winter keynoter 2008 - dccs

KeynoterDelaware County Christian School

Winter 2008

2008 DistrictChampionsPIAA District 1 Class AA

2 Delaware County Christian School | Keynoter DC Keynoter | Winter 2008/09 3

ON THE COVERThe Lady Knights Varsity Soccer Team celebrates

a first for Delaware County Christian School afterbeing named District Champions.

Keynoter

HEAD OF SCHOOLStephen P. Dill, Ed.D.

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENTRussell T. Nixon

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONSBetty Ellsworth

BUSINESS MANAGERDavid Smyth

ATHLETIC DIRECTORJames J. Barr

HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALGary W. Davis

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPALCharles E. Young

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALMark J. Strohm, Jr.

DISCOVERY CENTER DIRECTORSusan K. Hutchison, Ed.D.

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

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

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

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

Visit our website at www.dccs.org.

3 Greetings from Steve Dill 4 New Admissions Director Betty (Price) Ellsworth (‘83)

5 National Merit Scholarship Program Achievers Semi-finalists and more 6 Football joins Sports Line-up 8 The DC Café New hot/cold lunch program

10 11th & 12th Grade Retreat Theme: “Transformation”

12 “Lego Engineers”

13 Grandparents’ Day reflections 14 Alumni News

18 A Runner’s Journey

22 Why I Do What I Do Eric Dolbeck, 1st Grade Teacher

GreetingsStephen P. Dill, Ed.D.

Head of School

DC is always striving to become a better school, and a key part of that commitment is maintaining accreditation. DC first earned accreditation from the Middle States Association (MSA) in 1960. Middle States is the premier accrediting agency for colleges as well as public and private schools in this region of the country. DC is also accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Accreditation is extended for a 5 to 10 year period, and then a school must go through a renewal process, which includes an extended visit from other educators.

In late October, a team of educators representing both ACSI and MSA spent three days on campus. During that time, the team interviewed over 110 individuals – board members, administrators, faculty, parents and students. They also visited classes and reviewed many documents.

It is customary for the visiting team to give an oral summary of their key points to the faculty and staff of the school before they leave. The team was very impressed with many things at DC, including the way in which the DC mission statement shaped everything at the school. The team commended DC for “pervasive use of its mission for establishing its boundaries and as a screen for its planning, prioritizing, and program development.”

The team noted the overall DC culture and the quality of our faculty and commended DC for “the cultivation of an ethos that is highly communal, caring, compassionate, thoughtful, humble and reflective, while maintaining an holistic educational program of rigor and student sensitive appropriateness.”

Team members further commended DC on “the selection of a staff that consistently delivers on the mission of the school and exemplifies a spirit of dedication, loyalty, and professionalism. They model their Christian faith and vocational calling in a joyful and natural manner that is attractive to students, parents, and their colleagues.”

The final written report will include recommendations which will be discussed in future issues of the Keynoter. However, the oral report of this visiting team of educators from other schools was a great encouragement to our faculty and staff. God continues to bless DC in many ways. Thank you, Lord.

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

Christian School


“

IntroducingBetty EllsworthDirector of Admissions

There is wisdom in a multitude of counselors.

In the big scheme, our lives and our influence are really very small. There is no room for pride.

Prayer is the most underappreciated and underused source of power for our schools.

People never receive too much encouragement.

God gives us people with immense needs to deliver us from the temptation toward self-indulgence.

God gives us people of great wealth to show us the joy of generous giving.

Remember each day that you control very little. Therefore depend on God.

God produces FRUIT. We plant SEEDS. We are wise not to confuse the two.

Grace achieves more than judgment, but both are needed.

Christian education is effective in partnering with parents to achieve godly adults.”

An ExcerptFrom Ken Tanis at his retirement - A “Top 10” List of

Truths Learned through Experience

I am grateful for this new opportunity to serve the DC community as Director of Admissions – reaching out to families who desire a Christ-centered education for their children. As one who commit-ted my life to Christ during my time here as a student and who has also been blessed to serve DC as a board member and teacher, I understand the privilege that a DC education is to my children and the life-changing ministry that goes on here. It is with joy that I share the “DC Difference” to inquiring students and their families.

