FALL 2012 - Norfolk Christian Schools

A Publication of Norfolk Christian Schools
FALL 2012
From My Perspective
Fulfilling the Mission
S ixty
Years! Norfolk Christian
Schools has been in operation for
sixty years. As I have studied the
history of the school, I have grown
to appreciate the stories of the
early pioneers – those men and
women who caught the vision and
gave so selflessly to make the idea
of Christian education a reality for
the Hampton Roads area.
As I consider the past in this anniversary year, I am startled at the
realization that I have been associated with the school for half of that
time. I feel very “seasoned,” but
also very grateful and privileged to
be a part of this story. You will read
of the memories and contributions
of former students, parents, and
faculty. We honor these memories
and value the foundational principles on which we were built. The
vision for our mission was forged
in the beginning and that mission
remains the same today.
It is the mission of
Norfolk Christian Schools
to equip students spiritually,
intellectually and physically
to love God and serve Him
as Christ’s ambassadors
in the world.
Spiritually
Our core values are the same. We
know that God has tasked parents
with the responsibility of educating
their children and we are humbled
by the fact that they entrust much of
that responsibility to us. That partnership is the covenant on which
we operate. We value the relationships built on mutual trust and
understanding of spiritual truths
and moral values.
We also frame all we do here on
biblical principles – whether teaching or coaching or supporting the
work that takes place in the classrooms and athletic venues. The
Word of God directs our content,
processes and our character. We
don’t just teach children how to
think biblically, we try to model living biblically before them.
Our Challenge
Dr. Jane Duffey
2
10
What has changed is the way in
which that mission is implemented.
As the environment in which we
live has changed, we have had to
change our ways to accommodate
not just the students and families
we serve but also to respond to
the God who declared, “See, I am
doing a new thing! Now it springs
up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah
43:19) I am very excited about the
opportunities for the future but also
want to assure those who have
invested their time, resources and
spiritual energy into the school that
some things will not change.
NCS Head of School
The NCS student body reflects
well over 100 different churches
in the area. We all agree on the
indisputable tenets of our Christian
faith and can have honest discussions about what separates us on
Sundays. We desire good communication between the churches and
the school and a healthy respect
for the value of Christian education
in this community.
We also see the encroachment of
sin and the acceptance of moral
compromise in our culture. The
voices of those who promote holiness are being drowned in the
noise of the media and marketplace. We are in the midst of a
battle against these influences.
Intellectually
Norfolk Christian Schools has
always worked hard to be a school
of academic excellence. We have
taken that goal seriously by developing a solid curriculum that keeps
pace with the needs of society
and higher education, by holding
teachers accountable to high standards and by assessing students in
valuable ways. We provide ongoing
feedback on individual achievement while determining how well
we are doing as a school. We challenge our students to be all that
God has given them the potential
to be but to also listen to His
voice and direction. We recognize
that God has created each of us
uniquely and we consider that individuality in developing programs
and new teaching methodologies.
We encourage our high school
students to consider their future
beyond NCS in light of “best fit:”
Christian, Ivy League, state-supported universities, community college, or a “gap year.” We want
them to understand that all work
can be holy and considered a
calling and that they can be an
Ambassador wherever God leads.
Our Challenge Keeping abreast with what keeps
us sharp academically requires a
The vision for our mission was forged in the beginning
and that mission remains the same today.
keen sense of discernment and good
stewardship. We do not have time
or resources to implement practices
that do not reap lasting benefits – for
our teachers or students. We cannot
afford to jump on the bandwagon of
the latest trend in education just for
the sake of appealing to the public.
We know that technology is an
important tool for teaching and
learning. We need funding and wisdom in choosing carefully those
tools that equip our students for 21st
Century living and help our faculty
and staff to do their jobs efficiently
and meaningfully.
Physically
Taking responsibility of our physical
being and understanding that the
body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
is the philosophy that undergirds
our programs of physical education and health, and athletics. This
value also extends to how we create
our lunch menus and gives guidelines for healthy snacks in the lower
schools. We know that we must also
model how we present our bodies to
others in ways that honor Christ and
not self.
Our Challenge
Although scientifically we know so
much more about what keeps the
body healthy, a family in the U. S. has
significant obstacles to overcome. It
seems that we are caught up in hectic
living: fast meals, too much time with
media and electronic entertainment,
unhealthy sleep habits. These practices all impact learning and developing
balanced lifestyles.
Athletics can contribute positively to
the well-being of the body. We want
to have facilities that help us to teach
and train the students well. We are
thankful for what we have, resourceful
in our campus settings, but still have a
vision to provide the optimal environments for physical learning.
Ambassadors for Christ
An ambassador represents the government or sovereign of a nation
while in residence in a foreign nation.
We have always impressed on our
students their status in Christ. An
ambassador is not necessarily one
who participates in “missions” work
but one who understands that they are
living in a foreign land while on earth.
Identifying yourself as a Christian,
wearing the NCS logo in athletics,
having a C bumper sticker conveys
a message to others. Hopefully, that
message is one of grace and the
redeemed life.
Our students want to positively impact
their communities. They want to make
a difference and are proud to represent the school. Community service is
an integral part of the entire school’s
curriculum in age-appropriate ways.
From the youngest grades through the
senior year projects, we know that the
love of God compels us to serve.
Our Challenge
Service is an attitude and not something you do to build a resume. We
learn to serve and to love to serve
when we serve alongside others,
particularly significant adults in our
lives who model this attitude. Having
the time to devote to service within
our faculty, curriculum and commitments beyond the school day takes
wisdom and creativity and great volunteer help. The pool of volunteers
has been shrinking over the years
although the number of students
has risen. We do not intend to cut
back on offering opportunities to our
students but need more community
members to help us out.
