Making an Impact - Timothy Christian Schools

I N S I D E : 2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9 A nn u a l R e p o rt
a p u b l i c at i o n o f t i m ot h y c h r i s t i a n s c h o o l s
Making
an Impact
S P E C I A L F E ATU R E I nsert:
P l ay in g f o r H i m :
S u ccess and S p o rt s m anshi p
SPRIN G 2009
Ta b l e
o f
C o n t e n t s
Cover Story
4
Making an Impact
In the last issue we explored the Discovery Center. This issue takes us
into the world of the Impact Program and its Director, Ann Bakker, to
see another example of learning needs and challenges.
Special Feature Insert
Timothy Athletes in the Spotlight
Timothy fall and winter sports programs scored
significant successes. Athletes and coaches deserve the
recognitions they’ve received.
Playing for Him: Success and
Sportsmanship
Departments
2
In This Issue
2
Letters to the Editor
3
Reflection
6
Campus News
7
Elementary and Middle
School News
9
High School News
12
Board of Directors’ News
13
Alumni News
15
From the Archives
Beyond Belief
a publication of timothy christian schools
SPRING 2009
Editor
The Reflector is published three times a year and is a publication of the Timothy Christian
Dave Larsen
Schools Board of Directors. Timothy is a member of Christian Schools International and
Photography
Rudi Gesch
Jim Hartgerink
Cindy Van Kampen
Melissa Groot
is accredited by the Commission on Schools of the North Central Association of Colleges
and Schools.
The Reflector is mailed free of charge to Timothy alumni, members of the Timothy
Christian School Society, and supportive friends.
The purpose of this publication is to foster strong ties between Timothy Christian Schools
and its alumni/society members, to nurture Christian education in the school and in the
Design and Layout
CHANGEffect
Printing
Darwill Press
188 W. Butterfield Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: (630) 833-4616
Fax: (630) 833-9238
www.timothychristian.com
Superintendent
Dan Van Prooyen
Director of Advancement
Dave Larsen
High School Principal
Clyde Rinsema
family, and to better inform its readers of the activities of Timothy Christian Schools.
P-8 Principal
Dr. Tim Hoeksema
We welcome letters and comments to the editor, addressed to the school or by e-mail:
P-8 Assistant Principal
larsen@timothychristian.com.
Susan Schemper
Alumni are especially encouraged to submit news and photos.
Advertising rates:
Full page: $400
1/2 page: $225
1/4 page: $150
1/8 page: $75
We reserve the right to edit.
Please inform the school of any change of address by providing both the old and
new addresses.
Board of Directors
President
Bob Van Staalduinen
Lombard Christian Reformed
Director
Knollcrest Funeral Home
Jim Allen ’86
Faith Christian Reformed Church,
Elmhurst
Major Account Executive
Allied Waste Chicago
Vice President
Julie Huisman ’90
Faith Christian Reformed Church,
Elmhurst
Homemaker and Not-for-Profit Volunteer
John Bone
Trinity Presbyterian (PCA), Hinsdale
Vice President
CRA International
Secretary
Cathy Mc Neil Stein
Rock of Ages Baptist Church, Maywood
Attorney
Financial Secretary
Dan Westra
Western Springs Christian Reformed
Church
General Manager
Resource Management Companies
Treasurer
Doug Wielard
Wheaton Christian Reformed Church
De La Rue Cash Systems
Director, Software
Kyle Buikema
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
President
Buikema Ace Hardware Stores
Russ Clousing
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
Financial Representative
New England Financial Services
Diana De Boer
Faith Christian Reformed Church,
Elmhurst
Homemaker and Volunteer
Steven Denny
Christ Church of Oak Brook
Attorney
Leslie Fazio
Lombard Christian Reformed Church
Dental Office Insurance Coordinator
Jake Groenewold ’75
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
Vice President of Supply Chain
University Health Systems Consortium
Luis Hernandez
Willow Creek Community Church, South
Barrington
Mortgage Planner
1st Advantage Mortgage
Steve Loerop ’89
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
Owner and Manager
Drummond Industries, Inc
Tom Lubben
Christ Church of Oak Brook
Vice President, Corporate Secretary
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Denise Stob
Western Springs Christian Reformed
Church
Homemaker and Volunteer
Bob Stoll ’87
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
Operations Manager
Metavante Corporation
Deb Torringa ’75
Fountain of Life Church, Lombard
Orthodontics Treatment Coordinator
Nancy Van Dyke ’77
Lombard Christian Reformed Church
Owner, Budget Blinds
Deanna Wondergem ’85
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
Certified Professional Trainer
L e t t e r s
t o
t h e
E d i t o r
In This Issue
Timothy’s very successful fall and winter sports teams are profiled in the center spread. The Impact Program is described
in this issue’s feature article. Both were written by Allison Baumbach ’05 as part of her practicum experience for college
coursework.
Allison is a senior English major with Communication and Theology minors at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Il. She is a
member of Alpha Phi sorority and serves as President of Order of Omega Leadership Honors Society. Allison is also active
in Habitat for Humanity, helping rebuild schools in New Orleans in March. Over the past four years, she has returned to
the Timothy Girls Basketball program in various capacities as 6th grade, freshman, and varsity assistant coach. Allison will
graduate in May 2009 and hopes to attain a career in journalism or public relations.
Hi Dave,
Thanks for another fine issue of the Reflector. This one
stirred some special memories.
Glad to see the Discovery Program take another step and
become independent of Elim Christian Services. There were
some us who dreamed of such a program when I served at
Elim, and I was delighted when this program was born.
was the year Bill Mazeroski hit the homer that won it for
the Pirates. Needless to say, Judd’s transistor was hanging
down on the ear cord, still firmly plugged in his ear.
