Collegian Summer 2017

the
COLLEGIAN
SUMMER 2017
KIMBERLY MAK
TOMIWA BROWN

Happy Summer, NCC family and friends!
Thankfully, the warmth has finally arrived here
in the Niagara Region, and as you enjoy these
blessed days of summer, I hope that you are
able to take some time away from your regular
obligations to purposely slow down, perhaps
get away on a vacation, and enjoy extra family
time. I am savouring each day of early sunrises,
knowing that these slightly slower days will
be over before we know it, and we will be back to a busy school year this
fall.
The Collegian is published twice each year
for alumni, family, and friends of Niagara
Christian Collegiate.
NCC Board of Directors
Bill Daley, Chair
Don McNiven
Vivian Pengelly
Ron Rienas
Doug Sider
President/CEO: Scott Herron
Principal: Mark Thiessen
Business Administrator: Lynn Schmidt
Marketing & Communications:
Sue Grierson
Cover : Kimberly Mak & Tomiwa Brown
Photo by Sue Grierson
Contributing Writers:
Julie Broomer
Meredyth Campbell
Sue Grierson
Scott Herron
Anthony Haughton
James Kryger
George Piskor
Mark Thiessen
In just a few short days, our NCC campus will be full of students, both locally
and from around the world, here to enjoy one of NCC’s summer camps
happening in July and then on to the August Credit Program. It is wonderful
to see our beautiful campus fully utilized all year long.
In this issue of the Collegian, you will see that we have once again graduated
a gifted class of students, and we pray for God’s blessing and provision
on their lives as they go off to university. Each class leaves a unique footprint
on our campus, and this year’s students were no exception. I hope
you enjoy reading a few highlights about our graduating students as well as
learning more about other students featured in this issue. Just as being a
student at NCC impacted my life, we know that the impact of NCC lives on
long after students graduate from here. May we continue to point our students
to Christ, so that they can lives lives of purpose and make an impact
for God’s Kingdom.
I am looking forward to connecting with you this fall at our Homecoming
celebrations. In the meantime, enjoy your summer and count each day as
the precious gift it is. As Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Scott T. Herron
President and CEO
Contributing Photographers:
Alexander Robertson
Sue Grierson
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.

TECHNOLOGY CENTRE - The Vision
Last November we said goodbye to a great friend of NCC. Bill Nelson
dedicated much of his time in serving on our board of directors,
chairing the NCC IT committee, and injecting his quick wit along
with huge doses of encouragement around the campus. Bill
served NCC with his many talents and years of experience and
we're ever grateful for his expertise - especially in the field of
technology.
Ham radio was the “internet” of the era in Bill’s childhood
allowing global contact with users. As a teenager, Bill was
fascinated with the ability to converse with people on the
other side of the world via telegraphy or voice in an era
where international telephone calls were still in a formative
stage. TV did not exist and people’s links with the outside
world were via daily newspapers and finicky radio sets. Ham
radio allowed Bill to become a global citizen at a time when
many people still had little contact with the world outside of
their own community.
In Bill’s youth in the 1940’s, ham radio was as much an art as a
science with hobbyists exchanging knowledge mouth-to-mouth,
subscribing to hobbyist magazines and often building their own Ham
radio sets from basic components - not unlike what Bill Gates and
Steve Jobs did in the1970’s by building their first computers using electrical
components and later computer kits that had to be assembled and programmed.
Bill’s experience assembling ever more complex ham radios and learning
how to bounce radio waves off the atmosphere intrigued him with the science and engineering behind
radio and telegraphy communication. This naturally led him to pursue electrical engineering in university
which progressed to his career in Information Technology and Communications.
Bill and his wife Huguette first became aware of NCC as new members of Riverside Church around
2009, some years after moving to Fort Erie from Toronto.
In 2010, Huguette organized the first Riverside Community
Church banquet where Bill met NCC President Scott Herron.
(Since then, Huguette has continued to arrange alumni banquets
and barbeques for both NCC and Riverside Huguette's
gracious hospitality and tireless efforts result in some very
memorable and sumptuous feasts!)
Bill and Scott became fast friends and discussed NCC over
their regular lunch sessions. It was through those discussions
and informal contacts with staff and students at NCC
that Bill fell in love with the school’s mission to not only educate
youth from around the world but, equally important,
to instill in them a sense of universal Christian values that
would guide them throughout life.
