Spring 2012 - Lancaster Mennonite School

Brenda BareGrace Jemison (right) poses with friends aftergiving her senior presentation.Grace JemisonI have always been slightly wary ofthe idea of senior presentations. WhileI support the effort to reflect and tothank the people who have helped youalong the way, I abhor the idea of justtalking about myself for a half hour.Still, as I prepared, I began getting excitedto share parts of my life with thepeople I care about.The atmosphere at school was mixed,full of the nerves of the presenters andthe pride of the parents. As I began mypresentation, my own nervousness subsidedas I realized my duty was not toboast of my achievements, but to honorall those who have given me so much tohelp me reach the point where I am inlife, mere weeks away from graduationand the future beyond.I found looking back at my earlyeducation at the New Danville Campusespecially meaningful. I reflected aboutthe cliques that were evident there, andhow I regret many of the ways that Ibehaved. I moved into my awkwardmiddle school years, and thought aboutmany of the teachers there who made alasting impression on me.The other part of the presentation thatwas especially meaningful was when Ilooked into my future. I recognized thenumerous unknowns that are awaitingme, from choosing a college majorto the role that the church will play inmy life. But as I looked into the eyes ofthose who were sitting before me — myparents, grandmother, boyfriend, closefriends and educators — I realized thatI am in good hands, even with the mysteriesof the future. Just as I have beenable to reach where I am only with thesupport, conversation and hugs fromthe people who were there and others,I will be able to face the future with thecontinued encouragement from theseimportant people.Amanda ForteChoosing Lancaster Mennonite forhigh school was one of the best decisionsI ever made. I’ve been active inmany activities throughout my highschool experience. Coming in as afreshmen, I wasn’t sure how I wanted toget involved. Playing guitar and singingwas all I really wanted to do, so when Itook voice class my sophomore year, Ifound my niche.Everything took off from there. I becamefriends with a lot of other peoplewho shared my same interest and mymusic took off with the help of thosearound me, including my musicteacher Mrs. Hostetler.Amanda Forte, shown withparents Joseph and Dawn,played her guitar duringher senior presentation.Brenda BareGoing into my senior year, I had thehonor of being the president of SeniorClass Committee. I learned how towork with others and made friends thatI didn’t have prior to my senior year. Ialso discovered that becoming a leaderbegins by being a follower.I also participated in Campus Choraleand took a music theory class. I’ll admitmy music ability was pushed and atsome points stretched to the point oftearing. But it strengthened me andI loved it. Mrs. Hostetler has becomemy music mom. She is someone whois there to help and is willing to workwith you whenever you’re willing tolearn. She helped me see that I can doit, even when it’s tough, and I found herpatience to be extraordinary.As I look back and say good bye toLancaster Mennonite, I’m confidentin saying that the Lord has been withme through it all and continues toguide me into my future plans. Aftervolunteering last summer at Aaron’sAcres, working with children who havedisabilities, I truly believe God has aplan for me working in this field.(continued on page 6)

(Senior Presentations, continued from page 5)ChrIstle GehmanAttending LMS is one of the bestdecisions I ever made. LMS providedme with many amazing opportunitiesthat I never would have dreamed ofand the school’s diversity, variety andfaith-based education have helped megrow in ways I will appreciate for yearsto come. This kind of education is notsomething that comes along every day.Some of the classes that I enjoyed themost were Bible classes. Every classgave me new insight to my faith andchallenged some of my perspectives. Myfavorite was Jesus Story, taught by Mr.Dean Sauder. I learned so much that Ihad never even thought about before.For example, Mr. Sauder gave a detaileddescription of Jesus’ death on the cross.I had not heard the resurrection storyin those terms before, and hearing thatgave me a fresh perspective. The Englishcourses I took also helped me grow anddevelop my interest in communications.Through those experiences, I gained anew appreciation for writing.The people that I met at LMS areexceptional. I have especially loved thediversity of the people that I have gottento interact with. I think that LMS hashelped to develop my appreciation forother people and cultures. My friendsalso impacted