In Christ,
Bruce Nikkel
The list of retiring teachers at Timothy also stirred
memories. Names like Wolterstorff, Harkema and Rinsema
all date back to our days in the Chicago area. One favorite
story I like to tell relates to Judd Rinsema. I was one of
his junior high teachers in Highland, Indiana. During
the World Series we tried our best to control the listening
interests of the kids and allow them some time during
each class to check the score. That was also the time of the
debut of the transistor radio with the ear plug. Well, during
Science class Judd suddenly shot out of his seat, fist jammed
in the air, and shouted, “THE PIRATES WON!!” That
Hi Dave,
I enjoyed and appreciated reading the latest Reflector about the Discovery Center and also the tribute to
Sherri. It's a great feeling as a husband to know that your wife's legacy and work lives on. I have received many
beautiful cards and notes from parents saying that Sherri and the Discovery Center had a significant impact
on the lives and academics of their children. These are also comforting words and testimonies for me and our
family to read and treasure.
Bob Venhousen
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R e f l e c t i o n
The Giftedness
of Athletes
The last issue of the Reflector
featured the work of the
Discovery Center at Timothy
and its service to those with
“diffabilities.” This issue
describes the Impact program
and a different set of students
with “diffabilities.” Taken
together, these programs cover
the wide span of learning
needs and abilities.
Dave Larsen
There is another set of abilities
on display at most schools. Athletes take physical education
to another level of giftedness and dedication. Check out
the feature photo spread in this issue for evidence of this.
Coaches devote extraordinary amounts of time in molding
and shaping teams and lives. But something is happening in
American culture that is changing athletics at most schools.
Many observers of amateur sport in the United States warn
of a dangerous and growing trend among children and
adolescents: the dominance of athletics over all else in life.
It’s a trend that schools notice with growing alarm. While
striving for excellence in athletics, schools are becoming,
in some cases, the servant of club sports and seasons that
never end. A recent book published by ESPN—how’s that
for irony?—sounds the alarm with devastating clarity.
Reading Game On, by Tom Farrey, is a sports version of the
apocalypse.
He cites examples of pre-teens on steroids, very young
baseball players playing 125 games each year, and secondgraders learning to power lift. Farrey writes in the hope that
educators and parents, athletes and coaches can work toward
excellence and still love the games they play. He sounds his
alarm precisely because he sees the importance of athletic
excellence and wonders if our culture has gone too far and in
the process lost the excellence so fervently pursued.
The Extracurricular Committee at Timothy Christian
Schools produced a document last year that seeks to
define excellence in athletics. It holds out goals and ideals
that set the stage for the sports programs here. The next
step is defining the ways in which excellence is achieved
while avoiding the madness of a sports-saturated culture.
We are, after all, to be culture shapers as Christians, not
culture imitators.
Somewhere between nostalgia for the way athletics used to
be and the contemporary fanaticism that dominates lives is
a line that Christian schools should discover. Reveling in the
God-given joy of play at the heart of all athletic competition
is a good place to start. Another is to be very careful about
what we worship.
SPRIN G 2 0 0 9
Reflector
3
F e a t u r e
A r t i c l e
Initiating
an Impact
By: Allie Baumbach
Addressing Civil Rights in 1963, President John F. Kennedy
said of the education system: “All of us do not have equal
talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to
develop our talents.”
Timothy Christian Schools aim to reflect God’s kingdom
by serving Christian families from diverse economic and
cultural backgrounds and students who possess a wide
range of abilities. Echoing the ideology of JFK and keeping
in tune with our mission statement, the Impact program
at Timothy Christian provides gifted students with the
academic tools and support necessary to flourish in light of
their God-given talent.
The Impact program pulls out gifted and talented students
in grades K-6 for math and reading. These students meet
in the Impact Center and study material that is more
challenging and stimulating in line with their educational
capacities. Kindergarten students meet once a week and
grades 1-6 meet twice a week in the Impact Center.
According to Director Ann Baker, the program was created
because the regular classroom could not meet the needs of
some exceptional students. It was evident a large population
of students would benefit from it. Ninety students are
involved in the impact program, some of whom come to the
center for both math and reading.
Student selection is integral to the success of the students
in the program, due to the fact that pulling students out of
the classroom can be a significant change and intervention
in the day for some students. The selection process for
participation in both math and reading is fivefold based on
SAGE-2 scores (Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary
and Middle School Students), teacher recommendation,
parent permission, student interest, and the IOWA Test of
Basic Skills scores beginning in second grade.
The need for the Impact program is not new. The program
evolved out of the Enrichment program which is still intact
serving as a second tier of addressing gifted students. The
Enrichment program, coordinated by Sue Schemper, exists
to serve students who need to be challenged, but are not
identified to be pulled out for Impact Math or Impact
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Reading and includes 42 students in Kindergarten through
sixth grade. Like Impact students, Enrichment students also
meet twice a week. In light of the success of the Enrichment
program, it was a need to further challenge many students
that sparked a call for the Impact program, now in its third
year of existence.
Ann Bakker is the primary teacher for nearly all Impact
Reading and Impact Math classes. Michelle Berens also
teaches one period a day which is fourth grade math this year.
Crafting the program proved difficult at times for Ann, due
to the fact that few programs for gifted students at private
Christian schools even exist. Difficulty also exists in simply
students that inhabit it. Third grader Jason Rowaiye, an
finding good curriculum materials in this progressive
Impact Math student, sings the praises of being pulled out
learning field. A course at the Gifted Institute fueled ideas
and provided models for this type of educational experience. of class for a subject.
