H eraldThe

S U M M E R 2 0 0 3

E a s t e r n C h r i s t i a n S c h o o l A s s o c i at i o n

Faith in Christ: T H E O N E S T R O N G F O U N D A T I O N

O P E N I N G T H E WA Y T O M A N Y N E W D I R E C T I O N S

Faith in Christ: T H E O N E S T R O N G F O U N D A T I O N

O P E N I N G T H E WA Y T O M A N Y N E W D I R E C T I O N S

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Faculty and Staff Members Sang:

HERE I AM, LORD

I, the Lord of sea and sky,I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sinMy hand will save.

I, who made the stars of night,I will make their darkness bright.Who will bear my light to them?

Whom shall I send?

RESPONSE / REFRAIN:Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,I have borne my people’s pain.I have wept for love of them.

They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone,Give them hearts for love alone.I will speak my words to them.

Whom shall I send? REFRAIN

The Class of 2003 Sang:

EVERYDAY

What to say Lord? It’s you who gave me life and

I can’t explain just howmuch you mean to me now

that you have saved me Lord.I give all that I am to you

that everyday I canbe a light that shines your name.

Everyday, Lord,I’ll learn to stand upon your word

and I pray that I,That I might come to know you more.

That you would guide mein every single step I take.

That everyday I canbe a light unto the world.

Everyday, it’s You I’ll live for.Everyday, I’ll follow after You.

Everyday, I’ll walk with You, my Lord.

It’s You I live for, everyday.It’s You I live for, everyday.It’s You I live for, everyday.

By Jan Lucas, ECHS Principal

The job description for every teacher at Eastern ChristianHigh School contains a paradox. Naturally, the teacheris in charge of directing students in learning, holding

students accountable, evaluating progress and mandating asafe school environment. Yet simultaneously, the teacher is expected to nurture faith development in students throughmutual submission as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.Fromone perspective the teacher is in charge; but from the other,the student and teacher have equal status.

We expect Eastern Christian teachers to be positive rolemodels for students as they demonstrate the integration of faithwithin every area of school life. But we also challenge teachersto see Jesus Christ in each of their students,the sons and daugh-ters of the EC school community. Seeing Jesus in another person provides an opportunity for insight and perspective,which often encourages one’s own spiritual development.Teachers gain spiritual insights from students; students gainspiritual insights from teachers.Students minister to the needsof teachers; teachers minister to the needs of students.

A closer look at the High School’s graduation ceremonymay provide insight into this paradox.Please take some timewith me to ponder the following aspects presented that night:

First compare the lyrics of the song selected by theClass of 2003 with the faculty’s choice:

A Paradoxto Ponder When Examining the EC Graduation Ceremony

The Eastern Christian High School’s Class of 2003: First Row (Left to Right): Will Coba, Christiann LeFevre, Adriane Hickey, Betsy Ratcliffe-Lee, Marissa Wong, Jill Rose, Christina Ahn, LatishaGaither, Kristi Mihal, Marc Spoelstra; Second Row: Emily Viktorov, Nicole Lane, Karen Hutton, Lauren Jacobs, Lauren Decker, Lisa Bogert, Laura Harvey, Joy Vigilante, Helen Tiller; Third Row:Mike Anfang, Sarah Vander Ploeg, Allison Postma, Amanda Singh, Melanie Davidson, Krista Breure, Rebecca Santhouse, Erin Krenitski, Rebecca Bruins; Fourth Row:Ryan Kuiken, Mike Rainville,Kelly Fischer, Jade Van Vlaanderen, Heather Ydo, Liz Davis, Hannah Caughey, Kim Lindsay, Carolyn Thomas, Kevin Vriesema, Jee Ho Kim; Fifth Row: Bob Verrengia, Chase Maneri, KatieDyksen, Katie Hutton, Leigh Dini, Emily Culp, Anafaye Greco, Meredith Angione, Jen Faasse, Dana Nelson, JooHee Park, David Kooistra; Sixth Row: Jake Tuit, Tara Leegwater, Brian Visbeen,Sharon Westra, Dennis Bloom, Ashlie Adcock, Rafael Moon, Nicole Hagedoorn, Aaron Dykstra, Jackie Hoogstra, David Bogertman, Nora Marrakchi; Last Row: Brad Livingston, Jerry Tirado,Bryan Troast, Matt Bale-Peña, Steve Bogertman, Jim Kuperus, Devin Reitsma, Mike Diaz, Justin Van Denend, Mike Slagter, Jack Egan, Allan Fix; Not Pictured: Jeff Karingithi and Shaun Persaud

continued on page 2

C o n t e n t s

HeraldTheGoing in New Directions

The Herald is the magazine for alumni, parents and friends of Eastern Christian School. The mailing addressfor Eastern Christian School Association is: 50 Oakwood Ave, North Haledon, NJ 07508-2449. To reach us byphone, call 973-427-6244 or 973-427-9294. Eastern Christian School’s e-mail address is: ecsassoc@juno.com.Our web site address is: www.easternchristian.org.

Letters, articles, artwork, and color or black & white photos are welcome for possible inclusion in The Herald.Art and photos will be returned when a SASE is included. Send all correspondence regarding publication to:Editor, The Herald at the address listed above.

All Address Changes, Alumni News items, and Memorial or Honor gifts should be sent to the attention ofthe ECSA Development Office at the address above. Items for Alumni News should be identified by class year.

Eastern Christian School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools and is a member of Christian Schools International. Reproduction of The Herald in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

S U M M E R 2 0 0 3

E D I T O R

Gail B. Beverly

B O A R D P R E S I D E N T

David Simcox

S U P E R I N T E N D E N T

Gilbert P. Kitchen

H I G H S C H O O L P R I N C I P A L

Jan A. Lucas

M I D D L E S C H O O L P R I N C I P A L

Florence Nieuwenhuis

E L E M E N T A R Y S C H O O LP R I N C I P A L

Richard Van Yperen

A D M I S S I O N S D I R E C T O R

Janyce Bandstra

P H O T O G R A P H E R

Mark Lucas

W R I T E R / E D I T O R ’ S A S S I S T A N T

Beth Milkamp

D E S I G N

Yellow House Graphic Designwww.yellowhousedesign.com

P R I N T E R

Lont & OverkampProspect Park, NJ

COMMENCEMENT INSIDE COVER

Awards & Achievements 2 ~ 7 E C H S N E W S

Graduation & Class ProjectsE C M S N E W S 8 ~ 11

Highlights & Awards12 ~ 13 E C S P O R T S

4th Grade & Preschool PromotionsE C E S N E W S 14 ~ 16

Volunteers Thanked & Event Updates17 E C S A N E W S

Class News & ReunionsA L U M N I N E W S 18 ~ 20

In Memory & In Honor

A B O U T T H E C O V E R

Pictured counterclockwise are some of this year’s grad-

uates: Preschoolers Matthew Bottge, Sara Leegwater,

Madison Mercadante and Jeremy Rizzo with Preschool

Director Kathy Faasse; Fourth Graders Angela Pearson,

Rachael Coba, Scott De Jong, and Jordan Klinger with

ECES Principal Dick Van Yperen; ECMS Principal

Florence Nieuwenhuis with Valedictorian Dominic Rivera

and Salutatorian Kirstin Lane; and ECHS Graduating

Senior Brad Livingston and Valedictorian Sarah Vander

Ploeg with Graduation Speaker Kevin Mandala.

21 ~ 23 D E S I G N A T E D G I F T S

Now ask yourself a few questions:■ How do the responses of the people singing each of the choruses compare?■ Is there an obvious teacher directive in the faculty’s song? ■ Does the faculty seem to have a more spiritually mature response to God’s call?

Next compare the notes written by the student artist and program cover designer Jee Ho Kim andthe quote regarding the class song selection by Class Council member Meredith Angione,with teacherMeghann Persenaire’s director’s notes about the faculty song.

According to these program notes, take a minute to ask a few more questions:■ How do the worldviews of the students and faculty

compare?■ With many more years experience, does the faculty have

a clearer insight into the mystery of God’s desire to havepersonal connections with God’s people?

■ Is your faith perspective as the reader of this articleaffirmed equally by the student and faculty notes?

Continue on to considerthe texts from the twospeeches that were pre-

sented.Mr.Kevin Mandala, teacher of social studies,was selected bythe Class of 2003 to give the commencement address using “ParallelRoads”as a metaphor for the Christian’s lifetime of travel.GraduateSarah Vander Ploeg earned the opportunity to give the valedictoryaddress by having the highest grade point average in the senior class.Sarah titled her speech “Every Step of the Way”as she focused on thesmall steps of faith, which define the Christian’s pathway.

As you read and compare the two presentations,do you noticedifferences – or similarities? – in the teacher’s and the student’sfaith perspectives? Betsy Ratcliffe-Lee receives her diploma

from Board President David Simcox.

ECHS Graduate Awards & Honors

National Merit ScholarSarah Vander Ploeg

National Merit ScholarshipProgram Commended Scholar

Michael AnfangAllison PostmaJustin Van Denend

College Board Nat’l HispanicRecognition Program Scholar

Michael DiazGerardo Tirado

Robert C. Byrd HonorsScholarship

NJ State Scholarship given to students who demonstrate academic excellence.

Sarah Vander Ploeg

Horatio Alger Assoc. ofDistinguished Americans

Nat’l Scholar FinalistElizabeth Davis

North Jersey Scholar of theYear – The Record

Sarah Vander Ploeg

Edward J. BlousteinDistinguished Scholars

This state scholarship program selects studentswho are in the top 10% of their class and who havea combined S.A.T. score of 1260, or have a rank of 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their class. They are awarded a four-year $1000 scholarship if they attend a NJ college. This year’s Distinguished Scholars are:

Rebecca BruinsHannah CaugheyNora MarrakchiAllison PostmaGerardo TiradoSarah Vander Ploeg

President’s Education AwardsThe President’s Education Award is given to students who have attained a cumulative 3.5 grade

ECHS MILESTONESfor 2002 - 2003

P A G E 2

Graduating seniors Katie Dyksen and Chase Manericheck the program with teacher Paul Beverly.

Enrollment this year is 386,with next September

promising to be over 400.

New teachers from diverse backgrounds

brought new perspectivesand better connections to students’ cultures.

2/3 of the student bodyattended the Harvey CedarsRetreat, beginning the year

with a spiritual focus.

PARADOX continued from Inside Cover

continued on page 3

About the Cover:“As we move on

into new directionsof our lives,

we know thatwe are not able to make it

on our own.The lighthouse represents God

as our Light,guiding us and comforting

us along the way.God’s light never fails.

It is strongand shines brightly even in the dark.”

– Jee Ho Kim

About the Class Song:“We enjoyed singing ‘Everyday’

in chapel this year as an expression

of our thanks to God for the life He has given us. Today, we

sing it as a challenge to one another to

live each day of our future – wherever we

may be – to God’s glory.”

For the Class of 2003– Meredith Angione

About the Faculty Song:“ ‘Here I Am Lord’ was chosen

especially by the faculty and staff to

complement your class verse [Isaiah 48:7],

encouraging you to say “Here I am Lord.”

As you go in a new direction tonight, we pray for you.

We pray that you will be open to God’s leading and trust God’s

direction.May you find affirmation in

God’s leading.”

–Meghann Persenaire,Director

HeraldThe

point average or above. Their award is also basedon a set of criteria including having an 85 percentilein Math or Reading on standardized tests. Thisyear’s honored students are:

Scholarship Awards Given By ECHSMichael Anfang – Principal’s Leadership AwardMatthew Bale-Peña – ECHS John Philip Sousa Band Award Matthew Bale-Peña – ECHS Art Recognition Rebecca Bruins – ECHS Jeanette Crozier Music Scholarship William Coba, Jr. – ECHS Art RecognitionEmily Culp – Hoitsma Jeffer Scholarship AwardLauren Decker – ECHS Stringer ScholarshipAllan Fix – ECHS Art RecognitionAnafaye Greco – ECHS Art RecognitionDavid Kooistra – ECHS Technology AwardErin Krenitski – Richard J. Vander Plaat Service AwardKristi Mihal – ECHS Art RecognitionDana Nelson – Richard J. Vander Plaat Service AwardDana Nelson – ECHS Art RecognitionDana Nelson – Pure Love MedalAllison Postma – ECHS Mathematics AwardAllison Postma – ECHS Excellence in Writing AwardAllison Postma – ECHS Art RecognitionMargaret Ratcliffe-Lee – ECHS French Language AwardRebecca Santhouse – ECHS Stringer ScholarshipAmanda Singh – ECHS Stringer ScholarshipAmanda Singh – Brett Zuidema Endowed Nursing

ScholarshipHelen Tiller – Lakeland Bank ScholarshipHelen Tiller – ECHS Art RecognitionGerardo Tirado – ECHS Louis Armstrong Jazz AwardGerardo Tirado – ECHS Scholastic Writing AwardGerardo Tirado – ECHS Latin Language AwardJacob Tuit – ECHS Theater AwardJustin Van Denend – ECHS Art RecognitionSarah Vander Ploeg – ECHS Theater AwardSarah Vander Ploeg – ECHS Choral AwardSarah Vander Ploeg – ECHS Arion Award (overall music)Brian Visbeen – Harold Phillips Vocational ScholarshipKevin Vriesema – ECHS Art RecognitionSharon Westra – ECHS Mathematics Award

HeraldThe

Consider:■ The metaphor of travel■ Personal experiences■ Reliance on God for direction■ The prominence of scripture■ Resolving uncertainty and finding direction in

personal struggles■ The certainty of trusting in God■ Having joy and satisfaction in the Lord!