Bill was invited to join the NCC Board in 2011, and in 2012
was asked by virtue of his experience as Vice President, IT
Operations at TD Bank to chair the NCC IT Committee. He
was charged with modernizing and upgrading the then undersized
computer and telecommunications infrastructure.
Bill left NCC with a generous financial gift that will ensure
his continued legacy and passion for the mission of NCC. In
addition to providing students with excellent education and
guiding Christian values as part of the NCC mission, Bill was
a strong believer in promoting digital literacy and STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as a third
mission component for students and staff.
His hope was that this contribution would provide hands-on
experience with different facets of the digital world to promote
digital fluency while stimulating interest in STEM careers
for those students so inclined.
Thanks to Bill's generosity and vision, our hope is to create
a modern technology centre with dedicated classrooms and
labs for science and technology students who can pursue
their studies with excellent facilities and accompanying resources.
A designated space in the technology centre will house
Bill's ham radio equipment which he also bequeathed to the
school. Ham radio is still utilized today in providing emergency
communications and plays an important role in communications
restorations following natural disasters.
Providing our students with the very best resources and
quality programming is a top priority. Thanks to the generosity
of Bill Nelson and others with the same vision, a top-notch
faith-based education is achievable and sustainable.
If you would like to partner with Bill's vision for the proposed
Technology Centre, please contact NCC President, Scott
Herron at: stherron@niagaracc.com, or call the school at:
905.871.6980.
Our thanks to Bill's friend George Piskor for his contributions to
this article!

SERVING THE NATION
Dr. Henry Regier ('48)
"In the same way, let
your light shine before
others, that they may
see your good deeds
and glorify your Father
in heaven."
Matthew 5:16
Pictured above: Dr. Henry Regier, C.M. Ph.D. and former governor general, Her Excellency, the
Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean. The Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement,
dedication to the community, and service to the nation.
After reading Jessica Dieleman's article, "We Dig Archaeology"
in the previous edition of the Collegian, Dr. Henry Regier
('48) contacted NCC to see if he could be of service to our
students. He offered to present a lecture and hold subsequent
discussions with our students regarding Great Lakes rehabilitation,
or the likely effects of climate change - subjects which
reflect his fascinating career in these fields. Needless to say,
we were absolutely delighted and honoured to hear from him.
As editor of the Collegian, I am constantly on the hunt for stories
about our alumni. Dr. Regier's offer to serve provided an
opportunity to ask permission to write a piece about him, and
to dig into the archives for more about this '48 grad.
Like so many of our alumni, Dr. Regier's request was that an
article would not focus on him, preferring instead to serve as
a "navigational aid and not the message." He wished to steer
the discussion toward challenging our students in their environmental
studies and how NCC is assisting them in that field.
He sent along a fascinating and thought-provoking essay to
pique the students' interest and to suggest a possible alternative
theme for the Collegian write-up.
In response to his essay, I will be following up with that article
in the coming months. Before that article is written, however,
I want to reflect on the impact that alumni like Dr. Regier
have on our world. His leadership in the field of environmental
stewardship serves as an immense inspiration and example
to our students and the rest of our NCC community. Our hope
as educators is that our students aspire towards the same excellence
and take advantage of every opportunity for service
in their chosen fields - and become world changers.
Therefore, Dr. Regier's request was unapologetically overridden
in order that his example may challenge us to pursue our
own unique role as stewards of God's creation.
Some highlights of Dr. Regier's distinguished career include
serving as the Director of the Institute for Environmental Studies
from 1989-1994, and as Professor in the Department of
Zoology from 1966-1995 at the University of Toronto.
Regier's contributions in the field of environmental stewardship
have garnered public recognition and numerous awards.
In 2009, Regier was named a Member of the Order of Canada,
recognized for his outstanding achievements:
"A steward of the environment for more than 30 years,
Henry Regier has contributed to the protection and restoration
of the Great Lakes. Professor emeritus at the University
of Toronto, he has studied the dynamics of fish populations
and the rehabilitation of degraded aquatic ecosystems.
Working with various Great Lakes agencies and institutions,
he spearheaded the development and implementation of
ecosystem management strategies for these large lake watersheds
and their resources. A leader in sustainable development,
he has been widely sought after as a consultant by
provincial, national and international organizations and governments."
http://archive.gg.ca/honours/search-recherche/
honours-desc.asp?lang=e&TypeID=orc&id=11922
In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was
the co-winner of a Nobel Peace Prize for responsible documentation
of the risks of climate change. Dr. Regier served as
a lead author of one of many reports crafted by international
teams of expert scientists that contributed to that award.
