Reflector Fall 2004 - Timothy Christian Schools

SPECIAL FEATURE: “GET CAUGHT READING” KINDLES THE IMAGINATIONA PUBLICATION OF TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLSCross-CulturalFamilies at TimothyFALL 2004

Table of ContentsFeatures4 Cross-cultural families at TimothyOne way in which we are reminded of the diversity of God’sKingdom at Timothy is through the many families within ourcommunity who are a cross-cultural collection designed by God.Learn of their experiences, challenges, and opportunities throughcomments and suggestions from Timothy parents and one parentin particular: Toni Horras.Page 4Special Feature Insert“Get Caught Reading” Kindles the ImaginationA creative program designed to implement a North Centralaccreditation goal led readers to some interesting destinations.Special Feature InsertDepartments2 Reflection12 Campus News14 Elementary and MiddleSchool News16 High School News24 Timothy Board ofDirectors News25 Timothy Foundation News26 Timothy Alumni News30 Support Group News31 From the Archives32 A Look Ahead atComing Events

FALL 2004A PUBLICATION OF TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS188 W. Butterfield RoadElmhurst, IL 60126Phone: (630) 833-4616Fax: (630) 833-9238www.timothychristian.comEditorDave LarsenEditorial BoardPaul EldersveldArdy IwemaMarianne TigchelaarBarbara Van Kampen SnellaPhotographyJim HartgerinkCindy Van KampenJulia Moran MelandBarbara Van Kampen SnellaDesign and LayoutChange Design GroupPrintingDarwill PressThe Reflector is published four times a year and is a publication of the Timothy ChristianSchools Board of Directors. Timothy is a member of Christian Schools International andis accredited by the Commission on Schools of the North Central Association ofColleges and Schools.The Reflector is mailed free of charge to Timothy alumni, members of the TimothyChristian School Society, and supportive friends.The purpose of this publication is to foster strong ties between Timothy ChristianSchools and its alumni/society members, to nurture Christian education in the schooland in the family, and to better inform its readers of the activities of Timothy ChristianSchools.We welcome letters and comments to the editor, addressed to the school or by e-mail:larsen@timothychristian.com.Alumni are especially encouraged to submit news and photos.We reserve the right to edit.Please inform the school of any change of address by providing both the old and newaddresses.SuperintendentDan Van ProoyenDirector of Advancementand Community RelationsDave LarsenHigh School PrincipalClyde RinsemaP-8 PrincipalTom MulderP-8 Assistant PrincipalSusan SchemperAdvertising rates:Full page: $4001/2 page: $2251/4 page: $1501/8 page: $75Board of DirectorsPresidentBruce Van HeukelemGrace Lutheran of River ForestAttorneyHoogendoorn & TalbotVice PresidentCindy Vander WoudeLa Grange PresbyterianEducator and HomemakerSecretaryCindy VeldmanFountain of Life LombardConsultant and DirectorPhi Beta DataFinancial SecretaryDavid De VriesElmhurst Christian ReformedPresidentS.E.T. Environmental ServicesTreasurerAndrew KranenborgLombard Christian ReformedDeveloper-Wireless Network SystemGroupLucent TechnologiesTodd BarreChrist Church Oak BrookVice President and Senior InvestmentStrategistThe Harris Private BankTim BoltFellowship Reformed LombardSenior Account ExecutiveDarwill PressSteven De JongWestern Springs Christian ReformedProfessor of SurgeryLoyola University Medical CenterMark DykemaElmhurst Christian ReformedVice President and Director of OperationsLandcomp CorporationFlory HovingFaith Christian Reformed ElmhurstHomemakerBill KuiperElmhurst Christian ReformedLandscape DesignerAlan Horticultural Enterprise, Inc.Walter LoeropLombard Christian ReformedMoldmakerComet Die EngineeringJ.D. SalazarChrist Church Oak BrookFounder and OwnerChampion Realty Advisors, LLC.Cassie SwierengaElmhurst Christian ReformedArtist and HomemakerTom SytsmaWheaton Christian ReformedRoll-off ManagerWaste Management, Inc.Sandy TamelingWestern Springs Christian ReformedHomemakerAlan TobinFaith Christian Reformed ElmhurstOwnerFour Seasons Carpet CleaningHoward Van DykeLombard Christian ReformedChief Executive OfficerDarwill PressRobert Van StaalduinenLombard Christian ReformedDirectorKnollcrest Funeral HomeHerman Vander NaaldFaith Christian Reformed ElmhurstOwnerAble Printing ServicesGerrit WieringaFaith Christian ReformedOwnerTrue Comfort Service, Inc.

Reflection ArticleIn the Daysof Your YouthMy grandfather called from the retirement home.He had just caused a minor scandal there byproposing marriage to a fellow resident in anunusually romantic way: he invited her into his apartment forbran muffins. Over health food across his little kitchen tablehe reached for her hands and asked for them and more inmarriage. And she said “yes,” and they were very happy.This was scandalous for two reasons. As one of the fewavailable males in the retirement home, he’d made a socialfaux pas. You just don’t take yourself out of circulation likethat. If looks could kill, the glares from the other widowswould have wiped out a neighborhood. And because he wasa widower of less than a year, his children felt as though hehad not given himself, and them, enough time to mourn. Hewas calling me because he needed a listening ear, and most ofhis seven adult kids weren’t listening. I’ll never forget how heput the dilemma: “Dave, if God didn’t think it was right forAdam to be alone, then why should it be good for Jake? Thekids all tell me I should wait. Well, it’s easy for them to say. Idon’t know how much time I have left, and a year meanssomething different to me than it does to them.” I encouragedGramp to follow his heart, and offered to be a middle-agedringbearer if he needed one.It wasn’t long before he was in the hospital at age 85, wherehe learned that something was happening inside of him whichthreatened his life. For only the third time in his many years,he had to look the prospect of death squarely in the face.One day in the hospital as we read Psalms together andtalked about life and Jesus I noticed something in him. Heunderstood what it meant to grow old as a Christian. Thislife-threatening development wasn’t going to slow him down.He wasn’t going to become cautious and reclusive, andwouldn’t give in to self-pity. I saw that my grandfather knewwhat it meant to grow old without allowing the thought orreality of aging to devastate his spirit. My grandfather wassomeone who matured with age—like fine wine.You see, he not only aged well. Or aged graciously, as theworld describes it. He aged gracefully, full of the grace ofGod found in Jesus Christ.Many would say that growing old is a real pain. The bodydoesn’t look the same or work the same. It seems that thelocal pharmacist is one of your better acquaintances. Fiber nolonger has to do with what your clothes are made of. Youread a restaurant menu not for how things might taste but forhow well it might digest.Few Timothy students, full of life and health and strength,ever wonder what it’s like to grow old as a Christian. Aging isthe last thing on their minds. At most, they might be thinkingabout next weekend, or working on that college decision.At the last Grandparents’ Day, however, we noticedsomething with great promise. Following the morningactivities, where our elementary school students performedin the Huizenga Auditorium for an adoring audience ofgrandparents, we offered those grandparents a chance at“Reverse Grandparents’ Day,” a time for them to tell storiesand set up displays of their crafts, hobbies, and volunteeractivities. The elementary/middle school gym wastransformed into a living museum, filled with harmonicaplaying, stamp collecting, Michigan farming, and quiltmaking.Students came through to tour the museum and talkwith the grandparents. Both students and grandparents weretransfixed at the exchange, and both were energized in theprocess. The experience brought us to wonder about howeducation might change around here if grandparents andsenior citizens lingered longer and regularly in our hallwaysand classrooms.We may find out. Timothy is working with Rest HavenChristian Services, a Chicago-based Christian ministry tosenior citizens. Rest Haven is seriously exploring thepossibility of building an independent living, age-in-placefacility immediately adjacent to Timothy. If and when that2 Reflector FALL 2004

happens, both Timothy and Rest Haven have large dreamsabout how the Lord might bless this venture to enrich thelives of the Rest Haven residents and Timothy students forthe glory of God.Think, for example, of how discussions in high schoolclassrooms might be enlivened with voices of wisdom andseasoned faith, stories of travel and work and relationships.Imagine what it would be like for seniors to join theorchestra, take physical education classes, or learncomputing with high school students. Picture senior citizenstending our gardens, reading to little children, tutoringindividuals, auditioning for plays, or running our soundsystems for worship and assemblies. Cheerleading? Wemay need to discuss this.What if the older stayed younger this way? What if theyounger learned how to grow older gracefully this way?What if the faith of young and old alike found nurture inthe exchange?Remembering your Creator in the days of youth is aninvitation to pleasure and fullness; it’s an order to enjoy; it’sthe encouragement to come party with God. Why not learnto remember God in youthful days while in the company ofthose older who can show the way?In order to grow old gracefully, those who are still youngmust live life to the fullest, remembering and fearing theirCreator whose commands can be joyfully kept. The best way,the only way, to live life for all that it offers is to know theone who gave it in the first place and renews it in JesusChrist. Any other kind of life is second best, and a dead end.God’s Word consistently talks about aging gracefully, and ithas everything to do with the spirit—a relationship with theCreator that guides and directs each day of life.Conventional wisdom says that those who have difficultywith aging or retirement are those who never reallyunderstood what life was about at a younger age. Thatconventional wisdom sounds very much like the Biblicalwisdom to be found in a passage from Biblical wisdomliterature: remember your Creator in the days of your youth,or face troubling days apart from him.My 85 year-young grandfather told me in his hospital roomthat the reason he wouldn’t slow down was that he alwayslived each day in the fear of the Lord, each day as a giftfrom his Creator, each day as a walk in the Kingdom withhis Lord.I think he must have read Ecclesiastes. I know that heremembered his Creator in the days of his youth. And, bythe way, he did remarry.Something of this contagious, wise faith is what we hope forintergenerational Christian education at Timothy. Pray withus that we will find a way in God’s grace to make this work.Dave LarsenDirector of AdvancementOur culture constantly talks about aging graciously, and ithas everything to do with physical externals: how we cangrow old without looking it, or grow old minimizing it, orgrow old by disguising it. You know: Botox and B-12, a nip,a tuck, a liposuck. It’s the stuff of People and US magazines,and the E network. These are the cultural values thatsurround our students.FALL 2004Reflector3

