I was recently struck with the thought that of Harford Christian’s (HCS) nearly 50 years of operation, I have been a part of more than half of those years—ten as a student and sixteen as an administrator. Then the reality of Mrs. Irene Reding’s service record quickly put my twenty-six years into perspective as I considered her forty-two years on the HCS staff.

There are many “Irene Redings” who wholly have dedicated and are still giving their life and talents to Christian education at HCS.

In 2014, Harford Christian has an amazing heritage of veteran staff members laboring alongside a new generation of gifted and high-energy young people, many who themselves are HCS alumni.

At Harford Christian, we are blessed to have a wonderful blend of seasoned experience and youthful energy as we grow into the 21st century where information technology (IT) is progressing at a staggering pace.

Thirty years ago teachers were threading 16mm film projectors

and fumbling with reel-to-reel, while today, they touch a few icons on an iPad and instantly project instruction to their students.

With such a rich heritage for a foundation, the HCS team is uniquely equipped to face the challenges and blessings that God has in store for educating young lives for the 21st century.

HCS Remembers Coach Parkes

True to Purpose: HCS Heritage

Faculty Spotlight Tim Olinger (’94) Alumni Spotlight

Jeremiah White (’10)

Principal’s Desk...............

Knowledge Check……....

Senior “Sneak Day” Backfires...…………........

1st Student Council….....

1st Student Fundraiser...

Save the Date……...........

Out of the Mouth of Babes…………...............

FrOM the PrinCiPal’S DeSKMr. Bryan Wilson (’81), Principal Harford Christian SchoolHCS Alumnus, Board Member and Parent

May 2014VOluMe 1, iSSue 2

hCS triBute tO COaCh ParKeS

A hushed silence fell over the sanctuary of Reformation Bible Church (RBC) where over 300 Harford Christian School families, friends, faculty, students and alumni assembled to honor the memory of Mr. Harley “Coach” Parkes on December 7, 2013. Dr. John McKnight opened the memorial service quoting the reassuring truth that “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). Never in the history of HCS had so many alumni and faculty, spanning near five decades, gathered in one place in unity of heart and common bond to celebrate the life of a revered co-laborer in Christ and respected HCS instructor. After a courageous battle with cancer, Harley Parkes passed from this world into glory on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

On the HCS campus and in the surrounding community, most people referred to him as “Coach Parkes,” and that title was how Harley wanted to be known. On February 27, 1974, with his teaching degree in-hand from Shelton College in New Jersey, Harley, along with his wife Patti, filled out teacher applications for employment at Harford Christian School. Nearly forty years later, and a lifetime of ministry at HCS, Harley departed this life for his eternal reward in heaven.

Husband, father, teacher, coach, athletic director, and alumni director were all roles that Harley occupied during his tenure at HCS. His coaching career is distinguished with MACSAC championships, trophies, and countless relationships with opposing coaches, players, and referees.

His wife – Patti, and three sons – Ryan, Kyle, and Sean, continue to see Harley’s “thumbprints” from one end of the campus to the other, where they too, have spent a lifetime. Kyle shares “My dad was not just a soccer coach, a teacher, a mentor, and a father, but a friend to me and many others. His life impacted many, and he worked hard. I am so thankful for my dad and blessed to have had an earthly father.

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EAGLES CONNECTConnecting Hearts & Minds With Truth

but one thing that he always showed was passion. Dad had a passion for soccer, a passion for his job, a passion for his family and friends, and most of all a passion for serving the Lord,” relays Sean.

Coach Parkes was laid to rest at Darlington Cemetery on Shuresville Road. Afterwards his friends and family visited Coach’s favorite place – the soccer field as a remembrance.

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“Thank you to all the soccer players who played for Dad-- for giving all you had, for loving my father and for leaving your heart, your effort and it all on the field”

~Sean Parkes

true tO PurPOSe – hCS heritage Dr. John McKnight (’74), Pastor Reformation Bible Church

HCS Alumnus, Faculty, Board Member, Parent and Grandparent

her-it-age [her-i-tij] (noun)

“anything transmitted from the past or handed down by tradition.”