my life and I felt supportedand encouraged by them ineverything I do. LMS and the wonderfulfriends that I have made there will havea lasting, positive impression on my life.Sam StonerLMS has been the perfect fit for me. Idecided to come to LMS when I was ineighth grade at Manheim Christian DaySchool. I had the choice of either goingto Manheim Central with my friends orfollowing in my three siblings’ footstepsand starting from scratch at LancasterMennonite.That was the first real and difficultdecision I ever made. Though I didn’tfeel pressured either way by my parents,I knew this decision would determinemy future and who I hoped tobecome, so I wanted to makethe right one. I put my faithin God that He would guidemy feet.Now four years later,I know I made theright choice. I havedeveloped friendshipsthat I knowwill last for yearsto come. Not onlyhave I been givenknowledge fromthe many insightfulteachers, but ISam Stonerposes with hisparents, Larryand Karen.Christle Gehman laughs with a friend aftersharing her senior presentation.have also been shown how to live my lifefor Christ on a daily basis.In four years I have been privilegedto develop the skills of a varsity athletewhile maintaining an acceptable gradepoint average. I had the honor of competingon a state championship soccerteam. I experienced not only the joy ofsuccess, but the unity and compatibilitythat made the season exceptional.I have been involved in numerous clubsand activities throughout my years.Each has taught me valuable lessons. Ihave taken part in tech crew for playsand musicals, helped out with Fridaymorning Bible Study, Future BusinessLeaders of America, National Honor Society,Student Advancement Committee,Chapel Planning Committee and playedsoccer and volleyball.I am thankful for all the time the teachersinvest to make each day enjoyable. Iam thankful for friends who support mewhen a day doesn’t go the way I hoped.I thank my parents for allowing me tomake my own decision, trusting that Iwould make the one that was right forme. I know that I will always look backand think of how great my high schoolyears were, thanks to all that encompassesLancaster Mennonite. Geoff Groff6 | Bridges S P R I N G 2 0 1 0Geoff Groff

Immersed in a new type oflearningThe groans and squeals made it clear that the firstgradersknew exactly what Susana Brown was saying.As the newly-hired teacher continued her tale about thetime her dog was sprayed by a skunk, told completelyin Spanish, some students’ eyes grew in horror whileothers failed to suppress giggles.The reactions showed just a glimpse of the successesachieved during the first year of the Spanish Immersionprogram at the Locust Grove Campus.While the students in Jennifer Esbenshade’s classroomlearn the same curriculum as their peers in traditionalclassrooms, the lessons are taught completely in Spanish.Music, art, physical education and Bible classes are taughtin English, but everything else in the classroom, even snacktime, is communicated through Spanish.The experience helps students not only become proficientin a second language, but also increases their cultural awareness.The successful program will be expanding this fall with thehiring of Susana Brown, Annville. Esbenshade will remainat the first grade level, while her current students will moveon to Brown’s second grade classroom. As the inuagural classcontinues to advance, additional Spanish Immersion teachersare expected to be hired.Weaver returns to LMS as new Bridges editorStephanie WeaverNew second grade Spanish Immersionteacher Susana Brown meets one of hersoon-to-be students at the Locust GroveCampus.Brown was born and raised in Chileand graduated from Madre CeceliaLazzeri High School in Santiago.“The many opportunities I had to travel in Chile andabroad, and to serve with Youth with a Mission, opened myeyes and heart to the beauty of people of many cultures,”Brown said.Brown attends Vida Church International, where her familyhas become part of an initiative to plant a bilingual churchin the city of Lancaster. Stephanie Weaver, 2006, got her first taste ofjournalism as a sophomore at Lancaster Mennonitein Kriston Horst’s classroom.However, her love for the subject didn’t trulydevelop until she became editor of the yearbook,The Laurel Wreath, her senior year.Weaver is returning to LMS as the new editorof Bridges, replacing Fern Clemmer who retiredin March. She is the oldest of Mike and ValerieWeaver’s six children, all of whom attended LMS.Weaver is excited to be giving back to the communitythat helped her grow as a person and ajournalist.