attempt the intimate and guarantee-less job of parenting anunrelated person. It is a harrowing 24/7 task that I believehas the best set of benefits anywhere, just like in biologicalparenting. I believe with all my heart that Christians shouldbe adopting. We should be stepping up to the plate andtaking seriously Jesus’ command to care for the orphans.Who better than us can understand being adopted with fullheir privileges into a family we had no “natural” rights to?Who but us can extend grace and love to a little one whenwe have been so massively blessed by our Heavenly Father’sextension of grace and love to us? Without patting ourselveson the back too heartily many of us are very goodparents— resourceful, creative, and determined. Christianfamilies who are already parenting are exactly the ones whoought to be adopting. Each family must seek God’sdirection personally, but all must consider it.Granted, I am a baby person. I love kids. Some have accusedme of being able to bond to a needy stick! But to my way ofthinking, kids are so easy to love, and so easy to minister to. Ihave worked with several populations as a social worker.Adults who have made unwise life choices do need service andGod’s love and mercy, but give me a child any day. A child sofresh from God just wants a chance and someone to love them.They need order to their lives. They need direction andunconditional commitment. Isn’t that what parenting comesdown to? Children who aren’t parented well are the realvictims of our deteriorating society. Hillary Clinton was righton at least one thing: it does take a village to raise a child. Asbelieving adults we ought to be looking for ways to contributeto young lives wherever we are. We should be available toyoung people taking every opportunity to encourage them,extend love and mercy to them and model our walk with theLord before them. Certainly you can do this without adoption.But there are unattached, waiting children in need of families—what an opportunity! If my tone seems a bit “in your face” thatis my intention. Aside from preaching the Gospel, I mean topreach adoption. We as American Christians are so incrediblyblessed! They (the world) will know we are Christ’s followersby our love. It is a human thing to love children we producebiologically. No doubt it is a wonderful thing! But to extend ourlove and our family to a “stranger”—that is a God thing! Noteveryone can do it, and I don’t mean to say it is God’s will foreveryone to adopt, but I am convinced more of us should.Not everyone can go the route we did and adopt transracially.Being a mixed race family has had some unique challenges andmany unforeseen and incredible blessings. There are many kidsall over the world and in many states of health and of alldifferent ages desperately in need of an adoptive family. In factremove the word “healthy,” “white” or “infant” and there arethousands of waiting children in our state, country and aroundthe world. There are more than 20 foreign countries withactive adoption programs. Another area of great need is thefoster-to-adopt programs in the state of Illinois. There are alsoprograms that link the children of a birthparent dying of AIDSto an adoptive family so that when separation comes, part ofthe transition has taken place. For families who can’t offerpermanency, foster families are always needed. A localChristian agency recently began a program to offer families inshort-term crisis respite childcare without having to have theirchildren enter the DCFS system.I do not mean to sugar coat this. Parenting is the mostchallenging thing I have ever done. We have 3 teenagers andI have some stories to tell, some stories aren’t even finished yet,and I am learning a happy ending is not a given. Adopted kidsdo face some unique issues. Many do not handle the loss oftheir birth family well. Some never recover from their feelingsof abandonment. Children adopted after infancy frequentlysuffer from attachment disorder. Some physical andpsychological problems and certainly generational sin areinvisible at the time of placement. But when adoption comesout of obedience to God’s direction and calling, He can becounted on to supply the resources and the physical andemotional fortitude to finish the job. Believe me, I know ofwhat I speak. He is faithful!All children deserve a chance at life with a loving, stable family.Many people feel strongly about many causes. Some of themare good. Some are ridiculous. People are God’s idea of a goodcause. I am not a sporty person, but I am a relentless, screamingcheerleader when it comes to adoption. Little people are easy tolove, and accepting of anyone who will love them. In all typesof parenting the opportunity is there to influence, teach, sharethe Good news, love and receive love. The hours aren’t greatand there is no pay, but to have a chance at watching what Godwill do, well, I want a ringside, front row seat, please.–Toni HorrasToni is a Timothy parent and stay-at-home mom who doesn’t stay homevery much. Toni says that she is available for personal consultations as “anadoption midwife” helping others through the process. This can be donewithout charge on the phone or via e-mail: toni@horras.com.FALL 2004Reflector5

Feature ArticleA Family Conversation: Timothy Parents SpeakGrowingGod’s Familyby Dave LarsenAt a meeting of the Reflector editorial staff last springsomeone observed that within the Timothycommunity, there is a growing number of crossculturaladoptive homes. We noticed that these families andtheir children have enriched the life of the Timothycommunity with their presence, acceptance of people unlikethemselves, and gentle reminders to us of what the Kingdomof God really looks like. In a delightfully subtle way, thesestudents help us get closer to a portion of our vision forTimothy: “We reflect God’s kingdom by serving Christianfamilies from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds . . .”What follows is a capsule summary of a two-hourconversation with some of those parents. It is our hope thatthis article will inform and even inspire. We thank the parentswho participated for their insights and helpful advice.Around a table in the high school media center we gathereda representative group of adoptive parents for an openconversation. We asked about the process of adoption, thechanges they’ve observed within their families, their joysand struggles, what they mightrecommend to other familiesconsidering this route of adoption,and how welcoming (or not)Timothy was to them and theirchildren. Pamela Brandsma, Joyce Hamstra, Toni Horras,Robin Liefeld, and Paul and Bonnie Zigterman were theparents. Ardy Iwema and Marianne Tigchelaar representedthe Reflector.Joyce and Don Hamstra have five children, three of whom arebiological. They waited five years after the birth of their thirdchild, and adopted a daughter from Korea. Several years later,while taking a walk together Don said to Joyce, “I think it’stime we adopt another child.” Joyce said, "Nope, not unlessanother one is dropped off on our doorstep! Our next childwas almost literally on our doorstep through a private localadoption. She wanted all of you to know that she'smulticultural too—she's Italian. The Korean process was veryclosed—no names were given. The local adoption was open."Asked about the difference, Joyce said, "Something in betweenwould be very nice."Robin Liefeld said that when she and herhusband David were dating they knewthey wanted to be foster parentsbecause they were both positivelyinfluenced by families who hadvery open homes, placeswhere they could go and6 Reflector FALL 2004

find welcome and food and love. “We’ve had 20 fosterchildren over the years; two stayed.” Foster care seems like adifficult challenge to some, Robin reported. “So many peopletell me they can’t do that, be someone as a foster mom who’sthere, who holds them, loves them and sends them on to theirnext place. But that’s what I felt I could do the best.”Bonnie and Paul Zigterman said that they had alwayshoped for six children. They had four boys and then a girland thought that was it. “Then we caught the vision foradoption, and China was the place,” Bonnie said. “Wereceived a daughter when she was three years old. She’s areal joy and it’s been a great experience for us as a family.”Bonnie and Paul felt that God had placed this on theirhearts after a great deal of talking about it. “It just keptcoming back to us. The rest of our kids were very excitedabout it as soon as they heard.” Bonnie recalls theirbiological daughter saying after a typical bout with an olderbrother, “I can’t wait ‘til that China girl gets here.”A Chinese girl was also welcomed into the home of Pamand Lee Brandsma after many years of thinking aboutcross-cultural adoption. Pam described the decision as beingclosely related to a stage of life reflection after selling herbusiness and wondering what she could do next that wouldmake a difference. Pam Brandsma recalled many “familymeetings” and deep discussions with their other, olderchildren. Because one was going off to college and anotherwas just starting high school, she knew that accustomedfreedom was an issue. “Freedom is gone!” Pam says with alaugh. “But it’s okay.”expressed by the American Association of Black SocialWorkers either for or against this form of adoption. Whenpeople ask what foreign country their son was adopted from,the Horras’ are quick to reply: “Texas!” One son wasadopted agency to agency; another through a privateadoption, meeting mother and grandmother and receivinghim right from the hospital. The Horras’ have immersedthemselves into African-American culture, including attendinga predominantly African-American church.As you might expect, the decision to adopt is more likesomething cooked in a crock-pot rather than a microwave.Sensing God’s timing requires patience, a careful listening tohis leading and a family’s heart. Going into it as a rescueoperation can be an initial motive, but it is far too limiting.Robin understood and shared that desire, and observed that“often adoptive parents want to save the world and the kidsend up saving us.” So the interest needs to simmer forawhile as parents and siblings come to understand why theymay be called to do this.Bonnie says that a Chicago Tribune article aboutinternational adoption sat on their kitchen counter for fouror five months. Pam recalls having a file of clippings aboutadoption at her desk for nearly ten years, and running intoJoyce Hamstra at a local restaurant shortly after theHamstras received their daughter. Pam recalls that thisencounter made a great impact on her.Toni Horras went into social work knowing that her interestwas in foster care and adoption, but didn’t adoptimmediately because she knew she would “adopt my caseload and go home.” She and husband Roy also agreed whiledating that they would want both biological and adoptedchildren. They had friends who adopted children from Indiaand Korea, so they asked their social worker where shethought the greatest need was. They asked, “Where are theorphanages too full, where are the kids?” She was stunned tolearn of the domestic case loads throughout the United Stateswith healthy African-American newborns. Toni spoke aboutthe sensitivity of the issue of whites adopting blacks, giventhe growing black middle class and the pendulum of opinionFALL 2004Reflector7

