Summer 2009 - Lancaster Mennonite School

LANCASTERMENNONITE SCHOOLwww.lancastermennonite.orgSUMMER 2009Senior presentations,page 2Commencement 2009,page 5Connie Stauffer,Alumna of the Year,page 15

contents5 Commencement 20096 Kraybill webinar7 LMS farm nowa learning facility8 School Update12 Alumni news15 Connie Stauffer,Alumna of the Year16 From the superintendentBridges is the quarterly magazine ofLancaster Mennonite School, sent toalumni, parents and friends. LMSexists to transform students so theycan change our world throughChristlike love, peacemaking andservice. The school welcomes studentswithout regard to sex, race,nationality or ethnic origin.Lancaster Mennonite Schoolhas four campuses:Kraybill, grades PreK–8598 Kraybill Church RoadMount Joy, PA 17552(717) 653-5236Lancaster, grades 6–122176 Lincoln Highway EastLancaster, PA 17602(717) 299-0436Locust Grove, PreK–82257 Old Philadelphia PikeLancaster, PA 17602(717) 394-7107New Danville, grades PreK–6393 Long LaneLancaster, PA 17603(717) 872-2506Address alumni and school news tosprungerdl@lancastermennonite.orgor call (717) 299-0436, ext. 701.Editor: Fern Clemmerclemmerfe@lancastermennonite.orgVolume 37, No. 1Cover photo: FFA students MeganLehman (with calf) and Karisa Martin(blue jacket) talk to Locust Grove studentsabout the nutrition of calves duringa unique learning opportunity thattook place May 8 at the LMS farm. Seestory on page 7. Adults on the pictureare Locust Grove third grade teacherJessie Newswanger and system Spanishteacher Brent Hartzler.PHOTO: FERN CLEMMER2 BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009HELPING STUDENTS IDENTIFY GOD-GIVEN GIFTSSenior presentationsreflect LMS journeyAt Lancaster Mennonite School, studentsat all levels are encouragedto develop their gifts and abilities inpreparation for college and career planning.For the past two years, seniorshave been encouraged to give a seniorpresentation in which they share theirPreK–12 pilgrimage and post highschool plans with family, faculty, pastorsand classmates.Senior presentations, which will berequired for all seniors in 2009-10,grew out of the school’s goal to becomemore deliberate in helping studentsidentify God-given gifts, interests andcareer options. Following are excerptsfrom several senior presentations giventhis past spring.PHOTO: GEOFF GROFFLauren FueyoI can honestly say that every year atLancaster Mennonite has been an amazingadventure, stretching me intellectually,socially, and spiritually. I love thisplace and feel prepared to face what liesahead because of my experiences thesepast four years.One of the greatest blessings duringmy high school experience has been theoverwhelming support of the teachershere. Teachers like Mr. Buckwalter, Mr.Steiner, Mr. Sprunger, and so many othershave been absolutely key in challengingme to integrate my faith withlearning in a way I never thought possible.Academics and my relationshipwith Christ had always been two verydistinct categories in my busy life, butI am so thankful that God opened myeyes through these teachers to recognizeHim as Lord of my entire life.Adults who are genuinely interestedin the students’ lives are not limited tothe classroom. I had the blessing of gettingto know Coach Erin Martinthrough volleyball and drama directorDanielle Hofstetter through Play On.“LMH is a place of incredibleopportunity.”Both of these women have a sincereand contagious faith and made sure weprayed before games and performances.Here at LMH, Christ is the core andeverything else comes second.I also have greatly found my niche inbeing involved with the Peer AssistanceLeadership (PALS) program with themiddle school students and FridayMorning Bible Study. If I could summarizeLancaster Mennonite, it wouldbe this: LMH is a place of incredibleopportunity.Sheila TalbottMy goal for my senior presentation wasto demonstrate the last part of one of myfavorite verses, Psalm 103:2, whichstates: “Let all that I am praise the Lord;may I never forget the good things hedoes for me.” Many times I can focuson how I am hoping God will use mein the future while I overlook how he isusing me now or even in my past.During my senior presentation Italked about my involvements both atschool and church, as well as my relationshipswith friends, family and mostimportantly,God. Some ofmy involvementsatschool, whichhave helpedremind me ofGod’s goodness,are fieldSheila Talbott,left, and LaurenFueyo share asong that ismeaningful tothem at the endof Sheila’s seniorpresentation.