“In yearbook, she was innovative and creative,but also sensitive about what was appropriate forthe school community,” Laurel Wreath advisor JaneMoyer said. “I have not had an editor who investedso much time and care before her or since.”Weaver utilized the writing, design and leadershipskills from her time at LMS to pursue journalismat Eastern University in St. Davids, where shebecame the editor of the student newspaper.Weaver has worked for several newspapers,covering everything from homicide trials to swimmeets. She currently works as a full-time reporterfor the Reading Eagle and has designed the gameprograms for several LMS athletic teams.“As a reporter, I’m a firm believer that everyonehas a story worth sharing,” Weaver said. “I think it’simportant to share about what’s happening at LMSand I feel communication is a vital way for the bodyof Christ to stay connected and encouraged.” Bridges S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 | 7

sc h o o l n e w sFBLA advisor Kirk Benner, left, with thestudents who qualified for the statecompetition. Left to right: Sam Stoner,Jaclyn Dagen, Zach Alderman, Xiaoqing(Minnie) Zhang, Do Hyun (Danny)Ahn, Lia Feleke and D Probst.Celebrating AchievementsFBLA awardsThe quality of the LMS business curriculum in shaping future business leaderswas evident when seven students advanced to the state FBLA competition in HersheyApril 16-18 after taking top spots at the Region 18 competition in February.The following students won awards at the Region 18 competition: senior DProbst, first place in Client Services; junior Do Hyun (Danny) Ahn, first place inGlobal Business; freshman Zach Alderman, first place in Global Business; juniorLia Feleke, first place in Ms. Future Business Leader; senior Jaclyn Dagen, secondplace in Business Communications; senior Xiaoqing (Minnie) Zhang, second placein Business Law; and senior Sam Stoner, second place in Word Processing II.Seven other students received certificates at the Region 18 competition: Yue Du,Daheuin Kim, Micah Lehman, Micah Boyer, Garyd Martin, Alexa Weidman andLeo Valmonte.J. Daniel MartinFern ClemmerFern ClemmerSpelling Bee Finalists, left to right: Anna Farmer,Isreali Colon, Lucas Jemison and Sydney Esch.Spelling bee finalistsOur committed students developed another academic skill by participating inthe school’s annual spelling bee on Jan. 24. Lancaster campus eighth-grader LucasJemison took first place, beating out sixth-grader Sidney Esch by spelling “behest”and “confidence” correctly in the final round.Eighth-grader Isreali Colon took third and Kraybill campus seventh-grader AnnaFarmer finished fourth and served as the alternate. The top three moved on to thewritten test component of the 54th Intelligencer Journal Spelling Bee on Feb. 22.Artists shineSixty-four students demonstrated the results of LMS’s outstanding fine artsprogram in recent art contests, with ten claiming gold awards. Ninth-graderAlessandra Levato won one gold and two honorable mention awards in the 2012Art Awards program and nine awards during the Lancaster County Young Artistcontest, including the Lestz Junior Painting Award and five golds. Her scholasticgold piece moved on to the national competition.Other students who received gold awards in the Lancaster County Young Artistcontest include: Mikayla Eby (9), Caitlin Erb (12), Alexa Evans (9), Rachel Keener(8), John Kruis (9; two golds), Maggie Roberts (8; two golds), Emily Rosenfeld (9),Chelsea Weaver (9) and Zachary Yoder (9).Gold award winners: Above, Kraybilleighth graders Maggie Roberts andRachel Keener. Right: Zachary Yoder,Alexa Evans, Emily Rosenfeld, AlessandraLevato, Caitlin Erb, Chelsea WeaverMikayla Eby and John Kruis.8 | Bridges S P R I N G 2 0 1 2Fern Clemmer

Awards Highlight Excellent writing CurriculumFern ClemmerTwelve students received Gold Key writing awards through the Lancaster CountyRegional Scholastic Writing Awards Contest, showcasing the strength of the LMSwriting curriculum. Senior Natalie Brubaker’s piece was also nominated for theAmerican Voices award at the national level. Gold Key winners include, left to right:Zachary Yoder (9), Grace Jemison (12), Faith Dinger (8), Natalie Brubaker (12), SophiaMartin (8), Rebecca Lauver (8), Maia Garber (8), Lydia Rittenhouse (12), LucasJemison (8), Lara Strickler (12), Benjamin Stutzman (8) and Kate Hernquist(8)Students excel at PAComputer FairThrough opportunities to develope her talentsat LMH, senior Morgan Steffy, shown above,took first and second place at the PA ComputerFair in high school web page design. KraybillCampus eighth-graders Bryce Yoder and JosiahKratz also took first place prizes in the middleschool computer animation and digital videocategories, respectively. The computer fair was alocal competition for all schools in Lancaster andLebanon