John Dunlap
Faith +
Vision +
Sacrifice =
MIRACLE
In the early 1950's, John Dunlap, pas-
tor of Tabernacle Church of Norfolk,
challenged his growing congregation
to invest in a growing idea - a Christian
school. In 1952, that vision was realized as Norfolk Christian Grammar
School opened its doors at the corner
of Granby and Thole streets to 76 students in grades K-5. The next summer,
Gene Garrick, a pastoral student from
Bob Jones University, newly married to
Helena Struthers, the 5th grade teacher,
joined the school as principal, and
a partnership was formed that would
span decades and change the course of
Christian Education around the world.
God used Dr. Garrick's solid understanding of Christian Education, excellent administrative talents and deep
commitment to the Lord to help guide
the school through 40 years of development. We are grateful to these men
for the godly foundation they forged for
Norfolk Christian Schools.
Gene Garrick
3
Leadership and Gro
YEAR
Grades
LS Norfolk
Principal
OV / Beach
Principal
MS
Principal
HS
Principal
Head of
School
Facilities
1952-53
K-5
Dunlap
Tabernacle Church of Norfolk opens
Norfolk Christian Grammar School
(72 students & 5 staff)
1953-54
K-6
Garrick
Lower School built
(5 classrooms)
1955-56
K-7
Garrick
Lower School expanded
(5 additional classrooms & office space)
1957-58
K-2
Garrick
Ocean View Extension built
1958-59
K-8
Garrick
High School building built
1959-60
K-9
Garrick
1960-61
K-10
1961-62
K-11
Wetherbee
1962-63
K-12
Wetherbee
Wetherbee
Garrick
High School opened
Triple-R-Ranch opened
Garrick
HS Maintenance building built
Science lab built
Mutzabaugh (OV)
Garrick
Upper floor of HS building partitioned
Student lockers installed
Science lab equipped
Mutzabaugh (OV)
Garrick
Butler Building (Cafeteria-Industrial Arts)
opened
Mutzabaugh
1963-64
Garrick
Northup
OV Extension sold
1964-65
Garrick
Northup
High School Gym built
1965-66
Mutzabaugh
Garrick
High School Gym equipped
($2800 raised by students)
1966-67
Mutzabaugh
Northup
1967-68
Mutzabaugh
Northup
Garrick
1968-69
Mutzabaugh
Northup
Garrick
1969-70
Mutzabaugh
Garrick
Garrick
Middle School built
1970-71
Mutzabaugh
Megginson
VanSchuyver
Garrick
Middle School opens
Mortgage on building paid
Bus garage added
4
1971-72
Mutzabaugh
Megginson
VanSchuyverEmmett
Garrick
Science labs enlarged
Stage storage added
Megginson
owth
In the next several pages, you will find a brief overview of the last 60 years of Norfolk Christian history. God has
blessed the school with a rich heritage that we would like to safeguard as the school continues to grow. Over the
next year, we would like to compile a collective memory from the Norfolk Christian community and encourage
everyone to contribute their own experiences and pictures.
Drama
Athletics
Events
Norfolk Christian Grammar School opens with 72 students and 5 staff
First faculty member goes to the mission field – Dorothy Roughton
Athletic program started
Boys Basketball
Cheerleading
Band and Chorus programs started
First yearbook published – Embassy
Student Council Association started
First Mother-Daughter Tea
Baseball Added
V Boys Basketball TCIS Champions
HMS Pinafore
Muggsy’s Merry Christmas
First senior class graduates 10 students
First Speaking Exhibition
First HS State accreditation
First Junior-Senior Banquet
First Science Fair
First Fall Banquet
Cross Country Added
National Honor Society started
Boys Soccer Added
100th NCS graduate
First alumnus joins staff, Vince Gordon, maintenance
First teacher passes away, Esther Ayres
The Mikado
HMS Pinafore
V Boys Basketball TCIS Champions
Gondoliers
V Boys Basketball TCIS and DELCO Champions
Princess Ida
You Can’t Take It With You
First alumna goes to the mission field – Barbara Grinder
Softball Added
First exchange students – from Guatemala
First school newspaper published – Echo
First Junior Boutique
Classes begin to expand to two sections of each grade
5
YEAR
Grades
LS Norfolk
Principal
OV / Beach
Principal
MS
Principal
HS
Principal
Head of
School
1972-73
Mutzabaugh
Megginson
1973-74
Mutzabaugh
Megginson
Miller
Garrick
1974-75
Mutzabaugh
Megginson
Miller
Garrick
Megginson
Miller
1975-76
M Uecker
Miller
Garrick
M Uecker
Megginson
Miller
Miller
1977-78
M Uecker
Megginson
Miller
Miller
1978-79
M Uecker
Megginson
Miller
Miller
1979-80
M Uecker
Megginson
Miller
Miller
M Uecker
Megginson
Miller
Miller
Megginson
Miller
Miller
Megginson
Schneider
Miller
Megginson
Schneider
Miller
PreK-12
1981-82
M Uecker
1982-83
M Uecker
1983-84
Thierry
1984-85
M Uecker
Daughtry
Megginson
Schneider
Miller
1985-86
M Uecker
Daughtry
Megginson
Schneider
Miller
1986-87
M Uecker
Daughtry
Megginson
Schneider
Miller
1987-88
M Uecker
Daughtry
Megginson
Schneider
Miller
1988-89
M Uecker
Daughtry
Megginson
Schneider
Miller
1989-90
Thierry
Daughtry
Megginson
Schneider
Miller
Megginson
Schneider
Miller
Megginson
