WCS
whitinsville
christian school
Vol. 23, No. 3
Crusader
2013 SPRING/SUMMER NEwSlEttER
Graduation 2013
Chris Vander Baan, High School Principal
Contents
Page
Graduation
1-6
Elementary School News
Middle School News
8-9
10-11
High School News
Athletics
13
14-16
Acorns to Oaks
16
Development
17
Gift Giving
18-19
Alumni News
20-21
Chips from the Board
22
New Land Parcel
23
As high school principal I have been involved in 18 graduations.
As a man who has been blessed to have spent my entire adult life
in education this was my 31st graduation ceremony. Someone
asked me, “Do these ever get old for you?” My response was
quick as I answered, “Never!” Each year is unique and amazingly
special. The class of 2013 was a great class filled with scholars,
musicians, athletes, actors, idealists, and special young people.
On June 14 we ushered this “band of merry men and women”
into the first chapter of their adult lives. What a joy for the
faculty, staff, and administration to be a partner with parents
in this great journey. Great things have happened at WCHS this year and God has worked
in incredible ways through the hearts and minds of these graduates. We rejoice in their
accomplishments and take great pride in our efforts.
“God has been abundantly faithful in guiding and
directing each of these young people.”
Our ceremony took place indoors as the
weather was unsettled with storm clouds and
rain. Dr. Charles Anderton, parent of graduate
James Anderton, performed our invocation.
Mr. Engbers welcomed the audience of 750 guests
with a warm and encouraging Lance Engbers
welcome. The audience filled the auditorium
with song and praise as it sang “In Christ Alone.”
Our Salutatorian was Ms. Molly Stark. Molly
will be attending Cedarville University in the
fall where she will be studying social work.
Molly challenged the audience in her address
when she shared a childhood memory about an
extraordinary sandcastle she saw on a beach in
Maine. She was amazed by the detail as it was
“incredible... It had a deep moat, towers with
realistic looking stones, and a gated entrance.
It was truly a work of art... but soon after it was
finished, the rising tide came and washed it
away.”
Save the Date:
Aug. 26 First day of school
Sept. 2
Labor Day - no school
Sept. 12 Magazine Drive begins
Sept. 27 Prof. dev. - no school
Oct. 11
Prof. dev. - no school
Oct. 14
Columbus Day no school
Nov. 1
End of Q1
Nov. 2
Holiday Fair
Continued on Page 2
Salutarian - Ms. Molly Stark
whitinsville chris tian school
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1
GRADUATION 2013
Her lesson to the audience was clear and pointed! “It is worth it to
work hard and make something beautiful even though it doesn’t
last. Value is found in lasting memories that are created and the
important lessons we learn...What I have learned in high school
is that a lot of things we devote our time and energy into are like
sandcastles — eventually a tide will wash them all away.”
“Teachers and coaches, pastors, family members... you gave us
experiences and lessons that will never be swept away... I challenge
the class of 2013 and everyone else here tonight to keep building
sandcastles in your own life. Do difficult things even though it is
hard to see the end goal. It is always worth it!
“CLASS OF 2013, remember that no matter where you go or
what you do with your life, and no matter who you become, God
will always be there to guide and protect you. He is constant and
unchanging and no tide or storm can separate us from him.”
Our Valedictorian was Mr. Robert Vigeant and he will be
attending WPI in the fall to study computer science and media
and game design.
Robert challenged
the audience and his
classmates: “Often
times a ceremony of
this caliber calls for
reflection on the past
and anticipation of
the future. If I may,
though, I would like to
suggest now focusing
on the present...
There is so much
potential in this age
of technological and
social advancement.
There is any number
of career paths which
Valedictorian - Mr. Robert Vigeant
one could take. There
are so many countries, cities, and sights to see, that I dare say that
they are nearly endless. We all have lives filled with excitement,
adventure, and discovery awaiting us. The path ahead is inviting...
We will never experience a future, only a series of todays. I do not
mean to say that the past is irrelevant, for there are a multitude
of memories from these past four years which we all cherish.
There is a ubiquitous love among us all. This bond has been
consistent throughout the whole of our high school careers and it
exemplifies the command in 1 Peter 4:8: Above all, love each other
deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [And from
Longfellow:] “Act,-act in the living present! Heart within, and
God o’erhead.”
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whitinsville chris tian school
As we leave this place today and go off into the world, it is my hope
that we will all shape our lives so that we will be able to truly enjoy
them. Do not be afraid to take chances and risk losing out in your
pursuits. In the shaping of our lives, we will always be met with
some struggle. Take heed in knowing that this is no call for turning
back. The present in which we live, though exciting and joyous, is
still riddled with fears, uncertainties, and bulwarks to our success.
Yet we must persist, and sculpt our lives in the best ways possible
... And once we look to the future with those whom we care about
by our side and with our God overhead, we will be able to do so
without fear or regret.”
Pastor Thomas
Curtis, father of
Micah Curtis, a 2013
graduate, and two
WCHS alumni gave
the commencement
address. Pastor Curtis
gave a personal and
challenging message
to our graduates and
guests. He talked
about talents and gifts
and how special and
unique each one of our
Pastor Thomas Curtis
graduates is. He used
a red balloon and a red brick to demonstrate how similar and
how unique each child was. He challenged each person in the
auditorium to build lives on a foundation fixed on God. Many of
our students commented after the ceremony on how “special the
message was” and how Pastor Curtis “spoke to us.”
Mr. Russ Vander Baan, president of the Board of Trustees,
welcomed the soon-to-be alumni and conferred their diplomas.
Once the ceremonial tassels were flipped, Pastor Carl Schultz,
father of graduate Annika Schultz, closed the ceremony with the
prayer for the graduates.
Graduations never get old!
They are all unique and distinctively special.
On behalf of the faculty and staff at WCHS I want
to congratulate our graduates and also thank all
of you! Without the support of committed parents,
grandparents, and giving alumni, WCHS would
not flourish and the next generation of Christian
culture-changers would cease to exist. Keep praying
for our alumni and keep supporting God’s work in
Whitinsville!
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
Class of 2013
Where are they going?
James Anderton
Gordon College – Wenham, MA
Matthew Applegarth
Liberty University – Lynchburg, VA
Isaac Bates
Elon University – Elon, NC
Natalie Booz
Messiah College – Mechanicsburg, PA
Robert Brodeur –
University of New Hampshire – Durham, NH
Aaron Broghamer –
Palm Beach Atlantic University – West Palm Beach, FL
Grant Brown –
Norwich University – Northfield, VT
Austin Caswell –
Palm Beach Atlantic University – West Palm Beach, FL
Rebecca Caswell –
Grove City College – Grove City, PA
Ashley Cook –
Taylor University – Upland, IN
Andrew Cozzens –
University of Massachusetts – Lowell – Lowell, MA
Micah Curtis –
Messiah College – Mechanicsburg, PA
Timothy Dufficy –
Elon University – Elon, NC
James Dunlap –
Cedarville University – Cedarville, OH
Morgan Dzicek –
Berklee College of Music – Boston, MA
Scott Ebbeling –
Trinity Christian College – Palos Heights, IL
Antonio Estrella –
Lehigh University – Bethlehem, PA
Kelley Finger–
Quinsigamond Community College – Worcester, MA
Ana Carolina DeSouza Fomin –
University of Massachusetts – Amherst, MA
Paul Hamlet –
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth, MA
Hannah Hendricks –
University of Maine – Orono, ME
Sydney Herndon –
Lasell College – Newton, MA
Caleb Holt –
Gordon College – Wenham, MA
Grace Hubbard – undecided
Cameron Huizenga – undecided
Young Soo Kang –
Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
Pegeen Kerr –
University of Massachusetts – Amherst, MA
Maxwell Kuik –
Calvin College – Grand Rapids, MI
Elizabeth LaCava –
Massachusetts College of Art and Design – Boston, MA
Abigail Lamoureux –
Roberts Wesleyan College – Rochester, NY
Cory Lennox –
University of Massachusetts – Lowell, MA
Ji Young Na –
University of Washington – Seattle, WA
Luke Roode –
Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, NH
Kathryn Rubin –
Gordon College – Wenham, MA
William Rugo –
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Troy, NY
Amarillys Santos –
Palm Beach Atlantic University – West Palm Beach, FL
Annika Schultz –
Gordon College – Wenham, MA
Jiarun (Doreen) Shi –
University of Kansas – Lawrence, KS
Colin Smith –
Gordon College – Wenham, MA
Olivia Smith –
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Gabriel Solano –
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
Gwyn Stahl –
Lyndon State College – Lyndonville, VT
Molly Stark –
Cedarville University – Cedarville, OH
Julia Thayer –
Roberts Wesleyan College – Rochester, NY
Robert Vigeant –
Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Worcester, MA
Sara von Hein –
Geneva College – Beaver Falls, PA
Sara Vono –
Messiah College – Mechanicsburg, PA
Nicole Wiegers – returning to WCHS
to complete senior year requirements
Yijie Yan
University of Nebraska – Lincoln, NE
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GRADUATION 2013
Academic
Awards
Art
Kelley Finger (13)
Band
Pegeen Kerr (13)
Choir
Ana Carolina DeSouza Fomin (13)
William Fredericks (14)
Bible
Biological Sciences
Physical Sciences
Business
James Anderton (13)
James Dunlap (13)
Andrew Cozzens (13)
Sara von Hein (13)
Drama
Ashley Cook (13)
English
Robert Vigeant (13)
History
Pegeen Kerr (13)
Mathematics
Orchestra Awards
Young Soo Kang (13)
Isaac Bates (13)
Kathryn Rubin (13)
Outstanding Foreign Language Student
Pegeen Kerr (13)
Achievement on New EnglandMath League Contest
Kevin Pierro (14)
Yalan (Alice) Qin (14)
Senior Athletes of the Year
Harvard Book Award
Smith College Book Award
Worcester Telegram and Gazette Award
National Merit Commended
Gwyneth Stahl, Molly Stark, Gabriel Solano
Rachel Treide(14)
Emma Quercio(14)
Robert Vigeant (13)
Andrew Cozzens (13)
Ana Carolina DeSouza Fomin (13)
Robert Vigeant (13)
National Hispanic Recognition Program
Thelma De Young Award for Excellence
Jim and Jean Nydam Honorary Scholarship
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal Award
Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Award
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whitinsville chris tian school
Ana Carolina DeSouza Fomin (13)
Abigail Epplett (14)
Jamison Koeman (15)
Matthew Colonero (14)
Sara Vono (13)
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
Founders Award
This award is given to seniors who have successfully completed 13 years of education (K-12) at WCS.