Feature ArticleA Family Conversation: Timothy Parents SpeakJoyce compared the journey they all shared as parents withour adoption by Christ into his family, no matter ourbackground or color. Another biblical “adoption” storyJoyce is fond of is Moses being brought into a new settingof love by God’s initiative. Toni reminded us that God hadonly one biological child, and all the rest are adopted. Forthis reason, all the parents in the conversation saw crossculturaladoption as an act of God’s grace, both for thechild and the family.Pam observed that one of the results of adoption isbecoming more culturally aware. This leads to the desire forrole models from her daughter’s culture in her naturalsurroundings. It concerns Pam that there aren’t enough herefor their daughter. There is an immediate connection for herwhen her culture appears on TV or in movies, but not inher daily life. It’s not enough to take “field trips” or attendcultural events, though they help. At the same time, theirdaughter wants to be part of the dominant culture. “Thiswas one of the issues with Timothy,” Pam says, “findingenough role models or classmates from her culture.”She also observed that free and open discussions aboutadoption are to be encouraged with the children, becauseeven the adopted child forgets. The Brandsma’s daughterasked recently on the way to school if she was born in themorning or at night. No doubt the question grew from acomment in class or from a friend. It opened another doorof conversation about the meaning of adoption and simplyretelling the story.Interestingly, Bethany Hamstra saw an announcement in theTrinity email newsletter about a Korean exchange studentand said, “Mom, we have to do that.” Bethany reportsfeeling accepted at Timothy and not treated any differently.Pam said that this is Tessa’s reaction too.When asked what Timothy could do better or improve on, anumber of ideas surfaced. Toni suggested that we need toask African-American parents for their take on acceptanceat Timothy quite apart from issues of adoption. Joyce saidthat her daughter is disappointed that we don’t celebrate anAsian Heritage month or event to parallel Black Historymonth which is observed at Timothy. The group supportedthe idea of International Festivals celebrated throughout theyear complete with history highlights, costumes, historicalartifacts, and food. Bonnie pointed out that their daughteractually had a class recently where she was part of themajority. “There were five little girls in that class, two wereChinese, one was Black, one was Caucasian, and oneHispanic.” Several commented on the progress Timothy hasmade in becoming a more diverse student body compared towhen some of their older children attended.Several acknowledged too that there is still a sentiment outthere that the Timothy community is too closed because ofso many family connections and Timothy’s ethnically Dutchheritage. It’s hard to crack into support groups or find waysto get involved or feel included. Robin, taking note of hernon-Dutch roots, was questioned by friends about thewisdom of sending her son to Timothy for this reason. “ButI’ve quizzed him over and over and asked him a hundredtimes if he feels accepted, and he hit the ground running.”A prevailing misconception in the community, Robinsuggested, is that “everyone is rich at Timothy, and we wereworried that we wouldn’t have the right clothes, the rightcar—but he’s not experienced that at all. Part of that is his8 Reflector FALL 2004

personality, of course, but that’s not been a problem. Whatdoes seem to be a reality from his point of view is that somany kids are related!” Robin recalled that when they firstcame to Timothy that she received phone calls inviting herto join the “Tulip something-or-other . . .” and never sensedany racial issues or “you’re not rich enough” issues or“you’re not Dutch issues.” Pam felt that “Timothy’s beengreat.” She feels that the teachers have embraced them, thekids have embraced them, and while she still wishes formore students from their daughter’s culture they think theChristian atmosphere makes up for the lack of numbers.When asked to comment on whether parenting adoptivekids requires more prayer, blood, sweat and tears, responseswere divided. Some thought that the first year might bemore demanding, requiring more adjustments. PaulZigterman thought it was more a matter of different issues.“If ‘harder’ means less joyful, that’s not it. Parenting isalways a mix of good, bad and ugly. At the heart of it,though, is a sense of joy.”The details of the process are demanding, however, as JoyceHamstra reminded the group. Fingerprinting, getting afoster license, financial disclosures, are just some of thenecessary steps to be taken. “When you give birth,insurance covers it. When you adopt, nothing covers it,”Joyce pointed out. There is also the element of paperwork,and a different set of emotional issues. But there areresources in addition to the services and guidance agenciesprovide. Toni recommended the book Twenty ThingsAdopted Kids Wished Their Adoptive Parents Knew bySherrie Eldridge to all considering adoption as a guide tounderstanding the adopted child’s feeling of loss in beingseparated from their biological family. The process isdemanding on both sides of the equation, all pointed out.“It’s such a leap of faith,” offered Pam Brandsma. “Havingkids is a leap of faith,” chimed Toni Horras.And what advice would this group give to other Timothyparents? “Go for it!” Joyce said, and everyone joined inwith a hearty laugh. “God reminded us not to worry, andthat’s how it worked out in our lives.”“If it’s in your heart, God’s likely laying it there,”Toni suggested. Paul was quick to add “God will workthings out.” “And remember, the child’s siblings will neverbe the same,” Joyce said to nods of assent. Pam observed,“Your kids are so much more multiculturally aware.”“Everything changes if you decide to do this. You are moreaware of the cultures around you and now in your family,”according to Paul.The parents, some of whom had older cross-culturallyadopted children, also offered a word of caution. Sometimesthings can go wrong as children grow older, just as they canwith biological children. Kids don’t come with guarantees.Some studies show that adopted children are overrepresentedin therapy situations, Toni observed from her social workbackground. But just as the beginnings were seen asoccasions of God’s grace, so too were the stories of struggleand reconciliation.FALL 2004Reflector9

Feature ArticleRobin commented on the practice of allowing children inopen adoption situations to meet and know their biologicalparent(s) if possible. This helps when the child eitheridealizes or rejects the biological parent. One of the Liefeld’schildren, for example, imagined her mother to live in a pinkcastle where she rode a pink pony. Robin knows that whenthere are days when she must say “no” to this child for onereason or another, the child can’t think she can ride off tothe pink castle. “She needs to know and understand thiswoman, so that when the day comes when my child is upsetwith me because I won’t let her date some particular guy,she won’t run off for a second opinion.”Joyce also recalled when one of her children thought of herbirth mother as perpetually “young and cool.” Eventually,reality set in.For these and other issues, the families felt that theiradoption agencies served them well in preparing them forwhat was likely in store. Required classes and helpfulcounselors eased the transition to this new frontier ofparenting. Pam recalled an exercise where they wereencouraged to fill a cup with different colored beans,representing their social and cultural circles, their doctor,dentist, family, and friends. When their cup was filled withmostly white beans—with a few random black or Asianbeans—the point was driven home about the culture theirchild was stepping into.What about cross-cultural adoption for other Timothyfamilies? Pam spoke for all when she said she sees so manywonderful families who would make ideal adoptive homes.“It’s a fertile field out there because they have the greatmindset of the Christian community for outreach andservice.” At this point, many heads were again nodding inagreement. But everyone also observed that they arehesitant to be overly zealous for this cause at the risk ofoffending some. It isn’t for everyone, they agreed. Yeteveryone suggested that it is something more parents couldand should prayerfully consider.This, by the way, is one of the reasons for this featurearticle. If this account triggers in you a desire for moreinformation, these families and others are ready to have acup of coffee and a conversation with you, and will praywith you for God’s leading. A sidebar also lists severalChristian adoption agencies that are ready to assist youwith advice and counsel.God’s growing family is a constant delight to see in the hallsand classrooms of Timothy Christian Schools. Take note thenext time you visit, and imagine the stories of God’s gracereflected in so many faces.Christian Adoption AgenciesBethany Christian Serviceswww.bethany.orgEvangelical Child andFamily Agencywww.evancfa.orgLutheran Family Serviceswww.lutheranservices.orgPrivate, Non-ProfitThe Cradlewww.cradle.orgwww.adoptionlinkillinois.com10 Reflector SPRING FALL 2004 2004

Campus NewsNew Staff MembersPaige BuckI’m the new fourth grade teacherat Timothy Christian School. Ifeel blessed to be part of such awarm and welcoming faculty, andI look forward to getting toknow the Timothy ChristianSchool community more as theyear progresses!Paige BuckI grew up in Kohler, Wisconsin and graduated last May fromthe University of Wisconsin-Madison where I received myelementary education teaching license. While at school,I was an active member of the Lutheran Campus Centerwhere I sang in the church’s choir, served on the StudentCoordinating Committee, and played on the church’sultimate Frisbee intramural team.My husband and I currently live in Elmhurst, and we arehappily settling in to our new surroundings. We enjoyspending time with our family and friends and are alwaysready for a good adventure. Some of our favorite adventuresinclude a trip to Norway, snorkeling in the Caribbean, andskiing in Colorado. When I’m not on an adventure with myhusband or family, I enjoy singing, hiking, knitting, playingsports, and being outdoors.Timothy Christian School has been everything I had hopedfor in a teaching job. I remember talking with my husbandabout my interview at Timothy Christian School and therewere three things that I really liked about this school: thefaith-based community, singing and worshiping as acommunity, and the mission to develop academicallyprepared students as well as spiritually developed disciplesof God. So far, my experience here has been a positive one,and the faculty and families at Timothy have welcomed mewith open arms and open hearts.Thank you for your continued support and encouragementand God bless you all this school year.Rudi GeschI am the new fifth gradelanguage arts teacher atTimothy. I grew up in CedarGrove, Wisconsin (which Ihope won’t be held againstme), and attended TrinityChristian College in PalosHeights. I graduated last May Rudi Geschwith a BA in elementaryeducation, a minor in history, and endorsements in themiddle grades and language arts.My first impression of Timothy Christian School is howmuch it feels like home. In the first few days of school,I have already discovered most of those “weird littleconnections” that seem to follow me around the earth.“I know your dad,” or “Your grandmother was my aunt’sbest friend,” or “Your youth group leader was my collegeroommate,” are among several comments that make me feellike I already belong. Even if people were total strangers tome, their warmth and welcome have been a huge comfort.While my transition from student to teacher has beensmooth, I have had the typical struggles of a first yearteacher. My students often know more than I do aboutthe everyday life of grade school than I. I have also beenbombarded with approximately 100 names to learn.Despite these struggles, I am enjoying the adjustment.I am also the coach of the 7th and 8th grade soccer A team.I look forward to an enjoyable season with much success.Since kindergarten, soccer has been a part of my life, so I’mexcited to be able to continue my soccer career in thecoaching capacity.Perhaps the most encouraging moment in the classroomthus far took place in one of my three Language Arts classes.“Mr. Gesch,” I was asked by a student, “is this Language orBible?” I smiled and said, “Well… it’s sort of both.” That’swhy I’m excited to teach in a Christian school. Thanks toeveryone who has made my transition so smooth.Vennlig hilsen (means “friendly greetings” in Norwegian).FALL 2004Reflector11

