Summer 2009 - Lancaster Mennonite School

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