Basketball Games against Algoma

It was game time on Friday, December 19 for the Calvary Basketball teams at Algoma Christian schools in Kent City, Michigan. It was a very exciting night because these rivals had been preparing to play each other for a long time. Each team knew that without playing their very best, they might not be able to pull out a win.

First off, the boy’s JV teams played first. The score was pretty close the whole game, but after the end of the first half, the eagles were up by a few points. About half way through the second half was when the Algoma boys were running out of steam, and Calvary finally began to pull away. Special mention goes to Jacob Mcfarren for an outstanding 23 points and also Zachary Zehr for his 10 points. All the players played hard.

The Varsity Girls came out ready to play. By the end of the first quarter the score was 17 to 2. The Algoma girls were no match for Calvary’s team and could not catch up the score. At the final buzzer, the score was 77 to 25. Great job Taylor Richards for scoring a career high and possible school record of 40 points.

The boy’s varsity was a whole different game. The score was very close the whole time and it got very intense especially near the end of the game. After both teams endured some controversial calls by the officials in the fourth quarter, the scores were 42 to 41, with Algoma in the lead. This was when the Knights decided to stall the game for three minutes with six left in the quarter. The score was still 42 to 41. Then unfortunately, the eagles got into foul trouble which lead Algoma into the double- bonus. They shot a lot of free throws, and made nearly all of them. Algoma won 44 to 47. Even though our boys lost, they still had good attitudes and praised God for another chance to play basketball. What an exciting night!

Ally Richards, Sophomore

The First Few Boys Basketball Games

This season started out for our guys with a tough game against Grand River Prep. Being our first game and our first time ever playing this team we weren’t sure what to expect. The game progressed with Brendan Hamilton leading us with boards and baskets as well as Will Dukes throwing in a few hoops here and there. Isaac Burns and I also contributed a few. At the end of the game we were down 27 points but it was one of the toughest teams we’ll play all year. Brendan Hamilton finished with 21 points, Will Dukes with 12, Isaac Burns with 9 and 5 for me. 

 Our next game took place on Friday, December 12 against Heritage Christian. The game started out with a few back to back points from the opposing team and we just couldn’t seem to catch up! But after a horrible first half of only having around 15 points we came out strong in the second and gave Heritage a run for their money. The scores bounced around and at the end of the 3 rd quarter we were down by 11 and it seemed hopeless. But with a burst of energy we pulled closer and closer while scoring and not letting the other team score. With 9.8 seconds left we were down by 2 and Will Dukes pulled through on an out-of-bounds play and swished a 3 pointer to put us ahead for the win!


Ravenna came to our gym on Tuesday December 16 looking to play. We came out strong and held the lead for the whole game until the 4th quarter where we melted away for just a couple possessions causing us to lose. Everyone played well against the Bulldog team. Come out and see us all play soon!

- Alec Cammenga, Sophomore

The Reason for the Season

Christmas is here! With all the hustle and bustle of the season, it is easy to be distracted from the true reason for the season. Everyone is rushing around buying over expensive gifts and thinking about what they might be getting. You will see “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Xmas” written ar

(not related, but Leona loves her snow!)

ound your towns. Christmas has been losing its true meaning.

What is Christmas really about after all? If you look at the word “Christmas”, you can see the word “Christ”. Behind the Christmas trees and presents is the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus. Jesus has been replaced by a fat man in a red suit because of the world. The world has taken Christmas and turned into eat, drink, and be merry.

In a Charlie Brown Christmas, Charlie Brown is asking what the true meaning of Christmas is and Linus tells him,

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'”

Linus understood the real meaning of Christmas even when surrounded by all the commercial Christmas things.

As Christians, we need to make sure we don't get caught up in all the world's hustle and bustle because it isn't about the presents or a fat man in a red suit. Christmas is about Jesus and God's plan of redemption for us. So as Linus said, “That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Erica Mitchell, Junior

Rubberband Cars 2014

The ninth grade rubber band car project is underway and the competition is heating up. Eighteen cars will be competing this year for the chance to have their name to be featured on Mr. Langdon's rubber band car of fame record sheet.

This year are many honorable mentions including Jess’s Wesco cup car, Breece's Thor mobile car, and Caden's bedazzled car. Although most people are just trying to get an A, the high school record is held by Joel Fulmer with 19.8 meters.

The final test will take place December 15. Leading up to this the students have drawn sketches to show how their design and have just had their practice test day. This is to see if any changes will be necessary to make on their car and also to see how far the car will go. So far the majority of cars haven't passed 10 meter, but we'll see what happens on test day.

On test day everyone's car is required to travel a minimum of 4 meters. If the car goes further than this then extra credit starts becoming available. Also Mr. Langdon allows each of us three tries on test day. This way we can try different things such as using new or stretched out rubber bands.

Although we will all be tested individually for the actual test most of the class is still treating it like a race. During the time we were practice testing our cars many of the students were launching their cars at the same time to see whose would go further and also to see what their opponent had done differently than them.

Everyone is looking forward to test day on Monday. Even though most of our cars don't go very far, it will still be fun to see whose car goes the furthest and gets to be on the rubber band car of fame record sheet.

Christine Meyer, Freshman

Varsity Girls Basketball Season starts!

The lady eagles have officially started basketball practice. With our wonderful returning coaches: Brad Richards, Richard Clark, Dan Hamilton and Bill Mann; we are ready to have another great season! This year we have a tough line up on our schedule including the Muskegon Big Reds, Orchard View, and Oakridge. By playing schools that are a lot bigger than us, we are hoping they will help prepare us for the road to the Breslin. (Michigan State's basketball stadium.)

This years team includes: Taylor Richards (Senior), Britney Zehr (Junior), Hannah Roberts(Junior), Erica Mitchell (Junior), Montana Burgtorf (Junior), Allyson Richards (Soph.), Jordyn Hamilton (Soph.), Kyleah Sutherland (Soph.), and Maddie Heiss(Freshman). These girls are ready to put in the hard work, time, sweat, and multiple bruises that come along with basketball to make it farther than last year.

