Collegian Winter 2016

the
COLLEGIAN
WINTER 2016
From Biltmore to Belmont

The Collegian is published twice each year
for alumni, family, and friends of Niagara
Christian Collegiate.
NCC Board of Directors
Bill Daly, Chair
Bill Nelson
Ron Long
Doug Sider
Ron Rienas
Don McNiven
Vivian Pengelly
President/CEO: Scott Herron
Principal: Mark Thiessen
Business Administrator: Lynn Schmidt
Marketing & Communications: Sue
Grierson
Cover: Belmont Hall sketch
by artist B. McNamara
Contributing Writers:
Sue Grierson
Scott Herron
James Kryger
Rosemary Legge
Janet Soppitt
Monica Trombley
Contributing Photographers:
Alexander Robertson
Sue Grierson
Rosemary Legge
Monica Trombley
Niagara Christian Collegiate
2619 Niagara Parkway
Fort Erie, ON L2A 5M4
Phone: 905.871.6980
Fax: 905.871.9260
Email: LoveNCC@niagaracc.com
Website: www.niagaracc.com
The Mission of NCC:
In an international community of schools,
to educate students with excellence in a
family-like environment, equipping them
to grow God's Kingdom, and empowering
them to make a difference in the world.
While this edition of the Collegian is packed full of
updates and information that we hope you find interesting,
my prayer is that this Collegian will also remind
you of how greatly God has blessed the ministry
of NCC in the past and continues to bless it today.
The hand of God has been evident in our rich history,
and He continues to move and direct as we forge
ahead into the future. The account of Biltmore is a
perfect example of His provision, and I hope you enjoy
reading this fascinating narrative of our beloved
BeImont Hall. You will see as you continue reading
through this issue that God is actively at work here.
We are so pleased with the numerous campus additions and renovations we
have been able to complete, and we simply could not be more proud of our
NCC athletes in their recent accomplishments, which are highlighted in this
issue. We are thankful, and we give God all the glory.
We at NCC are unified in our passion to provide the kind of education that
inspires our students to go out into the world and make a difference for the
Kingdom of God. For if we are not achieving that, then we are simply toiling in
vain--may that never be! Our mission statement says it well: “In an international
community of schools, to educate students with excellence in a family-like
environment, equipping them to grow God’s Kingdom, and empowering them
to make a difference in the world.” We cannot fulfill this mission alone though,
and I thank YOU for faithfully praying for us and supporting the work at NCC.
We are a community that believes in our students, deeply appreciates our past,
and trusts God to provide for our future.
May God bless you as you continue partnering with NCC, and I hope to see as
many of you as possible at Homecoming this year!
Scott T. Herron
President and CEO

GRADUATE REPORT
GRADUATE REPORT 2015
More than 34% of
NCC graduates
received scholarships and awards,
recognizing their accomplishments and
assisting in financing
their post-secondary education
100% of NCC
graduates were given
offers to
post-secondary
institutions
90% of our
2015 graduates
are moving on to
Canadian
Institutions
40% of 2015
graduates received
offers to study
at the
University of Toronto
EXCEPTIONAL GRADUATES
Scott (Canada) has accepted an offer
to study Petroleum Engineering
at the University of Alberta. As our
highest achieving Grade 12 student,
and last year’s Valedictorian,
Scott was also accepted to Engineering
faculties at the University of
Calgary, McMaster University, the
University of Waterloo, and Brock
University.
Virginia (Hong Kong) moved on to
study Architecture at the
University of Toronto. As our 2015
Salutatorian and Duodecimus
recipient, Virginia was also
accepted to Carleton University
and the University of Hong Kong.
40% of graduates
received offers
to study at
McMaster University
Andrew (Hong Kong) has been
accepted to Rotman School of
Management at the University of
Toronto. Andrew was also accepted
to Queen’s, Western University, the
University of Waterloo, McMaster
University, and the University of
Ottawa. He also went to compete at
OFSAA for swimming for the second
year in a row.
A FAMILIAR FACE JOINS NCC’s BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NCC’s Board of Directors welcomes Vivian
Pengelly as its newest member.
Vivian began her career with NCC in 1971,
serving as secretary and bookkeeper for 12
years. Following this, she became the Business
Administrator and, with a very skillful
hand, led NCC operations and personnel in
a variety of areas.
