Thankful & Blessed - Whitinsville Christian Schoolwhitinsvillechristian.org/images/WCS/cq/Crusader...the pyramid surrounded by the words Annuit Coeptis, meaning “God approves (or

The Crusader ChronicleSummer 2015, Volume 25, Issue 2

Colossians 3:15-17

Thankful & BlessedThankful & Blessed

2 | The Crusader Chronicle

This issue of the Crusader Chronicle marks the completion of another school year; the writ-ing of another chapter; the graduation of the Class of 2015; and the advancement to an-other level of life and education. I like to think about this issue as the Capstone edition

with a variety of significant meanings at Whitinsville Christian School. There is a reference to the capstone in Psalm 118:22-24 highlighted in the box at right.

Yes, with resounding resonance, “the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” As I think about the completion of anoth-er year, God’s abundant grace and providence are clearly evident. In this brief commentary I want to identify just a few examples.

Capstone 2015“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is mar-velous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”- Psalm 118:22-24

1. CAPSTONE PROJECT – In lieu of writing a senior paper, our students are offered the alternative of a Capstone Project. It is a major project identified by the student and approved by a team of faculty members. It is a major, culminating project that takes a wide variety of forms. Students apply their skills, investigate issues, and prepare a final, oral presentation of the project. This year Alex LaCava, Katie Caswell, Joshua Schneider, and Elena Wassenaar presented a variety of projects they had worked on throughout the year. Their projects are described in this issue of the Chronicle. It is a tremendously gratifying experience for me to see these students present their projects with passion, clarity, commitment, and purpose.

2. GRADUATION – This year 35 students have completed the high school requirements for a diploma from Whitinsville Christian High School. Our requirements are high and the demands from each student must be met to receive the diploma. Graduation is a capstone of sorts, a culminating event in the life of students as they move on to other chal-lenges and adventures in life. You can meet these graduates by reading further in the Chronicle.

3. COMPLETION OF ANOTHER SCHOOL YEAR – For each student at WCS, June 5 marked the completion of another school year with the anticipation of moving on to something different, something more to challenge them, and more to learn.

Each student is challenged in their development to grow academically, spiritually, person-ally, socially, creatively, and physically. Whether moving from preschool to Kindergarten or from junior to senior year, each student experiences a capstone moment in the move.

4. CHOIR CONCERT – The last few weeks were packed with culminating events clearly illuminating the fact that a capstone moment was coming. The choir concert represents one of those events. Directed by Mr. Joshua Lawson and accompanied by Mrs. Lisa Vos, the High School Choir rendered a final number with sublime excellence. The Great Day stretched their voices (high G), gripped their hearts with passion and raised the audience with joy to a standing ovation. The words are highlighted here in the box at left.

5. GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL CARE - On the back of the dollar bill are the Great Seal and an unfinished pyramid with 13 layers presumably representing the 13 original col-onies. I, however, like to think about the 13 years of education our graduates have received; 7 of them received all 13 years here. Note also that the pyramid is unfinished – there is more to life and educa-tion than the 13 formal years experienced so far. Even more intriguing is the Capstone Eye above the pyramid surrounded by the words Annuit Coeptis, meaning “God approves (or has approved) our undertakings.” The Eye of Providence was adopted as part of the symbolism on the dollar bill in 1782. God’s providence has been vividly evident this school year and our faith is securely founded in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. These truths allow us to move forward with optimism, hope, and joy as our new graduates move from under our pyramid to under the “eye of providence.” This issue of the Crusader Chronicle reveals yet another testimony to God’s providential care.

Lance B. Engbers Headmaster

He will be the new sunriseSteal the darkness from our eyesWhen we fail to find the words

Holy, Holy we will cryHe will be the new sunrise

Holy, Holy we will cryOn the great dayOn the great day

Alex LaCava

A semiannual publication of Whitinsville Christian School and the WCS Advancement Office.

Comments and contributions to the publications, as well as address updates, should be directed to:

Advancement OfficeWhitinsville Christian School279 Linwood AvenueWhitinsville, MA 01588

HEADMASTERLance Engbers

HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALChris Vander Baan

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPALMary Dykstra

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALSarah Bowler

PRESCHOOL DIRECTORSonia Zeyl

PUBLICATION EDITORDeborah Thomas

LAYOUT AND DESIGNDionne Katinas and Olympia Caswell

PRINTINGNew England Office Supply

PHOTOSLinda Barnes (faculty), Trish Kelly (photographer), Advancement Office, Faculty and Staff, and many others

ON THE COVER Graduation Ceremonies, June 5, 2015

The Crusader ChronicleTable of Contents

2 Capstone 2015 – Lance Engbers on God’s Eye of Providence

4-8 Graduation Ceremonies and Our Newest Alumni

8 God’s Blessings – Chris Vander Baan Addresses the Graduates

9 Farewell to High School Faculty and Staf

10 Middle School Moments – Mary Dyksra

10 Elementary School – Farwell to Departing Teachers

12-13 Mary Masselink and Lysle Wiley Retirements

14 Preschool: The Power of Love – Sonia Zeyl

15 Senior Capstone Projects

16-17 Alumni Feature: Murals of Hope with David Cogdill (’07)

17 Faculty Focus: Joshua Lawson in Les Miserables

18 High School Drama: GREASE!

20 Golf Outing

21 Treasures Update

22 Report from the Board of Trustees – Russell VanderBaan, President

23 Distinguished Alumni Award

24 Winter and Spring Athletics

26-29 Donations, Gifts and Memorials

30-31 Alumni Updates

The Crusader Chronicle is published twice a year for families, alumni, and friends of the school. For a change of address, to add someone to the mailing list, or to let us know of updates, please email [email protected].

www.whitinsvillechristian.orgfacebook.com/whitinsvillechristiantwitter.com/@whitinsvillecs


The WCS community was pleased to celebrate the gradua-tion of the 35 members of the Class of 2015 on Friday, June 5. The evening celebration was held outdoors, and includ-ed a commencement address by special guest Paul Hine of ProfitLink, Inc. The valedictory address was delivered by Angela Bobe of Hudson; the salutatory address by Jamison Koeman of Whitinsville. This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Dr. James N. (“Jim”) DeVries, a key person in the development of the Science Department at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, PA.

Of the 35 graduates, 32 plan to attend a four-year college or university in the fall, one plans to attend a two-year institution, and two will be enlisting in the United States Army before attending college. Congratulations to the Class of 2015 on a job very well done, welcome to the WCS alumni community, and God bless you as you look forward to serving Him in your next phase of life!

A Commitment to ServeClass of 2015 members Bradley Curving and Ryan Salmon will be joining the U.S. Army’s 181st Delta Company Infantry Reg-iment. Ryan will be leaving shortly after graduation for basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Bradley will leave a few weeks later for Fort Benning as well. Both will pursue a post-secondary education after basic training. Each has signed an eight-year contract, six years with the Army National Guard and two years with the Reserves.

We thank you for your commitment to serving our country, and may God continue to watch over you as you serve.

Angela Bobe, Valedictorian Jamison Koeman, Salutatorian

2015COMMENCEMENT

The Crusader Chronicle | 5

The Legacy Continues

Bradley Curving with father, Doug Curving (‘85)

Julie Wiegers with father, Bryan Wieger (‘86)

Jacob Van Dyke with father, Bill Van Dyke (‘82) and grandmother,

Trina (Wynja) Van Dyke (‘53)

Sarah Poquette with mother, Bonnie (Ahern) Poquette (‘89)

Whitinsville Christian School was founded in 1928 by parents who wanted a school that would be an extension of their home, where all subjects were taught in the light of God’s Word. The following are pictures of 2015 graduates with alumni parents and grandparents, clearly demonstrating the faithful transmission of that desire from generation to generation.

Haley VanderSea with grandfather, Phil VanderSea (‘58)

Joshua Schneider with mother, Karyn (Baker) Schneider (‘77)

Mickey Cronin with grandmother, Shirley (Kooistra) Bangma (‘48), and mother, Shari (Bangma) Cronin (‘77). Inset picture: Mickey’s grandfather,

Louis Bangma Jr. (‘43)

Julia VandenAkker with father, Keith VandenAkker (‘87), and grandmother, Irene (VanderBaan) VandenAkker (‘45)

Elena Wassenar with father, David Wassenar (‘72), and grandmother, Frances (Berguis) Wassenar (‘45)


Angela Bobe Jordan Bourque Mirela Caron Katie Caswell Tori Caswell Jacob Chapman

Class of 2015

Nicole Cloutier Mickey Cronin Bradley Curving Jordan Dion Ian Haire Jason Hu

Richie Hubbard Conor Jackson Peter Kaminski Rosie Kerr Kate Killoy Jamison Koeman

Alex LaCava Hantong Li Renee Marinone Rourke Moran Innaray Oliveira Lizzy Petrocelli

Sarah Poquette Jack Randall Ryan Salmon Josh Schneider Daniel Solano Jake Van Dyke

Word of Life Bible Institute, Pottersville, NY

University of Massachusetts,

Boston, MA

Emmanuel College, Boston, MA

California Baptist University,

Riverside, CA

Gordon College, Wenham, MA

Landmark College, Putney, VT

California Baptist University,

Riverside, CA

Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI

US Army Johnson & Wales University,

Providence, RI

Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI

Michigan State University,

East Lansing, MI

Santa Fe University, Gainesville, FL

Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC

Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI

State University of New York at Delhi

Gordon College, Wenham, MA


Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA

University of Con-necticut, Storrs, CT

Framingham State, Framingham, MA

Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, MA

Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA

Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY

Framingham State, Framingham, MA


US Army Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI

McNally Smith College of Music,

Saint Paul, MN

Virginia Military Institute,

Lexington, VA


High School AwardsAcademic AwardsArt - Renee Marinone (‘15)Band - Michael Cronin (‘15)Choir - Innaray Oliveira (‘15), Andrew Baker (‘16)Bible - Angela Bobe (‘15)Biological Sciences - Jamison Koeman (‘15)Physical Sciences - Elena Wassenar (‘15)Outstanding Sciences - Jonathon Randall (‘15)Business - Abigail Cook (‘16)Drama - Elena Wassenar (‘15), Richard Hubbard (‘15)English - Katelyn Vriesema (‘15)History - Jack Randall (‘15)Mathematics - Jamison Koeman (‘15)Orchestra Awards - Jamison Koeman (‘15)Outstanding Foreign Language Student -