The varsity girls first official game is on Thursday, December 4th at 7 against Muskegon Heights. We hope you can come out and support the team! This will be the first of many tough line ups the girls will face this year. But the girls aren't ready to go down without a fight that's for sure. They've been working hard in practice and watching video tape of the scrimmages that they have already played this year.

Tape is a key thing for the girls; to watch ourselves play and make mistakes and learn what and how we can improve. We also have had parents and former varsity girl champions come out and scrimmage us. Which has helped us out a lot by giving us game like situations and some tough competition while doing it. This group of girls is a great team to be on. On and off the court. We're not only just a team when it's time to lace up our shoes, but in the halls, during class, and in each others lives outside of school. We're more than just teammates during basketball season... we're teammates for life.

Montana Burgtorf, Junior

Basketball Season

Basketball season is just around the corner. MHSAA prohibits us from practicing until the 17th of November. The girls are able to start practicing on the 10th of November. The boys went through a week of conditioning before they could start regular practice. This conditioning was hard – with a lot of sprints, but will be well worth it when the team is in shape.

The girls started practice on the 10th and it appeared to have gone well. Coach Richards will work the girls hard in order to improve as a team and have another great season. The girls came off a trip to regional finals last year. They lost to the state champions. The girls lost 3 solid players to graduation: Brianna Zehr, Sophia Zelenka, and Becca Wolfis. Our athletes have all worked very hard in the off-season in order to make up for these lost players and hopefully go far in playoffs.

The boys also lost a key player with Michael Warren. Mike was a solid overall player, averaging 27 points a game. The other boys are all still young, but have improved and grown a lot as players. Since Mike was the only senior last year on the very young Calvary team, we have 8 returning varsity players as well some new players who are getting into basketball.

The boys also encountered another big change to their team. Coach Jim Warren, the previous coach, has resigned from coaching the boys team in order to watch his son Michael, play college basketball at Grace College. We are all very gracious that Matt Payton, has stepped up. Mr. Payton played college basketball and coached the Calvary Middle School team last year. His son, Ililo, has also joined the team.

We are expecting great boys and girls basketball seasons here at Calvary. 

Will Dukes, Junior

Fall Party 2014

Friday afternoon, the high school students were released early for the fall party, “Don’t worry, be Hippee!” Everyone was looking groovy in their 70’s outfits. Soon after taking a countless pictures, it was time to get on the bus. The first stop? The 3 Mile Project!

We headed to Grand Rapids and we excitedly got off the bus; not quite sure what fun we were in for! The 3 Mile project is a huge building that was full of so many awesome things to do! We soon found octaball, movies, basketball, volleyball, videogames, food, and reball.

Reball was definitely the most popular activity of the night. It is similar to paintball except that the paintball marker shoots a small rubber ball, instead of the standard paintball. Since reball is more commonly played in close quarters, the velocity the marker fires at is also turned down. Does it hurt more than paintball? Not really… It only hurts if you get shot close up; you are more likely to end up with a bruise rather than a welt. The game is played with two teams on either side, and the goal is to eliminate the opposing team. It is played for three to four fast paced rounds. The field that we played on had small inflatable bunkers. The first game was a ton of fun!! It was all the guys that usually play airsoft with Ryan Cashler against anyone brave enough to take them on. The airsoft guys lost the first round when their strategy failed, but dominated the last two rounds, winning the game! However, they were not even close to being the ultimate players that night. The best by far, were definitely Mr. Langdon and Mr. Payton. Their strategy was to run around in a crazy manor and blast people with reballs. It worked!
After all of the activities at the 3 Mile Project, the high school again loaded up onto the buses and we were headed off to That 70’s Dough. When we arrived at the restaurant, we all ate pizza and ice cream. We even got a few weird stares from people because of our crazy outfits! One of our buses had broken down as we were eating, so on our last bus ride back to school, we had to fit the entire high school on one bus!

As we arrived back to school, everyone was pleased to see all the 70’s themed decorations and snacks that had been set up. Everyone met up in the chapel and we learned how to do a dance called the Hustle. (It’s harder than it looks) Then, all the classes sat down in groups and we played Minute to Win it. After, we played a game called President, where each class had to pick a person to be their president to hide somewhere. If your class president was found, your class had to help the class that had found your president. The sophomores ended up winning the game and they were the overall winners for the games for the night. After all of the hustle of the games and activities, everyone got snacks, got a beanbag and sat down to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Overall, the Fall Party was a blast; the seniors did a great job planning it. I cannot wait for my class to plan our Fall Party next year!

- William Lipscombe and Lauren Hutchison, Juniors

Varsity Conference Tournament

The Varsity girls started off our day with a team meal at Bob Evans to get pumped for our game…even though some people ate too much it was still a time of team bonding and laughter.

For our first tournament game our ladies played Heritage (who we had lost to in the regular season). We easily beat Heritage in two games, so we were pumped and ready for the rest of the tournament.

Next, we played Zion Christian. we knew this was going to be a tough match for us. Zion won the first game but our ladies were not going to give up. We came back and won the second game. We fought hard but ended up losing the third game. Since this was a double elimination tournament we couldn’t lose anymore matches or else we were done.

So we played Potter’s house and lost the first game but fought hard and won the second game. Setter, Britney Zehr, got hurt and had to come out of the game. So 8th grader, Audrey Verekee had to step up and set for our team. We came out and won the third game easily!
Next we had to play Calvary Holland who we lost to in the regular season. They are a tough team and we knew we would have to play at the top of our game to beat them. Calvary Holland won the first game and even though our ladies fought hard we lost the second game as well.

Even though we didn’t win the tournament we played very well together and ended up in fourth place.