Miller
Miller
1990-91
61991-92
Thierry
Cutherell
Daughtry
Bickmore
(Hughes)
Hughes
Lam
Lam
Administration-Library Addition
(Office Space/expanded Library)
Supplementary Department started
Discovery Center built
1976-77
1980-81
Facilities
Beach Campus opens
Computer lab established
Cardinal Court Apartments
purchased for future athletic field
New computer lab installed
Drama
Boardinghouse Reach
Pirates of Penzance
Athletics
Events
Girls Basketball added
Off a Pewter Platter
The Mikado
V Softball TCIS Champions
Annie Get Your Gun
V Softball TCIS Champions
A Man Called Peter
Girls Volleyball added
Meet Me in St. Louis
Track added
V Boys Soccer TCIS Champions
V Softball TCIS Champions
First LS and MS State accreditation
The Tiger and the Pussy Cat
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Matchmaker
Fiddler on the Roof
V Girls Volleyball TCIS Champions
Tennis added
V Basketball TCIS Champions
V Softball TCIS Champions
V Girls Volleyball TCIS Champions
V Baseball TCIS Champions
V Softball TCIS Champions
Pygmalion
School founder, John Dunlap passes away
Windsong Ensemble started
NILD started
The Princess and the Pea
A Man Called Peter
Sound of Music
Golf added
Marching band started by Tom Swanson
First ACSI accreditation
Two from Galilee
Pride and Prejudice
Annie
Girls Soccer added
V Softball TCIS Champions
KIFF Summer Camp started by Rich Rose
Annie Get Your Gun
V Girls Basketball TCIS Champions
Fiddler on the Roof
V Girls Volleyball TCIS Champions
V Baseball TCIS Champions
V Softball TCIS Champions
Cheaper by the Dozen
V Girls Volleyball TCIS Champions
V Softball TCIS Champions
Norfolk Christian joins the Japanese Homestay program
Forensic Team Tournament Champions
NCS Marching Band Champions
Pride and Prejudice
V Boys Soccer TCIS Champions
V Softball TCIS Champions
First MS Seder celebration
7
YEAR
LS Norfolk
Principal
OV / Beach
Principal
MS
Principal
HS
Principal
Head of
School
1992-93
Hughes
Lam
Megginson
Miller
Miller
1993-94
Hughes
Lam
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
Grades
K Upton
K Upton
K Upton
McNiff
(Alliance)
Benecke
T Upton
Miller
Lam
Benecke
T Upton
Miller
Lam
Benecke
T Upton
Miller
T Upton
Miller
Miller
Rhodes
Gainor
Facilities
Alliance Campus opened
Park Place project opened
1997-98
K Upton
McNiff (Alliance)
Rhodes
Gainor
T Upton
1998-99
K Upton
McNiff (Alliance)
Rhodes
Gainor
T Upton
1999-2000
K Upton
McNiff (Alliance)
Rhodes
2000-01
K Upton
McNiff (Kempsville)
2001-02
K Upton
Weissinger
J Duffey
Bailey
Patterson
2002-03
K Upton
Weissinger
J Duffey
Bailey
Patterson
Capital Campaign – Phase 2
Geitz Academic wing replaces
Butler Building
2003-04
K Upton
Weissinger
J Duffey
Bailey
Patterson
New diesel fuel tank installed for buses
2004-05
K Upton
Weissinger
J Duffey
Bailey
Patterson
2005-06
K Upton
Weissinger
J Duffey
2006-07
K Upton
Weissinger
2007-08
K Upton
2008-09
K Upton
Scott
Phillips
2009-10
K Upton
Scott
Phillips
J Uecker
J Duffey
2010-11
K Upton
Phillips
J Uecker
J Duffey
82011-12
K Upton
Weissinger
Scott
Scott/
Rhine
Rhine
J Duffey
J Duffey
T Upton
Bailey
White
Outlar
Outlar
Patterson
White
Mroczek
Phillips
White
Mroczek
Phillips
Pethtel
Alliance Campus moves to Kempsville
Capital Campaign – Phase 1
Middle School renovated and expanded
Smith Gym opened
Athletic field created
Mroczek
Rowland
J Uecker
LS Norfolk moves with Tab Church
to new building
Capital Campaign – Phase 3
Taylor Academic Center built
Taylor Academic Center opened
J Duffey
J Duffey
Batting Cage built
Drama
My Fair Lady
Athletics
V Boys Soccer TCIS Champions
V Girls Volleyball TCIS Champions
Events
Gene Garrick passes away
First Joint Accreditation with ACSI and SACS
The Diary of Ann Frank
Boys Volleyball added
V Boys Volleyball TCIS Champions
V Basketball TCIS Champions
AP Government Class wins “We the People” State Competition
The Ambassador Stage Company ministry team established
Cindy Megginson and Avie Carlisle begin ministry in the Ukraine
Papa was a Preacher
Swimming added
V Boys Volleyball TCIS Champions
Venezuela missions trip
Russia missions trip - Project Friendship
Narnia
Ukraine missions trip
The Boyfriend
Bio-Eco Club started
One Act Festival
V Boys Volleyball TCIS Champions
A Midsummer Night’s
Dream
V Cheering TCIS Champions
Flowers for Algernon
First Junior Auction (replacing Junior Boutique)
First Homecoming
Wrestling added
V Cheering TCIS Champions
V Cheering TCIS and FCC National Champions
First 8th Grade Graduation
First Senior Class expanded to three sections
Emma
Antigone
V Cheering TCIS and FCC National Champions
First Annual Fund Auction
The Fantasticks
Swimming TCIS and State Individual Champion
Boys Track Individual Champion
First Hoedown
You’re a Good Man, Charlie
Brown
V Boys Volleyball TCIS Champions
V Cheering TCIS and FCC National Champions
Foundations and Frameworks program started in Lower School
HONK!