Toward the end of the ceremony, as each graduate was named during the presentation of diplomas, affir-mations of spiritual growth were shared with the audience. Teachers who were class sponsors took turnsreading a short description of specific, significant spiritual growth observed in each of the graduates.Theseintimate insights continued to reinforce the strong “brothers and sisters in Christ”relationship that connectsthe faculty and students at Eastern Christian High School.Examples of descriptive sentences used included:

■ This Graduate delights in being a person of God as demonstrated through exceptional leadership on sports teams, in class, and school activities.

■ This Graduate intentionally and diligently struggles with what it means to follow Christwhile demonstrating heartfelt concern for family and friends.

■ This Graduate models a Christian lifestyle for both peers and faculty, being joyfully supportive and helpful whenever a need arises.

In reality,the paradox of the HS teacher’s job description defines the unique nature of an Eastern Christianeducation.Significant academic standards,a broad extracurricular program,appropriate standards for behav-ior and a high quality curriculum indicate that the faculty is in charge providing professional leadership andpromoting excellence.Simultaneously,faith nurturing conversations and experiences occur where the facultymembers have a less dominant – more equal – role in relation to their students. In fact, students and facultymeet each other as disciples at the feet of their teacher, Jesus Christ.This spiritual climate was also evident tothe Middle States Team who visited EC in May. They handed us a 32-page report containing a summary oftheir findings that included observations, commendations and recommendations at the end of their visit.Robert Walton, the Validation Team’s Chairperson,states in the concluding paragraphs of this report:

“The Apostle Paul, in I Corinthians 12:12-13, wrote: ‘The body is a unit, though it is made up ofmany parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.For wewere all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we wereall given the one Spirit to drink.’ The portion of the Body of Christ found at Eastern Christian HighSchool lives out every day the truth enunciated by the Apostle in these verses. The Validation Teamhas observed, in interactions with Board members, administration, faculty, students, andparents, a sense of family and mutual care that makes this school what it is.

Secondly, the Validation Team observed that the community of Eastern Christian High Schoolfunctions like a body in the way in which its members care for one another. Student after student affirmed the extent to which they felt cared for and affirmed in the ECHS environment.They told the members of the Team that they felt safe, trusted, and were allowed to be them-selves. Even those who found school difficult testified to the extent to which the Eastern Christiancommunity provided a nurturing environment.”

The Commencement Ceremony 2003 provided the EC community audience with a notable glimpseinto the mystery of this paradox between “role models”and “equals.”Praise God for the presence of theHoly Spirit in the lives of EC’s students and teachers as these aspects of our life within “the body of Christ”develop and mature throughout the school year and beyond!

Brad Livingston presents the Class gift designated for the Drama program at EC.

Michael AnfangMeredith AngioneMatthew Bale-PeñaRebecca BruinsHannah CaugheyEmily CulpMelanie DavidsonMichael DiazKelly FischerAdriane HickeyKatrina HuttonDavid KooistraErin KrenitskiNicole Lane

Christiann LeFevreBrad LivingstonNora MarrakchiKristi MihalDana NelsonJooHee ParkAllison PostmaMargaret Ratcliffe-LeeRebecca SanthouseGerardo TiradoJustin Van DenendSarah Vander PloegSharon WestraMarissa Wong

80 students participated toproduce Amahl and the

Night Visitors, attesting toour exceptional music and

drama programs.

We named Freshman andSophomore Class Deans to

meet the academic andemotional needs of a

growing student body.

For the first time in EC history, Gospel Choir was

added to the curriculum as amusic option for credit.

AWARDS continued from page 2

P A G E 3

“Every Step of the Way”

ECHS Valedictory | by Sarah Vander Ploeg

Faculty, staff, and members ofthe board; parents, siblings,and

family members; friends, alumni,and other members of the EasternChristian community:

Before you sits Eastern Christ-ian High School’s graduating classof 2003. It is doubtless that, fromwhere you are sitting, this groupappears as merely a nondescriptblob of blue and white, with one

student looking barely different from any other. Certainly one or two facesstand out to each of you – those for whom you have come here tonight –but overall, the general effect is one of blended anonymity.

Do not let these appearances deceive you, for nothing is farther fromthe truth.

Many of you who know me know that I have almost a hobby of accu-mulating scarves. One of the scarves in my collection was given to me as aChristmas present a couple of years ago, and was decorated with the usualbevy of tags that always appear on anything bought in a store. Usually, onewould just cut off the tags and throw them away without giving it a secondthought. As I read one of the tags on this particular scarf, however, the message on it struck me. One side read,“hand knit,” and the other side carried this brief message:“This item was knit by hand,so no two are exactlyalike.” These words jumped out so much for me because they are stronglyreminiscent of my favorite Psalm, number 139. In verses 13 and 14, it saysthis:“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’swomb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Just like my scarf, each one of us is “hand knit” by God, and He hasmade each of us distinctly unique. He oversaw each tiny step in our devel-opment, and has continued to watch over us and guide us in our lives thusfar. From our first steps and words to our walk up to our seats before youand our singing of our class song, God has been with us, every step of theway.God knows every little thing we do.David writes in Psalm 139,“O Lord,you have searched me and you know me.You know when I sit and when Irise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.You discern my going out and mylying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”Each little event of our dailylives is witnessed and understood by our Father in Heaven. Not a singlething can occur without his knowing.

And God is not only with us in our good times, either. I must admit,as I began writing this speech I had great difficulty thinking upon how tosend us off into all of our “New Directions”when I didn’t know for myself

HeraldThe

Valedictorian Sarah Vander Ploegaddresses the audience.

“Parallel Roads”ECHS Commencement Address | By Kevin Mandala

Good evening. It is an honor forme to be here tonight to speak

on behalf of a class that I believe isdestined for great things.

You know – often I get askedwhat I do for a living. When Irespond that I am in fact a teacher,I am often met with a surprised –“Oh!” and a slight roll of the eyes.And certainly,when I tell them thatI am a high school history teacher,it is usually followed by a moment of silence and then – a single question:WHY? Now, while I am sure that with spring fever, final exams and gradesbeing due, many of us teachers may have asked ourselves the same ques-tion. But if truth were told, the real answer to this question comes downto a night like this 10 years ago.

I can remember sitting on a hard chair, surrounded by my class peerslooking out on a sea of faces, feeling utter turmoil inside. On one hand Iwas eager with anticipation of the life to come but on the other hand,plaguedwith worry and fear about what that future would look like. I imagined somany opportunities – would I pursue Engineering like my father, becomea businessman like my Uncle or an electrician like my brother? And thoseof you who really know me, know as well that none of these fit me. PerhapsI would become a starving artist guitar player living from gig to gig. I knewthat God had a plan for my life but I wasn’t sure exactly what that was.Doesany of this sound familiar, graduates?

That was a summer of last hurrahs – spending time with friends,taking a last family vacation,but throughout it all I knew that I had to choosewhat road I was going to take very soon. You see, throughout life we arebrought to a crossroads, a chance to make a decision which will impactthe direction our life will take. It was the first of many crossroads for me –college degree, career, marriage, children – and this will be the first of manyfor you. But we can take heart in the words of Isaiah 48:17 for “Thus saysthe Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel ‘I am the Lord your Godwho teaches you what is best for you, Who leads you by the way you shouldgo.’”You see, God is in our corner.

That summer I spent many a night in prayer and by September I knewwhat I was going to do – I was going to teach high school history. Yes me,the same guy who snuck out a window in Science class, only to returnlater with a pizza. I am sure my family thought that this decision to teach

ECHS MILESTONESfor 2002 - 2003

P A G E 4

A field study to Belize wasan educational option

offered again this spring.

ECHS hosted a Christmasparty complete with

presents for 175 1st & 2ndgrade students from

School 16 in Paterson.

We had a black lab namedO’Leah in training at EC,

being raised to assist someone needing supportwith the tasks of daily life.

Social Studies teacher Kevin Mandala waschosen by the seniors to be the

Commencement Speaker.

continued on page 5 continued on page 5

exactly what my new direction was going to be for the coming year. Thispast year has been filled with struggles for me, as it has and still is for manyof us, for many different reasons.But Psalm 139 also has hope for us in thesetimes of confusion and “darkness.”David asks,“Where can I go from yourSpirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens,you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on thewings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your handwill guide me. […] If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the lightbecome night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; thenight will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

Even in the darkest depths we face, God comes to us and comforts us,turning the darkness into the light of day. He knows our every problem.Rebecca St. James sings a song based on this Psalm that captures this ideain more modern language.She sings,“You know my thoughts, my fears andhurts, my weaknesses and pride. You know what I am going through, andhow I feel inside.” The song continues with hope by adding that God will“always love me” and will “never let me go.” God’s presence and love areenough to make our largest fears and worst possible trials seem surmountableand small in comparison to His greatness.

It is this fact, that God’s presence alone can make our outlook brighter,which constantly amazes me. I find it a challenge to remember this fact,especially when we wish that God would send us miracles and clear signs,miraculous happenings that would take all of our problems away. But thisis not necessarily the most important thing.In our darkest depths, just know-ing that God is with us can be all the comfort we need.This idea is expressedperfectly in Nichole Nordeman’s song, Small Enough:

“There were times when I was crying from the dark of Daniel’s den,and I have asked You once or twice if You would part the sea again. Buttonight I do not need a fiery pillar in the sky. Just want to know You’re gonnahold me if I start to cry. Oh, great God, be small enough to hear me now.”

As we leave Eastern Christian High School, there will surely be momentsahead where we will face Goliaths and cry from what seems like a den oflions. Our steps in our journey of faith may not always be sure and certainas we go off in new directions.The very fact that we are walking in faith putsus on a far different path than most of the world around us. This does notmean, however, that our walk will be without joy. As God carefully knit ustogether,He created unique ways for each of us to enjoy Him,and put thingsahead of us on our paths to surprise us with joy and wonder.

So as we head off into our newdirections, we can take comfort inknowing that our Father knowseach of us uniquely, sees every littlething we do,will be “small enough”to walk beside us and hold us whenwe cry, and promises wonderful surprises to enjoy in the future.

And He will lead us,every stepof our way.

would last about one semester. ButGod knew what He was doing.Thiswas laid on my heart and to this dayit is my passion.

You, the class of 2003, are aunique and gifted class.When I lookat you, I recall “high-fives” in thehallway, chatting with friends andsupporting each other in times oftrial and triumph. I remember ourathletes gathered in prayer before each game and with an attitude of sports-manship helping to win an award for our school and community; our musi-cians who share their gifts through talent shows, in chapel, musicals, andoften, just walking in the hallway; our scholars whose hard work and ded-ication continue to bring honor to themselves and Eastern Christian.

It is your passion for life, zest for knowledge and most importantlyyour faith in God that will steer you down the right road. You have manyimportant decisions to make in the days and years ahead and you will havemany good people to help you – parents, siblings, friends,and former teach-ers. But remember, the most important person to consult when you cometo a crossroads is God. The Lord tells us that his path is narrow and notalways easy – there will be challenges,hardship and sometimes pain.But donot despair for He is with you.

And while on the road be sure to test your decisions: ■ use Scripture as your guide,■ pray without ceasing,■ and trust where you are being led.Remember that God does not promise that the way is easy, but that

He will lead you and be a light unto your feet. Pray until you are con-fident that the road you follow is the road you need to be on. As Robert Frostwrote in “The Road Less Traveled” “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I– I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

I have complete confidence that God will lead you down your roadand you will meet true success – not success measured by money or sta-tus. But the kind of success that comes when you have traveled a distancedown your road, look back,and realize that you have found your gifts fromGod and experience the joy that comes from using them.

As for me and my road, well, while there may be a day or two when Iwould respond to the “why do you teach history”question,with “well (Pause)there’s always July and August”. The truth is … God has led me down thisroad – a road where I have had the honor and pleasure of teaching and learn-ing from you.A road where I can look back and say this is where God wantedme to be, doing what God wanted me to do. We will all continue to facecrossroads in our lives,and I pray that you will be able to stand 10 years fromnow and say confidently – this is the road I have traveled and it has madeall the difference.

Room 16 will be convertedto an additional science

lab this summer to accommodate our

increasing enrollment.

Our Middle States evaluation process

motivated new strategicplan objectives in technol-ogy and communications.

Graduate Jackie Hoogstra introduces “Mr. Man.”

Sarah and teacher Adam Culp lead audience in song.

EVERY STEP continued from page 4 PARALLEL ROADS continued from page 4

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See articles in this issuefor additional milestones.

P A G E 5

Chamber Singers are Superior!

The High School Chamber Singers took partin a High Note Music Festival held in

Jackson,New Jersey at Six Flags Great Adventurein June. Participants included ensembles fromboth public and private schools in New Jerseyand New York. Each group was evaluatedaccording to tone quality, intonation, diction,technique, interpretation,balance and musicalrepertoire. The judges assigned scores from 0to 100 and a rating of Fair, Good, Excellent orSuperior. The Chamber Singers performed Set Me As A Seal by Rene Clausen, God of

Grace and God of Laughter by Roy Hopp, and Java Jive by Kirby Shaw. The select vocal ensemblereceived compliments following their performance on their maturity, behavior and presence, in addition to their overall performance. Under the direction of vocal instructor Meghann Persenaire,the Chamber Singers received the highest rating, Superior, and a score of 99 points, in addition toreceiving a trophy stating their accomplishment.

