepared to live into the mission of Western Mennonite School. WMS is an Anabaptist-Mennonite school from its inception until the present and, as far as we know God’s intention for the school, will continue as such. Although the relative number of Mennonite faculty and staff are few, we as a board are committed to the faith perspectives of AnabaptistMennonite faith and values. Engaging
the Biblical text with an openness to questions, believing that Jesus meant what he said and that he was talking to us, building community that speaks truth in love, inviting all to faith, and stretching ourselves academically so that graduates are empowered to engage the world locally and globally, will continue to inspire education at WMS. The respect and care for our administration, faculty, staff, students, constituents, and family of faith is the board’s continuing goal. We are also professionally and faithfully committed to ensuring that Western Mennonite School lives fully into its mission: “To equip students for a life of faith and learning” by providing an educational experience highlighted by five key distinctives: Christ-centered,
academic excellence, nurturing community, peace and service, and enrichment opportunities.” Employees, students, families and congregations are invited to join in renewing the positive energy that God is calling us to. The Vision Statement of Mennonite Church USA is our hope, our prayer, and our intention during the upcoming Christmas season and future: “God calls us to be followers of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit to grow as communities of grace, joy and peace, so that God’s healing and hope flow through us to the world.”
Winter 2014
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A Message with Promise By: Jim Harper Campus Pastor
we fail as a Mennonite institution to honor our commitment to God’s word. If students leave WMS with all A message with the facts, figures and knowledge but a promise to our have no place in their hearts for the young people is Lord, we have failed those students. to “Honor your But, let me say, knowing our father and mother,” mission and accomplishing our mission which is the first is very hard. As WMS campus pastor commandment with promise: “that it may go well with you and you may live “that it may go well with long on the earth.” Ephesians 6: 2-3. you and you may live long We, as a faculty, teach great on the earth.” truths and scientific findings, but if we fail to teach the “first commandment” Ephesians 6:2-3
I welcome the opportunity to interact with students, faculty, staff, and parents. One of the most important functions as campus pastor is the application of prayer for all those that are involved with WMS, including the family units represented through our school.
• A student must learn to honor. • A teacher must trust the Word of God is true. • And, we all must follow Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Students Challenged to Deepen Their Faith By: Harley Taylor ’16 Victor Hess, 2014, gave a personal Steven Gantt used his amazing story of testimony of how he has looked to redemption in Christ to point students This fall’s Spiritual God in prayer to develop a relationship to the freedom that is available to them Renewal Week through asking Jesus to be their Lord consumed Western with Him. As the week drew to an end, leaders in the school gathered at and Savior. His story caused many students with a the front of the chapel to pray for a Western students to turn in prayer and powerful impact. multitude of young people who boldly ask to be transformed by the unceasing It grew, challenged asked to rededicate or give their life love, grace, and forgiveness that God and reaffirmed their faith through to Jesus. The significance and value offers. times in the Word, as well as times of these four moving lessons brought Curt Bickley stirred the hearts of worship and fellowship. The four of Western students on Tuesday when messages encompassed a central theme a greater understanding to Western students as they reflected on, discussed, he told his story in the second chapel of looking to God in all things. The first message given by Stephen Gantt told of and applied the meanings in their own of Western’s Spiritual Renewal Week. lives day by day. Bickley discussed four of the most His story caused many Youth pastor Stephen Gantt gave pivotal decisions that he had faced in the first message. Gantt introduced his lifetime and how God continually Western students to himself as someone who had attended had His hand in each, giving wisdom, turn in prayer and ask countless chapels in his youth at a direction, and peace. He began by to be transformed by the Christian private school, like many of describing what life was like in the the students at Western Mennonite. Christian home that he had grown up... unceasing love, grace, and Continue on next page He went further to say that regrettably forgiveness that God offers. he had spent many of how he looked to God for redemption, them counting down the minutes until they were cleansing, and forgiveness from his done. Gantt proceeded sin. The second speaker, Curt Bickley, shared about how he looked to God to to share the incredible direct his steps according to His perfect testimony of how after will. Following that, Jon Lewellyn gave being swept into drug use and damaging examples from the Bible of how the relationships at a public prodigal son and Saul looked to God Curt Bickley stirred the hearts of Western students on to restore them through His unceasing school, he came back to Christ at age 19. Tuesday when he told his story in the second chapel love. Finally the concluding speaker, 4
of Western’s Spiritual Renewal Week
Continued...