Back Row:
Isaac Bates, Maxwell Kuik, William Rugo, Scott Ebbeling, Caleb Holt
Middle Row:
Nicole Wiegers, Annika Schultz, Morgan Dzicek, Molly Stark, Sydney Herndon
Front Row:
Gwyneth Stahl, Kathryn Rubin, Pageen Kerr, Hannah Hendricks
Strong Academic
Endeavor Award
Private Local and Memorial Scholarships
given to seniors at Awards Ceremony
Unibank for Savings
James Dunlap
Milford Federal Savings and Loan Association
Gwyneth Stahl
Eric J. Cook Memorial Scholarship
Arthur A. Wiersma Memorial Scholarship
Jorritsma Scholarship (Outstanding Senior Student)
Leonard M. Krull Memorial Scholarship
Annette M. Keesen Scholarship
Uxbridge Rotary Club Scholarship
Bob Wood Memorial Robotics Scholarshi
Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild Scholarship
Sidney & Joanne Miedema Achievement Scholarship
Olivia Smith
Kathryn Rubin
Molly Stark
Grade 9
Alex Vander Ark
Grade 10
Jordan Dion
Grade 11
Cesareo Contreras
Grade 12
Julia Thayer
Maxwell Kuik
Molly Stark
James Dunlap/Molly Stark
Robert Brodeur/Andrew Cozzens
Elizabeth LaCava
Maxwell Kuik
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GRADUATION 2013
WCS 2013 Graduates with
Alumni (Parents & Grandparents)
Whitinsville Christian School was founded in 1928 by parents who
desired 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 2013 graduates with parents and grandparents that clearly
demonstrate the faithful transmission of that desire from generation
to generation.
Scott Ebbeling With dad, Greg Ebbeling (’75) and grandparents Henry (’43) and Gladys (Faber) Ebbeling (’49).
These commandments I give you are to be upon
your hearts. Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and when
you walk along the road, when you lie down and
when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7
In II Timothy, the apostle Paul writes to Timothy,
“I have been reminded of your faith, which first
lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother
Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
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whitinsville chris tian school
Kelly Finger with mom, Patricia (LaFleur) Finger (’82)
and grandparents William (’51) & Shirley (Bosma)
LaFleur (’51).
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
Farewell Mr. Masselink
Cami Huizenga with grandmother Barbara
(Osterman) Vander Klay (’52).
Mr. Larry Masselink has been a dear friend and colleague
for the past 18 years at WCHS. I have often referred to
him as “Larry Legend,” not for his athletic prowess or
smooth jump shot but for his legendary impact on the
lives of thousands of young men and women. Larry was
hired by John T. Bajema and has worked with numerous
principals and hundreds of teachers. Larry Masselink
has blessed many of us. His humility and love for those
who “struggle” has changed generations of young men
and women. His love for mathematics was blanketed with a deeper love for the
Lord and innate desire to see students thrive. Rarely in his career did he raise his
voice or lose self-control. He often wept tears of joy as his students and co-workers
achieved great things. He also cried with struggling students and hurting families.
His love for the Lord went far beyond the borders of Whitinsville and Central
Massachusetts. He and his best friend and wife, Mary, have committed their lives to
service and to a global awareness of the needs of God’s people.
Larry began his teaching career in Fremont, Michigan, working in middle school,
and he moved to WCS in the fall of 1976. Larry has done it all! He has coached,
mentored, advised, and taught PE, Math, Computer Programming and also a
semester of Bible. Back in the 1980s Larry was a technology coordinator before
the term was even invented. He was instrumental in bringing WCS into the age
of technology. He helped bring WCS to the forefront of high school education
by implementing “Radio Shack” computers in a cooperative venture with Fisher
Junior College and Digital Corporation. Larry served on the Northbridge Sewer
Commission as well.
Max Kuik with dad Tom Kuik (’82).
Abby Lamoureux with mother, Terrilyn (Baker)
Lamoureux (’78), and grandparents Arnold (’54)
and Sylvia (Banning) Baker (’54).
For the past thirty years Larry has brought his passion for detail to Student Council.
He has chaperoned more dances and proms than his graphing calculator can count.
He has mentored hundreds of aspiring leaders through Spirit Weeks, Christmas
Socials, and a myriad of student focused activities. Whether counting place settings
for the prom at the Hilton or checking on parking permits in the school parking
lot, Larry loves details. His memory for faces and names is uncanny! One of the
things I admire most is his ability to be a team player. Larry doesn’t have to be the
lead teacher or recognized as the best at something. He needs to be empowered to
change kids’ lives. He needs to be able to demonstrate the Creator of the Universe
through his magic with numbers and his love for life. He needs to be able to relate
to brilliant and struggling students. Larry is all about “servanthood,” not personal
accomplishments and accolades.
As we usher “Larry Legend” into semi-retirement, we wish him God’s blessings.
We will miss all of you, Larry! This place will not be the same without Larry
Masselink but it is far better because of you. Enjoy your free time! Enjoy your long
walks and quiet times. Enjoy the invisible pile of homework papers and ungraded
tests. Enjoy your expanding family and the freedom to travel and explore! Relish
the memories and come by WCHS to visit. I am confident that when God brings
you home he will welcome you and then embrace you while saying, “Well done,
Larry, good and faithful servant.” Your impact on WCS and its students and alumni
is indeed impossible to measure, but it is eternal.
Chris Vander Baan, High School Principal
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elementary School News
GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
On Thursday, May 2, the elementary students and faculty
welcomed over 350 grandparents, great-grandparents and special
guests to our Grandparents’ Day. After registering and enjoying
some home-baked sweets, our guests enjoyed a slide show to get
a glimpse of the life of a student at Whitinsville Christian School.
The students then joined them in the gym to a processional by
the elementary strings players. Our headmaster, Lance Engbers,
welcomed the guests and we all applauded those guests who
traveled many miles, those with multiple grandchildren at WCS,
and those who are graduates of WCS themselves. The students
then presented a patriotic program. During the program we
honored our military troops with representatives from all five
branches of the military. Our military representatives were Shawn
Brown (father of Erin- 5th grade, and Grant- 12th grade) for the
Army, Denise Cahalane (mother of Sean- 1st grade, and RileyKindergarten) for the Air Force, Jeffrey Picotte (father of Anela5th grade) for the Navy, Tim Crowley (father of Jack- 2nd grade,
and Kate-1st grade) for the Marines, and Michael Plante (friend
of WCS) for the Coast Guard. Besides honoring our service men
and women we also celebrated America and learned about some
famous Americans while seeing God’s sovereignty over it all.
A quote from the program says it best:
“Even before we were a nation, God had plans for America. Because
of God’s plans, we have become the ‘land of the free and the home of
the brave.’ The Declaration of Independence says that the Creator has
given us the right ‘to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ And
He has. He has given them through His Son, Jesus. Our forefathers
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whitinsville chris tian school
said we were designed to be ‘one nation under God,’ but that can’t
happen just because it was their design. It happens when we follow
Jesus. It happens when we humble ourselves and pray.”
Our guests then followed the students back to their classrooms
while admiring our hallway art gallery along the way. Once in the
classroom the students turned into “tour guides.” They enjoyed
showing their guests around the classroom, introducing them to
their teachers and doing some activities and games with them.
Students were dismissed, many with their grandparents. It was
a great morning of celebrating learning, history, service and
generations of faithfulness.
June Bloem, First Grade Teacher
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
5th Grade Field Trip:
Melting Pot or Mosaic?
On Tuesday, April 16,
the Fifth Grade took
a field trip to explore
the Tsongas Industrial
History Center at Lowell
National Historical Park.
Students enjoyed the
opportunity to learn
about the Industrial Revolution, which depended on people who
ran the machines in factories. In the early days, those machines
were largely operated by Yankee “mill girls” from farms all over
New England. Soon they were joined by successive groups of
immigrants from other parts of the world.