In 2010, she took on several projects to assist
NCC President Scott Herron which spanned the next couple
of years.
In 2013, Vivian and her husband Richard moved from Ridgeway
to New Hamburg to be closer to some of her family. In doing
so, she is now able to spend time with some of her seven
grandchildren, answering their countless questions while carving
out occasions for music, reading, baking, and volunteering
at her church. Her three boys, Allen, Brian, and Raymond, all
attended and graduated from NCC.
Our governance team succeeded in persuading Vivian to consider
becoming part of the NCC Board of Directors. In September
of 2015, Vivan was installed as our newest board member
and voted in by the general membership at the AGM, held
during NCC’s Homecoming weekend festivities.
Vivian’s lifelong commitment to Christian education is inspiring
and encouraging to those of us who have been
handed the baton. We are very grateful for her willingness
to share her knowledge, skills, and experience with us.
Vivian has been a valuable, integral part of the NCC family
for nearly 45 years. We welcome her once again to the
school in yet a new role as a member of the NCC Board.
Editor’s Note:
Vivian Pengelly is not someone that I would want to go
head-to-head with in a game of Scrabble. She has mastered
the English language with panache, and at least
once a month, I nervously and humbly submit my flawed
prose to her sharpened editorial eye.
I am very grateful for her expertise in reviewing our NCC
newsletters and each edition of the Collegian. She keeps
me on my toes, striving for the excellence factor in each
of our publications.
In spite of being a master wordsmith, Vivian does not
know the definition of the word retirement. And I have no
intention of letting her in on what that means!
Sue Grierson
page 3

GENERAL UPDATES
NEW DORM - NEW POSSIBILITIES
Renovations for the new boys’ dorm were completed last year, and
beginning in September 2015, rooms in this residence began to fill
up with new students.
With this expansion, we are opening the doors to more Canadian
and international students who will receive a quality Christian education
at NCC.
Not only our Residence staff, but the faculty, administration and the
rest of the team at NCC work hard to ensure our students experience
the family-like atmosphere that we are very intentional in creating
here on campus.
Students enjoy the multi-cultural ambience at NCC, forming life-long
friendships with other students from Canada and around the world.
This creates a rich cultural mosaic in which our students learn about,
appreciate, embrace, and enjoy the diversity of God’s creation.
This global connection also prepares them for a smooth transition
to post-secondary
studies and communities
which
continually reflect
more and more of
the world’s unique
cultures.
The growth of
NCC’s student
population opens
doors for additional
academic, spiritual,
NCC Residence Staff
and recreational programs which serve to enrich the overall experience
for each of our students.
WREC CENTRE RENOS
Our newly-renovated Wrec
Centre is a place where
our students can not only
come to relax but to truly
enjoy and be embraced as
part of our NCC family.
The Wrec Centre is a
place where students,
faculty, and staff nurture
friendships outside of the
classroom, bringing everyone
together to enhance
the social, academic, and
spiritual experiences of the
student body.
It’s a place where students come to participate in a number of
different activities and engage in creating a culture on campus that
is inviting, inclusive, and fun.
Complete with furniture and games tables, the space in the Wrec
Centre is warm, engaging, and lively, encouraging fun and togetherness.
It’s quickly becoming a favorite hang-out spot on campus.
Rosemary Legge, Girls Residence Director
We are excited to announce NCC’s
advertising partnership with WDCX Radio.
WDCX daily broadcasts feature life-changing Bible
teaching, inspiring worship, and show hosts who
engage listeners in lively, dynamic conversation on
Christian talk radio.
Beginning February 2016, NCC’s ads run each weekday during Keri
Cardinale’s show, Worship 1 to 3 and on Neil Boron’s talk show, Lifeline.
With the opening of our new boys’ dorm, we are able to reach out further
to Canadian and international students who are looking for quality
private Christian education. WDCX’s listening area encompasses the
greater Toronto area, the Niagara region, and western New York State.
Last fall, Keri Cardinale and WDCX General Manager Brett Larson hosted
NCC’s annual golf tournament. Our golfers thoroughly enjoyed their
company out on the course and their lively banter during the festivities.
