Viking - Lakeland Christian School

Viking
Lakeland Christian School
The
June 2009
Creation Care
a Priority at LCS
PAGES 4-10

Constants in a world of change
By Mike Sligh, Headmaster
“The only
thing
constant is
change.”
The last few years at LCS have been characterized by
change. New technology, new buildings, new stadium,
football, F & F, new staff, new students and new families
have all contributed to this sense of a school “on the
move.” The LCS experience has a new sense of breadth
and depth growing out of all of this change.
In the culture at large, we are confronted with an
incredible level of change. Changes in technology, shifting
economic realities, new careers, shifting economic and
political loci of power, and the list goes on and on. Of
mounting concern to us all is the obvious shift in the
moral norms moving through our society. The sanctity of
human life has been cheapened to the level of economic
pragmatism; the traditional Protestant work ethic has been
polluted with graft and corruption; the rise of increasingly
bizarre crimes fills our news media. More alarming than
the changes themselves is the pace of
change. The speed of change in our culture
is perhaps unprecedented in human history.
In the midst of all of this change, there
are some commitments that, by God’s grace
and the vigilance of His people, will never
change at LCS. Here are a few of them.
➊ Commitment to the authority of
Scripture. The Bible remains our “only rule
of faith and practice.” It is God’s Word and
is recognized as inerrant in the original
languages. It is the Word of God (2 Timothy
3:16; 2 Peter 1: 16-21; Hebrews 4:12).
➋ A biblical understanding of Truth. All truth is
God’s truth. We must rely on God’s truth to enable us to
define reality, morality, justice and mercy (John 14:6; John
17:17; Micah 6:8; Exodus 20: 1-17). We need God’s truth
to redeem our fallen thinking (2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans
12:2) and to ward off the deceitfulness of our own hearts
(Jeremiah 17:9).
We understand that truth is, by its very nature,
exclusive. Contrary to much of the post-modern thinking
of our day, we understand the law of non-contradiction.
That is, if one premise is true, its opposite cannot also
be true. Therefore, if Jesus is really the only way to God
(John 14:6) other religions are, by definition, false. If God’s
design for marriage is a life-long commitment between
a man and a woman, other models are not equally
acceptable. Our students must be equipped to present
and defend this
biblical view of truth
with conviction,
gentleness and respect
(I Peter 3:15).
➌ Commitment to
personal relationships.
Teaching is ultimately
relational. The
Christian life is to be
lived in community
(Psalm 133:1; Ephesians
4:25; I Corinthians
12:12). If the sum of
education was limited
to information transfer,
the Internet would
meet that need. The real power of education comes from the
interpersonal relationships that are fostered in the process.
Without relational connectivity, the whole process suffers.
➍ Commitment to excellence. We want to do all we do
to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31) and the good of our
students. A student should not have to settle for second-rate
academics or co-curricular programs in order to get a Christian
education. The relentless pursuit of excellence in all aspects of
the school must remain a priority.
➎ Commitment to attract and retain high-quality faculty.
The hallmark of the school is our teachers. In every formal and
informal poll of students and parents, the teachers are always
identified as the strength of the school. May it always be true!
➏ Commitment to a biblical worldview in every aspect
of school life. Viewing every area of knowledge with a biblical
perspective is essential to living all of life to the glory of God.
The implementation of this orientation into all academic
study and all relationships is at the core of a school that is
authentically Christian.
As you enter the beautiful Elementary/Middle School
b uilding you will notice the school motto, “Education in
the Light of God’s Word” written in stone in the entry floor.
This inscription was the idea of LCS board chairman, Kevin
Knowlton. It reflects the commitment of the board of directors
and the school leadership to always “keep the main thing the
main thing.” As SMART boards replace chalkboards and other
innovations abound, may the priorities of LCS always reflect the
commitments that characterize a truly Christian school.

Author John C. Maxwell Urges
Pursuit Of Dreams
Executive Leadership Retreat Benefits Discovery Program
What are your dreams? Are they really your dreams?
Do you have a strategy to reach them? And do your dreams
benefit others? Key questions, all of them, with regard to
achieving an ultimate dream. But there’s a huge difference
between being just a dreamer and seeing your dream
become reality.
New York Times best-selling author John C. Maxwell
spent a half-day recently instructing more than 80 business
and community executives on how to crystallize a vision
by answering ten powerful questions which will transform
dreams from the hypothetical to certainty.
The 2009 Executive Leadership Retreat with John C.
Maxwell was held on April 30 at a local ranch south of
Lakeland. This was the second consecutive year Maxwell
conducted a local leadership roundtable for the benefit of
Lakeland Christian School. The speaker has a niece and
nephews who are students at LCS.
The morning leadership summit featured Maxwell,
who taught from his recently published book, Put Your
Dream To The Test. The roundtable-style presentation gave
attendees an opportunity to get “up close and personal”
with the leadership expert. An extensive Question & Answer
session addressed specific issues raised by the audience.
Dr. Mike Sligh
and his wife,
Mary, enjoyed
their time at
the retreat with
John Maxwell.
Following the morning presentation and a tasty brunch, the
men headed out for an afternoon of sporting clays and off-road
motorsports. The ladies in attendance were treated to an afternoon
presentation by author Miriam Huffman Rockness, who spoke
about the life and legacy of missionary Lilias Trotter. The retreat
concluded with a late-afternoon feast for all in attendance.
Although participants came away with tremendous
inspiration, the real beneficiaries were some very special students
at Lakeland Christian. In fact, the entire day was carefully
planned and carried out for the benefit of students with autism
who are part of the LCS Discovery Program. Proceeds and
sponsorships are applied directly to the autism program. Almost
$90,000 was raised through this year’s event.
Maxwell’s presence was a tremendous blessing to the school
and to all participants. The internationally recognized leadership
expert, speaker and author has sold over 16 million books.
His organizations have trained more than two million leaders
worldwide. Every year he speaks to Fortune 500 companies,
international
government leaders
and audiences around
the world. Maxwell was
named the World’s Top
Leadership Guru by
Leadershipgurus.net.
He was also one of only
25 authors and artists
named to Amazon.com’s
10th Anniversary Hall
of Fame.
Attendees Bob Cleghorn, Steve Moseley, Jeff Miles, Greg
Masters and John Curls, Jr. enjoyed a number of outdoor
activities at the ranch, including skeet shooting.
in this issue
2-3
LCS Professional Development
4-10
Creation Care
11-12
Gifts to LCS
11
Junior/Senior Banquet
1
14-17
Sports Teams Wrap Up Year