Regier has certainly lived up to his principles: "When talking
to Mennonites and BIC friends about my professional work, I
emphasize that my personal ethical praxis has been consistent
with that of the five-hundred-year legacy of our Plautdietsche
Mennisten. Like my ancestors in general, I’m a pragmatic
Christian; the Walk is a more reliable indicator than the
Talk."
That being said, Dr. Henry Regier's "walk" continues to serve
as a very reliable navigational aid for students, educators, and
citizens whose mission is to make a difference. My hope is
that we can emulate that same commitment and faithfulness
to our own unique callings.
Sue Grierson
There's much more to Dr. Regier's story. Read more and
be inspired. Take a look on our website: http:www.niagaracc.com/alumni

ALUMNI UPDATE - Jacob Trombley ('12)
In spite of being unsure of the academic route he should pursue
when he first arrived on NCC's campus, Jacob Trombley’s foray
into the study of law evolved quite naturally. With a little help and
inspiration along the way, he soon discovered his calling and
continues to pursue it with passion.
Earlier this year, Trombley stopped by the NCC campus to be
interviewed for this article and to give WDCX Radio listeners a
testimonial of his high school years.
Jacob graduated from NCC at the top of his class in 2012 and
presented the valedictorian address to his peers. This was a big
change from four years earlier, when he was unsure of the direction
his life would take.
He attributes his time at NCC as being the main four formative years
of his life: "...from the relationships that I've gained, and grown through,
and kept all through university. My best friends are the same friends I had in
2008 and 2009 - almost 10 years later. It set me up from being someone who
was struggling to find where I wanted to be, what my career path would be, what I
wanted to do in life, what my meaning was, to having this massive family, and to having
a goal that I knew I could achieve, and having the tools to achieve those things.”
When he was served a slice of injustice by one
of NCC’s most beloved teachers - his mother, Mrs. Monica Trombley
- Jacob rose to the challenge. During her grade 12 Family Studies class,
Monica gave her son a low mark on one of his assignments.
“She gave me a 70-something and I’m a student who graduated from
NCC with a 95.6% average. I actually appealed the grade to the
vice principal at the time and got it reversed!”
Monica's desire for her son's success definitely paid off.
“Jacob has also been involved in, and major organizer
of four fundraisers in the Niagara Region in the
past four years. I am most proud of that.”
One of Trombley’s most influential teachers was Mr. Dave Legge, who recently retired from his teaching career.
“He taught World Issues in grades 9 and 10 and was a great inspiration to go into law. Doing his studies and being under him, I
went from thinking, 'Maybe I could be a police officer…' to going to the best law school in the country. It was that kind of inspiration
and tutelage that was really, really valuable. You really interact with NCC teachers more as people and in a personal way
that you can’t you can’t ever make the conclusion that they’re just here from 9:00 to 5:00."
Jacob reflected on his four years as a student at NCC, and mirrored the school's truly Canadian identity.
“They make an environment that is good for everyone. It’s unapologetically a Christian school, but you go to school with people
from pretty much every corner of the globe; from different denominations - atheist, Muslim, Hindu. Canada does that really, really
well. People come from other countries and they see Canada as emblematic of this immigrant country that is very accepting, and
the price of membership is very low. So coming to NCC, you definitely get a sense of that immediately. The CLC class (Christian
Lifestyle Class) was very sensitive towards everyone who was at the school. It’s very accepting, very open, not hostile to any
cultures, or religions, or belief systems at all.
“NCC also prepares you really well for academic life or even work life. The knowledge base they give you, the courses you take,
and the standards they hold you to - which over the four years they really build you up to something that would prepare you well
above what you need to go to university. Even studies in law classes at NCC - we covered some of the same stuff in first, second,
third year at university - so it really prepares you well.