It was a very successful, fun-filled event, which raised funds for local
student aid. We enjoyed having Keri and Brett on board and appreciate
their participation in this worthwhile cause.
Listen to Keri each weekday at 1:00 p.m. on Worship 1 to 3, followed by
Neil’s talk show, Lifeline at 3:00 pm daily. You can even go a step further
- give them a call during the show. They would love it!
Contact WDCX’s Studio/Live Shows: (716) 883-5000
page 4
Toll-Free: 1-800-684-2848
WDCX website: www.wdcxradio.com
Catch WDCX on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WDCXRadio
Follow them on Twitter: @WDCXRadio
There’s even a WDCX app for your mobile device!
It’s available at the App Store on iTunes.

SOSSA CHAMPIONS 2016
NAVS SWIM TEAM
Back row L-R: : Coach Moss, Athletic Director James Kryger, Daniel Bowen, Coach Trombley
Front row L-R: : Kelvin Mak, Michelle Cheung, Hollie Warkentin, Gabby Studebaker, Justin Wu
NAVS SWIMMERS CAPTURE FIVE GOLD
SOSSA took place at the Eleanor Meisner Aquatics
Centre at Brock University on February 10. We
had 6 hopefuls for OFSAA out of our small, but
powerful team. With competition from all schools
with swim teams from Niagara to Hamilton, we
are proud to have three of our swimmers advance
to OFSAA in Windsor in March.
Hollie Warkentin goes on in Junior Girls 50 and
100 freestyle. Gabby Studebaker will compete
in the Open category for 200 Freestyle and 100
Backstroke (making OFSAA time in both events).
Daniel Bowen forges ahead in the Open category
in the 100 backstroke where he dominates
as well as the 100 IM (Individual medley - which
includes all four strokes, fly, back, breast and freestyle).
Daniel also made OFSAA times in both his
qualifying events.
We are so excited to return to OFSAA for the
sixth year in a row!
We have to recognize Hollie Warkentin on her
first season on swim team. She worked hard on
strokes, and especially her turns, with the help of
Gabby and Daniel.
This is truly a team sport when your swimmers
are in the pool teaching and supporting each other
other. This is why we have been so successful.
Coach Moss and I are thrilled with the performance
of all of our swimmers this season. They
are true NAVS!
Monica Trombley, Coach
SR. BOYS BASKETBALL CAPTURE SOSSA TITLE
The end of February is proving to be an
exciting time on the NCC campus each year.
This was witnessed again, when the Sr. Boys
Basketball team captured the 2016 SOSSA
Basketball Championship title.
As I looked at the crowd, in a gym jampacked
to capacity, I was reminded of the
overwhelming NAV pride that exists on our
campus. In the crowd sat students, faculty,
administration, and community members all
joyfully cheering for the blue and white.
The excellence in all programs is certainly
something with which I continue to be extremely
pleased, but, more importantly, I am
proud of the impact our student athletes are
making on our campus, within our community,
and for the Kingdom.
I am a huge believer that athletics is a
ministry, and the way our boys displayed
professional character during the games and
in victory is indicative of the type of athletes
we are equipping to go out into the world to do
great things and to be ambassadors for both
NCC and for Christ.
If the SOSSA championship title is any indication,
I can enthusiastically say that things
are going well on the campus of NCC.
GO NAVS!
James Kryger, Coach
SR. BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM
Back row L-R: Athletic Director James Kryger, Champion Benjamins, Confidence Okonkwo, Abiye
Fiberesima, Victor Benjamins
Middle row L-R: Coach Mike Dyck, Vincent Chong, Ryan Ku, Brett Warkentin, Mitchell Uku, Ho
Yee Fok, Coach Anthony Haughton
Front row L-R: Solomon Awobem, Michael Sutherland, Natsumi Sugisaki, Josh Gakwaya
page 5

Where Men of Affairs Will Relax
NCC’s signature building - Belmont Hall - did not start out to house
a Christian school. And if the walls of this elegant old building could
talk, its revelations would be lively and intriguing, shocking and
endearing, filled with the goings-on of wealthy businessmen and
the charitable enterprise of humble farmers. Tales would be told of
bootlegging and prayer meetings, gangster gatherings and religious
revivals. Sagas of both the lost and the found regaled. They would
reveal promises made and broken, dreams never realized, while
others - too good to be true - actually did. Urban legends would either
be debunked or proven to be true.
