Fear Not! Graduation 2007 - Rehoboth Christian School

Vigorously Academic • Beautifully Diverse • Thoroughly ChristianFe a r N o t ! G ra d u a t i o n 2 0 0 7“Let me begin by telling you about my horsePride,” began the 2007 graduation commencementspeech by High School Principal, Dr. Tim Stuart.“Pride is a beautiful animal, graceful, strong andpowerful. But Pride was paralyzed by a fear ofplastic bags. As soon as a plastic bag would touchhim, he was paralyzed and useless. I became veryfrustrated with him because of this ridiculous fear,so I started talking with him, reminding him ofhow strong he was compared to that plastic bag andhow silly it was to be afraid of it.”Fear is a typical response to transition, and as 27graduating seniors listened and considered thechanges and challenges that lay ahead, assuredlymany could identify with Stuart’s horse Pride.Stuart continued, “Working with my horse Pridemade me wonder what God thinks when he seesus being afraid of a ‘plastic bag’. Scripture tells us,‘Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in theworld.’ God is not just a little bit stronger thanthe forces that oppose you. It looks more like mygelding and that Wal-Mart plastic bag!”With that image in mind, Stuart encouragedgraduates to live their lives without fear. “Godintended us to live our lives to the fullest, andknows we cannot live like that when we arecrippled by fear.” Stuart challenged graduates toconquer their fears by recognizing their identity inChrist and relying on the one true God who castsout all fear.Senior, Danielle Billy, thanked parents of thegraduating seniors and all parents receivedbouquets of flowers from their children. ExecutiveDirector, Ron Polinder, recognized three Rehobothalumni from the class of 1957 in attendance at theceremony: Phil Kamps, Barry Koops, and DavidSwierenga. Bernie Koops, 95, who was high schoolprincipal from 1956-1965 was also present.Valedictorian, Greg Vondiziano, and Salutatorian,Muriel Arrowsmith, recalled many meaningfulmemories from the class of 2007. A small groupsang a farewell to Stuart who is leaving Rehobothto work overseas and a trio, Rosey Charles, MurielArrowsmith and Emerald Tanner, sang a song inmemory of Maria Holscher, the German foreignexchange student who died last year after beinginjured in a car accident on I-40. The tragic loss ofseventh-grader Renzo Fowler was also announced.He passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2007 frominjuries sustained after being thrown by a horse.Rehoboth Class of 2007As each senior received their diploma, AthleticDirector, Myron Postma, and high school teacher,Steve Weeda, read brief statements notingindividual personalities and contributions toRehoboth as well as future plans (See pg.8-9.)As momentous occasions usually do, the 2007commencement ceremony ended with a mixture oflaughter, hugs and tears.We are so proud of our graduates! Twenty sixwill continue their education at colleges anduniversities around the country, and one will servein the military. May the seeds that were planted atRehoboth take root, receive water and be well fed,and may they grow into something beautiful.

Has God Forgotten to be Merciful?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?I must acknowledge that those were my thoughts on May 24, when wereceived the tragic news that yet another one of our students had died, this oneRenzo Fowler, a sweet 7 th grade boy (see full story on page three). Within aspan of less than five years, we have lost three students. Further, we have lostthree former students, all of whom yet had close ties to the school. At somepoint, one wonders how much our small school community can bear?When out of words and answers, where else does one turn but to the Word ofGod? Rather quickly I came upon Psalm 77, which rather audaciously asks thebig question that philosophers and preachers and ordinary people have askedfor centuries—“Has God forgotten to be merciful?” (vs. 9a). Or another way—isthere a good God?But that question is answered in the remainder of Psalm 77—“Then I thought,‘To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. Iwill remember the deeds of the Lord…’” The Psalm goes on with lines like these:Vs. 12—I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.by Ron Polinder, Executive DirectorVs. 13—…what god is as great as our God?Vs. 16—The waters saw you, God, the water saw you and writhed.Vs. 17—The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder…Vs 19—Your path led through the sea…though your footprints were not seen.Vs 20—You led your people like a flock…As difficult and painful as it was to lose Renzo on the last day of the schoolyear, we must come back to our belief that the Lord has stretched out his handto Rehoboth, now for 104 years. So we collect our faith and our assuranceand our hope, and we look back on a year in which surely the Lord stretchedout his hand to us. So like that Psalmist, we do well to count the ways, to listthem, and to give thanks for them for 06/07.• For 27 graduates who have been well-prepared with a Christian foundationto face the world and higher education or military service.• For Senior Presentations and 8 th grade Future Presentations that demonstrateso clearly how a Christian mind and heart is being shaped in our students.• For faithful teachers and administrators who have poured their lives into ourstudents. To some we must say good bye. But new staff has been appointedand will soon be in the harness!• For a fabulous new athletic field and track in the middle of the desert, onwhich our students could already play as the year closed out.• For the prospect of a new gym, now already half-completed, with plans todedicate the new facilities on Nov. 9 and 10.• For a marvelous choir tour to Germany for 43 of our students, parents andstaff, enabling them to minister to a family and community that has nowbecome part of us.• For the invitation from the Christian Reformed 150 th CentennialCommittee to have the Rehoboth choir be a lead group in the 12,000 seat VanAndel arena!• For supports and donors and prayer warriors who make it financiallypossible to keep Rehoboth alive and strong, both on a yearly basis, but also aswe renew our facilities.This closes out my 39 th year in education—that is a long time to participateand observe. And instinctively one asks and wonders what does all this mean,what comes of it? Or to use the words of “the Fiddler”, “one season, followinganother, ladened with happiness and tears.” We try to be faithful, but 77:15reminds us of who we are and who God is, “you display your power among thepeoples—with your mighty arm you redeem…”. There it is we rest!2 Rehoboth Christian Summer 2007