She was also able to use the Discovery Center as a model of
“I don’t ever mind missing my regular class to do math. I
alternative learning.
love coming here.”
“You can look at models and learn from them, but you have
The positive feedback and enthusiasm shown by Impact
to do what works for you,” Ann said. That is exactly what
students mirrors the rapid achievement of the program.
she has done: fusing what she has learned and what works
Three goals set forth at the birth of the program have
best in practice for her students.
already been met. At the outset, sixth grade math students
Students involved in Impact Math and Reading are extending were pulled out of class twice a week like the other Impact
programs. Advanced Math sixth grade students now meet
their learning of subject matter beyond what is being taught
everyday as a class. The addition of a Smart Board in the
in the classroom. Curriculum is often more difficult and
center has provided a technological tool to further enhance
rigorous, but it is tackling the challenging work Impact
the advanced learning experience of students. Electronic
students are presented with that sets these students apart as
newsletters sent to parents of students involved in the
gifted and excites their minds. These are young learners and
program have increased communication between Impact
discoverers of knowledge who like to be pushed, work hard,
teachers and parents, allowing them to stay more involved
and are more willing to do classroom work.
in their child’s learning process.
The program has also allowed students to explore what
An impact lunch group has also been created. Once a week,
they love to learn. For example, sixth grade students are
Impact students come together as a community, solidifying their
allowed to decide what literature they would like to study.
acceptance of each other and themselves as gifted students.
Past students read and studied Oliver Twist, while this
year’s group expressed interest in studying the complex
More advancements of the center are already being worked
work of Shakespeare.
on. New curriculum for first and second grade math are on
the agenda by Fall 2010. Better assessment of students and
Support from the Timothy community has been
improved reporting of student development is also being
overwhelming. Teachers are flexible and accommodating
worked on. Long-term plans also include extending more
to their Impact and Enrichment students. Support from the
programming to younger students. The program would also
administration has been especially welcoming and consistent.
like to further address the emotional component that many
“The administrative support has been unbelievable. They
times accompanies students that possess talents.
have been amazing to me,” Ann said.
The success of the program has parents of Impact students
Thanks in part to the support the program has seen, success
elated. Some even cite the program as a significant reason
and growth is already evident in the program despite the
for sending their child to Timothy—a certain indication of
fact it is new and evolving.
the magnificent work being accomplished.
An immediate benefit to Impact students is being able to
work in a small group of academically compatible peers.
“Working in smaller groups lets you share your opinion
more. We get to work on things that really challenge us,”
said fifth grader Ellie Wiener, an Impact Reading and
Impact Math student.
The Impact and Enrichment programs are located in the
Impact Center. The environment is intimate and conducive
to small group work. It serves as a welcome retreat for the
The Impact program reflects the persistence of students and
teachers to maximize the God-given academic talent many
Timothy students possess. Impact students are advancing
their learning and creating a community of common
interests, characteristics, and goals. Most importantly, they
are enjoying doing it.
Ann Bakker can proudly boast, “They are students who
are happy.”
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Reflector
5
C a m p u s
N e w s
Marketing Matters
By: Rudi Gesch
Director of Marketing and Recruitment
630.833.4616 ext. 108
gesch@timothychristian.com
This recurring column is
written to keep the greater
Timothy community informed
of our progress in the fields of
marketing and recruitment.
WORLDV I E W International
Student Program Update
In the previous Reflector, I
mentioned that one of the
goals of the marketing
Rudi Gesch
committee would be to
develop an international
student program. I’m happy to announce that we’re moving
ahead with this initiative—now called the WORLDV I E W
International Student Program. This program’s goal is to
bring 10 international students from around the world
to our community. These students will live with Timothy
host families and will have an ESL (English as a Second
Language) program and a support system in place to allow
them to succeed.
High School Principal Clyde Rinsema, High School
Admissions Director Ann Raley, and I recently met with
all interested host families, and we’re beginning the
international recruitment process with our partner Quest
International (www.questexchange.org). Stay tuned to our
international student webpage (www.timothychristian.com/
worldview.php) for more information.
Marketing, Enrollment, and Today’s Economy
Many people ask me how the bad economy is impacting our
enrollment for next school year. People cite horror stories
of private schools nationwide that have been taking drastic
actions to stay alive, schools that are failing, or even schools
that are closing mid-year.
We’re blessed to report that enrollment is in a very good
place right now. As I write this column, the 2009 Preschool
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SPRIN G 2 0 0 9
and Kindergarten classes are filled beyond capacity onto
waiting lists, we’re expecting a big freshman class after
another successful high school preview day (see related
article in this issue of the Reflector), and the addition of
the ten international students into the high school will also
significantly help. Because of major gains in previous years,
many of our elementary classrooms could boast a waiting
list by the summer. God continues to bless our community,
even in tough times.
The true test for next year’s enrollment will be the retention
of our current families. Our school board understands the
difficult position that many in our community have been
placed in this economy. The board has passed two very
important measures to make Timothy especially accessible
to our families during these tough times. First, the board
has committed to raising tuition at a much smaller rate than
the typical annual increase. Secondly, the board, together
with the Timothy Foundation, has committed to making
historic levels of financial aid available next year, despite
the fact that this fund, like most investment funds today,
has lost a significant portion of its net worth. The tuition
for Christian education has always been a sacrifice on
behalf of parents. This is much more evident today than
in most recent years, but together we’ll get through this
difficult stretch.
Viewing Timothy from a Parent’s Perspective
Finally, since the last Reflector, I have some exciting
personal news—I’ve become a father. My daughter Sawyer
Joy Gesch was born on January 16th. She already has more
hair than her dad! Having a child has allowed me to have
an entirely new level of appreciation for the Kingdom work
that our teachers, administration, and school board do at
Timothy every day. These people really are partnering with
parents to develop an academically prepared Christian
disciple, which is exactly what I want for my daughter.