in and how his early life had affected the decision he made as a young child to give his life to Jesus. Bickley also discussed the decision of picking a college that he felt the Lord had put in his way, as well as making the choice to study secondary education. The last decision Curt Bickley voiced was how he had trusted God to lead him to the woman who would become his wife. Bickley tied these four valuable decisions back to one idea that can’t be overlooked, to trust an Almighty God to direct our paths. Bickley resolved his message with some simple steps of application for the young people in the room, saying to rely on the Word of God, seek counsel from other strong Christians, pray continually, and most importantly, follow God’s lead in all things. Jon Lewellyn left Western students with an unforgettable message in the third chapel of Spiritual Renewal Week. He began by reading out of the book of Acts, telling of
Jon Lewellyn left Western students with an unforgettable message in the third chapel of Spiritual Renewal Week people filling the chapel to the truth that God values them. He values them with a love so real that he sent his only son to save them. He concluded with John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The fourth Spiritual Renewal
“The week was able to serve two very important purposes within the community of Western Mennonite. It produced growth within students’ relationships with each other, as well as their relationships with God” Saul’s miraculous conversion as God confronted him with a shining light from heaven. Lewellyn laid down two foundational points that help people gain spiritual maturity: the education they’ve received and the experiences that they’ve undergone. He used Saul as an example of an individual who knew who God was, but lacked the experience of what it meant to have redemption, grace, or mercy. Jonathan Lewellyn proceeded to tell the cherished parable of the prodigal son. Jonathon reassured students that regardless of the mistakes of their past, God is waiting to receive them with an overflowing abundance of grace, mercy, and love. Lewellyn pointed the young
Week chapel was given by former Western student Victor Hess. His message centered around one simple, but powerful statement: God is real. Victor gave a personal testimony regarding what God had been teaching him in life lately. He read Psalm 33:6 which says, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” He illustrated the awe-inspiring concept that the God who created everything is a God who cares for us and is intimately involved with us. He continued to talk about the value of prayer, and the meaning of simply having a conversation with God. Victor’s message resolved with
the thought-provoking idea that an all powerful, all mighty, all knowing God desperately desires to have a close relationship with each and every one of us. Jonathan Polivka, the school Ministry Chair, gave this statement at the conclusion of the week: “When thinking of the reasons for Spiritual Renewal Week, I think it’s vital for personal growth to set aside a time for reflection and thought. As students, it’s important to come together and share what we valued from all of the teachings. Friday was that day, and in the end we were able to recognize a pure connection as a school, as friends, and the family of God.” The week was able to serve two very important purposes within the community of Western Mennonite. It produced growth within students’ relationships with each other, as well as their relationships with God, as they learned to turn to Him in acknowledgement of all things. It was a time of individual growth, as students furthered their knowledge and walk with God. But it also was a time that affected the school as whole, bringing young people of all ages, backgrounds, and personalities under one common understanding of a God that they can look to in everything. Winter 2014 5
WMS Listed in the Top 30 Christian Boarding Schools in the Country This article is taken from www.thebestschools.org
There is an abundance of Christian schools in America, but the number of those that board students is by comparison small. Some Christian faiths are more interested in boarding schools for their children than others. Accordingly, this list includes many Catholic and Episcopal schools, followed by Lutheran, Baptist, and Seventh-day Adventist schools. The boarding schools considered here are as diverse in their approach to spirituality as they are in school culture. Although in today’s changing world Christians hold many divergent attitudes and beliefs, we at TheBestSchools.org have striven to be impartial, giving no preference to any one faith tradition so long as it was broadly Christian. As diverse as Christianity is in America, we thought it important that prospective students and their parents have a variety of schools to consider.