A Tribute to Renzoby Carol Bremer-Benettstill remember the first conversation that I everI had with Renzo. It was August, 2005 and hewas sitting in my office being interviewed to joinRehoboth’s 6 th grade class. I had just asked hima bunch of questions about who he was and whyhe wanted to come to Rehoboth. He had told meof the talents and interests that he had and thenI asked him if he had any questions for me. Hepaused, with a knowing look in his eyes and thenhe asked what I thought about his hair. His hairwas still long at that time and it was tied up inthe traditional way. I told him that I thought hishair was cool. His eyes warmed, but he did notsmile, instead he asked a follow up question, “Doyou think that I can be a Christian and still wearmy hair like this?” I told him, “Absolutely!” Thenhe broke into a full smile. No more questions, heknew that he would like it here at Rehoboth andI knew that he was just the kind of student, withjust the kind of questions that we wanted here atRehoboth.During his sixth grade year at Rehoboth, Renzoand his chessboard were inseparable. He set up achess area at the entrance of school and would takeon anyone who would challenge him. I know thatRenzo loved chess, but I think that the game servedas a way for Renzo, who could be on the quiet side,to pull people towards him.Renzo had a generous spirit — in the big thingsand the small things of life. His classmates sharedmemories of this generous spirit — he would bringpistachios at break so that he could share them.He would catch up to people as they walked tothe lunch hall and offer gumballs or his famous,Boston Baked Beans. Renzo was on the prowl tofind people to offer presents to.In Mrs. Goudzwaard’s 6 th grade class, Renzowrote a book entitled, “The Family Crisis”. Ihesitantly opened this book to read it; I know thatRenzo’s childhood had its shares of heartbreakand I wondered how he was going to tell his story.Somewhat to my relief, the book wasn’t about oneof those incidents, but rather a telling of whatRenzo considered to be a crisis — a time when hisfamily was supposed to be celebrating his sister,Liza’s, birthday; all of his relatives had been invited,but Renzo’s sisters and mom didn’t show up. Itturns out to be a story of how his mom got stuckin the mud on the way to the party, and then hisdad got stuck trying to pull her out. In the end, hisrelatives came to the rescue and the birthday partybegan. You and I might not see this as a crisis, butRenzo had a softer heart than most of us — forhim, a crisis would consist of his family beingseparated, even if only by some mud.Renzo took family seriously and held them close tohis heart. This past semester in his Pathways classwith Mr. Johnson, Renzo became a proud fatherof an egg. This simulation is used to have youngmen begin to think about the responsibilities ofbecoming a dad. While this exercise is lost on some7 th grade boys, Renzo embraced the opportunityand passed with flying colors, as evidenced in hisdaily “Egg Journal”. Let me share with you someselections:Day 1 – I feel that it would be really fun taking careof a baby for a week. If I have a boy, I will name himJackie Brown. I am willing to take all the chances toraise him good.(Renzo did not get a boy, but a girl, whom henamed Brenda.)Day 2 – I feel really good having a baby girl. I am notafraid of having a girl. I feel really honored by whatGod has given to me. From this day on, I will learnwhat it takes to be a father of an egg. I am willingto step up and watch this egg and to protect it frompeople who may wish to harm this egg.Day 3 – In many ways, an egg is really easy to takecare of, compared to a baby. But I am really proud forwhat I am doing with this assignment. I don’t reallycare what other people think of me, this egg won’tcrack or get stolen by other people. One thing for sureis that I will have this egg with me everywhere that Igo.Day 4 – I think that it is a great feeling to have yourown child. I feel it takes a bunch of time to raise achild.And then on the last day of the assignment– I learned that it is a great opportunity to have adaughter of my own. Fatherhood is fun to me. But, Iam really glad to be free of taking care of my egg.Renzo FowlerIf Renzo could muster that much commitment toa boiled egg in 5 days, we can begin to imagine hislove and loyalty to his family and friends. We alsocan catch a glimpse of the sincerity of his decisionto follow Jesus and to accept God’s gift of salvation.After returning from Phoenix, where I spent time atRenzo’s side, I was reflecting on how Renzo seemedto be in so much darkness — he couldn’t open hisbright eyes and let them twinkle at me as he teasedme. Yet I was also reassured in knowing that Godpromises no matter how far away Renzo may seemto be, God is there. No matter where our journeystake us, God is there. Even if the path seems darkor difficult, God can transform that experience intolight – as we read in Psalm 139, “darkness is as lightto God!”My prayer for each of you is that you live yourlife as children in the light. Renzo was a prayerfulyoung man, and last summer he accepted Jesus ashis Lord and Savior. Renzo was not able to take hisfinal exams this semester; he passed away on thelast day of school, graduation day, but God knowsthat he has already passed the one truly importanttest — Renzo committed his hands, his head, andhis heart to God and will live a life that will neverend. I pray that each of you will listen to God, Hedesires your heart — dedicate it to Him and live inHis light.Rehoboth Christian School Summer 2007 3

RCS Choir Tour to Germanyby Gail DeYoungAs we left MariaHolscher in Dallas,TX, following ourtour of hope to New Orleanson March 31, 2006, Mariahugged me and said, “Thankyou for everything, this waslife-changing.” My responsein those final moments thatI would see her on earth was,“No Maria, we must thankyou for everything you havedone. You have blessed us inso many ways..”Maria lived only a fewdays after she left us. Shewas tragically killed in anautomobile accident on PalmSunday, 2006; yet her spiritof hope and blessing liveson. In many remarkableways, the Rehoboth Choirexperienced the blessing of herlife from beyond the grave aswe traveled to Germany to beunconditionally accepted byher people and her culture.There were 43 students,directors and chaperones whomade this journey includingthe four students who wereinvolved in the accident withMaria.Maria’s mother, BarbaraHolscher, spent this yearof mourning for her onlydaughter and youngest childby meticulously planningeach detail of the choir’s tourto Germany. It was throughthis experience that we trulycame to know who thisquirky exchange student whotouched our lives really was.And thus, these reflectionsnot only speak to the choir’sincredible Germany tour, theyalso reflect on the girl whoselife and death continue toimpact us.We experienced theincredible beauty ofGermany: The picturesquecountryside of the RhineRiver valley was filled withwine vineyards, strawberrypatches, fields of grain and adelicate vegetable called whiteasparagus. We witnessed thegrandeur of hillsides risingto monstrous castles at theircrest. We were captivatedby small villages dottingthe countryside with a highchurch steeple as the centerfocal point of the settlement.Within those communitieswere quaint homes andbusinesses decorated withmassive bouquets of flowers.Such scenes reminded us ofsome fairy tales that capturedour childhood imaginations.We worked very hard andwe also played equally hard:We discovered the lifestylethat contributed to Maria’sboundless energy: the mileswe walked and walked….the concerts we gave whenwe didn’t think we had theenergy….the food we ate….the water park, the castletours, the abbey tours, thecastle tours (oops did I repeatmyself? We did do quite afew castle tours). There weretimes we welcomed a bus rideto another destination for itmeant a few minutes to sleepbefore we picked ourselves upto go again. From catching atrain at 8:38 in the morningto collapsing into bed at1:00AM (or later) each night,our days were filled withwonder and joy.We had theprofoundopportunity toshare a newkind of musicand the hopeof knowingJesus:Picturecrowds ofhundredshearingspirit filledmusic withtheir bodiesmoving, armslifted to theheavens, tearsfalling freely, singingin broken English…suchwas the scene whether inthe SRO, 500 seat auditoriumin Reinbach, or the packedchurch in Odendorf,Germany or on the steps ofthe majestic Cathedral atCologne, Germany wherethousands heard the messageof hope. Our crowds weremoved, and we were movedas we led worship in a wholenew way.Dr. Tim Stuart, our translatorfor the trip, ended our firstconcert with a call to peopleto come forward and pray ashe sang “Come to Jesus.” OurGerman friends with whomwe consulted on the overturewarned that such things werenot done in German cultureand no one would get out oftheir chairs. But they did notaccount for the powerful wayGod’s spirit moved in thatauditorium that night. By theend of the concert and his callto prayer, peoples’ hearts werehungry for the Lord, for hopeand for healing. Not only didtheyget upand out of their chairs, theycame in droves standing inlong lines to pray with ourchaperones and students. Itwas out of that experience thatwe gathered more than a few“groupies” who followed usenthusiastically wherever wesang.We experienced arollercoaster of emotions:Grief spilled out as MagKim sang his song about theexperience of being in theaccident with Maria and theway his life will never be thesame. Masks were removedat Maria’s grave as raw painand grief spilled onto herbeautiful resting place. Attimes there was loneliness andunhappiness and searching totry to fit into the picture ofwhat all this was about.But oh, the joy, and oh, thelove that picked us up at eachstepofourjourney.A serenepaddleboat ride onLach Maria (Lake Maria); abig bear hug from one of thechaperones, a tin of Haribocandy passed around at justthe time we needed a sugarboost, or even watching littleSebastian, our four year old“wanna-be” choir membersinging “Walk, walk, walk” inhis think German accent…each of these images are searedin our collective memories.We were enveloped in thehospitality of strangers whotook us in and cared for uswith so much grace. We weretruly amazed at the incrediblelove poured out to us thatcaptured our hearts and madeeach of us yearn for a time toreturn to those lovely people.We experienced life in awhole new way: Here are afew of the lessons we learnedfrom our German friends thatall Americans would do wellto stand and take note:4 Rehoboth Christian School Summer 2007

