Spring 2009 Keynoter Delaware County Christian School · 2009-05-14 · (published by Shepherd Press) entitled, Get Outta My Face - How to Reach Angry, Unmotivated Teens with Biblical

KeynoterDelaware County Christian School

Spring 2009

Alumnus of the YearSusan Reitsma (‘70)

See who is celebrating a 60th anniversary

2 Delaware County Christian School | Keynoter

ON THE COVERThe Upper Campus now dons banners displaying the new school logo.

Keynoter

HEAD OF SCHOOLStephen P. Dill, Ed.D.

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENTRussell T. Nixon

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONSBetty Ellsworth

BUSINESS MANAGERDavid Smyth

ATHLETIC DIRECTORJames J. Barr

HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALGary W. Davis

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPALCharles E. Young

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALMark J. Strohm, Jr.

DISCOVERY CENTER DIRECTORSusan K. Hutchison, Ed.D.

Delaware County Christian School (DC) KEYNOTER is published semi-annually to communicate our school vision and news to alumni, friends, family and prayer partners of the school. Delaware County Christian School was established in 1950. Today, the school serves more than 850 pre-K through grade 12 students at two campuses in Newtown Square, PA.

MISSIONOur mission is to educate students who will serve God and impact the world through biblical thought and action.

Article suggestions and contributions should be directed to Cynthia Marshall, Keynoter Editor, at the DC Advancement Office, 462 Malin Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073. You may e-mail submissions to [email protected]. Photos are welcomed, but can not be returned. Send address changes to [email protected].

Delaware County Christian School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Association of Christian Schools International. DC admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national/ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs.

Visit our website at www.dccs.org.

3 Greetings from Steve Dill 4 DC’s 60th Anniversary Dates of Celebration

5 National Merit Scholarship Program Achievers Finalists and more 6 Inventor Mentors 9 Knight Tones in Germany Making a lasting mark

10 Student Ministries Alignment with the DC Vision for Each Student

14 Alumni News

20 Alumnus of the Year Sue Reitsma (‘70)

23 Why I Do What I Do Dan Correia, HS Science

InsideD e l awa r e C o u n t y

Christian School

DC Keynoter | Spring 2009 3

GreetingsStephen P. Dill, Ed.D.

Head of School

“Students will understand their God-given resources (e.g. talents, abilities, health, possessions, spiritual gifts) and develop the knowledge, skills, creativity and Christ-centered identity necessary for responsible stewardship of these assets.” — Student-Parent Handbook, p.I-4

This statement is one of the ten student outcomes that DC seeks to achieve with every student. We are currently involved in a planning process that has produced some intense discussion of how DC could accomplish this outcome. One of the planning documents carried a draft of what DC could look like in the future. Within this document was this description of this component of the DC in the year 2015:

The most obvious difference between DC and any other school (Christian, independent, or public) in 2015 will be that DC faculty, parents and students will dialogue about each student’s unique design. Each year there will be multiple conversations between parents and faculty regarding their child. In middle school and high school, there will also be ongoing conversations between faculty and students regarding that student’s unique design. This consciousness of unique design has changed the nature of parent conferences, instructional methodology, and school culture. Faculty members have even stronger relational connections with their students. Students know that the faculty care about them deeply. There is a strong culture of respect between parents and teachers and teachers and students. High school students have more freedom in choosing their educational options and in the use of their time. (Many handle it well; those who do not are held accountable.) High school students are able to articulate unique design, and have written papers that describe their achievements, their challenges, and their understanding of how God has wired them. Seniors are able to incorporate this in their decision making process about future education, career choices, and kingdom service opportunities. They have clear ideas about how God could use their talents and motivated abilities to make a difference for Him.

This description of the future DC also talks about the spiritual growth of DC students in 2015:DC students are known for their desire to demonstrate their faith both inside and outside of the DC community. Students realize that spiritual formation begins with a personal relationship with Christ, and most are able to articulate that clearly by the time they are in middle school. Most students are able to express the importance of being rooted in Christ and where they are presently in their journey with Him. As compared to Christian students who do not attend a Christian school, they are miles ahead of their peers in knowing biblical truth. A great majority of students choose to express their faith in worship and in service.