Yes, if only these walls could talk!
Belmont’s journey through time, from its lofty beginnings aimed at the
wealthy, to its purchase by the Brethren in Christ (at an unbelievable
price tag) for use as a Christian school, is an irony too amusing - and
amazing - to ignore.
SETTING THE STAGE
Travel back in time a few decades, when plans for the construction
of this magnificent building transpired...to the Roaring Twenties...the
Jazz Age... Prohibition. To a time when Belmont Hall was first christened
the Canada Biltmore Club.
THE CANADA BILTMORE CLUB
The completion of the Peace Bridge in the spring of 1927 provided
a quick commute from downtown Buffalo, and possibilities for new
ventures in Fort Erie sprang up. With the bridge open, and a gorgeous
property along the Niagara River available, the Canada Biltmore Club,
with its bounty of privilege afforded to the wealthy, did not seem too
pretentious an idea. Big plans for its development were underway.
Ambitious drawings for this luxurious English Tudor-style mansion
were presented to Biltmore’s board by Canadian architect William
Somerville. The intent was to become a private, member-owned club,
where “men of affairs” would gather to enjoy the finer things that life
had to offer.
Plans for expansion of the 122 acres of beautiful riverfront property
in Biltmore Park included a yacht club, tennis courts, a golf course,
bridle path, and swimming pools. Even an airport was in the works.
Men had returned from the
war and settled back into
their lives at home. There
was hope for a bright future
ahead in Canada and the
U.S. as both countries were
seeing welcome economic
growth.
People were flocking from
farms to cities, and the
Model T Ford and Gray-Dort
were the popular, affordable cars of choice in both countries. Colourful
sequined flapper dresses were in vogue, tailored to reflect the
growing attitude of female independence - as well as for dancing the
Charleston in local jazz clubs. Canada was gaining ground in autonomy,
growing up and away from Great Britain’s watchful rule. Women
were voting, and a new, modern age of freedom was being heralded
in popular culture.
Babe Ruth set a new record of 60 home runs in Yankee Stadium in
1927. F. Scott Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby. Hollywood
was on the rise with “talking” movies, and Mickey Mouse made his
very animated debut.
PROHIBITION
On the flip side, temperance movements reached their pinnacle
of influence and both countries clamped down on the production,
distribution, and sale of alchohol during the period of Prohibition. This
lasted in the U.S. from 1920 through to 1933 and led to the burgeoning
expansion of organized crime - and to the dream of building an
upscale club where Prohibition no longer reigned, where the upper
class might freely enjoy forbidden fruits readily available just minutes
north of the border.
Canada relaxed prohibition laws much sooner than its American
neighbour, and opened the door for growing cross-border activity -
both legal and sordid. The province of Ontario repealed its prohibition
laws in 1927, luring Buffalonians to quench their thirst for this freedom
a short distance from home.
page 6
Proposed Canada Biltmore Club House, Buffalo Evening News, 22 September, 1927. Print.
Salesmen were recruited, intense advertising campaigns were underway,
and things were looking good for Biltmore. Its luxurious offerings
sparked the imagination of its targeted prospects, who purchased
memberships ranging in cost from $100-$300 - provided they were
deemed “eligible” to participate.
In anticipation of its grand opening scheduled for April of 1929, invitations
were to be sent out to Buffalo city officials, Canadian Members
of Parliament, and even to Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was Governor
of New York State at that time.
On Saturday, February 2, 1929, the Buffalo Courier Express reported,
“It is planned to have as one of the opening features a carnival of
mardi gras proportions.”
Canada Biltmore Club silver-plated cutlery
Ten top professional
golfers who were
competing in the
Ryder Cup that year
were to be courted
by Biltmore’s executive,
with the aim of
securing one of them
to become its club
pro.
Its executive

Where the Worth-while People Meet and Play
claimed, “We will have one of the finest clubs In the world and also
one of the best courses ever built, and, with the completion of the first
unit, which will be opened early In April, we are turning our attention
to securing one of the most capable professionals in the game, to
assume the duties at the club.”