counties. All three students qualifiedfor the state competition in Carlisle in May.Zachary LeesMaria WaterfieldNIE writing awardsSophomore Maria Waterfield and Kraybill Campusfourth-grader Zachary Lees won first placeawards in the Newspapers In Education JournalismContest. They both received a cash awardand their writings and photos appeared in theIntelligencer Journal/New Era in March.Two athletic scholarships awardedTwo LMH seniors received athleticscholarships to join Division 1 programsin the fall. Abigail Basom will play fieldhockey for Liberty University in Virginiaand Keegan Rosenberry will continue hissoccer career at Georgetown Universityin Washington, D.C.Abby BasomKeegan RosenberryLancaster Symphony FinalistsLancaster Mennonite’s reputation for excellence inall areas was enhanced as LMS musicians capturedthe top two honors in the Lancaster SymphonyOrchestra competition on March 18 at Franklin &Marshall College.Freshman Ziyue Wang, 15 (standing), took tophonors with her performance of Mendelssohn’sPiano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, opus 25 andearned a $4,000 scholarship.Sophomore Yudan Wang finished second andreceived a $200 prize.Rheinheimerearns toprecognitionIn a season that saw hereclipse the 1,000-pointmark and snag the thirdspot on the all-time leadingscorers’ list, senior JessicaRheinheimer also earned thetitle of Lancaster Newspapers’ Girls BasketballPlayer of the Year.Rheinheimer finished her career with 1,303career points, averaging 17 points per game thisseason, and led the Blazers to the league final.She will play for Eastern Mennonite Universitynext year.After coaching for seven seasons, SherriGorman will be stepping down from the girlsbasketball program to coach at her alma mater,Elizabethtown College. Gorman led the Blazersto a District 3 Class AAA title in 2008.Eli PassageBridges S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 | 9

sc h o o l n e w sCharles StudioMerle Reinford, who served as coachof the chess team for 33 years, withthe 2011-12 team, left to right:John Ebaugh, Siyuan Wu, Reinford,Zixin Wang, Connor O’Sullivan, LiamO’Sullivan, John David Satriale, KwunYu Kan.Reinford steps down as chess coachMerle Reinford is practically synonymouswith Lancaster Mennonite chess. time as well. The chess season begins ining forward to having some extra freeBut after serving as the coach of the October and, if the team does well, canteam for 33 years, Reinford decided it last until the beginning of March.was time to let someone else take over Reinford’s teams have been very successfulthroughout the years, earningthe reins.“It’s probably time for a change,” Reinfordsaid. “Maybe a new coach would LMS’s first state title in 2004 .10 league championships and claimingbring new excitement for the team.” Reinford enjoys chess and being ableThe mathematics teacher, who has to match wits with opponents, whetherbeen at LMS for 37 years, said he’s look-as a player or coach.“Another thing with chess is thatif you lose, you can’t blame the ref oranything else,” he said. “If the otherperson beats you, either he or she wasbetter or you made more mistakes thanthey did.”Reinford sees a lot of similarities betweenteaching and coaching, but feelscoaching gave him a better opportunityto connect with students.“I can get to know the students on apersonal level more than I can in theclassroom,” Reinford said. “I definitelywill miss the interaction with the students.”LMS summer day camps scheduled ........ register by May 31 and save!BasketballBoys basketball, grades 5–10............................July 9-13Girls basketball, grades 5–10..........................July 16-20Field HockeyJr. high field hockey, grades 6–8.................. June 18-22Sr. high field hockey, grades 9–12.............. August 6-10SoccerElem. coed soccer, grades 1–5...................... June 25-28Jr. high boys soccer, grades 6–8.....................July 16-19Girls soccer, grades 6–12..................................July 23-27Sr. high boys soccer, grades 9–12............... August 6-10TennisBeginner/intermediate tennis, gr. 5–8..July 30 -Aug. 3Intermediate/advanced tennis, gr. 9–12... August 6-10VolleyballJr. high volleyball.................................................June 18-21(girls, grades 6-9; and boys, grades 6-8)Other camp opportunitiesEagles Football, ages 6–14....................................July 9-13Chinese Culture & Handcrafts, grades 6-8.....June 11–15Culinary Arts, grades 4–9....................................July 23-27Sewing/Crafts, grades 4–9..................................July 23-27Dramatic Drawing, grades 6-9.................July 30-August 3Acrylic Painting, grades 6-10...................July 30-August 3For a complete listing and applications, go towww.lancastermennonite.org or call (717) 299-0436,ext. 310.1 0 | Bridges S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