Students had a full day imagining what daily life was like
as a Yankee woman working in the beautifully restored and
functioning Boott Cotton Mill and living in the nearby millowned boardinghouse. Students saw how the young women
enjoyed music, loved to write letters home, and took opportunity
to educate themselves. However, students also saw the challenges
the girls faced as mill owners sped up machines, increased the
work demands, and lengthened workdays. Many of the students
wondered about those young women who chose to sign petitions
in favor of shorter ten-hour workdays.
The students also explored the various people groups that
immigrated to Lowell—from the early Irish immigrants to the
much later Cambodian immigrants, with other groups in between.
Each student played the role of an actual immigrant who traveled
to America to live and work. Together they examined cultural
artifacts and began to get a sense of the commonalities among
different groups of people. Students took their roles back to school
with them for further research.
SERVING AND
STATISTICS!
This winter the elementary students were
challenged to collect 800 food items to help
support the Northbridge Food Pantry.
Each day for two weeks, the students
brought in cans and boxes of food while
the fifth graders checked the expiration
dates and gathered data. In math class
they used this data to learn about mean,
median, mode and range and then graphed
the data daily so each class would know
how close they were to meeting their goal.
At the end of the two weeks, each class
had more than exceeded their goal.
The 5A class loaded up more than 940 items
Students learned that people emigrate for a variety of reasons, and
that poverty, persecution, and war are common to many of them.
They began to understand some of the hardships and barriers that
immigrants face in a new home and why settling near friends and
families was such a welcome opportunity.
of food (close to 1000 if we count what the
The fifth graders especially enjoyed sharing tidbits of their own
family heritage and traditions, celebrating the uniqueness of their
past. They recognized the tension between immigrants’ desire to
embrace what it means to be Americans and a desire to maintain
their cultural identity at the same time. Immigrants have flavored
our culture with their own, so which analogy best describes our
country? Are we more of a “melting pot” or a “beautiful mosaic?”
Maybe your family can enjoy the debate the next time you gather
for Friday night pizza or gyros!
explained how the food pantry operates
preschool brought in) and delivered it to
the Northbridge Food Pantry. While they
were there, the director of the food pantry
and how many people it serves. Then the
students got busy stocking the shelves.
They were a beautiful example of the
body of Christ in action!
Sheryl Casey, Fifth Grade Teacher
Beth Banning, Fifth Grade Teacher
Crusader - SPRING/SUMMER 20 13
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middle SCHOOL NEWS
The Wonder Years!
Farewell Mrs. Whittaker
I may be dating myself, but I loved watching “The Wonder Years.”
It was a TV show about adolescence. I was older when it came
out; so I enjoyed listening to the narrator reflect on different
memories and lessons from his youth. I remember recognizing
the clothing, bikes, kitchen décor and many other icons from
my own “wonder years.” I could relate to this kid, his friends, how
geeky and awkward everyone looked and felt in spite of trying
to appear so cool and “with it.” I could relate to the changes in
friendships, one day skipping stones and riding bikes and the
next going to a dance. I remember my own brother punching
me for no reason. I remember riding my bike everywhere I went.
I remember roller skates, parks, and the freedom of growing
up in the 70s. This show comically, beautifully and insightfully
captured the ups, the downs, and the wonder of adolescence.
WCMS gives a fond farewell
to Middle School icon,
Mrs. Judy Whittaker. After
teaching at WCS for 33 years,
Mrs. Whittaker has decided
to retire. Mrs. Whittaker has
brought enthusiasm, love and joy
to the halls of WCMS. Students
will remember her laughter,
exuberance and many projects aimed at making learning
exciting and meaningful long after they leave. Castle
poster, Egyptian Sarcophagus, and Medieval Day have
been highlights for decades in the Sixth Grade!
“The Wonder Years” is a great way to describe what happens in
those years between ages 11 to 15. According to the Association
of Middle Level Education, people between ages 11 and 15
undergo more changes in their lives than at any other time,
with the exception of a newborn. The difference is that 11 to 15
year olds are conscious of these changes. Physical, emotional,
spiritual, intellectual and personal changes abound. It is truly a
wonder.
The mission of WCS fits the “Wonder Years” perfectly. Our mission
is to foster the academic, physical, social, personal and spiritual
development of our students. As middle school students
undergo such changes in all these areas, having a dedicated
faculty and staff walking alongside them is essential and a huge
blessing. The mission is also essential in going through these
changes with Godly guidance and a Biblical perspective. It is our
goal to work together as church, home and school to support
all our students as they go through their own “Wonder Years.”
Thank you for choosing WCMS and allowing us to be a part of
this amazing process.
Mary Dykstra,WCMS Principal
(formerly Miss Miller)
Not only does Mrs. Whittaker bring excitement to
the classroom, she lives out an excitement in her faith
and her love for the Lord. It has been Mrs. Whittaker’s
supreme pleasure to be involved in her student’s spiritual
development over the years. Mrs. Whittaker loves
teaching Sixth Grade and seeing students’ faith become
real and owned. Mrs. Whittaker encourages students
to put their faith into action and has provided many
opportunities for students to reach out to others by
making quilts, collecting items for Operation Christmas
Child and many other projects.
Mrs. Whittaker’s love for learning oozes out of her in
everything she does. When Mrs. Whittaker sees any
students working she will walk over to them and engage
with them. Her curiosity spurs on students as they
explain, show and demonstrate what they are working
on. Mrs. Whittaker loves helping students learn how
to learn. She gives them many tricks and tools to make
learning easier and successful.
We are sad to see Mrs. Whittaker leave, but wish her all
the best and much happiness as she enters a new phase
of life. We hope to find her enjoying her time with her
husband, playing lots of golf, making beautiful music
with the hand-bells and traveling to Florida and beyond.
We also look forward to her involvement in WCMS in
new ways! We are confident that God will continue to
use her in whatever area she finds herself.
Thank you, Mrs. Whittaker, for gracing our halls and
blessing our students, faculty, parents, families and
community with your love for teaching. Thank you
for being a shining example of God’s love for us and
radiating His love to all those you encounter!
Many blessings!!!
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whitinsville chris tian school
Mary Dykstra,WCMS Principal
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
Math Olympiad
George Lenchner, an internationally
known math educator, created Math
Olympiad in 1977. The goals of Math
Olympiad are to stimulate enthusiasm and
a love for mathematics, teach strategies
for problem solving, introduce important
concepts, and foster mathematical
creativity and ingenuity. Last year 150,000
students from 5000 teams worldwide
participated in the Olympiads. All 50
states and 25 countries were represented.
(moems.org)
There are two divisions: grades 4-6 and
grades 7-8. At WCS we offer only the 7-8
divisions; however, we allow 6th graders
to move up and participate at the 7-8
level. This year 10 students in grades 6-8
participated. Under the direction of an
adult leader and two high school helpers,
participants met in weekly practice
sessions to solve challenging problems and
hone their creative problem solving skills.
Each month from November through
March, the group took a five question,
30-minute exam. Results were tallied
for the five exams and the totals were
sent to Math Olympiad. This year our
team’s high scorer was Jacob VanderHart.
Second place went to Naomi LaDine and
third place went to Jonathan Leduc. All
team members will receive a certificate
of participation. In addition, members
Pizza, Paperbacks, and
Wonder-Filled Discussion
Terry Ebbeling, Grade 7/8 Teacher
who scored in the top 50% nationally will
receive embroidered patches. We ended
the season with our traditional pizza party.
Congratulations to everyone for a job well
done! A big thanks to our adult leader,
Mrs. McCann, and to our high school
coaches Kevin Pierro and Jacob Swaim.
Kathy Pierro
The Middle School was bustling on March 12 as
50 seventh and eighth graders enjoyed pizza and
conversation revolving around the novel Wonder by
R.J. Palacio. Students were invited to one of two sessions:
4:00-5:00 and 5:15-6:15. The first session was attended
by 21 students, mostly 7th graders and Mr. Stegink
(who also read and enjoyed the book), while the second
session was busting at the seams with 29 8th graders.
Wonder is the fictional account of August Pullman, a
5th grader with multiple facial deformities, who attends
school for the first time in his life. This best-selling novel
follows Auggie through that first painful year of school.
In conjunction with discussion of this story, students
viewed an interview with Joel Sonnenberg, a Christian
who was burned on 88% of his body when he was 22
months old; Sonnenberg shares his perspective as a
young person growing up with deformities that made
him stand out, much like the fictional Auggie in Wonder.
The Middle School students were required to bring an
index card to the discussion that included a meaningful
quote or passage from the book. Much of the discussion
stemmed from their index-card comments. And what
terrific discussion ensued!
The students and Mrs. Ebbeling would like to thank
Mrs. Colonero and the library for sponsoring the event.
The next Pizza and Paperbacks will take place in the fall,
so stay tuned!
Crusader - SPRING/SUMMER 20 13
11
middle SCHOOL NEWS
Young Inventors
On April 30, Krull Memorial Auditorium was once again filled with enthusiastic
Sixth Grade inventors displaying their creative talents in the 11th annual Inventions Fair.