Campus NewsHayley McCroryOriginally from Tucson,Arizona, I grew up in a familyof six. I had two older sisters tofollow after and one youngerbrother to follow me. Betweenschool and sports, I somehowfound spare time to learn to playthe piano, violin, and even handbells with the choir at ChristCommunity Church.Hayley McCroryAnother Staff Member GraduatesCongratulations to Discovery Center teacher SherriVenhousen who finished graduate work at Northern IllinoisUniversity in August. She received a Masters of Science inSpecial Education, Learning Disabilities.Timothy Teachers and MarathonersCongratulations to Peter Anderson, Sara Brouwer and EricaPotter who ran and completed the Chicago Marathon inOctober with very respectable times!Desert Christian High School was where I first began mystudy of the Spanish language and began thinking aboutplans for the future. I was encouraged by my guidancecounselor at Desert to look into Trinity Christian College.Just a few months later I would soon realize the Lord’s plansfor me as a teacher 2,000 miles from home. Spanish beganas a minor but soon a double major in Education andSpanish seemed to be the perfect coupling of my passions.When the opportunity arose to study abroad in Sevilla,Spain, I jumped at the chance. Four months later my lovefor the language and culture of Spain had flourished. Uponreturning, not only was I confident that my double major inSpanish and Education was right for me, but also that mylife would not be complete without my husband, Reuben.Student teaching, although an extension of my education,was a completely new experience unto itself. First servingDaystar Christian School, I saw the benefits offered by thediversity and opportunities Chicago has to offer. Then,returning to the southwest suburbs for my second placementat Eisenhower Public High School, I encountered an eyeopening experience. I came away with the realization thatmy passion for education extends to the high school level.Just before graduating I was fortunate to begin my teachingcareer at Illiana Christian High School. Due to a maternityleave, a Spanish teaching position became available and Iwas able to finish out the school year with a wonderfulgroup of staff and students. It is amazing to look backand see the places God has taken me and to look forwardknowing He has so much more in-store.Faculty Presenters at CEA ConventionElementary/Middle School principal Tom Mulder reportsthat George Bosman (7th grade Math), Gail Salvatori(Orchestra) and Sue Stein (Librarian) presented at sectionalsfor the Christian Educators Association Convention thisOctober. Also, Kindergarten teacher Faith Schoonparticipated in a Christian Schools International site-visitteam at the Racine, Wisconsin Christian School as part oftheir accreditation renewal.North Central Accreditation/In-Service UpdateThe faculty met last May for an in-service which started outwith a wonderful breakfast provided by Moms-In-Touch.Following a time of worship together, the faculty wasupdated with information about our three NCA goals:improved reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, andan integration of a Reformed Christian perspective across thecurriculum. Updates were provided by Sue Stein, Barb Yeazel,Steve Adamski, Ann Baker, Ellen Dec, and Kelly Lenarz.Teachers also participated in taking a survey entitled “AGlobal Portrait of Social and Moral Health.” This surveyfocuses on character development, and will be used as partof the data on the “Reforming” goal.After lunch, teachers focused on the reading interventionsfor their grade levels. Sherri Venhousen and Frances Wrightof the Discovery Center presented a new program being usedin the grade school: “Read Naturally.” This led to livelyconversations about implementing new teaching techniques.12 Reflector FALL 2004

Four Women Who CaredThe Mission and Vision StatementTimothy Auditorium Becomes theHuizenga AuditoriumBy action of the Timothy Boardof Directors, the TimothyAuditorium was named theHuizenga Auditorium on May27 to honor and recognizemodels of service and devotionto Christian education. Thisrecognition is given to fourwomen of the Huizenga family:Elizabeth Bovenkerk Huizenga,Jennie Sterenberg Huizenga,Bertha Wezeman Huizenga, andTena Huizenga. Each of thesewomen, in her own quiet andMrs. Ella Tylor waits tounveil the plaque at theHuizenga Auditoriumdedication.humble way, advanced the mission of Timothy ChristianSchools through leadership, volunteerism and stewardship.Together they represent hundreds of women and men whosevision for Christian education helped shape and sustainTimothy Christian Schools.Ray Vander Laan speaks at Faculty OrientationWe were thrilled to have RayVander Laan, the Director ofThat the World May KnowMinistries, lead our faculty intheir orientation sessions thisfall around the theme of“Following the Rabbi.” Ray is amaster teacher who works atHolland (MI) Christian HighSchool and regularly leads tours Ray Vander Laanto the Middle East and the areasof Paul’s missionary journeys. Ray not only encouraged thestaff to read Scripture regularly as an exercise of Christiandiscipleship, but also challenged them to memorize Scriptureas a replication of what Jesus and his disciples mostcertainly did.A plaque recognizing these women, and a companion plaquedescribing Timothy’s Mission and Vision, were on display atthe Annual Society Meeting the following day.FALL 2004Reflector13

Elementary and Middle School NewsCounselor for Grades K-8by Marianne TigchelaarIn 1999 the EducationCommittee of the Board ofDirectors formed a subcommitteeto assess the educational,emotional and spiritual needs ofour students and to determineCathi Schuurmanwhether the hire of aKindergarten through grade 8counselor was needed and justified. Although the committeelooked at all grade levels, the question for the need of acounselor was addressed specifically for these grades, sincethe high school had a guidance counselor in place already.One of the results of the survey was that the facultyexpressed concern about the lack of trained counselors toprovide assistance in grades K through 8. Ideally, an inhousecounselor would be available to serve as a consultantto teachers for students who deal with unusually challengingemotional and/or behavioral issues. Teachers would also liketo be able to refer these students directly for counselingservices due to the students’ situations.These are among the services that Cathi Schuurman, the K-8th grade counselor has been providing since the beginningof the 2003/2004 school year. The last quarter for instance,she saw 54 different elementary students and 33 MiddleSchool students. Some of these students she saw more thanonce; others came to her with a specific problem.In the lower grades the students are mostly referred by theteachers or parents (or a combination of both). Althoughthis is also the case for the higher grades, these students alsooften just “drop by” when a specific problem arises.The social and psychological landscape has changedsignificantly for students, especially when compared withonly a few short years ago, let alone the Timothy of twentyyears past. Many more kids have to deal with family issuessuch as divorce, grief, and stepfamily blending.In the survey conducted by the Education Committee, bothparents and faculty shared quite similar views about theimportance of addressing a variety of emotional and socialneeds in the students. Cathi has presented educational unitsin grades K-5 on behavioral issues, family, friendship,bullying, doing your best in school and lying. A “doing yourbest in school” unit picks up on the parental concern abouttheir students’ study habits and goal setting. As if this isn’tenough to fill Cathi’s day, she also taught a psychology classto high school seniors.Parents and grandparents with questions or concerns canfind Cathi in her office in the Middle School. You can besure to find a listening ear and wise heart.Math Triathalon Winners at Trinity Christian CollegeTimothy Places First in Middle School Math TriathlonFrom the Trinity Christian College (Palos Heights, IL)website, came these complimentary words: “The TrinityMath Triathlon may need to consider changing its name ifTimothy Christian School continues to dominate the event.The Elmhurst, Illinois, school captured its second first-placetrophy in two years on April 29, marking the fifth time inthe Triathlon’s 11-year history that Timothy students haveposted the highest cumulative score.Each April, the College’s math department welcomes 10-15Christian grade schools from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana,and Michigan to compete in a series of problem-solvingchallenges that demand sharp instincts and thoroughteamwork. This year, 130 students from 12 schools, mostlyseventh and eighth-graders, took turns figuring exponentials,multiplying fractions, and determining proper divisors inindividual, team, and relay contests.Congratulations to the students and teachers George Bosmanand Chris Casemier for the fine showing once again!14 Reflector FALL 2004

Middle School Awards AssemblyThe following awards were given to the outstanding studentslisted at the Middle School Awards Assembly last May:Ken Huizinga Athletic Award: Brandon Buikema andLindsay Vander BrugCharles Haack Math Scholarship: Mark ZylstraLorraine Daniels Music Scholarship: Hillary HempelTheodore DeJong Science Scholarship: Megan KaszubaChristian Leadership Award: Courtney Bobkoand Ryan EvenhouseValedictorian: Megan KaszubaCo-Salutatorians: Courtney Bobko and Karyn WeglarzGeorge Tamminga Scholarship: Kari LeGrandand Nathan ZieglerA complete listing of additional achievements can be foundon the Timothy website under the “middle school” link:http://www.timothychristian.com.The Co-Salutatorians were Courtney Bobko, and KarynWeglarz. Karyn spoke about parents choosing to send themto a Christian school to be taught from a Christianperspective. She thanked the Lord for Christian parents aswell as for her classmates.Courtney reflected on the projects they had to do in middleschool from Mrs. Franz, being the first teacher she had whencoming to Timothy, and how she found acceptance atTimothy. She said that she would never be the same and wasthankful for friends, teachers and the examples to follow God.Mac Weiner, the 8th grade Bible teacher at the middle schoolspoke to the class of 2004 on their class verse, Philippians3:13-14. He encouraged them to press on even though theywere the smallest class to graduate middle school: pressingon with energy, pressing on with choices, and pressing on intheir faith.Graduation Marshals were Elizabeth DeGroot, Katie Dirkse,Justin Groenewold, Rachel Groters, Marissa Hegel, LyndsayHoltrop, Thomas Huiner, Mary Beth Langkamp, SabrinaLee, Jessica Michnowski, and Corey Van Dyk.Middle School Graduationby Ardy IwemaOn Wednesday, June 9, 2004, a small class of 61 graduatesreceived their diplomas in Timothy Christian Middle Schoolauditorium. The words of the year’s school theme, “OurGod Reigns,” were used by principal Tom Mulder to openthe ceremony. He reminded the graduates that with theblessings of the positive and confident words from theirteachers as well as the sacrifice of their parents, they canmove on with confidence in the holy fear of God. The classsong was, “Here I am to Worship,” signifying the reasonwhy we worship our great God.The class Valedictorian was Megan Kaszuba who took her cuefrom Ecclesiastes 3, reminding her classmates that as there is atime for everything, this is God’s time for a new season intheir lives. Many experiences from the year were mentioned:adoptions, deaths, friends being uplifted, joy at their 8th graderetreat, and the final thought to keep what they have learnedfor the rest of our lives as they enter high school.FALL 2004Reflector15

High School NewsThe cast of the MikadoSpring MusicalTimothy's High School Drama Club delighted audiences lastspring with Gilbert & Sullivan's musical The Mikado.W.Y.S.E. Team places fourth in state competitionTeacher and Coach Carlton Rink reports that Timothy’sWorldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Team placedfourth out of 23 teams in state competition—Timothy’s bestever finish. Deb Denby placed 3rd in English; Dan Smith 3rdin Computer Programming; Eric Boomsma 3rd in Physics;and Peter Groenewold 5th in Physics. Congratulations onthis fine showing!Latin LivesJunior Deborah Denby, in a national Latin exam through theCenter for Talent Development at Northwestern University,placed summa cum laude with a gold medal for Latin II onthe 2004 National Latin Exam.The Ladies of the MikadoBoys’ Track Record BrokenOn April 27, at the High School Quad Meet, three newfreshman/sophomore school relay records were established.The team of Povas Miknaitis, Matt Benjamin, Dale Bonnesand Dave Voss broke both the 4x100 Relay time (46.64) andthe 4x200 Relay time (1:36.61). A new record was also setin the 4x400 Relay (3:38.23) by the team of Dale Bonnes,Cal Drenth, Matt Benjamin and Dave Voss.16 Reflector FALL 2004