Technologyenhances Kraybill8th grade tripThe annual eighth grade trip toManhatten is a highlight of the middleschool experience at the KraybillCampus. This year, that cross-culturalexperience was further enhanced bytechnology.Valerie Garton, technology coordinator,has used the one-day excursionin the past to help teach studentsabout various forms of technology.This year, Garton set up video conferencesthrough Skype with the teachersand students from Joseph B. CavallaroSchool in the Bensonhurst neighborhoodof Brooklyn. The sessions allowedthe LMS students to connect with theBrooklyn students."When we asked how not to look liketourists, they laughed and said we can’thelp but look like tourists,” Garton said.Garton also set up two websitesfor the trip, one containing generalinformation and places to visit, andthe other, a wiki website, to give thestudents a place to share trip highlightsand photos.The Skype relationship helped theLMS students get a tour of the NewYork City Fire Department at TimesSquare Station and they Skyped withthe class again afterward to report onthe trip. Entrepreneurship class gets real-worldexperienceTo prepare students for the businessworld, and to fulfill the dream of owningtheir own business, LMS offered anew Entrepreheurship class this year,taught by Chief Financial Officer MarlinGroff.The class got a special visit fromBrandon Hollinger and his electric1992 Mazda Miata on Feb. 16.Hollinger, a musician, became anelectric car conversion business threeyears ago. He showed the students howthe electric car operates and sharedabout his passion for transportationthat doesn’t rely on oil.Fern ClemmerKraybill Campus eighth-graders modelshirts in Chinatown in New York City.From left to right: Lizzie King, IsabellaClair, Lydia Brubaker, Jillian Wolgemuth,Jessica Carrera, Samantha Hershey, KatieAshley, Ann Hershey (parent), AlexisStoner and Sarah Hollinger."It's nice to have a message I believein that people are ready to hear," Hollingersaid. "It's up to us, the people,from the grassroots level to the CEO, toallow moral integrity to play a part inour daily decisions."Commencement 2012The Class of 2012 will be celebrating commencementin the Weaver Auditorium at the Calvinand Janet High Fine Arts Center on Saturday,June 2 at 10 a.m.Glen Guyton, associate executive director offinances and convention planning for MennoniteChurch USA will bethe keynote speaker.Guyton’s messageis entitled “Fail Well— Tips for What DoYou Do When YouDon’t Succeed.”Guyton has servedas a youth pastorand in other ministryleadership roles for morethan 17 years at CalvaryCommunity Church inHampton, Va.New Ephrata/ReadingBus RouteArlen HollingerLMS is moving forward with plans to begin anew Ephrata/Reading bus service for the 2012-13 school year. Families from the Lancaster andBerks County areas showed their support for theproposed service by attending a public meetingon March 29. According to Curtis Edwards, LMSadmissions counselor, the vision is for an expresstypeservice to run along the Route 222 corridor,making stops in Reading, Denver, Ephrata andBrownstown/Akron to meet the needs of as manyfamilies as possible. In order for this to become areality, a sufficient number of paid rider commitmentsmust be received by May 25. Rider commitmentforms are available at the school office oron the website. To learn more about the new busroute and sign up for updates, please contact CurtisEdwards at edwardscg@lancastermennonite.org or (717) 299-0436, ext. 721.Bridges S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 | 1 1

a l u m n i n o t e sMINI GOLF TOURNAMENTTo raise funds for renovations to the classroom building, about 300 LMS high school studentsgrabbed their putters April 19 and participated in the 6th annual Mini-Golf Tournament at Water’sEdge. The tournament, which was organized by the high school Student Council, raised a record$23,000 this year. Student Council advisor Michael Charles said a large part of the funds camefrom a generous $10,000 match from Engle Printing. Student Council was able to raise the other$13,000 through sponsors and student entry fees.Student winners were awarded in each grade level and each received a $10 gift card to Wawa.The winners included: Liz Imhor and Brad Pinkerton (ninth grade); Alyse Yoder, Graydon Briguglioand Dan Brubaker (tenth grade); Olya Hershey and Jon Sauder (eleventh grade); and HurubieMeko, Stephen Shenk and Andrew Whittaker (twelfth grade).The fundraiser will help jump-start what Student Council President