Much of what is written here is true of DC today. It is our prayer that the Lord will enable us to be even more effective in achieving these goals in the coming years.


Our 60th anniversaryis just around the corner.....

and it won’t be the samewithout you.

Tell us about your

“DC Difference”

Let us know the impact DC

had in your life. Send your

story to [email protected]

Thursday, September 3, 2009 DC Family Picnic & Dedication

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 DC to the Phillies Game

Saturday, October 10, 2009 Fall Sports Day and Homecoming

Saturday, October 24, 2009 Leadership Dinner

Thurs./Fri., October 29-30, 2009 Renewing the Mind Conference

Saturday, February 6, 2010 60th Anniversary Parent Social

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 Prayer & Praise Evening

Saturday, May 15, 2010 14th Benefit Auction & Children’s Fair

Friday, June 4, 2010 52nd Commencement - Class of 2010

Save these celebration dates


Among the Nation’s

The National Merit Scholarship Competition

Program has announced that DC Seniors

David Park and Jack Newman (pictured

above l-r) have reached the prestigious status

of Finalist.

All Finalists (15,000 nationwide) will be

considered for scholarships.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is

an academic competition for recognition and

scholarships that began in 1955. High school

students enter the National Merit Program

by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit

Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

BrightestClass of ‘08

AP Distinctions

SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTIONGRACE HAYESSARAH KOK

DANIEL LANGFORDCAROLYN MONEYMAKER

JOSEPH SCHAIBLESTEPHEN SIMMS

SCHOLARS WITH HONORAVERY JAMESSARAH MOORE

SCHOLARSNATHANAEL ITESCU

ZACHARY KING *ANDREW PRICE

JONATHAN SBRACCIA

*CLASS OF ‘09

6 Delaware County Christian School | Keynoter6 Delawwawaw ree C CC County Chrirists ian nn ScScSS hohohohoolooo | KeKeeeyyynototterere

Under the science laboratory direction of Dr. Gene Cooper and Mr. Dan Correia, high school students are delving into the commonly-unknown world of nanotechnology. By controlling matter on an atomic and molecular scale, students are inventing new products and developing alternate uses of existing products.

And that’s just what is happening at DC. Zach and Daniel King are grinding coffee beans so small that you can taste the coffee but have no sensation of the particles, which could allow one to use the entire bean for the drink.

Grant Haskins and Mike Schmid are melt-extruding aspirin with sugar to make cotton candy that could be used as waterless, quick-dissolve medications.

Mr. Dan Correia, Jimmy Peterkin, and Ben Pruette have even taken the jewel weed that grows wild around the

“I’ve always thought that high school kids could invent products. They are clever and creative. They just need access to somebody with experience in research and development with whom to couple their ideas.”

Dr. Gene Cooper

DC Keynoter | Spring 2009 7DCDCDCDCDCDCDC KKKK K Keyeyeyeynonononoteteteterrrr ||| | SSSpSppp iiririringnggg 222 2 2000000009999 77

school and crushed it, extracting its liquid to invent a spray to aid in the healing of poison ivy.

Matt Jordan is making small particles of calcium carbonate to help prevent tooth decay.

Joseph Cheong is making emulsions, PJ Crisanti is using small particles for more rapid melting of ice, Nick Connelly has tried to use small particles of rosin for better grip, and Chris Collins is attempting to use citric acid to prevent crystallization of calcium oxylate, a major component of kidney stones.

Students have a freedom of experimentation in this class. Success depends upon each scientist’s investigative measures to be creative and solve problems as they learn by doing.

“Science is God’s gift to mankind. My goal is to show them that God is the Creator and He is the one that supplies all of our creative ideas.”

Dr. Gene Cooper


John Ykema prays that DC remains

committed to the word of God. He is also

ensuring that DC continues its mission

for generations to come.