Thank you for your interest in the marketing and
E l e m e n t a r y
a n d
M i d d l e
S c h o o l
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recruitment efforts of Timothy. If you know of any
prospective families who would like to be contacted
regarding a change of schools, or if you have any ideas
to advance our marketing efforts, please don’t hesitate to
contact me.
We have linked all of the areas that parents regularly ask
about in the left hand column. All of these links will open in
a new window (or tab depending on your browser), so that
you can keep Parent Central open in your primary window
(or tab) to get to the information most important to you.
High School Preview Day
Making An Online Donation
Timothy’s third annual High School Preview Day (formerly
“8th Grade Visitation Day”) was a huge success. Ninety one
Timothy 8th graders and 50 students from other schools
combined to make this the biggest High School Preview day
to date.
Students enjoyed the YouTube video scavenger hunt, campus
tours, the extra curricular fair, some delicious Aurelio’s
pizza, and their “I (heart) TC” t-shirts. A special thanks to
all of our visitors and to all of the high school students who
volunteered to make this work so well.
The Timothy Website: Making Life Easier
The website staff wants to make the online experience
as smooth and easy as possible. They’ve created “Parent
Central,” your go-to place for the information that you need.
Math Triathlon
Team Wins First
Place
Congratulations to
the Grades 3-6 Math
Team for taking first
place in 6th Annual
Math Triathlon team all smiles
Trinity Mathematics
after victory
Triathlon! The team
defeated six other area Christian schools to capture the title.
The sixteen-member team includes sixth grade captains
Ana DeMey, Hanna Markewycz, Devin May and Juliana
Stremler, fifth graders Joey Bootsma , Alex Lucek, Ellie
Wiener, Alex Zebutis, and fourth graders Brett HarbaughClark, Trevor Hoogendoorn, Charles Kung, Allison
Zeilstra and third graders Austin Hoogendoorn, Jason
Rowaiye, Shayna Smits, and Jack VanderMolen. Devin
May (6th), Ellie Wiener (5th), Trevor Hoogendoorn (4th),
and Jason Rowaiye (3rd) comprised the Trojans top team.
We want to remind you that it is now possible to make a
donation on our website. All donations are safe and secure
and very easy to do. Be the first on your block to do it!
Check it out under “Donations” on the website homepage.
Stay Informed: Read the TCSNews Email Newsletter
If you’d like to keep in touch with news from Timothy and
you live at some distance, one way that over 1,100 people
choose to do so is by subscribing to the TCSNews, an email
newsletter that comes to your inbox each Monday. Filled
with updated news, a thought for the week, prayer requests,
and a mildly amusing joke or story, the TCSNews is a quick
read that keeps you informed, inspired, and invited.
Sign up by visiting our website: www.timothychristian.com.
Click on TCSNews and follow the directions!
Discovery Center Re-Dedicated in Memory and Honor
of Sherri Venhousen
On January 22, 2009, staff, students, family, and friends
gathered to rededicate The Discovery Center to Sherri
Venhousen. Guests joined in a time of food and fellowship.
Dr. Hoekstra read a moving letter by a student about Sherri.
Tokens of appreciation were presented by two other students
to the Brandsma family for the donation they made in
honor of Sherri and her work. With this gift, Timothy was
able to purchase three Smart Boards, two of which now
reside in the Discovery Center, and new furniture, reading
chairs, and curriculum
materials. Sherri’s
husband Bob also said
a few words about
“Mrs. V,” encouraging
students to continue
working diligently in
the classroom and to
love the Lord with all
Plaque commemorating the
re-dedicated Discovery Center
of their hearts.
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7
E l e m e n t a r y
a n d
M i d d l e
S c h o o l
N e w s
Spelling Bee Winners
Elementary School Spelling Bee
Eighteen fifth and sixth graders took part in Timothy’s Annual Spelling
Bee. The students qualified to participate by answering 43 out of 50 words
correct in a preliminary test. Students spelled many difficult words, and it
took numerous rounds to narrow down the field. Congratulations to winner
Devin May (6th grade) and runner-up Ana DeMey (6th grade) on a job
well done and an exciting competition! Devin and Ana qualified to take
part in the Middle School Spelling Bee. The Timothy Spelling Bee is part
of the SCRIPPS National Spelling Bee that culminates final competition in
Washington D.C.
Elementary School Spelling Bee Winners
Devin May and Anna DeMey
Middle School Spelling Bee
Twenty students participated in the Middle School Spelling Bee. By round
seven, only five students remained. The field dwindled to two students
by round ten. The remaining participants went word-for-word for fifteen
minutes before a champion was crowned. Congratulations to winner
Jack Miller (7th grade) and runner-up Logan Byrne (7th grade) on a great
competition! Jack went on to participate in the Private School Regionals.
Geography Bee Winners
Sixth Grader Wins Elementary School Geography Bee
Middle School Spelling Bee Winners
Jack Miller and Logan Byrne
Sixteen students took the stage to compete in the Geography Bee. This local
Geography Bee is the first stop in advancing to the National Geography
Bee. The first category of questions pertained to general U.S. geography
and students had multiple choices to select an answer. Questions grew more
difficult and included global geography questions without multiple choices
as the competition progressed. It took six rounds to produce the finalists
who spared for eight more questions before a champion emerged.
Congratulations to first place winner, sixth grader Phil Troxel and runnerup, fifth grader Joy Gregorio, and all of the participants!