PHOTO: GEOFF GROFFhockey, PALS, planning for FridayMorning Bible Study, and NationalHonor Society. I also have variousinvolvements at my church with music,leading Bible studies, helping in thenursery, and mission trips. My volunteerinvolvement at Landis Homes inthe dementia unit has showed me thejoy of giving of myself to other people.All of this to say, I am extremelygrateful to the Lord for giving me theopportunity to be involved with thesethings as well as to my parents forsending me to Lancaster Mennonite.As I press on toward next year atCedarville University and the years tofollow, I want to continually be availableto the Lord but not forget the wayshe has so richly blessed me in my past.Darshika KirubaaharanThe last three years at LMH have beena wonderful experience. I definitelylearned more about the Mennonitefaith—which I never heard of untilI came to the U.S.—and have beenchallenged to think more about whatI believe in.In the years at LMH, I have beeninvolved with the art department, paintcrew, and FBLA (Future BusinessLeaders of America). I have made greatconnections and learned amazing lifeskills through these different groups,and FBLA has definitely been thebiggest involvement. I was part of theorganization for my junior and senioryears and served as treasurer my secondyear. During this experience I becamemore comfortable being in a leadershiprole.LMH is more than just an institutionthat provides amazing opportunities tomany different people, it is my home.I’ve lived in the dorm since the secondsemester of my junior year, and I’vemet wonderful people who have beenbest friends, family, and mentors. I’velearned a lot through the different culturesrepresented and have also grownspiritually.Dorm adviser Stephanie Ross hasbeen a great influence, friend, sister,and authority to me. She has alwaysbeen there when I needed her, whetherit was just to hang out or learn aboutGod. She has given me great adviceand has stood by me through the entirespiritual journey I’ve gone through thisschool year.Overall, my high school experiencehas shaped me and strengthened me inmany ways—physically, mentally andspiritually. I’ve learned and grown a lotthrough LMH and the people involvedin it.Jordan KeenerIf I were to summarize my 13 years ofMennonite schooling into one word, itwould most definitely be “enriching.”From my very first day of kindergartenat Kraybill until my last days at LMH,my mind has been challenged, my characterhas developed, and my relationshipswith God and people have grown.At Kraybill, I formed close friendshipsthat last to this day. The teachers therehelped me to grow toward maturityacademically, as well as spiritually.At LMH, the variety of activities Iparticipated in allowed me to learn lifelessons that I will always hold on to.Basketball helped me develop teamworkskills, confidence and persistence.PALS allowed me to develop communicationand interpersonal skills that Iwill use all my life. Academically, theTop right: Jordan Keener. Above: BleneHailu. Top left: Darshika Kirubaaharan isflanked by Wilmer and Doris Nolt, friendsfrom Mellinger Mennonite Church whoattended her presentation.variety of classes provided me a mix offun and challenging courses that willprepare me for the next step. I haveenjoyed my experience in Mennoniteschooling and am grateful to Kraybilland LMH for all the opportunities Ihave been given.Blene HailuAfter being born in Washington, D.C.,growing up in Ethiopia till I was 12,living in United Arab Emirates till theage of 17, and finally residing in Lancaster,Pa., for one year, I’ve seen significantlydifferent cultures.Moving to Lancaster MennoniteHigh School for my senior year hasbeen a great experience. Now that I’vegraduated, I look back and realize thatLMH offered me so many opportunitiesin the one short year I attended the highschool. The faculty of LMH is one ofthe best parts of the school. The teacherstruly try to make sure we find ourContinued on page 4PHOTO: GEOFF GROFFBRIDGES • SUMMER 2009 3

SENIOR PRESENTATIONS, CONTINUEDplace in the school. They are open toquestions and assistance, and thatmakes it easier for students to communicatewith the faculty.While at Lancaster Mennonite HighSchool, I lived with a host family forthe first semester. Living with a hostfamily allowed me to settle down in anew city and try to adjust to a new community.During my second semester atLMH, I moved into Graybill ResidenceHall. Being a dorm student was a differentexperience that I truly enjoyed.Close friendships and bonds wereformed as we lived together and spentseveral hours a day together. Dorm studentscome from places as far away asNorth Korea, Ethiopia, Cameroon,Rwanda and Japan, while others comefrom York, Philadelphia and Harrisburg.Lancaster Mennonite High Schoolallowed me to look into my spiritualTop photo: Nicole Simpson uses a PowerPoint presentationto give her senior presentation. PHOTO: GEOFF GROFF. Abovephoto: Eileen Darby poses with her parents—James andColleen Darby—after her evening presentation.PHOTO: DENNIS KAUFFMANlife and question my beliefs as well asaccept the beliefs of others. In the oneyear I attended LMH, I’ve learned a lot.I’ve found friendships that I will holdon to, and the residence hall andadvanced classes definitely prepared mefor college.Nicole SimpsonI have attended a Mennonite school allmy life, but I’m not Mennonite. Forkindergarten through grade eight, I washome-schooled some of the years andattended Linville Hill MennoniteSchool for the rest. For high school Iwent to Lancaster Mennonite School.Some of my extra-curricular activitiesat LMH were JV soccer my freshmanand sophomore years and FFA for partsof my sophomore and junior years.As I look back through high schoolI am really grateful for all the artclasses LMH provided. I loved drawingsince I was a little girl, and theart classes at LMH have helpedme improve my skills greatly.I took artbeat, drawing, painting,2-D, and advanced studio.I have also entered many piecesof artwork in the Solanco Fair,and I won one first place ribbonand two second place ribbons.I also entered artwork in theScholastics/Young Artist competition,and this year I won myfirst Gold Award. If it weren’tfor Mrs. Ciacca saying I shouldenter my boot drawing, I neverwould have won that GoldAward, because I had forgottenall about that piece.Some of my personal interestsare art and hunting. Huntingwill always be one of mypassions. I have gone dove andwhitetail hunting. Hunting is agreat way to observe God’s creation,and a great way to learnpatience. It is also a great wayto spend time with family.I plan to attend Penn StateBrandywine for my first twoyears of college and then transferto University Park. I plan tomajor in Animal Bioscience orsomething that has to do withbiology. My plans are to go tovet school to become a largeanimal veterinarian. I also want to continuewith art. In addition, I hope to goon mission trips and maybe go huntingin other states.“When I stepped on the campusof Lancaster Mennonite, it justfelt right.”Eileen DarbyI attended St. Leo the Great CatholicSchool from kindergarten to eighthgrade and spent my freshman year ofhigh school at Lancaster Catholic.Despite being in a Catholic environment,I was unhappy and needed achange physically, mentally, and spiritually.After shadowing my churchfriend at Lancaster Mennonite in thespring of 2006, I made a huge andunexpected transition by transferringto LMH for 10th grade. Who wouldhave thought a Catholic girl wouldcome to a Mennonite school? It soundscorny, but when I stepped on the campusof Lancaster Mennonite, it just feltright. I received smiles from studentsand teachers I didn’t even know, andI felt welcomed.Over the past three years I’ve mademany lasting friendships through activitieslike sports, newspaper, music, anddrama. My friends, as well as my family,have helped me through some roughtimes during my high school years.I tore my ACL in my left knee in myjunior year, ending my basketball seasonearly that year and quitting for goodthe following year.They often say that when one doorcloses, another opens. Though I’vealways been interested in theater, Inever went beyond my comfort zone totry it. When I quit the basketball team,I auditioned for the musical and had agreat time meeting new people andimproving my acting skills. I am graduallylearning that while life isn’t easy, itdoesn’t have to be hard. I credit LMHfor helping me learn these life lessonsthat will assist me in my future.I plan to attend De Sales Universityas an English major in the fall. I can’twait to see what God has in store forme. ■4 BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009