Football added
Wrestling TCIS Ind. Champion
Fools
V Cheering TCIS Champions
Wrestling TCIS Champions
Into the Woods
V Cheering TCIS Champions
Boys Tennis TCIS Doubles Champions
Wrestling TCIS Ind. Champions
The Lion, The Witch and the
Wardrobe
The Crucible
Lacrosse & Indoor Track added
Championships - V Cheering TCIS and FCC National/
V Girls Basketball State/V Boys Basketball TCIS/Girls Track Ind.
The Good Doctor
V Basketball TCIS and State Champions
V Girls Basketball State Champions
Annie Get Your Gun
V Football TCIS and State Champions
V Boys Basketball TCIS and State Champions
TCIS Boys and Girls Track Ind. Champions
Hampton Roads Fine Arts Academy started by Doug Earlenbaugh
First Vietnam Missions Trip
Godspell (First student
directed production)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Championships - V Football TCIS/V Boys Basketball TCIS/
V Girls Basketball TCIS/TCIS Girls-Boys Track, Swimming &
Wrestling Ind. Champions
AFfiliation with CESA Established
First triple accreditation with VAIS-SACS-ACSI
First Nicaragua Missions Trip
9
Partnering with the
Below are some of the
faculty and staff members
who have served NCS for
five or more years, many
of whom are still at the
school. The impact of this
list is incalculable.
How have they changed
YOUR life?
Stephen Doyle
Helena Garrick
Kay Perkinson
Don Emmett
Grace Mutzabaugh
Ray Owens
Patsy Ballance-Simms
Bob Miller
Nancy Wiedmaier
Sue Crouse
Nancy McNiff
Rich Rose
Nancy Todd
Avie Carlisle
Cynthia Megginson
Carole Adams
Dave Northup
Mary Ellen Weissinger
Betty Baddorf
Debbie Carter
Jane Duffey
Pat Longenecker
Frances Owen
Sandy Fregin
Annis Jolley
Jerry Young
Anna Carter
Sherry Lam
Majorie Lambrecht
Millie Neirle
Diane Prentiss
Sue Royster
Barbara Sadler
Tom Upton
Pat Farrell
Ruth Gallacher
Tina Randell
Nancy Weidmaier
Harold Baxter
Jo Branning
Julie Doyle
Shirley Fetter
Angie Webb
Trish Weis
Janice Bradbury
Frances Cassidy
Barbara Cotton
Martha Jarvis
Gary King
Sue Stephany-DeVaughn
Earlene Willis
Bob Anderson
Lois Crawley
One of the founding principles of Norfolk Christian Schools has been that of partnering with the home - workin
with parents to help their children gain a godly perspective of all of life. Luke 6:40 states that "... the student who
fully trained will become like the teacher." (NLT) Most people can point back to a teacher who altered the course o
their life, some quite dramatically, but most in small yet significant ways. More often than not, it was as much WHO
the teacher as WHAT they taught that made the difference. Undoubtedly, one of the greatest strengths of Norfol
Christian has always been the dedicated teachers and staff who invest themselves day after day, year after year, t
pouring truth into the students, whether it be a body of knowledge or an example of character. Over the past 6
years, over 850 faculty and staff have come along side as partners with parents, helping students understand ho
every aspect of life is seen and lived out through the eyes of God.
We have chosen to highlight a select group of staff and faculty who have been with the school for 30+ years. Whil
we value every person who invests in the lives of our children, we want to take this opportunity to say thank you fo
the lifetime commitment these Worthy Servants have given to the school.
Barb Thierry
Jim Hinshaw
John Elder
Delores Snead
Liz Edler
at NCS 1963-2004
Barb Thierry started as
a third grade teacher,
but moved on to other
levels as the need
arose. She was chosen
to be the coordinating
teacher when the Beach
Campus opened in 1982
and has been a valuable mentor to many
students and faculty.
at NCS 1967-2006
Jim Hinshaw's forty years
of teaching history and
government have made
him a legend both in the
Norfolk Christian and
local communities - that
and his incredible grasp
of current events, his
love for sports and
Alabama - and for his
homemade rootbeer.
at NCS 1972-2009
Arriving the third year of
the Middle School, John
Elder spent nearly four
decades nurturing the
lives of fifth graders with
endless passion. His
inspiration is the basis
for one of the school's
primary fundraisers, The
John Elder Classic Golf
Tournament held in May.
at NCS 1969-2006
Delores Snead could be
found behind the desk
of the Lower School
library for nearly 40
years, guiding students
through a wonderland
of words. When the
Lower School moved to
new facilities, she established and expanded
the library there as well.
at NCS 1968-2000
Liz Edler built the NCS
elementary music program and developed a
unique curriculum that
has encouraged countless young musicians to
develop their skills and
has given decades of
young people a lasting appreciation for the
beauty of music.
Steve Josephsen
Millie Karriker
Marge Newbern
Ricki Newton
Tom Swanson
Jeanette Hilton
Dave Walker
Kay Weaver
Gail Woolford
Tom Ballance
Norma Laughmiller
Annette Pillsbury
Milton Uecker
Peggy Valentine
Cindy Vincelette
Billy Burk
Jean Carter
Dana Cohen
Kim Fariss
Linda Herritt
Peggy Kellogg
Bill Murr
Keith Phillips
Harv Schaffner
Bo Whittington
David Bailey
Nancy Ball
Peggy Beachum
Margaret Fox
Kedron Jenkins
Blane Josey
Barbara Lester
Rebecca Linsz
Janet McAdoo
Mary Murphy
Donna Robison
Dale Rose
Laura Rouse
Lillian Snider
Dick Solomon
Carolyn Taylor
Mary Thomas
Cathy Turner
Michael Allen
Peggy Barclay
Leyla Caralivanos
Lisa Edenfield
Cindy Edwards
Bette Emmett
Linda Fregeau
Debbie Garrick
Joyce Hatcher
Wanda King
Carole Mayou
Gilbert Moore
Phyllis Mulder
Bob Osborne
John Reffit
Sue Reffit
Nancy Rook
Doug Sandwell
Bettie Westland
Joan Wilson
Home
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O
lk
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ow
From the newsp
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Christian Scho
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.