Katelyn Vriesema (‘15)Achievement on New England Math League Contest -

Xinyi (Elena) Wang (‘16)Senior Athlete of the Year - Sarah Poquette and

Jamison Koeman

Harvard Book Award - Spencer Gorman (‘16)Smith College Book Award - Sarah Jarosz (‘16)Gordon Faithful Leadership Award - Andrew Baker (‘16)Worcester Telegram & Gazette Award - Angela Bobe (‘15)National Merit Commended - Elena Wassenar (‘15)Thelma De Young Award for Excellence -

Molly Hardiman (‘16), Sarah Jarosz (‘16)Jim and Jean Nydam Honorary Scholarship -

Andrew Baker (‘16)Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal Award -

Yunfan (Mike) Gao (‘16)Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators

Award - Haley Vander Sea (‘15), Conor Jackson (‘15)

Strong Academic Endeavor AwardGrade 9 - Lauren GreerGrade 10 - Grace BrownellGrade 11 - Devin MorrillGrade 12 - Innaray Oliveira

Founders AwardThis award is given to seniors who have successfully completed 13 years of education (K-12) at WCS.Michael CroninBradley CurvingRosemary KerrJamison KoemanRyan SalmonKatelyn VriesemaJulie Wiegers

Private local and Memorial Scholarships given to seniors at Awards CeremonyUnibank for Savings - Angela BobeMilford Federal Savings and Loan Association -

Julie WiegersEric J. Cook Memorial Scholarship - Jacob Van DykeArthur A. Wiersma Memorial Scholarship - Mirela Caron

& Michael CroninJorritsma Scholarship (Outstanding Senior Student) -

Angela BobeLeonard M. Krull Memorial Scholarship -

Jamison KoemanUxbridge Rotary Club Scholarship - Elena Wassenar/

Julie WiegersSadie DeYoung Memorial Scholarship - Joshua Schneider

Julia VandenAkker Haley VanderSea Katie Vriesema Elena Wassenar Julie WiegersWorcester State

University, Worcester, MA

Worcester State University,

Worcester, MA

Gardner-Webb University, Boiling

Springs, NC

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA



Twenty years ago I was offered a blessing of a lifetime. Lance Engbers and the Board of Trustees entrusted me with the job as high school principal. How time

flies when you are having fun! Having ushered my own four children through the high school, I have a unique, time-tested perspective.

Culture is changing at warp speed. Our teens are changing. They have been called many things by our cultural leaders. They are the “good enough” generation and the “in-stant gratification generation.” They have technology at their fingertips like no other group of learners in our world’s history. They have far more peer and parental pressure than any previ-ous generation of kids. Our culture is changing at warp speed and the time demands placed on our kids are scary! Social me-dia consumes their waking moments, eroding their communi-cation skills and soft skills. Our kids have social mobility like no other peer group. In a culture that is moving farther and farther away from God’s Word, this group of kids has it rough.

Our schools are changing, too. WCHS is also a rapidly changing place. We have international students from Korea and China who have joined our domestic students. Our faculty is growing and becoming more specialized. The num-ber of AP classes, clubs, and leadership opportunities is grow-ing each year. Our staff is expected to teach, mentor, guide, direct, monitor, interpret, love, engage, model, discipline, sup-port, uplift, and mold this group of teenagers without the ben-efit of more time and support.

Moving forward with God in control. Living through the 2014-2015 school year was a challenge and a bless-ing. What I learned the most was that God is in control and His will is accomplished whether we understand it or seek it. This new group of graduates morphed into fine young men and women that would be at the top of their respective classes at any great high school. Like every class before them, there were brilliant scholars, and among them creative and insight-ful writers and wordsmiths. There were many gifted musicians and vocalists (three going to Berklee School of Music and Mc-Nulty). More than 40 percent of them were involved in athlet-

by Chris Vander Baan, High School PrincipalGod’s Blessings!To the New Graduates

ics and drama. Their acting skills were among some of the best I’ve experienced at WCHS.

Leadership was cultivated and acted upon. Student Council made significant, positive strides under this group’s leadership. Our boys’ Cross Country team had five outstanding senior runners, one earning all-state status for the second year in a row. Our girls’ tennis team had great senior leadership, earning a berth in the state tournament for the first time in school history. Academically, this group was outstand-ing and provided our staff with many pinnacle moments and triumphs.

Service was something many of our seniors did for reasons far more noble than meeting graduation requirements. Our Year-book Committee was senior dominated and produced a top notch memory for our high school. Four seniors completed their Senior Capstone Projects, keeping the bar incredibly high and proving that when an 18-year-old “owns his/her educa-tion” tremendous things can happen.

Worth it all. Despite challenges, missteps and the tre-mendous distractions this group of 35 men and women faced, they survived. They triumphed in every way, exemplifying that Christian education is special and “worth the investment in time and resources.” I am confident that this group of blossom-ing scholars, musicians, athletes, leaders, and givers will thrive in their respective colleges, workplaces and military services next fall! They will apply things they learned from their amaz-ing parents and teachers and become world changers. God’s blessings as you go!


Ali Rozema has been a significant mem-ber of our middle and high school Spanish department. She also created and reinvented our ELL program. Ali “rapidly changed from a new teacher to a wise veteran in just two years.” Ali is a student favorite, combining a keen mind and high expectations with in-

sightful sensitivity. She will be moving to Florida to marry her fiancée.

Dr. Barbara LaDine has been a critical member of our high school Science depart-ment, teaching Chemistry, Honors Chemis-try, Forensic Science, Genetics and Biology. Dr. LaDine has fine-tuned her trade and has become a Master Teacher. Her inquisitive mind and passion for stretching her students

have been a blessing to many eager high schoolers. Dr. LaDine has been instrumental in starting our Pep Band and Brass En-semble. She will be moving to China in July, joining her hus-band who is currently working there.

Donna Broghamer is the gentle smile and timely “hugger” who greets each student and teacher as they enter the middle and high school LMC (Library Media Center). Donna is a jack of all trades and a master of many. She has filled the interim Library Me-dia Center director position far beyond our

wildest expectations. Skilled at time management and sifting the urgent and important from the trivial, Donna has played a pivotal part in ushering technology into WCS. She has been a troubleshooter and a great student mentor. Donna will be committing her time to assisting her nephew and his family in his battle with cancer.

Linda Herrmann retires after more than two decades of faithful service in the middle and high school office. She has worked alongside many office managers and administrative aides, and under the leader-ship of high school principals Jack Vanden Born and Chris Vander Baan, and middle

school principals Don Godeke and Mary Dykstra. Linda has assisted thousands of students and parents with timely service and free smiles. Linda has played a role in hundreds of col-lege applications and successfully maneuvered her way among students, faculty, administration and parents. Grace and self-less humility are Linda’s invaluable hallmarks. She heads into retirement with great excitement to continue serving our Lord while spending significant time with her grandchildren.

Beth Allen joined our Guidance staff 17 years ago and transformed a fledgling pro-gram into one of the finest guidance depart-ments in central Massachusetts. Her deepest desire is to help students become “indepen-dent and owners of their own education.” She ushered in Job Shadow and Career Day and

was critical in bringing online learning through Virtual High School to our high school. The successful implementation of Naviance, an online tool allowing our parents and students more ownership in the college application process, is her lat-est accomplishment. Her dedication to students is solidified when one examines all the colleges and universities to which our students have been admitted. Being the female dress code “czar” was not her favorite job, but she did it well. Accuracy, fairness and consistency best describe Beth’s work ethic. She was a sounding board and a voice of reason. Beth embraced every project with an open mind and open arms. Her desire to see our students achieve excellence is a trademark she can hopefully pass on to her replacement. Beth will be joining her husband in Pennsylvania and will be seeking new employment in guidance or the college/career field.

Farewell, Dear Friendsby Chris Vander Baan

This year we bid farewell to five great teachers and devoted friends as we close out the 2014-2015 school year. God has blessed WCHS by bringing these amazing ladies to our school. Their unique and varied skill sets and commitment to the Lord, our students, and the mission of WCS are rock solid and inspiring. I want to thank these amazing women and wish them God’s blessings as they move to new opportunities next fall.


Middle School

Whitinsville Christian Middle School is a great place to be. Students go through amazing changes in middle school and educating them keeps teachers on their toes. What do middle school students need to learn? They need to learn content in many different

areas; but in middle school, education is about so much more.

Think about all the educational trends out there today. Angela Lee Duckworth claims that students need to develop “grit.” Carol Dweck states that students will experience growth and potential through a “growth mindset.” Lady Marjory Allen, landscape architect and developer of “The Land,” proclaims that kids need to play. The Bible states, “…train a child in the way he should go…” (Proverbs).

WCMS students learn grit. They are held to high standards. They are given homework, tests, projects and quizzes. In addition, they run “the mile.” They learn correct fingering for the QWERTY keyboard. They sing, paint, play instruments, draw and sculpt. They learn Span-ish. They learn online safety, ethics, morals and responsibility.

WCMS students learn growth and potential. They go beyond the classroom during STEM day and Genius Hour. They learn about things that interest them as well as all the required content.

WCMS students play. Our 8th graders built two GAGA pits this year and the students love them! Students play GAGA, volleyball, soccer and football. Students swarm the playground and fields at lunch, engaged in all kinds of activities.

WCMS students are “…trained in the way they should go…” They are reminded daily, “You know that, ‘Love your neighbor’ thing? I mean it.” —GOD. They are shown that God’s world is an amazing place involving numbers, history, stories, miracles of growth, molecules and DNA.

Middle school education is rooted in content and surrounded by learning to be a student, a citizen, a friend and a follower of God. WCMS students are taught to, “Love God, Love Others, and Love Learning.” WCMS is truly a great place to be!

As school years wind down and pause for summer vacation, most students and even their teachers welcome the change of pace to a more relaxed sched-ule. While the conclusion of the 2014-2015 school year offers this prospect to WCS students and teachers, an in-teresting set of circumstances sets this year’s school closing apart from many others. Beside the retirements of two el-ementary teachers and the shift of Mrs.

Bowler from a teacher to an adminis-trator, three more elementary teachers will not return to WCS when the new school year commences in August. June Bloem, Rachel Jen, and Lisa Spear will conclude their years of service to WCS when school ends on June 5. What fol-lows as a tribute to these wonderful teachers and Christlike role models is a brief biography of each teacher.