COMMENCEMENT 2009Know whose you areAt the school’s 67th commencement on May30, guest speaker Dr. Kim Phipps, presidentof Messiah College, told the 194 graduates thatbuilding an identity with Christ will carry themthrough life’s challenges and guide them in makingimportant decisions.“You will have confidence because your identityrests in Christ, not in life’s circumstances or in livingup to the expectations of others.“So, welcome the difficult challenges, theunexpected opportunities, the painful failures,the glorious successes and the epiphanies that lifehas in store for you. Be hopeful because you knowwho you are and, even more importantly, whoseyou are.”The class of 2009 already knows somethingabout difficult challenges. On April 8 they lostclassmate Micah Berthold who died from injuriessustained in a vehicle accident. During the commencementceremony the class placed on Micah’schair a picture of him along with his cap andgown. Micah’s father, Josef Berthold, accepted hisson’s diploma as the audiencesurrounded the family with along supportive applause.At Friday evening’sClass Dedicationprogram, threesenior speakerscentered theirtalks aroundJoshua 1:9, theclass verse: “Have Inot commanded you?Be strong and courageous. Donot be terrified; do not be discouraged,for the Lord your Godwill be with you wherever yougo.” The student speakers were(pictured above, left to right):Matthew Wier, Kaela Landis,and Andrew Kreider. ■Top photo: LMH seniors file into the school for theirMay 30 commencement ceremonies. Bottom photo:Dr. Kim Phipps delivers the commencement address.Forsheysgraduate 10thFor Jean and Ernie Forshey, the scoreis now 10-0. As of May 30, all ten oftheir children have graduated fromLMH. The Forsheys’ 22-year relationshipwith Lancaster Mennonite began in1986 when their oldest daughter,Melanie, learned about the schoolthrough a middle school friend. Onevisit to LMS was all she needed.“Melanie just loved the school whenshe came to visit,” Jean said. “LMHwas a great place for her to build friendships,and it prepared her well for furtherschooling that resulted in herbecoming an attorney.”Jean, who teaches family consumerscience at LMH, says the school’s academicstandards “have proven to bevitally instrumental” for all of her children,named here with their grad yearand current work or school:The Forshey family pictured at commencement are front row, left to right: Clay; Laura; Melanie;Neil; and Mark. Back row: Wendy Stauffer, married to Jason; Jason; Kiima Cox, married to Lee;Lee; Jean; Amber; Ernie; and Jason Stewart, married to Melanie. Craig and Brett were unable toattend Amber’s graduation.Melanie, 1991: senior staff attorney atthe law firm of Wilmer, Hale, LLP in Washington, D.C.Brett, 1993: virologist researching tropical diseases in theAmazon River Valley in Peru, near IquitosJason, 1995: author and internet booksellerMark, 1996: senior engineer at Lockheed MartinLaura, 1998: operations and sales manager at VOTG, aninternational shipping firmLee, 1999: Geographic Information Systems analystNeil, 2003: completing an engineering degree at Drexel Universityin PhiladelphiaCraig, 2004: studying business administration while workingfor VerizonClay, 2008: pre-med sophomore at LaSalle UniversityAmber, 2009: entering Messiah College to study biology ■BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009 5

TECHNOLOGY EXCITES STUDENTS ABOUT STUDYING HISTORYWebinar a fun way for Kraybill studentsto learn about PennsylvaniaWhat is a webinar?A webinar is a type of webconferencing that is usedto conduct live meetings orpresentations via the Internet.In the “Where in PA?”webinar, the four schoolseach used a video camera,microphone and“Elluminate” webinartool to interact in a virtualenvironment.Anervous hush fell on the room when Kraybill’s35 fourth graders heard “Welcome,everyone! ... OK, classroom 3, I can see you onthe screen!”It was April 20 and the two fourth grade classeswere participating with three other Pennsylvaniaschools in a webinar called “Where in PA?”—designed to make Pennsylvania history a fun partof their social studies curriculum.At the beginning of the webinar, each schoolspent five minutes providing clues about the townnearest them, and later the schools had a chance toguess the name of the town (Kraybill is located inMount Joy). Students used skits, puppets, poems,drawings and PowerPoint presentations to shareclues about transportation, landforms/bodies ofwater, human-environment interaction, location,places, and history/civics.According to Kraybill’s technology coordinator/computerteacher Valerie Garton, Kraybill wasthe only school to include a video they filmed andedited. Their video showed the students gettingsplashed by a water ride at Hershey Park—completewith roller coaster sound effects and waterbeing thrown on the students.Following the presentations, the schools had 30“very short” minutes to discover the location ofthe others by hurriedly scrolling through maps onthe Internet, googling names of landmarks andother clues, pouring over maps on the floor, andconferring with each other.When the four schools came back together, eachwas allowed to ask one question before the finalguesses were made. Students eagerly waited theirturn to ask their yes/no question and, said Garton,“jumped up and down cheering when the otherclasses answered, ‘Yes!’ and our students knewthey were on the right track.”For Kraybill student Amanda Long, one of herfavorite parts of the exercise was revealing theirtown and yelling, “Mount Joy!”The whole event lasted about two hours. Kraybillguessed two of the other three schools whichwere: Ross Elementary School in Sweet Valley;East Coventry Elementary School, Pottstown;and St. Joseph the Worker School, Orefield.According to Garton, it was a challenge toprovide clues that are important, yet not too easilyfound by googling. For example, the Kraybillstudents could say their town was named after aship (Mountjoy) that was sent with provisions tosave the starving Scottish Presbyterians in Ireland30 years before they came to America, but theycouldn’t give the name of the ship. They could saythe town has feed mills and a popcorn factory, butthey couldn’t give the exact names of the businesses.They could say the town is located fivemiles east of the Susquehanna River, 14 milessoutheast of “Chocolatetown, USA,” and 15 mileswest of President Buchanan’s birthplace.“The webinar was great,” Garton added,explaining that it offered “a tremendous learningexperience” that, besides combining technology,geography and history, also included lessons inreading, writing, listening, speaking, research,information fluency, critical thinking, problemsolvingand decision making. The students spentweeks making posters, taking photos, assemblingpictures, gathering information, practicing linesand skits, and creating their PowerPoint and video.Preparing for the webinar was a team effortamong three teachers—Garton, who oversaw theKraybill’s fourth grade students pose in front of a replica of Mountjoy, the ship forwhich the town of Mount Joy is named. PHOTO: VALERIE GARTONContinued on page 76 BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009