Olivia Mast referred to as“Operation Renovation “ to bring the 1964 brick classroom building into the 21st century. Thecurrent building lacks a cooling system, has a poor heating system and still utilizes old overheadprojectors, Mast said. The building has only received minimal renovations since it was built.At right: Junior Colleen Andrews lines up a shot during the 6th Annual Mini-Golf Tournament.Gary HillerClass notesFrederick John Lamp, 1962, NewHaven, Ct., recently published a newbook, Connecticut by Bicycle: FiftyGreat Scenic Routes, through Schifferpublishers in Atglen. The book includescolor photography by the author withnarrative, maps and a listing of toursthroughout the state. Lamp is Curatorof African Art at the Yale UniversityArt Gallery and a Lecturer in TheaterStudies at Yale.Sheryl Buckwalter, 1973, Eberly,Lancaster, published the second editionof her book, 365 Manners Kids ShouldKnow. With help from her tech-savvydaughter Caroline, Eberly’s book nowincludes “cybermanners,” which aretips on how to behave in a technologicalage. The book is available in majorbookstores and online. Eberly is aleadership consultant at North GroupConsultants, Lancaster.Cheryl Kreider, 1979, Carey, Lansdowne,Va., currently directs theAmerican Academy of Audiology, anassociation representing about 12,000audiologists, based in Reston, Va. Herbackground as an educator and recentexperience in governance of non-profitsresulted in her article “One Board,Two Professions,” which was publishedby the American Society of AssociationExecutives.Samuel Beiler, 1983, Lancaster, is thelead developer of a team planning toconvert a former Armstrong WorldIndustries Inc. warehouse near Landisvilleinto a sports facility. The 600,000square foot building will serve the mid-Atlantic region and will offer indoorand outdoor space for sports such assoccer, football, baseball, tennis, basketball,field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball,softball and rock climbing. More detailsabout the proposed “Spooky NookSports” facility can be found at www.spookynooksports.com.Keith and Carol Brubacher, 1992,Hershey, Ephrata, are serving withHopewell Asia Missions. They willleave in August for a six-year term inThailand, planting churches among theunreached Isaan people.Linford Fisher, 1993, Cranston, R.I.,will be releasing his book, The IndianGreat Awakening: Religion and theShaping of Native Cultures in EarlyAmerica, on June 12 through OxfordUniversity Press. Fisher is a professor atBrown University.Daniel C. Heller, 1995, and Jen Heller,Lititz, operate Flintrock Farms, whichwas recently honored with the U.S.Poultry & Egg Association’s FamilyFarm Environmental Excellence Award.The farm encompasses 80 acres and has12 poultry houses that hold 330,000birds.Denison Witmer, 1995, Brooklyn,N.Y., an indie singer-songwriter, performeda free show at the CommunityRoom above Prince Street Café in Lancasterin January. The show was part ofa tour crisscrossing the United States.Witmer has composed music since hislate teens. For more information, visithis website, www.denisonwitmer.com.Kim R. Stoltzfus, 2005, Gordonville,is in Thessaloniki, Greece this springworking as an intern with the A21Campaign, an international volunteergroup dedicated to working to preventhuman trafficking. Stoltzfus has abachelor’s degree in social work fromTemple University. She is employed byBethany Christian Services in Lancasterand works with adopted children. Sheplans to pursue her master’s degreein international development at theUniversity of Kent’s Brussels School inBelgium.1 2 | Bridges S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

CAREER AND FAITHLancaster Mennonite High School students had a chance to considerhow their faith can be intertwined with their career choicesand workplace behavior during Career and Faith Week, Jan. 23-27.Students heard from three guest speakers during morning chapelservices, including 2001 graduate Josh Keefer who serves as a youthpastor at Mount Joy Mennonite Church and works as a realtor.Keefer shared about his early struggles in finding a job that left himfeeling “completely broken.” Only after immersing himself in God’sword, Keefer was able to realize God wanted his trust more thananything.Sherri Gorman, vice president of Kinsey Archery Products, andAndrew Huth, a documentary photographer from the Philadelphiaarea, also shared with students.At right: Josh Keefer shares his experiences with students in aCareer English class.Fern ClemmerMarriagesJ. Matthew Weaver, 2007, and KalahHess, 2007, May 5, 2012. They live inEphrata.BIRTHSKirby Denlinger, 1992, and JenniferDenlinger, Flower Mound, Tx., secondchild, first daughter, Ella