But this list is only the first step. Once parents have found a school that looks interesting, they need to do their due diligence. In particular, they will then need to investigate a school’s approach to faith, learning, and discipline, and thus determine whether it will indeed educate their children consistent with their beliefs and values. Christian Boarding Schools ranking guidelines: As with our previous article The 50 Best Christian High Schools, the 30 schools in this list appear in alphabetical order. This is not a ranking. Schools were chosen based on the following criteria: • Academic excellence and college counseling/preparation • Programs for spiritual growth of students • Extra curricular activities/ enrichment • Geographic, demographic, and theological diversity
Christian boarding schools typically originated in places where boarding schools were a part of the local or regional culture. Additionally, they arose in remote areas where it was difficult for students to attend a common schoolhouse daily, either because of difficult terrain or because of how families were dispersed. Today, Christian boarding schools offer a stable reference point for families that frequently relocate, or work “away from home.” The latter is the situation for many missionary families, for example, who work outside the U.S., but prefer their children to be educated in schools in the U.S. where they can make and retain longstanding friendships. View the entire article at http://www.thebestschools.org/features/30-best-christian-boarding-schools-america/
Parent Night | Safety and Responsibility in the Digital Age January 28, 2015 | 7:00 p.m. Every month Western offers a “Parent Night” that is designed to offer resources on various topics throughout the year and provide a time for parents to communicate with school administrators. The next parent night is open to the public and will be relevant to anyone who uses technology! Special Agent Micah Persons from the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will present on the risks that are involved with the inappropriate use of technology, the internet, and cyberbullying. Students are encouraged to attend (in addition to parents) and engage in this very important conversation. 6
By: Zig Derochowski Principal
casting accusations of just picking and Emily that I had just witnessed favorites, etc. That recognition showed the best fall drama production in my thirteen years at WMS. Driving home me our students were in very good Our fall drama I reflected on what I had just witnessed hands. We worked on a practice program started and marveled that Emily and Leah had schedule, expectations of chapel off with some use and behavior, and off they went. created a unified cast that was able to serious problems. draw on each other’s Occasionally I would Primarily, we could “They had passion in their strengths to make meet with Emily not find a drama director. Because such a wonderful and Leah to discuss eyes and a resolve to do of this I was forced to cancel the production. Just as the purchasing of something that would fall drama program. That decision I had during the something or just to ignited something I never imagined obviously stretch both of play, I smiled again. ask if they needed happening. It began when two of our any of my help, but them in a way they hadn’t I thanked the Lord drama students, Emily Axtell and for helping two been stretched before.” Leah Stocks, requested a meeting with they requested very gifted students to little from me. From me to discuss possibility of having a have the courage to respond to an idea time to time I would venture down to student-led fall drama with the two practice and things seemed to be under and then in faith to step out and pursue of them doing the leading. They had passion in their eyes and a resolve to do control, but being someone who never it. I thought of our mission statement, “To equip students for a life of faith something that would obviously stretch participated in drama, I really had no idea if things were okay or not. Before I and learning.” I chuckled to myself both of them in a way they hadn’t and thought, “Yeah, right!” While knew it opening night was here. been stretched before. I was so proud I’m sure Emily and Leah were more As the play began I noticed of them! They were brave and made equipped for faith and learning because myself smiling. It wasn’t just any a great appeal, suggesting a play and of the play I was the one who became relaying information they had gleaned smile, I had a big smile and it never more equipped with faith as I learned left my face. The audience laughed from former WMS drama director, to never underestimate the value of continually and the cast was spot on Heather Hergert. To me it was obvious someone who is willing to step out in that they had discussed many different in each of their roles. As the evening faith, especially with regard to one’s age. concluded I found myself telling Leah aspects of running a play; there was no way I couldn’t consider the possibility. I asked them to conduct a meeting to see if other students would be interested. Sure enough there was and thus began our fall drama program, “Old Time Radio.” Emily and Leah asked two teachers, Liz Dillow and Jim Affolter, to help with casting. They asked for their help to avoid any possible
Winter 2014
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Soccer All League Honors
1st Team: Madison Hull, Cheyenne Locke, Irénée Shimirwa and David Gottesman 1st Team Goal Keeper: Emma Gibb 2nd Team: Kieley Griffin, Alaina Zapata, Emily Nelson, and Wyatt Roth Honorable Mention: Sophie Mansour, Solstice Leupold, Lauren Foster, Jacobe DeJong and Ben Owens-Percy
Volleyball All League Honors
“Dear Mr. Schultz, larly strong I wanted to highlight the particu sity Soccer sportsmanship that your Boys Var on Thursday. team displayed during our game re always They competed with vigor, but we l or collision. quick to extend a hand after a fou rific tip save, The goalkeeper, after making a ter ngly awarded corrected the referee who had wro d to the referee, a goal kick. "I touched it," he sai s a very unusual who reversed his decision. It wa but reflected moment in my coaching career, committed to a team and school that is clearly raising fine young men.” Received from an opposing coach!
