Spring, 2012 NORTHWESTCHRISTIANSCHOOLS,INC. Volume 14 Issue 2

I am sitting in my new office, looking at bare painted walls, considering how I might decorate them. I am having the worst time of it. I have dozens of artifacts from my past twenty years of teaching, coaching, and

administrating – pictures, plaques, and personal memorabilia all wanting a home. And I have other past events that no plaque will ever commemorate; not that I would want them memorialized. You see, for every success of mine, there are a dozen faults and failures, being commemorated by the lines on my face and a premature number of gray hairs. Strangely enough, it is the difficulties, trials, and hardships that tend to keep us on track as individuals, and as organizations. The Lord uses these most to refine us, as they have the unique ability to keep us humble and reliant upon Him. Successes have a tendency to put us at ease, lulling us to sleep. But praise Him, praise Him, praise Him, that whether we are doing well or struggling, it is by His grace that we will increasingly bear fruit for Him. “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” At Northwest Christian, we have had our share of joys and successes over

Inside this Edition:

Alumni Notes p. 2-3Moving Day! p. 4-5Good-bye Barb Tusant p. 7School Life p. 6-7

Spokane Convention CenterSaturday, Oct. 27th — 7pm

Northwest Christian Schools welcomes Dr. Jeff Myers as our keynote speaker for IMPACT NWC

2012. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Myers has become one of America’s most respected authorities on youth leadership development and is the president of Summit Ministries, a worldview training program based in Colorado, which has trained thousands of leaders who are currently making a difference in all walks of life. Author Chuck Colson calls Summit the “gold standard for teaching the next generation a biblical worldview.”As a communicator, Dr. Myers weaves together biblical insight, penetrating social commentary, fascinating

Continues on page 5

Staying on TrackCelebrating God’s Faithfulness & Trusting Him with Our Future

~Terry Meyer, Elementary Principal

IMPACT NWC 2012 Welcomes Dr. Jeff Myers

research, and compelling stories to inspire audiences of teachers, business leaders, parents, and young adults. He will renew your enthusiasm for passing the baton of godly faithfulness. Please save the date to be part of this encouraging event.

the past 60 years, as well as our share of trials. Praise God for them all; we are who we are because of them. We are in a time of extraordinary blessing from God: a new building, an incredible faculty that is growing in instructional skills and growing in mentoring relationships. Now is the time when we should be most vigilant to fulfill our mission as a school. Now is the time, more than ever, not to depend upon our own human will or exertion. Ironically, it is also the time when we are most apt to do so. What will define NWC for the next sixty years? Will we remain faithful to our mission of preparing minds and transforming hearts for God’s glory? Or will we slip like so many Christian institutions into worldly success that lacks gospel impact? Princeton University’s crest still says “Dei sub numine viget;” being Latin for “Under God she flourishes.” They still give Him glory, yet not in the way we would wish for our school. God be gracious to NWC that we would remain faithful as a school until the end! Will we continue to grow in integrating biblical truth in every

Shortly thereafter, Connie began making friendships with girls who have remained her best friends to this very day. Connie is very thankful for Dr. Fadel’s absolute concern for her as a young girl, new in her faith in Christ, and she looks at her time at NWC as crucial to the direction of the rest of her life. “Those four years at NWC basically were the foundation for my life.” Since graduation from NWC, Connie married Dennis Rae (’56), taught piano, raised four children (one of whom struggled with authority and became much of the training ground for her future work with troubled teens). She earned a master’s in counseling and has over 25 years experience as a counselor and speaker. Her book is a biblical approach to counseling families of troubled teenagers. She hopes it will encourage parents to maintain relationships with their children through difficult years while trusting in God to do mighty work in their lives. Connie shares that her once rebellious son has since humbled himself before the Lord and is now a loving husband of 27 years with a family of his own.

Alumni Notes

Connie recently published, Hope for Parents of Troubled Teens. We asked Connie how the Lord brought her to the point of authoring this book, and what role NWC played in the process. Here is her story... Raised in a non-Christian home, Connie began attending Hillyard Baptist’s VBS while in Jr. High. There she met Eugene Fadel

along with many of her future classmates from NWC. Initially, Connie’s father refused her request to attend NWC; however, after Dr. Fadel approached her parents with a scholarship covering the first year’s tuition, they reluctantly agreed. Then, Connie’s father had a change of heart. Two weeks after the start of school when she wanted to quit, he adamantly insisted she remain enrolled.