LCS Faculty Active in Professional Development
It has been said that when you cease to learn, you forfeit your right to teach.
Professional educators must be committed to being lifetime learners. The following
list represents some of the professional development activities of faculty members
throughout the year.
Tricia Shaw completed her master’s degree in Special Education from Grand
Canyon University; Brenda Lashman received her Master of Education degree in
curriculum design and collaborative teaching from Florida Southern College. Donna
Davis, Bill Riley and Becky Klassen are involved in master’s degree programs at the
University of South Florida. Todd Radford and Luci O’Byrne are pursuing master’s
degrees through Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA.
Nancy Bradley, Pam Szydlowski, Jennifer Canady, Teresa Mullinax, Jane
Kriegbaum, Fred Wiechmann, Kay Henry, Mike Sligh, Alesia Stubblefield and Luci
O’Byrne attended various presentations sponsored by the Roberts Center for Literacy
and Learning at Florida Southern College. Dr. Sligh serves on the advisory council for
the Roberts Academy at Florida Southern.
High School Bible teachers Geoff Stabler, Stan McMahan and Alexis Livesay
attended the Ligonier National Conference in Orlando. The theme this year was “The
Holiness of God.”
Participants in this year’s League of Environmental Educators (LEEF) conference
in Altamonte Springs included Fred Wiechmann (program chair), Jane Kriegbaum,
Cathy Powers and Hugh Patterson (presenter). At the conference, Jane Kriegbaum
was invited to attend a two-day training in Project Learning Tree’s “Green Schools
Program.” LCS is a Florida PLT School and Jane is our school PLT coordinator. A grade
level project will be initiated next year in third grade. Teresa Mullinax participated in
the Project WILD weekend. Fred Wiechmann attended the First Reform Conference in
Boise, ID. The conference focused on human justice and environmental stewardship. Mr.
Wiechmann also participated in the Nature Explore Classrooms conference in Orlando.
Gaye Lene Hasha participated in the Carol Jago workshop for English teachers.
Pam Szydlowski attended the National Alliance on Mental Illness conference at USF
in Tampa. Cathy Powers participated with Luci O’Byrne, Kay Henry and Patches
Radford in the meetings of the Polk County Reading Council. Mrs. Powers also
attended the Pearson Assessment Seminar in Tampa.
Teresa Mullinax, Fred Wiechmann and Mike Sligh presented workshops at the
Florida ACSI Convention. Dr. Sligh also participates on the faculty of the International
Institute for Christian Education at Columbia International University in Columbia, SC.
Shelley Harris attended the Florida Art Educators Conference in October. Jill Jones
and Lisa Prescott both attended Advance Placement workshop through the College
Board program in preparation to teach AP Biology and AP Music Theory. Kathy
Johnson presented “Beginning Flute and Beyond” at the summer Florida Bandmasters
Convention. She also earned her certification as an FBA solo and ensemble adjudicator.
Florida Music Educators Association attendees included Kathy Johnson, Nancy Snyder,
Lorraine Latham, Wendy Carl, Jill Jones and Chuck Fulton. Sheron White attended
2

the Florida State Music Teachers Association Conference as
well as master classes in vocal performance and piano. Wendy
Carl and Jill Jones attended the Florida Vocal Association
Convention in August. Mrs. Carl also attended the Choral
Panorama Clinic. Mrs. Jones participated in the Brooklyn
Tabernacle Choir Conference in Brooklyn, NY.
Steve Wilson, Director of Advancement, completed
the course of study on Annual Fundraising at the Christian
Leadership Alliance-Stewardship Leadership Institute in
Louisville, KY. He also presented a seminar on Major
Donor Development. Mr. Wilson also completed workshop
training in “Stewardship Trends,” “Critical Strategies for
Building Referrals,” and “Major Donors: Lessons and
Trends from the Front Lines.” He also completed two years
of coursework and field experience to become a Certified
Stewardship Professional.
John Douglass attended the annual conference of the
Florida Institute of School Business Officers in May.
Wilson Earns Professional Certification
LCS Director of Advancement Steve Wilson has completed the coursework and field experience
required to become a Certified Stewardship Professional. He completed the comprehensive process and
received his CSP certification earlier this year.
The CSP program, managed through the Christian Leadership Alliance, is designed to promote
professional standards, enhance individual performance and identify professionals who demonstrate
the knowledge essential to the practice of Christian stewardship. Wilson became certified following extensive coursework and
experience in Capital Campaigns, Foundations/Grant Writing, Major Donor/Donor Relations, Annual Fund, Planned Giving
and Communication/Marketing.
The CSP designation signifies he is a committed, experienced practitioner who has achieved an advanced level of
knowledge and expertise in development activities. Not only does it demonstrate a commitment to professional standards and
increased professional credibility, it reflects his commitment to biblical stewardship practices.
Wilson has served as Director of Advancement since 2002. He oversees all school development activities, including the
current $23 Million capital expansion campaign. He also provides oversight to the school’s marketing, communications and
community relations functions. His wife, Susie, is a former LCS faculty member, and they are the parents of three LCS alumni.
3