Middle School Geography Bee
Elementary Geography winners Phil Troxel and
Joy Gregorio
Congratulations to eighth grader Brian Van Der Dyke and runner-up,
seventh grader Andrew Klysh on an outstanding showing at the Middle
School Geography Bee! Questions covered geography and culture in the
United States and worldwide. Brian and Andrew withstood thirteen other
students through six rounds of competition to advance to the final round. A
job well done and an exciting competition put on by all of the participants!
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Middle School Geography winners Andrew Klysh and
Brian Van Der Dyke
H i g h
S c h o o l
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the various aspects of recycling which ended in the class
cleaning up the school grounds. The students worked hard,
exemplified the nature of service, and had a great time
doing it.
Another Successful Season for Chess Team
The Timothy Christian Chess Team wrapped up the
2008-2009 season at the Midwest Scholastic Class
Championships in Glen Ellyn. Eight graders Tim Huizinga
and Kyle Groters closed their outstanding five-year team
careers by earning trophies in their respective sections.
Fifth grader Alex Zebutis earned a third-place trophy in his
section as well.
Eighth Graders at the reading canoe at West Side Christian School
Eighth Grade Students Put Theme into Practice
In October, eighth grade students took time out of their
schedules to illustrate this year’s theme, “They Will Know
We Are Christian by Our Love.” The four homebases
participated in various service-oriented activities that they
will rotate throughout the school year. Mr. Peterson’s
homebase sorted and packaged food at Northern Illinois
Food Bank in St. Charles. Mrs. Sytsma’s homebase brought
30 boxes of books donated from Cornerstone Bookstore
and our own Timothy library to Chicago Westside Christian
School where they sorted the books, labeled Accelerated
Reader books, and read to Kindergarten and first grade
students. Mrs. Beren’s homebase visited New to You
Resale Shop to clean and set up displays. Mr. VanSchepen’s
homebase stayed at Timothy where they learned about
Earlier in the year, the team took third place at the Knights
of the Forest Scholastic Open. They were led by eighth
grader Peter Carlson who brought home an individual title.
Fifth grader Caleb DeHaan earned an individual title in the
Elementary division.
Student’s Art Goes Green
Sixth Grade student Hannah Gonzalez entered a local
Whole Foods art competition in which participants were
asked to draw a picture that encourages others to “Go
Green.” Whole Foods selected Hannah’s drawing as the
winner! Hannah won a party for her class provided by
Whole Foods which included a feast of pizza, beverages, and
cupcakes. Congratulations to Hannah for promoting the
conservation of God’s creation.
Octoberfest Celebrates the Great Outdoors
This year’s “OcTimberfest” celebrated rainforests, mud,
bears, camping, and trees! The audience was treated to
silly songs such as “A Deer in My Cadillac,” “Anaconda
LaBamba,” “In a Cabin,” “Milk & Cereal,” “My Favorite
Kind of Bugs,” and “I Love Mud!” The staff performances
proved to be favorites, especially Mr. Roelofs and Mr.
Snoeyink as The Blues Brothers in their rendition of “Tree
Men.” The show ended traditionally with “Goodnight, Irene”
and balloons for all.
Seniors singing a silly song at Octoberfest
continued on next page u
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H i g h
S c h o o l
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Student Musicians Selected at Illinois Music
Educators Association
Three students were selected by the IMEA All-District
Band. Senior Becky Visser tied a school record for being
selected for the All-District Band three times on the bass
clarinet. Sophomore Dori Cranmer, on the trombone, and
seventh grader Sam Sticha, on the euphonium, joined Becky
in the All-District Band. Becky was also selected to third
place the All-State Honors Band, the highest placement of
any band member in Timothy history.
Senior Skates to Fifth in International Competition
Senior Allison Bolt competed against athletes from 29
countries in International Roller Skating Competition in
Taiwan. Allison and her partner earned a position on Team
USA and skated in the Junior World Class Pairs Division.
The pair finished fifth in the competition.
Three orchestra members also earned All-District honors:
Junior Ben Wagner on viola, senior Laura Vanderveld on
cello, and freshman Elena Denny on cello. Choir members
Dan Denby, Olivia Doig, Katie Eiten, and Janna Strodtman
auditioned for and were selected for membership in the
Illinois District 1 Choir. Senior Katie Eiten earned a spot the
IMEA All-State Choir and Senior Dan Denby made it into
the Honors Choir for the second year in a row.
Congratulations to the Timothy Music Department!
Freshman/Sophomore Scholastic Bowl Team showing off honors
Frosh/Soph Scholastic Bowl Finishes With Best
Record Ever
Cast of Pirates of Penzance
Pirates Take the Timothy Stage
Timothy Christian High School presented Gilbert and
Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance.” Audiences enjoyed
wonderful music and acting, being transported to the
days of pirates and maidens. The band of pirates was
accompanied by our talented orchestra. Congratulations to
directors, cast, and crew for a terrific performance!
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The Frosh/Soph Scholastic Bowl Team finished the
season with a record of 28-3, the best record since the
IHSA sponsored team was introduced to Timothy in
1999. Timothy finished 15-0 in the South Metropolitan
Scholastic Bowl League which consists of 12 private schools
including Fenwick, Marist, Providence, Joliet Catholic, St.
Rita, St. Joe, St. Laurence, Bishop McNamara, Brother
Rice, St. Francis, Mt. Carmel, and Timothy. The team
won the Kaneland tournament, besting 30 public and
private schools. The team also reached the final round
of 16 in the 40 team Fremd tournament before losing to
Illinois Math and Science Academy. Sophomore Peter
Matthews was named to the All-Tournament team of both
tournaments. Team captain Peter finished the season with
an unprecedented 180 correct tossup answers.