“There’s a lot of dynamic learning experiences and opportunities
at NCC. The assignment styles and the curriculum that
they teach are very open and very dynamic, so you can really
explore the things you want to. You’re not limited…it’s not
cookie-cutter. Coming up with assignment ideas and research
avenues are extremely important for university. Developing argumentative
theses, statements...NCC used that kind of structure
- a seamless transition to university studies. Everybody
here (at NCC) has that tacit kind of recognition that they want
to…do more. It's not just, 'I want to go to university', it's 'I want
to go to law school, I want to do graduate school.' "
After attending Brock University for one year, Trombley moved
on to the University of Toronto where he recently completed
a double major in Criminology and Political Science. During
his second year, he was published in the University of Toronto’s
undergraduate law journal for a paper he wrote about the
growing pains of search and seizure law.
hows and whys of the way law works. Political systems have
such a direct effect on how and what kinds of laws are made.
Criminology is the sociological aspect of it - how law is crafted;
what laws should be made; which laws are outdated. It really
is a complementary study.”
On the advice of some of his professors, Trombley will take a
year off from university and is going to take a certificate course
at Niagara College in Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations.
He believes that working with police and courts will
give him a better understanding of various legal procedures.
Then it's off to law school at the University of Toronto the following
year.
Wide awake to his calling, Jacob is in keen pursuit of his life’s
mission. “I am most drawn to criminal defence. There’s a lot of
things in the justice system that really need to be reformed. I
think it’s a good platform to initiate change."
Trombley chose Political Science to augment his pursuit of
law. “Your study of law really isn't really complete unless you
have a full grasp of the whole governmental system. Political
Science explores these foundations. You need to study the
Needless to say, his mother is beaming.
Sue Grierson

TOMIWA BROWN - 2017 VALEDICTORIAN
by Mark Thiessen, NCC Principal
The valedictorian award is given on the basis of outstanding academic achievement
and significant contribution to school life. Our valedictorian this year came to NCC three
years ago and has consistently shown an intense desire to be a part of this school. This
year, his high level of participation could be seen in athletics and student leadership both
on campus and in our residence program. He has taken full advantage of the program
options open to him at NCC.
More than this, he has grown and matured into a young man of faith, a leader
amongst his peers, an individual of integrity and character. He is kind and compassionate,
always ready to help those in need with a true servant’s heart. He is a young
man who will go out of his way to be a friend, he is quick to laugh, and has seemingly
boundless stores of energy and enthusiasm.
Additionally, he has grown and developed into a strong leader in our academic program
maintaining an overall average of almost 95% in his graduating year.
It has been our distinct pleasure to have Tomiwa Brown on our campus for the past
four years. He has a contagious smile, quick wit, and fun loving personality. I am confident
that he will continue to lead with integrity and excel socially and academically
as he moves on to studies in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Alberta in
September.
This year’s valedictorian was also selected as the Duodecimus
award winner for the 2017 graduating class.
The Duodecimus Award, voted on by a committee representing
NCC administration, faculty, residence directors,
and students, is the highest honour given to an NCC
graduate. This award was established by the Grade 12
Class of 1963.
The recipient for this award is selected based on
the following criteria:
■ The graduate making the most significant
contribution to the total life of NCC.
■ Spiritually, socially, academically superior.
■ Participant in at least one major extracurricular
activity.
■ Strong contributor to school spirit, displaying a
positive attitude toward NCC.
I am pleased to have presented the 2017 Duodecimus
award and the 2017 Valedictorian award to a
very deserving young man, Mr Tomiwa Brown.
As a community, NCC strives for excellence in all
things. We set the bar high for our students and
so many of them excel in this environment. Having
experienced success here, it is our hope that NCC
grads will continue pursuing the same goals as they
venture into the post-secondary world. We are particularly
proud of the academic achievements of many
of our students.

KIMBERLY MAK - 2017 SALUTATORIAN
Our grads are an incredible group of young men and women who make me
more confident in our future and impressed with our present. This group of
unique graduates are in possession of an array of gifts, talents, abilities that we
at NCC have had the pleasure of living with for the past ten months. Thank you
for making your mark on our campus, for maintaining the traditions of those who
have gone before you, and for leaving a legacy for those who will follow.
We have been blessed this year with an incredible graduating class possessing
a diversity of gifts and culture surpassed by few, if any, other schools. It has
been a challenge to select our award recipients due to the sheer number of
deserving, well-rounded graduates.
The Salutatorian is nominated by his or her peers to represent the class by
addressing the audience at graduation.