By Fred Wiechmann
Self-professed secular humanist
E. O. Wilson, in his book The Creation (2006), makes an appeal
to the Christian community to take a fresh look at the stewardship
of the earth. The two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and
Harvard professor uses a clever tool of beginning each chapter
with “Dear Pastor” as his opening words. Wilson writes in this
manner to make an appeal to Christians to care for creation.
He cites many of the wonders of creation throughout the
book, and he seems amazed at the indifference of Christian
leaders and church members who profess a love of the Creator
but seem to care little for His creation.
Could Christians have lost their way on this issue? In this
article, I assert the possibility that we have and that we should
be leading the way as God’s stewards of the earth.
Have you ever observed a child looking at a butterfly or looking
for shapes in cloud formations, or have you seen the looks
on the faces of children as they roll down a grassy hillside,
or, heaven forbid, as they climb a tree? In my role as elementary
principal, I look for or create this type of opportunity for
children daily. What I am talking about here is a child’s sense
of wonder.
Wonder? It may seem that I am oversimplifying, but I believe
that caring for God’s creation may begin with childlike awe
of what God has made. Creation itself provides evidence of a
creator (Romans 1:20). This 59-year-old has not lost a sense
of wonder, possibly because I am still a 9-year-old at heart!
4

Several years ago, my mother sent me a treasure she
found buried in one of her many overstuffed drawers in
my childhood home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The
treasure was a postcard from me when I was at summer
camp. It read, “Dear Mom and Dad, I mite get a
reaworld for natcher. And we are going on an overnite
hike today. And how is Karl and Eddie? Love, Fred.” The
year was 1958; I was 9 and in fourth grade (and I did
get the nature award).
In many ways, I continue to be the curious 9-year-old
full of wonder. I use words such as “wow!” “whoa!”
and “yikes!” when I see something up close with binoculars,
through a field microscope, or with the help of
a hand lens. Do we typically lose this sense of wonder
somewhere on the path to adulthood? Did you?
to myriad websites through which children may see
interactive videos of nature from all over the world on
their computer screens. There is not anything inherently
wrong with this ability, but the message is that
nature is somewhere else in a faraway wilderness—not
outside the door of their homes or classrooms.
Natural history is all but removed from most traditional
science programs. Students in secondary school
can break down the components of DNA. But those
students cannot identify the tree in their backyard,
and they do not know that trees provide thousands
of products; serve as natural air conditioners, carbon
catchers, and erosion and flood controllers; and are
flat-out just nice to look at! You may ask, “But I am just
an early childhood educator—what can I do?”
In 2005, a coworker
of mine
was drawn to a
book at an airport
bookstore because
of its title—Last
Child in The Woods:
Saving Our Children
from Nature-Deficit
Disorder by Richard
Louv (2005). She
bought it for me and
said when she gave it to me,
“This sounds like you!” When
I read the opening sentence on
the inside jacket, I knew that
Louv and I were kindred spirits
on the subject of children and
nature. The quotation left me a little sad: “Never before
in history have children been so plugged-in—and so
out of touch with the natural world” (2005). Louv’s
book explores research that links obesity, attention
disorders, and depression to children’s disconnect with
the natural world (Voiland 2008). Think about these
findings in light of your own upbringing and experiences
in nature. Where are children headed today?
The present generation of children is more plugged-in
than ever. The natural world is a click of a mouse away
Jesus charged us to go into the world
and make disciples of all nations.
This is forward thinking in winning
souls. He says go!
The biblical mandate for creation
care in Genesis uses forwardthinking
language as well: “Be
fruitful and multiply, and fill
the earth and subdue it; and
have dominion over the fish of
the sea and over the birds of
the air and over every living
thing that moves upon the
earth” (Genesis 1:28, NRSV).
In Genesis 2, God gives Adam
the command to “till it” (work)
and “keep it” (care) for the Garden
of Eden (v. 15). I challenge you to read your Bible
with that thought in mind; countless “creation care”
verses will begin to pop out of God’s Word.
I propose forward thinking in winning children as
earth stewards by saying, “Go outside!” Again, this
suggestion may sound like another oversimplification,
but it points to where nature is—just outside your
door. And that is where wonder is too, where learning
begins.
Continued on page 6

