TORCHLIGHT Grace Christian School news and highlights 2013

LetTING OUR light shine BRIGHT Advancing the A note from Superintendent Randy Karlberg mission of Grace

I am excited to introduce our new year-end Seeing our students at Grace every publication the Torchlight, full of stories and day, I am inspired to continue the mission so that the excellence, for highlights of life at Grace Christian School. As which Grace is known, continues God’s word says, “In the same way let your light for generations to come. Many shine before others, so they may see your good of you share this inspiration as works and give glory to your Father who is in evidenced by your countless heaven,” (Matthew 5:16 ESV). volunteer hours and financial gifts. On behalf of our students, staff and faculty, THANK YOU! This is at the core of what we are doing at Grace Christian School. We want our light to shine so that For those who desire to bless people will see the good things happening every Grace financially before the year day. But more importantly, we want to bring glory closes, please use the enclosed to God in all that we do. Whether it is elementary giving card or log onto our website at www.GraceChristianAlaska.org students memorizing Bible passages, jr. high students and click the Give to Grace button exploring the adventure of science, high school to give to the Guardians of Grace students excelling at athletics or performing “The Campaign. May blessings abound Importance of Being Earnest,” we want all that we in 2014. do to be glorifying to our Heavenly Father. Marne Sheldon Since my first year teaching at Grace in 1991, and Director of Advancement through my Family Pastor role at Anchorage Grace Church, I have watched Grace Christian School continue to inspire the next generation of Christian leaders to be a bright light in this ever-increasingly dark world. We treasure your prayers as we daily strive to be a torch that gives the world around us light to see our Savior Jesus Christ.

Randy Karlberg School Superintendent

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER

2013 Cross-Country State Champions National Merit Scholar Kristen Winkle •GCS Boys 8th consecutive win -Daniel Serventi - 1st place 15 Grace students were selected for All-State Choir •GCS Girls 6th consecutive win •Daniel VanderWeide - 1st chair

2013 Volleyball State Champions 11 Grace Students were selected for All-Northwest Choir MANY ROLES, ONE LOVE Emily Hale, coach and teacher, shares how students help make Alaska home. Betalyn Delacruz: Isaiah Delacruz: Mrs. Metzger, 2nd Grade Teacher Every morning Emily Hale The kids hanging at their I told my husband, “Isaiah must go to He loves his new Bible and reads “My heart is overjoyed with the rolls her PE supply cart lockers respond with equal a Christian school. It makes a big dif- it to his Mom, Dad and little brother change I’ve seen since the beginning from her office in the north enthusiasm, “Hi, Coach!” ference knowing God at a young age.” every night. of the year. He is now raising his gym to her first classroom hand and offering answers!” of the day- the south “If I don’t get a hug or high- gym. Along the way she five, it’s a sad day. I love brightens the halls with her these kids! All of them, from Prayer: a distinctive difference heartwarming smile and elementary to high school; “Good morning” greetings, they are my family.” The Delacruzs are a new Grace that are interpreted as “I’m 2nd grader flourishes when teacher & parents commit to prayer. Alumni Connections family. Betalyn desired her glad you are here.” Emily began working at son attend a Christian school progressed, Mrs. Metzger’s Mom, “I’m not shy anymore! I together they read Pilgrims’ Grace in 2011 after marrying New ways for alumni to stay in touch with Grace like she did growing up in the concern grew. “He never raised have friends now!” Progress, as Isaiah does in GCS graduate Nick Hale Philippines. his hand or offered his class. Sammy and Betalyn (’02) and moving to Alaska. New Website volunteering their time or After 32 graduating classes and giving financially to ensure the answers. I asked Sammy, Isaiah’s Dad, is are grateful for Mrs. Metzger’s just over 1000 graduates, Grace excellence of Grace continues. “All last year, myself, ‘How do I get deployed until April. When they loving care for their son, who “Leaving my family behind Christian School Alumni now we would go him to open up?’” Facetime in the evening, Isaiah is learning more about God was rough, especially during have a place to reinvigorate their Dodgeball online to see leads the family in prayer and every day. the dark days of winter. But Grizzly spirit – Tournament what Grace was The Delacruz walking into Grace brightens www.gcsalumni.org Don’t miss the first ever Alumni, doing. That is family and Mrs. my day because GCS Family and Friends Dodgeball what led my Metzger committed makes Alaska home, not just The newly designed website is Tournament Friday, December Ten Ways to Partner with husband to to pray that Isaiah a place where I live.” live and ready for action. Alumni 20, 2013. Build a team of alumni, say, “This is the would open up and 10 Grace Christian School are encouraged to complete their family and friends and see if right school for communicate. He Alumni Profile via the website you have what it takes to dodge, and share their accomplishments duck, dive and dip your way to Isaiah.” was also intentionally placed and unique experiences through victory and have your team’s next to a boy who is overly 1 Pray for our students, 6 Mrs. Emily Hale holds the following roles at GCS: High School Health Teacher, the Alumni Tracks tab. The name engraved on the tournament Isaiah’s paralyzing shyness talkative, hoping that would Inspire friends and Jr. High & Elementary PE Teacher, High School Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, Jr. High teachers and staff. Giving Back tab is where Alumni trophy! Plus, we will have other followed him to Grace. “I would draw him out. neighbors to tour the campus. Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, and Elementary After School Basketball Coach. Emily and can impact the next generation awards, prizes and tons of fun. ask a question, and there was her husband, Nick, are expecting their first child this spring. 2 Pledge your ongoing 7 Support student of Grace Graduates by speaking absolutely no response. Not Soon Isaiah began opening up, support by making a multi- missions Guatemala, Russia, at chapel or in the classroom, Sign up at www.gcsalumni.org even a nod of his head,” said and now he is flourishing in the year commitment to be a Alaska, and Cambodia. Mrs. Metzger. As the weeks classroom. He recently told his Guardian of Grace. 8 Champion our athletes 3 Give a one-time gift by becoming an Athletic to the Guardians of Grace Sponsor or member of the THE STUDENT BECOMES THE PRINCIPAL Annual Fund. Grizzly Boosters.

God’s undenyable calling in my life 4 Donate to enrich Band, 9 Share your expertise or Fine Arts, Choir and Drama. talent in class. Growing up as a Grace Christian School student, I never expected After teaching a few years, and with a baby on the way, I left 5 10 that I would be serving here as the Secondary Principal of my Grace to pursue a career that would better support my growing Encourage students by Volunteer your time in alma mater. I loved my time as a student at Grace. I was able to family and allow my wife to be at home. However, I again felt a speaking at Chapel. countless ways. grow in so many ways, and develop a passion to serve the Lord. strong call to teach Bible at Grace, and God opened a position for me. Now the Lord has led me to this position as Secondary My plan for college was to study medicine, but there I received Principal, where I am blessed with the opportunity to help grow up a clear call from the Lord to teach Bible here at Grace Christian young men and women in the Lord, as others helped me when I School. was a Grace student. Contact Marne Sheldon, Director of Advancement to partner in these ways at 907-644-2334 or email her at Tyler Jackson Secondary Principal [email protected] Phone: 907-345-4814

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bEGIN your Journey with grace today!

God is taking each student and family at Grace on their own journey as they let their light shine before others. Come in and let us shine a light on the impact a Grace Christian School education can have on your child’s future.

Schedule an appointment with Admissions today! Call our Admissions Director Eva Hall at 907-644-2232 Learn more by visiting us online at www.GraceChristianAlaska.org