Madeline, Jan.25, 2012.Chris Lehman, 1993, and BonnieLehman, Salem, Ore., first child, sonPaul Cornelius, June 6, 2011.Eric and Laura Kukich, 1995, Dawson,Blue Bell, first child, Samuel Charles,Aug. 7, 2011. Eric and Laura were marriedin 2004.Justus Moyer, 1996, and Melissa Stott,1996, Moyer, Manheim, a son DonavanLeo, May 28, 2009, and adopted Dec.15,2011.adoption finalized Dec. 28, 2011.DEATHSMary Elizabeth Lutz, 1944, Good,Lancaster, Jan. 7, 2012.Mary Jean Heiss, 1948, Lancaster,Feb.22, 2012.Herbert Huddle Histand, 1952, Souderton,Nov.14, 2011.LeAnne Engle, 1956, Jamison, NewHolland, March 8, 2012.Elam G. Stoltzfus Jr., 1956, Lancaster,Dec.28, 2011.Carol R. Gehman, 1963, Strasburg,Feb. 20, 2012.CorrectionsRyan and Bethany Umble’s son’s namewas spelled incorrectly in the winterBridges. They welcomed son Aslan Roffon Dec. 10, 2010. ALUMNI PHONATHONPhonathon has been great again thisyear, but we still have some work to dobefore we reach our $300,000 goal.We once again have a 2-for-1 ChallengeFund this year, thanks to some significantleadership gifts. Gifts increased byat least $20 or first-time gifts of $20 ormore will qualify for the Challenge.In 2011, the phonathon raised $254,278for the Annual Fund. Each year alumniand current students help make callsduring the phonathon.It’s not too late to giveto the phonathonif you have notdone so. Pleaseconsider whatyou can do tohelp us reachour goal byJune 30.Kenneth and Carla Denlinger, 1997,Shirk, Alton, Va., third child, seconddaughter Rachel Fay, Jan. 20, 2012.Josh and Rosemary Siegrist, 1997,Blessing, Lancaster, first child, JoelynRose, Dec. 8, 2011.Aaron Buckwalter, 1997, and KristenWeatherlow, 1997, Buckwalter,Lancaster, third child, first son IzakNicholas Aaron, born Nov. 1, 2011, and2012-2013 CLASS REUNIONS1948 April 13, 20131957 Nov. 16, 20121962 July 23, 20121972 Sept. 22, 20121992 June 2, 20121997 Sept. 30, 20122002Sept. 14, 20122007 June 23, 2012Reunion planners: Consider planningyour reunion around Homecoming2012, which will be heldNov. 15–17. Contact Matt Weaver at(717) 299-0436, ext. 706, orweaverm@lancastermennonite.org.For reports of past reunions go to www.lancastermennonite.org/alumni news.Bridges S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 | 1 3

Kraybill Campus BricklayingSecuring a solid foundation“What we’re building in this place, isa slightly different face, welcomingand making space, for all who wantto learn.”Paul JacobsPaul JacobsPrincipal J. Daniel Martin and students at theKraybill Campus of Lancaster Mennonite Schoollaid commemorative bricks to mark the beginningof work to construct a new front entrance.Front row (l-r): Matthew Simkins, Nathan Eby,Sam Kramer, James Mahala, Ethan Hess, BrentShearer. Back row (l-r): Jacquia Ruhl, Brianna Travis,Caleb Morrison, Carli Costello, Lily Saunders,Alexa Hellein, Elaina Dinse, Greta Bornmann.Check out our YouTube channel,MennoniteBlazers, for videosfrom the bricklaying ceremonyand other campus events.Commemorative bricks can still be obtainedfor a contribution of $100 per namewith up to two names on a brick. Orderforms are available at www.lancastermennonite.org/support/kraybillor by callingHeidi Stoltzfus at (717) 299-0436, ext. 308.While singing the above lyrics,students at the Kraybill Campus of LancasterMennonite School laid the first100 commemorative bricks to mark thebeginning of the construction of a newentrance to the school during a specialceremony on April 18.The project will make the school morewelcoming with a distinctive entrancethat is handicap-friendly. Renovationsincludes a wheelchair-accessible frontentrance, lobby and restrooms alongwith a new office configuration that allowsoffice staff to screen visitors beforethey can enter student areas.The bricks used in the ceremony werepurchased in honor of other students,alumni, staff, board members andcurrent and former teachers since theschool was founded in 1949. The studentslined up to carry bricks to severalmiddle school students, who placedthem along a stretch of sidewalk infront of the current school entrance.Fred Garber, who attended the schoolfrom 1954 to 1964 (grades 1-10) andserved on the board for six years,shared stories of several outstandingteachers, leaders and students whopassed through the entrance over theyears and how he was touched as astudent and later as a parent and grandparentof students. He said the brickssymbolize the long-term impact thatpeople at the school have on each other.John Weber, former Kraybill Campusprincipal, made a special guest appearancewith his wife Janet, dressed ingold and black biking attire. The couplebiked across the U.S. in 2007 and raised$81,000 for the project.Current Kraybill Campus principal