Mock Trial Team Wins State Title and Earns Sixth inNational Competitionby Paul EldersveldDave Voss, Erik Van Kampen, Coach John Vander Kamp,and J. StineHigh School Track Successes at StateErik Van Kampen and J. Stine competed in the 3200 MeterRun last spring at the State Finals in Charleston. They camein 16th and 18th in the state, respectively. Dave Voss ran agood race in the 300 M. Intermediate Hurdles and justmissed getting into the Finals by fractions of a second.The Timothy Christian High School Mock Trial team led byScott Roelofs and assisted by lawyers Cathy Mc Neil Stein,Kirsten Hauser, and Grant Dixon won the Illinois state titlefor the fifth time in the past seven years and advanced tonational competition in Orlando, Florida last spring, wherethey earned sixth place. The team consisted of Mark Bonnes,Kim Bulthuis, Caroline Cristman, Cory De Boest, JuliaDixon, Rebecca Haltom, Ben Post, Kristin Raley, JohnSianghio, Dan Smith, Rob Strodtman, Raul Tamez, AlyssaVan Staalduinen, Laura Wolff, and freshmen JasonBoomsma, Aaron Michnowski, Ben Schemper, Maria Post,Jorie Ellens, and Peter Hegel.The season began in late fall when the team received thecase to be tried at the state competition in early March.Preparation began as the team members assisted by thelawyers and Coach Roelofs studied and analyzed the case.This year, the case was based on a cyber-stalking situationwhere the stalker sent colleagues and others threatening email.In order to sharpen and hone their trial skills, the teammembers competed in invitational tournaments. The teamplaced second in the St. Charles Tournament, third in theDuPage County Tournament, and first in the Maine SouthTournament. After placing first in the Maine South event,the team was honored at a Cook County Judges’ Banquet.Girls Track Team 2004The Girls Track Team turned in an outstanding performanceat State last spring also. Four of the events finished in thetop nine, earning medals. Brandi McNeil finished 5th in theHigh Jump, Alexis Euwema took 6th in the 400 MeterDash, Emily Geelhoed leaped her way to 7th place in the100M Hurdles and the 4x400 Relay Team (Brandi McNeil,Rachel DeGroot, Tami Wieringa & Alexis Euwema) grabbed8th place. Coach Kevin Hackert reported that the team hada lot of fun with beautiful weather downstate.Throughout the seven months of preparation, the team spentabout two hours a day three or four times a week writingand preparing presentations, rehearsing the various roles inthe trial process, and learning the rules, statues, andregulations that govern the trial process. During the trial, itis very important that the lawyers be able cite the statutethat pertains to the situation.The first part of the state competition pared down the morethan 54 participants to eight. Both Timothy and Rockford-Boylan Catholic, the only team other than Timothy to winthe state title in the last seven years, moved to the final eight.This year the competition was somewhat more difficult thanpast years, because there were more good teams, and as aperennial favorite, Timothy has become the team to beat.FALL 2004Reflector17

High School NewsFront row (l-r):Back row (l-r):Peter Hegel, Jorie Ellens, Cory De Boest, Rebecca Haltom, Kim Bulthuis, Laura Wolff, Kristin Raley,Alyssa Van Staalduinen, John Sianghio, Cathy McNeil Stein, Jasmine Stein, Julia DixonDan Smith, Aaron Michnowski, Maria Post, Mark Bonnes, Carli Cristman, Raul Tamez, Rob Strodtman,Ben Schemper, Jason Boomsma, Ben Post, Scott RoelofsTimothy emerged victorious for the fifth time in the lastseven years, and moved on to the national competition inOrlando, Florida.At the national level, the team made some difficultadjustments. First, all cases at the national level were triedusing Federal statutes whereas the Illinois state competitionused state statutes. This was not the case for most other states,so in five weeks, the Timothy team members were required tolearn a new set of rules and nomenclature. Second, there wereonly five weeks as compared to five months to prepare. Thisyear the case for the national competition was a murder casebased on the book Privileged Information by Terry Lewis. Mr.Lewis attended the competition and provided each teammember with an autographed copy of the book. According toRoelofs, “The case was simple but very fair and appropriatefor national competition.”The competition consisted of four trials, two on Fridayand two on Saturday each about 2-3 hours in duration.Timothy defeated Nevada and Ohio, lost to Minnesota,and defeated North Carolina. Each trial was judged bylawyers on a somewhat subjective point system, andTimothy earned sixth place in the nation. Scott Roelofswas elated with the performance and indicated that, “Thejudge in the trial with Minnesota said that Timothy wasbetter than both winners last year.” Roelofs added that,“Some of the performances by Timothy team memberswere among the best he has ever seen.”Team members indicated that participating in and being amember of the mock trial team is a rewarding and valuableexperience. Kristin Raley played the role of a lawyer andsaid that, “The cross examination was the most enjoyable,but the most difficult part was memorizing the large amountof material, rules, and regulations.” Alyssa Van Staalduinenplayed the role of expert witness for the defense. She recalledthe many hours of preparation that her role required. BenPost played the role of a lawyer, and at one time he calledAlyssa as an expert witness. Both Ben and Alyssa recalledthe benefits of the many hours of preparation.The team members, without exception, are grateful for theguidance and leadership of the lawyers: Cathy Mc NeilStein, Grant Dixon, and Kirsten Hauser and their coach,Scott Roelofs, of whom they said, “He pushed us to be fair,to have integrity, and to do our best.” They also are gratefulfor the support of family and friends, many of whomtraveled to the state and national tournaments. Someobservers and contestants commented that this was thelargest contingent of supporters they have ever seen at thenational tournament.18 Reflector FALL 2004

Student Named to All-Area Academic TeamSenior Linda Deddo of Bolingbrook, who was named anhonorable mention in the 2004 Daily Herald AcademicTeam in recognition of her excellence in academics and herpositive impact on her school.Awards Banquet SummaryIn early June the Annual High School Awards Banquet washeld at the Diplomat West Banquet Hall. This event is awonderful celebration of student leadership, facultyinvolvement in student’s lives, and the faithful support ofTimothy donors. The following awards were announced atthe banquet:Outstanding Seniors: Kristin Raley and Benjamin PetroeljeAmerican Legion Awards: Amie Bommelje andPeter ZigtermanBeryl Bean Scholarship: Courtney SnyderBetty Beyler Scholarship: Benjamin PostBertha Wezeman Huizenga Choral Scholarship:Matthew RichertHenrietta Kingma Scholarship: Skylar VenemaEric A. Robisch Scholarship: Tahnee EllensRev. Carl Reitsma Bible Scholarship: Kyle PhillipElla Taylor Technology Scholarship: Aaron LammersHenry Tazelaar Scholarship: Jessica VeenstraPamela Joy Day Scholarship: Sharon DodgsonDonna Venhousen Scholarships: Sharon Dodgsonand Skylar VenemaAthletic Awards: Benjamin Petroelje, Wendy Zigtermanand Jennifer ZylstraArt Award: Jennifer ZylstraBible Award: Benjamin PetroeljeChoral Awards: Elise Anderson, Angela Cole,Karen Russell, John Sianghio and Brian WoodhullDrama Awards: Amie Bommelje, Danté Pope,John Sianghio and Brian WoodhullEnglish Award: Linda DeddoGerman Award: Deborah Denby and Nathan DeJongHistory Award: Benjamin PostHome Economics Award: Nicole LeBronIndustrial Technology Awards: Calvin Hovingand Brian Van TholenInstrumental Music Awards: Corie Boroski, Sarah Engbers,Heather Hempel and Joshua BenjaminJohn Phillip Sousa Award: Danté PopeLouie Armstrong Jazz Award: Matthew VeselskyIntramural Award: Brock WoldmanMathematics Award: Linda DeddoPhysical Education Awards: Devin Edwards andJennifer ZylstraScience Award: Peter GroenewoldSpanish Award: Karen MalacaSeniors plant trees and lay sod at Chicago West Side ChristianSchool for the Senior Service experienceSenior Service ProjectThe senior class of 2004 and a number of faculty,administrators and parents left by school bus following examsfor two and one-half days of service ministry work in theLawndale community of Chicago. They stayed overnight inLawndale community churches and schools, and devoted theirtime to renovation, remodeling, and tutoring assignments withLawndale Community Church, Lawndale Christian ReformedChurch, and Chicago West Side Christian School. This annualtradition is a capstone experience which focuses their years ofstudy, worship, and service at Timothy.FALL 2004Reflector19

High School NewsHigh School Graduationby Barbara Van Kampen SnellaThe High School Graduation was held last June at theChrist Church of Oak Brook. Salutatorian Amie Bommeljewelcomed those in attendance, and Susan Greenfield, theAlumni Board President presented the Distinguished AlumniAward to George and Sharon Hoekstra (’60). FollowingLinda Deddo’s Valedictory Speech, State Senator PeterRoskam gave the Commencement Address.Pastor David Pope of the Brotherly Love Baptist Church(and father of graduate Dante) gave the closing prayer.Senator Roskam reminded graduates that they are called tobring influence for Jesus Christ into their world, and that weneed not be shy about our voice or our gifts, or avoid areasof influence like politics. Linda Deddo’s valedictory speechwas encouraging, inspiring, and hopeful. After recognizingthe accomplishments and giftedness of her classmates, sheturned her attention to the faculty and staff. “Timothystudents have been given a medley of remarkable abilities,”she said. “However, I believe that some of the greatest giftsthat God has given us are the faculty and staff. Theirdedication to Christ and his kingdom is evident in all thatthey do. No matter what the activity: teaching a class,overseeing a club, coaching a team, helping a student afterschool or just being there to listen, they always demonstratea love for Christ and devotion to our well-being. I wouldlike to express my appreciation for the many hours that theydevote to enriching our lives and preparing us for the future.I’m sure that all of us will cherish many memories of ourfaculty and staff here at Timothy.”And in an interesting foreshadowing of Senator Roskam’sremarks, Linda challenged the assumption that a Christianeducation is a sheltered experience. “God has blessed us byproviding the opportunity to attend a Christian school,” sheobserved. “We had the privilege of attending a high schoolwhere each individual is recognized as a unique child of Godand is treated that way. Some people believe that students ata Christian school are sheltered from the ‘real world’ andaren’t ready for life beyond their little bubble. However, Idon’t consider the members of our class to be sheltered, butprepared. Our education extends beyond science, English andmath. This year in my English class we discussed ‘worldviews’ which consists of people’s answers to the big questionsin life such as the nature of the universe and the purpose ofmankind. During our four years of high school, throughintegrating Christianity into our classes and through facultyand staff examples, we have been continuing to establish aChristian world view which prepares us not just to succeed atTimothy, but to enter the secular world and remain firm inour faith despite the shifting winds of the times.”Deddo looked forward and encouraged her classmates todo the same. “Maybe in ten years, when we all come backtogether for our reunion we will find that some of us are probasketball players, overseas missionaries, teachers, doctors,youth pastors, CEOs of major companies or multimillionairegarbage men. As I mentioned earlier, we have been blessedwith a variety of talents, some of which will continue todevelop as we become more and more the people God madeus to be, some of which has yet to be revealed. But perhapsin ten years, we will not all be as successful as some ofSarah’s predictions. Maybe not all of us will become the nextMichael Jordan, Bill Gates or Billy Graham. But I mentionthis, not to discourage you but to remind you that even if wedo not achieve amazing success by the world’s standards, Iam confident that we all have the potential to achieve greatsuccesses by God’s standards. Because of all that God hasblessed us with through our experiences at Timothy, we, theclass of 2004 now have the opportunity to impact the worldaround us and make a difference by living our lives forChrist and for his kingdom. Though obstacles await us, webegin our journey today, knowing that God is on our sideand as Paul says in the book of Romans, ‘If God is for us,who can be against us?’”20 Reflector FALL 2004