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In Touch
Congratulations to the Varsity Volleyball Team in placing 3rd in the 2A Classification for the Academic All-State Award with a team GPA of 3.86! Volleyball All-League Awards: Congratulations to seniors Amy Rausch and Emily Loyd for being selected as 2ndTeam All-League members as well as senior Jane Maki for being selected to the Honorable Mention All-League team. Great job ladies!
2014 - 2015 Basketball
Time
Place
Tues Fri Tues Fri Tues Fri Tues Fri Mon Wed Fri Mon Tues Fri
1/6 1/9 1/13 1/16 1/20 1/23 1/27 1/30 2/2 2/4 2/6 2/9 2/10 2/13
5:30 6:00 6:30 6:00 5:30 6:30 5:30 6:00 5:30 6:00 5:30 6:00 6:00 6:00
Away Home Away Home Away Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Home
Opponent Kennedy Central Linn Regis Perrydale East Linn Christian Santiam High St. Paul High Kennedy Central Linn Regis Perrydale St. Paul East Linn Christian Santiam
‘14 - ’15 SEASON SCHEDULE
Date
PIONEER BASKETBALL
Day
NEW LOCATION!
3380 Astoria Way NE | Salem, OR | 97305 503-588-7800
GIRLS’ VARSITY
BOYS’ VARSITY
Tri-River Conference
Day Tues Fri Tues Fri Mon Tues Fri Tues Fri Mon wed Fri Mon Tues Fri
Western Mennonite School 9045 Wallace Rd. NW Salem, OR 97304 Date
Time
Place
Opponent
Santiam 265 Evergreen Mill City, OR 97360
1/6 Linn Christian 7:00 Away Kennedy St. Paul Central 1/9Highway7:30 Home Central Linn 20449 Main St NE 32433 228 1/13OR 97348 8:00 Away Regis St Paul, OR 97137 Halsey, 1/16
7:30
1/27
7:00
2/6
7:00
Home
Perrydale Regis Delphian East Linn Christian 550 West Regis St Santiam Stayton, OR 97383 Away St. Paul Home Kennedy Feb. 20 League Championship Away Central Linn Feb. 21 League Championship Home Regis Feb. 27 1st Round State (Boys Away Perrydale Home St. Paul Feb. 28 1st Round State (Girls Home East Linn Christian March 5-7 State Tournament in Home Santiam
East1/19 Linn Christian 7:30 Academy Away 1/20Victory Dr 7:00 Away 36883 1/23 OR 97355 8:00 Away Lebanon, Kennedy 1/30 7:30 890 2/2 E Marquam7:00 St 2/4 OR 97362 7:30 Mt Angel, Perrydale 2/9 7:30 74452/10 Perrydale7:30 Rd Amity, OR 97101 7:30 2/13
The Pioneer Reunites With His Long Lost Ox! The ox could travel unbroken prairie, massive towering mountains, blistering deserts, flooded rivers and broad mud flats. Only the ox could live on whatever food he could find, in bleak circumstances, thriving wherever he found himself. The ox was critical for the pioneer’s success; he was transportation for the journey, and much more. The ox provided food, shelter and clothing. His strength broke new ground, hauled logs to build homes and towns, pulled boats upriver. The ox turned the dream of a new life into reality. His strength, endurance and dedication are his legacy. He inspires us to never give up, hold fast to faith, to
thrive wherever we find ourselves. He motivates us to climb impossible mountains, to seize opportunities, and tackle challenges without fear. Students and staff chose to name the new mascot “Big Blue,” before he was introduced in a pep assembly before the first home basketball game this season. In a video created by the student council, Big Blue the Ox was separated from The Pioneer on their trek to Oregon before 1945. Since that time he has been training and searching until at long last he found his way to Western Pioneer Superfan, Michael Galer ’77, with and was reunited with The Pioneer! Big Blue the Ox at the first basketball pep assembly of the season! Winter 2014
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A Fond Farewell By: Byron Johnson ’77 Facilities Director It is bittersweet to say goodbye to Western Mennonite School because a wonderful relationship between my family and the school has been renewed during the time that I served as the Facilities Director. My wife and I, (both alumni) have been involved with WMS since 1974 when we attended and then graduated from here. I did a year of voluntary service helping Rol Leichty in the late 70’s. We served on the Alumni Board back in the day and my wife was the chairman of the phonation at one point in time. Then our oldest son attended here grade 8-12 and graduated in 1998. Since that time we have