FAREWELL Rachel, Lisa, and June

MOMENTSby Mary Dykstra, Middle School Principal

Continued on next page

“Love God, Love Others, and Love Learning.”Elementary School

Third-grade artists explore the art of Georgia O’Keefe


Rachel, Lisa, and June

Rachel Jen, Second Grade Teacher:

Born and educated in Michigan, Rachel and her husband, Mike, moved to Boston in 2009 so that he could pursue graduate work at Harvard. Rachel tried a banking ca-reer before deciding to earn her Mas-ter’s degree and teaching certificate in 2011, after which she interviewed for a position at WCS. For the past four years Rachel has capably, caringly, and competently taught second graders at WCS. In March Rachel began a mater-nity leave as she and Mike welcomed a beautiful daughter, Marin Elise, into their family. While Rachel loves to teach, she also finds the role of being a stay-at-home mother an intriguing and desirable career change, so she does not plan to return to WCS in the fall.

Rachel feels that her students are her greatest teaching accomplishment as she’s seen them grow and flourish aca-demically, spiritually, and personally. Her most enjoyable teaching moments occurred when she and her students could get out of the classroom and learn in the “real world,” using God’s creation as the stage for science and so-cial studies lessons, independent read-ing, field trips, and other adventures. Her students and their parents are not the only ones who will miss Rachel in the future—her colleagues and friends will also find it difficult to say good-bye, but all of us wish Mike and Rachel God’s richest blessings as they explore this new chapter in their lives—being parents to Marin.

Lisa Spear, Grade 3-5 Spanish Teacher and Grade 4 Bible and Social Studies Teacher:

Lisa, too, was born and educated in Michigan though on the eastern side of the state, different than many others at WCS. While attending Albion College, Lisa met Scott Spear, whom she fol-

lowed to New England once they mar-ried and settled in Rhode Island. To-gether Lisa and Scott have three sons, all of whom attended and graduated from WCS. Prior to teaching at WCS, Lisa homeschooled her sons, but four-teen years ago she accepted a part-time position, teaching elementary Spanish to students in grade 3-5. Seven years ago she added more teaching respon-sibilities to her life, instructing fourth graders in social studies and Bible.

Lisa has enjoyed helping students “get into” the subjects that she teaches by add-ing academic games, special projects, and enriching activities. She’s pleased to hear students ask great questions or offer profound insight. Not only does Lisa relish building ex-citement about the subjects she teaches, but she also tries to identify those kids who struggle so that help and support can assist them with learning, too. Lisa will miss lots of laughs and the many stories that she and her students have shared over the years. When WCS bids “farewell” to Lisa, they will not only miss her high-energy Spanish classes, her insightful Bible lessons, and her well-rounded social studies classes, but also her genuine love for the Lord, her desire to help struggling students learn, and her dedication to Christian educa-tion. We wish Lisa God’s blessings in whatever she chooses to do next in her life.

June Bloem, First Grade Teacher:

June’s connection to Whitinsville be-gan when she met Dale Bloem, a WCS graduate, at Calvin College. Though she was born and raised in Michigan, she and Dale married and then moved to Massachusetts right after their grad-uation in 1986. June began her teach-ing career at WCS by teaching second graders for four years, after which she

took ten years off to stay at home with her two sons and to develop her Dis-covery Toy business. June also used her ten-year hiatus from teaching to serve on the Board of Trustees, the Education Committee, and the Admissions Com-mittee at WCS. By 2000 June was ready to return to the classroom—with first graders, and now she’s completed her 15th year of teaching first grade. She and her husband will move to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Dale has taken a job with an office product deal-ership and where June will complete a long-term substitute job in the first grade at Sioux Falls Christian School before taking some time off.

June sees her teaching accomplish-ments in the “little” moments: times when students “get” something for the first time or take off in their reading; moments when the lessons go just right; instances when parents express grati-tude for their children’s learning and development; and times when students work out their differences or discover their strengths or even lead their par-ents to a deeper understanding of their

faith. June has also served on the Admis-sions Committee as well as coordinated a myriad of details for the elementary mu-sicals and Grandpar-

ents’ Day activities. Whether June is helping out with the WCS Service Auc-tion, parent orientations, or cooking “Olie” for school fairs, she has enjoyed the friendships cultivated through these activities. June is thankful that WCS has served as a home and foun-dation for her and her family for and she will miss its wonderful staff, its sup-portive families, and her great students. Even more so, WCS will miss June’s friendly smile, her diligent service, her meticulous organization, and her faith-ful example of Jesus’ love, compassion, and grace. We pray that she and Dale will experience God’s richest blessings in their transition to a new community.

12 | The Crusader ChronicleContinued on next page

Over her 34 years of teaching at Whitinsville Christian School, Mary Masselink has pas-sionately taught children, professionally led

the elementary faculty, and positively promoted quality education at Whitinsville Christian. This strong pillar of our school community retired in June. The following top ten qualities highlight the contributions and style that Mary Masselink has shared with all those touched by her influence.

#10 Mary is passionate about Christian education and always wanted to be a teacher. She felt that her tem-perament matched her desire to teach. Mary graduated from Calvin College in 1971 and taught second grade at Freemont Christian School in Michigan for five years. While at Freemont she earned her Master’s degree from Michigan State and met and married her husband Larry in 1973. The Masselinks moved to Whitinsville in Au-gust of 1976 when Mary was hired to teach third grade and Larry was hired to teach middle school math. Mary taught third grade for four years and would later take five years off to provide full-time care for their two chil-dren, Leah and Joel.

#9 Mary has a gift for encouraging her students to strive to be the best students they can be. She stretches and challenges each student. She gives extra time after school with students who need it. For Mary, the joy of teaching is felt when struggling students finally “get it” and when students cultivate a love of life and learning. She encourages her students to live a life of faith in a God who is worthy of their praise and trust.

#8 Mary is diligent, spending morning, noon, and night at our school, her home away from home. She is one of the first teachers to arrive each morning to open her classroom up for early-arriving students, and she is one of the last teachers to leave the building as moon and stars shine overhead.

#7 Mary is approachable. Whether students, par-ents, teachers, or other administrators visit her class-room to ask a question or engage in conversation, Mary listens attentively and offers advice thoughtfully. Her door is always open and she values each visitor.

#6 Mary is known as a talented baker who generous-ly prepares tasty treats for people in her life. Her com-mittee meetings always begin with a homemade snack.

Her treats for other teachers are beautiful displays of deliciousness, and she is famous throughout the community for her sweet cinnamon rolls.

#5 Mary is organized and coordinates events with precision and perfection. Schedules are fair, meeting notes are descriptively detailed, her class-room is orderly and color-coordinated, and les-sons are well tailored. The foods that she serves at in-service luncheons are always identified with la-bels all color coordinated with napkins and plates.

#4 Mary loves to travel and has embraced multicultural experiences visiting many places throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa. With a twinkle in her eye, she passionately tells stories of her travels. In addition to broadening her horizons outwardly, inwardly she and her husband Larry have hosted six foreign exchange students since 2008.

#3 Mary is a servant leader. In 1995 Mary took on an administrative role as Assistant Elementary Principal to assist Lance Engbers and has led in this part-time capacity for the last twenty years. She has enjoyed working with the WCS adminis-trative team. This group of four individual leaders works together toward common goals promoting quality Christian education at WCS.

#2 Mary’s innovation has led to many well-crafted policies and plans that will influence WCS well into the future. Mary chaired many commit-tees. Under her direction school safety procedures were clearly laid out and an anti-bullying policy was implemented. Recently, she initiated the In-termediate Collaborative Curriculum Commit-tee giving elementary teachers a forum to discuss curricular issues. Mary is also working to develop more detailed professional development require-ments, leaving a lasting legacy.

#1 Mary is dedicated to her Lord, her students, and to WCS. For a grand total of thirty-nine years Mary has put her life and soul into her teaching. She has taught the children of former students. She has seen many positive developments at WCS over the years including the physical growth of the building, the coming together of talented people

“A strong pillar of our school community”by Laurie Vander Baan

In recognition of retiring Teacher and Assistant Elementary School Principal

MARY MASSELINK


who moved the school forward, and a strengthened sense of community promoting excellence.

She has tirelessly given of herself, sharing her love for the Lord and her desire to see her students succeed as life-long learners. Her dedication knows no bounds. Thank you for your years of faithful teaching.

In retirement Mary hopes to travel and continue to live out her favorite Bible verse, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.

Thank you for all the ways that you have touched our lives.

In recognition of

LYSLE WILEY First Grade Teacherby June Bloem, Elementary Teacher

After twenty seven years, Lysle Wiley is ready to close this teaching chapter of her life and move on to retire-ment. Lysle spent six years teaching first grade at Chino

Hills Christian in California, two years instructing early child-hood classes at El Paso Community College and three years as Assistant Director/teacher at Woodcrest Pre-school. She spent eight years being mom and training her two children, Kathryn and Matthew.

Lysle began her teaching career here in Whitinsville teaching 5th grade. It was a one-year position when we had an extra-large class move through. She then moved to first grade the fol-lowing year when there were two first grade positions open. For one year she moved up to second grade, then went back to first for a total of sixteen years at WCS.

Lysle has used her talents well during these years. She loves planning parties and decorating and has used her gifts as she planned many retirement parties for staff leaving. She has also been a staple on the gift committee as she so beautifully and thoughtfully arranged gift baskets for faculty and staff when they lost a loved one. She also loved drama and teaching stu-dents to excel in this area. She has served on the chapel com-mittee for seven years, many times encouraging students to use drama to teach a message to the elementary students. Our musicals and Grandparents’ Day programs often used drama to varying degrees. Lysle directed the drama. She loved seeing the students grow into their characters and see the work and efforts come to fruition in a final performance. She had a way of involving parents that always produced a spectacular event. These drama events were highlights for Lysle over the years and for many students as well.

Lysle has also served on various subcommittees and ad-hoc

committees including Student Activities, the Preschool Board and curriculum com-mittees.

Another highlight for Lysle and for many parents of her students was her annual Mother’s Day Tea. Students would come with fancy clothes to change into, perform a special program for their mothers and have a good, old-fashioned tea complete with cucumber sandwiches. Lysle would often say that doing this for other mothers was her way of honoring her own mother. She loved seeing the students and how much they had grown up through the year. Although May was always a busy time, she made sure she made time for the tea. I am sure many of her stu-dents and moms look back at this with fond memories as well.

Over the years, Lysle has enjoyed and embraced the changes that have happened at WCS and in education as a whole. She has learned the new technology and eagerly implemented it into her room. She has enjoyed working closely with Student Academic Services to help find just what is needed to meet her students’ varying requirements.