Part of a science unit on inventions, the Inventions Fair was
eagerly anticipated by the inventors and visiting guests alike. This
year, students ranging from Kindergarten through Grade 8 had the
opportunity to browse the exhibits and view demonstrations.
Ben Casey
All 38 Sixth Grade students participated in the fair. Many of the
inventions incorporated existing technology in an innovative
way to produce a product with improved safety or convenience,
such as the Fire Belt, designed to hold emergency supplies such
as a flashlight, water, and snacks in case a quick evacuation is
necessary. Some inventions focused on time- and step-saving
conveniences for the home, such as the Super Automated Laundry
System, the Heated Snow Shovel, and the SuperDuper Ice Cream
Scooper. Pet care was made easier with A Dog’s Best Friend, a
self-dispensing food and water device that automatically refills an
empty bowl.
Want to be organized? The Not-So-Messy Cooler is a picnic basket
and cooler combination that keeps cold foods cold and paper
items, such as napkins and paper plates, separate and dry. Lose
your money? The Money Tracker with built-in GPS locator helps
you find it. Tired of having your cup of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa
cool down before you’ve finished? The Zookie, made especially for
mugs, wraps around your favorite hot drink, keeps the beverage
warm, and still allows complete access to the mug handle.
If you want a neat yard but dislike raking those autumn leaves, the
Lazy Chair 5000 is for you. It allows you to sit comfortably while
Christina Leduc and Tori Paine
still using your leaf blower to full advantage. If you are concerned
about home security, you absolutely must have the Gingerbread
Man Security System! Who would ever suspect an innocent
gingerbread man of having eyes with high-tech sensors that record
all activity when an intruder is present?
On the fashion front, the Color-Change Flipflop System allows you
to personalize your own flipflops with the design of your choice.
Solar-activated paint adds another dimension of color, so that your
flipflops appear one color indoors and a more vibrant, eye-catching
color when exposed to the sun.
Other conveniences were offered by the Easy Reader automated
page-turner (a real advantage if you read in the tub), the
EBookpack combination electronic and paper-based books, and
the Babynator 5000 which allows you to know the cause of your
baby’s crying via a set of mood-detecting sensors on a baby-sized
headband.
Of a more practical nature, the Carbon and Pollutants Recycler
meets a real need for scrubbing smokestack gases of pollutants
harmful to our planet.
Keep an eye on these inventors; maybe you will be able to buy
some of these innovative products one day!
Kathy Hudson, Grade Six Teacher
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whitinsville chris tian school
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high SCHOOL NEWS
National Honor Society
Inducts New Members
On December 4, Whitinsville Christian High School’s
John T. Bajema Chapter of the National Honor Society
inducted 21 new members. Special music was provided
by a vocal soloist and a strings quartet composed of
NHS members and inductees. Over the past year, NHS
members raised $2,000 to provide farm animals for
underprivileged families in Africa. In addition, the
Society provided funding for a $2,000 scholarship for
tuition at Whitinsville Christian, to be given to a fellow
student based on financial need. The guest speaker was
James Gulinello, Vice President of Human Resources for
Brown Brothers Harriman.
The inductees were: Lauren Baker, Diana Brown, Nathan Casey, So Jung Choi,
Matthew Colonero, Hunter Darling, Montana Darling, Abigail Epplett,
William Fredericks, Daniel Gandek, Matthew Leduc, Kate Monaghan,
Evan Perkins, Kevin Pierro, Emma Quercio, Amaryllis Santos, Sarah Sullivan,
Jacob Swaim, Mackenzie Thibodeau, Rachel Treide, and Megan Williams.
When we looked at characters that may
have attended the gala at the Von Trapp
home, we realized that every single person
would eventually have had to take a
political stand. In discussing the issues of
the time, we also discussed and viewed
the movie “Schindler’s List.” Through
this movie, students had a chance to see
firsthand the division between people, the
confusion of many, and the devastation
caused by the Nazi way of thinking.
The Sound of Music
Mary Dykstra, Drama Director
The hills were alive at Whitinsville
Christian School on April 25, 26 and 27
as a cast, crew and pit orchestra of about
75 students and adults all came together
to produce Rodgers and Hammerstein’s
“The Sound of Music!”
Audiences packed the Krull Auditorium
each of the three nights. This beloved
musical brought joy and happiness to the
entire community.
Students involved in the production
learned many life lessons as this show was
being rehearsed. What many students
didn’t realize was that the story of the Von
Trapp family precluded all the happenings
of WWII. In learning about the show,
we met with WCS historian Mr. Richard
Vanden Berg. Mr. Vanden Berg led the
students through the geography of the
Von Trapp family including their home
and their passage out of Austria. He also
showed the proximity of this family to
Hitler’s childhood home as well as his
summer home. Mr. Vanden Berg also gave
insight into the time period, explaining the
sequence of events as well as terms used in
the musical.
Students also heard from Father Michael
Broderick from St. Patrick’s Parish in
Whitinsville. Father Michael spoke to the
students about Catholic life and what it
means for a person to enter the religious
life and take one’s vows. He explained
many aspects of being a priest or a nun and
what life was like for those who lived and
live their lives within a convent. Students
were given this background so they could
better understand the characters they were
playing and the internal struggles they may
have felt.
Ironically enough, the day we watched
“Schindler’s List” was Patriots’ Day. Many
cast and crew members had been at the
Boston Marathon during the day and we
all knew people who were at the site of the
bombing, but thankfully all were safe.
This event brought our cast and crew to an
even more unified body as we experienced
our own confusing tragedy so close to
home. We were grateful to God for His
provision for us and our loved ones, and
it helped us see our characters and their
events even more clearly.
The Von Trapp family showed great
courage, conviction and devotion to God.
It has been an honor to display these traits
and more through this show. It has been a
pleasure to learn from this amazing story
and apply some of this learning to our own
lives.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Crusader - SPRING/SUMMER 20 13
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athletics department news
Boys’ Varsity Tennis
Front (l-r): Micah Curtis (12), Joshua Cook (7), Ben Koopman (8),
Jacob Chapman (10) Back (l-r): Coach Don Koopman, Isaac Bates
(12), Michael Dunlap (9), Joshua Casey (10), Owen Brookhouse (9)
Girls’ Varsity Tennis
Front (l-r): Molly Stark (12), Rachael Perregaux (11), Liz Groot (11),
Julia Thayer (12), Hanna Gulla (11) Back (l-r): Assistant Coach Doug
Stark, Assistant Coach Doris Koopman, Ashley Cook (12), Rachel
Treide (11), Katie Vriesema (10), Mickaela Perkins (9), Elena Wassenar
(10), Abby Cook (9), Head Coach Julie Bowden
Varsity Softball
Front (l-r): Stephanie Moore (9), Soriya Melanson (8), Emily Cutler (8),
Ally Gentile (11), Megan Williams (11) Back (l-r): Amy Santos (12),
Assistant Coach Jeff May, Jordan Dion (10), Grace May (9),
Liz Scanlon (11), Morgan Vander Baan (11), Kate Monaghan (11),
Becca Caswell (12), Gwyn Stahl (12), Head Coach Kevin Conway
Junior Varsity Softball
Front (l-r): Julia Bobe (7), Soriya Melanson (8), Veronica Rios (8),
Shannon Morrill (7), Libby Quercio (8) Back (l-r): Stephanie Moore (9),
Liz Scanlon (11), Coach Jeff May, Grace May (9),
Hanna Vander Baan (7), Jordan Dion (10), Emily Cutler (8)
Junior Varsity Baseball
Front (l-r): Austin Orentlich (8), Jarrod Buma (9), Steven French (7),
Andrew Schneider (8) Back (l-r): Coach Scott Schneider,
Sam Van Dyke (9), Hunter Gorgas (8), Steven Diehl (9), Jake Violette (7)
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whitinsville chris tian school
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
Varsity Baseball
Front (l-r): Cam Bradley (9), Daniel Belanger (11), Josh Schneider (10),
Ethan Lamoureux (9), Jared Melanson (9)
Back (l-r): Head Coach Glenn Broghamer, Scott Ebbeling (12),
Matt Colonero (11), John Woudenberg (11), Aaron Broghamer (12),
Schuyler Van Tol (11), Hunter Darling (11),
Assistant Coach Rocky Van Tol
High School Boys’ Track & Field
Front (l-r): Jake Wiersma (9), Jack Randall (10), Jamison Koeman (10),
C.J. Paine (9), Jacob Swaim (11), Joey Yu (9)
Middle (l-r): Paul Hamlet (12), Devin Morrill (9), Colin Smith (12),
Gabe Solano (12), Joe Greene (11), Danny Solano (10), Daniel Blaise (11)
Back (l-r): Richie Hubbard (10), Nathan Brookhouse (11), Max Kuik (12),
Jake Van Dyke (10), Montana Darling (11), Luc Booz (9),
Conor Jackson (10), Ian Haire (10)
Varsity Girls’ Track & Field
Front (l-r): Liz Petrocelli (10), Tori Caswell (10), Angie Epplett (9),
Sarah Haire (7), Katrina Holm (8), Molly Hardiman (9),
Arianna Koeman (8), Hanna Picard (8), Charlotte Herndon (8)
Back (l-r): Abby Epplett (11), Mackenzie Thibodeau (11),
Julia VandenAkker (10), Lydia Hong (10), Sarah Poquette (10),
Katie Caswell (10), Natalie Booz (12), Tatiana Wiersma (7),
Sarah Sullivan (11), Rachel Mann (11), Kate Killoy (10), Laura Manyak (9)
Middle School Boys’ Track & Field
Front Row (l-r): Conor MacGinnis (7), Sam Hearn (6), Andrew Dunlap
(7), Paul May (7), Duncan Sutherland (7) Second Row (l-r):
Grant Buurma (6), Nathan Haire (6), Zach Bergeron (7), Will Boa (6),
Drew Quercio (7) Third Row (l-r): Christian Swaim (6),
Benjamin Casey (6), Tyler Toothman (6), Nick Swaider (8)
Fourth Row (l-r): Noah Zeyl (8), Kade McCann (8), Jacob Vander Hart (8),
Tyler Garlett (8) Fifth Row (l-r): Peter Casey (8), Connor Paine (8),
Colin Swaim (8), Cam Sutherland (8)
Middle School Girls’ Track & Field
Front Row (l-r): Tori Paine (6), Sarah Haire (7), Emma Oakes (6),
Sarah Killoy (6), Katrina Holm (8), Abby Karns (6)
Second Row (l-r): Emma Lancaster-Huggins (8), Hanna Picard (8),
Danielle Harvey (8), Tatianna Wiersma (7)
Third Row (l-r): Arianna Koeman (8), Varsha Arokiadoss (6),
Obie Igwenagu (6), Charlotte Herndon (8)
Crusader - SPRING/SUMMER 20 13
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A tribute to
“Mr. Basketball”
development and admissions
Acorns to Oaks – 2012-13
Shortly after the conclusion of the boys’
basketball season, Coach Jeff Bajema
met with the members of the boys’
basketball team to announce that he
was stepping down as head basketball
coach. Jeff has been a coach for the boys’ program for 25 years
dating back to the 1987-1988 season. He has coached at all
levels, moving up and down as needed in order to help the
program grow and thrive. In order to help basketball players develop from a young age, he initiated the Youth Hoop
program. After the 1995-1996 season, in a very unselfish move,
Jeff relinquished the head coaching position when the highly
respected coach Rick Martin became available. Jeff served as
JV coach under Rick for the boys’ first state championship in
2004-2005, and had returned to the head coach role in leading
the program to its second state championship in the 2010-2011
season. When Jeff was honored as Distinguished WCS Alum at
graduation 2011, I characterized him as WCS’s “Mr. Basketball”.