Kyleah Sutherland, Sophomore

Eagle Excellence Gala

This week Thursday Calvary had a Banquet to raise money for the God Answers Prayers Fund or the Gap Fund. The gym was set up for the elegant evening with tables lit by candles and exquisite flower centerpieces. The Banquet Committee decorated the whole school for the event. During the week they helped work out the details for the performances and speeches that would be going on during the Gala.

The night started out with people congregating in the rotunda for hors d’oeuvres. While this was happing the Banquet Committee was hard at work putting finishing touches on the decorations in the gym. When everything was finished guests were allowed into the gym to be seated. As they were being seated the school jazz band was in the mezzanine playing background music for the evening. After everyone was seated a video played showing pictures of all the staff hard at work serving Christ in the school. Then a video was shown of the Administrator who was in China representing the school. After the short video from Tom Kapanka, Dr. Tom Watkins gave an eloquent speech about the faculty and awards were handed out to the staff who had been at our school for 5 to 25 years. Then the principal Rick Maine prayed over the meal and the dinner began. Background music from the band was continued and the Calvary High School Choir, working as waiters, began serving the guests.

After dinner had ended the entertainment began. A sophomore, Illilo Bisee, performed as well as the High School choir. Then speeches were given by some of the guests. After the speeches the worship band, including freshman Audrey Walker, performed. Next, Dean Price sang You Raise Me Up with the choir as backup. Dr. Tom Watkins finished out the night leading everyone in Great is They Faithfulness and then in prayer.

Jessica Assaad, Freshman

Thursday Chapels

On Thursdays around 9:00 am, the high school students are brought into a God-serving environment to talk and praise our Heavenly Father. During these forty minute services, we interact with a guest speaker that talks about God on a specific topic. Before the services, our talented and amazing worship team sings songs that lift our hands and hearts up to God. 

Our faithful guest speakers come from all churches from as far as Ravenna. These pastors come and talk to us about the Word of God and different stories that people in the Bible who have been faithful and have served Him. 

On Thursday, October 30th, a youth pastor from Ravenna came and talked to us about how God teaches us lessons so that later on in life we will be prepared for what is coming in our lives. He also talked about when we do wrong or things that are dishonorable to God, we should remember what we have done and take it as a learning experience. When something happens and you feel like you are in the same place as you were when you did the wrong thing, don't forget that God is on your side and he will help lead you through your problems.

Every few weeks the high school students break away for a gender specific chapel. The girls and boys are separated for the forty minute service so they each can talk about how to live our lives as a man or woman. The one who leads the breakaway chapel is usually one of our teachers. They try to prepare us for how the world is going to be when we graduate so we won’t have an unexpected journey. 

Rebecca Weipert, Freshman

2014 Regional Cross Country Meet

On Saturday, October 25th, anxious cross country athletes arrived at Allendale High school with one goal in mind: to run their best at their regional meet. We woke up early to face the challenge that we would face. Upon arriving, we were greeted by the coaches and parents and were told to walk the course. Being a freshman, I was interested to see my first regional meet and all the competition that it presented. I was here for two reasons: to praise God by running my best and for the experience.

Although constantly reminded of those reasons, I could not shake off the feelings of fear and nervousness. The students who had run this course previously in the week spoke of the challenges that we would face on the course. They told me where to save my energy. Calvary had four athletes compete: Brendan Hamilton, Matthew Bliss, Jordan Hamilton, and me (Breece Hammond). One thing that I remember of that day was the support of my teammates.

Although not all of them were able to compete that day, they all did their very best to encourage us. Brendan told me, “Breece, although this may seem hard, it will get easier.” He suddenly smiled as though a happy memory had come to him and said, “I remember my first year; I wanted to quit and look at me now!” I think I will always remember that quote so I will never give up on the sport even when it is tough. I certainly will miss Brendan next year when he graduates. Although nervous at first, we all gave our best.

Brendan Hamilton, with a time of 16:16, took first place in the whole region and became the regional champion. He will run in the state meet on Saturday, November 1st.

Breece Hammond, Freshman

Bible Class on Music

Every year at Calvary we have a Bible class each quarter and this quarter I got the Bible class about music in the Bible. It was a course that examined many of the biblical references to the use of music and studies how and why a 21st century believer should use music in his or her expression of faith.

Our course objectives were to understand the historic importance of music in the Old Testament, examine in greater detail David and several of his Psalms, understand principles for the use of music in the church, examine prophesies concerning the use of music in our eternal future, and gain practical insight for the use of music in personal and corporate worship.

In this class we covered a lot of ground since we started in the Old Testament which included many Psalms and we also studied the book of Revelation and that's where we wrapped it up but overall I learned a lot in this Bible class. You don't really realize how much music there is in the Bible until you realize that this is where we get most of our worship songs that we sing today.

Jared Burns, Freshman

The "New" Student

As a new student at Calvary Christian Schools, I really thought that I wouldn’t make friends that fast. But, as the year progresses, I am making more and more friends. When I went to the prospective student day last year, I figured that I could fit in at CCS. Now that I am at the school, I found how easy it is to be friends with a majority of the high school. It makes me feel really good to know that I am accepted.

Probably some of the most hospitable people were Britney Zehr, Alec Cammenga, Maddison Price, and Carson Burgess. These guys are some of my best friends at CCS, and I cannot tell them enough how grateful that they were so hospitable. I can see that there is a lot of love at this school.

With the amount of love I see at this school, I also see a great display of sportsmanship. When the boys varsity soccer team plays a game, they always have great sportsmanship with the other team and each other. I never see a player/players exclude a teammate. I also see this with the varsity volleyball team. The girls always try to do as much as they can to encourage other players on either team. This is a really respectable trait to have when you are part of a team.

I think I have made a great decision in coming to CCS. Still, there is a lot more to discover about everything here. I really like how open everybody is and the environment here.

Nick Roberts, Junior

JV Volleyball Tournament

On Saturday, October 18, the JV girls volleyball tournament took place. It was a cold and windy morning as girls started arriving at 8 o'clock for a busy day. The gym had been split into two courts as the morning started with pool play. This is where you play about four games of two rounds each that only go to twenty points. At the end of our pool we came out second of our side. This was with the help of our two eighth grade girls Kristina, who had awesome digs in every game and Audrey, who made over seventeen aces just in one game.