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ill
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; Frances Blak
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or
Jackie Hoppe
Jane Gwynn ('73) Barbara Scott
Karen Upton
Betty Thompson
at NCS 1979
As one of the Pre-K and
Kindergarten teachers,
Jackie Hoppe has been
and continues to be the
first stop for many young
learners. She remains
committed to helping
the youngest of the NCS
community ease their
way into a lifetime of
classroom curiosity.
at NCS 1980
Jane Gwynn was one of
the early alumni to return
to the school on staff.
Bringing with her a love
of Library Science, she
stepped into the upper
school library program
which she headed until
2009 when she assume
leadership of the LS
Norfolk Campus library.
at NCS 1980
Karen Upton started as
a fourth grade teacher
before being tasked with
the leadership of the
Lower School program,
overseeing the continuity
between both campuses.
As principal, she has introduced many innovative
elements to enrich the
Lower School program.
at NCS 1972-2001
Betty Thompson began
as many NCS moms do,
driving buses. After
moving into the office,
she spent many years as
the Accounts Payable secretary. She devoted her
last few years working
with Lucy Lee and
Dianne Prentiss in the
Development department.
Judy Bassette
Linda Carreira
Kim Cease
Katie Green
Ed Hilton
Tom Miesse
Joan Monroe
Chap Percival
Amy Porter
Ann Quesinberry
Karen Reiss
Tami Shoaf
Doris Benson
Francis Blake
Julie Davenport
Cathy Doyle
Margaret Gillan
Ann Gregory
at NCS 1969-2004
Barbara Scott became
an NCS parent and a
part of the office staff
and in 1969. She fielded
a variety of responsibilities over the years, from
receptionist to ordering
secretary to admissions
secretary, staying a vital
part of the school even
as an alumni parent.
Jackie Lee
Dawne Nock
Adrian Rowland
Charlie Schneider
Nancy Sharpe
Larry Shoaf
Mary Williams
Shirley Allgood
Charles Baumgardner
Bob Cheek
Myra Gannett
Andrea Geyer
Carolyn Gordon
Mary Hall
Kaye Howell
Gwen Hughes
Lawrence Kidd
Lisa McFarland
Barbara Peters
Dana Posch
Cindy Rhine
Julia Rhodes
Dale Thatcher
Joel Uecker
Mary Lynn Vitasek
William Bennett
Beverly Benson
Janet Birsch
Larry Cutherell
Betty Emmett
Ron Evers
Lorraine Glazebrook
Rose Gray
Danielle Gullickson
Pinar Kidd
Geneva Kirven
Virginia Lambert
Rick Layman
Lucy Lee
Lisa Litwiller
Tammie Maniscalco
Rick Nikkel
Anita Parker
Aimee Phillips
Katie Hatcher-Russell
Jessica Pittman-Weil
Dawn Pontz
Michelle Richards
Gay Lynn Rountree
Wanda Scott
Jeff Shoaf
Lynn Stanley
Pam Thatcher
Bob Tomenendal
Paula Trotman
Larry Van Fleet
Charlotte Walker
Jana White
Brenda Andrews
Kathy Baxter
Sharon Brooks
Larry Chico
Anne Collins
Denise Daffron
Jane Ann Daughtry
Mary Ann Davidson
Laurie Davies
Brian Dewey
Peg Diehl
Joann Dorrepaal
Scott Dysart
Doug Earlenbaugh
Valerie Fransen
Rosanne Haaland
Carolyn Hawley
Doreen Hilton
Barbara Lane
Wendy Lazenby
Harvey Martin
Ross McCloud
Bill Miller
Susan Nichols
Hank Prevette
Susie Prevette
Alice Reed
Amy Richter
Linda Roberson
Rhonda Rossi
Karen Sittig
Emily Spidell
Kathy Strickland
Sandra Angell
Liza Baker
Laura Bielek
Donna Brinegar
Paige Crawford
Angie DeMik
Glendon Dillard
Cindy Evans
Lynne Frailing
Becky Freund
John Gorman
Thomas Gwaltney
Paul Gyorfi
Beverly Harrell
Evelyn Hinshaw-Erlanson
Deborah Heider
Jim Jenkins
Teri Kelley
Jean Ann Kodya
Kathy Laderer
Leigh Marshall
Maggie Mathwig
Jamie McNabb
Gloria Merkel
Kathy Miller
Frances Moore
Katie Moormann-Turek
Dirk Mroczek
Melinda O'Donnell
Rich Papworth
David Patterson
Pete Schwalm
Rhonda Singer
Margo Trout
I have a confession to make: over the
Running the
Race Well
NCS Still going
strong after
Sixty Years
summer, I was a TV junkie! Countless
hours were spent sitting on my couch
being inspired by the athletes competing in the Olympic Games. The actual
athletic events were exciting and entertaining, but the stories of the athletes’
lives before the Olympic Games are
what enthralled me. From our hometown heroine, Gabby Douglas and
her early struggles to Oscar Pistorius
sprinting on two prosthetic legs; these
athletes have met challenges head
on and have achieved their goals.
Although the events at a Christian
school may not be as glamorous
as Olympic Gold Medals, they are
no less important in God’s eyes.
At Norfolk Christian we are always
running our own version of a triathlon.
Our mission statement is very clear
about our 3 main goals: “to equip
students spiritually, intellectually and
physically to love God and serve
Him as Christ’s ambassadors in the
world”. Over the years, NCS has
worked to meet these goals, and in
recent years we have had some great
successes.