Anyone who has had Mrs. Wiley for a teacher will also remem-ber her pets. She has had a snake, three different tortoises, two bearded dragons and two tarantulas. Students would bring in the appropriate food and take their turns at lunchtime caring for the pets. Families would “adopt” them over vacations. She is happy to say that she already has permanent homes for two of her pets.

Mrs. Wiley has made an impact on many students at Whitins-ville Christian School. She remembers one in particular. A little girl had knocked on the classroom window in August as she was setting up for her first year of first grade. That girl became Lysle’s student and later a special friend. When that student graduated eleven years later, she said that she decided to pursue a teaching career because of Lysle, that she was her favorite teacher. What a wonderful legacy!

Lysle and her husband, Jud, moved to South Carolina in June where they have built a new home. Jud will be volunteering in the First Presbyterian Church and Lysle is planning on lead-ing women’s Bible studies. She also plans to take some online classes to assist her in Bible Study Fellowship. Once she and Jud decorate their home and settle into the community, they plan to do more traveling. They hope to travel to Europe, Holland, England, and Scotland. They also would like to walk the steps of Paul’s missionary journeys and make a second trip to Israel. Many of us hope that their travels also bring them back to New England once in a while as well.

Lysle, your talents and gifts will be sorely missed at Whitinsville Christian School. We are happy for you as you plan how these gifts can now be used to further God’s kingdom in South Caro-lina. Thank you for your years of service, and may God bless you in your retirement.


Preschool

The Power of Loveby Sonia Zeyl

I will let you in on a little secret that I usually hold close to my heart about preschool. Love at SSP has kind of a round shape. (Although sometimes it gets a little lopsided.)

It’s pretty light too—only a couple of ounces. It is really fuzzy, too, and comes in all kinds of pastel colors. It’s kept in a huge glass jar on “the teacher table” and any of our four teachers can grab a little love out of the jar and hand it to a child at any time during the school day.

Once our students get to kindergarten or even first grade they learn that a noun is “the name of a person, place, thing or idea.” Love is an idea in some ways since preschoolers can’t touch love, or smell or taste it. They can’t hear it or see it on a regular basis. But they can feel it. And sometimes it’s nice to collect it.

I used to read a story to my little girls called “If Kisses Were Colors.” In it, the author compared her love for her baby to colors of the rainbow, comets in the sky, pebbles on the beach, raindrops and snowflakes. I love this book because it gives a visual for young children of what their beach would look like covered in pebbles of love, or their sky filled with flashes of comet lights streaking through the darkness. The last page reads, “My kisses are colors, and raindrops that flow, and peb-bles and acorns, and comets that glow, and flowers, and snow-flakes that fall from above; they’re my way, sweet baby, to give you my love.”

What does it look like for a four year old to collect love? Well. It looks like an ordinary white bucket decorated just the way you like it hanging on our blue peg-board. It’s empty when we hang it on the first day of school. But as the day progresses and as the days add on and on, the kids learn that they get “warm fuzzies” in those buckets. These become a tangible expression of acceptance and love. When their buckets are filled, they go to the treasure chest and pick out a treasure. It’s more than just

an incentive to have the chil-dren behave in a certain way. It is more than catching them in the act of being kind. It is ap-proval and love and uncondi-tional regard. It is what it looks like to have love be more fuzzy.

There comes a time in the school year when people start to get it. That’s when I start to receive homemade fuzzies in my Christmas cards, in my end of the school year treats. It means that the object of the fuzzy has become something more. It means I love you. I love who God made you to be. This year proved no different. I just received two of the sweetest fuzzies from my friend Elliot. He and I know what they mean. Now I suppose you do, too.

We try to make love tangible in preschool in the shape of a warm fuzzy. This is the four year old’s introduction to the very principle in the Bible that Love became FLESH. In John 1:14 we read, “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” How can we make God’s love real to these kids—something they collect in their bucket? By talking to them of his plan to rescue them, by talking to them of his love, and by letting them collect fuzzies in their buckets until they overflow. At the end of the year, these guys take their buckets home. I wonder what happens to them…

This article is dedicated to Ryan Hoell; a phenomenal fuzzy collector.

On Friday, May 8, the students in Mrs. Wi-ley’s 1B class honored their Mothers by hosting a Mother’s Day Tea. This event has become a tradition for Mrs. Wiley’s class. Each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day, the first grade class will sing, recite poetry, read letters, and present gifts to their mothers. All went off without a hitch again this year.

The Second Time Around...There was, however, one difference with this particular tea. There were five moth-ers who had been to a previous tea when an older sibling had been in Mrs. Wiley’s class. Two such mothers had been to the tea last year, two others had attended a few years ago, and one had been to the Mother’s Day Tea fourteen years ago. Without exception they all felt that the second time around was just as sweet as the first.

Margot Donnelly with Orla remembering three years ago with her daughter Fiona.


Senior Capstone Projects

Joshua Schneider Josh combined his interest in architecture and athletics for his project. He designed a possible fieldhouse for WCS using information he gathered from students, the athletic directors and others.

Katie Caswell Katie combined her artistic talent with a video camera to produce a promotional video for the school. The video highlights various aspects of WCS from a student’s perspective.

Elena Wassenar Elena started a middle school STEM club to share her passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Each meeting, she introduced the students to new topics and hands-on activities.

Alex LaCava Alex loves the complex rhythms and chord progres-sions of ragtime music. After studying the structure of this musical genre, he composed his own ragtime piano piece, learned to play it, and per-formed it at Fine Arts Night.

Jennifer Lawson with Jillian remembering last year with he daughter Julia.

Barbara Focht with Eli remem-bering 14 years ago with her son Willie.

Christine Najem with Faith remembering last year with her son CJ.

Michelle Masters with Colt re-membering three years ago with her son Kellen.

Capstone students and faculty mentors. Front row: Mary Dykstra (MS Principal), Sue Cooper (Elementary Librarian), Beth Allen (HS Guidance) Back row: Elena Wassenar, Josh Schneider, Katie Caswell, Alex LaCava, and Chris Vander Baan (HS Principal).

Capstone is a special alternative to the senior paper. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, a student investigates a topic of specific interest, then prepares and presents a significant, well-planned project that creatively reflects his or her deep under-standing of the topic. Those who wish to pursue a capstone project make a proposal to a faculty panel early senior year.

In the West Point slums of Liberia, there stands a school once empty, silent and bereft—a casualty of the nation’s Ebola crisis—now teeming with students and filled with

joy through the mural threshold of a radiant butterfly designed and painted by WCS alumnus David Cogdill (‘07).

Known in the art world as “Nanook,” David is one of a new generation of street artists whose passion is to redeem once graffiti-ridden cityscapes with beautiful, thought-provoking murals. His creations appear all across the world, from Balti-more and Atlanta, to Mexico, Argentina, France, and now in Liberia.

David has a heart for the suffering and outcast. He is sensi-tive to the struggles of immigrants and those of legacy resi-dents in poor communities displaced by gentrification. “The post-graffiti mural movement that we are seeing today in the United States is often a tool used by Redevelopment initiatives to change the visual stigma of neighborhoods that were once considered dangerous and are now accepting an influx from the younger generations,” he said. “I find myself in this posi-tion of seeing the legacy residents realize that they were unable to buy into [their own] neighborhood, get bought out, and are given away to a young often white population which obviously I am a figure for,” he explained.

“Recently, I have been working with a lot of Latino muralists, specifically LNY and Mata Ruda, and have been making a lot of work about immigration especially in my studio work. [see Assimilation] In a scene where there is such an emphasis on self it is easy to marginalize people as invaders. The history and the stories I am told by friends and people that I meet are of-ten tragic and violent, and I reflect of these through icons and juxtapositions of classical works to describe the multiplicity of constant transculturation.”

This year David also responded to a call from a friend, Holden Warren, to help in the efforts to reopen the Nathaniel Varney Massaquoi Elementary and Junior High School in Monrovia, Liberia. Taken by the government and used as an ETU (Ebola Treatment Unit), the school was considered by locals a place of fear and dread, long after the crisis abated and doctors and patients had departed. Instructing young, local artists, and col-laborating with others, he was instrumental in transforming

MURALS OF HOPEA Look at the Work and Passion of David (Nanook) Cogdill (‘07)

ALUMNI FEATURE

David Cogdill helped ready a Liberian school to reopen this May after the Ebola crisis abated. View more of his work at nanookstreetart.com.

Top: Assimilation (2015)Oil on panel Left: The Crown of Bees (2014)Mural for Open Walls Baltimore 2Baltimore, MD



WCS Music Teacher Receives Accolades for Les Miserables Role

Joshua Lawson, WCS middle and high school music teacher and di-rector of the school’s bands and choirs, received outstanding reviews for his May 2015 performance in Les Miserables with the Encore Rep-ertory Company of Woonsocket, RI. Playing the role of Marius, Mr. Lawson was reviewed by Providence Journal arts critic and reporter Channing Gray, who wrote: “There are several voices in the cast that could be on Broadway tomorrow. Joshua Lawson’s Marius, who falls for the enchanting Cosette, sings like an angel, unforced, sweet, the kind of tenor that can tear your heart out. I don’t think he’d have any trouble making it in New York.” Congratulations to Joshua on another fine production!

In other important news, Joshua and WCS middle school teacher Amelia (DeVries) Lawson were married on March 22. Congratula-tions and best wishes to the Lawsons!

the school entrance and grounds to a place of beauty. In the process, it reinvigorated the community and its children to embrace the “new” school.

A number of NGO’s and government agencies came together to help rebuild the school,.” David said. “Holden proposed to have me come and work alongside two Liberian artists, Abel Dassin and Kingston Sylla, to paint the Massaquoi school to help remove the stigma that the school was still infected by Ebola,” he explained. “During my time there I can say that through the action of painting the mural that the public per-ception of the school has changed and it was wonderful to see the school be able to open its doors to students once again.”

His efforts were reported on by NPR and other news organiza-tions. A video of the parade on opening day is on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9p_nvfEn3A. A portfo-lio of David’s (Nanook’s) work is available on his website, na-nookstreetart.com. You may also follow Nanook on Instagram at @nanookoso.

A graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, David is the son of Phil and Deb Cogdill of Boulder, CO, formerly of Northbridge, MA. His brother, Matthew, also attended WCS, and his sister, Katherine, graduated from WCS in 2004.

Sunrise of Edgewood Ave. (2012), collaboration with Gaia for Atlanta Living Walls Concepts, Atlanta, GA (Photo by Gaia)

Joshua Lawson (center, front row) in his role as Marius.