The Chamber Singers is an auditioned vocal ensemble. It began as a group of 13 female voicesavailable to perform in the community.The group grew in size to 28 male and females voices the nextyear. This year’s ensemble included 34 students. Auditions for next school year have resulted in 50students being accepted into this prestigious group.

In October this group plans to travel to Calvin College to perform at the EC Michigan RegionalDinner for alumni and friends.A similar auditioned vocal ensemble will begin next year at the MiddleSchool. It will have the same purpose as HS Chamber Singers – to glorify God through music withinthe greater community.

P A G E 6 ■ S U M M E R 2 0 0 3

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Ashlie Lauren AdcockMontclair State University, NJ

Christina Young Shin AhnGordon College, MA

Michael Paul AnfangCedarville University, OH

Meredith Leigh AngioneGrove City College, PA

Matthew Ryan Bale-PeñaSalisbury University, MD

Dennis Eric BloomOral Roberts University, OK

Lisa Marie BogertCampbell University, NC

David Joel BogertmanCalvin College, MI

Steven Kenneth BogertmanReformed Bible College, MI

Krista Lynn BreureEastern University, PA

Rebecca Anne BruinsThe College of New Jersey, NJ

Hannah Wilkinson CaugheyWake Forest University, NC

William Issac Coba, Jr.Seton Hall University, NJ

Emily Grace CulpMessiah College, PA

Melanie Ruth DavidsonWilliam Paterson University, NJ

Elizabeth Mae Lee DavisElmira College, NY

Lauren Michelle DeckerWilliam Paterson University, NJ

Michael Rene DiazFashion Institute ofTechnology, NY

Leigh Ashley DiniAzusa Pacific University, CA

Katie Lynn DyksenLiberty University, VA

Aaron DykstraWilliam Paterson University, NJ

John Joseph EganOral Roberts University, OK

Jennifer Lynn FaasseRutgers University, Newark, NJ

Kelly Nicole FischerWilliam Paterson University, NJ

Allan Christopher FixUnited States Army

Latisha Lachone GaitherNova SoutheasternUniversity,FL

Anafaye Louise GrecoCentenary College, NJ

Nicole Jacqueline HagedoornPaul Mitchel the School, CA

Laura Marie HarveySt. Thomas Aquinas College, NY

Adriane HickeySoutheastern College, FL

Jaclyn Marie HoogstraCalvin College, MI

Karen Marie HuttonAlvernia College, PA

Katrina Lynn HuttonCalvin College, MI

Lauren Beth JacobsNyack College, NY

Jeffrey Njogu KaringithiUndecided

Jee Ho KimFairleigh DickinsonUniversity, NJ

David Scott KooistraRider University, NJ

Erin Marie KrenitskiWheaton College, IL

Ryan Andrew KuikenCalvin College, MI

James Nicholas KuperusSeton Hall University, NJ

Nicole Kathleen LaneMessiah College, PA

Christiann LeFevreMessiah College, PA

Tara Joy LeegwaterNyack College, NY

Kimberly Ann LindsayAmerican University, D.C.

Bradley Jon LivingstonTaylor University, IN

Chase Andrew ManeriRoberts Wesleyan College, NY

Nora Larhouasli MarrakchiRutgers University, DouglassCollege, NJ

Kristi Laine MihalMarist College, NY

Rafael Dae Young MoonPenn State University, PA

Post Graduation PlansClass of 2003

Members of the Chamber Singers display their 1st place trophy

Strong Competitors Excel at “History Day”

As part of the Junior Humanities class assignment given by teachers Jane Okma and Kevin Mandala,a total of 24 EC students prepared entries for the “History Day” state competition at William

Paterson University on May 3. Over 300 high school students converged on that NJ college campus,joining more than 1 million others competing on the state level in the rest of the nation. There areseven different categories on each level (senior high and junior high). For the National competi-tion, two student entries in each category were chosen togo from each state to Washington,DC in June,where 100students displayed their entries for each category.

Four of our students placed 1st,2nd,or 3rd at this NJ“History Day:”Kathleen Kuever,Laura Dickey,CliffordSimon and Leigh Silbernagel. By their placement, ourschool ended up being chosen to enter 3 of the 14 Nationalentries on the Senior High level for our state. As top statewinners, Laura and Cliff went on to the national level tocompete in the “Historical Paper”category, and Kathleenwas chosen in the “Individual Exhibit”category.Althoughnone were chosen as national winners this year,teacher JaneOkma said,“This is a great way to compete on a purely academic level, and it was a good learning expe-rience for our students. They proved themselves to be strong academic competitors during this event.”

Pictured (L to R): Kathleen Kuever, Laura Dickey,Clifford Simon and Leigh Silbernagel.

continued on page 7

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NJ Governor’s School Welcomes EC Junior

The New Jersey Governor’s School, now in its twenty-first year, offers wonderful summer scholarship opportunities for the top students in the state to pursue their interests and to

continue to develop their skills and talents in a specific area. The program is highly competitive andonly a handful of juniors are selected from the entire state to participate in each specific school.This year junior Leigh Silbernagel was accepted into the School of International Studies.

Each Governor’s School selects academically and/or artistically talented students to attend a four-week intensive, tuition-free honors summer session. The six Governor’s School Programs are:

School of Public Issues – Monmouth University School in the Sciences – Drew University School of the Arts – The College of New Jersey School on the Environment – Richard Stockton College School of International Studies – Ramapo College School of Engineering and Technology – Rutgers University

If a student is selected at the county level,he/she is a semi-finalist and the application is reviewedat the statewide level. From this group, a range of 12 to 20 students are chosen for each Governor’sSchool. Leigh Silbernagel wrote the following essay as part of her application:

“I want to be challenged in a way that is different from high school, to expand my mind and expound my beliefs by discussing and evaluating issues with others. I want to be with otherstudents like myself who want to be challenged, to make a difference and to think outside of the box.

Wanting to further examine and develop my personal beliefs, morals and ethics on currentinternational issues, I want to discuss slavery in Sudan, homeland security, genetic testing,involvement in Iraq and the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. It is my desire to interact with studentswho are knowledgeable and informed about these and other issues….

I want to communicate with other students who have opinions, not based on prejudice or bigotry, but on facts and who can eloquently defend their beliefs while welcoming other viewpoints.Most importantly, they will listen, judge and defend their opinions. Finally, the Governor’s School forInternational Studies will allow me to continue on my path to become a Supreme Court Justice andwill further my study of International Issues.”

Dana Renee NelsonJuniata College, PA

Joohee ParkPenn State University, PA

Shaun Anil PersaudWork

Allison Sue PostmaGrove City College, PA

Michael John RainvilleBergen Community College, NJ

Margaret Elizabeth Ratcliffe-Lee

Rutgers College of RutgersUniv., NJ

Devin ReitsmaSeton Hall University, NJ

Jill RoseWilliam Paterson University, NJ

Rebecca Jean SanthouseWilliam Paterson University, NJ

Amanda Jayanti SinghCollege Misericordia, PA

Michael James SlagterAzusa Pacific University, CA

Marc Douglas SpoelstraBergen Community College, NJ

Carolyn Nicole ThomasWilliam Paterson University, NJ

Helen Agnes TillerArt Institute of Philadelphia, PA

Gerardo Ruben TiradoYale College of YaleUniversity, CT

Bryan James TroastCalvin College, MI

Jacob Peter TuitWork

Justin Mark Van DenendCarnegie Mellon University, PA

Sarah Beth Vander PloegUndecided

Jade Van VlaanderenKean University, NJ

Robert William VerrengiaNew Jersey Institute ofTechnology, NJ

Joy Sandra VigilanteCounty College of Morris, NJ

Emily ViktorovBergen Community College, NJ

Brian Allan VisbeenState University of NY, DelhiCollege, NY

Kevin George VriesemaBergen Community College, NJ

Sharon Lyn WestraJames Madison University, VA

Marissa Lara WongNew York University, NY

Heather Leigh YdoLaboratory Institute ofMerchandising, NY

TRIG-STAR Winner Namedby Deb Andrews, ECHS Math Teacher

Congratulations to Chris (Tae-Hyoung) Kim for comingin first in the TRIG-STAR Competition for ECHS.Chris

went on to win the Regional and State TRIG-STAR competi-tions as well. He also competed with all the US state winnersin the National Trig-Star competition with results to be knownduring the summer.

Chris is the son of Jong-Sik and Sun-Hee Kim of Seoul,South Korea, but he lives in Wyckoff with his aunt and uncle.Chris will be a senior this fall; and he is a member of the ECHS Math Club sponsored by math teacherDeb Andrews, who encourages participation in this event. The contest is sponsored by the NationalSociety of Professional Land Surveyors and was administered by the Bergen-Passaic Chapter. GaryVeenstra (Cl. Of ’81) facilitated our school’s participation as the chapter’s coordinator.A TRIG-STARis a mathematics student who has demonstrated, in competition, that they are the most skilled amongclassmates in the practical application of Trigonometry. The competition for this honor is a timedexercise which involves the solving of a trigonometry problem that incorporates the use of right triangle formulas, the law of sines and the law of cosines.

Pictured (Lto R): Gary Veenstra, Deb Andrews,William E. Beardslee P.E., L.S. ( President Electfor NJSPLS), Frank A. Bednarek, P.L.S.(President of the Bergen-Passaic Chapter ofNJSPLS), and Chris Kim

Leigh Silbernagel

Melanie Rodriguez, Patricia Askew, Nicole Lebron andThurmeka Ward were chosen to participate in Calvin

College’s “Entrada” Program this summer.

Opening the “Gateway”to CollegeEntrada, a Spanish word that means “gateway,” isa special summer academic achievement programat Calvin College, designed to give high school juniors and seniors real college experience whilethey earn college credit. High Schools are askedto nominate academically talented ethnic minor-ity students for possible selection.

PLANS continued from page 6

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Go to http://www.easternchristian.org toread the full story.

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Reflections on the ECMS Graduation CeremonyBy Valeri Shafer, Language Arts & Spanish teacher

“We don’t know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future.”

Nothing thrills a heart more than knowing that children that we haveloved and nurtured (some for only a year, while others up to nine

years) have placed their faith in Jesus Christ alone. ECMS’s 8th grade graduation ceremony surely displayed evidence of the students’ beliefin trusting God, no matter what the circumstances in life. Their desire forGod to lead and guide them and their total reliance onHim was the theme for the evening at the June 19, 2003graduation.

The evening began with Principal FlorenceNieuwenhuis introducing the Valedictorian DominicRivera and Salutatorian Kirstin Lane to the Board,faculty, parents, grandparents and friends. She not onlycongratulated both students for their outstanding ability to excel in academics, but expressed her joy intheir spiritual growth as well. She captured the spirit ofthe entire class by saying that these two exemplified, bywords and actions,God-honoring lives that representedthe heart of Eastern Christian School.

Dominic Rivera related his educational experience at ECMS to theconstruction work that is in progress for the new gym at the Middle School.Like the addition, he said students also needed a firm foundation, onewhich he himself found at ECMS. He thanked the teachers for their diligent, hard work that helped him and his classmates grow not only academically, but, more importantly, emotionally and spiritually

Christina Castro shared her gift of music by singing “Can’t Live ADay.”On behalf of her fellow graduates, she acknowledged through songthat there is no hope in our hearts without Christ each and every day.

Guest speaker Pastor Ned Suffern inspired the graduates and challenged the audience with his message, “Why Bother? What’sNext?”He commended the students for their many acts of service to fel-low Christians who stood in need, such as visiting with Dawn TreaderChristian School students, writing to soldiers during the war, collecting

a record amount of money for leukemia patients, andfor daily acts of kindness around the building. He also acknowledged the teachers for their commitmentto and passion for their students and their God-honoring influence. Pastor Suffern urged us all, as Pauladmonished in Ephesians, to live lives worthy of ourcalling and to continue to work together as a community. He encouraged the graduates not to “sell”their minds to something other than what we havebeen taught, and challenged all of us to use the knowl-edge and language he gave us skillfully. “Jesus is whywe bother,” he said. “That is why we look at what is

next and live life for the Lord.”Following Pastor Suffern’s message, the new Middle School science

teacher,Brian Sweetman, sang “Be Thou My Vision,”a song which depictswhat is a common request of this class. Mr. Henry Lootsma, who willretire this year after thirty-two years of service, spoke the final word to thegraduates, telling them he will miss their enthusiasm.He encouraged themto use that enthusiasm to God’s glory, reaching out to others and beingimage bearers of Christ.

We bid farewell to these graduates, wish them God’s blessings, andknow that He will continue to guide them as they seek His face.