In 1957, Mr. Ykema joined the DC Society, and his oldest daughter, Linda Dolan, entered Kindergarten in 1958. He shared the vision of the DC pioneers who prayerfully built a school that would educate students to serve God and impact the world through biblical thought and action. More than 50 years have passed and he has seen three children and two grandchildren graduate from DC. His wife, Marilyn, who was a long-time employee in DC’s business office, went to be with the Lord in 2005. Mr. Ykema has already given his family one of the best gifts a father and grandfather could give. But, he found a way to give more. By bequeathing a portion of his estate to DC, Mr. Ykema’s legacy will continue through even more generations.

Leaving a Legacy

To get more information about the value of planned giving to Delaware County Christian School in your estate, call Russ Nixon at 610-353-6522 ext. 2208.TC

KudosFACULTY

DC is thankful for a faithful, dedicated faculty. A special congratulations to the following for their recent accomplishments:

Nancy Derby has earned the statewide Best Practices in Holocaust Teaching Award by the Pennsylvania Holocaust Education Council.

Dr. Rick Horne has authored his first parent counselor book (published by Shepherd Press) entitled, Get Outta My Face - How to Reach Angry, Unmotivated Teens with Biblical Counsel.

DC Keynoter | Spring 2009 9DCDCDCDC K KKK KKeyeyeyeynononoooter | | | || SpSppSpriririringngng 222 2 2200000000000099999 9 99 9 99

DC Knight Tonesmake a mark in Germany

DC’s elite musical group, Knight Tones, visited Germany to partner with missionaries to share the gospel in the city of Leipzig. The Knight Tones connected with the young people of Leipzig by visiting public schools. Some Knight Tones members who are also AP German students spoke to their peers about the meaning of Thanksgiving. The Knight Tones’ rendition of “O To Be Like Thee” left tears in the eyes of the English teacher and a seed was planted in the hearts of those German high school students. The impact of the Knight Tones’ trip may be best summarized by a letter received from the missionaries following the group’s departure:

“Every one of those on the team was a blessing to us here. We can’t tell you how great it was to have such giving teens come and be willing to serve our Lord with us here. They were a bright shining light in many dark places. It was an honor to serve with such young people. There is such a lack of real love here and when they enter a room you know that there is something different about this group. I really noticed this as the concert in the retirement home ended and they started looking around to sit and talk with the older ladies and gentlemen. God knew what He was doing and He opened closed doors to allow this team to speak to the hearts of kids in schools, shoppers, and elderly men and women. The church concert was a very big blessing to those who attended. I believe God will use these new contacts for His glory. Please greet them and thank them again from us. — Brad”


The DC Office of Student Ministries and Outreach is an active office whose purpose is not to simply establish or promote activities. Rather, it is to carefully develop ministries that

(1) promote long-term reciprocal relationships, and

(2) equip students to serve God and impact the world through biblical thought and action via the discovery and enhancement of individual gifts of each DC student.

The Child Sponsorship Program is one example of how DC grows a ministry within the curriculum continuum to equip students to maintain these reciprocal relationships, and ultimately become transformational leaders. This particular program was launched in elementary chapel in March. See how it will enable DC students to establish a relationship with students at Fountain of Life School in Juan Tomas, Dominican Republic, and nurture it in years to come:

In elementary school, the DC student learns the foundations and beginning words to write and speak in Spanish. He sends a Spanish letter to a pen-pal peer at the Fountain of Life Christian School in the Dominican Republic. They exchange pictures and experiences.

A Student Ministries Continuum

DC “Academic Achievement” Vision:Each student achieving their personal best.


of Life School in Juan Tomas, Dominican Republic, acome:

DDDCC “AAccccaaaaddeemicEEEaaaccchhh ssstttuuddddeeennttt aaa

DC Keynoter | Spring 2009 11DC Keynoter | Spring 2009 11

In middle school, the same DC student continues to correspond with his Spanish pen pal as he studies the Spanish culture and refines his Spanish language. His letters become emails and face-to-face internet communication. Other teachers — not just spanish — incorporate a connection within their own curriculum.

for Transformational Leaders

DC “Unique Design” Vision:Each student understanding and using God-given abilities.