The name Jeff Bajema will for years to come be associated
with WCS basketball and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Thank you Jeff for your years of service and dedication to your
athletes, to WCS and the game of basketball!
our Loyalty Fund “Acorn to Oaks”
for 2012-13 continues and to date we
have received $81,309 towards our
goal of $150,000. The following gifts
were received from February 1, 2013
through June 26th, 2013.
A New
“Coach Bajema”
Kristin Garlett
In naming Braden Bajema, Jeff and Pam
Bajema’s middle son, as Head Coach
and replacing his father, WCS made a
bold move to put the program in the
hands of a youthful alum with a tremendous basketball pedigree. Brady is completing his first year as a teacher and middle
school boys’ basketball coach at WCS. He is a 2006 graduate of
WCS and a member of the 2005 Division III State Championship
team, the first state championship earned by a team from WCS.
In his senior year, he was selected as the Dual Valley Conference Player of the Year, a Worcester Telegram and Gazette Super
Team All Star and a Milford Daily News All Star. He went on to
a highly successful collegiate playing career at Gordon College
in Wenham, Mass. At Gordon, he was part of the winningest
class in school history with 81 wins. He was also part of the only
team in school history to win the conference championship.
Brady was a 2-time captain and scored over 1,000 points in his
four years at Gordon. After graduating, he remained at Gordon
for two years, serving as a graduate assistant coach. His coaching goals include continuing the tradition of quality basketball
at WCS played with great energy and exemplary sportsmanship.
Nate and Tahnee Kuder
Len Krygsman, Athletic Director
Loyalty Fund
Matching Gifts
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
NSTAR Foundation (Com Gas)
PPG Industries Foundation
Dave and Deb Thomas
Bob and Beth Banning
John and Karina Thompson
Will and Helen Banning
Brian and Thalia Towle
Mike and Alison Bell
Jerry Van Tol and Anne Banning
Randy and Anna Bloem
Chris and Laurie Vander Baan
Sam and Sarah Bowler
Louis and Suzanne Wiersma
Glenn and Donna Broghamer
Jud and Lysle Wiley
Joel and Linda Brown
Cesareo and Elizabeth Contreras
Mike and Kathy Craig
Scott and Shelly Cullen
Don and Judy Godeke
Stephen and Pamela Heintz
Michael and Rachel Jen
Peter and Janet Lanser
Matt and Katherine Layman
Loyalty Gifts
In Honor Of
Paula Crawford
Gerald and Rachel Tanham
In Memory of
Sidney and Joanne Miedema
Tim and Susan Frelier
In Memory of
Edith Oosterman
John and Helen Baker
Edward Lee
In Memory of
Sander Silvis
David and Dawn Lefrancois
Al and Nancy Faber
Larry and Mary Masselink
Don and Judy Godeke
John and Kirstie Miersma
Chris and Julie Paine
In Memory of
Harold Youngsma
David and Sarah Plantinga
Al and Nancy Faber
Mark and Lisa Quercio
David and Kimberly Wynja
Kevin and Kemper Richardson
We are grateful for our abundance of volunteers
who so selflessly serve the school by contributing to
our event throughout the year. Our 2012-13 year
was a very successful one for fundraisers, including
Apple Pie sales, Holiday Fair, the Annual Auction and
the WCS Golf Outing. Blessed with so many people
this year, and through these collective efforts,
WCS raised almost $100,000!
Thank you, WCS volunteer community!
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whitinsville chris tian school
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
Ad Campaign to Spread
the WCS Message –
Shout it Out!
If you still reside in the vicinity of our campus,
you may be seeing and hearing much more
about us soon. We have embarked on our most
comprehensive advertising campaign ever, using
radio, online media outlets and direct mail
to build name recognition in a broader area.
These collective efforts will be geared toward
building admissions and enrollment efforts,
and build name recognition of our fantastic
educational experience to more people in
central Massachusetts.
A six-month campaign with GoLocalWorcester.
com anchors the advertising efforts. They are
a rapidly growing digital media presence that
delivers online news to a large audience. This
site will display ads promoting WCS more
than 200,000 times each month, and each ad
will link viewers to our website landing pages.
We have also enjoyed excellent coverage of
events and news through their site.
That campaign will be supported by a monthlong series of radio spots and interviews on
WEZE Radio, quite possibly New England’s
most influential Christian station. Direct mail
highlighting our school will be sent as the third
endeavor to families with children in our age
demographic. More than 8,000 households in
chosen communities received compelling new
post cards designed to prompt inquiries toward
our Admissions Office.
Admissions Coordinator Dennis Epplett is
supplementing these efforts with a word of
mouth campaign in the WCS community for
our families who want to share our school
with friends who may be candidates for
the admissions process. Working with our
Admissions Liaisons, churches, and potential
feeder schools, we pray that this outreach will
heighten awareness of Whitinsville Christian
School in powerful and compelling ways, and
make us a household name in the tri-state
region. Please do not hesitate to ‘like’ or ‘friend’
these companies on their own social media sites,
or join the listening and viewing audiences
of each!
Auction and Golf Events a Success
WCS Annual Auction
More than 200 guests attended a very special evening of fun, food and bidding on
items at the WCS Annual Auction on Saturday, April 13. While we schedule an
auction each spring, this one was in some jeopardy as we struggled to find someone
to organize and lead efforts for this year. It was truly in the 11th hour that Olympia
Caswell stepped forward to direct efforts, and over the next two months she put
together a first-class affair. Joined by a committee of experts, she and her colleagues
arranged donations, food, layout, decorations and program, and then convinced
Auctioneer Kurt Hanson to perform the function like only he can. It turned out to
be one of those rare and special evenings, when the laughter and commitment to
support our school was truly special. Proceeds from the event rose to right around
$40,000, which exceeded expectations and exceeded the previous year’s auction
significantly. Thanks to Olympia and her committee, and thanks to the many who
turned out for such a special event!
WCS Annual
Golf Outing
On June 10 at Pleasant Valley
Country Club, almost 90 golfers
showed support for WCS by playing
in the WCS Annual Golf Outing.
Though the day was somewhat
dampened by a light rain, the mood
was very upbeat, and the allure of
playing such a wonderful course
had everyone committed to see the
day through. The course was in
fine shape, and our hosts put on a
first-class event. Golf was followed
by a reception to award prizes to
successful golfers, which was then
followed by a tasty Italian buffet.
The conclusion of the evening was a
welcome to our graduating Class of
2013 into the alumni membership.
Most of the class attended
dinner, and heard an
inspiring challenge from
speaker Scott Spear, father
of three WCS alumni.