Continued from page 6technology aspect; fourth grade teacher Mary Jane Smith,who grew up in Mount Joy and acted as tour guide as the studentsvisited local landmarks; and fourth grade social studiesteacher Gena Fisher who helped students create props, skits,and PowerPoint presentations. Garton learned about thewebinar from the technology division of the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13. ■LMS farm becomesanimal science classroomWhen LMS purchased an 18-acrefarmette 10 years ago, boardmembers and school administratorswere preparing for future needs, includingthe possibility of turning it into alearning facility. This past year thatdream took shape as agricultural scienceteacher and FFA adviser RyanKing turned it into a laboratory forFFA, his animal science classes, andthe middle school Explore class. Andthis past spring its educational potentialreached beyond the Lancaster Campusto include elementary students fromLocust Grove.On May 8, 13 Hans Herr FFA studentswelcomed about 80 K–3 LocustGrove students to the LMS farm that islocated behind the high school at Gridleyand Millstream roads. The FFA studentshelped the young students learnhow calves graduate from bottle feedingto drinking out of a bucket, chickenslay different colored eggs, sheepare shorn, and horses are groomed andmanaged. The FFA students also helpedtheir young visitors plant pumpkinseeds with the hope they can return inOctober to select ripened pumpkins.“This was the first (Spring/FallDay),” King said, explaining that it wasplanned to get the younger studentsexcited about agriculture and help themunderstand where food comes from.“It’s also an opportunity for the FFAstudents to provide leadership in teaching,”he added.The goal is to hold a similar eventeach spring and fall, hopefully includingelementary students throughout theLMS system.The process for turningthe farm into a hands-onlearning facility began severalyears ago when newlyhiredKing learned aboutthe property and shared hisideas with Spanish teacherBrent Hartzler who livesnext door to the farm andwas renting space there forhis sheep and heifers.(Hartzler helped plan theMay 8 event.)Hartzler was supportiveof King’s ideas and whenKing added chickens andgoats to the farm, heoffered to feed them along with his owncattle. Charles and Ann Palmer, LMHparents who rent the house, also pitch insometimes to help care for the animals.According to King, the farm has beena great place to familiarize LMS studentswith animals and their health andnutritional needs.“The more contact kids have withanimals, the more comfortable theybecome with them,” he said. “Hopefullythis contact will promote an interestin animal science.”This spring the FFA Livestock Judgingteam used the facility to preparefor FFA Week which was held in June.There is also talk about having the studentsharvest and sell hay on the propertywhich would tie into an ag businessclass that King teaches. In addition,there may be an opportunity for studentsto raise produce for the LMS foodservice department or, with growingFFA student Kelsey Clemens talks to Locust Grove studentsabout horse management—how they are groomed andtheir different runs and gaits—during a Locust Grove fieldtrip to the LMS farm. Kelsey’s father, Gene, is in the background.interest in Community Sustained Agriculture(CSA), sell it to local families—both excellent ways for FFA students tolearn about ag business.As the learning facility increases inuse, King hopes even more high schoolstudents will take leadership in helpingto run it. And Hartzler has dreams forcommunity persons becoming involved.“We are in the beginning stages ofhow we can best use the farm as aresource for students,” Hartzler said,“and we would appreciate ideas fromthe LMS community to grow theprogram.” ■BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009 7

■ Twelve seniors received top departmentawards at the high school awardsassembly in May. In photo at right, theyare, front, left to right: Sharon Sheppard,business; Brittany Rohrer, art;Kaela Landis, mathematics. Middle, leftto right: Abigail Hertzler, English;Devin Troy and Eric Umble, music (atie); Elizabeth Hoffer, world language;and Emily Hess, family and consumersciences. Standing, left to right: MaryElizabeth Keeney, agriculture; JoelNofziger, social studies; Troy Losey,physical education; Bryan Miller, technologyeducation; and Andrew Kreider,science.Students excel inspring sportsOn May 29, the LMH girls soccer team (in white) played Christopher Dock Mennonitein the state quarterfinal game, the first post-season game between the sisterschools. Lancaster Mennonite won 2–1 in double overtime. From left are RachelMartin, 19; Denali Althouse, CD goalkeeper; Ally Brown, 3; Taylor Wenger, 4; LauraSwintosky, 33; Karli Balmer, 21; Brittany Moyer, 13; and Beth Miller, 39.PHOTO: LINDA WINGARDStudents participating in spring sportsenjoyed the following accomplishments:• Freshman NickBybel remainedundefeated in theregular boys tennisseason, wonboth the LancasterLebanon LeagueClass AA crownand the District 3Championship, Nick Bybeland finished thirdin the PIAA AATennis Tournament.• In May, seniorMatt Hostetterwon golds in thelong and triplejumps during theL-L League Trackand Field ChampionshipMeet.Matt Hostetter• Girls soccer won their section championshipand advanced to the Districtand State championship games, losingto Donegal at both levels.• For the 12th consecutive year for thegirls and the seventh for the boys,Kraybill track teams placed first in theCommonwealth Christian AthleticConference (CCAC) and the Mid-Atlantic Christian Schools Association(MACSA) Track & Field championships.■8 BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009