EC Middle School’s Class of 2003: Row 1: Brooke Veenstra, Jason Van Buiten, Amanda Buccola, Jonathan Van Dyk, Ben Spoelstra, Helen Lee, Breslin White, Jessica Van Grouw,Dan Yoo, Da In Ji; Row 2: Kevin Bushoven, Taylor Vooys, Scott Hoitsma, Kathy Lee, Alex Ratcliffe-Lee, Stacy Foschini, Martin Smith, Lauren Panzica, Ray Martinez, Shawn Tanis;Row 3: Staci Bunch, Ken Malnati, Jessica Callis, Tony Cho, Alyssa Grieco, Michael Vega, Danielle Auteri, Andrew Dykstra, Shannon Martin, Dominic Rivera, Erin Oppelaar, Do YoonKim, Cara Poalillo, Michael Bongiovanni, Sei Yun Noah; Row 4: Rebecca Flim, David Den Hollander, Kirstin Lane, Andre Greene, Ray Torbet, Bryan Bushoven, Peter Braunius,Alyssa Steiginga, Joseph Dickey, Christina Castro, Dan Pecoraro, Rachel Suffern; Row 5: Hu Ram Cho, Jennifer De Blasio, Luis Reyes, Meghan Visbeen, Keith Spoelstra, Vienna Scheeler,Dan Sietsma, Erin Groenewal, Alex Petras, Ian Dykstra, Andrew Hulsebos, Laura Kuiken; Row 6: Greg Carson, Joan Hoogerhyde, Jon Muzikowski, Melody Lyman, Mark Robinson,Esther Tuit, Dan Hook, Bridget Soodsma, Tim Rudd, Alyssa Vanden Berg, Justin Van Dyke, Amanda Stout

ECMS Commencement Speaker Rev. Ned Suffern with (L to R) daughterRachael, Salutatorian Kirstin Lane and

Valedictorian Dominic Rivera

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Excerpts from Rev. Suffern’sCommencement Message

Rev. Edward Suffern is a native of Paterson, NewJersey, and attended Eastern Christian Schools fornine years. Since 1993 he has been pastor of HopeReformed Church, Clifton. The following excerptsare from his commencement message: “WhyBother? What’s Next?:”

“…Middle School graduates: The truth is in Jesus…

What’s next? Never let your answer to thatquestion be, ‘Why bother?’

Never stop caring about truth. Never stop growingup into Him who is the Head, that is Christ. It mat-ters what you believe. It matters how you live.

There is a reason we’re here tonight.

To lift up Jesus whom to know is life eternal.

To exalt the truth that is in Jesus, and whichyou need to pursue, ….

To affirm you as a class and a faculty and aschool who have been “Working Togetherand Respecting Others” [Middle School themefor 2002-03]

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8th Grade Valedictory By Dominic Rivera

Parents, Teachers, Board members, Family, Friends, and Classmates:

Tonight is a very important occasion for the class of 2003.We are completing our four years at Eastern Christian

Middle School. We would like to thank all of you for shar-ing this accomplishment with us. These last four years havebeen a time of hard work, fun, opportunities, growth aca-demically and spiritually, and new beginnings.Some of thesenew beginnings have been with friends and classes, and someof these new beginnings have begun with the new con-struction at our school. As you know, I am referring to thebuilding of the new gymnasium.

The building of this gym has been a dream for many years, and now this dream is becomingreality. As goals were set and funds as well as hopes were raised, the dream began to take shape. Thisspring the ground-breaking ceremony took place. It was the official start of the construction here forthe new gym. That was an important milestone. Like the groundbreaking ceremony, graduation isan important milestone for us. It marks the end of our childhood dreams and the beginning ofhigh school, where our dreams begin to take shape and continue to develop.

However, the construction of the gym could not take place without the use of certain materials.Drills and saws, as well as heavy equipment are needed to construct a sound structure. Strong con-crete is used to ensure a firm foundation.Diligent,dedicated,and experienced workers labor to makesure that all the pieces fit together properly.

Our education here at Eastern Christian can easily be compared to the constructionprocess of the gym. The curriculum is biblically oriented and Christ-centered. Our class has beenable to see the presence of God in every area of life. History, science, math, language arts, music, art,and Bible all link back to Him. Another tool is the technology that we have to research and enableus to work more efficiently. Just as strong concrete is needed for a firm foundation of our gym, wealso need a component that gives us a strong foundation. That component is our faith in God.

This year our class had the opportunity to go to Philadelphia. When there, we had a time ded-icated to hearing testimonies and stories about how our classmates came closer to God. This expe-rience really brought us together as a class.Since then we have been more open to each other and havebecome stronger in our faith. In many ways we have put our faith into action this year. We raisedmoney for the Leukemia Society, sent e-mails and Christmas presents to troops in Afghanistan, andtook our yearly trip to Dawn Treader [Christian School - Paterson]. Our visit to Dawn Treader wasa special experience for our class. It showed us how other students our age are not far away from usyet they lead a totally different lifestyle. It felt good bonding with them and bringing our gifts and tal-ents to share with them. That also made our class stronger in our walk with Christ.

Our teachers are the dedicated workers who have helped to develop our minds and attitudes intel-lectually,emotionally,and spiritually.They have built us up with encouragement when times were hardand when there were big projects to be done.They have been good examples of how to live a Christianlife and have been open to us. When we had problems, they would take us in with open arms andears and guide us through them. We have also shared with them fun times, such as times in Phillyand Spruce Lake.They have also helped us to enjoy school more and make it fun with the unique senseof humor that each of them has.We have endured Mrs.Tyvoll and her pranks,Mrs.Breur as her part-ner in crime, Mr.Allen and his lectures, Mrs. Post and her corny science jokes, and Mrs. Flim and hercrooked lines. And even though they have these humorous qualities, each of them has been patientwith us. They have also mentored us in our studies and have modeled their Christian values to us.

As we are aware, the gym is still in progress. It takes time as well as care for the gym to be a well-built structure. Even though we’re graduating tonight, our time in school is not yet finished. Asour middle school years come to a close, we look ahead to the next four years in high school. Just asthe gym is not completed,our education is not done yet.There is still more to accomplish: More goals

ECMS Valedictorian Dominic Rivera

continued on page 10

Celebrating the Seder &Serving Other Students

Betsy Tyvoll, Middle School Bible Teacher

The 8th grade Bible classes had a busy spring. InApril, the class experienced a Seder celebration ledby EC Parents Michael and Janine Cheresnick.The students were able to experience first-handthis beautiful Jewish meal that begins Passover,the Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’freedom from Egyptian enslavement. The meal itselfconsists of bitter herbs dipped in salt water (sym-bolizing the bitter experience of slavery), an appleand nut mixture (standing for the mortar thatIsraelites used to hold the bricks together), and alamb shankbone (a reminder of the lamb’s bloodsprinkled on the doorposts of Israelite householdsto protect their first-born son from death).

Sharing their perspective as Messianic Jews, theCheresnicks’ explained the New Testament fulfill-ment of all the symbolism. For example, just as Godcommanded the Israelites to spread lamb’s bloodon their doorposts to deliver their firstborn sonsfrom death, God also had a Lamb—His Son—takethe penalty for our sins, thereby delivering us fromdeath. Also, just as the Jews celebrate their free-dom from Pharaoh’s tyranny, so Christians cele-brate their freedom from sin and Satan’s tyranny.

In May these students enjoyed their annual visit toDawn Treader Christian School in Paterson. Therethey played games with student “buddies,” led achapel service, ate lunch together, made ice creamsundaes and gave each student a custom-madebookmark. Bible teacher Betsy Tyvoll comments,“Our students had the opportunity to fellowshipwith other Christian students at another school.Some of the students discovered their special giftsin the area of interacting with younger students.”

to reach, more dreams to fulfill, and more good times to be had. Our class has been one that setsgoals and strives to reach them together.We help build each other up and have encouraged each otherto fulfill our dreams.We stick together as a class,and I hope that we stay close in high school.Our tran-sition from elementary school was fearful yet exciting, and I hope that it will be a smooth transitionfor us into high school.Also, it will be hard for us to make the move because some of our friends willbe parting from us and moving on to pursue their dreams. An exciting aspect of high school is mak-ing new acquaintances as a number of new students join our class. Not only will they join our class,but they also will join the bond of friendship that has developed between us throughout our years.

My challenge for our class is that we keep our bond of friendship strong; that we continue to encour-age one another and build each other up. My prayer for our class is found in Philippians 1:6:“That hewho began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ”As wehave throughout the last four years, I pray that we continue to faithfully walk with Christ. Thank you.

ECMS MILESTONESfor 2002 - 2003

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Special Septemberchapel celebrated

“Hope” in remembranceof 9/11.

EC teacher HenryLootsma retired after 32 years at EC and a

total of 42 years in theclassroom.

A wealth of ServiceProjects were performed

by homeroom groups;each student did 5 hrs of

“Faith-in-Action.”

Calculations Out on the Farmby Joyce Schoonejongen, Math Teacher

In May, the Sixth Grade mathstudents took a trip to Abma’s

Farm as part of a curricular focuson how math is used in the work-place. EC Parent Jim Abma, Jr.,(Cl. of ’81) challenged them tothink mathematically. Here aresome of the math problems theyworked to solve:

■ Inside the chicken house, the students needed to determine how much feed it takes to feed the chick-ens. What is the cost per chicken to feed them each day? They were told 25 lbs of food feeds 100chickens. Therefore, how many pounds are needed for the 1800 chickens in Mr. Abma’s chickencoop? One truck delivers 8 tons (16,000 lbs) at $229 per ton. The students determined that 16,000lbs. of feed would last 35.5 days. The cost of feed per truck load is $1832 divided by 35.5 days =$51.61 to feed the chickens per day, or 3 cents per chicken.

■ Out in the field, the questions continued. How much water must be supplied to the tomato plantsand how many plants grow in the field? How many flats of tomatoes will have to be planted? Thestudents worked with the following facts to solve the 2nd question: The tomato field has 32 rowsand the rows are 220 feet long. Tomatoes are planted every 18 inches. Therefore, 220 feet x 12 =2640 inches ÷ 18 inches between plants = 147 plants per row x 32 rows equals 4,704 plants. Thereare 72 plants in a flat so the farmer needs 65.3 flats of tomato plants to plant the field!

■ Farmers must use pesticides very carefully so the challenge was how much water and pesticide haveto be mixed together to spray a certain area. Those mathematical calculations are much more complicated than the cost of feeding chickens and planting tomatoes!

After all of these examples, the students concluded that organizing the steps of a math problem anddoing accurate mathematical calculations were very important in running a successful farm.

Jim Abma (right) with a group of 6th graders who visited his farm.

VALEDICTORY continued from page 9

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6th Graders Trek Across Africaby Naomi Braunius, Social Studies Teacher

The ECMS sixth graders were very busy studying the continentof Africa this spring.Over the course of 2 ½ months, the students

experienced Africa through ways other than reading about it in theirtextbooks.They each researched a chosen country from the continentof Africa. While signing up, students chuckled at less familiar coun-try names, like Djibouti and Swaziland. Others told about mission-aries that they knew in the countries of Kenya and Tanzania.

All of the students soon began to realize the beauty,cultural diver-sity, physical geography, history, and the current issues and problemswhile doing research about Africa.Students located information fromliteracy rates to death rates, the types of jobs to the different religions,early history to recent history, bodies of water to natural landforms,and rural, traditional African lifestyles to urban, modern styles ofliving. Students also heard about life in Africa from special guest speakers who talked about their

experiences and living conditions in Zimbabwe,Kenya and South Africa.These speakers shared pictures, African art, stories, music, languages,traditions and history. We also had a guest who shared his collection ofAfrican art, including many intricately carved masks.

Since a class trip to Africa with 69 students was out of the question,the students put on an African Fair on June 5. Smells and sounds filledthe air of the Middle School all-purpose room on this day as students servedauthentic African recipes, displayed their African projects, played African music, and entertained many guests with the wealth ofknowledge they had accumulated.A lot of work went into their preparation for the Fair, but the outcome was rewarding for eachstudent. Throughout this unit of study, students were continually amazed at the differences in reading abilities, the amount ofpeople living per square mile, the life expectancy rates, the healthcare system, and the way of life for many people in some parts ofAfrica. We were reminded of our blessings by studying this continent, but we also were reminded of the beautiful world that Godhas created, which is evident on the continent of Africa. Someday, maybe a trip to Africa will be a reality for these students!

24 Graduates ReceivePresident’s Award

The following students (32% of the ECMS gradu-ating class) earned The President’s Award forEducational Excellence. The criteria for this awardincludes earning a grade point average of 3.5 orhigher, and a standardized achievement test scoreat the 85th percentile or higher in Math or Reading.

Congratulations to the following students:

Austin Bullock’s display featuredthe country of Gambia.

Michael BongiovanniJennifer De BlasioIan DykstraRebecca FlimScott HoitsmaJoan HoogerhydeAndrew HulsebosDa In JiLaura KuikenKirstin LaneHelen LeeKathy Lee

Lauren PanzicaAlexander PetrasCara PoalilloAlex Ratcliffe-LeeDominic RiveraTim RuddDaniel SietsmaRay TorbetJustin Van DykeBrooke VeenstraMichael VegaBreslin White

Doing the Work of Philosophy

During the second semester of this year, eleven eighth graders from Terry Allen’s home-room formed a “Community of Inquiry,” to explore how we think about ideas that

relate to our definitions, our world theories and the values we find important. They metalmost daily for about 30 minutes and did the “work of philosophy. ” This class tookplace in conjunction with Mr.Allen’s doctoral work on the topic of“Exploring WorldviewPerspectives with 8th Grade Students”at Montclair State University.

Mr. Allen believes that the opportunity for students to explore ideas seriously in a setting that allows others to help them clarify and express their thoughts well is a very valuable part of one’s educational experience. He feels that these students, including him-self, made significant progress in the process of thinking about and listening with respect tothe perspectives of others.They also came to understand their own personal views and howto explain them better.Isn’t it a good thing to know what we believe and why it is well founded?

Pictured (Lto R): Justin Van Dyke (cameraman) and Community of Inquirymembers: Back Row: Dan Pecoraro, Alex Ratcliffe-Lee, Andre Greene, AlyssaSteiginga, Erin Groenewal, Scott Hoitsma, Alyssa Grieco, Keith Spoelstra,Brooke Veenstra, Mr. Allen; Front Row: Nastassja Santana and Helen Lee.

Jaclyn Woudenberg dressedto “visit” Mozambique.