The Frosh/Soph Scholastic Bowl Team members include:
Sophomores Julie Schram, Steven Barre, Ashley Barak,
Meghan McCloud, John Lustrea, and freshman Joshua
Smith, Rob Nyenhuis, and Ashley Williams. They are
coached by Deb Van Prooyen. Congratulations to the team
and coach Van Prooyen on your record breaking season!
Illinois State Scholars Announced
Congratulations to Katherine Akre, Elizabeth DeGroot,
Daniel Denby, Jonathan Denny, Katherine Eiten, Justin
Groenewold, Rachel Groters, Ellen Hayes, Caroline Hays,
Marissa Hegel, Ryan Hoff, Lindsey Holtrop, Thomas
Huiner, Mary Beth Langkamp, Sabrina Lee, Shannon
McNeil, Ann Solomon, Corey Van Dyk, and Jonathan Voss
for being recognized as 2009-2010 Illinois State Scholars.
The State Scholar program identifies graduating high
school seniors who possess superior academic potential.
Students from nearly every high school in Illinois compete
in the program. Students are selected based on college
entrance scores and high level of scholastic achievement.
Congratulations to Timothy’s 2009-2010 Illinois State
Scholars, their families, and their teachers!
Homecoming 2009
Homecoming Queen Katie Dirkse and
Homecoming King Thomas Huiner
Homecoming 2009
festivities were as sweet as
its “Candyland” theme.
After the sophomore
game, the gymnasium
lights dimmed, the crowd
went wild, and members
of the Homecoming
Court were put into
the spotlight. The 2009
Homecoming Court
included:
Freshmen: Linnea Venhousen and Aaron Snoeyink
Sophomores: Taylor Bryant, Lauren Couture, Troy Ellens,
and Corey Phillip
Juniors: Rita Clousing, Julia Pattison, Audie Smith, Daihee
Cho, Moonsu Kang, Josh VanZeelt
Seniors: Katie Dirkse, Caroline Hays, Jacquelyn Iwema,
Becky Kim, Maxwell Baumbach, Justin Groenewold,
Thomas Huiner, and Jon Voss
2008 Homecoming Queen Candace Wieringa and Mark
Zylstra then presented Thomas Huiner and Katie Dirske as
King and Queen. The Trojans continued to steal the show
as the boys’ basketball teams swept Aurora Christian in
three exciting matchups. The cheerleaders performed a high
flying routine and the Pom Pons and their Dads entertained
the crowd with their ’70s and ’80s inspired dance! The girls
basketball team and coach Ryan Dekokkoek also got in the
action, dancing surprisingly well to “Single Ladies.”
The following evening students got glamorous for the
Homecoming dance at Ashton Place.
National Merit
Scholars
Announced
Seniors Dan
Denby and Corey
Van Dyk were
named National
Merit Finalists.
National Merit Scholars Dan Denby and
National Merit
Corey Van Dyk
scholars are
selected based on the scores of The Preliminary SAT/
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Over 1.4
million students take the PSATs each year. Dan and Corey
placed in the top one percent of high school students who
take the test.
Katherine Akre, Rachel Groters, and Caroline Hayes were
named National Merit Commended Students which place them
in the top five percent of students in the 2009 competition.
Congratulations to these five students on their outstanding
academic success!
TC Student Shines in VFW Competition
Junior Will Roelofs participated in the state Voice of
Democracy speech contest sponsored by the VFW. The
contest involved recording a three minute speech on the
topic of “What Can Today’s Youth Learn From Veterans?”
Will was awarded third place and $1,750 at a banquet
in Springfield. Will advanced to the state competition
by winning first place in the local VFW competition.
Congratulations to Will and his AP US History teacher
Erin Voss.
Black History Program Promotes Change
Sam Cooke’s song “A Change is Gonna Come” served as the
theme for this year’s Black History Program. The program
centered on life of President Barack Obama and highlighted
change in how we view race in our country. Cast members
included students from the middle school and high school
in addition to an appearance by the High School Chamber
Choir and several talented high school students who danced
during part of the song performed by the choir. Thank you
to the Black History Committee for your hard work and
congratulations on another successful program.
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Timothy Soccer after placing 2nd in State Tournament
Playing for Him:
Success and Sportsmanship
Timothy Soccer Takes Second Place in the State
Tournament for First Time in School History;
Magical Soccer Season Comes to an End with 2-0
Championship Loss to Winnebago
Soccer team getting fired up
For the Trojans of Timothy Christian,
the goal at the beginning of the season was to earn the first ever final-four
appearance in the IHSA class 1A state tournament. The team exceeded
this goal with a state semi-final victory over the three-time defending
champions to advance to the state final game versus the Indians of
Winnebago, Illinois, and a chance to compete for the state crown.
Before a crowd of hundreds of the Trojan faithful, the Timothy
varsity team took the field for the final time of the season at 7:30
on Saturday, November 1, 2009. The Indians of Winnebago, an
offensive juggernaut, stood in the way of Timothy’s first-ever soccer
championship. With a 24-2 record, and with most of the team’s wins
coming in a convincing manner, Winnebago would finish the season
just two goals shy of the all-time state record for goals in a season.
Placing a defensive focus on the game, the Trojans were able to stave
off the Indian attack for the entire first half, with a 0-0 half-time score.
However, early in the second half, the Winnebago attack found its stride
with two quick goals in the first ten minutes. While Timothy would have
numerous chances—including a Jeb Nash blast that hit the post, and a
Jake Schemper free-kick that was narrowly saved—the Trojans simply
could not find the back of the net.
By the end of the game, there was just too much Winnebago offense and
not enough time for the Timothy team to make up the difference. The
Indians had won the state title leaving the Timothy team just short of the
championship.