This spring our high school students put on the show, “Grease, the School Version,” and I am again amazed. I am amazed by the work of the students. I am amazed

by adults that come alongside the students, freely giving their time, energy, love and dedication. I am amazed by talented musicians, technicians, builders, artists, those who pull to-gether the costumes and props. I am amazed that so many

moving pieces come together to make one incredible thing. This “thing” is drama, and it is one of the best example of the working Body of Christ that I have ever been a part of.

Grease” is a depiction of life in high school during the 1950’s. Not only is the music great, the story strikes home with high school life. Almost all students go through a process of “finding themselves” and understanding who they are. High school is full of groups, and always has been. Through this story, and through high

school itself, students begin to find their place in the world. They also find that the groups that identify them are not their sole identity. The characters in “Grease” try to break through barriers. Our WCS students do the same. Our students find these barriers broken when they work in drama. Students come from all different groups with all different skills, and get to know each other in new ways. They keep working on the journey of finding their place.

“Grease” is also a story that celebrates an era. I was overwhelmed by how this show has reached across the generations. I was told by many 75-80 year olds that they LOVED the show. They told me about their own poodle skirts and leather jackets. They shared with me how they fixed up old cars and would race them. They shared stories about “greasers,” the cool guys with the pack of cigarettes in the sleeve, grease in the hair and

a leather jacket. This is the generation who were teenagers in the 1950’s. They are the ones who got caught up in the show. One woman said it made her want to go back in time, to relive the wonder of it all, for just a bit.

Finally, “Grease” is a show that celebrates life. “Grease” is not squeaky clean, but neither is life. “Grease” celebrates the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows, through great music and spectacular dance moves. It’s fun! In the end the guy gets the girl and the friends enjoy their last day together in high school. In addition, the Whitinsville Christian School production of “Grease” celebrated God in His Glory. Our actors, musicians, backstage people, sound and lighting crew, and the all the adults involved performed for an audience of ONE. We exist to glorify God in all we do. All gifts and talents comes from God and through EVERY production, we give ourselves back to HIM. He is why we do drama. He is the one we glorify through each performance. We preach it. We say it. We act it. We dance it. We sing it. We live it. Soli Deo Gloria!

GREASE!by Mary Dykstra, Drama Director


When First Baptist Church of Westborough, Massachusetts, was dissolved in early 2013, the membership voted to give Whitinsville Christian High School a gift of $10,000 to be used for tuition.

By the church members’ instruction, the scholarship money awarded each year will total $1,000 and two awards of $500 each will be distributed. One of these scholar-ships is to be designated to a Westborough town resident and the other to another family in WCHS based on need. Students must attend WCHS full time. In the event no student from Westborough is attending WCHS full time, the award may go to two students from any town based on financial need. Families who are awarded the scholarship will be notified by the Guidance department.

We are grateful to the First Baptist Church of Westborough for their generous gift and for helping to honor our families who are committed to Christian Education to meet their financial needs.

Please contact Thalia Towle in the Business Office at 508-372-3277 or email [email protected] for more information regarding this scholarship.

First Baptist Church of Westborough

Scholarship for WCHS Students

Admissions Begins Walk-In Wednesdays

The Admissions Office has been busy this spring with a new initiative called Walk-In Wednesdays. Based on professional information gathered about events in other private and Christian schools, as well as identified trends in our own admissions calendar, the Walk-In Wednesday program began on March 25 and ran through May 27. Each Wednesday, Admissions Co-

ordinator Dennis Epplett led informational campus tours from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Prospective families responded well to the idea of being able to drop in without registration, understanding that they would receive important information about a WCS education, see campus highlights, and be finished within one hour. At 9:30 a.m., guests were free to go on their way or to ask additional questions as desired.

In conjunction with the start of the Walk-In Wednesday program, a postcard campaign was executed several weeks before the March 25 start date. Postcards were mailed to 8,000 families in strategically-chosen towns within a designated radius of Whitinsville. Recipients were carefully selected based on their indication of Christian faith, having children within specific age ranges, and meet-ing specific income criteria. Along with the mailings, the WCS Facebook page and Twitter feed featured information on the newly established program.

In the ever-changing world of Christian and private school admissions, the Admissions Office continues to identify, evaluate, and ex-ecute strategic methods of reaching out to prospective families with well-planned, well-timed and attractive ways of communicating.


It was a sunny and breezy day at Pleasant Valley Country Club on Monday, June 8, for the annual WCS Golf Outing.

Approximately 70 golfers participated in the golf portion of the out-ing. Following the tournament, a delicious Italian buffet was served to the golfers and to the Class of 2015 members and families in atten-dance. Marc Pitts (‘99) was guest speaker, encouraging graduates as they go off to college, to the workplace, and to their own families and homes, to ask themselves, “Am I part of the problem or part of the so-lution?” Marc emphasized the importance of not being self-centered, but to look with true humility into the many areas of God’s world where they can be part of the solution toward change in a peaceful and compassionate way.

The event was an enjoyable community building event as well as a successful fundraiser, with all proceeds going toward the Library Media Center fund.

Golf OutingA Time of Friendly Competition and Celebration

The WCS Spring Auction was hugely successful More than 250 adults, 60 children, and a host of faithful alumni and volunteers were in attendance, making the event a remarkable community gathering. Thanks especially

to Becky Smith, our auction chairperson, for her tireless efforts, and to our generous sponsors for their support.

Contributions from all aspects of the Auction also made the evening an unqualified fundraising success, with over $63,000 in profit, exceeding the goal of $60,000. Over $5,000 of the profit will go toward the purchase of Chromebook computers, while the approximately $58,000 remaining will go toward the General Fund.

We are tremendously thankful and blessed to have had such an successful Auction that contributes significantly to the WCS community as a whole.

Spring Auction a Phenomenal Success!



Any area bargain-sniffing thrift shopper would doubtless include Treasures among his/her list of haunts. With its “regulars” list long and ever-growing, the store enjoys a healthy flow of familiar faces among customers and donors, too. Indeed, Treasures made its mark

long ago in the south Grafton area and continues to attract those wishing to both supply and buy its myriad of merchandise – from pocketbooks to peacoats, dishes to dolls, and sofas to sandals, Treasures has a bit (and more) of almost everything.

Of the area stores which support a cause, Treasures may well be one of the only, if not the only thrift store in New England supporting Christian education. In its seventh year of operation, Treasures continues to weather the ups and downs of a nearly all-volunteer operation, while remaining the largest single contributor to WCS tuition.

Among its workers this summer Treasures is excited to welcome back Abby Epplett. Abby is a 2014 WCS graduate who recently com-pleted her freshman year at Whea-ton College in Norton, MA. A tireless worker, Abby served as an intern at Treasures last summer through our student internship program. This year she applied to Wheaton for a grant to support a Treasures’ summer internship, and we are thrilled to say those monies were approved! Abby will work in

various practical capacities but will also train new volunteers, do research to boost online sales and fine-tune competitive pricing, and will brainstorm ways to solicit donations from outside sources.

Workers such as Abby are vital to Treasures’ mission, as are a handful of factors. Indeed our re-quests of the WCS community remain fairly consistent. We need:

1. VOLUNTEERS It takes dozens of volunteers operating in numerous capacities to make Trea-sures work; a single donated item from back room to store front may require several steps to be processed; multiply that by the thousands of items Treasures receives, and the workload is enormous. Treasures is ever in need of more volunteers!

2. DONATIONS A drop box was placed in the gym foyer earlier this year to make donating easier. It is only one of many tools necessary to increase our merchandise volume. Of critical need is FURNITURE. Notices have been circulated to area libraries and community bulletin boards soliciting items, but other items, and even the means to solicit items, are badly needed.

3. SHOPPERS What is a store without its customers? Shop with us and encourage others to do likewise!

Our thanks go to God and to all of you for your ongoing support! We are enormously grateful for His provision these seven years!

To volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Sue McClure at [email protected] or 508-476-2396. For all other questions or to inquire about furniture pick-up, please call Trea-sures directly at 774-293-1564.

A Unique

A few loyal Treasures volunteers: (left to right) Bill Van Dyke, Trina Van Dyke, Abby Epplett, Jack Casey and Lois Casey

Treasure


Board Report A Time of Significant Change and Challenge

The annual meeting of the Whitinsville Society for Christian Education met on April 21. Elena Wassenar, Class of 2015, led in devotions reminding us that even

though we do not know what the future holds, we can trust in God’s control and experience His grace in uncertainties.

Tanya Anema, Melody Nydam, Carl Rubin and Russ Vander-Baan were approved as Board members. Three will be serving a second consecutive term and Melody Nydam her first term. The following were elected as officers at the Board meeting on April 22: Russ Vander Baan, President; John Miersma, Vice President; Barbara VanderKlay, Secretary; and Carl Rubin, Treasurer.

The budget for 2015-2016 was ap-proved with a 3.5% increase in tuition. There is a constant balancing act be-tween investment, tuition, and enroll-ment that the Finance Committee and Business Manager need to manage.

Headmaster Lance Engbers focused on highlights of the school year. We had new staff members join us and many staffing changes for next year due to retirements and relocations. Along with these significant changes, many cultural changes are forcing us to do things differently. He closed his

remarks with the words of Corrie ten Boom, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

John Miersma gave an overview of our strategic process and our Vision Campaign. Here are some of the excerpts:

Christian Schools are undergoing dramatic change as the world in which we live is changing. Family priorities continue to shift; home schooling is increasing; middle class income growth has slowed resulting in more reliance on financial aid; and college costs continue to increase. It is difficult for many families to keep up.

WCS has developed many outstanding programs over the years that must be sustained through stable and then growing enrollment. Our vision is to continue to challenge our stu-dents and alumni to achieve their highest potential and make a positive difference in God’s world. Effective execution of this vision will be evidenced by:

• MakingaWCSeducationaccessibletostudentsfromChristian families who desire it.

• Expandingourcurriculumwhilemaintainingcompeti-tive tuition.

• Promotingchurch/home/schoolrelationshiplinkages.

• Increasingtechnologyuseandcurriculuminallgrades.

• ExpandingStudentAcademicServicesprogramstobet-ter serve students. with special needs.

• IncreasingAdvancementandAdmissionscapabilities.

• Identifyingandclaimingournicheinthemarketasboth a Christian school and an outstanding college prep school.