Continued from page 5
So you say, “Where do I start? It seems so overwhelming
to me!” At Lakeland Christian School (LCS), we
have used many venues to expose children to the natural
world. It all started 10 years ago when I brought
nature to our students and teachers through an event
that woke up all of us. I carefully glued a monarch
butterfly chrysalis in a McDonald’s sundae cup. The
chrysalis was timed to emerge the last week of school.
I gave one to each of our 475 students in the elementary
school. Pulling off this event is a story of its own,
and what resulted was an annual event at LCS called
Creation Care Week.
What you begin with does not need to be this elaborate—trust
me! It can be a simple event such as taking
children on a “listening walk,” stopping at various
locations to hear sounds of nature and humans. Or
you could take children on a “tree walk,” stopping to
see and touch the trees and using the experience to see
differences in shapes, leaves, and texture of the bark,
and to experience shade—natural air conditioning. If
you have to walk from your classroom to recess, PE, or
lunch and have to leave the building,
you could use that time creatively
to observe nature.
There may be other times
and ways to bring nature to
your students. Using a hand lens to observe objects
such as leaf litter, gravel, or feathers will thrill your
students. The hand magnifiers made for preschool children
today are must-have tools. I guarantee that these
simple activities will bring out the “wows”!
In these settings, the experience is the hook to draw
students in to what you want them to learn. The content
can follow, and if the questions are beyond what
you know, well, then say what I say, “I don’t know but
will find out.” (I say this a lot.) Please do not let your
lack of science background stymie you! When children
are young, a positive experience with nature develops a
desire to know more about it as they get older. You and
children’s parents are key players in this possibility.
The following are some suggestions as starting points:
• Subscribe to the following publications for children. They will help you create age-appropriate
activities and subject matter that will help you have confidence.
Nature Friend, a Christian publication, www.dogwoodridgeoutdoors.com
Wild Animal Baby for ages 0–4, www.nwf.org, National Wildlife Federation
Your Big Backyard for ages 3–7, www.nwf.org, National Wildlife Federation
Ranger Rick for ages 7 and up, www.nwf.org, National Wildlife Federation
• Attend teacher workshops for environmental education programs developed for teachers.
Project Learning Tree (www.plt.org), which focuses on forestry; Project WILD (www.
projectwild.org), which addresses wildlife; and Project WET (www.projectwet.org), which
stands for Water Education for Teachers, are programs for educators. The training in these
subjects provide information to help you think globally but apply locally. The supplemental
activities in the organizations’ guides are adaptable for K–12 education. Project Learning Tree
and Project WILD are developing early childhood guides. Through training in these programs,
I became aware of a wealth of resources and contacts in my county and state.
• Create a school-yard habitat. Adopt or plant a tree on campus or create a small butterfly garden
mixed with host and nectar plants.
• Go “fishing” in your parent base for a parent who is a naturalist. That parent can be a helpful
partner in helping you champion creation care at your school.
• Start small with a simple creation-care event. You could begin with a centers day that focuses
on one topic.
6

I will leave you with a challenge from St. Augustine
(354–430) to jump-start you to action: “Some people,
in order to discover God, read books. But there is a
great book: the very appearance of created things.
Look above you! Look below you! Read it. God, whom
you want to discover, never wrote that book with ink.
Instead, He set before your eyes things that He had
made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?” It is
time to step outside into the book of nature.
Fred Wiechmann, MA, has been the
elementary principal at Lakeland Christian
School in Lakeland, Florida, for 15 years.
He has been married to one of his greatest
awards, Barb, for 37 years. His other
great awards are his three children and
three grandchildren. He has also earned
numerous awards for his commitment to
creation care: National Project Learning
Tree Outstanding Educator (2004), Florida
Educator of the Year (2002), Project WILD
Teacher of the Year (2002), and the Water
Stewardship Award (2002). In 2007/2008,
he served as the president of the League
of Environmental Educators in Florida.
References and Resources
Brenders, Carl. 2000. Song of creation.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
Chapman, Nathan. 2002. With God on
the hiking trail. Eugene, OR: Harvest
House Publishers.
DeWitt, Calvin B. 1994. Earth-wise: A
biblical response to environmental
issues. Grand Rapids, MI: CRC
Publications.
Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches
of Christ in the U.S.A. 1989. The green Bible. San Francisco, CA:
HarperOne.
Granberg-Michaelson, Welsey, ed. 1987. Tending the garden: Essays
on the gospel and the earth. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B. Eerdmans
Publishing.
Hoezee, Scott. Remember creation: God’s world of wonder and delight.
1998. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing.
Kirk, Janice E., and Donald R. Kirk. 1993. Cherish the earth: The environment
and Scripture. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press.
LeQuire, Stan L., ed. 1996. The best preaching on earth: Sermons on caring
for creation. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press.
Louv, Richard. 2005. Last child in the woods: Saving our children
from nature-deficit disorder. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books of
Chapel Hill.
Robinson, Tri. 2006. Saving God’s green earth. With Jason Chatraw.
Norcross, GA: Ampelon Publishing.
Voiland, Adam. 2008. Why kids need a big dose of nature. U.S.
News and World Report. February 13. http://health.usnews.
com/articles/health/2008/02/13/why-kids-need-a-big-dose-ofnature.html.
Wilson, Edward O. 2006. The creation: An appeal to save life on earth.
New York: W. W. Norton.
Guides
American Forest Foundation. 2006. Project Learning Tree: Pre K-8 environmental education
activity guide. Washington, DC: American Forest Foundation.
Council for Environmental Education. 2000. Project WILD: K-12 curriculum and activity guide.
Gaithersburg, MD: Project WILD; Houston, TX: Council for Environmental Education.
Watercourse and the Council for Environmental Education. 1995. Project WET: K-12
curriculum and activity guide. Bozeman, MT: Project WET.
Suppliers of Nature Products
• Acorn Naturalists, www.acornnaturalists.com
• AIMS (Activities Integrating Math and Science) Education Foundation, www.aimsedu.org
• Arbor Day Foundation, www.arborday.org
• Carolina Biological Supply Company, www.carolina.com
• Delta Education, www.delta-education.com
• Gardening with Kids, www.gardeningwithkids.org
• Insect Lore, www.insectlore.com
• Nature’s Workshop Plus, www.workshopplus.com
7
This article was first published in Christian Early
Education magazine, Volume 10, Issue 3. Christian
Early Education magazine is a publication of the
Association of Christian Schools International.
This article was reprinted with permission from ACSI.