Our Salutatorian
this year, Miss
Kimberly Mak,
has been a student
at NCC for
three years, during
which time she has
excelled academically,
maintaining
an average of over
90% in her senior
classes, all the while
involving herself
heavily in sports and
clubs and committing
huge amounts of
time to helping faculty,
staff, and students
with countless projects
and initiatives.
She is deeply loved by
her peers and was voted
the Salutatorian by a
combination of the
faculty and the graduating
class. She is
selfless and wise,
fun-loving and full
of integrity, and
she is an exceptional
model of a
graduate.
Kimberly will
be moving
on to study
Life Sciences at
the University of
Toronto next year.

This Mission of Music
Our mission in the NCC music program is to develop well-rounded
musicians who can read, write, perform, and critically listen
to a wide variety of musical styles. Then our dream is that they
apply those skills in ways that glorify God and build community
on our campus. I hope that students who study music at NCC
leave with a deeper understanding of who they are
and the voice they have
in today’s society.
Marion Lee (pictured above) auditioned
for the Ontario Provincial Honour Band
and recently found out that she was
accepted! The band is made up of the
very best students from the province
and rehearse together for a few
days before going on a
short performance tour.
This is the first time
in NCC history that
a student has been
accepted to
perform in this
group as it is
extremely competitive!
Harvey Yuen is an example of
a student who is so deeply
passionate about music
that he is willing to give of
his own time to participate
in every single ensemble available
on campus.
In his three years at NCC he has
played bass guitar, cello, baritone horn,
trombone and has sung bass and
tenor in the choir - sometimes all in the
course of the same show.
Harvey’s willingness to learn new
instruments and perform where needed
is an example of the team spirit that we
cherish in the music department.
Julie Broomer, Music Department

F. .C.U.S
Our class motto this year was F.O.C.U.S. (Finding Our Calling Understanding
Success). I challenged each of my students to choose
to FOCUS in every aspect of their lives, to believe in themselves as
well as use the gifts and abilities God gave them.
Whether it was academic, athletic, or spiritual aspects of life, the
middle school students decided to F.O.C.U.S. During athletics, our
teams competed with purpose, desire, sportsmanship, and heart.
As a class we created a community of learners supporting and challenging
one another. Spiritually we engaged in discussions, and
prayed with and for each other.
It has truly been an amazing group of kids we have had the opportunity
to see grow and develop. Each year it is a privilege to recognize
the gifts and abilities of our middle school students at our Graduation
and Awards Ceremony. Students with leadership qualities, outstanding
character traits, as well as students who are spiritually attuned
are recognized for their contributions to the NCC community.
Evidence of this excellence can be found in our Scholarship Award
recipients. Ellie MacGregor, a grade 7 student, won
the Kaumeyer Paper Products Scholarship. This
was due to her positive contribution and leadership
during class, her consistency in academic work, her
Christ-like attitude as well as her intrinsic motivation
to meet success.
The second major award was the NCC Auxiliary
Scholarship.This year's recipient
was Hayden Fretz. Hayden plans
to continue his high school education at NCC. He
has had an excellent overall positive contribution
to the life of NCC. He applies F.O.C.U.S’ in all aspects
of his life and has demonstrated leadership
both academically and spiritually.
The Kayla Woermann Memorial Scholarship was
awarded to two students returning to NCC who best
exemplify the qualities for which Kayla is remembered. This year's
winners include Lily Empringham and Louie Wang. Both Lily and
Louie demonstrate a servant heart, a desire to put others first and to
include those who are often left
out. They displayed significant
determination to achieve their
personal best while overcoming
obstacles to success.
Another prestigious award is the
Chad Parker Memorial Scholarship.This
scholarship was
awarded to Sydney Blue. Sydney will be continuing
in Christian education at NCC. This young lady
demonstrated positive leadership qualities both
academically and spiritually. Sydney acts with integrity
and always leads by example.
The E.J. Swalm Scholarship was awarded to Sebastian
Schmidt for his exceptional effort in drama.
Sebastian’s natural gifting, paired with his excellent
work ethic and timing, were the contributing
factors to his selection.
Lastly, the Valedictorian Award was awarded to
Anna LaHay for her outstanding academic performance,
contribution to school life, and her support
of the ideals of Niagara Christian Collegiate.
A special thank you goes out to the various donors
that help provide our local students with the opportunity
to experience Christian education. It is the
goal of the Middle School team to provide our students
with an authentic and engaging educational
experience. The staff at NCC truly believe in our
mission to, “...educate students with excellence in
a family-like atmosphere, equipping them to grow
God’s Kingdom and empowering them to make a
difference in the world.”