To help us meet our strategic vision, we have set the following targets:

• HireafulltimeAdmissionsDirectorwhosefocuswillbeto help us grow our enrollment. Longer term target: 700 students by 2020.

• HireaDirectorofAdvancementtohelpwithourVisionCampaign.

• Constructafieldhouseandperformingartscenterby2017. The field house was approved by the Society in two separate votes in 2011 and 2012, as part of our plan to build the Library Media Center. The foundation of this current plan is a commitment by core donors linked to a now five-year timeline for construction of a new field house.

To meet these strategic goals, we have established a Steering Committee for our Vision Campaign - Rise Up and Build. Our goals for the campaign are to:

• Raisefundsfortheconstructionofanewfieldhouse.

• Raisefundsfortheconstructionofanewperformingarts center.

• Raisefundstoincreasetheschool’sEndowmentFundto maintain a competitive tuition and provide increased financial aid.

• Raisefundsfortheadditionofafull-timeAdmissionsDirector for three years.

• Raisefundstocoverthreeyearsofoperatingexpensesfor the new facilities.

Russell Vander BaanPresident, Board of Trustees

by Russell Vander Baan, President, Board of Trustees



Board Report A Time of Significant Change and Challenge

The 2015 Distinguished Alumni award is given to James DeVries, a man of strong faith who used his love of youth and skills in teaching and his love of the Savior to positively influence students in their faith and ability to

think rationally. Born in Whitinsville, he is the son of Nicholas and Jennie (Har-inga) DeVries who brought him and his siblings up in the “fear and admonition of the Lord.” Jim graduated from Whitinsville Christian School in 1948, then went on to Providence-Barrington College where he received his B.A. degree. He attended Worcester Jr. College for an A.E. and received his M.ED from Worcester State Uni-versity. He also received his M.Nat.Sci from WPI and his Ph.D. from Grace Gradu-ate School.

In 1960 he taught math and science for nine years at the Delaware County Christian School in Pennsylvania. He then became chairman of the math and science depart-ments at Barrington College. where he served five years. In 1974 he was asked to come to Dayton Christian Schools to set up their math and science program and spent the next two years there. He then returned to Barrington College and taught there until the merger of Gordon and Barrington Colleges took place. Jim then joined the faculty of Lancaster Bible College and has been teaching both math and science in the teacher education department for the past 29 years.

In 1955, while at Providence-Barrington College he met Carol Stratton, they were married and together raised three sons, David, Dan and Jonathan. The boys attend-ed WCS when they lived in Whitinsville. Jim and Carol were active in their church, where they taught Sunday school, led youth, participated in adult choirs, and held Bible studies. Carol passed away after five years of dementia, during which time Jim was her primary caregiver.

Jim has distinguished himself through his passionate love for the Lord, devotion to his wife and family, his church life and his solid life of teaching at Christian Colleges showing his love for education and the Lord. We are honored to present the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award to James DeVries.

2015 Distinguished Alumnus James DeVries (‘48)

Utilizing funds already raised, the following activities have been completed or are in progress and will continue through the summer of 2015:

• Completingpurchaseofover12acresadjacenttotheWest side of the campus using donor funds designated for this purpose.

• Rise Up and Build Steering and Building committees were formed and are meeting.

• Identifyingoptimumlocationsforthenewfacilitiesoncampus.

• Rise Up and Build campaign is in its early formative stages. A kickoff event will be held in September.

• Creatingasetofconceptualdrawingstoshowsitelay-out; room layout; building elevations; and specification requirements.

• Creatingrenderingstoshowthelookandfeelofthebuildings.

We are thankful for God’s grace and goodness through these exciting changes. We plan to have a Society meeting in the fall to update the WCS Society on our progress.



Fall SportsBOYS’ CROSS COUNTYFirst Team: Jamison Koeman (12)*

*Co-Runner of the Year

GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRYSecond Team: Angie Epplett (11),

Arianna Koeman (10)

VOLLEYBALLFirst Team: Katelyn Baker (11), Abby Cook (11)

GIRLS’ SOCCERSecond Team:Tatiana Wiersma (9)

BOYS’ SOCCERSecond Team: Drew Quercio (9),

Duncan Sutherland (9)

Winter SportsBOYS’ BASKETBALLFirst Team: Ian Haire (12)

GIRLS’ BASKETBALLSecond Team: Sarah Poquette (12)

BOYS’ INDOOR TRACK4X200 M: 1. Jacob Van Dyke (12), Conor Jackson

(12), Devin Morrill (11), Daniel Solano (12)

Spring SportsBASEBALLSecond Team: Jared Melanson (11)

SOFTBALLFirst Team: Soriya Melanson (10)Second Team: Hanna Vander Baan (9)

BOYS’ TENNISFirst Team: Owen Brookhouse (11),

Ben Koopman (10) Player of the YearSecond Doubles Team: Gabriel Brookhouse (8),

Joshua Cook (9)

GIRLS’ TENNISSingles Team: Abby Cook (11)Second Doubles Team: Katie Wilcox (10),

Molly Hardiman (11)

GIRLS’ TRACK & FIELDTWO MILES Second Team: Angie Epplett (11)JAVELIN Second Team: Tori Paine (8)SHOT PUT First Team: Tatiana Wiersma (9)

BOYS’ TRACK & FIELD200 METERS Second Team: Conor Jackson (12)400 METERS First Team: Daniel Solano (12)MILE First Team: Jamison Koeman (12)

Runner of the YearTWO MILES Second Team: CJ Paine (11)

Dual Valley Conference All-Stars

Crusader Athletics

Coach Don Koopman (far right) is blessed to coach three of his grandsons on the tennis team: (left to right) Ben Koopman, Gabe Brookhouse, and Owen Brookhouse.

Girls’ Varsity Softball


The boys’ tennis team won the DVC Title and went on to finish second in the state tournament.

This year, the girls’ tennis team earned a berth in the state tourna-ment for the first time in school history.

Boys’ Varsity Basketball

Boys’ Junior Varsity Basketball

above: Girls Junior Varsity Basketball

left: Senior Girls’Basketball

Girls’ Track

Girls’ TennisBoys’ Tennis


ENDOWMENTGlen and Helena BloemLee and Dina GaudetteGrace Nyenhuis

In Honor of:Matthew Dykstra’s 100th

BirthdayHarold and Barbara Plantinga

Larry and Mary Masselink’s Retirement

Michael and Mary Layman

Mothers’ Day – Honey BeinemaGary and Brenda White

In Memory ofNeal AdamsGrace Nyenhuis

Bob BajemaTony and Denise Brookhouse

Honey BeinemaJames and Noreen KuipersOscar and Henny KuipersBrian and Thalia TowleMark and Laurie TrouwGary and Brenda White

Ben and Sadie BrouwerVic and Ruth Bajema

Kay CooperWill and Helen Banning

Sidney and Thelma DeYoungRichard and Anna Stiers

John and Lois JessenRuss and Gerry Vander Baan

Kaitlyn KoopmanTony and Denise Brookhouse

Jim KramerCindy BakerMike and Annika BangmaWill and Helen BanningGordon and Beverly De YoungLance and RoseAnn EngbersStephen and Jennifer Johnson

James JorritsmaOscar and Henny KuipersJim and Jean NydamCarol SchaverBrian and Thalia TowleWanda VanderZeeMaryAnn Wiersma

Betty KrullWill and Helen Banning

Carol MoccioWill and Helen Banning

John NyenhuisTony and Denise BrookhouseDirk and Sue Koopman

Bert and Sadie SchotanusRay and Joyce Schotanus

Coba SchotanusRobert and Elizabeth ArchambaultCindy BakerMartin and Gertrude BanningWill and Helen BanningMatthew DykstraCarol EbbelingLance and RoseAnn EngbersMargaret HalacyStephen and Jennifer JohnsonJames JorritsmaClara KenadekDirk and Susan KoopmanOscar and Henny KuipersChristine LaneGrace NyenhuisJerry and Sandy OrreCarol SchaverBrian and Thalia TowleRuss and Gerry Vander BaanEleanor VanHoutenCliff and Barbara VanReedJennifer VineEarl and Karen WielsmaBernie and Minnie WiersmaLeo and Mary WiersmaGladys Youngsma

Phyllis SchotanusJames and Noreen KuipersMark and Laurie Trouw

Al SiepertCindy BakerHal and Judy BlaueGlen and Helena BloemRen and Elsa Prince-

BrookhuizenJimmy and Sandra BurnsKathleen BuurmaMark and Deborah DerderianGreg and Terry EbbelingCarol EbbelingAhleen EbbelingLance and RoseAnn EngbersAlbert and Nancy FaberKen and Lisa FoppemaSandra HaagsmaJohn and Arlene HoellDavid and Nan HolmesJames JorritsmaAnnette KeessenTom and Joan KoopmanRobert and Bette MarsegliaAlice RookerCarol SchaverBrian and Thalia TowleIrene VandenAkkerChris and Laurie Vander BaanJeff and Laurie Vander BaanWanda VanderZeeEarl and Karen WielsmaBernie and Minnie WiersmaMaryAnn Wiersman/e/m/d architects, inc

Roland Vander BaanTony and Denise BrookhouseChris and Laurie Vander Baan

Hein and Sadie Vander BaanRonald Russo

Wilma Vander BaanOscar and Henny KuipersBob and Kathy Vander Baan

Alida WiersmaOscar and Henny KuipersBrian and Thalia Towle

GENERALHenry and Beverly EbbelingTed and Marie HaringaBernie and Minnie WiersmaGladys YoungsmaPleasant Street CR Church

LIBRARY EXPANSIONBob and Beth BanningScott and Linda BarnesDale and June BloemSam and Sarah BowlerGlenn and Donna BroghamerIan CooperTom and Susan CooperMichael and Kathleen CraigScott and Shelly CullenKyle and Erica EngbersDennis and Christine EpplettGustavo and Kathleen EstrellaStephen and Michele FrenchSteven and Rosalia FrenchDon and Judy GodekeStephen and Tamara GormanJameson GrootPhil and Kerrie HarperStephen and Pamela HeintzErik and Julie HenriksonRoss and Amanda IrwinMichael and Rachel JenPeter and Roann KarnsLuke and Katie KenbeekNate and Tahnee KuderWilliam and Shirley LaFleurEdward LeeDavid and Dawn LefrancoisLarry and Mary MasselinkJohn and Kirstie MiersmaDoug and Linda NydamJim and Jean NydamGrace NyenhuisScott and Karyn SchneiderMarie SiepertStephen and Susan SmithDon and Ellen StahlGregory and Amanda StahlMeghan StahlAlex and Sarah ThomasJerry Van Tol and Anne BanningRichard and Dorothy