Bryan Cook, Brandon Hehn,
Melissa VanderBaan,
Shelley Buma, and
Lori Gulinello worked hard
to pull the outing together.
Crusader - SPRING/SUMMER 20 13
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gift giving
Library Capital Campaign
A Place for Everyone
Our Library Media Center continues to
transform our campus and community.
It is used for one purpose or another
morning, noon and night by students,
faculty, staff, and our larger community.
Students can be seen praying together in
the early morning before school in the
small study rooms, studying and doing
research throughout the day, and convening after school to collaborate on projects
or simply to congregate socially. It has
indeed accomplished the vision of being
the academic, personal and social hub of
the school, and we are grateful for that.
The Capital Campaign to fully support the
cost of the LMC is still under way, and we
are thankful for the more than 200 donors
who have provided pledges and gifts toward it. We currently have approximately
225 donors, and would love to add 50 new
donors in 2013. If you have not pledged or
donated, would you prayerfully consider
supporting this transformative campaign?
Our current fundraising total is almost
$2.7 million of the needed $4.9 million
total. With just about two years remaining in the campaign, your greatest impact
would be felt by a pledge to be paid over
the two years.
Library Capital Campaign Donors from February 1, 2012 to June 26, 2013
Matching Gift
Jerry and Anne Van Tol
In Memory of
Corporate Finance Group Inc
PPG Industries Foundation
Dick and Dorothy VandenBerg
Sander Silvis
Chris and Laurie Vander Baan
Oscar and Henny Kuipers
Jeff and Laurie VanderBaan
David and Dawn Lefrancois
Wanda VanderZee
Brian and Thalia Towle
Brady Bajema
John and Marilyn Baker
Anita Banning
Bob and Beth Banning
John and Sandra Vriesema
In Memory of
Jud and Lysle Wiley
Stan VanderKlay
In Honor of
Gladys Bajema
Tom Koopman’s 80th Birthday
Herm and Eva Baker
Glen & Helena Bloem
John and Marilyn Baker
Ed & Dot Jaasma
James Baker
Don & Doris Koopman
Cindy Baker
Ted & Earlene Koopman
Ed and Sharon Bakker
Harold & Barb Plantinga
Will and Helen Banning
Earl & Karen Wielsma
Dale and June Bloem
Glen and Helena Bloem
Tom and Susan Cooper
In Honor of Larry Masselink’s
Retirement
Mike and Kathy Craig
Earl & Karen Wielsma
Theodore and Agnes Boelens
Scott and Shelly Cullen
Blake Cunningham
In Honor of Judy Whittaker’s
Retirement
Gordon and Bev De Young
Earl & Karen Wielsma
Kyle and Erica Engbers
In Memory of
Brad and Karen Exoo
Hermina Wiegers
Tom and Catie Gandek
Don & Judy Godeke
Bill and Wendy Groot
Don & Doris Koopman
Philip and Kerrie Harper
Dave & Dawn Lefrancois
Scott and Linda Barnes
Mike and Alison Bell
Dale and June Bloem
Randy and Anna Bloem
Sam and Sarah Bowler
Glenn and Donna Broghamer
Brett and Iona Buma
Tom Buurma
John and Lois Casey
Stephen and Pamela Heintz
Ross and Amanda Irwin
Michael and Rachel Jen
In Honor of
Aletta Kuipers’ 99th Birthday
Brenda Boelens
Alan and Beth Bol
Kathleen Buurma
Dick and Alice Cook
Mick and Shari Cronin
Matthew and Julie Davison
Gordon and Bev De Young
Ed and Nellie DeVries
Carol Ebbeling
Henry and Bev Ebbeling
David Eckbold
Lance and RoseAnn Engbers
Tom and Joan Koopman
Dennis and Chris Epplett
James Kramer
In Memory of Phil Adams
Al and Nancy Faber
Len and Pam Krygsman
George and Deb Nydam
Don and Judy Godeke
Nate and Tahnee Kuder
In Memory of
We also have one donor who has pledged
to match every person’s gift, dollar-fordollar, up to $800,000. We currently have
about $300,000 remaining to receive that
entire match, so be certain to remember
this matching opportunity when considering your gift.
Marvin and Betty Kuipers
Sidney and Thelma DeYoung
Bill and Shirley LaFleur
Richard and Anna Stiers
That goal of 50 new donors, each giving
for two years, could bring us significantly
closer to our fundraising goal. Thanks
for considering this crucial support of
Whitinsville Christian School.
Peter and Roann Karns
Edward Lee
David and Dawn Lefrancois
Larry and Mary Masselink
Don and Judy Godeke
Campbell and Tara Haire
Ted and Marie Haringa
Brandon and Ginette Hehn
Paul and Lori Johnson
James Jorritsma
In Memory of
Cynthia Kamp
David Miedema
Beverly and Grace Keeler
Oscar and Henny Kuipers
Don and Doris Koopman
Gladys Nydam
In Memory of
Sidney and Arlene Koopman
Grace Nyenhuis
Burnham Miller
John and Kathie Pierro
Greg and Terry Ebbeling
Vin and Donna Rodger
David and Dawn Lefrancois
Dave and Betsy Ryder
In Memory of
Cleon and Sue McClure
John and Kirstie Miersma
Doug and Linda Nydam
Gerald and Rachel Tanham
Alex and Sarah Thomas
Brian and Thalia Towle
18
In Memory of Ina Groot
Sandy Haagsma
whitinsville chris tian school
Robert and Gertrude Nydam
Sam and Gail Visser
Tom and Joan Koopman
Oscar and Henny Kuipers
Christine Lane
John and Mary Last
David and Dawn Lefrancois
Kathleen Lowery
Charles and Shirley Mannheim
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
James and Robin Martin
Raymond and Julia Martin
Babe Nydam
Jim and Jean Nydam
Grace Nyenhuis
Leona Oppewal
Harold and Barb Plantinga
Robert and Harriet Platt
Alfred and Jeannette Smith
Elaine Spaak
William and Mary Spalton
Marcia Titcomb
Brian and Thalia Towle
Bill and Trina Van Dyke
Kenneth and Donna Van Iddekinge
Memorial
Contributions
The following gifts were gratefully
received from February 1, 2013
through June 26, 2013 in loving
memory of family or friends who
have passed on or in thoughtful
celebration of a special event in
their life.
ENDOWMENT
In Honor of
Matthew Dykstra’s 98th Birthday
Harold and Barb Plantinga
Cary and Kris VandenAkker
In Honor of
Dick and Dorothy VandenBerg
Tom Koopman’s 80th Birthday
Chris and Laurie Vander Baan
Gordon and Barbara DeJong
Sandy Vander Baan
Arthur and Anne Jackson
David and Jean Vander Klay
Sid and Arlene Koopman
Bob and Kathy VanderBaan
Bob and Kathy VanderBaan
Barbara VanderKlay
In Memory of
Wanda VanderZee
Evelyn Haringa
Eleanor VanHouten
Carol Haringa
Samuel and Gail Visser
Glenn and Beverly Haringa
Carl and Glenda Welmers
Grace Nyenhuis
Earl and Karen Wielsma
MaryAnn Wiersma
MaryAnn Wiersma
John and Jodie Woudenberg
Glenda & Carl Welmers’ Small
Group
In Memory of
Sid and Joanne Miedema
Brian and Pam Uracius
In Memory of
Sandy Vander Baan
Stan VanderKlay
Earl and Karen Wielsma
Art and Anne Jackson
MaryAnn Wiersma
In Memory of
Gary and Joanne Wood
Roland Vander Baan
Sandy Vander Baan
In Memory of
Harold Youngsma
In Memory of
Herm and Eva Baker
Hermina Wiegers
Ed and Sharon Bakker
Barbara Davis
Cindy Baker
John and Anita De Korte
Len and Kathy Bangma
Gayle Evenhuis
Michael and Annika Bangma
Martha Fiester
Lance and RoseAnn Engbers
Tom and Joan Koopman
Ken and Lisa Foppema
Alfred and Marie Siepert
Tom and Joan Koopman
Betty Tolsma
Bernard and Helen Manning
Dorothy Udes
Evelyn Oosterman
Ralph and Nancy Wiegers
Carol Schaver
Georgia Wiegers
MaryAnn Wiersma
MaryAnn Wiersma
Arthur and Sandra Wynja
John and Nancy Youngsma
NYDAM SCHOLARSHIP
Gladys Youngsma
Alex Vander Baan
Jim and Jean Nydam
In Memory of
Hermina Wiegers
Earl & Karen Wielsma
In Memory of
Bernie & Minnie Wiersma
Glenro Inc
In Memory of
Harbro Sales & Service Inc
Bert and Sadie Schotanus
Fairlawn Christian
Reformed Church
Ladies Workout Express
Ray and Joyce Schotanus
In Memory of
Sander Silvis
Harry Vriesema
Herm and Eva Baker
Don and Judy Godeke
Len and Kathy Bangma
In Memory of
Will and Helen Banning
Cornelius Wiersma, Sr
Adrian and Joyce Buteyn
Thelma Agerholm
Ed and Nellie DeVries
In Memory of
Harold Youngsma
Don and Judy Godeke
Oscar and Henny Kuipers
David and Dawn Lefrancois
Brian and Thalia Towle
Matthew Dykstra
Lance and RoseAnn Engbers
Ken and Lisa Foppema
Fred and Gail Ginsberg
Rudolph and Audrey Julian
Don and Doris Koopman
ATK Matching Gift Program
STRINGS
GENERAL
In Memory of
Beatrice Olson
Don and Ellen Stahl
Keith Wiersma
Ed and Sharon Bakker
Miedema Family Living Trust
ROBOTICS
Pleasant Street
Christian Reformed Church
John and Carolyn Steen
TUITION ASSISTANCE
In Memory of
Ted and Marie Haringa
Brian Blaue
Arthur Hoogendyk
Jim and Bev Bylund
Henrietta Hoogendyk
Grace Nyenhuis
ARTHUR WIERSMA
SCHOLARSHIP
Bernie and Minnie Wiersma
Louis and Suzanne Wiersma
Gladys Youngsma
MaryAnn Wiersma
Arthur and Anne Jackson
NEW
GYM/MULTI-PURPOSE
COMPLEX
Keith and Lori VanderWeele
Tom and Joan Koopman
In Memory of
In Memory of
Paul and Karen Matthieu
Lynn Bajema
Jeannette Youngsma
Leona Oppewal
Roger Bajema
Alvin and Mary Youngsma
Harold and Barb Plantinga
Crusader - SPRING/SUMMER 20 13
19
alumni news - SPRING/SUMMER 2013
2013 Distinguished Alumni
Jim vander Baan, Jr.