Resourcefulness: I didn’t seea floating plastic Wal-martbag anywhere on the Germancountryside. In fact, grocerybags were non-existent.Groceries were thrown backinto the cart and brought outto a waiting laundry basket inthe car. There was very littlewasted anywhere.Healthiness: We were hardpressed to find fast food jointsin Germany. OK, there werea few Big Macs but theywere far outnumbered bysmall eateries, open markets,fresh fruit and vegetablestands and of course theever present German pubs.And did I mention that wewalked endlessly? Therewere fewer cars and moretrains to transportus from place toplace. Many ofour students havecome away fromGermany witha new love forBratwurst, derweinersnitzel,Germanpastries, Germanchocolate andmuch more!Quality time: Althoughschedules are important, welearned that time together toshare life was so important.Our meal times in our hosthomes could go on for hoursas we shut out any distractionsthat haunt us in America (TV,cell phones, computers) andsimply opened the stories ofour days, our concerns andultimately our lives to eachother.We experienced how hungrythe German people arefor Jesus Christ: Germanyis a melting pot for manyreligions — everything fromTranscendental Meditationto Islam to New Age tomodern day witches. Wesaw the emptiness ofreligious compromise andtrying to create God fromsynchronizing many religionstogether. And yet, we foundpeace and the beauty ofGod’s presence in places likeSchönstatt and in the manycathedrals we toured. Thereis a hunger to know Jesus thatburned within their hearts andours through this experience.We hope and pray that ourmusic and our witness liftedhearts to see Jesus once morein a whole new way!As we prepared to leave thelittle town of Odendorf onthat Friday in early June, itseemed as though the wholevillage was there to say goodbye.Waving New Mexicoflags, American flags andGerman flags, our Germanfriends said auf weidersehn,“until we meet again”. Abeautiful young mother offour young children slippeda note into my hands. Shewas found to have ovariancancer two years ago and haschosen to not receive anychemotherapy, choosingto live her life to the fullestfor whatever time she hason earth. The note in partread:“We all, my husband,children and parents werevery impressed by your music.You opened our hearts and Iwish the sense of your “Tourof Hope” lives on within ourminds and soul. We wishyou a good journey backhome and my hope is thatyou’ll never forget Odendorf,as well, we will never forgetyou.”There was one final stopwhich I needed to makebefore leaving Odendorf.As I stood besideMaria’s grave, Ithought aboutthe thankfulembrace withwhich we bidone anothergood-bye inDallas. Oncemore, I foundmyself givingthanks. Thistime withoutMaria there tohug, I thankedour heavenly Fatherfor his incredible gifts tous. For the gift of Maria,for her spirit that liveson and for the incredibleopportunity we had inthis place. The words ofEphesians 3:20 flooded mymind, “ Now to him whois able to do immeasurablymore than all we ask orimagine according to hispower that is at work withinus, to him be glory in thechurch and in Christ Jesusthroughout all generationsforever and ever!Tour ends with concert forCRC 150th CelebrationFollowing the RCS choir’s tour to Germany, they traveledto Grand Rapids, MI and there met with about 35 RCSunderclassmen, transported by bus from New Mexico,to become the anchor choir of 70 students for the 150 thAnniversary celebration of the Christian Reformed Church.On Sunday, June 10, the RCS choir had the privilege ofhelping to lead worship for an estimated 15,000 people atVan Andel Arena. The service was beautifully crafted andtruly was an awesome, inspirational experience for all whoattended.This great honor was bestowed upon the Rehoboth Choirand they were privileged to not only sing as a choir at thecelebration but also as part of a mass choir of 500 voices inthe Van Andel arena. The choir was also joined by a 100piece orchestra.As the RCS choir sang the familiar strains of “AmazingGrace” with its Navajo Chant, “Jesu Azali Awa”, and “TheLord is in His Holy Temple”, worshippers were touched bythe tremendous spirit with which the RCS students sangas well as their beautiful traditional clothes. In what wasarguably the most moving part of the service, the choir wasalso privileged to sing at the conclusion of a drama by theChristian Learning Center’s Drama Team. RCS Alumnus,Tara Lorenzo, sang solo on the song “Nothing but the Bloodof Jesus” and then was joined by the rest of the choir as theysang, “I Love You Lord Today”.RCS sophomore, Colby Touchine, relates the followingimpressions of the experience: It was amazing how manynations and tongues were represented and the fact thatwe were chosen to represent that diversity is an honor. Itis truly dynamic how something as simple as one tribe’straditions can impact a group of people.Following the celebration, the choir gave a brief concert foran estimated 500 wonderful supporters and friends of theschool at the Amway Grand Hotel. There were so manyfamiliar faces, reminding us of the ties that bind us to manywho know or have lived the Rehoboth experience as well asto those who give to sustain our school. In such a setting,surrounded by such a crowd of friends, well-wishers andsupporters, one catches a glimpse of what heaven somedaywill be.Rehoboth Christian School Summer 2007 5

High School UpdatesArt Students at theEmpire State BuildingNYCCALIFORNIA, HERE WE COME!When I got the idea last fall to take a group ofkids to New York City, most people I told thoughtthat it was far fetched, and for good reason. Thelogistics of a trip like what I had proposed wereintimidating. The reason it came to happen wasbecause of Laurel Christy, a kind-hearted womanwho is in charge of residency at the School ofVisual Arts in New York. She enthusiasticallyhosted us for free, allowing five Rehoboth studentsto see a world they never thought they’d see.Nearly all our fund raising opportunities cameabout by way of Rhonda Berg at the Red MesaFoundation, who let us stuff RMF newslettersand create signs to help pay for our trip. This tookmuch of the pressure off our students and theirfamilies to come up with funds on their own.After spending a few hours waiting for a very latevan to pick us up, we arrived at SVA around 4am.While in transit, the kids were amazed at how alivethe city was, even at that early hour. Screamingpolice officers, honking taxi cabs, noise of everykind.The Rehoboth Christian High School Band spent the last week of Marchtouring California. The band played concerts, worked on a service project,and had great fun! An all-night bus trip from Rehoboth put the band in LosAngeles early Saturday morning where they spent the day at First AmericanIndian Church painting and cleaning. On Sunday they played during themorning worship service, and in the evening headed across town for anotherconcert at Lutheran Church of the Master.Monday brought some time at the beach and another concert at BethelReformed Church in Bellflower, CA. Tuesday was spent at Azusa PacificUniversity. Students toured the campus, had clinics with band directorProfessor Zander Koops (a former Rehoboth teacher) and also attended an APUSymphonic Band Concert, where they were invited to play several songs.by Dave Taylor, Art TeacherWe spent three full days in Manhattan visitingart museums, viewing some of the world’s mostfamous works of art, from ancient Egyptianartifacts to Van Gogh’s beautiful and tragicpaintings. It was the ultimate art class field trip, asI hoped it would be. And the students had theirperceptions of the art world changed forever.I have concluded that trips like this are essential.We need to support them and do what we canto make sure that schools like Rehoboth aregiving our kids these kinds of opportunities. Arteducation is not a textbook thing. You can’t look atWashington Crossing the Delaware in a textbookand say, “Wow... that’s great” when the real thingis over 20 feet wide and over 15 feet high. It iscounter-intuitive. It will only serve to ignitepassions for learning in our kids and isn’t that whatwere trying to do? It’s what we dreamed of for ourkids when they were younger and it’s what theywill remember when they are older.Wednesday was a FUN DAY at Magic Mountain, an amusement park full ofhair-raising roller coasters! Thursday was a trip to Sequoia National Park toenjoy God’s Creation, and then a combined concert in the evening with CentralValley Christian School. Friday was a tour of Hearst Castle and an afternoon atPismo Beach. What a treat for students from the high desert of New Mexico!Rehoboth Band in Newport Beach, CA6 Rehoboth Christian School Summer 2007