At this point it was already half way through the day and time for lunch. Mrs. Fullmer made wonderful pulled-pork sandwiches and everyone chipped in with snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and chips. But the day wasn't over yet, bracket play was just about to start and the girls were all hyped up on sugar. Also, it was single elimination, so if we were to lose any of the upcoming games we would be done for the season.

We won our first two games pretty quickly, winning the first two rounds of each, but they were rather close. Our third game was against Zion, a team who had beaten us multiple times in the past. We won the first round, but Zion came back and beat us in the second round. At this point the stands were starting to get a little crazy cheering for the remaining teams. Going into the last round we were very determined and pulled through, going onto the final game.

Our last game was against Potter's House, a team we had never beaten. We won the first round and then they came back and won the second. It was 14-12 our serve and everyone was going nuts. Audrey took the ball and made a perfect ace serve resulting in us winning the tournament. There was a lot of cheering and crying and it seemed like the pictures would never end, but in the end everyone had a great time and a lot of fun.

Christine Meyer, Freshman

Cornerstone Dual-enroll Class

These past two years Calvary has had the exciting opportunity to partner with Cornerstone University in a dual-enrollment class. This year's fall class is taught by Dr. Nicole McDonald and is available to juniors and seniors here at Calvary. The course is Psychology 111 and is taught from 1:45-3:45 every Wednes

day. For those in the class it takes up all of 8th and 9th hour extending till after school. Psych. 111 is worth three college credits and its two text books are provided free for each student. This class is a great opportunity for a high school student to take as it gives you a chance to experience a college class early for free, while earning college credits.
The class is originally taught three separate times a week, but because we only meet once a week for two hours, the third hour is homework. There is assigned reading for each week and all the class power-points and assignments are online. I find it very helpful to print out the power-points ahead of time and follow along making notes in class. Currently we are starting a project with groups of three to four people each. The group must pick a topic in psychology and do a paper and presentation on that topic. Each group must make a survey and interview to gather information from people. The gathered data must be included in the eight to ten page paper. The second part of the project, the presentation, will be about twenty minutes and must include a visual aid presentation or Prezi. This project is a big undertaking, but I am excited to see what my group's final outcome will be. Over all this class is going to be difficult, but if we keep at it and work hard we will see rewards in the end. 

Christi Evans, Junior

Boys Varsity Districts

Tuesday was Game day! The first round of the district match was about to begin. Players were warming up and fans were filling the sideline. Captains were called over to the referees to talk about the game and meet the other captains. The players took the field, and the action was about to begin!

The weather was mild with an occasional burst of rain; and the field became a mud pit. The whistle blew, and the ball was touched forward. Ravenna had a few well-placed shots in the first half, but goal keeper Will Lipscombe shut them down. Ililo Bisee scored the first and only goal for the Calvary Christian Eagles in that same half. The Eagles possessed the ball ell for a long time and then the whistle blew ending the first half. The second half began and the game began to slowly fall apart. Ravenna scored a goal early in the second half, followed by a penalty kick and another goal. The whistle blew and the game was over. It was the end of the soccer season, and the final game for our seniors.

The seniors were great teammates to have on the team. They were all very good leaders, and they all worked very hard. It will be a new experience next year not having them on the team. I will personally miss the soccer tips from Joel, the encouragement from Brendan, the strong left defense from Chris, and the laughs from Harry. Here are a few things about each of them: 

Your Calvary Christian Senior Players:

Brendan Hamilton, Sweeper and Captain

Great leader and always works hard 
 

Joel Fullmer, Attacking Center Midfielder and Captain

Solid leader and a great encourager 

 

Harry Gruen, Right forward or Outside Midfielder

Works hard and never failed to make the team laugh 
 

Chris Chartrand, Left Defense

Great defender and a hard worker


- Will Lipscombe, Junior

Middle School Girls Volleyball Tournament

On Saturday, October 11th, the Calvary Christian Schools Middle School Volleyball team had their end of the season conference tournament. Starting bright and early, the team was hyped up and ready to go, screaming and all.

The girls had started off the day very well by winning all of the pool play in some intense games, advancing to first in their bracket to start off bracket play. The girls played exceptionally well, fighting their way to victory.

After winning most of the bracket play, the girls, yet again, advanced to the finals.

Even though the last few teams the girls had played were quite tough, our girls managed to pull through.

Finally, the championship game rolled around. Zion was to be their opponent. The team had lost the first match, and then won the second match. The third match came along; we won the coin toss and chose to serve. The entire game was a nail biter with neck and neck scores the entire time. With the score 14 to 14, our team served the ball and we got an ace!

Everyone was very impressed with the way the team played in the tournament, and I can’t wait to see how much more they improve next year.

Lauren Hutchison, Junior

Varsity Soccer Win at Hope

The varsity boys soccer team got to play at Hope college on Saturday October 4 th . It was pouring during basically the whole game but it was still fun. The wind and the pouring rain froze us to the bone but we fought hard through the pain. Many of our players got injured but we sucked it up and played to the best of our abilities. Alec Camenga got tripped during the last couple minutes of the game and he got a concussion and Zeri Zelinka got a bloody mouth. Harry Gruen’s legs were in pain and Chris Chartrand got nailed in the chin by an elbow. He also got stepped on many times but he got up, brushed the pain away and kept on the good fight.

Through the blood, sweat and tears the Calvary Eagles came out with a 4 to 0 win against Zion. The defense for the eagles was outstanding, Will Lipscombe (Goalie) did an amazing job at stopping their shots and Zeri (right defense) and Brendan Hamilton (sweeper) did amazing at stopping the other team's attempts on trying to get the ball into our goal. Chris Chartrand (middle defense) had his best game that day, he stayed on number 5 for the Zion team the whole game and they did not give the ball to him that much. He also guarded number 17 when number 5 went to play as the defender for Zion.