Guest speakers, learning centers emphasize
Creation Care
The annual Creation Care Week at Lakeland Christian School is a yearly reminder that we are stewards over
all of the things that God created. From our drinking water to things that live in the water and from trees to butterflies,
elementary students at LCS learn some very important lessons on how to care for God’s creation.
LCS parent Paul Strazulla visited elementary students at LCS and brought along two
special visitors. The former alligator wrestler spoke to the students about the
various characteristics about gators and how to stay safe in and around lakes.
A representative from the Florida Aquarium brought
a rat snake, a box turtle and a crocodile to visit third
grade students. She spoke about protecting the
Florida wetlands and these creatures that inhabit it.
Jennifer Smith of the Florida Bat Conservatory visited second grade students
to talk about the important role that bats play in the environment. These
young students got an up close view of a baby bat.
8

Get a Grip
on Green
by Skyler Streets
Secondary students in Mrs. Brenda Lashman’s science classes got in the spirit of Creation Care Week with a
“bring your pet to school” day. These pets included several different dogs and even one snake.
Get a grip on green.
It’s not that hard.
Green is everywhere,
like on a credit card.
It’s a beautiful color.
We use it a lot.
With millions of streaks,
or a small little dot.
But there is another type of green.
It’s one that we need,
and we can make it happen
with one little seed.
Every year, fifth grade students make a traditional Scripture/nature pillow. Students put a
Bible verse on one side of the pillow and a nature-theme fabric on the other side.
It helps us live.
It helps us grow.
It lets us breathe,
didn’t you know?
This green is great.
Take care of them, it’s true.
We really do need it,
So what should you do?
Get a grip on green!!
Fifth graders got a visit from Buddy the calf. School parent Sheri Cline brought Buddy to school for Creation Care Week.

First grade students participated
in tree centers as part of Creation
Care Week. Activities included
snacks, art projects and other
tree-related activities.
Along with their kindergarten buddies, fifth grade students wrote a haiku poem
about nature. The group sat around the turtle pond for inspiration.
Creation
Care continued
Third graders heard
from Ruffin Gray of
the City of Lakeland.
He spoke on water
conservation and
the importance of
this vital resource.
Smokey the Bear visited students at LCS to speak to the
students about protecting against wildfires.
K4 students learned about fires and fire safety during Creation Care Week. The
youngsters met several firemen with the Lakeland Fire Department, learned
about the equipment and got to climb through the fire truck.

Juniors, Seniors go
Under the Sea
for Annual Banquet
This year’s Junior/Senior banquet took the upperclassmen “under the sea” at
the Omni Resort at ChampionsGate as they celebrated the last formal event
of the year. With limousines dropping them off at the front doors, the students
were welcomed into a dimly lit banquet hall complete with live goldfish on
each table, chocolate-covered strawberry appetizers and a room full of their
classmates and friends.
Students enjoyed a multi-course meal, lots of time for photos and mingling
and a special video tribute to the Class of 2009. The evening culminated with
the election of Katy Imig and Drew Laing as this year’s queen and king.
After the banquet, several students ventured to Downtown Disney, Citiwalk
and to Pirate’s Cove for mini golf. The annual senior class breakfast was held
the next morning.
LCS Appreciates
Lakeland Christian School is the beneficiary of many donated goods and services provided by
school families and other friends. These gifts enable higher levels of excellence campus-wide.
Kim Rea, Kim Moscatello, Sherry Herman, Alisa Palmer, Teresa Guenther, Belinda Mines, Robin Sutton
and Donna Chambers – For helping out during the health screenings.
Dr. Christopher Terry – For performing the scoliosis screenings for the elementary students.
Mr. and Mrs. Hesseltine – For donating many supplies to the clinic.
Tracy Mines – For donating Jimbo’s lunch to the elementary physical education coaches.
Michelle Leach – For helping with the middle school cheerleading team this past year.
Jessica Brown – For speaking to the Chemistry I classes about radio waves and working at a radio station.
PhosLab Environmental Services – For donating supplies to the chemistry lab and for inviting the Chemistry II
class to visit.
Every parent and grandparent who helped with art classes and the Art Review.
Junior Class Parents – For their support and for all of the volunteer hours of service they provided to the class
advisors during their events this year. From the BBQ, to the donut sales, to the many parents who helped with
the Pre-Grad Party and on to Junior Senior, we say a great big THANK YOU!
Beth Hesseltine and Darise McLoughlin – For coordinating the Room Mom program this year.
Payton Albritton, Sara Lasseter, Christina Sale, Amber Holland, Heather Averitt,
Tracie Spoto, Katie Sparkman, Monica Gwynn, Christen Bolter, Belinda Mines, Wendy Schmidt, Chasity
Branham, Kim Moscatello, Carrie Kirk, Becky Russell, Amy Amell, Dianna White, Kathy Mudger, Angela
Bush, Tammy Cassidy, Amelie Beytell, Trena Mewborn, Margaret Krause, Stacey Jenkins, Chris Cabrera,
Kristy Tidey, Taree Hodge, Christine McDow, Cindy Beaudreault, Melanie Peace, Kathy Williams, Lori
Garrard, Sheri Cline, Lisa Rupp, Tammy Standifer, Regina Harper, Lazara Smith, Melissa Skladanek,
Amanda Verner, Laurie Streets, Kim Moser, Tracy Mines and Patty Horton – For serving as Room Moms.
All K4 Parents – For making the inaugural year of the K4 Program so special!
Library Donations
The Lakeland Christian Library
staff appreciates the generosity
of those who have provided
recent book donations. The
library counts on the regular
contributions of school families
to expand their collection for
students.
Miss Wendi Fischer
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fisher
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Kohnenkamp
Courtney Lashman
Mr. Shaun O’Brien
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Patterson
Ms. Lynn Pruim
Mary J. Rardin
Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Rob Stubblefield
Mr. and Mrs. John Szydlowski
Mr. and Mrs. Austin Temperley
Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn Wilbanks
Dr. and Mrs. Bradley Tan
Mr. and Mrs. Marc Tidey
11