been “uninvolved” other than financially and prayerfully supporting the school. So it was great to come back and become involved once again. That involvement has given me greater passion to support the school daily as a prayer warrior. This school has so much potential to encourage and equip students to embrace Jesus, to accept him as their personal Savior and to impact their world in significant ways by developing their faith walk on a daily basis. I want to thank the following individuals who have been a significant help to me during my time here. Paul: for believing in me and trusting my decision making to know that I always “had his back” and would do what was right for the school Lori Burkey: without you I would have failed right out of the gate. I had no one to hand off information to me from the 10
facilities side and Lori with her sweet running and you have been a blessing spirit and optimism was able to point to me. Your devotion to WMS is me in the right direction many times significant and your willingness to help with little things like where certain make it a better place for our students tools and equipment were kept and has made such a difference in the day giving me the “back story” many times to day operation of the campus. when things here were not making And last but not least, Howard: I sense at all. was at a very difficult place in my life Dora: you have “This school has so much potential been awesome. I to encourage and equip students to so appreciate your positive attitude embrace Jesus, to accept him as their and will definitely personal savior and to impact their miss hearing you world in significant ways” say, “Hallelujah, it’s Friday!” You definitely “get it” as far as the mission in regards to working here and was of the school and how we go about praying, almost in desperation, that achieving that mission. God would send the right person to Rich Martin, Josiah Muckey, Ray take over the Facilities Department Nussbaum: thanks so much for either and then I heard that Howard was answering my questions or pointing in between jobs. So I immediately me to someone who could. I think we contacted him and discussed the all know that this place is “quirky” and possibility of his employment here. without continuity of information it And God just worked out the rest. is very difficult to manage. You three God has now opened some significant have made the path less troublesome doors for me. I learned woodworking and guided me through some pretty from a wonderful man, Darwin difficult stuff from time to time. You Buschert, while I was attending made me a believer in the term “it WMS back in the 70’s and went on to takes a village”. become a Journeyman Cabinetmaker Rick Troyer: I and eventually a Superintendent of would have not Industries for a Furniture Factory at made it this far the Federal Prison at Sheridan, Oregon. without you The opportunity God has given me to Brother. You return to my roots, and once again be came along side handcrafting furniture, mostly from me initially reclaimed wood, is such a blessing. I when I needed look forward to making a nice piece help converting of furniture for the WMS Auction this some dorm next year. space into an I will miss having daily and apartment. You weekly interaction with the Faculty and would show Staff here on campus. I will definitely up at my most keep you all in my prayers. needy times (broken pipes) and would Lori, Luba, Howard, Rick, Kory be there to help see things through and Morgan: thanks for being a part of until we were functioning properly my team and I will pray for you twice a again. They weren’t fun times but with day, “Go Facilities!” your help we got things back up and