■ In the Lancaster-Lebanon CountySafe Driving Competition, AndrewKreider finished first in the PerceptualDriving Test withthe highest scoreever recorded inthis particular category.Kori Wengertied for first in thePre-trip vehiclecheck, and BrandonDimmig finishedthird in PerceptualAndrew KreiderDriving.August 21August 25Sept. 18 & 19October 11October 29November 19–21Lanc. Campus New Student Orientation, 6:30 p.m.First day of schoolAlumni Athletic Weekend, Lancaster CampusFall Open House, 1–3 p.m., Lancaster CampusProspective Student Day—All CampusesFall Festival & Homecoming–Lancaster CampusHigh school play, Charley’s Aunt, 7:30 p.m.Thank you, our valued volunteers!datesJ. Richard Thomas■ Superintendent J. Richard Thomashas been named moderator elect ofMennonite Church U.S.A. In this volunteerposition, Thomas will serve asmoderator elect for two years and moderatorfor another two years.■ During the annual FFA ActivitiesWeek held June 9-11 at Penn State University,the school’s Ag Mechanics teamplaced first in their competition andwill represent Pa. at the National FFAConvention in October. The team consistsof Casey Kelly, Josiah Rohrer,Brandon Dimmig, and Bryan Miller.Team coaches are teachers Ryan King(FFA adviser) and Andrew Hershey.LMH alum/former parent Jonathan Charles and former parent Linda Wingard aretwo of our many volunteers who help to provide an affordable, quality Christianeducation at four campuses. Both have often shared their excellent photos withthe school. Linda has covered many high school athletic events (most recentlygirls soccer), and Jonathan, owner of Charles Studio, has provided photos taken atall four campuses. In addition, Jonathan serves on the LMS Board of Trustees andis helping to fund the tuition of two LMS students. Thank you, Linda andJonathan, and all our volunteers, for your kindness and generosity.FFA Ag Mechanics Team, left to right: Josiah Rohrer, Brandon Dimmig, Bryan Miller, CaseyKelly, and adviser Ryan King. PHOTO: KATIE KURTZBRIDGES • SUMMER 2009 9

Glick art show features LMH photosAsummer art exhibit at Glick Audio and Video’s galleryfeatures photos by 14 LMH Photo 2 students. Theshow, which will run through August, includes black andwhite images as well as digital color prints, framed andready for sale. The photos were printed in the school’s labs.Brubaker says his Photo 2 class, mostly seniors, was anexceptional one with plenty of “very good” pieces to producea quality show. Although most of the pieces are fromthis year’s classes, two students are displaying photos submittedto Lancaster’s 2008 Scholastics Art Show that wenton to receive national gold awards. Several other studentsreceived awards for photos accepted into this year’s LancasterCounty Young Artists Program.Glick manager Jim L. Bowman, a 1965 graduate ofLancaster Mennonite and an artist himself, said he isquite impressed with the level of creativity he sees inthe work of the students. “I know how instrumental LMSwas in affirming my own life’s work,” he said. “Over 40years later, my LMS teachers still ‘speak’ to me today.”Bowman’s panoramic photo artwork is part of the permanentcollection on display in the Glick theaters and showrooms.■Bria Klase, 2009,(left) hangs herphoto at GlickAudio and Video.When the studentshung theirshow, Glick managerJim Bowman,1965(below), had achance to talkabout his ownwork on exhibitat the audio andvideo business.■ In May the school’s Fine Arts Center wasnamed the Calvin and Janet High Fine Arts Centerto honor the Highs for their strong support of LMSstudents. Their financial leadership has providedsignificant funding for capital projects at the LancasterCampus, including the fine arts center thatHigh Construction completed in 1991.Besides greatly enhancing the fine arts curriculumfor middle and high school students at Lancaster,the premier facility has been a valuedresource for the broader community.L-R: LMS board member Gerald Horst, Director of Advancement Heidi Stoltzfus,Assistant Superintendent Miles Yoder, Calvin High, Janet High, Chief FinancialOfficer Marlin Groff, and LMS board treasurer John Rutt.■ This spring a gospel choir (photo at bottom left)energized students at the Lancaster Campus as itprovided a new style of worship during middleand high school chapels. The choir, begun as aclub under the direction of music teacher MarcyHostetler, attracted more than 40 students ingrades 9–12.“This group was totally student driven,” saidHostetler. “Those who had never attemptedsinging in this style seemed to enjoy participatingin a new style of worship. Those more experiencedenjoyed some leadership responsibilities.”She said the choir will add the May concert toits repertoire this year if there is continued interestin the club.10 BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009

■ Lancaster Mennonite School recentlynamed Matthew Weaver, 2003 LMHalumnus, as an advancement associateand director of alumni relations (moreinformation on page 16).In addition, Miles Yoder, former LancasterCampus principal, has acceptedthe position of assistant superintendentfor LMS; Steve Geyer, former assistantprincipal at the Lancaster Campus, willserve as interim principal; and DawnLandes, who previously taught at ManheimChristian and Locust Grove, willserve as interim assistant principal.Marlin Groff, former assistant superintendent,will continue his work in businessand finance but with a newtitle—chief financial officer.■ This winter an article in USA Todayprojected that the air in the communityaround the Locust Grove Campus mighthave toxic chemicals at dangerous levels.Based on this article, LancasterMennonite School asked the PennsylvaniaDepartment of Environmental Protection(DEP) to conduct actual tests.On May 26 school administrators metwith two representatives of the PennsylvaniaDEP to review the air quality testresults in the Locust Grove community.According to the DEP tests, the airquality at Locust Grove is actually betterthan state background levels. Theschool is grateful to be assured by theDEP that there is no cause for concernabout the air quality around the LocustGrove Campus.Host families needed—can you help?Numerous international students want to attend Lancaster Mennonite HighSchool this year but do not yet have a host family. Would you consider openingyour home to such a student? This is not only a significant way to helpthe school, it also is a ministry to these students from around the world.Students need a bedroom with a dresser and desk. Host families receivea monthly stipend to cover expenses. For more information, contact CurtisEdwards at edwardscg@lancastermennonite.org or (717) 299-0436, ext. 721.HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SPORTS THAT IMPACTS LIFE!MENNONITE SPORTSORGANIZATIONProviding Christ-centered sports opportunitiesfor elementary-age childrenApproximately 170 children are registered for the Mennonite SportsOrganization’s fall season which will include boys soccer for PreK–6 andgirls field hockey for grades 1–6. Please register for the boys/girls winterbasketball season in late August and early September. For registration andadditional information go to www.mennonitesports.org or contact SusanBurkholder at burkholdersr@lancastermennonite.org or (717) 394-7107.Track and field to create more opportunities for students■ Colleges and universities awardedover $1 million in scholarships to LMHseniors this year. ■LMS board members and staff visited the construction site of the new track and fieldfacility during the school’s July quarterly board meeting. B. R. Kreider employeeDaren Good, 2001 (far right in photo), helped answer questions about the project. Thefacility, which will provide more opportunities for students at the Lancaster Campus,will allow the track and field team to practice at home and host meets. It also willenhance the physical education curriculum and encourage students to develop lifelonghealth habits. The project should be finished this fall; $150,000 is needed to completethe funding.BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009 11