Gifts T
O L a k e l a n d C h r i s t i a n S c h o o l
On behalf of the students we serve, a heartfelt thanks to
the following generous persons and companies who have
partnered with LCS by providing a gift to the ministry.
We were blessed by:
Mr. and Mrs. Ira Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Boatwright
Mr. and Mrs. Don Bradley
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cannon
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Chamberlin
Dr. and Mrs. David Cook
Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie
Curls, Jr.
Mrs. Jackie Davis
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Denney
Mr. and Mrs. Ward Edwards
Miss Susan Ellis
Rev. and Mrs. Roger Evans
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fisher
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Forlaw
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Fulton
Mr. and Mrs. Bud Gibson
Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Haag
Ms. Patsy Ham
Mr. and Mrs. Rex Henry
Pastor H. B. Holmes
Rev. Gary Hull
Mrs. Phyllis Jacobs
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Dean Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Jones
Dr. and Mrs. Derek Keenan
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kirby
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Kriegbaum
Rev. and Mrs. Michael Latham
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Latimer
Mrs. Cynthia Maddox
Mr. and Mrs. Mike McCormick
Mr. and Dr. Gary McDaniel
Mr. and Mrs. Paul McLoughlin
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Miles
Mrs. Norma Moore
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mosley
Mr. and Mrs. Birk Mullinax
Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Murray
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Musick, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Myhrer
Mr. and Mrs. Chris O’Byrne
Miss Ellen Oncu
Mr. and Mrs. Richard O’Steen
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Owen
Mrs. Marlene Pitts
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powell, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. James Powers
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rains
Mr. and Mrs. James Roberson
Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Rowe
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Russell
Ms. Edith Rust
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ryal
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Shimko
Dr. and Mrs. Mike Sligh
Miss Nancy Snyder
Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Stabler
Rev. and Mrs. Rob Stubblefield
Mr. and Mrs. John Szydlowski
Mrs. Evelyn Towler
Ms. Alice Marie Vinsant
Mr. and Mrs. Archie White
Mr. and Mrs. Fred
Wiechmann
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Wilson
Affinity4 Amerivision
Communications, Inc.
Harrell’s Fertilizer Group, Inc.
Miller Construction
Management, Inc.
Northwestern Mutual
Financial Network
OMS/Marcobay Construction
Outsource Management
Solutions
Peterson & Myers, P.A.
Play It Again Sports
Publix Super Markets
Charities, Inc.
Sligh Clinic of Chiropractic
United Way of
Tri-County, Inc.
Living Memorials
It is a joy to receive gifts that are sent to
acknowledge a loved one. We are grateful
for the gifts received from the following:
In memory of: Mr. John Sweet
Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Kale Albritton
Mrs. JoAnne Aldridge
Mr. and Mrs. Andy Bean
Ms. Patricia Brady
Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Brown, Jr.
Ms. Eleanor Campbell
Ms. Donna Cole
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Dando
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel DeLange
Mr. and Mrs. John Douglass
Mr. and Mrs. Gene Ellerbe
Miss Susan Ellis
Mrs. Norma Harrell
Mr. Robert J. Harter
Mrs. Robert Hightower
Mrs. Debbie Houghton
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Jantonio
Mr. and Mrs. Marlin Jensen
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Knowlton
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel MacNair
Mr. and Mrs. George Maguire
Mr. and Mrs. Mike McCormick
Moms in Touch
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Phillips
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ryal
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Stinson
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Wilson
In Memory of: Mrs. Faith Waibel
Given by: Ms. Diane Klages
In Memory of: Mr. Joe Firmin
Given by: Ms. Diane Klages
In Memory of: Mr. Joe DeRosa
Given by: Ms. Diane Klages
In Memory of: Mrs. Vicky Dawson
Given by: Ms. Diane Klages
In Memory of: Brad Hicks
Given by: Ms. Diane Klages
In Memory of: Garrett Wynn
Given by: Ms. Diane Klages
In Memory of: Mrs. Margaret Sligh
Given by: Mrs. Jayne Brown
Miss Sally Brown
In Memory of: Mr. David Gettings
Given by: Mrs. Robert Hightower
12