Even through the harsh weather and all the injuries the Calvary Christian Eagles came out with a 4 to 0 win. They played their hardest and by doing so they outscored the other team and won the game. It was an amazing experience to play at Hope College because the field was awesome. The field was turf so the ball just kept on rolling and it doesn’t have bumps like regular fields. The field was also wet so you could slide tackle really good. Yes it was painful but it was worth the pain.

Chris Chartrand, Senior

The Marvelous Labs of Mr. Langdon

Mr. Langdon’s science classes are the best ones around!

One of the best parts of all of them is the many fun labs that we do. No matter what class you are in, you will do fun labs at one point in the class. They range from things such as looking at things under a microscope, to dropping things from very high places.

The first lab that we did in Physics was very interesting. We tested objects of different masses and different surface areas would hit the ground at the same time. At first it seemed that mass did not matter but surface area did so we tested them at higher heights. Mr. Langdon proceeded to drop the objects off the four story roof, which yielded different results. One of the folders that were dropped from the roof even flew back onto the roof.

In Biology we did two microscope labs that both yielded many various, yet fascinating finds in the specimens we examined. We tested things from pond water to old cell parts to animal parts to bacteria. It was fun and exciting because we found many different living and nonliving examples of the wonderful world that God has created for us. We found things from cells with visible nuclei to bacteria to microscopic moving slugs.

Some other classes this year have or will participate in some other fun labs and or demonstrations. These things may include making a vacuum out of a pop can, igniting propane bubbles, or dropping neutral lithium, sodium, or potassium in water, because we all know what that does!

Mr. Langdon makes learning very fun in his classroom by doing all of these fun labs with his students. The main thing to remember when doing the lab though is to clean up right, and NO HORSEPLAY IN THE LAB! 

Cory Greeno, Senior

Cross Country Meets

The Cross Country team this year at Calvary has been working hard to prepare for regionals! There are eleven people on the team this year, including Brendan and Jordyn Hamilton, Breece Hammond, Katie Boeve, Hannah and Nick Roberts, Britney Zehr, Maddie Price, Matthew Bliss and Alec and Abbie Cammenga. It has been a super fun season, and we still have 4 more meets to go! Each meet we run is 3.1 miles long, and through all different types of terrain. There is usually a boys and girls varsity race, and sometimes there are also JV races.

Our first meet was at Oakridge High School. Seven of us were able to participate in this meet. This course went all around the school buildings and through the woods for a little while. Brendan Hamilton did really well, coming in with a time of 17:32, and placed 5th overall for the boys’ varsity race.

Our second meet was at Johnson Park in Grandville. This meet was a jamboree, which means that boys and girls all ran together in one race. This course was the toughest course we have run so far. There was a large portion that we had to run in the mud, and there was also a huge hill that we had to run up. Four of us ran this meet. Matthew Bliss ran this course with a time of 22.54.

The third meet we ran was at Rycenga Park in Spring Lake. Seven of us ran this meet. This meet was mostly through the woods. It was a fast course, and Brendan Hamilton set his personal record with a time of 16:51, placing second, missing first by less than one second.
The fourth meet we ran, a jamboree, was at Western Michigan Christian High School. Five of us ran this meet. This course had a large ditch we had to run through, and several sharp turns. It was a tough course, but everyone did very well. Brendan Hamilton did a great job again, and came in second with a time of 17:33.

This year’s cross country team is a great group of people and we have a lot of fun. We will enjoy what is left of the season and give God the glory through it all!

Abbie Cammenga, Senior

GTG Fundraisers

As the school year begins, the G2G missions club begins preparation for the mission trip in the spring. They are very excited to go on this trip to bless our sister school in Guatemala, Communidad de Fe. Their focus this year will be preparing their hearts for the trip in the spring and collecting the funds necessary. These funds will be used to directly assist the school in Guatemala and to pay for individual trip expenses.

They have done and will be doing a variety of fundraisers. Already this year, they put on a hot dog dinner for Eaglemania and did a cardboard village fundraiser. They also started a weekly hot dog lunch on October 6th that will be held on Mondays. The club also plans to work at the Gordon Food Service Christmas Banquet in order to raise more money. They are working hard to pull together the funds!

The cardboard village fundraiser was a hit with the club members. They enjoyed building and living in cardboard houses for a full 24 hours. Sadly, that night it poured and the village was moved inside. But the disappointment did not ruin the night. They had a beautiful worship and prayer time, a productive “business” meeting, and fun team bonding games. It also brought in funds by having donors pledge money for the trip!

The club was excited to start a new fundraiser called Hot Dog Mondays. This is a hot dog lunch that can be purchased every Monday by the students. The profit from these lunches will go towards a project to help the school, Communidad de Fe.

Another opportunity to fundraise will be at the Gordon Food Service Christmas Banquet on December 13th. The members of the club and any friends or family members will be able to earn money towards a member’s tr

Letters from students in Guatemala

ip. They will serve all day at the banquet, setting tables, serving the guests and taking care of clean-up. Each person that works at the banquet will make a set amount of money for someone’s trip. It is not limited how many people a member can bring to help. It is exciting to see the potential in this fundraiser.

These are just a few of the things the G2G Missions Club is doing to make it possible to take a trip to Communidad de Fe. The G2G Missions Club is very excited for this upcoming busy and promising year!

Michelle Postiff, Senior

A Third Grade Adventure to Robinettes

By the time October comes around, school is well under way. Schedules are set, patterns are established, and fall is here. With fall comes so many great things. Some of these are brightly colored trees, fall sports, and apples. School has been going on for over a month, and the students have already learned many things.
In third grade, Mrs. Anderson’s class has been learning about plants and trees and how they are pollinated by bees in science class.

Last Wednesday, the class took a field trip to Robinettes Apple Farm. Here they did a lot of fun things and learned a lot. One of the things they did was go on a wagon ride around the farm and get a tour of the place.