“Our membership is composed of men who are leaders in the business,
political, and social life of Western New York and Ontario, and
they will take a keen interest in having the best available golfer serve
as professional.” Buffalo Courier Express, February 3, 1929
THE DEMISE of THE DREAM
Construction was completed on the first phase of the clubhouse, but
the golf course remained green on paper only, the yacht club never
set sail, and the Canada Biltmore Clubhouse never did open to its
members.
Biltmore “...went bankrupt before it started; the treasurer, according
to one explanation, absconded with the club’s money.
Sider, E. M. (1982). Here Faith and Learning Meet: The Story of Niagara
Christian College. Fort Erie, ON: The College.
There was also William Stevenson, Biltmore’s sales manager, who
was arrested in March of 1929 for theft of $47,000 worth of bonds.
Then came the stock market crash in October of that same year. The
clubhouse was sold, and changed ownership a few times, passing
from one grand idea to another.
The Buffalo Launch Club made an attempt to acquire Biltmore. A real
estate development office gave the clubhouse a shot. And according
to E. Morris Sider, “The club house reopened briefly but unsuccessfully
as a restaurant, and then was acquired by some men with shady
connections.” Sider, E. M. (1982). Here Faith and Learning Meet: The Story
of Niagara Christian College. Fort Erie, ON: The College.
Activities in the clubhouse sank to a new low as gambling, bootlegging,
and other seedy activities took place within its decadent walls.
Then came the police raids.
John C. Montana, owner of the VanDyke Bus and Taxi Company in
Buffalo, held the reins as the last of Biltmore’s owners. This highly
respected Buffalo city councilman, unbeknownst to his constituents
until years later, moonlighted as a mobster.
In 1933, the U.S. loosened their grip on Prohibition and Buffalonians
were now able to quench their thirst in their own backyard. The Biltmore
Club dream faded, never fulfilling its grand designs.
Following the lift on prohibition in the U.S., Montana put the building
up for sale. He was approached by members of the Brethren
in Christ. The two sides reached an agreed price, which the seller
perceived as robbery, and the buyers - miraculous.
This luxurious club house, intended as a playground for the upper
class, changed hands from mobsters to churchgoers in a miraculous
deal - confounding both sinner and saint.
Sue Grierson
In the next edition of the Collegian, we will cover more of the history
of Belmont Hall.
Canada Biltmore Club. Buffalo Evening News 30 Aug. 1927. Print.
The Canada Biltmore Club prior to purchase by the Brethren in Christ in 1938.
Photo courtesy of Brethren in Christ Historical Library and Archives, Grantham, PA
page 7

NCC Alumnus
Jon Kendrick
Senior Zookeeper at
Not only is Jon Kendrick Safari Niagara’s senior zookeeper,
he is an NCC alumnus, attending the school from
grades seven through ten (1991-1995), along with his
siblings, Heather and Jeremy.
Jon’s mother also lays claim to some history at the
school. Glennis Kendrick worked as secretary to the
President (Ron Gray) from 1988-1995. She was also President of the
Ladies Auxiliary and coordinated Heritage Days. Sadly, Jon’s father
passed away to cancer in 2002. In 2007, Glennis married Ernie Giles.
Jon played on NCC’s basketball, volleyball, and badminton teams.
His real passion though, revolved around animals - especially reptiles.
Ron Craven was Jon’s favorite teacher at NCC. Mr. Craven taught
Science and Biology and shared a mutual interest in animals. He took
care of Jon’s boa constrictor whenever
a “snake-sitter” was needed.
Kendrick started keeping snakes at
eight years old, and began acquiring
exotic species at the age of 12, when
he purchased his first boa constrictor.
“By the time I was 18, I had a
dedicated room in my house for all
of the reptiles I was keeping (boas,
pythons, anaconda, monitor lizards,
caiman, tortoises, etc.) and had started
to have breeding successes with
some. I registered my reptile breeding
company - Niagara Reptiles - when I
was 21.
“Safari Niagara had just opened
their reptile house in 2013, and Bry
Loyst, of the Indian River Reptile
Zoo, had recommended me as a local
consultant should they need any assistance. After five months or so
of casual consulting, I learned of a Senior Keeper position about to be
posted.” As a result, Jon began working at Safari Niagara in January
of 2014.