Alumni News
2000s
Leslie Schichtel (’08), an English major at Vanderbilt
University, was one of five freshman accepted into the
university’s Early Notification of Guaranteed Admission
to Graduate Education (ENGAGE) program for the School
of Law.
Mark (’04) and Elizabeth (’05)
Duncan are the proud parents of
Leila Christine, born February 25,
2009. She is also the granddaughter
of Glenn and Nancy Shelby and
Glen and Betty Duncan.
Miki Thomas (’05) graduated
from the University of South Florida
with a BA in Mass Communication
Leila Christine
Duncan
with a concentration in Telecommunication Production.
She also served as the Assistant Post Production Editor
on the movie “Endure” recently filmed in Lakeland.
1990s
Jason Millican (’99) is currently
working in Tampa as a contracted Network
Administrator and loves his job. He is also
very involved in his church, Watermark
Community. Jason would like to thank LCS
for hiring staff that love the Lord. He is also
grateful for the late Mr. Joe Firmin who was
one of the biggest influences on his life
because he enjoyed technology and was
very passionate about Christ and his family.
1980s
Judy Barton Cox (’82) married Jerry Cox
in 2007 and moved to Wyoming for a year.
They came back to Florida in May 2008 and
currently reside in Zephyrhills with their two
cats and one dog.
Note to Alumni Parents:
If your former student no
longer lives in your home
but still receives mail
from Lakeland Christian
at your address, please
e-mail Claudia Powell at
cpowell@lcsonline.org
to update their alumni
information.
We love to hear from you. News about you is important to us and to your former classmates. Please e-mail Claudia Powell at cpowell@lcsonline.org. Planning your class reunion?
Contact Director of Community Relations Julie Rice, at 863-688-2771, ext. 236, and she will arrange for use of facilities and will offer other helpful tips.
Favorite Reality
Show
Beach or
Mountains
Favoite ice
cream flavor?
# of pairs of
flip flops/
sandals you
own
TV shows you’ll
miss most over
the summer?
# of books you
will read this
summer
Mark Kirby
Athletic Director
Biggest Loser
Mountains
Vanilla – then you
can put whatever you
want on it!
1
don’t watch much TV,
so none
4
Julie Rice
Community Relations
Biggest Loser Beach
Dark Chocolate
Brownie
8 House 5-6, I hope
Jamieson
Bryant
Senior
Operation Repo Beach Butter Pecan 1 The Office
As many as
I can afford
Katie Greene
Freshman
Don’t watch reality TV
Mountains
Cookies &
Cream
5
America’s Next
Top Model
5-6
Natasha Elliott
Nurse
Biggest Loser Mountains I don’t like
ice cream
YOUR
TURN!
13
10 or more Grey’s Anatomy 1

pring Sports Wrap Up
Tennis Teams Earn Fourth in
County Tournament
In a season of tough competition with some of the largest public schools
in the area, both the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams captured a fourth-place
finish in the West County Tournament.
The boys’ team, coached by Cliff Coleman, finished with a 7-3 record
and a fourth place District finish. The Vikings took close wins over Lakeland
(4-3), Bartow (4-3) and Frostproof (4-3) throughout the season. The team also
earned two close victories over District rival Santa Fe Catholic.
The Viking girls’ team finished their season with a 5-5 record and seventh
in the District. The team easily handled Fort Meade (7-0), Frostproof (7-0),
Lake Gibson (7-0) and Lake Wales (7-0). The girls were coached by Coleman,
Catharine Grigsby and Debbie Stump.
White Finishes Third in 800
at State Meet
After helping her team to a first-place District finish and a fourth-place
Regional finish, LCS 8th grader Mallory White finished third in the 800-meter
run at the FHSAA Track and Field Championship at Showalter Field in Winter
Park. With a time of 2:18.34, White helped the Lady Vikings to a 17th-place
team finish in the state tournament.
White’s third-place finish, just four seconds behind the first-place finisher,
earned her an LCS school record and personal best time. She also placed
seventh in the high jump in 5'0".
For the girls’ team, Cayley Miles earned seventh place in the discus
(104-04), and Spookie Eaves finished sixth in the 3,200-meter race with a time
of 11:34.20. The 4x800 team finished eighth.
The boys’ team also finished first in the District and fourth in the Regional
meet. In the Regional meet, senior Zach Cabrera earned third place in the triple
jump. Russell Aldridge claimed second in the high jump, while teammates
Michael Emert (400m) and Mark Mutz (3200m) also finished in second place.
At the boys’ state finals, Cabrera placed fourth in the triple jump (43-04.5)
and led the Vikings to a 39th-place team finish.
14

Varsity Softball Team Finishes 17-6
For the second year in a row, the Viking
varsity softball season ended too soon. The
girls’ team breezed through the District
tournament and first round of Regionals, only
to be defeated 4-0 by Lakeland rival Santa Fe
Catholic in the Regional Semifinal game.
Finishing 17-6, the girls’ team had a
strong season. Led by coaches Rand and Mary
Reese, the Vikings started off their season with
a 11-2 record, with the only two losses coming
from Santa Fe.
In the first round of the District
tournament, senior Melissa Murphy struck
out 10 batters and gave up only one hit
as the Lady Vikes cruised to a 10-0 victory
over the Fort Meade Miners. Matched up
against Santa Fe in the District finals, the
girls’ team finally avenged their losses to
Santa Fe, winning the District title with a
3-1 victory. In the Regional Quarterfinal
round, the Vikings easily handled Indian
Rocks Christian by a score of 9-0.
The middle school softball team Senior Melissa Murphy led the
was coached by Sue Wilsman and
Lady Vikes to a 17-6 season.
Susan Ellis and finished with a record
of seven wins and six losses.
Girls’ Soccer
Players Chosen
for All-State Team
Congratulations to Kourtney Rea and
Lauren Wasilewski for being selected for
the Florida Girls’ Soccer All-State Team.
Gaines Griffin was also chosen to receive
an All-State Honorable Mention.
Heartbreaking Semifinal Loss Ends Viking Baseball Season
After being in the lead for most of the game, the Viking
baseball team was defeated by Fort Meade in the semifinal
round of the District tournament by a score of 5-4. It was the
third loss to the Miners this season.
Coached by Blane Fox, the Viking team finished the season
with a record of 16 wins and 12 losses. The Vikes had a strong
season, posting big wins over Kathleen High School (10-6),
Shorecrest Prep (8-5) and Trinity Prep (3-2, 4-1). The Vikings
split with local rival Santa Fe, claiming a 9-2 victory early in the
season and suffering a 6-5 loss in April.
The JV team finished 8-8 and was coached by Roger Evans.