On the tour they learned that the Robinette family has lived on the apple farm for over 100 years. The students even got to meet Mr. Robinette himself. The guide told them that Mr. Robinette often spends some of his time picking up English walnuts that come from the English walnut trees around his house. They also saw the bee hives that Robinette has and saw for themselves how bees are useful for pollinating plants and making honey. Later the third graders each got to pick one apple and put it in an old apple press to see how the Robinettes used to make apple cider.

They also got to go to the main building where the cider press, store, and restaurant are. In the store section, donuts, apple cider, bread, and gourmet caramel apples are for sale. In the restaurant, people can buy soup and lunch. The highlight of the trip was when the class went into a one-room schoolhouse and got to have free apple cider and donuts. Everyone loved the donuts especially. This fun time gave the third graders a chance to get away from school for a day and learn some practical ways that the things they have learned in school apply to the real world.

Megan Mitchell, Junior

New Places. New Faces!

Being a new kid at a school can be scary. Not knowing anyone can at times feels lonely. But at CCS I felt welcomed from the beginning. The girls from the volleyball team were all very nice even though they didn’t know me, they always made me feel like part of the team. The very first day of school, I was very nervous. I hardly ate anything that morning, and while getting ready I thought of the school year ahead of me and hoped for the best. As I walked into the doors of CCS, I saw some new and familiar faces in the crowd of people waiting to get their locker numbers. After putting my stuff in my locker, I made my way to my first class which was History with Mrs. Mann, who makes history very enjoyable.

Later that day at the lunch table, I was able to get to know my fellow classmates better. Jessica Assaad lightened the mood with her jokes and sense of humor. And Erynn Fullmer, with her outgoing personality, made it feel like I’ve known her all my life. Later in English class with Mr. Foutz (Who was also new to CCS) I came to the conclusion that English was going to be my favorite subject this year. Ninth hour was choir with Mrs. Dickson, who has a glowing spirit that can be seen by all. And with her passion for music she is able to teach the students the art of music. After volleyball practice, on my way home I started to think about the events of the day. I thought of the people I had come to know and would be spending the next year with. #allgoodthings!!

- Rebekah Koziki, Freshman

A New School

The first day I came to Calvary Christian I was pretty nervous. I was constantly thinking of how I would fit in and if I would fit in. Also, the thought of "would every one be nice" kept running its course through my mind. I was the new kid and I had never felt that way before in my life! You can just imagine how nervous I was!

I walked through the front doors and after being introduced to a few of the girls in my class, I saw that they were nice and very inviting. After a couple of minutes more girls kept showing up! I didn't realize how many girls were in my ninth grade class! My feelings suddenly changed. I had a feeling I was going to like my new school very much.

During the few days of our retreat, I got to know the girls very well and it felt like we were already like family. It was amazing how that all happened so quickly! I even got to know other people outside of my class and others on my volleyball team.

Now that I have been in school for about a month I have really enjoyed it. I really don't understand why I was so nervous before. I feel like I have been at Calvary all my life and it's kind of scary to think I've been here for such a short amount of time. I thought it was so cool that everyone just accepted me quickly and made me feel right at home. I think I will absolutely love this school year and being with all my new friends. 

Haven Borghi, Freshman

Girls' Night Out

Friday, October 3, the school put on a “Girls’ night out” to raise money for CCS students whose immediate family have been affected by breast cancer. At the girls’ night out, there was a cake walk with beautiful cakes, card making, pedicures, manicures, hand massages, a place where you could get your hair done, facial massages, glamor shots, and more.

There was also a fashion show put on by Rescued Treasures thrift shop. The fashion show represented the clothing that the store had to offer in a wide range of colors, sizes and styles. The models in the show were Natalie Kapanka, Britney Zehr, Madison Price, Elise and Kayla Maine, Lyssa Byers, Taylor and Alison Richards, Tessa Saum, Erynn Fullmer, Jordyn Hamilton, and Kyleah Sutherland.

There were yummy healthy cooking tips and delicious dessert. There were cookie dough balls, chocolate and peanut butter fudge, cupcakes, chocolate and mint cake, and much more. A lot of young girls had fun at the makeup table trying on makeup and seeing what looks good on them.
One of the crafts were that you could decorate a paper bag, punch holes in it, and put a tea light In it and put then around the concrete outside the school doors and they would all glow and look so cool in the dark! There were prizes given away and every girl got a gift bag with goodies inside like mints, a bracelet, chapstick, a rubber duck, and more.

Everything was decorated all pink and it looked very nice, the tablecloths were pink, the balloons were pink, all of the things in the gift bags, and pretty much everything else was pink, red or white. I have never seen so much pink before in my life! I look forward to next year’s girls’ night out, because it is always such a fun time.

Erynn Fullmer, Freshman

Point of View from a New Student

Although I have gone to Calvary in previous years, I was newly introduced to the high school life and thought it would be a great time to share thoughts. I struggled with my middle school life and often felt not

involved with good friends or neglected. In these past few weeks I can already tell that this will be a wonderful year. On my first day of school I was warmly welcomed by my classmates, even though most of them haven’t seen me since third grade. I was involved with their routine immediately and they slowly began to ask me questions about myself and how I was adjusting.

My first retreat was the most exciting for me because it was a chance to meet my class and find out their personalities and similarities to me. The first day I was very excited to go into the new gym and headed that way with many of my freshman friends. As I walked in, there were many older students playing a game of basketball. I realized that they had the only basketball and walked away sadly. But before I could leave, Gage, a senior, asked me to come and join the game. Instead of putting us down, he was complimenting us, showing us what to do, and making sure that whoever wanted to be part of the game would be able to.

I was happy to find out that the school had a choir and got immediately involved in that class. I am able to sing and be recognized for my voice no matter how old I am. The students in choir have been very encouraging and I am very grateful to Mrs. Dickson and the choir for explaining to me how things work at Calvary.