“I’m second in seniority of Animal Care. The Animal Care manager
and myself share many animal duties and cover for one another on
days off. All primates (nearly 50 animals of 13 different species at
present), white rhinoceros, and hippopotamus, and the dangerous
animals in the Reptile House occupy most of my day. I also respond
to any animal
emergencies or
concerns from
staff or visitors,
and cover for staff
on their days off
(large and small
cats, wolves, wild
dogs, etc.). I’m
often appointed
as assistant to the
veterinarian for
page 8
his regular or emergency visits as well. I’ve assisted in training of our
birds of prey before opening season and have flown a variety of owls,
hawks, and a turkey vulture.
“I love my work and greatly enjoy the varying challenges, as well as
the regular interactions I have with the vast variety of animals in the
park. Being a zookeeper is not glorious or easy work. It is physically
and mentally demanding and is certainly not for everyone.” .
Jon enjoys the partnership which Safari
Niagara and NCC share through
our Safari Summer Camp.
“It’s a very unique opportunity for the
students and has every potential to
be an influencing experience for their
future. Close-up or hands-on exposure
to something so rare as a rhino,
or a snake can spark a passion that
until that point was simply an interest
or curiosity. It takes passionate people
to dedicate themselves to the preservation
of the living creatures on our
planet to ensure their survival moving
into the future.”
It’s a full circle experience having this
NCC alumnus inspiring a passion for
wildlife and educating our students in
the fields of animal care and
conservation. We look forward to working with Jon again this summer!
NCC & Safari Niagara have teamed up to offer an incredible
Safari Summer Camp experience from
July 17-August 6, 2016.
Contact the school for registration information: 905.871.6980.

SAVE the DATE
Mark Your Calendar...we have some great events planned!
NCC’S GOLF TOURNAMENT
will take place this year on
Saturday, Sept. 24th
at Thundering Waters Golf Course.
We had a fantastic time last year, and raised
funds for NCC local student aid.
Get your team together
and be the first to register!
Lots of sponsorship opportunities
are available!
Contact us at:
golf@niagaracc.com
Thank you for your continued support
of our local students!
Your participation makes a big difference
in their lives!
HOMECOMING CELEBRATION
Friday, September 30, 2016
kicks off our two-day
Homecoming celebration.
You’ll enjoy
lively sporting events,
heartwarming reunions,
delicious food, and
great fellowship.
Come join your classmates for a
fabulous campus fête!
SEARCHING FOR TRUTH
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of
times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age
of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was
the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of
Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was
the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair,
we had everything before us, we had nothing
before us, we were all going direct to Heaven,
we were all going direct the other way--in short,
the period was so far like the present period,
that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on
its being received, for good or for evil, in the
superlative degree of comparison only.”
A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
In the controversial trial of one of the greatest
teachers of all time, the judge, Pontius Pilate,
asked the question of the accused, “What is
truth?” And in the days since that trial, as well as
for many centuries preceding, countless numbers
of great scholarly thinkers, as well as ordinary
men and women, have entered the same
arena, asking the very same question, in their
hunger and thirst to find meaning and purpose
for their existence on this planet.
Engaging in the quest for truth, in the context of
the high school classroom, with students laden
with hormones and peer pressure, has some ea-
ger and willing to embark on such a journey, while
others trudge along more reluctantly willing only
for the prize of a diploma at the end. This quest
is both thrilling and daunting, exciting and overwhelming,
invigorating and arduous, but mainly, it
is one of the most rewarding vocations I can imagine
being called to, and is further enhanced by the
warm atmosphere and cultural richness of Niagara
Christian Collegiate.
The challenge for many of our young people
growing up in the current post-modern culture with
a distinct lack of absolutes, often suffering from a
distractingly fast-paced overload of information, is
that they have been lulled into a place where the
unconscious absorption of information (where all
‘truth’ is equal and valid), leaves souls dull, listless,
full with that which does not satisfy, and definitely
not hungry for truth. For those commissioned to
the role of educator, the initial task is to awaken
that desire, encourage them to question and wonder,
not simply absorb, before moving on to critique
and discern. We are called to teach them to
think, in an age where many are not even aware
that thinking is an option.