No Gift Too Small By: Robby Gilliam ’03 Advancement & Finance Director This December two middle school students brought in $27.26 from their savings to donate to our scholarship fund. When they came to our Finance office window to donate they expressed their desire to help another student come to Western Mennonite School that may not be able to afford it. These young students’ humbling generosity reminds me of the widow giving everything she had in Luke 21. It reminds me that gifts to Western Mennonite School come in all shapes and sizes. It is gifts like this that make a difference on our campus. It is not that $27.26 will pay a student’s tuition, but it was two individuals giving everything they had to give someone else the same joy they are receiving from being a part of this school. Without gifts to our grant program it would be impossible for countless students to attend. The generous donations we receive are not just helping the school financially, but are making a lifetime change in a student’s life as we aim to equip them
Pioneer Partner Goal:
Thank You! for a life of faith and learning. Our grant program is funded through our Pioneer Partner program where generous donors and alumni give monthly to help aid student tuition. Every dollar of the program goes directly to student grants. This holiday season I encourage you to consider joining us as a Pioneer Partner in bringing students to Western Mennonite School to experience an excellent academic program led by our Christ-centered focus. In 2014-2015 we have given out $480,000 in student aid grants. Our goal is to find 2,000 individuals to donate $20 per month to fully fund our student grant budget. That is simply passing on a few Starbucks coffees per month. Your donation of $20 per month will continue to help our Advancement staff and Administration bring families to WMS that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. Consider partnering with us in this Pioneer Partner program that has a rich heritage and offers continued blessings to countless students.
2,000 people! January $20
2,000 people
giving $20 a month.
$480,000!
EQUALS
Sign up online or call the business office at 503.363.2000 www.westernmennoniteschool.org/support/pioneer-partners/
The following individuals and businesses generously made our fall Benefit Banquet possible by hosting tables!
$22,000 Pledged gifts: $15,000 Total Raised: $37,000 Cash gifts:
Anonymous ’55, ’56, ’61, ’62 Bill & Jean Mansour Charles Lee ’82 Del ’58 & Lee ’59 Snyder Douglas, Conroyd, Gibb & Pacheco Dr. Richard & Mitra Royal F & W Fence Ginny ’79 & Malcolm Juss Glenn & Jodi Hess Hidden Creek Farm ’90, ’91 James & Diane Sturdivant John & Dixie Schultz John ’51 & Erma Jantzi LCG Pence Construction Lincoln Store ’61 Maynard ’55 & Mildred Nofziger Mennonite Village Mike & Patti Baker ’75 Norbert & Christine Leupold Oak Park Dental Oren Horst ’59 Ray & Tina Kauffman Richard & Jeanne Schultz Richard ’59 & Karen Kropf Rock of Ages Sarah DuVal, RN Stutzman Services ’73 The Springs at Sunnyview Assisted Living Wilbur Kennel Wilcox, Arredondo & Co. ’89 Will & Cheeri Barnhart Winter 2014
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Thank You!
The new entryway is now finished and has greatly improved the exterior appearance of the school, enhances the first impression of visitors to our campus and sets the standard for further campus improvements yet to come. Thank you to all that gave towards this project! If you have not seen it in person stop by for a visit.
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Alumni Celebration Day The first annual Alumni Celebration day was held on December 18, 2014. Three individuals were honored in different categories during chapel. Students were encouraged to not only honor those individuals who have gone before them in life, but to
learn from them, and to embrace their family history as well as the school’s history. Stories were told, laughter was shared, old pictures enjoyed, and history, legacy, and heritage passed on. Western Mennonite School is incredibly blessed by the Alumni and
school community. The school’s growth since 1945 is a testament to the faithful brothers and sisters who provided vision, and gave of their time and resources as they have supported the Western over the years.
Young Leader Award ~Stephanie Dubbleman ’06~
Lifetime Achievement Award ~John Jantzi ’51~
Dedicated Service Award ~Willard Kennel~
This is awarded to someone who has graduated from WMS within the last 10 years and exemplifies Western’s mission statement and core distinctives in their everyday life.