Students raised over$4,600 for the Leukemia& Lymphoma Society in

honor of David DenHollander.

The construction projectwas integrated into theECMS Math curriculum.

Students participated in a traditional Sedersupper and a regional

Bible Bee.

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SPRING SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

EC’s Varsity Baseball team ended their season with a record of 4-12 in League competition and5-13 overall. The highlight of the year was the victory over Lodi, a strong team that went on to theState Sectional Finals. JV Baseball finished at 8-6-1, with the season highlighted by the 0-0 pitchers’duel resulting in a tie with Glen Rock.

EC’s Golf Team finished with an overall record of 17-10. The team won the Bergen PassaicScholastic League Carpenter Division title. Katelyn Brown, the only female golfer for EasternChristian, won the Women’s League Tournament.

EC’s Varsity Softball team completed a great season with a 21-3 record.They captured the BergenPassaic Scholastic League Carpenter Division Title with an 18-0 record. The team went to the finalsof the Passaic County Tournament before losing to West Milford,and advanced to the Parochial State

Sectional final, losing to St. Mary. Coach Barry Veenstra wasnamed Passaic County “Coach of the Year.” JV Softball finishedat 9-7 and celebrated the season with a big win over Waldwickduring a five-game winning streak.

Boys’ Tennis finished with an overall record of 9-8 and aLeague record of 9 wins and 6 losses.

Placing 4th in League competition, Boys’Track finished at5-7.At the MACSA Track Meet held at Messiah College, they took4th out of 14 Christian Schools competing. Senior BradLivingston and Freshman Brad Tanis set new school records.

Girls’Track finished at 6-6, ranking 3rd in the League com-petition.At the MACSA Track Meet at Messiah College they alsotook 4th place. Senior Karen Hutton, Sophomore XiomaraRobinson, and Freshman Mary Tolsma set new school records.

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Sports Highlights

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Middle School Track team experienced a very successful season. The team did well in all oftheir individual school meets,and they had a very successful day at the Ridgewood Invitational.Specialcongratulations to those who reached or established new Middle School records this year: JoelVeenstra and Mike Dykhouse (8.0 in the 60m), Mark Robinson (5’8” in the High Jump) andJoel Veenstra in the Shot Put (40’3”).

Three-Sport Athletes were also given special recognition at the end of the year. These studentscompeted on one of our teams in each of our three seasons – Soccer or Cross Country in the fall,Basketball in the winter, and Track in the spring. This list included: 7th Graders Mike Dykhouse,Joe Everett, Joanna Switzer and Joel Veenstra; and 8th Graders Jennifer De Blasio, RebeccaFlim, Ken Malnati, Shannon Martin and Dominic Rivera.This is the second year that Jenniferand Dominic have been on the triple-sports list.

Congratulations to all the ECMS athletes who participated in the 2002-2003 school year!

Softball Pitcher Lauren Jacobs

CLASS OF 2003 ATHLETIC AWARDS

Wendy’s High School Heisman AwardFemale: Hannah CaugheyMale: Bradley Livingston

NJ National Girls & Women in Sports DayKelly Fischer

Passaic County Coaches Assn.Senior Student Athlete

Female: Karen HuttonMale: Bradley Livingston

ECHS Athletic Department Varsity Club Award

Male and female athletes with the most varsity letters over 4 years.

Karen Hutton James Kuperus Bradley Livingston

ECHS Athletic Department Iron Eagle Award

Athletes who participate in 12 seasons of eligibility.

David Bogertman Kelly FischerKaren Hutton Ryan Kuiken James Kuperus Bradley Livingston Heather Ydo

NJSIAA Scholar/Athlete AwardHannah Caughey

NJSIAA Educational Testing Service Scholar Athlete Award

Betsy Ratcliffe-Lee

ECMS MILESTONESfor 2002 - 2003

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Two teachers began workon their Masters degrees,

one earned a Mastersthis spring and another isfinishing his Doctorate.

We welcomed 32 newstudents this year in

Grades 5 – 8.

The construction of thenew Gym began in March

with a specialGroundbreaking

Ceremony.

B A S E B A L L

Jim KuperusFirst Team All League Second Team All County

Ryan SlootmakerSecond Team All LeagueHonorable Mention All County

Bob VerrengiaHonorable Mention All LeagueHonorable Mention All County

G O L F

Sam DykstraFirst Team All LeagueSecond Team All CountyState Meet of Champions Participant

Ben BruinsFirst Team All League

Mike AlsumFirst Team All League

Art VooysFirst Team All League

Justin DedioHonorable Mention All League

Katelyn BrownBPSL Women’s Tournament Champion

S O F T B A L L

Barry VeenstraPassaic County Coach of the Year

Lauren JacobsFirst Team All LeagueFirst Team All County

Emily CulpFirst Team All LeagueFirst Team All County

Mandy KuikenFirst Team All LeagueFirst Team All County

Katelyn DonnellyFirst Team All LeagueSecond Team All County

Katie DyksenFirst Team All LeagueSecond Team All County

Melanie SusenSecond Team All LeagueHonorable Mention All County

Kelly FischerSecond Team All LeagueHonorable Mention All County

Heather YdoSecond Team All League

T E N N I S

Mike SlagterFirst Team All League SinglesFirst Team All County Singles

Dave KimSecond Team All League Singles

Devin ReitsmaSecond Team All League Doubles

Mike DiazHonorable Mention All LeagueHonorable Mention All County

Kevin VriesemaSecond Team All League DoublesHonorable Mention All County

T R A C K

Jeff KaringithiFirst Team All League Triple Jump

Justin Van DenendSecond Team All League 400 M IHHonorable Mention All County

Brad Livingston2nd Place Triple Jump – Parochial BSecond Team All League Triple JumpHonorable Mention All League

110 M HHHonorable Mention All League

High JumpHonorable Mention All County

Mike AnfangHonorable Mention All League 400 M IH

Dan SundenHonorable Mention All League

Pole Vault

Erin KrenitskiParochial B State Champion – DiscusFirst Team All League DiscusHonorable Mention All County

Lauren De JongParochial B State Champion –

Long JumpFirst Team All League Long JumpSecond Team All County

Karen Hutton2nd Place Triple Jump – Parochial BSecond Team All League Triple JumpHonorable Mention All League

100 M HHHonorable Mention All League 400 M IHHonorable Mention All County

Xiomara RobinsonSecond Team All League Pole Vault

Kim LindsayHonorable Mention All League

High Jump

HeraldThe

EC RECEIVES 3 COMMENDATIONS FOR SPORTSMANSHIP

Athletic Director Steve King reports that Eastern Christian School received the following three prestigious awards for this school year:

■ EC’s Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball teams were awarded the Thomas WachenfeldSportsmanship Award for the 2002-2003 Basketball season. This award is voted on by the basketball officials and is given to the school that best exemplifies the ideals ofsportsmanship through the teams,coaches and athletic administration. Only one awardis given in the county.

■ Our Girls’ Softball team has been awarded the Bergen County Umpires AssociationAward for outstanding sportsmanship and fair play. Only one award is given in the county.

■ The Bergen Passaic Scholastic League has notified the EC Athletic Department thatwe have won the League Sportsmanship Banner for the 2002-2003 school year. Thisaward encompasses the entire school year and all athletic teams. The team members,coaches, administration, parents and fans are to be commended on their continuedexcellence in sportsmanship.

Pictured (Lto R): Principal Jan Lucas, Teacher Barry Veenstra, Robert Lewinter (Bergen County Baseball Umpires Assn.)with Emily Culp, Kelly Fischer, Heather Ydo, Lauren Jacobs, and Katie Dyksen, representing the Girls Softball Team.

SPRING ATHLETIC AWARDS

“THE COMPLETE PACKAGE”Quoted from the 2003 Echoes Yearbook

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feetlike the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights.” - 2 Samuel 22:33

“About 7 of every 10 students that attend Eastern Christian participate in a sport.However,at EC these are not your typical athletes.Every athlete has to be both physicallyand mentally prepared, but the Eastern Christian athlete brings another aspect intothe game. All athletes show their strength through their physical ability. There is a certain amount of painful training that one must undergo. Challenging practices andintense games prove the physical demands of an athlete. These situations show mentalfitness as well. You have to not only be focused, but also dedicated. To stay on top ofthe game, one must go the extra mile despite the pain that may come with it.

Physical ability and mental alertness may be all that an athlete needs,but that is notall the EC athletes have. The spirituality that each player possesses makes the team complete. Before each game, a prayer is said thanking God for the talent and the privilege to play. In return, the athletes play in a way that gives glory back to God. Mostof the athletes the Eagles go up against have physical and mental fitness, but what setsEC athletes apart is our faith. That alone is a strength that should be celebrated.”

Go to http://www.easternchristian.org

to see more photos.

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Promotion Chapel for 4th Graders: Excerpts from “Find out What Pleases God and Do it!” | by Dick Van Yperen, Principal

We hope that this has been a great year of growth and learning for you. You know, when you truly learn something, it becomes

natural.You may not remember learning,but what was once difficult becomeseasy, like walking,running,throwing,riding and lots of other learned behav-iors that we all don’t think about because they are so natural now.

This year our spiritual theme,“Please God,” was about learning toplease God with our words and our thoughts.“May the words of [our]mouth(s) and the meditations of [our] heart(s) be pleasing in Your sightO Lord.”Psalm 19:14.Because of sin in our hearts, it is not natural to pleaseGod with the words of our mouths and the thoughts of our hearts. So thisyear we have emphasized pleasing to God character traits that we need tolearn to influence our words and thoughts….

God’s word clearly explains what pleases our Creator God. It is nothow we look on the outside,yet we spend a lot of time trying to look good.It is not how many Bible verses we memorize and can recite to our parents

and teachers. It is not how well you do in sports or how many rewards youearn. It is not even how many times you go to church. The Bible says thatthe reason we were created was for God’s pleasure. We heard Mrs. Lewisread from Ephesians the words,“for the praise of His glory”repeated overand over. Our purpose in life should be to find out what pleases God anddo it! Not for ourselves,but for the praise of His glory.Ephesians 5:10 “andfind out what pleases the Lord.”And I Thessalonians 4:1,2 “Finally, broth-ers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God... Now we askyou and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more….”

Grade 4 students,as you moveon to middle school and then highschool, there will be tests, trials,times of adjustment, but you willnever feel lost or alone if above allelse you make it your purpose tofind out what pleases God and doit! In the never-ending process ofputting God first in your life, Godwill never fail you…. [Read moreonline at www.easternchristian.org]

Sunny Smiles Abound on Grandparents/Special Guests Day

Despite forecasts of a Nor’easter, the sun shone above ECES as 400 grandparents and special guests arrived on May 16. The PTO welcomed every-one into the gymnasium with coffee and home-baked goodies. EC Parent Joann Kukol created beautiful centerpieces to fit every month’s seasonal

theme. EC memorabilia, including photo albums and a slide show, contributed to the festive mood.At 10:30AM the guests made their way to visit their host children in their classrooms.

Art teacher Lisa Hartensveld had the grandparents help their kindergarteners make “dogs”out of dog bones for the letter “D.”Kindergarten teacher Marcia Vander Eems set up different“activity stations”where her students and their guests enjoyed various activities together. Firstgrade teacher Sarah Vander Wall asked the grandparents to help their student make a book-let about what life was like when the grandparents were in 1st grade. Then they all went to thelibrary,and Librarian Christie Van Genderen read a funny story called Grandpa’s Teeth.Studentsand their guests in Donna Hoogerhyde’s 3rd grade class brainstormed together to determinewhat they would take if they had been pioneers on the Oregon Trail.Carol Byma’s 4th gradershad their guests doing probability problems and they worked on a State Book Report project.

At 11:40AM all of the grandparents and special guests were dismissed from class.Many stayed to share lunch and recess outside to complete a wonderful visit, blessed by lotsof sunshine and smiles.

4th Graders (L to R) Angela Pearson, JeremyBraunius, Kathleen D’urso, Brielle Buis and

John Giresi share their musical talents.

ECES MILESTONESfor 2002 - 2003

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Cystic Fibrosis fundraiserfor 2 of our students’

medical expenses raised$6,000+.

Monthly emphasis onspecific Godly charactertraits in classrooms and

chapels.

Instructional aides assist in instruction to

maximize learning stylesof students.

EDITOR’s NOTE: The complete text, including importantlessons from Dick’s dogs: Samson, Maddie and Aphrodite,

can be found on our website (www.easternchristian.org)when you click “Read The Herald On-line.”

Grandparents Rich & Lois Leentjes and John & Gert Van Lenten enjoytheir coffee before meeting their grandchildren in the classrooms

Observing Our NationalDay of Prayer

By Marcia Vander Eems,Kindergarten teacher

On May 1, the date proclaimed as our National Dayof Prayer, all of the ECES students took a fifteenminute break from their busy schedules to standunited around the school’s flag pole and to offerprayers for our nation, President Bush and manyother government leaders. Students also remem-bered to include U.S. military forces and families,all community firefighters, police officers and emer-gency workers, and our EC schools, includingSuperintendent Gil Kitchen, teachers, parents, andstudents in their prayers. Christians around theworld who suffer on account of their faith wereremembered, and so were those who did not yetknow Jesus as their Savior. One kindergarten childprayed sincerely, “May many kids be able to praiseyou as the Savior who loves them.”