CLASS NOTESCheryl Weaver, 1970, Landis, Lancaster,recently graduated fromMillersville University with a master’sin nursing. She was the recipient of theD. Joan Godfrey Nursing Award. Shecontinues to teach practical nursing studentsat the Lancaster County Career &Technology Center in Willow Street.Tabor Community Services, Lancaster,named David Gingrich, 1971,Mountville, as their Landlord of theYear for maintaining safe, affordablehousing and by treating tenants withdignity and respect.Andrew Dula, 1987, Lancaster, willassume chair-elect of the Eastern MennoniteUniversity Board of Trustees,and Susan Godshall, 1961, Lancaster,will complete a six-year term as chairin June of 2010.Karla King, 1996, Gibson, Lancaster,completed her master’s in education(TESOL concentration) from ShenandoahUniversity this spring.Nathan Darity, 2000, and wife ValerieHess, 2000, are living in Santarem,Para, Brazil, where they are acting liaisonfor a partnership between the FundacaoEsperanca Clinic in Brazil andAmizade, a service-learning and volunteerprogram based in the United States.Darity holds a master’s of internationaldevelopment and a master’s of publichealth from the University of Pittsburgh.Valerie graduated from University ofPittsburgh with a degree in nursing.Matthew Eby, 2003, Mount Dora, Fla.,will compete in the Summer Deaflympicsin September in Taipei, Taiwan.To learn more, go to www.usadsf.org.Johanna Josephian, 2005, Drumore,traveled to Kenya with Inter VarsityChristian Fellowship this summer ona seven week mission commitment. Thetrip began with several days of trainingand cultural immersion, followed bythree weeks of living and working withpastors. The group is comprised of 25students and six staff members fromcolleges throughout the United States.In May, Charles Engle, 2005, MountJoy, graduated magna cum laude fromBoston College’s Wallace E. CarrollSchool of Management with a Bachelorof Science degree. In April he completedthe Boston Marathon in threehours, 20 minutes and 39 seconds.Laura Cattell, 2005, Honey Brook,was one of 10 members of EasternMennonite University’s class of 2009to receive the highest honor of Cordsof Distinction.Victoria Bybel, 2007, Lancaster, wasnamed women’s tennis player of theyear in the Freedom Conference. Sheplays tennis at Wilkes University.MARRIAGESKevin Good, 1998, and Heather Smith,January 31, 2009. They live inMountville.Samuel S. Sonne, 1999, and MinhuiLin, May 25, 2009. They live in Seattle,Wash., where Samuel works as a softwareengineer for Amazon.com.Douglas Hess, 2001, and JacquelynneDaly, May 16, 2009. They live in Lancaster.Jonalyn Denlinger, 2002, and JonRisser, October 18, 2008. They livein Baltimore, Md., where Jonalyn isa graduate student at the Universityof Maryland in Baltimore.CLASS REUNIONS1974On the balmy, low humidity summerevening of July 18, members of theLMH class of 1974 gathered on thepatio near the Calvin and Janet HighFine Arts Center and Rutt AcademicCenter for an evening of “Memories”and catching up with friends.The 39 former students and theirspouses/friends were treated to a buffetsupper and short program of reminiscingabout their LMH days, including aslide show (set to 1973-1974 music) ofnever-published pictures by Millstreamand Laurel Wreath photographer SteveCharles, a member of the class. Highlightsof the evening included singinghymns in four-part harmony, the classpicture, and class members spontaneouslybreaking out in “The LaughingSong,” a favorite that was sung manytimes during their years at LMH.The evening ended with a rousingrendition of 606 (“Praise God fromClass of 1974, 35th reunion. PHOTO: STEVE CHARLESWhom”) “that would have made ArnoldMoshier proud!” - Taken from a reportby Sue Patterson Martin1959The class of 1959 met at the LancasterCampus on July 27, a picture-perfectday weather-wise. Classmates begancongregating on the lawn by the MillStream around noon. After this informal12 BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009