Connie (Shoberg) RaeClass of ‘56

Jason ArthurClass of ‘77

My wife, Lilly, and I have three sons. (Jason: 18; Josh: 17; Ben: 13) Our oldest son is attending college and plans to study law while

the other boys are busy in their respective schools. We attend Grace Community Church in Gresham, Oregon, where we both have worked in childrens’ ministry for ten years. Lilly works as a teacher’s aid in the kindergarten classroom while I sell reclaimed, recycled wood products and am currently moving towards self-employment. God is good.

Kelly (Charbonneau) Broker, Class of ‘92

I live in Klamath Falls, Oregon, with my husband Sean and our 11-month-old baby girl, Abigail. With two engineers for parents we

have no idea how we ended up with such a socialite as Abby. It must be a balance we needed as Abby keeps us laughing by babbling non-stop. Her favorite game is getting strangers to talk to her. Looking back, part of what drew Sean and I together was a common background of private Christian education in which we still strongly believe. Both Sean and I work as senior engineers for construction product companies and attend First Presbyterian Church in Klamath Falls.

Josh McQueen,Class of ‘94

I graduated from Northwest University in Kirkland, WA, in 1998 with a BA

in Philosophy. The same year I married my wife, Neely, who recently authored the book, 99 Things Every Girl Should Know. In 2007 I graduated from Fuller Seminary with a MA in theology. We have three children: Simeon (7), Jedidiah (5), and Bethlehem (5) who we adopted from Ethiopia. Currently, I serve as a Missions Pastor at Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, WA.

In 2000, I enlisted in the US Navy and served in Naples, Italy for three years. Followed by Electronic Technician and Information System Technician training, I was attached to support the Navy SEALs. I have since served on six overseas deployments with the SEALs, completed Basic Airborne paratrooper training in January 2007, and am scheduled for the Military Freefall School this August. I live in Virginia Beach with my wife WeiJie and immensely enjoy my work.

Noah HindmanFirst Class Petty OfficerClass of ‘98

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Alumni Notes

The Class of 1976 gathered at the home of John Wolfe for food and fellowship back in October of 2011. A joyful group of 10 alumni were able to attend. Classmates and family members were invited to the 35 year reunion via email, facebook, and word of mouth. Many have kept in touch over the years, while some had not seen one another since graduation. They hope to meet again in 2012.

Class of 1976 Reunion

Back: John Wolfe, Dan Huffman, Michelle McConahay, Pat Bren, Ray Plopper, Rhonda Hotchkiss

Front: Diane Meredith Gordon, Becky Curryer Bren, Ron Craig, Bill Robertson

A decade passes quickly, as the Class of 2001 learned last summer. Meeting at Zola’s in downtown Spokane, class members from around the country were brought together for a few hours to share in some refreshment and tales of the last 10 years. The evening was a relaxing, stress-free environment to catch-up with classmates, some whom we haven’t seen since graduation. Everyone left glad they came and excited to see what the next 10 years holds for each classmate.

Class of 2001 Reunion

Back: Casey Moyer, Stephanie (Getman) Gronholtz, Lance McDaniel, Priscilla Dalton

Front: Kurt Icenogle, Crystal (Walker) McDaniel, Alyssa (Hume) St. Clair, Katie Farnes, Levi Mulkey, Brian Janke

Alice Faye Beckwith (’62), passed away September 19, 2011 at Hospice House in Spokane, WA. Born on January 24, 1944, Alice is survived by her parents Ben and

Bessie; sons Kevin and Clifford; six grandchildren; sister Linda; niece Malia Miller; and nephew Andrew Waddilove. The celebration of her life was held Sunday, October 23 at the First Free Methodist church in Spokane, WA.

Alice Faye Beckwith (‘62)1944-2011

Audrey went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 19, 2011. Audrey is survived by her sisters Jeanette (Olson) Smith (’55), and Norma (Olson)

Frye (’53). A Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at First Church of the Nazarene in Spokane, WA.

Audrey Eve Olson (‘67)1948-2011

Mrs. Harriet Adams(March 1, 1921 - March 1, 2012)Former Music Teacher

Mrs. Adams went home to her Lord and Savior

on her 91st Birthday. During the late 1960’s and 1970’s, Mrs. Adams passionately served as

NWC’s choir director. The

Lord greatly used Mrs. “A”

and the Sounds of Faith Choir to minister throughout the entire Inland Northwest, which included performances at the Expo ’74 World’s Fair. Known for her great love for people, she always had a smile and a song ready to greet everyone. Even after retirement, she continued directing choir at the Orchard Crest Retirement Home. Mrs. Adams is survived by her five children: Mike Adams, Keith Adams, Molly Fazio, Wendy McIndoo, and Laurie Wendt, plus numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Adams’ life was celebrated on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Spokane Valley Bible Church.