DC “Kingdom Impact” Vision:Each student becoming an impact player in the Kingdom of God.

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By high school, they’ve “seen” each other grow and supported one another. Through mission trips — such as Dr. Rick Horne’s “LIGHT Team” pictured above — the DC student would have the opportunity to now meet his pen-pal personally at the Fountain of Life Christian School in the Dominican Republic, or as his pen-pal visits DC.


Spring has arrived.We’ll help you celebrate.

DC Benefit Golf TournamentMonday, April 27 12:30 Shotgun Start

Waynesborough Country Club, Paoli

Enter/join a foursome or sponsor a hole: call Russ Nixon, 610-353-6522 ext. 2208or register online at www.dccs.org

DC’s Hi-Q Academic Quiz Team made it to playoffs for the sixth consecutive year. While the team’s trek ended there, this accomplishment is to be commended. According to Coach Thom Houghton, “Only a handful of the twenty-one Delaware County-based squads have this many consecutive playoffs on their records.” A special thanks goes to the parents and students for your commitment and accomplishment.

Academic quiz team rises to playoffsDelco Hi-Q is the oldest, continuous, academic quiz competition in the nation.

The competition is a valued tradition at DC and throughout Delaware County.


‘Twas the seasonLuminaries, lighted trees, tea lights and a decorated staircase created a festive ambiance that set the stage for a very special time of Alumni Christmas fellowship. In December, the DC Alumni Council hosted its first Alumni Christmas Reception. Alumni and guests had a wonderful time catching up with fellow classmates while celebrating the Christmas season. Great food, friends, and live music made the evening one that was enjoyed by all. Six elementary violinists performed from the main lobby staircase and were followed by Greg and Linda Hytha (‘77) on the keyboard, saxophone and flute.

Alumni Christmas at the Mansion

Top Photo ( l to r): Class of ’05 Lauren Smith, Lindsey Miller, Melissa Perez, Michelle Cocco, Tricia Ogden, Brittni Campanella, Laura Tyler Center Photo (l-r): Caroline (Loane) ’98 and Scott Roberts, Kim O’Bryan ’89, Kim (Poulterer) Rowe ‘86 Bottom Photo: Dawn Poulterer ’90, Alice Pakhtigian ’91, Tim Poulterer ‘06


ALUMNI ROLL CALLWhere are they now?

77Sharon (Weaver) Wortman lives in Havertown, PA where Sharon is a domestic engineer with her husband Chris and their three children, Nadeen, Natilee and Christopher.

80Charlotte Daw Paulsen performed in the “Petite Messe Solennelle” opera at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola in early November. As quoted in the New York Times, “But the real star was Charlotte Daw Paulsen, a mezzo-soprano with real contralto gravity and power in her lower register, as she gradually shed her earlier restraint in the Agnus Dei, her performance grew dramatic in the best sense and utterly gripping.” Well done Charlotte!

Susan (Weaver) Kettelle lives in Phoenixville, PA with her husband John and two children Johnny and Hannah. The Kettelles are active at Calvary Bible Chapel in Phoenixville and Susan is a busy hockey mom and preschool teacher at Charlestown Play School.

86Linda Moran and Steve Tyson were married on June 20, 2008. This was a direct result of reconnecting at their 20th reunion! They are living in Ambler and their kids go to their old rival Philmont Christian.

Hyung “The Kwaz” Kim lives in the Atlanta area seeks the Lord’s direction and guidance for a new place to serve Him and His people. Please pray for the Lord’s guidance and direction in his life.

91Keith Campbell started his financial services business in 2002 - Campbell Financial Group in Uwchlan, PA. The company is hiring and he would be happy to speak with any fellow alumni going through a job transition. His website is http://www.campfg.com

93Terra and Eric Hussar have two children and recently gave birth to two babies born 10 weeks early. Both parents are medical doctors in Lancaster. Remember Eric and Terra, as well as grandparents, Dan Hussar ’58 and his wife Sue as these babies continue to strengthen.