With great excitement, we have initiated a Student Ambassador Program this year, involving our students more deeply in the admis-sions process as they share their DC experience with visitors. The enthusiasm with which these students have assumed their role is a tribute to their love for the school and their respect for our faculty members. Their Christian testimony and responsibility shine brightly

to families that visit our campus and I am thankful for this important role that they play.

Embarking on this new journey, I covet your prayers that I will speak boldly about Christian education to those that God brings into my path. Also, pray that God will stir the hearts of families in our community to desire an educational setting for their children that will help to lay the foundation of a biblical worldview. I encourage you to partner with our team in sharing this ministry with others.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Making the National Grade

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Delaware County Christian School is pleased to present these seniors who have earned high honors.

These Semi-finalists ranked in the top 1% and the Commended Students ranked in the top 2% of the more than 1.5 million students who entered the competition as juniors. The National Achievement Scholarship Program (NASP) recognizes Black American high school students. Outstanding Participants in the NASP rank in the top 2% of Black American test-takers.

Semi-finalistsJack Newman(pictured far right)

David Park(pictured second from right)

Commended StudentsChrista Penning(pictured far left)

Zach King(pictured second from left)

Nicole Powell(pictured third from left)

Outstanding ParticipantNational Achievement Scholarship ProgramLori-Fay Johnson(pictured fourth from left)


Girls SoccerVarsity team named PIAA District 1 Class AA Champions, a first for DC.

Boys SoccerVarsity team named 1st Seed

in Districts after finishingregular season 14-5-1.

Field HockeyVarsity team won 7 games,

including final 3 of the season.

Ice HockeyJV team continues to have success

in the Eastern High SchoolHockey League.

TennisPlaced fourth in

Bicentennial Athletic League.

GolfVarsity Boys team had 7 wins

including a win against the previously undefeated champion.

TrackDC runner Beth Coradino ran in the State Meet, finishing 57th among its

100 runners.

6 Delaware County Christian School | Keynoter

DCFootball

Are you ready for some

The DrillsFootball.....everyone knows how it creates a heightened school spirit. It’s something DC has tossed around for years. Those dreams came true this year. Numbers were right in terms of young men wanting to suit up for the sport. DC staff included both experienced football players and experienced coaches to provide consultation and hands-on training. Parents were in favor of the idea.

Forward ProgressTo ensure that the football team was well-prepared, the program opened at a Middle School level to students in grades seven through nine. Starting at this level would give time for the team to solidify and gain experience before competing at a JV level in 2009 and a Varsity level in 2010. Thirty-six signed up.

The PassThe idea, dream and prayer for some became reality. DC had a football team. Practice, practice, practice. Practices began as twice a week over the summer, growing to four times a week during the season. Due to lack of field space at DC, arrangements were made for the team to play all of its games “away” at other schools.

Completing the PassHigh School Principal Gary Davis provided consultation from his experience coaching and playing the sport. Dean of High School Faculty Jim Favino became Head Football Coach. Favino comes with plenty of experience. He was head football coach at a New York school for three years. The Wheaton running back also coached three years in a community league. Add in DC teacher and former wide-receiver for Wheaton who helped

coach at a Texas school, Chad Fenley; DC dad Joe Chovanes; 4-year starting quarterback for Geneva, DC dad Andrew Bernard; and former DC student and Villanova Football Trainer, Matt Roskos, and one soon realizes that the DC football coaching staff has a wealth of experience to give these young men. According to Coach Favino, “Football has been called the ultimate team sport. If one doesn’t do his part, the team can not succeed. You have to sacrifice yourself for others. If this team learns anything, my desire is that they realize their lives are about something bigger than serving themselves - laying down their lives and getting joy from serving.” It is this philosophy that supports the team motto — Man has no greater love than to lay his life down for a friend. Tri-captains for the premier year of Middle School Football were Tyler Winkis, Jonathan Wynne and Zander Chovanes.

The TouchdownThe team had a respectable first season. While the game stats yielded two wins, individual accomplishments and the cohesion of the team grew with each game.

The Extra PointNext year brings much promise as DC begins initial progress toward the high school level. Two teams are planned for the 2009/10 school year: a Middle School team and a JV High School team.