This is awarded to someone who has graduated from WMS 10 or more years ago and exemplifies Western’s mission statement and core distinctives in their everyday life.
The award winner for this year was Stephanie (Danilson) Dubbleman, graduate of 2006. She is currently serving on the mission field in Taiwan with her husband, teaching English, doing relief work, mercy ministries, and taking Biblical studies outreach to the Philippines.
The award winner for this year was John Jantzi, graduate of 1951. John has been a very successful businessman since leaving WMS. John was also instrumental in our ‘Vision for Excellence’ Campaign that built our Practice Gym, Library, and the donated house near campus. He also served on the VFE Campaign cabinet. He has been on multiple mission trips to Mexico and has supported WMS in such generous ways. He has sent six children and one foster child through WMS.
This is awarded to someone who has served WMS faithfully over many years either on staff or in a volunteer capacity. They must exemplify Western’s mission statement and core distinctives in their everyday life. The award winner for this year was Willard Kennel. Willard has served WMS faithfully throughout his life and he continues to support us from afar as he lives at Mennonite Village Retirement Home in Albany. Willard served as Facilities Manager and substitute teacher extraordinaire. He also taught specialty classes such as Drivers Education. Willard’s incredibly large hands are well known by students in the past and are consistently mentioned by Alumni in their memories. His ‘handiwork’ can currently be found all over campus still to this day. His greatest contribution to Western was his spiritual care for every student. He continually encouraged students to seek their heavenly calling and to love God with all their hearts.
Winter 2014
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Rockin’ 70’s Reunion | August 2014 By: Gwen Rose Gransberg ’73 The WMS classes of 1973, 1974 and 1975 held their Rockin’ 70’s Reunion’ on campus over the weekend of August 8-10. What an awesome weekend it was! We had wonderful food and stellar weather, along with what we really came for—getting to see and talk to each other again, 40some years after graduation. Boy, did we talk well into the wee hours of the morning! We were blessed by having many former faculty and staff atend, who spent many hours sharing their memories and their perspectives: Harvey Yoder, John Beechy, Carl Swartz, Paul Zook, Willard Kennel, and Regena Beckler Garber. On Saturday afternoon Paul and Charlene Schultz gave us a tour of campus and explained the current state of the buildings and programs, bringing us up to date on life at
Western. We had picture-taking time at the fountain in the bright sunshine, with lots of laughter and fun, as we rediscovered each other! Saturday evening, with an audience of 114 classmates and spouses, Harvey Yoder (former principal), John Beechy, and Carl Swartz spoke in a relaxed atmosphere of sharing, in the Western Chapel. There was lots of ‘open mic’ time, and an auction, which raised $2,926 to help support Western’s gym renovation project. It was a satisfying evening full of a range of emotions as we reminisced – mostly fun and laughter, along with a little serious introspection thrown in, and some praising God for His work in our lives, throughout the years. Sunday morning after brunch, we had worship together before going our separate ways. P.J. Stauffer Martin (’74) led us in some old favorite
Back: Arlen Kraybill, Dave Snider, Ron Miller, Duane Schlegel, Chris Jessup Elliot, Don Becker. Middle: Kit Schrock Rediger, Debbie Miller Kauffman, Doug Jantzi, Peggy Stutzman Daiker, Rick Troyer, Joan King Troyer, Becky Yoder Vanspreybrock, Sue Mishler Stutzman, Gwen Rose Gransberg. Front: Vilas Steckly, Rick Kauffman, Sherry Fry Troyer, Wendy Martin Steckly, Glenda Foxy Miller.
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hymns, followed by an inspirational message from Don Livingston (’75). It was hard to say goodbye, and go our separate ways. We went with joy, and a sense of wonder at the experience of sharing a weekend with friends from such a long time ago, friends who share much more than just high school antics, but also a deep faith, a sincere desire to stay connected, to support each other now and share our lives today. Many of us commented on how completely different a WMS reunion is from a public high school reunion; our shared faith sets us apart! Thank you to our reunion committee, our cooks, and everyone who worked so hard to make this reunion a reality. And, a big thank you to those who agreed to plan our next one! Hopefully, we will have many more like this, in our future!