Cross country has been an interest of mine in the past year, so I was also very excited to learn that Calvary had a team and made arrangements to join. I went to my first practice and was immediately taken in by the cross team. They talked to me like I was a person that they had known for a long time. This was amazing to me because I felt like an important person, something I have to say I hadn’t felt in a long time. Special thanks to Jordan, Nick, Alec, Brendan, Abby, and the coaches, for being there on the first day. I will start worship team in the next few weeks and this would not have been possible had it not been for the support of the many people who encouraged me in these times. Thank you to all of the students and teachers who make up this school. You have made this an awesome beginning of the year.

Breece Hammond, Freshman

1st Month of High School

As a freshman this year, I have learned that high school is very different than middle school. This is my fifth year at Calvary and I love it here. As a small school, we do not change schools for elementary, middle school and high school. We have our own hallways; elementary in one and middle and high school in the other.

We have amazing teachers here that love their jobs and love teaching their students. We have small classes from ten to twenty kids. We all go from class to class with each other like in our own little packs.

In high school, our teachers expect more from us now that we are out of middle school because we are more responsible. This year we have more homework assignments and many more notes. Unlike middle school, our teachers would write down the notes with us as we discussed them. This year most of our teachers think we are more than capable by taking them ourselves as they talk to us.

From being an upper-classmen in middle school, to being the lower-classmen in high school is a drastic difference. In eighth grade we were considered the ‘big kids’ and no one called us names; but now we are the freshmen. The upper-classmen call us ‘freshies’ but we don’t mind it.

Overall I really do enjoy high school. From the exciting new songs we do in band and to the crazy spirit week, it will be much more exciting. I love how Calvary brings us so much closer to God than any other school could. I am so thankful to be at this loving and caring environment.

-Rebecca Weipert, freshman

Calvary Cristian School is Awesome!

My name is Rikako Yoshida. I’m an international student from Japan. 
Before I came here, I was in Seattle, where everyone called me Karen, my English name. I’m really glad that Calvary Christian School’s students and teachers call me by my real name.

It took me a lot of courage to come to the America. Before I left Japan, I was filled with anxiety. But American people were so kind. I was impressed by the warm welcome. All of my friends, teachers, and host family, are so kind.

In Japan, it is traditionally a men-dominant culture. Nowadays, we rarely see men discriminate against women in Japan, but there isn’t the custom of letting ladies go first. However in America, men are really kind. I was so surprised and happy to see that.

I’m not used to how Americans joke, so I’m always laughing. I’m really happy. I’m leading a full life.

Classes at school are hard for me, but teachers and my friends support me. So it’ll work out all right.
I want to talk with everyone more. One of my friend recently said to me, “You are quiet!” But I’m not quiet - I want to speak English more!
My heart is full. Why are Calvary Christian School’s students so kind?!?! I love everyone. I really don’t know how to thank you.

I’m proud of being a student at Calvary Christian School. I’m still inexperienced, so I hope you will guide me. Thank you!!!

Rikako Yoshida, Sophomore

The Roads Have Been Cleaned

On Tuesday, September 23, the freshman and sophomore classes of Calvary Christian schools cleaned up a part of the I-96 Highway. These students do this twice a year, once in the fall and another time in the spring. It was a beautiful September day, and although very hot and sunny, the students still had a pretty good time doing some community service.

The two volunteer student advisors for this trip were Mr. Foutz (with the sophomore class) and Mr. Payton (with the freshman class). They did a great job making sure the students were very safe on the side of the highway, because they are masters of security. Mr. Foutz prided himself by proving he “picked up the most trash because he obviously had the most trash bags filled”. Chris Byers, Vice President of the sophomore class, did not find these evidences to be true. At least this time nobody happened to mistake a cactus for a piece of trash. I think the students learned that from experience. As for the freshman class, this lovely experience was yet to come.

 After the students had been cleaning up for around a half an hour, the big yellow bus driven by Mr. Maine (athletic director of CCS) stopped by each class to re-supply trash bags and hydration level. What a thoughtful being he is! Surprisingly, the sides of this part of the highway were not as dirty this fall as they had been in previous years. This was noticed by sophomores Emily Turbett and Alyssa Chartrand. This could mean the people of our Western Michigan community are realizing the importance of keeping our environment clean. Hopefully, this observation will be seen in the future of highway clean-up students.

- Ally Richards, Sophomore

Why Calvary?

Are you thinking about sending your child to Calvary Christian maybe this year or next year? Let me answer your question to make your decision easier. Why Calvary Christian?

The major aspect of the school is the great Christian environment that you don’t get anywhere else. The teachers pray for your day in most classes before teaching and learning starts. We have a chapel every Thursday. The worship band plays; and then a pastor or speaker from around the community comes and gives the message.

The second major aspect of the school is the family-like community. Everyone is like family at Calvary. We all do our best to treat each other in a Christ-like way. What family doesn’t have an occasional problem though? We have classes together, we play sports together, we laugh together, and we love God together.

The third major aspect of the school is our sports programs. We excel in anything we put our minds to. Our girls varsity basketball team is coached by Brad Richards and has all-state player, Taylor Richards. Coach Richards works them hard so they can come out like champions. Just like last year when they became conference champions and moved on to winning a few rounds of Districts.

Our boys varsity soccer season has been a great one as well. Matt Payton coaches the Varsity team and Ben Cooley coaches the Middle School team. Both teams have been working hard and have seen a lot of improvement.

So Calvary Christian is a great school with a lot of opportunities to do great things for God. Why Calvary? These are a few good reasons why. I hope I was able to help you with your decision.

Will Lipscombe, Junior

9/11 Varsity Soccer Game vs. Zion

On September 11, it was a Thursday afternoon as the Calvary Varsity soccer boys were getting ready for their game. They had mentally prepared for this game the whole day after strategize the night before at practice.