94Jeff & Heather (Templeton) Dill ’94 announce the birth of Carter William in early January. He joins brothers Jack (6), Micah (4) and Cody (2 ½).

Chantel (Holland) Murray graduated from Penn State and works as a Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Main Line Health System and A.I. Dupont Hospital for Children. She works

Send picturesand updates [email protected]

Sharon (Weaver, ‘77) Wortman’s family.

Linda Moran (‘86) and Steve Tyson (‘86) are married.


Upcoming Class Reunions

The Class of 1959 “50th” on Homecoming Weekend - October 2009. Contact: Sam Cox, [email protected]

The Class of 1979 “30th” In early stages of planning. Details to come.

Class of 1984 “25th” in the fall of 2009. Contact: Becky Johnson, [email protected] The Class of 1989 “20th” on November 28, 2009. Contact: Kim O’Bryan, [email protected] or 610-353-6522 x2381 The Class of 1994 “15th” on June 20, 2009 at Newtown Grill, Newtown Square. Contact: Chrissy (Amoroso) Cuozzo, [email protected] The Class of 1999 “10th” on Nov. 28, 2009 at Bourbon Blue in Manayunk. For more info, email [email protected]

employed at a Christian daycare center.

01Chris Rossi was deployed to Afghanistan. He is a Captain in the Army and a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. He and Christa (Hochstuhl) Rossi (‘03) were married in September 2007. Keep them in your prayers.

06Bekah Wachenfeld is a Theatre major at James Madison University and stage managed JMU’s production of Twelfth Night last year. She attended the Region IV Festival in Greensboro, NC and received First Place for the National Stage Management Fellowship. She has now been invited to go to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC for a fellowship. She will tech and call scenes at the Kennedy Center, and be introduced to the Stage Management teams at nearby theatres.

08Mario Canavarro and Cara Atmajian were in the cast of Delaware County Community College’s production of Twelfth Night in November. This was a wonderful treat enjoyed by a number of current DC students. Mario played the title role of Feste and sang a number of songs.

Susan (Weaver, ‘80) Kettelle’s family

Kelli O’Neill (‘04) weds Anthony Wood.

as a staff nurse, student mentor, and a clinical instructor. In 1999, she married Kevin Murray. They have two children - Christian (6) and Bryce (19 months). In 2007, she earned two master’s degrees from the Univ. of Phoenix. She hopes to start a nonprofit organization that serves families with healthcare needs. They currently reside in Middletown, DE.

95Brandon & Julia (Horne) McLean announce the birth of their son, Tyler Joshua. He joins his brother Nathan (2) and sister Kaitlyn (4).

99Andrew & Robin (Pennington) Smalley announce the birth of their first child, Evelyn Noelle, born early December.

02Shannon (Angelos) Schreiber lives in Washington, DC and works at the US Department of Energy.

04Anthony & Kelli (O’Neill) Wood were married on November 15, 2008 and live in Lancaster, PA. Kelli is currently

Robin (Pennington ‘99) Smalley’s first child, Evelyn Noelle.


In Memoriam

Joseph C. Spacek went home to be with the Lord on December 2, 2008. He served as DC’s Director of Development in the 1970s. Pray for his wife of 56 years, Ellie, their children – Marilyn, Sharon, David, Tom and Eric, and the extended Spacek family.

Mrs. Dorothy Wolfe went home to be with the Lord last month. She and her husband, Kenneth, were very active at DC in the 1950s. Her daughter, Dorothy, was in DC’s first graduating class of 1958, and her son, Ken graduated in 1962. Pray for this pioneer DC family and that we may continue to carry faithfully the vision established for thoroughly biblical Christian education for many years to come.