Justin Shenk, 2002, and ValerieShowalter, May 24, 2009. They livein Lancaster.Ashton Wenger, 2002, and ChristineSchmidt, June 30, 2007. They live inthe Elizabethtown area where Ashtonis owner of AKW Perfection Flooring.Matthew A. Weaver, 2003, and LindsayDilworth, 2005, June 27, 2009.They live in Lancaster. In August,Matthew joins the LMS advancementteam as an advancement associate anddirector of alumni relations.Adam Reeser, 2004, and CarinaSensenig, June 21, 2008. They livein Manheim.Chanea Wenger, 2006, and JosiahBecker, April 17, 2009. They live inMount Joy where Chanea is employedat Masonic Homes.BIRTHS:Rosene and Douglas Kurtz, 1985,Shoemakersville, third child, first son,Colby James, born June 29, 2006,adopted January 14, 2009. He joinssiblings Brittany, 15 and Bridget, 12.Former teacher/administrator diesFormer LMS teacher and administratorBetty Louise HersheyNewswanger, 1960, Lancaster,died of cancer July 4, 2009.Betty was involved in Christianeducation for more than 40 years,including assignments at theschool’s Kraybill, Locust Groveand New Danville campuses.Most recently, she provided leadershipat the lower elementarygrades at the Locust Grove andNew Danville campuses.Jonathan and Elizabeth (Beth)Weaver-Kreider, 1985, York, a son,Josiah Pearse, March 30, 2009.Michael and Allison Hoober, 1989,Ponsell, Morgantown, a son, EmmettJames, born June 16, 2008 and adoptionfinalized June 2, 2009.Melanie Forshey Stewart, 1991, andJason Stewart, Alexandria, Va., firstchild, Madeline Victoria, July 14, 2009.Teaman Cooke and Susan Gascho,1993, Cooke, Atlanta, Ga., a daughter,Vivienne Annali, May 7, 2009. Susanwas ordained as chaplain at AtlantaMennonite Fellowship in November.Steve and Lori Thomas, 1994, Heitland,Willow Street, fourth child, GretaRachel, August 26, 2008.Mark Cote, 1995, and wife Kristin,Millersville, a daughter, Rachel Elizabeth,July 6, 2009.Continued on page 14time of visiting (12:00-4:00 p.m.),Assistant Superintendent Miles Yoderled a tour that included the new RuttAcademic Building and other newercampus buildings. Afterward classmatesmet for a formal class picture byJonathan Charles.The 6:00 banquet in Alumni DiningHall included welcoming remarks byclass president Ernie Mast, a deliciousmeal by Dottie Weber and staff, and aprogram that consisted of music by theladies’ quartet, a brief time of rememberingthe class’s 13 deceased classmates(led by David Myer), music bythe men’s quartet, a time of sharingguided by Lloyd Wert, singing of theclass dedication song and class song,and a sending prayer by Lucille MackStoltzfus.Of the 97 classmates still living, 76registered to attend some portion of thereunion. Forty-nine spouses and friendsalso attended the reunion. According tothe planning committee, many felt the“1959 Class Memory Book,” sent toclass members in May, was a factor inbringing so many classmates together,Class of 1959, 50th reunion. PHOTO: JONATHAN CHARLESsome for the first time in 50 years. Thebook, designed and edited by classmateEsther Mast, includes a page for eachclass member. An anonymous donorpaid for the printing of the book. ■Watch for more reunion reports in thenext issue of Bridges or go to thealumni section of www.lancastermennonite.org.BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009 13

Continued from page 13Jake and Janelle Beiler, 1997, Stoltzfus,Strasburg, third child, first daughter,Naomi Paisley, April 30, 2009.Jordan, Moyer, 1999, and CorlissaNolt Moyer, Mount Joy, a son, BlakeEmerson, April 13, 2009.Eric and Michelle Bogedain, 2000,Moser, Manheim, first child, a son,Justin Lee, April 18, 2009.Brad and Heather Keesler, 2000,Hairhoger, Elizabethtown, first son,Bradly Thomas, October 31, 2008.Ezequil and Krista Harnish, 2001,Cruz, Lititz, first child, a daughter,Zelia Joy, May 12, 2009.Ashton Wenger, 2002, and ChristineSchmidt Wenger, Elizabethtown, firstchild, Angelina Faith, January 29, 2009.John and Melissa Weinhold, 2004,Irwin, Ephrata, a son, Chase Adam,April 16, 2009.Danny Booth and Veronica Bonner,2008, Lancaster, a son, Michael Josef,December 20, 2008.DEATHSRuth Longenecker Bechtold Fisher,1946, Bainbridge, July 1, 2009.Paul W. Gehman, 1955, Lancaster,June 22, 2009.Doris Jean Swartzentruber Ebersole,1969, Blountstown, Fla., March 19,2009.Milton G. Howe, 1971, Stevens, July 6,2009, as a result of an automobile accident.J. Robert Miller, 1985, Morgantown,July 20, 2009, as a result of a motorcycleaccident on July 11. ■Class Reunions1952 September 24, 20091954 November 21, 20091964 October 10, 20091994 August 22, 2009For more information,go towww.lancastermennonite.orgor call (717) 299-0436, ext. 701.Alumni Phonathon hasrecord-breaking yearLMH alumni raised $230,303 duringthe annual phonathon. These gifts tothe Annual Fund help make a Christianeducation accessible to interested students.To encourage alumni to give inthis time of recession, a group ofalumni contributed $116,880 to a2-for-1 Challenge Fund. Thank you forsupporting current and future studentsat LMS and making this recordphonathon possible. Your investmentis changing lives and sharing the loveof Christ with the world. ■Jim Gingrich, 1951, chats with classmatesduring the annual phonathon which washeld in February and March.Mark your calendar for these fall alumni events!Alumni Athletic WeekendSeptember 18–19, Lancaster CampusSince the Fall Festival and Homecoming has beenmoved to November, an Alumni Athletic Weekendhas been set for September 18 and 19 to bringalumni and friends together who enjoy participatingin or watching sporting events. Here is thelineup so far:Friday, September 18• Linda M. Ebersole Memorial Golf Tournament, 1 p.m. shotgun• Meal following golf tournament in Alumni Dining Hall, publicwelcome, 6 p.m.• Alumni Soccer Game, 7 p.m.Saturday, September 19• Mennonite Sports Organization games (fieldhockey and soccer), 8:30 a.m.–12 noon• Field Hockey Games—LMS vs ConradWeiser, 5:30 JV, 7:00 VFor more information go to www.lancastermennonite.orgor call (717) 299-0436, ext. 701.November 19–21Lancaster CampusWatch for the flyer that willinclude more details about thisNovember event. Note that theannual Lancaster Campus auctionhas changed from its normal daytime format to an evening eventthat will be preceded by a dinner.Thursday, November 19• High School Play—Charley’s Aunt, 7:30 p.m.Friday, November 20• Barbecue, 2:30-8 p.m.• Charley’s Aunt, 7:30 p.m.Saturday, November 21• 3 x 3 Basketball Tournament, morning• Iron Bridge Run/Walk, 8:30 a.m.• Alumni Art Exhibit, all day• Dinner/Benefit Auction, 5 p.m.• Charley’s Aunt, 7:30 p.m.14 BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009