During the second-place award ceremony, the Timothy crowd wouldn’t let
the Trojans forget this season’s success, cheering loudly for the program’s
first state final appearance in the 20 year history of Timothy soccer and
applauding the efforts of each individual player. While a state final loss is
a tough thing to take, the team can be proud that they left everything on
the field, and played their very best. This was truly a memorable season.
–Coach Rudi Gesch
Battling for the ball
Leading the fast break
Girls Basketball takes 2nd at IMSA
and a regional championship
PSL Champion boys basketball team
Dunking over the competition
Girls Cross Country racing to victory
Sectional Champion Cheerleading squad
Cheerleaders flying high
B o a r d
o f
D i r e c t o r s ’
N e w s
Board of Directors 2008-2009
Update on the Capital Campaign:
“Building the Campus, Restoring the World”
Last year at this time the Board announced the start
of the campaign to accomplish the Board initiated
and approved Campus Master Plan.
Fundraising has begun to accomplish Phase One
of this plan with the first immediate goal being
the $4 million needed to begin construction on
the new science wing of the high school building.
This wing will house the chemistry, biology and
physics classrooms, and a new greenhouse. It will
also include a media production classroom and an
additional classroom. Moving the bus operation to
its new Hillside location and removing the portable
classrooms are also included in this first phase. If
God provides the resources. construction may begin
during the 2009-10 school year for an opening of
the new wing for fall 2010.
Fundraising is being accomplished through house
parties, approaches to individual donors, and grant
applications. A special campaign website (www.
buildingthecampus.org) describes the plan and
provides updates on funding, construction news,
and ways to attend or host a house party. Please
continue to remember this effort in your prayers and
with your gifts.
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A l u m n i
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Calling all Alumni Authors!
The next issue of the Reflector will feature profiles of
alumni authors, and we need your help in finding any
authors we may have missed. So far we know about the
following:
Andrea Haack, Dr. Sam Hamstra, Virginia Huizenga
Juries, Mario Parker, Jim Pethokoukis, Caryn Dahlstrand
Rivadeneira, William Stob, Dr. Henry Tazelaar, Travis
Thrasher, Dr. David Van Drunen, Dr. Meredith Veldman,
and Phyllis Vos Wezeman.
If you are an author and want to be included, or if you
know of someone who is and is too shy to tell anyone,
please contact Dave Larsen at Timothy.
Alumni Invited to Join
the Timothy Facebook
Movement
Timothy Christian High School Alumni are encouraged
to visit www.facebook.com, open an account, and join
the group “Timothy Christian High School Alumni.” If
you’re already a Facebook member, visit this group and join
the crowd. The Alumni Board thinks that this will be an
effective way to reunite with classmates and keep in touch.
Check it out!
From the ’50s
50 Year Reunion: the class of ’58
On September 27, 2008, the 1958 graduating class of
Timothy Christian High School held their 50 year reunion.
We first met at Timothy for an informative tour of the
current campus, which included details on future expansion
plans and a great demonstration of the new “Smart Board”
classroom teaching technology; we were amazed! Then we
were off to the Villa Nova Restaurant in Elmhurst to visit
over dinner. Twenty classmates attended.
50-year reunion
Back row: Ted Rozendal, John Meyer, Clyde Gelderloos,
Peter Lanenga, Tom Hoekstra, Reinhart VanderNaald
Second row: Grace (Overzet) Sylvester, Kathryn (Bakker)
Hiemstra, Bev (Bulthuis) Wigboldy, Dori (Hoekstra) Kooyer,
Ellie (VanderVelde) Wigboldy, Bern Tameling,
Bob VanPoolen
Seated: Dot (Rozendal) Meyer, Hester (Brouwer) Shank,
Trudy (Laninga) DeWindt, Marlene (Dykstra) DeVries,
Joann (Laning) Huizenga, Ruth (Muhlena) Noorlag, Linda
(Rozema) Meyer
From the ’00s
The Elizabeth Meyer Memorial Student Health Center was
dedicated this spring at Trinity Christian College in Palos
Heights, Ill. It provides Trinity students with a place to go
on campus if they are ill or have minor injuries.
Elizabeth (Liz) completed her junior year at Timothy
Christian Schools after attending all of her life and moved
with her family to Las Vegas, Nev. to finish her high school
program at Faith Lutheran High School there. She left many
friends at Timothy. After graduation and prior to enrolling
at Trinity, Liz was tragically killed in a car accident. The
Elizabeth Meyer Memorial Student Health Center was
established in her memory and honor, and funded through
private donations.
It was a nostalgic evening for all, an occasion to share
memories of the “old days” about cars, clothes, sports,
traditions, and to catch up on our lives today.
We all agreed….a good time was had by all. We plan to
repeat in 10 years for our 60th! We also hope our paths will
cross in the years between.
Many thanks to Timothy and to Jay Evenhouse for the great
assistance in planning and the helpful campus tour.
Drew and Candice Gallagher
Candace Cairo Gallagher
’01 graduated with a B.A. in
Psychology with high honors
from Judson University in
2006. In November of 2007
she married Drew Gallagher
of Arlington Heights, Ill. They
met at Silver Birch Ranch in
continued on next page u
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A l u m n i
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Whitelake, Wis. in the summer of 2001.
Both Candace and Drew had attended the
camp since third grade, but never met before
the summer of 2001.
and drives a UPS truck. Candace writes “I
love Timothy and hope to send Dylan there
someday.”