Octoberfest Rocks AgainCongratulations to the students and staff who provided yetanother joyful and creative Octoberfest experience. Specialthanks go to student directors Brian Ferwerda, JenniferGroot and Laura Wolff, and staff members John Contant,Kara and Kevin Hackert, Judd Rinsema, and KevinSchoenbach.Timothy-Calvin College Orchestra ConcertLiz Sears, Danielle Riley, and Brandi Mc NeilTake Note of these Timothy ScholarsCongratulations to our National Merit Semi-Finalists:Justin Bardolph, Deb Denby, Ben Post, Dan Smith and AmySpeelman. This is an amazing number of semi-finalists for aschool of Timothy’s size. We also recognize Kiera McNicholsand Robert Strodtman as Commended Students in the 2005National Merit Scholarship Program. In addition, Liz Searswas selected by the National Merit Corporation as a Semi-Finalist in the 2005 National Achievement ScholarshipProgram. Approximately 1,600 scholastically talented BlackAmerican high school seniors were named as scholarshiprecipients in this 41st annual program. Seniors BrandiMc Neil and Danielle Riley were also named outstandingparticipants in this program, which honors and awardsscholarships to academically promising Black Americanhigh school students.This October Timothy Christian Schools hosted a jointconcert featuring the 65-piece orchestra from Calvin College,in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Timothy’s String Orchestra.This concert was the culmination of the previous day'sworkshop that Calvin conducted. The concert featuredworks by Bach, Britten, Bloch, Wagner, Dvorak, Beethovenand Penderecki.Mrs. Sharon Riley, Senior Danielle Riley and Jackie Joyner-KerseyDanielle Riley Meets JackieNational Merit Commended and Semi-finalists Daniel Smith,Robert Strodtman, Justin Bardolph, Ben Post, Amy Speelman, DebDenby, and Kiera Mc Nichols send a mysterious finger message.Can you figure it out?Approximately 175 local tourism and hospitality industryleaders turned out to witness six-time Olympic medalistJackie Joyner-Kersee pass the ceremonial torch for the 22ndIllinois Prairie State Games, and Timothy senior DanielleRiley was there.FALL 2004Reflector21

High School Newseven talk to them. Three of them were non-verbal. The otherteacher aid told me what they were all diagnosed with, whattheir daily rituals and routines were, what to do when a kidgets out of control and how to calm them down, along withmany other helpful things I needed to know.Gabby Lopez and one of her Elim students.How Gabby Lopez Spent Summer VacationJunior Gabby Lopez was accepted into the Summer Instituteof Discovery Program sponsored by Trinity ChristianCollege last summer. This seven-week program explorededucation at Elim Christian Services in Palos Heights andRehoboth Christian School in Rehoboth, New Mexico.Gabby shares some of her reflections on the experiencewith Reflector readers:This past summer I had the wonderful opportunity to bechosen to participate in the Summer Institute of Discovery, aTrinity Christian College and Elim Christian School projectto get high school students involved and more interested inSpecial Education. Trinity Professor Patti Powell was theorganizer of this program, and three other girls participatedin this with me.This seven week program was designed to make me astudent teacher or aid, and that was a challenge that I waswilling to take. I chose Mr. Romain’s Elim class of seven kidsin the Intermediate Pod, with kids ranging from twelve tosixteen years old.We learned by observing and quickly doing. In my classroomof seven, three of the kids were diagnosed with DownSyndrome, two with autism, one with a learning disability,and one diagnosed with both Down Syndrome and autism.It was very uncomfortable for me, as I didn’t know how toreact to these kids, how to treat them, discipline them, orEven though by the first week I was still getting used to itall, the students had gotten used to me by the first day. Theywere very kind to me, and very sweet, sometimes a little toosweet. One boy, age sixteen, about four foot five, ran up tome the very first day and slapped a huge kiss on the cheek.By the end of the week, I had gotten more comfortable witheveryone, I had gotten the hang of the kids’ rituals, even theautistic kids who had daily and sometimes even hourlyrituals that must be done. I learned how to calm down ascreaming boy that sometimes got too violent because of toomuch noise in the room, and had mastered the art of signlanguage, the bare essentials, mind you, for the threestudents that were non-verbal.We also interacted with 11 high school kids from Mr.Griffin’s class. Since we were to go on a service project toNew Mexico, their entire summer theme of learning andcrafts were centered on New Mexico. They learned mathby calculating how long it would take to drive down there,they learned history by studying the Indian and Mexicanculture that evolved down there, and when it came to foodand crafts, that’s where we came in. It was a very differentatmosphere with these students than with the younger classI worked with. These kids were so open, active, intelligent,and fun. They had so much energy and were just as eagerto get to know us as we were to get to know them. Whatsurprised me the most was what normal lives they had;almost all of them had paying jobs, were going to college,and lived on their own at the Bethshan dorms that Elimoffers. Some of the boys had girlfriends, which was alwaysfun to tease them about, and others had great stories aboutplaces they had been. It was quite easy to warm up tothem, and feel comfortable. I have to admit that I hadtrouble figuring out why some kids attended Elim in thefirst place, they seemed so “normal” and just like any otherteenager at Timothy.22 Reflector FALL 2004

By the end of the summer, I had grown to truly love andcare for all these kids. I had developed special bonds withthem, and they truly made me feel like I was the coolest,most important person in their lives. They taught merespect, they showed me what it was like to be them, how itfelt to go out in public and just get stared at, they taught melove and compassion and how they can be just as fun and“normal” like me. I learned to appreciate who I am as aperson, and appreciate how God made me, and I was ableto learn that they are just as important and special as anyother part of God’s creation. I gained such a different kindof joy from them, and a different kind of perspective on lifeand appreciation for it.As I reflect back on this summer and what kind of impactI had on them, I have come to the conclusion that eventhough I taught them how to read, and make full sentences,and how to count and sign the day of the week, they taughtme so much more than I could ever teach them.Career Development Program Takes HoldAs a result of funds generated from a grant from the Billand Melinda Gates Foundation, the high school isbenefiting from the work of Robyn Menna, our half-timeCareer Development Director.Robyn is busy at work establishing a career guidanceprogram that will involve students throughout their fouryears at Timothy. The ultimate goal of this program ofself-discovery is a senior portfolio—the contours of whichare yet to be determined—which enable a student toarticulate his or her journey of faith in terms of Timothy’smission and vision. Each student will build a catalogue ofexperiences ranging from papers, projects, art work,service projects, and employment to develop a picture ofhow a Timothy education shaped life and prepared himor her for a life of service.Career Development Director Robyn MennaRobyn has extensive experience in marketing with TurnerBroadcasting, has completed her Masters in Educationprogram at Roosevelt University, is a Timothy parent ofsecond-grade twins and a kindergartner, and is a memberat Christ Church of Oak Brook. Robyn will work directlywith and report to Fran David. Her work space is in thearea across from the faculty mail boxes. Two computerwork stations for students also occupy this space, anotherblessing from the Gates Foundation.Robyn works with professionalism, enthusiasm, acommitment to bring the Christian faith to bear on careerchoice, and creative ideas for working with our highschool students, constituents, parents and alumni. She hasalready begun building a database of constituent andalumni occupations, and organized a job shadowing eventat Darwill Press.FALL 2004Reflector23

Board of Directors NewsA Tour of Capital Improvementsby Barbara Van Kampen SnellaEver wonder where those capital maintenance feeassessments go, and what is accomplished with them?Let me take you on a tour.Last summer Timothy Christian Schools had the excitingopportunity of meeting a major capital need whileenhancing campus safety through its parking lot project.After evaluating traffic flow and identifying several pointsof concern, a new entrance to the south parking lot wasinstalled, the south lot was seal coated, a safer trafficpattern was striped, and two speed bumps were installed bythe southeast entrance in conjunction with replacement ofthe failed asphalt. As a result, the campus has a much safermix of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.Other capital projects included:• Installation of the security access system for the mainentrance in the elementary school. This enables theelementary and middle schools to secure their buildingwhile controlling access through the main entrance door.• Fifteen year old carpeting in the high school office wasreplaced and the workstations rearranged. Carpeting wasselected not only on the basis of aesthetics but durability.Additionally, since the workstations needed to be removedto install the carpet, secretaries were consulted and a new,more efficient workstation arrangement was developed.• Additional electrical service was installed in the middleand several high school classrooms for the wirelesscomputer network and to meet the increased usage ofaudio visual equipment.• Desks for room 2 in the high school were replaced.• Most of the hallways in the elementary and middleschool were repainted.• Funding the lease arrangements on ourtransportation fleet.water main to the high school broke under the parking lot.It was fixed that day but the expense was taken from thecontingency fund.Congratulations are also in order to Doug Fennema,Timothy's Director of Facilities and the one who maintainsall these improvements, who graduated from Governor'sState University in August, completing his Bachelor of Artsdegree in Business and Technology.Doug Fennema points to security screen monitor.Gayle Colletti, high school office administrator, in theredesigned office space.Capital maintenance fee also includes a contingency fundfor physical plant emergencies that are experiencedthroughout the year. These are minimized by acomprehensive preventive maintenance schedule, but evenso, are unavoidable at times. For example, last January theReduced backflow pressure zone device - a “behind the scenes”capital improvement.24 ReflectorFALL 2004