Alumnus Spotlight

Elrena (Carlson) Evans (’96)

“‘All truth is God’s truth.’ I saw these words on the wall in large, green letters the first time I walked into

the library at DC, and I wasn’t quite sure what to make of them. It seemed like a provocative declaration—that everything that

is true is, by definition, God’s truth. Over the next few years, I thought about this statement quite a bit, as being a student at DC allowed me to see first-hand that this declaration was more than simply letters on a wall. It was a way of life, embodied by the school and its teachers. If all truth is God’s truth, then nothing that is true is outside the realm of Christian study. During my time at DC, I was impressed again and again with how my teachers integrated Christian faith into their subject areas, not as a secondary aspect or even taught side by side, but fully, inextricably integrated. I wasn’t taught a “Christianized” version of mathematics, for example; I was taught that God

is the author of all wisdom, and thus all knowledge, even mathematical philosophy, reflects His majesty. I saw how His

handprints are visible in every subject.

This integration of faith and knowledge is something I’ve tried to continue to grow in since graduating from DC. I attended secular

colleges for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, and my beliefs were challenged. What I felt DC had given me, though, was not so

much a set of answers as an entire way of thinking: critically and rooted in Scripture. In an environment where Christianity was often portrayed as the polar opposite of intelligent thought, I felt that I was well prepared ‘to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have’ (I Peter 3:15).

Now I’m blessed to be the mother of two young children, with another on the way. I’m home with them full-time, and also continuing to explore through my words and publications these connections between faith and learning, between Christianity and thought. My latest book is an anthology titled Mama, PhD: Women Write About Motherhood and Academic Life, which explores some of the challenges of trying to balance children and an academic career…and, for my part, the continual revelation of what it means that, ‘All truth is God’s truth.’ ”

“During my time at DC.....I saw how His handprints are visible in every subject.”


2009 Alumni Chapel

Alumni ChapelAt January Alumni Chapel, DC students were led in a time of worship music by

David Walker (’04) and Tim Freeman (‘07). Deb Irvine Martinez (’85) shared

how God uses the small puzzle pieces of our lives to create the full design of

what we find ourselves doing in our later years. She spoke about her passion

for serving Spanish-speaking “at risk” girls both in Kennett Square, PA and on

the mission field with Latin America Missions in Mexico. Brown Vincent (’00)

shared his testimony and work experiences in New York City, stressing how

the strong Christian foundation he received at DC equipped him to be God’s

man in the business world in which he now finds himself. The return of alumni

to chapel is always a blessing to the students but perhaps even more so to the

faculty who see the maturity of faith that DC helped form.

DC is pleased to announce that Mr. Hans Specht (’87) will serve as the President of the DC Alumni Association Board. Hans is a resident of Rosemont, PA and works for Turner Investment Partners. He attended DC from Kindergarten through graduation where he participated in soccer, basketball, baseball, drama and choir. Hans hopes to assimilate alumni pride and involvement into the student culture at DC, creating an enriching experience for all.

DC Alumni Association Board announces President.....

Hans Specht (’87)


20

Large Group photo: Front row - Tim Bickhart, Deirdre (Clark) Davis, Pearette Tootle-Allen; Second row - Rich Amoroso, Jennifer (Johnson) Moorhatch, Kim (Rennison) McClellan, Jennifer (Berg) Chandler, Sharron Russell, Joy Rogers, Barb (Alexander) Ritchey, Dan McCullough; Third row - Stacey (Faber) Boender, Carolyn Landman, Julie (Cornett) Biely, Liz (Pott) Schanker, Joe Galli, Mark Poulterer, David Caldwell, Jill (Miller) Martin, Tim Chandler

The Class of 1988 turned back the clock over the 2008 Thanksgiving

holiday weekend by celebrating 20 years since high school graduation at DC. Classmates gathered at the

Mansion building and reminisced about 1st grade classes upstairs,

high school language classes downstairs, and the praying over,

construction and use of the former elementary and middle school

building. Classmates toured the old high school science classrooms, the upper and lower gymnasiums and then were treated to a tour of the

newly constructed DeMoss Fine Arts Center.