“something that is reserved for a particular person or group or the

outcome of an action or way of life.”

america was torn. The Vietnam war, assassinations of a president, a senator, and civil rights leaders; racial injustice, an exploding drug culture, rhythm, riots and revolution—all played their parts. Early that decade, Bible and prayer were forbidden in public schools. Academic and moral freefall followed. It was the 1960s.

Founders of Harford Christian School, alarmed by this godless philosophy overtaking the nation, did what they could to preserve a remnant. Harford Christian was their valiant effort.

armed with conviction, the fear of God and determination, and fortified by the promises of Scripture, they establisheda school where prayer, God’s Word and godliness were valued. Almost a half-

true to purpose, Harford Christian School enjoys a godly heritage that will usher it into the 21st century. America is still torn, but God’s Word remains forever the same and will endure the test of time.

education can equip a person for crime or for charity, for Christ or for self and Satan. Harford Christian seeks to cultivate the individual to fulfill Christ’s purpose, knowing that “all things were created by him, and for him” (Col. 1:16b). Much has changed since its first day in 1966, but this purpose must never change. God helping, it will be our cause in the second half-century of Harford Christian School.

HCS canopied entrance to the chandelier lobby of the high school facility on main campus 2014.

Conceptual rendering of HCS’s ongoing VISION21 endeavor for a campus designed to meet the Christian educational goals in the 21st century.

“Education can equip a person for crime or for charity, for Christ or for self and Satan.”

~Dr. John McKnight

I know he exists, where one day I want to be, if I keep my eyes heavenward. My heart rejoices for what I had-- not for what I lost. God is good.”

After the memorial, attendees convened on the campus grounds for the unveiling of a VISION21 lighting pier erected as a tribute to Harley’s 39 years of service to the ministry.

”My father was and still is my friend, my hero, my idol and my guide. He taught me so much in my life and gave me more than I deserved. I could share so many things about my father,

armed with conviction, the fear of God and determination, and fortified by the promises of Scripture, they establisheda school where prayer, God’s Word and godliness were valued. Almost a half- century later, their vision flourishes.

FaCulty SPOtlight On tiM Olinger (’94)Having been reared in a military family, I had the uncommon experience of not having to move around like many military families do. My father was in the Maryland Army National Guard so although he moved to many different work locations within the state, our family never moved. In fact, my parents have lived all their lives on the same road, grew up on opposite ends of that road and once they got married built a house in almost the exact middle of the length of that same road. My childhood years were spent at school, playing sports and doing what kids, who are reared on a small farm, normally do. My brother and cousins and I grew up together on the same 16 acres on my grandparent’s farm.

After graduating from Harford Christian, the Lord led me to undergraduate schooling at HCC and Towson University. Having come from HCS and RBC and not ever really being exposed to a non-Christian

worldview, I experienced a major “culture shock”. I’ll never forget taking Ethics at HCC and hearing a professor explain his philosophy of getting ahead in life as he worked on Wall Street by “doing whatever it takes, no matter what it takes” which was not how I had been taught, nor was it how I wanted to live my life. I realize now that this was only due to God’s grace at work in my life.

As a college graduate, I entered the Management Trainee program of the bank I had been working for during college. This path would lead me to some very valuable experiences. I worked my way up from teller to branch manager over a period of about ten years. The whole time, I knew that I did not want to continue on this path for the rest of my working career. I longed for something more but had a growing family to support and was almost convinced that changing careers would have been much too difficult and costly. Little did I know that the Lord’s

plan was leading me right back to HCS, where I had spent so many wonderful years!

In the spring of 2008, Mr. Wilson and I began discussions about my filling the position of Health and Physical Education teacher for the following school year. While I enjoyed being the Health and P.E. teacher for four years, the Lord had yet other plans for me at HCS. Soon after, I became the new “I.T. guy”. For the first time in my life I can truly say that I LOVE getting up and coming to work every single day! Oh how the Lord has led in such an evident and gracious manner to bring me to this point!

My wife and I realize how blessed we are to be a part of the HCS ministry. Having visited many other schools for educational, fine arts and sports-related activities, there is NOWHERE else we would rather be than Harford Christian School!

Mr. Olinger is Director of Information Technology at HCS and is pictured with his wife, Sarah and 4 children –Rebekah (13), Mekenzie (12), Gabriella (8) and Matthew (4).