K night S


Child: [with hope] "Mom, I’m tired of the same ‘ole lunch day after day. Did you pack something new today?"

Parent: [calmly] “I didn’t pack anything.”

Child: [desperately] “What!? Mom!!!”

Parent: [jumping for joy] “Relax.....You're buyin'!”

Every DC parent has wanted on campus: a daily served lunch option. The DC Café opened for

the first time this school year to rave reviews by its first testers: high schoolers. Hot

entreés, a fresh salad and fruit bar, hot/cold drink options had not been available at DC until now.

After months of converting the existing

school kitchen into a commercial food ser-

vice, code compliant workspace, the grand

opening occurred on the first day of school.

The DC Café has turned lunch-time into an

event for both students and DC faculty &

staff alike! DC quickly integrated the Café’s

in-demand lunch menu into its website.

The program initially was open to only high

school students. Popularity and demand

prompted the DC Café to extend its reach to

include middle school students on a limited

basis. Talks are under way to determine

the possibility of the program’s facility and

capabilities to serve the entire upper campus,

home to students in grades 6-12.

is now open M-F, serving breakfast & lunchDC Café Sample Week’s MenuBreakfast

Bagels, Cereal, Yogurt

Featured Lunch Entreés

Chicken Parmesan & Steamed VeggiesCheesesteak SandwichTacosItalian HoagieCheeseburger or Veggieburger

Served Daily

Salad BarFresh Fruit BarMake-your-own Sandwich Bar

Travel Meals may be ordered

for after-school events


11th & 12th Grade Retreat

Every first week of the school year, the 11th & 12th grade students hold a retreat to begin the year by putting everything in the right perspective - “Serving God” first and foremost. This year, the retreat was held at Harvey Cedars, New Jersey,

This year’s theme: Transformation. Students were specifically asked, “How are you different than your non-Christian counterpart?” They were guided through the Romans 12:2 theme with a “seeing is believing” approach to look inwardly at their own demonstrations of their love for Jesus by the way they live as contrasted by their degree of conformation to the world.

To assist in the retreat’s ongoing impact, chapels during the first semester were organized under the same “transformation” theme.

Enjoying renewing old friendships and making new ones is also an integral part of the 3-day retreat.

En j oying God &One Another

The C hallenge

“Maintain steady growth in my walk with

Jesus so that my gospel transformation

might bear witness to all.”“““““MMMMMMMaaaaaaiiiiiinnnnnnttttttaaaaaaaiiiiiinnnnn sssssttttttteeeeeeeaaaaaaddddddyyyyyy ggggggrrrrrooooowwwwwwwttttttthhhhhhh iiiiiiinnnnnnn mmmmmmmyyyyyy wwwwwwaaaaaaallllllkkkkkk wwwwwwiiiiiiittttttthhhhhhh

JJJJJJeeeeessssssuuuuusssss sssssssoooooo ttttttthhhhhaaaaaattttttt mmmmmmmyyyyyyy gggggggooooooossssssspppppppeeeeeelllll ttttttrrrrrrraaaaaaannnnnnsssssssfffffffoooooorrrrrrmmmmmmmaaaaaaatttttttiiiiiioooooonnnnnn

mmmmmmmiiiiiigggggghhhhhhhtttttt bbbbbbeeeeeeaaaaaarrrrrrr wwwwwwwiiiiiitttttnnnnnneeeeeesssssssssssss tttttttoooooo aaaaaallllllllllll...”””


E l e m e n t a r y s t u d e n t s i n s p i r e d b y

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Student teams were required to create a poster and together build a device made out of Legos that could potentially help a scientist study the climate of a particular area.

Six DC students in Grades 1-3 participated in the Jr. “FIRST” Lego League Expo. The event introduces basic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills.

The DC team Lego device was named the “Weather Cycle.” The all-terrain vehicle could be remotely driven to collect rain water over a long period. It contained a collection device with wheels and a motor.

The DC team received recognition for their use of motion and received the “Amazing Movement Award.” This event was a first for a DC team. Team members learned how to use their God-given gifts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to contribute to quality of life. Congratulations to the DC Lego Knights!

Grandparents’ Day Reflections

Pictured clockwise beginning top left: Shirley Piotrowski; Ethan Madison and Jacob Bronkema; Jackson Piotrowski, Jacob Bronkema, Ethan Madison, Shirley Piotrowski, Tori McManus and John Finnell.