NWC needs a new piano* for our elementary and middle school choir programs. This piano will be a memorial to Mrs. Adams and her legacy that remains in the hearts of her students. The total amount needed is $6,305. If you would like to help, please designate your gift to “Mrs. Adams’ Piano.” A permanent plaque will be mounted on the piano to honor her memory and legacy. *Yamaha P22, light oak finish

In Memoriam

All Alumni Reunion Open HouseFriday, May 11, 2012Becky (Curryer) Brenbecky@wenfmc.org

Class of 1962 – 50 Year ReunionSaturday, June 2, 2012Merrill Peterson509.892.6162

Class of 1976 – 36 Year ReunionFall 2012Beck (Curryer)Brenbecky@wenfmc.org

Class of 1982 – 30 Year ReunionAugust 3 – 4, 2012

Val Dobias Zivojinovicazivojinov@ameritech.net

Class of 1992 – 20 Year ReunionSummer 2012

Michael Grahamjustmike9@yahoo.com

Class of 2002 – 10 Year ReunionAugust 11, 2012

Samantha (Spears) Chernaksamantha.chernak@gmail.com

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“Move That Dirt!”In the fall of 2009, ground was broken for our new elementary school.

This March, NWC volunteers moved the entire elementary school from the Central Campus where we have been located for more than 60 years, to the new facility at the Colbert Campus...finally re-uniting the two campuses after nearly 20 years. Let’s thank the Lord together for His amazing grace in providing for us once again.

“Fill Those Tanks!”In the fall of 2009, our septic system was installed.

Walls Going Up!July 28th, 2010, the block walls began going up.

Movin’ on Up!

“A Firm Foundation”In the spring of 2010, footings were poured.

“Teacher Tour”Before the roof went on, Randy Wright gave our teachers a tour on October 28th, 2010.

On Thursday, March 22nd, we drove our elementary students up to the new campus for a tour of their new “home.” Everyone had a passport to get stamped at various locations throughout the building.

Elementary Building Project Timeline

subject? For us the danger is not ridding ourselves of biblical integration completely, it is far more subtle. It is thinking that we are a healthy Christian school merely because we have bible classes or pray in the morning. Our instruction should not compartmentalize subjects such as Chemistry, English, History, with Bible being one of them. We should investigate all subjects through the lens of a biblical worldview. Praise God that we are growing in this regard! This approach is rare and requires courage and intentionality and we are committed to staying on track. Finally, one aspect of NWC that is particularly attractive is our school family, which includes you! Members of a healthy community sacrifice for one another. Through Christ we have accomplished a remarkable goal – being in this incredible new facility. We marvel at the blessing of watching members of the Body of Christ exercise their unique gifts. But the work doesn’t end here. Since we are preparing minds and transforming hearts for God’s glory, our work in doing so won’t end until His return. There will be other challenges that lie before us that will require a continuing level of sacrifice from each NWC family member. So, back to my office… I’ll leave the accolades for my great, great grandkids to find in an attic box. The family lore I will have created will likely not be generous with me. They will wonder how a portly duffer like myself had accomplished anything of worth. I hope they will be left with knowing that God is so great, He uses the least of men for His wonderful purposes... Perhaps a nice plant would go well in that corner…

Staying on Track: (Continued from page 1)by: Terry MeyerMovin’ on Up!

March 2011Plumbing and electrical crews began groundwork despite the wet Spring.

Finishing ConcreteThe floors were poured over several weeks during 2011. Praise the Lord for dry weather!

Finishing TouchesDrywall began this past November, followed by a flurry of painting, carpet, and other finish work.

“Movin’ on Up!”On March 22nd, 2012, NWC board members received the keys to our new school building...three days early. Thank you Lord!

The very next day, March 23rd, the faculty, staff and nearly 100 volunteers loaded the entire Central Campus into four semi-trucks to be hauled to the new building. Elementary Principal, Terry Meyer, Administrative Assistant, Linda Klaja and Teacher, Betty Rutherford, are seen in these photos.

Later that same day, the semi-trucks pulled up to the new building and many people began moving on up! Here you can see Receptionist, Kelley Potter, teachers Melanie Allen and Stefani Peterson, and parent, Henry Salzano.