Prior to venturing outside, in both the morning rainand the afternoon sunshine, students discussedwhat they believed were important prayer topics.Many of them had prepared a sentence or two inadvance to ward off stage fright and to focus onwhat was really meaningful to them. Sheila Smith,Coordinator of the Moms-In-Touch prayer groupsfor EC parents, met with each of the 15 classesaround the pole. Mrs. Smith spoke briefly aboutthe privilege and power of prayer, and then shefacilitated the prayers of each group. Mrs. Smith’senthusiasm helped reinforce a lesson taught dailyat ECES: the joy and comfort of prayer.

HeraldThe

Hands-On Art Historyby Lisa Hartensveld, Art Teacher

The sign read “Our Metropolitan Museum ofArt”outside the door of the gym at ECSA. On

Wednesday, June 4, the fourth grade studentsengaged in an exciting hands-on museum experi-ence.They moved in small groups around the roomto visit 11 different learning stations. Each stationdisplayed a description of one artist who has influenced art culture and also included a hands-on project related to that artist.One station focusedon Maria Martinez who influenced the art worldthrough her work with clay – so the students alsocreated something with clay.At another station, they

imitated Leonardo da Vinci by writing a letter backwards.The fourth graders learned that John JamesAudubon is known primarily for his artistic work for the book, entitled The Birds of America.At hisstation the students used colored pencils and produced their own drawing of a bird.

This venture was a collaboration between the year-round “Art Smart” program coordinatedby art teacher Lisa Hartensveld and the fourth grade teachers Carol Byma, Beverly Peters and DebraLewis.Mrs.Hartensveld concluded,“We are very excited about this experience and hope it enhancedour children’s knowledge of art history.”

Volunteer Theresa LaFlam points out important detailsto her 4th Grade group.

Sheila Smith praying with Donna Holly’s Kindergarten class.

Grants funded 2 additional staff to

enhance our Owl’s Nest(Learning Disabilities)

program.

Completion of a 3-year study and revision

of our Mathematics curriculum.

Creation of Grade Four Service Teams to

put Christian principlesinto action.

Special Recognition for Mrs. Vander Wiele

Linda Vander Wiele was this year’s surprised honoreeat ECES Recognition Chapel.Linda served our school

as PTO President and as a First Grade Instructional Aide.Each year one staff person is chosen to be honored for theirexemplary service during the school year.

Physical Education teacher Debi Veenstra openedthe chapel by inviting Mrs. Vander Wiele to come forward to sit in the “Rocking Chair of Honor.” In theaudience were fellow PTO members and the entireVander Wiele family.Using acrostics, creative songs,andprepared testimonials,each grade recognized Mrs.VanderWiele’s selfless contributions.Mrs.Vander Wiele thankedeveryone for the wonderful presentations and gifts.Mentioning her complete surprise, she gave thanksto God for the people and environment of ECES.

After chapel, parents and her students from First Grade gathered around to personally expresstheir appreciation for all that she has done this year. Mrs. Vander Wiele’s husband and five childrenalso joined in congratulating her.

PTO President Linda Vander Wiele sits in the“Rocking Chair of Honor.”

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Brandon AdairBenjamin BoonstraSamantha BoonstraMatthew BottgeTrent BraenTyler BraunAdrian BrownSkylar BrownDavid BurnsMichael CarsonJames CupoGabrielle D’AmatoCharlotte D’AmbraNicholas DansenSteven DavisAnthony De BlasioKimona DussardKelly Grace DykmanAdam DykstraKyle DykstraAllan FallTimothy FinkCooper FreyCalvin GorterJoshua GroenewalEmma HagedoornTimothy HagertyJonathan Hartensveld

Nicholas HollayEthan HoytemaAndrew KuikenReanna KuikenElisabeth KuipersJarrett KuipersAddison LeavySara LeegwaterBryan LineweaverKatrina MallSarah MartinMadison MercadanteEmily MulcockJoshua NoordeloosJoseph PostJeremy RizzoCaitlin ShurminskyCarlin SietsmaKristen SievertsRobert SkeadAlissa SytsmaKelly TanisRachael TanisBrandon TerrizziAshley Van BoerumRyan Vander MeulenAdam Van HeemstKelsey VeenstraJulie Weite

P A G E 1 6 ■ S U M M E R 2 0 0 3

Eastern Christian Preschool students recently held a “Walkathon for Technology.” Students and teachers walked to thecheers of parents and friends to raise money for new computers and software. Their busy feet raised over $1,500.00!Preschool students from the A.M. class pose proudly with their Walkathon medals.

Preschool Graduates PreschoolersGraduate

The EC Preschool Class of2003 held their graduationand closing program onTuesday, June 17 at Cedar HillCRC in Wyckoff. Fifty-sevenpreschoolers presented “ADay in Preschool” throughsong including their year-long theme “The Armor ofGod.” The children and audi-ence ended with “Go Now inPeace,” a fitting way to end the school year and enter summer.

The Mall Family celebrates withdaughter Katie.

5 Y E A R S

Susan BoonstraECES / Bus Driver

Marilyn BushmanPreschool

Nancy DickeyECES

Joe DrexlBus Driver

Mary FaberECMS

Lisa HartensveldECES

Marcia HeeremaECES

Kathy LaauwePreschool

Kevin MandalaECHS

Valeri ShaferECMS

Christy Van GenderenECES

Abner VasquezECHS/Bus Driver

Paige VisserECHS

Pat WispelweyECMS

1 0 Y E A R S

Virginia HoogstraECMS

Garry LinkSubstitute Bus Driver

Douglas WanamakerBus Driver

2 0 Y E A R S

Florence NieuwenhuisECMS

Deb VandenbergECMS /Transportation

Coordinator

2 5 Y E A R S &R E T I R I N G

Alice StruckECES

3 2 Y E A R S &R E T I R I N G

Henry Lootsma ECMS

4 0 Y E A R S

Michael AlsumECHS

ECSA Service Awards

Retiree Henry Lootsma taught at Eastern Christian continuouslyfrom September 1971 through June 2003 (32 years). He taughtGrades 4 and 5 and then moved to Grades 5-6 Science when wedeveloped the Middle School concept. Henry finished his teach-ing career as the ECMS Resource Room teacher. Pictured are ECMSstudents Dan Pecoraro, Jenna Greenfield, Helen Lee, and JoelVeenstra with Mr. Lootsma.

Retiree Alice Struck taught 2nd Grade from 1964-1965 at North 4th Street Christian School. Shereturned to EC after a time away and worked asthe Jr. High Secretary from October 1979 - 1982.She went back to teaching 2nd grade in September1982 and worked at that grade level until her retire-ment this year for a total of 25 years at EC.

Two EC Teachers Retire

HeraldThe

EC Preschool held their annual picnic on Friday, June 6.Director Kathy Faasse said, “After a few cancellationsdue to a rainy week, God blessed us with a beautifulday!” Students from ECMS came to help with activi-ties such as face painting, decorating beach bags andplanting flowers. Sack races were new this year! All thepreschool students, their parents and younger siblingsenjoyed a morning of fun. Pictured are PreschoolersRobert & Kirsten Skead with Mom Cheryl and Baby John.

Business Sponsors forAuction Elegance

Patrons:Atlantic Stewardship BankSales Consultants of Northern Jersey, Inc.Visbeen Construction Company

Supporters:Borough Chrysler JeepBraen Stone Industries, Inc.Bushoven & Co.Cedar Hill NurseryGlen Rock Stair Corp.Heerema CompanyJ.B.Fireplaces / Weather SealNicholas MarketsPost & Kelly ElectricSietsma Landscape Contractors / Green-Way IrrigationV & S Floor CoveringValley National BankVander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home Voyage Telecom, Inc.

2003 Golf TournamentSupporters

Gold Sponsors:Atlantic Stewardship BankSales Consultants of Northern Jersey, Inc.V & S Floor Covering

Silver Sponsors:Bushoven & Co.Columbia BankReiner & Company, Inc.Visbeen Construction Co.Wayne Tile Co.

Hole Sponsors:AK GroupBorough Chrysler JeepBrogan CadillacC S Stucco & Plastering, IncCalifornia StuccoHawthorne RugsHudson United BankJeffer, Hopkinson & VogelKuiken BrothersRussell OrchardsTeschon, Riccobene & SissValley National BankVander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial HomeVincek & Petrocci Architects

Thank You for Supporting Our Spring Fundraisers!

Auction Elegance: On Thursday,April 3

a record-breaking crowd of over 300

supporters gathered at The Tides restaurant

for Auction Elegance. During a delicious hot

and cold buffet, a silent auction drew a lot of

bidders into the Garden Room to place their

bids. Over coffee and dessert, our auctioneer

for the Live Auction segment took bids on a

wide variety of items such as:Broadway show

tickets, vacations to Cape Cod or North

Carolina, a perennial garden, a two-night

Carnival “Cruise to Nowhere,”sporting events tickets, personal chef services and a hot air balloon ride!

The generosity of our donors resulted in $32,000 raised for EC. (See list of sponsors in this issue.)

EC Golf Tournament: On May 19, a total of 144 golfers gathered on a beautiful day at Great

Gorge Country Club in McAfee to support EC. After golfing, a prize and awards luncheon was held

at Portobello’s Restaurant. This year $14,000 was raised, and a great day of golf, good food and

fellowship was greatly enjoyed. (See list of sponsors in this issue.)

Market Day: The Midland Park CRC Booster Club coordinated this monthly project during this

school year and raised $2,500 for EC! Each month order forms listing a huge variety of quality (mostly

frozen) food items are distributed.Orders are accepted via this listing or on-line at www.marketday.com,

and then the ordered items are available for

pickup once a month. Many loyal customers

order each month and have certain foods that are

“rave” items. Try it out in September!

Market Day helpers Georgia Wiegers, Helen VanDerPlaats, Brenda Siegers, Jen Pruiksma (coordinator), and Linda Van Grouw

Eastern Christian’s Volunteer Coffee and Dessert was held on Thursday evening, May 22 at the Covenant CRC. Onehundred of EC’s 200+ volunteers representing all three campuses, the Corner Closet and the TRIP program enjoyed anevening of good fellowship and homemade desserts provided by faculty and staff members. High school social stud-ies teacher Jena Cooksey brought us a beautiful message in song, and the evening was topped off by a Corner Closet fashion show. (See Contents page photo) Corner Closet volunteers pictured include: Seated (L to R): Hilda De Roo, DotWoudenberg, Linda Westerhoff, Emma Schuil, and Edith Sybesma; Standing: Rena Bruins, Marion Warnet, and Nancy Brady.

HeraldThe

Go to http://www.easternchristian.org tosee photos from the event.

P A G E 1 7 ■ S U M M E R 2 0 0 3

Go to http://www.easternchristian.org toread about upcoming events.

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P A G E 1 8 ■ S U M M E R 2 0 0 3

Alumni News

C L A S S O F 1 9 4 5Class Rep Needed

Mae Harriet (Van Dyk) Rooy wrote,“I am appreciative of the four years I spent at EasternAcademy as well as my eight years at the North4th St. Christian School. My husband and I arevery happy and thankful for the way the systemhas broadened itself to include such a high per-centage of students from the wider community.May God bless you richly in all you do to influenceso many young lives for service in His Kingdom.”

C L A S S O F 1 9 4 9Class Rep: Helen (Sikkema) Van Harken25 Gerard Dr, Waldwick, NJ 07463-1213

Al De Roo replied to Barney Steen’s question inthe last Herald issue about the location ofMohawk Oval, the playing field for the 1934soccer team. Al writes,“Mohawk Oval was onWagaraw Rd on the left just past Shotmeyer Fueland next to the old Dye factory. It is where theRag Shop Shopping Center is. It sat up on a knollwhich was cut away to put the shopping centerin. My brother Clarence De Roo played on thebaseball team and used that field. I was 10 yearsyounger than him so I tagged along to all the

practices and games. It is also noteworthy thatthe transportation for games and practices was myfather’s pickup truck – a ‘35 Chevy 1 1/2 ton truck.”

Class Rep Helen (Sikkema) Van Harkenwrites,“Fifty-four years ago in the fall, the‘49ers’ had a large group of classmates startingat Calvin College. Some left Calvin before grad-uating and others graduated at a later date. InMay, some of the ‘49ers’ celebrated their 50thCalvin Reunion. Attending the reunion wereAgnes (Van Ostenbridge) De Boer and herhusband, Dr. Arthur De Boer (EC Class of ’48),Marilyn (Drukker) Heetderks, Helen(Sikkema) Van Harken, Wendell Rooks, SamVan Der Wiele. Other EC graduates attendingthis reunion were: Edgar Boeve (’47), Ruth(Belanus) Kroon (’48), Cornelius Vande Ree(’48) and Wilbur Van Dyk (’48). Three EC49er’s who graduated from Calvin in 1953 aredeceased: Dr. Howard Rienstra, Stuart Siscoand Dr. Nicholas Vander Kooi. In September1953, Marilyn (Drukker) Heetderks, Henrietta(Faber) Valkema, Helen (Sikkema) VanHarken and Agnes (Van Ostenbridge) De Boerbegan their teaching careers at North 4th St. andMidland Park Christian Schools.”

C L A S S O F 1 9 5 3Reunion Rep: Dr. George Kroeze

E-Mail: fgkroeze@sbcglobal.netA 50th Class Reunion is planned for Thursday,September 18,2003 at the BrownstoneRestaurant. To date, 60 classmates are expected.If you have not yet sent in your reservation,please send in as soon as possible to: Dr.GeorgeKroeze, 1837 Chateau Dr.,Wyoming, MI 49509.