The open house at DC for the

Class of ‘88 lasted a few hours and ended with pictures of classmates on the steps in front of the Great Hall, since renamed Lowrie Hall.

Dr. Lowrie was the headmaster for many of the Class of 1988 who began their education in

kindergarten or elementary school.

Classmates retreated from reunion activities for a few hours and met

later that evening for a private dinner at Bryn Mawr’s Yang Ming

restaurant. More than 40 DC classmates from the class of 1988

attended the events. After five hours of mixing and mingling, the

weekend’s reunion activities ended with exchanged phone numbers

and email addresses and best wishes in the parking lot.

Class of 1988

Class Reunion Memories


6The Class of 2002 gathered together at a local restaurant for a six-year reunion recently. With about 50 people in attendance, the group caught up on life and work and everything they’ve missed in the past six years. The most special part of the night was when everyone came

Top photo: Martha (Wright) Harris, Meghan Rose, Rachel Elliott

Bottom photo: Abby McKenna, Emily (Norquist) Leaman, Rebekka Wise, Katie (DiLullo) Casey, Megan (McCollum) King

together to take a little video of the group giving greetings to fel-low classmate Nate Witmer who was still in Iraq at the time of the reunion. They all wanted him to know how much he was missed and thought of by the class.

Class of 2002

Class Reunion Memories

DC K | S 2009 19

missed in the past six years. The most special part of the night was when everyone came

an

and thought of by theclass.


Alumnus of the Year

How does one measure achievement? Is the building of a major cathedral of greater importance than the building of one child’s life? Is rescuing an endangered species as significant as rescuing a teenager from a life of hopelessness? If you believe that lives are more important than things, then you will know why we have selected the person we have as our Alumnus of the Year 2008/09.

Sue Reitsma is a woman who has devoted her life to the most vulnerable children in our society. Seeds for this calling were planted at DC and college, but a trip to the Dominican Republic truly opened her eyes. She discovered what it was like to be completely powerless. While working at Melmark, a home for children and adults with limited mental development, she learned to speak up for those who were unable to speak up for themselves. In order to meet the needs that she saw around her she continued her education by getting her bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree in Social Work from Bryn Mawr College.

2008/09 Alumnus of the Year

Susan Reitsma, ‘70In 1979, Sue began her work at Presbyterian Children’s Village and did not relinquish her full-time status with them for the next 22 years. During that time she poured her energy into working with children who for the most part were the casualties of dysfunctional families. In this role she helped PCV develop several intervention programs that sought to bring hope to children and young people who have suffered greatly in the human services system. Obtaining and training foster parents became a keystone of her effort. She realized that institutions were necessary, but insufficient in being able to provide what a stable home provides by way of example and nurture. The work to which Sue felt called can only be classified as hard, demanding, discouraging, painful and so much more. But she has seen success as well. She has seen children in her programs become adults who were able to break the poverty cycle and begin successfully raising their own families.

When Sue was notified that she had been selected for this honor, she characteristically responded by suggesting


that others were more deserving. This humble servant spirit is what has caused her to be a blessing at her church and at her place of work. She has a heart for the needy, the homeless and the helpless. This fact truly qualifies her for this selection.

Long before DC adopted its current mission statement — “to educate students who will serve God and impact the world through biblical thought and action” — Sue was living out this mission statement. When Sue reflects on her DC experience, she comments that the teachers she had like Dr. Frank Roberts, Jim De Vries, Alex Szuc, Bud Gray and

others “helped lay a foundation for her world view.” She was taught that “God is the creator and that he loves his creation enough to intervene in the midst of its rebellion in Christ.” Sue was also blessed with godly parents who were entirely involved in the school with her dad, Dr. Doug Reitsma, serving on the board for many years.

In the light of the mission of DC, it is truly our privilege to recognize Sue Reitsma as a deserving recipient of the 2008/09 Alumnus of the Year Award and as an outstanding example of the fulfillment of DC’s mission.