Our first and most important goal
is focused on the spiritual growth of
our students. This is a difficult item to
quantify, but we feel that many of our
students are demonstrating spiritual
maturity beyond their years. A great
example of this is the amazing willingness and desire to step out of their
comfortable world and go on mission
trips. This summer we had almost a
third of our high schoolers embark
on mission trips to Nicaragua and
Vietnam. The partnership between
family and school has successfully
developed ambassadors for Christ
who are boldly sharing their love of
God with others in their own communities and around the world.
Dr. Britt Visser ('84)
NCS Board Chairman
12
Our second goal is that of being
a school. We endeavor to provide
an exceptional learning environment
that allows diverse choices, taught by
Christian educators from a God centered viewpoint. This has always been
the case at NCS, however, we continue
to raise our expectations in this area.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses
have been available for years and will
be a staple of our curriculum for many
more to come. A new opportunity
for this year is the addition of a dual
enrollment English class. This class
allows students to take a college level
course at NCS and receive college
credits for completion of the class.
Another exciting development for this
year is the implementation of “one
to one” technology beginning in our
ninth grade class. We will utilize iPads
in the classroom to begin replacing
outdated textbooks with modern technology and at the same time preparing our students for the digital world in
which they will work.
The final “event” in our triathlon is
the physical aspect of our students’
training. We strive for our students
to find activities outside of the normal
classroom that keep them “healthy”.
Whether it is in the Fine Arts or in
the athletic arena, our purpose is to
allow each student opportunities to
find what fits them best. A couple
of years ago we took the Performing
Arts out of zero bell and incorporated
them into the regular day schedule to
encourage greater participation. We
have also had unparalleled success
in the athletic department with more
state and conference titles in the last
five years than in the previous 55
years at NCS.
Like any good athlete knows, it is
important to remember past successes, but greatness only comes by setting goals for the future and working
hard to achieve them. We have done
just that with the “Honor the Past,
Secure the Future” campaign. The top
priorities in this campaign are: debt
retirement, funding an endowment
and facilities upgrades. Our goals are
set and now we must begin the work
required to make it to the next level.
NCS has recently finished rebuilding
our Norfolk campuses, and we are
blessed with some of the nicest school
facilities in Tidewater. We are now
enjoying the use of these facilities,
but feel strongly that the remaining
debt be taken care of in order to help
secure our financial stability. NCS
was founded 60 years ago and we
intend to be around for many more
generations of Ambassadors to come.
Anyone that has been around NCS
knows that our greatest treasure is
our staff. For our kids, they are living
examples of Christ’s love for us. Our
staff chooses to work at NCS because
they love the Lord and feel that NCS
is their mission field. Because we try
to keep tuition as affordable as possible, our staff is not compensated
appropriately for their efforts. Our
second priority in the campaign is to
develop and fund an endowment to
boost staff compensation and tuition
aid. This is of vital importance so
that we can attract and maintain an
outstanding staff.
Another aspect of the “Honor the
Past, Secure the Future” campaign is
to continue to improve our facilities.
If the recent past is any indicator of
what God has in store for us, the
future will be very bright. The most
pressing needs for our school facilities
are on-site athletic fields and Fine
Arts space. This will require several things to happen in the adjacent
neighborhood so we can acquire the
necessary land for these projects.
Our hope is to be prepared when
God opens those doors.
Our humble beginnings, recent successes and our future at NCS are all
part of God’s plan. With all that has
happened over the last 60 years, we
are sure that He has great things in
store for NCS in the years to come.
As we continue to run our triathlon of
equipping kids spiritually, intellectually and physically, we hope that you
will be a part of “Honoring the Past,
Securing the Future” of Christian education in Tidewater.
NCS BOARD
Past & Present
NCS BOARD 2012-2013
Melissa Cockerill (SEC),
Dee Gavin-Scott, Cindy Caravas
Front Row:
Jeff Ludvik (VP),
Greg Chaplain, John Burton, Frank Batten
Middle Row:
Dr. Barry C. Brown, J.D. Wiedmaier,
Dr. Britt Visser (PRES),
Mike Teagle
Back Row:
NCS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1962-1963
Clyde Odem
TREASURER
Jim Ferguson
Home-School Chair
Harry Brown
Public Rel Chair
Paul Bradley
Secretary
Harry Blair
Admissions Chair
Gene Garrick
Vice President
John Dunlap
President
13
Honoring the
I have always wondered what Noah
felt like, standing with hammer in
hand next to a pile of gopher wood
perusing his latest memo from God.
Goal: Save the world from complete
annihilation. Resources: Hammer and
Gopher Wood. Or perhaps Moses
looking out over the swollen Red
Sea with the sound of Pharoah’s
army pounding in his ears behind
him: Goal: Save the Hebrew nation
from generations of further slavery.
Resources: Wooden staff. Or perhaps my favorite - the disciples with
baskets in hand surveying a swarming
hillside of hungry people. Goal: Feed
5000+ famished followers Resources:
5 loaves and 2 fish.
Then I see one lone pastor standing
at the corner of Granby and Thole
in the early 1950’s with a burden
and a growing conviction concerning
the education of the children in his
congregation and of the larger
community.
14
Goal: Save the minds and hearts
of future generations.
Resources: A small congregation of
committed people and an equation
“Faith + Vision + Sacrifice = Miracle”.
I believe that John Dunlap knew
what Noah and Moses felt like. My
experience has probably been more
like the disciples. As Director of
Advancement, I have been tasked
with making sure the resources
are available for the faculty and
staff of Norfolk Christian to feed
the minds and hearts of the students who are sent to us. I have
never yet ceased to be amazed at
how a seemingly limited quantity of
“loaves and fishes” miraculously
extends to meet the needs and
keep the school moving in the right
direction. Fortunately for Norfolk
Christian Schools, as was true for
our biblical predecessors, the ultimate resource is God. He takes
what we have and does
what we cannot.