Senior PresentationsFor three years now, the high school has requiredall of its graduating seniors to make a SeniorPresentation as a part of their Rehoboth graduationrequirements. This has become one of thelandmark events of the senior year for studentsand community members alike. This year’s seniorpresentations offered many of us an emotionaland candid look at the educational outcomesfor Rehoboth seniors in their own words. It alsooffered each student a chance to hear the spokenaffirmation of their mentors and other panelists— a “well done” in many ways as meaningful as ahigh school diploma.While the Senior Presentation itself only takes 12minutes, the transformational impact it has onstudents is long lasting. The process starts at thebeginning of every junior year when RCS studentsare given the opportunity to ask an adult rolemodel to serve as their mentor for the next twoyears. This is the only formal relationship at RCSwhere the student gets to choose an adult to leadthem. It is a powerful moment, and an honor,when a junior approaches a teacher and asks himor her to be a mentor. This relationship is designedto help juniors and seniors think through some ofthe important decisions about life, college, career,faith, and relationships they are making during thispivotal time. The mentor also advises their work ontheir Senior electronic portfolio and presentationand chairs the panel for their presentation.During their senior year, students are encouragedto walk through the meta-cognitive exercise ofreflecting on three specific questions: Who amI? How has Rehoboth shaped who I am? And,how am I going to contribute to my world? Theseseemingly simple questions get at the heart of whatwe aspire for our students to become: changeagents in the world.We believe that students who know who theyare, who have a strong sense of their cultural,intellectual, physical identity and most importantly,their identity in Christ, are strong people who actin accordance with their beliefs about themselves.We believe that students who know themselves,and God’s knowledge of them, are responsive togrowth and learning, and are not threatened bynew ideas and life’s challenging problems. Wewant each Rehoboth student to maximize theiropportunities for growth in a caring and supportiveenvironment. Rehoboth changes kids…and that isexciting to see.We also believe Rehoboth students are called tomake a positive impact in their community, theirRosey Charles Presentingworld. Success at Rehoboth is not measured by allthe knowledge, awards and accolades students haveacquired during their time here. But rather, successis measured by the contributions they make everyday. It is all about giving, not taking. Our studentsmust be prepared to give to the real world theyenter when they graduate from Rehoboth or wehave failed them.Senior Presentations are an opportunity forstudents to reflect on all of these things, “sealing thedeal”, if you will, of their high school experience.It is also a time for them to practice the grace ofgratitude, expressing their profound thanks totheir families and teachers — thanks that are muchdeserved and not often spoken.The Cast of “Arsenic & Old Lace”Arsenic & Old LaceHello. My name is Brian Alford and I directed Arsenic & Old Lace, which wasperformed this year by the Rehoboth Christian High School Drama Department.During my freshman year I played Jack in Into the Woods. When our director left,I knew that I had to step up and direct the next year. I knew from the start that Iwas going to produce Arsenic & Old Lace. I loved the movie version and my momhad performed in it when in high school. We only had twenty five practices to puteverything together for this play. The elaborate sets were built with care and attentionto detail. The actors, whether playing a psychopathic killer, a kindly old woman,or a drunken plastic surgeon, truly found the essence of their character. Despitecomplications and feeling that we had thrown everything together at the last minute, allthe audience saw was a great play!Rehoboth Christian School Summer 2007 7

CongratulationsClass of 2007LaShonda AndersonAlways has a smile!LaShonda’s fun personalityhas been a great additionto the class. Also,LaShonda has a seriousside that continues to seekGod’s will in her life. Shewill be doing just that atTrinity Christian Collegenext year.Muriel ArrowsmithMur is a great exampleof perseverance. Shehas a very generous andthoughtful spirit. Mur’smaturity and commitmentto questioning andlearning has made hera Christian leader inher class. Mur will be ablessing to Calvin Collegenext year.Amerind AveryAmerind is an encouragerand she has a way ofmaking people smilewhen they are down. Shehas a strong spirit anddetermined personality.She will be studyingBiology at Ft. Lewis in thefall.Erin ArvisoErin has great leadershipqualities, as seen in herextra curricular activitiesand the fact that studentsare often circled aroundher. She will be alsomissed in classroomdiscussions next year. Erinand her cell phone will beattending University ofArizona next fall.Daniella BadoniAfter four years as a ropescourse facilitator, she willespecially be missed there.We have appreciated herquiet nature – and yet shehas the ability to interactwith others with a lotof joy and enthusiasm.She intends to continueher education at NavajoTechnical College.Cecile BegayCiCi has a diligent workethic and is very honest.She has served as a greatfriend to many in thesenior class. She will beattending UNM-Gallup tostudy Nursing.Talia BegayIf there was a book writtenabout Talia, it would becalled, “Talia’s Smile”. Inher time here at Rehoboth,she lit up the hallwayswith her joy and caringfor others. Look for her tobring the same enthusiasmto Calvin College in thefall.Rosemary CharlesRehoboth has been veryblessed by her maturityand ability to see the needsof others. Her expressiveand unique personalityhelped bridge manycultural and social gaps inthe high school. It is clearthat Rosey loves our Lord.Rosey will be attendingJohn Brown University inArkansas.Danielle BillyShe has a welcoming,generous, and kind spirit,especially as seen in herwillingness to befriendnew students. Everyonecan be themselvesaround Billy. She will beattending UNM in thefall.Kori DampKori has opinions andgreat talent. It will beexciting to see what Godwill do in her life. Shewill be attending UNM inthe fall.Leticia GallegosLeticia’s maturity isevident on the ropescourse, in the class room,and in the hallways.Leticia and Quit will nevergo together. Her senseof humor will be missed.She will be attendingTrinity Christian Collegenext year.Tashina GoldenHer honesty and candorwill be missed. Tashinahas always been clear onwho she is and what shebelieves. We are confidentshe will achieve her goalsin the Army.