C L A S S O F 1 9 5 4Class Rep: Larry Hoogerhyde

E-Mail: larryh@altelco.netLois (Brain) Ginder lived in Italy for 40 years.She was married to an Italian preacher, DinoTurello, and they served the Lord together in Italy for 22 years. Lois writes,“Dino was ‘promoted to glory’ in 1988 and the Lordenabled me to continue as a missionary in Italyuntil this past October. I have married a fineChristian widower and have since moved backto the States.”Lois was wondering if there areany plans for a 50th class reunion in 2004?

C L A S S O F 1 9 6 0NEW Class Rep: Joyce (Anema) Streelman46 Lafayette St, West Milford, NJ 07480-3309

E-mail: pnjoyce@optonline.netThank you to Alice (Van Haste) Struck for heryears of serving as Class Rep. Joyce (Anema)Streelman has agreed to be the new Rep for theclass. Classmates can contact Joyce with newsand updates to be included in future Heraldissues. Joyce adds,“After spending the last twentyyears at one travel agency, part of that time asowner, I recently became affiliated with StrattonTravel Management which is a larger agency. Thesize of my new agency allows me to offer addi-tional travel benefits to my clients.”[Editor’s note:See the ad section for a travel opportunity viaJoyce’s company to benefit EC.]

C L A S S O F 1 9 6 3Class Rep Needed

Alice (DeHaan) Neeb reported,“I graduatedfrom William Paterson University in May, 1995at the age of 49. It took a long time, but I amproud of my ECHS education and the founda-tion it gave me. I am a teacher and work for thestate department of education at a resource cen-ter in Morris Plains. I enjoy working there; it is afantastic resource for special education teachersand for parents who have special needs childrenas well as any teacher who would like to haveextra resources for their classrooms.”

C L A S S O F 1 9 6 5Class Rep Needed

Editor’s Note: Bob Kuiken was pictured in TheHerald’s last issue with his wife and their twoyoungest children. Bob also has two marrieddaughters, Christie (Kuiken) Brewster andStephanie (Kuiken) Weathington, who areequally important family members, but werenot mentioned. Our apologies!

C L A S S O F 1 9 7 0Class Rep: Nancy (Leesman) Eardley

1441 Sandy Point Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI49546-9725

E-Mail: nancyeardley@attbi.comGregg Martin and Larry Spalink, both mission-aries with Christian Reformed World Missions,hadn’t seen each other since graduation fromECHS, but recently had their own “mini-

W E S T E R N M I C H I G A N

Regiona� DinnerR E M I N D E R

�

You Are Invited to the EC Family Get-together!

Deadline Extended to August 22

When? Saturday, October 4

Where? Calvin College Commons

Questions? Contact EC’s Development Office

E-Mail: ecdev@juno.com Subject: MI Dinner

Phone: 973-427-9294 OR

Contact Rich Baukema, MI CommitteeChairperson

Phone: 616-455-1544

Featuring: Special Performance by EC’sChamber Singers Plus Displays &Video of “EC School Days”

See you there!

HeraldThe

reunion” in, of all places, Nicaragua, CentralAmerica! Larry (who serves in Japan) wasthere for a 10-day meeting of CRWM fielddirectors who had gathered from all over theworld. Gregg arrived (from Costa Rica, wherehe works) on March 14, 2003 to attend theLatin America consultation of all CRCNAagencies the day before Larry was leaving.“Small world?”was Larry’s closing remark!

C L A S S O F 1 9 7 3Class Rep Needed

Bonnie (Jonkman) Newton wondered if theClass of 1973 was having a 30-year reunion?Bonnie was a part of this class from kinder-garten until halfway through her high schooljunior year, when her family moved to Utah.Any classmates interested in organizing a get-together, contact the Development Office.

C L A S S O F 1 9 7 5Class Rep: Carol (Meetsma) Elices

27 Bellevue Rd, Arlington, MA 02476-7919E-Mail: carmarel@earthlink.net

Carol updated us with her new address andadded,“If you’re ever in the Boston area, pleaselook us up! We’d love to see you!”

C L A S S O F 1 9 7 8Class Rep: Judy (Fridsma) Vriesema

3075 Kissing Rock Lane, Lowell, MI, 49331-9521Class of 1978 Reunion Report by Gay (VanHeemst) Kramm: “On Friday, June 27th, 46graduates of the Class of 1978 gathered atPortobello’s in Oakland for their 25th highschool reunion. At first glance, it appeared thatthe appetizers were going to remain untouched,as everyone was having too much fun reminisc-ing to think about eating. Although we observedthat many hairstyles and waistlines had changedover the years, it was interesting to see how rec-ognizable we had remained (that really was Tim Joustra, wasn’t it!).

With most of the attendees still living inNew Jersey, it was fun to have 21 traveling infrom out-of-state—two coming from as far asCalifornia, four from Florida, six fromMichigan, one from Texas, and one from Utah.

Following a delicious meal, an enjoyableprogram was presented with Jim Bush servingas M.C. We were brought back to our high schooldays with trivia and news of the era, along witha slide presentation of high school photos puttogether by Bill Vriesema. It was very clear thatwe HAVE come a long way, Baby! It was alsovery touching to have Judy (Fridsma) Vriesemashare eulogies of two classmates who have passedaway – Ruth Gonzales and Marten Valkema.

As the time of the reunion came to a close,we were sorry to have to say goodbye, and canonly hope that more of our classmates will beable to attend the next reunion. A big thank-yougoes to the committee that worked hard to makeit all possible!”

C L A S S O F 1 9 8 7Class Rep: Laura (Faber-Struyk) Terrizzi40 Sicomac Rd, Hawthorne, NJ 07506-3032

Russell Huizing completed his Master of Artsin Religious Studies at Liberty BaptistTheological Seminary. He will be continuinghis education pursuing a Master of Divinity.Russell and his wife Margaret have two boys.He is the Pastor of Single Adult Ministries atHawthorne Gospel Church in Hawthorne, NJ.To contact Russell, e-mail him at pastorrussell@hgcusa.org.

1970 Alumni Larry Spalink & Gregg Martin

Class of 1978 Reunion: Front Row: Robyn Tanis, Judy Balfour Dykstra, Judy Fridsma Vriesema, Hendrik Huyser, Ellen Nieuwenhuis Davis, Gay Van Heemst Kramm, Dale SweetmanRose; Row 2: Audrey Leegwater Elkins, Maribeth Van Der Plaats Vriesema, Jack Stokes, Sonja Kreil Stokes, Bonnie Haven Rose, Janice Kuipers Hoogenhuis, Debra Groenewal Stout,Gwen Nawyn Lineweaver, Kathleen Hoogerhyde Kline, Cindy Littel Steiginga, Jane Goed Sweetman; Row 3 & 4: Beth Huizing Prol, Nancy Gorter Kraai, Joanne Bush Koopmans,Donna Rijkse Veenstra, Mary Hoogenhuis, Tom Leo, Betty Roza Jackman, Ruth De Graaf De Jong, Doug Kruithoff, Linda Faber Mac Leod, John Horner, Jeanne Faber Piorkowski, David Rose, Roy Bartlam, James Bush, Bruce De Young; Back Row: Timothy Joustra, Roger Leon, Bill Englishman, Linda De Roo Everett, Wayne Visbeen, Cheryl Slump Stuurwold,Sharon Dykstra Van Dyke, Ken Wondergem, David Steiginga, Bill Vriesema, Jerry De Jong, Richard Stuurwold

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continued on page 20

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C L A S S O F 1 9 9 2Class Rep: Michele (Huizing) Boonstra

69 Walray Ave, North Haledon, NJ 07508-2448Tim Dyer was deployed for OperationEnduring Freedom in February. His wife Kara(Husselman) Dyer asks to keep him and all thesoldiers in your prayers.You can e-mail Tim atTimothy.Dyer@us.army.mil.

C L A S S O F 1 9 9 3Class Rep: Jennifer (Meyer) Ross

165 N. 12th St, Prospect Park, NJ 07508-1903E-Mail: jaysotherhalf@aol.com

Reunion Update: Friday, November 28, 2003 isthe date for our 10-year reunion. The class willbe doing a service project, volunteering forHabitat for Humanity and gathering afterwardfor dinner at Alexus Steakhouse in Hawthorne.Invitations are being mailed out to classmates.If anyone has changed their address, please e-mail the updated information to Jennifer.

Shalom Fairley graduated from WestChester University of West Chester, PA with adegree in Public Health Nutrition and a minor

in Health Science.She is employed byAramark FoodService Corporationas an AssistantDirector of FoodService at New JerseyState University. Shewrites,“Things arewell and I’m happy tobe back in NJ amongfriends and family.”

C L A S S O F 1 9 9 4Class Rep: Julie (Bowers) Tilson

403 West Richwoods Blvd, Peoria, IL 61604-1550E-Mail: Gjtilson@aol.com

A 10-year reunion is planned for next summer.If you have not received a letter regarding thereunion, please contact either Julie (Bowers)Tilson at the above address or Sara (Sonderfan)Heerema at Sarita_kay@hotmail.com.

Sara (Sonderfan) Heerema graduated inMay 2003 with a Masters of Social Workdegree from Kean University. She is working asa psychiatric social worker at the RamapoRidge Psychiatric Hospital in the ChristianHealth Care Center, Wyckoff.

Laura (Lodema) Warner graduated fromMessiah College and had taught 2nd and 3rdgrade in the Harrisburg, PA area for a fewyears. She writes,“I have been married for twoyears and we just moved into a new house,which we built. I am currently teaching 6thgrade at North Lincoln Hill Elementary andworking on my masters degree.”

C L A S S O F 1 9 9 5Class Rep: Elizabeth Hoogmoed

100 Pierson Miller Dr Unit E-24, PomptonLakes, NJ 07442-1050

E-Mail: ejh810@prodigy.netErnest Pastor previously listed as a “lostalumni”has been “found.”He is a graduate ofRamapo College and was married to SarahCinquegrana 2 years ago.

C L A S S O F 1 9 9 6Class Rep: Rebecca (Aupperlee) Lapinsky89 Struyk Ave, Prospect Park, NJ 07508-2252

E-Mail: Lapinsky@msn.comMiranda (VandenBerg) Miller recently movedfrom MD to PA. Also see the Alumni birth sec-tion for her latest “news.”

C L A S S O F 1 9 9 7Class Rep: James Pyrich

Home Page: www.97cc.comDavid Hollema graduated from ColoradoSchool of Mines in Golden, CO with a degreein Geophysical Engineering in 2001. He isemployed with Olson Engineering in WheatRidge and is attending the University ofColorado at Denver, pursuing a masters inboth business administration and informationsystems. His wife Esther writes,“He is very busybut still finds some spare time for his favoritesport - skiing.” (Also see birth announcements.)

Rick Sonderfan graduated with honorsfrom NJIT in Newark, receiving a BS degree incomputer science with a math minor. Heworks as a system programmer for MicroFirst,Inc. in Oakland. Rick’s proud parents wish tothank the members of the EC faculty who sup-ported him throughout the years, especiallyBob Reith, Mike Alsum, and Jan Lucas.

C L A S S O F 1 9 9 8Class Rep: Sandi (King) Chiera

New Address – 15 E St., Port Reading, NJ 07064 E-Mail: alustri@aol.com

Congratulations to Katie (Steiginga) Sonnemaand Jeffery Sonnema who were married atCovenant CRC, NJ on March 14, 2003!

C L A S S O F 1 9 9 9Class Rep: Jennifer Van Der Heide

1857 Kalamazoo Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49507E-Mail: Jteach19@aol.com

Adam Choka graduated Magna Cum Laudefrom American University in Washington, DCon May 10, 2003. He received a BA in both ofhis majors: Law and Society, and Philosophy.He was inducted into the Phi Beta KappaHonor Society prior to graduation and is also amember of the National Criminal JusticeHonor Society, the Golden Key Honor Socieyand Alpha Lambda Delta. Adam is staying inWashington, DC to complete his Mastersdegree in Law and Society.

C L A S S O F 2 0 0 1Class Rep Needed

See “Class of 2002”for news of Tricia Mc Namara.

C L A S S O F 2 0 0 2Class Rep: Peter Russo

7 Knolls Rd, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403-1511E-Mail: Pete779@hotmail.com

Class Rep: Joshua CastanoE-Mail: Joshua.castano@oberlin.edu

Class Rep Pete Russo sent an update thatSteven Ruit and Tricia Mc Namara (’01) areengaged. Pete himself is working for thePompton Lakes Police Department as a 911operator/police dispatcher.

ALUMNI NEWS continued from page 19

TheHerald

1993 Alumna Shalom Fairley

Alumni Birth Announcements:Congratulations to these EC alumni who have

recently welcomed a new member to their family!

Class of 1983 – George and Beverly (Broersma)Schaaf, a son, Brian Christopher on 2/14/03.

Class of 1986– Mark and Lara (Oosting ’89) Ottens– a daughter, Sophia Faith on 3/10/03. She joins Larissa(age 9), Nathaniel (age 7), Calvin (age 5) and Luke (age 3).

Class of 1991 – Faith (Popjes) Douma and husband Mike, a daughter, Emma Grace on 3/21/03.She joins Tyler (age 5) and Hannah (age 3).

Steve and Lisa (Oosting) Van Ek, a daughter, MaebelGrace on 3/11/03. She joins Clayton (age 4), Emery (age 2) and Eden (age 1).

Class of 1996 – Miranda (VandenBerg) Millerand husband Mike, a son, Brennan Michael on 3/6/03.

Class of 1997 – David Hollema and wife Esther,a son, Alexander August on 8/16/02.