VandenBergChris and Laurie Vander BaanMelissa Vander BaanRuss and Gerry Vander BaanJud and Lysle WileyConsigli Contruction Co, IncSaint-Gobain Corporation

In Honor ofHelen Banning’s 80th BirthdayDavid and Dawn Lefrancois

DONATIONS & GIFTSNOVEMBER 2014 - MAY 2015


Adrian and Joyce Buteyn’s 60th Anniversary

David and Dawn Lefrancois

In Memory ofNeal AdamsEllen Fowler

Honey BeinemaDavid and Dawn Lefrancois

Jim and Antoinette HaringaCindy BakerLeonard and Kathy BangmaJames and Noreen KuipersMarvin and Betty Kuipers

Coba SchotanusDon and Judy GodekeDavid and Dawn Lefrancois

Wilma Vander BaanDavid and Dawn Lefrancois

Stan VanderKlayMick and Shari Cronin

Gerry Burgess VanSpykerMr. and Mrs. John Kenzy

LOYALTYThelma AgerholmJack and Mary AlexanderBrett and Beth AllenJeff and Laura AndrewsJames and Susan AnemaMichael and Tanya AnemaDuane and Elizabeth BakerJohn and Helen BakerEleanor BakerMabel BakerLeonard and Kathy BangmaMike and Annika BangmaTim and Skyler BangmaGladys BangmaBob and Beth BanningWill and Helen BanningThomas and Patricia BarryPatricia BartlettAndrew and Marcella BeerendsDaniel and Kathleen BelangerMichael and Alison BellTom and Jeanne BerkowitzJames and Mary BielDale and June Bloem

Alan and Beth BolLawrence and Sandra

BothwellJohn and Dana BourqueBert and Julie BowdenSam and Sarah BowlerHoward and Marilyn BredewegGlenn and Donna

BroghamerTony and Denise BrookhouseJoel and Linda BrownBrett and Iona BumaDavid and Jane ButeynRobert and Rosemary

CampbellJack and Lois CaseyJohn and Sheryl CaseyKenneth and Olympia CaswellAnthony and Jennifer CinelliLance and Susan ClaggettJohn and Tess ClarkinCesareo and Elizabeth

ContrerasAlice CookBryan and Amy CookTom and Susan CooperMichael and Kathleen CraigMary CrossmanScott and Shelly CullenBlake and Jenny CunninghamGordon and Beverly De YoungJames and Gertrude DeGrootAmy DeVriesCalvin and Ruth DeWittSusan DuffyBruce and Mary DykstraHelen DykstraGreg and Terry EbbelingHenry and Beverly EbbelingJane EbbelingAhleen EbbelingJeffrey and Noell EngbersLance and RoseAnn EngbersEarl and Marilyn EpplettJohn and Jeanne EslerGustavo and Kathleen EstrellaCharles and Michele EwersBrad and Karen ExooAlbert and Nancy FaberCharles and Tena FeddemaMartin and Bernice FerwerdaGlen and Barbara FochtWayne and Marilyn FochtJohn and Gerri FoggKen and Lisa Foppema

Helena FosterStephen and Michele FrenchShirley FuscoCecile GaigalsBarbara GaudetteCharles and Dorene GilmerDave and Phyllis GingrichJudith Ann GiovanoniNathan GjeltemaRoland and Susan GjeltemaDon and Judy GodekeHarriet GravesJack and Wanda GrayBill and Wendy GrootJameson GrootSandra HaagsmaWesley and Shirley HaanJames and Anna HackathornHelen HalmaScribner and Janice HannyAmy HardenTed and Marie HaringaPhil and Kerrie HarperJames and Lois HasseyRobert and Eileen HaysStephen and Pamela HeintzMichael and Linda HendrikseErik and Julie HenriksonBill and Linda HerrmannMichael and Patricia HillRichard and Sandra HubbardDaniel and Kathryn HubleyTed and Kathleen HudsonEdward and Dorothy JaasmaArthur and Anne JacksonLynn JaroszMichael and Rachel JenRobert and Rachael JohnstonDon and Anita KanzingerPete and Roann KarnsTim and Kim KatsDoug and Maribeth KenbeekBob and Deb KilroyDirk and Susan KoopmanTom and Joan KoopmanRonald and Judith KosibaArthur and Ruth KrollLen and Pam KrygsmanNate and Tahnee KuderRichard and Diane LaBonteWilliam and Shirley LaFleurHenry and Faith LaneJohn and Donna LapierreMatthew and Katherine

Layman

Edward LeeDavid and Dawn LefrancoisBruce and Kim LewisGordon LockbaumJanet MacDonaldGordon and Bernice MalcolmLarry and Mary MasselinkBrian and Patricia McGrathDon and Pat McInnesDennis and Jocelyn MelansonPhil and Donna MichaelsonJohn and Kirstie MiersmaJohn and Ruth MikolajczakRick and Kim MorsePaul and Joan NewhallEdward and Beatrice NydamJim and Jean NydamBabe NydamRobert and Kristin OakesHerman OostermanMyron OostermanLeona OppewalNathan and Dorothy OrentlichChris and Julie PaineMike and Melissa PaivaDavid PeckKenneth and Kathleen

PerregauxEvan and Carole PlanteRonald and Roxie PlantingaPeter and Melanie PlumbRaymond and Faye PostmaHennie and Joan PretoriusJames and Beverly PyneAllen and Lynne RandolphJason and Beth RobbinsTerry and Nancy RobinsonCarl and Brenda RubinDave and Betsy RyderCarol SchaverMarie SiepertEd and Janet SimasWayne and Regina SkuderaRobert and Judy SmithScott and Lisa SpearTim and Sheila SprungerRobert and Patricia StadolnikDoug and Amy StarkRichard and Anna StiersSteven and Karen StinsonDavid and Carla SullivanJohn and Liane SullivanPaul and Kathe SweeneyRobert and Lisa TaylorMarilynn TenBroek


Vamshidhar and Erin Thakkallapalli

Dave and Deb ThomasBrian and Thalia TowleKenneth and Deborah TrueGreg and Shelley TrussellDavid and Susan UphamBill and Trina Van DykeRockland and Jennifer Van TolJerry Van Tol and Anne

BanningCary and Kris VandenAkkerDuane and Paula VandenAkkerJoseph and Karen VandenAkkerStuart and Deborah

VandenAkkerRichard and Dorothy

VandenBergChris and Laurie Vander BaanJordan and Julie Vander BaanLoren and Cornelia Vander

WiltBob and Kathy Vander BaanJeff and Laurie Vander BaanJim and Carla Vander BaanRuss and Gerry Vander BaanArthur and Joanne VanderbrugHarry and Shirley VanderBrugWanda VanderZeeEleanor VanHoutenJames and Lois VeenstraMichael and Suzanne VeurinkJames and Joyce VitelloBarbara VriesemaPhil and Fran WassenarPaul and Carolyn WelshThomas and Tracey WickstromDean and Edna WiegersEarl and Karen WielsmaDonna WiersmaJud and Lysle WileySteven and Martha WinchellArthur and Sandra WynjaRichard and Mary Lou WynjaKenneth and Sandra YoungAlvin and Mary YoungsmaHarvey YoungsmaGladys Youngsma

Matching GiftsMicrosoft Matching Gifts

ProgramWaters Corporation

In Honor ofAllen and Olympia Caswell’s

AnniversaryKenneth and Linda Caswell

Larry and Mary MasselinkMichael and Mary Layman

In Memory ofJohn AdamsGeorge and Deborah Nydam

Lynn BajemaJeff and Pam Bajema

Ed and Alice BakerBill and Kathy Colcord

Gil and Catherine BakerCindy Baker

Stuart and Coba BakerJohn and Sylvia Cooper

Harold BanningAnita Banning

Honey BeinemaSally Masnoon

Brian BlaueHal and Judy Blaue

George Burgess, Jr.Jean Burgess

Dr. Karl CusterJudith Custer

Marge JohnsonBryan and Erika Johnson

Peter and Elsie JongsmaAllan and Joyce JongsmaRobert and Helen Jongsma

Peter and Henderika Koopman

Don and Doris KoopmanJohn and Cheryl Lemon

Janice KrullRandall and Patricia Spaak

Leonard and Pauline KrullEarl and Cornelia Hutt

Maynard KrullRandall and Patricia Spaak

Sidney LafleurJohn and Lois Hendricks

Sidney and Joanne MiedemaEd and Sharon Bakker

Gilda MusgroveOscar and Henny Kuipers

Al NydamVictoria BolMelissa Hadley

Henry NydamGladys Nydam

John NydamKen and Judy Nydam

John NyenhuisAllan and Joyce JongsmaEdward NyenhuisGrace Nyenhuis

Mattie OppewallJoseph Oppewall

Robert and Karyn TaylorTheona Taylor

Mike VandenAkkerIrene VandenAkker

Stuart and Nellie VandenAkker

Mel VandenAkker

Verna VandenAkkerRay VandenAkker

John and Agnes Vander BaanHarvey and Carol Vander Baan

Roland Vander BaanHarvey and Carol Vander Baan

Richard Vander BaanSusan Vander Baan

Wilma Vander BaanDon and Judy Godeke

Stan VanderKlayBarbara VanderKlay

Gerry Burgess VanSpykerLawrence and Lucille AdamsJean BurgessTed and Marie HaringaCharles and Pamela StiersBernard and Joan VanSpyker

Job VisbeekTillie Visbeek

Joe and Jennie VisserGary and Judith Guy

Jacob and Elizabeth Wassenaar

James Wassenaar

Arthur WiersmaMaryAnn Wiersma

Keith WiersmaBernie and Minnie Wiersma

Jean WynjaDavid and Kimberly Wynja

MUSICUnibank for Savings

NEW GYM/MULTI-PURPOSE COMPLEXAnthony and Denise

BrookhouseJohn and Jeanne Esler

In Memory ofLynn BajemaRian and Debra Harpie

Henry and Hermina WiegersCalvin and Claudia Wiegers

ARTHUR WIERSMA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPIn Memory of Arthur

WiersmaMaryAnn Wiersma

DONATIONS & GIFTS


ERIC J COOK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPIn Memory of:Ava BeenenArthur and Anne Jackson