Elementary Building Project Timeline

School Life

“Congratulations” to NWC High School teacher, Dan Ferguson, who brings 25 years of baseball coaching experience to the table this spring as the new head coach. Coach Ferguson expressed his gratitude as he inherits a wonderfully developed baseball program from Shawn Henry. Additionally, he is excited to work with Assistant Coach, Mr. Jack Hancock, with whom he has coached the Middle School baseball team for the past two years. Both coaches desire to see the boys play sacrificially as a cohesive team and will integrate various scripturally thematic units every week. Topics will be chosen as needs arise throughout the season from work ethic concerns to the holding of one

another accountable for actions as brothers in Christ. Dan’s heart is for the boys to compete with their best effort as an expression of worship and he desires for these young men to love the Lord God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.

New Head CoachCoach Dan Ferguson

State B - Basketball

SarahBatterton,2010AllLeagueBi-CountyVolleyballMVP,receiveda“full-ride”scholarshiptotheUniversityofTennesseeatChattanooga.SarahsignedhernationalletterofintentonNovember9that3pmintheActivityCenterofNWCatColbert.

Sarah BattertonClass of 2012

Congratulation to our Boy’s Varsity basketball team for finishing 2nd place in the State B. NWC’s Athletic Coordinator, Stephan Fritsch, expressed his appreciation for the boy’s terrific effort and deep respect for the godly character which they displayed on the court during and after the games. Coach Ricks wishes to thank the NWC community for maintaining a “championship” level of support, prayer and encouragement throughout the entire season. Thank You Lord!

Dakota Winward

Congratulations to our Varsity Girls Basketball team for advancing to the State B Tournament for the third time in five years. Winning their game in the first round of the tournament, the girls completed this season with the best season finish in NWC Girls’ Basketball history. Great Job! To God be the Glory!

Treasure Farmer

Northwest Christian was fortunate to have both Clint Harris and Pete Kopplin head up our first ever High School wrestling team. This team was very successful, qualifying eight wrestlers to Regionals with two boys going on to compete at the State Tournament.

NWC WrestlingBack Row:

John Wilson, Kyle Fritsch, Andrew House, Jacob

Slawter, Marshall Hart

Front Row: Ben Alford, Clark Rabe, Tim Kopplin,

Walter Harris

Northwest Christian’s pep band, under the leadership of Tom Brown, supported our basketball team throughout the season of play. Great job guys!

Pep Band

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We Will Miss You Barb!Barb Tusant Moves On to a New Chapter

School Life

With a mixture of both joy and sadness, Northwest Christian said good-bye to Mrs. Barb Tusant last month

after nearly 28 years of faithful service. Known as a funny, energetic team player, Barb has worn a variety of hats during her time at NWC. She has passionately served as both 4th and 5th grade teacher, Elementary Principal, mentor, friend, and the “Queen of Skits.” An intense love for the Lord, His Gospel, and her students has been visible daily through the care and compassion she has shown to everyone around her. For years to come, Barb’s impact will be felt as our 5th grade students continue to memorize the entire book of James and participate in the Living History Museum where Early American historical characters are brought to life.

After attending a mission’s conference with her husband in the fall of 2010, both Barb and John felt called to serve the people of Mongolia. For the next five months, they will be learning conversational Mongolian in preparation for teaching English to Mongolian Jr. High and High School English teachers. Please pray for Barb and John as they finish their training and move into this new phase of life.

Julia Vogelsang was selected as one of the “Fab 14” Queen and Royal Court candidates for the 2012 Lilac Festival. Julia’s favorite “Fab 14” event was helping to bag cookies for airmen at Fairchild and overseas during “Operation Cookie Drop.” Additionally, the Spokesman Review listed her favorite quote

as Psalm 33:20-22: “We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You.”

Julia VogelsangClass of 2012

Grand FinaleWhat will it be like, Lord,

When you order the Grand Finale trumpet call?Will I hear it? Will I heed it?

All the music of life sounds in this one,Last true sound of the trumpet.

Lord, all my joy is this:I will hear the joyous sound.

You will call to me,And the grand overture

Will usher me to a new Glorious Life.Jesus will take me by the hand, and say,

“this is your eternal home, where joy abounds!Come in, my child.”

by Mrs. Harriet F. Adams

Development Director Raelene VogelsangEditor / Designer Dana PetersonAlumni Relations Jana Baldwin

5104 E. Bernhill Rd., Colbert, WA 99005PH: 509-238-4005 FAX: 509-238-2242

The Crusader is a bi-annual publication

PublishedbyNorhwestChristianSchools,Inc.