Timothy Foundation NewsThird Heritage DinnerThe Third Heritage Dinner was held in early October atthe Drury Lane, Oak Brook. This complimentary dinnerand celebration of Timothy’s heritage in Christian educationfeatured the high school choir and orchestra, a tribute toour early elementary education and educators, and Fr.Robert Sirico as our keynote speaker, addressing “TheVirtue of Virtue in Education.” Fr. Sirico is President ofthe Action Institute of Grand Rapids, Michigan.In addition to celebrating God’s faithfulness and highlightingkey programs and staff members at Timothy, an offering wasreceived to help build the Foundation Endowment.Former Principal Ted DeJong visits with John and Ruth HarkemaThe early elementary teachers were honored at the Heritage DinnerThe Strings Ensemble under the direction of Gail SalvatoriSuperintendent Dan Van Prooyen presents the engravedschool bell to Ruth HarkemaFr. Robert Sirico spoke on "The Virtue of Virtue in Education"FALL 2004Reflector25

Alumni NewsFrom the 70’sClass of '79 Comes Togetherby Bob JohnsonIn 1979, Jimmy Carter was president and disco ruled, butnot on campus since dancing had yet to be redeemed.Teachers like Slager, Wolterstorff, Hartgerink, Harkema andDay had already been at the school for what seemed likeyears. A guy named Van Prooyen was the enforcer—theDean of Students who also helped students dissect fetal pigsin his classroom. Annie Get Your Gun, House at PoohCorner and a trip downstate with a great basketball teamwere all highlights.Under the backdrop of very fine memories, the class of ‘79gathered on August 21 at Angelo's Restaurant to share ameal and reflect on the past 25 years. About 50 werepresent and only one had lost weight since graduation. DanHamstra was the great organizer and mobilized classmatesto find everyone and put on a great night.People came from great distances and the evening wassimply enjoyable. As this class was challenged at graduationin 1979 not to be pulled into the “Grand Illusion”(remember Styx?!), it was very apparent that so many hadgrasped hold of what Timothy has always been about:developing academically prepared disciples to transform theworld. What can be better than to see your classmatesengaged in Christian service and sharing stories aboutchildren who are being raised to carry forth a Christianlegacy? Make no mistake, the value of Christian educationis sometimes most vividly seen at your 25th reunion. Don'tmiss yours!Class of 1979 reunion (photo credit: Tom Killoran Photography)Back row (l-r):Third row (l-r):Second row (l-r):Front row (l-r):Dan Hamstra, Joe Folkerts, Mike Boeringa, Larry Shirey, Herman Tammeling, Jim Venema, Rich Bakker, Steve HoeksJohn Dwarshuis, Don Davids, Micah Bosman, Dave Voss, Stuart Dykstra, Bob Venhousen, Bev Slinkman Visser,Sherry Ribbens Tameling, Jim Andre, Beth Van Zeelt Fink, Jeff FinkKaren Vander Schaaf Bolt, Jan Lanenga Boonstra, Linda Noorlag Van Ryn, Liz Metcalfe, Mary De Vries Vande Berg,Beverly Fischer Kent, Judy Ottenhof Terrell, Sherry Vriesman Ven Housen, Maria Groenboom Vos, Sheryl Bronger Garlick,Mary De Haan Zeigler, Bob Johnson, Brad WieringaDiane Sterenberg Van Drunen, Lisa Euwema Davids, Dawn Huiner Brabec, Laura Kooy, Debra Tameling Anderson,Cindy Reitsma Harris, Diane Rozema Snyder, Betty Munk Blink26 Reflector FALL 2004

Richard L. Euwema (’73)1955-2004Friend and classmate Robert S.Baker sent a tribute about Ricksoon after Rick’s passing.Because his memories of Rickoverlapped with memories ofTimothy and Western SuburbsChristian School, portions areincluded here.“The majority of the waking hours of the first 14 years ofmy life were spent with Rick Euwema.I am not exaggerating. I figured it out…Rick EuwemaRick and I were classmates in a tiny Christian School in aChicago suburb for nine straight years: K through 8. Withone classroom to a grade and no more than about 25 kidsto each grade, every class, every recess, every hour I spenton school property during those years was with, near, oraround Rick. And then there was church!I added up the church and school related childhoodtime I spent in the same room with Rick Euwema to be15,705 hours!Rick did not dedicate his life to pursuits that might havebrought fame and worldly acclaim. Instead, much of Rick’sadult life was devoted to less public but more significantefforts and achievements—things that I suspect earned himthe coveted “well done my good and faithful servant”certification as he passed through the gate between hereand Heaven.Rick’s Christian faith was strong. Every summer about20 or 30 of us—mostly Calvin College Alumni—wouldgather at somebody’s house in suburban Chicago. Rickinvariably made the trip from his California home to joinus. At this yearly gathering, the brightest conversationalistslike Rick would eventually push the small talk to the sideand get to the good stuff—religion and politics. Rickloved to argue his beliefs. His insights always promptedthe agnostics and skeptics (like me, sometimes) among usto rethink our thinking. I don’t know why his God tookhim at 48 years old with no prior sign of what was to cometo pass. It was Mother’s Day in the middle of a typicallybeautiful Southern California afternoon. No previoussymptoms, pains or aches. Rick was alive and well A fewmoments later an artery dilated, an aneurysm took away hisheart’s blood supply, and Rick was dead.He died quickly, no suffering, and he died a man of faith.Lines like that preachers recite to make us feel better.Repeating it hasn’t worked yet for me, but by writing ithere I’m hoping that it might help somebody else feelbetter about this.Robert S. BakerFrom the 90’sGreg Wolterstorff (’92), Design Engineer with V3Consultants Ltd. of Woodridge was quoted in an article inthe Chicago Tribune about the development of an outletmall project near Chicago which has the unusual feature ofcreating more wetland habitat than existed before theproject began. Greg is V3’s water resource manager, andheaded the project.“It’s extremely rare that 23 acres of wetland impact (locatedwhere the mall now sits) has ever been permitted and evenless likely that 80 acres of wetland complex has ever beencreated for a single project like this,” Wolterstorff said. “Itis everyone’s hope that nature enthusiasts will enjoy thiswetlands retreat for generations to come.”Alumni Directory CompletedThe 2004 Timothy Christian High School Alumni Directoryhas been shipped to all alumni who ordered a copy. Thepublisher, Harris Publishing Company has a limited numberof books still available for purchase. You may call them at1-800-877-6554 or email: inquiry@bcharrispub.com.FALL 2004Reflector27

Alumni Newsclass of 1960 and went to Calvin College where theywere members of the class of 1964. In June of 1965 theywere married. George began his business career withHousehold Finance and the Santa Fe Railway. He servedin the Army from September of 1966 to September of1968 during which time he was stationed in Viet Namfor ten months. On his return, George began his careerwith Hoving & Sons. Sharon began her teaching careerat Western Springs Christian School in September of1964 and taught through June of 1972.Don Greenfield (photo from 1976 SAGA)In Memoriam: Don GreenfieldThe Timothy community mourned the passing of one of itsown, Don Greenfield, in mid-September this year. Amongother responsibilities, Don taught high school math andphysical education, coached cross country and basketball,and served as athletic director and dean of students. In his27 years at Timothy (1966-1993), Don blessed many withhis knowledge, wisdom, witness, and gentle spirit.George and Sharon Hoekstra Honored asDistinguished Alumniby Paul EldersveldAt the June 2004 high school graduation ceremony,George and Sharon Hoekstra received the DistinguishedAlumni award of Timothy Christian Schools. The awardwas granted for the countless hours that George andSharon have given to Timothy Christian Schools viavolunteer activities and service on the board of directors.But, when asked about the award, George and Sharonsaid, “They accepted the award on behalf of all thevolunteers to Timothy Christian Schools, and that noneof the programs and activities they have been involved incould have been successful without the support andencouragement of others.”Sharon came to Timothy from Englewood ChristianSchool in the sixth grade as Sharon Hoving. So, it wasonly natural that she would sit in class in the vicinity ofGeorge Hoekstra. They graduated as members of theShortly after their son, Russell, entered kindergartenat Timothy, Sharon was asked to begin the LearningAssistance Program (LAP) which has assisted a largenumber of students as they moved through the gradelevels. This was the beginning of the many ways thatSharon has served Timothy. In addition to the LAPprogram, Sharon started the Exploring CareerOpportunities (ECO) program in the high school andserved as a member of the Friendship Clubs workingwith or coordinating activities such as hot lunches,apple pie day, book fair, banket day, and the Bazaar.While Sharon was involved in her many activities,George was elected to and served on the board ofdirectors of Timothy Christian Schools for four threeyear terms. He held all the offices except vice presidentand served on numerous committees. The monthlyMarket Day distribution was also a regular stop onGeorge’s schedule.George and Sharon learned that Christian education is animportant and essential part of every Christian’s daily lifeat an early age. They attribute their devotion and thestrength of their commitment to, “their parents, teachers,and the positive experiences while they were a part ofChristian education as students and parents.”Throughout all of their experiences with Christianeducation, they have been motivated by their belief that,“Education without God is incomplete.” In a very specialway, this belief manifests itself in that their son, Russell,is a Christian School teacher in Grandville, Michigan.28 Reflector FALL 2004

George & Sharon HoekstraFormer Superintendant Arnie Horing Greets the Hoekstras at thepre-graduation reception.After retiring from Hoving & Sons, George was thinkingabout something of value to do with his time and talents.Well, along came the offer to develop the New To Youresale store as a fund raising activity for Christianeducation at Timothy Christian Schools, HumboldtChristian School, West Side Christian School, andDaystar Christian School. After discussing the offer,George and Sharon, both felt that this was an example ofGod’s providence leading them to another area of service.After many hours of work, the New To You store isproviding a service to the community in which it residesand generates income for the four supporting schools.In a recent edition of a Timothy newsletter, Dave Larsensaid, “The Distinguished Alumni Award, which is givenannually to a graduate (or graduates) who embodies themission and vision of Timothy Christian Schools, isreally a life achievement award in the case of George andSharon, whose exemplary leadership and volunteerism ina multitude of ways at Timothy has enriched the life ofthis school and its students.”A reception in George and Sharon’s honor was held inthe Fireside Room at Christ Church of Oak Brook priorto the high school graduation ceremony. Alumni BoardPresident Susan Greenfield presented the award to theHoekstra’s at the ceremony, and George spoke to thegraduates with these words:“We accept this award on behalf of the hundreds ofvolunteers that work in and around Timothy. We arehighly honored and deeply humbled to have been singledout from this group to receive this award. Each day,volunteers give freely of themselves and their precioustime. Their list is long and detailed. They work as nurse’saides and as picture ladies. They read to first graders andserve in the Discovery Center. They are room parents andBook Fair workers. They help with our libraries and withour hot lunch programs. They make apple pies and serveas concession stand workers. They work at our resalestore and serve at bazaars and fun fairs. They aremembers of Booster clubs, Friendship clubs and Mothers’club. The list goes on and on. If you stop at the resalestore during the next month you will find many facultymembers working diligently as volunteers. The collectiveefforts of these people are significant in helping tocontain tuition increases. But far more importantly, theyclearly demonstrate to our latest generation theimportance of Christian education to them, their familiesand their community.Sharon and I have always considered Christian Educationto be a precious gift from God that demands our supportand passing to the next generation. Some of us have beenaround Christian education for several generations nowand have come to take it somewhat for granted. So, let’stake a moment to review why it is so important.Christian education is important because it is essentiallythe only complete education. It is founded on the onetrue God, the creator of the universe. Christian educationis important because it includes God’s common sense forliving in a fallen world. Christian education is importantbecause it is entwined with the Good News and the joyof God’s plan of salvation. You see, an education thatFALL 2004Reflector29