The Worthy Servants Fund has been
key in securing funds to honor the labors
of our dedicated faculty and staff.
The Capital Campaign has resulted in
an almost complete update of facilities at
the upper school, and the lower school
Norfolk campus has new housing with
Tabernacle Church.
Organizations such as The Dunlap
Garrick Christian Community Foundation and The Barnabas Foundation
have come along side the school to
assist donors in estate planning and help
channel donations to needy areas such
as tuition aid.
Through the Head, Heart and Hands
tours, we see God drawing individuals to
the school by showing them just a glimpse
of the daily miracles happening here.
I believe that we honor Pastor Dunlap's
original vision by doing what we can to
ensure it continues on. Standing on the
principles of the past, we look forward to the possibilities of the future, and
indeed, the same God that was faithful in 1952 continues to turn our
meager loaves and fishes into a
feast for our children in 2012.
Past by Securing the Future
Capital Campaign
Update
Throughout the school's history, there have been
multiple capital campaigns to help provide an
excellent learning environment for NCS students. Over the years, a total of $26,200,000
has been graciously provided by alumni, friends
and others who understand the value of a
Christian Education.
The current “Honor the Past . . . Secure the
Future” capital campaign is committed to raising
$9,075,000. So far $1,322,000 in pledges
have been received. An additional challenge
gift has been provided that will match, dollar
for dollar, the first $4 million of gifts and pledge
payment received towards the campaign.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GOALS
Upper School Campus
at the conclusion
of Phase 3
$5.0 M
Retire school debt
$1.2 M
Build endowment for teacher
salaries and tuition aid
$1.1 M
Improve athletic fields
$1.0 M
Improve Fine Arts facilities
$775,000 Fund for Excellence
Rick Nikkel
NCS Director of
Advancement
15
Ambassadors to the World
by Jane Duffey, NCS Head of School
F
rom the earliest days, Norfolk
Christian has had a strong focus on
the Great Commission. Many NCS
teachers came from or returned to the
mission field. Children of missionaries
were often enrolled in the school for the
season that their parents were on sabbatical. Missions Week in the school
coincided with the Missions Conference
at Tabernacle Church so that the school
could enlist missionaries to speak at
chapels. They shared inspirational
messages that impacted young lives to
later live out their own dreams. Later
as the school grew, the world started to
come to Norfolk Christian in the form of
international students.
In the 90s the high school embarked
upon school-sponsored mission trips first to Venezuela and later for a series
of trips to Ukraine where former middle school principal and teacher Cindy
Megginson and Avie Carlisle worked.
Today we continue to see an
Ambassador as a product and function
of the Great Commission. However,
the world to which they now go has
changed and how they perceive the
world has definitely changed. Global
travel is not novel to the youth of today.
They are much more comfortable with
and accepting of people of other cultures
and ethnicities.
Examples of this new perspective include
the fact that at least a quarter of our high
school is involved in school-sponsored
mission trips. In June we sent the largest
group in five years to Nicaragua – 49
students. The next week, the Vietnam
team traveled to the Far East. Their
experiences are life-changing. We have
had an increasing number of students
who have participated in semesters or
years in international settings.
16
Rebekah Cherry (‘09) is an example
of today’s ambassador. After taking
Chinese classes at Norfolk Christian,
Rebekah decided to participate in
School Year Abroad in Beijing where
she lived with a Chinese host family
and attended Beijing Normal University
High School. She returned in May to
graduate with her NCS class.
Rebekah will graduate this school year
from Virginia Tech where she has taken
all the Chinese language courses available and spent a summer in Beijing
attending a Chinese language program.
Last semester she was a student at
Tsinghua University, the “MIT of China.”
She has a passion for China and its
people and wants to work there after
receiving her diploma in mechanical
engineering.
About 10 years ago, I took the
Perspectives on the World Christian
Movement course. Several NCS graduates were attending the course at that
time. I know of two couples who now are
serving with mission organizations overseas. This class changed my perspective
on the Great Commission and how the
Lord is leading His Ambassadors today:
“From everywhere to everywhere.”
God’s servants are coming from all
countries to go to wherever He leads
and in whatever capacity. I am grateful for
the internationals who come to visit us
and bring us a fresh word from Africa.
Our students receive far more than they
give in Nicaragua. They experience the
Holy Spirit moving in powerful ways
in the midst of poverty and human
despair. And they are open to taking
advantage of opportunities and see the
world as very small. From my perspective, it is very exciting to see how God is
working through our students.
In the next issue, we will report on two
exciting missions trips to Nicaragua
and Vietnam.
Class of 1992
2012
The Class of 1992 had their 20 year reunion this summer. The festivities included reconnecting with classmates
at Bryan Rex’s house, a tour of the new and improved High School followed by a picnic lunch on the soccer field,
and dinner at Steinhilber’s in Virginia Beach. Below was their beginning as a class in 1980. The Beach Campus
members joined the class in 1982.
1980
Check for more alumni updates on Facebook and add your own updates.
17
Blessing of Technology Gift Reaches Foreign Lands
When
alum John Hinshaw (’88) and his wife Julia
initiated a gift of computers and software to Norfolk
Christian, little did they know how God would multiply
their gift. Left in the wake of the school's technology
update were a host of computers so obsolete they had
no use . . . at least in our school. Norfolk Christian IT
Director Rick Layman began making connections with
local churches and missions and found that our potential
trash was someone else’s treasure. As a result, many of
the old laptops have already traveled to foreign countries
where they are blessing other children.
10 laptops to a school in northern India through a
ministry of New Life Providence Church.