Dick CookCindy BakerMike and Annika BangmaWill and Helen BanningJohn BeenenJohn, Jr and Mandy BeenenPamela BeenenJoan BrazeauStephen BrodeurPaul and Boots BumaKathleen BuurmaDavid and Margaret ChenevertAlice CookCarol EbbelingHenry and Beverly EbbelingLance and RoseAnn EngbersBrad and Karen ExooChristopher and Elizabeth

GreeneRon and Linda HaltermanRobert and Eileen HaysBill and Linda HerrmannArthur and Anne JacksonFrancis and Kathy JacksonJames JorritsmaOscar and Henny KuipersWilliam and Shirley LaFleurWilliam and Carol LaPointeCarolyn LavalleeRenee MerolliBabe NydamGrace NyenhuisAlice RookerHelen SaucierCarol SchaverBrian and Thalia TowleIrene VandenAkkerChris and Laurie Vander BaanWanda VanderZeeHarriet VanDykeEarl and Karen WielsmaBernie and Minnie WiersmaEric Cook Alice CookHelen Saucier

MAUREEN GORMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPIn Memory of Maureen

GormanRaymond Gorman

JIM AND JEAN NYDAM SCHOLARSHIPBryan and Erika JohnsonJim and Jean Nydam

ROBOTICSBrett and Beth AllenMichael and Alison BellRobert and Linda BrodeurShawn and Heather BrownShelley BumaJohn and Sheryl CaseyTom and Susan CooperEdward and Nellie DeVriesPaula DormanBruce and Mary DykstraGreg and Terry EbbelingRoland and Susan GjeltemaStephen and Tamara GormanBill and Wendy GrootJim and Lori GulinelloBryan and Erika JohnsonPeter and Roann KarnsPhilip and Amy KnapperJames and Barbara LaDineSteven and Michele LeducDavid and Dawn LefrancoisJoseph and Susan MatthewsDave and Mary MoranoMark Morawiec and Donna

LeardJim and Jean NydamMarilyn NydamDavid and Laura OlsonJohn and Lynn OsswaldPeter and Kristen OsswaldKyle and Denise PadelfordDonald and Lynn PepperAllen and Lynne RandolphCarl and Brenda RubinDaniel and Laurie SalmonDon and Ellen StahlJohn StefanovLaurie StefanovDave and Deb Thomas

Brian and Thalia TowleChris and Laurie Vander Baan

Matching GiftsATK Matching Gift ProgramIntel FoundationWaters Corporation

STRINGSAlan and Beth BolVictoria BolDon and Judy GodekeAllan and Jayne HanscomMarilyn NydamRuth RuiterMargaret Vander Baan

In Memory ofWilma Vander BaanCindy BakerEd and Sharon BakkerAnita BanningGlen and Helena BloemPaul and Boots BumaEmma ButenasHenry CarterLance and RoseAnn EngbersTed and Marie HaringaRalph and Lois HoksbergenBarry and Connie KaneTom and Joan KoopmanMarvin and Betty KuipersAletta KuipersPeggy Kuipers-SawyerDavid and Dawn LefrancoisDirk and Dianne Van GorpIrene VandenAkkerSandra Vander BaanJeff and Laurie Vander BaanMelissa Vander BaanRuss and Gerry Vander BaanEarl and Karen Wielsma

TECHNOLOGYAnthony and Jennifer CinelliIan CooperErik and Julie HenriksonRichard and Sandra Hubbard

TUITION ASSISTANCEIn Memory of Dick CookArthur and Anne Jackson


Class of 1990 REUNION

The WCS Class of 1990 will celebrate its 25th reunion the weekend of Sept. 25-27. Some great activities are be-ing planned and class members would love to see teachers and classmates. For more information, including de-tails about events and lodging, contact Wanda (Croft) Mauran at [email protected].

Noelle (Herrmann) Neville (‘98) mar-ried Patrick Neville on Dec. 6, 2014, at Valley Chapel in Uxbridge. Her sister, Danielle (Herrmann) Wegrzyn (‘01), was matron of honor. Patrick and No-elle honeymooned in New York City and now reside in Gloucester, MA.

Adam Eaton (‘02) and Marta (Cabral) Eaton (‘03) welcomed a son, Aston, on May 8.

Lauren-Rose King (‘04), who lives and works in New York City as a profession-al opera singer, was recently selected for a fellowship to the Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminar in Potsdam, NY, run by famous opera singer Stephanie Blythe. Lauren-Rose also works as a soloist and chorister at Marble Collegiate Church, the first Dutch Reform congregation in North America, founded in 1628. She was recently engaged to Boston College alumnus Peter White, who works in or-thopedic clinical research at The Hos-pital for Special Surgery in New York City. A spring 2016 wedding is planned.

Kyle Engbers (‘05) and Erica (Deur) Engbers welcomed their second son, Owen David, on May 8. Owen joins big brother Landon.

Jon Zylstra (‘05) and Alison (Craig) Zylstra (‘05) welcomed their second son, Samuel Peter, on April 13. Alison is working on her master’s degree in literacy. Jon is the supervisor and land-scaping designer of a large nursery, and also operates his own landscaping busi-ness.

Colleen (Ducharme) Robinson (‘05) and her husband, Ryan Robinson, were blessed with their first child, Macken-zie, on March 17.

Captain Willem Pretorius (‘07 pic-tured above) returned to his post in Wiesbaden, Germany, after spending six months with the Army Corps of En-gineers in Liberia. The photo was taken during his promotion ceremony in Wi-esbaden on June 5.

Ryan Craig (‘07) is finishing up a 2½ year Peace Corps assignment in Mon-golia, where he focused on human rights, taught English, worked in a hospital, and volunteered for numer-ous activities involving youth and the handicapped. He plans to begin work on his master’s degree in social work in Idaho in 2016.

Rebecca (Krygsman) McLaughlin (‘08) graduated with honors from Nova Southeastern University College of Op-tometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a doctorate of optometry on May 15. A member of Beta Sigma Kappa, the honors society of optometry school, she also received the Module Directors’ Award and the X-Cel Contact Lens Award. Dr. McLaughlin will be starting her primary eye care and ocular disease residency in July at the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina. Matt McLaughlin (‘08), her husband, will be working from North Carolina as a sales associate at Tradewinds Engine Services in Coco-nut Creek, FL.

ALUMNI UPDATES

Zylstra childrenPatrick and Noelle Neville

Mackenzie Robinson

Owen David Engbers

Ryan Craig (back row, second from left) with some of his students and colleagues in Mongolia.


Rachel Plumb (‘08), a doctoral can-didate in biological & biomedical sci-ences at Yale University, published a research paper in eLIFE on May 20, titled “A functional link between the co-translational protein translocation pathway and the UPR.” [Rachel Plumb, Zai-Rong Zhang, Suhila Appathu-rai, Malaiyalam Mariappan 10.7554/eLife.07426]

Jeff Bloem (‘09) spent a year in Kenya as a research assistant at the Africa Theological Seminary after graduating from Calvin College in 2013. Currently, Jeff is in graduate school at Michigan State University where he studies inter-national development economics.

Jan-Hendrik Pretorius (‘10) graduated on May 8 from Bob Jones University with a B.S. in accounting. He joined EFI (Energy Federation Inc.) where he is working in the finance department.

Samantha Broghamer (‘10) has been accepted into the Roger Williams University School of Law Honors Pro-gram. She was awarded the Presiden-tial Scholarship, which is the highest award given. She will start attending law school in the fall.

Sam Groot (‘10) and Jessica Mayo were married on June 27 in Amarillo, Texas. The newlyweds will be living in Lub-bock, TX, where they both are entering their second year of medical school at Texas Tech University Health Science Center.

Emily Plantinga (‘11) graduated from Gordon College in May with a B.A. in social work and now lives in Nashville, TN. She is engaged to Will Tice, who graduated from Taylor University in May, and will be married in July 2016.

Ryan Plantinga (‘11) graduated from Calvin College in May with a B.A. in kinesiology.

Peter Koopman (‘11) graduated from Bentley University in May with a B.A. in corporate finance and accounting.

Annaliese Vander Baan (‘11) gradu-ated from Calvin College with a B.A. in elementary education and special edu-cation on May 22.

Matthew Vriesema (‘11) graduated from Calvin College in May with a B.A. in business-marketing.

Hans Miersma (‘11) graduated from Gordon College in May with a B.A. in accounting and finance.

Taylor Bajema (‘11) graduated from Gordon College in May with a B.A. in business administration.

Reed Bowden (‘11) graduated from Calvin College in May with a B.A. in business.

Michael Bloem (‘11) graduated from Calvin College in May with a B.A. in economics. He will be working as a research associate at the University of Michigan Law School.

Robert Wencek (‘14) was named to the Dean’s List at Becker College both fall and spring semesters this year. He was also inducted into the Becker Chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta, a national hon-or society which recognizes exceptional first-year students. A video game design major at Becker College in Worcester, Robert will spend the second semester of his sophomore year studying at Kan-sai Gaidai University in Japan.

Condolences

Gloria (Oosterman) Okkema (‘66), the sister of Deborah (Oosterman) Re-itsma and Thayer (“Butch”) Oosterman, passed away on April 9.

Larry Beinema (‘62) passed away May 15 in Worcester. Larry graduated from Northeastern University and worked as a corporate banker at Bank of New England and Commerce Bank for 30 years. He leaves his wife Ann and a son, Matthew. His dad, Marvin Beinema, and three sisters, Verna Stone, Brenda White and Sally Masnoon, were all WCS alumni.

Army Spec. John M. Dawson (‘10), who attended WCS kindergarten through 8th grade and graduated from Blackstone Valley Tech in 2010, was killed in action in Jalalabad, Afghani-stan, on April 8. A combat medic, John was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 33 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Com-bat Team, 101st Airborne Division and was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY. His awards include the Army Good Con-duct Medal, the National Defense Ser-vice Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

Please send alumni updates to [email protected].

John Dawson

Kyle Ducharme and Megan Armstrong

Kyle Ducharme (‘08) and Megan Arm-strong were married on June 26, 2015 in Baltimore. Nine WCS alumni trav-eled to Baltimore to be in their wed-ding. Kyle and Megan will be living in Nashville, TN.


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Gallery

Scan the QR Code to see the Class of 2015 dancing for Tyler #justkeepdancing

Photographed by Peter Greer

Documents

Thankful & Blessed - Whitinsville Christian Schoolwhitinsvillechristian.org/images/WCS/cq/Crusader...the pyramid surrounded by the words Annuit Coeptis, meaning “God approves (or