Jim Vander Baan was born in Sutton, MA,
only child of James and Alice Vander Baan.
He graduated from WCS in 1966 from the
ninth grade and went to Sutton High School,
graduating in 1969. Jim was employed as an
equipment engineer at Verizon for thirty-one
years and retired in 2009. He served in the
Army National Guard for 10 years, retiring as a
staff sergeant. In 1970 he married Carla Jessen.
Jim worked many hours per week assisting
Carla at her business, Coastal Medical Billing Co.
Jim and Carla raised two children, Melissa (‘88)
and Mark (’93), both WCS graduates. Melissa is a Communications Consultant
Director at Fidelity Investments. Mark is a CPA and married to Jennifer (Michaelson
‘93) and has two children at WCS. Morgan will be a senior and Hanna will be
entering the eigth grade.
Jim served three terms on the WCS Board of Trustees, serving on the Building
Committees many times. He served on all the Building Addition Committees
except the recent Media Center Committee. His knowledge of the building has been
extremely helpful over the years. He also served on the Booster Club and at one time
co-chaired the auction.
Jim has been a lifelong member of Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church where he
served as an usher for many years as well as on various committees.
Jim has distinguished himself through his life in school, family and church.
We are honored to present Jim Vander Baan with the 2013 WCS Distinguished
Alumni Award.
World-Class Athletes (see story on Page 22)
Class of 1940
Sidney Oosterman passed away June 5, 2013
in Kentwood Michigan. He leaves his wife
Lois, six children, 13 grandchildren, 22 great
grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren,
also his sister June Hansen (’41). He was
predeceased by his brother Ernest Oosterman
(‘46).
Class of 1941
Antoinette ‘Toni’ (Boerman) Haringa
passed away in Artesia, CA on March 8. Toni’s
father Mr. Gerrit Boerman was the principal at
Whitinsville Christian School from 1936 -1942.
Toni was pre-deceased by her husband James
Haringa (‘41), and sisters-in-law Catherine
(Haringa) Baker (‘34) and Ann (Haringa)
Bosma (‘33).
Class of 1945
Andrew (Andy) Vierstra, Jr. passed away
January 10, 2013. Andy attended Clark
University where he played basketball. He went
to work for MIT/Lincoln Labs in Lexington
and spent his career researching RADAR
technology. In 1964 he moved to Kwajalein,
a missile-testing site, in the Marshall Island.
Later he moved to Henderson, NV where he
was the first Site Manager for MIT/LL’s Las
Vegas field station. He leaves his wife Louise,
five children and nine grandchildren. Also
his siblings, Bernard (‘38), Shirley Barker
(‘49), Joyce Camara (’51) and William (’53).
Predeceased by sister Bernice Feddema (’38).
Class of 1953
Harriet (Nydam) Heemstra passed away
April 3, 2012 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
She leaves her husband Bill, three children
and five grandchildren. She was predeceased
by her two brothers, John and Henry.
Class of 1988
Patricia (Wiersma) Ward received her MBA
from the University of the Incarnate Word in
San Antonio, Texas in December 2012. She is
employed by Christus Health and in January
moved from San Antonio to Irving. TX.
Class of 1995
Lori (Engbers) Macdonald and her husband
Andy (Class of 1993) were blessed with a
baby daughter, Holly Rae, on May 3, 2013. She
joins brother Beck. The Macdonalds reside in
Charlotte, NC where Andy is the Director of
Theater Arts at The Cannon School in Concord,
NC.
20
whitinsville chris tian school
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
Class of 1997
Sonya Tootell moved to California after
graduation, where she began her education
in Cosmotology. She returned home to
Smithfield, RI and after completing her
education opened her own business,
Signature Salon, located a 55 Douglas Pike,
Smithfield, RI. She has now been in business
there for 11 years.
Class of 2000
Grace Trabulsi lives in Wisconsin where
she just completed her Doctorate in Physical
Therapy from the University of Wisconsin at
Madison. Grace graduated from Messiah back
in 2004, and then she spent a year in Swaziland.
During her program at Wisconsin, she has been
working at Froedtert & The Medical College of
Wisconsin Spinal Cord Injury Center, where
she developed a love for spinal cord patients.
In the very little spare time that Grace has had,
she trains for races, and recently competed in
the Madison Ironman in the fall of 2012.
Class of 2001
Jesse Foppema and his wife Kelly, former WCS
teacher, were blessed with twin girls, Mikaela
Lynn and Addison Kate born March 1, 2013.
The girls join big brother Jack.
Class of 2002
Erika (Miersma) Rolen and husband Stephen
were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Anya
Elise, April 5, 2013. They will be living in
Fairfield, CA.
Class of 2003
Candice (Rexford) Trimble graduated form
Bridgewater State, knowing from the beginning
that she wanted to major in Theater Arts. “Four
years later, I found myself very clearly being
called by God to China, of all places. With a
bachelor’s under my belt, I went there through
a mission’s organization to teach English as
a second language at a university. I lived in
Qinhunagdao, a city on the northeast coast
of China, not well known and not used to
receiving many foreigners. The Lord did quite a
work on me while I lived there teaching for two
years! I came back a new person, on fire for the
Lord and ready to return to Boston. I prayed
for an apartment, a job, and a husband, and
within months, God brought me all three!
I’m now a proud homeowner in Boston, and
a proud mother of my 2 month old daughter,
Acacia. I am still teaching, now at Mario
Umana Academy, a K-8 school in East Boston.
My husband and I love living in a Latino part of
the city and ministering to low-income families
and children. We are also blessed with a home
with extra space, so we host international
students and share Christ’s love with them.
God recently blessed me with another answered
prayer: I’ll be starting a drama program at the
academy this fall! God is good! He gets all glory
and thanks”.
Class of 2006
David J. Morrow II graduated from the CT
State Police Academy on December 13, 2012.
He is stationed in the Hartford Ct barracks and
now resides in Vernon, CT.
Class of 2007
Timothy Bangma and Skyler (Deckinga) were
united in marriage on May 25, 2013 in Palos
Park, IL. They will live in Ada, Michigan.
Jameson Groot received his Doctor Of
Pharmacy from Drake University in May 2013.
He passed his national board exam and is now
licensed in the state of Massachusetts. Jameson
will be working for Walmart in Central
Massachusetts.
Robert Nydam III graduated from
The National Aviation Academy.
Class of 2009
Jeffrey Bloem earned a BA degree from
Calvin College, majoring in Economics and
International Development. He is currently
living and working in Grand Rapids. His
immediate future plan is to find a job where he
will live and work internationally for a couple
of years.
Christopher Haringa received a degree from
UMass Amherst in Building and Construction
Technology with a focus on Sustainability
and Energy Efficiency. He just completed his
final semester as an international exchange
student, studying Sustainability at Uppsala
University in Sweden. During his time there,
he became involved in an organization working
on environmental issues of the Baltic Sea,
which borders Sweden and 8 other nations. He
signed up for and is captain of a 5-cyclist team
that is conducting a 3500-kilometer 10-week
ride around the Baltic Sea. Their objective is
to raise awareness and push each nation to
adhere to agreements in place and improve
conditions of the Baltic Sea. Their web site is
www.raceforthebaltic.com. He will complete
this journey in late August and plans to return
to MA at that time to seek employment.
Adam Ladine graduated from Oklahoma
University with a degree in Chemical
Engineering.
Nicholas Rexford graduated from Westfield
State University in May with a major in
Communication and a concentration in
Media Arts and Analysis and a minor in film
studies. During his time at school, he did a few
internships in video production and spent some
time with a company in Baltimore, Maryland
and then spent a summer living in Nairobi,
Kenya, making a few promotional videos for a
small NGO. The summer after his junior year,
he made his first feature length narrative film.