10 laptops traveled with the team of 50 Norfolk Christian
students and leaders on their June mission to Nicaragua.
These laptops will benefit students at a Christian School
this team partners with in the dump of Managua.
18
9 laptops to children in Haiti through the New Hope
Haiti Mission. See the accompanying letter and pictures.
The Hinshaws are supporting the upgrade of Norfolk
Christian’s computers and software, having established
the Hinshaw Technology Fund and matching all contributions to the fund, one-for-one and up to $25,000, in
order to reach the goal of $50,000. This gift will provide
250 upgraded computers with software to the teachers
and students of all three campuses. Many of these have
already been received and installed. As of June the fund
has received $3,590 in gifts which have been matched.
Gifts to the Hinshaw Technology Fund should
be made payable to Norfolk Christian Schools
and designated towards this fund. Gifts can be
mailed to 255 Thole Street, Norfolk, VA 23505.
Make a gift online using a credit card at
www.norfolkchristian.org .
T
he Sermon on the Mount is acclaimed as the most famous
message to the world in history. In one part Jesus talks
about “treasures on earth.” This is his first reference to
wealth or money, but certainly not his last. He mentions
material possessions many times in the Gospels, more than
about hell itself. It seems rather important, doesn’t it,
coming from the heart and mind of God’s son?
In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus tells us not to “store up treasures
on earth” because the result usually ends in ways unacceptable to his followers. Most of us don’t cherish the thought
that our wealth or estate would be exposed to “moths, rust
and thieves.” However, sadly as it seems, many Christians
have experienced the effect of these intruders due to unwise
planning, bad assumptions or simply a failure to trust God
in what He has entrusted to us. Sometimes it occurs without
warning; unforeseen economic turmoil, accidents, market
downturns or simply inflation. Jesus is simply telling us
that only investments in Heaven or God’s Kingdom will not
be touched by these forces or “moths, rust or thieves.” The
blessings received both on earth and throughout Eternity will
be multiplied many more times in the “Bank of Heaven.”
Who can offer a better deal or multiplier than this?
Jesus connects the intent of our personal estate management
with the heart. Our heart defines where our treasure resides.
It says everything about the depth of our relationship with Jesus
Christ. It begs the question - Where is our heart?
Norfolk Christian Schools trusts that many families in our
community, past and present, will include the school in
their estate plan. Our sustainability lies in the hope that
those who have benefitted from the outreach of NCS would
thankfully remember the school as a “treasure in Heaven.”
Moths, RUST
Thieves
One key factor in providing for the future is to make sure
your wishes will be honored. To make sure your estate is
in good order, ask yourself the following types of questions:
Do you have a trust or will? Does your current plan accurately reflect your spiritual, financial and family values?
Have you reviewed your plan within the last two years?
Are all your assets, including real estate, life insurance and
retirement accounts incorporated into your estate plan? Is
the person you have named as executor or trustee still the
best choice at this time? Have you signed documents to
establish Financial Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of
Attorney and Living Will?
If you answered no or unsure to any of these statements, it
may be time to update your estate plan. Through our membership with the Barnabas Foundation, any one interested
may receive free and confidential guidance on wills and
estate plans.
To schedule a confidential consultation, contact Rick
Nikkel, Director of Advancement at the contact information provided below.
NCS Tuition Aid benefits from NAP State Credits
A reminder that 65% state tax credits are available for donations to Norfolk Christian Schools through the Dunlap Garrick
Christian Community Foundation. This is a wonderful way to benefit other Norfolk Christian families who are struggling to
provide a quality Christian Education for their children.
For information on either of these opportunities, please contact the Advancement Office at
757-233-8448 or ricknikkel@norfolkchristian.org.
19
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PAID
Norfolk, VA
Permit No. 149
255 Thole Street
Norfolk, VA 23505
NORFOLK CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS . 255 Thole St., Norfolk, VA 23505 . 757-423-5770 . www.norfolkchristian.org
PARENTS: Please call (757) 423-5770 or e-mail jbirsch@norfolkchristian.org for PERMANENT ADDRESS CHANGES
Coming Events
Head, Heart and Hands Tours
Tuesday
October 2, 2012
Dear Parents,
Convocation
Smith Gym
Tuesday
October 19-20, 2012
Homecoming
Friday
Football Game 7:00pm
Saturday Dance
FRIday
November 18, 2012
Upper School Open House
I personally invite each of you to an essential
activity for every Norfolk Christian parent; a onehour Head, Hands & Heart Tour. Come for an
inside perspective of how our mission guides the
teaching, coaching and mentoring of your children, our students. During these tours you will
step into active classroom settings, meet students
and staff, and gain perspective on the unique
value of Christ-centered education. Come see
what Norfolk Christian is doing in the world.
Dr. Jane Duffey, Head of School
Upper School Campus
TOUR DATES*
Friday Oct 5
Tuesday Oct 16
Wednesday Nov 7
Chaplain Residence, Norfolk
7:00 PM
Tuesday Nov 20
Friday Dec 7
Beach Campus
*All tours are from 8:45-9:45 at
the Upper School unless otherwise
indicated. A complete schedule is
posted on the school's website.
RSVP at 423-5770
MONday
May 20, 2013
John Elder Golf Classic
Bide-A-Wee Golf Course, Portsmouth
This year, the John Elder Golf Classic is scheduled a few weeks later than usual on
Monday, May 20, 2013. This later date will allow returning college alumni and NCS
seniors to participate for the first time. To encourage their participation, we are offering a reduced Grad + 5 registration fee for NCS alumni from 2008-2012 as well as
members of the Class of 2013 who would like to join in this year.
John Elder Golf Classic
o register or secure sponsorship contact Matthew Tiffany ’87, Tournament
T
Chairman at 757-497-1449 or matthew@wwtiffany.com.