Jubilee, Northwest Christian’s select girl’s choir directed by Stefani Peterson, beautifully sang the National Anthem at a Spokane College Women’s luncheon at Red Lion River Inn this spring. Soli Deo Gloria – To God be the Glory!

Jubliee Girl’s ChoirServing the Spokane Community

Over 70 students enthusiastically and exceptionally presented the rip-roarin’, feel good musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” under the direction of Rick Taylor. Before each of their nine performances, Mr. Taylor expressed his desire for the students to see their effort as an act of worship for an audience of “One.”

NWC Theatre PresentsSeven Brides for Seven Brothers

Pictured here are five of the seven brides.

Rachel Peterson, Katie White, Rebekah Nixon, Julie Nowak,

Kendal Davis

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NWCS FoundationEndowments

Correspondence & Gifts Via MailNWCS Development Team5104 E. Bernhill Rd. Colbert, WA 99005

Pray for Our Alumni in Uniform

Pat McGlade, ’88Bryan Zeski, ’95Glen Miller, ’96

Eric Pederson, ’98Jack Pederson, ‘99*

Angela (Smeltz) Scharnhorst, ’98Nathan Thew, ‘01David Blair, ‘02

Alicia Jasper, ‘03Jeremy Meyers, ‘04Bethany Indahl, ‘05Kalina Schmidt, ‘06

Jared Shaw, ‘07Nathan Robar, ‘07

Ryan Rabe, ‘07*Nolan Wright, ‘10

Noah Hindman, ‘98*Former student

If you know of an alumnus or former student that should be on this prayer list, please contact us!

Glen Arneson Award FundIn Memory of Glen M. Arneson, Class of ‘56

WithLove,agiftfromEvelynArnesonBonnie(Murray)Ryan,Classof‘56

(At the end of each school year, this fund helps high school seniors pay tuition costs if needed.)

Bank of America United Way Campaign10/11 – 3/12 $300.00

Microsoft Volunteer Hours Program10/11 – 3/12 $272.00

United Way Contributions10/11 – 3/12 $429.34

Wells Fargo Community Support Program3/11 – 9/11 $282.40

Shared Advantage Program10/11 – 3/12 $300.00

Yoke’s Fresh Market escrip2011 $261.36

Financial Aid and Scholarships !!! Many families need help to send their children to Northwest Christian Schools, especially in these tough times for our country. Even after making great sacrifices, the gap can be daunting -- particularly for parents of multiple school-aged children. An NWC education is an excellent value that for many would not be attainable without our generous donors. Thank you to those who are able to give to help others; you are making a real difference. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, please designate your gift to current financial aid or scholarship endowments. Our students and their families thank God for you! To His glory!

WHY SUPPORTING NWC IS VITAL AND EFFECTIVE ~Integrating Biblical Truth – We teach the Word of God in all curriculum and actively encourage students to pursue a relationship with Jesus. Bible classes are interactive and probing. Weekly chapels focus on practical application and joyful worship.

Encouraging Critical Thinking – Reading comprehension is the cornerstone of critical thinking. Students are taught to critically evaluate and articulate effectively in both written word and speech.

Honoring Our Nation’s History – Our Nation’s founding documents reflect Judeo-Christian values and honor our Creator. The freedoms we hold dear were hard fought and won. Although imperfect, we love and pray for our country and its leaders.

Providing Accountability – Personal responsibility is modeled and expected; grace and truth walk hand-in-hand. Thoughtful guidelines and involved teachers, staff, and coaches encourage individual expression that is modest and actions that are honoring to others.

Mentoring the Heart – Our halls are filled with joy and laughter. Students develop deep relationships with teachers and coaches who daily invest in their lives. Prayer happens. Hearts are transformed. God is glorified.

...Be transformed by the renewing of your mind...Romans 12:2 NIV

Dr. Eugene Fadel Fine Arts ChairLew Button Memorial Scholarship FundDorothy Allen Memorial Scholarship FundArnold Pierce Memorial Scholarship FundMoody Harmon Memorial Scholarship FundJoshua William Wright Memorial Scholarship FundValentine & Winifred Kreidel Scholarship Fund

GIVE TO NWCS NOW

Please email us at impact@nwcs.org to be included in the PRAYER POINTS emails. We value ALL gifts, especially your gift of prayer. Call Us at: 509.238.4005 ext. 145 - we love to hear from you!

To Donate Online visit www.nwcs.org and click on the button

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS, INC. Crusader / Spring 2012