Sue Reitsma

“In recalling my interactions with Sue, the words ‘wisdom’ and ‘grace’ come rushing forward. She has so much experience under her belt that she is a perpetual resource that is much sought out. Countless lives are and have been affected by her love for God and His people.”

Joanne Fannon DC Parent & Foster ParentDC Parent & Foster Parent


This year’s high school production

played to sell-

out crowds on the

closing weekend.

It was a wonderful

conclusion to

bless the cast

and crew after many

long hours of preparation. The

“Cappie” reviews, completed

by other local high school

students, were very favorable

toward so many aspects of

the production. Three of

these reviews were published

in local papers. Voting for

specific Cappie awards will

come in May. The cast of 50

and crew of 30 had so

much fun putting this

performance together.

The audience left

singing or humming

the tunes as they

headed out into the

brisk night air. The

hard work paid off.

Relationships were

deepened and Christ was

clearly exalted through the

process and the product.

“Annie, Annie, Annie – look what you’ve done for us!”


I Do what I DoMr. Dan Correia (‘97), Biology Teacher

WHY

I start with who I was before God’s love penetrated my life and end with my return to DC....

My childhood was anything but a childhood. It left me angry and full of pain. In my middle school years, a few years after my father - who brought me emotional, physical and verbal pain - left, my anger manifested itself through heavy drinking and heavy smoking. My heart was so disconnected from God and those who loved me that I wanted to snub anyone involved in my life.

Mr. Young, DC’s current middle school principal, showed me God’s grace, mercy AND holiness through his tough love approach to my choices. By listening to God’s still voice he saved my life at one of my lowest points by simply coming to my house and sitting with me while I berated him. His patience with me eventually cracked a hole in my hardened heart that made way for the Holy Spirit to penetrate deep into my life.

So, the summer before my 10th grade year, I was invited to a high school retreat. It was on this retreat that God grabbed me and has never let go since. When I went forward to pray, I was the only one that night, and the words came out of my mouth, ‘I am free.’ I cried for 45 minutes and when I was done, I saw people for who they were, God’s children, precious and worth loving.

I teach because I love students. I love them when they make mistakes and I feel great pride and joy over their successes. God has put me in a place to serve them and love them through example and not just words. I look back at all the things that happened in my life and thank God for them. For without them I would not be who I am today. Each student is a gift to be loved, cherished and encouraged.

My return to DC after attending from Kindergarten through Grade 12 now puts me on the “other side” of the desk. I still see myself as a big kid who is curious to learn more about God’s creation, the students He has planted in my path, and His grace and holiness. I arrived at DC a few years ago as a long-term substitute as part of my undergraduate degree. I made a commitment to the students that, if God wanted, I would try to return before they graduated. I am blessed to see my first 9th grade class graduate this year. I was blessed to see last year’s seniors before they graduated. God has blessed me with so many things – a home, a job, peace, an awesome son, and a beautiful wife. I have been down a path of destruction and been redeemed through God’s grace. It is my prayer that God would continue to use my past, the past He gifted me with, to bless the present and futures of those He places into my life. We must all make God our shelter and our fortress. Even though our paths may seem crooked to us at one point, it is He who makes them straight.

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april3 All-School Easter Chapel18 Spring Sports Day21 Elementary Art Show27 DC Golf Tournament28 Middle School Art Show & Choral Concert

may7 National Day of Prayer Walk-A-Thon (Elem.)16 Renaissance Fair HS Art Show21 HS Choral Concert22 Senior Chapel27 Field Day (Elem.)30 8th Grade Banquet

june5 52nd Commencement10 5th Grade Recognition12 8th Grade Graduation22 Camp Teekna opens

Celebrate our 60th Anniversary with us. See page 4 in this issue for all the “hold the dates” during the 2009/10 school year so you won’t miss out!

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Tell us your story.Submit your stories, memories & pictures to Cynthia Marshall [email protected]

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Documents

Spring 2009 Keynoter Delaware County Christian School · 2009-05-14 · (published by Shepherd Press) entitled, Get Outta My Face - How to Reach Angry, Unmotivated Teens with Biblical