Ethan HebertEthan has a very creativemind. Ethan has grownin maturity a lot duringhis high school time andhis loyal friendship willbe missed next year. Hewill be attending CNM inAlbuquerque next year.Hannah HibbardHannah has an eyefor detail. Hannah’scommitment to servicein the community isphenomenal and showsher true heart- a desire tohelp people! She plans onattending New MexicoTech.Shane JamesHe has a quiet butthoughtful and humblespirit. He has growntremendously in his lasttwo years at Rehobothwhere he contributedto athletics and in theclassroom. He plans onstudying engineeringat New Mexico StateUniversity.Eldon JimKnown around campusas a gifted artist, his flarefor color, compositionand design is evident inall his drawings. He plansto attend the Instituteof American Indian Artsin Santa Fe, where hewill study illustration,with hopes of writingand illustrating children’sbooks.Casey JohnsonCasey can be reliedupon to come through.His even keeled andwelcoming personalitywas a big asset to the classand on the athletic fieldthis year where quietly hewas a leader. He will beattending UNM in thefall.Ronna KallestewaRonna has been able topush through adversity.She was particularlywilling to serve her senioryear without complaint.She is attending NMSUnext year.Arlacee LivingstonArlacee is confident, quiet,and dependable. She willbe attending NMSU tostudy Pediatrics next fall.Kenneth MartzaKenneth is a quiet anddependable leader whoindependently gets thingsdone. He is a loyal friend.He will be attendingTrinity Christian Collegein Chicago next year.Danny MorrisonDanny never backs downfrom a good challenge.As a leader in athleticsand academics he willbe hard to replace. Hischaracter and Christiancommitment is callinghim to the missionfield. First stop is CalvinCollege.Dawn PostmaDawn is very reliable. Sheis a rock of the Seniorclass. Consistently, shehas led her class in almostevery way. In addition,she is thoughtful andcaring. She will beattending UNM in the falland studying radiology.Daniel SandersHis honesty through hissense of humor is one ofhis gifts and his fun lovingwit will be missed nextyear. His commitment tothe autotech AVS programthis year will serve himwell at UTI in Phoenixnext year.Emerald TannerEmerald has a leader’sheart. Expect to seeEmerald as a pillar of acommunity someday. Shehas great organizationalskills that allow her to bevery active. She will beattending ASU in Phoenixnext year.Anjelika VasquezWe enjoyed her thankfulspirit. Anjelika has aneye for perfection anda willingness to workhard in class and on thesoccer field. She willbe attending UNM thisfall where she will studyspeech pathology.Gregory VondizianoGreg is a man of manytalents, in music, drama,art, academics andathletics. He will bringthese same talents toCalvin College next yearand they are blessedto have him. Mostimportantly, Greg hasbecome a man of integrity.Dustin WilsonWe enjoyed his kindspirit, the way he treatshis classmates, never heardhim cutting someoneelse down. Dustin isalways willing to havean honest conversation.He will attend UNM inAlbuquerque to studyMechanical Engineering.Vigorously AcademicBeautifully DiverseThoroughly Christian

Mid School UpdatesCowboysDid anyone know that RCS Athletic Director, Myron Postma, is a cowboy? If youneed proof of this just go in his office where you will find the evidence of suchpursuits. Look at the trophy saddle, his blindingly shiny belt buckle and if you stillaren’t convinced, just look at the big smile on his face.Mr. Postma and RCS 8 th grade student, Reno Eddy, won the #9 Division roping atthe USTRC Four Corners Classic held in Farmington, NM. By besting over 180teams, they won trophy saddles, belt buckles, checks and shoot-out positions for theUSTRC National Finals of Team Roping in Oklahoma City in October.Congratulations to a fine faculty / student team.Futures NightBeginning With the End in MindOne of the highlights of the mid-school year isFutures Night which took place this year on May15. This anticipated evening is the culmination ofa semester of focus and learning for our 8 th graders.Family and friends pack the Navajo Code TalkersCommunication Pavilion to support, cheer, laughand even shed a few tears for Futures studentswho have prepared a five minute powerpointpresentation on their current lives and their goalsfor the future. Not only do students talk aboutsuch important matters, they also discuss theirspiritual walk with the Lord and their thoughtsabout their Christian education. One of the greatjoys of the evening is to see parent’s eyes brimmingwith pride at their child who is facing the rite ofpassage between their elementary training and theirsecondary education.At the close of their speech, the presenter’s parentsstand and read a prepared letter of love to theirchild. The words that are spoken are deeplymoving and give parents a chance to publicly honorand impart values to their child that will carry theminto the future.Executive Director, Ron Polinder wrote thesepoignant words about the event:1. It is wholesome for awkward 8 th graders tostand up in front of an audience and speak, and tohave prepared their thoughts, and to have reflectedon vital questions and issues in their lives. Thisis a desired skill that we identify in our StudentOutcomes.2. It is healthy for 8 th graders to think abouttheir future, to begin to discover their gifts and toresearch and plan as to how they should use theirgifts. It is all too easy to go through school withouthaving the end in mind. This exercise forces someintrospection, and includes the expectation ofcollege or post-high training.3. It is marvelous to hear 8 th grade students bethoughtful and open about their relationship withGod. To be sure, some students are more secureand confident in that regard than others, but thatis altogether natural for adolescents. Our missionstatement claims that we “challenge our students toknow the Triune God…” So to hear the testimonyof nearly every student describing how they werewrestling and growing in that regard, that was a joy!4. And finally, the love, oh, the love that comesto expression between parents and their preciouskids. It is oozing out of every corner of the roomand most often the tearful eyes of moms and dads,and the rest of us! What a wonderful blessing,folks—in this broken world when so many childrenare unloved and neglected and spoiled and abused!God is so good—He has blessed us so richly!10 Rehoboth Christian Winter Summer 2007

Elementary UpdatesElementary Parent NightElementary Parent Night was “for the animals”.K-5 students were visited by an Arctic Wolf (andhis handler) from the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary,south of Gallup. While some of us were learningabout wolf behavior, others were hearing storiesfrom storytellers, Aleke Morris and Sunny Dooleyand watching a play (performed by elementaryteachers about animals). Each room had differentactivities. We made snacks, (ants on a log), madeplate animal masks, learned Navajo words foranimals and deciphered Bible verse puzzles (aboutanimals, of course). We even had a bear denfor reading books about animals. Parents wereencouraged to participate and many even got ontheir hands and knees to enter the darkened bearden to read with their cubs.Parents learned as much as the children and had agreat time!Kindergarten End of Year ProgramThe promotion of K kids to the Elementary school started with thechildren singing songs in Navajo and in English. Next were group playswhere many children forgot their lines and others spoke lines for theirpeers. Yet, it was fun to see how much they have grown. Each studentwas called individually to come to the microphone where they sharedtheir favorite thing about Kindergarten and received a book of Biblestories for a parting gift.2nd Graders sing in Navajo & EnglishElementary Teams Field DayAt the beginning of the year, the Elementary School was mixed up and drawn into teams. Theteams met weekly during the year to learn to be “Strong in the Lord”. This year’s ‘Strong in theLord’ t-shirts were donned and the kids hit the field running. It was a picture perfect sunnyday in Gallup. They ran races as teams, played tug-of-war, played parachute games, cat andmouse and big ball games; all on the new athletic field turf. The students were worn out by theend of the morning!New Turf for Field DayRehoboth Christian School Summer 2007 11