Back: Ace McFall, Brent Kauffman, Dave Fahndrich, Ray Cressman, Bob Baker, Coleen Stauffer Martin, Bert Reeser Arstein, Evie Hooley Cox, Marilyn Delapp Boettger. Middle: Mark Nofziger, Rod Bender, Clint Miller, Rick Headings, Karen Hurley Nussbaum, Heather Francis Boettger, Joan Stutzman Baker, Onie Fretz Ward, Marg Stauffer Nice, Wes Reeser, Gary Hooley, Lois Slater Hooley. Front: Dennis Beckler, Dale Reeser, Stan Yoder, Gregg Burkey, Ray Schrock, Gary Stutzman.
Alumni Update | Lindsey Aldaco-Manner ’10 By: Lindsey Aldaco-Manner ’10
that time of darkness the Lord really brought me down, he broke In a short summary, I me to show me that His grace is all am beyond blessed to have the sufficient, His grace is all sufficient! opportunity to be attending Baylor Nothing else. I thank the Lord daily University in Texas. I will be for leading me through graduating in “he broke me to show that desert, because December 2014, me that His grace is without it I would not and I am currently have recognized how he applying for all sufficient” is all sufficient. Today graduate schools in I am walking on water order to continue my studies related (Matthew 14:29) learning that steps to water quality and management. of faith and letting go only draws me Over the past two years my call closer. to provide clean water to those in It amazes me to see how letting developing countries as a means to go and letting God in has brought provide The Living Water has become me where I am today. I am currently clear. This is my pursuit and I am applying for a Fulbright Scholarship beyond blessed to be surrounded by to the University of Tasmania to study Christian professors performing top adaptive water management. Again internationally recognized research. my focus in my studies is to provide After graduating from Chemeketa I clean water to those who are thirsty. transferred to Baylor. The transition I get excited when I get to share His was not easy and included dealing blessings! “Sic 'Em Bears!” (this is with many struggles beyond that what we say at Baylor). of being away from home. During
Rockin’ 70’s Reunion continued...
Milestones Marriages Geoffrey Martin ’09 to Krista Mast ’09 8/1/14 Hayden Gutierrez ’09 to Evanne Domaschofsky 8/15/14 Evan Burkey ’04 to Jennifer Cox 8/23/14
Condolences to the families of: Karen Nofziger Martin ’63 4/21/14 Larry Landis ’57 Melva Garber FP 8/28/14 Leroy Martin FP 8/28/14 Robert Bontrager FP FB 10/17/14 Ellen Davidhizar GP
Please keep us informed of:
Back: Roger Emmert, Harold Miller, Dave Horst, Jim Miller, Don Livingston. Front: Dan Fahndrich, Mike Baker, Patti Kauffman Baker, Roger Schantz, Anita Widmer Claasen, Cheryl Huegli, Kim Snyder Headings, Vivian Beckler Kropf.
Weddings Births Adoptions Obituaries Address Changes Career Highlights by visiting the Alumni page at www.WesternMennoniteSchool.org Winter 2014
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9045 Wallace Rd NW Salem OR 97304
www.WesternMennoniteSchool.org Board of Directors Chair | Linda Dibble Vice Chair | Stan Oyer Secretary | Cheeri Barnhart
Needed Bob Baker Chad Hochstetler Eric Martin Jerry Roth Allan Schrock Delvin Zook
Calendar January 15 16 16-19 19 20 28
End of 1st Semester In-Service (NO CLASSES) High School Student Council Retreat Martin Luther King Jr. Day (NO CLASSES) 2nd Semester Begins Parent Night | Safety and Responsibility in the Digital Age
February 4 Visitors Day 9-13 Pioneer Spirit Week 13 Middle School Winter Festival 13 High School Valentine Social 16 President’s Day (NO CLASSES) 18 Choir Districts 20 Student Intent to Return Forms Due 26 Parent Night
• Male & Female Dorm Leaders • Janitorial & Grounds Volunteers • Pioneer Partners call 503.363.2000 for more information