Alumni are encouraged to submit birth announce-ments by e-mail or letter to Editor, The Herald.

HeraldThe

P A G E 2 1 ■ S U M M E R 2 0 0 3

Designated GiftsF E B R U A R Y 1 5 , 2 0 0 3 – J U N E 2 6 , 2 0 0 3

Gifts received after June 26, 2003 will be acknowledged in the next issue of The Herald. During this time period, 273 gifts werereceived in honor/memory of a relative or friend. The total amount received was $26,734.58. Thank you to all who made these

donations to support Christian Education at EC!

E N D O W M E N T F U N D

~ In Memory Of ~

Albert K.AckermanLynn MacLeod Hand & John Hand

Norman BakerJohn & Eleanor KooremanPearl Abma

Tryna BandstraKen & Judy CouttsHenry & Evelyn KuikenSamuel & Marion SybesmaEdward & Marjorie KuikenRon & Marilyn StonehouseCorene De GraafEdward & Wilma KohereEthel De SeeGeorge & Carol BosmaMarjorie BandstraJanis FrancoElizabeth SteenElsie & John GoldenJohn & Anita De KorteSarah & Christopher MiciekAndrew & Barbara BandstraSamuel & Lorraine Steen

Sidney J. BangmaTess LantingAgnes HeeremaJohn & Pauline Van Beekum

Joel D. BeversluisMr. & Mrs. J. Arthur Larson

Alyda BokmaElizabeth & James Youngsman

Cornelius BontekoeLyman & Marion Van Winkle

Florence BorduinLynda & Tom PasquerettaHelen BorduinAlice BorduinDouglas & Carol SteylingCarol CootsElizabeth A. DuellyEstelle ClemensPaterson Master Plumbers Assn., Inc.Bernard & Sarah CriscenzoWilliam & Jean BorduinMr. & Mrs. Robert Kopnicki & BoysAgnes Heerema

Jeanette BudrykBernard & Pamela CriscenzoJack & Pat SteigingaCorene De GraafNJ State League of

Master Plumbers, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius De Ruiter

Josie DappEdward & Marjorie KuikenMargretta & John Van Dyk

Arthur De BoerJeanette De Boer

Marie De BruinBeverly Byl

Bert De LeeuwBill & Judy Van Dyke

Helen C. De Vries Alida & Marvin De Boer

Albertus & Gertrude HartogMaria & Bruce Coffin

Carrie Jeltes HazenPublic Service Enterprise Group Inc.

Margaret De Bruin Klemm Jessie Eichhorn

Jacob KruithofAlice & Clarence BakerArthur & Jennie KruithofHuberta Kruithof

Jan LierToni Steenstra

Edward B. LotzCarl & Edna Hoogerhyde

Heddy LucasAl & Nancy Lindemulder

John “Jack”LucasKenneth & Marla StoutGarret & Florence NieuwenhuisJoseph & Antoinette ScillieriAnthony & Olga De RomaDoris & John WalkottenSarene OsengaShanley FamilyDr. & Mrs. Alfred SissGordon & Patricia FishBernard & Carol ArgeskiKatharine Tynan

Roy & Jane OkmaRobert W. BuckleyDavid & Cynthia VisbeenDorothea Holmes Coleman School Faculty & StaffMarjorie De Jong Mr. & Mrs. Woody BallGary & Barbara LinkPeter & Beverly Ten KatePaul & Gail BeverlyRobert & Elizabeth AupperleeNorthern Highlands Education Assn.Richard J. KesinShelagh & Bob BrookeMr. & Mrs. J. Arthur LarsonWilliam & Marlene PezzutiLynda & Tom PasquerettaRuth ChokaWalter L. KabisAl & Nancy LindemulderCorene De Graaf

Albert MaasAnne & George AupperleeNicholas H. KuikenHelen SmithJacob & Janet Vander MeulenSusan & Ken DyerFred & Audrey SikkemaHelen ZielkeRev. Joseph & Beverly CusackLarry HoekstraBernie & Helen JoustraKenneth & Sharon VisbeenMr. & Mrs. Donald LangenburgRandal & Karen HagedoornRichard & Nancy TroastMerck Co. Foundation Matching Gift David & Karen Troast & Family

Irene PostGarret & Florence NieuwenhuisGeraldine MonsmaCarol BymaAnonymous DonorGarret & Carolyn VermaasWilliam & Marcia HeeremaDonald & Joan De BruinJim & Jean LeschDavid & Cynthia VisbeenJohn FederovichSusan LickBeach Electric CompanyMr. & Mrs. Andrew R. Jeltes

Edward & Wilma KohereFrank & Mildred MillerPeter & Virginia SteensmaVincent & Patricia MoloughneyRonald & Rita PopjesNorthern NJ Chapter, Inc. of the

Nat’l Electrical Contractors Assoc.Carole Roper Richard & Nancy TroastTannette & Peter BotbylKatherine HeeremaElinor PostmaRobert & Mallie LoganJeffrey RoperBrian D. Roper Peter & Beverly Ten KatePaul & Trudy HeeremaMargaret AlbaneseMarjo & David ReitsmaHarold & Janice PostAlbert & Janet VisbeenBD Matching Gift Program

Anna May PrinsCarlson Family FoundationJanet Prins

Nickolas L. SanthouseGary & Barbara LinkDorothy Lodema

Elizabeth SchoonejongenHelen & Abram Van Dyke Midland Park CRC Sr. Crusaders

Marie A. Meyer SchuilEmma Schuil

Ralph W. Siegers Sue & Scott SiemsJane De Waal MalefytThurs. Morning Ladies

Bowling LeagueEleanor & John KooremanGlenn & Marge SietsmaHelen BreureBerdina Besemer BylsmaCarole CurryJoan BesemerJohn & Elizabeth BesemerEugene & Carol EberthDon & Jan LaauweMidland Park CRCThe Bank of New York

Elmer & Agnes StonehousePSEG Matching Gift

HeraldThe

P A G E 2 2 ■ S U M M E R 2 0 0 3

Verna M. TanisLois VeenstraJacob & Betty TolsmaRichard & Marcia ZuidemaBonnie Zuidema

Carol Van Der WallCarol Hartog

Andrew Van DykDavid & Joyce Vroon

Clara Van LentenHelen & Abram Van DykePaul & Alberta De BlaeyMarilyn & Donald SpornEdward & Wilma KohereFrank Dykstra, Jr.Frank & Gertrude DykstraAbram Van LentenHelen & Cornelius LokkerEvelyn & Robert CrawfordRobert & Anita HoogstraRaeann & Garret DykhouseBernard & Helen JoustraMidland Park CRC Sr. CrusadersMarjorie LouerPeter & Lorraine EnglishmanJohn W. Jr. & Arden R. PostRobert & Mary Postma

John Veenstra Margretta & John Van Dyk

Richard Veenstra Margretta & John Van Dyk

Robert J.VeenstraMargretta & John Van Dyk

~ In Honor Of ~

Berdina Vander Weert Baker (95th Birthday)Kenneth & Sharon VisbeenMatilda RoetmanRuth & Leonard WynbeekMerck Co. Foundation Matching Gift

John Borst(70th Birthday)Jane De Waal MalefytJohn & Doris Dyk

Leonard & Jennie Bouwense(50th Wedding Anniversary)Bernard & Marion MemmelaarAlida Michaelson

Chester Broersma(70th Birthday)Evelyn & Robert Crawford

John J. Drukker(70th Birthday)Leonard J. DykmanRoger & Carolyn VeenstraJack & Shirley FaberSue & Andy Woudenberg

Raeanna & Garret Dykhouse(55th Wedding Anniversary)Kristen, Michael & Kimberly

Dykhouse

Frank & Lenore Dykstra(45th Wedding Anniversary)Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

Jack Faber(60th Birthday)Roger & Carolyn Veenstra

A Good FriendJacob and Janet Vander Meulen

Alida Breen Gray (80th Birthday)Charles & Hilda BorduinNicholas & Norma HagedoornKaren & Patrick LaCorteKatherine HeeremaMr. & Mrs. Elmer De JongAlice BorduinMr. & Mrs. Louis Lee

Gertrude Hagedoorn(90th Birthday)Michael & Sandra Westra & Family

Adrianna Hoogerhyde(102nd Birthday)Carl & Edna Hoogerhyde

Virginia Lee(89th Birthday)Lawrence Lee & Patricia Ratcliffe-Lee

Henry & Grace Lootsma(40th Wedding Anniversary)Mildred & Garret Link

Bill & Jessie Martin(50th Wedding Anniversary)Toni SteenstraTrudy Lier

Rev. Raymond Martin(Retirement)Mr. & Mrs. J. Arthur Larson

Clarence H. Meines(70th Birthday)Alyce Meines

Clarence & Jeanette Smit(50th Wedding Anniversary)Henry & Grace Lootsma

Donald G. Sporn(65th Birthday)Donna, Steven & Carson Brown

Teachers at Eastern ChristianLyman & Marion Van Winkle

Jacob Tolsma(80th Birthday)Ruth & John De VriesDerk & Tena StavingaHarold & Barbara Kuipers

James & Katherine Veenstra(Wedding Anniversary)Ada Pontier

Jessie Fylstra Ver Hage(Retirement)Richard Ver Hage

Leonard & Ruth Wynbeek(40th Wedding Anniversary)Matilda RoetmanJane De Waal MalefytErnest & Georgia WiegersHarold & Barbara KuipersRuth & Clix KnyfdWilliam & Ann Sytsma

~ Direct Gifts ~

Cedar Hill CRCBarnabas Foundation –

Estate of Anna MilkampEstate of Marinus Ten HoeveEstate of Christine Vander Heide

A N N U A L F U N D

~ In Memory Of ~

Bobbie BonnemaMuriel & Reynold Amels

Nickolas L. SanthouseHerbert & Josephine Bosloper

Harry SchuilEmma Schuil

~ In Honor Of ~

Ann Minnema MorganTed & Tena Minnema

T H E C A M PA I G N FO R E C :Phase II: Gym Construction & Beyond

~ In Memory Of ~

Edward & Anna Apol John & Joan Holmes

Gerhardus BosRuth B. Boer

William Decker BreenKaren & Patrick LaCorte

Randall De LeeuwPriscilla Barrowclough

Peter De SeeEthel De See

Nicholas J. HengeveldMartha Hengeveld

“Our Loved Ones”Jacob & Betty Tolsma

Ralph W. Siegers Susan & Kenneth Dyer

Fred Sietsma Jr.Ronald & Nancy Sietsma

Lois B. UnrathRobert C. Unrath

Wilma F.VoormanElizabeth & Carrol Church

~ In Honor Of ~

Garret & Raeann Dykhouse Christopher & Jennifer Dykhouse

Judy Elzinga(A loving teacher)Steven & Donna Holly

Alida Breen Gray(80th Birthday)Donald & Alida Van Valkenburgh

Alyssa Jan Vanden Berg & TracyLynne Vanden Berg

Nicholas & Irene Groenewal

~ Direct Gifts ~

Estate of Lambert YskampClass of 1978

R E S T R I C T E D F U N D

~ In Memory Of ~

Bethany BroersmaLawrence & Lisa Rose TannenbaumEunice & Chester Broersma

Nickolas L. SanthouseRoy & Lillian Fanslau

Samuel L. & Jeanette SteenGerald & Janyce Bandstra

~ In Honor Of ~

Debra Soodsma VeenstraBarbara A. Davis

K E N N Y B R A N D S C H O L A R S H I P F U N D

~ Direct Gifts ~

Rich & Phyllis Schuurman

NOTE: Please mail all endowment, memorial and honor gifts to theattention of the Development Office. Each gift (not the amount) isacknowledged to the appropriate family or individual. The donor alsoreceives an acknowledgment letter. Gifts to the Fund are eligible formatching gifts from companies with a matching gift program.

HeraldThe

P A G E 2 3 ■ S U M M E R 2 0 0 3

Bible Bee Competitionby Joanne Everett, Middle School Bible

Teacher

Twelve Eastern Christian students competed in a Bible competi-tion of the Northern New Jersey Christian School Association,

held at Hawthorne Christian Academy earlier this year. The purposeof the competition is to provide an annual event for area Christianschool students and teachers to get to know each other socially andto challenge each other in Bible knowledge. Students were advisedthat the competition would consist of three parts: a Bible sword drill,general Bible knowledge and specific knowledge of the book ofMatthew.

The participants from the Elementary School were:Grade 3: Bethany Gorter and Jacob ShotmeyerGrade 4: Kevin Hull and Jessica Strole

The participants from the Middle School were:Grade 5: Anthony Cinardo and Dana KukolGrade 6: Stephanie Jacobs and A.J.PanzicaGrade 7: Joseph Everett and Kyle JacobsGrade 8: Joseph Dickey and Dominic Rivera

EC students returned home with two awards. Joseph Dickeyearned 2nd place in the 8th grade competition, and our 6th/7th/8thgrade team placed 3rd at the Middle School level. ECMS Bible teach-ers Betsy Tyvoll and Joann Everett agreed that the competition wasan enriching and rewarding experience. EC students were able toget together with students from other Christian schools to share theirknowledge and love of The Bible. ECMS Bible Bee participants with teachers Betsy Tyvoll and Joann Everett.

Sixth grader Justin Tyvoll is the first ECstudent to get a perfect score on theNational Science League GeneralScience Test. The National ScienceLeague Test is highly competitive, stan-dardized general science, multiple-question test given to middle schoolstudents. Since Justin had a perfectscore, he also qualified as a nationalwinner. Congratulations!