AlumniCLASS OF 1957- 50 TH REUNIONThere were six graduates in the class of 1957, five bilagaanas and one littleNative girl. They were Clara Nez, George Berkompas, David Swierenga, BarryKoops, Phil Kamps and Robert Poel. Robert didn’t formally graduate with theclass. He attended Rehoboth until January of 1957, when his dad, Rev. AbelPoel received a call to pastor a church in Michigan and away he went. Still, hewill always be considered a member of this class.The 50 year reunion took place on May 25-26, 2007. It began with a tourof the new gym and fitness center, and the new ‘turf’ field where the soccer,track and field events will take place. For supper, the group was invited to theRehoboth staff farewell picnic. This gave them a chance to mingle and visitwith everyone. Then on Saturday morning, the group had a pancake breakfast,care of Stu Barton. It was a wonderful time to visit and reminisce. It wasalso special that Bernard (Bernie) Koops, father of Barry Koops accompaniedhim to this reunion. He was Principal at Rehoboth for many years. In theafternoon the group attended the Rehoboth High School graduation in Gallupas honored guests. Mr. Koops was thrilled that of the 27 graduates, 26 hadplans to attend college and one was going into the military.A dessert reception was held after graduation for all alumni, withapproximately 125 attending. Our honored guests all spoke and were veryencouraged by what they saw and by what we, as alumni, are doing. Thereunion concluded with a Mexican dinner at the Ranch Kitchen where wespent hours and hours talking about everything!We are now making plans for the Class of 1958’s 50 th reunion. If you were inthat class, please contact me, Flo Barton, at fbarton@rcsm.org or call 505/726-9705. God is good. God bless all of you.George Berkompas ‘57I attended Rehoboth Christian School from the 3rd to the 12thgrade. After graduation I went on to Dordt College for my AA Degree, andthen went on to Calvin where I graduated with a BA in Biological Science. AtCalvin I met Gert, my future wife.During the summer of 1961 I took some courses at WesternWashington to firm up my biology. I still had no idea what I wanted to do.Uncle Sam, with a push from God took care of that. I enlisted in the ArmyVeterinary Corps and became a Food Inspector. God opened the door at Ft.Lewis, and so by default, I became a fish inspector, based in downtown Seattle.Duty assignments often took me to Bellingham, near where Gert was teaching.We married in 1963.After discharge in 1964 I was hired by the Federal Government as aSeafood Inspector. I worked for the Feds for 12+ years, eventually becomingChief of the Northwest Region. Then in 1977, I left the Feds and worked asTechnical Director for several seafood companies for 10 years. I grew tiredof frequent trips away from the family and was hired by the National FoodProcessors Association as head of their seafood (canned salmon) inspectionprogram. I examined (with crew) 99% of the canned salmon packed eachseason. We examined 100,000 to 120,000 samples per season, working closelywith the US Food and Drug Administration sensory experts. I also assisted theUSFDA in conducting sensory classes for regulators and industry people on awide variety of seafoods. I served on the International CODEX Committee asan advisor for setting international seafood standards.I retired in 2004 and moved to Ferndale to be near our daughter andson, and grandchildren (2). We joined the interdenominational church ourchildren attend after having been involved in the CRC and RCA.The Feds came after me at retirement time and offered an opportunityto work my own schedule training inspectors, teaching sensory classes, andinspecting seafood.I’ve also taken up golf and train and raise bonsai trees!Dr. Philip Kamps ‘57A 50 year autobiography. That’s a little scary! Calvin College wasamazing! Many lessons learned. One of the first: I wasn’t really a basketballplayer. Getting cut from the potential Freshman team, just seemed so harshbut Coach Steen was right. I guess that’s why he was the coach. But, therewere tons of good things, like visiting many different churches with new andold friends and of course meeting Betty Houtman, my life partner.Baylor Medical school for four years is mostly a blur and not aparticularly pleasant one at that, but then again there were some marvelousteachers as well as new friends.Internship in Albuquerque was tolerable and even sometimes exciting.Betty taught school there for 2 years and was given great support while I spenta year in South Vietnam with the Medical Battalion. Then there was a yearat Navajo Army Depot as their physician, and two hectic years at RehobothChristian Hospital on the Rehoboth campus in General Practice. Our son,James, was born there in February 1969. Having senior medical studentsduring those years was a relief and a pleasure.I did my OB-Gyn residency in Albuquerque for three years. Ourdaughter, Barbara was born July of 1970.I then headed back to Gallup in 1973. There I saw a hospital built,then 2 clinics, then merger of two hospitals, and then merger of physiciangroup with the hospital. Two more children were born (Jeanne 1975 andJonathan 1978). All four graduated from Rehoboth.Currently, I’m working half time, mostly OB and GYN ultrasoundand assisting moms having babies, and helping with surgery.Barry Koops ’57He stepped down as Headmaster of Lexington Christian Academy,after serving for 16 years, in July. Since then he has been teaching at GordonCollege in MA, and providing consultant services to a school in this area. Hiswife, Delianne, a Presbyterian minister, has taken a position in East Lansing,MI, so they will be moving there shortly.12 Rehoboth Christian School Summer 2007

Correction: Jasper Littletree’s email address is shadetreearts87417@yahoo.comBob Poel ‘57My dad was pastor of the Rehoboth CRC and took a call to a church inMichigan in Jan. of 1957. So I was included with the class of 1957 at Rehoboth,although technically I graduated from West Michigan Christian High School.I attended Calvin College for three years and the University of Michiganfor three more, earning a Masters Degree in Computer Engineering. I workedfor several companies as a design engineer and for 30 years as a Manager ofEngineering with Smiths Aerospace (now GE) in Grand Rapids before retiring in2001. I really enjoyed participating in the development of computers for manycommercial and military aircraft.My wife Sheryll and I have three adult sons, including a set of twins,and have four wonderful grandchildren.I lived on the Rehoboth campus from 1944 to 1957. My family wasthe first to occupy the parsonage next to the church. How things have changedsince then! Rehoboth was strictly a boarding school, with its size limited by thenumber of beds in the dorms – sixty girls and sixty boys - plus the “missionarykids” who lived together with their “house mother”, Miss Van, in a house on“pill hill”. I enjoyed playing basketball under coach Roland Kamps, but did notlike practicing on a hard, cement, outdoor court in mid-winter. We had no gym,but were sometimes privileged to take the bus to the Gallup armory to practice,where we also played our home games.My dad started the first boy’s club called “Mission Scouts”. We had ourmeetings in the basement of the church where we practiced gymnastics on oldmattresses. We were even able to earn merit badges, except the badges were pinswith, if I remember correctly, a cross and crown on the surface.In those days Rehoboth used a unique party-line telephone system witha crank handle to generate a ring. Everyone had a unique ring code. Ours wasthree short rings. Of course you always knew who was being called and couldeavesdrop if you were curious. Not that we ever did, of course! If we wanted tomake a general announcement, such as the birth of a child, we would crank asingle l-o-o-o-n-g ring. Everyone answered.I pray that the work of Rehoboth will continue to be a blessing toits community as you fulfill your motto: “Vigorously Academic, BeautifullyDiverse, Thoroughly Christian”. I count myself blessed to have spent myformative years there.Dave Swierenga ’57After graduation from Rehoboth in 1957 Dave attended CalvinCollege, graduating in 1961 with a degree in Math. While at Calvin he methis wife, Barbara, and was married in 1963. They have two children, Kristi andKarl. Kristi is married to Jeff Tsao and they have two boys. All their family livein the Dallas, TX area.After college, Dave worked for about a year for the Social SecurityAdministration. Then he went into the Air Force as an officer and becameinvolved in the then “state of the art” data processing industry. One of hisassignments in the Air Force was at Georgia Tech where he earned an MS inInformation Science (now called Computer Science). After ten years in the AirForce he went to work for Texas Instruments, living in Austin and Plano, TX.During that time he earned an MBA (business) from the University of Dallas.Dave is currently semi-retired, volunteering at his church, GracePresbyterian, and in the Dallas Better Investing chapter.Rehoboth in the Rear View Mirrorby Barry KoopsMy father, Bernie Koops, and I boarded AMTRAK in Holland, MI, crossedseven states, clickety clack, and then swooped down LaVeta Pass and intoNew Mexico. We came for a nostalgic visit to Rehoboth Mission Schoolwhere he had been Principal from 1955 to 1966, and I had been a student.We got off the Southwestern Chief in Gallup where Stu and Flo Barton metus, welcomed us warmly, loaded our luggage, and brought us to Rehobothfor graduation and for the 50 th reunion of my class – the class of 1957.Looking back on our visit, I have warm memories and strong impressionsthat Rehoboth Christian School is thriving. We all compare and contrast thepresent to the past. We hope what we see will live up to our best memoriesof places we love. And mostly from what happened as I visited Rehobothand attended a graduation 50 years after my own, the best of Tse Yaaniichiicontinues. In many ways my school is better than ever.Much is as I remember. Gliding down the divide from “top of the world”,we see the familiar red buttes lined up in the evening sunlight, then thePyramid, Church Rock and the mountain above Rehoboth, just where theyought to be. Next morning, exhilarating freshness and perfectly transparentair. Then the smell of the pine trees in the hot afternoon sun. A jackrabbit zig zagging through the brush, bouncing, showing off his long ears.Thunderheads, trailing gray streamers, piling up over Mc Gaffey in the lateafternoon. Toward evening the wind coming off the sagebrush after a rainshower. Ah, it is good to be back!By some measures, Northwestern New Mexico is different, of course.Gallup spills eastward, way beyond the Hogback, now filling the adobe flats.Camps and doublewides line Coal Mine Road, and, it seems, every roadon and off the Reservation. (Who are all these folks? Where did all thesepeople come from?) Gallup seems cleaner and more prosperous. Drivingnorth to Shiprock on Memorial Day, I see people – families, not young menin orange coveralls…collecting litter and lining the road with trash bags tobe loaded onto a truck!On the Rehoboth campus I see changes for the better: old houses beingrehabbed, new houses being built, and all of these being sold. Well andgood, I say. It’s time to move on, for Rehoboth to be no longer a “Company. . . Continued on Page 15Rehoboth Christian School Summer 2007 13