pring Sports Wrap Up
New Sport Debuts for Spring Season
A new sport has been added to the spring sports line up at
Lakeland Christian. While most spring athletes are competing
outdoors, the new Viking weightlifting team has taken up
residence in the weight room.
This group of athletes, coached by Bobby Dan McGlohorn,
had a successful inaugural season. These strongmen competed
in five meets during the month of March, earning two
first-place finishes (at Bartow HS and Tenoroc HS) and one
second-place finish at Frostproof High School.
Stump Signs with Berry College
Lakeland Christian senior Jonathan Stump will continue his baseball career as a
Viking but will transition from the LCS royal to Berry College navy. Stump has signed a
letter of intent to play in the outfield at the NAIA school in Rome, Georgia.
Stump, the son of Duff and Debbie Stump, is a three-year member of the varsity
baseball team. As an outfielder and pitcher, Stump finished this year with a .419 batting
average and a 4-5 pitching record with 66 strikeouts in 62 innings. He had an ERA of 1.24.
Although he looked at a Division II school in West Virginia and some schools closer
to home, Stump chose Berry because of the “good academics and good sports program.” He plans to major in finance.
Berry College’s baseball team is currently ranked #4 in the country in the NAIA national poll and will be transitioning to NCAA
Division III over the next few years.
FHSAA Awards Academic Team Champions
The Florida High School Athletics
Association has named the Academic
Team Champions for the winter sports
season, and one Lakeland Christian
team topped the list for having the
highest grade point average in the state.
The boys’ basketball team
nudged out Master’s Academy
for the number-one spot with a
cumulative GPA of 3.549. The
girls’ team finished third in
Class 2A with a GPA of 3.612.
The boys’ soccer team finished in second
place with a GPA of 3.492. The girls’ team earned
a second place ranking with a GPA of 3.740.
Winning schools receive commemorative
state championship plaques by the end of the
school year.
16

Golfers Display Skills
for Annual Booster
Club Tournament
As fundraisers go, it’s one that traditionally provides
maximum enjoyment for the participants and organizers.
And, for that matter, this year’s LCS Booster Club golf
tournament did not disappoint.
More than 95 golfers toured the links of Huntington
Hills Golf and Country Club on May 9 for the 19th edition
of the school’s annual spring tournament. In addition to
the scramble format tourney, the day included putting
and chipping contests, longest drive and closest-to-the-pin
proximity games, and a hit-the-green challenge on a Par
3 hole. In addition, each golfer received a complimentary
goody bag and was eligible for door prizes.
Winning this year’s tournament with a sizzling
nineteen under par round was the team of Tom
The Ledger Names All-County
Athletes for the Winter Season
The Ledger has named its All-County Athletes for the winter
sports season and several Lakeland Christian athletes were honored
for their accomplishments.
For boys’ soccer, Michael Emert was named to the All-County
First Team. Zach Cabrera, Dylan Griffin and Cory Smith were
selected as part of the Second Team. Honorable Mentions were
awarded to Daniel Hughes, Andrew Blanke, Anthony Sligh and
Jordan Green.
Congratulations to girls’ soccer standouts Gaines Griffin,
Kourtney Rea and Jessica Thomas for being chosen as part of the
All-County First Team. Lauren Wasilewski made the Second Team,
and Honorable Mentions went to Shelby Pierce, Hannah Webster,
Mallory White and Zoe Wilson.
In the boys’ basketball category, C.J. Underwood was named to
The Ledger’s All-County Third Team. In the girls’ category, Whitney
Houk and Christin Strawbridge received Honorable Mention.
McLaughlin, Clay
Green, David Joyner
and Eddie Hammerberg.
Senior Anthony Sligh
won the putting skills
competition and came
within inches of winning
$5,000 on his final putt.
Although the tournament
packs a lot of activity and fun,
the purpose is still to raise money
for LCS athletics. This year’s tournament
netted more than $8,300 for the Booster Club. The Viking
cheerleaders, who worked hard the day of the event, will also benefit
from a portion of these proceeds.
Many thanks to school parent and tournament
chairman Kevin Wasilewski, who provided
outstanding leadership to the golf committee. The
2010 tournament is scheduled for April 24.
Heartfelt Appreciation to the following LCS
Golf Tournament Sponsors:
Master Sponsors – Burnetti Children’s
Foundation; Horne Construction; Publix Super
Markets Charities, Inc.; Syngenta
Hole-In-One Sponsors – Barney’s Pumps;
Harrell’s, Inc.; Lakeland Electric
Car Sponsor – Regal Automotive
Hole Sponsors – Case Engineering;
Clark/Nikdel/ Powell; Dermatology Associates of
Central Florida; Dixie Signs; Florida Handling
Systems; Garrard Carpentry, Inc.; Gentry-Morrison
Funeral Homes; Herff-Jones; Lakeland Farmer’s
Market; Scott Langston; OMS Insurance Group;
Ray & Betsy Phillips; Platinum Bank; Register
Construction & Engineering; Rideout & Sons; Sale
Insurance; Sligh Clinic; Storage & Handling, Inc.;
SCMH Architects; Wasilewski Court Reporting;
Wilson Real Estate.

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Mark Your Calendar
Important Dates for 2009-2010 School Year
The 2009-2010 school year will be here before you know it.
Here are a few important dates to keep in mind:
June 19
Report Cards Mailed (tentative)
August 17
Teachers Report to School
August 20-21
Open House/Orientation
August 21
Football Kickoff Bar-B-Q
August 24
First Day of School
(Grades 1-12)
August 26
First Day of School
(Grades K4 & K5)
November 23-27
Thanksgiving Break
December 18
Early Dismissal,
Christmas Break Begins
January 4, 2010
Classes Resume
March 29-April 2
Spring Break
May 27
Last Day for Seniors
June 3
Last Day for K4 & K5
June 7
Commencement
June 8
Last Day of School for
Grades 1-11