DC 7th grader Abigail Weaver and

special guest.

DC junior Patrika Cheston and special guests.

DC 6th grader Mikala Ferro and

special guests.

DC senior Rachel Milowicki and special guests.

DC sophomore Nathaniel Schmucker, 6th grader Elizabeth Schmucker and 8th grader Hannah Schmucker with special guests.

Photos by Dave Milowicki


ALUMNI ROLL CALLWhere are they now?

76Deborah Thorwart, MA ’76 lives in Long Beach, CA and is resuming her career in mass communication. She has a B.A. in Journalism and a M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication in Radio/TV/Film. Currently, she is in the process of launching her own communications consultant firm. She has received a Founder’s District 2007 Public Relations Achievement Award for LA and Orange Counties. “God’s blessing and favor on my life is so great. I thank Him that I had my upbringing at DCCS. It laid the groundwork for my spiritual well-being today.”

86Keenan Mitchell (Donna Keenan, ‘86) is working as a developmental specialist in early intervention. She married her high school sweetheart, Ed Mitchell, who is a senior engineer at Lockheed Martin. They have twin daughters, Abbey and Natalie.

88Jeannie Hanna ‘92 and Tim Bickhart ‘88 were married in July 2008, at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Tim and Jeannie have had a wonderful time reconnecting with old DC friends and had many friends join them at their wedding. Wedding participants included Colin Hanna ’99, Joe Galli ’88, Bill Bickhart ’78, Melissa DiLullo Mangan ’93, Heather Booth Radano ’92, and Russ Nixon ’72. Jeannie is a partner at McCausland, Keen & Buckman in Radnor, with a practice focusing on securities arbitration and employment law. Tim is the principal of Chestnutwold Elementary School in the School District of Haverford Township.

David Caldwell ’88 recently moved to Ft. Meade, MD to a new Army assignment as a Major in the US Army with the Asymmetric Warfare Group. In January, he completed a 15-month tour in Iraq as a Battalion Executive Officer for the largest battalion in the Army. “God is good and has blessed my wife and I abundantly.”

Cindy (Hayes) Williamson ‘88 and Wes Williamson left the States five years ago to go to Costa Rica to learn Spanish. They have resided in a small town in Honduras for the past 4 years. Wes is the director of a camp they are building and developing in cooperation with a church in the city of San Pedro Sula. Together they are working with a local youth pastor to develop training for youth leaders in discipleship and camp craft. They receive work teams from the US who partner with teams from their church in Honduras to build on site and hold day camps for kids from the poorest areas around them. Cindy homeschools their four children: Ellie (13), Becca (12), Joel (10), and Abigail (8).

Sheryl Weaver White ’88 and Paul White announce the birth of Judah (Jude) Otto. He joins brothers Jake (DC Sophomore) and Levi (2 ½).

93Brian and Tiffany (Blair) Yingling ‘93 announce the birth of Selah Rae. She joins big brother Jonah and big sister Julianna.

Send picturesand updates [email protected]

Judah Otto born toClass of 1988’s

Sheryl Weaver White andher husband, Paul

Upcoming Class Reunion

Class of 1989 “20th” on Homecoming Weekend - October 2009 Contact: Kim O’Bryan, (610) 353-6522

96 Robert D. Hontz ’96 successfully defended his doctoral dissertation on June 16th, and received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of Virginia in August, 2008. Bob and his wife Carmelle and two-year-old daughter Madeleine, now reside in Philadelphia where Bob has received a post-doctoral Fellowship to do cancer research at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

97 Kristen (Hontz) Rasmussen ‘97, RN, works part-time as a neo-natal intensive care nurse at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco, Texas, where she resides with her husband Corey, a mechanical engineer, and one-year-old daughter, Samantha Kate. They are expecting their second child in January ‘09.

Mike and Anna (Tremblay) McMonigle ‘97 announce the birth of Madison Elaine. She joins her brother Michael.

Chala Holland ’97 was awarded “Teacher of Excellence” in the State of Illinois. She completed her undergrad and Master’s degrees in history at Northwestern University. She is presently working on her doctorate. Congratulations Chala!