“I look back over my life and can see so many glaring examples of

His kind providences, gracious interventions and omniscient leading! To God be the glory!”

~Tim Olinger

HCS KNOWLEdGE

CHECK

1. The first HCS graduating class (’71) had how many graduates?

2. What HCS academic year had the highest number of graduates?

3. Who founded HCS?

4. Name the five HCS principals.

5. What was the name of the first HCS play? (hint: May 1971)

6. What current staff member has the longest continuous

service record?

7. What current staff member is still teaching at HCS since 1971?

8. Who were the first HCS librarians?

COnneCting heartS anD MinDS with truth, Page 3

With the 50th Anniversary of Harford Christian School upon us, check your knowledge about some school facts and history. Find answers on www.harfordchristian.org

hCS SeniOr “SneaK Day” BaCKFireS!

Senior “Sneak Day” in May 1971 turned out to be a surprise for everyone! After an early get-a-way, the seniors and their teacher, Mr. John Ferguson, took to the highway for a leisurely trip to Harper’s Ferry, W. Va., where they planned to see the sights and have a picnic lunch. The seniors, James Workman, Pat Jenkins, Louise O’Bryan, Sue Wollenweber, Brenda Bailey and Mr. Ferguson piled into James’ car for their journey.

They laughed when they thought of the teachers’ and students’ surprise when they discovered their clever plan to sneak away for the day. However, about 9:30 a.m. as they rode merrily along, the car steamed up and quit! They maneuvered the car safely off the beltway to a gas station where the attendant informed them that the car was not just overheated but had suffered “fatal injuries.” After being rescued by a parent, they went

Gunpowder Park, where they set up a barbeque and had a wonderful lunch! After a game of baseball, and a hike in the woods, everyone squeezed into Mr. Ferguson’s tiny foreign car for their journey home! In time, the senior “sneak day” became tradition, and today, HCS seniors enjoy a week-long get-away to the Wilds, a Christian campsite in Brevard, N.C. Like their forerunners in 1971, the seniors enjoy a time of fellowship before they

graduate from HCS and go their separate ways. Thanks class of ’71 for the tradition!

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”~Aristotle

“I’m a firm believer that the more that families and alumni know

about HCS and its rich heritage; the more they will appreciate and

treasure it.”

~Donna Sichette, Parent

hCS FirSt StuDent COunCilOrigin of the School Colors and Eagle Mascot

Harford Christian School has a rich heritage with traditions that span almost five decades. The 1971 HCS Conquest documents a HCS first, when on November 11, 1970 the first Student Council convened with President Susan Wollenweber (’71) presiding over the cabinet with student representatives from each class. This was the first step forward to establish student government at HCS. This Student Council installed school customs and two of these traditions still benchmark the branding and distinction that is unique to HCS.

The school colors of red and white were chosen to represent the blood of Christ shed for our salvation and for the cleansing promise found in Isaiah 53:6. The class verse, Philippians 4:13 was selected as a fitting spiritual reminder to students that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Over the years, the HCS Eagle mascot has graced school apparel, letterhead, banners and even an “Eagles Nest” concession. HCS students, alumni, parents and friends enjoy the fervor of the “Eagle-mania” incited by the affable and prancing Eagle mascot. Many in the HCS community may not know that the origin of the HCS Eagle

“All we like sheep have gone astray: we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6

mascot was established by the first Student Council who selected the Eagle based on a reference for being swift and astute as found in II Samuel 1:23.

An excerpt from the 1971 Conquest cites the desire of this first Student Council to be responsible and resourceful. “Prayer meetings are one of the most rewarding Student Council actions. Our pledges of allegiance, readings of God’s Word, and prayers start the [school] day with spiritual warmth. We will continue to seek the Lord’s guidance and pray for His blessings.”

After almost 50 years, the heritage passed down from the first HCS Student Council in 1970 continues even to the present day as the student body begins each school day on the HCS campus seeking God’s direction and guidance for their lives and pledging allegiance to our country.