Another group that may be encountered in the
classroom is those who have dipped their toe into
the sea of critical thinking, only to find themselves
adrift, buffeted by the winds and waves of the opinions
of others, a cacophony of voices clamouring
for their attention, bombarding them from every
angle, threatening an imminent capsize. It
is with these students that we come alongside
as mentor and guide, asking questions to help
them decipher the voices they hear, as well as
offering some meager wisdom we may have
gleaned from the path of experience, thus aiding
them on their own journey in search for truth,
meaning and purpose.
No matter the role we play or how arduous the
task, it is a privilege to be engaged in this process
with such young minds, encouraging them
to either embark or press on in their quest for
truth, discerning wise voices around them whilst
at the same time praying that they would hear
the voice of the greatest Teacher, and find a personal,
satisfying relationship with the One who,
ultimately, is Truth.
Janet Soppitt, Teacher
page 9

ALUMNI UPDATE
MICHAEL CLARKSON - A Force Majeure
You can count on him to play every year at
the Homecoming Alumni Basketball game.
And if you have ever attended this event,
you know who I’m talking about. He’s the
guy tearing down the court with the white
hair - which is about the only thing during
that game that gives a hint to his age.
Michael Clarkson (1964-1967) can still
knock it down and pound the boards,
consistently earning him the admiration and
respect of our players and coaches.
As a student at NCC, Clarkson starred as
the league’s leading scorer on two championship
teams. He went on to coach five
consecutive NCC teams to titles in the 1970s. During that time, he
also coached one soccer team through to championship. Following
that, he coached
basketball and
soccer in Mississauga,
Calgary,
and Niagara Falls.
Clarkson has
been inducted
into the Canadian
National Basketball
Teams Alumni
Association as a
builder. In the mid-70s, he founded the Canadian Scouting Report,
scouting high school players across Canada for 30 universities as
well as the Olympic team.
The sport of basketball is not the only stage where Clarkson’s star
shines bright.
He happened to nab a Pulitzer Prize nomination. And no wonder, as
conversations with Ted Turner, and the reclusive author, J.D. Salinger,
and even the Queen of England comprise a few of the highlights in
his repertoire of work as a journalist,
author, and speaker.
Michael Clarkson is the author
of seven books targeting the
issues of fear and stress, and
addresses these subjects as
a professional speaker for the
National Speakers Bureau in
Toronto.
Hollywood came calling as
well, and secured a treatment for a
feature film about Clarkson’s experience
of living in a backyard fort.
A recent speaking engagement
took Clarkson to Connecticut,
where he addressed the tax consultants
of Thomson Reuters and
its senior vice-president, Vance
Sider, who played on his team in
the early 70’s.
Michael is a warm and witty raconteur.
Whether he is addressing
a packed house or an audience
of one, Michael Clarkson is an
engaging, dynamic, force majeure,
both on and off the court.
It is a pleasure to highlight
another one of NCC’s very talented
alumni! We are very proud of
Michael’s achievements as a devoted family man, successful author,
speaker, and basketball aficionado.
You’ll easily spot Michael Clarkson on Facebook (he’s leaping
through the air in his current profile picture). Michael catches up with
friends on Facebook, chatting it up with classmates as well as his
former NCC players and team-mates. He says his greatest pleasure
is hearing of their successes in work and as family men.
If he is not online, Clarkson may be communing with turkeys,
wolves, and coyotes out in his backyard fort.
See if you can keep up with him at our Alumni basketball game this
fall!
Sue Grierson
Check out Michael Clarkson’s work and achievements at:
nsb.com/speakers/michael-clarkson
nbtaa.com/mens-gallery-builders-and-staff
We love hearing from you, our NCC alumni family! It is always a pleasure
to meet up with you when you pop into the school and to join you
for a stroll down memory lane. Or to see you at Homecoming, or to receive
your email or telephone call, or to catch up with you on Facebook!
It’s fascinating to hear your stories, to learn about your families, your
accomplishments, and the things that matter most to you.
Send us your news!