00Tommy Reynolds ‘00 had his opening at The Print Center -”foreclosure” an international photography exhibition in Philadelphia which opened September 9, 2008. http://www.printcenter.org/

01 Katie (Hontz) Bard ‘01, RN, is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the University of PA to become a certified Nurse Practitioner in Women’s Health.

Prior to enrolling at Penn, Katie worked as a labor and delivery nurse at Chester County Hospital for two years. She resides in West Chester with her husband Jonathan (‘01) who is a self-employed cabinetmaker, specializing in custom kitchens and furniture.

Recently graduating with a master’s in music performance at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL), David Ballam ‘01 is currently pursuing a D.M.A. in Doublebass performance at the University of Texas at Austin under the instruction of bassist DaXun Zhang. David expects to graduate in 2011 and teach music at the college-level.

02Annie Archibald and David (“DJ”) Horton ‘02 were married in November 30, 2007. The DC grads in the wedding party: Tim Hussar ’02 (best man), Kyle Smith ‘02, and Dustin Tursack ‘02, along with Jennifer Horton ‘04. The couple met at Taylor University.

04 Brett Hontz ‘04 will graduate in December, 2008, from Carson-Newman College in TN with a degree in history education. During his four college years, Brett played Div. II intercollegiate baseball. During his senior season, Brett was named Pitcher of the Year in both the South Atlantic Conference and All-South Region, and was selected as an NCAA Div. II First Team All-American.

06Melissa Schmidt ‘06 is a 3rd year student at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), and would like to go to Italy to study art. She held an art show this summer at the Crisanti home in Newtown Square to raise money for the trip.

Classes of 1988 & 1992join at the wedding ofTim Bickhart ‘88 and Jeannie Hanna ‘92

Selah Rae, born toClass of 1993’sBrian & Tiffany (Blair) Yingling

The wedding party of Class of 2002’s DJ Horton and wife, Annie.


In Memoriam

Stephen Stott (‘64), of Glenmore, PA, went home to be with the Lord on September 5, 2008. He is survived by his children David Andrew and Tamara, his sister Mary Evelyn Stott Magner (‘67) and his brothers, Jonathan Stott (’69) and David Stott (’72).

While attending SUNY Maritime College, Jason Andrews has been on student staff with Young Life in New York City. He has been working with first generation immigrants from around the globe who go to a school specially designed for their needs. A year and a half ago, he moved into a neighborhood in The South Bronx - Mott Haven. Until several years ago, this neighborhood was the center of much of the drug trade and prostitution in the city and had an extremely high homicide rate. While many positive changes have occurred, it still remains the poorest neighborhood of the poorest congressional district in the country. The youth have a good number of obstacles to overcome. Jason has a core group of African Muslim immigrants whom he mentors and shares the gospel with openly in his neighborhood. He has started two new Young Life outreaches to reach these youth with the love of Christ. This is the first time Young Life has had ministry in the Bronx. After

graduation, Jason plans to continue this ministry full-time in and develop ministries to reach the estimated 18,000 middle and high school youth who call that neighborhood home and close to one million youth who call The Bronx home. Jason finds himself going back to many of the courses he took at DC, such as Apologetics, Romans, and Contemporary Issues of Christianity in order to reach the youth around him. “I find myself going back to the core of my DC education in order to be effective in this ministry.”

Alumnus Spotlight

Jason Andrews (‘04)

On Saturday, October 11th,

DC Alumni were welcomed

back to the main campus

for the 2nd annual flag

football game and an

alumni breakfast. The

perfect weather added to

the energy of the day. The

flag football game was

an exciting event with a

long, drawn-out battle of

wits (and sweat) between

Students vs. Alumni. The

game lasted over 2 hours

and was by far the fiercest

competition on campus

that day. The moon bounce

and face painting by the

art students were both a

big hit.

Mark your calendars now

for the 60th anniversary

celebration on October

10th at Homecoming 2009.

Photos from Top: Alumni vs. Students Flag Football; Tim Bickhart ‘88, Jenny ‘91 and Andy Iott helping under the alumni tent; Class of 1988 – Julie Cornett Biely, Sharon Russell, Hans Specht (87) Shelly Dabney Hancock, Carolyn Landman; DC student Hali MacLaren facepainting DC student Brett Tanis.