J.Daniel Martin stressed the school’s desireto be a caring Christian communitythat provides a nurturing and diverseenvironment for academic excellence.Representatives from the two conferencesof Mennonite Church USA thatsponsor Lancaster Mennonite Schooljoined the celebration. Joanne Dietzelfrom Lancaster Mennonite Conferenceled the invocation and Keith Wilson,coordinator of the Atlantic Coast Conference,gave a prayer of benediction.Representatives from EG Stoltzfus, thecontractor, and Cornerstone architects,the designer, also attended.The bricks used in the ceremony willbe removed during construction thisspring and relaid along a new walkwayand courtyard when the new frontentrance is completed before the startof the 2012-13 school year. The schoolis hoping to have 1,000 bricks to linethese areas. Paul Jacobs1 4 | Bridges S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

a l u m n i featureElizabeth Landis, 1995Returning to her rootsElizabeth Landis never really thought her life’s journey would bring her full circle, but the 1995 alumna’s desireto live out her faith has led her back to the place where it first took flight: Lancaster Mennonite School.Landis, who currently teaches Englishat Octorara High School, will betaking on the role of assistant principalat the Lancaster Campus beginningJuly 1.“I’m excited to jump in and work atboth the student level and staff level,”Landis said. “Sometimes as a teacher, Ifeel like an island.I’m excited tonavigate bothand excited tobe somewherewhere I had agreat experience.”Returning to the LMS halls, however,is a bit surreal for Landis, as she isnow working with some of the peopleshe previously had as educators.“It’s kind of daunting ... with theexpectation of maintaining a certainstandard,” she said. “It’s a great thingand provides a necessary pressure.”After graduating from LMS, Landiswent to Messiah College in Granthamfor two years before finishing up herundergraduate degree in English atMillersville.While at Messiah, Landis spentpart of her time at the Philadelphiacampus, which stretched her in waysshe didn’t expect.“It encouraged me to thinkoutside the box,” Landissaid. “We were directlyconfronting social justiceissues.”When she graduatedfrom Millersville,Landis worked as anassistant manager incharge of advertisingat Ten Thousand Villagesbefore earning a fullscholarship to attend AssociatedMennonite BiblicalSeminary.“I went in thinking I’dpursue a master’s in Divinity,”Landis said. “Butit didn’t feel like a right fit,so I changed to a master’sin Peace Studies.”Landis was sitting in a class aboutwar, peace and resistance on Sept. 11when a man ran into the room andsaid the World Trade Center had beenattacked.At that moment, Landis felt a desireto do more.“It was a turning point for me,” shesaid. “Theology is excellent, to set afoundation, but my theology needs tohave arms and legs.”Landis worked at a mediation centerin York at first before helping to spearheadthe Bully Prevention Program asthe Bullying Prevention Coordinatorfor the Octorara School District.“Part of my realization was, how inthe world can we expect governmentsto work peacefully together if we can’tget our kids to,” she said. “This is thebest place for me to make an impact.”Landis is married to LMS graduateSteve Denlinger, has three childrenand attends Blossom Hill MennoniteChurch in Lancaster.As she steps into the new position,Landis said her goal is to listen andre-acclimate herself to the staff andstudents, absorbing everything that’sgoing on around campus.“I want to be a part of creating a positiveenvironment like the one I experiencedwhen I was here,” she said. “Wehave a lot of learning to do in termsof a multicultural environment andthat’s what Lancaster Mennonite hasbecome – with that great gift comes alot of learning and responsibility. Bridges S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 | 1 5

2176 Lincoln Highway EastLancaster, PA 17602POSTMASTER:Time Sensitive Material.Requested in Home Dates May 21-23Non-ProfitU.S. PostagePAIDLancaster, PAPermit No. 955Parents: 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. Contact Matt Weaver atweaverm@lancastermennonite.org or (717) 299-0436, ext. 706. Thank you.Centered in Christ • Transforming Lives • Changing our WorldLMS OpportunitiesNow Accepting Applications onAll Campusesfor all grades• Get your child off to a good start in schoolwith a full-day pre-kindergarten program in anelementary school setting.For more information or to visitour four campuses:Kraybill, grades PreK–8(717) 653-5236Lancaster, grades 6-12(717) 299-0436, ext. 312Locust Grove, grades PreK–8(717) 394-7107New Danville, grades PreK–6(717) 872-2506www.lancastermennonite.org