Former board chair named LMSAlumna of the YearLancaster Mennonite School hasnamed 1955 graduate ConnieHeisey Stauffer as its 2009 Alumna ofthe Year. During the school’s annualdinner theatre on May 2, Gerald Horst,vice-chair of the LMS Board ofTrustees, recognized Stauffer for theoptimistic and fun-loving spirit shebrought to her role as school boardchair. Stauffer served on the LMS boardfor 23 years—11 as board chair—andafterward was an early childhood consultantfor the school.In her acceptance speech, Stauffertalked about her strong support ofMennonite education.“Our Mennonite schools exist as missionalcenters of the church,” she said,“places where leaders and faithful serviceworkers are trained and prepared toserve God in the world.“I have a dream that someday allMennonite Church USA congregationsand members will count it a joy andprivilege to financially support ourschools PreK to seminary; that we willrecognize our support as an investmentin the nurture and faith development ofour children, youth and young adults,rather than as an expense; and that anyonewho wishes can attend Mennoniteschools without the need to worry aboutcost because schools will be fullyfunded by the Church.”Stauffer taught 30 years at PequeaValley School District as a fourth gradeteacher, reading specialist and InstructionalSupport Team teacher and leader.She also taught two years at EasternMennonite University’s Lancastercampus as an adjunct professor of thePracticum for Reading Specialty andWould you like toreceive our Prayer andPraise publication?Because we value your prayersupport, a Prayer and Praise flyer issent out bi-monthly that includesnumerous LMS prayer requests andpraise items. If you do not receivethis flyer and would like to, pleasecontact Deborah Sprunger atsprungerdl@lancastermennonite.orgor (717) 299-0436, ext. 701.Foundations of Literacy for students inthe masters program.She served on the Mennonite EducationAgency (MEA) board and recentlyworked at MEA as interim director forrelationships with Mennonite SchoolsCouncil.In addition, Stauffer serves onnumerous other boards, including theLandis Homes Retirement CommunityBoard and the Pathways Institute forLifelong Learning Advisory Board atLandis Homes. Earlier volunteer workwith husband and LMS classmateHarold Stauffer includes a two-yearvoluntary service assignment in PotterCounty/New York City, and a four-yearassignment in Somalia under EasternALUMNI FEATUREConnie Heisey Stauffer, who graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School in 1955, wasrecently named the school’s 2009 Alumna of the Year. She received a framed fraktur thatwas donated by artist and LMS parent Emily Smucker Beidler. In the photo she is flankedby Director of Advancement Heidi Stoltzfus and LMS Board Vice-chair Gerald Horst.Mennonite Missions. Harold died inFebruary of 2008.Since the 1970s, Stauffer has beena strong advocate for women in churchleadership within Lancaster MennoniteConference. She recently advocatedfor the ordination of women in theconference.Stauffer attended the Kraybill Campusof Lancaster Mennonite for grades8-10 and Lancaster Mennonite HighSchool for grades 11 and 12. Sheattends East Chestnut StreetMennonite Church. ■BRIDGES • SUMMER 2009 15

2176 Lincoln Highway EastLancaster, PA 17602Non-ProfitU.S. PostagePAIDLancaster, PAPermit No. 280Parents: Each LMH alum receives a personal copyof Bridges. If this is addressed to a son or daughterwho has established a separate residence, pleasegive us the new address. Call (717) 299-0436, ext.701, or e-mail sprungerdl@lancastermennonite.org.Thank you.Centered in Christ • Transforming Lives • Changing our Worldfrom the superintendentGratitude and transitionsThere is something about the rhythmof a school year that I love. Eachyear has a clear beginning and a clearend, followed by a break before thenext year begins. Summer is a time toreflect on the school year just past andto dream about the future.Looking back at the 2008-09 yearfills me with gratitude for a supportivecommunity that understands the valueof an LMS education and why it is astrong investment in the future. AnLMS education pays great dividends asit sends forth alumni who are centeredin Jesus Christ so they can become positiveagents of change in our world.Summer also is often a time of transition.On August 1, Miles Yoder, whohas served as Lancaster Campus principal,begins serving as assistant superintendent.In this position he will overseedaily operations on the four campuses,recruit staff, and forge a partnershipwith congregations to help studentsunderstand their gifts and the call ofGod on their lives. This new positionwill free me to work on broader strategicgoals, make more campus visits,and lay the foundation for the SustainingHope Endowment Campaign soLMS can continue to offer an outstanding,affordable educational program.Also in August, Steve Geyer willbegin serving as interim LancasterCampus principal after serving as assistantprincipal, and Dawn Landes willbegin as interim Lancaster Campusassistant principal. Dawn, who hasnearly completedher master’s degreein school leadership,has taught atLocust Grove andManheim ChristianDay School andalso served as anadministrator andteacher in Cambodia.Dawn and herhusband, Chris,also served inGraybill ResidenceHall at LMH.In addition,Matthew Weaverhas been named anassociate inadvancement witha focus in alumnirelations. Matt,Dawn LandesMatthew WeaverJ. Richard Thomaswho attended Kraybill and graduatedfrom LMH, has an accounting backgroundand is completing a master’sdegree in business administration.In this issue of Bridges, seniorreflections highlight the importance offaculty and staff in the students’ holisticformation. I welcome our new staff,including the new teachers who will berecognized in the next issue of Bridges.I dream of the contributions they willmake as we journey on the road thattransforms students, helps them findtheir center in Christ, and gives them avision of service in a needy world.—jrt