“I find myself going back to the core of my DC education in order to be effective in this ministry.”

2008 Homecoming Memories


10

First row: Tim Mitchell, Karin (Bauman) Cross, Donna Hadden, Kristy (Cook) Kaptur, Krissy (McGuire) Koslowsky, Karen (Nath) Pryor, Kimberly (Lang) Taliercio, Sarah Bonner, Ashleigh (Hegedus) Rohm, John Moberly, Whitney Daniels, Trudy Sharp; Middle Row Josh Kaptur, Tamara (Bard) Ordini, Katie (Proto) Rash, Mary (Ohanian) Hand, Shannon Sines, Liz Thompson; Back row: John Holmes, Dan Cross, Chris Tabakin, Tom Withers, Phil Andrews, Josh Bard, Josh Kleckner, Dave Ott, Ryan Cosgrove, John MacDonald, DaveReinertsen, Michael Leigh Moffa, Brad Hall, Ron Pennington.

The Class of 1998 celebrated its 10th year reunion at Bourbon Blue in Manayunk on July 5, 2008. The reunion attendees

totaled 51 people with 31 classmates. Tom Withers created

a great slideshow using old photos from high school and

even some from elementary and middle school. The Class of 1998

enjoyed dinner and just spent the rest of the night talking and catching up with one another.

Class of 1998

Class Reunion Memories

25Twenty-five years goes by quickly. Our 25th Reunion tour of the main campus, opened by classmate and DC Admissions Director Betty (Price) Ellsworth, culminated in an evening of great food, conversation and catching up at the nearby Newtown Grill. A collection of pictures and memorabilia, supplied by Michelle (DeSanto) Salerno, and a mix of early 80s music helped to set the tone. We remembered our classmates Dan Huss and Debbie (Wilt) German, who are no longer with us, and read greetings from those

Front row: Jeannine (Schneider) Winsness, Michelle (DeSanto) Salerno, JoyAnn (Myers) Atchison, Valerie (Bailey) Fischer, Kelly (Butler) Wittman, Rebecca (Faix) Werner, Carolyn Bryant, Lisa (Small) Blankenship; Second row: Mark Rogers, Darryl Dix, Greg Jerrehian, Rick Roens, Jocelyn (Akers) Whitpan, Holly (McAbee) Fieger, Ramona (Colaiuta) Karmeris, Joyce (Hayes) Rickert, Betty (Price) Ellsworth; Third row: Scott Varner, Jeff Pott, Dave Becker, Mitch Pennington, Dave McLaughlin, Tim Kreulen, Kirk Whitpan, Chris Cooke, Dave Maher; Back row: Steve Lutz, Jeff Weidenaar, Scott Jackson, Elaina (Roth) Jones, Antoinette Sisco, Mike Johnson, Joe March. Not pictured: Stephanie Specht, Chuck Zulker

that weren’t able to make it that night. The classmate coming from the greatest distance was Antoinette Sisco, who made the trip from Huntsville, Alabama. A big thanks to all who helped put the evening together and attended. As Dave Becker put it, even though we don’t always have the chance to keep up with each other over the years, it was a gathering of lifelong friends. I think I speak for everyone in say-ing that we look forward to the next time we get together.Mark Rogers, Class of ‘83

Class of 1983

Class Reunion Memories

DC Keynoter | Winter 2008/09 21DDC Keynoter | Winter 2008/09 21

Runningtoward the Goal

DC Senior Beth Coradino may have gotten a late start as a runner (she only began running when she transferred to DC in her sophomore year), but in three short years her stride has now left its mark in DC history.

In just nineteen minutes and 42 seconds — dur-ing the District One Class AA girls cross country championships — Beth crossed the finish line in fourth place making her the first female runner from DC to qualify for the state meet. At the PIAA State Championships, held Nov. 1 in Hershey, Beth finished 57th out of more than 300 girls. Additionally, Beth also holds the school record for the Bicentennial Athletic League 5,000 meters (3.1 miles) with a time of 19.33!

The Fund for DCInvesting in today’s students, tomorrow’s

Transformational Leaders

We need your help to raise $800,000

Did You Know…

Tuition covers only 86% of the cost of a DC education. Your gift will help bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost to educate our 853 students – the difference of $940 per student!