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hCS FirSt StuDent FunDraiSer

aluMni SPOtlight On JereMiah white (’10)At Bob Jones, the Pre-Med program is notoriously difficult, and my education at HCS gave me a foundation that eased the transition from high school to college and gave me a unique advantage. From English to math, from biology to Bible — I was thoroughly prepared for the challenge that awaited me.

But dearest to my heart are the relationships I built while I was there. The teachers and administration truly have a love for God, and it is evident through their relationships with their students. My coursework gradually introduced me to the “tough love” of Mrs. Ada Stambaugh. She pushed me to be the best that I could be in

her science courses and Envirothon, and she genuinely cared about my well-being. Such qualities are unique in the world but common in the administration, faculty, and staff of HCS. I am who I am today in Christ due in large part to their ongoing impact upon my life.

I praise God for HCS and their role in shaping me to become more like Christ every day. I have lasting relationships with godly friends from HCS, and I met the love of my life (Abby Edwards, class of 2011) there. I am proud to call HCS my alma mater.

Jeremiah White with parents, Larry and Carmella White.

Savethe

Date!All HCS families, alumni and friends are invited to join us

at the HCS Homecoming Gala and Alumni Reunion on the school athletic field for a fun-filled day of reminiscing, connecting and fellowship on Saturday, October 11, 2014!

Special focus and reunion activities for Classes of ’74 (40th), ’84 (30th), ’89 (’25th), ’94 (20th), and ‘04(10th)

Watch for More Info on www.harfordchristian.org

COnneCting heartS anD MinDS with truth, Page 5

I attended HCS from sixth grade until my graduation in 2010. In May of this year, I will graduate from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC, with a degree in Pre-Med. I am overwhelmingly blessed to say that I have been offered a scholarship to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville that will cover most, if not all, of my tuition for the next four years as I continue to pursue my goals to become a medical doctor. It cannot be overstated that my time in HCS played a critical role in who I am today. If I could highlight just two things from my experience at HCS, it would be the education I received and the relationships I built there.

School fundraisers have provided opportunities for students to support the educational goals of their school by rolling up their sleeves and hustling products to their communities, families and friends. The first student fundraiser at HCS was a drive to sell stationery.

A weiner roast was held on October 15, 1970 as a reward for selling $1,967 worth of stationery. The top salesman was Lowell Sheets (’76) who sold $88 worth of product. The 7th grade (Class of ’76) sold the most stationary as a class for a total of $419. The profit of $900

was used to purchase desks for the new high school building. The real blessing in this “first” is the heritage that HCS still enjoys with support from many of these students even after almost five decades.

H Homecoming &Alumni Reunion!S

COnneCting heartS anD MinDS with truth, Page 6

Coming In September!Eagles CONNECT Back-To-School Newsletter!

Mrs. Dreama Wilson asked her K-4 students “What do you like best about HCS?” Their responses will warm your heart…and some might even force a smile!

“I like counting to 199 because I’m good at it!” Devin Slack

“I like drawing Mr. Skinny Legs (spider) in the art center!” Kenlee Lamb

“I like when we ate marshmallows without using our hands!” Juliet McKnight

“I like to be a chef in the kitchen area!” Gage Wontrop

“I like making pink, squishy stuff called Flubber!” Leyla Burkhanov

CheCK Out Our SuMMer Day CaMP OFFeringS!

Eagles Soccer CampEagles Baseball CampSr Basketball CampJr Basketball Camp

Music CampScience CampBible CampJr Bible Camp

HARFORD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

P.O. Box 881736 Whiteford Rd

Darlington, MD 21034

PHONE:(410) 457-5101

Have suggestions or comments about the Eagles Connect newsletter?

E-MAIL US AT:eaglesconnect@harfordchristian.org

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Out of the Mouth of Babes....

June 16-20June 23-27July 7-11July 21-25

June 16-20June 23-27July 14-18July 14-18

SpOrTS MuSiC/ACAdEMiC

“HCS Tarantula Fever...Empty Cage Jolts Teachers and Students!”“The Unforgettable Hatching of the HCS Eagle”

“Geek Squad 101...HCS Upgrades IT for Students!”

HARFORD CHRISTIANSCHOOLP.O. Box 881736 Whiteford RoadDarlington, MD 21034(410) 457-5101harfordchristian.org

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