Alumni Newsdoesn’t recognize God at its center is at best incomplete,and at worst something other than an education.Several years ago as a member of the AdmissionsCommittee, I had the opportunity to interview aChristian mother who was seeking to send her childrento Timothy. She was a teacher in Chicago’s public schoolsystem and I asked her to comment on this very subject.Her words were powerful and to the point. She said ‘theBible defines eternity without God as hell, likewise is thedirection of our public schools without God.’During this election year, we frequently hear that ournation’s future is dependent on our educational system.We are God’s light. That pretty well defines theimportance of Christian education.Graduates, you have been blessed with an education thatis uniquely Christian—an education that communicateswith God and recognizes Him in every way. As yougraduate tonight, you have completed an importantchapter in your lives. Congratulations! Tonight, you arelike unto an arrow that is being released from its bow.The bow is your Christian education and upbringing. Ithas aimed you with precision at a target that is a lifetimeaway. On this target are written the words of Jesus; ‘Welldone, good and faithful servant.’ And as you go onthrough life and each successive chapter opens andcloses, more and more you will come to recognize yourChristian education as the foundation for your life ofservice to God. You will inevitably come to theconclusion that Christian education is a precious giftfrom God that demands your support and passing to thenext generation. We would urge you to support it withyour prayers, support it with your optimism, and supportit with your funds. But most importantly, support it withyourself; become a volunteer!”Support Group NewsAuction 2004: Our God ReignsWeekend getaways, classroom baskets, gift certificatesgalore, books and Beanie Babies, Cubs and Sox tickets—there was something for everyone at our Auction this year.A wonderfully involved and large crowd attended theTimothy Auction last spring. The Auction Committeeprovided a delicious meal, a finely decorated gymnasium,great dinner music by the Gloryland Band and Ms. GailSalvatori with her string ensemble students, and thecongenial auctioneering of Al Buiter and Thad Lubbers.Cindy Vander Woude, Auction Committee chairperson,reported with gratitude that the Auction raised just over$70,000 for Timothy Christian Schools!Back (l-r): Sue Weglarz, Sheri Venhousen, and Jan De BoerFront (l-r) Deb Anderson, Bonnie Zigertman, Becky Cranmer, FloryHoving, and Dan Van Prooyen gratefully celebrate the presentationof the Friendship Club and Mothers’ Club check to the school.30 Reflector FALL 2004

From the ArchivesBess Tolsma of 2111 RaybrookSE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546(Apt. 4018) will be 100 yearsold on February 4, 2005.An Open House in her honor will becelebrated in the Friendship Room ofthe Holland Home at the aboveaddress on Saturday, February 5,2005, from 2-4 p.m. Bess is eager tocelebrate this milestone with cherishedfriends, former students, and acquaintances.Mrs. TolsmaBess has strong ties to the Timothy community. She taught5th and 6th grades at Timothy Christian School in Ciceroalong with her husband, Principal Richard Tolsma, fortwenty-five years. The Timothy Board honored the couplein 1982 with the distinguished “Friends of Timothy” awardfor service. Bess is grateful that many of her students wentforth to establish positions of Christian discipleship in theirhomes, churches, professions, and communities.Upon retirement, the Tolsmas were engaged in service atElim Christian School for a few years, and then moved toGrand Rapids to enjoy their grandchildren. Richard Tolsmapassed away in 1986 and Bess has enjoyed living in theHolland Home (Raybrook Manor). She has served inseveral capacities. For many years she planned andcoordinated social activities. This included schedulingspeakers, showing films, planning dinners, and arrangingfield trips for the residents. She has also knitted severalhundred hats, scarves, and mittens for the Kent CountySanta Claus Girls for distribution during the holiday season.Her efforts were rewarded in April 1999 when she washonored in Lansing, Michigan, with the “Volunteer of theYear Award” given by the Michigan Association of NursingHomes and Services for the Aging (MAHSA).Bess enjoys good health and plans to continue servingGod who has surely blessed her. She is eager to reunitewith cherished friends and former students at the openhouse—no RSVP is necessary—hope to see you!She would also love to receive cards from former students.If you send a card, please include: the year and grade forwhich she was your teacher; your name at the time if it isdifferent from your current name; an update on what youare doing now; any other special memories or informationyou wish to share.E-mail messages are also welcome! One of Mrs. Tolsma'sformer students, Diane DeMooy VanderPol, is willing tocollect e-mail messages for Mrs. Tolsma at dvpo@calvin.edu.Please put Mrs. Tolsma's name in the subject line.In honor and memory of . . .Timothy Christian Schools gratefully acknowledges gifts given in memory or honor of someone.These gifts assist us in supplying tuition assistance to families in need.Memorials from April 20, 2004 throughNovember 15, 2004Beryl BeanRick EuwemaDon GreenfieldDolores GriffinJohn HendrikseAnn KieftGrace KorringaWilma LanengaAnnetta Elizabeth MolenhouseSteve TamelingKenneth Voss70th BirthdayJoanne Vos50th AnniversaryPeter and Annajean VanderveldFALL 2004Reflector31

A Look Ahead at Coming EventsMeetings Set to Discuss School Dress Codeand UniformsThe Education Committee of Timothy Christian Schools hasappointed a K-12 ad hoc committee which is studying issuesrelated to the school dress code and the advisability ofadopting school uniforms. The committee began its meetingsin late September and has continued to meet every otherWednesday throughout the fall. No decisions have been maderegarding the adoption of school uniforms. The committeewill make its recommendations to the board after doingresearch and receiving input from the school community.Mark your calendars for two important meetings at 7:30p.m. on January 10 and January 24 in the HuizengaAuditorium. At these meetings the issues related to dress codeand school uniforms will be addressed. Opportunity will alsobe given for constituents to ask questions and provide input.Grandparents’ Day WeekendThe Heritage Tour of the old neighborhoods, churches andschool buildings from Timothy’s past is scheduled forSaturday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This datefalls between Grandparents’ Day, May 6, and Mothers’Day. Mark your calendar now; more details will follow.Advertisements32 Reflector FALL 2004

AdvertisementsThe Reflector is a free publication. Gifts to help produce it are most welcome.Please use the enclosed envelope for your donation.To place an ad in the Reflector, please contactDave Larsen at 630-833-4616 ext. 109.Advertising rates:Full page: $4001/2 page: $2251/4 page: $1501/8 page: $75FALL 2004Reflector33

AdvertisementsMaking those who do good look good.BRAND MANAGEMENTCOMMUNICATION STRATEGYGRAPHIC DESIGNWEB DEVELOPMENTMULTIMEDIAHIRE USDESIGN GROUPWWW.CHANGEDESIGNGROUP.COM8350 S MADISON ST, SUITE 2BURR RIDGE, IL 60527CALL TIM ELLENS AT 630.734.8980Call Nancy Van Dyke or Sherry Tameling at630-678-1137FREE In-Home Consultation & EstimatesProfessional Installation • Low Price PromiseIndependently Owned and Operated www.budgetblinds.com34 Reflector FALL 2004

FALL 2004Reflector35

AdvertisementsKnollcrest Funeral HomeRobert Van Staalduinen, Director1500 South Meyers Rd. • Just North of 22nd Street 932-1500AL DIEPSTRA, D.D.S.Call for an appointment:Evening HoursSaturday AppointmentsInsurance Plans WelcomeEmergencies Seen Same Day▲FINANCIALSERVICESSpecializing in:▲ Retirement Planning▲ College Funding▲ Sound Investment Programs*▲ Cost-Effective Insurance▲ Estate PlanningJames VeenstraCLU, ChFC342 Sherwood • La Grange Park, IL 60525708-482-4610PARAGON ADVISORS, LLC715 Enterprise Dr. ▲ Oak Brook, IL 60523(630) 571-2205 ▲ Jim.Veenstra@hermanagency.com* Securities offered through Transamerica Financial Advisors a registered broker/dealer.36 Reflector WINTER 2004

Timothy’sMission:Serving God and His people,Timothy Christian Schoolsdevelops academically preparedChristian discipleswho embrace Christ’s call totransform the world.Timothy’sVision:Timothy Christian Schools will be distinctly Christian in itscommunity, curriculum, character and convictions.ONEWe reflect God’s kingdom by serving Christian families from diverseeconomic and cultural backgrounds and students who possess awide range of abilities.TWOWe cooperate with Christian homes and churches in the educationand faith development of our students.THREEWe demonstrate love for one another in our work and play.FOURWe challenge students to serve in a global community.FIVEWe teach and study in the Reformed Christian tradition which drivesus to be Biblically based, culturally engaged, and always reforming.SIXWe nurture creativity and curiosity through meaningful curriculumand effective instruction.SEVENWe develop and encourage the gifts and talents of one another toserve Christ and renew His creation.EIGHTWe seek wisdom that applies knowledge to gain understanding andspiritual discernment.NINEWe prepare students to be articulate defenders and models of theChristian faith in thought, word, and deed.TENWe inspire all students to be counter-cultural disciples who are beaconsof light in the world.WINTER 2004Reflector39

“There is not in the world a kind of lifemore sweet and delightful than that of acontinual conversation with God.”–BROTHER LAWRENCE IN“THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD”188 W. Butterfield Rd.Elmhurst, IL 60126ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDNon-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDElmhurstPermit No. 306