It was a cold day on Thursday of the game. The team was actually happy with the colder weather because they wouldn't have to be so hot in the beating sun. Calvary Christian playing Zion Christian. This was a conference game, so it was pretty big for the team. The team had a team dinner before to talk over things and hopefully figure out the best way to win the conference game.

Calvary was already 0-2 in the conference so they needed to figure out how to get their record back in shape and hopefully have a chance to come back and try to get a good ranking for the conference. It was time to start the game. The team huddled together and began to pray for no injuries and to just have fun and be good sports out there.

When the game started, Zion had the ball. Calvary has a solid defense so it was very hard for Zion to get it past the defense. Up on the line was Ililo, Joel and Carson which is the offense. Carson Burgess with 2 goals in the first half, along with Joel Fullmer with 2 goals. Zion with 0. It was 4-0 at the half. Calvary was excited and ready to play the second half with the intentions to play the same and hopefully come out with a win.

Zion had a strong start in the second half scoring their first goal, but Calvary was stronger and scored three more goals. Ililo scoring a goal, Carson Burgess with his third goal which made it a “Hat-Trick” and Zachary Zehr with a goal as an 8th grader on Varsity! Calvary won the conference game 7-1 and we hope to continue playing as well as we did that night!

Carson Burgess, Junior

HS Retreat 2014

As summer draws to an end and fall approaches, there are usually two groups of students. There are those who are excited and ready to start school, and those who are not so much. But at Calvary Christian School, the first week of school is something to look forward to and is arguably the best week of the entire year. This is because on Wednesday morning, the whole high school loads up on the bus and drives up to the campgrounds of SpringHill. These three days are filled with chapels, getting to meet new people, catching up with old friends, making new ones, worshipping, and having a ton of fun.

During chapel Wednesday evening, the theme for the coming year was introduced. It is, “Know fear...No fear.” Basically, we as Christians need to understand fear and what it is in order to have no fear. Our speaker this year was Pastor Jake Kallman from Bridge Bible Church. He spoke about this theme throughout the retreat and helped the students to grow closer to God through it all.  

Besides chapels, there were many other activities planned by both the school and SpringHill. On Friday, the blobs were open, along with the kayaks and canoes. Later that night, we had the traditional This-is-a-Spoon contest between the classes. For the past two years, the class of 2016 had pretty much failed at this. But we were determined not to lose this year. So we practiced over and over again, and it paid off. We actually won! It was a great night for our class.

Other things we did that week included swimming in the pool, playing Ping-Pong and other games in the game room, hanging out in the gym, doing the high ropes course, the class scavenger hunt, and the campfire on Thursday night. The campfire is a really awesome part of retreat. I do not know of any other schools where students are able to stand up and share what they are learning or what God is doing in their lives in front of their whole high school. It is also a real encouragement to hear the testimonies of fellow schoolmates. It is a great way to wrap up the week and the amazing time we have. I am so glad I go to a school where I have opportunities like getting to go on retreat. There really is no other place like Calvary.  

Megan Mitchell, Junior

This year, like every year, retreat was held at the wonderful Spring Hill! On Wednesday morning we packed up all of our stuff and put it in the trailer and on the bus and away we went.  Once we got there we got settled in our cabins and the activities began. First we usually get the option to either go blobbing or going out in canoes or kayaks.  Blobbing is probably one of the highlights of retreat for a lot of us. And when it comes to blobbing Cory Greeno and Isaac Burns are busy men blobbing one after another! There always a high demand! After many laughs and high flying memories it was time to move to a different activity. 

We got to do our class photo scavenger hunts and many more fun activities! This year we finally got to go on the big waterslide! I had seen pictures of it from other years, but I had yet to experience it. So after much persuasion Mr. Maine said he would find out if we could ride it this year.  So when he told us that we would be going on the water slide everybody was excited!  We finally got to ride it and it was a blast!! I think even Mr. and Mrs. Maine enjoyed it! Britney and I decided to go down together and we ended up flipping half way down! We ended up having to scoot ourselves down the rest of the slide. It was a lot of fun! The volleyball and soccer team had practice every day at retreat. Which I had no problem with but I would prefer it not to be in the morning next time. I’m not a very good morning person and I think my team figured that out that week.

 But all in all my favorite part of retreat is our bonfire night. Bonfire night is when the whole high school gathers around the fire and whoever feels obligated can share something. Whether it be a prayer request, an amazing opportunity they had, or something that’s going on in his/her life. I think retreat is a really cool opportunity our school offers because it’s a time where we are able to get closer to the kids we see at school every day, whether they are old friends or new.

Montana Burgtorf, Junior

This year's retreat was as fun as ever. It was a little different from past years, but I think I enjoyed it more. Instead of riding on the bus, this year I got to ride with some of the seniors in Mrs. Kapanka's car. Once we arrived at Spring Hill, we went through the regular routine of eating our sack lunches, a half an hour of free time, and our first assembly. Each year we have a different spiritual theme to focus on, and this year's is “Know fear...No fear.” The messages throughout the week really honed in on that theme. Mr. Maine was the first to speak; he told us about fearing the Lord. Next, Mrs. Kapanka spoke about the gifts God has given us to combat fear. Finally, My own youth pastor, Jake Kallman, came and preached for the rest of the chapels about our responses to fear. He brought his 22 month old daughter with him, so it was really fun to be able to play with her.

We always do many fun and different activities. Usually we do the outdoor zip line, but due to weather, the juniors and seniors got the opportunity to do the new indoor high ropes course. It's a wooden structure with two levels of courses of varying difficulty. I've done similar things before, so I really enjoyed the experience. In the past few years we haven't gotten to do this next activity due to weather yet again. However, it was finally warm enough this year for the big, outdoor, water-slide. It even required inner tubes. They allowed people to go down two at a time, which made the ride faster and more fun.

The very last night we have an annual camp fire and students have the opportunity to share what they learned or decisions they made that week. There were numerous students that shared and it's very touching. Overall, it was a great three days. I'm so thankful our school goes on this retreat

Christi Evans, Junior