The film dealt with the issue of homelessness.
Its purpose was to encourage the public to
show the same amount of love and respect
to homeless people as they would to anyone
else. In January of 2013, he started a full time
internship on the film unit of the International
Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). This is a
large, global NGO that takes part in animal
rescue and animal welfare policy work all over
the world. In May of 2013 he accepted a full
time position at IFAW.
Braden Spear (BJ) and Audrey Henderson
were married on June 29, 2013 in Waco, Texas.
BJ is a 2013 graduate from Taylor University
with a major in theatre arts. He also studied at
the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York
City. They will be living in New York City
where he will pursue an acting career.
Mikaela Vander Baan graduated with a BSN
Magna Cum Late with Honors and moved to
Austin Texas where she will be employed by
Saint David’s Hospital on the Med/Surgery
floor.
Sarah Bowden and Miles Colago were married
at Pleasant St. Christian Reformed Church on
June 15. Sarah graduated from Calvin College
in May with a degree in Spanish and Secondary
Ed. Sarah and Miles will be moving to the
Dominican Republic in the fall to teach at
Santiago Christian School.
ALUMNI-whether you graduated
from WCS in the 8th, 9th, 12th or
left earlier you are an alumnus.
Your classmates, friends and
families are interested and would
like to know about you, whether
it is education, marriage, family
or a special event in your life.
Please consider sharing it on the
Crusader Quarterly Alumni News.
Email the information to:
info @wcs.mec.edu
Crusader - SPRING/SUMMER 20 13
21
other WCS news
An encouraging word…
There are times when I wonder whether or not our athletic teams are notice for
their efforts to display good sportsmanship and Christ-like attitude towards our
competitors. Assuredly, we are not always that good in displaying those sought
after attitudes and behaviors, but there are other times when I am blessed with
comments from other AD’s or school officials that bring a smile to my face and
assurance that we are doing something right. As an example, I would like to
share with you an e-mail I recently received from the varsity softball coach at
Quaboag Regional High School. Let this be an encouragement for all of us.
Len Krygsman, Athletic Director
As the Varsity Softball Coach at Quaboag Regional, I feel a need to express my
respect and admiration for the way in which your student athletes have conducted
themselves on the field during our contests the past few years. Without fail, these
young ladies have represented your school community with class, dignity, and
honorable pride that truly exhibit the Christian values, which you seek to inculcate
in your students. They are examples for others to follow.
With 17 years of high school coaching behind me, all too many times I have seen
victory and power overshadowing the true spirit of competition, sportsmanship and
fellowship in such endeavors. The actions and demeanor of your Varsity Softball
team, as a whole, after our contests the past few years, go against the norm. I will
speak of one specific to illustrate (from several that I could cite) from last week’s
contest: we had won a hard-fought contest in the final inning with two outs. As I
was walking away from the coaches’ box to join my ladies, your catcher (Ms. Santos,
I believe) ran (literally) up to me, shook my hand, and congratulated us sincerely and
wholeheartedly. This is not seen in most contests! The whole is reflected by the
individual parts. Usually after such tight games, there is a lot of grumbling, blame,
and hard feelings, but unanimously, your athletes (and coaches as well) were
humble and sincere in the post-game activities. Too often to count,
I have seen such hard feelings and blame being outwardly exhibited, but this
was not the case that day. Nor has it been in any of our other contests in the
past few years. This resonates with me.
As coaches, we notice which teams carry themselves with dignity and honor
regardless of the outcome of the contest. As a future candidate for ordination into
the Diaconate for Diocese of Springfield (in 2017), I notice and personally would
like to congratulate you, your coaches, and your student-athletes for espousing the
Christian values you teach. You are succeeding in your mission.
I have not shared my comments with Coach Conway and his staff directly, since his
seems to be a personal email address and I don’t like to mix my professional emails
with personal accounts, but I hope that if you see fit that you will do so. I pray for
your continued success in producing such fine members of the world Christian
community. I have been, and will be, honored to share the athletic fields with your
coaches and players, and I hope that my players past and future can learn from the
examples set by your Varsity Softball team. Again, with respect and admiration,
I wish you the best.
Sincerely,
John P. Fox, Varsity Softball Coach,
Quaboag Regional Middle-Sr. High School
22
whitinsville chris tian school
WHITINSVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Chips from the Board
The Annual Society Meeting in
April is really the beginning of
the Board year. We have our
approved budget, approved
tuition, and our plans for the
next academic year. For us, it
is a time to focus on the next
academic year. We welcomed
four new board members at our
last meeting, or in this case three new board members
and a returning member as Barbara VanderKlay offered
to stay for a second consecutive term. We also welcomed
Michael Bangma and Barbara Rugo-Focht for their first
time serving, and Peter Carlson, who had previously
served.
In spite of our marketing to potential board members
that we have only a couple of meetings per month, we
quickly scheduled three meetings over the next six days.
The most exciting meeting was a full Saturday morning
meeting focused on our strategic plan and our long-term
vision.
This meeting was led and facilitated by John Miersma
and his strategic planning committee. In addition to
the board and members of the planning committee,
many members of the WCS Administration Team were
also there. We focused on our current condition, our
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. We
talked about our mission, our vision, and our values.
We had good discussion and dialogue on some very
challenging topics.
There is recognition that now is a time of dramatic
change for Christian Schools in North America. We
have our own challenges here at WCS, specifically to
increase our enrollment. During our discussion, it was
emphasized that we need to stay true to our values, our
mission, and our Reformed heritage.
We then held our next strategic session in early June.
We continued the review of our overall strategic goals,
we focused on refining them, and we continued setting
measurable targets and realistic dates to achieve them.
Sincere thanks to our outgoing board members for their
dedicated service: John Miersma, Vin Rodger, and Jodi
Woudenberg.
Russell H. VanderBaan, Board President
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
WCS
Aquires
12+ Acres
from
Pine Grove
Cemetery
Dear Whitinsville Society for Christian Instruction Member,
I am writing to announce a recent acquisition that strategically places Whitinsville
Christian School in a favorable position for a strong future in campus development.
We purchased 12+ acres of land abutting our property from the neighboring Pine Grove
Cemetery. The financing for the property was made possible through a generous
donation that completely funded the purchase at a cost of $250,000.
The opportunity to purchase this land abutting our own was well timed. We are in the
midst of a strategic planning process with a focus to continue to build on the rich legacy
of our school. The construction of our new Library Media Center is complete and the
approval of the Society has been granted to, in good time, make plans for a field house
construction project. Our purchase, and our commitment to outstanding Christian
education, positions us as a school that is attractive to Christian families in a wide area.
We do understand that the specific function of our new land has not been defined, but
we can see multiple potential uses for such space in the future, and each use furthers our
impact on students.
Through God’s leading and establishing His people in the leadership of WCS, this
decision, while it took place relatively quickly, was not entered into lightly. Several people
were intimately involved in the negotiation and legal process that finally resulted in the
recent closing on 27 June 2013. Each decision along the way was subject to the prayers of
the Board of Trustees, searching out God’s will in each step.
This letter was mailed
to the Society members
on July 9, 2013 regarding
the purchase of land from
the Pine Grove Cemetery.
Please continue to pray with us that we will lead effectively, with wisdom, and a firm
commitment to our mission. We do appreciate your prayers, and your involvement in
Society decisions. If you have questions about this purchase, or the strategic planning
process, or anything else, please do not hesitate to contact me.
In His Service, Russell H. VanderBaan, President
WCS Board of Trustees
Crusader - SPRING/SUMMER 20 13
23
Non-profit Organization
Whitinsville Christian School
U.S. Postage
279 Linwood Avenue
PAID
Whitinsville, MA 01588
Whitinsville, MA 01588
Permit No. 59
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
WCS
WCS
Crusader
Crusader Quarterly
The Crusader Quarterly is a newsletter
produced by the Development Office of
Whitinsville Christian School (WCS).
It is distributed quarterly to friends of WCS.
To receive a copy of the CQ at no charge,
email: [email protected].
Presenting Our Annual …
Dutch Apple Pie Sale
SALE RUNS:
SEPTEMBER 26TH THROUGH OCTOBER 15TH
Stay tuned for
more information
coming soon!
We want to thank everyone who helped us last year
for our 10th annual apple pie fundraiser.
Over $40,000 was made to further quality, Christian
education at Whitinsville Christian School.
It was YOUR participation that makes it possible!
We are already looking forward to this year’s sale which
begins Thursday, September 26th and runs through
Tuesday, October 15th.
WHITINSVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL’S MISSION
is to foster the academic, spiritual, personal, social and physical development of students from Christian
families for effective service to our Lord. Our board, administration and faculty work together to create a
curriculum and environment which leads our students to see God’s dynamic design in every dimension of
the universe. Whitinsville Christian School admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.
2013-2014 WCS Board of Trustees:
Russ VanderBaan, President, (15), Don Stahl, Vice-President (14), Barb VanderKlay, Secretary (16), Carl Rubin, Treasurer, (15), Tanya Anema (15),
Michael Bangma (16), Denise Brookhouse (14), Peter Carlson (16), Barbara Rugo-Focht (16), Doug Nydam (14), Kathy Perregaux (14), Steve Smith (15).