Anthony Haughton
Middle School Lead Teacher

Inspired by Faith in Canada’s “Thread of 1000 Stories” initiative and in response to the “Our Story” focus, students at Niagara Christian
Collegiate were invited to participate in a visual storytelling project. The goal was to create a mosaic of story tiles to represent that each
individual plays a role in the NCC story and in God’s larger redemptive narrative. Through simple words and images, students were
asked to share their understanding of how faith has shaped their stories.
PIECES OF A BIGGER STORY
As part of an introductory lesson on short stories, I asked my
English students at Niagara Christian Collegiate, “What makes
a good story?” After discussing character development, plot
devices, and narration, we agreed that although important to a
story, these are simply the devices an author uses to communicate
the truth of the story. And a truly good story is one that
invites the reader to take this truth beyond the page; the power
of a good story lies in its ability to make the reader a participant
because it has something to say to or about humanity.
NCC. Storytellers within and close to the NCC community
shared stories of sacrifice, adoption, hope, sorrow and brokenness,
miracles, courage, restoration, healing, growth, discipleship,
and calling. Each story was as unique as the person
telling it, but the same faith message resonated through the
collection: My story is better with Jesus because he is “the
way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus is the living sacrifice who
brings hope, restores the broken-hearted, works miracles, and
gives our lives purpose.
Jesus knew something about the power of good stories: He
used them to connect with, challenge, and captivate his diverse
audiences. He told stories to communicate spiritual
truths while touching personal needs. He had a captive audience
in those “hungering and thirsting for righteousness” and
used stories in his ministry to “seek and save the lost”.
As host to students from 18 different countries, Niagara Christian
Collegiate reflects the cultural and religious diversity that is
Canada and, as it turns out, the school celebrates its 85th birthday
as Canada turns 150. So, how does a community with
faith roots so deep and cultural roots so wide reach a shared
understanding of truth? Through the power of story, of course!
The potential of story to communicate the truth of God’s redeeming
love fuelled this year’s “Our Story” chapel theme at
But just as some of Jesus’ listeners did not have ears that were
ready to hear the truth of a sinful human race in need of a
saviour, some NCC students are wrestling with their identities
as Christ-followers, others struggling with their understanding
of who Jesus is, many asking, “What is faith, and if I have one,
in who or what?” Even if they have not found or recognized
Christ’s truth in the stories they’ve heard, maybe they will hear
echoes of it in their own stories. If they can be encouraged
to seek truth rather than being ambivalent towards faith, then
the hope is that they will find, in reflecting on their own stories,
that God was there the whole time--designing, guiding, and
purposing all things to reflect the Truth of Jesus Christ that is
redemption’s story.
Meredyth Campbell, NCC English Teacher

ATHLETICS - FOR HIS GLORY
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one
gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone
who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it
to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that
will last forever”. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
NCC Athletics has become more than just a typical high school
sports program. Each year, our mission is to not only enable our
athletes to develop their skills in the sports in which they compete,
but also to help them understand the biblical lessons that
athletics inherently teach - such as a selfless attitude, teamwork,
resilience, and sacrifice.
As our coaches focused our athletes’ attention toward the area
of sports ministry, our players were encouraged to bond as
a team, much like the scriptural “...cord of three strands not
quickly broken”. They took this to heart and I was encouraged
in witnessing immediate team success as our students captured
championship trophies in both girls' basketball and boys' volleyball.
Players and teams learned that it is
even more important to utilize that
same passion when competing in
the big games and to channel it
into how they live out their lives
as Christian athletes. NCC Athletics
is built on the core foundation
that all things we do are first and
foremost for the glory of God. I can
enthusiastically report that in 2016-
17 we kept learning, teaching, and
pursuing a crown that will stay with our
teams and athletes forever.
Athletics are important and have great value in the lives of
our students. Therefore we strive to offer many opportunities
to display our students’ God-given talents every season. This
prompted us to add Boys' Slo-pitch in spring of 2017. Under the
direction of two very enthusiastic coaches, the team made it to
the championship game, coming up just short in the end.
I am also proud to share that we once again captured SOSSA
gold in senior boys' basketball and a return trip to OFSAA. Our
swim team also returned to OFSAA and our Boys' Soccer team
captured the Zone 3 title, just missing out in the SOSSA final 2-1
to the eventual OFSAA champions.