More than 30 percent of our families are currently receiving some type of tuition assistance. Your gift enables students to attend who otherwise may not be able to attend.

Your gift supports DC’s transforming mission – to educate students who will serve God and impact the world through biblical thought and action -- and ensures the legacy of a challenging Christ-centered academic experience as a faculty of committed and empowered scholar mentors nurture, teach, challenge and equip DC students with a biblical worldview.

Gifts to The Fund For DC may be designated to a specific interest you have in advancing His Kingdom. The Fund supports Academic, Athletic and Fine Arts programs along with Employee Salary Enhancements and Professional Development, Financial Aid, Student Ministries, the Discovery Center, Employee Care and so much more!

Please use the remittance envelope found in the center of this publication to send your gift to DC today.

Thank you for both your financial and prayer support of this ministry.

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

Christian School

Your gift opens the door to a Christ-centered education

www.dccs.orgVisit our New Website


Being asked this question has allowed me the opportunity to closely examine just why it is that I teach at Delaware County Christian School. Indeed, I have been asked this same question several times over the course of my career at DC; whether it be by a parent, friend, or even in

a somewhat rhetorical manner during a faculty in service or church sermon. However, penning the words on paper forced this question to come to a new level of introspection.

for the Lord evidenced by the faculty, staff, and administration. Subsequently, I was thrilled to be hired to teach first grade in the fall of 1996. However, at that time, I viewed my position at DC as “employment.” This is not to say that

When I first came to DC as a student teacher in 1995, I knew that I wanted to teach here. There was a unique atmosphere at the school to which I was drawn: the quality of its faculty, the commitment to excellence, and the obvious love

I did not feel called to the school, but rather I was more excited to be a new teacher with my own classroom. The fact that I got to do this in a Christian environment was like the proverbial “cherry on top.” Now, 12 years later, with my first class beginning their first year of college, and having 2 of my own children benefitting from a Christ-centered education here at DC, I understand to such a greater degree the privilege and blessing it is to be able to teach my students from a biblical worldview.

I love the world of First Grade. I love teaching a child to read. I love pulling out teeth. I love the fact that I can play silly music and do crazy dance moves because my students need gross motor movement! And, my ego loves the fact that to a 6 or 7 year old, the teacher is like the fourth member of the Trinity! However, with this special “reverence” comes great responsibility in what I teach my students. Look at what Deuteronomy 6:7 says: “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” God’s plan was for children to be purposefully and continually taught His ways as they were living and learning about life. Therefore, as my students walk through my door each day, I can help them make meaningful connections between their world and God’s Word. When teaching reading, we can discuss how God chose the written word to communicate with us and the excitement that reading God’s word for ourselves can bring! The study of the solar system is an opportunity for them to see God’s perfect plan and design for our planet in placing Earth the perfect distance from the sun. Conflicts on the playground become a venue for looking at Scripture to see what it says about loving our enemies and getting to the true heart issue. Perhaps most rewarding, though, is the opportunity to regularly present my students with the wonderful news that Jesus died and took their place on the cross so that they could have their sins forgiven forever!

In a world that is so desperately in need of the truth, I have the privilege of being able to impart that truth to my students and allow them to see all of life and learning from God’s perspective! I can “do” First Grade through the lens of Scripture, from which all truth flows. No longer is my position here at DC mere employment, but rather an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to use me in order to help integrate and fuse together my students’ faith and knowledge. How exciting to be a part in “educating students who will serve God and impact the world with biblical thought and action!”

Eric DolbeckTeaching 1st Grade since 1996

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december4 Elem. Christmas Musical11 Middle School Christmas Concert17 High School Christmas Concert19 All-School Christmas Chapel

january24 Knight Guard’s Annual Knightly Feast31 DC Wrestling Tournament

february20-21 High School Production “Annie”27-28 2nd Weekend Showing of “Annie”

march20-21 Elementary Faculty Play “Cinderella’s Glass Slipper”29 High School Choir Homecoming Concert

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

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We l ike hear ing f rom youSubmit your s tor ies, comments& pictures to: cmarshal [email protected]

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winter keynoter 2008 - dccs

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