They welcomed their first child Dylan
Alexander in 2008. The Gallaghers live in
Hanover Park, Ill. Candace is a stay-at-home
mom, and Drew attends school for finance
Dylan Alexander Gallagher
In honor and memory of…
Timothy Christian Schools gratefully acknowledges gifts given in memory or honor
of an individual.
These gifts assist us in supplying tuition assistance to families in need.
Memorials: September, 2008 – March 23, 2009
Gifts in memory of . . .
Helen De Young
John & Til Hendrikse
John Slinkman
Ben Tameling
Kathleen Teune
Jerry & De Etta Van Ryn
Sherri Venhousen
John Voss
50th Anniversary
Bernie & Joann Huizenga
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F r o m
t h e
A r c h i v e s
1913 Timothy Christian School
The picture above is reproduced from the Fall 1995
Reflector. At the time it was noted that this is one of the
earliest known photos of the entire student body and
staff of the Timothy School for Christian Instruction,
located at Tripp Avenue and 13th Street on the near-west
side of Chicago. Recently Edythe Medema ’39 offered
the following identification of those pictured, and solved
another Timothy mystery:
Top Row: Grace Scheltens Laning, Grace Van Dyke
VanderVeen, Clarence Loerop, Katie Hoffman, Ralph
Slager, Jennie Ploegman Klein, Aris Dreier, Effie Wezeman
Knol, Richard Cleveringa. Nicholas Hendrikse, Principal
and George Deur, Teacher.
Fourth Row: Grace Veldman Kieft, Alice Zeilstra, Edward
Van Dyke, Effie Huitsing Vos, Ralph Wezeman, Altena
Zwart Davids, Henry Noorlag, Josephine Zeilstra Smeding,
John Cook, Catherine Slager Vander Molen, Theresa
Hendricks, George Cook
Third Row: Mary Wezeman, John Boeringa, Jennie Loerop
Dykstra, Walter Loerop, Henrietta Zwart Van Kampen,
Cornelius Pluister, Catherine Boeringa Venhuizen, Ben
Euwema, Catherine Swierenga Boersema, William
Scheltens, Theresa Scheltens Mulder
Second Row: Clarence Hoffman (standing), George Pluister,
Herman Boeringa, Anne Boeringa Hendrikse, Fannie Cook
Boeringa, Agnes Van Dyke (or Effie Batjes?), Tracy Huitsing
Fisher, Ann Loerop Van Stedum, Fread Brands, Henrietta
Swierenga Buurma, Harry Slager, Jennie Stob Kladder,
Grace Zeilstra, Sophie Speckman, Tena or Alice StobRenkema, Joe Zwart
Bottom Row: John Van Kampen, William Loerop, Cornelius
Noorlag, Fred Cook, George Van Kampen, Hybo Scheltens,
George Slager, Andrew Van Kampen, Richard Wezeman,
Jacob Cleveringa
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A d v e r t i s e m e n t s
Knollcrest Funeral Home
Robert Van Staalduinen, Director
1500 South Meyers Rd. • Just North of 22nd Street
(630) 932-1500
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AL DIEPSTRA, D.D.S.
342 Sherwood • La Grange Park, IL 60525
708-482-4610
DeYoung’s Insurance Service, Inc.
All types of insurance
•
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Business
Home
Auto
Life
Health
Motorcycle / Boat
Call us for a quote
Celebrating our third generation!
John E. DeYoung III
(630) 850-9300
16w065 Jeans Rd • Lemont, IL 60439
DeYoungsInsurance.com
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A d v e r t i s e m e n t s
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A d v e r t i s e m e n t s
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A d v e r t i s e m e n t s
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s
Financial
Services
Specializing in:
s Retirement Planning
s College Funding
s Sound Investment Programs*
s Cost-Effective Insurance
s Estate Planning
James Veenstra
CLU, ChFC
PARAGON ADVISORS, LLC
715 Enterprise Dr. s Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 571-2205 s Jim.Veenstra@tfamail.com
*Securities offered through Transamerica Financial Advisors,
a registered broker/dealer member FINRA/SIPC.
Beyond Belief
The Reflector is a free publication. Gifts to help
produce it are most welcome.
Please use the enclosed envelope for your donation.
To place an ad in the Reflector, please contact
Dave Larsen at 630-833-4616 ext. 109.
Advertising rates:
Full page: $400
1/2 page: $225
1/4 page: $150
1/8 page: $75
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Timothy’s
Timothy’s
Serving God and His people,
Timothy Christian Schools
develops academically
prepared Christian disciples
who embrace Christ’s call to
transform the world.
Timothy Christian Schools will be distinctly Christian in
its community, curriculum, character, and convictions.
Mission:
Vision:
one
We reflect God’s kingdom by serving Christian families from diverse economic and
cultural backgrounds and students who possess a wide range of abilities.
TWO
We cooperate with Christian homes and churches in the education and faith
development of our students.
Three
We demonstrate love for one another in our work and play.
four
We challenge students to serve in a global community.
five
We teach and study in the Reformed Christian tradition which drives us to be
Biblically based, culturally engaged, and always reforming.
six
We nurture creativity and curiosity through meaningful curriculum and effective
instruction.
seven
We develop and encourage the gifts and talents of one another to serve Christ and
renew His creation.
eight
We seek wisdom that applies knowledge to gain understanding and spiritual
discernment.
nine
We prepare students to be articulate defenders and models of the Christian faith in
thought, word, and deed.
ten
We inspire all students to be counter-cultural disciples who are beacons of light in
the world.
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25
“To become a disciple means a decisive
and irrevocable turning to both God and
neighbor. What follows from there is a
journey which...never ends in this life, a
journey of continually discovering new
dimensions of loving God and neighbor.”
David J. Bosch
Non-Profit Org.
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Elmhurst, IL 60126
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