Email us at: LoveNCC@niagaracc.com
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell
where his influence stops.” Henry Brooks
We are saddened to hear of the passing of a
former NCC science teacher, Mr. Ronald Craven.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
CRAVEN, Ronald (Ron) Emerson - Passed away
peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday,
February 25, 2016 at the Port Colborne Hospital
at the age of 66. Loving husband of Sharon for
44 years. Loving and devoted father of Sara and
Ashlee (Jay Reece). Cherished Grandpa of Mary-
Jane, Damien and Jaymie-Lynn. Survived by his brothers Dennis
and Keith. Arrangements entrusted to Pleasantview Funeral Home
(905) 892-1699.
Ashlee Reece, Mr. Craven’s daughter, posted this announcement:
“There will be a Celebration of Life Ceremony for my dad, Ron
Craven. It will be on Saturday, April 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside
Church, 2669 Niagara Parkway, at Niagara Christian Collegiate
(NCC). We would love to have everyone come and celebrate his life
with us. Reminisce over stories and memories. Enjoy some of his
favorite food and coffee. My dad loved flowers however he always
thought they were better kept in the garden. Instead of flowers, we
would appreciate donations in his name to the school NCC where
he taught. We have set up a scholarship at NCC in his name to go
to a student interested in pursuing a science career.
We have enjoyed reading everyone’s memories and condolences.
If you haven’t had a chance to sign the guest book on his memorial
site please sign it when you can.”
Sign the guestbook at:
http://pleasantviewcemetery.sharingmemories.ca/site/RonaldRonCraven
page 10

GIFTING
CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS
A capital campaign is an action plan, typically undertaken
by a non-profit organization, to raise a large, specified sum of
money over a given time period. Capital campaigns are most
often associated with significant purchases of land, buildings
and major equipment, but organizations have also initiated
capital campaigns for major renovations and normal budgetary
items. The money is often raised through constituent
donations and public fundraising events for a cause deemed
worthy by the organization and the donors. The heart of any
capital campaign reflects a passionate, determined vision for
the future.
As a private Christian school in Ontario, NCC does not receive
any government funding, nor does it have extensive
endowment funds to subsidize operations or capital projects.
Most of the school’s annual income comes from tuition and
residence fees, and this income is budgeted to cover the yearly
operation of the school. Less than 1% of the annual budget
comes from donations, and unless otherwise specified, donations
are applied to student aid or to campus improvements.
We believe that NCC is meaningful, effective, and fruitful
in the lives of our students. To accomplish our mission, the
school must continually raise funds to keep its facilities attractive
and equipment relevant to the students we educate
and care for. This is why your donations given to a capital
campaign at NCC have been, and will continue to be so valuable
in driving the mission and vision of NCC forward.
CREATE A FAITH-FILLED LEGACY
Embracing the mission and ministry of NCC for generations to come
Donor Name: ____________________________________
Address: _________________________________
City: _________________________________
Province/State:______Postal Code:___________________
Phone: _________________________________________
Please apply my gift to the following:
BELMONT RENOVATIONS
STUDENT AID FUND
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
ENDOWMENT FUND
OTHER
Email: __________________________________________
Donation Amount: $ ______________________________
____________________________________________
Signature
Cheque Visa MasterCard ____________________________________________________________________
Number Expiry Date Security Code
dd/mm/year
page 11

100% of
NCC graduates
were given offers to
post-secondary
institutions
Setting High Expectations
SUCCESS
Family-Like Environment
Safe, Beautiful Campus
Top University Placements
SECONDARY SCHOOL - Grades 9-12
Local and International Students
More than 46 Years Specializing in ESL
Individualized Support
Expert Guidance Services
MIDDLE SCHOOL - Grades 6-8
Small Class Size
Caring Teachers
Project-Based Learning
Full ESL Program
AUGUST CREDIT PROGRAM - Grades 9-12
Earn a Full ESL Credit
Make New Friends
Meet Teachers
Gain Confidence
JULY SUMMER CAMPS - Ages 11-17
SHORT-TERM
PROGRAMS
Customized to
Suit Students’
Needs
Learn English in and out of Class
Interact with Exotic Animals at Safari Camp
Canadian Cultural Experiences
Live on Campus
Niagara Christian Collegiate, 2619 Niagara Parkway, Fort Erie, ON L2A 5M4 905.871.6980
Website: www.niagaracc.com Email: LoveNCC@niagaracc.com