Volunteer NeedsBeginning September 10 through mid November Rehoboth is kicking off thenext phase of our residential project which will consist of a four-plex residentialunit and two single-family homes. We are looking for volunteers and churchgroups to help us out with: Framing, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Roofing,Drywall and Insulation, General CarpentryOther Needs: Cement work and landscaping around gym. The tile showers inthe guest dorm are in desperate need of repair. Plumbing/Heating experts.Retired Elementary, Middle School and/or High school teachers to tutor forthree weeks or more.If you are willing to help or have questions, please contact Carrie Hekman at505-726-9603 or chekman@rcsnm.org.Sneak PeekParent EventWhile still underconstruction, the athleticfield was put to the test.We invited the parents ofour teams that would beusing the field for a SneakPeek. (soccer/baseball/track& field) RCS AlumniAssociation Director, FloBarton started the eveningoff with a Navajo Taco dinner. Then we got down to business at the parentmeeting. Best of all was the series of soccer scrimmages played on a beautifulturf where once was a rocky, weed infested field that the kids had to clear thefirst week of practice.Gifts In Memory Of:Dr.. and Mrs. Louis H. and Leona H BosMr. and Mrs. Eugene and Yolande BosMr. Barney G. FylstraMrs. Henrietta FlystraMrs. Nancy A. HilbelinkMr. and Mrs. Ken and Loretta RowenhorstMr. and Mrs. Fred and Jean DeJongMr.. and Mrs. Randy and Lisa RowenhorstMr. and Mrs. Wayne and Beverly HilbelinkMr. and Mrs. Timothy and Kim SheahanMr. and Mrs. Marion and Janice VanSoelenMr. and Mrs. Arvin and Doris MeerdinkMr. and Mrs. David and Linda HaenMr. and Mrs. Erwin and Margaret HendrikseMr. and Mrs. Jack and Marilyn HoffmannMs. Beverly A. AltenaMr. and Mrs. Albert and Florence KroeseMr. and Mrs. Richard and Diane BloemersMr. Gerald HonderdMrs. Cynthia C. HonderdMrs. Nora KloostermanMs. Marcia KolkMrs. Jerene DeHaanMr. and Mrs. Stanley and Wilma VeltemaMrs. Aileen J. HopMr. and Mrs. Milo and Juella BoermanMr. and Mrs. Harold and Nelva DykemaIndividualsLaura Bartleson - Caledonia, MIAmanda Bartleson - Caledonia, MILen and Grace Brink - Allendale, MIShannon Brown - ConnecticutSid and Doris Bouwman - Everson, WATony and Gert DeKruyf - Gig Harbor, WASteve and Brenda Donselar - Spring Lake, MIAndrew Donselar - Spring Lake, MIDavid Donselar - Spring Lake, MIJim and Flo Hannink - Hudsonville, MIHoward and Marion Johnson - Zeeland, MICarol Kasmauski - Grand Haven, MI14 Rehoboth Christian School Summer 2007Mr. and Mrs. Jerry and Marlene BeyerMr. and Mrs. Dale and Barbara BrouwerMr. and Mrs. Howard and Marian JohnsonRoyal Park Condominium AssociationMr. and Mrs. Nelson and Dorothy VictoryMs. Bernice DeKleineMrs. Ethel ScholtenMr. and Mrs. Merle and Georgian DeKleineMr. and Mrs. Jerald and Harriet BoermanMs. Mildred BoesMrs. Janet LubbersMr. and Mrs. Bernard and Helen TimmermanMr. and Mrs. Steve and Mary JacobsMr. and Mrs. Jim and Betty VictoryMr. and Mrs. Marve and Diane AlfenMr. and Mrs. David and Vicki VictoryMr. Roger VictoryMs. Shirley MerrittMr. and Mrs. Barry and Sally VeenstraMr. and Mrs. Darwin and Diane BoermanMr. and Mrs. Brain and Dawn VanderHulstsMr. Wayne BoesMr. and Mrs. Gary and Kathy MerhtosMr. and Mrs. Calvin and Sally BoesMr. and Mrs. Tom and Sheryl DykstraMr. and Mrs. Chat and Faith KlungleMrs. Jeanne KoopsMr. and Mrs. Christian and Martha ZoeteweyMr. and Mrs. Herbert and Bernace KorthuisMr. Leon Morris LokersMr. and Mrs. Alan and Jacquelyn KapengaMr. Leonard LongMs. Sarah LongMr. and Mrs. Albert and Evelyn MannesMs. Judith BoogaartMr. Richard MatheisMrs. Fran MatheisRev. and Mrs. Kenneth and Elaine KoemanMr. and Mrs. Roger and Marlene VanDykenMs. Win BulthuisMr. and Mrs. Rick and Joan VanderGiessenMs. Ms. Nancy E. NelsonMr. and Mrs. Gary and Cristi MilesMr. and Mrs. Nick and Joanne Vander VeenMr. Glen HuleattMr. and Mrs. Gary and L. Jean KampsMr. and Mrs. Rick and Sadie HollemanMr. and Mrs. E MeelkerMiss Grace MeelkerMr. Peter I. NoteboomMrs. Leona NoteboomMs. Henrietta Van Mersbergen BurdMs. Barbara ZondervanMrs. Helen Vander MeulenMs. Barbara CevaalMr. and Mrs. Roger and Shirley VanStedumT h a n k Y o u V o l u n t e e r s !March 2007 - June 2007Rich and Francis Kros - DeMotte, INMary Kuiper - Grand Haven, MICarroll Nikkel - Aimes, IAGary and Neda Raterink - Belmont, MIAl and Martha Weg - Mitchell, SDWork GroupsCottage Grove CRC - South Holland, ILDenver Christian 8th Grade - Denver, COFellowship CRC - Grandville, MIHager Park CRC - Jenison, MITrinity CRC - Aimes, IAWestview CRC - Grand Rapids, MIMr. M. BriscoeMs. Cornelia E. BlankvoortMr. and Mrs. Bruce and Linda HuizengaMr. Roy Veenstra LindemulderMs. Alta VanGenderenMr. Henry VisserMr. and Mrs. Roy and June BolthouseMr. Bill MasselinkMs. Geraldine VanDeelMrs. Ethel TanisRev. and Mrs. John and Betty WitvlietBeechridge Condo AssociationMrs. Ann K. BoydMr. and Mrs. Harold and Elizabeth LankheetGifts In Honor Of:Mr. and Mrs. Stan and Harriet Brouwer50 wedding anniversaryMr. and Mrs. Raymond and Phyllis VanProoyenMrs. Verda BruxvoortMr. and Mrs. Arthur and Mary RobynMr. and Mrs David and Natalie BosscherRev. and Mrs. Thomas and Evelyn DeVriesMr. and Mrs. Donald and Julie EggebeenMr. and Mrs. David and Linda EggebeenMrs. Jo NanningaMr. and Mrs. Philip and Carol BrondsemaYear RoundRol & Ruth Kamps – Gallup, NMJohn Klein – Gallup, NMKeith & Arlene Kuipers – Gallup, NMAndrew Swetz – Rehoboth, NMDan VanDeRiet – Gallup, NMBen Vanderwerff – Gallup, NMFred & Harriet Witteveen – Rehoboth, NM