In 2017-18 our focus will shift to sports ministry outside of our
teams. In doing so we are asking for your prayers that the Lord
may lead us into a fruitful athletics year both on and off the field.
The NCC coaching staff and I are huge believers in the strengthbased
coaching philosophy adopted from the life of Christ. As
we continue to build our athletic talents on this foundation - no
matter how many wins or losses - our athletes will always be
victorious. This is the on-court advantage you can see when you
watch NAV athletics.
Natasha Wells was the
2017 winner of the Matthew
20 Award which
goes to the student-athlete
who best reflects
the Christian characteristics
of unselfishness,
service, dedication, and
teamwork.
Tash, as she is known
among her fellow students,
was a six-sport
athlete in 2016-17 and
lived out the mission to use sports as a ministry on an everyday
basis.
I am so proud of Natasha. The way she showed up every day
to practice, games, or meetings and would find ways to serve
her fellow teammates and even opposing teams is a testament
to her character, She truly embodies the Christian athlete. Her
actions are a reflection of her coaches and our program here at
NCC.
I am excited she is returning to NCC and will serve on our
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in 2017-18.
NCC ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Brett Warkentin
Senior AOY
Coach Rosa Trombley
was honored this spring
with our Coach of the Year
award. Like Christ with his
disciples, encouragement
is her style. Coach Trombley
and her colleagues
seek out the best in the
players, never allowing
God-given talents to be
second-rate or fear to
hold them back. I believe
that this is a development
structure that we can be
proud of as we continue
to provide the highest and
most comprehensive faith-based athletics program in Ontario.
Jessica Lai
Senior AOY
Samira Mohammadi
Junior AOY
Neil Wangler
Junior AOY
On behalf of our coaching staff and all of our athletes, I want to
thank you for all your support and prayers during the 2016-17
season. I wish you and your families a safe and blessed summer.
PROUD TO BE A NAV!
James Kryger, NCC Athletic Director

In celebration of NCC’s 85th Birthday,
NCC will kick off our first annual
Homecoming
Fall Fest
SEPTEMBER 29-30, 2017
ALUMNI SPORTS
Join us for NCC’s favorite
Homecoming sporting events
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
☞ 5:45 - 7:15 pm - Men’s & Women’s Volleyball
☞ 8:00 - 9:00 pm - Hockey
☞ 9:00 - 11:00 pm - Young Alumni Gathering
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
☞ 3:00 - 4:30 pm - Alumni Soccer
☞ 5:00 - 6:00 pm - Girls’ Basketball Alumni Game
☞ 6:00 pm - Free pizza, wings & munchies
☞ 6:45 pm - Hall of Fame ceremony
☞ 7:00 - 8:00 pm - Men's Alumni Basketball Game
REGISTER TODAY!
Sign up to play with fellow alumni against the current
NAVS athletes.
Email Athletic Director James Kryger to confirm your
registration and t-shirt size.
Send James an email at: jkryger@niagaracc.com
NCC Golf Classic Update
In order for staff to focus on bringing entire families together for
Homecoming Fall Fest, NCC’s annual golf tournament will transition
to the spring, falling under the direction of NCC Athletics Director
James Kryger. All proceeds will support NCC athletics programs.
James is planning a May 26, 2018 day of golf - reserve the date!
For those interested in continued participation please email James
at: jkryger@niagaracc.com for more information. Thank you for supporting
NCC's Golf Fundraiser and we look forward to seeing you on
the links in May.
FALL FEST
This fun-filled afternoon will include
a variety of activities for all ages!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Kids and Adults - Join the fun!
☺ Games
☺ Face painting
☺ Team races
☺ Inflatables
☺ Penny sale
☺ Silent auction
☺ Free BBQ lunch
Join us for a family-friendly weekend of fun, delicious food,
and great fellowship at NCC. Invite your family, grandparents,
aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours, and friends. Meet
NCC Principal, Mark Thiessen, and members of our fantastic
faculty and staff!
We look forward to celebrating NCC’s milestone birthday
with you, our students, alumni, and NCC family. All are welcome!
NEXT
YEAR
NCC 85th Anniversary Banquet
Friday, January 19, 2018
Hong Kong
For more details, contact: Sue Grierson: sgrierson@niagaracc.com