Announcing Rehoboth VillageFor nearly three years, Rehoboth has been planning the Rehoboth VillageSubdivision, a 34 lot subdivision with a mixture of single family and multifamilyresidences on the Rehoboth Campus. Ten existing homes will remainon what has been known as Pill Hill and Hogan Street. The other homesand mobile homes have already or will be removed to make room for theconstruction of new ones. Today there are two single family homes and a fourplexcondo building under construction.Initially, the first few sales have been to Rehoboth staff members. We envisionthis being an open and diverse community. One of the exciting things aboutthis project and the prospect of “opening Rehoboth” is the interest fromnear and far. Rehoboth parents, general community members and friends ofRehoboth from around the country have expressed interest in being a part ofthis special community.The most often asked question about this project is “Why would Rehoboth dothis?” There are dozens of reasons but the main ones are listed below.• Philosophically we would like to encourage and enable Rehoboth staffto own homes and build equity.• We envision a larger and more diverse Rehoboth. We want to shareRehoboth with other people from near and far and home ownership isone way to do this.• Rehoboth continues to look for ways to sustain itself for the next 100years. Proceeds from this project will go to the Rehoboth endowmentto serve the school in perpetuity.Beginning September of this year we are starting construction on three newhomes and are looking for your help. All trades and abilities are needed. Ifyou are interested in assisting in this project or have questions. Please contactCarrie Hekman at chekman@rcsnm.org or 505-726-9603. . . Continued from Page 13Town”. The new church and middle school are handsomeand inspiring. And the new gym and athletic field areamazing statements of faith in the future. How muchbetter than the concrete tennis court behind the boys’ dormand the gritty Gallup Armory! The old days and ways werenot all golden.At Rehoboth School, I see a serious academic programwith an impressively broad range of learning activities andsports that can help young people discover their talentsand prepare for a wide range of colleges and careers. Thefacilities are not lavish, but they are thoughtfully andartfully designed and well-equipped. Excellent teachingand excited learning are possible here.I am especially heartened by the continuing sense ofChristian community. Rehoboth feels authentically diverse,with space and place for all of God’s people. My heart wastouched at graduation to hear prayers in five languages.Not just one. Not just two languages.Paraphrasing Psalm 16, I see that at Rehoboth our propertylines fell in a pleasant place. We have a goodly heritagehere. The Smith Ranch is a blessed inheritance!I appreciate that Rehoboth is successfully makingthe transition from a denominational dependant to acommunity-based institution. I understand how difficultthe process has been. Probably Rehoboth will always needfunds from outside the geographic community. But it trulyis becoming our school.I believe that Rehoboth is living up to its inspiring motto:Vigorously Academic, Beautifully Diverse, ThoroughlyChristian. I hope to hear how in the decade ahead thefaculty and administration are dreaming, praying, planning,creating, evaluating and revising with passion to make analready good school great.It was a wonderful experience to connect with people whoare now at Rehoboth, and also with those who taught here,studied here, came to faith here. With all of you, I will“lift up my eyes to the hills”. From a great distance I willlook up at the Hogback, the Pyramid and Church Rock.I will rest my eyes on the San Francisco Peaks, on NavajoMountain and Mt. Taylor. With all Rehoboth folks, I willremember to trust in the God of the everlasting hills, fromwhom our help comes.Barry Koops, RCS grad ‘57June, 2007New Construction of Homes for Rehoboth VillageRehoboth Christian School Summer 2007 15

SoftballSoftball is a game that in the past has been limitedto a small group of athletes at Rehoboth. Not thisyear. At the first practice, there were 31 girls. Inthe end, 17 were left to make the varsity and thefirst JV girl’s softball team ever. Head coach, ArtBurrola, assisted by Shawna Bailey, a Lynx grad andformer softball player were excited. “We’re doingwell. We’ve got a lot of talent and a lot of new girlson the team this year. I hope to have them backnext year.”When asked about the players, Coach Burrola ishopeful. “We’ve got some good young ball playersthat are coming along great, including eight eighthgraders, which is quite a lot.” Val Burrola was thetop pitcher on the squad, with Samantha Frankand Samantha Nelson joining the pitching staff.And hitters? “They’re all coming along together.We teach them to drive the ball, not hit the ball.They get a hit and come in and say, “Next time I’lldrive it, coach.” And next year there will be a newsoftball field on the south corner of the new trackstadium. The future looks good.TrackThe 2007 track and field season was one of twodichotomies. The girls’ team, having a lot ofexperience, competed like seasoned veterans andwas quite successful. The boys’ team, a youngsquad, went through a lot of growing pains,learning along the way and ended ripe for nextyear. All in all, it was a great year. As we christen anew stadium next year, just watch us develop intosomething special.www.rcsnm.orgPO Box 41Rehoboth, NM 87322Address Service RequestedNon-Profit Org.US Postage PaidGreenville MIPermit #338Vigorously Academic • Beautifully Diverse • Thoroughly ChristianSummer 2007Graduates pg. 8Sneek Peek pg. 14Choir Tour pg.6